The case was clearly labelled in high gothic, though in a strange script that just barely approximated the language.  PULSE RIFLE MK. XIV: contains 5 energy cartridges, it said.  "Great Cortez, thank you for your kind greeting.  The Tau salute your courage and open-minded receipt of our message.  I am Edogod, of the Etherial caste."  The alien said, as another figure stepped out from behind the xeno weapon.  Lord Tarsus stood with the aliens, looking Cortez directly in the eye.  "I've been sheltering them ever since we purchased the ship, sir.  They were the reason we bought it in the first place, following in full your directives about first contact with xeno races.  I simply had to wait until we were outside Imperial space to inform you, so that we could proceed peacefully in accordance with Imperial law."  Lord Tarsus explained, while Edogod nodded gently.<br/>