Consul Abdul, the leader of the Thraen delegation, managed to compose himself first.
He raised his hand in a hesitant salute, trying to mimic the Terran gesture of respect, the other Thraen delegates followed suit, albeit with varying degrees of uncertainty.
The Thraen officials and dignitaries, who had arrived expecting a diplomatic meeting, found themselves in the midst of a military display that surpassed anything they had anticipated.
It was clear that the Terranum Imperium took this meeting very seriously.
As the Thraen delegates returned the salute, a sense of formality and order was restored to the hangar.
The cosmic marines and department heads held their positions, their disciplined demeanor unchanged.
The tension in the air gradually dissipated as Consul Abdul approached, he extended his hand in greeting, trying to regain his composure.
"Imperator Dracula Von Death we are honored to be here,"
Abdul said, his voice carrying a hint of formality.
"Likewise, Its a pleasure seeing a member of youre race such as yourself who knows how to pick sides"
I remarked as I shook Abdul's small compared to mine hand after taking off my glove while scanning the crowd of delegates who could only look up at me because of my height.
"Cough*Cough* yes well you're offer Is too tempting Imperator"
Abdul bootlicked after embarrassingly coughing a few times while smiling with his best smile.
"Alright let's not waste time follow me"
I commanded as I put on my glove and turned around with a click of my heels while Wolf did the same together with the department heads.
As we did the standard bearers raised their standards while the comic marines made a tunnel In the middle of the formation In one synchronized move.
"Ave Dracula!"
The slogan reverberated from each cosmic marine as he snapped to attention once we passed them.
...
Back on the ground once again the Internet got flooded with netizen's comments.
@GalacticObserver47: Damm that Legion is like a steel wall. They've got discipline down to a science. #IntimidationFactor
@NegotiationFanatic: The size of that legion is mind-boggling, a third-rate country would get obliterated by them for sure.#TerranLegion.
3. @BannerEnthusiast: Those banners are more than just cloth, It's a spiritual totem those soldiers would die first before allowing It to fall to the ground or get taken by enemies. #SymbolOfStrength
@DiplomaticDramaJunkie: Consul Abdul looks like he's seen a ghost! Can't blame him with those giant killing machines around. #TerranumImperium
@CosmicSpectator: Morgana Schmit deserves a Pulitzer for capturing this moment on camera.#MorganaPulitzer
@SpaceExplorerDiaries: Hate to say it, but Terranum Imperium's past actions make me view them In bad light no matter what they do.#PreviousActionsMatter
@StarryEyedWitness: The tension in the air is real. Hope we see some progress in these negotiations. #GalacticDiplomacy
@CosmoDiplomacyNerd: Even with the hate comments, this is a pivotal moment in interstellar politics. Fingers crossed for peace. #HistoricMeeting
@CosmicDramaUnfolds: Imperator Dracula Von Death is making quite the impression. Love him or hate him, he knows how to put on a good show. #TerranLeader
@TerranSuperpowerWatcher: Our delegates are brave souls. I'd be nervous too with that Legion watching my every move like hawks. #DiplomaticShowdown
...
The Thraen delegates, led by Imperator Dracula Von Death, entered Einherjar's mess hall with a sense of anticipation.
They expected a lavish spread and a grand welcome, as was customary in diplomatic meetings of this magnitude.
However, their expectations were shattered as they froze in their tracks.
The mess hall was a stark contrast to what they had imagined. Instead of opulence, they were greeted by a utilitarian setup.
Worn alloy tables were spread out in a no-frills fashion, each equipped with Terran standard-issue nutrient packs and bottles of nutritional liquid.
There were no ornate decorations, no fine china, and certainly no glasses of wine.
Consul Abdul, who had been trying to maintain a composed demeanor since their arrival, exchanged a puzzled look with President Thomas.
This was far from the grand reception they had anticipated.
Noticing their hesitation, I couldn't help but smirk at their reaction my deep voice filled the hall as I addressed them.
"Welcome to TIS Einherjar, Consul Abdul, and everyone else I hope you find our humble mess hall to your liking."
Consul Abdul, still taken aback by the simplicity of it all, managed a diplomatic response, "Thank you, Imperator. It's certainly... unique."
President Thomas nodded in agreement, trying to mask his surprise.
"Indeed, a change of pace from our usual diplomatic dinners."
Hearing this I gestured for them to take a seat at one of the tables.
"Please, have a seat. We value substance over style here."
As the Thraen delegates reluctantly sat down, the Death Marines stationed in the mess hall maintained a watchful presence, they were a constant reminder of the Terranum Imperium's strength.
Meanwhile, netizens watching the live broadcast had a field day with an unexpected turn of events.
@GalacticObserver47: Talk about minimalism! Einherjar's mess hall is a far cry from Thraen's lavish receptions. #SubstanceOverStyle
@CosmicDiplomacyNerd: Imperator Dracula knows how to keep it real. No frills, just business. #EinherjarDiplomacy
@NegotiationFanatic: I can't believe they're eating nutritional packs. This is a diplomatic meeting, right? #Unconventional
@TerranSuperpowerWatcher: Thraen delegates must be in for a culture shock. Terrans don't do fancy dinners. #NoNonsense
@DiplomaticDramaJunkie: I'm not sure if this is impressive or just weird. What's the message here? #UniqueWelcome
@StarryEyedWitness: Imperator Dracula Von Death making a statement with this setup. Wonder what the negotiations will be like. #DiplomaticCurveball
@BannerEnthusiast: Those tables look worn, but maybe it's a symbol of endurance and strength. #TerranSymbolism
@IntergalacticFoodie: Nutritional packs? Come on, Terrans, step up your culinary game! #UnexpectedDining
@SpaceExplorerDiaries: Our delegates' faces look like they've eaten s*it, this meeting is anything but ordinary. #UnconventionalDiplomacy
...
As I and the Thraen delegates took our seats in Einherjar's mess hall, I positioned myself at the head of the long line of alloy tables.
My officers, including Wolf, stood in formation behind me, creating an imposing presence, Wolf stepped forward to assist me, removing my coat as I prepared to address our guests.
I removed my hat and gloves and subconsciously unbuttoned my collar, revealing the grotesque barbed wire scar that ran across my neck.
I cleared my throat and began to explain the situation to the Thraen delegates.
"The nutritional packs and nutritional liquid you see before you are more than sufficient to sustain you for an entire week. In fact, they are a downgraded version of what we Terrans consume three times a day."
I gestured toward the plastic packs and bottles.
"These packs contain a balanced combination of nutrients, carefully designed to meet all your dietary needs. Our scientists have ensured that they provide optimal sustenance, even for individuals with the highest energy requirements."
President Thomas exchanged a glance with Consul Abdul, a mixture of surprise and curiosity in their expressions. This was unlike any diplomatic meeting they had experienced before.
I continued.
"The plastic bottles contain all the liquid you'll require for a week, including water and other essential fluids. We believe in efficiency and practicality above else In the Imperium"
Consul Abdul nodded, his initial skepticism giving way to understanding.
"Imperator Dracula, your approach is... unconventional, but we appreciate the practicality of it. Efficiency is a virtue, and we are here to engage in meaningful negotiations."
President Thomas echoed the sentiment.
"Indeed, Imperator. We are here to make progress and build a strong partnership between our nations."
Meanwhile, netizens watching the live broadcast through the reporters' cameras were once again buzzing with comments about the unexpected turn of events.
@GalacticObserver47: Huh? Whats with that grotesque scar, Is it just me or does It look like the Imperator had his head removed and stitched back together?#Imperatorsgrostequescar
@CosmicDiplomacyNerd: Efficiency and practicality at its finest. This is a different kind of diplomacy. #EinherjarDiplomacy
@NegotiationFanatic: Nutritional packs for a week? I'm intrigued. #UnconventionalApproach
@TerranSuperpowerWatcher: Dracula is pulling no punches. Showing the Thraen delegates the Terran way of life, scars and all. #TerranStrength
@DiplomaticDramaJunkie: This meeting just got even more interesting. Freaky Scar reveal and unconventional dining. #UnconventionalDiplomacy
@StarryEyedWitness: Imperator Dracula's confidence is palpable. Let's see where this unique approach takes the negotiations. #ConfidentLeader
@BannerEnthusiast: That scar tells a story. Imperator Dracula is a force to be reckoned with. #TerranLeader
@IntergalacticFoodie: Nutritional packs for a week? I wonder how they taste. #UniqueDiningExperience
@CosmicMarineSpectator: Cosmic marines standing guard even during meals. No room for compromise. #StrictlyBusiness
@SpaceExplorerDiaries: This meeting is rewriting the rulebook. Let's hope it leads to a fruitful partnership. #NewEraDiplomacy