C23 Humanity First

The dropship's interior hummed with the low, steady vibration of its engines, ready to ascend into the sky.

I stepped inside, flanked by my officers with the Cosmic Marines together with the prisoners boarding other dropships, their bulky power armor casting imposing shadows in the dimly lit bay.

The captured militants, unconscious and restrained, were being secured by the marines with methodical precision.

"Secure the prisoners and prepare for takeoff,"

I ordered, my voice echoing slightly in the confined space. My officers nodded, each moving to their designated positions with practiced ease.

Wolf, ever vigilant, approached me with an update, his expression grim yet focused.

"Imperator, the prisoners are secure, and TAI is coordinating with ground forces for extraction. We're ready to depart on your command."

I gave a curt nod.

"Good. Ensure they are kept unconscious until we can interrogate them. We need to find out who's orchestrating this insurgency."

As the dropship's doors sealed shut, the pilots in their cockpits initiated the launch sequence. The craft gently lifted off the ground, its powerful chemical thrusters gushing out with blue flames effortlessly defying gravity.

Through the viewport, I watched as the chaotic scene of the battlefield receded, giving way to the sprawling cityscape of Nodnol below.

Hans and Frank, heads of Interrogation and R&D respectively, were already discussing the potential value of the captives.

"These militants will provide us with crucial insights that TAI might have missed. We'll need to employ a range of techniques to extract information,"

Hans mused, his tone clinical.

Frank's eyes gleamed with a mix of scientific curiosity and darker intentions.

"And once you are done, I'll have my turn. There's much to learn from their physiology. Perhaps even some... improvements to consider."

The conversation of the two men, though unsettling, was a necessary part of our strategy. Information was a weapon as potent as any in our arsenal, and we intended to use it to its fullest potential.

As the dropship ascended higher, piercing through the clouds, I turned my thoughts to the broader implications of the day's events. The attack, the chaos, the attempted assassination – they all although a threat at the same time It was an opportunity to use the stick approach.

The dropship continued its ascent, cutting through the atmosphere towards the awaiting Einherjar in orbit.

The ship, a symbol of our power and technological prowess, was ready to receive us – ready to continue the Imperium's inexorable march towards its destiny.

Inside, the mood was one of grim determination. We had faced an unexpected challenge, but we were undeterred.

Our resolve was only strengthened, our purpose clearer. We were the Terranum Imperium, and we would not be swayed by insurgencies or acts of terror.

As we left Thrae's atmosphere behind, entering the vastness of space, I looked back at the planet below.

It was a reminder of my ambition, of the delicate balance between dominance and diplomacy.

The dropship touched down smoothly in one of the massive hangars of TIS Einherjar, its engines winding down to a quiet hum.

The hangar, a vast expanse of steel and technology, was bustling with activity - a testament to the disciplined efficiency of the Terranum Imperium.

I exited the dropship alongside Wolf, our boots echoing on the metal deck.

The air was thick with the scent of machinery and the distant sounds of other spacecraft being prepped.

As we made our way to the bridge, the fully geared up and armed Cosmic Marines stationed along the corridor snapped to attention, their modern military salutes sharp and respectful.

Their armor gleamed under the artificial lights, each suit a symbol of the might and dedication of the Imperium's forces.

Upon entering the bridge, the atmosphere was palpable with a sense of urgency and precision.

The two marines guarding the interior immediately roared "Attention!" in unison, their voices resonating throughout the room.

Every officer and crew member on the bridge instantly stood, their bodies rigid in attention.

"At ease,"

I commanded, my voice calm yet authoritative.

As I spoke, the crew relaxed slightly, returning to their stations and resuming their tasks.

The bridge was a hive of activity, with officers monitoring various screens, analyzing data, and issuing orders.

My communications officer James turned to address me.

Imperator, we've received multiple attempts from Thraen leaders to establish contact with you."

I paused for a moment, considering the potential implications of this outreach.

"Acknowledged, James. Stand by on that."

I then turned to Wolf, seeking an update on the current situation. He grasped his tablet, his fingers swiping across the screen as he accessed the latest intel from TAI - our Tactical Artificial Intelligence.

"The cosmic marines are en route to their target locations, Imperator,"

Wolf reported.

"TAI's analysis has uncovered the existence of an international paramilitary organization against the Imperium. They have cells in every nation on Thrae."

Hearing this I grinned because It only showed that Thraens are truly human.

"James, establish a communication link with the UNOT leaders. It's time we had a discussion about these developments,"

I ordered, my voice carrying the weight of my decision.

James nodded and began setting up the communication link.

I walked towards the main viewport, gazing at the planet Thrae below us. The blue and green orb seemed peaceful from this distance, belying the turmoil that had just unfolded on its surface.

"Prepare to broadcast,"

I said, turning back to face the crew.

"If those Idiots try to Interfere with our military operations fire a few slugs Into their oceans to teach them a lesson."

The crew members worked diligently, and their actions were coordinated and precise.

The bridge, a command center of interstellar power, was ready to facilitate a crucial dialogue between the Terranum Imperium and the Nations of Thrae.

As the faces of Thrae's leaders filled the screen, I wasted no time in addressing the heart of the matter. My tone was domineering, leaving no room for misunderstanding or challenge.

"Now listen up because I'm going to say this only once,"

I began, my gaze steady and unwavering.

"In each of youre nations, there is at least one cell of a paramilitary group called Humanity First and their dead set on eradicating me and my people, my cosmic marines are en route to their suspected current locations"

I paused for a moment, allowing the gravity of my words to sink in. The expressions of the leaders shifted, reflecting a mix of realization and concern.

"I am not asking for permission Im only Informing you that my marines will do everything In their power to execute their every member, It doesn't matter if it is an elderly, man, woman, child, or a baby"

I leaned forward slightly, emphasizing my next point.

"Let me make this crystal clear, I will not tolerate any interference in our operations to root out this threat. Our response will be swift and decisive. Should you try to hinder our efforts, I am prepared to demonstrate the might of the Imperium."

The threat was implicit, yet unmistakably clear.

"If necessary, I will fire upon your oceans as a show of force. Do not test my resolve and if that doesn't work well the first country that tries to perform military actions against my soldiers will get obliterated off the face of Thrae"

The Thraen leaders exchanged glances, the weight of the situation evident in their silent communication. It was clear that the dynamics of power were heavily tilted in my favor.

I continued.

"I expect your full cooperation in this matter. Any attempt to protect or harbor these militants will be seen as an act of hostility against the Terranum Imperium."

I straightened up, my posture commanding.

"We can still maintain a peaceful and productive relationship, but it is contingent on your actions going forward. The choice is yours."

The screen remained alive with the images of the Thraen leaders, now grappling with the implications of my ultimatum.

The potential consequences of their decisions loomed large, not just for their individual nations, but for the entire planet.

This conversation was more than just a diplomatic exchange; it was a stark reminder of the new reality that Thrae now faced—a reality dominated by the presence and power of the Terranum Imperium.