-Chapter 36-
Bang!
Ko'toss turned around. A fragment of Fenix's Dragoon shell went flying from its rear section landing with a metallic thud. Now that He thinks about it Ko'toss saw that the Dragoon had a extra rear pod in addition to those arms. All watched as a healed Fenix extracted himself from the undamaged rear compartment, blue fluids from the regeneration tank dripping from his form, modestly covered by a medical bodysuit.
"AH! my joints feel so stiff from being constrained by that tank for so long!" exclaimed Fenix as he rotated his arms and cracked his neck. "Round one goes to you Ko'toss. But lets continue our duel. One moment."
As Ko'toss and the Templar watched still partly in shock, Fenix walked casually over to one of his former Dragoon shells severed arms. He pulled at a switch causing the upper arms to detach from the damaged lower half and opened a hole at the wrist joint. Fenix then inserted his whole forearm into the device lifted it up and ignited the oversized (3 foot) psi-blade.
Ko'toss shook off his momentary surprise and took two steps forwards.
"Your are a difficult one to kill Fenix. I salute your bravery and strength and..."
Ko'toss suddenly became self aware of the contradiction in his mind. He was told by the Phase-smiths at Glacius and the Conclave that Fenix and the rest of the traitors that they had been infested by Zerg Parasites that had taken over their nervous systems and brain, puppeteering their bodies against their will. But if that was the case wouldn't a vile Zerg prefer a sneak attack Ko'toss instead of intentionally showing themselves.
In Ko'toss confusion Fenix only watched even as he brandished the oversized psi-blade waiting patiently and honorably for his opponent to refocus on the duel. Ko'toss did not want to believe his creators were laying to him but no Zerg would act the way Fenix has and now that He thinks about it the other supposedly infested Templar were just watching them, even in the middle of a warzone waiting for the honorably dual to finish. No, no, no Zerg would show NO such honor, but then why would they behave this way unless they were not infested.
Ko'toss became confused and agitated as his orders and the evidence of the situation contradicted each other.
"Are you ok?" Fenix asked wanting to finish their duel.
Ko'toss just looked at him.
Even with a metal shell for a body Fenix could still tell by his body language the robot was confused about something.
"I..." Ko'toss started explaining. "I... am confused. I was told that the traitors had been infested with Zerg parasites when they went to Char?."
"What?!" exclaimed Fenix as the watching Zealots shared looks among each other regarding this new information. "So you thought we became traitors because of some Zerg parasite in our heads?"
"Yes, that..." Ko'toss looked down now unsure of anything he was told after being taken out of stasis. "was what I was told by the Conclave?"
Suddenly another matter drew their attention.
"Executor? Aldaris! This madness must stop!" exclaimed Tassadar via telepathy across the city. He was so loud that his words reached across the whole of Khor-shakal, or rather what was left of it. "The sight of my brethren slaughtering one other is more the I can stand. Though I fear you would doom us all Aldaris, I surrender myself to the Conclave. En-Taro-Adun, Executor. Don't give up the fight"
"What?"
"What?"
Both Fenix and Ko'toss exclaimed in shock to Tassadar's sudden self surrender though for differing reasons. While Fenix was deeply surprised and greaved that Tassadar would give up in the middle of the battle he could understand why. Fenix himself was disturbed by the civil-war and the division it caused to the Protoss people. But Ko'toss was also surprised because his orders and what he was told by his creators and the Conclave on his arrival to Aiur all seemed a lie. No Zerg would surrender, they never have in all of the two hundred years that the Protoss empire had battled them.
"Why...? why...? why? They lied to me saying they are the en...en...en" in the middle of his thoughts Ko'toss suddenly shut down relaxing into a metal heap on the ground.
Fenix seemed distraught over not only Tassadars surrender but his opponents reaction to it.
"Are you ok?" said Fenix as he lowered his psi-blade and walked over to the robot, knocking on its limp arm.
Nothing happened.
"Praetor Fenix what are we to do now?" asked one of the Zealots.
Fenix glanced to the Zealot then back to Ko'toss inert form.
"We'll retreat for now. Call a shuttle to our location and... were taking this one with us," ordered the Praetor.
-Meanwhile with Tassadar Moments Before-
Blood dripped off of Tassadar,s armor as hundreds of Templar lay dead around him both fallen ally and slain enemy alike. A wounded Selendis limped over to him holding her bleeding right arm.
"Are you sure about this Tassadar?" her voice grave and angered.
"Yes." He replied dispirited and mournful.
Selendis shook her head in silent rage and disappointment.
"It seems my brother put too much faith in you. I thought you had more resolve then this?"
Without saying another word Selendis limped away joining another group of Zealots before leaving the area. Tassadar closed his eyes a moment before sending Aldaris his location. Minutes later after the noise of the many battles across the ruined city had died down, two Carriers appeared over Tassadar's head blotting out the sun. A lone Shuttle descended landing in-front of Tassadar. Ten Khalen'ri Zealots marched out of the craft securing the area followed by a very angry Aldaris himself. Aldaris walked passed the corpses looking straight at the traitor standing among the Templar bodies.
"Tassadar of the Templar, by your actions you have severed yourself from the mercy of your brethren. You refused to destroy Terran worlds as was commanded. You have questioned time and time again, the sacred will of the... Conclave."
Tassadar noticed Aldaris words sounded hollow when he mentioned the Conclave. Aldaris continued.
"And you have abandoned your homeworld in its darkest hour. Most grievous of all is that you have allied yourself with the blasphemous Dark Ones, and learned to use their profane powers in tandem with our own! What say you to this oh fallen Templar?"
Tassadar stood even straighter looking Aldaris in the eyes.
"Aldaris, I submit myself to the Conclave's judgment. But know this, given the same choices again, I would surely have made them. I have sacrificed all that our world and people might live. I have sullied my honor, I have discarded my rank and standing, and I have even broken our most ancient traditions. But never think that I would for a moment regret my actions. For I am Templar, and above all else, I have sworn to protect our Homeworld 'till the end."
Aldaris did nothing for a moment then pointed to the Shuttle. "Take him away!"
Two of the Khalen'ri grabbed Tassadar removing his Psi-blades and led him by the arms into the Shuttle. Only when Tassadar was in the Shuttle did Aldaris acknowledge the bodies that surrounded him. Despite all that he had done Tassadar was a superb warrior and if it was not for his heart being grieved by the sight of his people killing each other Aldaris knew he would have little chance to defeat him. Aldaris turned around walking back to the Shuttle. A clatter of fallen golden metal drew his attention for a moment. The Judicator looked up to where the fragment fell from seeing nothing but the shell of a burned out building. Parts of its smooth golden surface turned a darker bronze color from weapons fire striking it.
The Phantom stayed silent and still as Aldaris looked right at it, not seeing through its cloak. Aldaris turned back around walking to the Shuttle. Taking to the sky they returned to one of the Carriers floating above.
"All had transpired as the Empress had said. Time to give my report." thought the Phantom.
The stealthy Creature activated its Maw of the Swarm warp beacon warping away. A moment later it reappeared light years across the Koprulu sector landing in a Azure swarm Behemoth. The Phantom moved through the living hallways to the nerve chamber. There sitting on her throne Ellen (in praetorian bio-armor) sat playing a hand held game to kill time. She paused the game staring directly at the Phantom.
"Report?"
The Phantom kneeled before her.
"Tassadar has been taken by the Judicator Aldaris after his surrender at the battle of Khor-shakal."
Ellen thought to herself. "Then the timeline is still on track. For now anyway. Return to Aiur and continue observing the situation. The Templars battle against the Overmind should be coming up sometime soon. I wonder how THAT will play out now that the Overmind has used Kerrigan to gain the Essence and psionic powers of the Protoss?"
"As you command my Empress." said the Phantom. It stood up and left the room.
Ellen looked off to the starry sky simulated by the living walls.
"Haruka should be getting Raynor involved with the Aiur situation anytime now. (Chuckle) I still wonder how they will all react when they hear the truth from me. I can't wait to see their expressions."
Deep in her mental mindscape Ellen's red half grinned in her chains.
"I thought I was the one with the sadistic side to our personality?"
Ellen shrugged at that. "Eh. I'm more curious about what they'll say when I tell them all about everything we know and have been up to in the back-round. Even before Arcturus and his rebellion against the Confederacy?"
"Haha! Yeah. That'll be interesting." Red Ellen exclaimed. "I think the Protoss may be the angriest with us after learning we took their precious Ark-ships and the people on board. Even though we didn't do anything to them. YET! (laughing)"
Ellen sighed to herself. "And so long as i'm in-charge of our body nothing will. My swarms third generation has evolved psionic powers thanks to my Valkyrur essence and the substantial supply of Ragnite from Earth. My personal brood had truly become the form of the Zerg I've had in mind for a long time. And the Tamashī-no-ki (Tree of Souls) project has made great leaps in it's development along with the D project."
"All thanks to the, 'volunteers' from Korhal and Tasonis (short laugh)" Red Ellen said in jest. "Can't wait to see big D on the battlefield."
Ellen looked across the artificial starscape to the general direction of Aiur.
"I would love to jump in to their story right now but... I really want to see what happens next."
Red Ellen shrugged as best she could in her mental manifested chains. "Honestly the Overmind is far more than it was in the original history we know from the games. My bet is that Tassadar's attempt at crashing his ship into it will fail this time."
"True." Ellen replied to her other half.
-Gantrithor High Orbit Over Aiur-
Selendis (with a few bandages and patch's to her armors left arm, leg and right side of her mid-section) walked into a meeting room where Artanis was waiting.
"Bro..." Selendis stopped herself. "Executor, May I have a word."
Artanis slowly turned to her. "Yes you may."
"I am not even a Praetor but even I know that our situation is precarious now with Tassadar taken prisoner. I would be lying if I didn't say that i'm very disappointed in him for just quitting in the middle of a battle like that." Selendis said with sharpness to her tone. " But it was partly my fault that Tassadar did what he did." She said regretfully.
"What do you mean Selendis?" asked Artanis.
"My Squad was caught in a pincer attack by two of those strong points the Conclave forces set up across the city. Tassadar came to our aide and together we dealt with enemies defenses. However some time later we attacked another strong point and were ambushed. I and my Templar held off the ambushers while Tassadar and his forces took the strong point. But the battle dragged on and my forces took heavy casualties. More enemies arrived and Tassadar was forced to use his Dark Templar abilities. In the end He stood as the only survivor amongst a street covered in the blood and bodies of our fellow Protoss. In that moment even I could see that his heart was breaking from the bloodshed."
Artanis expression drew grave and silent as he began to understand why Tassadar could bare no more bloodshed between his people.
The door slid open and Fenix fully healed and without the Dragoons shell walked in wearing a fresh suit of armor.
"En-Taro-Adun Executor. Selendis." I'm sure you feel all seems lost now but we must fight on. We must find and rescue Tassadar from the Judicator Aldaris before they can execute him. Without him I fear it will be more difficult to unify our people and almost impossible to defeat the Overmind and its swarm. Zeratul and his Dark Templar have also vanished, leaving us to fend for ourselves. I wonder if Tassadar was mistaken to put his trust in them?"
There was a moment of silence as the three Templar thought their situation over. Interrupting the conversation a holo-screen blinked on showing one of the bridge crew.
"Executor. Two Terran vessels have exited warp-space and are hailing us!"
"Terrans? What are they doing her at Aiur, and how do they even know its location?" questioned Selendis.
Artanis was just as curious. "We will hear their reasons. Open a secure com-line to them."
The bridge crew nodded. "Yes Executor."
The holo-screen went dark a moment before showing a split screen of Haruka and Raynor.
"It's nice to see you again Executor. Wish it was under better circumstances" spoke Raynor.
Artanis, was surprised by the twos arrival. "En-Taro-Adun, Raynor. I am surprised at your arrival. What business brings you to my peoples home-world?"
"Executor Artanis, It's a pleasure to meet you in person. I'm Haruka a member of the Terran Dominions government. Me and Raynor are here to render aide if at all possible. I understand that internal politics of your people are your concern but when it regards the Zerg... I think our two peoples would benefit from mutual cooperation."
Artanis ignored Selendis and Fenix stares and deeply thought on the matter.
"It is hard to find fault in your words. And we are in a precarious position at the moment. Your aid would be, appreciated."
Raynor noticed Tassadar was not apart of the meeting that seemed to have other high ranking Templar present.
"Artanis I don't see Tassadar anywhere, Is he somewhere else?"
"Unfortunately he was captured by the Conclave. Or rather surrendered to them. Allow me to explain."
Artanis explained the situation to the Terrans.
"That's rough," stated Raynor. "We'll help out as best we can. Were primarily here to aide in your war with the Zerg but... I owe Tassadar a debt for saving me and my men back on Char. This is as best a time as any to repay the favor."
"I am glad to hear it friend Raynor. " said Artanis. The Executor then focused his attention to Haruka. "Haruka, I am unfamiliar with you but I accept you and Raynors aide. Though we Protoss are currently fighting a war on two fronts we welcome any help you can render. But with only two less advanced ships will do little in the face of the Zerg or Judicator forces."
Haruka chuckled. "Normally I would agree with you Executor. But thankfully the Dominion has made a few recent advancements that should even the playing field. We also have the full support of Emperor Valerian, and have a full fleet at the ready. But I'd prefer to send them the signal to join us only when fighting the Zerg. Until then only our two vessels will be available to aide you."
"Few in number you may be but I admire you bravery Terrans." said Fenix.
"Haruka, Raynor. Let us discuss the plan to rescue Tassadar then." stated Artanis.
-A Hour later-
Both Raynor and Haruks ships made a short tactical warp jump to the surface of Aiur, both ships re-appearing over the base Artanis and his forces took in their initial attack on the area.
On the Hyperion Raynor stood at the tactical display watching the base Templar below. Another screen blinked on showing Haruka.
"I have to say the Protoss can really move their forces and bases around fast with those Probes of theirs warping whole buildings in one go like that." Raynor remarked.
"If we had that tech it would be a lot easier and quicker to move our forces across the battlefield and save a lot of time." remarked Haruka. "The Dominion does have a form of teleportation tech but its light years behind theirs. Lets focus on the mission Raynor."
"Right, right." Raynor replied.
In his command chamber in the Nexus Artanis looked across his command screen seeing all of the units under his command and the two Furinax Tribe (with purple markings) bases to the east and south of his base.
"Fenix, Selendis focus your attack on the southern Furinax base. Raynor and Haruka, you focus on the base to the east. We must secure our surroundings before making a attempt on the island where they are keeping Tassadar. "
"Roger" said Raynor.
"Beginning attack," said Haruka.
"At once Executor," said Fenix.
"They will feel my blade," said Selendis
With his allies set to their tasks Artanis warped in several Tachyon spires and two Pylons for each of them. After that he checked in on phase-smith Kar'tes and his work.
A holo-screen blinked on showing the Phase-smith at work in the workshop of the Gantrithor.
"Kar'tes how far along is you work?"
The Phase-smith looked over at the holo-screen setting a tool down.
"It goes well. I have improved upon the Blaster Pylons design and created two versions of it. But their still not to stable for long battles and a somewhat touchy. The type 1 is the same as the first prototypes but with a improved shell and systems. The type 2 has strong defense with added cloaking and recall abilities, but lacks offensive abilities. I have actually been thinking of creating two separate types of units based by them, but that will take time. For now the current modals will work but I hope to complete them in the future."
"So you shall Kar'tes," said Artanis. "I am interested in these two new unit types you have in mind. How many of the new types do you have working?"
"I have already uploaded the current schematics to the fleets Forges so we can begin mass production them at once. Though they may still have a few bugs in their functionality, it should not be a problem"
"Understood." said Artanis closing the com-line.
Artanis went through the list of units his Nexus and its Forges can build to begin mass production of these new and useful units. A warning alarm took Artanis attention. Looking to another holo-screen Artanis saw two enemy Carriers approaching from the south east where the main Conclave base was on the island.
"They are moving faster than before." thought the Executor remarking on the Conclaves level of aggression.
Artanis began moving his Dragoon and Reaver forces into formations while also warping in the completed and improved type 1 and type 2 Blaster Pylons that had already been completed on the fleet in orbit. The type 2 Blaster Pylons stayed in the back while the type 1 Blaster Pylone's hovered over the Dragoons, Reavers and Shield Reavers that were arranged into three battlelines. The Tachyon spires were spaced behind and between the three lines. While the others commanders were embattled with the two bases to the east and south Artanis had to deal with the current enemy offensive. The two carriers while over the water started deploying their full complement of Interceptors, Scouts and Arbiters. As soon as Artanis saw them flying out of the ships hangers he ordered the type 1 Blaster Pylons to attack them along with the Tachyon Spires but ignored the Carriers. Though it be a waste to use such powerful weapons on smaller craft it was still more firepower and that would speed up the destruction of the enemy forces.
The Carriers opened fire on Artanis base, sending almost a hundred energy beams striking against the buildings shields. The type 2 Blaster Pylons in their dozens rushed forwards fully deploying their shields into a multilayered barrier that took the Carriers full attack instead of the base. Artanis would manually open parts of the barrier so the Blaster Pylons and Tachyon spires could fire back. While the base defenders shot at the smaller enemy air-craft's they split into four groups flanking the traitors base from all sides. Arbiters cast stasis on defenses while Scouts and Interceptors swarmed over the rest of the base. Artanis ordered the Type 2 Blaster Pylons to recall in over a hundred Scouts and Arbiters from his fleet in orbit.
The newly arrived Scouts fired photon blasters and missiles into the enemy forces while Arbiters cast stasis to support the Scouts and protected themselves with their Phase disruptor cannon. The sky over Artanis base became a warzone of flying fire and metal as both sides fought a bitter fight. Though Artanis was on the defensive his forces slowly whittled down the enemy forces. The Tachyon spires and type 1 Blaster Pylone's shot a enemy out of the air with every blast and the type 2 Blaster Pylons protected the base and allied units from the Carriers direct fire with their barriers while recalling (warping) in reinforcements directly to the fight. With his forces better able to protect and reinforce themselves while dealing more damage to the enemies forces the Executors forces soon wiped out all the Carriers escorts. Then the Carriers felt the full brunt of his defenses as all the Dragoons, Reavers, type 1 Blaster Pylons and Tachyon spires opened fire on them. The two Carriers shields quickly dropped in strength before being depleted. The Tachyon spires beams cut into their hulls along with dozens of Blaster Pylons and Dragoons as Scouts fired missiles into their weapons turrets silencing them. Both Carriers exploded their debris covering a wide area. Not wanting to let that material go to waste Artanis ordered a hundred Probes in his fleet to be warped down to recover and dismantle the ships, but also to recover any bodies they could so that the families of the fallen may at least have a proper funeral for the dead.
Artanis now greatly realized and was thankful for his earlier creativity and boldness in creating the Blaster Pylons previously, but their name still needed a change in the future but they have proved to be useful units on the battlefield. Though their swift creation and the fact they actually worked despite being built on the fly was completely attributed to the skill of the phase-smiths and the advanced level of Protoss technology.
After rebuilding his defenses and recognizing his forces Artanis contacted the Terrans feeling concerned with their attack on the Furinax's base to the east. A holo-screen blinked on showing Raynor on the bridge of the Hyperion. The screen shook a moment from anti-air weapons fire.
"Artanis? I suppose your calling to check up on us." said Raynor.
"Yes. I was worried my allies would be in trouble considering the disparity in technology. I mean no offense."
Raynor shrugged. "None taken in fact were actually doing quite well here. (explosions, shook the screen) Our Kestrel's were able to take out their anti-air defenses while we were at a distance. Then we started systematically demolishing their base with the Hyperions weapons. Not like we haven't taken casualties but their light. We should be done soon so long as they don't get any reinforcements. I was worried those two Carriers would come my way but they attacked your base instead."
"Excellent work. I will contact you again when needed friend Raynor."
"All right just give us a call when you want us to move out. I know this is your backyard so we'll follow your lead, Executor."
Artanis ended the communique with the Terran and the holo-screen went dark a moment as he contacted Fenix and Selendis.
"Fenix how goes your fight?"
"Executor. Fenix replied audio only. "We have pierced the enemies defenses and are cutting through their base as we speak. We will take this base soon, and also, your sibling is quit skilled in the use of her psionic abilities and psi-blades despite being a fleet pilot. I would like to recommended her a position as a Praetor if you are in agreement."
Artanis gave serious thought to Fenixs appraisal of Selendis abilities.
"We will talk more about this later Fenix. For now let us focus on freeing Tassadar."
"Of course. Till then Executor."
Artanis took a minute to make sure his forces were in order. Feeling grateful that the Terrans had aided in freeing Tassadar, other-wise the battles would be dragging on for longer and result in more deaths. Artanis ordered Probes to warp in a dozen Photon cannons and several more Pylons to bolster his defenses so his army could focus on offense. With the Terrans having air superiority in their battle, Artanis ordered several Shuttles filled with reinforcements sending them to speed up the battle in the south. Time was of the essence and even though Artanis had all due confidence in Fenix, Selendis and their Templar He wanted to move as fast as possible.
Multiple Furinax Zealots charged at Selendis as she pulled her blade her last foe. Feeling them come at her from three directions Selendis turned to face the middle one and leaped backwards through the air as they swung their blades at her after image. Landing on her feet she psi-charged forwards attacking with a cross slash hitting two of them. One lost his head the other dodged, the third attacked. Drawing her blades up Selendis blocked the first strike and rolled to her right evading the second Zealots counter attack. The body of the first Zealot hit the ground simultaneous with the other two charging at Selendis. Their blades flashed and sparked as they parried each others blows. Though they had four blades to Her two Selendis was twice as quick using her calm heart and focused mind to draw out her ability to see the near future and easily evade and parry their blows.
It was not the same future sight most Templar use but simply a sense of her surroundings. In the long years since Her return to the Protoss empire She had trained extensively to hone and improve her abilities as both a Templar and a leader eventually combining a psionic sense to detect one's surroundings with the uncommon precognition ability, allowing Selendis to feel not only the current form of her surroundings but its near future. Granting Her the ability to fight with her eyes closed if need be and not ever need to look directly at the enemy.
Selendis parried every blow from the two Zealots as she slowly backed up weaving her body left then right, controlling which of the two was just a little bit closer or father from her to evade their strikes by mear inches. Then she felt that just a second in the future the Zealot on her right would flank her to his left. The Zealot psi-dashed just as Selendis had sensed and She ducked below his attack catching Him in the side with her own counter attack. Selendis blades severed his spinal cord causing the enemies legs to give out below him, but before his body hit the ground Selendis spun decapitating the warrior. As she leaped skywards Selendis blasted the remaining Zealot with a burst of telekinetic force activating his shields and stunning him for a mere second as she landed. The last Zealot charged slashing with his left blade and thrusting at Her with his right, only to be evaded again and again and countered. Again the Zealot thrust his blades at her. Selendis spreading her legs ducked below the blade plunging her own into his torso. The Zealot jerked a moment as a vital organs was pierced giving him a quick death. As the body went limp in her arms Selendis laid it down placing the arms to the sides making it look as if the Zealot was only sleeping.
"Forgive me my fellow Templar," Selendis whispered more to herself then to him.
Standing up Selendis felt several Shuttles landing around the base bringing reinforcements. She recognized them to be reinforcements from the Executor. The already beleaguered Furinax forces were quickly assaulted from all sides by the traitors new reinforcements and we're quickly defeated, but none surrendered for such was a stain on one's honor and if they were to lose the Furinax like all Templar would rather fight to the death and die with honor. Still Selendis felt the same sting to her heart that Tassadar surely felt. As the base lay in ruins Fenix approached Selendis.
"It would seem we are done here." said Fenix.
Selendis nodded. "Yes. I will tend to the fallen. You prepare the expansion of a new base here. We will need the extra foot hold."
Fenix nodded sensing that She had something on her mind. "Very well then."
-One Hour later-
With both Furinax bases to the south and east dealt with and a expansion made to the south the Executors forces now had a straight shot to the island where Tassadar was supposedly being held. Artanis and his allies convened in a meeting via holo-screens.
"Were ready to assault the Island anytime you are Executor." stated Haruka.
"Fenix, Raynor I want you two to be apart of the first assault on the island." said Artanis. "And Selendis I want you to back them up. I'm giving you command of five Carriers for that purpose."
Selendis eyes widened. "Five Carriers! I have not commanded so many. Executor are you sure that I am ready to such a responsibility?"
"I have reviewed your records of battle against the Zerg and you leadership of your Templar. I believe this would be a sufficient test of your skill."
"Very well then Executor I accept this task."
Raynor with his forces in the Hyperion and Fenix with a fleet of forty Shuttles and a dozen type 1 and type 2 Blaster Pylons waited at the sea separating the mainland with the island the conclave's stronghold was. Five Carriers warped in from the Stargates over Artanis base. Selendis warped to the bridge of one and quickly took command. At her order they flew to the sea passing Fenixs forces and beside the Hyperion. Leading the charge Selendis ordered her Carriers into a wedge formation with the Hyperion and Fenix's forces behind them.
As they cruised over the sea Selendis ordered thirty Observers deployed to the island. Scattering under their stealth cloaks the Observers drew close to the island mapping its layout as they went. They flew fast and straight attempting to cover as much ground as they could. But soon enough enemy Observers and Photon cannons detected them, opening fire and shooting them all down without detecting Tassadar's location. But they had maped a large portion of the islands terrain and the locations of the majority of the defenses.
"All forces prepare for battle." Selendis declared through her fleet.
Moments later dozens of Tachyon spire and Photon cannon beams lanced through the air striking the shields of Selendis fleet.
"All ships focus fire on my targets!" Selendis ordered focusing her fleets collective fire power.
Even as her ships shields took heavy bombardment Selendis was relaxed and calm along with her crew.
"Fire!" Selendis ordered.
All five ships fired all weapons at merely one Tachyon spire annihilating it in one blow along with a chunk of the ground around it. Seeing that her tactic was effective She repeated it five more times until every Tachyon spire on the island was destroyed.
"All ships focus fire on individual targets. Continue concentrating on enemy defenses and Pylons." Selendis ordered.
Selendis fleet continued bombarding the Conclaves base as they crossed the sea. Soon the allied forces crossed the sea. Fenix and Raynors forces landed using the Blaster Pylons and Shield Reavers to cover their approach to the bases walls. The few Photon cannons that were left by then were fired upon by dozens of Terran Siege tanks and Reavers. The now wrecked frontal defenses quickly fell allowing Fenix's Templar the opening to enter the base supported by Raynor's long range artillery. Advanching behind a moving wall of artillery fire Fenix's Templar cut their way through the defenders like a scythe punching deeper into the base. Raynor watched from the bridge of the Hyperion while Fenix and his Templar moved about the base from building to building looking for Tassadar.
Fenix left yet another empty building quickly moving on to the next. Cutting through the door himself Fenix rushed into the structure. No one was inside except a series of empty stasis cells. One of his Zealots looked through the control panel for base records and found something.
"Praetor I may have found something!"
Fenix quickly turned around looking at the control panels holo-screen.
"The system records say that only one stasis cell has been activated recently and is in use... In block D-45." Fenix read. "Can you get a security cameras view of the stasis cell?" He asked.
"Yes I can," replied the Zealot.
The holo-screen flipped through multiple views until stopping showing the activated stasis cell with Tassadar inside.
"Executor. we have found Tassadar's Stasis cell. We are attempting to free him now." Fenix projected.
"Please do Praetor. I fear we have little time left until Conclave reinforcements appear." replied Artanis.
"Understood" Fenix replied.
Fenix and his Templar made their way through the building quickly reaching the stasis cell Tassadar was being held in suspended in a liquid and a temporal (time) stasis field. Fenix using the cell's control console deactivated the temporal stasis field and drained the liquid. Tassadar collapsed to his knees but slowly regained his senses as he looked around.
"Uh?... Fenix. You came for me?" said Tassadar.
Fenix reached out out his hand helping his old friend to his feet.
"Yes, but I'm not the only one."
Tassadar looked around to the other Templar in the room.
"I see. Then we must make haste and flee from here." said Tassadar
Fenix his Templar and the now free Tassadar exited the building. Not a moment later six Carriers and over a hundred Scouts and Arbiters exited warp space directly over head and with it came the booming voice of Aldaris projecting his telepathic-voice across the battlefield.
"I expected you to attempt to retrieve your hero. You will learn that the will of the Conclave is absolute. Make peace with Adun!"
In his Carriers bridge Aldaris raised his hand to signal his fleet to open fire on the Traitors and their Terran allies, but just then the ships targeting systems went haywire with static filling their sensors and the minds of the AI's and crew becoming hazy.
"What is happening!" Aldaris demanded.
"I'm sorry Judicator but our targeting systems seem to be malfunctioning. I can't get a solid lock on the targets?"
Though the weapons were fin they could not get a lock on any of the ground or sky born enemies even though they were right there in front of them. Even the bridge crew and AI's seemed to be out of sorts as they attempted manual targeting but that was just as bad.
"I'm sorry Judicator we still cannot get a solid lock on the targets."
Aldaris fumed. "Then just fire as best you can, they are right there!"
"I... we can not do that Judicator. We may hit our own forces!"
Aldaris growled in frustration. A moment later a fleet of hundreds of Nerazim Corsair's decloaked over the island and quickly surrounded Aldaris fleet.
"Stay they hand Judicator." Zeratul spoke from aboard his personal craft the Void Seeker. He flew around the Judicators fleet with fellow Nerazim Corsair's. "The stewards of Tassadar shall not fall while the Dark Templar live. Call off your guards and stand aside, and you may yet live to see another moonrise."
Aldaris fumed. "I will not be addressed so by one so devoid of the Khala's light. You and your vile brethren shall die with these traitors."
"Are you so blinded by your vaunted religion that you can't see the fall ahead of you? Your Conclave believes that they are winning this war, but all they've succeeded in doing is helping the Overmind to win."
While Aldaris and Zeratul talked, Fenix and Tassadar were picked up by a Shuttle sent by Selendis and put under a Arbiters cloak as they flew back to Her fleet.
Aldaris continued.
"What could you possibly know of our designs, blasphemer?"
Zeratul countered Aldaris words buying time for the others to escape.
"You speak of knowledge, Judicator? You speak of experience? I have journeyed through the darkness between the most distant stars. I have beheld the births of negative suns and borne witness to the entropy of entire realities... Unto my experience, Aldaris all that you've built here on Aiur is but a fleeting dream. A dream from which your precious Conclave shall awaken, finding themselves drowned in a greater nightmare."
At that moment Selendis fleet and the Terran ships warped away together leaving Aldaris and Zeratul's fleets alone over the island.
Seeing that his prize had been taken Aldaris felt great anger squeezing his fists bearly suppressing his anger at having lost Tassadar and his cohorts after losing so much.
"We shall see..." replied Aldaris.
Zeratul and his fleet cloaked and warped away joining the Executors fleet in orbit.
-Gantrithor, Bridge, Low Orbit over Aiur-
Artanis, Selendis, Fenix, and the Terrans Raynor and Haruka stood on the bridge of the Gantrithor preparing and strategizing for their attack on the Overmind. Doors slid open and Tassadar entered the bridge (back in a proper Templar Power suit) with Zeratul following behind him.
"En-Taro-Adun, Executor!" Tassadar exclaimed. "My gratitude to you, for freeing me knows no bounds. By all the gods we may yet win yet! We have delayed for long enough, now shall we let loose the fury of the Dark Templar on the Zerg. Zeratul, perhaps the time has come to tell our friends of the foe we face."
Zeratul stepped forwards.
"Indeed. When I slew the Cerebrate on Char, I briefly touched with the essence of the Overmind. In that instant, my mind was filled with its thoughts, and I tell you our worst fears have... regretfully already come to pass. The Zerg were indeed created by the ancient Xel'naga, the same beings that empowered our ancestors on Aiur long ago. But the Overmind however grew into what is now by its own directive and will. And now waits to finish its evolution using the essence of our fallen brethren and the Khaydarin crystals its servants have collected. It used the Terran female Kerrigan to bypass the Zergs inability to directly devour the essence of us Protoss, as the light of the Khala and the energies of the Void protect our races essence from being consumed. But the psionic abilities of Terrans it seems are quite similar to that of the Khalai Protoss. Only without a counterpart to the Khala nor having its protection. Even now the Overmind continues it evolution into a perfect being. One that will bring darkness to all corners of the galaxy."
"Son of a Bitch!." Raynor exclaimed. "So that why the Zerg were after Kerrigan and Nova.
"So you see my friends, We fight not only to save Aiur, but all creation! If we fall to the Zerg now then the Overmind will rampant throughout the stars, consuming all sentience-all life. It is up to us to and end to this madness, once for all."
"Zeratul?" Raynor asked. "If you knew all this when you killed that Cerebrate back then, why didn't you tell us any of this?"
"Unfortunately it is not that simply friend Raynor. The Overmind is a ancient and millenia old being with much memories and knowledge. And I had but the briefest connection with It. By the time I had deciphered what I had seen we had already left Char."
Raynor took the reply in stride. "I see."
"So what now?" asked Haruka.
Fenix stepped forwards. "I suggest we attack the primary Zerg hive clusters in an attempt to weaken their defenses. Once their numbers have thinned out, Zeratul and his companions can infiltrate the clusters and assassinate the Cerebrates. Adun willing, the Cerebrates deaths will distract the Overmind long enough for us to assault it directly."
"A sound and direct plan but.." said Haruka.
"Do you have something to add Terran?" asked Artanis.
"My fleet numbers thirty ships, all upgraded with psionic plating that reinforces them greatly. No doubt the Overmind and it's Cerebrates will recall their space born forces to bombard your ground forces from orbit during your attack. We'll guard you back while you focus on the Zergs ground forces."
"Your aide is appreciated, Haruka." said Artanis.
"As is you allowing us Terrans to fight with you Executor." replied Haruka.
The group dispersed with Haruka and Raynor returning to their ships and Selendis leaving the bridge. With the time right Fenix thought it time to tell Artanis about a certain matter.
"Executor if I may have a moment to explain a certain matter?"
Artanis turned to the Praetor.
"Yes, Praetor, speak your mind?"
"Actually it is regarding a certain individual I encountered on Khor-shakal during the battle. Please follow me."
Greatly interested what has the Praetor acting this way Artanis followed. They teleported to the Gantrithor engineering section where the phase-smiths repaired, built and upgraded the weapons of war the Templar used. In one corner section stood a freshly built holding cell where a white four legged robot stood. Close by was a Phase-smite reading a chart showing the robots date and vital function readouts.
"Has it changed at all?" Fenix asked.
The Phase-smith turned around to him.
"No Praetor, but it is no longer aggressive and seems to have settled down for the most part. I have undon all the mental alterations also so it now has full accesss to its memories."
"I see, thank you." said Fenix turning to the robot.
"Fenix what is this?" asked Artanis.
At the mention of the name both Fenix and the Robot turned their heads to the Executor.
"I am..." the Robot started but stopped turning away in what looked to be shame.
"He is a Purifier from Glacius." explained Fenix. "Apparently the Conclave has been using that world to experiment on creating robotic Templar to fight for them. That was actually the reason I was called to that place it seems."
Artanis glanced at the robot then back to Fenix.
"I see and this robot is one of them. But why is it here then?" asked Artanis.
"Apparently this one is a prototype. It was sent here to Aiur for a test run. One in which I was its target. However it's more complicated than that."
"Then explain?"
"I would prefer Ko'toss to do that for himself." said Fenix.
Artanis turned to the robot now identified as Ko'toss.
"That is a odd name? So your name is Ko'toss is it." Artanis addressed the Purifier.
Ko'toss turned to Artanis.
"Yes Executor. I am regretful of my actions which has sullied my honor. I request to fight in the Next battle against the Zerg and no matter the danger will fight till the end so that I may regain but a sliver of it."
Artanis turned to Fenix. "He talks like you. Explain?"
Fenix shrugged. "Apparently the Purifiers are created in two differing ways. The Phase-smith can explain more."
"Executor the Purifiers from what i've been able to gather from my inquiries to Glacius seem to be either drone types much like other creations like Dragoons, Probes and Observers. But the second type are created by copying the mental template of a Templar warrior and imprinting in onto a special mental core that is then placed into a Protosse-noid shell."
Artanis absorbed the information taking a moment to glance around between Fenix and Ko'toss before getting it.
"You mean to say that, this Purifier Ko'toss was created from you Fenix!"
"Yes."
"Yes"
The two Fenix's replied, sharing a awkward moment.
Artanis stepped closer to the Purifiers cell. "So you bare the mind and memories of Fenix? But what did you mean by your honor had been sullied?"
"I at first thought you and the other traitors were under the influence of Zerg parasites which had burrowed into your brains while you were on Char, but..."
"That was a fabrication." the phase-smith explained. "Before being brought to Aiur Ko'toss memories were reprogramed. He was also implanted with a program that makes him completely loyal to members of the Conclave. He and other Purifiers would be physically unable to disobey them."
"I see so that is what you meant by your honor being sullied." said Artanis. "Ko'toss I believe you were wronged by the Conclave. And so you seek to die in honorably battle then is it."
Ko'toss/Fenix stood straighter.
"Yes Executor. I was used as nothing but a tool of the Conclave and killed fellow Templar. Regardless of that I also bare the memories of Fenix and his mental imprint. But yet he stands here alive and well. The world does not need two Fenix's. I am but a fake... a puppet created to serve others, so let me do one thing I've decided for myself. To die with what honor I have left."
"Very well Ko'toss, I will allow you to do battle against the Zerg. But do not think so little of your own life, remember a true warrior fights to live and protect. Not to simply kill or die." said Artanis.
Ko'toss felt as though he had in his despair forgotten what it was like to be a Templar.
"Thank you Executor."
-Shadow Hunters-
-Forty Miles Away From The Overminds location-
Two Arbiters flew into Zerg infested airspace as flocks of Mutalisk fired at them. Swarms of Interceptors counter attacked the Mutalisks allowing seven Shuttles to land while Selendis fleet stayed at a distance providing aircover with their Interceptors and Blaster Pylons. Type one Blaster Pylons shot Zerg out of the air from long rang while type twos used their Recall ability to warp in more of the mass produced Interceptors to fend off the Mutalisk and Scourges swarming the skys.
The Shuttles landed off loading dozens of Dragoons, Zealots, Probes, along with Fenix and Ko'toss leading two groups. The two groups split their forces one going east the other west. Both quickly established a base while their forces fended off light Zerg attacks by land and air. With a Nexus and Pylons up they started mining the two underground old storage vaults at both base sites and started warping in Photon cannons and Tachyon spires. With a stronger presence type two blaster Pylons arrived and started warping in more Zealots, Dragoons, Reavers, Shield Reavers and Probes increasing defense of the beach-head and speeding up the recovery of the local resources hidden underground.
While the Templar distracted the Zerg, Zeratul and Zerion with two squads of Dark Templar who were in the seventh shuttle silently made their way into the northern region covered by Zerg hive clusters. Zerg were patrolling everywhere with Overlords floating in patrols.
"Strike deep and true." said Zeratul.
The Dark Templar slaughtered their way through a hundred Zerg before reaching a field of creep extending and covering everything in sight. Sensing danger Zerion blinked to a specific spot at the maximum range of his blink teleportation, landing right on top of a Sunken colonies core. Plunging his blades into its flesh hundreds of spine tipped tentacles shot-out of the ground as the living defensive creature died. Looking to his right Zerion saw another of his fellow Dark Templar do the same a great distance away.
The Dark Templar continued on their way killing groups of Hydralisk and Zerglings as they moved farther north. Eventually reaching a Hatchery placed between two small plateaus. A pair of Overlords suddenly flew over head and a moment later several hundred Zerg erupted from behind the Hatchery and attacked Without needing to speak the Dark ones split up, one group attacking the Zerg on land with the second focusing on the Overlords detecting them. Zeratul lead his brethren into battle, his blade slashing through one Zergling after the other as they leaped at him. Zerion blinked onto a Overlords back drawing his blade and focusing bolstering its power and extending his blades langth. With one slash he cut it in half. The other Overlord also fell in short order from the blade of a fellow Dark Templar.
With the Overlords gone the rest of the Zerg were blinded to the Dark Templars movements. The Zerg wildly attacked the air with little clue as to the locations of the invisible enemies as they were cut down one by one. Soon Four more Overlords arrived once again revealing the locations of the Dark Templar. But once again the Overlords were quickly slain. Yet more Overlords arrived as the number of Zerg in the area decreased until non remained. More Overlords arrived one last time accompanied by four Ultralisks.
The heavy foot falls of the mighty beasts shook the earth as they stampeded towards the Dark Templar. Never fearing a challenge Zerion and another of his fellow brethren simply stood in place as the giants charged at them while firing their Spore cannons. As the first spore's were about to hit they both blinked away landing atop two of the Ultralisks and cut into the beasts skulls with their Warp-blades. Two more Dark Templar blinked into the sky's felling the Overlords once again while two others sliced through the legs of the Ultralisk's.
Back at Fenix's base after having fended off multiple attacks by land and air the Praetor took a moment to look skywards. Using the eyes of one of his Observers Fenix saw the Terran fleet high above at high altitude surrounded by thousands of Mutalisk and countless Scourges. The thirty two Terran ships constantly fired barrages of light and streams if homing missiles in every direction fending off the majority of the swarms attacks. And every now and then some of the ships would fire a great beam much like a purifier into the densest cluster of the Zerg forces cutting through them like a great fire burning a forest of dry leaves.
"The Terrans seem to be doing well despite the odds stacked against them." the Praetor thought.
Changing his focus to his Purifier counterpart Fenix opened a come line.
"Ko'toss how goes your battle?"
Zerg roaring and shrieking filled the back-round noise.
"Fenix?" asked Ko'toss as he swung his blades felling more Zerg.
"I was simply checking in on you to make sure you have not charged into the enemy forces by four self?"
"I..(attacking Zerg) am quite fine. You need not...(Zerg jumping on Kotoss he spines upper torso cutting them to pieces) concern yourself with me."
Fenix shrugged. "Very well then. Fight well." Fenix ended the transmission just as a great roar sounded.
Ko'toss stared down a charging Ultralisk reading his duel Purifier blades. In and instant He leaped at the Ultralisk slamming into Its face burying both blades into its skull. Roaring in pain the Ultralisk skidded to a hult shaking it's head. Ko'toss held fast as the inertia of the Beasts shaking pulled at him. The Ultralisk raised a kaiser blade batting the Purifier off his face. Rolling like a ball Ko'toss pushed off the ground landing on his four legs. He charged at the Ultralisk again as the beast swung its great kaiser blades. Purifier and kaiser blades colliding with the Purifiers glowing orange blades as they held off the superdense bone blade. Back and forth they parried their strikes, but even as advanced as his Purifier body was Ko'toss was giving ground to the Ultralisk greater mass and size. Then as the beast swung its left kaiser blade again Ko'toss ducked low avoiding its full force swing. Raising back up the Purifier plunged his blade into the elbow and twisted, pushed his blade further in and pulled up severing muscle tissue. Roaring in anger the Ultralisk used its torso and legs to spin its upper torso around flinging Ko'toss a considerable distance away and opend fire with its spore cannons.
Ko'toss shields took the bombarment long enough for the other Templar to aide him, Reavers and Dragoons bombarded the Ultralisk from behind stunning it and wounding its back left leg. Taking the opening Ko'toss charged in again swinging at the Ultralisks joints. Dropping from its legs giving out the Ultralisk supported itself with one of its kaiser blades. Ko'toss leaped up plunging both duel blades into the Ultralisks neck. A fountain of blood gushed out of the vital wound covering the robots white shell in red ichor. Giving one last strike Ko'toss leaped up cross slashing the skull of the Ultralisk, cutting out a diamond shaped piece of it's skull and brain matter.
With the beast dead Ko'toss returned to his duties of establishing his base and forces so that he could dash into the enemy lines and fight to his hearts content. A half hour later a force of twenty Dragoons, ten Shield Reavers, Two Reavers, four Observers and sixty Zealots followed Ko'toss into the Zerg creep covered lands. A flock of Mutalisks were detected closing in by the Observers and the Shield Reavers opened a hole in the barrier for the Dragoons and Reavers to fire upon them. Beams of silver light cut the Mutalisk down as they counter attacked with their living missiles. Seeing the Mutalisk move into range the Zealots formed psi-spears and cast them into the sky. The resulting explosions killing half the Mutalisks, leaving the rest to be quickly finished off by the Dragoons. As they moved deeper into Zerg territory Ko'toss and his Templar beheld four Behemoths flying over head along with escorts of Guardians and Mutalisk following. They passed over head and quickly became dime images in the distance as they attacked Selendis fleet. Though somewhat worried for Selendis Ko'toss was entirely focused on his duty and lead his forces north.
They moved passed a field of dead Sunken colonies no doubt killed by the Dark Templar. They passed a withered husk of a tree and Zerg poured out from every corner of the area firing spores from their mounted symbiotes. The shield domes held as the Templar counter attacked. Ko'toss was the first to charged into the fray. The Purifier leaped towards a group of Hydralisk stunning them a few seconds. Long enough for his blades to cut them down. Three Zerglings leaped on him biting and clawing at his metal chassis. Ko'toss grabbed one throwing it into the ground, stomping on it. The others he grabbed and smashed together like two tomatoes. He then charged into the Zerg front rotating his upper torso cutting, stomping, smasing his way through the cluster of enemies.
At her station aboard the lead Carrier Selendis ship shook as the two Behemoths and their escort of Guardians and Mutalisk attacked.
"Reverse Delta formation. Shields to full. Smash the Behemoths into the dirt!" Selendis ordered.
Two of the other Carriers moved forwards as Selendis ship moved back. The two Carriers ascended while taking fire from the Guardians while the two Behemoths focused their fire on Selendis ship. All around them swarming Interceptors and Mutalisk fought diving, weaving and killing each other. As the aerial battle continued the two Carriers moved directly over the Behemoths. On the two ships bridges the crew braced themselves for the unorthodox tactic their new commander had thought up. Bubbles of silver light enveloped the two Carriers as they fully activated their shields bolstering their strength greatly but also preventing anything from landing or launching from the vessels. Then the two ships dropped down, smashing their shield bubbles onto the Behemoths backs and pushing them into the ground. Their carapaces cracked and broke under the forces but the great beasts were still alive as they continued firing at the Carriers over head.
"Now! All ships focus fire on the right Behemothe." Selendis ordered.
All three Carriers bombarded the right Behemoth with all of their weapons blasting its Barnacle covered surface to pieces and exposing its armor. The carriers continued firing burning a series of holes into the Behemoths back until it was dead. As the first Behemoth died the second tried to raise into the sky again only to be assaulted by a formation of Scouts backed up by Corsair's and Arbiter's. The Scouts attacked its rearward flank with volleys of missiles as the Arbiters used their stasis on the Mutalisk and Guardians keeping them at bay, and the Corsairs fired their Disruption Webs keeping all the Zerg forces from accurately attacking. The Zergs forces lost all cohesion as they were picked apart one by one until non remained. Selendis breathed a moments relief as the threats were eliminated. But soon refocused her forces to keep the Cerebrates at least partly distracted from the main ground forces.
Fenix watched as the last of the Zerg aerial forces were killed off. Turning to his army He looked upon rows of Zealots, Dragoons, Reavers, Shield Reavers and Types 1 and 2 Blaster Pylons. As he gathered his forces for a offensive the sound of combat could still be heard a short distance away as waves of Zerg through themselves against the bases defenses.
"It is time." said the Praetor. Marching to the head of his army he gave the Blaster Pylons a telepathic command. At his order they floated over the landscape making their way north. They deployed their shields in preparation for heavy bombardment from the Zergs anti-air defenses. They did not have to wait long as hundreds of Spores and Scourges flew at them impacting against their shields. The energy barriers slowly lost cohesion as the stream of attacks continued unabated. Despite the heavy anti-air defenses the Blaster Pylons did not fire back nor did they deviate from their mission. They simply swaped places in the formation rotating who get hit so as to slow their shield degradation. After several minutes of flying through Spores and Scourges they finally reached the southwestern most Zerg base and landed at its center. They type 2 Blaster Pylons unfolded their wings activating their Recall units. In mere seconds hundreds of Templar and Fenix himself appeared.
"Templar attack!" Fenix shouted.
His army attacked everything. Hordes of Zerglings, Hydralisk and Sunken colonies attacked while Zealots cut and hacked through them, Dragoons set to anti-air beam mode fired at the living buildings demolishing them with prodigious skill and firepower. Shield Reavers protected the other Templar forces from the Zergs ranged attacks forcing them to attack in melee or else waste their shots. The Reavers used their Scarabs to bombard the heaviest concentrations of Zerg eliminating any chance of a Zerg bull rush. And while the ground forces battled on the ground the Type 1 Blaster Pylons now switched from protecting the Type 2s to attaching the Spore colonies blasting them to burning meat with every shot of their duel Photon cannons. Once the Type 2 Blaster Pylons were done warping in Fenix's army they switched to defensive mode focusing their remaining power on creating and maintaining a defensive wall from which the Templar could attack from and retreat to. The battle raged for over a hour but in the end the Templar stood victories.
But even as Fenix stood over the corpses of the Zerg his eyes turned northwards where the true targets lie.
"Raaa!" roared Ko'toss as he ripped a Hydralisk in half and cut through several more.
At his back his army followed suit killing any and all Zerg in their path. Behind them lie a plateau covered in dead Zerg and a demolished Hive cluster. Looking around the Purifier saw that no other Zerg remained in the area. As the battle high wore off a Zealot walked over to Him.
"Commander Ko'toss we have taken the plateau."
"Good... Begin construction of a new Expansion. The underground resources cache should be close by."
Ko'toss looked north to where the Cerebrates lie feeling a burning desire in his neural circuits. "Soon I will fight a Cerebrate again. And test whether or not I have as much ability as Fenix." Ko'toss looked down at his hand clenching it. "Until then I must bare this shameful name the Conclave gave me. But after that... and after the Overmind is no longer a threat to Aiur I will decide my own path. Whatever that may be?"
Blades of greenest emerald slashed, cut and hacked through flesh and carapace as the shadow walkers that were the Dark Templar moved ever northward to their targets. Zeratul and his hunters moved over the creep covered landscape passing hatcheries, Hydralisk dens, spawning pools and all manner of Zerg structures. The whole region had been turned into one giant Hive cluster. As the Dark Templar neared one of their targets they blinked up to the rim of a plateau. Before them was a hive cluster housing a great host of swarming Zerglings, stoic Hydralisk and brooding Ultralisks all surrounding the Cerebrate at their center. But what was the real threat were the three Behemoths floating closely over the Cerebrate in a delta formation and flocks of Overlords and Mutalisk resting on their backs. A Overlord growled as it spotted the Dark Templar. The Mutalisk collectively turned their heads as did the Zerg on the ground, all of them looking in the direction of the Dark Templar.
"We are discovered. Scatter!" exclaimed Zeratul.
Without needing another incentive the Dark Templar blinked back down the plateau, hitting the ground running. Moments later several Overlords drifted over the plateau's rim quickly followed by the Mutalisk and soon after by two hundred Zerglings who lacking flying or climbing abilities took the slower land ramp. Zerion glanced back catching sight of a small army chasing after them with full awareness of their location thanks to the Overlords. Zerion thought to blink up to them like he had done last time but the Mutalisk resting atop them and the close grouping of multiple Overlords would make such an endeavor extremely difficult if not fatal. No the proper action now was to retreat.
Ko'toss ordered his type 2 Blaster Pylons to deploy their shield domes and warp in reinforcements to his location at the base of a plateau. It was this location to the northeast which another old resource bunker was located and it was here that Ko'toss would establish his expansion base from which he would directly attack the Cerebrate. That was if the Dark Templar haven't slain it yet.
Multiple Probes warped in along with Dragoon and Zealot reinforcements. The Probes quickly warped in a Nexus and several Pylons as a small fire fight broke out between several Dragoons at the base of the plateau and a group of Hydralisk atop the plateau. Ko'toss watched the fire fight until the Hydralisk were killed to the last. He then got back to building his base warping in several Gateways and one Stargate along with more Pylons and Photon cannons and one Tachyon spire.
It was a moment later the Purifier received a warning from one of the Observers on patrol to the north over the plateau. It spotted a horde of Zerg consisting of Overlords, Mutalisk and Zerglings chasing something. Zooming in the Observer spotted several Dark Templar running and occasionally blinking forwards to gain distence from the pursuing Zerg.
Seeing as though the Dark Templar were bringing the Zerg to him Ko'toss prepared a proper welcome. He gathered his forces moving the Shield Reavers and Type 2 Blaster Pylons into defensive positions and arranging his Zealots, Dragoons and Reavers into a formation that allowed maximum force projection. Ko'toss then moved his Observer down and into the Dark Templars path and ordered it to decloak showing itself to them. Zeratul and the rest of the Nerazim spotted the Observer.
"Zeratul this way. Lure the Zerg around the Plateau to my forward base." Ko'toss projected through the Observer.
As the Dark Templar neared its location the Observer turned around and quickly flew away to the edge of the plateau to the east which was to the Dark Templars left. They followed the Observer bringing the undonted Zerg horde with them. The Cerebrates know the Dark Templar are able to kill them so they will never pursuing them. The Dark Templar in a dead sprint rounded the corner of the plateau. Arrayed before them was a well prepared host of Templar waiting for a target to shot. The Dark Templar blinked past the army stopping before the Purifier made from Fenix.
"It is good to see that you yet live Zeratul."
Zeratul turned to the quadruped robot.
"It is good to see you here Ko'toss. I thank you for the assistance..."
The Dragoons opened fire cutting down a horde of Zerglings as they rounded the vertical cliff side of the plateau. Several Overlords and Mutalisk flew over the Plateaus rim and were swiftly obliterated by a barrage from the Photon cannons.
"It was a stroke of luck that you were here Ko'toss." said Zerion. "Since we are here perhaps we could combine our forces and eliminate the Cerebrate to the north east."
Ko'toss perked up a bit at that.
"You know where the Cerebrate is?"
"Yes we have lain eyes upon it." said Zeratul. "Our pursuers chased us from our prey however. The Zerg are adapting to the threat we possess to them and protecting themselves accordingly."
"I agree to your terms. But I will face the Cerebrate myself. Once I have fallen or defeated it you Dark Templar may land the killing blow as only you can."
"I see. I agree to you terms steel one." replied Zeratul.
"Steel one?"
"Is such a term in accurate Purifier." said Zeratul.
"No. It is not." said Ko'toss.
In the back round the battle ended with the Zealots slaying the last of the Zerglings.
Ko'toss rallied his forces moving out to the north following the path of the Dark Templar back to the Cerebrate. Groups of Zerglings, Hydralisk and Ultralisk attacked as they pushed north but with Ko'toss his Templar and the Dark Templars combind might none of them even slowed the Templar down. As He laid his multi spectral optical sensors on the Cerebrates defenders Ko'toss felt a surge of what he could only discribe as egerness.
"Attack!" Ko'toss declaired as he charged up the earthen ramp up to the Plateau's rim.
Several Ultralisks charged down followed by hundreds of Zerglings and supported by Hydralisks staying at range. A Ultralisk raised it's great kaiser blade and swung to cleave the white robot in half. Ko'toss leaped over the blade in motion and plunged his blades into the Ultralisk's eyes. Bucking in pain the Ultralisk sent Ko'toss flying back down the hill as the two forces clashed in melee. As Ko'toss got back up he momentaraly saw Zerion and Zeratul killing the other Ultralisk. Re-focusing on his own target Ko'toss charged plunging his blades into the gapes between the beasts knee joints cutting tendons and cracking bone. The Ultralisk raised both its kaiser blades slamming them down onto Ko'toss shield. The barrier with stood three strikes but by the thrid the shield shattered slamming the Purifier into the ground and denting his armor and damaging a load barring ankle joint. Wounded but not broken the Purifier activated his emergency system and instantly recovered his shields but such a system can only be used once per battle and needs recharging after each use. Pushing back Ko'toss plunged both of his blades into the pelvic bone of the Ultralisk carving a hole out from between the creatures two front legs. Instinctively the Ultralisk backed up putting space between him and his metal opponant. Taking the opening Ko'toss circled around the Ultralisks leaping atop its lower back and ripped into the gap between the bone crest and its upper torso severing its spine. The Ultralisk roared before collapsing. Blinded wounded and now partly paralyzed the Ultralisk was quickly finished off.
Several newly hatched Zerglings ran towards the earthen ramp down the plateau only to be blasted by Dragoon fire. Multiple Dragoons followed by Zealots marched up the ramp securing the way for the rest of the army. Dozens of Dragoons and Zealots reached the top of the earthen ramp followed by several Reavers and Shield Reavers. They cleared out the Zerg in the local area securing the path for the main army. Ko'toss, Zeratul and the others crested the hill. Before them stood the last of the Zerg resistance which unfortunatly included three Behemoths. But knowing this thanks to the Dark Templars previous attempt Ko'toss was prepared. The Behemoths opened fire with their spore cannons just as Several Type 2 Blaster Pylons floated over the Templar forces. The spores impacted the Blaster Pylons shields doing no damage to the Templar below. The Type 2 Blaster Pylons warped more Type 2 Blaster Pylons to aid them along with Type 1 Blaster Pylons and together they attacked and contained the Behemoths for the moment.
Free to attack the Cerebrate directly Ko'toss charged in followed by His Templar. While the Purifier lead his army to defeat the Cerebrate Zeratul looked up to the breater threat the Behomoths.
"My brethren we will eliminate the Behemoths while the Templar deal with the Cerebrate."
Calling their Corsairs to their side from their hiding spot the Dark Templar cloaked flying up to the three Behemoths to slay the creatures from the inside. Ko'toss stomped the head of a Zergling while beheading several Hydralisk with a swing of his blades while his Templar cut a path through the few remaining protectors the Cerebrate had left. With nothing standing between him and his prey anymore Ko'toss strode over to the Cerebrate who seemed quit unwilling to engage in battle itself. Ko'toss started worrying that this Cerebrate would not provide him with honorable battle and would perhaps flee. But such did not com to pass as it locked eyes with him and charged extending its four great scythed arms. The scythes fell thrusting at Ko'toss. He dodged side to side dashing out of the way as the four scythed arms swung at him each intending to kill with each blow. Ko'toss parryied each blow barely managing to deflect the powerful blows and their great mass. One after the other the strikes kept coming without relent. Then Ko'toss saw his opening as the Cerebrate raised two of its blades to strike with double the force. The blades fell onto Ko'toss but missed by mere inchs as the Purifier leaped forwards slashing at the relativly weak and exposed legs. The Cerebrates four front legs fell from its body severed at the blades of the Purifier.
But all was as the Cerebrate wanted as such was bait to draw the Templar in closer. As its front legs fell from their stumps the Cerebrate fell onto its side and curled its lower body up into a currled ball catching Ko'toss in its clutches. Now wrapped up in the Cerebrates many legs and crushing body the very shell of Ko'tosses body strained to keep from being crushed by the pressure. Cursing under his breath Ko'toss berated himself for falling for such a trap. He was at the Cerebrates mercy which Zerg had none and the Cerebrate had no reason to give any. Pushing its muscles to their limits the Cerebrate applyed as much pressure to the metal Templar as it could hoping to crush it and retreat to the other Cerebrates hive cluster.
Ko'toss thought hard. Thinking how he could turn the tables. He wish he had psionic powers but alse he was but a machine.
"Thats it a machine!" Ko'toss thought getting a idea.
Going through his own schematics he found a power relay and emitter for his Purifier blades and rewrote it shifting the energy output and source from thermal to pure electrical energy generated by his main power core. Changing his blades from burning heat blades into shocking thunder blades. The hue of energy surrounding the the Purifier blades changed from a glowing orange to a pulsating blue and silver as bolts of lightning jumped in between the twin blades of each double bladed weapon.
"Eat this!"
Ko'toss shifted his arms into thrusting positions and pushed with all his might pouring nearly all his energy output and reserves into his weapons. The Cerebrates eyes went wide as it roared in pain as many hundreds of thousands of volts surged through its body burning through its nerves and flesh. The Cerebrates shrieking echoed loudly over the plateau. The Cerebrates grip released and it now kicked and pushed to get away Ko'toss away from it. But the Purifier only plunged one of its blade's ever further in to the wound and with the other grabbed one of the Cerebrates legs and held on as the creature bucked and twisted in pain. Then with a shudder the Cerebrate stopped its body burning and smoking from the energy surge.
Kotoss pushed himself from under the creature and stood bearly able to stand as his legs were wreacked and body mangled by the Cerebrates thrashing about and his sense of awarness was fadding from expended most of his energy supply. In his damaged state Ko'toss did not see nore preseve the Behemoths falling in the distance crushing several Zerg bio-structures all around him. Moments later Zeratuls Void Seeker landed and the Dark Prelate walked over to the injured Templar who could only star at his defeated foe.
"Rest noble Ko'toss. You have proven victorious." said Zeratul.
The Dark Prelate walked over to the Cerebrates body that even now was resurrecting. Mending it's burned flesh and charred bone. Zeratul igited his warpblade plunging it into the Cerebrates flesh and sending a surge of his Void energies into its body. The Cerebrates body jerked and twitched before falling silent. The Cerebrate's flesh only decayed after that melting before the eyes of all Templar and Dark templar present.
Fenix chuckled at the news of the Cerebrates death.
"Then only one remaines then." He replied to Selendis.
"One remaines however." said Selendis. "And worse still im getting significant sensor disrption close to the ground. It looks like theres a great number of Defilers located in and around the hive cluster to the northewest. I expect Ultralisk as well and my fleet is picking up several Behemoths over the Cerebrates location as well."
Fenix thought about that.
"The Shield Reavers and Type 2 Blaster Pylons will serve us well in this situation."
Selendis groaned in annoyance.
"That name needes to be changed. I know its just a place holder till the phase-smiths change it but the name is well... not befitting a Protoss waepon of war."
"Im in agreement. But the tirtle does nothing to deminise its abilities." stated Fenix.
The Preator looked up to Selendis fleet as it hovered over his expansion base.
"Lets see this plan of yours Preator?" said Selendis as her three Carriers came to a halt.
Fenix cut his come to Selendis and ordered three groups of Shield Reavers, Reavers, Zealots and Type 2 Blaster Pylons to move north. They moved in groups resembling a roman phalanx with the 4 Shield Reavers in the middle with 1 Type 2 Blaster Pylon at their center with the Zealots and Reavers surrounding them. The Reavers should prove more useful then the Dragoons considering their Scarabs can pass through the Shield Reavers barriers. And the Zealots were positioned at the edge of the Shield Reavers barrier to kill any Zerg that get through it since it only normally blocks high speed projectiles.
The three attack groups marched northwards easily killing any resistance they encountered along the way until finally reaching a pitch black fog blanketing the ground for as far as one could see.
"Defilers!" said one Zealot.
The three groups moved forwards slowly and carefully staying with in coms range of each other. They could not se anything in the black fog banks produced by the Defilers. The Defiler has proven to be a thorn in the Templars side throughout the two hundred year war. But this was the first time they had ever produced so much of their dark smoke in one area. The left most Templar group continued forwards stopping as they came upon a wall of rock from a elevated plateau. The group reoriented themselves and continued. Then out of know where Zerglings and Queens started dropping from above landing on Templar and Reavers alike. Taken off guard by the new tactic the Templar fell victim to the Queens ensnaring webs and were quickly and easily killed by the Zerglings that continually fell on them.
On the bridge of Selendis flag ship She saw a group of Zerg consisting of Zerglings and Queens atop a plateau throwing themselves off and into the black fog below.
"Fire on those Zerg," she ordered.
Several Photon cannons on the Carrier charged up and fired blaketing the plateau in annihilating light killing any that still remained.
"Selendis why did you fire near my forces?" asked Fenix seeing the weapons fire from his expansion base.
"Forgive me Praetor but I believed your forces were being attacked. I think the Zerg had intended to use the black fog to blind our forces and ambush them from above using the plateaus in the area."
"I see. Thank you then..." Fenix received a report from all three of his forward attack groups. "My Templar report that you tell the truth. They have been attacked by Zerg falling from above."
"Praetor if I may. I know that you wanted to take the lead in attacking the Cerebrate."
"Bold words for one so young." stated Fenix. "But perhaps given the situation I should. Very well then Selendis attack at your own volition and prove your worth."
"You will not regret this Praetor. All ships increase altitude and target the Behemoths."
The three Carriers in her small fleet raised their elevation by a thousand meters and focused all their weapons forwards.
" Three Behemoths sighted just above the dark fog," reported a bridge crewmate.
"Purifier charged and ready to fire." reported another.
"Fire!"
Three burning beams of gold and orange light shot out from the Carriers noses crossing over the fog covered landscape striking the three Behemoths head on. Selendis was worried that all eight of the Behemoths she had detected when entering the region would attack all at once but it seems Her theory that they were only being used to protect the Cerebrates from the Dark Templar was correct. Had the Cerebrates went on the offensive the mission would have perhaps failed. But it was the Cerebrates mistake focusing to much on the Dark Templar that they forgot the might of the Templar fleet.
The three Behemoths collapsed to the ground having lost nearly half their body mass.
"Fenix shall we cease wasting time and attack with my ships?"
"Very well then. I will contact the Dark Templar so that they may strike the final blow after the Cerebrates armies and bodies are broken. But do remember not to completely destroy their physical forms lest they be resurrected else-where."
"I know Praetor."
Selendis hade her fleet use their warping systems to pick up the Praetors forces on the ground and accelerated forwards. The three Carriers glided over the blanket of dark fog. The three Carriers quickly under attack from distant Spore colonies and Ultralisk on the ground hiding in the fog. Holding off the continues barrage of fire seemingly coming from every the shields helf fast taking the punishment as the swiftly moved towards the Cerebrates base. In little time the Carriers reached a holding position over the Cerebrates base and began their barrage with their Photon cannons set to rapid fire-mode. A literal rain of devastating light bolts covered the area blanketing it in devastation. Then the fire stopped and Selendis teleported Fenis and his forces down to secure the area.
Fenix watched as the black fog receded with the Defilers dead. As it dissipated the black fog unveiled a field of dead Zerg and destroyed bio-structures. The few Zerg that were alive were quickly finished off by the Templar and as for the Cerebrate its mangled body was half buried looking as though it tried burrowing when the bombardment started.
"To think we were defeated and frustrated by such beings for so long." spoke Fenix as Zerion walked up behind him.
"But no longer," the Dark Templar stated as if finishing the Praetors sentence.
Zerion ignited his warpblade thrusting it into the half regenerated flesh of the Cerebrate.
-Chapter End-
