The jump towards the system had been completed. The Stoinians had arrived inside someone's backyard. The question was, whose? The small fleet of five ships maintained a diamond shape formation. Shields were down and gun ports closed as ordered. King Andrei stood on the Manticore's bridge, a general uneasiness could be felt in the air. Admiral Garibaldi came beside him.

"Sir, ... With all due respect. But I think we should at least keep our shields up."

"I feel your concern Admiral, but I believe this sends a stronger message than just closed gun ports. Besides our shields can be activated quickly , if I am not mistaken."

"Yes Sir, but we have to think of the thousands of lives here. Especially yours, Sir."

"I agree, Admiral. But I gave whoever's backyard this is my word that our shields would be down. If the King of our nation can't keep up his word, then what kind of first impression would this be. We would lose all credibility we would have. Only our swords would speak, may God prevent this from happening. ETA if the Eternity has to jump in?"

"One and a half hour, Sir. It will be some time, we would have to put up a good fight."

"Good, notify them to make their jump. Hopefully we won't need its firepower, but let's not repeat our mistakes. Lieutenant Hoshi."
 
"Yes Sir." Hoshi quickly stood at attention.

"Repeat this message on all open channels in both their and our language: This is King Andrei of the Stoinian Star Kingdom. We have arrived at your system. We mean you no harm. We just want to open a dialogue. Our shields will remain down for the time being, our gun ports will also be closed. I repeat, we mean you no harm. End transmission."

Then a voice from one of the bridge crew said: "Sir, I am picking up something on sensors."

Soon the Stoinians would learn what their new neighbours really are like.