Time Elapsed from Aryyt’t Probe Launch: unknown
Summary Report to 501^st Venterran Strike Fleet Commander
From: Federation High Command (VFHC)
Fleet Commander Akira Kensei
DSERF 723 briefly encountered an extraterrestrial probe while charting Sector 13 (Plot 13).
DSERF 723 failed to recover the probe after probe moved faster than light.
DSERF 723 intercepted an open transmission from the probe before it exited the system.
Preliminary analysis by Xenolinguists and DSERF Command AI, Archer, suggest transmission is a distress call.
DSERF 723 has requested VFHC to investigate the origin of the “probe” to fulfill requirement of R2E or other Sapient rights intervention laws.
 VFHC agrees additional analysis necessary to determine DSERF 723’s report that the unknown message is a distress call.
However, both DSERF 723 and VFHC analysts predict the probe originated from “Treecu Space”.
The Federation lacks diplomatic means to ensure safety of Venterran fleets.
DSERF 723 does not possess necessary fire power to investigate area safely and requires escort.
VFHC notes that 501^st fleet is the closest fleet to DSERF 723.
501^st Fleet directive to pursue and destroy xeno-pirates will be suspended temporarily.
501^st Fleet will rendezvous with DSERF 723 and escort the new Combined fleet into Treecu Space.
All Fleet restrictions will be lifted for duration of mission to allow independent action.
Good luck…

FEDERATION HIGH COMMAND 

End Transmission.
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The Commander had a wry grin as he read the message again.  He was tired of hunting down worthless pirates, but he didn't relish the fact he was going to lead countless Venterrans to their deaths. As he continued to read the report, he recognized DSERF 723. DSERF 723, a Deep space exploration fleet commanded by his old Friend Izana Kuribayashi and a fleet notorious for encountering situations invoking the Federations many Sapient rights intervention clauses. 'At least I won't have to baby sit the DSERF if we engage in combat' he thought as contacted the other fleet captains to chart a course to rendezvous with the DSERF.