+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Thirty seconds.

A flare of light. Then another.

The two incoming ships had spooled their drives to exit at the system's standard jump point - aiming for the solar Lagrange rather than a lunar orbital slot. Even so, a burst of radiation follows their exit and washes over the planet, dense enough to drive red-purple auroras into Yellowstone's polar circle.

A small network of pre-placed sensors feed information to the bridge - slowly at first, then in greater volume. Ancillaries plugged into intel feeds process the data and pass it to you via binaric cant.

<Two identical jump signatures. Cruiser size. Class unknown. Model Unknown. No IFF broadcast. Estimated thermal signature....>

As one, the two ships turn and ignite engines, burning towards a slow intercept with Yellowstone's orbit.

<Transmission detected. One of the ships is hailing the colony.>

Moments later, Hibiscus relays the transmission request as an implicit question.

> SILENT. Tell her to not respond.

> EVASIVE. Tell her to accept the transmission request, but to exercise discretion.

> DECEIVE. Tell her to accept the transmission request, and if able, to provide deceptive information.

> WRITE IN.