"Urghhh..."
I grunted In displeasure as another memory started playing out In my mind.
...
I looked at my squad's horrifically burned commander whose urban camo field uniform, his armored vest, skin, and muscles had melted into one vomiting-inducing mess as he begged with his burned vocal cords.
"Kill me..."
"He's not going to live the morphine that Mike gave him is only going to prolong his suffering you should just put a bullet in his head and let him rest in piece."
"My platoon's second in command said as he placed his left hand onto my right shoulder."
"Why not do it yourself, sir?"
I asked in a calm cold-blooded voice devoid of any emotions or feelings.
"Look at my hand."
The man said as he showed me his trembling right hand.
"I can't do it I'm barely holding on I feel like I'll break down at any moment but you are the only one who seems fine for god's sake corporal Dracula look around you you're a natural-born killer."
My superior said as he pointed at my still-alive battle brothers who were either crying quietly while curled up in a fetal position.
Or just silently stared blankly into the sky with their eyes which gave the impression that their souls had left their bodies.
I wordlessly pulled out my pistol and pulled the bolt back causing a fresh round to enter the firing chamber while walking closer to my commander.
As I pointed my pistol at my commander's forehead I saw him smile as he said the words that shaped me Into the man I am today.
"Promise... me to... live on... no matter... what... so... that... I can... live... in your... memory."
"I promise."
I answered as I pulled the trigger causing everyone to grab their weapons like scarred rabbits and look at the source of the gunshot.
Only to see me rip off a burned flesh and fabric-covered dog tag from the commander's chain with my left hand while I inserted my pistol back into the holster tied around my same filthy uniform-covered right thigh.
...
What the f*ck?! Those are my memories why the f*ck do I have two sets of memories?!
I cursed In my mind as I grounded my teeth In anger because I knew instinctively that those memories were real and my actual ones were false.
And It was driving me crazy, I didn't like the feeling of being manipulated one bit, one way or another I was going to get to the bottom of It.
I thought as I looked at the mushroom cloud with my red eyes devoid of any emotion and now I knew precisely why, I was simply a natural-born killer who didn't feel s*it at taking a life.
...
In the emergency meeting room of the United Parliament of Thrae, a tense atmosphere prevailed as the Thraen leaders gathered, facing the aftermath of the Terranum Imperium's mass accelerator cannon strike.
President Thomas, visibly shaken, opened the discussion.
"The Terranum's action has led to an unprecedented disaster. The resulting tsunami has caused immense destruction along our coasts."
Secretary-General Adelaja, her voice tinged with distress, added,
"The initial reports are devastating. Entire coastal communities have been wiped out. We're facing a humanitarian crisis of enormous scale."
Premier Zhou, poring over the latest satellite images, said grimly,
"The environmental and human cost of this is staggering. Recovery and rehabilitation will be a monumental task."
The room was somber, with each leader grappling with the scale of the catastrophe. The screens around the room showed harrowing scenes of devastation, amplifying the urgency of their conversation.
Mayor Adeyemi on a direct line, representing one of the worst-hit coastal towns and appearing on screen, interjected,
"We're overwhelmed here. Our resources are stretched thin, and we desperately need more support."
The on the brink of mental collapse President Orlov, his face devoid of any warmth reflecting regret, spoke up.
"My actions led to this. I provoked the Terranum Imperium, and now my people are paying the price."
President Thomas responded, his tone more pragmatic than accusatory.
"We must put aside blame for now and focus on aiding our citizens. This is a national emergency."
Secretary-General Adelaja quickly added,
"We need immediate international aid. The scale of this disaster is beyond our solo capacity to handle."
Premier Zhou spoke up.
"Alongside the aid, we need to establish communication with the Terranum Imperium. We have to ensure that there's no further escalation."
The meeting continued, with the leaders coordinating relief efforts and strategizing on how to approach the Terranum Imperium for talks to prevent further aggression.
As they planned, the reality of their new, fragile position in the world order loomed large, a stark contrast to the once firm control they believed they held.
The catastrophic event had irrevocably changed the dynamics of power and their approach to interstellar relations.
...
In the aftermath of the tsunami caused by the Terranum Imperium's mass accelerator cannon, the affected regions of Thrae witnessed a massive humanitarian effort, bolstered significantly by the arrival of Terran forces and medical personnel.
Coastal Town near the Tsunami Impact Zone.
The coastal town, ravaged by the tsunami, was a scene of devastation. Amidst the debris and chaos, Terran Cosmic Marines worked alongside Thraen emergency teams. Their power armor allowed them to move heavy rubble with ease, searching for survivors trapped underneath.
Jenna, the team leader of the local humanitarian workers, watched in awe as a group of Marines effortlessly lifted a collapsed support beam, rescuing a family trapped underneath.
"Unbelievable,"
She muttered, before turning to her radio.
"Team Alpha, we have Terran assistance. Focus on search and rescue; the Terrans are helping with heavy lifting."
Marco, coordinating the efforts, approached a Terran medic.
"We're running low on medical supplies. Can you assist?"
The 223 centimeters tall because of added height from his knee-length combat boots Terran medic dressed in his black space uniform with a fully enclosed helmet, armored vest, and a 20 mm pistol strapped to his hip nodded, pulling out advanced medical kits from his armored vests pouches.
"We have first aid serums that can accelerate wound healing. Let's get to work."
Together, they moved through the makeshift medical center, where Terran medics administered serums containing genetically engineered cells the same that Terran's artificially Implanted organs produce.
The serum worked rapidly, causing wounds to scab over in mere seconds, much to the amazement of the local medical staff.
In the makeshift field hospital, Dr. Emeka, initially skeptical, watched as Terran medics efficiently tended to the injured.
Their advanced medical equipment and techniques significantly improved the survival rate of the critical patients.
A young boy, earlier in distress, now looked on in fascination as his deep cut closed up rapidly after an injection from a Terran medic.
Dr. Emeka approached the lead Terran medic.
"Your technology is remarkable. Can you train my staff to use these serums?"
The medic, named Echo, responded.
"No It's out of the question we are on strict orders, only we are authorized to use it."
The soldier rejected the medic In a heartbeat after all he couldn't risk the serum falling Into Thraes governments hands which was a very likely scenario to occur.
Mayor Adeyemi, in the midst of the emergency meeting, was interrupted by the arrival of a Terran liaison officer, Captain Zack.
"We're here to assist in your relief efforts,"
Captain Zack announced.
"Our cosmic marines are aiding in search and rescue, and our medics are equipped with advanced healing technology."
Ms. Rivera, the international aid representative, expressed her gratitude.
"Your help is invaluable. With the Terranum Imperium's support, we can coordinate more effective aid distribution."
Mayor Adeyemi nodded in agreement.
"Let's utilize all our available resources. Together, we can overcome this tragedy."
Hearing this Captain Zack didn't say anything after all they were the ones that caused this.
Throughout the town, Terran and Thraen teams worked hand in hand.
Cosmic Marines used their strength to clear pathways, while Terran medics worked around the clock to save as many people as possible.
Local resident Mrs. Okafor, who was distributing home-cooked meals, watched as a group of Cosmic Marines set up a temporary shelter with remarkable speed.
"I never thought I'd see such a sight,"
She said, handing out meals to the volunteers and victims alike, she even tried giving some to the marines but they completely Ignored her.
In the midst of the catastrophe, the joint efforts of the Terranum Imperium and Thraen workers symbolized a beacon of hope and cooperation.
The swift and efficient Terran aid dramatically improved the recovery process, showcasing a rare moment of unity and solidarity in the face of overwhelming adversity.