Gate: Thus the Dominion Fought there

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

"Talking"

Thoughts


Gate 26


After the devastating encounter with the Protoss, the normal answer after a crippling battle was to recoup your losses. But in contrary to this, a mass execution was under way as Zorzal and his inner circle were watching as one soldier after another was beheaded for a variety of reasons.

Some for their cowardice in fleeing from the enemy.

Others for their incompetence in not being able to kill one of them.

But the worse of all were the ones he considered for high treason.

As the other soldiers witnessed this, it was used to serve as an example that such acts were not to be tolerated if they were to serve him.

However, they couldn't help but ponder what those soldiers could have done to be considered of high treason. Such a sentence was only reserved for those who acted against the empire or the royal family itself. As of now, they were to be killed in a ritualistic fashion. There tongue was to be cut out, lips sewed shut, and their hands were severed so that even in death they would be silenced forever.

As the next soldier was to be executed for his high treason, "please my lord!" the soldier screamed in desperation. "I promise I will say nothing! I will . . . ." as he could no longer speak as his tongue was grabbed by his executioner.

Though Zorzal's inner circle looked calm, they were more worried for their lives. After that demi-human had forced the first prince to shame himself, Zorzal made many excuses which went along the line of 'they used magic trickery'. But regardless, he was too ashamed to admit he was easily bested in battle and thus soiled himself like a child in fear. If not for their closeness to the prince and the resources they provided, they too would have been executed. Thus, the results as these soldiers were killed for what they saw.

After this event, the higher ups needed to reconvene and plan out their next move.

Considering the devastating blow, their morale took a bad hit. These Protoss appeared to be the warriors of gods like the apostles.

Invincible magic.

Unbeatable swords.

Commanding a flying fortress if that was to be believed.

Most if not all of the pro-war side couldn't believe such dumb and weak demi-humans were capable of such power. For the time being they should not get any further involved with them till more information came in. Though the Protoss had sullied their pride and honor, they had more pressing matters to attend to first before challenging them again.

Although their focus should have been retaking the Empire and marching on Alnus where the people of iron were, Zorzal had other plans.

"Those can wait" the arrogant prince stated to his advisors and generals. "I want to make an example of these filthy creatures who dare step foot on my land".

"My lord, please reconsider . . . ."

"This is not the time to be partaking in another war".

"Perhaps after we retake Alnus and then . . . ."

"Silence!" Zorzal shouted angrily as he slammed his fist on the table. "I will not let these Protoss make a fool of me! The Empire will not be shown as weak or cowardly towards these animals! I will make an example of them for all to see! Furthermore, I hereby put out a bounty! Bring me a Protoss! Double the price if alive! We will show that humans will never bow to the likes of them!"

Looking at each other, they had no choice but to comply as Pina and the people of iron were to wait as they would refocus their efforts on them.

Discussing it among each other trying to learn from what they gathered; they assembled a few tactics.

The Protoss were still looking for the lost one. Hence it should be easy in locating them as they just need to follow the rumors. If anything, start rumors of their own to lure them in.

From what information they did have, they seemed to travel in small groups. Surprise attacks should work. Regardless of how great their magic is, numbers will overwhelm them.

Like their previous strategy with the people of iron, they will turn the people's opinion against them. Since no one really knew what a Protoss looked like it would be easy to hire some mercenary demi-humans to burn some villages while claiming they were Protoss. At the same time gather more soldiers and resources for their growing army.

With these plans in place, they just needed to wait for their moment to strike.


~ Falmart ~

With how slow information tended to flow on the continent it would usually take days, to weeks, or even months for any individual to know a single fact.

If not by messenger from a noble or royalty, the only way general public information got around was by traveling merchants or in some cases by bards.

As Zorzal sent all his fastest messengers to spread the word of the bounty he had placed, that was not the only news to spread.

For every kingdom, city, town, and village, news of Zorzal's humiliating defeat was talked about. Of course, those loyal to the first prince tried to sway this but to no avail as it had tainted his image with incompetence.

Concerning the pro-war side, they couldn't figure out how this information had spread so quickly.

But in regards to that, one would only need to look to the stars as a particular high lord found a new toy to play with. He found it amusing as breaking the pride of a man like him to be ever so satisfying. Only after he had completely broken his spirit will he claim his life. But till then, he would watch as this foolish prince struggle in vain.

Though in regards to Karax, he had left such a chore to the others as he did not care to waste his time or the time of his Tal'darim in performing such a menial task. Only when killing was involved would be bother to do something.

But for the time being this would have to do as he psionically implanted information to further torment that man.

In one particular town, a bard was doing just that. Standing within the towns square, the bard prepared his lute testing the chords as he soon began to perform. "There was a prince so ignorant and proud . . . . Who thought himself invincible with an army so loud. He challenged a foe whose blades composed of light . . . . So he pushed his men to their doom and ended in tragic plight . . . . Desperate, he challenged the leader in a honorable bout . . . . The prince lost not only the battle but also his pride. Thus, he showed a shameful display he could not hide . . . . From that it begun to spread from town to town that his royal pants became soiled with a taint so brown"

Of course, Zorzal heard of this and demanded that every person who spread this story to be executed for their slander. But it didn't matter anymore as there wasn't anyone left on the continent who didn't know of this tale.

In time, the foolish prince had earned himself a new title. One that would be repeated hundreds of times for every commoner to enjoy a good laugh. Something to be whispered when his ability was questioned. Otherwise, just to outright irritate him.

A name that would stick with him forever. Zorzal, the prince of soil.


~ Falmart ~

Arriving at a very removed city, it was a wonder why anyone would be living so far out here on the frontier plains which was slowly becoming a desert.

But nonetheless, a Protoss reconnaissance team was sent out in search of Karax as whispers of him were heard in region.

Out to investigate was Praetor Talis as she was accompanied by a small group consisting of zealots, dark templar, and sentries. Each reconnaissance group had a different assembly based off prior research concerning the region. That then dictated where they were going or what they might have to do. But otherwise, they should not encounter any extreme troubles so long as they do not purposely challenge the natives.

After all it was their world and they should not be causing unwanted incidents.

Entering the city, Talis saw some humans approach her.

To what other teams had reported, it was a mixed bag in how they responded to them. It ranged from extreme hostility or neutrality.

But seeing only one approach, it would appear they were not looking for trouble.

"Greetings travelers. Welcome to Crety".

Talis was surprised at such a pleasant invitation. As they entered, the other natives had also greeted them kindly. Wary of their intentions, she did not sense any hostility from them. But she couldn't help but wonder why they were so opened to strangers like them.

Meeting up with the one in charge, she soon learned why. Joined by a young man named Linus, they recounted the story of the wanderer.


~ Falmart (Crety) ~

For the city was suffering from a severe plague the likes they have never seen before. It specifically infected woman of all ages as they would suddenly fall ill with a severe fever only to die. But that wasn't the end. Upon death, they would then revive and begin to attack those around them. A state they called 'death's makeup'. With no way to realistically combat this and unable to desecrate the corpse of their loved ones, upon death they were disposed of at Arrun Labyrinth.

But that's when the wanderer came.

He was unlike any demi-human they have ever seen before as his manner of talking was strange.

As this wanderer entered the city, "greetings" said the stranger, "I am Karax. Would you be so kind as to tell me where I am?"

Uncertain to how to react to him, Linus was chosen as his guide as the wanderer was shown common courtesy as he was given the information he wanted.

But as Karax looked to his weary face, "is something wrong?"

Though he did not wish to trouble a stranger with their problems, they had been dealing with some extreme stress. Regardless, it wouldn't matter if they told him or not. Wanting to relieve his burden, he told the wanderer about the trouble facing the city.

Listening carefully to their problems, "I see" as Karax nodded.

From there, Linus was astounded as Karax displayed his magic as a tool appeared in his hand as strange blue light stretched forth spinning in circles several times before subsiding. He then said words he didn't understand such as 'scanning', 'microbe', and something about it being interesting.

"There might be something I can do" then said Karax, "can you take me to your sick?"

Although still wary of this wanderer, it wasn't like their situation could get any worse. He led Karax to where the sick woman was being kept. There, the ill was being taken care of by anyone they could spare.

"First we will need to turn this into a clean room" as Karax deployed a barrier. At such an action, the helpers couldn't help but gape at such magic. "I do apologize as I'm not a healer nor do I really understand human physiology. But I think I might be able to do something about this illness". After looking at one of his magical tools, he then approached one of the patients.

Going over to his first patient, a blue light swept over her several times.

"There" Karax chimed. "She should be feeling better soon".

Within a few minutes Linus couldn't believe his eyes. He didn't understand what the wanderer had done. But each woman his light had passed over, their complexion started to show immediate improvement as they didn't look like they were in pain anymore. Before long they were conscious. "A miracle! It was a miracle!" Linus thought.

As they were rejoicing at their recovery, "for the time being please stay within the barrier. We will need to investigate the source of this disease before you can rest easier".

As Linus accompanied the wanderer, he used his strange magic again and determined where the possible source was. To say the least, Linus was surprised to learn the source was coming from Arrun Labyrinth. "Excuse me sir, but are you really going there?"

"Why of course in order to investigate the source".

Linus like many others of Crety knew what the labyrinth used to be. Part of the Arrun kingdom five hundred years ago, the labyrinth was a research facility for creating medicine. One of its most ambitious endeavors was creating a medicine for eternal life. But then the kingdom fell and the labyrinth was abandoned. With no one there to maintain it's upkeep, monsters soon took over.

Telling Karax of these dangers, the wanderer simply remarked "it'll be fine".

Though every fiber of his being was terrified at venturing into such dangerous lands, there was no other way as they needed to end the source of this disease.

Arriving at the labyrinth, it was just as Linus had feared as all manner of creatures attacked them.

But the wanderer was not only brave but too powerful for the likes of these monsters.

Taking out another of his magical tools, it produced a beam of blue light. With one pass of it's light anything it touched was severed in two. Such incredible magic! He didn't even know mages were capable of such feats.

The first to attack them were death makeup woman. But against the wanderer's light, they were allowed to rest once again.

Even the cockatrice stood no chance as it was but a helpless bird before him. The poison it breathed out posed no threat to the wanderer as his magical barrier protected him.

Finally arriving to a massive room which seemed to be the center of the labyrinth, one final monster stood in their way which was a minotaur.

A massive humanoid bull like creature as it seemed to have been feasting on the death makeup woman that were left here. As Linus stared at this creature, he felt his hands go soft as he was having trouble just breathing due to the panic and anxiety he felt. This monster might have been too much for even the wanderer to handle.

But contrary to his thoughts Karax just looked the beast over before pointing his magical tool at it. Within the blink of an eye a hole was burned right through the minotaur's head. Not even recognizing the incredible feat he had accomplished. "I believe I have found the source of the disease" as Karax had casually walked past the corpse and towards the tree that grew in the center of the room.

At the base of the tree was a coffin as Karax with some difficulty pried open the cover to see a corpse of a grotesque mangled woman as the tree roots seemed to have been feeding off her.

Confirming she was the source of the disease; her body was cremated to which Karax confirmed that their nightmare was now over.

Upon returning and sharing this news, the people of Crety were overjoyed. Wanting to reward the wanderer, Karax just waved it off. Using a high-level teleportation spell, he then disappeared just as quickly as he came.


~ Crety ~

"I see" as Talis absorbed this information. Though she listened to their words, it was easier for her to understand their story as she reviewed Linus's memories as he recounted it.

She tried her best not to think less of them for there primitive mindset for mistaking technology as some form of magic. But for the 'magic' these natives had, it was something the Terrans were trying to understand. For the Protoss, it was minorly interesting.

But she had to appreciate Karax's ingenuity as he modified the tools he had on hand.

He first created a clean room by setting up a plasma shield with a modulated frequency cleaning the environment of the air borne pathogen.

Then modifying his warp matrix and digital storage device, he fine tuned his scanners to specifically pick up on the microbe demolecularizing them in the process. Though he seemed to have kept a few for study.

While in the labyrinth, he had converted his cutting laser into a makeshift plasma cutter.

Though Karax was no longer in the area, this information provided a silver lining that the phasesmith was not in any danger as he had a means to protect himself.

With no further business in the city they were recalled to chase the next lead.

"Why doesn't he just stay is one place" Talis sighed.


~ Alnus hill ~

Lelei was enjoying her time working in the maintenance garage as she was deeply engrossed in her studies.

From time to time she was allowed to assist other workers in the upkeep of the machines they were working on. Such fascinating devices as the wealth of knowledge of these Terrans seemed to extend forever.

There were just so many subjects she wanted to study.

She already had a solid grasp on the gauss effect as she had already utilized magnetic propulsion to create projectiles as she used it to keep Hardy's apostle at bay.

She now wished to study gun powder and explosives. After she had a handle on that she would move onto laser weaponry.

If there was time, she wanted to study shield technology and possibly warp engines.

So much to learn and such little time.

But looking through their historical logs, she also learned of the Protoss. To the Terrans understanding, they stood as the pinnacle of scientific achievement. However, they were extremely reserved in teaching outsiders their ways. A pity as they were able to bend space and time to their whims. Yet wishing to try her luck, she tried asking Rath to study his digital storage device. But much to her disappointment was not allowed too.

Regardless, she wasn't complaining as she already had more then enough to study for one lifetime.

With it closing towards that time of the year, Lelei wished to visit Rondel where she could give her dissertation and receive the rank of sage.

An honorary title that would open up more opportunities allowing her to delve deeper into Rondel's archives.

But concerning her dissertation, she needed to deeply consider it. For the people who would be judging her were her fellow peers as she would either receive an applause or a barrage of food.

As for its topic, she had a myriad of things she could talk about. Topics that could open up brand new avenues of research or proving theories that were laughed at in the past.

However, she needed to tread carefully over what she decided to talk about. On one hand, she understood that what she learned from the Terrans was for her and her alone. And on the other, were the apostles or specifically the gods. Though they encouraged growth, they did not want any kind of knowledge that would deviate from there worship. Hence the common message was, don't introduce anything troublesome.

But nevertheless, she could think about what she wanted to talk about on her way there. But then came a new problem. How was she supposed to get there? She could try hitching on a caravan ride. But seeing the many Dominion vehicles there in the garage, she really hoped they would be willing to provide her a transport. After riding them, it was a bit hard to go back to wagons as they were slow, bumpy, and uncomfortable by comparison.

Feeling a pat on her shoulder, "time for a break" said Milo. "Come on, let's go get something to eat at the diner".

Taking him up on his offer, they sat at a table eating as they enjoyed some small talk. Much to Lelei's surprise they had other company. As it so happened that other familiar faces were feeling famished and wanted to grab a bite.

Jake was already there nose deep in his papers with Dahl pestering him to eat.

Shino and Rory were at the bar enjoying an early drink after getting back from patrolling the territory.

Mari and Tuka having just walked in spotting them wishing to sit with them.

Finally, Rath came in with Yao who quietly walked behind him.

After a few pleasantries, Lelei broached the topic.

Listening to her request. "Sure, we can give you a ride" Milo smiled. "Hell, I'll drive you there myself".

"I do not wish to trouble you" as Lelei looked down. "I know how to drive. There is no need for me to take up any of your time".

"No trouble at all" Milo then chuckled. "You're one of the hardest workers I've ever seen to which some of the other grease monkeys ought to take their cues from you. And besides, this is like a graduation of sorts, right? I wouldn't want to miss that. So, there's not any trouble for me to take you to Rondel myself".

"Did you say Rondel?!" as Jake abruptly stood up and rushed to their table. "Because if you're going there, I would like to hitch a ride. I heard they have some historical logs about the continents that might fill in some gaps for my research".

Rubbing the back of her head, Dahl tiredly sighed. "I might as well come too. Someone's got to keep this lug in check".

"Rondel huh?" as Rory overheard their conversation. "Mind if I come along? It would be a good opportunity to visit an old friend".

"Things are getting pretty dull around here" Shino smirked. "I might as well tag along".

"Hey, that's the city of mages, right?" asked Mari as her eyes twinkled. "I definitely would like to see just what kind of place it is".

"Rondel . . . ." as Tuka looked up in thought. "I think I would like to see it as well".

Sensing the mood, "sure why not" as Rath shrugged.

Being part of this group previously, Yao didn't want to be left out. "Can I come too?!"

With all that just happened, Milo couldn't help but laugh. "Looks like we're getting the band back together".

To be continued . . . .


Author's notes: Hope this chapter was OK and sorry for the late update. But things have been extremely crazy for the past months needless to say. I'll try to maintain a stable schedule. Now onto some commentary.

Zorzal and his pro-war side are too blinded by their past glories to realize the simple truth that the war they were waging is not only unwinnable but also outright foolish. Even in canon when they saw the JSDFs military technology that should have been a clear indicator to quietly back down and accept the peace they were offered. However, they were blinded by their pride and ego and deafened by both ignorance and arrogance to make that choice. Now against 26th century humans, hyper advanced aliens, and later oversized bugs death is the least bad thing that could happen to them.

Concerning the strategies the pro-war side will use against the Protoss, it's kind of obvious it will fail. You can't trick a telepath with disguises. Unless you're Zerg, wave tactics is not a good idea to use against them. Burning your own villages while trying to blame your enemy is the height of idiocy with how much evidence you leave lying around not to mention living witnesses who survive the attack. Like in canon, the village elder who survived the dragon attack had some very bad luck that sh*t like that happens to him in which said village he was staying at was being burned down by the pro-war side with the assistance of some demi-human mercenaries as they were slaughtering everyone they saw. Needless to say, the tactic was a failure as everyone knew it was them which earned everyone's ire.

Credit to MadClawDragon for providing the lyrics for the bard. Alarak will just watch as events unfold as he takes amusement in watching Zorzal constantly fail.

It's unknown if Talis actually died or not. But if one was to infer from Talandar's co-op commander it's a good possibility that she did not make it back after defending Zeratul's escape route. However, I won't specify if Talis as of now is a Purifier or not.

Linus is an original character to move the plot along. This will be his first and last appearance (unless something else comes up).

Death's makeup state is pretty much the equivalent to a zombie. Not much is known about the Arrun kingdom. Concerning the labyrinth, it was as noted. But in order to further their study into making a medicine for eternal life many elves were captured, studied, tortured, and ultimately died there. Now why the kingdom and labyrinth ended up like that is also unknown. But I'd assume that the elves had something to do with it.

Karax is a hell of an engineer as it should be well within his abilities to modify his tech accordingly. But for Protoss plasma shields, they do function as an environmental suit since you see them in several types of environments such as harsh cold, extreme heat, the vacuum of space, and even fatal gravity. In cutscenes and game sprites, they always have their standard armor. Thus, I would assume that their shields provide a life support system modulating temperature and breathable atmosphere. Quite possibly some form of artificial gravity. But then again that could be there armor as you see in the Wings of Liberty mission that the dark templars can safely travel through the gravity fields undamaged unlike the battlecruisers that slowly get chipped away.

Lelei was able to make a lot of progress in her magic after learning about human science. It's why later in the story she was able to open and close the gate on her own after studying quantum physics. But she needed some extra help with Hardy's hair since such power can't be wielded by humans in the first place. So, after studying laser weaponry and FTL engines, she could theoretically become the strongest mage on her world. Potentially the most powerful human in the universe. I wouldn't put it passed her that with her blessing that she would be able to make some progress in studying/understanding Protoss science. But her mortal existence will always be her limiting factor.

Now with them going to Rondel, it ended up getting the gang back together as third recon will be making a visit.

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

During these trying times I wish for everyone to stay safe and healthy.

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