“Very well then, I leave this venture to you. But as you do, make sure to keep me up to-date on any progress you make.”

Still reading but right now with the high possibility of Sapient life the director would send someone to help or in the unlikely chance she deems it necessary she would send people with more in-depth training and/or experience in peace talks and diplomacy etc along side a smallish security force. Note this is going off if she has the power to do such things that aren't just about exploration of planets and similar interstellar things.
PS: she could do what she just did but it be risking plenty on one pilot trained for exploration (to my knowledge)

10602457
Have to agree a bit. Does he even have first contact training? And again one lone guy against a potential hostile culture.... then add in Moonie is coming

10602457
10603747
Some background on the humans of this fic:

-in order to be a Space Explorer and Planet Survey, you must have military-grade training to ensure you are capable of defending yourself, as well as having a stellar education of the highest grade to operate not only the ship, but equipment within said vessels, as well as being able to operate as an agent for the Deep Space Exploration Bureau and follow orders.

so John has military-grade training as well as top marks in his education, which is why Henrietta the Director of the Deep Space Exploration Bureau has faith that John can pull off this mission. as for making first contact, there are rules and procedures that are alrighty set, if John does find sapient life he will contact the director and inform her about the alien race he is 'observing'. and when its seen that contact is legible and safe, then the Director will send envoys trained for diplomatic meetings.

10603946
Oohh, alright that makes alot of sense

10604056
so yeah, even if John discovers the ponies, he'll be studying them from affair and document them. and what he finds shows that the ponies are worth making contact with, he will contact Henrietta for the final call in how to procced.

Whelp, time to give this fic another shot.

10604102
...a plan that will no doubt go right out the window the moment "Black Snooty" crashes his castle research, followed closely by the Mane Six.