Starcraft: Reigns of War

Disclaimer: I do not own Starcraft, Warcraft, or any characters associated with them as they are the property of Blizzard entertainment.

"talking"

Thoughts

Downfall

~ Lordaeron (Shield of Auir) ~

Blaring warning signals were ringing throughout the bridge as holographics showed the extent of the damages occurring around the ship. Appearing in a three dimensional rendering, indication markers were lit in red showing where breaches in the hull were occurring. Zooming in to one of the landing parties, several minions of the Burning Legion filtered out as they have successfully entered their ship.

Although some of them were easily identified, there were at least three new units within the mix-up they have not yet seen.

For the drop pods that were unsuccessful in breaking into one of their towers, they were smashed against the hull as they were littered to the ground below. For the passengers aboard them, many of them perished. However, some of them be it luck or resilient found themselves on the ground level of the ship as they began their assault all around. Although their numbers weren't exactly threatening, they were steadily becoming greater as more of their drop pods continued to fall above the ship without any sign of reprieve as there assault caused all types of damage.

"Report!" Malthur demanded, "what is our current status?"

"Primary conduit's offline! Power fields are all down!"

"Energy feed to shields and weaponry are non-functional!"

"If the ship keeps getting bombarded by the meteor strike we estimate complete hull destruction within the hour".

"Then reroute power from secondary systems to shields" said Malthur. "We need to protect as many of the primary sectors as we could. Focus the plasma shields around crucial sections!" The bridge commander then look over to another monitor. "How are we on communication and mass recall?"

"There is not enough power to allocate to the warp matrix. However there is still enough to use the psychic booster for one message".

"Very well patch me in when the connection is ready". Malthur then looked to another monitor at the space time distortion that had opened up above their ship. As the meteors rained upon them, their shields were barely holding with only reserve power. Based on approximate time at maximum flight speed of their warp prisms, more then half of the ship would be destroyed before back-up appeared. Without primary power or even a recharge cycle, defenses would completely fail well before then as they would have to rely on armor integrity. Thus, they needed to buy more time. "Are the interceptors still operational on the capital ships?"

"Yes, however we will not be able to operate them remotely from here".

"Then get those ship captains there to man them. Have those interceptors knock out those drop pods". Then communicating with that of his brethren, "Attention, we are under attack. All non-combatants remain in your quarters under lock down. Now to arms warriors of Khalai and Nerazim! We must hold till our brethren returns!"

"Psychic booster online".

~ Lordaeron (Quel'Thalas) ~

Artanis along with several others were investigating some items that might have been worth looking into within elf territory. However quickly learning that some of their technology was going offline, they were quick to investigate. Although it alarmed them that their psionic energy field was shut down, they were quickly relieved to learn that no high elves were suffering from withdraw symptoms as they had enough time to quell themselves of the arcane magic. For the worse problem that was occurring amongst them were those who suffered from dizzy spells and minor headaches.

But investigating the pylon stationed in the area, it still had power in it but with a much lower output. However the source was most definitely cut off.

"What is going on?" asked Artanis.

But then at that moment a message came in.

~ Kalimdor ~

Zeratul and his group were quick to notice fluctuations within their systems without any immediate understanding to the cause.

Although their pylons were functioning within the proper range, power output was severely shorted which was affecting most of their energy dependent technology.

As they started to diagnose the problem, they then received a message over the psychic booster.

~ Loraderon (Shield of Auir) ~

"This is the bridge of the Shield of Auir" said Malthur. "Our primary power source has been cut off. Currently at this time a dimensional rift has opened above us as the Burning Legion has begun their invasion. We are currently channeling what little power we have left into defending all crucial sections of the ship. However we will not be able to last long. We do not have enough power for the warp matrix to generate a mass recall. We request immediate assistance. I repeat we request imme . . . ." as the message then went to static.

~ Lordaeron ~

Alarmed at this news, Artanis quickly rallied his brethren. But for this trip he needed to choose wisely as the warp prism could only accommodate so much within it's memory storage. But with the battle occurring right within their city ship, ground troops would be his primary focus while phoenix and void rays will take out everything in the air.

However the problem still occurred that the Burning Legion was throwing everything they had at them. Without the proper support, they in turn might be overwhelmed.

"I got word you were leaving" said Kael'thas. "Has something happened?"

"We must return immediately. Our main establishment is currently under attack by the Burning Legion and we need every available warrior present to defend it".

Kael'thas eyes widened at the news. "That is most serious indeed. Then please allow us to assist you. We shall prepare our own forces".

"No, this is our affair and we must deal with it on our own".

The elf prince looked on blankly for a moment before giving a hard look. "Then please forgive my insistence. But we elves have a debt to repay to which we will honor. I understand your civilization consists of a very proud people, but this is no time for pride. Although you are by far more powerful then us in every conceivable way, I know there is at least someway we can help".

Artanis stalled at such a statement. Protoss were always a very proud society and in every way making them incredibly stubborn. It was due to their pride that the conclave which once governed their civilization caused them to fall in the first place. Even now with their advanced technology, asking for help from others was akin to an insult to their pride as warriors and superiority. However that was a mistake he did not want to make. "Very well. What air transportation do you have?"

"If we mobilize now, we can rally some gryphons and dragon hawks to ride on. For a small fee, we can requisition some goblin zeppelins to ferry more of our forces over".

Being made aware of his other resources, Artanis made the necessary adjustments. "Then me and a small force will fly ahead in the warp prism". Then turning to his brethren, "board with the elves and come as soon as you can. We must make haste!"

"En taro Tassadar!"

~ Kalimdor ~

Zeratul had already gotten everything mobilized as orcs, humans, and night elves were quick to respond. They have earned the respect of the three races as fighting against the Burning Legion with them was the least they could do as they were everyone's problem.

Taking the lead as the warp prism took point, a small army of zeppelins, hippogryphs, gryphons, and dwarf air machines followed behind. Among them was whatever warriors the three races could spare.

However it would take time to arrive as they still needed to cross an ocean to get there.

~ Twisted Nether ~

"The operation has already started" said Zac as he peeked around the corner.

An almost infinite army beyond what the eye could see seemed to have been coming from all over the facility as they made there way to what he believed to be the deployment area. Sneaking a look around, large batches of these demons climbed into rock like formations becoming surrounded by it as they were launched into a large fissure like portal. Looking into it, he saw what laid within it as on the other side was a Protoss mothership as it was under assault by the Burning Legion.

By the looks of it, the Protoss weren't faring too well if they were having his much trouble. Parts of their city-ship have already been destroyed or was on fire. To his analysis, power was probably cut off hence the lack of a plasma shield or even defensive weapons to repel the meteor like drop pods that were hailing on them.

With the numbers that were falling, they would not be able to hold out for long.

"We have the relative layout of this area" said Miwa. "The rest of the crew has already gotten word of the plan. If we drop the transport here, it would be the most ideal spot to lay down a perimeter while reapers get to work in disabling as much as they can. But sir, I must ask if this is a good move on our part. Our ship is the only way off the planet. If we lose it, we will become stranded".

"We just have to hope our allies will come for us after our transmission got cut off. Stick with the plan. When the transport lands, that's when the clock starts".

"But I don't think you understand what you're getting yourself into" then said Tyri. "Kil'jaeden is not an opponent to take lightly. He is not the master of the Burning Legion by title for nothing as he has the power to support his claim. That demon can easily kill hundreds of his followers with just a wave of his hand. Even us dragons are not foolish enough to challenge him without some kind of plan. So what do you think you can possibly do against that kind of power?"

". . . . All that I can" said Zac, "synchronize the watches the moment touch down occurs. I better get moving" as he engaged his cloak before running off.

Scoping the area getting the best vantage points, they prepared for their own war as Miwa and Tyri got into position. Setting a laser beacon, the transport was inbound.

Receiving the beacon coordinates, Lucas punched in the data as the ship began to rapidly descend as reverse thrust slowed them down just enough to make certain that they didn't slam into the ground. In one dramatic fall, the transport crushed several demons as defensive guns came online shooting anything that came into their targeting range. Opening the bay hatches, machines units were the first to come out as predators cleared a path baring their sharp fangs and claws tearing through demons as widow mines got into position laying down a defensive bombing perimeter. Exiting behind them, reapers came out dual Gauss pistols at the ready as they began firing at anything coming at them.

With how many demons there were, they would have been much appreciated if they at least had bunkers, heavy artillery, and armored units to cover them. However they had to make due with what they had to work with as widow mines were able to take out small pockets of units with their explosive munitions while predators were able to hold the line. Along with the sentry guns on their transport, they were at least able to hold this spot. But for how long, that they didn't know.

"We got our orders" said Eli, "begin our bombing run and destroy as much as you can. We have only fifty minutes to get the job done. Now go!" as half the reapers jet packed at maximum velocity as they looked for any target that seemed important. Seeing the rock like drop pods, they were one of a few targets along with destroying room corridors limiting their numbers of who can enter the room.

Splitting their numbers in half, one group would commence their bombing run while the others would stay and cover their area.

Taking cover and targeting with her rifle, Miwa sniped any enemy who were capable of distance attacks such as archers and those that projected energy.

Blasting away with her own magic attacks, Tyri assisted in defending the area. Though it would have been easier if she could return back to her dragon form. Her attacks would have been more devastating as she would have easily cleared the room with one sweep of her dragon breath. However with her enlarged size, it would make her an easier target. With no room to maneuver, it would put her in a severe disadvantage. "Does your friend truly understand what he is doing? Perhaps we should have gone with him to make certain he would be OK".

"I do not doubt his abilities" said Miwa. "Zac . . . . He's more unique in relation to the rest of us specters".

"How so?"

". . . . He is not what he appears to be".

~ Lordaeron (Shield of Auir) ~

The Protoss were doing their best to hold back the enemy forces. But simply there were too many of them to deal with as they continued to rain down upon them.

Without their technological assistance, the psionic warriors had to rely on their time honored skills to get through this. However not all of them had an energy blade or plasma shield generators as some of the Protoss were in separate areas of the ship performing their duties. Hence access to the multiple armory's around the ship was all but cut off by the invading demons to which they psionic warriors had to make due with what they had.

But since the time of the fall of Auir, the templar caste had all but diminished with the few warrior clans that still lived after the Zerg invasion. With changing times, it became quite simplified with what had to be done. You either fought or you died.

~ Shield of Auir (bridge) ~

Rumbling could be felt in the bridge as several red alerts were blaring on every monitor as the ship had all been invaded. As this was in full swing, many of the bridge crew was trying to allocate whatever power they could salvage to reactivate their defensive protocols. But with the main power cut off, there was not much they could do unless they could get a probe to the damaged section and begin some sort of repair work.

Although it may have seemed pointless, the bridge crew was doing everything in their ability to ration whatever power source they could muster.

"Enemy incoming!"

"We had lots of enemy incoming!" yelled out Malthur as he was furiously typing on his console.

"But this is different. Invading forces have reached the bridge area. Estimated time of arrival . . . . now" to which right on cue pounding at the door could be heard which alerted all crew members. "What do we do?"

"We do not allow them to take the bridge" said Malthur. "Ready yourselves my brethren. These creatures will not overtake us!" Watching as the doors were being pried open, the demons quickly filtered in swords, spears, and axes at the ready along with a few other creatures adorning fangs and claws. But regardless of their numbers, the Protoss would not show fear. Thus leading the charge, Malthur was quick to strip an attacker of their weapon relinquishing his opponent's spear as he was quick to put it to good use. "To arms my brethren! We will not fall this day! En taro Tassadar!"

"En taro Tassadar!" as bridge crew began their counter attack.

~ Shield of Auir (laboratory) ~

"Hurry! We must do something quick!"

"Do not falter. We must arm ourselves with whatever we can!"

"Assemble what you can. We must defend ourselves in any way possible".

These Protoss were not skilled fighters in least as their primary purpose were that of scientists. But for what they lacked in combat skills, they more then made up for in pure intellect.

In their laboratory was a wide collection of chemical and biological substances across the galaxy which could be fashioned into some weapon or another. Other items included in the lab were scattered parts of several machines.

Thus they needed to work fast as their time limit was the moment the Burning Legion breached their door.

Amongst the scientists, Lasarra was going over her inventory trying to think of an effective weapon to use against the enemy. But amongst her list of researched items, the one project she knew best was her experimental machine the replicant. If her theory was right, the nano-machine colony should be able to reconfigure itself to whatever she needed it to be. However it was extremely questionable if the replicant could properly mimic biological units such as zealots or dark templars as what they needed now was a warrior. But playing it safe, there was one machine she had in mind she knew could hold the enemy at bay.

" . . . . It's not going to be pretty. But I'll have to make do with what I have". Going over the archive, she uploaded the specs into the replicant as the nano-machine mass began to interweave, rearrange, and bind into the form it was ordered too. First generating a basic android skeleton, heavy red armor began to form around it starting from the legs to the torso followed by the helmet and arms. Last to take shape, two large canisters formed on the back as incinerator gauntlets started to emerge. Then after a moment, the eyes lit up yellow as the construct was now ready to serve. "Firebat operational" as Lasarra looked over the stats.

As most Protoss hate to admit, Terran ingenuity although extremely crude was effective in getting the job done when it concerned matters of war. Although their technology was such a blemish to the eyes and down right primitive on so many levels, it never fails to perform.

"Replicant form holding stable" said Lasarra as she continued to go over the data. "nano-machines successfully generating fuel for primary weapon. Machine skeleton is functional".

"Are you sure that will be safe to use?" her fellow colleague asked.

"I did not have time to test run this. However" as she looked to the door as it was soon going to be ripped open, "we are out of time". So commanding the firebat to advance, the heavy assault armor raised both it's arms as it let loose it's perdition flamethrower buying more time for the others.

~ Shield of Auir ~

"Hurry! There is no time to waste! We must join our brethren in battle!"

Hurrying down a long stretched corridor, a small party of zealots and dark templars were assigned to escort carrier pilots to their vessels. With the capital ships interceptors, the small droid fighters would not only give them the air advantage but easily pick off their drop pods and whatever enemy was running around the exterior of their ship. The only problem now was getting there as lots of demons were standing in their way.

Powering on their weapons, Khalai and Nerazim warriors stood side by side with their respective blades to slay whatever stood in their path.

"We must get through them quickly" said a zealot. "Slay whatever we miss".

". . . . Then just don't slow us down".

Charging in at full power, zealots began plowing the corridor of demons cutting them down as their psi blades swiped through their flesh and primitive armor without resistance. For the creatures that fought, their weapons were of little use in defending them. But continuing to sweep down the hall, the dark templar did their parts blinking in behind enemy lines quickly assassinating their target of not only cutting them in two but also cauterizing the damage as not a single drop of their blood tainted the floor, walls, or ceiling of their ship. At the moment of reprisal the Nerazim would simply blink away causing the enemy party to attack each other.

Like a violent wind of devastation, zealots slashed down all adversary's while their darker counter parts teleported in and out within their black like mist picking off any stranglers.

Progressing as they did leaving corpses in their wake, they finally ran into something which caused the psionic warriors to stall.

Blocking a good part of the corridor was a large black metal armor as it radiated green smoke aura. Accompanying this entity were several wolf like creatures.

"Ready yourselves" said the zealot. "I feel this will be a very different fight".

~ Twisted Nether ~

Looking around, it didn't take long for Zac to find the relative position of where this Kil'jaeden was. As with most important figures, they were usually in the highest and most decorated area as with the vanity of most leaders.

Running pass guards and other affiliates of the Legion, he then arrived within what appeared to be a throne room. In it stood a demon easily three to four times his height. Trying to describe him if there was ever such thing as the devil, the creature he was about to assassinate was almost the perfect imagery of it.

Regardless, his mission was clear. Kil'jaeden was the one responsible for keeping the portal open as red arcs of energy protruded from him as he was the power source keeping the dimensional window open. So at the moment he killed him, the doorway would more then likely collapse to which he would need to get back as fast as he could or be trapped within the Twisted Nether.

So looking around, he picked a good vantage point on the upper levels as he positioned himself for sniping. Although a knife to the head would be a more efficient way to confirm his kill, there were far too many things in the room for him to make a clean escape. Thus he had to make due with the situation. If what Tyri said about Kil'jaeden was true then he couldn't take any chances as he had to make this shot count. Going to his scope, his view narrowed zooming in as he planned to shoot him right through the eye as there was no conceivable way that could fail. With the magnetic accelerator of his rifle, he was going to amp it up with psionic power to achieve even greater force and penetration. As bluish energy began charging and condensing into the bullet, he steadied his body as he had a small targeting window with no room for error. Giving a sharp exhale, his muscles tightened and calmed as he was at maximum focus.

With one pull of the trigger the bullet erupted from the barrel tearing through the air as it was surrounded by psionic energy. Flying at mach speeds, it cut through the air with no resistance at it would soon reach it's target. As milliseconds passed as the bullet rotated through the air, it was inches away from meeting it's target.

Sensing something coming at him, Kil'jaeden noticed the little pellet flying at him. It certainly was no arrow but his instincts told him it was dangerous. Not having the time cast a spell or move his arms to protect himself, he tilted his head just enough so that he wouldn't get hit in the eye. However the pellet still hit him on the cheek as the full kinetic force got distributed on his face knocking him over as he toppled off his throne.

Alarmed at seeing the red demon fall, "master!"

Looking up from his scope, Zac couldn't believe he missed and furthermore the failure that his shot didn't kill the demon. Zooming in down below, the most his attack did was bruise his cheek to which now he had the red demon's full and undivided attention. " . . . . I think I just pissed him off".

Angered at such an assault, Kil'jaeden with a flare of his magic attacked the general direction of supposed assassin.

Impulse telling him to move, Zac got up and ran as his previous spot blew up as a trail of explosions followed right behind him. With the flooring breaking beneath him, he could not make it to the stairs as he fell from his location. Falling from such a distance, he did all he could to break his fall busting through multiple decorative architecture before hitting the ground below as some of the debris fell on top of him. Although his specter gear provided some protection, he was badly rattled. With the exterior of his suit damaged, small electrical pulses sizzled around him as his cloak was disabled. "But I still have a job to do" as he stood up pushing a large slab of stone off him.

As demons began to surround him, "stay your arms" commanded Kil'Jaeden, "I will be his opponent".

To be continued . . . .

Author's notes: Once again trying to bring in the balance work and be fair to both sides. Not to mention trying to imagine all the scenes in a fluid motion.

But now on to commentary.

To my understanding, pylons acts as extensions to the primary psionic power matrix of where all the energy comes from to power their technology. But being so far from Shakuras, they are not able to draw from it. So the core of the Shield of Auir is used instead. But with the main power cut, all it's extensions would go with it. However pylons are khaydarin crystals themselves which should be able to store some power in them.

After the fall of Auir, most of the templar caste died in the fight against the Zerg. So it was literally fight or die for the Protoss. Also before the concept of psi or warp blades, they actually did use metal swords. By my assumptions other archaic weapons such as spears, axes, and arrows.

As things stand the Shield of Auir is going to take one hell of a beating.

Anyways thank you for taking the time in reading this fic to which I further extend my gratitude if you can review it as well.