The universe seethes with violence. It came into being in a vast explosion. Giant black holes lurk at the center of galaxies. Supernovas, gamma ray bursters, and pulsars destroy all life within reach.

Violence is not an unnatural thing. It is the normal state of being.

The physical form is weak. We can be ravaged by disease, broken in an accident, drowned in a bowl of water. Our own bodies can betray us with cancer or organ failure. If we survive a life of accidents, our own bodies break down and kill us.

All life betrays itself and dies. To attempt to preserve one's life is pointless. Loyalty must be given to something greater than a single life.

We offer total allegiance to our species, as represented by the state. We stand guard against all forms of threat. We do not value our own lives except as they are viewed as extensions of our species as a whole, and we ask nothing of ourselves other than to be able to raise the next generation in security.

Our game is a long game. We do not plan for the next year, or the next ten years, or the next budget cycle. We plan for eternity.

We do not indulge in casual violence. We do not engage in a War Against All. We fight in defense of our own security, and otherwise choose our targets with care.

If you are no threat to us, you have little to fear, unless you are weak - in that case, we may destroy you in order to prevent our rivals from profiting by your destruction.