Part Two

Ah...the spaceport. As Schezar and his goliath stomped up to the massive complex, he was still unsure of what to do. He was far away from the Confederate base by now, and at the city port, he knew that any Confederate trouble that was thrown his way could be dealt with easily.

However, his biggest problem wasn't getting away from the Confeds...the problem was getting off the planet. A plan had formulated in his mind, but he didn't have the resources or numbers to do what his plan required.

He took a spot outside the doorway and hopped out of the mech. Taking a look inside the massive building, he saw that there were plenty of rides. What mattered was which one he took.

He started towards a nice looking shuttle when a hand on his shoulder stopped him and twirled him around to face him. He was met by a man wearing a ghost trooper's equipment, but he lacked the Confederate insignia that would have made him a threat.

"You," the ghost said, "are you Alan Schezar?"

Without thinking, he answered. "Yeah."

The ghost nodded. "My name is Samir Duran. The Confeds are chasing you, but I'm not here to warn you about that. I would like to make you an offer."

"What kind of offer?"

"I, like you, have been abandoned by the Confederacy. However, my men and I already have an operation in place. Many of them have considered turning pirate, and they need someone with good knowledge of how the Confeds work in order to be as effective as possible...and you're their best bet."

"You want me to turn pirate and strike the Confederacy?"

"Only if you want to. I wouldn't be--"

"I'll accept it." Alan looked behind him to make sure no one was eavesdropping. "What do you need me to do?"

"I have recently visited Auir," Duran started, "and have discovered an interesting variety of crystal that allows ghost troopers to psionically control a zerg cerebrate. Unfortunately, the cerebrate's forces need to be routed so the ghosts can get close enough. This is where you come in. I want you to take command of a hundred or so soldiers and do what you can."

"I see." Alan nodded his head once. "And while this happens, you'll be doing what?"

"I'll be waiting to make my move," Duran said with a small smile. "Come--I'll take you to HQ so you can meet your colleagues."

As Duran led Schezar towards a lightly armed shuttle, a grin slowly crept across Alan's face. If he had control of an entire zerg brood, his strength would be undeniable. The Confederacy would be his first victim. And all of those that had used him--like Duran--would be next.

It might not have been how he wanted, but power was finally coming his way.

"Welcome to Braxis IV," Duran said as the shuttle descended into the atmosphere. "As you can probably guess by the name, this is the fourth moon of Braxis. Here we've set up a resistance organization, with some people barely known yet higly qualified, like you, or others who all know, and are the perfect asset to our little resistance."

Alan nodded obligingly to the added information--he didn't really care. He wanted to get started.

I've waited too long to take things in my own hands, he thought to himself. Finally things are going to change around here.

The shuttle hit the ground, the hatch opened and the two men walked out. Not too far away, a half-buried-in-snow complex was up ahead, and Duran beckoned Schzar to it. At the door, he placed his hand onto a fingerprint screen, and the door creaked open.

Duran and Schezar slowly crept forward, and after a few twists and turns, they walked into a meeting hall, where a few people were lounging around, sharing stories or a smoke with each other.

Duran walked off into the distance to talk with someone, but Schezar recognized one person in particular. He walked up to the man and spoke his name.

"Arcturus Mengsk." It was more like an accusation than a simple identifier. "I'm surprised that someone as esteemed as you would be here."

"Quite the contrary, Mr...?"

"Schezar."

"Mr. Schezar. Would it surprise you to learn that many of my resources and allies have been through Duran?"

The ex-Confederate blinked in response. "You're saying that the avenger of Korhal is using someone else's bank account?"

Mengsk smiled. "I am here because Duran finds my assistance invaluable, not because I need his money. We both gain from our alliance."

Before Alan could make a response to that, a large group of people walked into the room and sat down at the table. Duran was among them, and he sat at the head of the table.

"I have brought all of you here, at this time, to tell you that the time is now. All of you who have had plans, I suggest you commence now. Those of you who are prepared to take down the zerg cerebrate, I would like you to meet in the briefing room, where General Gage will tell you what to do. And Mengsk?"

Arcturus looked up. "Is it time...?"

"Indeed. You can now commence your plans. All of you."

The people dispersed, please that such a short meeting was held. As the crowd grew thinner and thinner, Duran made his way to the computer and pulled up a communicater. After setting the correct channel, he spoke into it.

"The Confederacy will be dealing with all of the others, sir. We should get going on our own plans."

"Good," another voice spoke. "Meet me at the rendevous point, and I'll show you our first specimen."

"Very well, sir." Duran shut off the radio and sat back. Indeed, everything was working out, and by the time the Confeds knew of their plan, it would be too late...for everyone.


If you don't know what I'm talking about, play the secret level in Starcraft (beat the second to last Zerg Brood War mission with 5+ minutes to spare to unlock it). The story will hurtle between this and Schezar's own plans.

Next Chapter: Schezar meets his colleagues in his mission, and plans out the attack and his own schemes. Mengsk begins his campaign and Duran quietly meets with his superiors.