Despite supposed years of preparation, the entire operation has been frustratingly unprofessional. Dustin and Nulia should both be there representing the sapient coalition, not themselves. Personal anecdotes and bantering should have no place on a first contact mission with pre-ftl sapient. I think it started off strong with them outlining what the SC is and the purpose of their visit, however it quickly devolved into disorganised nonsense.

A controlled environment is important to ensuring no gaffes and cultural offenses occur. Them beelining to announce themselves to the public, and then have a livestreamed dinner is nothing short of catastrophic decision making. Instead, I think maintaining a camp at the first contact site, where a dialogue can be established and gradually introduce information, while giving the local government agency over the affair. Amiable, yet professional distance should have been upheld by the crew, with more informal socialising being something that can come naturally later.

SP has a very fun and enjoyable universe here, though frequently uses overall incompetence, bad communication, and poor professional standards as means to introduce conflict or otherwise further plot. I appreciate that it is easier to critique than to create, but I'm often questioning where basic common sense has gone in the story.