[b]STC Acheron, In Docking Alongside Alarai Combat Carrier Li Wen [/b]

Admiral Hei followed Lieutenant Commander Zilicin into the STC Acheron with two of his officers, the political officer and the chief science officer, following them, slithering forward much like a naga or a snake would do with their tails. While the Alarai had been trained for surface emergencies like this, it was still much more exhausting than normal swimming. As such, keeping up with the Lieutenant Commander's professional walk was the Alarian equivalent of a jog. As military men, it was not as tiring as it would be to a normal civilian so it was no problem, allowing officers each still to have time to examine Septonian interior ship design. 

It was then that the political officer received a message on an earpiece through his aquagill, causing him to stop. "Are you sure?" he whispered. After a moment of silence, he whispered furiously again. "No, we are not ready! We cannot ensure her safety-" 

There was another moment of silence again, then the political officer sighed. "Understood. I will inform the Admiral." Turning to Admiral Hei, who was still examining the staging area, the political officer whispered in his ear, causing the Admiral's eyes to widen. 

"What? But -" 

"We cannot refuse the Golden Fleet, Admiral." 

Admiral Hei was silent for a moment then nodded. "Very well." he said. "If the Empresses wishes it, then the Zheng He is to open the portal for the Golden Throne Fleet immediately." 

Turning to Lieutenant Commander Zilican, Admiral Hei spoke. "Lieutenant Commander," Admiral Hei spoke, "I do not know how your people travel the stars, but we feel that it is best to inform you now that our Empress is headed to our location en route to establish diplomatic contact with another alien people known as the 'Eternal Union' whom we had established contact with minutes before establishing contact with you. We feel we should tell you just in case so your men won't be alarmed and start a possibly catastrophic incident."