Chapter 3: Third Recon


Disclaimer: Starcraft is the property of Blizzard and Gate is the property of Takumi Yanai. I own nothing.

Edit: Rewrote some speech to better reflect the Protoss ideals and goals.


The Executors were back in the Council Chambers, this time with Karax, phase-smith of the Purifiers and advisor to Artanis, in the guest seat.

"What have you learned from the prisoners?" Artanis began.

Karax wasted no time in replying, "Our enemy is known simply as the Empire, and by extension the subordinate kingdoms they have at their disposal. Their military strength and culture are equivalent to the medieval age in relation to Terran history. Even their most powerful physical weapons pose little threat, but some form of science, known locally as 'Magic', exists. As of now, we cannot determine its capabilities, nor how to recreate it. As for the reason for their attack, it was merely an attempt to acquire resources and conquer new land.

From what we know, the Empire is the only force responsible for both the attempted invasion of Aiur and the assault on Alnus Hill. The majority of beings on Falmart are uninvolved. This Empire is a primarily human kingdom that practices heavy discrimination against demi-humans and slavery regularly. It uses fear to keep its citizens docile. This is not as severe in other territories outside of the Empire's control.

Concerning the gate itself, this 'Magic' is the source of its power. While we are unable to stabilize the gate, we have managed to stabilize the continental plates in Aiur. We plan to do so for Falmart as soon as possible. As for its origin, we have confirmed that none of the native races have created it. A being far more powerful than any we have seen on Falmart had to have done so, and we know of only one race with such power... "

"This is troubling news. I trust that you will continue your research on the gate?"

"Of course," Karax replied, and left with a small bow.

It was silent for a few seconds after, then Talandar spoke, "This 'magic' has much potential, despite what the primitives have done."

"Indeed. The problem is this Empire. As it seems now, it is the sole cause of the attack, and much suffering in their world," Artanis agreed.

"Then let us destroy them and put this behind us," Yalara suggested.

Vorazun nearly laughed, "Do all Tal'darim just want to kill things?"

"Do not mock us! They attacked us without provocation and slaughtered our brethren. We need to teach these fools a lesson and show them how futile it is to oppose us, or they will never stop," Yalara argued.

"Perhaps we should allow Selendis to share her view first. She has the most experience on Falmart," Artanis cut in, preventing yet another argument from breaking out.

"Thank you, Hierarch. As you know, the Empire tried to retake Alnus Hill. They choose to ignore my warning and were hence destroyed. From what we know, it appears that this Empire is the main cause of much of the suffering of this world, including the discrimination and slavery. All of us want justice, and so do I. But there has been enough war. Enough blood had been spilled. I feel that the best way to avenge our fallen citizens is to enlighten the humans of Falmart. Help them find a better path. Teach them the Kahla, the Path of Ascension."

"You would have us uplift those barbarians?" Yalara asked, eyes pulsing red, already halfway out of her seat.

Artanis raised a calming hand, and Yalara settled down, though her gaze did not waver. Artanis spoke quietly, but in a tone that brooked no argument, "Selendis, please explain."

With a small nod, Selendis explained her reasoning, "No species is perfect. Even us, the firstborn of the Xel'naga, have our flaws. They led us to the Aeon of Strife, to cast out our own. But now, we stand victorious over a powerful force that threatened the galaxy. And it was only because we have learned our lessons, and have had the help of others, that we could band together to defeat this evil. The same can be said for the humans of the Empire. They are flawed, as were we. Let us teach them our virtues of honor, of justice. With our help, they can unlock their full potential, especially that of what they call 'Magic', which may prove beneficial to us. I am not suggesting to share any technology with them, but rather help them find their own capabilities.

Furthermore, of all the civilizations of Falmart, only the empire is at fault. We cannot purge indiscriminately for we will be no better than them if we do. Though I suggest we assist them, I have not forgotten their crimes against us. If they do not repent, if they do not learn, if they insist on war, then we will show them the might of the firstborn!"

It was silent in the Council Chambers as the other Executors considered her words.

Surprisingly, it was Yalara who spoke first, "You make a valid point. Uplifting lesser civilizations has backfired before, but what you suggest is different. We simply show them a better path. An interesting proposal. Perhaps a longer stay may be better."

"Indeed," Talandar agreed, "We stand to learn much from this world. This 'Magic', if we master it, has many potential applications for us."

Artanis said, "It is settled, then. We will stay on the world a little longer to test the Empire -"

Vorazun interrupted, "We will give them one chance, and one chance only. If they fail, the Empire will experience purifying flame."

"Yes," Artanis continued, "I agree. There has been enough fighting. Let us seek peace, with purification as a last resort. Do your best to find out more about magic, too."

"Of course. I will see to it," Selendis confirmed, and the meeting was over.


Selendis had, after much consideration, decided on the members of the recon teams. In particular, recon team three.

They would be led by Umurul, a High Templar who was once part of the Shel'na Kryhas that met Zamara and her Terran host, and one of the few who had survived. He had also visited a number of Terran worlds in peace missions, and his knowledge of Terran culture may prove vital to the operation's success.

Their military commander would be Talis, whose personality had been downloaded into a modified Adept shell. She had been chosen for her vast experience and was in charge of making sure that everyone came back alive. Her dislike for the Terran was well known, but she would be professional enough not to let it affect her.

Also in the team was Eldryth, a Dark Templar who had worked with the fallen Dark Prelate Zeratul. She had acquired a thirst for knowledge ever since and was highly interested in exploring this new world. She had also met the Preservers, and was skilled in the methods of, for lack of a better word, bookkeeping.

The phase-smith with them was Ador, known for his ability to adapt his technology quickly to fit his needs and those of his team. Though relatively young, his skills were great, as Karax himself had attested to. One report had claimed that he had once made a force field that stopped an Ultralisk dead in its tracks.

They would be assisted by a number of other Protoss, as well as supplied with transportation.

Confirming the team, Selendis sent a request for them to meet at the command chamber of the Nexus.

When all of the members arrived, Selendis got straight to the point, "Greetings, friends, and thank you for coming. I have called you here to brief you about your mission objectives."

Before Selendis could continue, the doors burst open, and a figure dressed in black spiked armor walked in, eyes glowing red. He was tall, even among the Protoss. A Tal'darim. Umurul spun and demanded, "Who are you? Why did you interrupt the Executor? Explain yourself!"

"I am Ascendant Orkir," the Tal'darim replied, voice full of the arrogance so common among his people, "I would be a part of this operation!"

"And so you think you have the right to disrupt this meeting? Have you no respect for the Executor?" Umurul responded, voice steadily getting louder.

"Thank you, Praetor, but I can speak for myself," Selendis spoke, "Ascendant Orkir, why do you wish to take part in this recon mission?"

"There are several beings on the primitive planet that are thought to be extremely powerful," Orkir replied with a sadistic (mental) grin, "I want to test my blades against them."

"Is that all? No," Selendis said, "You may not join us."

Orkir made a display of looking at the members of the team.

One wearing the basic golden armor of the Protoss, but what was special was how he levitated above the floor, emanating psionic power in the form of blue afterimages.

Another made of metal and cables, with white armor protecting her form. Amber lights glowed out of her eyes and all around their body, while a set of cables protruded from their head, mimicking the Nerve Cords that had once been so common.

The third wearing the armor of a Zera'tai Dark Templar, its rims plated in gold that refracted the light of the room clearly, her face masked by a shadowy veil that exposed only glowing green eyes. Shadows swirled around her.

"Khalai, Purifier, and Nerazim. I would hate for the Tal'darim to be left out," Orkir said, once he completed his sweep of the room.

Selendis grunted in annoyance, "Very well. You will be a part of third recon, whose members are gathered here before you. While you do so, you are under the direct command of Praetor Umurul."

"What?!" Orkir snarled, eyes darkening, "I will not answer to-"

"Then leave," Selendis growled.

With a "Hmph," Orkir folded his arms and quietened.

Selendis sighed, and continued her briefing, "You have been selected to form the third recon team. Your objectives are to scout the area, as well as interact and learn about the locals. If they require aid, support them to your best ability. Teach them, if possible, our virtues of honor and justice. Do not, under any conditions, share our technology, and do not engage in battle unless necessary. This especially applies to you, Tal'darim. Your secondary objective is to learn as much as possible about the 'Magic' that some of the natives can wield. Find out how they do, but do not put your primary objective in jeopardy to do so.

To help you blend in with the locals, a Projector will be sent with you. It has already been programmed to disguise you as humans and your vehicles as those of the area. Do your best to keep up appearances around locals. Are there any concerns?"

"Indeed there are. Why must we pretend to be humans? Why hide who we are?" Orkir demanded.

"Our objective is to make peaceful contact with the locals so that we can learn their cultures, and to teach them. It would be easier to do so in a form that they are familiar with. Any other questions?"

There were none, so Selendis continued, "Karax has also requested that you test a few of the prototype technologies that the phase-smiths have developed."

A holographic screen appeared beside Selendis, and Karax began to speak, "Thank you, Selendis. You will be using the Projector, Reconstructor, and personal shield overcharge."

Karax then continued to explain the uses of the new technology, while pulling up their schematics to show the team. He soon ended off with, "Do note that the Projector is unable to affect the sense of touch, so try not to come into contact with anyone. Agor, you are welcome to make any modifications to these as required. Anht zagatir nas (The gods watch over you)."

With that, the screen vanished.

"Your mission objectives and supplies will be as such. Should you find yourselves requiring any support, contact the Mothership Shield of Aiur. Is this clear?" Selendis asked.

"Understood," the gathered Protoss, with the exception of the Tal'darim, replied. The latter just made a non-committal sound.

"Then that will be all. The mission begins tomorrow. En Taro Tassadar," Selendis ended. The team left, leaving Selendis alone to wonder how much she would regret allowing Orkir to join the mission.

Third recon got ready to leave at dawn. They had four Warp Prisms, modified to physically transport riders instead of transforming them into energy signatures imprinted into the prism's crystal lattice core. Each would fly mere centimeters above the ground, disguised as horse-drawn cartridges by the Projector flying overhead whenever they were near humans. Two would carry the members of the team, while the third was a mobile forge for the phase-smith and the last ferrying probes, a Reaver and some supplies. Just in case they needed some firepower.

Umurul, Eldryth, Orkir and Talis and two Zealots got into the first vehicle while the others got into the second, except for Ador, who choose to travel in the forge. They moved out.


It was an hour into the journey when Eldryth suddenly asked, "You appear troubled, Umurul. What bothers you?"

The High Templar in question turned to Eldryth. With a sigh, he answered, "I am worried. Worried that the humans see through our facade and become hostile. Terrans have never been welcoming to alien species."

"We all know the risks. Keeping hidden is difficult, and you should not blame yourself for it," Eldryth told him.

"But I am the one experienced in Terran culture. If we are discovered, it is my failure."

"Do not worry. We will not fail," Eldryth replied, with utter conviction.

"Thank you for the support, Eldryth. You are a great sister to us all," Umurul told her, smiling a little.

"You honor me. What is our heading?"

"We ride for an Elf village," Orkir cut in, sounding strangely excited.

"Elf?" Eldryth asked, noting Orkir's mood.

"A species similar to Terrans, but far more long-lived and are known for their combat prowess. I hope some are worthy of a challenge," Orkir remarked.

That explained the Tal'darim's excitement, Eldryth thought, and replied, "I pray that you will not antagonize them."

Orkir gave a dismissive laugh, "Only if they start it."

"But why do we seek peace with such barbarians? Would it not be fair to simply destroy them as punishment?" Talis asked.

"We simply seek to bring the Empire to justice. We will only use force should there be no other choice. Furthermore, the Empire is solely responsible. It would be unjust to punish innocents for the crimes of others," Umurul replied, "There has been enough war."

Before the conversation could continue, Agor contacted them from the third vehicle, "Greetings, friends. Our Observer has detected that we are approaching the forest where the elven village is located, but there may be a small issue. A large flying reptilian creature fitting the description of a 'Flame Dragon' is strafing the forest repeatedly and setting large portions of it afire." Having said that, Agor brought up the Observer's data feed, showing the dragon breathing fire onto the forest.

"From what we know, this flame dragon is nearly unbeatable. We carry insufficient power to attempt to combat it. I suggest we stop here and wait for it to leave," Umurul said, after scanning the data.

"It may have destroyed the village by the time it leaves," Talis noted.

"That is a risk we have to take," Umurul sighed, "We lack the ability to confront it."

And so, the Protoss watched the forest burn.


It was over a day before the dragon left, leaving a charred wasteland in its wake. Having confirmed its departure, third recon continued their journey to the elf village.

As they got closer, they could see that a massive area of the forest was completely burned down. The leaves were scorched and the trunks of the trees were reduced to charcoal. Wisps of smoke rose from the blackened ground. Residual heat still remained in the ground, and the team could feel the heat from the soles of their feet.

"The possibility of survivors is low," Talis pointed out. Although Umurul agreed, they headed for the village anyway.

When they reached it, the team could see signs of several buildings. There were also several blackened human-shaped objects lying around the area.

"The damage looks like that of a Zerg attack," Umurul muttered, then, louder, he ordered, "Do a quick sweep for survivors, and try to be done before the dragon comes back."

Having all seen such damage before, the team could largely ignore the disturbing scene. Cautiously, they slowly walked around the remains of the village.

All the buildings were burned. Everything above the stone floor was destroyed, reducing all of it into piles of rubbles. Blackened corpses lay under these structures.

"Praetor, we have located a possible survivor," a Zealot reported.

Quickly, Umurul made his way over to the Zealot, who was standing over the village well. He could sense a weak presence within it. Concentrating, the High Templar focus his psionic energy to lift the elf out of the well.

Protoss usually would not look through others' minds without permission, but this was an exception, for the elf seemed panicked. A quick scan of her memories showed that her name was Tuka Luna Marceau, and revealed the circumstances that caused her to end up in the well. It also revealed that she was freaking out at the strange faceless beings around her, so Umurul quickly used his psionic abilities to send her to sleep. He then called a Zealot to bring the now unconscious Tuka to Agor and the Reconstructor, before resuming his scan of the village.

Upon hearing of the unconscious and possibly injured elvan survivor, Agor quickly activated the Reconstructor. As Tuka was brought before him, he directed the Reconstructor to scan her. With a beep, the prototype got to work, scanning and repairing the elf's biological tissue.

Soon, the Reconstructor was done, leaving Tuka in perfect physical condition. After noting the results of the prototype, and taking a sample of Tuka's hair for further study, Agor informed the others, "The elf is stable. What should we do about her?"

"We cannot leave her here. She would not survive," Eldryth noted.

Nodding in agreement, Umurul, having found no other survivors, spoke, "I recommend we bring her to the closest town. They may have a better idea of what to do with the elf. We should also warn them about the dragon."

"What of the fallen?" a Zealot asked.

Umurul sighed, "Unfortunately, we lack the resources and time to pay our respects. For now, we have no choice but to leave them to the Gods."

Carefully loading the unconscious elf into a Warp Prism, the team silently left for Coda village.


A/N: I'm not too familiar with Protoss ideals, so forgive me if they act unlike Protoss.