Space Marines
The Space Marines, formally known as the Ikaanian Marine Corps (IMC), are an elite army controlled directly by the Chancellor of Ikaanos.
Main objectives
- Protecting The Mastersphere from domestic and alien threats.
- Guarding The Palace of Emerald City.
- Commanding the eight Republican Forts.
- Participating in wars fought against the Republic's enemies.
There are currently around 900 space marines on active duty.
The Black Guard
The black guards are genetically engineered space marines who do covert missions, protect high value assets, and perform other advanced tasks that normal space marines are either physically unfit or mentally unqualified to handle.
"The Black Guards" is a vernacular call name, like Space Marines; stemming from their duraplate armor turned black from an enhancing laser-flaring method.
There are currently around 200 black guards on active duty.
The Red Guard
The Red Guard is not technically a part of the IMC, even if the two parties sometime perform joint missions. The Mastersphere even supplies the Red Guards with weapons and armors.
The Red Guard is in reality a standalone entity under The Church of The Two Moons - comprised of seasoned black guards and other veteran space marines. Each Red Guard must pass a physical test that's extremely demanding, known to cause permanent injuries among those who fail. The pay makes it worthwhile however, as a red guard can expect at least $1,500 per day in wages.
It's estimated that the Church holds around one hundred red guards on active service. Their main duties are to guard the great cathedrals of Emerald City and escort missionaries as they travel the dangerous roads outside Ikaanos.