Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to Starcraft or the characters, but the story is mine. I was not paid or not receiving any money from Blizzard.



Chapter 1

The debate was over before it had begun. Admiral Terrence Gray sat down in the large conference room in the first row center. The Expeditionary Fleet of the UED was completely destroyed by Kerrigan and her Zerg Broods. This what was the meeting now was about.

"We cannot afford another such loss! Admiral Gray, what makes you think that you can accomplish what Admiral Dugalle failed? Need I remind you that he was a brilliant strategist and died along with an entire fleet to the Zerg," Chief Advisor Harris Carpetie screamed. He was just trying to convince President Denis Holland that war with the Zerg, Protoss, and other Terrans was unnecessary.

Admiral Gray looked to his right, some one had stood up. He saw that it was Senator Chris Holly. Gray laughed silently to himself. Senator Holly hated Carpetie as much as he hated aliens.

"Carpetie! Do you not think we should take action now! The Zerg have been in heavy fighting with major Protoss resistance. Also Emperor Mengsk has been giving the Zerg hell for the last four weeks. We should just sit around and let them grow stronger?" Senator Holly was enraged now, but satisfied by the crowds reaction and that President Holland finally called order.

President Holland then stood up from his grand elevated chair. "Ladies and gentlemen of the Council, now I would like you to vote on this matter, here and now. Normally I would not so freely discuss my decision, but I for one believe that another Fleet should be mobilized for the immediate destruction of the entire Zerg race before they come to our home world and destroy all we hold dear. I cannot speak for everyone, but with the statistics of the Zerg victories, I'm sure you all agree."

The crowd applauded rising from their seats. The decision was made. Chief Advisor Carpetie sat down with his head in his hands. Admiral Gray smiled slightly again. He then quickly focused back on President Holland as he again called order.

"Admiral Gray, would you be willing to lead another fleet into the Koprulu Sector and engage all enemies of the UED, but above that, would you be willing to do this in the name of humanity?" Holland said still standing there.

Terrence stood up. "Mr. President, Senators, ladies and gentlemen of the Council, I will meet the challenge and will overcome Mans enemies. Not just the enemies of the UED, but the enemies of all peoples throughout the universe," Admiral Gray was pleased with his performance and the audiences reaction too it. He swore to himself he will not fail where Dugalle had only four months earlier. That was a promise he had with the Council and a promise he had with his wife Linda.

"Very well then Terrence. Suit up and take the Grand Pacific Fleet. Lead us to victory Admiral," President Holland said. The Fleet was in good hands. The war with the Zerg may be over before he knew it.



Koprulu Sector

The small rebel fleet had taken a beating but had managed to fend off the last wave of Zerg attackers. Among that fleet the Battle Cruiser Hyperion, lead the way back to the new home world of Castor. They had a place to call their own, for now at least. They had managed to remove the Zerg presence there with the aid of the Protoss. Together they built up new settlements and base defenses. The had a home.

"This is Battle-Group 001, Command Ship Hyperion moving in on approach vector. We need a place to land these crates over," the communication officer said at the command of Jim Raynor.

"This is Command Post, Alpha Kallie, you have been granted access to land your cruisers at ground level. Starport 319. Space platforms are currently full with a few Protoss Patrollers that were hit by the Zerg near the Sara system," the Protoss Commander had said. Things had changed now. The Protoss and Terrans here were no longer considered allies, they were considered brothers.

The communication officer looked at Raynor to check if that was okay. "Sir, is that okay with you?"

Raynor looked down at the comms officer. He couldn't quite remember his name. It was S.. Something with an S.. "Uh, yeah. Take up those coordinates then," Raynor said. He was still taken by the events that happened only six months ago.

"Very well then sir," the comms man said going back to his head set.

"Raynor, it was not your fault," the familiar voice said.

Raynor felt a large hand on his shoulder. He looked up to see the big bulky form of Zeratul standing there. Raynor looked away back at the crew doing their jobs down below him. "Yeah, yeah, I know. But damn it, why did I let her go alone."

"Following orders Jim. You are a good man Raynor. Do not grieve forever over this. I know it hurts to lose a friend, or one you love, but realize what is done is done," Zeratul said removing his hand from Jim's shoulder. He turned and left the bridge, heading back to his bunk.

Zeratul walked down the corridor heading back to his room. He was glad that he had just enough space to walk through. He made a left at the end of the corridor and found his room. He opened the hatch to see another Dark Templar waiting in the room.

"Zelsasha, what is it you could possibly want now?" he asked slightly agitated by the young Templars actions.

He stood there in shame for a brief moment. "Zeratul, I am sorry. I will leave-," he was about to finish when Zeratul had spoken.

"It is all right. What is it that you want?" he said knowing the question before the young Protoss spoke.

He looked up at Zeratul as sincere as could be before speaking. "Zeratul, I believe that I am fit enough to command. I have gone over the tests, both Terran and Protoss alike. I have mastered them. I am up to par with Artanis now, Zeratul." The Dark Templar stood before him not letting himself waver.

"You are ready are you?" Zeratul asked raising his brow.

Zelsasha looked him directly in the eyes and nodded as he spoke. "Yes, I believe I am fit to lead, Zeratul."

"We shall see then, Zelsasha. We shall see," Zeratul said. He knew the Templar had been training ever since Artanis had been defeated above the surface of Char along with Mengsk and the remainder of the UED.

Zelsasha only nodded. He then left Zeratuls bunk returning to his. Zeratul sighed. "Was I too hard on him."

"From what I heard, I woulda knocked you out," Raynor said jokingly standing in the doorway.

"As I believe you would have, but then I would have to cut you in to millions of small sections Jim. Heh. I am glad your feeling better," he said truly. Raynor had been grieving for a long time now.

"Yeah, me too. Look anyway, those scans you wanted were correct. Zerg are mustering forces at Antiga. You want to wait for my ships to be repaired or you want to take your boys out and scout ahead?" Raynor asked looking up to the massive form that was his friend.

"Your repairs take so very long. Even with Protoss aiding you, it takes forever," he said half joking, half serious.

"Hey, its your call man. We can catch up with you later if you want," Jim said turning ready to leave.

"I will go there with my fleet and then wait for you to catch up. Do not take your time in repairs Jim," he said patty Jim's back.

"Yeah, sure. Just save some for us okay partner? Good hunting Zeratul," he said leaving the room returning to the bridge.

Zeratul sat down on the bunk and thought silently. "Maybe it's time to test Zelsashas leadership skills." He flexed his arms back and arched his neck, stretching out his muscles. His scales shinning slightly in the light available. "The time for war is upon us once again."