"F*ck we underestimated the power of independent observers in this age of technology,"
He murmured, more to himself than to his Chief of Staff.
"What's the good news, if there is any?
His Chief of Staff, maintaining her professionalism despite the situation, replied.
"The good news is, that the commander of that warship, has made contact. He's announced he will address the world in an hour."
The President's expression shifted from dismay to a cautious curiosity.
This development, while potentially fraught with its own complexities, offered an opportunity to regain some control over the rapidly escalating situation.
"Alright, let's prepare for this address,"
The President said decisively, setting down his whiskey.
"We need to understand his intentions and how this might affect global dynamics. Also, we must coordinate with the other leaders immediately to ensure a unified approach to whatever message the alien commander intends to deliver."
The President ran with his chief of service In tow to the meeting rooms which was already full of people.
...
Exactly one hour after sending the initial message, I stood ready on the bridge of the TIS Einherjar to address the world.
I turned to Ensign James Harper, my communications officer, and gave the final order.
"Ensign, hack into every device capable of transmitting audio and video. I want everyone on Thrae to hear me."
Ensign Harper, adept in handling the sophisticated technology of the Einherjar, worked swiftly.
His fingers danced over the controls, breaching the planetary networks with the help of Einherjar Tactical Artificial Intelligence TAI which was responsible for running the whole spaceship.
Moments later, he looked up, a slight nod indicating success.
"Imperator, we have access. You're live to the world."
...
Just as they were about to engage In another round of debates the world leaders, including the President of the Liberty League, paused, their attention caught by a sudden change on every electronic device that could show video feed screens.
What had been a stream of news feeds and data abruptly went black, only to be replaced by a live image translated directly from the bridge of the Einherjar – the enigmatic battleship orbiting Thrae.
The figure who appeared on the screen was unmistakably Imperator Dracula Von Death, the commander of the warship.
His presence was commanding, his voice resolute as he began to address the inhabitants of Thrae.
"I am Imperator Dracula Von Death of the Terranum Imperium from the Andromeda Galaxy, and we are here to stay,"
He declared, his statement, firm and unyielding, instantly gripped the attention of everyone in the room.
The President and his Chief of Staff exchanged a quick, unsettled glance as Dracula continued.
"I have no intention of exterminating all life on your planet, as your science fiction often portrays when aliens visit. However, I will be claiming every other planet in your solar system."
A wave of murmurs spread through the room as the leaders tried to process the enormity of Dracula's claims.
"Preposterous!"
One of the leaders roared as he slammed the table, feeling his sovereignty being taken awake even though everything In the solar system except his land on Thrae technically didn't belong to him or anyone else.
Then, Dracula's address took an unexpected turn, outlining his specific needs and intentions.
"The primary reason I am addressing the inhabitants of Thrae is our need for skilled professionals from all walks of life. We seek individuals with expertise in various fields – engineers, scientists, medical professionals, educators, and more."
The President, along with the assembled leaders, listened with growing interest. The request for skilled professionals, rather than soldiers, suggested a level of peaceful interaction and mutual benefit that had not been anticipated.
Dracula concluded with a significant proposal,
"I am willing to sign a number of cooperation agreements with your leaders based on their sincerity."
This offer introduced a possibility for diplomatic engagement, despite the audacious claims over the solar system.
As the transmission ended, the room erupted into animated discussion.
The President voiced his thoughts.
"This changes our entire approach. We need to carefully consider this proposal. It's not just about international security now; it's about interstellar relations and opportunities."
The advisors and leaders engaged in heated debates, weighing the potential risks and benefits of entering into an agreement with Dracula and the Terranum Imperium.
The chance to access advanced technology and forge a relationship with an extraterrestrial civilization was juxtaposed against the uncertainty of Dracula's long-term intentions.
The President, recognizing the need for a diverse range of expertise, turned to his advisors.
"Set up a comprehensive task force. We need our best minds from diplomacy, military strategy, science, technology, and economics. We're stepping into uncharted territory, and we must navigate this with intelligence and foresight."
As the meeting adjourned, the President and the world leaders knew they were on the cusp of a new era. Humanity was no longer isolated in the universe.
Their decisions in the coming days would shape the future of Thrae, potentially opening doors to unprecedented technological advancement and interstellar collaboration.
The challenges ahead were immense, but so were the possibilities, promising to redefine humanity's place in the cosmic narrative.
...
As the live video feed got cut off Wolf standing a step behind me, couldn't hide his confusion over our approach to this unique situation.
"Imperator, why didn't we just do what we always do? Orbital bomb the planet into submission, drop the Cosmic Marines to clean up whoever's left, and then do what we damn well please?"
Wolf asked, his tone laced with a mix of frustration and curiosity. His question, straightforward and pragmatic, reflected our usual modus operandi in dealing with resistance In Galactic Overlord.
I turned to face him.
"Because that tactic isn't going to work with this planet's Inhabitants Wolf, and frankly speaking I'm no longer content with being just a warlord, no I want to build a proper Interstellar Empire and the Inhabitants of Thrae are a crucial aspect of that plan"
I explained to Wolf who was an NPC that believed that the virtual reality of the Galactic Overlord was reality, well technically speaking It was a reality for him but not for me.
And because of that, I knew that our normal mode of operandi couldn't possibly work In real life.
If I wanted to conquer and assimilate Thrae and Its Inhabitants Into Terranum Imperium I needed to take the carrot approach first.
"Besides haven't you realised it yet?"
I asked.
"Realised what Imperator?"
The clueless Wolf asked, hearing this I sighed.
"Wolf, how long does It take to grow a new body for ourselves?"
"20 years Imperator"
Hearing this I nodded.
"And how many can we grow at once?"
"Eighty thousand, that's the number of cloning vats we have onboard Einherjar, and they are already occupied with our growing backup bodies that are about to reach maturity"
Wolf explained.
"And how long does It take to augment an adult humanoid being to the standart of cosmic marine?"
"A year"
Wolf answered only to fall silent as he finally figured out the solution I had In mind for our biggest problem which was the lack of manpower which was due to my choice to make the crew of Einherjar comprised entirely of males.
And the reason for that?
Well I sure as hell didn't want to see women with gorillas muscles whever I go.
The only male approach Is definetly the right way to go.