-Chapter 33-
-First Strike-
-Citadel of the New Executor, 2 Days after the Overmind's Invasion Began-
Looking out at the city of shimmering golden spiers (one of the few yet untouched by the detestable Zerg) Artanis tensed up. He was not intimidated by the summons of the Conclave but was instead worried for his people, his sister who was out there somewhere fighting for Aiur now besieged by the Overmind and his swarm. Reports had streamed in that nearly the whole of the empire was under a coordinated attack by the swarm in its entirety. The rumors and conjecture of surrounding the possibility that the Overmind had for many long decades been preparing his swarm in secret for a Final confrontation with the Protoss empire were in hindsight correct. Artanis looked down at the many people walking the streets below counting Templar Zealots walking amongst them and wondering how it had come to this that Templar warriors are needed to patrol the streets of the cities. The memory of the Conclave dismissing high ranking Templar Executors (of which included Tassadar) of their recommendation to send a large scout force into the Zerg quarantine zone to find any of the supposed gathering points where the Overmind was gathering its forces in secret in the void space between star systems was, a lesson in the complacency of the Conclave and that their was of thinking is perhaps at and end. Worse would be if their stubborn ways led to the Protoss empire to ruin.
The theory regarding the Overmind gathering its forces in secret was unproven however and the Conclave decided in all its wisdom that the risk of causing unneeded conflict or the risk of possibly losing such a large fleet was too great and voted against the proposal. And now here we are with the whole empire at war with the swarm. The door slid-open drawing Artanis attention. Turning around He saw Judicator Aldaris enter and stride over to him, Artanis meeting him half way.
"En Taro Adun, Executor." said Aldaris. Artanis almost imperceptible sighed at the mention of his newly appointed rank. Aldaris continued. "You already know who I am but for formalities sake I'll say it once more. I am Judicator Aldaris and I have been sent by the Conclave to serve and counsel you. The formore Executor," Aldaris said with a telling distain. "Tassadar was commanded to halt the Zerg progress in the Terran sector by burning the infested Terran worlds. Unfortunately, he disregarded his orders and attempted to destroy the Zerg while sparing the Terrans from the flame. Clearly. Tassadar has failed us. I hope you Executor Artanis do not."
"What is my task Judicator?" asked Artanis focused on the task of protecting Aiur.
"The Conclave has decided that our first priority is to strengthen and reinforce our defenses at the primary defense outpost at Antioch and make certain that the province does not fall. In more pleasant news you old comrade, Praetor Fenix is already there and will meet you when you arrive and assist you in this most important endeavor."
"I will leave immediately Judicator."
Artanis walked passed Aldaris exiting the room. Making his way to the towers hanger he meet with a force of sixty Zealots twenty Dragoons a dozen Probes and a pair of Observers. After a brief mission briefing to his Templar Artanis and them boarded the Shuttles and Left for Antioch.
-A half hour later-
During the flight Artanis unconsciously flexed his robotic forearm feeling tense as the battle approached. Looking down at his prosthetic he remembered the conflict in which it was taken centuries ago. Artanis did not look back on that time as pleasant but the experience it gave him is what forged him into what he was now.
"Kaldalis my first mentor I wonder where you are now?" Artanis mused to himself.
A moment later the shuttles AI spoke in a warning tone. "Zerg Mutalisks in coming taking evasive maneuvers!"
Artanis and the other Zealots held on to anything they could as the Shuttle bucked and weaved evading the Mutalisk attacks. A heavy jerking thud shook the shuttle. Several warning lights and alarms sounded.
"Secondary engines hit starting emergency landing procedure." The AI said.
Almost rolling his eyes at the inconvenience of crashing Artanis held onto the hand bar on the wall even more tightly. He hated crash landings. The shuttle bucked violently and shook as it skidded to a halt. After the rough crash landing Artanis and his Zealots exited the shuttle. Four other Shuttles had also crashed with the undamaged shuttles landing as close as they could to the others while the Mutalisk circled around to finish them off.
"To me." Artanis ordered. Twenty Zealots lined up beside the Executor all of them keeping their eyes on the approaching Mutalisk. Artanis brought his left arm up forming a Psi-spear followed by the others. "Now!"
All together Artanis and his Templar threw their psi-spears through the air impaling most of the Mutalisk. A second later the psionic constructs exploded the blasts wiping out all but two of the Mutalisk. With the majority of their flock gone the remaining two fled as their attack on the shuttles was simply a whim and not a order from their cerebrate. Artanis raised his robotic arm. It parts shifted around forming a miniature photon blaster. Energy arched from the prongs forming a orb of pure energy. Taking a second to aim carefully Artanis fired twice. The twin energy bolts streaked through the air destroying both targets. As the corpses fell to the ground Artanis shifted his photon blaster back into hand mode and turned to his men and the remaining shuttles. There were no longer enough to get all his men to the Antioch outpost together so he sent the remaining shuttles back and left those damaged to be recovered later.
"Let us go, time is wasting." the Executor said leading his Templar forwards.
After a hour of hard trekking through the mountains they finally arrived at the top of a near vertical stone cliff facing the western side of a elevated mountain overlooking the Antioch province. Artanis observed the valley below spotting the outpost across a river and a bridge some miles north. Looking further off into the distance Artanis spotted at the edge of his vision a large purple carpet of Zerg creep. It was several kilometers north west of the outpost atop a elevated forest. The trip down the mountain and across the river were the only obstacles to slow his and his Templars journey. Taking the fastest route The Templar ignited their psi-blades and simply dropped off the cliff. Moments before striking the ground they plunged their blades into the solid stone mountain face slowing their descent. In two's and four's the Zealots landed at the bottom. The Dragoons simply used their hover mode and floated down along with the Observers and Probes.
Artanis not wasting any time quickly moved north along the river. He had the two Observers enter cloaking mode and scout ahead. His Templar continued moving north until the Observers reached a clearing and reported it to have several dozen Zerglings and Hydralisk patrolling the area.
"Zerglings and Hydralisk ahead." He reported to his Templar.
The Templar ignited their psi-blades ready battle. All together they strode into the clearing and were quickly spotted by the Zerglings. The beasts not needing to get close instead fired their single back mounted spore symbiote launcher. Artanis slashed one spore shell out of the air while darting side to side evading another two, not letting his shields energy be depleted for nonsense such as this. The Templar spread out surrounding the Zerglings before cutting into their ranks. A group of Hydralisk a little further north of the clearing cleared the tree line joining in on the skirmish firing their spines at the Templar. This gained the attention of several Zealots including Artanis who turned counter attacking the Hydralisk while the others continued their fight against the Zerglings. The battle ended with no casualties but the shields of several Zealots were depleted to 70% and will only slowly recharge until they get with range of a Pylon.
Moving on the Observers revealed a second group of over a hundred Zerglings seemingly guarding the northern end of the bridge spanning the river. Moving his Dragoons up front into a combat line Artanis and his forces continued forth. The Zerglings spotted the Dragoons and charged ready to kill any Protoss. The Dragoons all opened fire together ripping the Zerglings apart under the hail of a Photon bolt barrage. While they fired the Dragoons and the rest of Artanis Templar moved south to the outpost. The Zealots and Probes made a quick dash towards the outpost while the Dragoons fell back behind them as they continued firing on the Zerglings who continually disregarded their own losses and kept charging. Well over a hundred were slain but their numbers were continually replenished confirming Artanis worry that a hive cluster lay not far off. As Artanis group neared the outpost a group of Templar and Dragoons stood at the gates to welcome them and thankfully the Zergling reinforcements ended too and the last few Zerglings were eliminated.
As Artanis strode forwards towards his fellow Templar at the outpost one's face stood out from among the rest. Both He and the familiar face noticed each other and moved to greet each other.
"Ah, Executor!" The Templar said. His recognition of the rank for Artanis seeming a bit awkward at first. "En Taro Adun! It is good to see you once more upon the field of battle."
The two of them felt more relaxed in each others presence from the many decades they both spent together on many battlefield's across the galaxy.
"It is good to see you well Fenix." Artanis glanced around spotting several wrecked Dragoons and Reaver's along with six ruined Photon cannons. "It seems your defenses are in need of repair."
Scoffing Fenix agreed gesturing to the wrecked defenses. "Alas, all our Probes were lost during the last mass Zerg attack along with many of our Templar brothers and sisters. All though its main functionality remains the Nexus production functions were also damaged in the last attack so we could not manufacture replacements. The Zerg are becoming ever more cunning."
"Unfortunately true my friend. Luckily I brought Probes of my own foreseeing this possibility. I will set about getting the defenses back on line. You watch my back like old times." replied Artanis.
Fenix nodded turning his eye to the forests while Artanis passed him walking to the Nexus and entered its walls. The Executor took up a position in the command chamber and set the Observers to hover at a altitude of a hundred meters while they patrol the outpost perimeter. Next he had the Probes warp in several Pylons. One near the Gateway and another between it and the Assimilator as it produced fuel for the bases structures. He then set the other Probes to the task of harvesting the mineral cache held in several warehouses close by. The Probes quickly warped in the Pylons and Artanis reassigned them the task of warping in four Photon cannons. Two at the entrance and another two in the inner base perimeter. He was worried about Overlords dropping more Zerg behind the walls. And then there was the Mutalisk who had downed his shuttles before. They had to have come from somewhere and the nearby hive cluster was a safe bet as to their origin. So Artanis set the Photon cannons in the outpost walls to beam mode which had faster striking speed and longer range then the rapid fire mode.
As he monitored the reconstruction process Artanis got a warning alarm from the two Observers. Several holo-screens popped on showing Fenix and the rest of the Templar fighting off a Zerg attack wave consisting of Zerglings and Hydralisk. The Zerglings kept the Zealots at a distance from the Hydralisk who were harassing the Templar from a distance. Fenix slayed several Zerglings and ordered the Dragoons forwards. They unleashed a torrent of energy projectiles erasing the Hydralisk and any Zerglings standing before them. With the battle ended Fenix ordered the Dragoons to take up guard posts on the walls while the Zealots resumed their guard posts at front entrance and inside the base.
No sooner had the Photon cannons finished warping in then a new wave of Zerg surged forth from the north west. This time supported by Mutalisks.
Fenix with his Zealots fired Psi-spears while his Dragoons switched their cannons to beam mode and fired at extreme range. Two Mutalisk were killed instantly forcing the rest to take evasive maneuvers. The Mutalisks flanked Fenix's forces moving south crossing over the river and headed east. They then turned north and started a attack run directly on the outpost. But Artanis was ready for this and his Photon cannons opened fire. One after the other the Mutalisks were burned from the sky's until none remained. Artanis switched his attention back to Fenix's battle just as the Zerg ground forces directly clashed with the Templar's. Having some time to strategize and leave the battle to Fenix Artanis looked at his options. He looked through a up to date map of the area finding a mineral storage depo across the river and a few miles north of the clearing where he first engaged Zerg forces on this mission. They may have been scouting the area when his forces eliminated them. Not wanting to let the enemy gain resources he sent one of the Observers to scout the location. He watched the Observers date feed finding the area clear of any Zerg activity.
Deciding on his next course of action he ordered several probes to warp in a pair of Pylons at the front entrance to bolster defenses. Though all Protoss buildings and units such as Photon cannons, Gateways, Dragoons and Observers all have their own internal power source, if a Pylon is placed close to them or a unit enters their range then they gain a boost to their weapons and shield output and recharge time. But the range is limited to a mile unless a series of Pylons area of effects overlapped. With the Pylons warped in Artanis ordered a small force of Dragoons and Zealots with three Probes to cross the river. Luckily no Zerg harassed them on the way. Upon reaching the storage depot the Probes warped in three Pylons followed by Photon cannons. The new defensive position will keep Zerg from flanking the outpost or crossing the river without resistance. Now that a small defensive perimeter was up Artanis had the Probes warp in a pair of Gateways and a Nexus to collect the Minerals.
A hour passed and the outpost withstood several more attacks. The expansion base across the river was now fully staffed and operational with eight Photon cannons, ten Probes mining, a pair of Forges, Robotics facilities and three Gateways with a pair of Assimilator's placed close to the river and a few Dragoons to guard them. In the passed hour a new force of ten Dragoons had been manufactured by the Forges and fifty Zealots warped in through the Gateways from forge world 2 a old and well defended Forge world that although is under siege much like the rest of the empire was still able to send a few reinforcements despite their own loses.
Artanis took a moment to reflect on the both grave and reassuring news that nearly the whole empire had received of the three well known and almost legendary Ark-ships launching during the first day of the Zergs invasion. After the Phase-smiths giving the ships their annual maintenance found out about the Zerg attack they took it upon themselves to restart the Ark-ships systems. And after words they contacted the Conclave and Templar Executors stating that they were ready to take on as many refugees as they could before launching. Though the Conclave and Templar leadership argued for a time they both eventually agreed that given the situation the Ark-ships were the best hope to save as many life's as possible. Nearly twenty five million Protoss from all over Aiur were teleported to the three great ships from cities all across Aiur with many places being depopulated completely. It was a great fortune that the day the Overmind chose to invade of Aiur coincided with the annual maintenance the Ark ships normally get maintain their functionality. For a moment Artanis thought it odd that those phase-smiths to come up with such a bold idea. Regardless a great many lives were saved thanks to them. No doubt they will receive a lavis award once time allows. Artanis hopes. Though perhaps the old crones in the Conclave will see that they don't considering that there just Phase-smiths a lower cast. But considering their actions Artanis personally felt that them being Phase-smiths and not warriors like the Templar or Judicators should not matter given their actions in which saved so many Khalai lives.
"Artanis I believe we have enough forces to take the enemy hive cluster." reported Fenix pulling the Executor from his thoughts.
"I will send a Observer over to confirm the enemies status."
With a mental order from Artanis the Observer flew over the forested landscape to the zerg hive cluster. Through its gaze Artanis counted the Zerg numbers and defensive abilities of the hive cluster. The Zerg forces numbered over a thousand counting Zerglings, Hydralisk and Mutalisks. Artanis knew their numbers in the area seemed a little low. They had been holding back most of their forces to assault the Templar outpost and destroy it in one massive attack. A typical Zerg strategy. But effective. Artanis knew his defenses would never hold if that force attacked all at once. So he would attack first.
"Fenix prepare our forces. Were attacking the hive cluster now!"
"Very well Executor."
Within minutes the whole of Artanis forces in the region were gathered in front of the outpost. Over two hundred Zealots and sixty nine Dragons were all gathered with Fenix and Artanis at the head of the army.
"We are ready." stated the Executor. Artanis raised his arm igniting his psi-blade. "To battle. For Aiur!"
The rest of the Templar followed suit raising their ignited psi-blades. "For Aiur!"
Turning around Artanis and Fenix Lead the charge north. After cutting through a few Zergling and Mutalisk patrols they reached a sloped hill leading to a higher elevation. With his still cloaked Observer Artanis knew that a sizable force of Zerg lay in ambush at the top. Looking back to the Dragoons Artanis hatched a plan to turn the tables.
"All Dragoons to hover mode." the Executor ordered.
"What plan have you come up with this time my friend?" asked Fenix.
"There is a large Zerg force waiting in ambush atop this embankment. The Zealots would be too slow but the Dragoons in hover mode will quickly reach the top."
Understanding his old friends mind enough to guess the rest of it Fenix only nodded. "We'll catch the enemy on two sides then."
Artanis only nodded before giving the order.
The Dragoons lifted off floating mere feet over the ground as they folded their legs and rapidly ascended the embankment at high speed. They were impeded little by the slop or gravity as the sped up it. Then the Dragoons in front started firing a scattering of countless white hot energy bolts in a wide cone as they moved up the slop. Moments later dozens of Zerg started erupting from the edges of the slop. As soon as the Zerg got in direct line of sight they took the full brunt of the Dragoons photon cannons fire and were cut to pieces. Dozens of Zerglings and Hydralisk erupted from the ground only to be immediately cut down as the Dragoons zipped past their smoking corpses smashing into those that got in their path up the hill. The Dragoons all quickly and without taking any loses reached the top of the slop and immediately spread out assuming a half circle formation and switching back to their land multiped mode. They shut down all their propulsion and weapons shunting all power to their shields and forming a crescent wall of energy. Over a hundred Zerg erupted from hiding and attacked the Dragoons clawing at the shields and firing spines and spores alike but none of them did much damage to the fully powered barriers. Given enough time they would breach the defenses of the Dragoons but Artanis was not going to give then the opportunity.
With a war cry the Zealots reached the top of the slope and immediately engaged the Zerg. Half of the Zealots scattered while the rest packed together more tightly and smashed their way into the center of the Zerg ranks disrupting their formation and more quickly cutting down the Hydralisk. The Dragoons restored their systems to normal function and joined the battle ripping the Zerg's flank's apart while protecting the backs of the Zealots from any flanking maneuver. The battle was over before long and not too soon as a flock of Mutalisk dived to attack. The Dragoons aimed their cannons skywards piercing the Mutalisks with barrage of projectiles. A few moments a later the remains of the Mutalisk hit the ground with a wet smack as their blood and organs spilled from all the holes. Leaving the battlefield behind Artanis and his forces continued their charge to the hive cluster in a defensive formation with the Zealots in a square and the Dragoons in a double line to their left and right flanks.
They only made it halfway to the hive cluster before Artanis ordered them to stop.
"What is it?" Fenix asked.
"The Zerg army is charging us."
Artanis ordered the Dragoons up front forming them into a line of triangle formations. Two in front and one behind with their photon cannons set to beam mode. The Zealots stood in rows behind the Dragoons with six mixed in between the Dragoons to protect them from any Zerglings trying to get in close. It wasn't long before the rumbling of the horde was heard. Off in the distance a few Zerglings were spotted charging forwards as they weaved in between the trees. They were followed by many many more and Hydralisk behind them. In the sky over head sixty Mutalisk appeared between the tree canopy flocking towards the Templar. Oddly the area was calm at first and for a moment one would have thought that everything was calm. But.
"Fire!" Artanis ordered.
The Zealots attacked first everyone of them casting psi-spears at the Mutalisk followed up buy the Dragoons. For a moment everything was blocked out by a pure white wall that blotted out the sky. Then as the light faded the sky's were suddenly clear of the Mutalisk whos only traces remained as the bits of gore and body parts raining down from the sky. Turning their attention to the true threat on the ground the Dragoons opened fire. Their photon cannon beams and scattered barrage of energy bolt blasting through the trees and rocks that got in the way as they cut a swath of death deep into the Zerg formation.
"Dragoons forwards!" Artanis ordered seeing the Zerg formation faltering and lose all momentum.
Slowly the Templar forces moved on words pushing closer to the Zerg lines while cutting them apart. Then upon reaching close enough Artanis ordered the Zealots to flank and encircle the Zerg forces forming into a C shaped almost encircling the enemy on all sides except in the direction the Dragoons were attacking from. The Zealots cut and ripped into the Zerg forces on all sides while the Dragoons vaporized the massed Zerg from the front. Still the battle was long and hard fought but as Artanis impaled the last Zergling and Fenix beheaded the last Hydralisk it was over. The Executor glanced around surveying the battlefield. The ground was covered in the smoldering fragments of trees and rocks along with a great many Zerg corpses littering the ground in all directions, but here and there the golden armor of a Zealot and the wreck of a Dragoon could be seen among them. But not losing himself to regret Artanis pushed onwards with his Templar quickly reaching the hive cluster. Reaching weapons range the Dragoons opened fire destroying each and every living structure with impunity burning them down to ashes and charred cinders with their beams and staying well out of the range of the Sunken colonies littering the area and who would be the last to be clensed.
As Artanis observed the remains of the smoking Zerg hive cluster Fenix stood beside him.
"You know, Executor, although we two have marched across hundreds of worlds together. I never imagined we would be fighting on Aiur one day. The Zerg are indeed worthy foe's whom I thought to simply be a dangerous animal who was exceedingly lucky to have been uplifted by the Xel'naga. But after seeing my world be put to the flame of war the likes of which no Protoss has ever seen, I am forced to give them the respect they deserve."
"I am in agreement Fenix. But I fear that this conflict will only become worse before it ends. But I do know one thing. It has come to a point where it will be either the Zerg or US that survives this war."
-Into the flames-
-Citadel of the Executor. The Following night-
After reinforcing and securing the Antioch outpost Artanis and Fenix were summoned by Aldaris. The two entered through the doors of the meeting room where Aldaris was waiting. He turned to them as they approached from across the room.
"En Taro Adun, Executor. Your Defense at Antioch has restored my faith in the Templar cast. I admit that Tassadar's desertion had shaken my faith..."
Suddenly a holo-screen blinked on a few meters away displaying the face of none other than Tassadar himself.
"Indeed, Aldaris? I would hope that the Judicator would put more faith in their Templar brethren."
Both Artanis and Aldaris expressed shock and surprise at Tassadar's sudden communication after such a long silence. Artanis was more grateful to see his former teacher while Aldaris felt more anger at the former Executor's actions and perceived failures.
"Tassadar! Where have you been?..."
"Be silent, Judicator! There is no time to waste and I have much to tell you. As you know the Zerg forces retreated after the fall of the Terran world of Tarsonis, and though the Conclave bid me to return to Aiur, I was compelled to remain when I sensed a powerful psionic emanation which lead me to Char the Zerg capital world on which the Overmind was located. The call was answered by the Terrans as well as our exiled brethren who call themselves the Nerazim or The Dark Templar as you would call them."
Both Fenix and Artanis were taken aback by this revelation while Aldaris was outraged at the declaration.
"Consorting with the fallen one's is heresy!"
"Enough! Hear me, Executor, for I have learned much from the Dark Templar Prelate, Zeratul. We have long known that the Overmind leads the swarm along with it's Cerebrates whom are immortal and unkillable, for through the Overmind are the Cerebrates bodies and spirits renewed and restored no matter how much of their flesh is undone. However through his mastery of Void based energies Zeratul and his kin have truly and permanently slain a Cerebrate on Char."
"What!" exclaimed Aldaris. "And what proof do you have of this?"
"I had a Observer watch the Dark Templar from afar out of the range of the Zergs defenses. I will gladly send the recording to you but I must also tell you of another related subject."
"And how is this other subject related to the death of a Cerebrate and the Dark Templar?" asked Artanis.
"On Tarsonis I encountered a piece of Terran technology. It cast a disruptive field across the planet that dampened the Zergs hive mind making them akin to beasts with no direction or focus. While I searched for the source I beheld a Cerebrate attempting to destroy the device as its Brood raged about aimlessly. I do not know how but is seems the Terrans somehow gained the ability or knowledge to construct Void based psionic technology. If the technology is threatening enough to force a Cerebrate to enter into battle itself then we surely must make use of it."
"Are you certain it works Tassadar?" Artanis asked confirming.
"Yes. My Phase-smiths examined it in detail before I sent them and the remains of the partly destroyed technology to Aiur with the rest of my expedition fleet while I went to Char. Though I know not what became of it after words?"
Artanis and Fenix turned to Aldaris who returned their glare.
"I did hear a report of a sample of such a technology. But how could something created by the primitive Terrans turn the war in our favor? All it does is disrupt the Zergs hive mind a little."
"Sometimes such a thing is enough Aldaris." Artanis spoke up. "If it can as Tassadar says disrupt the Zergs hive mind then perhaps it can also sever the connection between the Overmind and its Cerebrates. If so then perhaps it can give us a chance to finally slay them once the Overminds rejuvenating influence over them is severed."
All involved in the conversation thought over the implications of such a endeavor and its rewards but is was Fenix who spoke next.
"Executor If I may, Perhaps we should test this technology. There is a Zerg hive cluster at the edge of the Antioch province from which the previous invasion originated from and is the confirmed location of a Cerebrate. It and others of its ilk arrived on Aiur a day ago. It should be the perfect testing ground to prove if the Terran technology is worth utilizing. If you can keep the Cerebrates attention I can lead a small strike force to penetrate the perimeter and slay the Cerebrate as the Terran device is activated."
"A fine plane Fenix. But we still do not have said device." spoke Artanis." Aldaris how soon can the device be repaired and functional for this operation?"
Aldaris groaned in irritation but answered. "I can have it ready and sent to the outpost in Antioch soon." Narrowing his eyes He turned to the holo-image of Tassadar. "I pray we can trust you and this... Terran device Tassadar. Already can I sense the taint of the Fallen Ones influence on your mind. You must return to Aiur at once!"
"My concern is for the safety of Aiur. Not the judgments of the Conclave. I will return when the time is right." Tassadars Transmission ended.
Aldaris fumed in silence while both Fenix and Artanis left to prepare their armies. Four Hours later the Terran psi-disruptor was prepared by phase-smiths, loaded into a shuttle and taken to the outpost near Antioch. There Artanis and Fenix personally examined it. The Phase-smiths explained that most of the components were of odd design and also emitted a energy signature matching that of the Void dimension from which Tassadar explained the Dark Templar derive their psionic powers from. The two went forwards with the mission splitting into two forces. One to attack from the front and the other the back. Artanis gathered a army of two hundred Zealots, ninety Dragoons, fifty Probes, twelve Observers and forty shuttles. Crossing the Antioch province under Scout escort the Shuttles landed on a plateau seventy miles north of the Cerebrates Hive cluster.
Moving quickly Artanis landed the shuttles and ordered the Probes to warp in a Nexus, Two Gateways, two Forges, a Cybernetics core, twelve Photon cannons and Pylons with four Shield Batteries. While the structures were warping in the Templar forces created a defensive perimeter. Not too soon as a horde of Zerg numbering over a thousand was spotted by the cloaked Observers heading north straight for Artanis and his forces. Preparing a counter response the Executor formed ranks of his Dragoons and Zealots with a Zealot standing to either side of each Dragoon. The Zerg force's charged up the hill to the higher ground of the Protoss hoping to use their greater numbers to crush the Templars position. The Dragoons fired unleashing a heavy barrage of death across the field felling many of the charging Zerglings and Hydralisk. But instantly reacting the Zerg forces split up, one half going right the other left encircling the Templar army on two sides.
The Zerg completely surrounded the burgeoning base of the Templar. But were unable to pass the wall of death they clashed against. The Dragoons and their rapid firing photon cannons cut down most Zerg who attempted to close the distance and warded off the ranged attacks of those that stayed at range. Those few that got through the withering fire were quickly cut down by the Zealots at close range. The battle lasted for half a hour before ending in the Zerg forces annihilation. All the structures warped in with out any more threats and the defensive perimeter was bolstered all the more. Artanis had any damaged equipment including Dragoons repaired by the Probes with replacement components fabricated from the Forges. And once the Shield Battery was up it bolstered the already improved defense shields of every unit and structure. But knowing he was in for a long siege Artanis warped in several more Pylons and Photon cannons creating eight outer perimeter guard posts each consisting of three Pylons and five Photon cannons with ten Zealots just outside the main base to weaken any incoming Zerg attack before they enter the range of the main defenses. After preparing his defenses as best he could Artanis turned his attention to scouting the area. The Observers he sent out earlier found a second elevated plateau twenty miles to the south. A small Zerg hive cluster was already being expanded there. Wanting to keep his enemies on the defensive and their attention Artanis ordered one third of his forces to take the shuttles and attack the growing hive cluster. As the shuttles departed several photon cannons in beam mode fired on Overlords scouts miles away to the north and east.
Turning his attention to the attack force Artanis watched as they landed and quickly spread out. Mere minutes later they came under attack from a mixed force of Zerglings and Hydralisk erupting from underground. The battle was short and a win for the Templar who then proceeded to wipe out the young hive cluster. Once the way was clear Probes exited the shuttles and began scanning the area in detail. The Zerg normally only establish Hive clusters at the most mineral rich sites. The Probes gave a confirming report that the land is rich in useable minerals. Artanis gave the order and the Probes started warping in a Nexus and several more structures to establish a second base here. It soon came under attack as well but foreseeing that more of the Cerebrates forces would arrive soon to counter attack Artanis had already sent additional forces to protect the growing base until it was able to protect itself. After the short battle the extra forces were pulled back to the main base. After repelling several more attacks from both bases Fenix finally reported in.
"Executor we are in position." reported Fenix.
"Good. I will activate the psi-disrupter." replyed Artanis.
Artanis in the Nexus control room turned to the phase-smiths and nodded. Acknowledging the simple gesture they returned the gesture and turned the device on. Its range of influence for the purposes of the test was restricted to only fifty miles but the effects would be the same. A invisible bubble of disruptive void energy expanded from the device installed into the Nexus structure itself. The Protoss of the Khalai sensed nothing out of the ordinary while the Zerg felt the energy wave like a steel block to the face. All at once every Zerg in the radius of effect started acting odd. Some just not moving becoming almost docile or confused while others become extremely hostile even to other Zerg. Through his Observers Artanis saw this effect on the Zergs behaviour and his heart swelled at the disruptive effect it had on the foul Zergs forces.
"The device is working Fenix. You may proceed."
Nodding to the report Fenix ignited his psi-blades and turned to this fifty Zealots, twelve Dragoons and six Reaver's.
"This day let us take vengeance for the Protoss blood spilled and return it ten fold my fellow Templar!"
From their position atop a ridge overlooking the hive cluster they proceed south cutting down any and all Zerg in their path.
As Artanis watched the holo-screen displaying Fenix and his forces proceed with the mission he turned his gaze to another holo-screen displaying another Observers sight. Despite the psi-disruptor's effect a massive force of Zerg were gathering around the Cerebrate before heading straight for Artanis main base. The gathered forces numbered two thousand total and included not only Zerglings and Hydralisk but also Mutalisk and Overlords. The Overlords all kept a tight formation between each other and the other Zerg catching Artanis eye. The Cerebrates range of influence must be severely limited now and the complexity of the orders it can give also equally reduced. But not entirely severed as the Overlords can still maintain a measure of control so long as they stay in proximity of the other Zerg. What this means for the mission Artanis could only speculate. Still the mission was going well as Fenix's forces were ripping through the Hive cluster and killing off any Zerg defenses left behind including that of sunken colonies who seemed little effected by the disruption field as they slowed the advance of Fenix's forces. Still it was a boon that the Cerebrate sent out the majority of his forces and by extension left him self vulnerable.
Turning his attention to the defense of his base Artanis prepared his defenses and had the one third of his forces he left at the second base gather into the shuttles so they could move out at a moments notice. Soon the Zerg army was upon the defenses pushing themselves through a gauntlet of death and pain as the outposts hit them from opposing flanking positions while they charged the main defenses. Photon cannons projected countless energy bolts across the battlefield and fired their beams into sky slaughtering many Zerg as they assaulted the Protoss defenses with their organic weapons and their own bodies. After ten minutes of fighting Artanis ordered the reserve forces to enter the battle. From the secondary base the resurved one third of Artanis forces arrived, the Shuttles opening their bay doors as they flew over the Overlords who were staying as far back as they could. Zealots standing at the Shuttles rear bay openings formed psi-spears and cast them at the Overlords as they passed over them. One after the other the Overlords popped like balloons and whatever cohesion the Zerg army had was soon lost as the horde became self destructive imploding from the pressure within and without.
On Fenix's end his strike force had cut their way through the majority of the Zerg hive cluster encountering little resistance other than the Sunken colonies and the spore symbiotes mounted on the structures which was a new tactic on the Zerg's part. Still it only delayed Fenix's direct assault on the Cerebrate. The Reavers moved up under the assault of several Sunken colonies. Pulsing a scan of the underground they were able to find the Colonies cores and destroy them before suffering moderate damage. With the way open Fenix and his forces charged through the canyon pass meeting the Cerebrate face to face. The monster centipede reared up on its lower half flexing its four scythe tipped arms and folding mandibles, letting out a high pitched shrike. A mixed force of two hundred Zerglings and Hydralisk erupted from the ground forming a defensive circle around the Cerebrate.
Fenix narrowed his eyes meeting the Cerebrates gaze. "So you are not a fool Cerebrate. Let us battle as warriors then!"
The Cerebrate growled back.
With nothing else to say both sides charged. Lines of Zealots and Zerglings crashed into each other slashing and striking vigorously. Dragoons and Hydralisk shot volley after volley at the other while the Reavers and Fenix went around the battlefield to attack the Cerebrate directly. From its elevated position on its tall body the Cerebrate watched is forces dwindled under the Templar forces relentless attack but the Templar shields could not hold forever. Then it turned to the sight of a lone Templar and several Reavers circling around the melee and nearing Its position. The Cerebrate reared its head back filling its maw with a acid glob. Fenix saw the Cerebrate move its head back and on instinct instantly stopped. Quickly forming a psi-spear He threw it with unerring accuracy striking one of the Cerebrate eyes. The psionic construct exploded and leaving a burnt cavity of charred flesh behind. Roaring in pain the Cerebrate shook its head side to side before once again locking eyes with the Templar responsible. Enraged the Cerebrate charged with a roar!.
"Seems I've got its attention!" said Fenix nonchalantly.
He ordered the Reavers to attack with everything they had. The photon cannons on their backs started spinning up as their Scarab's launched towards their target. Multiple Scarabs detonated against the Cerebrates body cracking its heavy armor but doing no serious damage. Fenix dashed out of the way just as the Reavers photon cannons opened fire. Many thousands of tiny energy bolts struck against the highly evolved carapace of the Cerebrate ripping through many layers of its defenses by simple virtue of overwhelming numbers of projectiles. Seconds later the Cerebrate smashed into the Reavers, extending its four scythe like arms It proceeding to rip the Reavers apart with every slice of its bladed limbs. When the final Reaver was sliced into four halves the Cerebrate suffering moderate damage turned its gaze towards Fenix only to get another psi-spear to the face and losing yet another eye. Roaring and shrieking in further anger and frustration the Cerebrate clawed at the burned out eye socket before turning its attention back to the offender who stood calm and ready to face any reprisal.
Roaring again the Cerebrate charged spewing a glob of its acid bile towards Fenix. Instead of evading Fenix turned his shield to max taking the full brunt of the bio-attack. The acidic bile splashed over the dome shield quickly washing over its smooth surface and doing almost no damage to the solid energy barrier. The Cerebrate sped along by its many legs quickly closed the distance. At the last second Fenix deactivated his domed shield leaping away as the Cerebrate closed its massive maw and caught nothing but empty air. Hitting the ground running Fenix dashed to the Cerebrates side slashing as he went cutting off several legs, then leaping atop the beast back and impaled its hide running along its length. He drew a single cut down it's back for ten meters before leaping off. Mere moments after jumping off, the Cerebrate began twisting its body in a death roll trying to shake the Templar off. Several second passed before the Cerebrate realized the Templar was not on it any more. Stopping the Cerebrate looked around finding the Templar a distance away just standing there as if mocking to continue their battle.
This time Fenix charged forth reaching the Cerebrate in mere seconds. Four giant scythes struck at Fenix with skill and speed but using psionic dash he evaded all of them as if they were moving in slow motion. Getting directly beneath the Cerebrate Fenix focused all his power into his psi-blades and released their built in limiter restricting the blade size. Both his psi-blades dramatically extended piercing the Cerebrate all the way through. As the beast roared in pain from its impalement Fenix drew his blades upwards vertically bisecting it. The upper half of the Cerebrate split in half and parted like a banana peel. Wanting to make sure it stayed dead Fenix spun on his heels cutting the halves of the Cerebrate horizontally three times before the pieces rained to the ground below. Fenix stopped his rotation returning his blades to their normal state. Looking upon the corpse of the Cerebrate Fenix felt victorious and turned back to watch the last of the Zerg be felled by his Templar.
"Executor. I have defeated the Cerebrate. I will remain to observe the effects of our attack. Return to the citadel. I will inform you if anything changes."
"Very well Praetor. Remain vigilant."
-Higher Ground-
-Citadel of the Executor-
-Two Hours Later-
Artanis and Aldaris were in the middle of planning the next operation when Fenix appeared on a holoscreen.
"Executor, I bring news most dire. The Cerebrate has resurrected before my eyes, despite the considerable damage inflicted upon it. Even now its brood recovers though my forces are slowing their progress to a extent however it is only a matter of time before they completely recover their strength and start their next offensive again."
"It is as I feared." Stated Aldaris. "It was folly to believe Tassadar could be trusted. The Conclave will not soon forget his wanton betrayal..."
"If I may Judicator" Fenix interrupted. "Tassadar is not to blame."
Aldaris was taken aback by this endorsement. "How so Praetor Fenix?"
"Before the Cerebrate reincarnated a massive attack force of Mutalisk and Scourges appeared and overwhelmed our defenses destroying the Nexus housing the Terran Psi-disrupter. Then a beam of light struck the Cerebrates corpse. Only then did it recover and its flesh be restored. I believe the psi-disrupter did in fact sever the Cerebrates ability to be reincarnated. However the Overmind itself or another of the Cerebrates intervened to restore it's brethren's connection to the Swarm."
"So the device is lost?" asked Artanis down cast.
"Unfortunately so Executor."
Aladris shifted his stance, thinking the situation through. "Nevertheless we must stand reasolute. We will overcome the swarm with the might and fury that is our heritage as the Khalai and as the First born children of the Xel'naga." Aldaris turned to Artanis."Executor, we shall lead our main strike force to the province of Scion which has fallen to the Zerg. Its time the Zerg felt the wrath of the Sons of Aiur!" Aldaris turned to the holoscreen of Fenix. "Praetor Fenix I bid you to travel to Glacius."
"Glacius?" Fenix exclaimed. "Why am I to go there while Aiur is under siege by the Zerg!"
"I have my reasons and it is the will of the Conclave that you partake in a mission there. It may turn the tide of this war. I hope you understand the needed secrecy during and after such a mission. After words you will return to Antioch to resume your duties and protect Antioch from further assault's."
Executor Artanis regarded Aldaris with a odd look wondering what he was planning but Fenix only nodded.
"Of course Judicator. Adun be with you, Executor. Bring swift death to the enemies of Aiur."
-One Hour Later-
Three wings of Scouts swooped down firing their photon blasters into a group of Hydralisks cutting their numbers in half. While taking considerable counter fire the Scouts circled around firing a volley of missiles that exploded among the Zerg forces decimating them. As the Zerg forces burned below them the Scouts returned to their home base while Artanis forces warped in a Nexus and four Pylones quickly creating a beach head. Dragoons and Zealots guarded the new structures as six Photon cannons were warped in followed by a pair of Gateways and a Assimilator placed over a underground water source known to flow under the land here. Scrutinizing his beachhead Artanis watched as a hundred strong force of Zerglings were burned to ashes by the Dragoons guarding the western perimeter. Attacks will become more frequent as time goes on and come from multiple directions with two major hive clusters in the region. He would have to rely on his ground forces to defend his base while using air power like Scouts to pick the enemy hive clusters apart. As soon as the current buildings were warped in Artanis set the Probes to warp in several Stargates so he could bring in more Scouts directly to the battlefield and so they wouldn't have to travel through dangrous enemy territory.
Two more Zerg forces approached the Templar base. One from the west consisting of a mix of Zerglings, Hydralisk, a red larger type of Hydralisk know known as the Hunter-killer and the second completely consisting of two dozen Mutalisk from the north which used to be the largest Khalai settlement in the region until the Zerg took it.
"Set the Photon cannons to anti-air mode!" ordered the Executor.
The orders sent the Photon cannons shifted into their beam modes and started solely targeting the Mutalisk. Rotating into position the turrets charged up their barrales and fired. Beams of pure white destruction instantly erased one Mutalisk after the other until the sky was clear. Just as the last Mutalisk went down the Zergs ground force reached the base perimeter. Dragoons fired a spay of photonic destruction while the Zealots held their ground protecting the Dragoons from the packs of Zerglings charging in to rip them apart. The stout Templar let not a single Zergling or Hydralisk get past them and by the end of the battle all Zerg laid dead at the Zealots feet. The Executor warped in several dozen more Zealots and a Dozen more Dragoons along with four more Photon cannons. Reports of several forge worlds falling to the Zerg onslaught had hurt the empires war efforts considerably limiting the amount of war materials that could be sent across the empire. But Artanis being a Executor ment that He got priority over any one else except other Executors. Most of which were spread thin across the empire doing the best they could to hold back the seemingly infinite waves of Zerg that keep attacking without pause.
With a flash all the Photon cannons were warped in followed by seven more Pylons to expand the bases perimeter and boost the shields of his defenses, buildings and Templar. Shortly after yet another attack wave struck, this time a large flock of Mutalisk escorting Overlords. Again the Photon cannons fired filling the sky with their deadly beams as the Mutalisk rained down destruction focused on a few Photon cannons or Pylons at a time. Even with the shields super charged by the Pylons such a barrage whittled them down eventually and several parts of the defense network were destroyed. But that wasn't the Mutalisk only goal. While they harrased the Defenses the Overlords off loaded a army of Zerglings and Hydralisk under the Mutalisk cover. While the Mutalisk kept the Photon cannons busy the Zergs ground forces charged the Templar defenders. Psi-spears, spores, high speed Photon cannons blasts and spines were cast back and forth by both sides before engaging in melee combat.
Again and again the Zealots slashed and hacked at the charging Zerg standing between them and the Dragoons who filled the battlefield with their destructive bolts of death. But despite the well considered defense the Zealots lines started braking under the strain of the attack. Dragoons fell one by one as the battle continued. Then one after another more Zealots and Dragoons continuously warped in from the Gateways and quickly took the place of the fallen at the defense line. The perimeter held and the Zergs army was depleted. As soon as the tide turned Artanis ordered a full counter attack. All at once every Zealot and Dragoon charged the thinned Zerg ranks wiping them out to the last. With the attack dealt with the defense perimeter was reformed and reinforced again with new Pylons and Photon cannons that now held the purpose of focusing on ground threats along with the Templar.
Feeling his defenses were as good as they were going to get Artanis turned his attention to the west. There his Observers found a demolished mineral depo along with another underground water source. The only problem was that they were both just ten miles south from the major hive cluster to the west. Artanis scrutinized the hive cluster from afar with his Observers hoping to find a weakness. There he found it in the form of a lack of Spore colonies. The hive cluster had a considerable number of sunken colonies however only a few spore colonies and most of the ones it did have were concentrated at the hive clusters north and western sections. Seeing a opportunity Executor Artanis warped in twenty Scouts, twenty Probes and four Shuttles. Placing the Probes in the shuttles along with a token force of Zealots and Dragoons the Shuttles and Scouts traveled south thirty miles before swinging west staying well out of detection range of the western hive cluster.
The expansion group reached the mineral depo only to find a small hive cluster there already mining the depo of its stored recources along with the underground water spring. The Scouts took first blood diving at high speed. With two hatcheries Spawning pools and the Hydralisk dens in sight they opened fire with a volley of missiles and banked hard right. Forty missiles impacted the hive cluster demolishing everything in one attack. What few defenders, defense structures and Drones left were quickly cut down by the Scouts photon blasters criss crossing the area completely securing it from any Zerg presence. The Shuttles landed and the Probes quickly warped in a mile wide circle of ten Pylones and ten Photon cannons. A good thing too as a response force from the main hive cluster attacked in force. But Artanis saw a opportunity thanks to the open flat terrain. He switched the Dragoons and Photon cannons weapons to beam mode and gave them pre-set left right criss crossing firing arches.
The ground shook from the vast horde of Zerglings stampeding across the vast open landscape and as they spotted the Templar they opened fire. A rain of spore shells landed amongst the Templar defenders splashing against their shields but mostly hitting the ground at a intermittent rates around them. Dew to the range and their firing while running the Zerglings accuracy was off a bit but would improve as they closed the distance. Seconds passed then ten then twenty and thirty, and then fifty then a minute and then one and a half then two minutes. Every ten seconds the accuracy of the Zerglings spores improved hitting the same targets over and over again and slowly depleting their shields. Artanis had the rear lines of Dragoons and Zealots switch every so often so their shields had more time to recharge which was much faster than normal thanks to the Pylons. The rear lines of Zealots switched one last time before the Zerglings got in a hundred meters of the expansion base and by then twenty more Pylones and Photon cannons had been warped in, formed into a straight line that looked like it extended through the defense circles northern half forming a extended defense perimeter facing the hive cluster to the north, ready to face anything the Zerg could throw at it. Everything was ready and the moment had come.
"Fire!" ordered the Executor.
Eighty beams cut destructive paths across the landscape criss crossing as they burned into the mass of charging Zerglings. If seen from above the patten would have been like criss crossing strands of light that if on a large scale could have been some kind of cloth work. The criss crossing beams ripped through the Zerg formation reducing their number to nearly one third of their original numbers. As the Photon cannons cooled off and switched back to rapid fire mode the Dragoons unleashed their own barrage cutting down the remaining Zerg. While the battle was going on the Probes warped in a Nexus and a Assimilator along with two Gateways and a Forge. Artanis had also added two Forges to his main base at the same time as well. Over the next Hour the Executor gathered a massive air force numbering sixty Scouts and forty Shuttles. Some constructed on sight by the Forges and using the available minerals. With his assault force ready Artanis ordered a full scale assault on the western Hive cluster. Two groups numbering ten Scouts each for a total of twenty Scouts were deployed first. They split up with one group approaching the western hive cluster from the far west and the other group from the north with five empty shuttles in front of each group.
As the two airforce groups approached the Hive cluster the Spore colonies came alive firing their spores skywards. Being in front the Shuttles were both targeted and struck first, several exploding from multiple direct hits and others spiraling to the ground from glancing strikes. But the distraction gave a temporary opening to the Scouts to fire all of their missiles and turn back before being fired upon themselves. Dozens of missiles struck the Spore colonies exploding in vivid bright flashes and leaving nothing but smoke and ash behind. As the Scouts retreated safely Artanis was unashamed to admit to himself that the sacrifice of a few AI driven Shuttles in exchange for the lives of his Templar pilots, while perhaps being a tactic the Zerg would have used, still saved Protoss lives and was a worthwhile tactic under the right circumstances. Now with all the western hive clusters anti-air Spore colonies gone it was completely open to a full air assault.
"All Scouts and Shuttles launch!"
At the order the other forty Scouts and all forty Shuttles launched from their landed positions and headed straight to the Hive cluster. As they flew over the Zerg base every Scout launched their missiles. Dozens of streaking missile impacted the Lairs, Hatcheries and every other production structure demolishing half the hive cluster in one volley. With the Hive cluster in ruins the Scouts and Shuttles swung north landing at a open piece of land establishing a second and third expansion bases. More materials had to be warped in from off world along with everything else but once done another full defensive circle of Pylons and Photon cannons were warped in. And like with the first expansion the Zerg counter attacked again, this time sending out several hundred Zerglings and Hydralisk and more Mutalisk. But the defenses were already waiting for them and this time a large force of Scouts were giving air support along with the Zealots and Dragoons who were moved in the Shuttles. The ambush was a slaughter as the counter attacking Zerg forces were hit from four sides. The Zerg's main forces smashed into the defensive circle while flanking walls of Zealots and Dragoons to the east and west kept them bottled in. And when the Zerg army was fully engaged and couldn't pull back the Scouts moved in from the rear cutting into the Zerg armies main forces from behind breaking their forces cohesion and focus giving the rest of the Templar and defenses a opening to really cut them down.
With another battle won and hundreds of Zerg dead Artanis had forced the western hive cluster to deplete its own forces counter attacking his own. But such won't be the case for long. Even now the Zerg slowly recovered from their loses. But not letting up on his assault Artanis sent out his army of Zealots and Dragoons speeding their attack via the Shuttles. From his Nexus the Executor watched as the Shuttles landed just south of the western hive cluster and began their assault. Sunken colonies counter attacked as the Templar charged forwards ignoring the losses and injuries they sustained. Dragoons targeted and killed the core of each Sunken colony as they went supporting the Zealots charge. With rapid glee the Templar cut into the Zerg structures spilling their blood and icore across the creep and ground. Soon after the Scouts returned to finish what they started earlier joining in the attack. Both Templar air and ground forces ripped into the Hive cluster tearing it apart till nothing remained. Twenty five percent of the ground forces were lost in the attack but the job was done.
Artanis called all the deployed land and air forces back to their bases and planned his next attack on the occupied primary city of the Scion province. A larger air force would be helpful as a quick strike force but unlike the western hive cluster the hive cluster in the ruined city had plenty of Spore colonies making the use of any Scouts in the attack a foolish tactic. At least not without first eliminating the Spore colonies. Artanis needed a large force of Reavers and so using the local resources he used the Forges to construct several dozen on site while also warping in a dozen more. After two hours Artanis had his army of forty-five Reavers at the head of his land army. A formation of over 35 Shuttles landed south of the northeast hive cluster in the ruined city, and quickly deployed a army numbering over two hundred Zealots, thirty five Dragoons and forty five Reavers. Almost immediately a horde of Zerg charged out of the ruined city hungry fo Templar blood.
Disciplined as always the Templar calmly formed ranks to rebuke the assault. Dragoons and Zealots formed a defensive line with the Reavers behind them. However as the Shuttles returned to their respective bases multiple formations of Scouts flew at a lower altitude almost scraping the tops of the few trees left in the area. Their engines thrummed propelling them over the Templar on the ground and into the sights of the attacking Zerg. Once a line of sight was established they locked on with their Scanners and launched every anti-matter missile they had. Rows and rows of streaking missile contrails flew meters over the ground each impacting a clustered group of Zerg. Dozens and Dozens of flashing explosions burst like star light across the ranks of the Zerg horde annihilating a dozen Zerg with each blast and sending others flying from each explosion. The Scouts having done their job quickly retreated as clusters of spores launched from the city at them. The Scouts accelerated away as the Spores closed in on them, but as the Spores neared the Scouts thousands of energy bolts rained upwards from the Dragoons on the ground. The rain of energy bolts shot down over half of the spores allowing the majority of the Scouts to escape without ever being hit once.
With there aide to the Templar airforce done the Templar charged towards the remnants of the Zergs attack force. The Zealots were first to tear into the remnants of the Zerg forces soon joined by the Dragoons and Reavers. The clean up lasted a mere thirty minutes but was constantly interrupted but a constant stream of Zerg reinforcements from the hive cluster in the city. Though few in number the constant flow of Zerg slowed the battle, but it inevitably ended in a Templar victory. Despite the stream of Zerg coming from the Hive cluster the Templar forces were only emboldened as they charged onwards. Reavers moved up to the front guarded by Zealots and the Dragoons switched to Beam fire mode to eliminate any Mutalisks or Overlords that get in their sights. Reavers fired their explosive Scareb's non stop to clear out the Sunken colonies lining the streets slowing their advance. Flocks of Mutalisk harassed the Templar trying to make openings the constantly attacking Zerglings and Hydralisk could exploit. But everytime they showed themselves the Dragoons blasted them out of the sky. As the Templar forces penetrated deeper into the ruined city now covered in creep and turned into Zerg hive cluster they parted their normally tight ranks revealing a group of Probes that quickly started warping in several Pylons. By the time the Zerg noticed three Pylons had been placed in the rear center ranks of the Templar forces bolstering their shields and recharging them faster.
The beach-head was only reinforced by the added power of the Pylons energy field. Next the Probes warped in Photon cannons next followed by a Gateway. Even more Zealots flowed from the Gateways allowing the perimeter defenses to expand pushing the attacking Zerg forces back. More Probes exited through the Gateway and joined the others in warping in yet more Pylon's and Photon cannons. After a half hour the beach-head expand into a full scale outpost that could easily hold off the Zerg onslaught. However the Zerg attacks stopped and all was quiet. Seeing this as a calm before the storm Artanis sent the majority of his army through the Gateways to the beach-head to reinforce it as much as possible so the elimination of the Spore colonies could begin. A hundred more Zealots and fifty Dragoons joined the others at the beach-head allowing hunter teams consisting of four Dragoons and ten Zealots to scour the cities ruins for the Spore colonies. Running battles and small skirmishes erupted all over the city as the Zerg fought the Templar off at every turn. Minutes turned to hours and hours to a day. Twenty four hours later thousands of Zerg lay dead scattered across the city along with many fallen Templar. But vast majority of the Spore colonies had been eliminated clearing the way for the Scouts to end the battle. Then the cities ruined buildings rumbled and shook under a constant vibration of Zerg feet.
Through the eyes of a Observer Artanis spotted several Nydus canal's at the center of the hive cluster. From their opening's a countless number of Zerglings flowed like a branching river through the city on course straight for the beach-head. Artanis had a difficult decision to make. Should he use the hard fought opening in the Zerg defenses to destroy the hive cluster in its entirety, or Blunt the charging Zergling horde? One path ended the current battle and the other would only extend the conflict only increasing the number of casualties. If the Executor had teeth he would have gritted them as tightly as he was clinching his fists at the hard decision standing before him. Then he thought as to what Tassadar would have done. The Foremore Executor and elder warrior who has proven time and again that he bears a great intellect and a wise heart throughout his centuries of life. But no matter how much Artanis thought on the matter or even wanted it to be someone else's decision it was still his to make as was the title and burden of Executor and all that entails.
"All forces retreat through the Gateways. A massive Zerg attack wave is coming straight at you. All Scouts attack the hive cluster now!"
His orders were sent and now Artanis could only watch as the consequences of his orders played out on the holo-screens before him. The remaining Templar forces scattered throughout the city quickly retreated to the beach-head and started warping back to the main base. But the tide of Zerglings pressed on scattering through-out the city hunting down and overwhelming any Templar they encountered as they pressed on to the Templar beach-head. Roaring high above the cities ruined spires formations of Scouts flew over the ruined city, who's golden luster once shown beautifully from such hight's. They quickly closed in on their target and locked onto every building in the hive cluster including any and all Drones.
In his seat a Scout pilot locked onto a Hive structure at the very center of the hive cluster.
"Burn to ashes and sow the ground with your bones letting new flowers grow anew." stated the pilot quoting a poem.
All at once the Scouts fire. Over a hundred missiles streaked through the sky arching over the city and finally bombarding the hive cluster with devastation. The only thing left of the Zerg hive cluster was smoke and ash drifting skywards from the updrafts created by the fires. Pleased with the destruction of the Hive cluster Artanis also saw that the Nydus canal's were taken out ending the flow of Zerg reinforcements. He had won and the Scion province was secure again. Almost not wanting too, Artanis forced himself to look at the screen displaying the Observer data stream from the beach-head. Almost imperceptibly Artanis slouched his shoulders as he beheld a field of dead Templar and ruined structures. The Beach head was completely destroyed and the Zergling horde was continuing its charge out of the city to the main Templar base.
"How many made it back?" the Executor asked one of his officers.
The Zealot looked at the screen then to the Executor his face down cast. "45% of the forces we deployed to the city returned before the beach-head was destroyed."
Artanis lowered his head giving a moment to remember the fallen.
"May they join their ancestors in the Khala and become the wisdom and might for the future children of Aiur."
Raising his head Artanis ordered his armada of Scouts to harass the Zerglings as they cross the expanse of land between the city and the main Templar base. The constant staccato of photon blaster fire echoed over the landscape as the Zerglings were whittled down to the last before ever reaching the Executor and his base. After five hours the Executor reinforced his four bases and constructed a forth expansion base in the ruined city to secure it completely. Artanis felt secure in his holdings in the Scion province now and confident that it would stay that way. Then as if to rain on his day a emergency communique from Fenix took his full attention as the holo-screen blinked on.
"Executor. Antioch is under attack by overwhelming Zerg forces!"
Aldaris ever watching from the citadel of the Executor responded before Artanis could. The Judicators face appearing on a holoscreen.
"Praetor, you must hold your position for as long as possible. Fight on brave Fenix, And know that the gods watch over you. En Taro Adun!"
-Chapter End-
