Chapter 187: Introductions
General Mark Dempsey, ever the pragmatist, was the first to break the stunned silence. "Mr. Santamo," he began, his voice steady despite the questions swirling in his mind, "you mentioned immediate coordination. What exactly are your operational parameters? What are we working with?"
Richard’s gaze swept over the council, calm and direct. "General, and members of the United Earth Defense Pact council," his voice was clear, resonant, filling the cavernous room without effort.
"Currently the Terran Retribution Command operates as a quick response force and defense on major global cities." As he spoke, crisp holographic overlays materialized on the main screen, showcasing sleek, dark vessels. "We have in disposal, currently 10 fleets consisting of 10 DSTR - Meteor Class destroyers each, which also operate as ground support ships for the forces on the ground below. These vessels are equipped with advanced sensor suites and localized atmospheric control, allowing for precision drops and real-time battlefield analysis."
A new overlay shimmered into existence, displaying the formidable, humanoid forms of the Android Marines. "Currently these are automated Android Marines for emergency deployments," Richard continued, his tone unwavering.
"They are faster, stronger, and more resilient than any conventional infantry. We have SPX-88 plasma rifles, available to all our ground forces below that may need some arsenal assistance. These are effective against enemy ground forces which conventional rifles struggle to penetrate their energy shields, and in our disposal, we have 140,012 Standard Issue Light Combat Gear kits available."
A low murmur rippled through the UEDP council. The sheer scale and technological superiority of Richard’s forces were becoming terrifyingly apparent. General Misha Petrova, the Russian General on the council, leaned forward, a flicker of awe in her usually stoic eyes. "Plasma rifles," she murmured, a slight tremor in her voice. "You mean, they’re truly effective against their shields? We’ve seen nothing but deflections in our weapons."
Richard gave a concise nod. "We have confirmed that, General. Our plasma technology bypasses their energy dampeners, causing immediate molecular destabilization." The council members’ expressions shifted from initial surprise to dawning comprehension and profound relief. The numbers, the capabilities—it was overwhelming, but in the best possible way.
Richard paused, his aura pulsing almost imperceptibly, and his tone shifted, becoming more somber. The holographic display on the main screen dissolved the images of ships and weapons, replacing them with disturbing schematics of genetically modified human soldiers. The images were unsettling, showing enhanced but clearly manipulated human forms, their eyes disturbingly vacant.
"Beyond their reptilian ground forces, the Krill utilize what they’ve designated as the ’Echo Legion’ – genetically modified human supersoldiers," Richard’s voice was grim, stripping away any last vestiges of the council’s composure. "Schematics from Project MK-Ultra and Project Stargate, previously leaked in the Black Files, confirms their origin."
The council members flinched, a collective gasp echoing through the room as the chilling implications of those long-buried projects resurfaced.