Heart of the Swarm - Alternate

by DeltaCadimus

[WARNING - Unofficial Alternate Novelization] The Queen of Blades has fallen. The Swarm was defeated and Sarah Kerrigan has been restored to humanity. The war for the Koprulu Sector is over. Or is it? AU, OC, JimxSarah.

25. Chapter XXI - The Third Crewmember

HEART OF THE SWARM ALTERNATE

CHAPTER XXI - THE THIRD CREWMEMBER

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DOMINION SECONDARY FRONTLINE OPERATIONS STRONGHOLD - DOOM HAMMER
DEAD END MOUNTAINS, CHAR

Days before, with Zerg spread astray with the activation of the Xel'Naga artifact, the Dead End Mountains and the region around them stood serene, with nothing but stray minions and Overlords roaming around without any direction. The orange dusk-like sky shone high as most of the region, with little to no importance, was tranquil, the fighting more concerned against the Terrans on the other hemisphere, whom would triumph against the savage beasts. The once-volcano mountain was tranquil, resting on it's own rocks as these same collapsed rocks shut the volcano down, making it a supposedly safe ground.

Now, few minutes went since the Siege of Harkonnen ended, the battle for the control of Char finished once and for all for the Zerg. Few minutes since man and monster fought for the reclamation of the hellworld that became the most crucial point in the war for the Koprulu Sector. On the horizon, it could be seen the silhouettes of the Zerg flyers, now victorious, flying and circling the volcano-like mountain. A mountain that now erupted smoke from within it. A smoke large and thick that, were people to see it from afar, could easily presume the volcano, now dormant, had gone active once again.

Those that'd approach, however, like the wing of Mutalisks flying across at that moment, could see the burning structures of the destroyed fortress below, in the center of the volcano. Debris of structures and vehicles set ablaze from the aggressive let out the smoke that joined, all together, to rise up to the skies. Below, hundreds of bodies spread across more than a halve of the volcano, both Terran and Zerg, acid and blood spread everywhere. Zerg remained across the mountains, now scattered since the end of the battle. They wandered around, roaming the area, until the moment they'd be called again to battle.

There was one, however, that was just waiting, roaming and looking around as it awaited it's turn to expend. There was nothing more to do. 'Her' role was finished, and now 'she' was stepping aside, just awaiting 'her' hour to die, knowing there was no more purpose in 'her' temporary existence. Soon, 'her' body would collapse, but the job, as assigned, was now done. The Changeling that posed as Sarah Kerrigan understood that well. It was in 'her' nature, since inception. There was nothing else to do, especially with so much few time left. That was why the shape-shifter was simply slowly walking around, looking at everything that happened on that mountain, witnessing the scars of a violent battle that occurred. 'She' looked at the destruction around 'her', and felt nothing. 'Her' face remained cold at all times, even at the eerie feel of desperation and destruction, even at the blood and the hundreds of corpses and carcasses, some portions of them with acid still melting through the flesh and Neosteel. The smell of death and decay was absurdly strong, given the amount of littering and an absolute lack of animals to rummage their corpses, like crows or vultures, meaning disease that'd make this area more hazardous to travel in than it already has. There was absolutely nothing to help clean up the bodies, and those that burned were simply so few.

The Changeling looked through the smoking remainder of a Bunker close by, it's occupants inside exposed to the Zergling masses as they flooded the small defensive emplacement, subduing and slaughtering all enemies. Close by, a pole with the banner of the Terran Dominion, ragged and torn, had caught up flames as was now burning as well. Close by, a trio of Zerglings slowly wandered close by, so much roaming as scouring the camp for survivors who'd attempt a fight. 'Her' look still remained cold, even as 'she' slowly walked across the ruins of the base's frontlines, the mark of Brood Mother Za'gara's victory over the Terrans. The victory of the Swam over the beings that took the throne of the Swarm. That Kerrigan could feel nothing. That Changeling felt nothing. It was in it's nature since inception, as well.

'She' walked past the ruins of a Planetary Fortress, atop the corpses of the Marines, Marauders and other infantry whom fell in the front. A couple of Medics, also killed, also lied on the ground. Afar, in the horizon, the remainder's of the primary base, that housed the Primary Operations Command still under construction, let out more smoke than the other structures spread all around. Barracks, Factories, Starports, Supply Depots, Engineering Bays, Armories... All were wrecked into ruin so much as the defenses. Some of these attempted to lift off and relocate to a safe position, but were eventually shot down when the Atlas boosters, present in most large Terran structures, were hit and exploded. A small pack of Mutalisks flew above and around that P.O.C., now in ruins pretty much as, supposedly, the Harkonnen fortress was right now, as the Queen would have eventually succeeded. Victory, no doubt, had cometh. The Doom Hammer met it's own doom.

The Changeling, suddenly, heard a growl nearby. A growl of pain, a weak one, a bit to the right. A growl too weak, denoting the one emitting it was not dead, but dying. The creature approached the source of the growl as other Zerg creatures simply roamed around slowly. Above, an Overlord now tethered above in the air, motionless. The growl came from one of the hundreds of fallen Marines, though this one was alive, but only by a thread. His red-clad armor was entirely pierced with holes from vicious strikes of a Zergling. His abdomen, the mess of air hoses and cables atop plates, had a volley of four Needle Spines struck into it, meaning not only wounds, but poison was corroding him as well. How did he still survive, still taking a final breath, was unknown. The false Kerrigan approached this dying Marine and stood a few meters from his position, tall and high.

On one of the sides of the chest armor, where the lights remained, 'she' could see something written in military style. 'MERCER', it was written. By the helmet, the visor up, she could see the face of this Caucasian male looking upwards to the skies and taking what seemed to be the last breaths of his life. That was before his sky-blue eyes looked aside, both sides, until they caught the sight of the tall female Terran with tendril hair in a ponytail, standing tall and high, looking with a neutral cold face. His eyes then widened as he saw what was before him. At least what he thought.

Mercer was seeing the Queen of Blades, in the flesh, witnessing his death. He started to choke on, the internal bleeding now reaching it's critical point. It has hard for him to breathe as she lightly convulsed. However, the female was not even flinching from the death of that soldier. 'She' didn't even move. 'She' only looked coldly at him, not caring and not feeling anything. It was so much expected of she, whom led those Zerg to kill those like her. That was the proof he needed in his last breath, though it was already known everywhere. She was human only in form. Inside, she was a monster. A devil shaped like a woman.

Then, the convulsion simply stopped and he collapsed, eyes looking like glasses in the endless skies, not even flinching. Since then, his body was helpless. Motionless. Lifeless.

The Kerrigan Changeling felt absolutely nothing after his death. 'She' simply couldn't. Such was since the inception of the creature that then shaped itself as the most dangerous woman whom ever lived. 'She' simply walked forward, past the bodies of all those Terrans whom fell in combat. To the right, the wreckage of a Siege Tank was burning. Close to it was a Hellion, also burning, it's Napalm tanks let out loose ablaze since the vehicle exploded.

More debris and death stood at 'her' front and around 'her'. More corpses ahead, especially those of minions smaller than an Ultralisk, whom were all at the front of the base. The remainder were those used to surround their opponents without pity or mercy. Just like 'she' had. No pity. No mercy. No feeling. 'She' was a creature, born aware of that, a subproduct meant to do it's work and die. Nothing more. Nothing less.

Suddenly, 'she' started feeling the convulsion taking 'her' body, blobs and spasms starting to bubble high, expanding and retracting. Slowly, 'she' started feeling 'her' motions paralyze one by one, 'her' simulated breathing starting to convulse as 'she' then fell to 'her' knees. The form started losing colors slowly as the spasms increased all across. 'She' started feeling her legs melt as 'her' face was also going purple as well. Everything was difficult now, to breath, to move, to even live. But 'she' accepted it. It was as expected.

"I...", the Changeling started, 'her' voice heavily flanged as her jaws then started to collapse. "Am... E-expended..."

Everything started then to collapse, even the backs of the creature as it ripped open like a ripped water bag, as the blood and organs then fell and spread into the ground, along with everything else, even eyes of the creature that returned to it's alien state.

It was as expected.

---

MESS HALL, PRIMARY OPERATIONS CENTER
DOMINION FRONTLINE OPERATIONS STRONGHOLD - HARKONNEN
DAUNTLESS PLATEAU, CHAR

She walked slowly within the corridors of that empty structure, emptied since, she presumed, the Zerg managed to breach the frontal gate. Slow steps, that allowed her feet to savor some cold where once there was nothing but an all-out warm, everywhere on that boiling planet. Metal corridors with the fluorescent light that many Terrans in military service came to be used with. As she was.

But now, even as the feet touched the welcoming cold, the fresh breeze brought up by air conditioning systems with small refrigeration injections, even as there was now metal instead of monster flesh, she didn't feel herself at a home. This was not a welcoming return to the old days, when she felt safe behind that metal, fighting alone or with small teams instead with the massive numbers of the Swarm. There were those that could presume that was because it was a Dominion installation, belonging to the very force she was now fighting against, that she instead would feel more comfortable inside a renegade Battlecruiser, in company of pirates and rebels, like her former loved one was. The truth however, was that Sarah Kerrigan, now, even inside the Hyperion, she wouldn't be comfortable, and she couldn't tell why. This was a cold and refreshment she didn't feel for quite some time, she should be giving praise to heavens for these little, simple luxuries, though these were earned in blood. And, still, instead of welcoming it, Kerrigan didn't feel so good when they first came.

It must be the previous adaptations, she thought. No, not the evolutions that Abathur brought in on her body. This must've been a natural thing, that came since Izsha ensnared her Dropship into that giant, warm monster. She must've gotten so used to the boiling hot atmosphere, even if for a few days, that this homecoming to old sceneries were now being greeted as alien feelings. Well, that was generally the problem of relocating from one place to another, supposedly, to getting used to the new surroundings.

She checked, even though for a few minutes, through the facility if there supposedly was a mess hall, even if it were for the grunts. It had been a bit far long since she drank or eaten anything, though the adaptations Abathur injected ensured she felt no thirst and no hunger, yet. She was still human, however, and she knew she'd need sustenance, eventually. And now, with the fortress practically clear, as now Warfield must be evacuating, if he was an intelligent person, she could look out and rummage to see if there was anything for her to consume. Anything organic, that was.

She looked through an access door, another of all the others she searched the ground level, where the Mess Hall was more likely to be found, and she flipped the holographic switch as the doors slid aside open.

She could see, then, the tables, all large and wide, with seat boards meant for groups of people to sit at and feast on what the cooks brought them, through the small window, where the kitchen lied, where smoking pans would be. The room was quite a square one and one, apparently with one entry and exit, that was the access door where Kerrigan lied. There was another, smaller door, but was apparently restricted, with the famous 'EMPLOYEES ONLY' sign or something like that, that would no doubt lead to the kitchen. She looked through the door as she entered. Empty, like the majority of the structure and, thus, the stronghold.

She walked in slowly, with care, as she tried to assimilate the events that now happened. The first step, against Mengsk, had finally been given. The first victory, and one against odds said so impossible for the Zerg to come through. Even so, she and those she now fought with had pulled it off. But this was hardly a reason for her to celebrate. One could hardly celebrate when she fought with the monsters, in battles she was well aware they'd be bloody. Just like that one was. Yet, she knew this was only a preview of what could potentially happen ten or twenty-fold in Korhal, where her enemy rested on the throne, unaware until it'd be too late, of the strike he suffered from an enemy thought to be defeated. Still, it wasn't the fair, the war she had now been fighting, but it was practically too late to get back anywhere, now. So many lives lost, all to settle a score between two persons. It wasn't fair. But nothing had ever been since that whole mess started, years ago, where her enemy, once the leader she trusted, had ordered a Psi Emitter right in the middle of a Confederate encampment, where the Zerg then followed and promoted a 'justified' massacre.

She then approached to the kitchen door and realized it must've been locked. Not that it'd do any good, anyways, now. Still, it was locked. Her eye pupils glowed golden yellow again as she then tried forcing the door open without having to bust it open with a Kinetic Blast. After a little bit of effort, this apparently was successful, and the door opened as she walked inside. She noticed the kitchen was even more empty, a good part of cabinets to the left open and emptied. The ovens had no pans or other cooking instruments with them, nor the sink, whom only had the faucet on. No doubt they had emptied it as well, with the evacuation. Kerrigan could hardly blame them. Where they'd be going, surely off Char's surface, it'd be quite a few days before Mengsk sent some ships to investigate. And they'd sure not starve as they waited. And the Puppet Queen was in no mood to complain on them taking the food away, her mind concerned on more important things.

Even so, she decided to take a look around as she approached the sink. Perhaps, with how hurried the evac must've been, there was a chance someone left something edible. Something she could eat up, though not taking any joy, just to keep herself fed for a little more longer. She turned the handle of the faucet as a small stream of clean water started pouring down.

'Thank god...', Kerrigan thought, as she lowered her head and started drinking as much as she could from that precious liquid. Maybe the tanks took too long to disconnect, or they were heavy or they were installed as a pipeline to below. Some small luck, that Warfield must've forgot. As she swallowed the loads, she felt the liquid going down, a fresh feeling being gleefully welcomed as her body had it's thirst satiated like if hadn't been ever. It was something so small, a luxury so small for the likes of her, but she thanked and preferred it that way. She wasn't one used with gold, jewelry or excessive comfort. Well, she never had any of it to like it, but she was one whom valued such small luxuries, the privilege for a drinkable water and edible food, even more than most beggars on the streets of every capital Terran city. Such was the way of survivors, even though she never called herself one. She was just an assassin, with an unfortunate past and a good run of bad luck.

As she then shut the handle and the faucet poured water no longer, she felt renewed and willing to start her search for any possible food sources, before she then heard something on the far side of the kitchen. Something that was silent, yet one she could hear. It sounded like an agony, yet it was inaudible. Kerrigan then stood still for a while before she slowly decided to approach.

"Ohplease, ohplease, ohplease, ohplease, ohplease, ohplease...", the voice clearly agonized, repeated in a frantic speed, almost like if it was going to have a heart attack. A male one.

Kerrigan held her breath for a moment. Someone was left behind and was ultimately alone. And she knew too well how this person would react on seeing her face, especially desperate. He'd do something stupid.

She slowly, softly approached the end of the middle ovens, to then see the problem was a bit bigger than what she expected. It was a Dominion Marine, in red-clad CMC-300, whom was sit, embracing himself, shaking like hell, his back stick to the apparent meat and vegetable cutting section, as more lied down as she could get so his bulky form wouldn't be sighted. She noticed he was mumbling non-sense in agony, knowing what this clearly meant.

"Mygod, mygod, mygod, mygod...", he muttered repeatedly, all scared-up apparently, many times his rapid, frantic repetition being melted in senseless, inaudible fearful rambling. He was breathing quickly.

He was broken. Something, during the battle, put him in that way.

Kerrigan tried looking around for the sign of any weapons, but realized there were none, close by, meaning he couldn't defend himself, unless something forced him too, like an animal would when it is cornered. He must've seen too much for him to be like that, she believed. It generally happened to those whom've taken more than all others. After all, every one, even the most hardened of soldiers or specialists, had a breaking point. And, when it snapped, like a rope with an overweight, either the person recovered on his own or he needed some help in that matter. This was doubtlessly the latter case, she feared.

"Hey.", Kerrigan said, trying to smooth it. The marine, apparently more concerned with the noises he made, didn't even care to listen, just too frightened. "Hey.", she called in a slightly louder tone. The Marine then noticed, and, as predicted, his fright increased even more, especially noticing those cursed hair tendrils.

"NO!", the Marine shouted, as he readily got up and started dragging himself to another corner, away from Kerrigan, like a wounded animal and a scared child at the same time. Kerrigan backed away a bit, not realizing how much broken was this one. "NO! GET AWAY! GET AWAY! GET AWAY! Oh god, oh god, watch over me, watch over me, watch over me, watch over me...", he continued as he then cornered himself in a pure Neosteel wall, repeating the last three words again and again, by the time it melted then in inaudible groan again, now in more agony and shaking more than ever, with the sight of the Queen of Blades before him.

As she then looked, she then became curious as well as to what frightened him so much, to the point of making a hardened soldier so frightened. Her eye pupils glowed then as she tried then to read his mind. It readily shown him some of his secrets before revealing the scene that was probably the cause of such breakdown. A scene of the above section of the fortified wall of Harkonnen, where he bravely fought by then. Then the scene skipped, probably a few seconds, where the then could see the falling flying objects impacting and exploding around him, as well as his comrades and the defenses, like the Siege Tanks and the frontal bombard turret. These two scenes repeated again and again.

The same time of when the Zerg started using their 'artillery' to breach the fortress. Apparently, for Kerrigan, as she then stopped reading her mind, this was too much for him. The psychological effect hit him harder than he thought, nearly escaping again and again from death as he saw everyone around him die. Now she understood. As she then looked the soldier was tucked tight against the wall, muttering inaudible words, clearly desperate.

But she also then heard the slight creaking of a door moving, like a cabinet. It came from the same spot where the Marine, whom called himself Yard Miles, according to her reading, was cornered at. She then decided to look there first, as to both already get it settled as well as to not disturb the poor trooper anymore. She slowly walked forward as she opened it and looked inside, revealing an empty collection of compact, flat boxes for fruits and vegetables, that the cooks must use in their meal-making duties. She looked briefly to notice practically every one of them was empty. As expected. But there was also a chance one of them could've fallen between or behind the boxes as the folks emptied them, so she started removing them off the cabinet. As she started to look on that place, she was lucky to quickly find something in the deep behind.

It seemed like a few vegetables in there, or at least splinters of it. But only one of them was intact and it didn't seem it was going anywhere. She picked it up, revealing itself to be a carrot. Not so old, apparently, but not new, either. And apparently the only thing she could eat longer.

'So much for war spoils...', she thought as she then decided to chew the first bit. It wasn't tasty at all, but then she didn't give a damn concerning tastes. She didn't even remember the concept of tastes all the time she had been in the Ghost Program. She then gave one last look at that trooper as she slowly walked out and then sit down on the ground, front to Miles, trying to keep her mind clear as well as an eye on the broken trooper, and forget about all that happened, something she knew it wouldn't let her sleep at night, as she tried to eat her 'spoil' of war. Indeed, some small luxury, to sustain herself.

But then, the thought, this time of the recent discussion she had with Warfield, was what regretted her the most. She wanted to tell him of her current situation and why she did what she did, but she didn't know enough of him but by reference, and was aware nothing she said would budge the opinion he already had of her. Going light or trying to be nice or apologize would produce no results, either. No doubt he'd be resentful of all those lives her 'pets' took and wouldn't forgive. Those by the fortress, not to mention those lives she took on the caves, especially his second-in-command, Colonel Richter.

Richter... The Colonel, infested, that was now at the Leviathan, as he must've witnessed or not the mass slaughter that occurred. And now there was no other utility for him, either. He delivered the information, it was used and analyzed. A new dilemma raised on Kerrigan's mind. She said that, if he told her what she needed to know, she'd kill him and end his suffering. The problem was that she believed he'd do it willingly, even though she knew it'd be nearly impossible. But she had mind-controlled him on telling the information, so that wasn't worth as it would if he cooperated. Maybe she should just kill him, as there was no utility, anymore. End his suffering, and thus allow him the final rest, some he most of all people earned. Yes, maybe that was a good option, he already suffered enough being returned to life, pulled away from death, and to postpone it would be cruel.

But then, as she reminded of the Colonel, she reminded those words he said about her. Same Kerrigan. Whom controls Zerg and kills Dominion, just like her predecessor did. No, she knew he had to know she was different. She had to kill those Dominion now because they'd try and destroy her, all for the pleasure of that bastard Mengsk. The one whom did that before, her hateful infested self, must have been doing for pure, sick pleasure. Not to mention that other Kerrigan would've just ordered through psionics on the spot, not trying and wasting time asking those she infested for co-operation. Of course, infestation wasn't exactly an option, as she'd have preferred to have him alive, but he had fallen at the battle. Even so, those words, what he said... It was hurting, but was a reminder of what she was coming down into and could risk becoming if she didn't watch it. It was rather a cruel joke or a twist of fate that one whom had become a monster, somehow, became the very reflex of her conscience. She knew, somewhere down her soul, that killing him would only confirm his words. That she was the same Kerrigan monster, even though she now had the hypocrisy of rationalizing her crimes.

Unless, of course, she did not do that. Unless she let him live as she tried to convince him she truly changed into something other than the monster she was. Still, the choice to continue his torture of an unlife... It seemed more cruel than the first option. Truth be told, both options had a bitch on their own accord, after all...

Click.

Suddenly, a rifle cocking sound were heard behind her. Miles gasped a bit before returning to his mumbling. She raised her head noticing someone was behind her, someone with an unwelcoming intention, though she didn't turn, she simply stood there, as she tried to chew her third bit. She often wondered when someone would find her and try a chance on taking her. But even though she could regenerate and could use her powers to defend herself, she recognized she was in quite a vulnerable position. Being caught behind like that was an amateur's mistake, but then she thought she was practically safe and no one was around to try such a thing. Another mistake.

"Okay, just don't... Just don't move!", a voice erupted behind her, a male one apparently, though this one was nervous and on alert. He seemed young, apparently, given the voice tone. "Don't move, just stay there, Kerrigan!"

She then looked for a moment at the carrot she held, realizing there could be two more chews left before she was done. She then looked at the nervous Marine, whom trembled more quieter compared to the last time, and then took a breath. She then, slowly, started to get on her feet, too slow, to avoid drawing a rash action.

"What the- I said don't move!", the person behind, obviously another Marine, stuttered as he tried to warn her. "Don't move, freeze, dammit! Freeze, are you deaf, Kerrigan, I said DON'T FEKKING MOVE!"

By then, Kerrigan was entirely on her feet, gripping tight the carrot on one hand, as she then continued to stare, motionless and with a sad face, at the trembling Marine on the corner.

"This man needs help.", Kerrigan said, plainly, but didn't turn.

"Be quiet, SHUT UP!", the Marine said, apparently pointing his C-14 tight at her. "Shut up, don't say anything, and don't move!"

She then took another breath as she turned around slowly.

"I SAID DON'T MOVE!", the Marine roared, firing then a round into the roof. "DON'T MOVE, DAMMIT, ARE YOU DEAF, KERRIGAN!? STAY THERE!"

It was practically late, as she already turned and was facing the gun-toting soldier.

"Just stay there, dammit, don't you move, I swear, I'm gonna fire this damn thing!", the Marine warned.

Her mind then started reading the thoughts of that one, apparently he didn't shield his mind well. Images of his training during boot camp and resocialization, as he then fought the battles on that world many days before, against the Swarm. Then, came up images of that battle, minutes ago, in the primary base, before Kerrigan reached the P.O.C. Of his supposed retreat to that place, when everyone was fighting, seeing there were too many. A thing many would call cowardice, but then, he was just twenty. Someone too young to just die in that hellhole.

The reading then stopped as she closed her eyes and opened again, looking at the young soldier holding his rifle, his breath speeding as hell as he tried to control his trigger finger.

"Poor bastard...", Kerrigan said, coldly. "Too young. Too much young."

"Stand still, shut up!", the Marine exclaimed.

"When did you join?", Kerrigan asked. "Six months? Three? You're just too green for this, especially this place..."

"Be quiet, dammit, shut your hole!", the Marine tried saying at the same time, raising his tone and gripping tight his rifle.

"You couldn't take it, could you?", Kerrigan asked, after a short while. "Your first losing battle? You just couldn't kill too many of them, and there was no hope of escape but forward, a direction you knew it was impossible to head..."

"Be quiet, I'm warning you...", the Marine said, nervous.

"It was simply too much.", Kerrigan said. "In the end, your courage leaked away and you ran, leaving them behind. No one could blame-"

"Shut up, SHUT UP!", the Marine interrupted. "You're not doing it, you hear me!? You're lying, it wasn't like that you said!"

"I'm a telepath, boy.", Kerrigan said, coldly. "Lying or trying to fool me is the last thing you can ever do."

Sweat started running down the Marine's forehead, as he still breathed more faster than ever.

"No one could blame you, back there.", Kerrigan said. "No one would've survived that. You were the smartest of all those people."

"No!", the Marine exclaimed, in refusal. "No, that was pure cowardice, and everyone there knew it! It was stupid and coward!"

"Everyone there is dead.", Kerrigan said. "All for nothing, thinking they could do some difference when they couldn't. What they call stupid and coward, I call it smart. So, please, I ask you... Be more smarter. Drop the gun, and help him out to a transport."

"No, no!", the Marine said, shaking his head, nervous. "No, you'll stay right there, you hear me? You'll stand still!"

"I don't know for how long the transports will remain or if they'll remain.", Kerrigan said. "He needs more help than most, leaving him here is a terrible idea. He won't last long."

"Shut up, shut up!", the Marine ordered. "Don't say anything else, or I swear, I'll start pushing buttons!"

Kerrigan simply waited for a moment as the Marine tried to control himself.

"Don't do it, son.", Kerrigan said. "Only you will lose with this. And what I got, within me, it's not for you. And you're too young for any of this."

"No, no, no...", the Marine stuttered. "No, you're trying to poison my mind, I know it!"

"I'm just asking you.", Kerrigan said. "Be smarter than this. You're too young, you still have a long road ahead."

"And...", the young Marine said, nervous. "And just... Let you go? Just like that?"

"If there's one good thing about this job, if there's ever been, is that you always get another shot.", Kerrigan said. "One day, one month, one year... You always get another chance. Just not today."

"No, no...", the Marine said. "Letting you outta here, on this best chance I got!?"

"You really want to risk it?", Kerrigan asked. "I managed to destroy an entire platoon in the caves. How much you think you'd last? And even if you manage to hit me or restrain me, have you thought about the Zerg? They're vengeful, just like the rest of us. You'll really want to bring all of them on you, that man and the rest outside?"

The Marine then hesitated for a moment, breathing quickly. He didn't think on that. He didn't think on the consequences of what could happen. He just came in on that kitchen, noticing the noise that cowering trooper, all trembling now, made up on the kitchen, he never expected to find the Queen of Blades, sitting down there and eating whatever remained with all due tranquility.

"But...", the Marine hesitated. "But, letting you get away, after all you did... It's... It's not fair!"

"No, it isn't.", Kerrigan said, after a short while. "Nothing's ever been fair, these days, especially this fight. But that doesn't mean you still can do some good, now. That doesn't mean you can't be smarter..."

The Marine then hesitated for a moment, as he kept his grip as tight as he could on the rifle he now pointed at the enemy before him. It was clearly going against everything he was taught, everything he believed in. He just couldn't believe what was coming before him, in an age so young, like that...

"That's all I'm asking.", Kerrigan said. "Forget what they taught you, what they made you believe in, for a moment. Be smarter than this. Think for yourself. Let yourself and that man behind me live a little longer. You'll get another shot, someday. Just not now."

Kerrigan then closed her eyes for a moment, as the young Marine then tried gripping his rifle, his breathing heavy and fast as the dilemma gripped him. Of either damning himself for the rest of his life or dying right there, against all odds. But that would also kill someone else. Someone whom needed help. Still, that would betray every concept taught to him, that she was the enemy, and yet, here she was, asking him and taking a chance to be shot.

That wasn't right. None of it was right.

He hesitated several times, repeatedly, before he then gave up and felt his grip slipping. He lowered his C-14, still breathing quickly.

"Just...", the Marine said, sweating cold. "Just get of here... Just- Just get out!"

Kerrigan then opened her eyes as she then started walking slowly towards him, though with no intentions of attacking him. As she approached, she passed by his left.

"Smart boy...", she muttered, patting his left shoulder piece, walking besides him. The Marine briefly turned to see Kerrigan then stopped, looking at the sink with the faucet, and the lady decided to have a last sip before leaving. Noticing she wouldn't do anything, he turned back and slowly walked forward then, to the trembling soldier's position.

"One last advice.", Kerrigan suddenly said, as the Marine turned. "If I were you, I'd jump this boat as soon as. You're wearing the wrong colors. There is better out there, and I don't mention Zerg on this. And they're more safer..."

With this, she turned to slowly leave the kitchen and, thus, the Mess Hall. Standing there, dumbstruck, the Marine hesitated for a moment before he rushed to get in the corner and aid his fellow Marine.

---

SANCTUARY COLONY, HAVEN
MORNING TIME

The rocket roar of the engines of a black Dropship started to lower as the vessel landed on the pad of the Sanctuary Colony, virtually empty in the proximities. The morning sun started to shine on the green world, the light breeze and smell of fresh dew high in the air. The sky was a blue one with clouds and it didn't seem like if it were going to rain any time soon. The birds started to sing high in the air, starting the day so much as the Terrans whom woke up on the colony to meet at the center, all waiting for the one whom was related to currently the most hated figure amongst them. The rumors spread high on those people, all virtually upset and angry. The news spread out by Aaron were received with uproar. The Raiders had been collaborating with Dominion personnel. According to Hanson, they said they were renegades, all being led by the son of the Emperor, whom they barely gave any credit either, especially because of that snide, good-looking prince face of his. For all they knew, he could just be like his father, just with a pretty doll face and a boyish blond haircut. However, Hanson also assured there'd be explanations by the morning, that answers would be given, by then. So much that a podium with a microphone, one of the very few available, was installed in the center. The podium was under severe guard from Aaron and the people he gathered, in case someone tried to stir something or if the mass wanted to readily advance on the people whom were in league with the Raiders.

Many of those common folk couldn't understand it, as well. How could the Raiders be working with the people they promised to bring down in the first place? And why, out of these people, they were close to a Mengsk, clearly just a baby cheek kisser whom must've worked public relations for his daddy? Even though those people still owed the Raiders for their help on their safety, this just wasn't right. Raynor himself wouldn't be one to do such a thing, but, as the word spread, Raynor was killed. So was the Crown Prince, apparently brandished as a bastard son. There were also many, many questions reserved for the man whom, supposedly, had the answers for most, if not all answers. Where he was when the Zerg attacked, why he didn't help them out, why the refugees were blocked time and again as they tried to reach the safety of the Core Worlds...

Nick Braxton, however, didn't have any of that. He was simply there, along with the few curious Umojan scientists, in the far end of the crowd, as he took a breath and awaited for 'Mister Goldilocks', as he gleefully called after the screw-up on Phaeton, waiting for the burning circus he hoped this conference would turn out. Yes, that'd be a bit of a jerk's opinion, but, since the blond man brought the greatest menace to the galaxy to Verhoeven, he now deserved every blow he got, especially this last screw-up as well, where the locals said he blasted the Protoss outpost to hell with artillery. He remembered he nearly had a laughing streak when he first heard it. Oh, how the Crown Peach would come out of that now, he was just paying it to see that...

"Braxton!", he then heard a voice behind him, no doubt belonging to his mentor. He then took a slight breath to turn his head and see Proctor Stratton walking in his direction, as he stood by a light post, close by. "Shouldn't you be filling in the paperwork, now?"

"Been there, Stratton, did it all at breakfast.", Braxton said, apparently all calm. "What, you really thought I'd miss the chance to see that?"

"Goddamn you, Braxton, this doesn't involve us, anymore!", Stratton warned, apparently angry. "I swear, if you even run off your mouth-"

"Hey, I'm just fine here, Chief.", Braxton said. "Besides, I'm just here to see it. Shame there was just the backseats, but it's just details."

"I mean it, damn you!", Stratton exclaimed. "You're already in my black book for that trouble in the Hyperion!"

"I know.", Braxton said. "But calm down, I'll just chill here, and enjoy the show..."

The young scientist then started looking forward as a female figure wearing a lab coat, whom they both knew was the representative of those people, walked up the podium and got into the mic. She checked twice to see if the mic was properly working.

"Ladies and gentlemen.", Ariel Hanson started saying, as the people then remained quiet. "Citizens of Haven. I have just been informed that Crown Prince Valerian has landed and is just waiting for this conference to start. However, before we begin, I'll be thankful if you can just give some of your minutes for this message. I know that you have many questions. I know that there is a high anti-sentiment for the revelations that shook our colony. I know that many of you here are inflamed to try something that is everything but of a social nature. But this doesn't mean that we're going to allow violent behavior during this conference. What we came here for is to get answers, and to discuss them in a civilized and educated way. And I will cancel the conference, if necessary, because of unfriendly behavior, at all and any time of this conference. I don't do this out of regulations or some presumed sympathy for either the Raynor's Raiders or, as some people can presume, to the Crown Prince and the Dominion personnel whom our greatest contributors now work besides. I do this out of our own sakes. If we want answers, we will get them, but we will stand down, fight any urges for action and we will listen. That is what makes us different from other worlds out there, because we allow the others to speak their words and have their right to be listened. I expect this is shown today, as you ask your questions, one at a time, and that you give the chance for everyone else to hear the answer. Now, if this isn't satisfactory to you, you're free to go, there's no one restraining you or keeping you from leaving. But if you want to stay, all I ask is to refrain yourselves."

Everyone stood quiet as Hanson spoke those calm, yet firm words, seemingly like one, whom shared the same white coat that Braxton did, whom was used to such public relations. The young scientist was surprised that someone, in that place, had a decent pair.

"Now, if this is settled, I'd now like to call in the Crown Prince to start the conference.", Hanson then said.

---

Seconds before...

'Ladies and gentlemen. Citizens of Haven. I have just been informed that Crown Prince Valerian has landed and is just waiting for this conference to start. However, before we begin, I'll be thankful if you can just give some of your minutes for this message.'

The voice of Ariel Hanson started to echo loud forward, as, behind the podium, Valerian, Matt Horner and all others took their breath and started walking forward, a small guard of Dominion Marines accompanying them. They waited and listened to Hanson's words as Valerian, whom was taking some anxious breath, adjusted his collar and tried to swallow his pride hard.

"Don't bother, Valerian, people won't notice the clothing.", Horner said, coldly. "They're too angry for that."

"I thought so.", Valerian said. "Any other advice?"

"Don't bother waving either, even if it's an innocent one.", Horner answered. "That won't earn you any points in sympathy. Just get there, answer their questions, and don't stutter or flinch. They'll smell the fear."

"Yeah, just like in a press conference...", Valerian said, a tad nervous. "I just didn't think I'd be standing in the same place as my father, after that broadcast..."

"You brought it on yourself, remember?", Horner asked, sarcastically, while keeping his composure. "But it's good, too, think of this as a preview to if you manage to take over."

"Awful time for a joke, Horner...", Valerian said.

"I'm serious, Valerian.", Horner muttered. "If you hope to ever sit on the throne, you'd better learn how to face the music. Besides, you wanted this, right? What, you thought this'd be easy, that they'd just listen and then 'Oh, alrighty then...'?"

"I never thought this would be easy.", Valerian said. "But how to translate it to people whom my father left for themselves when the Zerg attacked?"

"Ariel's doing her part, the remainder you'll have to answer.", Horner said. "Don't hesitate and don't do any gestures, not even light ones, they'll either think you're lying or that you don't know. Try and take breaths, not too quick, but not too heavy either. And ignore the fast heartbeat."

'Now, if this is settled, I'd now like to call in the Crown Prince to start the conference.'

Valerian swallowed a bit hard again. It was time. The time when he'd have to face the storm for his actions on that night.

"Go.", Horner said, as Valerian took a breath and started walking as normally as he could. "One more thing.", Horner said, as Valerian turned around. "They'll try and make straight questions. Give straight answers, but don't be rash. Don't give them any reason to go into a fight."

The Crown Prince then nodded as he then walked the wooden steps of the podium to then come into clear view of all those people whom now stared at him, those few hundred, unlike the thousands of crowds he walked by during his role as Crown Prince across the Dominion Core Worlds. At least those were more easy to handle, as they cheered and smiled, almost like if there were fans paid by the Dominion. This was much more different. Those faces, men, women, children, elder, all stared with a serious, bitter face at him, like if they were all parents and he was the child, and they all wanted a good explanation for the misbehaving he did at school. Their eyes, stares of predators worthy of Zerg beasts, stalked the Crown Prince as he then walked as normally as possible to the podium, as Hanson stepped down and walked besides, trying to look at him with a normal face. But to face one related to the greatest tyrant in the Sector with a normal face, that was a challenge even Heracles himself wouldn't bear.

Without putting one of his hands in his mouth as he got before the mic, Valerian silently cleared his throat and mustered the courage to speak to those bitter, rancorous people as he looked straight forward.

"Ladies and gentlemen.", Valerian started, trying to sound serious, yet calm. "Citizens of the Haven colony. I am Valerian Mengsk, Crown Prince of the Terran Dominion, now in collaboration with the separate Terran group known as Raynor's Raiders. I know that you demand answers for the questions you will make, all of them of a serious nature, I'm afraid. I know that you are angry, and that many of you received the news of our cooperation with the Raiders with shock, upset, and even with rage. I know that you're not sympathetic of me, I know that many of you, right now, would like, at this very moment, to peel off my skin for what I am. For my last name, for the fact I am the son of currently the most hated man in the Sector, for the fact I wear the colors of the very nation that swore to defend you, but abandoned you to your own fortune when you most needed help. The only thing I would like to do, before we start, is giving my heartfelt thanks to your representative, to Doctor Ariel Hanson, for allowing me the most simple of all chances, to when I can explain my actions, and the questions you have to make. Now, if you have any question, feel free and unafraid to ask them. You, out of all people, are entitled the right to these answers. You can begin now, if you want."

"So, if you're working with the Raiders, does that mean they're with the Dominion now?", a female voice in the crowd readily came up.

"They're not.", Valerian answered. "Our force is entirely separate from the remainder of the Dominion."

"But you're Mengsk's son!", a male voice came out on the middle. "Shouldn't you be with your daddy? Why would you separate yourself from him? What, you're planning to stage a coup and take his throne, or something?"

"Unfortunately, I'm afraid we both have had a clear divergence of views concerning the Zerg invasion, since the beginning of the war.", Valerian said. "That very well started with his decision to pull the fleet and concentrate it on the Core Worlds, instead of formulating an effective evacuation procedure. This has nothing to do with any ideas to dethroning my father, I assure you."

"So, what, you didn't agree and wanted to help us?", the male person, a man in his forties with beard and mustache. "So why you didn't, then, what were you doing all this time?"

Immediately agreeing, the crowd muttered loud that agreement as they all pointed their fingers at Mengsk, then, starting to demand the explanation.

"Settle down!", Aaron ordered, below. "Order in the house! Settle down, now!"

The crowd, gradually, calmed down their spirits. Valerian waited until they all calmed down to then continue.

"Answering your question, yes, I wanted to aid with an evacuation plan.", Valerian said. "Unfortunately, I wasn't allowed any personnel or equipment for it, or even permission."

"Permission!?", another male voice came up. "What, so you couldn't because your daddy didn't let you? What, you don't have any authority, even as his son?"

"I'm afraid not.", Valerian answered, plainly. "All decisions, unfortunately, are final through my father and him alone. I can't even requisition spares of Dominion military personnel or equipment or even call support through standard channels."

"So, what, you're telling us you're just a poster boy or something?", a female voice then came in, from a young girl with a short redhair.

"That's how it is, I fear.", Valerian said, serious.

"Well, what of those men with you?", another male voice came up. "If you can't bring in men or ships with you, what are these folks doing back there?"

"These men and women you see, all of them form up as my personal guard.", Valerian answered. "Perhaps they're the only people I have some control over, but, other than them, I have control over nothing else."

"So why not take these personal guards to try and rescue people, then?", a new male voice came up. "Is it because of numbers or something else we can't figure out what it is?"

The crowd agreed with that question as well. Valerian took a breath before trying to answer that particular question.

"Unfortunately, being in the position as I was, previously, it strongly limited my options, not only because of resources, but also because of political issues.", Valerian answered.

"Political!?", a female voice asked, upset. "Since when politics have to do with saving people!?"

"Unfortunately...", Valerian started before the crowd entered the uproar again. Aaron and his men started their work to calm down the mass, below. Hanson, herself, started to look worried, fearing she may have to cancel the conference, with the way things were going. A minute passed before they calmed down again. "Unfortunately, if you'll allow me to explain, there are several political groups, especially those with a strong opposition to my father's rule, whom would only see the attempts to rescue citizens, even if they're reason enough, as political propaganda for the Dominion."

"But I thought politics shouldn't matter, when people's lives are at risk with Zerg killing them!", another woman exclaimed.

"The greatest issue, I'm afraid, is trying to convince them this point, especially the most radical groups.", Valerian said. "Most of these people, I'm afraid to say, only see the numbers of the Dominion's popularity poll, not the faces of those killed by the enemies whom outright invade them. Even if we helped those people, they would complain as much as if we did not, thinking we were only doing it for political sympathy, not for our valueing of human life."

"So even if you helped, those 'radical groups', you doing something or nothing, they'd still complain on you, that's what you mean?", a male voice asked. Valerian waited a bit to answer that question.

"Something like that, yes.", Valerian answered.

"But still, your father could've ignored those people and just sent in the fleet to help us!", the same person exclaimed. People wanted to rouse up, again.

"Indeed, he could.", Valerian agreed. That was enough for people to quiet down. "But unfortunately, our Dominion Armada was in a mediocre-at-best condition when the invasions started. And the Emperor, my father, when he could have expanded our military capacity to be able to aid in the evacuations, he spent trillions and time on the manhunt for Jim Raynor as well as internal dissidents across Dominion space, like if a potential Zerg or Protoss or even a second UED invasion were a remote possibility. This, if you desire my personal opinion, was a disaster just waiting to happen."

"And you couldn't have just disobeyed your father, if that was needed, to try a rescue attempt of all those planets under attack?", another male voice asked.

"That would be a great risk in itself.", Valerian replied. "We could face numbers that far outweight our own, and doing it on our own would mean there'd be no support from my father at all. He'd simply ignore any calls for help should our reinforcements or transports be destroyed."

"Wait a second, you mean the Emperor wouldn't try and save his own son?", the first female voice asked. "Sorry, but I find it hard to believe."

"He had the courage to declare myself a traitor.", Valerian replied. "As well as the courage to declare me dead on the news, as you may have seen. That, let's say, is the extent of his care concerning my welfare."

Everyone remained silent as of then, before another set of questions then begun.

"Well, then, and what of what happened last night?", the first male asked the question. "Why did you attack the Protoss?"

"The attack was one of self-defense.", Valerian readily answered. "We have first attempted negotiations concerning the welfare of the colony. Unfortunately, the Protoss threatened Captain Horner's life, whom went as an emissary to conduct negotiations, and his escort, and this forced us to counter-attack."

"You first tried to talk to'em?", the third female voice, from before asked. "I thought the Protoss didn't want to know about anything when you destroyed their big vessel of theirs!"

"According to Captain Horner, despite the last episode involving the Protoss, they still remained the Raiders' allies and, thus, aggression was our last-stance alternative.", Valerian said. "Aggression was simply used when there was no alternative other than intervention, when Horner and his escort were endangered."

"And why even sending Raynor's second-in-command there, risking his own life?", another, new male voice asked. "Why didn't you send someone else, if you value your best officer's lives so much?"

"That was originally the plan, but Captain Horner offered himself to conduct the negotiations.", Valerian answered. "Given his previous experience with the Protoss, as well as the Raiders' relations with them, he was the most likely candidate to the conversations."

"What of the negotiations themselves, have they worked or something?", he first female voice asked.

"Unfortunately, the negotiations have proven to be fruitless, otherwise hostilities wouldn't have been necessary as they were.", Valerian answered.

"So what happens, then?", the same person asked back.

"Are the Protoss gonna get back?", a male voice came up on the crowd.

"We're gonna have to move again!?", another female voice asked.

Then the crowd, again, began it's rousing, this time with questions overwhelming atop one another. Aaron's men began to calm them down, while Valerian remained silent and took a deep breath. He did manage to put down some of the fire. Still, it wasn't good either, especially now, concerning the safety of those people whom merely established themselves ther and now they'd have to move again.

"Ladies.", Valerian called, as the crowd began to calm down. "Gentlemen. Answering your questions, it's highly probable that the Protoss can return, and in force, in retaliation for the destruction of their outpost."

"So we're gonna have to evacuate!", someone in the crowd exclaimed as the people started arguing again, this time more nervous than ever. Aaron's men raised their tones to calm down the people below the podium. Hanson have had enough as she got on her feet to try and get to the mic, but Valerian merely glanced seriously at her.

"This will get more complicated if you do it.", Valerian said. "Let me try and handle this."

"They're already nervous, you might make things worse, Valerian!", Hanson exclaimed.

"Either I put the fires down now or we won't.", Valerian argued back. "I got this, Hanson, trust me."

The Crown Prince then returned his attention to the mic. The crowd continued to argue.

"Gentlemen! Ladies!", Valerian called, with a higher voice tone, as the crowd then started looking at him again, cutting some of the arguing. "If this is reassuring, I'll say right now, that no one will have to evacuate. If the Protoss come, we'll engage and defend this colony against them."

"But they may bring an entire fleet with them, this time!", a female voice exclaimed. "How we're supposed to defend with only a few soldiers and a ship?"

"They may come in force, but one thing I can assure you is that we'll fight them until they realize what they're doing is wrong, and they know it.", Valerian said. "The Protoss believe it's rather easy to ignore how defenseless a colony is when they don't know about the people on it, or when they're sure of their convictions. This time, they will have to listen on what they are doing."

"But things have only got worse!", a male voice exclaimed. "They're much more worse than ever!"

"They have, indeed.", Valerian said. "But this, the fact that things have only got worse, is hardly a reason to give in and run again and again."

"But we can't fight'em, either!", the same person retorted.

"We can, if we make a stand.", Valerian said, firmly. "I know that many of you will call this suicide, I understand that. I understand you're all afraid, for your lives, of your loved ones, of your children, but one thing I assure you is that running now will not bring a permanent end to the torment you suffer. For all I personally know, is that the Protoss may want to pursue you, no matter where or how far you run. And they may never relent in their pursuit for said 'justice', even if that is more wrong than right."

The crowd wanted to deny it, but most of the people could see the young Mengsk had a point in that as well. Such was the problem of running, too. The problems would eventually catch up, as Valerian pointed about the Protoss.

"Ladies, gentlemen.", Valerian started. "This may be coincidence, some may call it simple talk or blabbering, but I clearly now understand why this planet is called Haven. It's because of the meaning of the word itself. It's because this is some place where people can find refuge from all the horrors that came with the war that now scars our Sector again. People that lost everything, where they came because they believed they could rebuild what they lost, though a few things are simply irreplaceable. But now, I feel the greatest trial comes before us. There are those, out there, whom want us to forsake this Haven, like if they wanted us to live under their grip or return to the horrors we escaped from in the first place. This is where we must make our stand, to root ourselves and say 'Enough running!'. If we run now, we'll run forever, without a single chance to live somewhere for more than a week or a month, because they will want to impose what they want, and these will be, I fear, even more harsh than the Dominion. Perhaps they may even do the same as my father did, abandoning and forsaking you the moment the Zerg decide to invade. But you, out of all people, like these answers, have earned the right to this world more than most. That's why, if we can stand and fight, we can make the Protoss understand that. This time, it's not us, but them, who'll have to relent, who'll have to stop and listen."

The people simply stood there, listening to his words. Valerian himself felt a little bit disgusted, as it was clear that he was turning this into a political speech, but he knew, somehow, he had to calm the spirits of these people. He saw there was no cheering faces or angry ones, just people listening. Still, there was that famous feeling that all he was saying was vain words and nothing more.

"But if you wish to leave, I can hardly blame you.", Valerian added. "And I won't stop you, neither anyone else. But we, the soldiers, we already made up our minds. We'll stand together. It's all on you, now. I leave it in your hands."

People had then been remaining quiet for a serious period of time, all quiet, like they knew what would happen.

"Does anyone have any other questions?", Valerian then asked, but no response came out from the crowd since. Hanson stepped forward, then, as the Crown Prince then started to step aside and leave where he came from.

"Well...", Hanson started, taking a breath as well. "I guess that about... Settles it... For today. We're finished."

Then, gradually, the people started disperse, walking all away, slowly. Hanson could feel an air of bad news in the air. She could smell it in the slow steps of those people, so torn by war, who'd get torn once again.

Afar, by the end of it, the Umojan scientists watched as the crowd started to disperse, meaning that was now officially over. Murmur that could barely be heard was being spouted out, no doubt related to what happened. The remainder of the scientists started to disperse as well, to return to their makeshift workplace, as they awaited for the transports to pick them up and take them off that world. Only Braxton and Stratton remained there, watching. Stratton was as much surprised as the young scientist was mildly amused. He even allowed himself a smirk.

"So, the screw-up managed to walk off this one...", Braxton muttered, amused. "Impressive..."

"Well, at least it's over.", Stratton said, a bit stressed. "Though I'm more surprised with you, Braxton. You could've just told about... Uh, how did you call it, 'Miss It', and then you'd have finished him. What happened?"

"Hey, Stratton, it's him alone I'd want to screw-up.", Braxton said, a tad offended. "That news would screw-up everyone, I'm aware of that fact. What you think I am, a bonehead troublemaker?"

"There are times you tend to do that.", Stratton said, seriously. "Come, it's time to get back to work."

Stratton then turned and begun to leave, as Braxton waited a bit before following. The young man simply smirked. That was a lucky one, he had to admit.

---

Matt Horner took a deep breath as he prepared himself for what would come up, next. He couldn't believe that Valerian did that. That speech must've been made up, no doubt. At least it was good that no one tried to cheer or something. Still, that didn't remedy what Horner was feeling right now. He was supposed to just answer the questions and put out the fire, not turn that into a political circus. He tried containing himself as he saw the Crown Prince walk out the steps of the podium to join him and the Dominion Guards who'd head on their way back to the Dropship, where then they'd start working on how to help protect that world.

"I can't believe you did that!", Horner exclaimed, angry though quiet, as Valerian approached him.

"Not now, Horner!", Valerian censored, as he stopped, rested his right palm on his forehead and ran it over his loose hair as he let out a sigh. "I'm feeling like I'm gonna puke..."

"Well, mine was already halfway up my throat when you were done!", Horner retorted, angry. "We were here to put out the fires you started last night, you weren't meant to let out a speech like if you were crowned or something!"

"I had to do say something, you saw the uproar when I told them what happened to the Protoss!", Valerian argued back.

"But you didn't have to tell them that we could protect them against the Protoss, either!", Horner exclaimed. "You put false hopes on those people, don't you see what you've done!?"

"I didn't mean that by the letter, Horner, it was just meant to calm them down!", Valerian retorted, starting to get angry. "What'd you prefer, for them to panic out and get out of control!?"

"I'd prefer you didn't try to fool them or give'em promises we can't keep!", Horner retorted. "Because you said it like you meant on staying and fighting a whole goddamn fleet!"

"But I know we clearly can't!", Valerian said. "I'm just buying time, so we can formulate and organize an evac in a couple of days!"

"The Protoss might get here in less time!", Horner exclaimed. "Their Dimensional Recall is much faster than our warp drives, in case you didn't research it. And where are we supposed to take them!? And, I can't believe I'm admitting it, but you're right when you said the Protoss might want to go on a chase against us, anywhere we hide! What we're going to do, then, just keep running?"

"I don't know, Horner!", Valerian exclaimed, angry. "I simply don't know, that's the problem!"

"That's what I was afraid of."

The female voice had caught up besides them, calling to their attention that Ariel Hanson was besides them, all along. Apparently, both had been busy arguing with one another they hadn't notice the doctor coming up. She, herself, had a worried face and now crossed her arms, looking at both. Valerian closed his eyes in regret while Horner tried to approach her.

"Ariel, listen-", Horner started.

"No, I understand.", Hanson interrupted. "You just can't handle it, and that show was just to calm those people in there... Guess your father would do the same, wouldn't he, Crown Prince?"

"You heard those people, miss Hanson, the Protoss might bring up a damn fleet!", Valerian exclaimed, knowing a soft approach wouldn't work. "We can't fight against that kind of firepower!"

"No, no, I get it.", Hanson said, nervous. "We've been so used to move from one place to another since you left us to die on Agria. Why should that change now?"

Valerian could feel like his heart had been cut in half. The doctor then turned around to leave, letting out a sigh of her own.

"Because we're not going anywhere!", Horner exclaimed, walking.

"Horner, please, I told you don't try to-", Hanson started, anguished.

"We're not!", Horner readily interrupted. "Believe it or not, that's your choice, but we'll fight for you. One more time."

Horner then turned to Valerian and returned to him, grabbing him by his shoulders with all the strength he could get. The Dominion Marines readily cocked their rifles to fire, each one taking a step forward.

"Stand down.", Horner ordered, not taking his gaze out. He stared at Valerian with killing eyes, in a ultimatum between two men. "You brought this up, Valerian. You promised them we'd hold. And now, you will keep the promise!"

"We'd need a miracle for it, Hor-", Valerian started, trying to keep himself calm.

"Find one!", Horner ordered, livid.

"Where!?", Valerian asked, nervous. "Unless you'd like me to call my father and ask for help in exchange for surrender, I don't know what you'd like to do!"

After a while, Horner released his grip. "Me neither.", he then said, bitter. "But it's better we start it today."

He then got on the intercom piece on his ear. "Cade.", he ordered. "Get every ground crew down there, lower the ship above the colony if you have to, I want everyone down here, now."

"Everyone?", Cade asked, on the radio. "What do you plan to do, sir?"

Horner only let out a sigh. "I don't know.", Horner started. "I'll figure it out when everyone's down."

"Roger that, approaching Hyperion now.", Cade complied, as Horner then got off the comms. Hanson then approached back to him.

"You don't have to do this, Horner.", Hanson said, coldly. "We can very well get out of here on our own."

"No, Ariel.", Horner said, shaking his head. "It's personal, this time."

"But I'd think you're trying to prove something!", Hanson said, angry. "What is it, you think that you can make a difference, like Jim did? You're not him!"

Horner then stared at her for some time.

"You're right, I'm not.", Horner agreed, all bitter. "He always had a plan, some idea on what to do. I don't. I don't know what I'm gonna do, now. But, now, I know what I won't do. I won't leave this place and let the Protoss know they're right on their point. I won't back down, even if that kills me and my crew. If the Protoss want this world, now they'll have to get it like everything else they did. They'll have to fight for it, and I hope they'll put a good brawl, because I'm not backing down easily."

Horner and Hanson then stared at one another for quite some time, before the doctor broke the silence, then.

"If you're doing this, then we should find a place to shelter the colonists.", she said, coldly. "Some mountain, or somewhere else..."

"They can use warping technology or bombard it to try and root the people out.", Valerian said, approaching the conversation. "Maybe it'll be better if we build an underground shelter, one main entrance and a backdoor exit if they try to breach it."

"We don't have that much materials for it, Valerian.", Horner said.

"Then let me take a mining crew and try to exploit the mineral veins on this planet.", Valerian said. "Time is short, and we'll need whatever spare we can get."

"And you'll just exploit this planet, like your father does with all his worlds?", Hanson asked, coldly.

"Going off-world may take time we don't have.", Valerian said. "And the Protoss may get the colony off-guard if the Hyperion is out of the system. I won't have that risk. We need the resources and our best chance is getting them here, where they're abundant."

Horner then remained silent for a moment, considering what Valerian suggested.

"You'll just get what you need, Valerian, nothing more.", Horner bitterly censored. "This is hardly a time or opportunity to venture a mining business."

"I'll put someone to find the proper mining site.", Valerian said. "And, Horner, just a suggestion, but you better see if you can hasten the Umojan transports. I'm sure they wouldn't like to get tucked in while the invasion is going, plus they're just guests here."

"Agreed.", Horner said. "You can go now... Valerian.", he finished, saying the last name with a rather bit of bad taste on his mouth as the Crown Prince then left with his Marines. Hanson then approached the Captain.

"You want me to find some people to help on building the shelter?", Hanson asked.

"You leave that work to our SCV operators.", Horner answered. "I need your people to remain calm and keep on their business until the Protoss arrive. Can you help me with that?"

"Of course.", Hanson answered, a bit sad, after a while of silence, as she then left, leaving Horner alone. The captain then took a breath as he rested his right palm on his face, in resignation. Now he was cornered to one duty alone, where evacuation was not an option, unless he'd like to face the fury of the Haven's settlers, his group and Hanson herself. But he wasn't sure he'd be able to hold, either. His old boss Raynor could, and many times he didn't seem like he needed much on that matter. But now he was gone and now it all rested on his second-in-command to hold against an even more furious Protoss counter-attack.

'Look what you got me holed in, Jim...', Horner thought, as he took another deep breath, the thought speaking for himself.

He was in deep and he knew it.

---

NERAZIM ENCLAVE, FRONT ENTRANCE
TALEMATROS, SHAKURAS

Despite the fact that Shakuras was being lightened by the negative sun of it's system, even such a planet had a night time that was considerably more darker than the supposed 'daylight'. Many of the crystal orbs had lightened themselves up, illuminating the now empty avenues of Talematros at night, which only few souls ventured on the streets, and those generally would be to visit someone. Not to mention that many of the Protoss, at their night time, prior to rest, preferred rather to be devoting the last hours of their days in their rites of devotion rather than exiting at night, hence the empty streets. Still, crime was something nearly inexistent amongst the Protoss society, whom so much had their own honor to concern about as it was also nearly impossible to commit any crime thanks to the empathic link the species shared. Still, however, there were those whom could still pose a threat to some innocent or not-so-innocent life on that darkness, like ignorant or fanatical Dark Templar, like a criminal named Ulrezaj was, or the Tal'Darim that the most dangerous Dark Archon of all time, also named Ulrezaj, had formed by severing their connection to the Khala with the blasphemous Sundrop.

Hence also the two Nerazim that now guarded the frontal entrance arc to the Nerazim Enclave, the main representative office of the Dark Templar on Talematros. Many, actually, found it rather ironic that it should have been the towering spire building, not the egg-shaped one of the Hierarchy Assembly, that should've been the center of the new Hierarchy on Shakuras, given, naturally, it stood on the home of the Dark Templar, but the Nerazim accepted, nevertheless, the construction of the new government center, which would be mostly populated by Khalai then Nerazim. Many of the Protoss of Aiur, despite the nearly five sunturns since the loss of their home, were still to get used to the sights of Nerazim walking and fighting besides them in the battlefields that the Protoss would serve, especially the members of the higher, ruling caste that comprised the Hierarchy itself. A still lingering sense of mistrust and tension remained between brothers of light and darkness. Since then, the Enclave had remained as a consulting office to represent the four tribes of Nerazim, scattered in dozens of star systems in small ships and hidden, smaller enclaves of their own, the Zer'atai and Lenassa, whom so much formed the stealth backbone of the Daelaam on Shakuras, as well as the Alyssar and Boros. The very head of this place was the representative of the Nerazim in the Hierarchy, Mohandar, he whom was given the responsibility of leading the Nerazim through those troubling times after the death of Raszagal and since Zeratul, supposed by many to be the successor, had vanished from society, though rumors say that Zeratul often contacts the Hierarch himself, a friendship between two former warriors, at rare times.

The Enclave itself reminded a mage's scepter, with a fork-like tip, where a green crystal, emanating with the power of the Void, no doubt, stood afloat, but other than that, it was considerably taller, almost more taller than the golden-clad Assembly. Like the Nerazim style of structures, it was sleek and it's metal was a blue silver with some green orbs, forming a row that extended to the top. On the sides of the structure, close to the top, however, lied metal sculptures of the heads of each Dark Templar of the four tribes. That was, at least, the central structure of the large circular yard that surrounded it, formed by a crude metal wall with bone-like arcs extending in. The yard had no gardens or anything of the sort, being only a flat land of hexagonal stone.

But the two Dark Templar, two of them Lenassa, did not matter on that. What mattered was keeping that building safe, even though it was unnecessary, even at night. The Lenassa, unlike the Zer'atai, didn't wear any ceremonial bone armor made of dissected Zerg remains, but used simple armor with wraps and face masks made of cloth shrouds. Behind them, stood a cape with the markings and symbol of their tribe. Unlike the Zer'atai, too, whom used the scythe-like dual Warp Blades, the Lenassa's energy blades were on their wrists, much like the Psi Blades of Zealots, as well as those were straight, in contrast to the curved blades of the other tribe. They were a tad lighter, compared to the Zer'atai, but the Lenassa often tied to the old traditions of stealth compared to the battle-hardened warriors of the other tribe, whom rather stroke up-front, though not forsaking their stealthy nature, either.

"Another moon.", the first Lenassa, Mithrill, commented. "A more shining one, this time, I might add."

"Agreed.", the second Lenassa, Morgul, complied. "Though, I have heard, 'tis not so shining in the halls of the Assembly. Tensions increase between the Khalai."

"Much alike the Conclave of the past.", Mithrill said. "Although, as long as it does not affect our brethren, I say we allow them to bicker. Much like the Kakaru searching for food, politicians feasting on one another is in their nature..."

Morgul snickered in response.

"Well, so you Dark Templar do have a sense of humour...", a new voice commented, out in the open, that caught Morgul and Mithrill's attention. Both readily turned and saw there was practically nothing on the yard. "Pity you still oughta refine it, if you ask me..."

"Who is there!?", Morgul demanded. "Reveal yourself at once!"

"We swear, you face the mightiest of the Void's chosen!", Mithrill commented, on a mighty bravado. "All fury is bound to collapse down upon you, if you do not comply!"

"Oh, pity...", the voice replied as then a current of energy started materializing, as it then receded revealing a humanoid form. Morgul and Mithrill unleashed their green Warp Blades. "I was actually starting to enjoy the place, all this 'mage tower' feel, though of course, it could use a little bit of flowers here and there, not to mention a statue..."

Both Lenassa tightened their faces at the figure that now stood before them, gripping even tighter their single Warp Blades, ready to strike at the half-Terran, half-Protoss that became so known throughout that city. The one many became alerted about, the abomination, some could say worse than the Queen of Blades, that still drew breath.

"Artanis' abomination.", Mithrill said, angry. "The Gestalt. If am not mistaken, I believed the Hierarch made a promise you would not be seen anywhere but the Assembly's interior, any longer!"

"Yup, he did it, and I'm keeping the promise.", Gestalt Zero said, standing before the two guards, apparently unafraid. Behind the two Lasarra, other guards came in walking behind, immediately activating their blades at the sight of the hybrid. "Well, most of the times, let's put it mildly.", he added, though he raised an eyebrow in reaction to the guard reinforcements. "But, well, something came up, of my interest, and this needed me to really, really talk for a moment or two with your boss, hence why I'm here. So, is Uncle Moe around?"

"Your diminutives and alternative names will not make any of us be more sympathetic to you, hybrid!", Morgul stated, angry as well. "And Prelate Mohandar has more important issues to be concerned than the attention of an abomination!"

"Oh, my, now I can see it's gonna a long night...", Zero muttered, sarcastically. "Look, I know, I forgot to make the appointment, but if you can just open that particular little breach in your book, I'll be thankful."

"You are just too insolent to appear before the front door, monster!", a third Nerazim, this time a Zer'atai, exclaimed. "We should destroy your impure form where you stand, at this moment!"

"Come on, I just want a minute or two with your Big Brother, and then we're talking about death threats?", Zero asked, insulted. "If I wanted, people, I could've played the Batman and walked up the tower all cloaked and caught your precious Prelate, probably asleep or pumping it up on his bed. You're lucky, y'know, my parents taught me manners and I chose to see if I can knock, first!"

"And why should we allow you to see the Prelate, even if he is not occupied!?", Mithrill asked.

"Come on, people, I took the big risk of showing myself here, in the front door!", Zero exclaimed, sarcastically. "And I just wanna talk to him just one time. After that, I'm out of here for good, okay?"

"The Prelate is more occupied than you first believe!", the Zer'atai replied.

"I'm merely asking a few minutes with him, is that too much for you?", Zero asked, already losing his patience. "Huh? You'll want to make it easy and everyone sleeps nice and untouched or we're changing from Batman to Zorro, right now?"

The Zer'atai and Lenassa remained on their posts, standing still as the hybrid then stood his position firmly, staring at one another. Both hated each other enough to try and make a move, but Zero wasn't that much in the mood for trouble, right now, and the Dark Templar, at least some, feared the capabilities of that mix between Terran and Protoss. Still, they did not show this fear, but tightened their faces, like if they were willing to fight to the death against one so unknown.

"Well?", Zero insisted, as he then rose his arms, demanding an answer. "I'm in a little bit of a tight schedule, so what's it gonna be?"

A more while of time passed before the two Lenassa then deactivated their Warp Blades and walked forward to the Gestalt's sides, each grabbing his thick arms.

"Do not attempt anything, for your sake, hybrid.", Mithrill warned. "Move!"

"If you don't mind, I'm fine walking on my own.", Zero said, as he then moved off his arms from the grip of the Protoss. The three then started walking to the interiors of the Enclave, as they all started moving forward.

---

PERSONAL QUARTERS, MIDDLE DECK, DAELAAM ARK
HIGHER ORBIT OVER KALDIR

The lights were practically at their minimum as Lasarra watched from the outside, by the energy field that separated both the very small chamber and the corridor where the quarters of every Protoss warrior now slept in. Like every other quarters, which reminded an orb more smaller then that chamber where the Initiate was confined, before. This small quarters contained nothing other but a slab, which Naviri, outside her armor, now slept upon. On the other side was a small obelisk-like shrine, with words in traditional Khalani. Lasarra recognized such shrines as something where they devoted their rites to. She also noticed a small crystal, close to the shrine, where it floated harmlessly, like a much smaller Pylon. As Lasarra looked around, she noticed none of her armor pieces could be found, lying around or stashed somewhere. That was because the assembly of the Zealot's armor was often done in another place, at a large chamber dedicated to this purpose, where servants assembled the armor. The Nerazim, however, acted different, as they took care and put on their own armor, polished it and were responsible for it.

The orb was practically tight, not fit for more than two Protoss to stand there. The Protoss, unlike the Terrans, were extremely essential concerning their way of living, only needing too few or according to their function, like the Executor's Quarters, whom only had a table because it was necessary for the Executor to conduct his work. As feeding was done through light absortion, there was little need for a Mess Hall, and bathing was done in a public area, some how akin to the public baths of the Romans of ancient Earth, though the Protoss could absorb almost any type of water. Still, there was the famous health concept that the more potable the water, the better. That explained why, when entering a Protoss housing structure, there was practically only the communal and sleeping rooms, allowing several rooms per structure, supporting more inhabitants than even the Terrans.

Lasarra then noticed there was practically no way to enter the orb and then awake Naviri, as the force field, like a locked door, could only be opened from the inside. There was only one way, and this would probably awake the others. She lightly hit her hand on the force field, as it made a flanged sound while the barrier held itself against the hand. She then started repeating it, but stopped when Naviri's sleeping body moved.

"Who is it?", Naviri asked, angry at the disturbance, as she then looked at the force field to see a figure she knew well. She stared at Lasarra for a moment before turning again. "Go away.", she ordered, all bitter.

"I need to speak to you.", Lasarra said, standing firmly.

"We have spoken enough for one day, Initiate.", Naviri said, coldly. "If it is not important, only come and speak or apologize after a few moons."

"It is important.", Lasarra said, plainly.

"For one first day and after what you have done?", Naviri asked. "I find it hard to believe it so..."

"Please, Naviri, I need to speak to you.", Lasarra insisted. Naviri simply stared at Lasarra for a while before she got up on her feet and got the entrance, touching what seemed to be a switch, deactivating the force field, opening the entrance.

"Enter.", Naviri ordered and Lasarra followed suit. The Disciple activated the force field, then. "I hope 'tis truly important, to disturb my rest..."

"And it is.", Lasarra said. "I may have found a manner to help settle your debt with myself."

Naviri was dumbstruck by the question. "That is the important matter?", she asked, angry, though quietly. "Could you not have waited, Initiate?"

"I could not.", Lasarra exclaimed back. "And I needed to speak this alone with you."

"For you to wish to speak such matter alone, it can only of a hidden, forbidden nature...", Naviri said.

"But it is a way to help settle the debt and remove your shame before Biblos.", Lasarra said.

"And how did you achieve to find a way so quickly, if I may inquire?", Naviri asked.

Lasarra could immediately feel the suspicions rising, as she then decided it was better not to tell her everything. "That is unimportant, now.", she immediately dismissed. "Listen, this is something that goes against whatever traditions I am still to know, but I need your assistance..."

"Against the Praetor, I suppose?", Naviri asked, crossing her arms. "You really expect me to strike against him, if that is what I presume?"

"No!", Lasarra readily denied, as well as looking to see if none were close by. "It is none of that! Listen, Naviri...", she added, before she then hesitated. "I need help. Help in how to fight."

"Help in how to fight?", Naviri asked, angry. "Are you saying you wish for me to teach you!?"

"Until I can defend myself.", Lasarra said. "I will ask no more of you-"

"Are you insane!?", Naviri asked, livid, trying to contain her tone. "Firstly of all, as you said, this goes against one tradition, that the warrior should overcome her own weakness by herself! Secondly, I am no instructor, I would not even know how or where to begin!"

"I have no one else to turn to, Disciple!", Lasarra exclaimed, in self-defense.

"And what of the Praetor!?", Naviri asked, angry, also looking to see if there was no one peeking. "He can easily discover that I have helped you, Initiate, have you learned nothing on the obstacle track!? He will punish me this time, then, you mark my words!"

"No.", Lasarra said, firmly. "When he does, I will not let him."

"Will not let him!?", Naviri asked. "You were barely able to defend yourself, now, you will barely be when you challenge him to a fight, if that is what I presume!"

"That is why I have come for you.", Lasarra said. "When Biblos spoke of you, when you stepped forward, he mentioned so as if you were one of his finest."

"You seem to have a mind too sharp or too misdirected to believe so.", Naviri said, tense and angry.

"As the Praetor taught, there is so much the strength of the mind as there is of spirit and body.", Lasarra recited. "I am exercising my mind, now."

"You should be exercising it to rather remember his teachings instead of memories, might I add.", Naviri censored.

"You can help me, Naviri.", Lasarra insisted. "Help me to fight, in blocking and counter-attacking. In being able to stand more than one minute against the Praetor."

"By Adun, Lasarra, this is not something you can learn in such short notice, it takes eons to develop reflexes and combat skills, so much as your strength, fragile as of now!", Naviri tried to explain.

"I may not have this much time, Naviri, and the Praetor's instruction is not being consistent enough!", Lasarra argued. Naviri shook her head as she then turned around to sit on her 'bed' slab. "Listen, I understand, I mayhaps be asking much of you. But I am, here and now, giving you a chance to settle this debt and clean your shame, something I deeply apologize for, now. I do not know of any other way, in all due honesty, to how to repay such debt. As I do not know when I will be able to do so, again."

Naviri simply looked down in the floor for a moment, like if she was either thinking or regretting letting her in.

"It is all I ask.", Lasarra insisted. "If you refuse, I will respect your refusal and we shall have this conversation no longer. But 'tis all I ask. Please, help me."

Naviri then raised her head again, facing the Initiate, not believing what she would say next.

"Even if I wanted so, I would not be able to do so, neither today, now, nor tomorrow.", Naviri said. "I shall be leaving tomorrow, with the other warriors, when we descend to the settlement."

"You will secure the perimeter, tomorrow?", Lasarra asked. "So the scientists can work safely?"

Naviri nodded. "Indeed.", she said. "So, I would not be able to help you until I returned. If I managed to return..."

"Managed to return?", Lasarra asked. "Are the planet's native species dangerous?"

Naviri somehow knew this was to come, eventually. The mission. The true one, behind the facade, and Lasarra could easily discover about it.

"Something like this...", Naviri hesitated.

"Odd.", Lasarra said, dumbfounded. "I believed even the native species was not a threat to us, given we even have shields and blades capable of tearing through flesh with ease..."

"And they are not.", Naviri said.

"Then why are you fearing you may not return, if the beasts are not so dangerous?", Lasarra asked, dumbfounded.

The Disciple then looked again at the exit, hoping there was no one listening, for quite some time. She then got on her feet. "Lasarra.", she called, as the Initiate then looked at Naviri on the eye. "I will tell you something truly important. But you must first promise me you will not react excessively or tell anyone you know this."

"What is it?", Lasarra asked, dumbfound.

"Promise me, first!", Naviri insisted, grabbing Lasarra's hand. The Initiate was a tad shocked by the reaction.

"I... I promise.", Lasarra said, a bit surprised.

"Promise what?", Naviri asked, staring and tightening her eyes.

"I promise I will not react or tell anyone of what ever it is you wish to tell me.", Lasarra answered. "Is it important?"

"More than what you asked me.", Naviri said, sternly, releasing Lasarra's hand and looking again at the force field blocking the quarters from the corridor outside. "When you first applied to be aboard the Ark, what was told you this travel would be?"

Lasarra stood there, not understanding it.

"It would be a scientific expedition, to study Kaldir's climate, to see if this planet could be altered...", Lasarra said, dumbstruck.

"Officially, it is what you said, but, in reality, it is not.", Naviri said. "A scientific expedition, a real one, would not have so many warriors as machines meant for war, Lasarra. This is a warrior's quest."

"A warrior's quest, on a world not related to the war on the Sector?", Lasarra asked, dumbstruck. "What kind of threat could there be on this apparently safe world?"

"A Zerg Brood Mother.", Naviri answered.

Lasarra's eyes widened. "What!?", she asked, almost loud.

"Lasarra, what did you promise me!?", Naviri asked, angry and looking at the forcefield again, for a moment. "It is what you heard. A Zerg Brood Mother, one of the Swarm's lieutenants, nests on this world since the Queen of Blades fell. Separated from the rest of the Swarm and alone, with naught but her medium sized Brood to protect her. And we are headed to eliminate her. Tomorrow, if we are fortunate."

"But...", Lasarra said, in disbelief of the information she was now hearing. "But, I believed that the Hierarchy would never approve this action, they have approved none related to directly assaulting Zerg!"

"They did not.", Naviri said. "Otherwise, the Ark would not need be launched under excuses of a scientific expedition, under the Hierarch's very watch. Admiral Urun arranged this expedition so as to persuade the Assembly that we can stand against them, when the time comes."

Lasarra wanted to find somewhere to sit, almost losing balance due to the news. So, behind all this scientific expedition, lied the true purpose, one of blood and fallen corpses. 'A warrior's quest...', she thought, dumbstruck. That explained some of the materials she found on some crates, moons ago, related to new arm wrists for Zealots or even stabilizers for Thermal Lances, used by the feared Colossi war machines. She firstly believed that was for the security of the settlement as well as the expeditions to the outside, but, even then, that was a tad too much for the common Protoss.

And now, she, the sister to the High Executor, whom tried to block her way through the initiation to warriorship or into military expeditions requiring civilian members, was now in the middle of one.

"Truly unbelievable...", Lasarra commented, dumbstruck. "Wait.", she added, raising her head and staring Naviri. "Does my sister know?"

"The High Executor?", Naviri asked. "I do not know. Perhaps. Perhaps not. Only the Executor, Raseac, knows."

"She must not know, then...", Lasarra presumed. "Otherwise, she would have tried everything to prevent me from boarding the Ark."

"That would give the High Executor problems to handle, as well.", Naviri said. "Officially, it is a scientific expedition, to a presumably safe world, and her preventing you from joining it would mean interference of a warrior with the choices of a civilian, in a civilian-related matter. She would have to face a rather embarrassing inquiry, and given her current status back on Shakuras...", she finished raising her 'eyebrows'.

"I see.", Lasarra said. "But, if you manage to return, would you help me? With what I asked you?"

Naviri then stopped again, looking again through the force field. She then returned, after a while, her stare at the Initiate. "If I am to... help you, I will require cooperation.", she said, closing in on the Initiate. "The moment you cross this bridge, it shall be burned. I will hear no discussion, I will not argue and I will not go light on each and every fault of yours. I will tell, you will listen, I will order, you will obey it to the letter. You will tire and you will hurt, even after Biblos has done so, but you will learn. These are my conditions. If you wish to forsake this, now is the time, because there shan't be a second chance. I await your answer."

Lasarra then awaited for a moment, considering what the Disciple then proposed. It seemed more honest than what the Executor had once told when he offered her the chance to become an Initiate. At least that was something she could count on Naviri.

"When you return, I will be ready.", Lasarra then said, making up her mind.

"Not so readily when I return, I warn you.", Naviri said. "When I call you, come to me. Many times, it will be on the sleeping time. You will lose hours of sleep as you train in secrecy, I warn you, too."

"'Tis not how vigilant warriors are made?", Lasarra asked. "To be able to resist sleep for extended periods of time?"

"So much as to be able to resist your hunger or thirst.", Naviri said, as she then pressed the light switch again, and the force field lowered. "It is settled, then. 'Tis better you return now to your chamber."

"Understood.", Lasarra said, as she then crossed the barrier, but then stopped and turned around. "Naviri.", she called, and the Disciple then looked at her. "May the gods watch over you, tomorrow."

The Initiate then left on the empty corridor as Naviri then raised the forcefield barrier again, then returned to her bed. She tried closing her eyes and attempting to sleep, but couldn't, fathoming on what she'd have to do, besides her duty and exercises. Still, it'd be a chance to try and clean her shame before he most likely fell the next day to the Zerg on that Iceworld.

A while passed before Naviri then finally fell asleep, gradually.

---

DOMINION FRONTLINE OPERATIONS STRONGHOLD - HARKONNEN
DAUNTLESS PLATEAU, CHAR

He still could see the smoke and fire burning up top from the debris of the structures and vehicles spread all over the place, the literal meaning of the word 'devastation'. The worst, however, was the collective smell that gathered up and made everything in that place all but hazardous. Not twenty minutes passed since the greatest battle Char had ever seen since the Brood War ended and the heat contributed to the numerous amount of corpses stinking up, and there were no animals like crows or vultures to rummage on the corpses, or even flies flying around the bodies.

Unfortunately, it was something he had to get used to, as General Horace Warfield walked by the corpses of all those men and women killed and collected their dogtags to return the names of those 'heroes' to their families, they whom made the ultimate sacrifice to the Dominion with their lives. Well, at least the dogtags he managed to pick up. Many were either melted by that damn Zerg acid or blown away by those Banelings. It was a tad difficult to pick those up, especially with the arm cannon which could not even return to it's mechanical state anymore. Something the Bitch Queen of the Universe made sure of when that Zergling damaged the arm, that couldn't transform nor shoot anymore.

Then came the matter that haunted Warfield's mind the most. He was willing to die, yet she let him live. Of course, as Kerrigan intended, he was meant to deliver a message to Mengsk. But she didn't reserve herself to that, she also spared other lives. Why'd she do that? Kerrigan, as far as Warfield knew, took no prisoners, and those she took were infested. And, above anything else, she didn't let anyone just evacuate or escape with ease. She wouldn't spare people that could potentially make a stand later. Perhaps there was something that changed, after all, on her. Perhaps the artifact did change something on her. Then, the way like she commanded the fight, it was like she was trying to minimize as much losses as she could. Like if she were only fighting because it was necessary to get the Dominion off Char...

But then, it also came that very old reminding of what she did with the stragglers of the UED expedition, when the battle for Char Aleph ended. When Kerrigan just let people run away so she could hunt them later, in a sick sport. Something that Kerrigan was known for, besides mass murder, was cruelty. She liked to put her opponents to torment, like she did with Mengsk, letting him live to see the monster he bred when he left her on Tarsonis to die. Or Raynor, haunting him at every moment. The way how Kerrigan acted, it seemed like if it was practically impossible to redeem her.

In all honesty, Warfield couldn't tell. He couldn't know, really, what made sense and what not, especially since a damn alien trinket whom could destroy Zerg came up and Valerian drew him to that hellhole for a suicidal crusade that, ironically or a twist worthy of some fairytale book, did work out. But only for a moment, as the Zerg wouldn't see the last of their Queen.

Still, even though Kerrigan spared his life, of those men below, in the ruined P.O.C. or the transports that managed to leave, as she said, none of those could change the fact that, practically, it was all over. Harkonnen was destroyed. Char was Zerg property again. Anyone whom could say otherwise, or try to make a resistance effort, even now, with virtually nothing to hold, was literally an idiot or a suicidal. Maybe both.

He decided to put that thought aside as he picked the dogtags of another fallen Marine, at least one he could find intact, and not exploded or trampled over by some Ultralisk. On that dogtag, it read 'DECANDIDO, K.'. Another soldier, whom the General didn't see or remember his face. Another number. Numbers Warfield came to hate, in that business. Of how many men died, especially when they could've been saved.

A rocket engine sound, a louder one than that of a Dropship was heard as he then joined that dogtag with the others he collected and he got on his feet, noticing the Hercules was trying to find a place to land, amidst all that mess. Eventually, it did, and the massive transport landed as the front and side ramp doors opened. By then, Warfield had joined with those still alive and left from the Elite Guard, including that soldier from the radio, Private Fring. On the ship, a figure stood by, a Marine amongst several, looking dead serious at Warfield, as they waited for the others to board along with the General. Fring and Warfield then stared at one another as they then boarded the transport.

"Is that all of them?", one of the soldiers asked.

"Yeah, they must be.", Warfield said, all sad. "Let's get outta here."

"HEY, WAIT!", a voice roared out from afar, in the front, as Warfield then saw something that was left behind. It looked like two Marines, one holding the other. "WAIT FOR US!", one of the Marines, apparently young, roared again.

Warfield then gave the signal for the ship to hold for a while as the two remaining soldiers then walked inside. One of them seemed blabbering and muttering non-sense, trembling like hell. Warfield let out a sigh as he knew what it was.

"This one needs help, sir.", the Marine said, saluting. "He's fekked up. Just like that, all fekked up."

Warfield simply nodded then, as the ramps finally started to close. Once shut, the Hercules' engines fired up and the vessel lifted off to the air, slowly, before then heading out into orbit.

---

She just walked slowly, past the corpses, the debris, the wreckage, the devastation. Something she tried to ignore, as the last bit of the carrot was chewed. Kerrigan then let the final tip, with the leaves, fall to the ground, atop a small stain of blood. Unfortunately, the smell could not be ignored, as she then witnessed the devastation of her victory, before her. And the worse of it, as Izsha once said, was that this was only a preview compared to Korhal, to when Kerrigan would bring the Swarm at Mengsk's doorstep. Such was the cost of the battle that finally drove away the Dominion from Char for good. That, along with how many else were probably killed on the other stronghold.

So many lives lost. So many blood shed, in which humans were worth ten times more than all the Zerg killed. And she could feel like if those lives she spared would not budge or mean something. Those transports that departed, those would make no difference, at all. The dead were just... too many.

Kerrigan let out a sigh as she tried to forget it, now almost at the front gate of the destroyed Harkonnen stronghold. It'd now be a long walk to her 'home', where then she and those Zerg would plan the next move, that'd reunite the Swarm, as Izsha intended to. That got her a bit worried too. The first step was given. Practically, when it'd be halfway around, probably, Izsha would then just do like Mengsk did on Tarsonis. She'd turn on her. Kerrigan, somehow, was well aware of the possibility of betrayal, growing a bit paranoid since that fateful day on New Gettysburg. And not only because Izsha was Zerg, and Zerg were capable of evil much more easily than humans, as she experienced, but because she also was human. And she had ambition and vision, like Mengsk did. She had cunning and plans of her own, like Mengsk. That made it more of a certainty than a possibility, that Kerrigan, sooner or later, would be backstabbed again. She only hoped she'd be away or manage to run away when that time came.

A roar of rocket engines was heard behind her and above, as she looked behind. Engines of a massive transport, like those she saw when Izsha tried to make her move. But it was a single one, no doubt meant to drop or pick up something. She hoped it was the latter, as she then stood and waited. Warfield wouldn't be stupid now, especially after she spared him. He practically lost everything, and any resistance was actually futile.

A while passed before, then, the transport got up again and started flying away to orbit. No doubt, she hoped, Warfield would be inside, heading away from that hell for good.

'Smart, Warfield.', she thought, curiously thinking on that young Marine in the P.O.C. kitchen as well as the trembling, broken Marine. 'Good man.'

Kerrigan then took a deep sigh as she turned around and started her walk back to the Leviathan. It'd a be a long one, but that'd give Kerrigan time to wave off the heat of battle, those thoughts of death and decay, and get back on the job. Yes, it'd be a long walk.

But, as far as she knew, the first step was given.

---

NEW CANAAN, TYRADOR IX
DAWN

The sun shined high in the morning, lightning a bit of the room, with the windows closed, where Tremm, Drake, Omar and Oni slept, everywhere on the room. Drake and Omar slept in the sofas while Omar lied down on the ground and Tremm slept with his back on a wall. Tremm was the first to wake up, looking at his watch to see it was already five in the morning. He got up on the ground and walked to awake the others, still noticing Nova wasn't around, but knowing she'd return, eventually, especially early, as people like her did, the supposed best of the Dominion's Ghost Program.

Awaking too, thanks to Tremm, Oni started the laptop's monitor and checked the temperature and battery, already at forty-five percent, knowing he'd have to stick the recharger again at the port. Omar headed off to the kitchen to cook something supposedly decent, for he was an assassin, not a chef, after all. The least he could do was fry or toast some eggs, something practically easy for anyone, even the deadliest of Mengsk's special forces. Tremm headed outside to pay the hotel while Drake started straightening things up, knowing the newcomer no doubt would complain on it. She nearly shot him after that remark and the room was a full mess, after all.

The door then opened as Nova walked in, on her full Ghost suit and rifle in hand, letting out a sigh. She didn't even give a damn to what people were doing as she now headed to lay down her C-20A.

"Had a nice night?", Drake asked.

"Skyscraper, south side, left corner, curved structure.", Nova said. "What building is that?"

So much Drake as Oni looked at the Ghost woman, confused.

"If you're talking about the one shaped almost like a banana, that's the Bramini Tower.", Drake answered. "Why the question, you liked the sight of it?"

"Very funny...", Nova deadpanned. "I got painted by a rifle laser from there and here you are, jerking around..."

"What!?", Omar asked, shocked as he came from the kitchen. "Someone aimed at you!?"

"And didn't shoot.", Nova answered. "Did it happen to you before I got here?"

"What?", Drake asked, surprised. "No, we- We kept watch every night, no one ever did that! The fekk's going on!?"

"I don't know, no one would know this location, unless...", Oni said, dumbstruck, before staring then at Nova. "Did someone follow you, on the day you arrived?"

"What?", Nova asked, surprised. "No, there was a riot behind us, no one could've followed."

"But then, how could they be on the Bramini?", Oni asked. "Which floor you saw the sniper?"

"Above the twentieth, I'm sure.", Nova answered.

"He can't be out of the building, let's go to him!", Drake exclaimed, readily getting on his feet and heading to pick up his uniform before being stopped by Nova.

"Forget it, Drake.", Nova ordered. "He must be away, now."

"What!?", Drake asked, widened. "But, Nova, he-"

"If he's smart or a Spectre he'll have cleared out as soon as he was done painting me.", Nova said. "Whom did this clearly knew the risks. He must be on a three hour lead, now."

"Who's on a three hour lead?", Tremm asked, having returned to the room.

"Nova was targeted this morning, on the watch.", Drake answered.

"Someone tried to kill her!?", Tremm asked, upset.

"He didn't try, he was just targeting.", Nova answered, annoyed, taking a deep sigh. "Like if he was warning or toying with me."

"But that's impossible, this didn't happen to us before!", Tremm protested. "It didn't even seem like someone knew where we were!"

"And if they knew, why didn't they try to neutralize us before!?", Oni asked, angry. "We were here long before Nova, why would she be the first target?"

"And the Bramini Tower, a perfect spot for a sniper.", Drake said. "It's not making any sense, since she arrived..."

"Hey, people...", Omar called. "Not wanting to accuse the lady of anything, but it seems that they were just waiting for her."

"Waiting for me?", Nova asked, angry. "It doesn't make sense, any Spectre working for Tosh doesn't wait, they just head out and go to the fight!"

"But Omar has a point, too. Sounds, too, this is a trap, for me...", Drake said. "That intel they sent you, on Brahe, darling... Did they catch it out of nowhere or they were keeping tabs on this rock for some time?"

"No, that was out of nowhere.", Nova answered.

Each operative then stared at one another, like if they realized something.

"A bait.", Drake said. "And now we're in some kind of trap. Tremm, you think you can get a ship by morning night?"

"I'm not leaving, Drake!", Nova exclaimed angry. "I came here to hunt those bastards, and I will do that!"

"But if they wanted you here, they must've thought on anything we can do!", Tremm exclaimed too. "It's clear they want you, Nova!"

"Good to know.", Nova said. "Makes easier the job of hunting them."

"Nova, it's your life we're talking about!", Omar exclaimed, walking a bit forward.

"I can handle myself well.", Nova said. "If you wish so, I can head out alone and get you off their crosshairs, if that's what you're worried about."

Everyone then remained quiet on the room, everyone staring at Nova, like if she made her mind. Oni took a deep breath, as the remainder kept the stare.

"Well then, if you won't run, then what you'll do?", Drake asked, crossing his arms.

"We'll stick to the plan, until they decide to spring the trap.", Nova said. "We'll follow Brahe tonight."

"I better then double the ammunition, just in case.", Oni said. "Make sure there are no surprises."

"I'll have a walk around the block.", Tremm asked. "Make sure there's no hideouts."

"And who's gonna prepare the Sydney girl?", Nova asked.

"That's on me.", Drake said. "Been on the college for some time, she thinks I'm one of those last-year folks, Spike."

"But she's aware of what we do?", Nova asked.

"Yeah, she is.", Drake said. "I'll get her on lunch time."

"Do it.", Nova said. "Omar, make sure the suits are ready, cloaking devices charged."

"And you, Nova?", Oni asked.

"I'll get online with Korhal.", Nova said. "The more intel we can get, the better. Get to work."

Everyone then scattered, Omar heading back to the kitchen and Drake and Tremm getting out of the room. Only Nova and Oni stayed on the room, the Asian-looking Ghost heading to the weapons' cache while the blond one headed to the computer, seeking to contact the intelligence division.

---

NERAZIM ENCLAVE, TALEMATROS, SHAKURAS
PRELATE MOHANDAR'S OFFICE

The office where Prelate Mohandar, representative of the Nerazim on the Hierarchy and leader of the Zer'atai tribe, was considerably smaller than that of Hierarch Artanis, and considerably more different. The room was indeed egg-shaped, but it could only support the desk where the Prelate worked with the seating chairs, as well as a floating Khaydarin Crystal floating over a makeshift, small round table. Light was provided by the green orbs around the room, with silver-colored plating as the rest of the structure. Though there were no decorations such as the head in the Hierarch's office, there were hanging by the walls the banners of the Nerazim tribes.

Mohandar himself, alone, was sitting behind the desk, as he filled in reports and forms, written in Khalani, in the middle of the night. Most of the guards but those of the night watch stood their positions around the spiral structure. But, even though the Prelate was alone, his battle reflexes, even though he was older than most, presumably the same age as Raszagal herself, were sharp and he was capable of defending himself, even without the need of a Warp Blade. He could handle quite well the possibility of an assassination attempt, though these were quite rare amongst the Protoss, even if they were at a time of such a political crisis like they were.

His office was also the initial topic of discussion of a certain Terran-Protoss hybrid, whom appeared in the office escorted by two Lenassa, sharing equally angry faces because of the abomination whom now appeared before them and that they yearned to kill, because it was an abomination, naturally.

"Hmm...", Zero mumbled, as he looked around the office itself, when the Lenassa forced him to sit on one of the chairs. "Artie's room was bigger... You must sleep in some room of your own, don't you, Moe?"

"You, hybrid, is many things, a monster bred unnaturally, first of all.", Mohandar deadpanned, staring at the report he wrote on, now. "Though, one thing that cannot be denied, is that you are bold and insolent enough to appear at my front gate, demanding an audience. Note, however, that it was your courage alone, willing to face certain death, whom has allowed you to come before me and speak, nothing more."

"Well, can't help it...", Zero replied, allowing himself a smirk. "I liked the decoration, though. You could give me the fella's number, while we're still at it. Lacks a little pink here and there, though..."

Mohandar, however, only stared at him for a moment, before returning to filling the report scrolls.

"I am considerably older than you, Terran-spawn.", Mohandar said. "Hundreds of years old. And my eons of experience have taught me patience. If you expect an infuriating reaction on my part due to your puns, you will have to work much harder."

"Well, true, I'm still to fill my list of jokes for Protoss, but-", Zero started babbling.

"What do you want, hybrid?", Mohandar interrupted, rashly.

"That straight to the point? Why does everyone in this goddamn planet assume I come to visit because I want something?", Zero asked, offended. "Can't I simply visit you people, have a little tea, a little chat, try to get some acquaintance around here?"

"If you wanted so, you could do it at plain sunlight.", Mohandar answered, coldly. "Assuming, of course, you can easily avoid the many other Protoss whom yearn to collect your blasphemous hide. Also, Terrans, as I studied, visit animals caged in their public places, not the other way around. Also, I know you clearly want something with me because you said it so in the frontal gate."

Zero raised his eyebrows, knowing this 'old man', apparently, was quite shrewd, himself. Mohandar raised his head, rested his back and noticed the Gestalt's amusement.

"Amused, I see...", Mohandar said. "I may not be present, hybrid, but that does not mean that I do not hear or see what is afar around me."

"Observers, I bet?", Zero asked. "Or do you have some pre-cog reading that you develop as time goes on?"

"Do not try to harass me with your attempts to side-talk me, monstrous one.", Mohandar said. "One thing I do not stand for is people trying to make a fool of me, lying to me, delaying the point of this conversation and thinking they can get away with it. So, unless you would like to be removed and handed to the nearest Zealot guards on patrol around Talematros, tell me now what do you want, for you to have come here, risking the Hierarch's honor and your life."

Zero then sighed as he stared the Prelate in the eye. "You know about all the mess around the Assembly, Moe.", he said. "You know Artie himself is in deep, especially with the snakes you know so well getting atop of him at every turn."

Mohandar glared at the hybrid before him. "And since when was an abomination allowed to meddle in the politics of my people!?", he asked, raising his tone. "As far as I am concerned, you should remain in your corner, and leave the matters of Protoss to Protoss alone! The battles of Artanis as the Hierarch are his alone and no one else's to fight!"

"That Hierarch is a child, and you and I know it.", Zero said, coldly. "So much that I'm being forced to babysit him on this matter, and I'm not even getting paid."

"And what one like you could understand concerning our internal affairs, hybrid?", Mohandar asked, somehow mocking him.

"Enough to recognize a snake itching to bite your boss, when I see one.", Zero said. "And he's called Urun, if you're curious about it..."

Mohandar stared at the hybrid for a moment before he then glanced at the Lenassa guarding the Gestalt. "Leave us.", he ordered.

"Prelate!?", Mithrill asked, alarmed. "Are you aware that-"

"That is an order, Mithrill.", Mohandar said. "Leave us be. Now."

The Lenassa then looked at the hybrid, disgusted, for one last time, as they then stepped outside the office. Mohandar and Zero looked at one another then.

"Continue speaking, hybrid.", Mohandar ordered, coldly. Zero smirked as he then let out a sigh.

"As I was saying before, I know a snake when I see one.", Zero said. "Urun is clearly up to something, and, dare I say, I doubt it involves Artie's welfare alone."

"As you had the insolence to appear in our very frontal entrance, you now have the insolence to accuse one of our greatest members of the Hierarchy.", Mohandar said. "I was one of the few whom had the honor of fighting with him at the Xel'Naga Temple grounds, keeping the Zerg at bay while Artanis and Zeratul himself took the Khalis and Uraj Crystals to perform the purging of the menace whom ravaged our world. He commanded the few ships remaining under our command during the storm of those darker times, with skill worthy of the leaders of the Aeon of Strife. Truly, he is impulsive and perhaps too passionate on his duty, even I admit so. Yet he is held with the highest honor and esteem close only to Adun himself. Unless you would happen to have evidence to suggest otherwise, I would hardly listen to the ramblings of a monster concerning the Admiral and his political affairs."

"Funny you've mentioned that word, now.", Zero said, not flinching. "Evidence. That's why I came to talk to you, now. Given your precious Dark Templar love to sneak around in shadows, I figured you'd already have something on the Admiral."

"Something of political nature?", Mohandar asked, dryly.

"Well, a little leverage never hurt anyone, especially against the likes of him...", Zero said, dismissively.

"And, even if I had, why would I share it with you!?", Mohandar asked, raising his tone.

"For starters?", Zero asked, playfully. "You love my front figure..."

Zero then smiled a bit and chuckled, while the Prelate simply stared at him.

"I can see you don't have much of a sense of humor...", Zero added, ironically. "Well, let's say that, right now, I can feel something stinking high on the Assembly, behind the perfume of whatever it is you spray in that monster of a building. And when the shit hits the fan, it spreads out, but it doesn't stop there. The shit turns to blood, then, especially in the political sphere. And your Admiral is the eye of the storm."

"Admiral Urun is one of our most esteemed members, and too loyal to simply attempt something against the Hierarch or the Hierarchy.", Mohandar said, coldly.

"Loyal?", Zero teased. "Are you sure? Even after he's been denied three times a chance to get his fleet to a brawl? After that, you know I would think of my leader as a shy moron, in my opinion. Especially after today, after an outpost was blasted to ruin, I'm sure you heard that one, haven't you?"

"I was informed of the attack of the allies of late James Raynor in our settlement on Haven, yes.", Mohandar said. "But what has this to do with Urun and what ever conspiracy theory you may have?"

"Everything, if you ask me.", Zero answered. "Urun wanted to get cranking down on the colony, your boss clipped his wings off. That's one more, adding the two times he wanted to rock 'n roll on your lost, infested greenhouse and Artie didn't let him. I'd call it pretty much of a reason to rise up against him, and it's never a pretty sight your military rising up on your government."

"As if it were reason enough for Urun to attempt to assume command, if that is what you presume.", Mohandar replied, still cold.

"My friend, you haven't been long in the shades of Terran politics as I have.", Zero said, resting his back. "Artie, as I said, he's a child, he definitely wasn't meant to be in the chair you folks shoved him in. He's all naive and with delusions that people will respect him and not get over his head if he does suit. In resume, he's a moron, you and I know it, but we can pretty much live with morons in charge. Urun, however, he's no moron. And worse, he's got ambition. That's what worries me."

"In what sense?", Mohandar asked, sarcastically. "That he may perhaps be a leader even better than what Artanis is? Or perhaps that he may authorize the warriors of Shakuras to terminate your impure existence?"

"A guy whom knows what to do, in charge, means trouble.", Zero said. "For us and everyone out there. I thought you learned that before. Kerrigan, remember?"

"Only too well.", Mohandar replied, staring at the hybrid.

"Well, then, that's what Urun is.", Zero said. "He's got ambition and plans. And this might hurt much more than anyone here thinks. The way he passionately said that 'we should reclaim our homeworld' or 'take the fight to the Zerg', he's a troublemaker. And that's never good in a throne..."

"Artanis brought this upon himself, as well.", Mohandar said. "His excessive restraint was what caused Urun to take action, as well. And no one can fathom the reason."

"Me neither, but you know what?", Zero asked, raising his eyebrows. "I don't give a shit for that, neither for Artie or if he's in charge or not. If he falls because he was too shy and another moron takes his place, well, too bad, the world will still keep on spinning like a top, won't it? But Urun? No way in hell, that's asking for trouble, in the very meaning of the word..."

Mohandar simply stared at him for a small period of time.

"Let us suppose I would handle you the information.", Mohandar said. "What would you do?"

"Oh, so you do have something?", Zero asked, letting out a smile.

"I asked you a question, I expect an answer.", Mohandar retorted, coldly.

"Heh, I'd leave it to Artie, then...", Zero said. "If he doesn't use what I got... Won't be my fault..."

"Unfortunately, I have nothing.", Mohandar said, coldly. Zero lost his smile. "And, even if I had, I would not share it with the likes of you. My primary concern, as you will come to realize, is not the concerns of our current politics, but the protection of my people. Nerazim, not Khalai. And a scandal that could be tracked back to my people would have serious consequences, even returning the hatred my people suffered before the Zerg invaded Aiur itself."

Zero grinded his teeth, then, apparently not liking the answer.

"So I'll have to do this all by myself?", Zero asked, coldly. "And I came here thinking you'd have already dig up something on him... After all, a good portion of your 'people' is serving on his ships, as far as I know. And I know you didn't got where you are without keeping an eye on certain elements..."

"They are, true.", Mohandar said, after a while. "Hence why I have 'kept an eye' on him as well. Unfortunately, my investigations have found too little of him to turn it into a political weapon. He is clean."

"No one's ever clean, Moe.", Zero said. "They're just too good at hiding the dirt. Just like our old Admiral pal, apparently..."

"And you would really expect to find something, if a chance would be delivered to you?", Mohandar asked.

"Don't insult me.", Zero said, scoffing. "I know I can."

Mohandar then stared for a while in the Gestalt's eyes for a while, before he then broke the silence again.

"Tomorrow, the Assembly gathers again, to debate the Haven debacle.", Mohandar said. "This would mean the Admiral's office, by the Aurigan Enclave, would be less guarded, and the files most sensitive are restricted only to the Admiral and those closest to him in the Auriga. My Dark Templar, even those inside the Admiral's armada attempted, but eventually failed to find anything relevant. But their eyes are all the same. Perhaps a different eye can see something different..."

Zero smiled and chuckled. "So, Uncle Moe will lend out a hand...", he said.

"I will lend no hand.", Mohandar said, coldly. "You will lend your own hand to that place and find whatever you may think it is relevant to the security of the Hierarchy. Personally, I do not wish for more instability, but should it occur, I will not stand with the Hierarch, but nor with the Admiral, either. Now, if we are both finished, I would like you to leave at once."

Immediately, behind the Gestalt, Mithrill and Morgul appeared again. Zero only sighed.

"Pity, pity...", Zero said, looking at both Lenassa and then at the Prelate. "And I came up knocking, now what if I had sneaked in here..."

"You would immediately be executed on sight, and I would allow it.", Mohandar said, dryly. "You should be thankful I will pretend to ignore that you came here and talked to myself."

Zero got on his feet as the Lenassa only approached him to escort him out.

"One final warning.", Mohandar said, getting on his feet. "I will not stand my people being harmed or involved in any of your games. Should a scandal occur and this scandal involve me or my people, I assure you: Your head will decorate this table. And your skin will become my new garments. You can try and run, but we will catch up to you, we are excellent when it comes to hunting. And then your eyes will serve as a tribute of vengeance for the murder of Muadun and all the other Protoss you assassinated at the yoke of your mad master. I will not warn again. Understand?"

Zero only let out a smirk as he light scoffed.

"I liked that threat, it gave a little gangster feeling in you.", Zero said, as a joke. "You'd make a name for yourself in a Protoss mob circle or something, handing out horse heads to whomever pisses you off..."

"Get him off my sight and off my Enclave.", Mohandar ordered, sitting back down, as Mithrill and Morgul grabbed Zero. "And do not appear here anymore!"

Immediately, Zero, like Elvis, had left the building under a quiet laughter and a not-so-sweet escort, so to say...

---

TALEMATROS SPACEPORT, SHAKURAS

Truly, as Admiral Urun had witnessed from below, they were truly majestic sights. The Aurigan commander of the Golden Armada could now see the newest creation entrusted by the Furinax to develop was now made a reality, aboard the ground drydocks where automated welding arms and Probes more numerous than Terran SCVs worked on the mighty vessels. According to one of the primary artisans responsible, Idrahar, these vessels, whom the Furinax called the Tempests, would perform exactly as the Admiral proposed, to counter the might of the Zerg's largest strains, particularly space born, like the Leviathans.

The Tempests looked like gigantic ear rings, with two curved arcs closing on each other and nearly completing the cicle, like if they needed just a little push in each side through abnormally large fingers. This left the far corner open and the other became the very cockpit of the large warship, that required only one pilot, that would drive this mighty carrion of destruction to battle. Behind the cockpit lied the very engines that could propell the vessel forward and considerably more faster than a Terran Battlecruiser, six of each all tucked together. But, even though the ship itself was impressive, almost no weapons systems could be seen alongside the vessel. Idrahar, when first inquired, informed that any other weapons could severly compromise the Kinetic Matrix that powers the ship, and it would not be effective then, in it's primary role.

That was because the Tempest itself was a weapon as well. A long ranged mobile weapon, that could deliver devastating firepower from afar, in the form of charged kinetic energy, gathered in enourmous, small moon sized balls of electricity. The formation was done through the pilots themselves, whom even used a recently developed, bulky dampening armor to protect them, who built up the volatile kinetic energies and propelling them through the ship's hull, whom acted as a conductor. The energy current ran around the vessel until it was saturated with static energy, where then the sparks collided in one another through the empty central area of the ring, which eventually forms the Kinetic Overcharge. Once formed, the energies converged, increasing more and more the ball, until it reached a point where the energies ran lightly across and the ball was stabilized until launched through sending a psionic gravitational pull from the cockpit iself.

The ball then would travel through the point designed until it hit it's target, supposedly large, or when it hit the ground or dissipated itself after long distancies, in a deep space confrontation. Anything smaller caught by the ball was immediately desintegrated by the running kinetic electricity, twice or even thrice than that of the Terran's largest electricity ever generated. On things larger, the ball would try to breach on until desintegrating in a violent electrical field, like a curtain unfolding itself until it dissipated.

"Truly impressive, I can see...", Urun commented, gazing at the marvel of the Tempests before him. "Are you certain this can be our solution against the feared Zerg Leviathans?"

"It can be one solution, Admiral.", Idrahar answered. "We are currently working on alternatives, should this vessel be as not effective as firstly estimated."

"I believed that you assured me that this vessel would be able to strike the Leviathan beasts.", Urun said, although a bit tense.

"We are still to analyze an actual combat with one such mighty beast.", Idrahar said. "Although, as a test, we have unleashed a prototype of such a vessel in a small Zerg colony. The vessel managed to out-range most of the Zerg aerial defenses, escorted by a small wing of Phoenix, whom struck down the Zerg flying minions, destroying the Spore Crawlers with virtually one shot of our Kinetic Overcharge. The larger structures, like the Hatchery, required two to three shots of such a mighty weapon, alone, to rupture the structure. We believe, however, we can intensify the charge and density of the Kinetic Matrix, as to ensure even the Hatcheries fall with a single shot. If this is possible, believing the Leviathan's carapace is considerably thicker, we believe the beast can be hit with an effectiveness seen only in the dreaded Terran Yamato Cannons. Of course, contrary to the limitations of Terran energy requirements, we will be able to fire limitless shots, as the Matrix is self-sustaining itself."

"I hope you say this as truth, Idrahar.", Urun said. "Our Golden Armada must be able to resist this new threat, especially if it comes to engage us. Even our mighty Void Rays, whom were capable of piercing through the heavy armor of Battlecruisers, may not be able to pierce through a beast so large, and our Carriers' Purification Beams may do little to no damage. And these machines, these Tempests, are capable of striking from a long distance, you say?"

"Without any potential loss of energy for less than ten kilometers.", Idrahar answered. "They shall be able to safely bombard the Leviathans as the remainder of our ships engage any enemies the Swarm may lounge against us. All that is needed now is to effect the final modifications. No less than five moons, Admiral Urun."

"Good, and in time for when we can restore the course.", Urun said, in triumph and glory. "Speaking of which, Idrahar, what of my... second request?"

"'Tis already prepared, as you intended.", Idrahar answered. "The final modifications are performed, and the cannon, in it's final design, is ready to be displayed for your view, Admiral."

"Excellent.", Urun said. "Please, head me there. Let us see if the weapon is truly effective as the warrior company I sent to test it claims so..."

Idrahar hesitated a bit before Urun called.

"Idrahar.", the Admiral said. "The weapon. Now."

"Yes, yes.", Idrahar said, somehow having his attention called. "If you will please follow me..."

Both figures then turned away to leave the drydocks and the Tempests to their eventual fate, which would be to launch in the coming days and integrate the sacred Golden Armada. Another weapon to bring the word of fear to their enemies.

Another weapon that'd take the Protoss to utmost glory.

---

Meanwhile...

Even though he was pushed and thrown away to the entrance like if he were some disease-ridden degenerate, he didn't even care about it. It was rather funny how often his appearance alone could pull a bit of the weight on the matter of infuriating an alien species not so used to change. He just let out a chuckle as he went on his way to the very city, back to the safety of the Assembly. Behind him, the Lenassa and Zer'atai guards stood by, blades in hand in the eventuality of surprises, as they all saw the blasphemous Gestalt walk away from the sanctity of the Nerazim Enclave. At least he got what he wanted, but didn't get what he wanted, at the same time. Apparently there were Protoss whom watched one another and kept an eye on one another, a political spy game worthy of a novel. And, given how Mohandar behaved when he heard of Urun, it seemed like he knew something, but couldn't trust the hybrid either. For all he knew, the Gestalt could simply try and set fire to a circus itching to burn, with gas drums and oil spread all around. Fine by him. It's been sometime since he done any joyriding, though this wasn't one assigned by a superior officer, but rather freelancing. This only added to fun.

And all to aid that boy sitting on a throne, with delusions of honor and that his acting by example would ensure his place on the throne. Zero knew better, in politics there's no honor. There's simply people trying to be more powerful than the other, by eating one another, in a manner Darwin, on his grave back on Earth, would be proud. Not to mention that boy also had been denying time and again the Protoss military the chance to head into a fight. Another mistake. For when the military, alien or not, didn't let out the vent on outer threats, odds are they'll do it on the government. Like a boiler shut tight that'd gather the steam until it'd blow up. And that Urun folk was bound to do it, eventually. He could smell the air reeking of coup d'etat everywhere. As he said to Mohandar, he wouldn't mind if 'Artie' fell to someone else, an equal moron or a fool, but Urun was neither. He seemed so much like Mengsk, despite the fact Mengsk was a complete, abject bastard as a ruler. Urun would be more of the totalitarian folk, with a good intention. Something Hell itself had in excessive stock.

As he crossed the entrance arc to the Enclave, he made a sharp turn to the right, entering the coming alley, trying to see if there was no one checking out, though there was always the chance an Observer could be patrolling around. And, on that night light, it'd be a bit hard to check for a shimmer, the one of few evidences that revealed someone or something cloaked was around. Seeing as there was nothing and double checking again, he then activated his cloaking device, one of the only few privileges he still had. The energy current ran alongside his body as it then gradually disappeared from normal eye. That way, he seemed to have more chances of moving and hauling his behind back to the big egg. He then started his traveling back, where then, tomorrow, he'd get to work.

He walked, in hurried steps, noticing warriors on patrol on a nearby venue, though they didn't notice him. That was a good news. The Observers would probably be somewhere else. Rows after rows of streets, like a giant labyrinth that this city was. The problem was that it was the most conservative one he'd ever seen, on his first day. All he'd seen were more and more housing, temple complexes, reliquaries, weaver and jewel crafting shops, forges, armories and other sorts of buildings, all but those of a recreational matter. No adult-related stores, no bars or pubs or any other place where he could drink something other than water. How did they ever managed to live on with such boring lives, especially without any sort of fun, he could never know...

Zero then approached one of the few city's landmarks, some sort of a plaza where people no doubt reunited to socialize with one another. It was rather an octagonal shaped one, layered in hexagonal bricks, like most of the city, and, where normally there'd be a fountain, there was instead the statue dedicated to Mighty Tassadar, he whom sacrificed himself to save his people. It was a pretty large area and open, something people like Zero didn't actually have an agreement on, because Ghost operatives, something he wasn't any longer, were meant for tight corridors and closed areas. He knew, then, where to take a direction, as he looked the enormous government building ahead. He walked right to the statue, where he'd then circle around it, in hasty steps. However, as he walked more and more in the open, he's seen something ahead of him, that made him slow down.

A pair, no, a trio of Zealots walking up to his direction. He then started looking around to see more and more Zealots closing in, accompanied by a few Stalkers.

All walking in his direction. He stopped.

"Get off your cloaking, monster.", the Zealot ahead of him warned. "It will do you no good."

Zero hesitated a bit, calculating the odds and numbers. More than ten, apparently, all of them surrounding them. He continued counting. Twelve, thirteen, fifteen... All coming in his direction, aiming to surround him and force him into a fight. Something all of them would want. Their Psi Blades weren't active, but they were clearly itching to do it. And they all walked more slower now, closing in on him.

"Uncloak, hybrid.", the same Zealot hybrid. "Now!"

Seeing as there was apparently little to no way out, he then followed suit, the energy current running around and showing his mixed body for everyone to see. He tried to keep a cold face as he grinded his teeth and eyeballed everyone around him. He knew well that, even if they didn't have any noses, they could smell the fear. Something he just couldn't let out, as they would take advantage of it.

"Y'know...", Zero started, coldly. "I've been having this itch all day long, like if it told me something was wrong or if someone was following... Since when, I ask you? The Assembly or the Enclave?"

"Did you really believe we would not watch over you, even when the Hierarch intervened, murderer?", the Zealot asked, the warriors approaching more and more.

"You're getting a little bit too close for my taste, you know that?", Zero asked, coldly, but the Protoss did not seem to listen. "You really think you can stand up to this kind of fight?"

"We are not so foolish as you would believe us to be.", the Zealot said. "You cannot react, otherwise we can destroy you and we will not suffer the consequences. An act of self-defense."

Zero simply stared at the people around him, trying his best to not break down into fear, knowing what could there be to come.

"Well...", the Gestalt said, letting out a sigh as the frontal Zealot closed on him. "I guess you folks don't take a bribe either, do you?"

The Zealot simply then hit him on the belly and brought the Gestalt down to the ground.

"If you know what is better for you, you will remain down!", the Zealot ordered before he then turned around. "Take him."

Immediately, several Zealot warriors grabbed up the Gestalt and then they started dragging him away, still conscious, to another place that clearly wasn't the Assembly. That Zealot whom dialogued with the abomination watched the hybrid being dragged away as it then looked into a large figure afar, in the alley, being guarded by two Zealot. The massive figure turned away to leave, the two Zealots accompanying it.

So did that Zealot, resuming his patrol route.

---

ZERG LEVIATHAN, BLACKROCK TWINS, CHAR
THIRTY MINUTES LATER

At last, she had come to that place, where it all started since she first arrived to that hell. The breeze was still warm as the feet took a while, as well, to get used to the hot ground since she came out of the brief, but rewarding chill of the Harkonnen P.O.C. Afar, in the horizon, the very fortress still let out smoke and small fires, that would still burn for a long time. Once a feared stronghold, full of life, it was now an empty husk, hopefully. Warfield would've seen to that. She could see the small silhouettes of Zerg flyers returning to the fortress, to ensure no one would return this time.

And still, despite the victory, there was no celebration, no fireworks, nor cries of victory. She liked it better that way. It was a hard earned victory, true, one that cost enough to write it's name into history. But celebrations were hardly welcomed, especially amongst beasts with no morals. And she wasn't fond of celebrating military victories either, important or not. Her mind was on going on to the next battle and get it done.

But, well, knowing Izsha, she'd want some sick celebration first...

Kerrigan arrived by the mouth of the Leviathan, where the halfling simply looked forward, smirking to the smoking ruins of the Terran fortress. However, apart from the Zerg minions lurking around, calmly, Izsha seemed to be alone. Za'gara didn't return, yet. And Abathur would still be stuck in the Evolution Pit, simply working. The halfling noticed the Puppet Queen approaching as she smiled.

"And so, the prodigal child returns home...", Izsha said, in triumph. Kerrigan rolled her eyes.

"Don't be so sure of it.", Kerrigan deadpanned. "I delivered the message to Warfield. He must be waiting somewhere for the Dominion fleet to arrive so he can deliver it."

"Eris.", Izsha said. "The closest moon for him to reach. No doubt on the darkest side. I'd do that, too."

"Where's Za'gara?", Kerrigan asked. "I thought she'd be here, by now, having won the battle on her side..."

"I'm feeling her psionic signature approaching, she must be coming at any second through a Nydus, now.", Izsha answered. "But, still, we made it Kerrigan. Our first true victory. And in their rubbles of hubris, so the proud men fall as the monsters regain their strength to deliver the wicked blow. In the blood of dead and fire of burning constructs, a violent rebirth of beasts beckons. And may the shadows weep for the coming days of torment renewed..."

"Funny.", Kerrigan said, coldly, looking at the fortress. "I never witnessed that poetic side of yours, Izsha, until now."

"Spending four years in a Zerg beast does you wonders on what to do, Kerrigan.", Izsha said, ironically. "Not that I have a choice as to where I can go and what to do other than waiting..."

Kerrigan remained silent, then, staring at the horizon. Izsha noticed it.

"You should be happy, little girl.", Izsha said. "You're finally getting to your payback, and it's just the beginning."

"Frankly, Izsha, it should've been just Mengsk and me.", Kerrigan replied, letting out a sigh. "But it just won't be like that, will it?"

"It never is like that...", Izsha said, nearly scoffing. "They'd never let it."

Suddenly, the flesh door opened behind, and Kerrigan and Izsha turned to see Za'gara finally appeared.

"At last, there she is, the main star of the concert.", Izsha said, in triumph, then turning to Kerrigan. "And I guess someone here owes a thing or two to some people, isn't it, Kerrigan?"

"What?", Kerrigan asked, surprised. "You want me to-"

"Come on, little girl, you said you'd do it!", Izsha insisted, crossing her tentacles. "We're not going anywhere until you do it."

"Do what, if you will allow me to inquire, Izsha?", Za'gara asked, walking forward to join the other two ladies. Kerrigan simply remained silent, looking at both.

"We're waiting, Kerrigan...", Izsha said, smirking.

The Puppet Queen then took a deep breath as she then tried to pick up words to what she'd say. She really wasn't on these victory speeches, nor she ever wanted to be.

"Alright, then.", Kerrigan said. "We did very good today. And we just did what apparently seemed to be impossible. Even... though it didn't seem like if it was going to work, it did. And now, we... we won our first challenge."

Za'gara simply looked at her, but Izsha raised her eyebrows. "And?", Izsha insisted, somehow devious.

"And...", Kerrigan said, letting out a sigh. "And this victory wasn't mine alone, nor anyone else's. It belonged to all of us."

She then motioned her hand at the Brood Mother, as a reference. "Za'gara, whom got a plan I didn't want to believe in, but now, I'm gonna have to admit. Even though you tried to kill me days ago and I didn't want you commanding an army anymore, you proved to be of some value around this joint. And you helped us carry what may be the first important victory we ever accomplished. Well, congratulations. You deserved it."

Za'gara then bowed before Kerrigan. "Thank you, my Queen.", she said, cordially. "I look forward to continue being worthy at your service."

"Whatever...", Kerrigan then deadpanned.

"And... isn't there someone else?", Izsha said, with a selfish tone in her voice. Kerrigan then let out a sigh, as she turned to the halfling.

"Then, Izsha, whom started all of it, even though I didn't want it.", Kerrigan said. "She brought me here because it was clear she wanted help. As much as I needed, too. She commanded the Zerg and brought forth that victory in the battle, I know, but she also started all of this, I think. Because I didn't think I'd need her or the Zerg until she got me on Phaeton, even willing to fight a whole fleet to get me. And if I weren't here, well... They'd still be there. I guess that's enough."

"Aren't you forgetting anyone else?", Izsha insisted.

"Well, I can dedicate a line or two to Abathur, for helping us with the Vipers, the lightning and other stuff...", Kerrigan said.

"Yeah, well, I was talking more about you.", Izsha said.

"Me?", Kerrigan asked. "No, I don't think I'd get that much..."

"Don't small yourself, Kerrigan...", Izsha snickered. "You earned this as much as we do. Yeah, I brought you, Za'gara won that fight on the second stronghold and gave the idea of the distraction, but you too got your gold in this. You improvised artillery, developed your own means to defend yourself and you brought a Brood Mother whom, ironically, turned out to be more worthy alive than dead."

"Izsha speaks the truth, my Queen.", Za'gara said. "In sparing my life for my utility, this victory over the Terrans was made possible. And I proved my worth to you, in retribution to your decision to spare me."

"Then the last goes to Abathur, I guess.", Kerrigan said, after a while. "He's not here, he's down there, working, but I don't blame him. He's not much of celebrating, I guess. He made most of this possible. My powers, the Vipers' role in that mess... If he couldn't do it, I don't know who would. Not me, I'm not that much into Zerg biology."

Both Kerrigan and Izsha chuckled a bit, then. "Well, I guess that's about it.", Kerrigan said. "I'm not much into speeches."

"Most aren't.", Izsha said. "Not bad, still. Pity we don't have a liquor or something to smoke..."

"Now, you're asking too much, Izsha...", Kerrigan said.

"Well, it doesn't matter now.", Izsha said, in triumph. "Char is ours, they are off their rocks... Speaking of which, Za'gara, some big brawl you had, huh?"

"I have, Izsha.", Za'gara answered. "But at least, it was a rock and roll worthy of a Brood Mother."

"Izsha, remind me to stop saying Terran expressions to her, sometime...", Kerrigan said.

"And the outcome?", Izsha said. "It's all destroyed?"

"It is, Izsha.", Za'gara said. "And I have even acquired a tribute for my Queen, as a proof of my victory."

"What?", Kerrigan asked, getting caught by the 'tribute' word. Za'gara approached forward as she then got something from her back and extended forward, to show to Kerrigan, whom immediately jumped and yelped in shock at the sight of what Za'gara brought. Izsha jumped as well.

A Terran head, with some blood and apparently drool from the Nydus Canal still dripping. One of someone with a mustache.

"WHOA!", Izsha yelped, widening her eyes.

"WHAT THE-", Kerrigan asked, losing words. "Za'gara, what is that!?"

"It is the head of the-", Za'gara started, dumbstruck,

"I know it's a head, Za'gara!", Kerrigan exclaimed, shocked and getting angry. "But what the hell is this!?"

"I can't believe you did that!", Izsha exclaimed, angry.

"Me neither!", Kerrigan exclaimed, as Za'gara then lowered her head, a bit ashamed. "I didn't ask for any head, Za'gara, not even a 'tribute'!"

"You have any idea what you've done!?", Izsha asked.

"That's way too wrong, Za'gara, and you know it!", Kerrigan shouted, livid.

"We don't even have a trophy room ready and you're collecting one now!?", Izsha asked, upset. "Where the hell am I supposed to stash that!?"

"Yeah, wh- WHAT!?", Kerrigan snapped, turning to Izsha. "You're telling me you approve that!?"

"Come on, Kerrigan, I've always had this little thing for a souvenir...", Izsha said, trying to sound like if it was funny.

"That's not funny, Izsha!", Kerrigan shouted, angry, turning, then, to the Brood Mother. "Give me that, now!"

"But, my Queen-", Za'gara tried to say.

"You're really gonna get up on that order!?", Kerrigan asked, in a menacing tone. The Brood Mother recoiled as the Puppet Queen extended her right hand. "The head, now!"

Za'gara, using her alien hands, delivered then the head. Kerrigan grabbed it by the hair, then. "Disgusting...", Kerrigan said, nauseaous, as she then stepped to the exit of the Nerve Center and then threw it away, with as much strength as she could gather. The head far flew away down the ground of the mountain. She then turned, controlling her breath and livid, returning to the Brood Mother and pointing her index finger at her, as her eye pupils started to glow. "Don't. Ever. Do it. Again!", she menaced.

Za'gara lowered her head in shame. "Yes, my Queen, I will not.", she said.

"Come on, Kerrigan, the only gift she got, she gives it to you and you just throw it away?", Izsha asked.

"I don't care!", Kerrigan said, furious. "And I didn't ask for a gift in the first place!"

"Well, why don't you let her keep it, then?", Izsha asked, ironically. "I sure would, I'd just need a fridge."

"I don't work like that, Izsha, I thought you remembered that!", Kerrigan retorted, turning around. "Speaking of which, what the hell was that you tried to pull?"

"You're talking about those transports, I bet?", Izsha asked.

"And you told me to get over it!?", Kerrigan asked, getting livid again. "If I knew what was going to happen, you backstabbing bitch, I wouldn't have gone over the plan to take out the Xel'Naga artifact in the first place!"

"Speaking of which, my Queen, there has been something bizarre concerning the artifact.", Za'gara immediately said, stepping forward. "Something I must report."

"Bizarre? What are you talking about, Za'gara?", Kerrigan asked, looking all bitter at the Brood Mother.

"When I started my assault on the Dominion stronghold on the other side of Char, you have, of course, witnessed the artifact leave through a transport, away from Warfield's fortress' reach.", Za'gara informed.

"Yeah, what about it?", Kerrigan asked. "When it arrived, you'd pull back just as planned, wouldn't you?"

"That is the problem, my Queen.", Za'gara said. "For hours, I continued to assault their fortifications, delaying time for the artifact to arrive so I could retreat my minions, as according to the plan... But, even when I managed to destroy all of the stronghold, knowing there would not be enough time... The artifact never arrived."

Izsha and Kerrigan then remained silent, dumbstruck.

"The artifact never arrived?", Izsha asked first.

"Warfield must've ordered the artifact around, forfeiting that second stronghold.", Kerrigan said. "He knew the real fight was here, not there. He tried to get it back here."

"But that's impossible!", Izsha exclaimed. "I have set my Overlords in position to monitor upcoming reinforcements, they have not seen the transport with the artifact, not even now!"

"What?", Kerrigan asked, surprised. "Not even now, they're not here? But if it's not here, nor there, where the hell is it!?"

Everyone in the Nerve Center was entirely dumbstruck and suspicious as well on those news that Za'gara brought.

"Not seen in the second stronghold, not seen in Harkonnen...", Za'gara comtemplated, though worried. "My Queen... Do you believe the artifact was taken off Char, instead?"

"Taken off Char?", Kerrigan asked, dumbstruck. "Why? Warfield wouldn't do this, he knows how powerful that thing is, it doesn't make any sense!"

"Not really...", Izsha replied. "And, given the interference of the moons, no one outside could've given such an order... The only ones I'm thinking of must be the people in the second stronghold."

"But, if they knew of the power of the artifact, why order it away?", Kerrigan asked.

"I don't know!", Izsha exclaimed. "But this is way out of order... But, just out of curiosity, who was that head, Za'gara?"

"That was whom I believed to be the commanding officer of the second stronghold.", Za'gara answered. "I have found him on the final line of defense, by the Terran's Primary Operations Center. This one had no combat armor when he was fighting, and shot with only a small weapon. My Zerglings have practically neutralized this defense, overwhelming all of them, as with the remainder of the base. On his uniform, a very small name was written. Mad ox, I believe it was."

"Maddox, you mean?", Izsha asked.

"Yes, exactly this name, Izsha.", Za'gara said, amused. "Do you know this Terran?"

"No, it's a pretty common name amongst us.", Izsha dismissed.

"He was without a suit, you said?", Kerrigan said. "And he didn't even try to pull back?"

"He did not, my Queen.", Za'gara answered. "He did not even flincher before the numbers of my minions. He and many of his warriors, wearing armor or not, they all stood to the end, fighting until they could fight, no more."

"But this doesn't make any sense, no General in his good sense would just remain behind and die!", Kerrigan exclaimed. "They'd most likely fall back to the transports and leave everyone else to die!"

Kerrigan practically had a point, though Izsha was the only one whom could understand it. Even Warfield, whom had the toughest of forces under his command, was more likely to run away when things got too dicey, yet he didn't that day. This other commander, General, perhaps, given his well cut mustache, would most likely run away, yet it seemed like he was cut off.

"Unless...", Kerrigan presumed, before staring at the Brood Mother. "You didn't let anyone get away, did you?"

"Originally, the intention was to allow the Terrans to escape, as you would have supposedly ordered, if I asked you.", Za'gara answered. Kerrigan crossed her arms. "I, whom was controlling the minions, tried to make precautions to ensure the transports would not be harmed. However, they yet exploded, without any action on my part."

Kerrigan simply stared at her for a moment. "Exploded?", Kerrigan asked, like if she didn't believe the answer.

"Yes, my Queen, and I did nothing.", Za'gara said.

"Za'gara, answer me a question.", Kerrigan said. "Do you think I'm an idiot?"

"No, my Queen, I would never think that!", Za'gara replied, dumbstruck and surprised.

"Then why you're lying to me on my face!?", Kerrigan asked, angry. "Transports don't explode just out of nowhere!"

"But these ones did, my Queen!", Za'gara exclaimed.

"I find it hard to believe, that story of yours.", Kerrigan said. "That you'd just contain yourself and not kill every last one of them!"

"It is the truth, my Queen!", Za'gara said, bowing herself. "Please, if you desire, you can look through my memories and see that I am telling the truth!"

"Asking me to read your mind, now?", Kerrigan said. "You think that I just won't?"

"I am offering myself for you to unravel the truth, despite the fact that I said it.", Za'gara said, in self-defense. "My obedience to you compels me to not lie or try to fool you, my Queen. And now, I allow to look through my memories."

Kerrigan then stared at Za'gara for some time before turning to Izsha. The halfling simply frowned.

"She's your pet, Kerrigan...", Izsha said, like if she didn't care.

The Puppet Queen then decided to end that once and for all. Her eye pupils glowed as she touched her temple, trying to enter Za'gara's mind. She managed to, with relative ease, and this allowed her to see through the memories of the battle of that second stronghold. She could see the abject destruction around her as she looked the Zerg advance furiously against the numerous Terrans. She could see the Zerg flyers fighting both the Dominion fighters and the grounded forces. She turned her direction to the massive transports, where they landed, and could see they apparently weren't touched. Yet.

However, not long passed before the transport exploded, suddenly and out of nowhere, and others followed. The battle then grew desperate, many of the soldiers attempting to pull back. However, they were subsequently shot down by their own men, like if pulling back meant their deaths. Many were cut down by machine gun fire, from an arrogant leader shouting orders all around, standing without any armor as he directed the battle. The very man whom that head belonged to, the man named Maddox.

Kerrigan decided she had enough and pulled out of the Brood Mother's mind. Her face was bitter as she stared at Za'gara, though she knew the Zerg general was telling the truth.

"She's right.", Kerrigan said, turning to face Izsha. "The ships blew up on their own. It's almost like they self-destructed."

"Self-destructed?", Izsha asked. "But ships just don't self-destruct, unless they had an override order, from the General. And he wouldn't be stupid to do that."

"This one did.", Kerrigan said. "He burned his escape ships to the ground. And everyone whom tried to retreat to a safer place were eventually shot down."

"Shot down!?", Izsha asked, surprised, staring at Kerrigan. "So that man was either a complete moron or a complete fanatic, in the literal meaning of the word, to go all Cortez like that..."

"Go all whom, Izsha?", Za'gara asked.

"Someone from a long, long time ago, in the old Earth itself.", Izsha answered, all somber. "Story goes that this man was sent to a far away land, in a mad, greedy search for wealth and glory. He promised that until everything was in his possession, he wouldn't return home. So much that, when he and his men arrived, he burned his ships, stranding him and his men on that land. But he didn't realize that he was leading his men into a death trap. He met the native peoples of that land, and for a moment, thanks to their advanced weaponry, they managed to dominate the natives. But when the natives fought back, many tried to retreat to the sea. They died drowned, attempting to swim back to their homeland."

Za'gara and Kerrigan listened to the sad tale Izsha told of some event forsake eons ago. "Almost exactly as this Terran commander did.", the Brood Mother said. "And many Terrans paid the price with their lives..."

"Burned his ships, slaughtered whom tried to pull back...", Kerrigan muttered. "I'm starting to think he ordered the Xel'Naga artifact away, as well..."

"And now it can be everywhere, in any world we may step upon.", Za'gara cursed.

"I doubt it.", Kerrigan said. "Something this powerful, it could only be on Korhal. Mengsk must know this is powerful, he wouldn't want to lose that."

"And he'll have a very strong defense with him, even if we reunite the whole Swarm!", Izsha concluded, angry. "I knew leaving the artifact alone was a mistake! We should have shot down the transport carrying the thing and securing it when we had the chance!"

"That wasn't in our plans, Izsha, and for all we know they could fry any flying Zerg that could send at them, airborne.", Kerrigan said, trying to defend herself.

"Still, we should've, and then the artifact wouldn't be a worry, anymore!", Izsha retorted. "And what's worse: It was an avoidable risk we just wasted!"

Izsha tried taking a deep breath, while Kerrigan and Za'gara looked at one another. What Izsha said had a good point. Still, they were accounting that Warfield would try to keep the artifact or send it to the second stronghold and nothing more. They didn't account that they would actually send it off-world. Still, it was already too late to complain about it now...

The three people in the Nerve Center remained quiet for an instant before silence was broken again.

"And now?", Za'gara asked. "What shall we do now?"

"What we do?", Kerrigan asked back. "There's nothing else we can do here. Not to mention the Dominion fleet will come, even if it's in the coming days, but they will come."

"Yeah.", Izsha agreed. "And we better be away by the time they do."

"So where do we go?", Kerrigan asked.

"We're gonna have to start with the smaller Broods, if there are any that the others haven't claimed yet.", Izsha said. "This way we can reunite a larger force and be able to take the fight to the larger ones, such as Ryloth, Ro'Karr and Kilysa. The problem is, most of them are on the borders of Dominion space, and they'll keep a keen eye on it for days..."

"There are a few that have departed away, in an attempt to establish themselves on the most uninhabitable worlds.", Za'gara said. "Na'fash is one of these few. She departed to the moon of Kaldir, far from the conflict on the Sector, considered of very small value to any of the Swarm, for it's few resources."

"But if there are little resources there, how she'll be able to expand?", Izsha asked. "She wouldn't grow that much on a moon like that..."

"Unless she's betting on the secrecy.", Kerrigan said. "Being of small value, no one would think it mattered that much..."

"Making it a perfect place to assemble a Brood.", Izsha said. "And, being that far away, only a few would care to head there, if they can figure it out. It's gonna be our next target."

"And when we're headed?", Kerrigan asked.

"We'll fill in the Leviathan first and then head to orbit.", Izsha said. "Then, you'll get to know our third crewmember..."

Kerrigan and Za'gara then stared at Izsha, like if that was news to them.

"Excuse me?", Kerrigan asked.

"A third crewmember?", Za'gara asked. "But I believed there was only I, my Queen, you, Abathur and the Terran on this beast!"

"Yeah, I confess, it was a little bit troubling to hide him, I even had to improvise a psi-screen of sorts just to prevent you from reading him...", Izsha replied, ironically.

"So there is someone else aboard?", Kerrigan asked. "Why didn't I meet him?"

"Security measures.", Izsha answered. "I couldn't risk you meeting him until you were ready, Kerrigan. Otherwise, you'd get ideas..."

"Get ideas?", Kerrigan asked, upset. "What, against you? Is he that important?"

"Of a sort.", Izsha answered. "Naktul's our navigator."

"And where is he?", Kerrigan asked.

"Shortly, Kerrigan.", Izsha said. "Take your time to prepare yourself and settle your affairs here. Once we lift off, I'll introduce you to him..."

"And what of myself?", Za'gara asked, curious.

"You're coming along.", Izsha answered.

Za'gara herself was a bit surprised by that answer.

"Come with you?", Za'gara asked.

"Well, I oughta agree with her, it just ain't right leaving you to die.", Kerrigan said.

"For me, she's useful.", Izsha said. "And that's the only reason I'm considering keeping her alive. For now..."

"But what of my functions here, my Queen?", Za'gara said. "As I remember, I was supposed to take care of Char."

"That's changed now, Za'gara.", Kerrigan said. "I want you besides me, while we and Izsha keep on reuniting the Swarm. Got a problem with that?"

Za'gara simply bowed.

"Not one problem, my Queen.", Za'gara answered. "It seems I will continue being able to learn with you, if you prefer to continue."

"Whatever.", Kerrigan said.

"Seconded.", Izsha deadpanned. "Now, if we are done with the celebrating, I'm gonna get to work. We go sky high in thirty."

"I'm not going anywhere.", Kerrigan said.

With this, Izsha then turned around as she then stared at the horizon. Kerrigan and Za'gara then turned around to enter the Leviathan's interiors.

"My Queen, what you and Izsha argued before I reported concerning the artifact, is it true?", Za'gara asked. "Have you allowed more Terrans besides General Warfield to escape?"

"I have, Za'gara.", Kerrigan answered. "Something against it? As I remember, you tried to spare the Terrans on that other stronghold, too."

"True, I have tried, my Queen, but because I presumed you would order so.", Za'gara said, somber. "Yet, the idea of sparing Terrans whom try to run... In a Zerg perspective, this would be seen as a sign of weakness."

"And you think killing people trying to save themselves makes you stronger?", Kerrigan asked, dead serious, stopping and turning to face the Brood Mother. "I'll ask you a question: Do you know what differs a soldier from a killer? It's not what to do when you have the chance to kill. It's what you'll do when you have a chance to spare someone. And I did that for that very reason. Killing those people, stranded and trying to defend their only means of leaving the stronghold, that wouldn't change anything. It wouldn't do any good, it wouldn't make me any better than the monster I was."

"But to spare lives that could be consumed, or even infested, would that not make us soft, instead of feared?", Za'gara asked.

"We are feared, already.", Kerrigan said. "And the fact we have spared some of them will make us even more feared. Because if we could've killed them, we'd have done it."

"Many of the Brood Mothers, Kilysa, Ryloth, Ro'Karr, they would not agree with this.", Za'gara replied.

"Yeah, they wouldn't.", Kerrigan said, after a while. "But what of you, Za'gara? What's your opinion on this? And I'm talking about your personal one, not getting the opinions of others ahead or some other tradition the Swarm has."

Za'gara remained silent for a moment. "I...", Za'gara hesitated. "Do not know, my Queen. I never utilized my individuality on such matters."

"Of course not...", Kerrigan scoffed, coldly. "But that's hardly your fault. You were created to just follow or go with the flow, never think for yourself."

"We have always thought collectively, my Queen, it has always been in the Swarm.", Za'gara said. "And, as I stated, the Brood Mothers would rarely agree with such decisions. Unless you have had a reason for their departure."

"And I have.", Kerrigan said, raising her eyebrows. "As I said, I wanted to give Mengsk a message."

"I do not understand.", Za'gara said. "I believed this would be with General Warfield and him alone. Would not the death of all Dominion warriors also be a message, as effective as sparing the General?"

"Maybe.", Kerrigan answered, refusing to relent on her previous point. "But the testimony of those Terrans about how the Swarm returned will help spice up the story. I think you'll notice, Za'gara, war is a game where rules change the whole time. You can do the same actions time and again, but the results get unpredictable over time."

"Is this the lesson concerning the 'vision' you speak of, my Queen?", Za'gara asked, curious.

"Yes and no, Za'gara.", Kerrigan answered, after a while. "This is only a part of the lesson. You'll figure it out, with time, as you put the pieces together."

"More lessons that demand time...", Za'gara murmured. "But, my Queen, I... cannot 'put the pieces together', as you mentioned."

"You can, Za'gara.", Kerrigan said. "Somehow, despite the way you were created... I know you can."

The Puppet Queen then started walking forward as the flesh door opened.

"Otherwise, you wouldn't have conceived that plan.", Kerrigan said, then, getting Za'gara's attention, before the flesh door closed, leaving the Brood Mother with her thoughts, in doubt and confusion, as she tried to assimilate the lessons Kerrigan left for her.

Yet, despite the instant effort, she hardly couldn't. As her Queen said, that lesson required time, just like the others...

---

TALEMATROS, SHAKURAS
FURINAX PRIME FORGE

The Furinax Prime Forge, close to the Spaceport, was clearly empty, at the time, the Aurigan warriors sent by Urun as well as the Khalai craftsmen having returned to their quarters and homes, the day finished. The lights were shining bright from the orbs forged from the Khaydarin Crystals, that illuminated the empty storage of weapons and armor pieces forged, in it's massive machineries. Zealot chest pieces and Psi Blade wrists, Colossus' Thermal Lances, Immortal Phase Disruptors, Nerazim Warp Blades and armor, all under the care of the craftsman, weaponsmiths and technologists of the Furinax Tribe, whose symbol nearly reminded a hammer and a piece of metal.

Despite the fact they had not so many warriors as the other tribes, the Furinax was no less respected and earned it's place in the Hierarchy, under Tabrenus. Being the most progressive of tribes, whom spearheaded most of the Protoss technological advance, they were responsible for many of the inventions that made the psionic race feared and allowing their race to survive the Zerg relentless advance. From the power suits wielded by every Zealot to the Dragoon exoskeleton, later reformed as the Immortal, the Stalker suits which the Nerazim could transplant their brethren into, the Colossus siege walker and many other machines, some of them starships commissioned by the Auriga, like the Tempest, the Furinax became the thinking head of the Protoss people, in scientific pursuits. So much ethical as unethical one, however, as demonstrated by the Protoss Advanced Experimental Facility, the PAX, whom conducted experiments shunned or reviled by other Protoss in a distant planet on the edge of the Koprulu Sector, with only a Stargate as a connection to the rest of the Protoss civilization. But the PAX had then ended when their latest experiment, involving Zerg Creep, had spiraled out of control and all contact with the facility was lost. The discovery, much later, that the facility had been occupied by Terrans, brought scandal and a considerable amount of shame under Tabrenus, as no research of such kind would be conducted under his hand.

The Prime Forge was considerably much larger than the traditional Forges spread through out Talematros, connecting practically three forges into one, in space terms. A larger scale of production was possible on this facility than on the other Forges, and this one also served as an experimental facility, where the newest, personal weapons, could be tested in a proper chamber or where the largest weapons, like starships, could be designed in the higher level, where the scientist's Postulatorium, a research site, and Tabrenus' office could be found, where he mostly worked while he wasn't at the Assembly. The facility also held a small area for cloth weavers, whom created the garments used by most noble Protoss, namely the High Templar, but it was the shining armor pieces and weapons whom easily caught the attention the most.

Such was the case of the newest weapon, serving as a prototype, in a weapons' rack and that Idrahar held in his hands, showing to it to Admiral Urun, whom grabbed it to feel the weight and presumed power it would bring upon anyone crossing him or anyone whom held that. The weapon heavily reminded a Terran cannon, given it was meant to fire at a range and had a trigger and charge mechanism. It was mostly geometrical, although it kept some Protoss sleek features, with a shell-shaped barrel that, in some angles, reminded a two-toothed fork. Below, by the gun, was a long Khaydarin Crystal that, no doubt, was meant to power the weapon. The one holding it had a handle to help hold the weapon and the trigger itself, that worked like a switch, but when unleashed, it'd deliver a beam of destruction to anything on it's path for a second, before the beam instantly dissipated. Somehow, if a Terran military expert was present, operating like the Railguns utilized by Diamondbacks and Warhounds.

"A well-crafted sight...", Urun said, analyzing the weapon. "Have my warriors tested this new weapon? What is their opinion?"

"They believe the Psi Pulse Cannon is effective, Admiral, but many of your Vindicators have had concerns related to the use of this weapon.", Idrahar said. "They fear using these in combat is quite... Dishonorable, as they would rather utilize their Psi Blades, while they are not Dragoons, themselves."

"Leave these concerns to me, Idrahar.", Urun said. "As for you Furinax, I will want these fabricated for the entire Vindicator company and delivered in less than three days. Roughly one-hundred Psi Pulse Cannons."

"We will accomplish the deadline easily.", Idrahar replied. "Although, Admiral, I must say... The creation of this weapon will have severe ramifications on our people. Constructing something inspired on the personal weapons of Terrans... Even the Hierarchy may not approve this."

"The Hierarchy, artisan, has been complacent since it's inception, in not wanting to evolve it's ways of combat.", Urun said, all bitter, as he handed the Pulse Cannon for Idrahar to put it away, away from public eyes. "Complacency threatens, Idrahar, even now, when we should be taking action and we do not!"

Idrahar only listened to Urun as he said his thoughts, while putting away the rifle. "But what of our honor, our traditions, Admiral? Our warriors, while able to fight in close combat, have never chosen to renounce their blades for the option of a safer distance! 'Tis a tradition much older than Khas or the appearance of the Conclave!"

"The Conclave has attempted, before their fall, to upkeep the traditions, Idrahar.", Urun said. "Such decision led us to our nigh-extinction, as I recall. For as much ashamed as I was, four sunturns ago, were not for Tassadar to have disobeyed a retrograde order of traditionalists and reunited us with the Nerazim, there would be no Protoss as of now. And now, when we could be more advanced and able to confront the numbers of the Swarm head on, we still cling to those traditions."

"But they are traditions for a reason, Admiral!", Idrahar exclaimed, nervous. "They are the soul and essence of our people! To ask to abandon those, even now, when a threshold was broken with our unity with the Dark Templar, this... This frightens us more than anything!"

"Change always frightens.", Urun said, as he looked at the giant ambience of the Prime Forge. "It was how the Conclave felt when Tassadar returned the Dark Ones to Aiur, in our darkest hour. But it was necessary to embrace change, as it is now. Were not for old weapons of war, like the Colossi and Motherships to be reawakened, or new weapons like the Immortals and Void Rays invented, we would be in a situation much worse than our defeat in the Char orbital platform. A wind blows, Idrahar, over not only Talematros or Shakuras, but the entire galaxy as well. The winds of change. The Terrans forge new weapons, the Zerg assimilate and integrate new strains. Now, to every warrior I see falling, every ship I see destroyed, I do not see, no longer, the faces or memories of these warriors lost forever, I do not see another Protoss falling in a dwindling number, nearing extinction. What I see, now, is the coming of a new time. A time where the blades of a warrior can no longer make a difference in the field of battle. A time where these warriors can be easily struck down before they can reach their enemies. The Terrans made this point quite clear, when they arrived to the Koprulu Sector. Their weapons, their manner of doing battle, 'tis all but honorable. But they can kill faster and more effectively than we can. Especially now, thanks to the skills of their science and what they call 'pragmatism'. Our people stands at a crossroads, Idrahar. Where we must act like the Zerg and the Terrans. To adapt to this new time, or perish into nothingness. Our people will first curse this, true, like it happened with Tassadar. But, when they see the enemies defeated and our colonies safe, they will equally praise us for our extraordinary means. But this adaptation, that the coming times will require, will not be enough in science alone. It will be needed in leadership as well. Nahaan, despite many call him jealous for not being in lead of the Hierarchy, as the Ara were before, was right. Our Hierarchy is truly inefficient and lethargic, and the endless debate the tribe leaders perform will easily allow our fallen enemies to recover and new ones to form, if they are allowed. A stronger leadership, one capable of decisions and immediate, direct action, will be needed in the coming times."

Idrahar's eyes widened a bit in shock and upcoming horror as Urun said his last words on the matter. The Admiral noticed.

"You should understand, Idrahar, this is not done out of personal interest or emotional reason against Artanis or any other.", Urun said. "This is done because it must be done, for our people to live. And you will be silent, as you will witness the coming changes, changes that only the strongest can bear resisting and bringing. When the day comes, we will do what is needed. No more, no less. Not for Adun, or Tassadar, or Shakuras, or even Aiur. But for us all. Pure and simple."

Urun then turned around to leave.

"Close the Prime Forge when exiting.", he ordered. "And Idrahar, remember the deadline. And your silence in this matter. Otherwise, your days may be numbered, should any not be accomplished..."

He then started to walk and leave the large structure, then.

---

Elsewhere...

A loud sound was heard in a dark place. The sound of hard flesh pounding on another with violence, with all due intention to hurt. Only a light cough of pain was heard, as Zealot guards kept guard on the dark place where the Gestalt was trapped at, down to the ground. It firstly seemed they've brought him to that place to eliminate him quietly, to avoid initial suspicions, the beating just to make things fun, but he remembered he could easily end the here, if he wanted. Besides, as those Protoss presumed, if he were to fight back, they would be able to strike him down and terminate him unchecked.

Another blow, amongst many, was struck by the heavy hands of the Zealot whom Zero spoke to in that plaza. So far, there had only been marks of blunt force trauma, and not a single Psi Blade cut. Zero could know the why. Apparently Artanis wouldn't like a visible cut, and thus an inquiry would be effected. And all below the face, too, to ensure Artanis would not easily notice. As he looked around while he was struck again and again, he saw many of those Protoss surrounding him and staring at the scene. While they didn't have mouths, Zero could bet that, if they had, they'd be smiling. Smiling at the abomination getting his behind kicked, time and again, like a monster should. That was typical, just like Terrans, to remove the black sheep from the flock, by talk or by force. He just didn't know that was natural of them. To abhor the different, the abomination, the monstrous. Kerrigan and her acts on the Brood War only made things worse. He was no Kerrigan, he didn't share Zerg traits, but he was a hybrid, nevertheless. He was a mix between a Terran and a Protoss, which, some could easily say, was the greatest of blasphemies humans ever did with their own kind. And the Protoss, the Purity of Form, would never stand the sight of something so blasphemous.

The chamber where he currently was was empty, but, where he could see it, the light being provided by a weak glass orb, it seemed clearly the interiors of a Forge, with the curved shell-like roof, no doubt the occupants whom operated the anvils and machines at their homes at that moment. He could see very shadowed forms of golden armor pieces, machine parts and one or two welding arms, akin to those Terrans used. So far, the fact they had some knowledge of metallurgy was the only thing binding Terrans and Protoss, though this bind wasn't explored.

Another blow hit him again, on the belly. Some of the times it was on the pelvic area. But though he didn't have any sexual organs anymore, he knew that still hurt, nevertheless, especially to a hand twice as heavy than the strongest hands a Terran could have.

"Enough.", a female Protoss voice, a flanged one, ordered, then. The Gestalt only smirked, a weak one, as he limped and was on all fours, seeing heavy legs were heard approaching him, the sounds getting louder and louder.

The figure then came to the light as it revealed an Immortal, a massive figure standing before the humanoid, twice thicker then him. The sarcophagus-like cockpit then opened to reveal a female Protoss looking bitter at the hybrid. Her face was deeply scarred and wounded, as her body, and as cables and hoses connected the sides of her face and the armor she still wore, from when she was a Zealot before the fateful Battle of Artika.

"I thought we warned you, since when Artanis intervened, murderer...", the female figure said, all bitter. "You are not and will never be welcomed here."

The Gestalt only scoffed in response as he let out a snicker. Typical of monsters like him.

"Khastiana...", Zero said, raising his head. "Long time no see, too..."

"And still when the Hierarch forbid you from walking loose on our holy city, you disobey him, and you even stare death head-on.", Khastiana said, gradually raising her tone. "You are either very brave, very stupid or very suicidal, Gestalt!"

"Y'know, at first, when I heard your name, I thought shortening it to 'Khas' would be much easier, but then I remembered that was a man's name and it wouldn't sound good...", Zero said, casually. "By the way, you did something with your hair? Fits you nice, despite the fact you're still a little fat..."

"Keep spurting out witful replies and comedy out of your blasphemous mouth, hybrid...", Khastiana threatened. "In the end, you shall be slitting your own throat with a tongue rather than with a blade."

"Funny, I thought you'd be dying to do the job yourself...", Zero teased.

"I have every right, you monster!", Khastiana exclaimed, clearly furious. "By the laws of vengeance, I am entitled to fire my Phase Disruptors and scatter your horrid body to the atoms. Muadun was my tutor, hybrid. He took care of myself in a manner I could gratefully call him a 'father'. He taught me all that I know, now, even when I chose to become a Zealot. He taught me of harmony and forgiving, the importance of all life. Something you clearly are unaware of, since you slaughtered him in cold blood, at the mandate of a mad Emperor! The same Emperor that helped create the greatest threat our people had ever faced, after the Overmind itself! By all rights, he deserves retribution for what you done to him!"

"Well, I'm here...", Zero said, taking a breath. "Take your shot, I dare you."

"You should have been fortunate that one of our own, even if he is the Hierarch, had the disgust of intervening for you when he read what Muadun did for you, even though you barely deserved it.", Khastiana said, disgusted. "And thus, I could not touch you, then."

"And now?", Zero asked. "I'd do it if I were you, it's a golden opportunity you're wasting here, lady..."

"I do not think so.", Khastiana answered, all bitter. "I clearly would, as you gleefully broke the promise the Hierarch made to our people that you would not be seen anywhere in our city."

"You don't have to hammer that on me, you know...", Zero said, annoyed.

"But, now, I cannot help but imagine what it was that you were doing within the confines of the Nerazim Enclave.", Khastiana said, coldly. Zero raised his head, knowing that Khastiana was clearly onto it, more than he could imagine. He could now see the surrounding was hardly for vengeance, as she clearly would strike him down on the spot, with the Protoss being all methodical, but to confirm any suspicions she had concerning him. "Now...", she said, tightening her eyes. "What were you doing there, hybrid?"

"I was just touring by, you know, giving decoration tips, testing security...", Zero said, ironically.

"Do not insult me.", Khastiana said. "You would not be headed there, the most guarded office seconded to that of the Hierarch, much less show yourself at the front gate, unless you would have something to do with whom works there. What did you talk with Mohandar?"

"Well, I was actually planning to invite Uncle Moe to a sleep-over, as I liked his tall manly figure, but then I noticed he lacked a small issue needed for that...", Zero answered, somehow mocking.

"I find it hard to believe so, Gestalt.", Khastiana replied, coldly. "As your species' obsession with primitive mating rituals is beyond me. And Mohandar has more important issues to deal with than conversing rubbish with a blasphemous halfling. Do not believe me so naive, hybrid. I know it must have been important."

"Oh, you'd think?", Zero asked, ironically. "Well, tell me, you Protoss are the mind readers, right? So, what am I thinking?"

"I do not have to, and I do not have time for games.", Khastiana said. "There are eyes and ears, so much on the Assembly as all over Talematros. And some of them told me that you have taken an interest on our policies. And I would rather have my appendages ripped off by Kerrigan herself if you believe I would allow you to provoke confusion amongst us!"

"Wow, some imagination you have...", Zero said, sarcastically, as Khastiana tried to approach more.

"You were allowed living in the Assembly, hybrid, to merely live there and hopefully die from sheer age, if the gods are this generous!", Khastiana exclaimed, angry. "Not to interfere with the natural course of our order! We are well aware of your capacity to cause chaos and destruction, even more given you are Terran, like the Queen of Blades is, and though you both are different in appearances, in spirit you seem to have so much alike. Stay away from the political sphere, stay away from any sphere, hybrid, as your touch will easily contaminate it and spread to the remainder. I will not see my people I fought and bled for divided or ruined by a creature so abominable and toxic as you..."

"Oh, I'm that toxic?", Zero asked, mockingly, letting out a snicker. "Well, you should blame yourselves, too, if you had a brothel or a bar someplace, I could be poisoning myself to death instead of rousing trouble as my only hobby."

"Aye, but fortunately we are more conservative and tenfold better than you Terrans.", Khastiana said, disgusted. "We never killed our own kind in more than one massive war."

Khastiana's cockpit then closed, returning to the Protoss sarcophagus idol it was before.

"Throw him back to the streets.", she ordered. "And I would well remain away from the Admiral's office if I were you, monster. If a scandal erupts, I will easily know where it came from. Was I clear enough? Or do you monsters need a different language to understand?"

"Only one question.", Gestalt said, as two Zealots then grabbed him forcefully and got him on his feet. "You have a phone number? Been many nights, and I've been so lonely..."

One of the Zealots then unleashed a blow on his belly.

"Do not be gentle to this scum when returning him.", Khastiana ordered. "That is an order."

Immediately, and after delivering another blow, the Zealots dragged him away.

Khastiana herself, disgusted, then turned her massive, hulking mechanical body to depart as well.

---

ZERG LEVIATHAN, BLACKROCK TWINS, CHAR
EVOLUTION PIT

The flesh doors to the Evolution Pit opened as Kerrigan walked within, seeing Abathur still working endlessly on the eggs and the web, as Drones now carried the eggs of minions unborn to fill in the chamber, as well as some Larva to become eggs for new minions, according to needs. Kerrigan knew this was part of Izsha's arrangements prior to departing Char, ensuring everything was prepared before traveling to this new world of Kaldir. And where she'd meet the new 'crewmember' Izsha had kept in secret, the creature called Naktul. Kerrigan, since her return, didn't take surprises or secrets so well, and she didn't like Izsha for the fact she could do that, unlike many other Zerg she met, even Za'gara. True, Abathur also held information when he injected her with the enhancements prior to her battle with the Brood Mother, but then, as the geneticist confessed, he feared Kerrigan, should she know, would reject the changes needed to defend herself.

Apparently, Kerrigan rationalized, Naktul, being the said Navigator, meaning he could steer the beast around through the warp, was being kept hidden for the very reason Kerrigan could command or persuade the creature to take the Leviathan to any place not according to Izsha's plans. It was pretty hard to trust someone with the keys or the wheel of the car to someone whom has ideas of her own, after all, like attempting to end her vengeance as soon as she could.

"My Queen.", Abathur said, in greetings, although he was busy tending to an egg. "I presume you have a request."

Kerrigan had her attention caught by the assumption.

"What?", she asked, surprised. "No, no. I'm just here to talk to Richter. Settle a last affair before we head to Kaldir. How's he, by the way?"

"The Terran Richter has been keeping himself in the same area of the Evolution Chamber, with the other infested Terrans for hours, since his birth.", Abathur answered.

"So he's not planning to go anywhere.", Kerrigan said, letting out a sigh. "Not that I'd blame him if he went somewhere..."

"I presume that, given his utility is finished, you plan on discarding him.", Abathur said, monotone.

"It's not that easy.", Kerrigan said. "Yeah, I made a promise that if he told me what I needed to know about the fortress, I'd end him, but only if he did it willingly."

"In order for something to be delivered willingly, trust is first required, as you informed me concerning Za'gara, when she arrived.", Abathur replied. "Given your reputation amongst Terrans and Protoss for your deeds in the Brood War, a very low state of trust on your behalf has become a pattern."

"Don't remind me...", Kerrigan said. "Richter said I'm the same Kerrigan as before. That I command Zerg and I kill Dominion. The worst is that he's right about it, in a way..."

"I tend to disagree.", Abathur replied. "Your actions, now, tend to be different from your former self as the Queen of Blades."

"Like what, Abathur?", Kerrigan said. "Just for revenge, I'm doing exactly as he told, I'm commanding Zerg to kill the Dominion on his way to Mengsk. How can that be any different?"

"When you engaged Dominion forces before, you did so deliberately.", Abathur said. "The removal of the Dominion, on this planet, was not a deliberate matter, but a necessity."

"And later, on when we start taking down the Dominion?", Kerrigan said. "Won't we strike first, like we did before?"

"We will, my Queen.", Abathur said. "But the threat posed by the Terran Arcturus Mengsk has overstayed it's existence for the Swarm. Removal of both leadership and biological conditions has been deemed necessary. His continued existence can and will bring jeopardy to the Swarm if allowed."

"You don't have to tell me his death is needed.", Kerrigan said. "Arcturus had this coming for a long time, and not on just letting me on Tarsonis to be infested. But then, there's the problem concerning Izsha, when it's done..."

"Unclear.", Abathur said.

"Please, Abathur, you don't have to be a telepath to see the obvious.", Kerrigan said, letting out another sigh. "Izsha is Zerg, and that means I can sure as hell count on her to turn on me when it's all said and done. Making me a puppet for real..."

"This can be easily prevented through one action.", Abathur said. "Neutralize Izsha and assume command of the Swarm, even after the Dominion Emperor is neutralized."

"And becoming the Queen again, even when I said I want to leave?", Kerrigan asked.

"Another alternative is to leave this command to a secondary, reliable element.", Abathur said. "Brood Mother Za'gara can be certain to not turn on you, should you first deliver an order to not infest you before handling command."

"That's tempting...", Kerrigan said, considering that wasn't a bad idea, at all. "But then I made a promise to Izsha, that she'd take over when I'm done, and I don't want to break it. I did it before, when I was the Queen of Blades, didn't I?"

"The most relevant occurrence happened prior to the assault against the United Earth Directorate elements on Char, at the final stages of the Brood War.", Abathur said. "In order to assault the second Zerg Overmind, the psionic energies emanated required the assistance of the Protoss Dark Templar. Assistance that could only be delivered when you abducted the Protoss Matriarch and coerced the Protoss to assisting you in exchange for her liberation. An action that you Terrans call 'blackmail'. Eventually, the terms were accomplished and the Overmind was destroyed. However, you ensured that the Matriarch was under your domination, and thus misled the Protoss in forcing her to stay as your servant. In one final act of liberation, the Protoss were forced to sacrifice her."

"I knew it.", Kerrigan said, letting out a sigh as she knew this was one more on her already dirty rep sheet. "And, somehow, I think just another might add on my list of bad deeds if I just killed Richter. That'd confirm what he said."

"Opinions are irrelevant, my Queen.", Abathur said. "His opinion is formed on his mistrust and lack of information of recent deeds. Unless you decide to continue his existence as an Infested Terran, so he can, hopefully, see the changes you are performing on the Swarm."

"You're saying I should keep him alive?", Kerrigan said. "He's gonna suffer if I keep him like that."

"A suffering that can only be ended with the termination of his life, unfortunately.", Abathur said.

Kerrigan thought about it, hesitating for a while, before breaking the silence, then. "What would you do?", she asked.

"Such power of decision is beyond my capacity, my Queen.", Abathur answered. "Such capacity, I fear, stands with you and you alone, my Queen."

"I was afraid you'd answer that...", Kerrigan said, taking a sigh before she then walked forward, before stopping then. "By the way, you missed a good celebration up there. You got your share of the praise."

"Celebration is irrelevant, my Queen.", Abathur said. "My concern is my occupation and my occupation alone."

"Pity, I thought you deserved that.", Kerrigan commented. "You did the work with my powers and made an artillery out of the Viper, after all."

"I performed my function, my Queen.", Abathur said. "No more, no less."

Kerrigan rolled her eyes before then turning around to enter the deep insides of the Evolution Pit, where the infested Colonel and his soldiers no doubt were standing, as they awaited something to happen to them. Kerrigan then stopped for a second, taking a deep breath, no doubt at the difficult talk she'd have shortly. That was before a tremor shook up the entire chamber, one she felt and that she could clearly translate. She nearly fell as a result, but could easily recover.

The Leviathan was now getting airborne and would head to higher orbit and deep space, eventually.

She took a deep sigh as she looked at those twisted Marine forms, all standing around, her main focus being on the one with the golden stars on his shoulder pieces, whom looked forward with a tired, yet intimidating face, breathing heavy, his stand steady. She then started walking forward slowly, to the Colonel's direction, whom then noticed her coming. As she walked, she also noticed the other Marines also looking at her. The manner which they looked, that nearly sounded hostile, still sent shivers up Kerrigan's spine, despite what Izsha told, that they mostly wouldn't hurt.

"You.", the infested Colonel started, in his weak formation of sentence. "What do you... want?"

"I want nothing, Richter.", Kerrigan answered, trying to stare at the Colonel.

"You always want.", Richter said. "You already have what you want."

"Yes, I had.", Kerrigan said. "And now it's over. Harkonnen has fallen. The Dominion doesn't hold Char, anymore."

"Is Warfield... Dead?", Richter asked.

"No.", Kerrigan said. "I wanted him to give a message to Mengsk. I let him go."

"Just... him?", Richter said, still a bit in pain.

"There's more with him.", Kerrigan answered. "I let'em go, too."

Richter looked for a moment before replying.

"Do not... believe.", he said.

The Puppet Queen closed her eyes for a moment, letting out a sigh. "I never expected you to.", she said. "But now it's over."

"More... will die. Won't they?", Richter asked.

"I'm afraid so.", Kerrigan said.

"Then... No more use... For me.", Richter said. "Kill me, now?"

"I know, I made a deal.", Kerrigan said. "And I would've accomplished. But I swore I'd do it if you told me when I asked. I ordered you to tell me. That's not worth, anymore."

Richter then closed his glowing eyes for a moment. "Still the same.", he said. "Same Kerrigan."

"I'm not the same, Richter.", Kerrigan said. "I would've killed you after you told me all about the fortress, no permission asked. I'm letting you do that choice on your own. If you want me to end you, all you have to do is ask."

Richter only stared at her for a time, then whimpered for a time, like if he was trying to say something, but could not. "Cannot.", he said. "Cannot... Ask."

"Why not?", Kerrigan asked. "Abathur told me you asked him to kill you, before he refused. Why not me?"

"Cannot.", Richter said. Kerrigan then let out a sigh as she looked down and shook her head.

"Then I can't help you.", Kerrigan said, in resignation.

"We never wanted... help!", another infested voice, angry and raspy, probably from damaged voice cords. Kerrigan turned right to see an infested Marine standing tall and high. "We... never asked for... your help!"

The Marine walked slightly forward. Kerrigan's heart raced.

"How could you, Kerrigan?", the Marine asked. "Infesting and... killing is not enough? No, it is not! Now you... Pry us from our deaths... And turn us into puppets!"

"I thought this would be a chance for you to redeem yourselves!", Kerrigan exclaimed, nervous. "To fight for the right side!"

"Right side!?", the Marine asked, angry. "For you!? Killing our... Friends!? Family!?"

"Against Mengsk!", Kerrigan tried to reply. "You have any idea with whom you were fighting for?"

"We do... not care!", the Marine said, angry at her and at the fact he couldn't continue sentences without pauses. "We'd still rather fight... against monsters! Against you!"

Growls were then heard as the Infested Marines then all stared angrily at Kerrigan, all growling with flanged roar, getting on their feet. Kerrigan's blood, as much as her heart, started to rally. She took deep breaths, expecting the first strike to come.

Then a louder, longer growl was then heard right besides Kerrigan. This came from Colonel Richter, whom no doubt ordered everyone to shut their mouths. The growling then ceased, as the Infested Marines then backed off. He looked at the sides, slowly and breathing heavily, before then looking at Kerrigan, whom swallowed hard.

"Please...", Richter started, though his voice was normal. "Out."

Kerrigan then nodded as she started stepping back three steps and then turned to leave. As she got into the supposed entrance, she stopped and then turned to face the Colonel. "I'll keep that offer up at all times.", she said, weakly. "When you want, and if you want, just call me. I'll do it. You have my word."

Richter simply looked at her as she turned around to leave, and then, at her back, he looked down to the ground.

She took a deep sigh as she then returned, in somewhat hasty steps, back to where Abathur and the Zerg were. That was a close one, she thought, as she was nearly surrounded by what seemed to be wolves intended on leaping at her to strike. Furious wolves, clearly cursing the 'unlife' she rudely forced on their unwilling corpses. She could clearly understand. And that was a reason for her to stay very well away from them. Were not for Richter, she didn't know what would happen. Most probably, a few seconds after, tentacles would come and restrain everyone in the room, or start killing them outright. Izsha no doubt wouldn't want a brawl on her 'ship'. There was also the chance that, probably, not seeing anything useful anymore on Richter and the infested Marines, she'd eventually dispatch them.

She only hoped Richter could choose the exit way first before Izsha did it without asking.

"For a moment, I thought I'd have to handle things in there...", Izsha commented, slithering out of the hole where she came from as Kerrigan arrived to the start of the Evolution Pit. "At least Richter might be useful on something, if you decide to keep him alive..."

"Don't be snide, Izsha, I know you wanted me to kill him.", Kerrigan deadpanned.

"Wanted? That's doubtful.", Izsha remarked, sarcastically. "By the way, it's time. Care to join Abathur?"

"Abathur?", Kerrigan asked. "Why him?"

"Izsha once requested me to deliver all means necessary to lock the Warp Chamber and prevent your entrance.", Abathur said, stepping forward. "Only I have the solution to unlock it."

"Yeah, there was this door I once saw, when I came in, and that didn't open when I approached it.", Kerrigan asked. "Is that the one?"

"Yes, it is, and I'm actually surprised you didn't try to use any powers on it.", Izsha said, slightly amused. "Afraid to piss off the boss, are we?"

Kerrigan rolled her eyes again, annoyed and letting out a sigh.

"You don't have to answer that, of course...", Izsha said, frowning. "Go Abathur, show Kerrigan the new room and open the doors. I have business with Naktul."

"Please, follow me, my Queen.", Abathur called, as he started slithering to the exit of the Evolution Pit, and Kerrigan followed. Izsha recoiled back to the hole where she came from.

It was a nearly slow walk to the flesh door close shut, like a baby refusing to eat, the very door where she got closer the first time, when she was exploring the Leviathan. The geneticist approached the door and started working his limbs on it.

"So, how do you exactly lock these doors?", Kerrigan asked. "I thought Izsha was concentrating or something to keep them closed."

"Given Izsha's connection to several functions of the Leviathan, that was the primary alternative, although, at her request, a second option was developed.", Abathur said. "A special connecting slime was developed for this purpose, capable of keeping objects connected for an indeterminate time, until a second solution, meant to provoke a dissolving reaction, is injected where the slime was previously injected as well."

"Some sort of Zerg glue, then?", Kerrigan asked.

"In simplistic, Terran-ish terms, that is correct.", Abathur said, when his limbs then recoiled. A smoke then started to come out between the shut gap of the flesh door as both parts then slid aside open, both edges dripping some sickening lime green liquid that was the source of the smoke, letting out a very awful smell such that Kerrigan had to put her hand to cover her mouth, so much sick she became. Abathur remained unfettered by the smell and thus started heading back to the Evolution Pit. Kerrigan didn't even mind to ask, as he must've been a workaholic. She then stepped forward into the Warp Chamber, the very room this sealed door hid.

The chamber, like all the others, was clearly made of flesh and carapace, with several pustules and gas orbs, large and small, all around the chamber. The flesh, different from the other chambers, seemed to be more darker and scaled than the others, as with the carapace rows. This chamber, however, also seemed to be the most round of them all, somehow almost reminding a compact one, with scaled carapace rows, akin to the ones Kerrigan saw in the Za'gara's caves, decorating the walls in a disturbing organized manner. All but the far end, where a flesh piece with a very tight gap was, meaning it was either a mouth or an eye of some sort. But what made the room somehow unique were the crater-shaped sockets, somehow almost akin to Vespene Geysers, in the corners of the room. Almost all were empty, but one seemed to have it's 'hole' filled with a crystal that let out mist of some type and glowed blue, almost a purple, though a weaker one. Kerrigan could remember those crystals, somehow the same that the Protoss used for their own uses.

But, as she also entered the chamber, she noticed it was not uninhabited, with a single creature, with it's wide back to Kerrigan, obsessed with something. The creature's back seemed like the same as that of a changeling, but more wider and with a row of scaled carapace instead of spines. There also seemed to be lacking pustules, though the skin was a purple more darker and scaled. On the corners of the scaled carapace row, there were small craters, somehow akin to chimney, glowing a weak purple. The back also had two limbs, clearly Zerg and extending themselves, though these were facing backwards and not forward. The lower body, she could see, was snake-like, but twice thinner and longer than that of a Hydralisk. As Kerrigan looked, she could see the alien elbows to perhaps two or four arms the creature had.

She could also hear the sounds of the creature, that seemed to be laughing evily, like if what he held was what he most wanted. Or needed.

"So much time with you...", the creature spoke clearly, murmuring. It's voice was a near-raspy male one, though this was sinister and somehow disturbed. "So much energy... So much power... how enticing it is, and you already are six years old."

"Can your beloved Khaydarin Crystal await a moment or two, Naktul?", a female voice came above and to the right, Kerrigan seeing that Izsha had entered through the hole that allowed her entry into that place. "We have a guest you'd like to meet."

"Ah, our esteemed leader, the thinking head of our Brood-", the creature, Naktul, then turned around, to reveal it's front figure for Kerrigan and Izsha to see, but stopped when he saw the Terran form before him. Naktul's head was clearly alien, lacking nose or ears and with four glowing eyes, six antennae on his head, one more smaller than the other. The mouth was tongueless had two separate jaws, but a multitude of small limbs that seemed to work with the mouth. A hideous sight, at first, and truly seemingly evil. The chest of the creature, that supported the four thin arms and four small scythe-like limbs, was a bit too thin to support the rather wide back, almost looking like a triangle. The arms, clearly alien, had hands with three digits, one of them a thumb. One of the hands seemed to be grasping and holding a crystal shard all the time.

The moment he saw Kerrigan, Naktul simply chuckled evilly in delight. "Took long enough, have we not, Izsha?", he asked, advancing forward, the snake body below slithering and nearly juggling the body that inclined forward when it moved. "The Queen of Blades, at long last she returns!"

Kerrigan, by instinct, stepped a couple of steps back, and Naktul then stopped, the hands touching one another as the creature eyeballed Kerrigan, whose heart was racing a bit, her forehead sweating. "Though, of course, you are slightly... different.", he commented.

Kerrigan's mind tried to find some sort of words with which to reply that... thing.

"That...", Kerrigan hesitated. "That's because I'm... I'm not the Queen of Blades."

Naktul only let out a giggle, like if he heard a joke or something. "Pretend all you desire, my Queen, but your psionic imprint cannot fool you, and you and I both know it.", he said, then. "As you may slightly notice, I am somewhat akin to Abathur, but he reads only the genetic strands while I oversee greater things inbound-"

"Leave the background story for later, Naktul.", Izsha said. "We're advancing in our plans."

"Yes, I was about to inquire, how was the battle for Harkonnen, by the way?", Naktul asked, curious. "Much blood, chaos, destruction-"

"We always get that in our battles.", Izsha answered, somehow fed up. "You might like it all you want, for all those years, but it's now come to a point where I find it boring. And we won, by the way. Now it's time we went to another planet. To Kaldir."

"Oh, Izsha, I am afraid we may have a small problem concerning our warping capabilities.", Naktul replied, gesturing, then, at the empty crater-like sockets where the crystals were stored. "As you can notice, there has been little to no Khaydarin Crystals aboard since the beginning of the Second Great War. And the current, remaining crystal is almost expended on it's power."

Izsha seemed like she didn't like that. Still it was the truth, on the matter, she knowing or not. The Khaydarin Crystals, that the Zerg, given they were of Xel'Naga origin, learned well of it's properties, had a great amount of power to be used as a source, and one that could recover itself if given time, but they were not limitless. The Khaydarin Crystals used their energy, within, to regenerate it's reserve if allowed, but it could be drained to the point of little to no recovery, like it happened when the Overmind manifested itself on the crust of Aiur. The Leviathan, apparently, to allow it's warping capabilities, utilized the Khaydarin Crystals as a fuel source, unlike the Terrans, whom had a Warp Core for their Faster-Than-Light travel. Many times to a draining point, it seemed.

"You're kidding me?", Izsha asked. "Now that the situation promises, you tell me we're nearly out of gas!?"

"On the contrary, we can still warp to any system you desire.", Naktul answered. "A few more times, at least, before that crystal is nothing more but another void piece of glass. By then, we may have to raid a Protoss colony in the hopes of stealing remainders of their Pylons. Unless, of course, you prefer trying your luck with the Zerg of Aiur for those deposits..."

"Haven't we discussed that, already?", Izsha asked, upset. "After what happened last time, I am not setting foot back there!"

"What happened what, Izsha?", Kerrigan asked, curious.

"That's a long story...", Izsha said, still bitter at something that occurred on the lost Protoss homeworld.

"Even so, the situation does not change the facts.", Naktul said. "We will soon run out of Khaydarin Crystals unless something is done concerning it."

"Well, you also have that Khaydarin Crystal in your hands, so-", Kerrigan started, before Naktul let out a screech and backed away protecting the crystal he carried, making Kerrigan jump, shocked.

"NO!", Naktul yelped, recovering then. "No, no, no, no, no, no, not this one, this one is the most... precious to me. And I would never hope for you to understand, my Queen. You did understand before, true, but not now..."

"What ever, Naktul.", Izsha said, fed up. "She understands the message and so do I, for the hundred time. Now, can you open the Oculus or not?"

Naktul then bowed. "Of course I can, Izsha.", he said. "Just wait while I make the preparations and open the eye."

The new Zerg creature then turned to work on the flesh piece with the tight gap. Kerrigan looked at it for sometime before looking at Izsha. The halfling could clearly see she had questions.

"Okay, what the hell just happened?", Kerrigan asked, slowly.

"I asked that myself when I first met him, when I got freed by the artifact.", Izsha said. "So far, before you arrived, he was the most liberal Zerg I have ever seen."

"And...", Kerrigan started. "What's with his possessive behavior with his Khaydarin Crystal?

"He was created by Abathur at the Overmind's request prior to the invasion of Aiur, utilizing Khaydarin from destroyed Protoss Nexii to make a strain capable of performing warp jumps, something the Zerg couldn't do.", Izsha said. "Where the Zerg came from, they took way too many years to reach where we are, and what the Overmind could learn about the crystals, consuming Xel'Naga, still wasn't enough. So came him to life when the Zerg arrived, a minion dedicated to studying the crystal while the Overmind could be busy with greater plans. That Khaydarin Crystal was given to him by the Overmind to study it and discover it's properties. However, over the time he studied more and more of the same crystal, he also absorbed it's power, and grew more and more obsessive about it, unfortunately..."

"In other words, he grew in love for a crystal.", Kerrigan resumed, taking a sigh, then. "Just what I needed... And what is this Oculus you talked about?"

"A special eye, meant for the Leviathan.", Izsha answered. "You projected it while Abathur designed the beast itself. It can discover the worlds it can reach and then assure a safe warp, provided there is a psionic source like a Khaydarin Crystal. If it's afar... It stops warping and we get lost in space. Or, the slightly worse situation, the Leviathan may rip itself in half and everything dies."

Kerrigan widened her eyes at that last line, staring at Izsha, as then the noise of something opening came ahead. Kerrigan and Izsha looked to see a very large alien eye slowly opening to face anything ahead, something worthy of a cliché horror or science fiction move. The alien eye was clearly yellow, but not glowing, meaning it's pupil and iris could be seen. The pupil was clearly vertical straight, slightly curved inside, but that, strangely, started to expand and dilate, attempting to form a circular pupil. Flashes started to be seen across the eye as the pupil expanded further and further, intensifying the flashes as well as a distortion growing right from the center. On the chamber, energy started to run on the crystal sockets, somehow akin to the energy that ran in the ghost suits, but beneath the scaled skin, forming veins that ran faster and faster. The sockets started to convulse, as well, working, no doubt, to drain the energy left from the Khaydarin Crystals.

By then, the black pupil had covered the entire eye socket, the distortion opening as well as very brief images of planets, suns and moons, some that Kerrigan knew, but many others that she didn't, all cycling in a very fast succession, at the blink of an eye. She could see, as the images went on, the worlds of Mar Sara, Meinhoff, TarKossa, Vyctor 5, Moria, Umoja, Korhal, Tarsonis... All but Char, but most probably because the Leviathan was close to it. The corners of the sockets let out short, rapid mists, a result of the psionic energy being used, where the distortion was. The flashes, like lightning without the thunder, were fast and randomly accompanied the worlds being changed. The Puppet Queen herself became impressed.

"This... is the Oculus?", Kerrigan asked, hesitating a bit.

"The highest esteemed eye, made by your own personal specifications.", Naktul answered. "You need not to choose, just visualize the planet in your mind, say the name to the Oculus and then I will perform the remainder."

Kerrigan then decided that was worth a try. After all, that creature, Naktul, was willing to offer her a chance. So she decided to do it, her mind clear on where to go next.

She put her right hand on her temple, ready to give the name of the planet.

Then, something grabbed and pulled her away, tucking her away and fast to a wall. A tentacle. That broke her concentration.

"WHAT THE!?", Kerrigan asked, surprised, looking around to notice Izsha turned around, glaring at her. The Puppet Queen didn't have to guess what happened. "Hey!"

"Not yet, little girl.", Izsha said, sweetly but then serious, approaching the restrained Kerrigan, whom was bristling more than ever. "When you've grown up, I'll let you drive. Set a course for Kaldir, Naktul. I have a Brood Mother waiting for my services."

Suddenly, the tentacles then loosened their grip and returned to their holes as Kerrigan fell to the ground. Izsha simply didn't waste time and recoiled to her hole as well, until she disappeared. Kerrigan got on her feet, ready to open a heated arguing, but then noticed the halfling wasn't anywhere to be seen.

"I know you can still hear me!", Kerrigan exclaimed, furious, looking all around and then at the whole. "Next time, you just say 'No', Izsha!"

Naktul, whom was working at the Oculus while everything powered with more energy, got a little amused with the Puppet Queen's anger, and then turned around, approaching her slowly from behind. The Puppet Queen tried then to control her breath, trying to contain herself from the surprise attack.

"Do not mind her, my Queen.", Naktul said, softly. "Izsha always had a little instability concerning control issues, although she came to balance it a bit recently.", he added, as he then extended his hand slowly, trying to touch her on the right shoulder.

"Next time I want an opinion, I'll ask you.", Kerrigan said, all bitter, not having anymore time for games. "And don't think of touching me!"

Naktul then recoiled his hand as he then returned to the Oculus. "Just prepare yourself, then, my Queen.", he added. Kerrigan turned around to see Naktul looking at her, then at the Oculus. His skin started to run with energy as well.

"Your first warp jump aboard a Leviathan can be... unsettling."

---

She could see, on the cockpit of her Viking, doing short-ranged patrols to help protect the group of ships still awaiting the arrival of the Dominion fleet to pick them up. To give them somewhere to be after their defeat on Char. They had been orbiting the dark side for hours since the fortress was evacuated. The construction crews had been working with what they managed to find to settle a temporary land base on the clock, but it was partially difficult to establish something. Hopefully, the ships would manage to handle until either the settlement was complete or the ships arrived. There was still plenty of air to go on around, for some time.

But food was entirely another issue. And she was starting to feel the hunger. Blair Casey rested a hand on her belly as it roared, asking for something edible, while she looked at the small fleet of transports holding orbit. At least she wished she could've eaten something to come through those hours, that the Zerg allowed something to be done before attacking. Still, war was war, and no one got what they wanted. She let out a brief sigh.

Then, she looked at those stars, littered not only with the nebula, but also the debris of all those ships destroyed during the invasion days ago. All destroyed for practically nothing. All she did was wonder where the hell was the artifact when those men and women down there needed the most. But it wasn't there. When it was needed the most, when Kerrigan returned, back with a vengeance, it wasn't there.

Then, something caught her eye as she halted her fighter and looked at the gargantuan, hulking beast leaving the planet and looking afar, obviously not interested in an enemy already defeated. The beast that now, probably, carried the bitch whom commanded those monsters whom assaulted Harkonnen. She grinded her teeth, wondering if Kerrigan was laughing maniacally, like a cartoon hero would be, or simply smirking at the first victory of her coming back. As she looked closer, she could see energy running across the beast, like if it was going to do something. Casey simply kept the stare at the thing, even as it unleashed lighting ahead of it, several at once, at a single point in the empty space. It gathered and reunited at the same time, expanding considerably as the space warped and distorted.

Casey's eyes widened with wonder and anger as she's seen what seemed to be a black hole, flashing with energy that continued to expand, thanks to the lightning that still fired from the giant beast, growing up until it was large enough to accommodate it. The beast seemed to travel to it, unafraid. Then, a purple gas emission was released from behind as the beast gathered up speed and entered the hole, the lightning breaking up and the hole closing back, colliding into an energy explosion, one so bright that Casey's eyes had to shut, but then opened, noticing energy specks flying around, into nothingness, and then dissipate into the restored black void.

Casey was one of the first to testify how Zerg could warp away, so much as Terrans did.

---

X

---

FINAL COMMENTS:

THAT'S IT! Third time this happens, overdue on my job! At least this was finished on a Friday, so I'm starting the next ASAP Saturday, in which I'm right now finishing editing this chapter. I WILL get back to schedule. Now it's personal.

Now, then about the chapter itself, I'll talk about Naktul, changing Warp, Khaydarin Crystals and all that below. Now, we're off Char and I say we are done with this arc. Now, onto Kaldir. This also concluded Warfield's arc and others concerning Harkonnen. I felt the scene of the kitchen in the P.O.C. was a nice addition, something akin to The Last of Us, although this is more related with what Kerrigan could eat. By the way, how did she make it until the Zerus part without sustaining herself for days? Oh well, typical Blizzard, but we can't blame them, given they wanted so much to rush things... Then, there's the Haven part, which was pivotal to the story and also a very good demonstration of Valerian's few abilities, even considering those people on Haven were a warm up for the millions to come. Nova's arc is going according to plan. I was planning to advance it a bit more on this chapter, but I decided to leave it to the next chapter. It's still a bit too soon for Nova to advance.

Kerrigan's arc was the most important to develop here, and I believed I did it. I previewed to some people Maddox end would be somehow interesting, and I hope you liked it, as well. The lessons Za'gara learned from Kerrigan concerning mercy and stuff, Abathur's recollection of Kerrigan's deed against the Protoss, the Richter segment, that will still continue, that all filled the story quite well. As for why Izsha did what she did with Kerrigan, well, for those whom read and understand it, supposedly, will get an idea, but I'll also get to that on the next chapter.

Then, there is the Protoss side of things. Lasarra's segment, well, that was planned, as usual, she goes and asks for help to train and she learns the true nature of the expedition, as you noticed. But the Gestalt's segment, I feel, was the best one I'm developing so far, because we're dealing with politics, an amusing character, conspiracies and most things. People will want to compare this to Game of Thrones, true, but I like to believe I emulated House of Cards on this. Only the ending was a bit forced, a little too Da Vinci's Demons for my taste, but I didn't see any other opportunity of how to introduce Khastiana and what she feels because of Muadun's murder.

But my trump card, as you've seen, was Urun himself, as I tried to make him a more interesting character, especially concerning the old tradition versus transition debate, that is the core principle of the Protoss in the StarCraft saga. That speech alone proves it as well, to show how there are Protoss whom know changes must come for them to survive. The introduction of the Vindicator's weapon (For those whom remember Starcraft: Ghost) in this, meant to be used by the Protoss and unwelcomed for being a bit dishonorable, because it's a weapon for warriors capable of melee combat, somehow remembers the very transition Japan and other cultures made from swords and bows to gunpowder.

Now, finally, let's get to the main point of this mess, that is Naktul. Naktul, as you may see from the official HotS story, is a Brood Mother from the Rendezvous mission and is a she. Here, it's a he and he's a totally different creature, and it's not because it's a need for a different character, to call attention or such, he has his own purpose, and that is the warp. Frankly, I don't know what went on Metzen's head to let Zerg use Faster-Than-Light travel when those things have no power core of their own, no accelerating drive but some fart of sorts that would not even reach 88 miles per hour, nothing of that. That was one of the things I had to fix. Not to mention the Zerg had their own means to travel, and that was the wormhole warp from the first StarCraft, the vanilla Zerg Campaign (Look for the Zerg cinematic 'The Warp'). But the problem was that, presumably, only the Overmind and the Cerebrates could open those things for travel, and now they were long gone, so how? That's how I had to circumvent it by creating Naktul and telling that stuff concerning Khaydarin Crystals, especially the limit thing, that I feel was needed. The only reason, I believe, the Protoss don't fall on Pylon energy is because they don't squander it like the Zerg do, powering up that beast of a Leviathan. Yes, I know what you'll tell, especially the whiners on StarCraft lore, this smells, tastes and feels like a retcon, but ask yourselves: With the Overmind and the Cerebrates gone, how else would the Zerg be able to warp?

Then, there's the name issue, I could've picked a different name, but it's a tad too late now. Naktul is, in a meaning of saying, the beta name, and I couldn't find a better one, that sounded like one people could remember. Oh, and, if you'll recognize from the appearances, it has District 9 references, though I can use a bit little Men in Black's Edgar bug to help too. Well, to make it more simple, picture a Prawn (Best reference here, the textured is just ugly.) without those squid tendrils on it's mouth, four eyes instead of two, two Tyranid-like limbs not pointing forward, but behind, the snake-like body of a Hydralisk, just thinner and a bit longer and four thin arms instead of two. Ah, and with the traditional Purple/Brown Zerg color scheme. Maybe I can, I don't know, draw it, though I'm aware my drawing skills are full of crap. And I don't have the money to commission. And for the Nerazim Enclave, yes, it's a Protoss Isengard of sorts, just sleekier.

Well, this about covers it for a whole chapter. Until next week, starting the new chapter A.S.A.P. That means right now.