-Chapter 34-


-Province of Antioch, Temple grounds-

In the temple at Antioch Fenix stared out at the expanse of desert and mountains off in the far distance. The Praetor narrowed his eyes spotting flocks of Mutalisk and Guardians flying near the mountains. The very Zerg that wrought devastation to the main outposts defending the province.

Another Zealot approached from behind. "Praetor, our scouts have detected Zerg in the area. It seems they have followed us."

Fenix turned around. "Prepare the defenses. Have every Templar available to fight. We will hold out as long as we can."

The Zealot nodded and the two of them walked down the hall, their foot falls echoed over the ancient stone structure of the Temple. They neared the doorway but Fenix stopped with the Zealot doing the same. With the noise of their foot falls no longer covering it up the two Templar could now hear a faint slithering coming from the other end of the room. Turning around they saw several red colored Zerg almost twice as large as a Hydralisk slithering out from the shadows moving between the stone columns.

"Hunter-killers!" stated the Zealot as he and Fenix ignited their psi-blades.

"With our numbers reduced they must have gotten through gaps in our patrols."

The Hunter-Killers growled flexing their scythe's as they closed in on the two Templar. Both sides stared intently at the other each ready for a fight to the death. Then the sounds of battle faintly reached the Predators ears from outside.

"It seems they intend to keep me from commanding my Templar into battle."

The Zealot moved in front of Fenix. "Praetor let me handle them. You go to the front. Our position here must hold for as long as possible and that will be longer with you leading our forces."

Fenix nodded feeling pride at his Templars honor and sense of duty. The Praetors attention turned to ten more Hunter-killers appearing from the shadows.

"Very well. But take at least ten of them with you. Ty'kon"

Ty'kon nodded changing to a combat stance. "I shall slay twenty of them then."

Both Fenix and Ty'kon charged in different directions. Ty'kon into the group of Hunter-killers and Fenix to the door. Four of the Hunter-killers fired their spines. Ty'kons shield deflected them as he cut into the Hunter-killer ranks. Fenix passed through the doorway and a scythe slashed at him. Psi-dashing to the side He barely evaded the attack and countered impaling the Hunter-killer in the midsection pulling his blade up. Fenix charged forwards not even waiting for the Hunter-killers bisected corpse to hit the cold stone floor. The Praetor ran down the hall to a stairwell to the lower levels. He reached the lower level encountering a pitched battle between ten of his Zealots and thirty Hydralisk. The bodies of many Zerglings littered the floor as the battle continued around them.

"Hold your ground Templar!" Fenix roared leaping off the stairs onto a Hydralisk. Pinning the beast to the floor He cut its head off and psi-charged into the middle of the Hydralisks spinning like a bladed top, his blades we're a whirlwind of death bisecting and delimbed the Hydralisk left and right. Seeing Fenix cutting a swath of destruction in the middle of the Zerg ranks renewed the spirits of the other Templar and they charged forwards. The fierce melee continued for a few more minutes until the Hydralisk all had joined the Zerglings on the floor. As He looked about the corpses covered floor Fenix could hear the roar of battle outside.

"To battle templar!" shouted Fenix.

The Praetor lead his Templar out to the worst of the fighting in the temple grounds courtyard. Outside Fenix found his Dragoons in shambles with half of them already turned into scrap and the rest doing their best to stave off the Zerg assault with the remaining Zealots. A literal wall of Zerg were pressed against the wall of Dragoons and Zealots each firing and hacking without rest. Several clusters of destroyed Dragoons and clusters of dead Zealots could be seen among the tide of Zerg. The failed defense positions where the Templar defenders line had collapsed. With so many defensive positions having failed in such a short time owes to the intensity and ferocity of the Zerg attack. Needing to say nothing further Fenix and his Templar only charged into the battle roaring in defiance of the invaders.


-Chapter 34-

-The Hunt for Tassadar-

-5 Hours later, Char High Orbit-

-Fleet of the Executor-

A dozen Carriers and a force of Arbiters and Scouts as escorts held orbit over the volcanic world of Char. On the bridge of the Capital ship Executor Artanis watched the holo-screen projected across the wall and ceiling showing the planet in detail revealing its glowing magma rivers and black clusters of extinct volcanoes contrasted with the glowing patches identifying the active ones.

Aldaris slowly and gracefully walked up to him standing shoulder to shoulder as both watched the burning world together.

"Executor. I know that you were reluctant to leave Aiur in this dark hour, and that you still grieve for the loss of your comrade, Fenix. But remember that he lived and died as a as a Templar. He has reached the Khala's end. There is no greater glory then that. "

Artanis closed his eyes as Aldaris continued.

"We Judicator are called to look beyond such matters, to ensure the safety and future of our people. It is not the Zerg, but the rogue Tassadar, who represents the greatest threat to us now. "

Artanis opened his eyes and said nothing feeling that the last part rung hollow for him somehow. Aldaris continued.

"If he is allowed to spread the Dark templars tainted influence to Aiur, all will be lost. We will find him and bring him to judgment."

Artanis turned his head to Aldaris wondering what tainted influence Aldaris spoke of. As far as Artanis knew the Dark Templar were exiled because they simple didn't want to be subsumed in the Khala because of the possible loss of their sense of self and a degree if individuality. Artanis suddenly had a odd revelation. What if the Khala and the Zerg hive mind were two sides of the same coin. One connects others via a empathic link while the other directly connects the minds of all its members allowing the complete sharing of information between all those joined in it. The thought was a strange one that only made Artanis all the more reluctant to blame the Dark Templar for being nothing more then strong enough of will to want to be their own person not influenced by any other. Artanis suddenly developed a new respect for the Dark Templar. But would withhold any final judgment until he actually met them. Aldaris continued.

"Tassadar claimed that this world was abandoned by the Zerg. Yet, I still sense a lingering darkness here. Be prepared for..."

Aldaris was interrupted by one of the bridge crew.

"Executor. We have detected the Gantrithor"

Artanis took several steps towards the crewmen. "Are you sure? where is it?"

"I'm sure of its identity Executor. It's located at high orbit over Char's north pole. But it seems to have suffered saver damage and is undergoing emergency repairs."

"Contact them." ordered Artanis.

Aldaris looked to Artanis then to the holo-screen as it blinked on. Two Protoss appeared on the screen, one was the Captain of the Gantrithor and the other was the preserver Zamara.

"En Taro Adun." spoke the Gantrithors captain. "We are glad to see fellow Khala considering our present state. Artanis is that you?"

"Yes it is I. Though now I bare the rank of Executor."

The eyes of neither Zamara nor the captain betrayed their thoughts.

"I see. But why has such a force come to Char?" said the captain

Aldaris stepped forwards. "We are here to take the traitor Tassadar into custody for his actions. May I ask why he is not on the Gantrithor. I do not sense him onboard?"

Both Zamara and the captain shared a glance before turning back to the screen.

"Unfortunately we were separated when the Gantrithor suffered extensive damage."

A flash back showed a massive swarm of Mutalisks and Guardians surrounding and attacking the Gantrithor over a mountain range.

The captain continued. "The Queen of the Zerg attacked in force after discovering the existence of the ship."

In the flash back several Guardians focus their attacks blasting a large hole in the Gantrithors shield followed by the hull. The hole in its hull allowed several Overlords to off load Kerrigan and dozens of other Zerg.

The captain continued. "She and a group of Zerg boarded the ship during the battle doing significant damage while onboard. Luckily we were able to eject them from the ship by turning off the gravity and venting the atmosphere from that section of the ship expelling them."

Kerrigan ripped through Zealot after Zealot as her Zerg heavily damaged the ships internal systems. Then a bulkhead door closed in-front of her and both the gravity turned off and air presser shifted pulling her and her Zerg through the hallways and out of the ship as it ascended out of Chars atmosphere. Kerrigan tumbled end over end falling several thousand meters before spreading her skeletal wings, stabilizing. She fell a little further before a Mutalisk caught her.

The captain continued. "However I doubt she was killed as Tassadar and the others stuck on the surface are still hunted by the Swarm."

"Why did you not just teleport them aboard?" asked Aldaris.

It was Zamaras turn to speak up. "Unfortunately the gateways aboard the ship were among the systems destroyed by the Zerg queen and her forces during her rampage. Judicator, Executor. If either of you sense false hood in my words as a Preserver then feel free to come aboard and read my memories. But know that I would never dishonor the name of the preserver's and remain a neutral observer."

"Forgive me Zamara I am not accusing nore insulting your duty as a Preserver. I was merely asking where Tassadar was. The Conclave has sent us to arrest him for his failure to carry out his duties and for consorting with the Dark Templar."

"I see." said Zamara. "Though I think sending such a fleet for that task alone is... excessive. I will tell you where Tassadar is. In fact he and his forces are in dire need of aide at the moment. We are in no position to give help given the ships damage but you are. I will send his coordinates."

On the bridge of Artanis ship a holo-screen blinked on showing a map of Char. It zoomed in several times until showing a region surrounded by tens of thousands of Zerg with a Protoss base atop a mountain under attack. Mutalisk were attacking in force along with many other Zerg on the ground. But the bases position and defenses were strong giving them a effective terrain advantage.

Artanis turned around walking to the doors. "I'm going down there."

Aldaris turned to stop him at first but reconsidering after seeing the fire in the Executors eyes.

-Five Minutes Later, Five Miles From Tassadar's Base.-

In a flash Artanis warped onto the surface of Char. At his back were a army of Zealots and Dragoons. Aldaris warped to the surface moments later with several Reavers.

"Executor, though I have reservations about you coming down to the surface your-self it is not my place to speak of such. May the gods grant us luck in cutting a path to our objective."

Artanis noticed that the Reavers behind Aldaris were modified. "Those Reavers look customized?" he stated.

"Ah yes. These Reavers are a special variant focused on defense rather than offense. They were only recently developed and deployed when the Zerg attacked Aiur. They can project a domed shield over a wide area to protect infantry from heavy bombardment and other ranged attacks. Considering the Zergs recent development of projectile weapons, they should prove quite useful and should grant our Templar more than enough time to counter attack."

Artanis nodded in agreement. "Shield Reavers then? They should be of great use in this situation." Artanis turned around. "Now then let's move out before the Zerg overwhelm Tassadar's defenses."

The Shield Reavers produced a wide quarter sphere over Artanis forces as they moved out. The Templar moved up a sloped bank to more open terrain. Aldaris walked along side Artanis as they headed north. The two kept their heads on a swivel keeping a eye out for any Zerg movement. Then with no warning a dozen Zerglings erupted from underground just inside the shield and charged at Artanis and Aldaris. Together they ignited their psi-blades and charged cutting down the abushing Zerglings. More Zealots joined in on the melee eliminating the Zerglings in short order. Moving further north Artanis and his forces encountered a odd sight. A field of Creep with no Zerg structures visible.

Standing at the edge of the creep field Artanis and Aldaris surveyed the scene.

"This is... different ?" stated Aldaris.

"Perhaps a Sunken colony lie's at the center. This may be here to limit Tassadar's forces movement while the forces of this Queen of the Zerg closes her grip on His forces."

"Perhaps. But let us dispatch it and move on." said Aldaris.

The Shield Reavers moved to the edge of the Creep-field doing a pulsed scan of the underground. They found three Sunken colonies and quickly dispatched them with their Scarabs allowing the Executors army to move forwards. Turning down a path to the northeast Artanis and his army encountered another Creep-field with several Sunken colonies at its center and guarded by more Zerglings. Dispatching the obstacle they moved onwards traveling further north and encountering a large crater. As they circled around it a group of Hydralisk and Zerglings numbering over a hundred erupted from underground. Not wanting to waste any more time dealing with them Aldaris used his most devastating ability a Psi-Storm rending the majority of the Zerg to smoking twisted corpses and leaving the rest to be picked off by the Dragoons who left the protective envelope of the shield to fire their weapons.

Progressing northwest Artanis and his forces passed between a pair of steep cliffs carved into the landscape many countless eons ago by a magma flow creating the path between the cliffs they now walk between. Shrinking echoed from over head as a flock of Mutalisk appeared.

"Dragoons forward!" the Executor commanded.

The Dragoons left the barrier opening fire on the Mutalisk. Beams lanced through the sky killing several Mutalisk and forcing the rest to take evasive maneuvers while counter attacking.

"Return!" commanded Artanis.

The Dragoons returned to the protective barrier letting the Mutalisk's attacks uselessly impact the shield.

"Zealots forwards!" Artanis commanded again.

On both sides of the Reavers shield two groups of Zealots exited the barrier casting psi-spears skywards. The psi-spears flew high into the air impacting several of the Zerg flyers and detonated producing a spectacular explosion. The surviving Mutalisk circled around harassing the dome several more times before the last of them were taken out by the Zealots. Moving forwards Artanis felt a sense of unease grip his mind.

"Ambush!" Aldaris called out.

From atop the cliffs on both sides Hydralisk appeared raining down their spines and for those equipped with symbiote's, spore shells. While In front a force of Zerglings and Defilers un-burrowed from below the surface charging the barrier. Artanis quickly discerned their aim and countered.

"Zealots to me. Aldaris deal with the Hydralisk."

Nodding Aldaris took command of the Dragoons while the Executor lead the Zealots to meet the Zerg on the ground. Artanis charged through the Barrier with his Zealots soon clashing with the Zerglings and Defilers. The latter scattered their dark clouds of fog over the battlefield obscuring visibility. But thanks to Artanis leadership and focus the Templar simply continued charging forwards hacking and slashing through the Zerg forces until none remained. Behind the battle on the ground Aldaris ordered the Shield Reavers to reduce their shields size allowing the Dragoons to fire on the cliffs above. The cliffs suffered multiple beam strikes from the Dragoons before collapsing bringing the Hydralisk down with them. The few Hydralisk that survived the fall with the boulders were quickly finished off by the Dragoons.

Artanis, Aldaris and the rest of the Templar forces progressed onwards up the mountain. They eventually reached a battle where a group of Terran's were firing from a elevated cliff down at a army of Zerglings below.

"Terrans here?" questioned Aldaris.

"I suspect there to be a few questions that will need to be answered when we meet Tassadar." stated Artanis.

The Terrans launched a missile skywards. It split into eight smaller missiles that rained down into the heart of the Zerg forces, gutting them with concurrent explosions. The Terran marines atop the cliff resumed their fire quickly eliminating the rest of the Zerg. When all was quit Artanis casually walked over towards the cliff quickly followed by Aldaris.

"Do not be heedless of possible danger Executor. The Terrans may fire on you!"

Artanis continued walking. "True Judicator. However I suspect these Terrans and Tassadar are working together."

Saying nothing more Aldaris and the rest of the Executors forces walked out into the open in front of the Terrans. One of the armored marines spotted them and disappeared over the cliff edge. Soon the Marine and others appeared observing the Templar from atop the cliffs.

"Hay are you guys reinforcements?" asked one marine, his voice booming and echoing from the helmet mic's amplifier.

"Yes of sorts." answered Artanis. "Is Tassadar here?"

For a moment the Terrans talked silently amongst themselves using their radio mic's.

"Yes. Him and Raynor are in the Nexus. You can get up here using a ramp over there."

Artanis nodded to the Tarren and walked off towards the direction indicated. A few minutes later Artanis and his forces walked into the middle of a rather small base with fire fights echoing from off in the distance while groups of Templar and a few Terrans moved to and from along the various paths up to the base. A minute later Aldaris and Artanis were both lead into the Nexus command room where Tassadar and Raynor were standing over a holo-map of the area with many dots and lines showing various defensive points and terrain kill zones that were keeping the Zerg at bay.

Tassadar looked up from the map locking eyes with the newest arrival's.

"Aldaris? Executor? How is it that you've come here? I was about to abandon all hope of rescue?"

With all the pomp and haughty attitude of a high ranking aristocrat Aldaris sounded oh so pleased at the situation and even sounded like he had come all by him-self.

"I have come to arrest you and bring you home to Aiur to stand trial."

Tassadar's face expressed great surprise at the Judicators statement and all it meant.

"Arrest me? Aiur burns under the Zerg onslaught! And you travel all this way to arrest me?"

Feeling a odd de'ja vu moment Raynor spoke up. "Don't let it get to you man. This happened to me once."

Aldaris finally regarding Raynors existence glanced at the armored Terran then back to the former Executor.

"Who is this Terran. Tassadar?"

"The names Jim Raynor pale. And I won't be talked down to by anybody. Not even a Protoss."

"Amusing... Tassadar your taste in companions grows ever more inexplicable. Executor, prepare to take Tassadar into costody..."

"Executor wait. I do not know what they have told you about me, but what i've done, i've done for Aiur. Help me find Zeratul and his Dark templar. They alone can defeat the Overminds Cerebrates. Once we've won I'll gladly submit myself to the judgment of the Conclave."

"Unthinkable!" exclaimed Aldaris. "You presume that we would side with the Dark Ones as you have? You have gone quit mad, Tassadar."

"You shall speak of them with respect Aldaris. Executor, there is much that I can explain to..."

Artanis raised his hand silencing Tassadar. "There is no need for such words Tassadar. I have already decided to use the Dark Templar in the fight against the Zerg. Though it was a brief advantage the Terran psi-disruptor did effectively use Void energies to stop a Cerebrate from resurrecting as well as disrupted the Zerg hive mind. However the Overmind caught wind of the device and destroyed it allowing the fallen Cerebrate to resurrect. But still it does show that the energies of the Void are usable in defeating the Zerg. If they can be found the Dark Templar would prove invaluable in defeating the Overmind and his Swarm once in for all."

Aldaris growled at the Executors silently clutching his fists but said nothing.

"You have my thanks Executor Artanis." said Tassadar. "Now we must break through the Zerg encirclement and find Zeratul and sped our way home."

Artanis raised his robotic arm catching Raynors attention.

"This is Executor Artanis. We have found Tassadar. Have the fleet close in on our position. Scour the surrounding hive clusters from the surface."

On board the Executors capital ship the captain nodded at the command.

"Understood Executor. Deploy the Scouts and Interceptors and send in six Carriers to bombard the Zerg hive clusters within twenty kilometers of the Executors location."

Formations of Scouts and Interceptors along with six Carriers descended to the surface of Char bombarding any and all Zerg presence within twenty kilometers of the the Terrans and Protoss mountain base. Soon after as the land burned more than usual the queen of the Zerg stood appeared atop a Mutalisk as the Protoss vessels hovered over the mountains in the far distance firing at any Zerg on the surface below them.

"So they still have luck on their side. This isn't over." Kerrigan sneared as she left the area leaving her forces in the region to be annihilated.


-Choosing Sides-

-Capital Ship Gantrithor, Low orbit over Char-

-One Hour Later-

Artanis and Tassadar stood on the Gantrithors bridge looking over a Map of Char searching for possible locations where Zeratul and the rest of the Dark Templar could have gone. Raynor was absent as he was with his men getting them settled in and healed.

A holo-screen blinked on showing Aldaris.

"Executor, By following Tassadar and attempting to rescue the Dark Templar, you have openly defied the will of the Conclave. I implore you abandon this mad scheme now and the Conclave may show you mercy."

Tassadar had his own words to say to that.

"For many long millennial the Conclave have steered the actions of the Templar for their own ends and gains." Tassadar turned to Artanis. "Executor I would advise you to choose the path that you alone decide without the interference of others clouding you thoughts and without regret. It is time we Templar acted of our own accord."

"Ah, Tassadar, Have you fallen so far? To think that you were our brightest hope, our most beloved son. Now you are everything that we are not. You are lost to us. Not only have you damned you self, but damned those that have followed you."

With viger and emotion behind his words Tassadar countered Aldaris words.

"Such is the price for our salvation Judicator! I have been here with the Dark Templar, these last few months. While I helped them in their fight against the Zerg. I learned many of their Secrets from their Prelate. Zeratul. Apparently the Void energies which empower the Dark Templar also courses through the Overmind and its Cerebrates."

Aldaris was at first indifferent to Tassadar's words.

"The same Cerebrate which you told us to use that scrap of Terran technology on. The device, while admittedly stopped the Cerebrate from reincarnating did little to stop it from resurrecting again once the device was destroyed so it and by extension the Dark Templar would prove to be of little use in the war to retake Aiur from the Swarm."

"Unfortunately, yes. Your attack on the Cerebrate failed because the Void energies of the Psi-disruptor were spread too thin. The energies of the Khala which we Aiur Protoss use are useless against the Overmind and it's Cerebrates. But the Psi-disruptor did prove that Void energies are effective against the Cerebrates. But such energies are only fatal to the Cerebrates if used directly. Only the Nerazim's power can truly harme the Zerg. That is why we must rescue Zeratul, his people and then return to Aiur."

Artanis spoke up.

"Aldaris though you think it folly I will remain and aide Tassadar. Though not because he was my teacher but because I think there is merit to his words and deeds."

Aldaris gave a exasperated sigh.

"Your were warned Executor. The Conclave will not be pleased."

Aldaris cut the com-line.

Artanis sighed at the Judicators additude.

"He is stubborn."

Tassadar placed a reassuring hand on his former pupils shoulder.

"He will understand once he sees a Cerebrate fall to the Warp blade of a Dark Templar."

"Warp blade?" Artanis questioned.

"They are the Nerazims version of the Templar psi-blades."

The two Templar conversed for a bit concerning more detail about the Nerazim until Raynor and his Sergeant Littlefield entered the bridge.

"Uh... En Toro A,duun?" Raynor tried the Protoss greeting.

"En Taro Adun." Little field corrected.

"Right right sorry. En Taro Adun. Uh is there any progress in finding Zeratul?" asked Raynor.

"Some friend Raynor." Spoke Tassadar.

Raynor and Littlefield joined the two at the holo-map.

"Here." said Artanis pointing to a area with heavy Zerg activity. "There are apparently a higher concentration of Zerg in this area although there is few Hive clusters in the region. However we have picked up Terran signal's in the area."

"Terran!?" exclaimed Raynor then giving the sargeant a quick glance. "It may be Matt or Warfield looking for us. If their here then there's a possibility that Zeratul and his people may have met up with them."

Both Tassadar and Artanis mused at the possibility.

"Though it unlikely it is worth investigating if nothing else. What is the Executors opinion?" stated Tassadar.

Feeling it a odd contrast between Aldaris and Tassadar as far as their willingness to ask his opinion Artanis nodded in agreement.

"Seeing as we do not have any more leads it is worth investigating. We will meet up with the Terran forces and find out what they know if anything about the Dark Templar's location. If they know nothing then we will continue our search. If nothing else Raynor and his men will be able to rejoin their people."

"Sounds like a plan." stated Raynor.

They all looked to the map of the region the Terran forces were stationed at. The region was a massive magma lake fifty kilometers wide with several large islands scattered around. Three to the center and south of the lake were covered in Zerg hive clusters while the majority of the Terran signals were emanating from the island to the far northeast.

-Ten minutes later-

Several Scouts zoomed over head as Raynor and a group of Marines gunned down several Mutalisks and Overlords.

"Ok Executor Artanis the ground is clear." said Raynor.

"My thanks for the hard work Raynor. Im sending in my forces to establish a forward base."

Moments later Raynor and his men watched as several dozen Shuttles and Scouts flew over the island. The Shuttles landed off loading many Zealots, Dragoons and Probes. The Probes quickly started warping in a Nexus, Gateways, Stargates and other buildings along with several dozen Pylons and Photon cannons. As the defenses were being established, two flocks of Mutalisks appeared on the horizon. The Scouts patrolling over the island converged on them engaging in a fierce aerial battle.

Raynor and his men could only watch from the island as every few minutes a Scout or hand full of Mutalisk fell out of the air crashing into the flowing magma lake below.

"I wise this damn area didn't have such heavy electromagnetic interference." exclaimed Raynor.

"Yeah." Littlefield exclaimed. "Kind of odd that Warfield or Horner would make this area a base of operations?"

Raynor sighed turning to the Sergeant. "Maybe they though that the magma lake would keep the Zerg from overwhelming them on the ground. It's not a bad plan. But they can still use air units either way. Perhaps they didn't even know that the area had such bad EM interference before landing?"

Sergeant Littlefield looked out to the glowing magma flowing around the island.

"Maybe the magma is heavy in iron and with it flowing like this it generate's the interference?"

Raynor mused at the theory. "Like a planet's natural Electromagnetic Field huh!"

"Yeah. Maybe?" Littlefield replied.

On the bridge of the Gantrithor Tassadar and Artanis watched as their forces and Raynors marines secured the island closest to the Terran forces. Tassadar focused on overseeing a second expansion base at the northern end of the island while Artanis built up the main base and fought off the constant air attacks from a hive cluster some where further south. A Hour passed and Artanis forces was finally at peek strength easily fighting off the constant Zerg attacks. Tassadar's expansion was completed with heavy defenses and several Forges and Stargates which warped in or constructed Scouts and Shuttles. The island they landed on was luckily rich in minerals that the Forges could convert into new units.

"All right boys file in." said Raynor as his men entered a Protoss Shuttle.

"Good luck Friend Raynor." said Tassadar over the armor's com unit.

"Thanks. Hopefully we can make contact with Warfield or Horner whichever one is here."

The Shuttles and Scouts providing escort lifted off from the island and headed northeast. The massive magma lake produced noxis gasses and clouds that obscured visibility from longer ranges but also made good cover for a stealthy approach. Raynor really didn't want to fight against other Terrans but there's always the possibility that the Terran forces here were not from the Dominion but were mercenaries or hostile forces from the Kel'morien combine or the Umoja Protectorate. Though Raynor had no idea why they would be here on Char of all places. Still one needed to keep their guard up and consider all the possibilities or suffer a unpleasant end. Especially on a World like Char.

The Shuttles and their escorts cruised through wispy dark clouds of gas as the magma boiled and flowed below them. The island where the Terran signals were emanating from became larger in the distance as they closed in on it. Raynor moved up to the Shuttles pilots seat looking out the window/ display-screen. The colored HUD indicator illuminated several aerial craft in the distance.

"Uh computer magnify those vessels." said Raynor.

Following the Terrans request the Shuttles A.I. magnified the image's of the ships on the screen. Several Battle cruisers and a large formation of Wraiths patrolling around them appeared on the screen. Each with the Dominion insignia on their flanks.

"Computer open communications to the Terran ships." Raynor ordered.

A few moments passed as the A.I. did as instructed. The screen blinked on with heavy EM interference barely showing a Terran at the bridge of a ship.

"Uh? .ho, .s, this?" the man asked his image and words garbled by the interference.

"I'm Jim Raynor from the Dominion expedition forces sent to Char several months ago."

The line was heavily disrupted with interference but after a few minutes of back and forth the man finally got the full message and contacted his superior officer. Soon after the familiar face of Horace Warfield walked into the screens view.

"Ra..nor! Y(static), Al(static), (static)ission, (static) Gra(static), Don't know (static) Protoss but glad you alive at le(static),"

Raynor got the meaning despite the interference.

"Glad to see you to. I'll tell you about everything after I land."

A few minutes later the Shuttles landed at the Terran Base. Warfield in his white armor was waiting for Raynor at the Space ports landing platform. The Protoss Shuttles landed off loading all of Raynors men before lifting off again and returning to the Templars island.

"Hm. Good to see you alive Raynor." stated Warfield as he looked around at Raynors men.

"Glad to be back General. My men and I were aided by the Protoss during our less than plesant stay on Char. We'll be glad to get back to Korhal after this."

Warfield's gaze turned back to Raynor. "Unfortunately I still have men on this rock."

"What do you mean General?" asked Littlefield.

"My forces first established a base on Char on a island to the south as a base of operations to search for you and your men. During that time we encountered a few Protoss in dark garb and allowed them to stay at our base for a short time."

"The Dark Templar!" exclaimed Raynor.

"I guess that's what they called themselves. That busy body Haruka was inspecting the base around the time they showed up and used her pull to get me to let them in. Unfortunately a day after that, which would be five hours ago the Zerg attacked in force and nearly destroyed the whole base. Except for the underground bunker storage complex. It has pretty strong bulkhead doors that even the Zerg should find trouble getting through. But they won't hold forever which is why i'm rallying my remaining forces to break through the Zerg lines to rescue the survivors still trapped in their."

Raynor got all smug. "Well general I don't mean to sound sure of myself but perhaps the Protoss would help. Their actually looking for the Dark Templar in that base."

"Really now." said Warfield. "Well I suppose this is one of those, the enemy of my enemy is my friend situations then isn't it."

-5 Minutes Later Gantrithor-

A holo-screen blinked on showing Raynor, catching the Executors attention.

"Executor Artanis I've met up with my people and made a little discovery about the location of the Dark Templar."

Tassadar walked over entering the cameras view for Raynor. "Friend Raynor what have you discovered?"

"It turns out that the Dark templar were allowed to take shelter in the main Terran base by someone I know. But that base is now over run by the Zerg. But they should still be alive in the underground storage complex. I suggest our two groups work together to rescue our respective people. Then we can blow this place and leave Char behind."

"I am thankful for the information Raynor and agree to the cooperative effort." replied Artanis.

Raynor looked off screen gesturing with a hand. "See I told you they would go for it."

"It's progress." said a voice off screen.

Raynor backed off and the owner of the voice steeped into view.

"Executor Artanis I presume." said Warfield. "Im General Horace Warfield of the Dominion military. Im glad our two groups can cooperate. Considering the situation fighting on two fronts would be a daunting effort. So i'm all too happy to get the reinforcements. This lake was meant to be a hiding place for my forward base while we looked for Raynor. But seeing that's no longer needed we only need to find our people trapped in the underground storage bunker and leave this god forsaken planet."

Artanis nodded. "I am in agreement Warfield. Seeing that you've been in the region longer can you offer advice on a course of action."

"I suggest we clear the central Zerg hive cluster first before we take on the one that's on my former base. There's one more to the far southwest but destroying that hive cluster is not needed and will only waste time. We need only cut a path to the base and ignore any other distractions."

"Then I am in agreement. I will attack the central Zerg hive cluster with a air assault shortly." said Artanis.

Warfield nodded. "In that case could you target their anti-air defenses. I'll follow up with a land invasion via our Dropships."

Tassadar spoke up. "I will prepare a invasion force to assault the hive cluster once the central one is dealt with."

The Templar and Terran commanders gathered their forces preparing to assault the two hive clusters back to back. Artanis looked to his command screen seeing that his Scouts were all ready and armed.

"Initiate assault operation." the Executor ordered.

The Scout pilots hearing the order primed their engines. Over twenty Scouts levitated off the ground from the main Protoss base and took off. Accelerating over the glowing magma lake they were soon joined by a hundred Interceptors from the fleet in orbit. The combined force flew with purpose across the molten lake or semi-liquid rock and were soon reward with a distant image of the central island. It's surface was covered in creep and had nearly a hundred pulsating living structures scattered across its surface. Spore colonies angled their tower like bodies towards the approaching Templar forces and fired sending volleys of fire skywards. The Interceptor drones opened fire filling the air with their photon blaster fire, clearing the sky of most of the Zerg anti-air fire. With the way cleared for the most part the Scouts focused on their targets the Spore colonies.

A Scout pilot looked to his screens indicating possible targets filling his screen. With a simple mental order he targeted the closest Spore Colony and another HUD indicator showed how many other Scouts were targeting the same Spore Colony so as to avoid to many of them wasting missiles on one target. The indicator showing other Scouts targets switched around a bit for a few seconds before settling.

"Burn to ashes." the pilot said as he fired.

Dozens of anti-matter missiles streamed through the sky towards their targets arching downwards in a graceful curve until impact. Nearly a hundred explosions covered the hive cluster killing every Spore colony and severely damaging most of the Sunken colonies. As the hive colony burned from the destruction of most of its defenses the Protoss aerial fleet retreated. And was quickly replaced by a aerial armada of Terran Dropships, Wraiths fighters and Kestrel bombers.

As if arriving to defend the hive cluster from the Terrans attack a flock of Mutalisk and Scourges arrived from the southwest, engaging the Terran forces in a mid air battle.

The Wraiths accelerated towards the incoming Zerg threats firing their belly mounted laser and missiles. Beams of red energy pierced Mutalisk through and blasted off wings while volleys of mini-Scourges slammed into the Wraiths formations and swarming missiles blasted the smaller and larger Scourges out of the air. While the Wraiths dealt with the enemy in the air the Kestrels bombed the Hive cluster finishing off the last of the Sunken colonies and killing clustered groups of Zerg gathering below. With the way cleared for the most part the Dropships landed while taking minor spore and spine fire. Turrets swiveled along the Dropships wings returning fire with a barrage of several thousand rounds of armor piercing explosive rounds, cutting a swath of death through the Zerglings and Hydralisk below them.

Even with some damage taken the Dropships all landed dropping their ramps. Turrets continued firing at approaching Zerg while Siege tanks and Marines streamed off the ramps filling the area with Terran forces and gunfire. The charging Marines gunned down any and all Zerg they encountered taking defensive positions around the landing zone while the main Terran forces continued streaming off the Dropships. Siege tanks in twos and threes deployed into siege mode targeted the living buildings in teams. Loud bangs reverberated through the air as artillery shells blasted the Zerg structures apart one by one while Marines standing or kneeling fired into the charging hordes of Zerg. Barrages of spores struck the Marines blasting holes into their armor followed by stinging armor piercing volleys of spines. Suffering injuries and some casualties the Marines fired a constant stream of metal spikes into the Zerg forces mowing them down in groups, only to be replaced by a second, third and then a forth waves. But then the Zerg numbers dropped off decreasing along with the number of buildings as the Siege tanks fired relentlessly until the island was a smooth sheet of smoking gore and corpses.

Tassadar watched from his station on the Gantrithor. Seeing that the Terrans have eliminated the Zerg Hive cluster standing in the direct way of the former Terran base. Tassadar sent the order to his forces. A mixed force of two hundred Interceptors, Scouts and Arbiters deployed from the fleet of the Executor and the surface bases joining during their flight over the burning lake. Interceptors formed into a U shaped defensive formation around the Arbiters and Scouts as they flew towards the hive cluster to the southeast. Clouds of Spores and Scourges appeared flying to intercept the Protoss forces. All at once and with perfect mechanical precision the two straight parts of the Interceptors U formation swung out forming a wall in front of the Scouts and Arbiters. The Interceptors opened fire sending a wall of withering fire at the incoming Zerg anti-air fire. White hot photonic bolts ripped into the Scourges and Spores clearing them from the sky. Reacting the Zerg Spores and Scourges scattered flanking around, below and above the Interceptors line of sight. The Scouts changed formation to multiple ring formations around the Arbiters opening fire on the Zerg. The second line of defense held the Zerg attack off long enough for the Templar forces to reach the island. The Arbiters having reached close enough to the island activated their Recall ability, and in dozens of flashes of light Protoss Shuttles were teleported in groups of five around each Arbiter.

The Shuttles wasted no time landing and deploying their precious cargo of Zealots, Dragoons Reavers and Shield Reavers. Tassadar appeared from one of the Shuttles leading the charge.

Sparking his psi-blades Tassadar lead the charge into the Zerg lines. "Templar. Clear the way so that our brethren may see the light of a new day."

The Shield Reavers kept the long ranged Zerg attacks at bay while the Templar ripped through the Zerg font lines. Dragoons and Normal Reavers poked out from the Shields reping devastation upon the Zerg Sunken and Spore colonies as the Templar forces advanced forwards cutting a path of destruction through the hive cluster. Scourges dived from the aerial battle above crashing into the Shield Reavers energy domes weakening them little by little along with the withering fire from the rest of the Zerg forces constantly barraging the domes. As he advanced Tassadar spotted two pairs of Hatcheries to his right.

"All forces swing right." Ordered Tassadar.

Leading the new direction the Templar forces made a tight turn to the right targeting that side of the hive cluster. They cut through the Defenders and felled Spore and Sunken colonies until none remained. Reavers fired their Scarbs through the Energy shield blasting apart the lines of gathered Zerglings and Hydralisk showering the plasma dome in their projectiles. Groups of Dragoons passed through the Shield Reavers barrier unleashing a full spray of energy bolts into the ranks of the Zerg forces only to retreat again into the barrier as Zerglings charged at them and were subsequently eliminated by the Zealots. Once the Zerglings were no longer a threat the Dragoons exited the domes again switching modes to beam fire and targeting the Hatcheries. The beams burned through the carapace and flesh of the structures reducing them to piles of dead charred meat and bone.

After clearing the area of all Zerg units and buildings Tassadar and his forces continued their charge towards the entrance to the underground storage bunker. Burning and cutting through another gauntlet of Zerg defenses Tassadar finally stood at the door Warfield said lead to the underground bunker.

"Executor, I sense that Zeratul and his brethren are close by. But I have yet to make contact with them, and the Zerg have already breached the Terran barriers on the surface. I fear they are may be in grave danger. Keep the Zerg on the surface occupied while I search the depth's of this complex for them."

"I understand Tassadar." Artanis replied. "My forces and the Terrans are closing in on the island to render further aide but the hive cluster to the south west is constantly attacking my base. I fear it may be receiving reinforcements from outside the region so please be swift."

Tassadar looked into the distant sky as Terran aircraft engaged the Zerg air forces. Turning to the dark entrance Tassadar and a small escort entered the underground complex while the rest of his forces will hold position at the entrance. A light blinked along the wall as a wire sticking out of a slash mark on the wall below it sparked with electricity. Tassadar halted sensing Zerg nearby. Projecting a telekinetic force across the dark hall He ripped several Zerglings out from their hiding spot in the floor. Clenching his fist Tassadar crushed them causing them to implode. Tassadar and his escorts continued moving forwards down the dark hallway until stopping at a large bulkhead door. The door was sealed and would not open but had extensive cut marks across its surface. The Zealots stepped forwards and began cutting through it. The metal surface quickly giving way to their psionic blades.

The door fragments echoed as they clattered to the floor opening the way. Tassadar and his escorts entered the hole in the door entering the next hallway and quickly spotting the bodies of a number of dead Terran Marines scattered around. Among them were a few wounded and living Marines leaning against the wall.

"Terrans." Tassadar called.

The Marines quickly turned their heads to the Templar but showed no other signs of movement.

"Protoss? What are you doing here?" asked one Marine.

"I am Tassadar. We are here looking for others of our kind who took refuge here. Do you know anything of them?"

The Marines shared looks.

"Uh yeah I guess. I remember that VIP woman along with her escorts bringing them down here." The Marine looked around at the dead bodies of his men and those that still lived. "We... uh, we held out for as long as we could but those dame Zerg just ripped through the security door and charged through us like they were blood hounds chasing prey. So long as we weren't in their direct path and didn't fire at them they didn't attack us. It was weird!"

Tassadar took the information deducing that the Zerg and by extension Kerrigan wanted the Dark Templar dead and was ordering her forces to ignore all unnecessary distractions.

"Let us find this VIP person you speak of and the Dark Templar. Then we may all leave this foul place together."

The Terrans talked a moment before agreeing. Together the Templar and Terran progressed further into the complex the Terrans leading the way. The group fought their way through several rooms and hallways until reaching a chamber with a smashed in ceiling exposing the sky above.

"Executor can you hear me?" Tassadar spoke telepathicly.

"Tassadar! You are well I presume." replied the Executor.

"Yes and i've found Terran survivors. We are progressing through the facility. Could you send a few reinforcements to my location. There appears to be a structural defect here that should allow you to send in more Templar."

Moments later a Shuttle hovered over the hole unloading six Zealots and two Dragoons.

"Good hunting Tassadar." said Artanis.

With the Reinforcements the mixed force of Templar and Terrans moved deeper into the facility fighting through multiple Zerg ambushes until reaching a long hallway turning left at its end. As he walked down its darkened corridor Tassadar stopped signaling to his Templar and Terran allies to do the same.

"I Sense Zerg around the corner." Tassadar warned.

"Another ***damn ambush!" exclaimed a marine who like the others had their eyes focused for any Zerg movement.

Tassadar shook his head. "No. Just a lot of Zerg."

"So... what do we do, charge in?" another Marine asked.

Tassadar ignited his Psi-blades. "Not yet."

"That mean were gonna charge but not right yet then?" a Marine asked.

Tassadar created two Hallucinations of Zealots and had them move down the hallway. While they were moving down the hallway he also had his Zealots and Dragoon take up positions to the center and middle with the Terrans forming two layered firing lines along the walls. Moments later the two illusionary Zealots were overwhelmed by a horde of Zerglings quickly reduced to psionic fog. The stampeding Zerglings turned the corner charging at Tassadar's group.

"Weapon's free!" shouted a Marine.

All the Terrans fired unloading a heavy barrage of gunfire into the Zerg horde charging at them. And were quickly soon joined by the Dragoons who nearly filled the hallway with their rapid fire spray of energy bolts. Most of the Zerglings fell to the onslaught of projectiles but those that got in close range were felled by the Zealots blades. The fire fight lasted a full ten minutes as the Zerglings constantly streamed into the hall way seemingly without end.

Rapid clicking! The marines breathed a collective sigh of relief as their rifles ammo counters red zero.

"Damn! Remind me to always pack extra ammo after this." said one Marine.

"Better make that a standard mission prep order from now on sergeant." said another.

Ignoring the Terrans witty banter Tassadar and his Templar moved down the hall wading through the piles of Zerg corpses and rounded the corner. They moved passed several locked doors with heavy damage to the end of the hall reaching a dead end meaning that this was the end to the underground complex. With no sign of Zeratul and his Dark Templar Tassadar was beginning to lose hope.

"Huh you could have waited for us!" spoke a Terran as he approached. "Looks like this control panel is still working. You said you were looking for more Protoss?"

"Yes." Replied Tassadar. "Can you find them on the security recordings Terran?"

"Yeah sure. And also my names Charles by the way." Charles stepped up to the control panel bringing up a video file of the security system. They flipped through several video records of the past 48 hours up till the Zerg attack finding a point in the security history showing the same hallway that they were in right now. The feed showed several Terran Marines and one Terran female leading the Dark Templar into one of the nearby rooms and locking it behind them.

"So they are in there then. Can you open the door?" asked Tassadar.

"Yeah sure give me a moment." Replied Charles as he typed away at the controls. "Damn doors servos are damaged... then I just got'a use the emergency override and..." Loud clanking noise down hall. "There we go." said Charles. "Systems busted so the door won't move again, but hay not like staying here."

Tassadar walked to the newly opened door stopping at the door way peering into the dark chamber.

"Greetings Dark one. I have come to bring you home"

Several figures moved in the darkness approaching Tassadar.

"Greetings to you Tassadar. I know you would not forsake us. For in the time that we have spent with us, you have learned to value our ways and our methods. You have learned to channel our dark powers as well as that of your masters; thus, you alone have found completeness beyond the scope of the Khala. But I fear that the Conclave in it's pride could never bring itself to welcome outcasts such as we."

Tassadar took two steps closer to Zeratul.

"Outcasts though you may be, it is your vision and courage that may yet save our Homeland from the Swarm. I beg of you Zeratul, return with us to Aiur!. Though they are petty, and have, in ignorance cursed your kind for generations... help me save our people."

Zeratul sighed thinking on the matter. Zerion stepped forth giving his teacher a telling nod. Zeratul looked back to the other Dark Templar each giving the same mental gesture. Turning back to Tassadar Zeratul gave his response.

"Since our banishment long ago, we have never failed in our responsibility to Aiur. Though it shall cause us great pain to see our homeland once more... we shall return with you, Tassadar. We will do what we can."

"I am glad to hear that my friend."

Suddenly another presence exited the shadows as if Dark Templar themselves.

"I see that you Protoss have had your conversation. Now I think we all should get out of here before more Zerg show up."

Tassadar stared at the Terran human contemplating how he did not sense her presence as he did the other Terrans around her.

"And who may you be Terran?" asked Tassadar.

"The names Haruka. I'm a high ranking member of the new Terran Dominion government which replaced the now defunct Confederacy. You must be Tassadar. While we were waiting Zeratul told me all about you. But I digress. Time to leave."

Haruka and her Marine escort left the room along with two dozen other Terrans. Both Tassadar and Zeratul closely watched as she left their sight.

"I did not tell her anything about you Tassadar." stated Zeratul. " Though she be Terran I also sense another side to her as she somehow bares the same dark powers as we Nerazim. How a Terran could obtain such power I do not know? But she allowed us refuge here when the Zerg hunted us and when the Zerg attacked lead us to this room along with her own people."

Tassadar mused to himself.

"I sense no Zerg taint from her. But she bares a... odd sensation that I can not describe. I think we should watch out for her in the future."

"Agreed" said Zeratul.

-Chapter End-