Back on the bridge, the tactical officer, Commander Nick, reported the status of their targeting systems.
"Targeting systems are online and calibrated. We have a lock on the designated coordinates which are one of Workers Union's uninhabited Islands."
I listened intently, my mind calculating the potential consequences of my actions.
"Ensure the targeting is precise. I want minimal collateral damage."
The weapons officer, Lieutenant Carlos Mendez, chimed in.
"Weapon systems are primed, Imperator. The cannon is charged and ready to fire on your command."
As the final checks were being reported, my gaze remained fixed on Thrae.
The bridge fell silent as the crew awaited my final command. The tension was palpable, each member aware of the destructive potential they were about to unleash.
Finally, I turned from the viewport, my decision was made.
"Fire the mass accelerator cannon I one slug."
Mark relayed the command with a sense of gravity.
"Lieutenant Carlos you are cleared to fire."
In the bridge, Lieutenant Carlos gave the final order.
"Firing mass accelerator cannon in three, two, one..."
A deep hum resonated throughout the ship as one of the double-barreled canons barrels bristling with electricity discharged Its payload towards Thrae which was a solid nanocomposite shell.
On the bridge, everyone held their breath, watching as the destructive force of their actions unfolded in real-time.
The slug, propelled by immense kinetic energy, streaked across the void of space, its trajectory unerring.
Aboard the ship, the crew watched in tense silence, knowing the sheer power encapsulated in that single projectile.
As the slug entered Thrae's atmosphere, it transformed the sky. A brilliant streak of light cut across the heavens, a harbinger of the impending impact. The friction of the atmosphere scorched the shell, creating a fiery tail that could be seen for miles around.
On the ground, the sight was awe-inspiring and terrifying. Observers from a safe distance witnessed the shell break through the atmosphere, its speed and heat causing the air to shimmer and warp around it.
The impact site, one of the Workers Union's uninhabited islands, was about to face an unprecedented force.
When the slug hit, the energy release was colossal, far beyond any conventional explosion. The ground shook violently, as if the very planet was recoiling from the blow.
In an instant, the island was engulfed in a massive explosion. The force obliterated everything, turning land, rock, and vegetation into dust.
A monumental mushroom cloud, free of nuclear radiation but full of debris and energy, billowed into the sky, reaching stratospheric heights.
The explosion created a shockwave that radiated outward in all directions.
The sheer force flattened everything in its vicinity and sent vibrations through the earth that could be felt hundreds of miles away.
But the most terrifying aftermath was the tsunami.
The impact had displaced an enormous volume of water, creating a series of massive, 360-degree waves that radiated from the epicenter.
These tsunamis sped across the ocean at frightening speeds, towering walls of water carrying immense destructive power.
As these giant waves approached coastal areas of nearby continents and islands, alarm systems blared, warning of the impending disaster.
The tsunamis, when they hit land, caused widespread devastation. Coastal cities and towns were inundated, buildings were swept away, and lives were tragically lost.
The environmental impact was severe. The ocean's ecosystems around the impact site were devastated, with marine life suffering from the shockwave and subsequent tsunamis.
In the aftermath, the world stood in shock at the display of raw power by the Terranum Imperium.
The destruction of the uninhabited island was a stark demonstration of their technological capabilities and willingness to use them.
The event sent ripples through the international community, a wake-up call to the unprecedented power held by the Terranum Imperium.
It was a show of force that redefined the global power dynamics, leaving nations to grapple with the reality of a new player on the interstellar stage, one capable of altering the very face of a planet.
...
The bridge of the TIS Einherjar was a nexus of controlled activity, the crew members monitoring various displays and instruments, each playing a vital role in the aftermath of the mass accelerator cannon's firing.
I stood at the center, my gaze fixed on the main viewport showing Thrae, a planet now scarred by our actions.
"Report on the impact,"
I commanded, my voice steady yet expectant.
Commander Nick, the tactical officer, turned to me, his face somber.
"Imperator, the impact was confirmed on the target island. The resulting explosion and tsunami have caused extensive damage. Preliminary estimates suggest significant environmental impact and loss of life."
The words 'loss of life' hung heavily in the air, a stark reminder of the power we wielded and its consequences.
"Give me the numbers, Commander,"
I demanded, needing to grasp the full extent of our actions.
Lieutenant Carlos Mendez, the weapons officer, provided the data.
"Sir, initial estimates indicate thousands of casualties, primarily due to the tsunami. The number may rise as we receive more reports."
I took a deep breath, the weight of command heavy upon my shoulders.
"Prepare the medical department and a contingent of Cosmic Marines for humanitarian aid. We will assist in the recovery and aid efforts."
Wolf, standing beside me, acknowledged the order.
"Understood, Imperator. I'll coordinate the deployment immediately."
He turned to communicate with the medical department and the marine units.
"Medical Department, this is XO Wolf. Prepare for immediate deployment to Thrae for humanitarian assistance. Cosmic Marines will provide security and aid in rescue operations."
Dr. Jameson, the head of the medical department, responded with urgency.
"Roger that, XO. We're mobilizing our teams now. We'll be ready for deployment in five minutes."
Wolf interjected.
"Imperator since you want to send humanitarian aid, we should also prepare relief supplies. Food, water, medical kits - the affected areas will need everything we can provide."
I nodded in agreement.
"Do it. Ensure we have enough supplies for extended relief efforts."
As the bridge crew hastened to carry out the orders, I turned back to the viewport, my thoughts with those on Thraens who were now suffering.
This was a moment of reckoning, a time to show that the Terranum Imperium, despite its overwhelming might, was also capable of compassion and aid.
The TIS Einherjar, a symbol of our power, was now set to become a beacon of hope and relief for those affected by the disaster below.
"Also prepare a press conference"
I added because I needed to let Thraens know the Ins and outs of the whole story.
As I continued to look at the mushroom cloud lingering on the surface of the planet I couldn't help but notice that unlike I expected I didn't feel a thing a the death of Innocent civilians.
With this thought a memory locked deep In my subconscious burst forward.
...
Boom!Boom!Boom!
Arghhh!
Tratata!Tratata!Tratata!
Bang!Bang!Bang!
"Air support! We need f*cking air support you sons of b*tches!"
My platoons commander screamed into his wrecked IFVs radio only for a howitzers 150 mm HE shell to explode too close to his full of dents IFV.
That I was taking cover behind while pouring out lead from my modified assault rifle at the advancing towards us infantry.
Boom!
As I lay on the muddy ground with my bloodred view spinning from the blood leaking out from my forehead and the concussion from the explosion.
While the only thing I could hear in my head was the sound of my own heartbeat.
I saw my screaming and squirming wounded platoon battle brothers get dragged to cover by their comrades as the damaged IFVs gunners kept rotating and firing their 30 mm APHE rounds.
From their already red hot auto canons barrels left and right while the HE shells from the howitzers kept exploding all around us sending hot shrapnel everywhere.
Boom!Boom!Boom!
"I don't want to die! I don't want to die!"
A soldier trying to stuff back his guts screamed at the top of his lungs as a paramedic gave him a shot of morphine.
Arghhh!
Another soldier covered in flames ran out from just destroyed IFV by a lucky HE shell that impacted the IFVs front and started rolling on the muddy ground until he got burned into coal.