Commodore Szewe sat on his Command Chair onboard the HMS Cercit. He looked calm over his mostly Cheunh crew, like most Cheunh he and his crew remained calm and calculative. Predicting what was to come. Their Terran counterparts however were visibly more stressed. Especially his Coms Officer, Lieutenant Milo Ladic. The Commodore stood up from his chair and stood behind the man.

"Lieutenant, are you feeling all right?"

The Lieutenant was surprised by his CO coming to him, was it that obvious that he was nervous.

"Just the usual Sir."

"Since when did your usual change then?"

The Lieutenant looked confused at him, was this some sort of Cheunh humour?

"Sir, I don't quite ..."

His console started to beep. 

"Incoming message from the Ryccian lead ship, Commodore. They have accepted our terms."

A sigh of relief could be heard from all the Terrans on the bridge, while being frowned upon by the Cheunh. Clearly there were some cultural differences which hadn't yet gone away.
The Commodore put a comforting hand on the Lieutenant's shoulder.

"Do not worry, Lieutenant. I suspected the Ryccians would agree to our terms. You and your Terran counterparts can rest at ease now. After you send them this message that is."

The Commodore sat back in his Command Chair and looked towards the monitor. 

"Send them this message, full audio and visual: This is Commodore Szewe of the HMS Cercit. We have received your message loud and clear. You are free to return to your home and inform you superiors. Next time you visit us, warn us beforehand. In name of the Stoinian Star Kingdom, I wish you a safe journey home. Commodore Szewe out."

---

Royal Palace,
Sinaia,
Capital of the Stoinian Star Kingdom

King Andrei had just received the message. He was pleased, the Kingdom could sleep at ease now. However he had called the Strategos, and the Chancellor together in his Royal Garden. Plans were to be made to strengthen the bond between them and their new Terran brethren. He had spoken with High Admiral Chekov on what he had learned about the Ryccians, even though his temper could even be felt all the way to the Stoinian Capital. 

"Gentlemen I have brought you here today because I have need of your council. It deals with the newly found Ryccian Terrans or humans as they call themselves. I believe both of you have been briefed on the Rascal Incident?"

Both of them nodded. The Strategos kept silent, but Chancellor Sheridan was clearly more vocal.

"What do You plan, Your Majesty?"

"Clearly we hold a deep pride that we are Terrans. We came from Terra in the hopes te preserve humanity by spreading into stars and release Mankind from the potential tyranny of one government. Proof that this has succeeded has just been found. Although the Treecuu have been quite the help with information about nearby star nations, I don't think we could have expected this magnitude.
I intend to visit the Ryccian capital personally. Though I am not certain when."

The Strategos spoke. 

"Sir, wouldn't it be wiser to leave that part to the diplomats? I wouldn't want to risk our monarch. They have proven to be quite hostile."

The Chancellor interjected. 

"I agree in part, but line of succession is clear if His Majesty would insist on it. It would be truly marvellous to meet our Terran brethren. Besides, I believe the corporations would be more than eager to expand into the Ryccian Empire."

The King spoke again. 

"I wouldn't want this to be partly left into military hands as our current constitution decrees it. The military qualified for such ambassadorial duties are veterans from the Velutarian War. Take note of Chekov he became very hot tempered when he saw xenos serving alongside Terrans. That is why I want to go there myself. I don't want to jeopardize our relations with our Terran brethren."

The Startegos nodded, but said a final word.

"I see, Sir, that you are quite the stubborn man. If we aren't able to convince you otherwise, then I suggest you visit them in two T-months. It would have calmed down the turmoil the Rascal Incident could have created."

The Chancellor agreed with the Strategos.

"Good, we will send a diplomatic escort two weeks before my planned arrival to ask permission for such a visit. Thank you gentlemen, that would be all. Have a good night's rest now."

The Chancellor nodded and the Strategos saluted. Afterwards they all headed to sleep for it had been quite a stressful day.