John stepped out of the small helicopter and found himself staring down a man almost a third again his height. John never considered himself tall, but neither would he at 5’10 have been considered short by most standards. This golden figure with his bright rose gold sword, and matching dragon visage shield dwarfed him. He has to be something close to seven feet tall, John thought admiringly.

“General, I can’t condone this action! Sir, at least allow me to send some Rangers in as escorts!”

He ignored the panicked Major Cranton in his ear, pulling the radio bud out and placing it in his pocket. Unlike in overly dramatic movies, equipment was expensive, and destroying something that could be useful was stupid. He’d put it back in after a few seconds, just enough time for Cranton to realize that he wasn’t messing around, and the major screaming into his earpiece wasn’t helping.

“You are brave to face us without so much as a bodyguard. Your metal steed is impressive, if fragile. It shows a level of mechanical genius that will enrich the empire when your people are brought into the fold.” The golden giant said as he sheathed his sword, and placed the shield on his back. “My name is Emperitor Stagian Secundus Septnarian. Leader of these forces. These are my generals, whose pathetic armies you have largely laid low.” He motioned towards the other two high leveled and clearly powerful people. “What is your name, brave one?”

“I am Governor-General John McIntire, US Fortress Command. I have come to accept your surrender.” The golden armored man laughed loudly enough for his men dozens of yards away to hear. The spear wielding fellow just glared at John, while the magic staff wielding woman seemed distracted by something off to John's right. “I have stopped the slaughter among your people for that one reason. Are you unwilling to discuss terms?”

“You are but a general. Surely there are people of higher authority they could send to treat with me.”

“I am sorry to disappoint you, but I am the leader of this installation. An installation you attacked, unprocked, and from the sounds of it for no better reason than conquest.”

“True enough peasant. But I am a member of the emperor's personal house, I can not allow myself to treat with someone so lowly. Ma’grian, you're an upjumped peasant, you take over the negotiations.” The spear wielding man stepped forward as instructed, but it was clear he wasn’t too enthusiastic about the situation.

“My name is Ma’grian Falestian Secundus Martis. General of the second army, the one just laid low.” He motioned to the bodies that surrounded them. “What is it you wish to say?”

“I am willing to accept your conditional surrender. Your men will be treated with dignity, and released back home once peace talks have formally begun. You three and any other leadership will be kept as prisoners against the good behavior of your soldiers. Once peace talks have finished, you will be returned to your home.”

The Emperitor looked like he was about to laugh again, but Ma’grain seemed to take John’s offer seriously. “You think we have declared war upon you brave one?” Ma’grain asked.

“That is what we would call an invasion, an act of war. Yes.”

“Then you understand the nature of things. We come to conquer. Not just you, not just here. But your entire world, and the system you inhabit. This is a newly connected system, the process of integration provides many great advantages to assist in your world's growth. Such things are hard to come by on older, more established worlds.”

“Did you ever consider trade?” John asked. Unsure of exactly what the man was talking about, but willing to play along for now.

“If you were a recognized power, perhaps. But your world is virgin. Ripe for the taking by the universes truly powerful.If it is not us that takes you, one of the other powers will.”

Ma’grain looked back to his boss, and the golden man smiled and nodded. “We will integrate you, your people, and your culture and technology into the greater empire. You and your people will survive and be given the opportunity to earn a place of honor. Surrender now, having impressed us with your mechanical wizardry, and you will be properly integrated. Refuse, and your people will be destroyed. We will first conquer this little valley, then soon your world. What say you?”

John smiled.