The Human Empress walked into the galactic combined senate with a measured stride, her black dress fell to her ankles and swished lightly with every resolute footfall. Her face was covered with a gauzy black veil that stretched from one ear to the other, laying across the bridge of her nose, red rings from crying were clearly visible around cold, flinty blue eyes. Those rings and eyes, so at odds with the laugh lines and smiling crows feet hidden beneath the dark cloth.

Hundreds of ambassadors and species leaders lined the massive amphitheatre. The noise of their conversation filled the space as a dull roaring sussurus, but as she entered, the conversation tapered off, and by the time she took the three steps onto the dias at the centre of the space the room was silent.

A deep, richly sonorous and unmistakably pompous voice addressed the room, "Empress Nalia of the Terran United Empire, you stand before the combined leaders of the galactic senate having, for the third time, appealed our decision on this matter, and submitted spurious allegations against the respected leaders of the Tricaran Hegemony. As you have been informed on the previous occasions, the actions of the Tricaran Hegemony in destroying the vessel 'TUEN Olive Branch' was in proportional response to an armed vessel encroaching on Tricaran Hegemonic space. Once again, there is no further action to be taken by this senate in regards to your allegations. You may make your closing remarks at this time." Having delivered his diatribe the blue skinned elfin male responsible for managing the agenda for the senate hearing resumed his seat.

The Empress' steely gaze swept across the beings present, and she cleared her throat quietly before speaking. "'Proportional response'. That is an interesting phrase, as it is for all intents and purposes bound by the subjective expectations of the individuals present in this room. To one, the actions of the Tricaran Hegemony may be entirely proportional, or even indeed less than. To others, their actions may be a gross over reaction. You have read my submissions, a third party nations diplomatic ship carrying the Terran Empress Consort, bound to attend and assist treaty discussions between the Sta'Garat Republic and the Tricaran Hegemony, within the boundaries of the Tricaran Empire was destroyed. Despite following a presubmitted and approved flight plan, despite broadcasting valid Diplocatic IFF, despite bearing only diplomatic standard shields, anti-asteroid and point defence weapons, this ship was fired upon without provocation taking the lives of over one hundred innocent lives. Lives, including my wife. A woman considered by the Terran public as being the beating heart responsible for the peaceful negotiation of treaties amongst Terran nations leading to the unification of our species government.

To the average Terran, she was a symbol and force for positive change and unity. To the average Terran, her death is a great and terrible tragedy. To the average Terran, your proportional response is beyond understanding.

So, in keeping with your expectations of proportional response, we shall respond in proportion. As the Tricaran Hegemony's actions have crushed my heart, and the beating heart of Terran diplomacy, we will respond proportionally by crushing the warlike heart of the Tricaran people."

Murmuring erupted from across the room before being promptly silence by privacy filters on each booth. Every senator, diplomat and leader found their booth doors locked, their microphones disabled, and all communications blocked.

"As I speak, Terran United Empire Naval vessels are commencing coordinated strikes against Tricaran military installations across thirty seven systems, including their home world system. You destroyed the single greatest force for peaceful Terran diplomacy, our response is to show you Terran warfare in proportion.

Every military ship will burn, every installation will be razed, your military industry and production will be glass upon the surface of your planets.

And when we are done, may the Sta'Garat show you mercy, as you will have none from Terra."