Lady A: Welcome to Chapter 1 of Heart of the Terran! Yes, The Trinity Ark Saga has returned and is looking for tons of reviews, so do not disappoint this beloved story! Now on with the mayhem.
Disclaimer: I do not own Starcraft. Props to ya, Blizzard.
Chapter One: Wastelands
Tarsonis, Home World of the Confederacy
Military Headquarters, Admiral of Operations Office: 0930 hours
"Commander Blaine, you have been appointed Chief Magistrate of Mar Sara Colony. The local Confederate officer is General Duke, leader of the Alpha squadron. You are to leave immediately and you will be placed in cryostasis for the duration of the journey. Your orders are to secure the colony and prevent mass panic from breaking out. Once it has been determined safe, you are to relocate the colonists to MS 1. Be on the lookout for unknown organisms and they are to be treated as extremely hostile. They attacked Mar Sara's sister colony, Chau Sara. That is all. Dismissed." The admiral ordered.
A young crimson haired, silver eyed woman saluted and left the admiral's office. She glanced down at the holopad in her hand and read over the reports.
"There have been reports of unidentified creatures attacking Confederate settlements. Chau Sara is currently under siege by said unknown organisms and because of this, they are shipping me off to some fringe world for God knows how long. I must have really pissed off the brass this time. To top it all off, I'll be stuck in an icy coffin for three months. What the hell did I do this time to deserve this? Oh well, orders are orders and Commander Artimes Blaine will follow them. What makes them think I can run a colony anyway? I'm a soldier, not a politician." She griped while wandering through the complex.
She was really getting tired of the military issued gray color that they loved to decorate the walls with. Made the whole place seem like a prison cell. She'll be glad to leave the Confederate home world, Tarsonis. Too many people and way too many soldiers for her liking. Not to mention, the Confederate scientists who were waiting in the wings to pounce on another psionically gifted human.
She entered the barracks and shuffled down another bleakly gray hallway to her quarters. Upon arrival at said quarters, she packed her things which oddly enough, weren't much. She didn't have much of anything besides her clothes, EPGs, dog tags, and a gold chain necklace with a green jagged jewel attached at the bottom.
She had nothing of sentimental value because she had no friends or family which meant no teary eyed goodbyes. Her only friend was Alan, but he, sadly, was driven insane by the Confederate scientists and had to be 'euthanized'. She grit her teeth for a moment while trying to rein in her anger. Those bastards took the only thing she ever cared about and claimed it was all for the sake of scientific research with their so called 'Specter' program.
She locked away her emotions and slung her pack behind her. She exited the barracks and made her way over to the space port, narrowly avoiding wraith pilots in their mad dash to the mess hall and was almost stepped on by a Goliath class mech warrior. Today was not her day.
She finally made it to hanger three where a small carrier consisting of two SCVs and a small contingent of marines were waiting for her. She recognized the marines instantly. There was Grayson, Carter, Marcus, Carson, and Masters. They saluted when she approached and she acknowledged them with a nod. She had worked with them on several occasions and were the closest thing she had to 'friends'. She used the term lightly, but they followed orders and they respected her.
The Confederacy was never overly abundant with the smaller operations, but this was borderline ridiculous. They were sending them to a fringe world and into hostile territory with no more than a pat on the back and a good luck. God, she hated the Confederacy and everything they stood for, but a job was a job. Didn't mean she had to like it, right?
She climbed up the steps and entered the carrier. She was greeted by a technician from the cryostasis division and Artimes had to resist the urge to slap him, his superiors, and the idiots who created those blasted icy coffins. She just gave him a polite smile as she approached him.
"I'm here to get you prepared for stasis, ma'am." He informed saluting.
'Thank you, Captain Obvious.' She thought dryly.
She simply nodded and swiftly stored away her gear. She proceeded through the medical examination and subsequent psychological evaluation.
"Your brain activity is showing a substantial increase since your last examination." The technician commented amazed, "I've only seen these levels in the Ghost program."
Ghosts, the covert operations unit that specialized in espionage and covert assassinations. They were psionically gifted Terrans like telepaths, empaths, and seers. They had the ability to cloak themselves from detection, fire nuclear weapons at point blank range, and were silent and deadly as the grave.
Artimes knew she wasn't normal. Like others before her, she had gifts and abilities above and beyond the average human and it was a full time job hiding her true capabilities from the Confederate officials. She thanked God every day for Alan, a fellow psi that helped create a cover for her abilities. Her heart clenched painfully at his memory.
If her powers were discovered, she would be 'transferred' to the Ghost program like her parents and perhaps like them, she would never come back out alive. The Confederate scientists would use her like a lab rat, tinkering with a person's mind out of so-called 'scientific curiosity'. She would do everything in her power to remain hidden and honor Alan's memory and sacrifice.
Artimes gave the technician a warm smile.
"I didn't sleep well last night and my brain is working overtime to compensate for my insomnia. It's all in my medical file. It's not unusual for me to have spells like this before a mission." Artimes lied smoothly.
Lying came so easily when she had to cover up her abilities. You would think she would feel bad about it, but no, she had no qualms with it whatsoever. She had one hell of a poker face and was the queen at hiding her true emotions. Lucky for the technician, otherwise he would be lying in a pool of his own blood by now.
"I see. Understood, ma'am." The technician replied dropping the subject immediately.
Good God, how many times would he call her ma'am in the same day, hell in the same hour? Did she look old enough to be a ma'am? Irritating little cretin, she desperately wanted to pound his face in.
The rest of the examination and psych eval passed without incident. The technician gave her some privacy while she changed out of her uniform and into the cryostasis body suit. The suit regulated her body's internal functions and prevented her body from inadvertently shutting down or what she referred to as 'freezer burn'.
It was a liquid silver color and it went from her neck to her ankles, leaving her head, hands, and feet free from the annoying contraption. It acted like a second skin and left no room to the imagination as to what lay underneath. Whoever designed the body suits were extreme perverts who needed their groins pulverized.
The technician returned and led her to the cargo bay where the stasis pods were located. The marines and SCV pilots were already in cryostasis. Thank God for small favors. She didn't them gawking at her, the lechers.
Artimes looked around and noticed the severe lack of rations and supplies. From the looks of things, she and her escort would have to rely on Mother Nature and how giving a mood she was in. Once again, the Confederacy showed their overwhelming generosity. Artimes had half a mind to tell the Confederate brass to shove it up their asses, but there was no room because the sticks were already there.
"The stasis pod is ready for you, ma'am." The technician informed.
Artimes's eyebrow twitched for a moment. How many times was he going to call her that vile word? She quickly schooled her features and turned to face the pod.
Artimes gave the pod a once over and came to one conclusion, that cryostasis was her own personal form of hell. It really did look like a coffin except with it being at an upwards diagonal rather than a straight horizontal. The bottom was grayish silver, what a shocker, with a transparent top that lowered down.
This was not Sleeping Beauty and she was not a princess. Nor did she have a handsome prince to give her the kiss of life. If anything went wrong while she was inside, she would be frozen in time unable to age or die. It was the worst form of life imaginable. She silently cursed the inventors of cryostasis. She absolutely loathed being turned into a meat popsicle.
"Make sure I wake up, 'kay?" She replied smiling despite her intense irritation.
The technician smiled back, his eyes slightly dilated from his lust which he was trying desperately to hide. Good God almighty, she was going to get groped while she slept; stupid perverts.
Artimes stepped gracefully into the pod and got comfortable. The transparent door slid close and the technician ran the final checks. Artimes closed her eyes and waited for the inevitable. The technician activated the stasis pod. She shivered slightly as the temperature dropped and her heartbeat began to slow down. She felt her mind become hazy and the darkness soon overtook her.
They say it's impossible to dream while in cryostasis, something about how all brain activity seems to cease while in suspended animation. They are full of bullshit. Artimes always dreamt while in stasis. Her dreams were vivid, incredibly detailed, and in vibrant technicolor. Sometimes it was hard for her to distinguish what was reality and what was a dream. They were that real.
Her dreams were filled with battles never fought, people she had never met, and strange insectoid like creatures destroying everything in their path. Artimes could never understand these dreams, but she knew they were important, like the universe was trying to tell her something.
Lately the dreams had been getting worse and she knew…she knew that something was coming…coming to tear the universe apart.
Mar Sara
Three Months Later
Artimes awoke in a deep fog. Her brain felt like a lead weight and her body ached all over from the cold. Her ears were ringing from the sounds of machinery and the technician's voice asking if she was awake. She opened her eyes slowly, letting her eyes adjust to the light. Why did she feel like she had just been hit by a battle cruiser?
The pod door slid open and the technician helped her out of the pod. She stumbled a bit and she held onto the side of the pod for dear life. Her legs felt like jelly and her body was stiff as a board.
"Careful, ma'am. You need to take it slow until your body is use to the gravity of the planet." The technician advised.
The hand cupping her backside did not go unnoticed as she finally got her bearings. Said hand disappeared quickly only to be placed low on her hip while guiding her to the infirmary. She wanted to break his neck, but she was still out of sorts from cryostasis, lucky bastard.
The technician conducted another medical examination and another psychological evaluation. He gave her a clean bill of health and she went to change out of the body suit. As her mind began to thaw out, she remembered what she had dreamt while in cryostasis.
A new face had appeared in her dreams. The face belonged to a handsome man riding on a vulture class attack vehicle. To Artimes, vultures were glorified bikes with attitudes which usually coincided with the personalities of their riders. She didn't know the man, but he seemed somehow familiar to her.
Artimes slipped into dark brown pants, a light beige button down shirt, a brown leather jacket, and dark brown boots. She rarely got to wear anything other than the Confederate's lame ass excuse of a uniform so she was going to milk it for what it's worth. She strapped on the holsters for her EPGs so that they rested on her mid thighs.
She grabbed her gear and put her pack on her back. She slipped on the gold chain around her neck and her ensemble was complete. She pressed a button on the wall's terminal to check for any further intel while she yawned widely.
"Adjutant Online. Good evening, Magistrate. I'll fill you in on what's been happening: Confederate traffic has increased substantially within the system due to the recent Protoss destruction of the Chau Sara Colony. The Confederates have tightened security on all outlying systems, and it's likely that this colony will be locked-down as well. An encrypted Confederate transmission came for you while you were in the infirmary. Replaying transmission:" The computerized female voice informed.
Artimes simply blinked owlishly at the screen. Chau Sara had been destroyed by the Protoss. She just couldn't muster up enough energy to be surprised that the Protoss had gotten involved with what was clearly the business of the Confederacy. Not like she cared in the first place. She just wanted to go back to sleep, preferably not in the ice box.
"Greetings, Magistrate. I'm General Edmund Duke of the Confederate Security Forces, Alpha Squadron. The Confederacy has quarantined this entire planet, and we'll proceed with the lock-down within 48 hours. You're to relocate your core colonists to the outlying wastelands. Now I know there won't be any problems with these new arrangements." General Duke informed.
'Forty-eight hours, huh? What a jackass.' She thought dryly.
"Transmission ended. I have contacted the local Marshal, James Raynor. Raynor has agreed to meet your personnel en route and escort them to the new wasteland site." The computerized female voice informed before the screen went blank.
Artimes yawned again. Good heavens, why was she so tired? She walked through the small passage ways and exited the small carrier and into the blinding light. She was nearly knocked off her feet by the blast of heat that accompanied the bright light of the outdoors.
"Out of the freezer and into the oven." She mumbled walking away from the carrier.
The SCVs and the marines had already unloaded the supplies and were waiting for her orders.
"Commander, drop zone is secure." One of the marines, Grayson, informed saluting.
The marines had learned long ago to never call her ma'am or face the consequences and shame of having a woman beat the hell out of them. She yawned again and patted Grayson's armored right shoulder. This earned a few chuckles from the remaining marines. It was obvious their commander was not all there. She hated cryostasis more than they did.
The loud roar and blast of air from the carrier taking off startled her slightly. She glanced back just in time to see the carrier break atmos. She sighed heavily and stretched her still aching muscles.
"What's our intel?" She asked blinking sleepily.
Masters stepped up and saluted. She waved him off in a rather bored and dismissive gesture. He ignored it and gave his report since he was long used to her relaxed behavior.
"The area is uninhabited. We will have to walk two cliques to the South before we reach the colony. Captain Jim Raynor, the marshal of the area, will meet us half way in the middle of the ravine and guide us the rest of the way." He reported.
Artimes checked her holsters and did a quick once over on her EPGs. Energy Pulse hand guns fired compressed energy rounds at high velocity and inflicted severe damage to anything in their path.
She smirked slightly. They were her own design and the Confederates were still trying to duplicate them from the schematics she gave them. She had failed to mention that the compression rate varied depending on the size and build of the person firing. The things she did to piss off the Confederacy always brought a smirk to her face.
"Alrighty then. Let's get moving. Don't be needin' to waste any more daylight yappin' like those Confederate dogs." She ordered her smirk widening.
Her deliberately slurred speech lightened the mood considerably. They headed South and it wasn't too long before one of the SCV pilots started complaining.
"I can't believe they sent us to the wasteland. Those Confederates think they can push anyone around." The pilot complained.
"Better here than those torture chambers they call stasis pods." Artimes countered.
The pilot shuddered a bit. Artimes resisted the urge to smirk. Cryostasis was far worse than the fringe world they were traversing.
"I hate those things." He replied after a moment.
"Me too, but they're a necessary evil, so just count your blessings that you're awake." Artimes commented smiling slightly.
The pilot smiled and followed her. About an hour and a half later, they entered the ravine Masters told her about. Even with her fatigue, Artimes's senses jumped off the charts. Something was in the ravine and it wasn't friendly.
"Stay on your guard. I don't want to be taken by surprise." Artimes ordered scanning the cliffs and expanding her senses.
"Yes Commander!" The marines replied taking up a defensive formation.
They continued their journey in silence waiting for the other shoe to drop. The commander had always been spot on when it came to trouble. The marines had a pretty good assumption as to why that was, but they all swore a vow to keep her secret even if she didn't know that they knew. They were that loyal to her. To them, she was more than their commander, she was family. Whether she was aware of it or not, she was the heart of their unit and they would gladly sacrifice everything to keep her safe.
After a few minutes, Artimes's abilities kicked into action again. Her telepathy was picking up something nearby. Unfortunately, whatever it was, was entirely jumbled due to her extreme fatigue. The only conclusion that her tired brain could come up with was that the cryostasis had taken more out of her than she had first thought.
Finally they rounded a bend in the ravine. Sitting in the middle of the path was a vulture class attack vehicle with green markings. Artimes nearly gasped when she saw the man who straddled said vulture. The rider was none other than the man she had seen recently in her dreams. She approached him warily, uncertain of how events would play out.
"Name's Jim Raynor, Marshal of these parts." He introduced.
'Damn, she's hot. Is she some sort of medic or perhaps the in transit entertainment? Wonder where the magistrate is?' Jim thought.
Were all men thinking with their pants rather than their brains?
"Commander Artimes Blaine, Chief Magistrate of Mar Sara Colony." She replied smiling slightly at his shocked response.
'A woman?' Jim thought, 'What the hell were the Confederates thinking sending a hot babe like her out in the middle of nowhere with a bunch of male soldiers to guard her? That's not asking for trouble, that's demanding it.'
"Got your refugees tucked up nice and tight at the other end of the ravine." Jim informed trying to cover up the fact that he was checking her out.
Artimes was trying desperately not to push him of that oversized motorcycle and onto his obnoxious ass, but her senses picked up something behind him before she could act on her temper.
"Excellent…oh and duck."Artimes ordered.
She pulled the right EPG from its holster and aimed at his head. He ducked just as an insectoid like creature lunged. She fired the EPG and blew off its head. Its body landed with a thud.
'Damn, that was close. How did she know and what the hell did she use to kill it? Its head is completely gone like it was vaporized.' Jim thought glancing over at the now dead creature that wanted his head for lunch.
Artimes smirked slightly as she holstered her weapon.
'There's definitely more to this woman than meets the eye. This could be interesting. Damn, she's good.' Jim thought his eyes returning to the woman on his mind.
"Perhaps we should get moving before any more guests arrive uninvited?" Artimes suggested a smirk on her lips and mischief dancing in her eyes.
Jim smiled.
"I'll drive, you shoot." Jim replied gesturing for her to get on behind him.
That surprised her, but she didn't argue. She straddled the vulture and had to bite her tongue. The marshal was hiding one hell of body. She immediately shoved her immediate physical attraction to him aside. There wasn't time for such nonsense.
"Hang on tight now." He commented smiling even wider.
"Stay here until I give the all clear." Artimes ordered the others who nodded in understanding.
Jim revved the engine, the back tire spun as the vulture swerved, pointing Southward. He lifted the front tire off the ground as they sped forward. Their acceleration increased once they were back on two wheels. Artimes accidently let out a small giggle at the maneuver.
'She's easy to impress.' Jim thought in mild disappointment.
Artimes scowled at his back. That put an end to her good mood. She pulled both her EPGs from their holsters, a look of determination on her face. She expanded her senses and she got a good read of what was coming.
"We've got incoming. Two to the left and four to the right." Artimes informed.
"I don't see anything." Jim said scanning the area as they continued forward.
"Trust me, you will." Artimes replied raising her weapons in preparation.
The creatures jumped out of the ground and charged at the vulture. Artimes fired her weapons with deadly precision, each shot a solid hit.
'Holy shit! She didn't miss a single one. Hot damn, she's good. Remind me never to piss her off.' Jim thought clearly impressed.
Artimes smiled slightly. It seemed she had earned some respect from the wayward marshal. Her head snapped up as she sensed something straight ahead. She scooted closer to him and she ignored the brief but provocative image that flashed through Jim's mind.
"Keep your eyes open, Marshal. There's something directly ahead of us." She warned.
'How could she know that? Is she psychic?' Jim thought.
Artimes stiffened slightly and directed her weapons in front of the vulture, one arm on either side of Jim's head. Three more creatures emerged from the ground in front them. Artimes took out two and Jim got the third with the vulture's weapon system.
They continued forward until they reached the encampment. They hadn't run into anymore of those creatures, but Artimes couldn't rule out the possibility that there might be more in the area. She dismounted the vulture once they came to a stop and holstered her weapons.
"May I?" She asked gesturing to the comm system on the vulture.
"Certainly." Jim answered.
She ignored Jim's perverted thoughts as she leaned down and activated the comm unit.
"All clear, but stay frosty. We don't know if anymore of those creatures are out there." Artimes ordered her unit.
"Yes, Commander. Eta: one hour." Grayson replied.
"Roger that. Blaine out." Artimes answered deactivating the comm unit.
She stood back up and leaned a hip against the vulture. An image flashed in her mind from Jim's thoughts. It was rather provocative and in it she was somehow pinned to the vulture with him on top of her while doing 'extracurricular activities'. Did this man ever get his mind out of the gutter? What was she thinking? He was a man, wasn't he? She ignored it and went on.
"We work well together, Marshal." She commented smirking slightly.
"Yes we do." He replied.
'Understatement of the year. We work perfectly together. I've never been so in sync with someone before. If she wasn't so hot, I wouldn't get so distracted.' Jim thought humor embedded in his last statement.
Artimes was trying very hard not to smile.
"I hope I can depend on you to help me keep the colonists safe." She continued.
"Of course." He replied giving her understanding smile.
'Damn, she's beautiful. Whoa there cowboy. Stay focused. There's no way she would go for fringe worlder like me. I'll settle for protecting her, but there's no shame in looking, right?' Jim thought immediately dismissing himself of being worthy of her.
Artimes's eyes softened. He may be a man, but he was gentleman. The attraction she felt for him seemed to intensify. There was something about him that drew her to him. She decided that she was going to have a little fun at his expense. She leaned in close, her face close to his. Her eyes took on almost smoldering look as she stared into his green eyes.
'Stay calm. Stay calm. Don't move. If you move any closer, you'll kiss her. Don't move. Breathe, damn it.' Jim thought frantically as his heartbeat accelerated.
Artimes smiled inwardly. He could be so cute.
"I'm not like the Confederates, my dear Marshal. My first priority is to protect my people. I need to know that you'll be there when I need you." Artimes commented leaning slightly closer.
'I'll be there. I'll always be there. I'll always be there for her.' Jim thought his brain trying to form coherent thoughts.
"Of course I'll be there. Whatever you need, I'm your man." Jim replied his thoughts finally sorting out enough to reply.
Artimes straightened up and smiled. She had learned something very important about Jim Raynor; he was loyal to a fault and very honorable. Mischief danced in her eyes as she came up with an idea. Jim looked very surprised and intently curious.
"What?" He asked a smile starting to form on his lips.
"Well I do need something." Artimes started her smile growing wider.
"What is it?" He asked his curiosity raging beyond his control.
"A second in command. Someone who knows the area, has combat experience, has a working relationship with the colonists, and who isn't afraid to offer advice and guidance." Artimes finished, "Know anyone who fits the bill?"
"In fact, I do. When do I start?" He answered chuckling a bit.
Artimes smiled widely. So Jim Raynor was handsome, loyal, honorable, slightly perverted, and had good sense of humor. This should prove entertaining.
"Right now." She replied matter-of-factly.
Jim smiled. Artimes and Jim spent the next hour talking about the area, mineral deposits, geography, current status of military personnel, their general dislike of the Confederacy, and the current morale of the colonists. Artimes was simply amazed at Jim's wealth of knowledge. He certainly did know how to surprise her and she felt her respect for him rise with every passing minute.
She had never met anyone like Jim on Tarsonis. He made her laugh and no man alive could boast that he did until Jim. Not even Alan had made her feel this good. Jim made her feel wanted and needed which was strange, because she had never felt that way before.
She and Jim just sort of fitted together, but there was something she could never tell him, her powers. If it got back to the Confederacy then she would be forced into the Ghost program faster than she could blink, but a part of her trusted Jim. She had only known him for a short time and yet it felt like they had known each other for years. She had to bite her tongue in order to not confide in him about her powers. He was just so easy to talk to.
Finally her unit showed up and she started barking orders like the professional she was.
"SCV one get started on the repairs. SCV two start mining the mineral deposits. Grayson, you and the others head over to the barracks and hook up with the Mar Sara militia. Initiate defense plan delta. Marshal, bring the colony's council to the conference room in the Command Center. I need to address their concerns. You have your orders, move out!" She ordered making her way over to the Command Center.
Two hours later in the conference room of the Command Center…
Artimes met with the council members and outlined everything that was being done; defense plans, supplies, and the relocation were major points.
"I'll try to keep you in the loop as much as possible, but in combat situations, I ask that you defer to my judgment and that of Marshal Raynor. My number one priority is the safety of every last man, woman, and child. Please come to me with any concerns you may have, no matter how little or insignificant they might appear to be. What matters to you, matters to me. I promise to keep you safe or die trying." Artimes vowed.
The council members exchanged glances before nodding.
"We thank you for your help and we will remember what you have said." The head councilman replied.
The council members left and Artimes collapsed into a chair. She rubbed her temples with her fingers. She felt so numb and cold. Why the hell was it so freaking chilly in here? Jim knelt down next to her and placed a hand on her knee. Her hands dropped to the armrests as she looked at him, her eyes slightly unfocused.
"You look exhausted." Jim commented giving her a soft smile.
She chuckled slightly.
"I am, but there isn't time. I need to win their trust, keep them calm, relocate them to MS 1, and defend them from hostile critters who want to eat them for lunch. No time to rest." Artimes replied smiling weakly.
"Do you always do this?" Jim asked slightly worried.
"Do what?" She asked confused.
"Put the entire world on your shoulders." Jim stated.
Artimes's eyes narrowed. She couldn't believe she was hearing this…from Jim of all people! She was not some weakling and she wasn't going to allow a man to dictate her life by any means. She stood up quickly, her eyes going out of focus, but she stayed up.
"If you think I can't do this then say so." Artimes snapped her usual control waning, allowing her anger to shine through.
Jim stood and looked her in the eyes. She tried desperately to read his thoughts, but her mind was far too numb and it was making her light-headed.
"You can, but you don't have to. At least not alone anyways." Jim replied his arms slightly raised in case he needed to steady her.
"I am the Chief Magistrate of this colony, Marshal, and I have responsibilities, duties to perform." Artimes stated with authority.
Jim flinched slightly, but recovered quickly. He was beginning to realize that he did not like being on the receiving end of her anger.
"I know, but you're not alone. Let me help you." He said softly, his eyes shining with worry.
"Help me, you say. Not alone, you say. I'm always alone. I don't have anyone. No friends, no family. My parents died while in the Ghost program and Alan died while trying to protect me. I'm all I've got." She admitted accidentally.
He had no idea who Alan was, but he was obviously important to her. Those Confederate bastards took away everyone she cared for and left her alone. Jim made a silent vow that he would always be by her side, whether she liked it or not.
Artimes looked away from his determined gaze, but that simple action cost her. Her head began to spin and the darkness began to overtake her vision. She crumpled and Jim barely caught her before she hit the floor.
"Artimes, are you alright?" He asked worried.
He didn't have time to examine the feeling he got when he said her name for the first time.
"I'm cold." She whispered barely clinging to consciousness.
Jim checked her forehead. She was burning hotter than a wraith's thruster. Her skin was pale and her cheeks were flushed. She was sick, very sick. Damn, how did he miss it until now? He lifted her into his arms and she groaned in protest. He left the conference room and walked as quickly as he could to the medical ward. She was slipping in and out of consciousness the whole time. He laid her down on one of the bio beds and she grasped his shirt. Her eyes were barely open and her breathing was shallow.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you." She whispered.
"You didn't. I'm perfectly fine. Get some rest." He answered his tone soft and full of warmth.
"Thank you for catching me." She mumbled as she fell asleep, her hand slipping from his shirt.
'I'll always be there to catch you. I promise.' Jim thought brushing the hair out her eyes.
The doctor walked over to them and quickly activated the scanner. After a few sweeps, Jim couldn't handle the silence.
"What's wrong with her?" Jim asked practically biting the doctor's head off.
"Judging from the scans, it's cryotoxicemia. It's a chemical imbalance in the body brought on by high levels of radiation during cryostasis. It's a miracle she was able to stay conscious as long as she did. She'll need time to recover." The doctor informed.
"Treatment?" Jim asked impatiently.
"Rest and a lot of it. One week minimum of absolute bed rest. No stress, no work, no strain." The doctor answered frowning slightly at the readings he was getting from the scanner.
"Alright. Move her to her quarters as soon as possible. I'll take command until she has recovered." Jim ordered giving Artimes one final glance before turning to leave.
"Will do." The doctor answered automatically, his mind solely focused on the high levels of activity in her brain.
Jim left the medical ward and walked back to the conference room. He slumped into a chair at the far end, his mind recalling everything she had said.
"She's alone. The Confederates took away her parents and her friend. Now she has no one. Damn it, I can't let that stand." Jim spoke aloud, his face in his hands.
He stood up and looked at the holoscreen. Artimes's outline was still pulled up. Jim read through it again and had to be impressed. The woman had left nothing to chance, she was concise and to the point. Every detail was seen and explained. Jim had to admit that she was brilliant, but boy was she hardheaded.
"How can a woman be this brilliant and be so incredibly stubborn at the same time?" Jim commented bewildered.
"It takes practice." A woman replied her voice laced with amusement.
Jim turned to the speaker. It was Stephanie Aldarin, a member of the colony's council.
"Madam council, what can I do for you?" Jim asked switching to professional mode.
"I wish to talk more with the Magistrate. Could you arrange it?" She asked.
"Unfortunately I can't. The Magistrate has fallen ill. I'll be in charge while she is recovering." Jim informed.
"What's wrong with her?" She asked instantly worried.
"Cryotoxicemia." He answered, "I'll need the help of the council to maintain stability until she is fully recovered."
"Don't worry, Marshal Raynor. I and the other council members have faith in the Magistrate and we will support her and you." She replied turning to leave, "I'll inform the others about the Magistrate."
"Thank you." Jim said nodding his thanks.
Aldarin nodded and left the room. Jim looked at the outline once more and just shook his head.
"You think you're alone, Artimes, but the truth is, you have many friends." Jim said quietly, "I wonder how long it will take you to realize that."
Four days later…
Artimes awoke in her quarters. She had no idea how she got there, but she did have the vague impression of someone carrying her. She shook her head and got out of bed. She stretched her body experimentally, testing each muscle and popping a few times. She felt great. She hadn't slept that well since…her face fell. She hadn't slept very well since Alan died.
She walked to the bathroom and quickly got in the shower. She remembered his short, golden blonde hair and deep blue eyes. She remembered how he would only smile for her and was always so kind. He was an empath, a person capable of feeling another's emotions, but his power went beyond that. He could actually manipulate, to an extent, a person's emotions.
Funny thing was, his power never worked on her and that was one of the many reasons why he liked her. He could be himself when he was around her, not having to worry about feeling every emotion that ran through her. He said he found her fascinating and intriguing. He was her closest, dearest, and really her only friend. Sure, they had been lovers, but that only seemed to deepen their friendship. It never actually developed into anything more.
She missed Alan terribly and she never had the chance to get to know her parents. They had been forced into the Ghost program when she was three years old. She had always been on her own, but now she had one Jim Raynor stirring things up. She wasn't sure what to do about him. She had never been so comfortable with anyone before, not even Alan had this level of familiarity with her. Could she truly trust Jim? Could she let him in? She honestly didn't have an answer.
She exited the shower and dried off. She got dressed in a snug, white short sleeved shirt and blue jean shorts. She put the gold chain around her neck and slid it under her shirt. It was soon accompanied by her dog tags but they stayed on top. She slipped on a pair of white and gray tennis shoes. It was only when she left the room that she realized she didn't have any dreams while she slept. It was quite the reprieve really.
She made her way down the hall towards the Command Core, but then her stomach growled loudly, demanding to be appeased. She redirected herself towards the mess hall, practically skipping as she went. Upon arrival, she noticed it was pretty empty. Well it was empty except for Jim. She grabbed a tray and piled it full of food. She grabbed a bottle of tea and made her way over to him.
He was currently drinking a cup of coffee and reading a holopad. The dark circles under his eyes told her that he was exhausted and probably hadn't slept in a while. She sat down in front of him and began eating. He didn't seem to notice her until she was done eating. He looked up from the holopad as he set his coffee down and his eyes went wide from shock. Artimes smiled softly.
"You look tired." Artimes commented stating the obvious.
Jim rubbed his eyes and looked at her again.
'It's only been four days. What the hell is she doing out of bed?' Jim thought as he blinked a few times.
"You should be in bed. The doctor said one week of absolute bed rest." Jim informed.
"I feel fine. I was hungry so I ate something. I'll visit the doc after I finish my tea." Artimes replied opening said tea and taking a swallow, "So what are you reading?"
"Oh no, doc said no work, no stress, and no strain." Jim answered moving the holopad away.
She took another swallow and snatched the holopad from him easily. Poor guy was so tired he couldn't keep up with her reflexes.
"Artimes!" He exclaimed trying to get the holopad back.
Artimes felt a warm, tingly sensation run through her entire body when he said her name.
"Yes Jim?" She asked feeling a similar sensation when she said his first name for the first time ever.
Jim went shock still for a moment in complete surprise.
'That's the first time she called me Jim. Why does it feel almost like a sin when she said it? She just said my name with those beautiful lips and I can't help but feel turned on.' Jim thought relaxing back into his seat.
She blushed slightly. The man was exhausted and yet he still found her beautiful.
'She's even more beautiful when she blushes. It has got to be illegal for someone to look as incredible as she does.' Jim thought taking note of her blush.
Her cheeks burned as her blush extended.
"You're not supposed to do any work and you're not going to until you get a clean bill of health from the doc, understand?" He said reaching across the table and plucking the holopad from her hand.
Their fingers touched for a moment and Artimes felt like she had been electrocuted. Her body was still tingly from the brief contact. What the hell was happening to her? Okay, she was pretty certain that she was physically attracted to Jim, but she had never felt such intensity before; not with Alan, not with anyone. She had no idea how to even begin to comprehend what was going on.
In an effort to regain her sanity, she quickly chugged the remainder of her tea and stood up. She then turned to leave when Jim grasped her arm gently. She looked up at him confused.
'I could really drown in those eyes. They're like liquid moonlight.' Jim thought.
"What is it, Jim?" She asked the electrical current amping up a notch from their physical contact.
"I'll walk you to the medical ward." He stated looping his arm with hers.
"I'm not going to faint, Jim." She complained scowling at him.
"Humor me." Jim replied guiding her down the hallway.
It was obvious that Artimes would not be able to convince Jim to let her go, so she conceded defeat, but only this once.
"Fine." She stated sulking a bit.
Jim chuckled which earned him a heated glare from a certain irate commander.
They finally made it to the medical ward. Artimes quickly detached herself from Jim and sat on one of the bio beds. The doctor walked over to them and his eyes grew wide as saucers when he saw the commander.
"Magistrate, I'm surprised to see you up and around so soon. How are you feeling?" He asked beginning his examination as soon as she lay back on the bed.
"I feel fine, Doctor…?" She started realizing she doesn't know his name.
"Tucker, Charles Tucker. Any dizziness, nausea, fever, difficulties breathing, fatigue, or pain?" He asked while activating the scanner.
After a few sweeps, she finally answered.
"No, no, no, no, no, and no. I feel absolutely fine. I was hungry, but I took care of that in the mess hall." She answered winking at Jim.
She really hated doctors. They sounded too much like those damn Confederate scientists. A ghost of a smirk appeared on Tucker's face for a moment.
"The level of activity in your brain is astonishing to say the least. These levels are easily five times higher than that of the average ghost." Tucker commented eyes glued to the screen.
Artimes internally cringed. She wasn't expecting them to be that high. Something must have affected her mind while she was asleep. There's no way she could cover it up. A sense of dread filled her entire being. She was going to become a ghost or worse a specter.
'She has nothing to worry about. I will never reveal her psionic abilities. No one deserves to be tortured like that. I have to admit that she is truly remarkable. She kept her powers hidden for so long yet I can tell that she has been training with them, actively using them. Who knew that a natural psi could be this powerful? I'll have to run more scans to make certain her abilities won't recoil on her and harm her.' Tucker thought initiating a deeper scan.
Artimes raised an eyebrow and gave Tucker a curious look. She wasn't really expecting him to keep her secret, but she didn't trust him either.
"Is that normal, doc?" Jim asked.
Artimes could feel the worry for her pulsing off Jim in waves. Did he actually care? Perhaps she'd have to rethink her stance on friendship.
"It's fine. Cryotoxicemia can sometimes cause heightened brain activity for an extended period of time. It's nothing to worry about." Tucker answered smiling at Jim.
Tucker had just flat out lied to Jim about the scans. What the hell was his angle?
'Thank God or whatever higher power is out there. Last thing she needs is for those Confederate assholes to rip away her freedom and lock her away in their ghost program. They'd have to do it over my dead body. She lost everything else. I'll keep her free, no matter the cost. I'll never let the Confederacy hurt her again. I swear it.' Jim thought giving the doctor a nod.
Artimes could only stare at the floor, her long braid over her right shoulder, blocking her face from view. Her eyes were wide and filled with surprise. She couldn't believe or understand the strength and conviction of Jim's thoughts. Did he really care that much after knowing her for such a short time? An image of Alan flashed in her mind. No, he wasn't Alan. He was Jim. Maybe, just maybe she could truly trust him.
Tucker smiled as his eyes softened when glanced at the Magistrate.
'She has no idea the kind of effect she has on people. The council has been talking up a storm about the brave, new commander. The entire colony already respects her and even admires her and she has only been conscious for a few hours at most. She's proving medical science wrong by being completely healthy after an almost lethal dosage of radiation while in cryostasis.
She's probably pissed off the Confederacy more times than she can count and every last person here would follow her anywhere. If what I heard from the marines that she arrived with is correct than she has no idea that she is the heart and soul of their unit and now the colony. It's simply staggering.' Tucker thought while perusing the scanner's latest results.
Staggering was right. Did she really affect people like that? Aside from her psionic abilities, she wasn't all that special, was she? Her mind could not grasp the concept. It seemed so foreign to her.
"If you don't mind, Marshal. I need to finish my examination and I seriously doubt that the Magistrate wants an audience when she removes her clothes." Tucker commented.
Artimes blushed slightly and look towards the wall.
'I wouldn't mind seeing her naked. I would love to see the entire package of this beautiful goddess, but she's already self-conscious enough as it is with the doctor. Oh well, I can always dream.' Jim thought humor and disappointment in every word.
"Of course. I'll be back later." Jim said quickly leaving the medical ward.
Artimes so wanted to punch Jim. Who knew he had such a dirty mind? Oh wait, she did from the moment she met him. Tucker chuckled softly. She glanced over at the doctor and saw his humor.
'If he only knew that there were two telepaths in the room then he wouldn't be so keen to broadcast his thoughts so loudly.' Tucker thought looking straight at her.
Artimes eyes narrowed, her eyes taking on a dangerous gleam.
'Two telepaths?' She thought.
'You and I, of course.' He answered smiling slightly.
Artimes's eyes widened. How the hell did she not sense him? She immediately placed her hand on her right EPG. Tucker raised his hands in defeat.
'It's alright, Magistrate. I have no intention of telling anyone; not the Marshal, not the council, and certainly not the Confederates. I mean you know harm.' He said quickly.
Her eyes narrowed again and her grip on the EPG tightened.
'And why not?' She asked clearly on edge.
He put his hands down slowly.
'Because contrary to popular belief, Commander, there are still people who do the right thing. I know what they do to people like us and I made a vow long ago to help those of our kind remain hidden. I'm only a low level telepath, but my gift allows me to identify others of our kind and communicate with them. There are others here in the colony that have special gifts as well, so you are not alone. They will make themselves known to you when they feel comfortable to do so. I know it's a lot to ask, but please trust me.' He answered his eyes never wavering from hers.
She could detect no lie in his eyes. He meant every word. Her hand lingered a moment longer on her EPG. She came to her decision and removed her hand from the weapon and crossed her arms.
'You never needed me to take off my clothes, did you?' She asked giving him a pointed glare.
Tucker chuckled softly and took it as sign that she was trusting him with her secret.
'No, but it did grant us a moment alone and a reprieve from the Marshal's more provocative thoughts.' He answered waggling his eyebrows suggestively.
Artimes blushed slightly at the insinuation. She scowled at him. Stupid doctors, why couldn't they come up with a better excuse than clothing removal? Tucker couldn't contain his laughter and she sent him a heated glare. Suddenly, images were floating through her mind. They were coming from Jim. He was within hearing distance now and it wouldn't be too long before he arrived.
"So, am I fit for duty?" She spoke aloud.
"Yes, you're in excellent condition. I would have liked to examine you further physically. Perhaps we could continue the examination in your quarters this evening?" He asked giving her a seductive grin.
She inwardly rolled her eyes at the perverted doctor. He was hitting on her deliberately because a certain marshal was within hearing distance of their conversation. Jim walked in albeit slowly.
"Maybe." She answered her tone like a seductive purr.
In for a penny, in for a pound. Might as well have some fun at Jim's expense…again. Jim walked over to them and sent the doctor a warning look that pretty much said 'back off'.
"Well?" He asked curtly.
Artimes bit her lip to keep from laughing.
"She's perfectly fine, Marshal. Quite limber actually." Tucker said flashing a smile at the amused commander.
'What the hell does that mean? He better not have gotten frisky with her? And what sort of exam will he be conducting in her quarters? If he so much as even thinks of touching her inappropriately, I'll break his damn hands.' Jim thought slightly agitated and a little jealous.
Artimes was trying very hard not to erupt into a fit of laughter. She couldn't believe his overly jealous thoughts. Men and their egos make for the best entertainment. Now where was her popcorn and soda?
"Thanks Tucker. Shall we go, Jimmy?" She asked giving a polite nod to the doctor and smiling at Jim.
'Ha. She called him by his last name, but she called me Jimmy. It's obvious she likes me more than him. What am I saying? I'm her second in command and her friend. Nothing more, nothing less. It doesn't matter who she does it with it. She's not mine. She has her own heart and her own mind, but still…it would be nice to know if she was a least a little attracted to me.' Jim thought as they left the medical ward.
They headed towards the core of the Command Center also known as the Command Core.
"So what's the doc going to do in your quarters?" Jim asked his curiosity getting the better of him.
Artimes smiled softly and giggled.
'Oh no, don't tell me she's going to do it with that perverted bastard?!' Jim thought frantically.
She decided to take pity on the captain. Poor guy was going to have a heart attack at this rate.
"He's going to bring by the test results and make certain he didn't miss anything. He wanted to do it in my quarters because I personally don't like the medical ward. It reminds me too much of a laboratory for my tastes. Also you have nothing to worry about Jim. I will never sleep with that lecher. Sure, he's fun to hang around, but he's not my type." She answered giving him a warm smile.
'Dodged a bullet on that one, but what is her type?' He thought as they went down another hallway.
Jim was proving to be a rather interesting fellow in her opinion.
"Hey now, I didn't say that you were going to, but what you do in your off hours is none of my business." Jim commented.
Artimes chuckled and he gave her an odd look.
"Haven't you heard, Jimmy?" She asked smirking slightly.
"What?" He answered his own smile coming into place.
"I'm never off duty." She stated smiling widely.
He scowled at her as they entered the Command Core. She grabbed the comm gear and placed it on her head. She sat down in the command chair and it slid forward to the terminal.
Four square screens lowered from the ceiling and just above eye level. Four rectangular screens rose from within the terminal itself. The far left showed the map of known areas, the middle left was the current status of all structures, the middle right was a list of all personnel and current levels of supplies and power, and the far right screen was the login portal for the computer's database.
"Adjutant online. Welcome Commander." A computerized female voice stated as the computer's AI, Sara, appeared on the upper right screen.
"Hello Sara. Transfer all status reports to a holopad. Have 2 SCVs gear up and prepare for departure." Artimes ordered.
"What do you have in mind?" Jim asked leaning on the Command Chair.
"I was out for four days. At least you could have done was get some scouting done." She chastised playfully.
'Sorry. The fire extinguishing system in depot one is on the fritz. The environmental controls in depot two went haywire. I recruited over two dozen men into the marines. Half the systems went down in the Command Center for thirty-six hours. Oh and the Chief Magistrate was unconscious from cryotoxicemia and I had to carry her to the medical ward. Not to mention, I was worried sick about her that I haven't slept in days.' Jim thought listing off everything that happened.
"My plate has been pretty full." He replied rubbing his eyes.
Her eyes softened. He had been worried about her and had lost sleep because of it. He really did care.
"Get some sleep, Jim. I'll take it from here." She ordered.
"But…" He started.
"No buts. If you don't get some sleep, I really will go and sleep with that horny doctor." She threatened her eyes full of mischief.
Jim leaned down, his face close to hers. She looked him in the eyes and he called her bluff.
"No, you wouldn't. You have too much self-respect for that." Jim stated giving her a small smirk.
Artimes chuckled and kissed his cheek. His eyes widened in surprise.
"You're right, but you're still fair game." She replied winking.
Several thoughts and images went flying through his mind, all of them perverted.
"That's if I let you, darling." He countered straightening up.
Her silver eyes sparkled with amusement. Jim was quite the character.
'Damn, she has gorgeous eyes. I've never seen eyes like hers. They're like liquid moonlight. I think I'll go to bed before I stick my foot in my mouth.' Jim thought.
"Good night, Jim. Pleasant dreams." She said smiling softly.
'They'll be pleasant alright. They'll be about you.' Jim thought smirking slightly as he left.
He called out a good night before disappearing around the corner. Artimes giggled profusely. She'll admit it, she liked Jim. His mind was permanently attached to the gutter, but he was very funny and fun to tease. Once she got her laughter under control, she got down to business.
She tapped the comm gear once and said, "Grayson."
She began accessing an enhanced version of the map and solidified her scouting plans. She tapped a few more keys on the terminal to bring up the information she needed.
"Yes Commander?" Grayson asked over the comm.
"Take five marines and head Northwest. Clear out any critters in the area." She ordered.
"Will do, Commander, and welcome back." He replied.
"Thank you. Now move out. I want you back ASAP." She said her tone humorous.
"Roger that." He replied deactivating his comm.
She tapped the comm again and said, "Carter."
"Commander Blaine, voice of a nightingale. I'm sure glad to be hearing your beautiful voice again." Carter praised.
Artimes rolled her eyes. She could always count on Carter to be over the top with flattery or some insane form of humor. He was definitely the comedian of her unit.
"Thanks, Carter. Take four marines and two SCVs to the Northeast. Rumor has it, there is a second batch of minerals out there along with a few of those creepy critters we love so much. Take care of the natives and set up a Command Center near the mineral deposit." She ordered rubbing her temples.
"Your wish is my command, oh great and powerful and beautiful and…" He started.
She turned off her comm gear with an exasperated sigh. Will Carter ever learn? That's like asking the Confederacy brass to give up their stripes and join the church. It's never going to happen.
Artimes proceeded to go over reports, fix computer glitches, and finalize Sara's portable AI core.
Several hours later, Artimes was in the second supply depot trying to fix the environmental controls. She was currently lying on her back under said control terminal sorting through wires.
"Magistrate?" Tucker called his voice coming through her comm gear.
Artimes tapped the gear once, accepting the transmission.
"Blaine here. What's up, Doc?" She asked while splicing wires to reconnect the heating system to go around a glitch.
"I need to speak to you." He stated as she finished up with heating system.
"Can it wait? I'm in the middle of repairs." She replied moving on to the malfunction in the cooling system.
"It's about the scans I did earlier." He continued.
Her hand slipped and she got shocked.
"Bugger." She said sucking on her burnt finger.
"Magistrate?" Tucker asked.
"Yeah fine. I'm in supply depot two, environmental station." She answered going back to her work.
The comm shut off and she finished her work. She slid the panel back in place just as she heard the doctor's footsteps. She sighed heavily and stood up. She started pressing buttons on the terminal.
'So what about the scans?' she thought as she started performing diagnostics.
'The cryotoxicemia you experienced substantially increased your powers.' He answered.
'You don't know that for certain.' She rebutted focusing on her work.
'But I do. I cross-referenced the scans with your medical file. You suffered from cryotoxicemia twice before and your brain activity increased. It's not going away either. It's permanent.' He countered.
Artimes gripped the terminal, her knuckles turning white from the pressure. The implications of the doctor's findings were astronomical.
'With these levels, you may have precognitive abilities as well.' He informed.
'You mean seeing the future? Get real, Doc!' She retorted.
'Not seeing the future, per se, but the most likely outcome. Those abilities would most likely manifest as dreams, but the point is, you can't return to Tarsonis. If you did, you would be discovered instantly. They would lock you in a laboratory and you'll never see the light of day again. They would do everything in their power to replicate your abilities. They would torture you if they had to.' Tucker explained.
If Artimes returned to Tarsonis then Alan's sacrifice would be in vain, but somewhere deep down, Artimes had the feeling that she wouldn't have to worry about that. Her mind filled with the dreams she had while in cryostasis. She heard Tucker gasp in shock.
'My God, is that what you see?' He asked his entire being filling with worry and panic.
'Calm down, Charles, but yes. If what you say is true about my abilities then I will not be returning to Tarsonis. Speak of this to no one. Last thing we need is to start a panic that could result in serious injuries.' She answered glancing back at him.
Tucker was clenching his fists and trying to regulate his breathing. He was forcing himself to return to a calm state of mind.
'Of course.' He said quietly, regaining control of himself.
She gave him a small smile of reassurance.
'Don't sweat it, Doc. I gave my word to the council that I'd keep everyone safe.' She reminded.
He placed a hand on her shoulder and she glanced up at him.
'We're in for a rough ride.' He commented.
Artimes chuckled softly.
'You know what I say to that? Bring it on, you sons of bitches!' Artimes retorted crossing her arms.
He removed his hand and looked at her like she was nuts before chuckling himself.
'You're crazy.' He commented smiling, shaking his head at her insanity.
'Maybe.' She replied giving him a mischievous grin.
Lady A: Voila! Chapter One of Heart of the Terran is complete! In all fairness, I have nothing to say, so review all you lovely people and I'll see you next time in Chapter 2: Backwater Station Part I!