Chapter One: First Strike

When I first arrived on Aiur I remember that I thought it was more beautiful than any terran world I'd ever seen. Every inch of the world was covered in life and green, and even if some of that green was the zerg it was still amazing. In this place, there are fields of rolling grass that reach as far as the eye can see. There are trees. Not trees like we have. Ours grow quickly to help terraform planets. Trees on Aiur take centuries to grow and they grow so tall that nothing else can compare.

It's just a shame that I first came here while the place was being torn apart by war.

-Liberty's Report, volume IV.

Dark days had come to Aiur. The Overmind had succeeded in setting itself into the crust of the world. The trees swayed with its will. The day and night were filled with the shrieking and snarling of the zerg. Swarm after swarm came from all across the universe. They landed upon the beleaguered continents to spread their foul taint. Scion had fallen and refugees were filling the cities of those places which had not yet fallen.

Yet though the situation seemed grave the Conclave remained pure. The gardens were a place more beautiful than anywhere else. They remained beautiful to Artanis as he walked through them. There were flowing fountains and elegant plants. All manner of foreign animals were kept within here. to kneel before the commander he had been told to report to.

He was very tall and clad in flowing white garments. Golden pauldrons were on his shoulders and he wore psi blades on his hands. He turned to Artanis and raised a hand in greeting. 'En Taro Adun Executor. I am Judicator Aldaris.'

'Judicator Aldaris.' said Artanis. 'I've heard many stories of you. It is an honor.'

'I have been sent by the Conclave to serve and counsel you.' said Aldaris. 'The former Executor, Tassadar, was ordered to halt the zerg progress in the terran sector by burning the infested terran worlds. Unfortunately, he disregarded his orders and attempted to make an alliance with the terrans in order to destroy the zerg.

Clearly, Tassadar has failed us. You must not.'

Tassadar failed. Artanis thought the proclamation harsh. But then, even now, he could sense the zerg marching across the land. He saw through the eyes of many of his brethren as they did battle against the monsters. He saw why the Conclave believed so, for much harm had been done. Yet Artanis did not think Tassadar at fault.

Neither did all of his brethren. Indeed Artanis could sense the thoughts and feelings of many a warrior. They had fought alongside the terrans against the swarm. And they still fought. Even now the strange machines of the terrans were marching across the world. They aided the warrior caste in the battle and performing great deeds of valor in their own way.

From the memories of Mojo and his company, the khalai knew much. They knew that the terrans had long stood against the swarm and won. Great had been the harm they had dealt them. Before this great war, the protoss had regarded them with contempt. Yet now some beheld a nobility of spirit beneath their abhorrent face.

Or so believed some. Artanis had wandered the worlds in times of peace. He had seen how the terrans kept those worlds they colonized. They stripped from them all that they could use. They felled ancient plants and burned away lifeforms of all shapes and sizes. Then when there was nothing else to take, they departed. They were never content with the desolation they wrought.

As for their victories against the zerg, Artanis gave them no credit. Any savage animal might fight with valor when backed into a corner. 'I understand Judicator.' he said 'And I shall do all I can to redeem the Warrior Caste. Yet what of the terrans who even now are on the surface of our world? Must we tolerate their defilement of our land?'

Aldaris remained silent. Artanis sensed from his thoughts that the Judicator shared his mind. Yet there was pragmatism there. 'The terrans of the newly founded Dominion have offered an alliance. Although it is doubtful that they will be of any use, the Conclave has agreed so that we may focus wholly on the zerg.'

'Then what is the will of the Conclave?' asked Artanis.

The Judicator betrayed some frustration there. Anger at how things had been handled now came to Artanis from Aldaris' mind but the reason was kept from him. The new Executor did not seek to learn more. It was not his place to do so.

'The Conclave has dictated that our first priority is to strengthen our defenses.' said Aldaris. 'To this end, you are to reinforce the fortress of Antioch and make sure it does not fall to the zerg.'

Visions of a great crowd of zerg rampaging over the plains. They were one swarm of many coursing toward a fortress tall and proud. The gates were breaking. Bolts of a brilliant blue shot from the walls to consume those that attacked it by the thousands. Mutalisks flew around the towers, trading shots with dragoons.

Hard was the fighting already. And still more zerg were swarming from the north.

'What assistance may I expect?' asked Artanis.

'Your old comrade, Praetor Fenix, will meet you there and assist you in this endeavor.' said Aldaris.

Fenix? Yes, Artanis sent his will to see him. And he saw Fenix standing at the front of a line of zealots before a breaking gate. As they splintered and fell inward dozens of ultralisks rushed forward. But Fenix laughed and rushed to meet them, laying about him with his psi blades.

Wherever he went the zerg died by the dozens with every passing moment. Such was the fury of his onslaught that they were driven back. His warriors joined the fray and the army was broken. And on Fenix went, filled with the joy of battle.

Artanis was glad. It would be good to see Fenix again. 'As you command Judicator.'

Artanis called to him his forces and they marched with all speed through the rolling fields. Among them were many brave zealots, newly recruited. There were also many dragoons. They were protoss warriors brought back to serve once more in silence. And also many probes who carried with them great stores of minerals and gas.

As they marched he sensed one battle after another flaring up across many borders on Aiur. With great valor, the warrior of the protoss were fighting. And no more defeats had been suffered. Yet the onslaught grew ever more intense and it was worst upon Antioch. For he could sense the will of the Overmind setting forth. He knew that should that fortress fall then the swarm would be poised to strike south. That would bring them into the very heart of the Conclave.

On they went, scaling down the cliffs and making their way across the plains. Here they found zerg scouts. But the creatures did not attack, instead of withdrawing with haste. A new warrior rushed to pursue, but Artanis caught him by the shoulder.

'Hold Ankar,' said Artanis 'they may be trying to lead us into an ambush. Stay in formation.'

'As you say, Executor.' said Ankar.

It was as they came to the river Arar that they met their first challenge. The bridge was held against them by a great host of zerg. Masses of hydralisks and zerglings were there, the advance forces of the swarm.

Artanis set forth his will and rushed to battle. He cleaved down two zerglings and split a hydralisk in half. Around him, his warriors hacked their way through. One of them fell to the spines of a hydralisks. Another was torn apart by a horde of zerglings. One of his brethren fell as the zerg rushed at him, but Artanis leaped into the fray and drove the zerg from his comrade. The dragoons launched their projectiles into the midsts of the zerg. The barrage slew many, burning flesh and bone alike.

'We have slain hundreds, Executor!' cried Ankar 'This is a glorious victory!'

'It is a victory.' said Artanis 'Yet I fear the Overmind will rue his loss less than us.'

'How can that be?' asked Ankar.

'A single one of our brethren takes decades to grow up and be ready for war.' said Artanis 'While a single zerg takes mere months.' He sighed bitterly. 'Would that it had been dragoons who had fallen. They, at least, are dead already.'

'Yet surely those who have fallen here may return as dragoons.' said Ankar. 'They are not gone.'

'It is a fate I would not wish on anyone.' said Artanis 'A cold mockery of life. Honor or no. Come, we must move on.'

It was with a bitter and wordless air that they marched across the plains. And as they did they found occasional pockets of zerg who rushed to meet them. But these were slain and their progress was swift.

Until at last, they came before Antioch.

One of the towers was broken. The gates were shattered and the walls were cracked and splashed with acid. No sign of any repair work could be seen. As they drew nearer Artanis feared that Fenix and all his men had been overrun. Had they had arrived only in time to replace them?

Then from the gates came Fenix. He was huge, a giant among protoss almost eleven feet tall. His arms were broad and he ran in great strides. Catching Artanis in a hug he pulled him against his chest before separating to grip him by the shoulders. 'Ah, Artanis! Entaro Adun! It is good to see you once more upon the field of battle!'

'Fenix.' said Artanis, overwhelmed by the power he sensed. 'It has been too long since last you and I stood together in the field. How have you faired?'

'Alas, all of our probes were lost within the last zerg attack and we had no resources with which to replace them.' said Fenix. 'But the zerg paid a high price. Look there.'

And he motioned to what seemed a mountain. Artanis looked to it and he saw that it was no mountain at all, or at least not one of stone and earth. It towered nearly as high as the walls of Antioch and was far thicker and it was built wholly from the corpses of zerg.

There were several others like it and all were aflame.

'Then it is fortunate we have brought probes with us.' said Artanis. 'Bring forward the equipment and begin repairing the fortress. The zerg must not find us unprepared.'

So it was that the repairs began. Broken walls were mended. Towers were rebuilt. The walls were remanned. Yet they had only been at work for a few hours before Ankar approached him. 'Artanis the swarm approaches.'

Artanis turned and saw them coming. Sure enough, there came yet another vast host of zerg. They were covering the fields in numbers far greater than Artanis had seen before. But Fenix looked more joyful than ever.

'At last, our blades shall sing together again, then!' cried Fenix 'Forth zealots! Let us bring death to the foes of Aiur!'

'Not here, Fenix.' said Artanis 'Let us draw back to the gate and hold them there. Zealots form up before the gate. Dragoons fire over us. Let them break against our line.'

'So be it, but I shall stand ahead of it.' said Fenix.

And Artanis knew his friend would not be moved by words.

Thus was the army assembled before the broken gates of Antioch. As the zerg came by the thousands they died by the hundreds. Volleys of psionic shots landed among them, consuming them in great numbers. But on they came and then came the beating of wings.

Vast swarms of mutalisks surged from the sky to draw the fire of the defenders. Then the zerg reached Felix and he was among them. His blades moved in a blur of pure white. He slashed and hacked so quickly and with such might that all creatures who passed near him were slain. And as he laughed the swarm came on and on, until at they stopped.

Artanis stared in awe.

For such was the vigor and might of Fenix that the zerg hesitated. Was that fear he saw in the mindless creature's eyes. They feared him. Feared to approach him. But then came a sharp will like the crack of a whip and it was set against them.

On rushed the zerg and with greater fury. Fenix staggered as they came against him and Artanis knew he could wait no longer. He rushed to the aid of his friend and the warriors rushed with him. Forming around Felix they fought off the first great assault. They cut a path of destruction out into the field. None could stand against the protoss!

At last the battle was over and tens upon tens of thousands of zerg lay dead upon it. The warriors cheered and from the walls, Artanis could see the worker caste. Even some among the judicator had joined in the celebrations.

'The Praetor of Aiur has courage beyond measure.' said a warrior.

'To his folly.' said Artanis, but he held in his mirth.

All of a sudden a darkness fell over the sun. The protoss looked up and beheld vast structures of flesh flying through the air. With them were many guardians and mutalisks. As they descended from on high they landed upon the cliffs above. They were beginning to root themselves on the planet's surface.

The swarm is landing its foul structures to establish a new hive here.' mused Artanis. And he could sense all around him similar scenes playing out across Aiur. A victorious group of terrans looked up to see yet more zerg coming. A terrified protoss mother urged her child to stay quiet as they fled from the town which had just been retaken.

Artanis felt his heart sink. Was there no end to the swarm? 'Even as we defeat the enemies vanguard a new wave approaches.'

'It shall not be allowed!' said Fenix 'Come Artanis, we shall not allow this incursion!'

'Not yet, friend Fenix.' said Artanis 'Our task was to defend Antioch. Leave the retaking our land to other captains.'

'Take heart, Artanis.' said Fenix 'Was it not I who taught you to first hold a psi blade? He who strikes the first blow, if he strikes it hard enough, need not strike again. Nor fend off the strikes of his enemies. Let us fall on the enemy and destroy them before more may arrive.

'Then the zerg shall be given pause and Antioch will be secure to reestablish itself.'

Artanis sighed. 'You show greater courage than I as always, Fenix. We shall do as you suggest.'

'Then come my warriors!' cried Fenix. 'Come and let us usher forth and woe to the enemies of Aiur.'

The warriors cheered and they rushed to the hills. But Artanis send forth his will and restrained them, ensuring they kept proper order. He also sent orders to the observers to tell him of the enemies fortifications. What he learned concerned him.

Thus he drew up his forces at the base of the cliffs.

'The swarm has sunken colonies upon it and many defenders.' said Artanis. 'Who will go first?' And he knew the answer at once.

Fenix slammed a fist against his breastplate. 'I shall, Artanis. No soldier shall I ever send forth upon any mission that I do not march on myself.'

'Yet you are one of the Praetor's, Fenix.' said Artanis 'You must give the task to another of less importance.'

'There is no warrior in my company whom I value the less!' And he summoned a psi blade. 'Forward my brethren! Forward to victory!'

And before Artanis could make any command to the contrary the entire host rushed up the hill. The zerg emerged from their burrows and to rush against them. Yet they were driven in. The sunken colonies killed several among the protoss, but they too were destroyed.

Mutalisks came from the north and were shot down by the dragoons. Artanis assembled his forces and rushed into the midsts of the hatchery. Many thousands of zerg had come to defend it and the sunken colonies attacked with vigor. Dozens of protoss died in the fray within the first few minutes of battle. Artanis could feel their death screams as they became one with the khala. He fought all the harder, hewing down zerg wherever he found them.

The sunken colonies were consumed. The hatchery was burned asunder. Flames licked up throughout the hatchery. The victory was theirs! And across Aiur Artanis sensed that many other victories were won against the zerg. The sons of Aiur took heart and laid to waste their enemies and the soldiers of the terrans fought with them.

And yet not all were victories. And those few defeats hurt the protoss far more than the pitiless swarm. Artanis felt his hope falter. He shook it away and made his way across the corpses to meet Fenix, who stood atop the body of an ultralisk. 'We have regained control here Fenix. Let us return to Antioch and there make it safe for further defenses.'

'Yet look there, Artanis.' said Fenix 'There are hives beyond these hills, to the east.'

Artanis did see them. Vast festering hives, some recently arrived. Were there no end to the monsters? 'No Fenix. We cannot go beyond this point. We lack forces to assault such a bastion and our defenses would be left far behind. Instead, let us establish a fortified outpost here. From that, we can control passage to and from these lands.'

Fenix considered that and relented. 'You know, Artanis, although you and I have fought across hundreds of worlds together, I never imagined we would be fighting on Aiur. The zerg are indeed worthy foes.'

Artanis took heart. And as he did so he bore witness through the eyes of other protoss Judicator Aldaris. The Judicator was standing atop a clifftop. With him were many High Templar and they were focusing their energies. Beneath them a vast army of zerg rushing towards him. The vile creatures reached out into the distance, of every brood and strain. An ocean of evil beneath a stormy sky. Yet Aldaris raised a hand and from the sky poured psionic lightning. It tore through the fields and consumed vast numbers of the zerg. On and on they came, but none could get past the psionic storm ravaging the fields.

And above him surged the ships of Conclave. The carriers and scouts rushed forward. Their flights of interceptors fell among the zerg flyers as missiles blasted them. On went the great fleets of the protoss to fall upon many hives and destroy them utterly. And Artanis knew that they were but one part of the greater whole that was the khalai race. No enemy could stand against them when their full might was mustered.

Artanis felt mirth come to him. 'Perhaps so, but Aiur shall never fall so long as warriors such as you and Aldaris, Fenix.'

Aiur would never fall.

Authors Note:

Well, here we have the long-awaited first chapter of the Protoss campaign. I had problems deciding how to write the protoss perspective. For one thing, I wanted their perspective, not a human observers perspective. Like the terrans they are all independent entities but are all connected like the zerg. They are also a race of mind readers.

I ultimately settled on making the story center around Artanis. But I had him double time as an omniscient narrator thanks to the khala.

Now in regards to Fenix. He is regarded as one of the greatest protoss warriors. So I decided to make him more akin to Hercules. An individual protoss is like a demigod in Starcraft. For Fenix, being among the greatest of the protoss, is akin to Hercules. Which is why I made him a giant, even for a protoss.