A/N: It's time for an adrenaline rush! Louise, politics, Fouquet, and the Staff of Destruction? Also, references! Enjoy!

Due to some graphic violence among other disturbing content, reader discretion is advised


Kerrigan didn't think EVERYONE in Osmond's office would come down to what used to be the Brood's nesting grounds. Needless to say, it took an extensive amount of time to open up the prepared entrance and get everyone down there.

'What an irritation, I suppose that was to be expected though.' This is the first time the Zerg have appeared on a world without the sole intent of conquering it outright.

She had done some investigating on her own for a makeshift light source for the Hive when she had the mages enter the cavern. It was unfortunately incomplete however, and the mages had to light the now derelict cavern. Sounds of both disgust and intrigue came from the mages as they walked across the creep. Kirche shot a glance over to Sarah, "What is this shit Kerrigan?"

"A special material that is produced by the Hive's core structures called 'Creep'. It acts as a food source for many of the Zerg, allows higher efficiency workmanship, and also feeds Zerg structures, allowing them to actually heal themselves." This last detail horrified the mages, buildings that could actually heal? "Let's keep moving. I don't care to leave Louise's guardian waiting."

Henrietta and Karin saw the Centaur first; Henrietta was shocked and somewhat fearful while Karin had nothing but rage in her eyes. The Centaur clearly respected Karin, and even the Heavy Wind could feel that. "You're dismissed, guard the tunnel that goes to the humanoids, when we are able to move Louise collapse that tunnel." The Centaur nodded and moved to its assigned post, but not before looking at Siesta with a bit of curiosity.

'She is strange Mistress.'

'I've noticed that as well child, she will be watched closely.'

"I apologize having you meet the Centaur again like this Karin, but I needed to keep Louise guarded. We have been having trouble with Ogres down here-"

Karin's eyes widened, "There's no way Ogres can be down this far, they are scavengers and need to have access to the surface. The only humanoid that lives this deep are Orc Demons." Kerrigan was curious; she had some samples of these Orc Demons but needed far more for genetic research. 'A hunting expedition may be in order after this.'

Henrietta, Karin, Montmorency, and Siesta both followed Kerrigan to the organic stasis pod and looked in shock at the disturbing sight of it. The pod itself was a jet black armored carapace with the young Void mage held within. It had significant structural support all around, with space for three water mages and an observer on the side.

Work spaces for various tools and trays for fluids and waste tissue wait for use around those work spaces. The work spaces, tools, and trays were all made from the extremely lightweight and surprisingly strong bone metal that is typically found in Ultralisk Kaiser Blades. The pod itself gave off a warm green glow that lit the pod and everything around it surprisingly well.

"The Academy's own medical equipment pales in comparison to the equipment and technology here."

"This was all custom made for Louise's treatment, all biologically made, meaning it heals, regrows, and can repair itself as time goes on. The material that makes up most of this is extremely sturdy organic steel that is used only in select Zerg unit and structure construction. Almost never dulls, and is prized by non-Zerg for weapons and tool usage. It is effectively worth it's wait in gold, and there is no other source of it on this world."

"I will show you the injury in question," Kerrigan spoke to the impromptu medical team as she used an organic hologram to display Louise's damaged skull. Icons and words began to translate from the Zerg script to perfect Halkeginian text nearly instantly.

"Is. . . That brain damage Kerrigan?" Henrietta asked nervously. Karin's eyes closed somberly, baring holding back tears. Kerrigan calmly responded, "No, the actual physical damage has been fixed, but she is still bleeding into the tissues between her brain and her skull. We simply can't stop the bleeding from our end, we brought you down here because you are all that much more skilled with healing then we are. You are also far more precise then Zerg are, medicine is not a trade skill used by the Swarm in any capacity for healing."

"I suppose we should get started then shouldn't we your Highness?" "Indeed, the sooner the better."

Kirche, Flame, Tabitha, and Colbert were walking around the once creep covered floors and walls to see evidence of the caves being modified recently. Kerrigan had done all she could for Louise, it was up to the medics now, and she began to follow the student group around.

"Lady Kerrigan, I can tell that most of the changes in this cavern were extremely recent, how did you manage to build such a large, stable cavern?"

"It was a challenge that required considerable adaption. While the Zerg are incredibly strong in nearly all environments, Zerg can't make themselves smaller and maintain the same effectiveness. I had to create a whole new species to allow for careful, precise adjustments to the cave."

Kirche seemed uninterested, but Tabitha was simply fascinated, "New species?"

"It's one of the strengths the Zerg have; they can absorb the abilities of races the Hive comes across and add those abilities with ones it already has. I can instruct the Hive to combine various traits and make a custom hybrid for a specific purpose. It is also possible to give each creature knowledge in various topics that the Brood has learned, such as chemistry, architecture, military tactics, just to name a few. The Centaur guarding the passage on the other side of the cave, as well as the two bodyguards I grew for Louise are all prime examples of these beings. The species I designed for modifying this cave system also was designed to allow the Hive to operate without my direct intervention on a level that hadn't been thought possible. I actually called the new being an Erebus, Latin for 'nether darkness.'"

Both Colbert and Tabitha were shocked by the sheer adaptability that the Zerg possessed, Colbert asked, "Is there anywhere the Zerg can't go or do?" Kerrigan had to think about that for a moment, "Technically this was the first true challenge for the Zerg while I have led them. Molten rock, freezing blizzards, toxic gas or even no atmosphere at all is little difficulty to the Zerg."

Tabitha was about to ask another question when a tremor came through the cave system, 'Mistress! Stability is at critical; it's time for the Terrans to go while they still can!' Head into the Nydus Centaur, I will call you and the Brood when its safe.' 'Yes Mistress'

"Alright, everyone but the medical team out now!" 'Erebus, I need an Overlord in the airspace over the Academy, I don't care how fast it has to go, just get it here!' 'Already en route Mistress'

'How do you do that Erebus?'

'As the Terrans say, 'It's a talent.''

Colbert and the rest of the students and teachers ran to the tubes they had used to come down and sent themselves to the surface. All the students evacuated in just two minutes Siesta froze in confusion, and Kerrigan held onto her tightly as both went towards the stasis pod.

"Will she be okay?" "It's up to her now Karin! We have to get her out now!"

Kerrigan threw some energy to keep the pod active a little while longer as she disconnected it from the creep colony.

'Overlord in position, over the same location the students are coming from?' 'Correct! I'll send her up; you got one shot at this Erebus!' 'Good thing I only need one Mistress'

Kerrigan grinned, "Alright, everyone but Karin head up, we'll be right behind you!" Montmorency, Henrietta, carrying a stunned Siesta all left the tubes with only dust behind them. Only Karin, Kerrigan, and the pod remained underground, "You better have a good idea for how to get my daughter out of this hole demon!"

Kerrigan couldn't help but grin again, "I sure do, but I'll need your help to push us all up."

The next moment had the stasis pod followed by Kerrigan and then Karin blasting through the tube, blasted up not just by Karin's wind magic, but the collapsing cavern pressurizing the air below them at nearly the speed of sound, stopping only when caught by the Overlord. While the pod was relatively still, Karin and Kerrigan bounced around inside the giant floating creatures abdomen like pin balls.

The now destabilized Overlord started to crash land in a clear, field, barely letting out all 3 occupants before crashing and exploding in a pile of gore, allowing enough time for the pod to be moved into the infirmary.

Louise was safe, but her fight was far from over.


With Louise now safe and in an induced coma to ensure she did not wake up too soon Kerrigan went about trying to convince Henrietta, Osmond and the rest of the staff she meant or intended no harm towards them or any humans on this world. First though she had to convince Karin on the necessity of ensuring that Louise could NOT dream during her coma.

"Why would you need to do something else to her?! I almost lost my daughter today and now you want me to take another risk with letting you do something else to her?"

"Karin! The last time she had a dream, it was taken directly from my memories, and it could've easily killed her if she hadn't woken up at just the right time. If mine weren't so intense and potentially lethal it wouldn't be such an issue."

'Wait, lethal dreams? How is that even possible?'

"Your daughter has considerable Psionic power. It's the same kind of power I control exclusively. Many of the people in this academy do, but she exceeds all of them by a fair margin and even my own power when I was a human being. If she has a dream of a part of my life as the Queen of Blades and it goes bad, there is a very good chance she will let out a Psionic pulse that will not only kill her, but everyone in this academy."

Karin just stared blankly at Kerrigan, "How can that even happen?"

"It's happened before, fairly recently too. There was a young woman called November Tera on the Confederate capital of Tarsonis back in 2499."

Karin began to listen as Kerrigan told her the story of the largest mass murder by a Psionic in the history of the now defunct Confederacy. Tera's family had been targeted by an anti-Confederacy terrorist group and began systematically executing her family. In her grief, she exploded in a massive psionic shockwave that killed several hundred and left no survivors. The blast alone was over 2 kilometers in diameter and also did significant damage to buildings and infrastructure.

Karin paled at the sound of this, "Karin, Nova had an even lower rating then Louise, almost half the level. Not letting your daughter dream is a small risk compared with the high likelihood of an uncontrollable nightmare."

Karin sheepishly nodded, 'I have been kicked into a corner again by this Kerrigan, but as much as I don't want to admit it, she's right.'

"I'll let the nurse know to administer a dream impairing potion to her, it won't affect her recovery much if it all. I have to go get ready to hunt down Fouquet, but I'll be returning soon to make sure she gets the training she needs to control her power."

"Goodbye for now, and thanks Kerrigan."

"It's Sarah in times like these Lady Valliere," Kerrigan turned and smiled to The Heavy Wind, who smiled back to her.

"Karin."


Tristain-Germania Border-Mt. Locus

The Erebus psionically smiled as it began to take inventory as the displaced brood began to set down into its new home. The Nydus was incredibly lucky to come across an extremely stable hollow mountain, most specifically an extinct volcano under Mount Locus. Not only was the area safer to work in, it was quite easily ten times the size of the original Hive base under the Academy. The Hive immediately set roots down and began building 3 hatcheries and reinstalling the tech buildings they had been able to move.

The Nydus had taken a tour around the mountain looking for other tunnels and cave systems and came back with news that a remarkable number of tunnels ran underneath the surface of the continent. It also brought back their report of their first Earth dragon, which was nothing more than a brief moment. The Nydus managed to take a massive bite out of it while it slept, gathering a huge amount of genetic information.

The information of the tunnels could allow the Zerg to infiltrate countries across the continent, and set up distant bases that would remain dormant under mountains, deserts, or even the ocean that could await a signal from the Queen of Blades to activate and build an army designed for total war. The Erebus would need to share the information about this the next time they got the chance to meet, either at the Hive cluster or elsewhere.

Another wonderful thing about the new site was a 90% efficient Vespene gas collection system, allowing the Hive to now focus on high tier construction on a much larger scale. A Lair was already operational, and a Spire inside the mountain would allow construction of airborne units designed for tight spaces. This meant that instead of flying above ground, risking detection, the Mutalisks and Scourges could fly through the Nydus network, allowing light air support to reach anywhere.

The Erebus knew that Kerrigan would need an army soon, but for what, it was unable to ascertain. The dragon DNA could prove to be rather useful. Now for a few other surprises to give it's Mistress. . .


Headmaster Osmond's Office

"Well, so as Louise said during the Exhibition your name is Sarah Kerrigan correct?"

"That is correct your Highness, I was born Sarah Kerrigan on the planet Tarsonis, the capital of the now defunct Terran Confederacy. At a young age I was discovered by the Confederacy's Special Operations division, a highly classified section of their Confederate military designed in its entirety to seek out, train, deploy and organize Ghost operatives."

"What was the mission of Ghost operatives?"

"Various your Highness, demolitions, infiltration, sabotage, assassination, and espionage in a covert, unseen direction. While with other military forces we provide training, intelligence, advanced weapons support, and act as forward observers for ship or missile assaults on enemy positions."

"What sort of technology did you Ghosts have available?"

"Just about anything you could imagine. Ghosts are the scalpel of any commander in the field, highly professional and skilled, with the added bonus of having Psionic power. Extremely powerful small arms, training in how to drive or handle any weapon or ship, as well as the authorization to call in nuclear strikes on certain targets."

These nuclear strikes are what exactly?"

"High powered weapons of mass destruction designed to cause massive carnage on the battlefield or on selective strategic targets, such as military bases or cities. They could be dropped from orbit, launched from aircraft, or launched from the ground in armored silos. Pray they never come into existence on your world."

A collective gasp went through the room, "Civilian targets were permitted?"

"Technically yes, we could not resist our orders because of the significant brainwashing and conditioning done to us, as well as having actual implants put in us that limited our self thought. Ghosts are considered expendable, and the attrition rate is nearly 100%."

"You were thrown away as a Ghost then?"

Kerrigan closed her eyes, "Yes your highness I was. It was the single greatest mistake of my commanding officer, Arcturus Mensgk. Instead of simply being torn apart, I was instead captured and brought to the planet Char, and reborn as the Queen of Blades, the mother of the Zerg by the Overmind."

Kerrigan then began to delve into all the actions of her own and those around her throughout the First Great War, the Brood Wars, and finally the Second Great War.

"Then when the Xel'Naga artifact fired, I was brought here to Halkeginia as the pulse destroyed all Zerg on Char. I was not unaffected however, and a significant part of my power was lost when I was sent here, along with a single Drone."

"That explains why you didn't continue your rampage here then?"

"Correct, I could not reach the rest of the broods, had little of my strength, and one drone to work with. That and living a human life has had a rather dramatic effect on me."

"I forgot what it meant to be human; Louise gave me not only a second chance at life, but a chance to atone. Billions of souls lay upon me and I only can ask for a chance to redeem myself on this world. Away from the world I once knew."

Henrietta facepalmed, "Well, what do you suggest we do Osmond?"

"There are no correct answers your Highness; if Kerrigan is as apologetic as she sounds she deserves a chance for redemption. She herself has said the Zerg changed significantly upon coming to Halkeginia, I see no reason why we cannot let her to continue to exist. The final choice lies with the Queen, if not the Pope."

"I did make Louise a promise though, before the Exhibition." Everyone turned to Kerrigan as she spoke, "I gave her a choice in where to send me after I revealed my true nature to her. Remain by her side or seal myself away forever. If possible, I would like her to make that choice; it would be fair to her."

Henrietta stood and made her judgment, "Lady Sarah Kerrigan de Char, you will be allowed to remain in Tristain on the provision of you being permitted by your master, Louise Francoise la Blanc de La Valliere; secondly, on the capture, or death of Fouquet and the retrieval of the Staff of Destruction. Finally, you may be allowed to remain provided you are approved by my mother Queen Marianne de Tristain. Do you accept these terms Lady Kerrigan?"

Kerrigan bowed her head, "I accept the terms stated and accept them as binding, Crown Princess Henrietta de Tristain."


Word spread quickly throughout the Academy of the secret meeting between the Academy's senior members, the Princess, and Sarah Kerrigan. Siesta had begun feeling herself becoming more open to people in a way, she began to be able to anticipate things before they happened. She had expected a bucket to come flying down and moved a young noblewoman out of the way, earning both surprise and a little gratitude.

'Father, what is this I am experiencing?'


'Erebus, I need a special operations team of Zerg ready for deployment on demand by tomorrow.' 'Done Mistress, any interests in specifics?' 'None, I just want 2 platoons of hardened troops sent by Nydus to a location of my choice relatively close to the Academy.'

'Air support is now available Mistress, two flights of Mutalisks, and 3 pairs of Scourges.' 'They will travel to the forest under cover of darkness. Out.'


Next Day

"Are there none who will take it upon themselves to restore Tristain's honor?"

The staff looked nervously at each other, none willing to risk their lives to take on Fouquet. Kerrigan had every intention of bringing back Fouquet alive or in a very small bag.

Kerrigan raised a single talon, "I Lady Sarah Kerrigan de Char accept this challenge in place of Louise Le Blanc de la Valliere."

Kirche gave Kerrigan a smirk, "I accept as well."

'As much as I want to poke at Kerrigan and the Zero I wouldn't stand a chance against her. She was equal to the Duchess when she herself was weakened from her display.' Kerrigan winked at Kirche, the Germanian paled in response.

Surprisingly to Kirche, but not to Kerrigan, Tabitha volunteered as well, "Worried." 'Worried about whom Tabitha?' Kerrigan mused to herself.

"Ah Miss Tabitha is well known in her native Gallia and has already earned the rank of Chevalier!"

Kirche was clearly impressed and smiled towards Tabitha, Kerrigan had long since known however and merely nodded.

"Miss Von Zerbst comes from an esteemed military family in Germania, whose fire magic is renowned, even in Tristain!" Kirche ran her hands through her hair provocatively, getting a grin from Kerrigan. The Germanian was someone even Kerrigan could learn to respect.

"And Lady Kerrigan has tremendous magical power and potential as a familiar from the Valliere family!"

"That's right! She also is the legendary fam-COUGH"

'Close one Colbert, but just I know for now Professor, let's keep it that way.'

"I will lead them to the site in question, I am familiar with the area," Longueville volunteered.


On the way to Fouquet's Hideout

"So what kind of noble becomes a thief exactly?"

Kerrigan responded, "A so-called 'fallen' noble, one who is either stripped of their status by a crime they committed, or has it taken due to political reasons."

Kerrigan had left Delf with Louise and Karin in an attempt to explain recent events, she had forgotten him during the Exhibition, and made sure he was with someone who could use him properly.

"That's correct Lady Kerrigan, even I am a noble who has lost her status. Thankfully Osmond has never been that picky about who he has working for him."

"Oh really, do tell Miss Longueville! I would love to hear the story!"

Kerrigan looks at Kirche and shakes her head, "Let it go Kirche, some things are best left unknown, and unsaid."

Kirche gives a look of mock shame and sadness, "Aw you're no fun Sarah." Kerrigan scowled back.

The rest of the trip proved uneventful as Longueville pulled them off the road and hid the horses and cart. The group continued on foot as Kerrigan detected Longueville's heart rate increase significantly as they approached a small shack in the forest.

Typical ambush point

Longueville points to the shack, "Reports say that Fouquet recently used the shack there as a drop point."

'Terrible place for a dead drop, and too conspicuous to be a normal drop point for a thief.' Kerrigan's near certain theory on Longueville's crime became undoubted fact.

'Prepare the Nydus to strike Erebus, as well as the fliers, on my command only.' 'As you command Mistress'

Longueville continued, I will go around and search the area to look for Fouquet, you three can head towards the shack and see if shes in there."

Longueville moved out of sight and earshot and Kerrigan held both girls' shoulders. Both looked at Kerrigan inquisitively, "What is it?"

"You do realize Longueville and Fouquet are the same correct?" Kirche's face drained of color, while Tabitha's expression changed into one of displeasure.

"How do you know?" "Let's just say I took a sample of magic from the golem that Fouquet used and a piece of her hair. They were complete matches"

'They don't need to know the whole truth, just the important parts.'

Kirche, I want you to stay here and stay out of sight. I have a Zerg team ready to come in, wait until they arrive and make sure they see you before you approach. Then fight." Kirche nervously agreed, she had seen some of the Zerg before and did not want to end up a human pincushion if she could help it. Kerrigan looked to Tabitha, "Let's go bust a door down and lure the thief out."

Kerrigan could've swore she saw a small smile come from the bluenette as both quickly and quietly advanced onto the shack, Tabitha checking for traps, as Kerrigan extended her claws and activated her Psi powers. What she felt from inside the shack instantly concerned her, there was an active Psi signature coming from the building. "Clear Kerrigan."

Kerrigan blasted the door off its hinges and dove into the room, straight towards the source of the signature. Upon touching it, she immediately recognized it.

'Protoss!' The Protoss were an alien race like the Zerg, they were even created by the Xel'Naga as well. Kerrigan then noticed her runes were glowing brightly, 'What is this? 'Seeing their tech here was an interesting development, I'll need to examine this later-'

Suddenly the roof was ripped off the shack and a large, and apparently stronger golem appeared overhead. Both Kerrigan and Tabitha both bolted out and away from each other, before the shack was crushed. Kerrigan called out, 'Send everything in! Leave the Terrans alone and target the Golem!' 'Nydus surfacing in 15 seconds, flyers engaging now.'

Kerrigan looked to Tabitha who was dodging attacks from the golem and noticed the first pair of Scourges detonate against the side of the golem, blasting boulder chunks out of its face and chest. It almost instantly regenerated until the second and third pair exploded against both arms, destroying both and stunning the construct.

Kerrigan took the moment to grab a dazed Tabitha and damaged Staff and threw both to Sylphid who was floating around the area with the Mutalisks, looking for an opportunity to strike. Kirche almost fired on a Mutalisk before Kerrigan froze her and yelled, "They're with me! The Golem is the threat!" She unfroze Kirche, still stunned by the pulse and fell to her knees.

Whoops.

The Queen of Blades cursed out loud and carried Kirche to Sylphid, "Keep your distance from the Mutalisks and the golem, their attack may seek you out accidentally!"

Tabitha carried the shattered box for the Staff of Destruction in her lap and took off, just as the Nydus erupted from the ground, leaving Sylphid, Tabitha and Kirche wide-eyed. Kerrigan became wide eyed when she saw an Ultralisk rush out from the Nydus towards the still stunned Golem. It screamed with the Psionic equivalent of a full speed freight train and charged, ramming and bowling over the Golem.

'Uh Ultralisk? Really Erebus?' 'You did not have enough troops or the right kind to deal with the sort of threat a large Earth Golem presents, I compensated.'

The rest of the Zerg, were staying well out of the reach of either Golem or Ultralisk, none willing to risk contact, and instead began to search for Longueville, being given a copy of her magical/psi signature to track her by.

'We found her Mistress, shall we kill the Terran?'

'No, stun and disable her, I need her to talk.'

The cloaked Hydralisk-Hades aimed a spike for the thief's wand hand and fired, taking the wand, as well as 2 of her fingers clean off. The action disrupted the Golem, which was then bowled over and flattened by the Ultralisk.

The ambush left the Swarm with only one Mutalisk lost from friendly fire and the Scourges sent in. A flawless operation.


Longueville found herself being held down by 2 Zerglings and two normal Hydralisks ready to drive bone spikes into her kneecaps if necessary.

"As I suspected, Fouquet the Crumbling Dirt is actually Miss Longueville."

Fouquet grimaced, "How long have you known?" "Long enough to establish a countermeasure to you, although I admit, you caught me unprepared at the Exhibition. Enough so I may make an example out of you rather then hand you over to Royal authorities."

Fouquet grinned, "You'll be doing me a favor!"

Kerrigan looked to her and deadpanned, "Whoever said I would just kill you Fouquet?" Fouquet's grin disappeared instantly. Kerrigan began to cackle madly.

"If I remember, you were in the room when I mentioned Infestation did I not?" Kirche and Tabitha's faces paled, as Fouquet immediately began to tremble.

"Tabitha, Kirche, leave us. Now. No human should ever have to see this. Take the Staff back to the Academy, I will return shortly." Both left very quickly, and did not turn back to look once. 'Tabitha showed actual terror in her face and her heart, it's good to know she isn't completely hollow.'

"We Zerg have an actual creature designed to perform Infestations, would you like to meet one?" Fouquet's eyes immediately widened in terror, "Come on out Infestor!" A black insect, resembling the Roley-Polly's of one's childhood meeting a bad trip immediately burrowed out of the ground and crawled over towards Fouquet, the criminal was terrified well past the point of no return and passed out.

'Wake her.' The Ultralisk has sprayed its saliva across Fouquet waking her instantly, making her scream out.

"You have a chance to escape with your faculties intact. Prison can be comfortable, even luxurious, you could be happy. If you resist though I could simply infest you, figure out the real reason you stole the Staff, who made you do it, and have them take you their leaders." 'Pick her up Infestor'

Fouquet screamed as the Infestor held her in the air and bringing a rather phallic looking utensil towards her mouth

"It would be simple to kill them all off after that. You are just a thief are you not? What is your loyalty to them?"

"Its those fucking nobility who killed my family and exiled me! Those bastards are helping me get back at them."

"So, Reconquista and who here is helping you?" Kerrigan saw anger boiling over in Fouquet, "Your answer will determine your fate Fouquet, choose, very, very carefully."

"It was WARDES!I don't know anything else about him, just please, don't do this to me!" While she obviously knew more, Kerrigan had all she needed for the foreseeable future.

'Infestor, wipe her mind and place a Neural Parasite, the most undetectable one you can make. After that, I'll take the prisoner back.' The Infestor immediately began it's rather time consuming work, and in a few minutes was completed. 'Ahead of schedule Mistress'

'Time to return in style,' Kerrigan thought, and mounted the Ultralisk with the thief over her shoulder.

Kerrigan looked to the Zerg, 'This exchange never happened, are we clear?' Acknowledgement came from every one of them, 'Back to the Nydus, no trace you were here either. Dismissed.'


Gates of the Academy

Nearly everyone had gathered on the far sides of the Academy as Kerrigan rode her steed into the gates looking victorious. Not to mention intimidating. The Princess watched as Kerrigan came back, in clear shock at the sheer size of the beast. Both Kirche and Tabitha were extremely nervous, the shattered Warp Disruptor on the wall. "So what exactly happened?" "Your highness, Kerrigan knew it was Longueville from the moment we went out there," Kirche reported back to the Princess. Kirche was clearly uncomfortable.

"What exactly am I looking at down there Tabitha?" "I do not know your Highness, it burst straight out of the worm like creature that erupted out of the ground, along with other Zerg units."

Kirche continued, "All appeared to be battle hardened, but the big one appeared to be extremely experienced, and tough. It practically threw Fouquet's golem across the field like a toy. Kerrigan had air support as well, these bat like creatures called Mutalisks and these small exploding drones that rammed into the Golem."

Tabitha finished, "They reminded me of a Gallian Hunter Killer team."

Henrietta gulped, "Hunter Killer?"

"Yes, some teams of Knights participate in wetwork, or the assassination of enemies of the Kingdom."

"You needn't worry about them assassinating anyone."

All eyes snapped to Osmond's desk where Kerrigan was now sitting. Osmond nearly flying back out of his chair by the surprise of the woman materializing inches from his face.

Henrietta glared at the Zerg, "Would you please stop doing that Kerrigan!" Kerrigan gave the Princess an innocent smile, she then cleared her thought and began her report.

"My mission was an accomplished with minimal casualties and total victory. The second condition of my asylum here in Tristain has been completed. In addition I was able to gather intelligence on Fouquet. If we could speak privately, Your Highness?"

"Oh and Osmond, I'd like to have a word with you and Colbert later today or tomorrow if that's alright. Just a few questions I'd like answered," Osmond nodded, surprised at Kerrigan's sudden politeness toward the old pervert.

Henrietta looked to Osmond, Kirche,Tabitha and her guards, and nodded. Both were left alone.

"What do you have for me Kerrigan?"

"What I know for certain is that Reconquista had a role in the theft of the Staff of Destruction."

Henrietta was stunned at this revelation, "How did you come across this information?" "I squeezed Fouquet. Hard. She will wake up with no memory of her interrogation or capture, she does not know that she has revealed her handler."

The Princess knew she was playing a dangerous game, but it was too tempting to resist. "What do you suggest Lady Kerrigan?"

Kerrigan smiled, "Let Fate take us in the next direction Your Highness. We'll deal with it once we get there."


Louise's Room

Headmaster, Professor, thank you for meeting with me on such short notice," Kerrigan spoke to the senior staff members.

"I see you brought the Staff with you, I'm glad, it will make our discussion easier for all of us."

Both the staff members shifted uncomfortably, "I apologize, I did not mean to come across in such a manner. I wanted to talk to you regarding exactly where this weapon came from? I can already tell you it came from my world."

Colbert was clearly confused, but Osmond knew the truth, "I can answer that question Lady Kerrigan. It was 30 years ago last month . . ."

Osmond went on to describe his life before the Academy and his encounter with a two headed dragon in the forests near Tristainia, and how a massive pulse of energy tore the massive beast apart.

He then told Kerrigan of the creature's terrible wounds, earned in battle. After his description, Kerrigan realized it was one of the old Dragoons that had saved his life.

"It died 3 days later, I did all I could but no amount of water magic could save it. I buried it in its armor, and placed the weapon it had used in the vault for safe keeping."

"It seems the Protoss were as noble as ever it seems," Kerrigan mused to herself out loud, letting a small smile flow across her face.

"Protoss?"

Yes, the Protoss are another race from my world. They are extremely advanced, and older then the Zerg even. They are few in number, even compared to the number of Humans and especially Zerg. They are masters of Psionic power, cybernetics, machinery and energy weapons.

"Even in my highest form as the Queen of Blades I was rivaled by some of the more powerful Protoss. Individuals such as Tassadar and Zeratul were both rivals and warriors I came to respect. The warrior that saved you was called a Dragoon, a powerful, mechanical-biological hybrid that formed the base of Protoss infantry through the Brood War."

"The main weapon of choice for the Dragoon is the Warp Disruptor, an energy weapon that bends Psionic energy into a weapon capable of destroying matter at the molecular level. As you can see however, it is damaged beyond repair, and is of little use to anyone. I doubt even a skilled Protoss craftsman could fix it now."

"Headmaster, the fact that a Protoss weapon on this world confirms the existence of means to travel between worlds or dimensions. Specifically, one between Char and Halkeginia."

"Finally however, my familiar runes activated when I attempted to use the Disruptor on the golem. I have a feeling you know the reason why."

Osmond and Colbert looked nervously at one another, "Your runes are those of the Gandalfr, the legendary Right Hand of God. One of the four Void familiars of the Founder, Brimir."

"Which in turn would make Louise a Void Mage?" "Correct."

The plot thickens.

"Who have you informed of this?" "No one, its a huge political and religious issue if a Void Mage is found to exist among the living."

Kerrigan closed her eyes in thought, and opened them once more, "I appreciate your honesty in this. I have known about the runes on my hand and their meaning for a few days now. It means a lot to see that there are good people here in Halkeginia who are willing trust outsiders."

The Headmaster and Colbert both felt a sense of warmth from Kerrigan's words, "It is in the interest of all parties that the information of Louise's magical aspect remain a closely guarded secret. I plan on informing Karin and no one else of Louise's capabilities."

"Karin is very religious and loyal to the Crown, she may speak out-." "She owes me for saving Louise's life, I know she can keep this quiet for the time being. I do need to go speak with her about this."

"One last question, can I see Siesta the maid that works here?"

"There may be a slight problem with that Lady Kerrigan, her contract was bought by the Royal Messenger Count Mott while you were gone. She has gone to work for him at his manor."

Kerrigan groaned, "Let me guess, she's his personal servant, which means that she will be his mistress.?"

Colbert and the Headmaster looked to Kerrigan in shock.

Bingo.

"That answers my question. I must retrieve her immediately, it is a matter of national security, as well as that of the Swarm."

Kerrigan had already pulled the knowledge of Mott's whereabouts from Osmond and walked out of the office

Kerrigan's hands balled into fists, knuckles cracking, 'Please Siesta, don't lose yourself to him. For all of our sakes.'


Infirmary

Duchess Karin de la Valliere watched over her youngest daughter as she remain in her coma. Louise had some of her hair removed during the impromptu surgery the previous day and was already growing back. A small scar set across her forehead would forever remind

Karin's face had been crusted over from hours of tears and revelations from Delflinger. Stories of the Founder straight from one of his closet companions,

"My little girl is a Void Mage?"

Delf took a moment to organize it's thoughts, "Yes ma'am. She is user of Void. Kerrigan, her familiar is the Right Hand of God, the Gandalfr."

Karin took a deep breath and sighed, 'Here I was hoping it could've been simple and just married her off. Well, that isn't happening anymore and she sure as hell won't be getting cut off from the family. No matter what her father says.'

"It surprised me when I found out too Mother."

Karin took a gasp and saw her little Louise open her eyes for the first time since seeing her at the Exhibition. Louise smiled, "Hi Mom. Miss me?" She was overcome with emotion and glomped onto her youngest daughter, weeping uncontrollably.

Kerrigan heard the Duchess' tears from outside, and decided those revelations would wait until another day.

She had a package for Mott, and she was going to make him sign for it.

Kerrigan called out to the Erebus, 'Prepare for an infiltration and extraction. Get a team ready, and have them meet me near the Academy. We're going hunting.'