"We are projects 36 and Firefly of the planet Earth. We've been attempting to get in contact with the Federation regarding the condition of our society. There is no reason to fear the Epidemic, if that is an issue. Neither of us are organic."
"No known lifeforms aboard, sir," came a ringing voice, presumably from the Independence. "The ships are Earth technology… but from centuries ago… it would verify their claims."
The transmission cut it sound for a few moments, then the Captain sounded again. "I would very much like to discuss with you your intentions. We can beam you aboard and lock your ships in our tractor beam, or if you prefer we could dock them. It may be a tight squeeze, but you should manage."
Rush stole a glance at Firefly. They don't understand that we are the ships. He wanted to speak and correct them, but stumbled over his words. "We… Captain… I… We must dock the… our… us…"
"I don't have all day. Spit it out."
"What he's trying to say, captain, is that we are the ships… and, if at all possible, we need to dock." You could've just said what you were thinking…
There was silence on the other end, then a hurried, "On the starboard side of the ship we will be able to open an airlock to allow you through. Again, space is an issue. I hope you don't mind landing in cramped quarters."
"Of course not, captain," Rush answered quickly.
"No, it's not a problem," she echoed, trying not to sound distracted. You're acting weird, Rush. What's wrong?
How was he supposed to explain it? It's been so long since I've seen a Human as they are supposed to be. I hardly believed they weren't extinct, or near extinct… until now. It was something he was apprehensive about, especially as he subconsciously fought with old directives resurfacing.
"Docking bay is ready," a voice different than the Captain's relayed. "You may land when ready."
It was only a couple minutes before the ship itself came into view… but something was off. It isn't alive? And it's flying? She glided towards the docking bay regardless, looking back for a second to make sure Rush was following.
Humans didn't start using artificial intelligence in vehicles until the Second Industrial Revolution, Rush explained, I think… The two planes slowed down until they were traveling at hardly a crawl, entering the airlock and touching down. Indeed it was tight, but because of the high maneuverability of warp and impulse engines, they were able to safely navigate and touch down without damaging themselves or the ship. A huge door slid closed behind them and the room regained pressure, as well as gravity. When the whirring of machinery stopped, the room was -presumably- at the same temperature and pressure as the rest of the ship, which was a comfortable, Earth-like feeling. A second door, this time ahead of them, opened up to a room just slightly larger. Several small shuttles, or what appeared to be shuttles, were sitting to the side. A few humanoid figures were mulling about, adjusting and cleaning bits on the shuttles and ship itself.
However, a small group stood center, shock, confusion, and disorientation on their faces. One, a strange, lanky creature with fleshy whiskers on each side of its elongated snout mouthed the words 'oh my god'. Another humanoid figure with four golden eyes, a pair above the other, seemed to look on with a dull curiosity and excitement, every once and awhile wrinkling the ridge of his nose as some unknown thought passed through his mind.
Yet still was a dark skinned woman, gentle, even graceful ridges on her forehead, framing deep obsidian eyes that were impossible to read. She was the one to speak first, her voice just as unreadable as her eyes. "I am Commander K'torko. Under normal circumstances I'd escort you to the bridge, but I'm afraid that will not be possible. I will notify the captain about your safe arrival. For the time being, you will have to wait here." Then she spun about on her heels and exited the docking bay.
"Of course," Firefly said respectfully, even if the commander had left already- she was more focused on everything else. It was all new, and she wanted to analyze it all, but she knew she couldn't yet… even if she was picking up on another signal, or maybe even two. There was AI on this ship.