“The message is from the Lordun Protectorate, the ruling power of the planet Earth,” Maius reported to the rest of the Chanteuse Council. “They have a space station at the L5 Lagrange point of their moon’s orbit, and have asked that we meet them there so they can embark a delegation onto our ship.”

“Should we use a launch?” asked Sorjie, the Lower Chanteuse who was in charge of the Ship of the Way’s parasite craft.

“It would be more prudent,” Maius admitted. “But it would also show a lack of trust, and, more importantly, be less impressive than meeting them on Shipboard. The more impressive we are, the less dear resupplies will be. Threat level analysis, Jiana?”

“Thank you, sister. Cursory analysis suggests the technology level is not sufficient to pose a threat. They are still using hydrocarbon fuels and slug-thrower weaponry, and while they do have atomics, no space-based delivery vehicles have been detected.”

Maius nodded. “Then we will proceed on in-system drive to meet Lordun’s delegation.”