In the silence of her private quarters aboard the Sword of Solarius, Captain Elara Vance stared at the communication screen. The events of the day replayed in her mind: the Helldivers, their cloned yet unique faces, their advanced yet alien technology, and that cordial invitation which defied all Imperial logic. She had a duty, an obligation to report. But disclosing this information was a calculated risk.
She input a complex sequence into her terminal, using encryption codes reserved for Warrant of Trade holders. The message was brief, factual, but heavy with implication. It described the encounter with a non-Imperial vessel of unknown origin, designated "Bastion Faction". It mentioned their clone nature, their advanced technology, and their non-hostile, even cooperative behavior. It concluded with the necessity for further assessment, recommending caution and a discreet investigation, arguing that this faction could represent either an opportunity or a long-term threat requiring understanding before any action.
She addressed the message to the nearest sector admiralty, knowing it would climb the chain of command, perhaps all the way to Terra itself. She pressed "Send", a cold weight in her stomach. She had just reported the existence of Julius Braveheart to the Imperium.
---
At almost the same moment, deep within the Frontier's Resolve, Sergeant Kael was composing his own report. It was equally factual, detailing the encounter with the "Imperial House Vessel Sword of Solarius", describing Captain Vance as "courteous but wary" and her entourage as "dogmatic and technologically backward". He attached recordings of the exchanges and scans of the vessel.
"Data, priority transmission for analysis by Central Command," he ordered. "Attachment: First contact report with a major political entity designated 'Imperium of Man'."
The data stream shot through space via a secure communication network, far faster and more reliable than anything the Imperium could conceive. It reached the Star Walker just as Julius Braveheart was returning from the surface of the Green World, his armor still stained with the soot and green blood of the Rak'Gol. The battle was won, the enemy annihilated.
Data waited, impassive. "Lord Commander. A priority report from Sergeant Kael of Helldiver team Delta-Seven. Confirmed first contact with a major human-centric civilization designating itself the Imperium of Mankind."
Julius, removing his helmet, listened to the report and scanned the data. A cold, calculating smile formed on his lips. The Great Crusade was no longer a distant abstraction. It had a face now. And that face had tasted his wine and found his androids heretical.
"The Imperium has found us, or we have found them," he murmured. "The shadow phase is definitively over. Data, log this. New strategic directive: Alert Level Omega. All future operations on the fringe of known Imperial space are to prioritize discretion and intelligence gathering. I want to know everything about them: their military structure, their weaknesses, their internal struggles."
He turned towards the starfield.
"And send a reply to Sergeant Kael. Message: 'Contact noted. Good work. Maintain observation posture. Avoid conflict, but prepare for anything.'"
The message had been sent in both directions. The Imperium now knew it was not alone. And Julius knew that the Eagle's gaze had now turned upon him. The next move in the galactic game had just been made.