[b] Combat Information Centre, Zhang He, Pearl Fleet Flagship[/b]

News of successful first contact had been sent back to Atlantis. Admiral Hei ordered courier ships through the warp gate to inform the Empress of the success of the Pearl Fleet and the existence of both the Eternal Union and the Septonian Concordant even as he prepared a shuttle to take him on board the Li Wen in order to meet with representatives of the said Concordant. 

[b] Imperial Palace Main Hall, Atlantis City, Atlantis, Capital Planet of the United Celestial Empire[/b]

The young Empress Alliya, ninety-fifth Empress of the Xing Alarai Dynasty, listened to the murmurs of discussion within the imperial court. News and description of the "Eternal Union" and the "Septonian Concordant" spread through the Imperial Court quickly, causing a council to convene. 

"Our expedition has paid off." the finance minister replied with glee. "New contacts - trading opportunities - the things we could learn from each other!" 

"Yes, I agree. I am confident that we will have much to learn from them as much as they will have as much to learn from us." The Empress replied. "Prepare the Golden Throne Flag Fleet." 

"Your majesty," one of the advisers stepped forward, "Is it... safe? If you wish, one of us ministers could take your place and make diplomatic contact in your stead."

"I thank you for your concern, but I am the leader of our people." The Empress said even as she swam up from the throne. "If I do not lead our people in this time of great possibility, who will?" 

The Advisors bowed, accepting the Empress' decision. Privately, they all knew that had she not been Empress, the young and adventurous Alliya Xing Alarai would have instantly joined to serve on board the Pearl Fleet. Minutes later, the Golden Throne Flag Fleet, the personal fleet of the Imperial head of the Alarai, was moving towards the Atlantis Lunar Gate in preparation for a warp to the Zhang He. The Flagship, the carrier known as the Imperial Carrier [i]Beiyang[/i] was in the centre of the formation, with her majesty the empress on board. 

XXXXX

[b]Combat Information Centre, Carrier Li Wen, Pearl Fleet Vanguard Squadron Flagship[/b]

"Captain," one of the officers reported, "The Septonian ship has confirmed that they will be docking alongside us and that they are aware of our physiological differences." 

Captain Hign nodded. "Good. Admiral Hei will be arriving via shuttle shortly." Turning to the window, he watched as the STC Acheron approached. Pausing for a moment, he finally made a general order. 

"All hands, this is Captain Hign speaking. We are making first contact with an unknown species and I expect each and every one of you to represent the best of the Alarai. That being said, as a precaution I want everyone wearing their aquagills. We may drain parts of the ship, for according to information given our new friends don't breathe water but instead breathe oxygen." 

Murmurs of surprise and disbelief spread through the ship, but the disciplined crew knew not to disobey orders. Each crewman put on his or her aquagill; a small sealed device around one's gills that could temporarily hold water for up to two hours.