Gate: Thus the Dominion Fought there

Disclaimer: I do not own Starcraft, Gate: Thus the JSDF Fought There, or the characters associated with them. Starcraft is the property of Blizzard while Gate is the property Takumi Yanai

"Talking"

Thoughts

Gate 10

While Pina's group was off on the other side of the gate, much was happening within Falmart.

Around the gate, the Dominion personnel worked daily to ensure the area was fully secure treating it like another outpost. The infrastructure only took a couple of days to construct with essential buildings and supply depots stationed around to grant pique efficiency. Command center, barracks, factory, and star ports were up and running soon along with other essentials such as living quarters and mess hall.

But for defenses, several items were put to order.

Four radar towers were erected within the north, south, east, and west side to make sure there were no blind spots within their defense. Having eyes in the skies with satellites and ships orbiting the planet, it was highly unlikely an enemy would be able to sneak pass without going unnoticed.

Along the hillside, several widow mines were planted around as the mechanical spiders were constantly updated with the defense system networks to differentiate between enemy and ally. Planted also along the hills were strategically placed flame turrets and sentry guns for areas where ground forces would have no choice but to bottle neck.

On the walls were bunkers, anti-air weaponry, gatling guns, and siege cannons which could strike a target two to three miles away.

Though in retrospect many thought this was overkill as probably a tenth of what they brought along was enough to stave off these primitives. But as lesson learned time and time again, it was always better to be prepared.

With Valerian's plan put to motion, the refugees of Koda village would serve as the seed for the foundation of their potential future. So for the few Terran companies allowed to do business on this side hired the native residents becoming a kind of trade partner as there was much needed to be done. Of course they could have built the infrastructure for them. But it was for the best that they shouldn't introduce things that were not ready for. Also to instill in them the pride of having built these things with their own two hands.

So covering transportation, the revenue from dragon scales served as the seed money needed for raw materials in the construction of their new town.

Starting small as little vendors they had soon gotten the attention of local merchants who were interested in the unusual and exotic goods that were starting to appear in Alnus. Thus expansion was inevitable.

When large amounts of money and materials are being exchanged around it also gave off the scent of new business and job opportunities luring in migrants in search of a new life. When it came to skilled labor, Italica usually provided some of their most capable hands as they were mostly demi-humans who were forced off their land.

However there were more migrants that were coming in then what was originally anticipated. The reason for that was the Empire's doing.

After their defeat on Korhal and their failed assault in reclaiming the gate the Empire made attempts to halt any possibility of retaliation. In relation to Terran history, they employed the scorched earth tactic destroying outlining villages that were close to Alnus hill while poisoning the ground so they couldn't grow any food on that land.

However such a strategic move hardly mattered to them. Easily in less than a day or even a couple of hours, several Terran battlecruisers could easily glass their entire country and still be back for dinner on that same day. Even if they decided to get personal by having soldiers on the ground, the results would have been the same. With their resources and technology, their armies would have been right at their front door. Though they had multiple kingdoms all over the country they had the man power easily within the hundreds of thousands that could burn each of them to the ground.

If this was the old Dominion this would have been likely the case.

But reading the reports of the Empire's activity from his command chair, Matt was none too pleased. "This nonsense needs to come to an end". Although what happened on this world was none of their business it didn't stop it from bothering them. From their point of view, many were disgusted at how callously the Empire treated its own people as nothing more than disposable pawns. They even went as far as to make them serve as fodder for their armies. Catching his eye, a red dot blinked on the large holographic map. "Report!" as the map focused in on a village in the far outskirts.

"Predator units have detected Empire forces. Visual feed coming in now" a technician reported.

Appearing on screen, several men in armor were forcing people onto wagons while others were setting fire to several homes. Meanwhile in the fields, other soldiers were killing the animals and destroying the crops while salting the ground.

". . . . It looks like we got more clean up to do" said Matt. Creating a safe area around Alnus, specialized predators were put into service. Designated the Panzer series these robotic cats served as force recon within the area. These automatons could be considered next generation robotic weapons. Reinforced armor, stronger servos, better A.I., and several on board interchangeable weapons they were on the cutting edge. Equipped with a fusion battery, they could remain operable for several decades.

But the reason for the use of these machines served three purposes. First was too support all Terran teams on their away mission. Second was for safety as exampled by third recons run in with the dragon. Rather sacrifice a robot then potentially any Terran lives. Third was to manage the Empire's aggression in the area through a show of force.

"They are ready to engage, your orders sir".

Narrowing his eyes Matt knew what he had to do. Though he may have been kind at heart, he too also understood the need for a more aggressive action. "Follow the same as usual. Engage all Empire soldiers. But leave one of them alive".

Inputting the command, the predator went to combat mode as they ran in.

Spotting these large metal cats, the Empire soldiers were stunned. Before they could properly react the extermination was already underway.

Each of the predators deployed a variety of weapons from high frequency oscillating blades to sentry guns from their main body. Within seconds, it had turned into a one sided slaughter as their enemy were sliced apart or blown into pieces. It was a gruesome scene as body parts were scattered around or internal organs left hanging out of their victims as some gave heart breaking screams trying to push it back in.

Tried as the soldiers did, their resistance was futile. Their weak and feeble human bodies just couldn't match up to the strength of machines designed for war.

"What are these metal demons?!"

"My sword cannot harm them!"

"Are these creatures of Hardy?!"

After a short few minutes the extermination was over. The ground was soaked in the blood and guts of the Empire's soldiers. As programmed, only one soldier was left alive as he would report back to what happened.

The last man that was left was on his butt as his legs had completely given in from terror. Looking around to his dismembered and butchered countrymen, his body wouldn't stop shaking. As the pungent scent of their death reached his nose, he wanted to vomit. But more so then that from the intensity of what had happened he ended up soiling himself.

As the predators got closer to the sole survivor, the last soldier quickly threw away his sword. Gathering what strength he had left made a mad dash to a horse and rode away as fast as he could.

But for everyone else, they were too terrified to move. They were only poor peasants and simple commoners. After that one sided fight, they only prayed to whatever god they believed in that they would be granted mercy.

Seeing the results from their command post, "that's enough" ordered Matt. "They're scared enough as it is. Have the predators vacate for now. Also prepare a care package to be sent immediately".

"Yes sir" as the technician forwarded the order.

Once the predators had fully retreated, a Terran response team would arrive to care for the now homeless villagers. After taking care of their basic needs, they were given an option to either come to Alnus or be transported anywhere else that they wished to go. Frankly it would have been heartless to leave them like that as what awaited them were hunger, cold, attacked by bandits, or becoming bandits just to survive. But after telling them the opportunities that awaited them in Alnus at least seven out of ten would choose to come.

"This makes it their fourth attempt so far".

"Hopefully they'll learn their lesson already" said Matt.

~ Korhal ~

In Augustgrad, Tuka and Rory had fully immersed themselves within Terran culture as they enjoyed every aspect of it.

Food, entertainment, clothing, their opinions were nothing short of phenomenal. With a spending budget, the two had picked up quite a few souvenirs in how much they enjoyed their time. On this day, they enjoyed just how fast the vehicles were as they were given rides on a couple of them. Wanting to experience it themselves the two were taught how to operate a vulture bike as they raced around a few tracks.

For the long lives they had lived, they would never have believed that they could experience so much fun.

Though Lelei was encouraged to go out and experience it she found her current spot more fascinating as she continued her studies into Terran science and technology. As her guide, Swann was happy to teach such a promising youth with how much she thirsted for knowledge.

With how much of a shine the old Terran mechanic had taken to the young mage, he assisted her in the creation of a new staff she wanted to build. Of course there were obvious dangers involved. But comparing their two worlds, they were still no threat to them.

Taking everything she had learned of machinery, element compositions, and physics theories Lelei wanted to implement all these new ideas into her new staff. Designing the parts carefully piece by piece and cannibalizing her old staff, the fabrication process was under way. Being machined and assembled, her new staff was a thin square rod which height wise was a bit shorter than her old one. Near the top was a large hoop as her magic crystal was embedded into the center of it. But what made her new staff so much different than any ever seen before in her world was the hollow core and an empty chamber where ball bearings could be loaded into it.

"Neat design there kid" Swann complimented. "Want to take it out for a test drive?"

"Yes please" Lelei nodded. Going to a targeting range, the young mage aimed her new staff as the tip of it pointed at a target. Charging her magic into the staff, a powerful focused magnetic field was being generated. After reaching optimal levels with careful movements of her finger she pulled a small latch releasing a ball bearing into the chamber. Once her sight was lined up activated the triggering mechanism as the ball shot out punching a hole into its target.

Swann whistled at the sight. "Not bad kid being able to put the Gauss effect to use".

"Efficiency is OK for a basic prototype. The weight and balance are also bearable" as Lelei swung the staff around. "I believe I can consider this a praiseworthy item".

Chuckling a bit, the old mechanic rubbed the top of her head as the young mage gave one of her rare warm smiles. If anything, Swann would've been proud to have someone like Lelei as a granddaughter or even just an innovative thinker.

As the three girls were doing their own thing, Valerian's intentions were met as the Terran populace saw who exactly existed on the other side of the gate as they were people just like them. Curving their aggressions in the right direction, most people did not wish to destroy their world and only wanted to take those from the Empire who were responsible to justice.

But for the girls themselves as lavish as their trip was, they were also secretly being studied from some small hair and blood samples they had taken.

Tuka's genetic profile and physiology showed incredible promise which could prove to be ground breaking within the medical and bio-engineering industry. If they were able to completely understand elf biology, it would almost be possible to live just as long as a Protoss. Of course they studied Protoss D.N.A. before. But comparing their genetics with them was like comparing heaven to earth. The difference was just too vast to make any real innovation from studying it. But with an elf, their genetic profile was close enough to Terrans for something interesting to be produced.

Rory was a very unusual case. Though she looked human, her genetic profile was unlike anything they have ever seen before. For the troubling part was if this was a blind study, her D.N.A. might have been mistaken as some sort of new Zerg strain.

Understanding the history of the apostles, they were all once simple normal people. But once they were chosen as apostles it would take a thousand years before they could ascend into a god.

Knowing the things they did, they understood exactly what was happening. In their view, apostles were steadily evolving as they underwent selective mutations over the course of a millennium all for the purpose of leading towards a specific evolutionary path. Correlating the description as well as what they understood, the end goal was some sort of energy being. But till more data were to come in, this still required more research. However it was interesting if Rory represented where the Terran species was heading too someday.

Concerning apostles themselves as they evolved through the millennia, they end up developing super human abilities from enhanced strength to incredible regenerative power. From some of the data they collected on their world, two apostles had been captured as one was dismembered and buried in separate places while the other was eaten alive daily. But even so they were still alive. If they were still alive after that kind of damage they needed to be ready in the event they encounter a hostile apostle.

Taking examples from some Zerg species they have fought, special munitions were being developed to terminate if not incapacitate them.

But of the three, Lelei revealed something even they did not anticipate. As the young mage used magic, they took the opportunity to perform a body scan to see if they could understand the nature of magic. But what they uncovered instead was that their mages may have been synonymous to psi users. Taking images of Lelei's brain, certain parts were active when she used magic. The same parts used by psi users. Upon discovering this, they just had to understand how it was all connected.

~ Augustgrad ~

Elsewhere Pina and Bozes were in constant talk about the future relationship between the Empire and the Dominion. But from time to time, they tasted the luxuries this world had to offer. Knowing the convenience and comfort, it would be hard to go back to their world after such an experience.

But understanding the differences between their worlds and the laughable gap of their military powers, the young princess had more or less resigned any idea of trying to defeat the people of iron. Though as a matter of pride she and Bozes held out the hope of trying to find some way to leverage the situation back into their favor.

But for now it was just mitigating the damage. As much as they wished to continue discussing this with the Terran emperor he was pressed for time as there were other matters he needed to see too. Thus today would be the last day before all negotiations were closed.

"These are the terms" said Valerian. "No more, no less. The Dominion will not push any further into your territory and will remain within the area of Alnus. However concerning the other matter, there is nothing the Empire can offer me in exchange. The nobles who had committed atrocities to my people must answer for their crimes as they are war criminals. Understand I will not be so merciful to those who raise their hand against my people. So the Empire has a choice to either give them to me or your entire country will face my judgment".

Pina cringed at that threat. But finding her voice, "then I would like to request that you release some of the prisoners you have captured. At least as a sign of good faith to make my people listen . . . ."

Bozes remained silent as she observed the flow of the conversation. They had to tread very carefully as not to anger this great giant in fear that they will move against their people. Hence for this last round of negotiation they only asked for as little as possible to hopefully smooth things along. It was good that the prisoners were not turned into slaves as such a thing had not been practiced by the Terrans for over a thousand years. As long as they were kept alive and in good health then Pina would be able to keep talking to her people to hopefully make them choose a peaceful resolution.

Valerian carefully thought about it. With eye witness to support Pina's story the other side should have an idea of what they are up against to deter them from any further conflict. But for that matter, "I will compile a list of those I'm willing to release as these were individuals who were captured before causing any harm".

"Thank you . . . ." Pina breathed out in relief.

"Furthermore I will also send one of our diplomats with you who can speak for the Dominion. If there are any questions, they will be able to answer them".

". . . . And for my proposition to the Dominion?"

"That . . . ." as Valerian scoffed while grinning. "You are getting a little ahead of yourself. Let's first settle this matter before moving on to another".

"The Empire can learn so much from you. After this war is over I truly wish we can exist on friendly terms with one another".

"If you're still around that is" Valerian jokingly said to which neither Pina nor Bozes found funny. But being serious, "if that time comes I have no qualms in our two worlds becoming friends".

"Thank you emperor Valerian" as Pina bowed her head followed by Bozes. "I truly wish to be able to see this future together".

Nodding his head, the young emperor soon stood up as did the other two. "With this we have reached an understanding. My staff will arrange for your additional stay here as well as your travels back home". Then reaching out his hand, "so until then".

Recognizing the custom of this world, Pina took his hand as they shook.

With their trip to the other side over only time would tell how events would play out.

To be continued . . . .

Author's notes: I've have been very busy. Now onto some commentary.

Obviously the setup the Terrans have on Falmart is literally overkill. Even if a herd of dragons were to attack, they wouldn't do much damage before getting completely slaughtered. If the Empire chose to attack again, it would be worse than a slaughter. It would be a straight up crowd control. But for what I have planned, those armaments will be necessary for later in the story.

We know the Empire used the scorched earth tactic to slow down the JSDF in the canon. But like them and the Dominion, such a thing is an obsolete and useless tactic. With industrialization, they would not be hurting for any resources as they could have been right at their front door in a matter of weeks fully stocked and armed to completely level them. With Terrans being from the 26th century with such advancements to their science and technology, there was no contest.

But in relation to the burned earth tactic, this was most likely to happen to the outlining villagers and town folks that lay in between the path of Alnus and the Empire. After the event of the dragon, it would make sense for them to send out automatons as support just in case something else unexpected was to show up.

Tuka, Rory, and Lelei as noted are immersing themselves within the Terran culture enjoying a lot of their commodities. But being who they are of course they were also going to be studied. Looking at it from a scientific/logical point of view, this seems to be the most likely finding they had of the three girls.

Though Rory in the way I can understand is similar to the Anicents from Stargate Atlantis. After reaching a certain evolutionary point they will ascend into the higher plain as a conscious mass of energy. Along the way they develop abilities that follows that evolutionary path. Just check out any episode that features Ancients or the episode where Mckay accidentally uses the ascension machine and begins evolving rapidly.

Pina and Bozes are as noted now returning back to Falmart in hope of ending this losing war. But since we all know who is coming next, it not going to end well. Furthermore when the story gets to a certain point (soon), all of Falmart will truly see why they should not have picked a fight with the Dominion. (spoiler) it's going to be a fallout lol.

If there are any questions or concerns feel free to ask as I'll try to answer them.

So thank you for reading and I further extend my gratitude if you can review as well.