Hey 
About the characters. I really liked when the robot explains how one of his core directives is to find intelligent alien species, and that he cannot override that. It gave the story a twist (now they can't just up and go), and it had me convinced. It gave a subtle insight into the era and culture you are setting your story in. That it is not out after power and dominion, but it is seeking a better understanding of life and better ways to live together. The ship not having any weapons added to that.
Real nice to see how you used the details of your story setting to give credit to the characters and the story line!
RE: theinkwell writing prize | 'The Well of Remembrance'