-Chapter 32-

-Full Circle-


-Above Aiur-

Fleets of Templar Carriers, Arbiters and Scouts despite being overwhelmingly outnumbered fought on amongst the clustered clouds of Zerg swarming all around them. Blazing beams and showering bolts of energy ate into the dark clouds of living weapons who fired back with swarming volley's of Scourges and Spores. Scores of them Pelting the shields of the Golden fleets like a heavy storm and making groups of lesser crafts disappear like so many leaves ripped to shreds in the rain of fangs and claws. The Overmind near the rear of his swarms great fleet watched passively from a enclosed sphere of Behemoths acting as his shields. Taking in the whole of the conflict even the countless battles large and small currently being fought across Protoss controlled space. Normally such vast quantities of information would overwhelm even his vast intellect, However even that had been greatly expanded allowing the Overmind the ability to connect with and control the majority of his swarm simultaneously. The feeling of being able to both perceive and control the actions of innumerable living beings was a like a narcotic. Its sensation of both control and pain from the deaths of the Zerg and the Protoss they killed was... Intoxicating and sublime at the same instant. With but one thought whole armies would move in anyway intended. Playing with this the Overmind reached out to other Protoss colony worlds his children were attacking. In one instance He would order a charge sending thousands of Zerg to their deaths against stout defenses. And in another He would order a series of complex maneuvers and attacks to both delay and distract the same defenses while using a small number of elite Zerg to cut through the defenses flanks and weak points weakening them until the main force broke through to slaughter the Templar and the civilians they protected.

Despite being a warrior culture the Protoss have many who do not fight or know how to. Such as the Phase-smiths who work as the equivalent of Terran scientist. And others that work as scholars called Preservers who held the memories of the greatest of the Protoss race to preserve and spread their wisdom to future generations. Still despite all their technology and psionic might the Great Empire of the Protoss was being picked apart piece by piece by the Swarms infinite numbers.

Slowly inexorably.

While the Protoss perhaps represented the apex of what a individual could achieve and be, the Zerg were what a whole species could archive and become as a collective group. While the Protoss have seen fit to play the police of the galaxy and the betters of others, The Zerg care not for such trivial concerns but only for change and evolution. The Overmind and his species was first and for-most driven by the need and desire to evolve to a higher form gaining strength and power. The Overmind in His thoughts suddenly wondered what would happen after such perfection was archived. What would a truly perfect race do? What would they have to strive for after?

These thoughts greatly disturbed the Overmind as He saw it as the end of meaning and purpose. Focusing a significant part of his own mind on this new problem the Overmind thoughts started drifting as it meditated on the new problem. This wondering mental state caused the Overminds perception to subconsciously expand randomly across the Koprulu sector as it sought answers to its question. As this went on the existence of several powerful beings became known to the Overmind. The first Three were what He at first thought were Terrans but after looking closer he sensed something not right about them. One was powerful and felt like a twisted Protoss or rather perhaps was made from the bodies of twisted Protoss and had a deeply sinister aura to it. While the other two who were also quite powerful themselves felt almost as if they were a combination of both Protoss and Zerg essence. But! That couldn't be right. The Overmind himself had only just ascended to a being of both Purity of Essence and Purity of Form. So how could a pair of seemingly Terran beings also have the same qualities? The Overmind became ever more concerned but the first three beings he could now perceive were actually not the worst of it as his evolved perception had also detected two other beings vastly more powerful the other three. One was liken to the first of the previous three but its power greater by far and just as dark and sinister. And the other... It was like a overwhelming Luminous glow that could illuminate a dark abyss. Even without focusing too much on it the Overmind knew that THIS was the same being that had fought Zasz's brood on Mar-sara.

Was it toying with the Overmind? or perhaps. In an instant the Overmind suddenly realised that this being was at the far edge of the Koprulu sector and that there was a Zerg presence with it, but they weren't responding to his will nor commands. A single Behemoth and other Zerg within it but different from the Overminds swarm. They were connected with the luminous one not the Overmind. Becoming far more interested in the Luminous one the Overmind focused on it more so them before. It's form what the Overmond could glen was liken to a Terran female but... far more than what it seemed, and with the ability to change its nature so much like a Zerg but... not the same, more like a counter-part to the Zerg based on psionic energies?

As the Overmind stared at Her the Luminous one stared back.

"It's a little soon for our meeting Overmind. We'll meet later when the time is right." the Luminous one stated cutting the mental connection.

The Overminds expanded perception was forcibly snapped back to his body over Aiur. The Overmind shockingly realised it was not the most powerful being in the Galaxy even with its new evolution and that there were others equally as powerful and that they knew of Him and the Swarms actions. For the first time Millennium the Overmind felt... unsure of what it should do to ensure the survival of its race nor its self. This new situation was oddly and refreshingly a enjoyably problem to solve and at the same time a threat that needed to be dealt with. Feeling some what conflicted by the new truths that were just revealed the Overmind decided that first and for-most he needed to ensure his own survival as his existence as it also ensured that of his Swarm as well.

Even though the existence of a seperate and rivle splinter group of Zerg were just discovered.

Redirecting its focus the Overmind observed the vast space battle its swarm was fighting over Aiur. The Protoss defenses had been overwhelmed so far and while the fleets of Templar ships were being beaten back and destroyed one by one the orbital rings were all but untouched their greater shields yet standing defiant. And on the planet many of the Behemoth groups entering the atmosphere were being destroyed or weakened by the Protoss's Tachyon cannons on the surface. One such weapons platform lay many kilometers south of where Nova had landed. Seeing the need to directly help his kin the Overmind reached into his vast pool of psionic power gained from using Kerrigans essence to evolve and further evolve from the essence of hundreds of dead Protoss and several Nerazim.

Knowing that it was too early to be mixing differing type of psionic energies the Overmind opted to focus on using the same type Kerrigan uses and by extension the Khalai Protoss. This type of pure psionic energy was liken to the Khalai Protoss of Aiur and only really differs from Terran Psionics because of the collective empathic link all Protoss of Aiur and its colonies share and is set apart from the Void energies the Nerazim use.

For a moment the Overmind wondered what causes the Khalai Protoss psionic energy to change and become even more powerful than normal.

Leaving such thought for later and focusing on the task at hand the Overmind reoriented its body to face the planets surface, opening its great maw. Focusing vast psionic energies it formed a fiery orange orb of condensed energy between its jaws. Aiming for the Tachyon cannon installation south of the region Nova was currently fighting in. Feeling its energy reach the needed amount the Overmind shunted the condensed sphere into a defused beam of blazing orange energy lancing down through the atmosphere to the surface of Aiur. From the eyes of several dozen Overlords the Overmind beheld a large smoking creator four miles wide and several dozen meters deep where the target once was.

If the Overmind had been in a atmosphere one would have heard a pleased rumbling growl being uttered by the colossal zerg. And the Overmind promptly fired at several dozen more ground based Tachyon cannon installations making the invasion for the Behemoths all the more easier. Eventually every Tachyon weapons platform on that side of the planet was left a creator.

Pleased with its new power but disappointed at the frail targets the Overmind decided that it was time to once again to hunt worthy prey. A flood of memories returned to the Overmind harkening back to its days on Zerus as a young fledgling hunting prey to gain new essence and evolve to become stronger and survive. Because the one rule of Zerus was that the weak are eaten and the strong survive. Picking out a target the Overmind chose a Templar Carrier fighting off several groups of Mutalisk and Guardians. Like before He focused his energies into a orb in his maw then making course corrections based on distance and relative motions of the target and himself the Overmind fired. The beam of psionic energy shot through space impacting the weakened shields of the Carrier. The bubble of energy held repelling the beam, but just as the beam started to weaken and thin it pierced the weakened shield at the last second cutting a small trench into the ships decks as it moved through the airless void.

Understanding more and more about its new powers the Overmind focused the same telekinetic forces it used before, to pull countless hive clusters and Zerg off Char through dozens of warp gates and place them on the surface of Aiur. With such forces He grasped the Carrier as it sped away attempting to flee. The carrier stalled seemingly held in place by the invisible forces. Forming another orb the Overmind fired a second time. This time with no shields and unable to evade, the Beam struck the carrier dead center melting through its hull and piercing out through the other end. Multiple chain explosions racked across the ship ripping its hull apart until the whole ship exploded leaving nothing but dabries floating through space.

Feeling more confident in its new power the Overmind searched for more targets. Finding a group of three carriers and a decreasing number of Interceptors, Scouts and Arbiters escorting them. The Overmind knew he was capable at shooting down large slow targets now but what about many smaller targets? Would it provide a challenge. Extending his arms, wings and four fin like legs The Overmind focused his energies into dozens of smaller orbs along his limbs. Locking onto the Interceptors and Scouts he unleashed dozens of beams. The beams shot through the ranks of the Protoss crafts some hitting others missing. Only 22% of the beams hit their targets greatly displeasing the Overmind. Trying to his many smaller targets was much harder than trying to hit one. Never one to fall into despair or give up the Overmind tried again this time constantly recalculating the trajectories of him and all the targets individually. He gathered energy and focused them into a new array of orbs as the Templar fleet shifted its formation trying to figure out where the new attack came from. Calmly the Overmind calculated the movements of himself and the targets taking more time to perfectly track their evasive movements while finely and sharply focusing the energy discharge rate and direction. In a burst light dozens of beams shot at the Templar fleet piercing through most of the smaller crafts destroying them.

A Instant later two purifier beams struck the Overmind on his right side directly burning into his ribcage and arm. The damage was heavy and painful. As the stinging pain caught his attention the Sphere of Behemoths reactively closed their formation around the Overmind acting as living shields and blocking another two blasts from the carriers purifier beams. Looking through the eyes of its Behemoths the Overmind saw a pair of Carriers with escorts closing in on His position from the high 2 o-clock direction. Behind them was another eight Carriers and more escorts fending off waves of Mutalisk as they approached. It seems the Templar have become aware of the Overminds new form and direct presence on the battlefield and now they want to end him here and now.

Normally this would be a drawback and a great threat to his life. But like his Cerebrates the Overmind was immortal. Killing a immortal being was impossible (Or was before Zasz was killed) but despite his new found power the Overmind was not so foolish to underestimate the Templar as even if they could not kill the Overmind it was still possible to become trapped, captured or disabled enough that immortality mattered not and the lose of the Overminds overriding will would cause the swarm a great deal of confusion and lose of cohesion that could cost them the war. Reforming every Zerg fleet over Aiur around himself the Overmind gathered his forces for a sweeping victory that would end the battle over Aiur's surface.

The entirety of the swarms space forces converged around the Overmind sweeping away many smaller Protoss fleets caught up in the mass migration. Tendrils miles wide and dozens of miles long long snaked their way towards the ten carriers and their escorts attacking the Overmind. The sphere of Behemoths counter attacked with a stream of many thousands of Scourges and Spores constantly striking the Carriers shields from multiple directions. The Protoss carriers responded with their Photon and Tachyon cannons firing thousands upon thousands of tiny energy bolts and dozens of focused beams into the swarming clouds of Zerg. Both sides ate into the others defenses but while the Protoss relayed on their shields the Zerg used numbers to block and counter attack. Several more tendrils of Zerg reinforcements snaked their way through space attacking the carriers from the high rear position. At the same time a dozen Arbiters arrived from the high 1 o-clock position.

But upon entering weapons range of the Zerg reinforcements the Arbiters revealed to be cloaking several hundred other Arbiters. All at once they all activated their recall ability teleporting over a thousand Scouts around themselves. The new fleet of Arbiters and Scouts bombarded the Zerg tendril with a showering bombardment. Arbiters fired their stasis fields trapping thousands of Mutalisks in place making them easy targets for swarms of antimatter missiles that blasted them to atoms, while the photon blasters of the Scouts and Arbiters Phase disruptor cannon racked along the tendrils formation like a shower of death killing countless Mutalisk and Scourges. Five more Protoss fleets in varying states of damage and number arrived a few minutes later from the low 6 o-clock position. All of the fleets fired relentlessly at the slowly collapsing Sphere of Behemoths.

The more the Templar focused on the Overmind the more desperate they seemed. The Overmind could feel their desperation as their home world fell one region at a time. Unfortunately or fortunately depending on your side all of the Zerg that could make landfall have done so by now leaving only the space born breeds to deal with the Templer fleets. But that also cuts both ways as while there may not be many air-born enemies to deal with on the surface it also means that no Zerg reinforcements will be coming to aide the invasion forces on the ground. So both sides were left relying on their ground forces for the battle for the surface.

As the shield of Behemoths around it decreased in number the Overmind stood confident. Raising its arms the Overmind again gathered its energies into three giant orbs, one in each of its clawed palmes and one in its maw. The closer the point of convergence is to his body the easier it is for the Overmind to focus its power. Sighting in on three Carriers with their shields mostly intact several Behemoths moved out of place just before the Overmind fired. The three beams cut through the void nearly hitting the Behemoths before striking the three capital ships. The surging energies overloaded the carriers shields rendering them vulnerable to direct strikes and just as their shields went down multiple formation of Scourges flew straight at them like darts. Dozens of Scourges impacted the three ships hulls pockmarking them with many holes along their surface like machine gun fire. Two of the carriers shuttered from secondary internal explosion while the third lost control of its maneuvering thrusters and started drifting randomly. A new formation of Mutalisk escorting Dozens of Guardians turned into the trajectory of the drifting carrier firing upon it.

The unrelenting assault caused a chain of explosions ripping the ships hull apart and exposing multiple decks like the ribes of some great animal and moments later the ship exploded. The Mutalisk and Guardians turned into the path of the other two ships attacking them as well. After suffering at the heavy bombardments the second exploded followed by the third. Satisfied with its attacks and tactics the Overmind readied another direct attack on another three carriers. Like the previous three the Overmind fired his psionic blasts dropping their shields before swarms of Mutalisk and Guardians attacked the weakened ships. Without their shields the Templar ships were less troublesome to deal with as their armor succumbed to the swarms onslaught in short order. After a hour of relentless combat all ten of the Carriers were dealt with. Now drifting as nothing but hollowed out wrecks and dabri in the void along with all of their Arbiter and Scout escorts.

Observing the surrounding space born battlefield The Overmind saw that the majority of the Templar fleets have been dealt with by now, not just here over Aiur but also in several other smaller Protoss controlled systems. But as if rain on the Overminds parade Daggoth contacted him.

"Overmind the Protoss are launching three great ships from the surface!"

Turning his attention to the armies of Zerg closest to the ships the Overmind beheld three massive ships taking off from the Aiur surface, each easily dwarfing any Behemoth in size.

"What is this?" the Overmind asked expecting his swarm to find a answer.


-Eight Hours Before-

Aiur mere minutes before the sudden assault of the Overmind and its swarm. On the surface of Aiur a warp gate opened. A dozen Abyss-rays belonging to Ellens swarm with Cybernetic attachments strung along their bodies forming a cloaking field (much like that of a Terran Ghost) exited drifting over the tree canopy with the resplendent golden fortress-city of Kor-shakal in the back round illuminating the night sky with its golden towers and be-jeweled pylons shining as if it were day.

Khor-shakal or the Great Forum as it was otherwise known was the Heart of the Conclave, the ruling political body of the Protoss Khalai empire. The city was a fortress situated south of Velari Province and east from the Temple of the Preservers. And deep underneath it one of the three great arkships, the Spear of Adun, was buried. Constructed by the Protoss of the golden age of expansion many thousands of years ago and saved for a time of great need for the protoss people.

In the original time-line or rather in the original StarCraft universe the Spear of Adun was the last remaining ark ship left after the other two, the Memory of Nezin and the Pride of Altaris were both destroyed during the Overminds invasion of Aiur. But not wanting to waste all that tech Ellen and her Brood Queens hatched a plan to take the three ships while the Overmind and Protoss were distracted by each other. And it was a perfect mission for a certain breed thought up by Ellen so long ago.

Phantoms. The Zerg stealth and infiltration breed could change their skin color and texture to match the surrounding environment and later could control their body heat to blend into the environment better. And now they've been given cybernetic augmentations based on Terran ghost cloaking tech to only make their stealth abilities stronger. However they able to cut their connection to the hive mind as needed to maintain their stealth from any who could detect such. But even with telepathic communication they could still sense through low frequency sound waves and pheromones what the others of their kind was saying.

Near the Spear of Aduns hanger several Abyss-rays under their cloaking field gently floated over the tree line taking their time to locate the entrance to the underground hanger. The search didn't take too long and the massive hanger entrance was soon found. The Abyss-rays landed off loading dozens of Phantoms and a few Drones each holding a box made from hardend creep. The stealthy reptilian Zerg quickly secured the area and found the few Templar guards that protected the main entrance.

"There. Threats!" one Phantom spoke in low frequency soundwaves.

"Kill. I go left, you right." replied another.

The pair of bipedal reptiles split up moving invisible through the foliage and trees making their way quietly and slowly behind the two Templar. The two implacable Templar stood like statues watching the path with their eyes and watching their backs with their sixth sense. But even so they had not ever thought a enemy such as these would attack. With the flutter of a bush the guards sensed a hostile intent mere seconds before the attack. Both guards spun around but their attackers were already on the move. Both Phantoms dashed towards their targets reaching out with their glowing claws. The Zealot's arms were already inmotion as they ignited their psi-blades. Sparks scattered through the air as two psionic weapons clashed one repelling the other. With skill and grace the two sides clashed their blades crossing in a flurry of movement. One Phantom wrapped its tail around the leg of its opponent pulling to knock the enemy off their feet. Responding with instantaneous recognition of its opponents intent the Zealot swung his blade cutting off the dexterous appendage. But this was what the Phantom wanted for in the same instant the Zealot sliced through the flesh of it's tail the Phantoms psionically reinforced claws cut off the templars head. In one stroke the Templar was felled and the other soon followed.

The two Phantoms looked at each other and then to the twitching tail on the ground.

"Reckless." said the uninjured Phantom.

"Still. Effective." said the other as he reattached his tail holding the two pieces together letting them regenerate and fushe back together.

"Any more Templar?" asked Nysha as she and a few dozen Phantoms approached.

The two Phantoms looked at her.

"None up here. But more scents coming from below."

"More guards. Or Phase-smiths?"

Nysha thought the possibilities through before proceeding.

"We'll continue. You four scout ahead. The Overmind will be starting his invasion any moment and we must get inside."

Nysha walked forwards raising both arms. Gathering her power she unleashed a thin beam cutting into the door baring their way. Its strength was immense a was evidenced to the importance of the ark ships. But after so long it was perhaps a relic that only garnered attention for its grand scale and history. The fact two guards were here wasn't unexpected. In fact Nysha and the other teams at the other two Ark-ships fully expected a full contingent of security forces to get in their way. The thick heavy door groaned in strain and protest as a circle was cut into its surface. After a few minutes the hole was completed and in one forceful kick a sizable hole was left in the door. Brood queen and her group picked up there pace flanked. With Nysha in the rear center position flanked by a large contingent of Phantoms as she moved through the twisting labyrinth of halls and ramps leading ever down. Following close behind were a group of Drones carrying several hardened creep boxes. Not long later Nysha stopped at a four way intersection and looked to the left and right hallways. A instant later a massive psionic event caught her attention. It was the beginning of the Overminds invasion.

Nysha looked up. "We have little time. We need to hurry." said with worry.

"Found it." signaled a Phantom ahead of her.

Nysha and her group proceeded down a passageway turning left at the next intersection. They continued deeper into the hanger complex arriving at another closed door. Nysha no longer needing to worry about setting off a alarm with the war being fought above and so raised her arms to cut a hole through the door. The Phantoms got out of the way as she fired a stronger attack this time. A blazing blue silver beam cut into the door slowly melting a six foot wide hole in it's surface. Annoyed at the slow pace Nysha doubled her output. The beam swelled in size and brightness as it ate through the door. On the other side of the door it started to heat up and deform before being blasted through by the beam before it struck the wall for a moment leaving a super heated surface.

Nysha let some of her Phantoms move ahead as scouts before her main group continued onwards. Soon after she heard a commotion down the hall before arriving at a large room that was so big it seemed to lead to the outside. Passed the door on a large open platform She saw a group of Protoss Phase-smiths surrounded by her Phantom scouts.

"Back beasts back." shouted the lead phase-smith as he brandished a rod that split into a Y at its tip. He stood in front of the other two of his kind projected while warding off the Phantoms with his so called weapon. It was obviously a piece of construction material otherwise it would have had some psi-blade projecting from the tip. Nysha thought a moment wondering why the Protoss just don't make a psi-sword or spear that projects a psionic blade from its hilt or even other melee weapons like that. Shaking off her own distracting thoughts She refocused on the problem at hand.

"Phase-smiths?" Nysha spoke catching the attention of the Protoss.

The Phantoms backed off as their master approached. At first the Protoss phase-smiths were quite surprised at the appearance of a highly unusual Zerg like Nysha whom was a type of Zerg they had never seen before. But after their surprise passed the one with the metal rod spoke up.

"Kill us and be done with it aborent beasts!" shouted the Phase smith holding the metal rod.

Nysha rolled her eyes and in a near instantaneous movement slashed the metal rod with her claws. Four pieces of metal fell to the floor with a clamere leaving their for more holder planly shocked by his widened eyes.

"Protoss engineers are you not? You know how to launch this," Nysha gestured to the massive ship ark ship standing before them.

The Protoss glanced at the ark ship and turned back to Nysha. "You...! want to?" the lead phase-smith shook his head in disbelief. "You want to take the Ark ship!"

"Yes. Allow me to enlighten you a little. You see there's actually two Zerg swarms. One ruled by the Overmind who wants to kill and eat you Protoss and the Other one whom I belong to and who wants to eat and devour the Overmind and his Swarm. The galaxy is to small for two swarms so one needs to go. Is that simple enough for you."

Dumbfounded for a moment the three Phase-smiths shared looks before definitely steering back at Nysha. "Then I hope you two destroy each other." shouted the female phase smith.

Nysha sighed. "Just so you know this ark ship and its slumbering crew is going to be destroyed by the Overminds swarm once they reach this location. Along with the other two ark ships. My Empress whom rules the Azur Swarm wants to preserve these ships their crew and weapons for the future. It may not just be in the Protosses best interest and mainly in ours but it will be beneficial if your people to have the use of these ships for the wars that are to come. Otherwise they will be lost and never serve their intended purpose. And all the sleeping Protoss on board will die meaninglessly and without purpose. And all because you lot were stubborn fools."

Feeling less in the right after hearing such words the lead Phase-smith turned to the others.

"What should we do?"

"I've never heard of any reports of Zerg like these before. And I have worked on many of the improvements to the new photon cannons and its derivatives for the scouts and Arbiters."

"If they wanted us dead they could have easily done so. I do not think they came here expecting to find us or any Protoss to aide them in launching the ark ships. They are probably just trying to save time figuring out the launch procedure."

"If your right Datan then shouldn't they have just killed us and moved on. They need us to launch the ship and we must never allow the sacred artifices of our ancestors be stolen by these abominations."

Nysha rolled her eyes in the back-round. "Call me whatever you feel like. Sticks and stones will break my bones but pathetic words from cowereds will never hurt me."

The phase-smiths glanced at Nysha for a moment before returning to their discussion.

"Either way if her intention is to kill the sleeping Templar on board or if the other Zerg get too them they are dead either way and all their long cycles of slumber would all be for nothing. But if She speaks the truth then at least they will see their purpose fulfilled along with that of the Ark-ship."

"I agree with Rindryn" said Daten.

The third Phase-smith sighed indignantly. "Fine. But if we end up facing a tribunal for this just know that I wanted to die honorably and Not give the hated enemies of our entire race one of the precious Ark ships!"

Rindryn started him down. "You opinion has been noted Amodux."

The three phase smiths turned to Nysha.

"We will aide in launching the ship." spoke Datan. "But only if we truly know that it is necessary. The ark ships purpose is to safeguard the protoss race and should only be launched if such need is apparent."

Nysha gave a shocked expression. "Well then I guess you can't feel the deaths of your people then. You will have your proof when we reach the bridge and you see for yourselves that the Swarm of the Overmind is upon your world." Nysha guestered towards the ship.

"Very well then." said Datan walking off leading the way to the ark ships entrance.

Nysha and her Drones and Phantoms followed the three phase-smiths as they moved across the platform arriving at a odd tube shaped structure. They entered it and Datan manipulated a control console. The tube lifted up a moment before floated over the great shaft that holds the ark ship. Nysha looked down to the dark depths below. The ark ships hanger went so far down it must have extended all the way through the planet's crust and even into the molten mantle. The shuttle tube thing entered a docking hanger and rotated to a horizontal position matching the ships floor position before being locked in place by docking clamps. Wordlessly Datan lead them through the cold halls of the long dormant ship to a teleporting platform. Nysha caught up to them moving in front.

"I'll have a look at that." stated Nysha steaping forwards.

"What, worrying we'll sabotage it in a attempt to kill you Zerg." said Amodux.

"Just being cautious." Nysha replied as she looked the teleporter systems over.

"Do you even know how it even works?" asked Rindryn.

The controls beeped showing a map of the ship. Nysha telepathically linked with the control systems selecting the bridge and a transport destination while making sure the systems were working properly.

"Yes." Nysha said walking onto the closest platform.

She disappeared in a flash of light and was quickly followed by her Phantoms and the Drones. Datan, Rindryn and Amodux followed.

On the bridge the three phase-smiths glared at Nysha.

"How do you know our technologies systems?" asked Amodux hostile but also curious.

Nysha scoffed as she walked away, down the elevated platform observing the few mini pylons floating about the edges of the dark room.

"I've had time to examine a few of your ships when they were captured." Nysha glanced up to a elevated control panel over head sticking out from the rear wall at the back of the room.

"Over the course of your war with the Overminds Swarm many of your peoples ships have become derelict. My... swarm have taken some of these damaged ships and examined them from time to time. Though i'm no expert i'm still competent enough to understand what I need to to get by."

Datan glanced about the room a moment before walking to the ring shaped circular control panel in the middle of the raised platform. He manipulated the controls connecting to multiple external com sources. Several holo-screens appeared showing several cities and battles being fought all over Aiur. Zerg were everywhere slaughtering protoss. Templar, civilians, adults and children, the Zerg showed no mercy.

"By Adun!" exclaimed Rindryn her voice craking.

All three of the phase smiths were instantly shocked and almost absentmindedly stared at the atrocity taking place before them. Nysha noted that the three all had their fists closed to the point they bled somewhat.

"I..." Datan started." We must launch the Spear of Adun now!"

Without meeting eyes Amodux agreed with a silent nod.

"It will take time to get the Solar core online." said Rindryn.

"Would these help." said Nysha catching their attention.

The three phase-smiths turned to the Zerg brood queen as she gestured to one of the Drones carrying the boxes. They lined up as Nysha walked over to them and opened one of the boxes pulling out a large shard of orange crystal that glowed with a inner fire and light.

"I believe you call these crystals Solarite." said Nysha

Rindryn walked over to Nysha examining the crystal. "Yes these will help start up the solar core. Normally we would need to use the external power cells on the surface to initiate the launch but with a fresh supply of solarite I can jump start the solar core and remotely activate the power cells." After her babbling Rindryn looked questioningly to Nysha then to the other boxes. "Where did you get so many shards? Even we Protoss have all but abandoned the use of this material due to its volatility."

"My Empress worked out a deal with a... certain person to provide us with the means to manufacture it ourselves."

"Well this will work to help with launching the ship." said Rindryn gently placing the crystal back into the box and closed it. She stared into the eyes of the Drone a moment thinking to the absurdity of the current situation. "Can they follow my orders?"

Nysha nodded. "Yes if I order them to."

Rindryn turned to Nysha. "I'll head to the Solar core with them and activate the engine's. We should be void born in ten minutes."

"And what about our people." angerly stated Amodux. "There are countless Khalai dying out there. Datan, Rindryn. You can't expect me to just leave them to their fate while saving only ourselves and the few others sleeping on this ship can you?"

Datan and Rindryn shared a downcast look of self disappointment between each other.

"It's fine." Nysha said casually. "We'll get the ship operational enough to launch and start warping in civilians with the teleporters. Then we can launch as soon as were either full or in danger of being over-whealmed by the Enemy Zerg."

The words of Nysha were both uplifting, surprising and oddly foreign as the fact she. A Zerg. Called other Zerg her enemies was enough to tell the three phase-smiths that they have left the realm of normal and had entered a alien situation in which they never thought nor could conceive of before.

"Thank you... Nysha." reluctantly said Datan leaving a odd feeling he couldn't describe.

Nysha locked eyes with him. "Oh having you Khalai in our debt is just the charry on top."

While Rindryn went to the solar core with the Drones and a few Phantoms Datan and Amodux started activating the ships subsystems in preparation for launch. In the solar core chamber Rindryn took the solarite shards placing them into slots at the base of the giant enclosed sphere at the chambers center. With ten shards in place around its base Rindryn quickly stepped over to the main control console a distance away and begun the procedure to integrate the new shards into the artificial star. Because of the ark ships long dormancy its systems have been in a cold systems freeze to conserve energy. Even so the massive ship consumed significant amounts of power in just its dormant state and after so long the solar core had been depleted of solarite.

"Preparations complete." Rindryn looked up passed the console to the solar core. "I hope this doesn't blow us up!" she said knowing full well the explosive nature of the solarite.

With the press of a button the solar core started integrating the new solarite shards into the artificial star it contained. One by one the shards were pulled deeper into the alcoves in which they were set before closing. A deep thrumming resonated through the chamber drawing the attention of the Phantoms and Drones at the rooms edges. As all within the room looked on the solar core started glowing from within with a inner Light that produced a heat that warmed the whole chamber. Looking to her console Rindryn could see that the solar cores systems were rebooting and stable.

"Oh thank Adun!" exclaimed Rindyrn relived.

As the ship thrummed with new power a holo screen blinked on beside Rindryn.

"Good it seems that you got the ships main power core inline." stated Nysha. "Now tell me how you did it so the other two teams on the other ark-ships can have a quicker time getting their ships on line... Oh?" There was a pause. "It seems that they also found phase-smiths to bully into getting the ships online. Question. Was it a organized thing that all three ark ships get a regular maintenance done to them at the same time?"

Rindryn blinked at the Zergs bantering question. "Um... yes. All three ark ships have a scheduled maintenance cycle once every decade to maintain their functionality."

Back on the bridge Nysha nodded in satisfaction. "Right, thanks for the infodump."

Nysha turned the holo-com's off turning to Datan and Amodux who were currently working on getting the ships network of teleportation stations all operational and able to connect to Gateways across Aiur. Nysha looked on as their hands swiftly danched across the controls carefully watching what they were doing when she suddenly got a call.

"Nysha what's your progress?" projected Izsha.

"I'm currently watching two protoss phase-smiths working on getting the ship im on operational so that they can save their people. The Empress was right about how easy it is to manipulate others once you find their weak point. How's it going over on your side?"

On the bridge of the Ark-ship Pride of Altaris Izsha watched as the phassmiths she had encountered worked on getting the ships systems online.

"Everything is also going as expected on my end and Zavara reported that things on her end are also progressing well. Hopefully the script our Empress has written goes as intended."

Back on the Spear of Adun Nysha grinned reluctantly. "Let's hope it does. These ships will provide a wealth of technological information. Not to mention their use in the coming wars."

"True." Izsha agreed.


-Present-

The Overmind through his minions watched as three great ships left the surface of the planet accelerating skywards before warping away. The Overmind was surprised at the size of the ships as they easily dwarfed any Zerg organizem by a large margin. But despite their apparent size they fled without engaging. With its recent discovery of other beings just as powerful as it's newly evolved form and now these new protoss super ships the Overmind felt even more apprehensive and wanted to end this conflict quickly.

"Nova!" the overmind commanded.

"Yes father."

"You have done well. The protoss are as nothing before the might of the swarm and can do nothing but flee. Daggoth has crushed the majority of their strongest resistance and is now making a direct assault on the orbiting ring fortresses that still remain. And you have collected many of the Khaydarin crystals I desire. Now before I clam the world as my own there if one final sight to secure before our conquest is assured. Behold there is a temple at this location upon ground most hollowed. Though I have born witness to the passing of countless millennia the structure which you must take is older by far. For it marks the location on which the Xel'naga, whom created the first spawning pool on Zerus from which the first Zerg were formed, first set foot upon Aiur. The temple must be taken for I assume the Xel'naga has yet again left knowledge within its halls much like they done on the moon of Zerus. It was with such knowledge that I evolved and granted the swarm the ability to travel across the galaxy to the infinite worlds beyond our home world. Set all the Khaydarin crystals you have collected on the site once it is taken. Then I shall descend to the surface and absorb the crystals unto mine self and after I have adapted to their power I will examine the temple and what knowledge it contains."

At her hive cluster Nova looked up to the sky as flocks of Overlords, Mutalisk and Guardians flew over head. Nodding respectfully.

"By your command father it shall be done."

After several hours of preparation Nova gathered up her forces. The three behemoths were filled to capacity along with hundreds of Overlords. Their escort of several hundred Mutalisk, dozens of Guardians and over three hundred Scourges swarmed about the air space. Seeing that her forces were ready Nova sent them off on their mission from which she will command at a distance from her hive cluster while it continues producing more Zerg to secure the region and provide reinforcements. After several hours of high altitude travel Novas forces descended landing at a low valley between two elevated hills south of the temple complex. Both hilles had a Templar base scattered long their ridges.

A large lake and a army of Templar called the Vanguard of Aiur were all that stood in Noves way. While the other flying breeds stayed out of range the Overlords and Behemoths came under fire from the two Templar bases as they landed quickly off loading their cargo as photon cannon beams assailed them. A few losses were incurred but they were of little concern as thousands of Zerglings and hundreds of Hydralisks and Defilers skittered along the ground splitting into two groups. One attacked the east base and the other the west long with the Mutalisk and Guardians who quickly flew in joying the ground breeds in the battle. The simultaneous land and air attack was effective in drawing the defenses attention. One after the other pylons and photon cannons fell along with templar warriors, Dragoons and Reavers. After two hours of combat both hills were cleared of all Templar presence and the land covered in bulbus hatchery cocoons the beginnings of new hive clusters.

Nova watched through the many eyes of her army as the new hive structures burst from their cocoons and Drones started mining the environment for valuable organic minerals. Some of the destroyed Protoss buildings it seemed also held valuable minerals deposits which Nova was all more than happy to make use of. But the victory was short lived as a army of Dragoons and Reavers with Air support from Scouts crossed the two bridges spanning the lake. The templar army was flanked by a formation of dozens of shuttles landing on the eastern-most bridge. Several Probes were also among the Templar forces there and quickly set about warping in pylons and photon cannons reinforcing and securing the bridges southern half. Nova looking through her Overlords eyes could tell that they were hoping that the Zerg would go for the other bridge if they were able to get passed the army. But not wanting to go for the obvious bait Nova just had her forces bunker in and secure their own territory for the time being. Hours passed until the Templar army moved from the two bridge's to attack the Zergs position.

When they did the Dragoons and Reavers switched to their hover modes and all together swiftly moved on the western hills hive cluster. Reaching the hills northern slop's they boosted up the embankments to the awaiting Sunken colonies. Like a land mine dozens of tendrils burst from underground impaling many of the Dragoons and Reavers undersides with thorny armor piercing spikes. Other Dragoon and Reavers tried swerving out of the way of their downed comrades only to be impaled themselves or crash. The tendrils retracted into the ground before being shot back up again doing more damage and disabling a more of the Dragoons. Three Reavers switched to land mode and activated their deep ground sensors. In moments the sunken colonies main bodies were found and destroyed with a few blasts from the back mounted Photon cannons in beam mode. While the Templar armored units cleared the minefield of sunken colonies they came under attack from harassing groups of Mutalisk flying from multiple directions with the occasional Guardian focusing fire on the Reavers. By the time the last sunken colony died only half of the Armored units remained but they persevered attacking the new hive cluster with all their remaining forces.

They entered range of the living structures and opened fire blasting several to pieces just before a army of Hydralisk and Zerglings erupted from the Creep to attack them. The swift Zerglings raced about getting underneath the large Dragoons legs and slashing at their vulnerable under-side while the Hydralisk fired their spines and spore symbiote cannons against the Reavers. The melee was close and brutal with the Mutalisk and Guardians returning on occasion to harass the Vanguard of Aiur forces. Meanwhile in the sky the main force of Mutalisk and Behemoths fought off the Scouts keeping them away from the incomplete hive-clusters. At the central hive cluster in the valley several spore colonies were spawned and joined in the battle in the sky launching their spores skywards blasting Scouts out of the air. The Templar forces fought well and killed many Zerg but they suffered complete defeat while over 40% of the Zerg forces still remained. But they did destroy most of the western hills Hive cluster.

Having fought off the first wave of Vanguard of Aiur forces Nova knew that they won't stay still for long. Given the heat signatures coming from across the lakes Nova knew that the Templar still have a larger force station in reserve. Nova thought hard about the next move but the Templar made it first as a new army appeared crossing the eastern bridge and headed straight for the eastern hill and its hive-cluster. They only consisted of Zealots, Dragoons and Probes but the fact Probes were mixed in made Noves alarm go off. She sent in all her Guardians to kill off the Probes but as they neared their targets dozens of photon beams shot across the sky killing four of them in the first salvo. Cursing Nova recalled her Guardians taking six more loses. Looking through the eyes of the Overlords over the central hive cluster Nova saw the source of the attack. It was two dozen photon cannons set in their beam mode just on the other side of the lake each with a pair of Pylons beside it.

Nova realized that the previous attack and now this one were not just probing attacks but also had the dual purpose of delaying and distracting the Zerg. In truth the whole time the main forces of the Vanguard of Aiur had been constructing a massive defensive line at the bridges as a forward base and blocking off any land or air path for Novas forces. Needing to rectify the situation Nova re-strategize. It would be foolish to waste Overlords on transporting units across the lake when a simpler solution was viable. Turning to the Behemoths Nova checked their health, vitality and thickness of the layer of barnacles covering their bodies.

Making a mental note of the positions of the enemy forces She had her fleet of Overlords return to her main hive cluster to collect reinforcements while ordering one third of her Scourges to attack the Zealots, Dragoons and Probes ascending the eastern hill. The Dragoons fired into the air as the Scourges bobbed and weaved zigzagging as they flew towards their targets. Scourges bombardment lasted minutes leaving a field of craters in its wake.

Afterwords Nova assigned each of the three Behemoths as guards for each of the three growing hive clusters. The surviving Mutalisks and Guardians were made a quick strike force to head off any enemy attack with the remaining Scourges held in reserve for a emergency. Another two hours passed before the Vanguard of Aiur sent in a third attack force, to the central hive cluster in the valley. A army of Zealots supported by Reavers and Scouts flying above crossed the reinforced eastern bridge beelining it through the valley's flat planes. However as they approached Nova noticed something was odd about the Reavers. Sending a few Overlords in closer to get a better look Nova realized that a Pylon with three leaf like plates was resting upon each one of them in place of the photon cannon. Novas mind raced to evaluate what this tactic was but before she could figure it out the Templar army closed the distance entering the patrol paths of the Mutalisk and Guardians. The arial Breeds bombarded the approaching Army from high above only for their attacks to be blocked. Uselessly striking against three plasma shield domes emitted by the Reavers, nine Reavers per dome. It seems that they modified the design replacing the offensive Photon cannon for a mobile Pylon shield generator with a wide range. They probably still had their explosive Scarbs though.

Deciding that she needed to deal with the surprisingly threatening force before they destroy her central hive cluster Nova called her three Behemoths to action along with the Guardians while sending the majority of the Mutalisk to keep the Scouts occupied. As soon as the Templar forces entered the combined firing range of all three Behemoths they and the Guardians collectively opened fire. Rocketing through the air a rain of Spores struck the domes. The heavy attacks slowed the army down and were weakening the shield domes but much too slowly. Before even one dome could be breached the Templar army reached the central hive cluster and begun their attack. It was more built up then the other two on the elevated hills of the valley walls but it was still at a disadvantage against the new dome shields as they blocked ranged attacks. Nova was at least glad that the Sunken colonies still worked and impaled the Zealots as the domes moved over them to attack the hive cluster. A few of the Reavers were also disabled when they got to close. As the attack continued Nova suddenly realized that this was the first time she ever really used sunken colonies. The shield domes who had lost some of their Reaver shield projectors faltered before finally breaking. The Mutalisk having shot down half the Scouts and pushed back the rest by then now swooped in targeting the Zealots. Dozens were killed by the air raid before they countered with their Psi- spears launching dozens of the silver blue lances skywords killing many of Zerg flyers as they in turn killed Zealots in ever increasing numbers. Guardians dive bombed the exposed Reavers blasting them to pieces and devastating the exposed portion of the Templar forces.

Even with the destruction of one third of the army any Zerg or Zerg structure that passes through the shield were ripped apart by the blades of the Templar. Little by little the central hive cluster was destroyed until only half remained. Having enough Nova ordered all the Zerglings in the other two Hive clusters to charge into the valley. They dashed down the slopes into the devastated Hive cluster. The only good thing about the domed shields was that they blocked all forms of ranged weapons both protoss and Zerg alike. So even as the Zerg reinforcements charged at them the remaining Templar could do nothing but prepare behind their defensive wall. But getting a flash of inspiration Nova had the whole Zergling force burrow just outside the shield. At first the Templar looked confused but then they started probing the ground as they progressed. None of the Zealots ever left the protective area of the remaining energy domes opting to remain at the domes edge's or standing almost back to back around the Reavers to protect them and to better engage any ground forces that pass through the shield and before before they threaten the Reavers. But the tactic had a severe flaw in that it was still vulnerable to underground attack. A tactic the Zerg are all to able to employ.

As the Zealots kept watch for any surfacing Zerg the Reavers suddenly started taking damage from below. Several Zerglings scraped and clawed at the underbellies of the Reavers. Reacting to the injuries the lumbering mechanical worms beeped in protest as they moved around allowing a group of Zealots to throw psi-spears into the ground penetrating the soil and exploding. A few Zealots approached the small smoking crater only to turn away to the Reaver which was under attack from below again. A game of whack the Zergling ensued as groups of Zerglings would move under the Reavers tearing at their underbellies before moving to avoid the retaliation of the Zealots. The tactic frustrated the Templar to no end and slowly destroyed the Reavers one or two at a time while stopping the attack on the hive cluster. The domes finally reached their limit and collapsed resulting in the slaughter of the Templar army by the Mutalisk and Zerglings. With the third assault halted Nova had her extra Drones morph into replacment buildings for the one that were lost.

Seeing the need to be more aggressive the Three Behemoths were moved to the middle of the flat plain between the two bridges and the valley. Along with the Mutalisk, Guardians the Behemoths begun bombarding the reinforced Templar position from maximum range and was met by return fire from the Photon cannons and Dragoons across the lake. Slowly but surely the shields of the Photon cannons and Dragoons were depleted. In ones and twos the defensive turrets and Dragoons were silenced and the Zerg fleet moved forwards while under constant bombardment as they took loses. Mutalisk and Guardians would retreat to heal behind the Behemoths who would also have one of their number behind the other two to heal while the other two stayed in front to act as mobile shields much like the Reavers before. Nova loved the irony of using their own tactic against them.

After a hour of constant bombardment half of the reinforced Templar position remained. But less than half of the Zerg air fleet was left from the attack and the three Behemoths had suffered serious damage. But all this time Nova has had the Behemoths spawning Scourges sending them back to the hive clusters to join the rest held in reserve up till now. Nova had planned to use them all in one go and now was the time. Sending the order for retreat the remaining Mutalisk, Guardians and Behemoths pulled back. But as they did a swarm of over three hundred Scourges jetted forwards in a scattered group that continued to spread out. By the time the remaining Templar defenses opened fire on them they took minimal losses from the anti-air fire. Then as they flew over the remaining defenses they dive bombed the Templar position. Plasmatic explosions rocked the area accurately striking each target with precision until they were nothing but ruins. The whole Templar forward base was annihilated though the Zerg forces had also suffered severe losses. It was still a heavy blow to the defense of the temple complex.

Nova was elated at having finally clearing the way for her forces to assault the temple directly. But most of her available forces have been depleted or heavily injured. Even with their injuries the Behemoths were still a force to be feared, but wanting to be efficient Nova opted to not lose them considering the time and resources needed to spawn one. Without a swift attack the Templar could rebuild the forward base given enough time. Luckily Nova had anticipated this situation and sent her Overlords to pick up reinforcements. Reinforcements that were just now arriving. Flying over the recuperating central hive cluster in the valley a fleet of hundreds of Overlords sped over to the lake and landed right where the Templars forward base one stood. Once off loaded a mixed army of over a thousand greater Zerglings, Hydralisk, several dozens of Defilers, Queens and forty Ultralisks stood ready to assault the temple. Nova arranged her forces into proper formations to take advantage of their strengths and minimize their weaknesses. Ultralisk were up front and to the forward right and left flanks to tank damage and focus enemy fire while the Zerglings were behind them and the Defilers behind them with the Hydralisk and Queens in back.

Scouting the enemy position with six groups of Overlords sent up to a high altitude, Nova noted the arrangements of the Templars defenses set in between high defensive walls. There were three separate smaller bases to the western, central and eastern openings in the walls with what looked like a dozen Photon cannons surrounding the temple itself with several Arbitars flying patrols directly over it and a larger base behind the temple. Moments later several beams shot skywards from around the temple killing the Overlords. Ignoring the lose Nova was satisfied with the intel and sent the order to attack. All at once the Zerg army charged forth stampeding through the right opening in the defensive walls charging into the first base. Several Photon cannons cut into the Ultralisks with their beams but none of them faltered charging straight into the Templar defenses to attack. However the Photon cannons shields fully activated just as the Ultralisk swung their kaiser blades blocking the melee attack. Nova was surprised at this as the Protoss shields normally let melee attacks through but here they blocked such a attack. But the Photon cannons themselves were unable to fire in beam mode with the shield up. Nova observed as they switched back to rapid fire mode and pelted the Ultralisks with thousands of white hot energy bolts at point blank range firing through their own shields. Act that sent Nova into a short lived panic and under such a barrage even the vunted Ultralisk fell in short order.

One by one the Ultralisk were killed while Zerglings swarmed the Photon cannons burrowing under them and attacking from under-ground like with the Reavers. A dozen Zealots charged from the bases rear engaging the Zerglings and Defilers. The Hydralisk and Queens joined in the melee casting their ensnaring webbing on the charging Templar slowing them down and giving the Defilers time to fire their dark swarm and plague on the ensnared Zealots while Hydralisk unleashed a barrage of spore's and spines from range. Under the influence of the queens webbing and with their sight blocked by the dark swarms the Zealots lost cohesion under the melee and ranged attacks of the Zerglings and Hydralisk. Then the other Zerg cleared out to make way for the Ultralisk counter attack. Scything their way through the Zealots the Ultralisks quickly cut through them in but a few minutes. As the last Zealot fell so did the last Photon cannon. Having found a new way of attacking the deadly turrets Nova switched up the formation with the Ultralisks in back and to the sides of the formation providing support fire and the Zerglings up front.

With a clear path straight to the Temple complex the Zerglings charged forth in their hundreds. A new Templar force numbering 120 Zealots charged up to the Temple from the other three bases to protect the temple. Among their number were 3 High templar floating in the air surrounded by their warriors. Sighting them through the eyes of her charging minions Nova ordered the Zerglings to scatter and burrow. It was a swift and correct decision as the three High templar gathered their powers and together cast a triple psi-storm covering several hundred meters in lethal lightning.

Bolts of silver energy jumped around chaotically striking between the Zerglings as they jerked and screeched in pain before dying in great numbers. Those that remained had scattered far and wide or burrowed deeply in the soil. Those few survivors that remained were quickly hunted down and ended at the blades of the Zealots. But enough of them had survived to attack the Photon cannons from underground. One by one they fell till all protecting the south and eastern flanks of the Temple were nought but scrap. As soon as the way was clear Nova sent in her remaining forces. The Hydralisk and Ultralisk bombarded the High templars from afar as they flittered about evading the artillery barrage as best they could. As the High templar were besieged the Zealots charged at the offenders blades ready to end the threat to the temple they so protected.

But that was exactly what Nova wanted.

For in as the Zealots charged unknowingly and recklessly into a trap. For when the Templar warriors were a mere few dozen meters from their prey all the Zerg queens cast down their ensnaring webs on them from atop the very walls meant to protect the temple. The majority of the Zealots were stopped dead in their tracks and not a moment after thick clouds of dark mist blanketed the area blinding the Zealots from any further danger that would be coming their way. As soon as the Defilers dark swarms completely covered the army of Zealots Nova gave the order and the Hydralisk's and Ultralisk's both changed their targets now striking the ranks of Zealots now almost at point blank to them. A constant and heavy volley of projectiles struck amongst the ranks of the Templar. Their shields held for now but that was only the beginning as the Defilers started casting their foul plague upon the Zealots along with the queens who almost continually cast their ensnaring webs to keep the Templar where they were. As the shields of the Templar were knocked off line the Plague weakened the Protoss making them even easier targets for the Queens parasitical projectiles from which Broodlings were implanted. The parasites ravenously ate into the bodies of those Zealots who were infected quickly killing them and spawning many Broodlings. The chaos gripping the Templar warriors saw to the deaths of many but yet others pushed through the withering fire and struck at the Hydralisk.

A close melee ensued in which the Zealots ripped through the ranks of the Hydralisk stopping their attacks on the other Zealots. The line of Hydralisk collapsed as the survivors burrowed. But moments after they did the Ultralisks charged into the ranks of the Zealots crushing many under foot of the stampeding giants. The Ultralisk didn't stop there and continued stomping through the ranks of the Zealots. Using their deadly kaizer blades to reap a fatal harvest for those stuck where they stood. Zealots not trapped in the Queens nets evaded the wide sweeping attacks charging and counter attacking the giants. As the Zealots focused on the Ultralisks the few surviving Zerglings kept destroying the remaining defensed around the temple while the High templar chased them about. The queens and Defilers atop the walls continued attacking at range as best they could. But the deciding moment was when a flight of Scourges dived from the sky vaporising many of the Templar in several plasmatic explosions. The first few attacks were followed by dozens more until the scattered Zealots were no more. Once the threat had cleared the looming shadow of one of the injured Behemoths appeared over head flying so low it nearly scraped the heads of the Queens and Defilers on the walls. With the enemy forces mostly destroyed they joined the Hydralisk and Ultralisk on the ground gathering into a formation to attack the temple directly.

The sounds of explosions rung out from the other two smaller bases to the west as flocks of Scourges from the other two Behemoths further away bombarded them. More greater Zerglings numbering over a hundred joined the remaining forces as they prepared to directly assault the temple. Putting everything she had into the final attack Move also put the whole of her Mutalisks forces into play. The flyers flew over the ground forces to attack the Arbiters patrolling in circles over the temple as the ground forces charged the three High templar now the only ground forces left to defend the structure.

However things aren't always that easy.

A soon as the Mutalisks attacked the Arbiters they dropped their cloaking field revealing a Carrier directly over the temple. Nova was both shocked at this and called in her Guardians to attack it. Moments later the massive ship started deploying Interceptors and Scouts by the dozens against the Mutalisk while it used its own weapons to decimate the Zerg on the ground. Novas forces were quickly reduced in number. But she had always known the Templar forces wouldn't be that easy to breach. Thinking on her feet she ordered the other two still recovering Behemoths to fly in a circle together flanking the Carrier from the right. As they approached the Templars capital ship opened fire on them burning through layers of their already weakened Barnacles. But the two living ships pressed onwards enduring the bombardments. Their speed increased as they aimed for the Carrier flying towards it fin to fin. The ships started moving as if realizing their intent but it was to late and the two Behemoths crashed into the Carriers shield. All three shook and groaned from the impact. But thanks to their reinforced brain case the Behemoths stayed consciousness. Their combinde force pushed the Carrier away from the temple and right into the sights of the Third Behemoth and the Guardians. Unleashing a heavy barrage of attacks the third Behemoth and Guardians fired unabated upon the Carrier.

On the ground the majority of Noves forces were slain by the Carriers attacks but its bombardments were also the perfect cover to have units burrow unnoticed by the three High templar. The three who still remained close to the temple were taken off guard when a Ultralisk erupted from under their feet. The great beast swung their blades colliding against one High templars shields sending him flying into a stone pillar adorning the temple. The force of the double impacts shattered his shields leaving him vulnerable as her fell to the ground. Four Ultralisks followed the first all attacking the remaining two High templar. They cast lightning bolt after lightning bolt upon the Ultralisk giving them their full attention. But letting their guards down a few remaining Queens and Defilers burrowed from beneath them and cast their ensnaring webs and plague attacks. The venomous plague only splashed against the shields of the High templar but also blinded their sight as it oozed off the slick surface. And as they were forced to block the Defilers attacks the webbing of the Queens caught their now solid surfaces forcing them permanently on and using their own defensives against them. The two High templar were trapped by their own shields as the Ultralisk gathered around in pairs and readied all four of their bladed arms. In unison they attacked crushing the shields between two kaizer blades at once. Once did they strike then twice and then thrice, shattering both High templars shields. The instant the shields were shattered the last Ultralisk fired its spore cannons at point blank simply making the High templar disappear.

The Ultralisks, Defilers and Queens turned her attention to the third High templar only to see a pair of Zerglings feasting upon his corpse. Nova having dealt with the Templar on the ground now refocused on air battle. Half of the Mutalisk were gone but the majority of the Scouts, Arbiters and Interceptors were dealt with leaving only a few and the Carrier left. Because of the Two Behemoths it had been force to keep its shield up keeping it from deploying replacements. And those that remain were slowly being wiped out. At the same time a small force of newly hatched Ultralisk arrived and opened fire on the Carrier while an accompanying force of Mutalisks aided their fellow Mutas with the clean up of the other Templar aircraft. Shortly after only the carrier remained and its shield was weakened to the point of collapse. Then from the ground shot a bolt of energy striking one of the Behemoths undersides. The beast roared in pain as its already strained body was injured further. Two more struck its underside blasting out large chunks of gore and blood. Weakened to its limit the Behemoth collapsed falling to the ground dead.

Nove looking through the eyes of her Mutalisk spotted a armored glowing Protoss whos body seems to be fragmented into a upper and lower torso with independent for-arms all floating freely from one another and it's nerve cords were longer and floating around on their own while emitting a constant electrical discharge.

"An Archon!" exclaimed Nove.

She was quit grateful to not have encountered any of these psionic power houses until now but it seems that her luck had run out. The Archon pulled back one of its floating arms forming a long lance like object from pure psionic energy. A moment later it fired the psi-lance piercing through the body of the second Behemoth. A moment later there was a balloon like effect causing the Behemoth to expand slightly before dying from the catastrophic internal damage. Falling from the sky it crashed to the ground bleeding from every orifice. Nove called the last Behemoth back but the Carrier had other plans as it aligned its nose with the Behemoth and fired a purifier beam piercing through the last Behemoth. Noves last Behemoth collapsed dead. The Archon went after the Ultralisks and the Carrier focused on the remaining Mutalisk and Guardians. Despite the loss Nove was still not worried as her hive clusters were still pumping out ever more Zerg both those at her first landing sight and shot of the temple. As the last of the Ultralisk was blown to pieces by the psionic attacks of the Archon and the Carrier finished off the Mutalisk and Guardans Noves forces only swelled from the constant production. More Overlords arrived with yet more reinforcements as the Templar rescured the temple complex. Noves was regreating sending in her Behemoths but in the end they could be replaced.

"Forward my Zerg. Forward and secure the temple for the Overmind."

At the order the newly formed army charged north to the temple. The Zerglings dashed forwards causing the land to shook from their numbers and were the first to cross the bridges. There they waited for the Defilers, Hydralisk, Ultralisk to arrive. A wall of Ultralisks followed by ranks of Hydralisks and Defilers crossed the bridges and charged forwards through the middle path with the Zerglings taking the east path that the first attack force used. The Ultralisk passed through the walls into temple area and was quickly fired upon by Dragoons surrounding the temple. The Archon floated just behind them narrowing its eyes at the coming enemy. It remembered it was was once two of the three High templar defending the temple. And it remembered its two halves were nearly killed by the Ultralisks. But provadence was with the two High templar as a Arbiter recalled them away just as the Ultralisk had fired upon them. But despite being saved they were still weakened from the battle and had no forces left. So in desperation and need they two became one gaining great power.

Blinking its eyes the Archon floated forwards using what limited time it had to kill as many Zerg as it could. Wordlessly it wadded into the charging Ultralisks lines firing off attack after attack. The Hydralisk and Defilers split up going around the Archon and the Ultralisk as they fought. The Zerglings entered the battle and were bombarded by the Carrier above. But as it did a splinter force of Zerglings and Hydralisk burrowed their way under the battlefield to the main northern Templar base. As they left the ground they looked around seeing that the base had been all but abandoned or perhaps all of the personnel were killed in the fighting. What ever the case the Zerglings and Hydralisk attacked the nearest Pylons and Probes. They ripped the base apart one building at a time killing any Templar they came across who were few and far between. Finally the Nexus fell as the last few of their numbers remained. The flow of protoss forces had been stopped and their main base of operation other then that Carrier was gone.

Back at the battle the Archon blasted a Ultralisk to pieces and quickly floated away evading another's attack. Gathering more of its power the Archon fired into the Ultralisks back stunning it. More Ultralisk attacked from multiple angles surrounding the Archon. It replied in kind with a shockwave that stunned and lightly injured the beasts. Before proceeding to rip the Ultralisk apart one by one. The battle went on for a hour before the Archons rage and fury gave way to exhaustion. The Archon blasted the head from the shoulders of the last Ultralisk and dropped lower feeling like its very being was fading. All around it were Zerg waiting to finish the Archon off. None of the Dragoons were left and the main base lay spoking ruin in the distance. But with one last burst of strength the Archon rose up to continue the fight. A moment later all the Zerg surrounding it attacked all at once.

The carrier floated alone above the temple continuing to bombarde the Zerg below with impunity. But as it did so a new shadow loomed off in the distance. From across the lake a new threat flew forth. A horde of Scourges who from birth had flew for one purpose. To destroy the carrier. The Templar capital ship turned its weapon on the hew threat filling the sky with a shower of white energy bolts. The Scourges split up scattering in all directions before once again converging on the Carrier. One after the other a hundred after the other crashed into its shields one after the other. Ten minutes passed and a new flock of Guardians arrived joining them in the attack. Eventually the plasma barrier collapsed from the strain and the hull suffered. As soon as the shield went down the Scourges targeted the engines causing a chain of explosion to rock the ship. Guardians fired continually blasting holes into the ships sides. Smoke and fires streamed from the Carriers hull before it finally crashed into the lake and in a spectacular display exploded.

Breathing a sigh of relief Nove relaxed. She had taken the temple. At great cost but still taken it. Even with the defeat of the Templar force defending the temple Nove kept sending in reinforcements to completely secure the region. Only after two new hive clusters had been established did Nove send in the Khaydarin crystals.

"You have done well Nove." projected the Overmind. "Now I may descend and sup of the Khaydarin crystals might and the knowledge of the Xel'naga."

Emerging through the clouds the form of the Overmind landed beside the Temple upon the pile of Khaydarin crystals prepared for him.

"Now shall events set into motion so long ago be completed. For the Protoss too were the creation of the Xel'naga. They were the first creation gifted with purity of Form. And we Zerg were the second blessed with a purity of Essence. Indeed our two species are but two facets of the same whole. Soon shall our two races be made as one. Thenceforth shall all feel the might of the eternal swarm."


"Little did the Overmind know that there were in truth three races."

"One Gifted with Purity of Form. Another Blessed with Purity of Essence."

"And a Third Born with a Purity of Will."

Ellen mused to her-self wondering what the future would hold.

-Chapter End-