-Chapter 43-
-A Day in the Life of a Tal'darim-
-Slayn, Tal'darim Home World-
The Tal'darim are the most ruthless of all the protoss factions. They possess a martial culture that is distinct from their Khala and Nerazim brethren, as is their manner of thought. Their morals and ethics are considered barbaric, but their power and skill in battle is undeniable. Tal'darim warriors wield bane-blades which utilize red phased Khaydarin crystals in fused with malicious Void energies that produce psi-blades of a crimson color unlike the vivid green of the Nerazim counter parts whos color and nature is more of a hydrid of their personal psionic power and the Void.
The Tal'darim society is brutal and war-like, but all Tal'darim adhere to a Chain of Ascension. The chain determines who is in command of the society, and is ruled by a High-lord with the Ascendants directly below them. No Tal'darim may fight or kill another above his or her rank unless they first challenge them to Rak'Shir. A ancient rite by ritual combat that has existed since the beginning of the Tal'darim long ago. Attacking a superior outside a Rak'Shir duel is punished through public execution.
In truth the Tal'darim were first created by those ancient Forerunners whom were converted to being servants of the light prior to the galactic wide war between the Forerunner, Flood and the extradimensional forces of the Light. Originally the Protoss were create by the Forerunner life-worker cast, who specialized in genetic manipulation, to better understand the unique energies of the immaterium and test its uses. Though the Protoss were a created species their Forerunner creators also counted them among their own forces to maintain order in the galaxy and used the Protoss as soldiers, workers and scientists within the Ecumene.
Tal'darim however were a splinter group created and trained to be the weapon of the Light in its planes for conquering the material plane. The Chain of ascension was simply a means of ensuring the strongest made up the Tal'darims ranks and leadership, as well as a means of control through semi-religious practices.
Alarak knew all this from many long decades working his way up the chain of ascension starting out as a low ranking Votary, raising to His current station as the Fourth Ascendant. But why stop there. As Alarak stared at the dozen canisters of pure (stronger) and less pure (addictive) terrazine his mind turned with intent and strategy. He glanced at the paused holo-projector screen across the room, smirking at the paused face of Ellen on the recording She had given him. With a wave of His hand the screen turned off and He removed the memory crystal. Alarak quickly crushed the data chip to pieces having learned all he needed from it.
"Your quite the cunning one Ellen. To think you knew all this too."
Alarak mused as the data chip fragments turned to powder. On the recording Ellen had remarked on alternate events in a different universe in which Ascendant Nuroka learned of Amons planes to kill the Tal'darim of that universe after their purpose was fulfilled. Nuroka would then have sent 5th ascendant Ji'nara to Alarak to get him on His side for his plane to kill Ma'lash. The Alarak of that universe ultimately took Ma'lashs side resulting in the deaths of Zenish who took Nuroka's side, Guraj who took Ma'lashes side who was killed by Alarak who did not declare for anyone at that moment but did eventually take Ma'lashs side, and the fight ended in Nuroka perishing at the hands of Ma'lash after a days worth of torturous battle that was intentionally drawn out by Ma'lash to make a point.
The Alarak of this universe thought of the events Ellen talked about with a degree of doubt and skepticism. But it still made him think. Those events may or may not happen as this is a different universe and as such will play out differently. One major difference is the Terrazine as it was how Nuroke learned of Amons true plane for the Tal'darim and there for took action. But Terrazine did not exist in this universe because of the Halos jamming all normal connection to the Immaterium. The Void on the other hand was a different story But it was only a empty dimension from which Psionic power could be drawn from. Both the Tal'darim and Nerazim do so to bolster their powers and abilities.
And also the Amon of that other universe and the one in this universe could be the same or different for all Alarak knew. There were simply too many variables to warrant Alarak making a foolish move based on them without evidence. But unlike his counter part in the other universe this Alarak was ambitious and had every intention of becoming high-lord.
The only question was how much time did Alarak have before Amon unleashed his army of Hybrids. There existence was only known by the current High-lord Ma'lash and the other high ranking ascendants and Amons other servants in the Mobius core. The Hybrids would sooner or later be unleashed on a unsuspecting galaxy. The one time Amon gathered all the High-lord and the ascendants for a demonstration of the Hybrids, Alarak like his fellow ascendants were utterly surprised and in part terrified of the hybrids. Their physical and mental abilities combined the Zergs, strength, tenacity and endurance with the Protosses psionic prowess and intelligence. That alone was not enough to sow fear into the hearts of the mighty and well experienced ascendants. But rather it was the Hybrids ability to drain psionic the life energy from virtually any foe, be they Terran, Protoss or Zerg, and use that energy to empower and heal themselves.
All the ascendants also had such a power called Sacrifice that allowed them to drain energy from their Supplicants. But the shear scale and range of the Hybrids version of this ability vastly dwarfed the Tal'darims. And as such they well understood the implications of such a difference in ability. Which also meant Alaraks own planes were facing a road block. If Amon commanded such creatures then it would be a major hurdle for Alarak to over come alone if he was to usurp the Tal'darim leadership for him self. But thinking back to his old friends Selendis, Zerion and Artanis he perhaps had allies to which to call upon. Even though they exchanged a few words at the meeting prior to the arrival of the Terran emperor, they were not on the best of terms. And if any of the other ascendants learned of his involvement with Ellen or the Aiur protoss his life would be on the line.
As Alarak thought over his options his private moment was interrupted by a beep, indicating a visitor has arrived at his palaces front gate.
"Lord Alarak 5th Ascendant Ji'nara has arrived to meet with you." reported a guard over the palace coms.
"This is most intriguing?" Alarak spoke to him self. "Let her in." He ordered his guards.
Alarak hide the tanks of Terrazine, telekinetically moving them into a false wall compartment in the wall and sealed it. A few moments later Ji'nara entered the chamber. She glanced around at the room a moment before focusing on her reason for being here.
"I have a... " Ji'nara started before Alarak cut her off.
"A message from Noruka concerning his challenge of Rak'Shir against Ma'lash." Alarak stated casually.
It took all of Alarak's will power to hold back his amusement at Ji'naras body language reaction that indicated both surprise and shock for but a brief moment. The only thing Alarak regretted was that He could not see Her eyes, as Ji'nara almost always whore a helmet with a visor. More then likely to hide such giva ways from her fellow Ascendants.
"How did you...?" she asked recomposing her self.
"Know about it." Alarak stood up from his black stone chair taking four long strides towards Ji'nara, whom was a head shorter them him.
"Oh I know a great many things. Like how you detest being my underling." Alarak said as he brought a hand up to Ji'naras chin-plate.
She jerked away, glaring at him.
"Don't think I won't gut you just because your a higher rank then me worm." threatened Ji'nara.
Alarak backed off a single step.
"Oh it was only a joke." He replied playfully.
In truth Alarak did find Ji'nara to be a worthy mate. Not only for the fact that she was one of the few higher ranking female Ascendant's but also for her cunning and lack of recklessness. Though most Tal'darim focus on ascending the chain to a high rank many do turn to thoughts of reproduction. Most Tal'darim prefer to have their offspring grown in vita-tanks (artificial wombs) as it is more convenient and efficient for them. Maintaining their races numbers is another duty that all Tal'darim share. And the high-lord surprisingly has a special duty of rewarding those whose offspring also raise through the ranks. Supposedly this motivates people to compete on a genetic level for the best mates. It is bay far the least hazards of the competitions in Tal'darim culture.
"I am not amused." Replied Ji'nara.
"Tsk, tsk," Alarak said shaking his head. "Your no fun Ji'nara. You should learn to relax some times. If your always on edge all the time you'll just leave your self weaker in the end by exhausting your self. Everyone has to have moments of sleep or rest to recover from their fatigue eventually or where themselves out."
Ji'nara turned her head to the side sighing in agreement begrudgingly. If Alarak had to guess he would have sworn that Ji'nara hated males. Perhaps she preferred those of her own gender. People like that did exist though rare in Tal'darim society.
"Getting back to business. I would like to you to keep out of this Rak'Shir Ji'nara. Consider it an order."
Jinara shot him a glare but nothing more.
"Very well. Is that all?"
"Yes. You my leave."
After Ji'nara left Alarak once again brought out his tanks of Terrazine getting a idea. It was dangerous and If it didn't go as expected he would more then likely die at Ma'lashes blade. But he had something that no other Tal'darim had, Terrazine and the fact no one else even knew of it.
Shortly there after Alarak traveled to Nuroka's palace. The guards let him pass to meet with the first ascendant with only a single Zealot as escort. The Zealot simply stood by the entrance of Nuroka's private room while Alarak entered. Upon entering Alarak cocked a eye at the two dead blood hunters laying on the floor.
"Guess some things are some what similar?" Alarak thought to himself.
Nuroka was standing by the window looking out over the city like nothing had happened. He had a few cuts on his armor but otherwise no damage.
"Alarak. "I know what you arranged four years ago. When you were made an ascendant." Nuroka declared continuing to look out at the city.
"I do not know what you're talking about." Alarak denied.
"Nor did I. Not until last night when I meditated more deeply into the Lights realm through the sacred icon."
Alarak thought of those relic statues that high ranking and pious Tal'darim Ascendants and the High-lord have. Alarak knew that they could bring one closer to the Light but He himself only rarely prayed to his.
"Amon knows exactly what you did." Nuroka continued. "He found it amusing. An entire wing of our best leaders dead. Our fleet in disarray for months. Amon's own plans delayed. He didn't care. Neither did you. You flew up the Chain that day. That is why you are the one to answer my question. The Tal'darim see the sacred Chain as a holy purpose. You see it as a game to be played."
"I would say Im ambitious rather then a game master." Alarak finally admitted. "Besides. The chain of ascensions purpose is to let the most skilled and powerful raise and rule their lesser's is it not."
Nuroka chuckled. "Yes, you are correct. Come closer Alarak."
It would seem to Alarak as He walked to Nuroka's side that the relic statues are the instigating factor in this universe as Terrazine was in the other. Still can Amon spy them through the statues. Alarak wondered. And why would the Light inform Nuroka of its planes of disposing of the Tal'darim after they've served their purpose.
"Guraj and Zenish?" Alarak questioned. "Are they with you or Ma'lash?"
"Zenish is with me, as is Malain. I know not as to the others intention." answered Nuroka.
Alarak knew Zanish would side with Nuroka but Malain was a new element.
"I will defeat Ma'lash tomorrow and begin a war to annihilate Amon and you will help me."
In another universe Alarak would have attacked Nuroka instantly at His declaration, but this Alarak was once a Khala Templar and also had the knowledge of his counterparts actions. Instead of attacking Nuroka Alarak simply ignited his bane-blades but nothing more.
"Normally any other Tal'darim would have attacked you for making such a statement. Give me a reason not to end your treason her and now?" Alarak firmly asked. This was the chance to gleam Nuroka true motivations.
Nuroka turned to Alarak staring into his eyes.
"Through using the sacred statues that link our realm with the realm beyond the Void I conversed with the Light whom Amon and his servants serve. What I learned was that the Tal'darim will upon the final victory be cleansed of our freewill and become little more then automations of flesh. Mere puppets of the Light. All except for Ma'lash whom will become our puppeteer to do with the rest of us what he will."
"If this is true then why would the Light whom we all including Amon serve tell you this?" Alarak asked.
"It would seem the light is not as unified as once thought." Nuroka answered. "Or perhaps i'm but a pawn in its own game. Or perhaps Amon is not following the exact path the Light demands of its followers and servants. I am not all knowing. But what ever the case maybe, I will confront Ma'lash tomorrow and change the course of our peoples fate."
Alarak scoffed. "Hah! That's funny. A Tal'darim whom cares about others. Your surprisingly altruistic, if a little foolish Nuroka.
"Perhaps." Nuroka replied. "Alarak, What means do you think we would be able to kill Amon?"
The question was a obvious trap if this whole affair was trap for him. Did Amon know about His aide to Ellen in purging the Wild Zerg from Aiur and the meeting with the Templar and Nerazim factions. If so then Alarak needed to proceed carefully. But even so He could still see a way of turning the situation in his favor.
"Of course I don't." answered Alarak. "But as to the Rak'Shir."
Alarak pulled out four metal reinforced finger sized ampoules of Terrazine from his armors side pocket.
"I do have a item that may, depending on how you use them, give you a fighting chance against Ma'lash."
Nuroka eyed the vials in Alaraks hand.
"However there's a price." the fourth ascendant stated.
"And how do I know that these things will not simply poison me?"
"I did bring four of them." replied Alarak as he threw the ampoules towards Nuroka.
Nuroka telekinetically caught the ampoules mid air pulling them to his hand.
"By all means test one of them on a underling. If they are to your satisfaction then use the other three in your match tomorrow."
"And what is your condition for giving me these?"
"Simple. I wont be declaring for you nor for Ma'lash during your Rak'Shir. I'll just be a spectator like the rest."
For a few moments Nuroka stared at the ampoules before turning to Alarak.
"Very well then." Nuroka replied. "You may leave."
Alarak turned his bane-blades off and turned to leave when Nuroka stopped him.
"And Alarak. If your still going to betray me, know that I have shadows that will punish you for it even if I fall to Ma'lash."
"Then you should do your best to win tomorrow. Noruka." replied Alarak as he left the room.
The next day the Rak'Shir began. The Pits of Ascension, ancient dueling grounds located on Slayn, structured as an oval colosseum with two burning pits of plasma at either end. The elevated stands were packed with thousands of Tal'darim waiting eagerly to see the blood bath entertainment. If there was one thing all Tal'darim agreed on, it was that they all loved Rak'Shir. If not for the entertainment then for the fact that everyone would more then likely become a higher rank by one or maybe two levels by the end of it. On one end of the field stood Nuroka, and at the other end stood the high-lord Ma'lash. The other ascendants stood by at the edges of the pit while Zanish and the 8th ascendant and Malain the 6th, entered both declaring for Nuroka. While Guraj 2nd ascendent and the 7th ascendant Geth declared for Ma'lash.
All six were apparently even in terms of numbers but Ma'lash's forces had more supplicants to bolster His psionic power. During Rak'shir only the two competing combatants may directly fight each other. If the supporters of either side attacking them it would render the whole ceremony pointless. However their followers can support their chosen side by transferring their own energies to the Tal'darim their supporting and kill the supporters of their opponents. So its not only the psionic prowess and martial skill and abilities of the combatants that determine the winner but the number and fighting ability of their supporters. Meaning that all though a Rak'shir is theoretically a one on one match, who wins and who losses can be determined by their supporters who will also be fighting against each other. So in truth a Rak'shir is more akin to a small regulated battle then a duel.
Both Ma'lash and Nuroka approached each other, both glaring at the other while their forces got into formation behind their respective leaders.
"If you grovel and beg for forgiveness and mercy, I may just only sever your limbs and put you in a spire somewhere to rot Nuroka." threatened Ma'lash.
"Petty words from a worm who sees his fellow Tal'darim as mere play things." Nuroka replied.
Ma'lash only scoffed igniting his bane blades. Nuroka did like wise along with the others as the high-lord of the Tal'darim and five ascendants got into a combat stance. Meanwhile above the pit Alarak watched eagerly to see how his little contribution will alter things. He didn't declare for anyone and Nuroka knows this so if the second ascendant win's Alarak will not be in danger. And conversely if Nuroka dies along with his supporters even with the gifts he was given then Alarak himself will not be accused of anything without evidence. Alarak had made sure that the ampoules would not trace back to him. And if anyone askes why he was at Nurokas palace last night He could simply say that Nuroka tried to recruit him. It wasn't illegal or uncommon during Rak'shirs. In fact it's expected.
"Now lets see how this goes." Alarak mumbled to him self.
Ji'nara a few meters away glanced at Alarak wondering what was going through his head.
As everyone eagerly awaited the beginning signal a lone supplicant standing atop the bell tower at the middle edge of the arena raised a large metal hammer and struck a giant black bell. Its rings echoed through the pits of ascension. In the next moment chaos erupted as both sides surged into motion. Zealots fought in an intense frenzied melee while Dragoons blasted each other from a distance. Both sides doing their best to protect the supplicants in the rear that were devoting all of their energy and focus on supporting their respective sides. Both sides had the same idea and were balanced for the most part as the blood bath raged on and hence its name sake the blood of Tal'darim quickly started flowing as people from both sides spilled their lives essence on the ground staining it red like so many Rak'shirs before.
In the center through fair where a smooth path of stone lead to either pit of plasma on either side Nuroke and Ma'lash battled. Their bane blades blurring and flashing as they crossed blades, dodged and parried each other. At first the two seemed equal but things soon started changing as Ma'lashes attacks pressed Nuroka back ever so slowly. Alarak watched with eager attention as He wondered when Nuroka and his allies would use the terrazine.
Nuroka and his forces were pushed back half way to the plasma pit when things shifted again. The rear line of Dragoons on Nurokas side started doing something odd as they started separating and recombining into something bigger. The transformation was quick and even though the forces on Ma'lashes side tried to stop them they weren't fast enough. In only a few moments twelve Dragoons had reformed into several miniature Colossus. The miniature battle walkers were a complete surprise to everyone as technological advancement was not really a high priority for the Tal'darim. They already have relic technology from the war between the three great races from a great many thousands of years ago, in addition to technology stolen from the Khala Templar and Narazim Dark Templar. Technology that's already among the most advanced in the galaxy. So to see something like this now was more then a little surprising.
"Well that's something you don't see everyday?" stated Alarak finding himself enjoying the spectacle more then he should.
As they towered over the battlefield shorter then a full sized Colossus but still much bigger then a Dragoon the four miniature Colossus charged up their single core mounted Thermal lance and started laying waste to groups of Ma'lashes forces with their swiping beams. Plasma shields flared and failed as clusters of Zealots burned to ashes and Dragoons were turned to molten slag. As his psionic support weakened. Ma'lash was pushed back along with his supporters. But as they passed the battle fields center point the four supporters who empowered Ma'lash and Nuroka fought all the more desperately against each other and eventually there was a loss. Zenish struck at Guraj forcing her back with his greater strength. But while trying to break Her defense He over stepped his limits and left a tiny opening in his own defenses if only for a moment,. Though it was a fleeting crack in Zanish's defenses the swift Guraj took full advantage. Using her psi-dash she got right below Zanish and with a single thrust impaled him through the chest. With a mouthless grin Guraj pulled her blades up bisecting Zanishes head. The corpse fell like a ragdoll.
Nuroka instantly felt the loss of energy and was quickly pushed back by Ma'lashes sustained power while His started weakening.
Now desperate Nurokas supplicants poured more of their energies into him to make up for the loss. But the stress was too much and one by one they fell from exhaustion or from the attacks of the enemy forces. Nuroka was once again pushed back to his pit. But at the last minute he sent the order to his remaining miniature Colossus to focus fire on the 7th ascendant Geth and back up Malain the 8th ascendant. With all of the miniature colossus firing on the enemy, Malain switching from a survival based defense strategy to offense. Geth was starting to be quickly overwhelmed and when a miniature Colossus got a direct on hit his plasma shields he was blasted back for a mere moment. As He recovered Malain took the instant of weakness to blast Geth with a Psionic Orb.
The force of the Orb again blasted Geth back several meters onto his back and heavily damaged his shields. As Geth was on the ground Malain drained the life energy from a dozen of his supplicants to empower himself and to put the nail into the coffin He used one of the ampoules of Terrazine further boosting his powers. Even Ma'lash and Nuroka felt the sharp spike in the his powers and for a moment glanced over at the sight of Malain blasting Geth with multiple psionic orbs in rapid succession until he was just gone, reduced to vapor and smoking chunks of meat and melted armor.
Internally Nuroka was angry that Malain had used one of the ampoules without his expressed signal. Timing was everything in a knife edge fight like this one. But with Zanishes death the equalising death of Geth was at least evening the battle out again. Over the course of the next half hour both combatants and their supporters weakened and dwindled in numbers but still in Ma'lashes favor. Even with several of the Miniature Colossus destroyed by Guraj and her Dragoons She was now being pushed back by the still empowered Malain. He had continually sacrificed his supplicants to empower himself but with the boost from the Terrazine long gone he and his forces were now being ground down by Guraj and her forces if slowly.
The 8th and 2rd ascendants were locked in a bitter and surprising stalemate for quite a while but as the number of his supplicants lessened Malain lost his stamina and his strength weakened. And still with most of her supplicants left Guraj at that moment chose to sacrifice her own supplicants boosting her power. Sensing the boost in his opponents power Malain dodged out of the way, as a series of lightning slashes nearly cut him down. But as he backed off from the melee range of Guraj He tripped on a corpse falling backwards.
Guraj laughed at the cowered. "Your a fool Malain. And now you 'll die as one."
As Guraj closed the distance to her pray Malain realized that the body he had tripped over was that of Zanish who should still have that vile of Terrazine left on him. Malain franticly searched for the pouch with the vile and found it just as Guraj struck at him. He dashed out of the way with only a millimeter between the blade and his neck. Landing he plunged the ampoule into his still intact neck injecting the Terrazine. Instantly like before he experienced a great boost to his power. Sensing this and not wanting to let her cowardly opponent cheat his way out of His death sentence anymore like last time Guraj psi-dashed forwards plunging both her blades into Malains chest while He was momentarily distracted by the Terrazine boost. But much to Her surprise and horror Malain had also gotten of a attack off. Ironically Malains psi-blade was plunged into the exact spot on Gurajs chest as She had impaled Zanish not long ago. Both Malain and Guraj used the last of their power to slash their opponents vitals and both fell dead as many in the gathered crowed expressed surprise at the double deaths.
"A surprising out-come." noted Alarak in amusement at the turn of events.
Both sides were becoming increasingly depleted at this point and for the most part were mostly dead even in terms of power and remaining troops. But Nuroka still had his own trump card, the vile of Terrazine he had remaining. Alarak had given him four and Nuroke had tested one on a supplicant whos own power was greatly boosted for a short time. If He was going to use it the time was now. Nuroka deflected a series of brutal attacks from Ma'lash one after the other finding a opening to back off for a moment. He lost ground and the plasma pit was close enough to feel the heat but Nuroka knew he could win if he used everything he had left in one final push. It was a all or nothing gamble at this point. It was a choice between slowly loosing his remaining forces or going all out. Nuroka chose the latter as He jabbed the Terrazine ampoule into his neck.
Seeing his opponent doing something Ma'lash charged draining several of his supplicants dry to empower his next attack as his opponents power also increased. As Nuroka's eyes glowed a malevolent crimson the ampoule fell empty to the dirt as He psi-dashed at the charging Ma'lash. Their Bane-blades exploded in a shower of red lighting as the two combatants clashed blocking each others attacks. But as the high-lord and the first ascendant fought ever more fiercely Alarak only gave a amused hum as he found the results of his little experiment a success. He wanted to test the capabilities of both the lesser addictive Terrazine before the more powerful pure version. So far all of his expectations have been met. If the lesser Terrazine made Nuroka and his now dead supporters this powerful then the pure Terrazine would empower Alarak even more. If Alarak had a mouth He would have worried about someone seeing his smirking grin.
Attack after attack Ma'lash was pushed back further and further. When ever He would sacrifice more of his supplicants to gain more power Nuroka would do the same keeping the battle in His favor. But Ma'lash still had more supplicants to sacrifice then Nuroka and Nuroka knew it. So the first ascendant gave the order to his last remaining forces to charge at the right flank of Ma'lashes forces concentrating all of their might into one last major attack on to the enemies left flank. Zealots and Dragoons all charged passed Ma'lashes right side slamming into the high-lords forces, ripping into their surprised enemies. The high-lord raged at this blatant and dangerous move and in a moment of rage shot a bolt of crimson lightning at Nuroka pushing him back a moment. In that opening Ma'lash ordered his forces on his right flank to circle around to the rear of the enemies to catch them in a pincher attack. Ma'lashes forces did as instructed but given the size of the arena and the positioning of the enemy forces they had only one path to take and that was behind Nuroka.
In the moment Ma'lashes forces passed behind Him Nuroka narrowed his eyes at Ma'lash. But they weren't the eyes of a fearful and weakened opponent seeing his forces be caught in a combined enemy pincher attack. No. They were the eyes of a smirk. Ma'lash instantly understood why that was. Though there are rules against the supporters of each participant of a Rak'shir attacking the dueling participants themselves, there is no such rule about the dueling participants attacking the supporters of their opponent. Mainly because such a distraction could be fatal in such a close combat fight. But if one was willing to give ground then it could work. As half of Ma'lashes last supporters passed right behind him Nuroka bent his legs a moment building up power. Ma'lash overly eager to end this battle and prevent Nuroka from doing what he fears Him doing psi-dashed towards the first ascendant like a lightning bolt, but it was too late. Nuroka blocked the one and only attack Ma'lash got off, and in the next instant Nuroka activated a psionic skill called Destruction Wave making his body glow a radiant crimson.
In the next instant Nuroka shot into the air many meters, landing among the clustered supporters of his enemy releasing a blast wave that sent Ma'lashes forces flying in all directions. The crowds went wild as the single move killed 25% of what remained of the high-lords forces. Nuroka then used the psi-skill Deadly Charge multiple times in succession to rapidly dash around killing what remained of half Ma'lashes forces. Ma'lash raged leaping at Nuroka with his own Deadly Charge. Nuroka fully activated his shields tanking the attack and started parrying Ma'lashes more frantic attacks.
"Ahh! cowered you being dishonor to the sacred Rak'shir!" roared Ma'lash as he attacked franticly but without letting his guard down.
"There is no rule against it oh high lord." Nuroka rebutted countering a series of the highlord deadly attacks.
In the next moment Nuroka blocked Ma'lashes next attack feeling his opponents power weaken. Behind them Nuroka's combined forces broke through the final line of the high lords forces and started massacring the now undefended supplicants. The supplicants did their best to fight back and kill as many of Nuroka's forces as they could before being cut down themselves. But against Dragoons and a larger force of Zealots they stood no chance. Within minutes virtually all of Ma'lashes forces were now dead or dying leaving the high-lord alone. There were many murmurs all through the arena as many saw the writing on the wall. Ji'nara and the remaining ascendants who simply watched also understood how this would end at this point and started chanting for Nuroka.
"What! No no!" Ma'lash roared as he more franticly and forcefully trying to break through Nurokas guard to land a fatal blow. But seeing as he had no reason to make haste Nuroka carefully let the soon to be former high lord wear him self out on Nurokas defenses. The high lord put up a surprising resistance as he hacked and slashed at the first ascendant doing little but to delay the inevitable. Eventually Ma'lash fell to one knee exhausted from his own effort, while a still strong Nuroka stood over him. The power boost from the Terrazine having long faded Nuroka still had several dozen supporters while Ma'lash had none.
"Yield and I might kill you quickly, former high-lord." Nuroka mocked, his eyes expressing a smirk of satisfaction.
Growling in rage Ma'lash glared at Nuroka. "Never traitor!"
Ma'lsah struck at Nuroka only for the soon to be new high lord to instantly removed one of Ma'lash's hands with a stroke of his Bane-blade.
"Then i'll make a example out of you." stated Nuroka.
Through out the rest of the day Nuroka slowly tortured and dismembered Ma'lash cutting his arms off bit by bit until only stubs at the shoulder remained and then started on his legs, and then moved on to cutting his armor off piece by piece with precision cuts. By the end Ma'lash was armor and limb less covered in scars and barely conscious from the blood loss. Finally tired of playing around a victorious Nuroka reached down picking the defeated Ma'lash up by the neck and walked over to the pit. The plasma boiling below in a pool of energy.
"Good by Ma'lash."
Nuroka simply dropped Ma'lash into the pit to be incinerated by the plasma. The victorious Nuroka turned around raising a bane-blade to the sky.
"I Nuroka am your new high-lord!" He declared loudly.
Everyone in the pits of ascension roared and cheered for the newly victorious high-lord. Even Alarak clapped his armored hands for the victor.
"All hail Nuroka!" the crowds roared over and over as Nuroka did a victory lap through the Blood and corpses scattered about the arena end to end.
Several new ascendants would raise to replace the fallen and others would raise to become higher ranked. With Nuroka ascending to become the new high-lord and the previous 2nd ranked Guraj, 3rd ranked Zanish dead, Alarak will become the new 1st ranked ascendant and Ji'nara the new 2nd ranked. And others of lower ranked all moving up multiple ranks. Everyone seemed to have gained in equal measure that day but as she turned to the new first ranked ascendant Ji'nara could not help but feel like Alarak had something to do with it all and some how her instincts told her that out of all the Tal'darim Alarak had gained more then everyone else that day. She just didn't know how or by what means.
Meanwhile in the temple underneath the Mobius foundations Skygeirr platform Amon sat upon a throne of black stone watching a holo-screen feed of the Rak'Shir on Slayn. The dark giants let out a deep rumbling laugh.
"Ah Alarak. I'll let you live a bit longer just for that bit of entertainment." Amon stated in amusment.
-A Week after the Rak'shir-
Alarak was confident in his next move. Now that he knew the limits of the Terrazine gas he started his secret mass production. It was only a little bit but a small force of elite Ascendants under his command would be greatly empowered if they had such a thing to rely on. Alarak him self was also enjoying the new position as the first ascendant. But it also came with the universal bane of leadership. Paperwork. Keeping track of all his new ships, soldiers and a few planets which came with the increase in rank was a pain and kept Alarak as well as Ji'nara and the other newly ascended Ascendants busy making sure their own new troops and holdings were secure. Alarak didn't put it passed Nuroka to have slipped a few spies in to the new forces He commanded. After all Nuroka owed his new position to Alarak for the Terrazine He gave the new high-lord.
But Tal'darim politics aside Alarak wanted to strengthen his troops moral and loyalty which meant winning a few battles. But only a fool fights for that reason alone. Thinking about it Alarak walked from his window with the overlooking view of the city, over to his desk which he despised. Sitting in the hover chair He began compiling data from his fleet of Observers which many high ranking Tal'darim used to spy on each other. But instead of spying on rivals he sent of a few hundred of the automated spies to Shakuras, Aiur, several of the forge worlds belonging to the Khala Protoss and many more of their worlds. Several uneventful days passed as his spies gathered data on the locations and anything happening there.
The Khala protoss were rebuilding several cities on Aiur now that it was clear of Wild Zerg, all thanks to Alarak and Ellen. Nothing of much of interest was going on there. Shakuras was a little more interesting as it seemed the Terran Emperor, Artanis and the Nerazim matriarch Raszagal were having frequent meetings for their little alliance. It seemed the Over-swarm now lead by the Cerebrate Daggoth was proving more of a nuisance to element then previously thought and had opened several new war fronts in Terran and Khala space. Even attacking Shakuras once if unsuccessfully thanks to the might of the Ark ships who easily erased such a low level attack in short order.
Alarak would love to get his hands on one of those Ark-ships. One could house and supply his whole fleet and armies and still have room to spare. It wasn't like his relationship with Artanis and the others would suffer much seeing as it was already practically nonexistent. Still if he was going to try to take one of those ships He would have to have some serious fire power and a really good plan. Still from what the Observers had picked up only one of the Ark-ships, the Spear of Adun, was even starting to reach full functionality. It seems the ships rely on a rare resource called Solarite.
Funny that its the same element Ellen now has a monopoly on. Small shipments of the resource would arrive to the Ark ships every few weeks but because of the ships shear size and demands in crew and operations capacity the Spear of Adun has taken priority over the other two in being made fully operational while the other two ships are simply being made ready for being made operational while still housing many many Civilian Protoss.
Alarak sensed a opportunity but his forces were not yet ready to take on such a challenge. He would have to work his way up to it. And the data from the Observers he sent to two worlds, one called Glacius a research world and the other a far removed world of Kaldir. Glacius was a research world developing technology of the Purifiers. Robotic warriors with the replicated minds of the best and strongest Protoss. Alarak found the idea of having a army of absolutely loyal mass produced robots a fascinating and enticing thing. But reinforcements from the Newly formed Golden armada created by Artanis and a group He and Tassadar were apart of called the Daelaam council to act as a rapid response force of absolute power to protect Protoss space and planets. Luckily the golden armada was in its infancy weak and few in number. But as time goes on they will only grow in number so that will change as time goes on.
The second planet Kaldir was a much easier target. But it was just a seemingly ordinary terraforming effort. Nothing that should draw the attention of a Tal'darim ascendant. But then as He went over the long range sensor logs of the Observers there Alarak found himself in awe as He discovered a long lost Tal'darim relic vessel on the planet. Relic Vessels were from the long ancient war between the first generation of Tal'darim and the old races that refused to follow the Lights path. Oh to have such a ship in his position would greatly boost Alaraks standing and reputation not to mention firepower. And it was practically unguarded and far from reinforcements. How the other Ascendants failed to notice it Alarak had no clue but it was his gain and their loss.
After traveling to one of His motherships and gathering a small fleet and army Alarak set course for Kaldir. The transit time to the far distant world took a week which in warp-space also known as the Void, was a significant about of time and distance in real space. Still it was a worth while effort. As the fleet exited warp-space they started scanning for the relic ship quickly finding it over the northern continent.
"Deploy the Scouts, Arbiters and Corsairs!" ordered Alarak.
While it was true the Tal'darim had relic weapons inherited and left over from long ago during the ancient war between the Light, Flood and Forerunners a vary long time had passed between then and now and such technology was still subject to entropy and break downs caused by degradation. So in order to maintain functioning their fleets, armies and weapons the Tal'darim have relied on stealing and modifying ships and weapons from both the Khala protoss and the Nerazim. Such captured ships and vessels were promptly modified to Tal'darim standards but kept most of their more useful abilities for the most part. All though the Tal'darim favored firepower they did understand the tactical uses for other abilities such as that of the Arbiters and Corsairs.
The hangers of his mothership and carriers opened up quickly sending forth a horde of flying attack craft. It was a swift first strike as the Tal'darim Scouts targeted the psi-link spires to permanently sever all communications. There was no need to destroy the other facilities or kill anyone not directly in their way. Alarak preferred to fight efficiently not wasting time or effort. Plus it would possibly hurt His chances at diplomacy with Artanis and the others should He feel the need to call on them for help in the future. Though there was little reason not to raid the settlement he considered it if there was anything of use there. But still the relic ship was the priority so until that was secure all else didn't matter.
As He watched on the holo-screens of his motherships bridge Alarak saw the psi-link spires fall one by one to his forces blitz attack catching the Templar completely off guard. It was a pleasing sight to see the work of others burning to ashes. While the psi-link spires burned the Tal'darim Arbiters and Corsairs swarmed the relic-ship. Using their Disruption webs and stasis fields to rapidly disable the vessels defense systems. Once that was completed the shuttles were warped in via the Arbiters recall ability. Just as swiftly as their air-born attack the Tal'darim Zealots and supplicants invaded the relic-ship killing any Templar that got in their way and sparing everyone else. The ships bridge was taken in less then half a hour and most of its major facilities and systems brought under control. Once it was completely secure Alarak ordered the new Tal'darim ship operators to bring the craft into orbit and to send the surviving non combatants back to the surface. Satisfied at his prize being secure Alarak had his forces departed to void space between systems to fully inspect the ship for any unwanted guests or tracking devices.
-Some Time later, Relic Ships Bridge-
"We've inspected the ship stem to stern my lord." reported the Tal'darim Phase-smith.
"No tracking systems or stow aways?" asked Alarak.
"No. None were found." replied the Phase-smith. "Also my lord, the ships seems to have been named the Wrath of the Stars originally."
"I like it." said Alarak. "What did the Khala call it?" He asked.
"Altaress."
Alarak sighed dispassionately. "Unimaginative.. Reinstate the original name and begin making this ship ready for battle."
"Being a relic vessel and considering its size that will take time. But I believe it can be done in short order once we return to a shipyard."
Alarak shot the phase smith a glare. "No! Everything must be absolutely secret. I don't want the other ascendants learning of this. Not until I want them to."
The phase smith bowed slightly.
"As you command my lord."
A week passed as the Wrath of the Stars undergone modifications and servicing to become battle ready. The massive 10 kilometer long relic vessel easily dwarfed even the mighty Motherships in both size and fire power. The fact that Alarak had such a ship in his fleet was a great secret and major security reinforcement was instituted to ensure that none of the other Ascendants learned of its existence before it was ready for combat. In the mean time Alarak enjoyed the reports He had been getting intermittently concerning a Terran fleet lead by Raynor collecting Tal'darim relics. Luckily for him Alarak nor his underling Ji'nara were responsible for such relics protection. That task had fallen to the 10th Ascendant Nyon. And the current high lord Nuroka didn't see the protection of useless relics that were only worshiped and protected because of tradition and not tactical usefulness as a high priority at the moment. So the Terrans were not given serious resistance other then Nyon and his armies.
Alarak spent several days watching and analyzing the traffic going and coming from the Glacius facility. Mostly cargo ships. It seems the Khalai protoss were investing more heavily into the production of these robotic Protoss. If so then they must be worth the losses to attack and take the technology. Alarak still could not break from his fascination with having a army of robots. Still the number of Tal'darim phase-smiths that specialized in programing were few and far between. The few Alarak knew of were under the command of several of other Ascendants. Still He was the first ascendant and with the Wrath of the Stars his position was raising swiftly. Still assaulting the Glacius facility will bring the Golden Armada down on him. But from what Alaraks Observers were able to find they were still in the early stages of mass producing ships and crewing them. In addetion to developing new ship types.
Alarak thought things through for a hour running over multiple scenarios before reaching a final decision. Stranding up from his chair by the window overlooking the Tal'darim capital city, He went to his private room and retrieved twenty of the vials of lesser Terrazine. He then left Slayn traveling to one of the recent worlds taken by one of the lesser Ascendants under his command. He then summoned Ji'nara to the world for a private meeting.
The door to the Alarak's private chambers on the battleship slid open letting Ji'nara in.
"First Ascendant Alarak." Ji'nara stated formally but with a annoyed undertone. "You summoned me?"
Turning from looking out the holo-window for dramatic effect Alarak stared at Ji'nara taking several steps towards Her.
"Ah Ji'nara. Tell me how's the high-lord?"
The question was off putting considering the circumstances. All of the higher ranking ascendants knew that the new high-lord had been reclusive as of late and rumors of his failing health abound since He rarely showed him self. Instead only giving orders by proxy. But as for what most Tal'darim knew he was just busy making planes of some kind. In truth Alarak knew that Nuroka was suffering the withdrawal symptoms of the lesser Terrazine He had given him. Nuroka was high-lord but if the majority of the Tal'darim knew He had won the Rak'Shair in such a way while he was suffering such symptoms his position as High-lord would suffer and would invite more rivals to go to Alarak for the Terrazine themselves. So Nurokas hands were tied and was unable to directly go after Alarak because of this and if Nuroka the high-lord went to Alarak for a fix of the Terrazine then it would make him look weak and be weak. After all what high-lord goes to one of his underlings for a drug fix.
"The same as always. Reclusive and secretive." She answered in a deadpan tone not knowing the exact truth.
Alarak gave a chuckle at his own thoughts regarding the position Nuroka was in. He may be the high-lord but if the situation was Terran Chess then Alarak had him in check.
Ji'nara narrowed her eyes under her helmet visor wondering what Alarak found so funny.
"Oh don't mind me, I just thought of something that was, entertaining." explained Alarak. "In any event I had called you here to purpose a deal."
Ji'nara sensing a trap crossed her arms.
"What kind of deal?" She asked finding this a little interesting if dangerous.
Alarak pulled out from his pocket a vile of Terrazine. "This is called Terrazine. It has the properties of boosting ones psionic abilities significantly if only for a short time. I believe you saw its effects for your self during the recent Rak'Shir."
Ji'naras eyes instantly widened in shock and realization as she was again glad she chose to wear her helmet virtually all the time. Keeping a poker face was hard and to those well versed in cunning plans and back room deals, they always had to keep their expressions in check. She found it much easier if she just kept a helmet on almost all the time.
"That would explain why and how Zanish, Malain and Nuroka got such sudden boosts to their abilities so suddenly. So it was you giving them this, Terrazine then?"
"Yes." Alarak admitted. "Everyone, with the exception of the Former High-lord and his supporters, benefited did they not. And I can supply a bit to you as well. You just have to do me a favor."
Ji'nara sighed knowing that technically had to obey because of the chain of ascensions ranking system.
"Fine what is this proposal?" She asked.
"I want you to attack a Khalai Templar forge world with the intention of stealing several of their ships. Anything you can get your hands on really."
Shocked Ji'nara dropped her arms glaring at the first ascendant.
"That's a death sentence!" Shouted Ji'nara. "You know how heavily defended those worlds are. I would lose more then gain."
"I said with the intention did I not." said Alarak. "I only need to to draw away the young golden Armadas attention so that I can raid another facility. I'll sweeten the deal with not only a continues supply of Terrazine but also share in the spoils with you for your support."
Ji'nara considered all the angles from the limited information she had. But even though it sounded like a sweet deal She still needed more assurance of the plan working and even being worth the possible loss to her forces.
"I require more explanation. Why are you raiding this other facility instead of one of the Khalai's forge world your self?"
"A valid question." Alarak said placing the vile of Terrazine on his desk and bringing out a holo-emitter. Activating the emitter it projected a image of the Glacius facility. "This place is called the Glacius facility. It is a research facility for the Khalai prototype production of a robotic type of Protoss soldiers. They actually consist of two types. The first are drones that follows orders like any other machine. And the other are imprinted with the mental scanned personalities and memories of living Protoss warriors."
"I see." Ji'nara replied contemplating the information and its value. "So you wish to raid the facility for the knowledge for creating these robotic Protoss to bolster your own armies."
"Correct. I would share the knowledge with you along with suppling Terrazine. But only if you follow my plan."
Ji'nara thought the deal over reaching the conclusion that it was a good enough risk to warrant the potential gain. Still She didn't like the fact that she was getting in debt to Alarak. Then again perhaps it was better for the time being to keep on his good side. He did conspire with Nuroka to successfully overthrow the previous high-lord.
"Fine. I'll follow your plan. But If the objective on my end is to only to get the golden armadas attention then I don't need to put my fleet at risk attacking a forge world. There are plenty of abandoned cities and facilities on Aiur. If I raid a abandoned cities there then the Templar would be incensed at my intrusion and call their armada to force my leave from their precious home world."
"Hmm true." Alarak stated. "However half the Golden Armada is always stationed over Aiur in addition to Shakuras with those Arkships. I first proposed a forge world because its farther away and that one in particular because it suffered serious damage from Over-swarm attacks in the ongoing war between them the Azure Swarm and the Templar."
"Very well then. I'll assault the forge world. But I will only do so if given a week to prepare my forces."
"Prepare all you need to." Alarak agreed throwing Ji'nara the vile of Terrazine. "There's a few dozen creates of it waiting in this ships cargo hold. Feel free to take as many as you want. Though its a difficult process to mass produce them, especially in secret."
Glancing at the vile in her hand Ji'nara gave Alarak one last look before turning and leaving.
"Happy doing Business with you first ascendant."
Ji'nara collected the creates of Terrazine transporting them via shuttle to her ship and departed.
After a week of preparation she deployed her forces. Taking as many as she dared, and leaving the minimal amount required to protect her own planets and holdings from the other ascendants. Raiding each others planets and facilities was common among higher ranking ascendants.
Now moving in mass to the the target world Ji'nara took out the vile of Terrazine Alarak had given her personally. She has tested the substance on some of her own Supplicants and was surprised at a 30% boost to their overall abilities. Though it only lasted a short time it was still a great boon if used correctly. Nuroka killing Ma'lash in Rak'Shir was clear proof of that. Though Ji'nara was still worried about one thing. Where in the galaxy did Alarak get this stuff.
"My lord we have arrived." reported the helm officer.
Shook from her thoughts Ji'nara looked up putting the Terrazine away.
"What is the enemies force streagth?" she asked.
In front of her many holo-screens blinked on showing several fleets of cargo ships and Templar war ships. The numbers of enemy combatants to noncombatants was high as many of the forge-worlds orbital rings had suffered significant damage. The Over-swarm must have hit the planet hard to have destroyed the orbital ring plateforms that badly. But to Ji'nara what she saw was a wounded target ready for the plundering. She already saw this from her own Observers scouting operations over the past week so She already knew what places to hit for maximum effect and gain.
"Deploy all fighters and ships. Attack all pre-designated targets. Don't let them gather for a counter attack." ordered the second asceandant.
Ji'naras assault was swift and brutal. Her capital ships and Mothership plowed into and through the main Templar fleets defenses smashing them as they made progress to their main objective on the surface. The smaller crafts in Ji'naras fleet such as Arbiters and Corsairs used their abilities to keep the momentum of the assault going while working in concert with Scouts and Interceptors to swarm their enemies keeping them from coordinating an effective counter attack. Corsairs used their disruption webs to block enemy lock ones while Scouts ripped enemies to pieces.
The Interceptors easily replaced and disposable, suicidally flew into the enemies fighter formations disrupting their wing formations and team work showing chaos but at a much higher risk of destruction. But while many Interceptors fell in battle many more were recalled into the midst of the battle by the Arbiters Recall ability. Arbiters used their stasis ability to trap enemy units, effectively halving enemy combat strength. And as soon as the surrounding enemies were dealt with the ones in stasis would be released only to meet the same fate as their comrades
However the Templar also had such units while the Nerazim Corsair was not among them the Templar Arbiters soon arrived to the space born battle field and quickly matched their Tal'darim counterparts warping in Interceptors. Ji'nara had anticipated this and ordered her few main ships to only target enemy Arbiters when ever they were sighted. This focused fire quickly decimated the Templars Arbiter forces leaving their other smaller ships more vulnerable to the continued Tal'darim assualt.
As the Templar losses mounted from the Tal'darims blitz attack a second fleet arrived making a short tactical warp from the other side of the planet. Ji'nara was quick to counter this additional threat by using her motherships full abilities. Even if the enemy also had a mothership of their own.
"Blink us above the enemy Mothership and hit it with a Black Hole." Ji'nara ordered.
The Tal'darim Mothership flashed out of existence for a brief moment reappearing several kilometers over the Templars Mothership. The massive crystal on the underside of Ji'naras mothership glowed a moment as the ships Black Hole ability activated, warping space time around the enemy Mothership and everything in a small radius around it. The effect was similar to the Arbiters stasis field but on a much larger scale leaving the Templar Mothership frozen in place for a brief time. Just as the Templar fleets Flagship was taken out of the fight the rest of the fleet opened up on Ji'naras own Mothership. Seeing her ships shields flaring against the enemies weapons fire the Second ascendant knew what her next move was.
"Focus all Thermal Lances onto two enemies at a time and opened fire." She calmly commanded.
The black and red Tal'darim Mothership glowed across its hull unleashing dozens of crimson Thermal Lance beams upon the Templar ships. The shields of several of the enemy capital ships flared as they withstood multiple strikes from the Tal'darim mothership. But as the minutes passed their shields quickly dropped in strength until they were gone completely. Without their shields the Templar ships quickly fell one after the other having their hulls sliced apart and gutted destroying primary systems and causing internal explosions. By this time the rest of the Tal'darim fleet had regrouped with Ji'naras Mothership fully surrounding the enemy fleet and hasting their downfall. Only once the last enemy ship was a burning fragmented hunk of scrap metal did Ji'nara release the enemy Mothership from the effects of her own. Just as she did hundreds of Her own ships opened fire on the Templar ship along with her own Motherships weapons. The Templar fought back trying to use their own Time-warp ability. Successfully slowing a large portion of the Tal'darim fleets attack and movement speed by half. But despite this the Tal'darims attacks were too overwhelming and in short order the Templars Motherships shields failed.
Ji'nara had been waiting for this moment, quickly ordering her ships to stop attacking, and sending in her Arbiters to charge at the Mothership with the Corsairs who started jamming the enemies targeting systems. Once right on top of the enemies hanger bays the Tal'darim Scouts attacked the hanger doors blasting several dozen of them open. At that moment the Tal'darim Arbiters recalled large groups of Shuttles to their location and they quickly landed and on the Templar Mothership. A short battle ensued as the Templar fought bravely to fight off the Tal'darim warriors but ultimately they fell and the Mothership was taken under Tal'darim control. As Ji'nara received the report of the Tal'darim A.I. taking full control of the Mothership She smirked at the newly taken prize.
She almost felt like celebrating obtaining such a rare prize, but the battle up to this point had depleted her fleet by one third. One Mothership may be a great prize but not worth one 1/3rd of her fleet. To make it up she would have to take much more prizes.
"Begin planet fall." She ordered.
-Several Dozen Light Years away-
Alarak watched as the holo-feeds from his Observers showed the Golden Armada now only consisting of three sub-fleets each consisting of a dozen ships orbited Shakuras and Aiur. He had observed Ji'naras attack and effective battle planes play out. He was glad she was competent to this extent at least and was even surprised that she was able to capture a Templar Mothership. But now she would have to deal with the Golden Armada when it deployed. Since the whole armada would normally only move as one large force hence its name and purpose, Alarak knew that since the main defenders of the forge world had now been defeated it was only a matter of time until the Golden Armada was deployed. Their was no need for him to wait till then as it would be a waste of time. The time to strike was now.
"Enter warp to Glacius." He ordered.
Alarak's fleet slipped into warp space for just a few minutes before reaching their destination. Transiting back into normal space Alaraks fleet quickly took up position into orbit over the main research facility. Fighters and smaller craft were deployed en-masse and used tactics the same as the ones Ji'nara has used. Arbiters and Corsairs working in tandem with Interceptors and Scouts to quickly blitz the enemies defenses and control the sky. Once the defenses were down Alarak ordered the deployment of ground forces to take the facility. But as soon as His warriors landed reports of unusual and unknown units started streaming in.
On his holo-screens Alarak saw a new type of unit on the ground defending the facility. Its main body consisted of a sphere containing a large Khaydarin crystal, with two crescent shaped hull pieces overlapping one in front the other in front of the sphere. The new Templar units were placing shields around choke points preventing His forces from advancing and making them vulnerable to counter attack. From what Alarak could see each of these new units were able to create multiple domed like barriers with hexagon shaped sides, to either protect allied units or trap and block off enemies. Tricky tactics like this may not be the Tal'darim way but Alarak couldn't deny their effectiveness.
"Send the Arbiters in to deal with those new units. But don't destroy them." Alarak ordered.
Tal'darim Arbiters flew in low to the ground, using their stasis on the new units freezing them in place and effectively taking them out of the battle without destroying them as per the first ascendants orders. Tal'darim Zealots and armored Dragoons quickly marched further into the facility taking every non-combatant prisoner, as per the first ascendants orders, while killing every Templar warrior that got in their way. Eventually they completely controlled the facility and began taking samples of the Purifier technology. Threatened with death or worse the as yet unharmed scientists all complied with their captures demands. The Tal'darim phase-smiths quickly made progress on converting the drone Purifiers in the facility to Tal'darim control and downloaded the plans for the Purifier drone technology.
Alarak had no use for the sentient Purifiers so that part of the technology was left alone. After several hours of looting the facility and analyzing the technology Alarak had most of what he came for. Alarak also learned that the new unit that had made so much trouble for his soldiers was called a Sentry. It was a prototype still going through its trials on several worlds. Alarak killed some time by reading the records which explained that the Sentry was a full production prototype of a prototype unit called the Shield Reaver which was created by the Conclave. Alarak was further amused as He read further discovering there were two other prototype units in development, both based on two units thought up by Artanis during the short lived Protoss civil-war between the Templar and the conclave. One the Type 1 blaster Pylon and the other was the Type 2 Blaster Pylon. By the reports the new prototype units based on them were called the Warp Prism based on the Type 2 blaster pylon and a prototype warship called the Void Ray, based on the Type 1 Blaster Pylon. There was also mention of another Prototype warship called the Tempest but other then its name no other information was given in the facilities records.
Alarak would very much like to acquire these other prototypes and add them to his army. But none of them had been station on Glacius. As Alarak contemplated his need for these prototypes a alarm blared on his Motherships bridge as suddenly and without warning a fleet of Templar ships arrived in orbit.
"Well thats all the time weave got I suppose. Recall all of the ground forces back to the fleet immediately. Were leaving." The First Ascendent ordered.
All the Tal'darim forces on the surface quickly teleported back onboard the fleet leaving the Khalai scientists to pick up the pieces of their facility. As the Tal'darim fleet turned and accelerated away from the planet Alarak received a message from one of the Templar ships.
"Tal'darim scum. Have you no honor!"
On the holo-screen Alarak saw the armor plated image of Ko'toss the Purifier he had met briefly during the meeting on Shakuras.
"If honor means killing your enemies and growing stronger then us Tal'darim are quite honorable." Alarak shot back.
Ko'toss growled.
"Alarak." Ko'toss spoke as if not surprised. "Why did you attack this facility?"
"Just picking up some new toys. I don't understand why your so made. It's not like we made a formal agreement or alliance of any kind. And even if we had, I'm not in the position to make such thing between. Only the high-lord of the Tal'darim has the authority to make alliances like that. So I've broken no word or agreement."
"Alarak!" shouted Ko'toss.
The holo-feed went dead as the Tal'darim fleet entered warp. Leaving a not to pleased Ko'toss to fume at the attack of one of the facilities under his protection. Were it not for his presence being required at Cybros this would not have happened.
"Contact the Daelaam council . They must be made aware of this hostile incursion by the Tal'darim." Ordered Ko'toss.
-Chapter End-
