Human Federation, Cerberus Strike Fleet.
"A thoroughly satisfying battle, Commander Hermes."
The five-meter-tall Space Marine stood on the cruiser's spacious bridge, his solid alloy war boots leaving a faint dent in the deck.
"Thank you for the compliment, Herak."
The human commander gazed at several holographic screens suspended in midair as he spoke to the towering Gene Warrior beside him.
"Thank you for your assistance. Without you, the fighting ahead would have been brutal."
The commander from the United Nations of Earth finished working at the ship's console, then turned and leaned closer to inspect the power armor, the same color as the starry sky.
"It's full of-the beautiful artistry of a bygone age. Armor like this was practically our childhood dream."
"I never imagined I'd become a Space Marine like this one day, either," the hulking figure in deep-blue power armor replied.
"We are all human. Since the Marshal gave us orders, we will obey them. We are now under your command, Commander. You may deploy us as you see fit."
The Gene Warrior named Herak thumped his chest hard, the two heavy pieces of metal meeting with a thunderous crash.
The commander codenamed Hermes immediately returned a Human Federation salute and said solemnly, "Captain Herak, you are reinforcements from a friendly nation. We will employ your strength wisely and with gratitude."
"The Human Federation and the Interstellar Human Military Junta are brother nations, born of the same roots and united through hardship. Our friendship is unbreakable!"
The chief of staff beside them smiled warmly.
"For humanity! For the Empire!" Captain Herak declared firmly.
"Cleanse the cosmos! Purge the aliens!"
Holy shit, what incredible loyalty!
Xi Yan had originally planned to send a fleet to fight on the front lines, but the Gray Tempest had struck without warning and