"Surveillance three, report." Ordered the Commander to one of the observation sniper teams posted along the hull of the ship.

"Three one here, subjects have made base camp approximately five hundred mikes from the ship and have set up a perimeter.
As of yet, no hostile intentions have been made apparent. Seems that they're just observing us to see what we do, over." Reported the sharpshooter's observer.

"Copy that three one, notify the bridge if situation changes, out." Melissa responded before ending the transmission.

"So, it appears that we're out of the fire for now." Artemis lamented as he watched the horizon, the early morning sun slowly beginning to rise into the sky. "Have the gun crews stand down, but be ready if the situation escalates." He ordered before turning back to look over a tactical map of the area.

"Aye aye sir." The comms officer saluted and set to work relaying the Admiral's orders.

"What's the status of the sub light engine repairs?" Lindrake asked.

"Sir, Head engineer Landon reports that we should have full power back within the hour." Commander Melissa informed him.

"Good, now then, to the most pressing issue. How do we approach the natives?" Artemis inquired as he zoomed the 3D map in on the alien's campsite.

"Well sir, according to surveillance, their tech is either extremely advanced, yet looks like it belongs in the middle ages since their "Carriages" appear to be able to achieve flight with minimal effort, coupled with what might be implants of some sort among two thirds of their force allowing them to do extraordinary feats that our science can't even grasp yet." Commander Bradich explained before taking a pause.
"Or..."

"Or what Commander?" The Admiral asked as he looked into her eyes.

"The current rumored alternative among the crew, is magic sir." Bradich said with the straightest face she could manage.

"Well there is an old saying that magic is just another form of science and vice versa" The Admiral said before letting out a deep sigh.

"One way or another, someone's going to have to go out there and play ambassador, before one side gets the wrong idea and we end up in an interstellar war." Artemis said, then took his hat off and ran his hand through his grey hair.

"Have the marines report to briefing room one, volunteer only assignment for an escort team and an extraction team should things go wrong." Admiral Lindrake ordered as he made his way off the bridge.

"Yes sir, but who's going to be the ambassador?" Commander Melissa asked as she saluted.

Artemis just chuckled as he stepped onto the elevator. "Me, Commander. You have the bridge." He informed her as the doors slid closed.

"ATTENTION! OFFICER ON DECK!" Shouted the door guard as every marine in the room rose to attention and saluted the Admiral.

"At ease ladies and gentlemen." Artemis addressed them as he approached the briefing podium at the front, turning and looking over the faces of all those who volunteered for the assignment.

"Good morning everyone. You all know why you're here so I shall get straight to the point." The Admiral began as the screen behind him turned on, showing images captured by the gun cameras of the various anti-aircraft batteries.
"As you all should be aware by now, the planet that we have made landfall on is clearly inhabited by sentient life."
Giving them time to study the various images, Lindrake then got their attention again with a cough.

"This is to be humanity's first contact with other sentient life, and in the absence of any higher authority, as the senior most officer aboard, I shall be the acting ambassador." Murmurs from the troops followed his announcement. Those being quickly cut off as he raised his hand.
"Since it is unknown what their intentions and technology level are, I am requesting two teams of volunteers, one to act as a small escort, and the other as an emergency extraction team should negotiations break down. The escort will consist of four and the rest are to be on the extraction team. All of those who are willing, step forward."

Without hesitation from any of them, every marine in the room stepped forward and saluted.

Admiral Lindrake nodded in approval. "Very well, Major, you will head the escort team with three others of your choosing, light load out. everyone else will be under the command of Senior Sargent Williams, full combat load. Gear up and report to your stations, dismissed!"

"Ooh rah!"

"Anything new to report Captain Valiant?" Celestia asked the guard Captain.

"No your majesty, not since the airship stowed it's weapons." He reported.

"What doth you suppose the outsiders might be planning sister?" Luna asked as she looked over pictures and drawings from scout teams.

"I'm not sure Luna, but I suspect we will find out soon." Celestia replied, then turned back to Valiant Heart.
"Captain, how soon will the other element bearers arrive?" She asked him.

"They will be here any minute princess." The Captain answered.

The sounds of galloping could soon be heard from outside the tent, followed by a panting lightly armored soldier entering and bowing to the princesses and saluting the Captain.

"Your majesties! Sir! There is movement from the airship, what appears to be a boarding ramp was lowered and five individuals have exited. They're heading this way as we speak." He informed them, then stood at attention.

"Five? Did you see what they looked like private?" The Captain of the guard questioned.

"Yes sir! From the distance I spotted them, they appeared to be tall and bipedal. One appeared to be wearing a dark blue dress uniform, though I'm not sure what the others were in. Although I saw what looked like helmets, so battle armor of some sort I would suspect."
The scout informed them.

"Thank you private, that will be all." Celestia addressed him.

"Yes princess!" With another bow, the scout exited the tent to resume his post.

"Captain, have the guard allow our visitors passage. It would appear that they are taking the diplomatic approach." Celestia ordered him.

"Yes my princess, by your orders." Captain Valiant replied with a bow, then quickly exited.

"Twilight." Celestia addressed her student.

"Yes princess?" Twilight replied as she approached.

"Go and meet with the other bearers and fill them in, then meet with us at the edge of the camp. We will have the meeting there." Princess Celestia instructed.

"Of course princess." Twilight said with a smile before teleporting away.

Taking a deep breath to clear her head, Celestia calmly waled to the flap of the tent. "Come sister, history awaits."

Author's Note

Chapter five folks! Let me know what you think.
Next chapter will be out soon I hope.
As always, I'll see you among the stars!