[b]Some Septonian planet[/b]
After hearing the message, everybody aboard the [i]Iceland[/i] breathed a sigh of relief. It was clear that they were not dealing with a hostile species. The captain gave the order, and the red haze around the ship disappeared. The turrets rotated back into the hull, and the support craft reattached to the ship. The dots of blue light all around the ship faded away as the weapons systems went offline. Once again, the ship sent out a message.

"This is Diplomatic Officer Kipp of the Normandy-Class Dreadnought [i]Iceland[/i], we come in peace for all Terrans. We were dispatched to make contact with other civilizations, only recently was our fleet freed up for exploration by a cease fire treaty. However, fearing it wouldn't last long, they sent us out instead of a real exploration ship. This vessel isn't any normal warship, it was built to lay siege to a star system, thus the extensive weaponry. If the cease fire is broken just like the first one was, then we'll be within striking distance of their homeworld from here. Now, officially, we're out here to gain allies. Unofficially, we're out here to determine if that nation has attacked anyone else. So tell us, have you come into hostile contact with a nation known as the Eternal Union?"

[b]Sol, Mercury[/b]
There was a short pause as the Captain analyzed the situation, searching for any sort of hint to the thoughts behind the voice.

[i]NightLords?[/i] He thought [i]Obviously military, but not like our own. Perhaps religiously driven? Yes, that would explain the odd name. They say only their power systems have failed, but there is a gigantic gash in their ship, maybe it's supposed to be there. Interesting, they obviously focused on offensive power over aesthetics, as it appears to be perfectly function. They must value strength, yes.[/i]

Without the mic on, he ordered a quantum message to be sent to Utopia Planitia, requesting a Normandy-Class dreadnought for diplomatic purposes. He then switched the mic back on, and sent another message. He made multiple assumptions about the culture of this new species, mostly based off of sci-fi for lack of any other reference.

"The United Terran Federation is a collection of member states that fields a unified military force, which recently fought off an invasion. The attackers retreated using their FTL, they had never fought a battle in the history of their species, so I cannot blame them for being cowardly. As for your minor problem, I have requested that a larger vessel be sent to assist. I do have to ask, though. Is that gash across the hull of your vessel actual damage, or just there for show?"

[b]Sol, Eternal Union[/b]
Getting another message on her tablet, she hurriedly read it. after finishing, she continued.

"The hospital ship is docking at Luna station, this ship has begun a burn for it, and we'll be there in about half an hour. You can meet with the one survivor who they kept conscious, the others are being prepped for surgery."

[b]Nouvelle[/b]
Praskoviya jumped up out of her seat, running over the the Valkians. She radiated concern, keeping her distance from the Tinkerer just in case the Valkians had cultural laws governing such occurrences.

"What happened?" She said "Is this normal?"

[b]Nouvelle, Space[/b]
Upon detecting the explosion, the [i]Alcubierre[/i] launched from the planet's surface. The railgun began to charge, it's small opening glowing a bright red as heat built up. It's missile tubes opened, revealing dozens of warheads prepared to launch. It positioned itself between the Eternal Union and Septonian ships, aiming weapons at both of them. It transmitted a message on all frequencies, making sure that the entire system would hear it.

"The Queen of the planet below has asked that no violence occur here! Do you dare to disrespect her wishes by killing in orbit of Nouvelle?"