-Chapter 44-

-Rock Collecting-


-Hyperion-

-Location: Warp Space, in route to Xil-

It had been a long journey and a longer road to this point. Raynor standing on the Hyperions bridge silently looked out the walls display window at the empty black of warp space. A few months had passed since the meeting on Shakuras between the Azure-swarm empress, the Protoss Factions, that Taldarim Ascendant and Emperor Valerian. And shortly after words a representative of the UNSC had arrived at Korhal. Things kinda went quickly after that as the three leaders of the UNSC fleet that had arrived in the Koprulu sector, to make contact with the Terran colonist met with the Emperor on several occasions. Despite Ellens previous warning Valerian had no real reason to refuse their more then generous offer of the beginning of a trade agreement with the UNSC and its many colonies.

The Pros out weighed the Cons and both Admiral DuGalle and Vice admiral Stukov were quite agreeable and in no way threatened the sovereignty of the Dominion. Though Raynor was some what less trusting when it came to the self proclaimed spiritual leader named Selvaria. The Darcsen Valkyrur was one of the fleets leaders and despite the smile she put on She still gave Raynor a chill down his spine. After the week long meetings between the Dominion and UNSC representatives Valerian gave Raynor the authorization (and a few ships) to look for those Key Stones Aliasse had talked about in Ellens message. The person named Aliassa explained in detail on the locations of the five fragments (the fact Ellen had already retrieved on from Mar sara) and warned that a Tal'darim ascendant would more then likely be guarding at least a few of them. However it seemed that Selvaria also was looking for them.

This started a some what heated but other wise blood less competition between Her forces and Raynors. The same could not be said for another group called the Mobius Foundation. Who by Dominion reports was a advanced tech development group working for the Umoja Protectorate and previously worked for the Confederacy before its fall. The first planet or rather moon Raynor and his small fleet went to to collect the fragments of the keystone from was already under assault by Mobius Foundations mercenaries. Their opponent the Tal'darim guarding the Key stone were kept busy by the Mobius goons. Raynor had hoped to take advantage of the situation and make a rush to the Key stone fragment but then Selvaria's forces barged in as well and stole the fragment at the last minute. Despite having several ships besides the Hyperion Selvaria made off with the fragment quit enjoying a bit of bragging as Her ship warped out of system.

The loss was a blow to the operation but there were still several more fragments to acquire. And to that end Valerian saw fit to send some special forces from project light shield to aid Raynor as well as Ellen sending Her own contributing agent. The identify of one of whom was the reason Raynor was currently sighing at the view-screen.

"Something wrong?" a familiar feminine voice asked.

Raynor glanced back at the now humanized Kerrigan standing behind him, looking just like she did back before Her infestation by the Overmind. During the meeting on Shakuras Ellen had presented both Kerrigan and Nova with a offer. Go back to looking human again and work for her. Or look like a giant insect from hell for the rest of their lives. Suffice to say they took the Zerg Empresses offer and in just a few days they looked normal again. But the changes were only skin deep as they were and would always be Zerg on the inside. Ellen even sweetened the deal by giving the two a kind of living Zerg armored parasite. Though Ellen called it a praetorian symbiote armor.

Raynor felt all his emotions well up inside of him both good and ill for Kerrigan. One one hand they were at one time freedom fighters working together to take the corrupt Confederacy down and at one point lovers. But on the other hand She had mentally tortured Raynor killed his men including that of Artanis and Zeratuls warriors on Char. Add to that the fact Raynors recently learning that his family was still alive and the whole situation became much more complicated then Raynor knew what to doo with.

"Hello? Jim. Your staring off into space again." Kerrigan stated waving a hand in front of Raynor face.

"Huh. Oh sorry. I was thinking."

"About what?" Kerrigan asked timidly. "Me and You?" she asked softly.

Raynor rubbed the back of his head.

"Uh no not exactly." He replied. "Its... just complicated. By the way where's the other two?"

"You mean Rindol and Nova. Well to tell you the truth Nova decided to stay with her family back on Tarsonis to help them rebuild after the Zerg invasion. As for Rindol she's in the training room going toe to toe with the training bots."

"Hm. Really I thought Nova was onboard. I saw her board before we launched from the resupply ship?"

"She left again shortly after boarding." Kerrigan explained. "Valerian gave her special permission to spend time with her Sister and parents after Ellen brought them back from Reach."

"And what about you and your parents?" asked Raynor.

Kerrigan tensed up not only from the subject matter but because she could sense the bridge crew listening in on their open conversation. Even if they were not trying to be so obvious about it.

"Its... more complicated for me. I thought my parents were dead for a long time and then I remember that their alive and they haven't aged a bit because of being in cryo-sleep all this time. I mean. Sorry I don't want to talk about this here."

"Yeah ok. Well talk later. Um in your room or mine? " Raynor asked.

Kerrigan rolled her green eyes.

"Id prefer the air lock but... My room will do." She replied sarcastically.

"Ok well talk about it later then." replied Raynor.

"Speaking of which..." Kerrigan said. "Where's that old friend of yours that joined us?"

Raynor scoffed.

"Your the telepath can't you tell?"

"Normally you'd be right but..." Kerrigan started. Interrupting Her thoughts the bridge doors opened.

Entering the bridge both Matt Horner and Tychus Findlay glanced at Raynor and Kerrigan.

"Captain." stated Horner. "weave done a full inventory and both Swann and Stetmann are confidant that our new armaments and upgrades to the ship will tip the next battle in our favor."

Tychus crossed his arms.

"With two other groups after the key stones fragments and those crazy Tal'darim protecting-em we need all the help and firepower we can get." said Findlay.

"Hard to argue with that." replied Raynor.

Kerrigan let out a sigh walking around the two men.

"I'll be in my room. Tell me when we arrive." Stated Kerrigan as she left the bridge.

"What crawled in her panties?" asked Tychus sarcastically.

"Tychus!" exclaimed Raynor.

"What?"

Horner shrugged at the situation.


Across the ship in the Hyperions new internal training bay a human looking Rindol, wearing a pair of short sleeve spandex pants and shirt, She rapidly punched several training bots weaving through their attacks and defenses as they attacked her. They had bodies covered with soft rubber padding to cushion strikes but Rindols strikes seemed unnaturally heavy and had more force to them then they should. Though in truth Rindol was a Zerg & Valkyrur half blood in human skin. She had, by the Dominion records undergone the project Light Shield enhancement procedure and completed it in record time. And on top of that had a high affinity for the augmentations. The truth is she had just suppressed Her Zerg biology to fool the Terrans into letting her join the program so she could be in a position to confront her Sister Selvaria. The battle for the Xel'naga Key stones was a perfect opportunity to do so with the support of the Terrans. Though Rindol knew about the wars and battles Her mother Ellen had went through She was sure that the time line had changed with both her and Selvaria affecting everything with their very presence. So she really had little clue as to what would happened next. Still She needed to defeat Her sister and stop her from changing things to badly.

Still the fact that Selvaria had failed once to Kill Ellen was all the proof Rindol needed to know that a paradox wont be happening. Still even if Selvaria will not be able to effect the time line by killing Ellen. That doesn't mean she won't be able to do something else.

As she weaved in between the training bots own quick and responsive attacks she weaved into their defenses striking the training bots at their vulnerable joints with her fists and legs she thought over Her sisters situation. Selvaria was manipulated by the fragment of the Light in the future who survived the final battle with Ellen and her allies. But why would IT want to use Selvaria as a pawn. What use could she be to Him?

"Dammit!" shouted Rindol as she roundhouse kicked a bot, sending it flying into the wall.

As she huffed breathing deeply from her workout sweat poured down Rindols pale skinned body, making her Jet black hair sticky.

"Eh! Now I got'ta take a shower." She said flicking her hair bang to the side and undoing her braded hair bun.

Rindols now short hair fell to her shoulders. She liked having long hair but the dominion military requires all hair to be regulation length so Rindol had to cut her pride and joy much shorter. Much to her annoyance and regret. But still it was necessary so she had to to it.

Rindol picked up her duffle bag and exited the training hall. Normally marines that would train in the hall would use the showers right next to it to clean off. But Rindol preferred to clean off in her own quarters which weren't too far away. She didn't even have to use the tram cars. Entering her own private room Rindol threw her duffle bag onto the floor and went in back to the shower. She stripped off and entered the steaming water fall enjoying every bit of it. One of the things She enjoyed the most about Terran technology was the showers and food. Not the military rations but actually proper food. Drying off and putting on a fresh pair of clothes she flopped onto the couch on her small main room and relaxed from her exhausting training.

Meanwhile back in the training room a pair of marines entered and started a CQC match with the bots. The bot weaved side to side as the Marine kept his eyes on him and in the next moment He punched the bots padded hands only to get instantly flanked and decked by the dame bot.

"Ouw! fuck!"

"You ok?" asked the other marine.

"No! What's the damn setting on this thing on?" the marine asked stopping the match and looking at the settings on the wall mounted console. "The fuck?" He exclaimed.

"What now?" asked the other marine.

"Some crazy idiot put the skill settings up to max."

"What? At that value it would be like fighting a Protoss Zealot bare handed!" stated the other marine.

Back in Rindols room the Zerg in disguise started dozing off.

"Rindol!" Projected Nysha shocking Rindol awake with the mental shout.

"Ah? Nysha what are you doing." Rindol projected back with a lazy eye rub.

"Just wanted to check in on you. It's been a while since your last report on your little adventure. You do know that the only reason you were allowed to go off on your own is because the Empress trusts you right."

"Uh, yeah. I just have a important mission to complete and I really have to see it through."

Nysha huffed in annoyance in Rindols mind.

"You know that sounds like everything up till this point was just a means to and end. Does our friendship mean nothing to you?" She said playfully.

Rindol gave a short laugh.

"Heh, Zerg making friends? That's a laugh." Rindol replied back playfully.

Nysha scoffed.

"Just get done with what your doing soo will yeah. These Over-swarm Cerebrates are annoyingly hard to take out. Were whittling them down one by one but the empress and the older Brood queens are worried that Daggoth is up to something on Char."

"Wait Char. I thought the Over-swarm had abandoned that planet?" Rindol replied with worry sitting up.

"I don't know why but they returned in force to Char." Nysha explained. "Apparently something was there that they wanted."

"Something? Or someone." Rindol projected in thought.

"You don't mean Abathur could you?"

"If I had to hazard a guess I think they are trying to resurrect the Overmind." Rindol theorized.

"Great. But How. Didn't the Empress vaporise him?"

"Maybe not? " But for all we know it was all apart of the Overminds plan. We really can't take risks with a being as strong as Him.

Nysha sighed.

"Yeah your right. I'll tell the others but im pretty sure they have a inkling off this already."

"Take care and try not to die out there." Rindol projected back.

"You too."

Rindol felt the psionic link disconnect as She leaned back thinking of how the Overminds resurrection will play into things? As she thought things through she felt the ship exit warp space and shortly after a wall mounted intercom beeped.

"Rindol we've exited warp over Xil. Report to battle stations." Ordered Horner.

"Yeah yeah im coming." she shot back.

Minutes later both Rindol and Kerrigan entered the bridge. Rindol in her Spartan Mjolnir armor and Kerrigan in her Praetorian bio-armor. Kerrigan didn't like the armor since it made her look like her former infested self.

"What's the situation?" asked Kerrigan in a almost foul mood.

Raynor and Horner looked up at them from the tactical table while Tychus continued looking at the display map.

"From what we can gather the Mobius guys are currently attacking the Tal'darim on the planet. Reported Raynor. No sign of Selvaria's group yet but they may be waiting for the best moment to swoop in like last time."

Both Kerrigan and Rindol looked at the tactical table. It looked like the Fragment was inside the ancient Xel'naga temple the Mobius foundation was currently besieging.

"It looks their using a modified particle mining drill to cut into the temples front doors." noted Kerrigan.

"Personally I would park my ship right over it and just blast the thing open." suggested Tychus.

"That would be faster but it would also make our ships vulnerable to antiair fire. Of which the Tal'darim and Mobius have in abundance." warned Horner pointing to all of the antiair positions in the area. "It would be safer if we sent in a large force to break through to the temple first and then extract them with a quick pass with the Hyperion while the other ships give cover fire."

Raynor thought over his options a moment then look to Kerrigan.

"What do you think? Kerrigan."

Kerrigan glanced up to Raynor a moment then turned back to the display screen.

"Horner's plan is sound but would take too long and would risk the keystone in the temple being taken while were just fighting to get to it. Actually if I were to think about it a quick smash and grab would be better. But if that giant drill is having trouble then we would have to wait until it breaks through first then rush the temple with a quick landing force via drop pods."

"That would also take too much time." stated Rindol getting everyone's attention. "I don't really want to give credit but Tychus plan is the best way to go about it."

"What?"

"You can't be serious!"

"Really ?"

The others all said.

"Well a combination of the different plans really." Rindol explained. "What if we flew the Hyperion into the atmosphere right into firing range of the temple and blast its doors with the Yamato cannon using just the right amount of power to break it open. Then we drop a small force to both hold the temples opening and grab the keystone fragment inside."

Raynor and the others took a moment to think the concept over.

"So its a quick insertion mission." said Horner. "Blast open the gate and drop an advanced force to grab the fragment and pick them up right after words."

"Sounds as good as any plan. We could also use the long range missiles to give support." added Raynor.

"It does bank on the force at the gate being able to hold off the other two enemy groups. But other wise it looks like a sound plane." noted Kerrigan.

"Oh don't worry little lady, i'll keep you safe." Tychus said playfully.

Kerrigan rolled her eyes in disgust.

"In your dreams gorilla." Kerrigan shot back only for Tychus to laugh in response.

"Well if were all agreed with this plan lets get to work people." stated Raynor.

After a half hour of preparation and putting a proper force together the Hyperion and her escorts plunged into the atmosphere of Xil. The ships opened their hanger doors as the Hyperion in the lead activated its Yamato cannon splitting the ships nose apart revealing the cannons barrel.

"Your sure these calculations are right because I don't want to vaporise the whole temple." Raynor asked urgently to the display screen where a lab coat clad man was wearing a pair of yellow protective glasses.

"I did the math and double checked it. So long as the yamato cannons energy output doesn't go above the level i've sent you there wont be any collateral damage." stated Stetmenn.

"Right right I trust you know what your doing." replied Raynor.


Stetmann had been recruited as the Hyperions lead scientist by Haruka along with the Hyperions new chief engineer Rory Swann. Stetmann had been a idealist who got in over his head when he was tasked with creating a portable force field which had a working prototype in just a few months only to discover that the chief scientist on the project was using criminals as illegal test subjects for another weapons company. He managed to blow the whistle on the projects less then legal lead scientist and that's what brought him to the attention of Haruka who quickly recruited him. Unfortunately the prototype shield generator was not usable by troops unless they were given extensive cybernetic augmentations. And would take significant time to fully integrate into smaller vehicles because of the power restrictions.

As for Swann Haruka had sent Dominion agents to find talented individuals and one found Swann on Meinhoff. Coming from a family of tech-savvy miners and a self made and successful miner. Swann soon found his business was soon being crushed under ever-rising taxes by corrupt officials. Swann tried lodging a complaint but all those involved with Meinhoff had been bribed. It was around that time when Swann was considering a revolt when Haruka arrived and presented Swann and his people with a alternative. Swann would become the chief engineer of a ship Dominion ship and Haruka would make sure his people and investment were protected and that the current trouble disappeared. When Swann asked Her why a big shot from the Dominion government wanted with a lowly miner Haruka simply replied that She recognized Swanns talents and has use for him. Swann took the deal after confirming He would still own all the rights to his mining operation and that his people would be allowed to work for him. And over the course of just a week all of the problems of his mine just evaporated. Swann was also impressed that Haruka through in some of the latest mining gear and tools from the relatively new Dominion.


"I know I do. Im just worried about this plan." stated Stetmann. "Flying right into a war zone and dropping off a small force to hold out against two enemy forces!"

"But that's the thing little man their all enemies so they'll want to kill each other before us. It'll be a three way fight and we only got'ta survive for a little while." Tychus said over the radio.

"Sir were entering weapons range!" reported a weapons officer.

"Everyone get ready because its all or nothing time." ordered Raynor.

The Hyperion and its escorts drew closer to the temple complex where the Mobius and Tal'darim forces were in the middle of a pitched battle. As they approached the Terran ships targeted every air born enemy in range and all ground based antiair weapons systems along with the Mobius foundations laser drill currently cutting into the temples front door. The seconds passed as the Yamato cannons energy levels approached their desired values. The main cannons gunner locked on to the rapidly approaching target, the moment came and Raynor gave the signal.

"Fire!"

A thick burning crimson beam lanced out from the Hyperions nose shooting over trees, hills and enemies on the ground before slamming into the Xel'naga Temples front gate. The beam fired for a full five seconds before dissipating. Leaving a blackened hole where the Temples front gate used to be. A moment later the Dropships flew out the hangers while the Terran ships let loose a barrage of laser fire and missiles onto the unsuspecting Tal'darim and Mobius forces below. All hell broke loose as the Terrans landed shooting at everyone in range quickly clearing the area around the temple.

The Dropships quickly landed off loading their cargo of Marines, Siege tanks and multiple auto turrets around the temples front entrance and sides. The Marines quickly took up defensive positions around the temple along with the Siege tanks as they deployed into their artillery mode. A new type of heavy Marine in a recently developed power suit called the Marauder also entered the fray. Though more heavily armed and armored then a standard Marine they more then made up for it with their twin K12 Punisher grenade launchers mounted under the fore arms with two large ammo drums on the back feeding the launchers via ammo belts.

Though they were still mostly prototypes they were functional enough to be field tested. Swann had attested to their functionality after testing which he enjoyed but also added that they could use a few improvements here and there. Raynor was more then a little apprehensive about using prototype weapon systems but after a few actual tests they proved quite reliable for being fresh out of the R&D labs. But then again thinking about it another way being able to use the best and most advanced tech was just a perk of being a Dominion general. Or perhaps it was Haruka playing favorites and scheming.

For a moment Raynor didn't know what was worse. Being in the middle of this whole situation with Ellen, Haruka and Aliasse and the UNSC fleet or being a glorified delivery boy. Collecting these Key stone fragments was the job Ellen and Haruka wanted from him for saving his wife and son. But it really didn't sit well with him to be yanked around by them. Raynor just wanted to get these Key stone fragments and go see his family. That is if all of this was for real anyway. If their just pulling his chain then there's going to be hell to pay and Raynor won't care how powerful they are. You don't just use a mans deceased family like that. That's' if their dead that is.

As the ships hovered over the temple dozens of Missile turrets and Photon cannon beams shot at them filling the air temporarily with explosions and crimson energy rays. The Hyperion and its escorts unloaded all of their troops around the temple before making a clean escape with minimal damage.

"Well there they go." said Rindol watching the ships fly off into the distance.

"Come on the faster we grab the Key stone the faster we can call them back and blow this popsicle stand." said Kerrigan.

Rindol gave a surprised laugh at Kerrigan's remark.

"Wow I never would have ever thought you of all people would have a sense of humor Kerrigan."

"I have a sense of humor." Kerrigan said defensively. "I just haven't had many times to use it that's all."

"Ladies" Tychus interrupted. "If you don't mind were on the clock here."

"Right sorry." replied Rindol.

Kerrigan and Rindol both ran through the glowing triangular entrance of heated stone entering the temple. Tychus turned around to the sight of Mobius foundation forces approaching from the south-east while receiving reports from the other marine captains of Tal'darim approaching on both sides. Tychus chuckled at the situation feeling the back of his head. Ever since that bastard Narud had stuck a Parasite inside him Tychus has had phantom chills running up and down his skin like worms wriggling. If it wasn't for that thing, He would have told his old pale, partner in crime and war comrade Raynor all about everything. But as it stands if Tychus tried anything now the only thing that he would accomplish would be having his own head explode. Or eaten, He didn't exactly know what would happen but He knew it would be bad.

"Well lets get this party started." Tychus laughed spinning up the multiple barrels of his chain gun.

Kerrigan and Rindol heard the sounds of battle as they went deeper into the Temple, descending down a large flight of stairs into a chamber that split off into multiple directions. Through her Praetorian bio-suit Kerrigan could feel the stale air and dry environment. This building hasn't been opened in many long millennia. But her instincts drew her to the left path.

"This way." She said raising her rifle.

Rindol remained silent following Kerrigan. The two swept the chambers one by one rifles at the ready as they made their way through the temple. 2D holographic decorations moved along the walls as they moved through the building and descended again deeper into the depths.

"I hate old creepy places like this." Rindol said making conversation.

"It doesn't feel like your creeped out by it?" replied Kerrigan in question.

"Don't read my head." stated Rindol. "And I was just making conversation. I do get a little nervous when I don't talk much. Also I got a thing about my height."

Kerrigan smirked as she swepped her canister rifle side to side.

"Your not that short. Can I ask where you came from?"

Rindol took a moment to think over a proper reply.

"Well not wanting to lie. Char actually."

Kerrigan sensed no deception or sarcasm from Rindol and spun around looking her in the eyes.

"Your serious aren't you!"

"Yeah... it's complicated. Im basically a hybrid of a Valkyrur and Zerg. And a few others. It's been really annoying trying to keep people from finding out. I hate suppressing my real abilities but if I did my cover would be blown. And that would complicate things."

Looking Rindol over Kerrigan sighed not sensing any form of deception or lie.

"I guess im not the only one with a complicated history. Why are you telling me this now?"

"Because one I would like to have a ally that has my back. And two you need a friend that understands you and has your back."

Kerrigan scoffed.

"Friend, ally. Yeah that's the last thing I deserve." She said in a self deprecating tone.

"Hey don't sell your self short." Rindol chirped. "I completely understand what your going through. The whole being betrayed and infested, mind fucked and killing your former allies. Though I never experienced anything like that my self I heard stories about you from mom."

Kerrigan tilted her head raising a eye brow.

"And who is your mom?"

Rindol shrugged.

"Uh Ellen the empress of the Azure swarm."

Kerrigan remained silent a moment, sighed facepalmed and then laughed.

"I had no idea that the bitch that took...(sigh) saved, my parents. Had kids of her own?"

"Yeah that's the thing I haven't technically been conceived. Yet."

Kerrigan stared at Rindol incredulously.

"What does that mean?"

Rindol gave a short nervous laugh.

"It means bullshit time travel shenanigans."

Kerrigan sighed.

"Ok. So now there's time travel BS going on. Like the race of hyper evolved alien monsters. And the race of extremely advanced aliens with psionic powers and a vast empire wasn't enough in the galaxy. It has to involve time travel as well?"

Rindol shrugged at Kerrigans frustration.

"Yeah. Its complicated."

Kerrigan looked at Rindol seriously and then walked passed her.

"Come on lets get this mission over with so I can get something to drink at the bar. I suddenly feel like Im required to get shit faced drunk now."

Rindol followed with a spring in her step.

"Technically im underaged, but I could have some water or juice."

"Yeah whatever." Kerrigan replied dryly as they progressed deeper in.

The both of them moved down a spiral stair case finally reaching a small anti-chamber that led to a much larger one. Circular in shape with a raised hexagon dais in the middle with a short pedestal at the center with the key stone fragment resting on it.

"This looks too easy. I call trap." said Rindol.

"Agreed" Kerrigan said moving forwards carefully.

Just as they entered the chamber progressing half way to the key stone fragment they noticed a high-tech knight shaped statue on the other side of the chamber. Then the door sealed its self shut and the statue started glowing.


Back on the surface Tychus gunned down a charging column of Mobius mercs. Enemy fire deflected off his armors shoulders while Siege tanks to both of his sides let loose a artillery barrage that decimated several enemy counterparts trying to rush into their defensive e line. On the rear left and right flanks of Tychus group the Marauders were pulling their weight lobbing dozens of grenades every second at the charging Tal'darim trying to rush at them from around the temple. But the line of Marines, Marauders and Siege tanks kept them at bay. However that would change in time as the enemy on both sides learn from their mistakes and hit the defenses with a proper response. Namely a air strike.

"Reloading!" Tychus yelled after having spent a full drum mag into another group of charging enemies.

He retreated to a dropship serving as a ammo dump by the temple dropping his massive chain guns drum mag and grabbed a fresh one from a cargo box. While He was doing that the Mobius commander deployed a new air unit. It had a sleek center body consisting of a small horizontal cylinder with two large hull sections each containing a engine and each with back words swept wings on top. The recently developed Raven remote drone was new to the battlefield but would still prove it's worth.

The Raven drone flew high above the battle field surveying the situation below. Its optical sensor rotated in its transparent housing zooming in on several Dominion Siege tanks. A underside panel slid open and deployed a series of missiles. The guided weapons dropped through the air activating their thrusters jumping them forwards. Their velocity getting a significant boost as they quickly reached mach 2 breaking the sound barrier and rapidly descended impacting several tanks and shocking many of the Dominion troops by the surprise the air strike.

"What the hells going on?" Tychus roared exiting the dropship with a full mag.

Moments later that very dropship was also struck and exploded behind him. Tychus was pushed onto the ground by the blast and turned around cursing at the destroyed craft.

"Well shit!" He cursed opening a radio channel. "You two ladies need to get that rock and get back up here. The enemies starting to use new toys!" He said with urgency.

"Were a little busy ourselves." (loud mechanical noise followed by explosion) "Rindol replied. "Be their as soon as we can."

Tychus cursed again hefting his chain gun.

"Well don't keep a man waiting."

A third wave of Mobius marines and Siege tanks charged in from the two paths directly in front of the temple.

On board the Hyperion Horner and Raynor waited patiently for the signal to pick up their forces. Raynor hated the waiting. He could practically feel his troops dying on the battlefield. Call it survivors guilt but Raynor recognized that rushing in wouldn't change anything but cost more lives. Still He wished He could just fly back over there and support his men and woman who were fighting and dying. And for what? What was this key stone and what purpose did it seem to fulfill. Ellen and Aliasse only said that it was important not what it did. He suspected that not even they knew what it did. But considering the whole multiverse explanation they talked about before Raynor wasn't convinced that they were still telling him everything just yet. Honestly the entire situation seemed a big headache to tell the truth. The last thing Raynor needed to think about was how his universe was connected to others and other complicated stuff.

His life was complicated enough as is. As Raynor stood there at the tac-screen a beep sounded from the mid range sensors. Raynor looked over to the officer checking the data.

"Sir weave confirmed that the enemy forces have deployed a new weapons system. It appears to be a air born remote controlled drone with ranged combat abilities. Were getting reports of a missile strike on our position by the temple."

"Great." Raynor sighed sarcastically. "How many are there?" He asked.

"So far I've only confirmed the one." The officer reported. "By the reports it's destroyed several Siege tanks and one Medivac Dropship. No other casualties reported."

"Can we shoot it down?" Horner asked.

"From this range we'll be just in the max sensor range. The planets curvature blocks our sensors at any farther distance."

Raynor turned to Horner

"Well then its a good thing we stayed close enough to the temple so that it stayed in our scanning range then." stated Horner completely understanding His captains intention.

Moments later a pair of missiles launched from the Hyperion. They quickly broke the sound barrier and accelerated faster towards their target. The Raven quickly detected the two incoming missiles and activated its defensive software automatically deploying multiple point defense drones. The three the PDDs hovered around the Raven before charging up their pinpoint lasers firing on the incoming missiles. The Dominion missiles in kind sensed the drones attacks and as the lasers started burning through their hulls the missiles activated their main warheads. The nose of each missile split open revealing four smaller missiles within that each launched scattering from the main missile. As the smaller missiles launched the main missiles were detonated by the lasers.

The Ravens remote pilot saw the new incoming cluster of eight missiles and quickly re-focused the PDD's on them. Four laser beams shot at the eight in coming missiles slowly burning through their skins.

The PDDs were built to cut through unarmored targets so the lasers they use were weak compared to a ships energy weapons. But still they were strong enough to pierce the weak hulls of a missile.

As they flew at the Raven its PDDs lasers detonated three of them in quick succession but the remaining five were quickly approaching. The PDDs fired again downing another three missiles leaving just two. But now they were in to close and were flying towards the Raven. Two of the PDDs fired at one missile destroying it but the third PDD missed from the extremely close range and the bad angle. The mini-missile got through piercing into the side of the Raven detonating. One of the Ravens main engines exploded and the craft tilted side ways as it fell out of the sky detonating upon impact with the ground.

"Target destroyed captain." reported the weapons officer.

"Good now fire several more at the column of enemies baring down on our troops." ordered Raynor.

Moments later ten more multi-warhead-missiles launched from the wings of the Hyperion. They rushed over the land scape splitting up into two groups. As soon as they reached close enough their warheads split apart launching 20 sub missiles at both the approaching Tal'darim and Mobius forces. Enemy antiair defenses fired into the air shooting down 1/3rd of the missiles but the rest arched downwards impacting the enemy Zealots, Dragoons and Marines and Siege tanks.

Tyhcus whistled at the devastated field of enemies laying in the recently created creators.

"Damn. Now that's reinforcements." He remarked.

While the fight above was practically a stalemate the battle below was reaching its end as well.

Rindol fired her rifle at the robotic silver Sentinel, the rounds fragmenting and vaporising upon impact with its plasma shields. The Sentinel turned to her its eyes glowing with energy. Raising its arm it firing a bolt of energy blasting through the support column Rindol was using for cover just as she leaped out of the way. Kerrigan fired at the Sentinel from behind and repeated Rindol as the ancient robot turned and shot at her.

"I don't thing this is working!" Rindol shouted as Kerrigan landed close by.

"Time to switch gears then. Keep it distracted." the red head said.

"Yeah sure why not me. Oh well lets do this." complained Rindol as she leaped from cover firing at the sentinel as she ran around the circular room until her rifle clicked empty. "Reloading!" she shouted as the Sentinel fired at her again.

Kerrigan watched from her cover as Rindol dodged the robots attacks. Taking the full opportunity Kerrigan charged up a psionic attack. The orb of energy grew larger and larger in her hand as she focused on controlling the building power. While Kerrigan charged up a massive attack Rindol was forced to run and gun around the room while dodging the Sentinels energy blasts returning fire when ever she could. Her ammo supply depleted more and more while the Sentinels energy shield seemed to not barely be effected by her attacks. But hopefully Kerrigan could do something about that.

Finally having charged up enough power Kerrigan stood up from her cover aiming at the Sentinel. She hesitated waiting for the perfect opportunity then just as the thing stopped to fire at Rindol She fired the concentrated orb of psionic energy. The orb of compressed energy launched at the Sentinel impacting its left side flashing into a explosion that rocked the whole temple.

Outside at the surface.

"The hell?" a marine said feeling the ground shake under his feet.

Back in the underground chamber Rindol stood up waving away the smoke and dust filling the air.

"(Cough, cough) Kerrigan you alive?"

Mumbling noise.

Rindol ran over to the noise and pulled several large slabs of debris off the buried Kerrigan.

"You ok?" Rindol asked.

Groaning in discomfort Kerrigan kicked a large slab of rock off her self. Actually grateful for the bio-armor protecting her.

"Yeah im good." She said standing up and dusting herself off. "What about the Sentinel?"

A rumbling noise drew their attention as the Sentinel stood back up from across the chamber. One of its arms was missing and it had smashed in dents all across its armor.

"Sone of a...!" Kerrigan exclaimed as Rindol raised her rifle taking two shots at the Sentinels head.

The high velocity rounds penetrated the armor, now unshielded, exploding a inch under it. Blasting out holes several inches wide.

"The shield is down anyway. Shall we." Stated Rindol.

"Lets." Kerrigan replied raising her rifle.

Both of them aimed at the Sentinel unleashing a constant rapid barrage at its head. The pinpoint accurate shots whittled down the Sentinels armor penetrating the vital components inside. As its head was targeted the Sentinel took a slow step forwards raising its one good arm charging up another shot. Rindol responded by firing a psi-orb blast dead center of the robots palm detonating. Destroying the hand mounted weapon in a satisfying explosion. Several more blasts to the Sentinels chest and it was knocked onto its back and stayed there jerking its limbs as it tryed to get up.

"Should we destroy it or keep it in some what working order?" asked Rindol. "Stetmann would love to get his hands on this along with all those other Dominion scientist."

Kerrigan looked the semi-functional robot over a moment and then shot it once more into its central processor making the Sentinel cease all movement.

"It should be safe now."

"I think Im beginning like you." chirped Rindol as she retrieved the Key stone fragment.

Kerrigan gave a chuckle.

"Lets just get back to the Hyperion." Kerrigan stated lifting the Sentinels remains with her telekinesis.

The two exited the room with their prizes in hand making their way up to the surface. Outside it was literally chaos across the battlefield as forces from all three sides fought over the surrounding area of the Temple. The bodies of the dead and dying lying all over.

"Damn this is a shit show! " Noted Kerrigan as she looked around for Tychus.

"Its a bout time you got back ladies." Tychus roared as he unloaded a few hundred rounds into the group of Tal'darim Zealots and enemy Marines mowing them down.

"Hyperion we got the goods now get over here and evacuate us now!" reported Kerrigan with urgency.

Rindol joined the remaining defenders psionically blasting several clusters of Tal'darim approaching from the rear of the Temple.

"Roger Kerrigan were on our way." Replied Raynor over the radio.

On the bridge of the Hyperion Raynor was laser focused on the battle reports of casualties coming in. But once that call arrived from Kerrigan all of his focus was directed to rescuing his people. His order to rescue them was loud and demanding and even as the fleet accelerated it was evident that his mind was on the people on the ground. But that just made Horner and the rest of the bridge crew know that he was a man that they could trust even if he wears his heart on his sleeve. Even if Raynor tries to hide it most of the time.

The Hyperion and its escorts once again accelerated towards Temple/warzone. And this time they fired a advanced volley of several dozen missiles while the escorts charge up their Yamato cannons. Raynor had planned for this moment while He and Horner were waiting around. In order to have enough time to collect their forces on the ground the surrounding areas would have to be cleared of all hostiles and mere missiles wouldn't suffice. Raynor watched the screen as the images of the temple became larger and larger. Raynor felt his heart sink while watching the chaotic battle surrounding the temple go on. It was hard to tell who was who but all of his people should have stayed next to the temple. Eventually the moment came and He gave the order for his escorts to fire their yamato cannons.

"All right now boys make sure your lined up properly. I don't want to roast our own people down there. Fire!" commanded Raynor.

Command given twin yamato beams fired sweeping across the ground like a plow tilling the ground. Annihilating all in their path and creating two large burning parallel lines to the left and right of the temples. The Hyperion and its escorts slowed down using their retro thrusters to decelerate, coming to a hover over the temples entrance. With the missile barrage damaging or destroying the enemies anti-air weapons again and the yamatos creating a wall of devastation they had bought some time to pick up their personal on the ground.

Bodies of fallen friends and soldiers were collected and wrecks of tanks and dropships were recovered all in twenty short minutes. But on a battlefield twenty minutes may as well been twenty hours. But despite their loses the mission was a success. Egon stetmann along with two of his guards put the key fragment into the containment chamber and was about to bring it back to the lab when He got a look at the wrecked Alien robot floating behind Kerrigan.

Both him and Chief Engineer Rory Swann looked at the thing wondering why they brought it back with them. But on second thought it was a great hull. Swan and Stetmann both marveled over the tech on the mostly intact robot.

"I have no idea what half of these components do but im sure im going to enjoy finding out." said Stetmann as he looked the Sentinel over.

Swann scoffed.

"It sure is fancy look'en even with the cracks and melted plating it's got all over. Im sure me and Stetmann can make use of its parts and learn from its systems. Heh. I Bet the scientists back in the core worlds would give a arms and a leg to have a look at this thing." the chief engieneer joked.

"Oh oh, down boys" Raynor joked as he approached the scene. "Lets just get this thing into the hanger and secured first. And I want guards posted on it. I don't want it suddenly recovering and blasting a hole in my ship." Raynor turned to Kerrigan and Rindol. "Question. Why do I have a alien robot on my ship?"

"It was her idea." answered Kerrigan pointing to Rindol.

"I just thought it would be a treasure trove of tech. It would have just rotted on Xil."

Raynor crossed his arms.

"Well im sure it will be, but next time ask me before you bring any unauthorised alien tech onboard my ship ok."

Rindol saluted.

"Yes sir. Can I go shower now. Im all sweaty?"

"Doesn't that armor absorb and recycle sweat?" Raynor asked.

Rindol acted all innocent.

"Maybe?"

Raynor scoffed rubbing his temples while Kerrigan was just enjoying the scene.

"You know what. Your personality really did a 180 since we first met back at that Confederate lab little lady."

Rindol shrugged with a grin.

"What can I say in wasn't in the mood for being all buddy buddy back then. Can I go now?"

Raynor jerked his hand up pointing to the doors with his thumb.

"Just get outa here."

Rindol obliged promptly walking towards the hanger exit with a skip to her step.

"You know what Kerrigan. That kids hard to figure out." Raynor stated.

"Maybe it because she has weird parents." Kerrigan remarked as she followed Rindol out of the hanger.

Raynor, left alone with Tychus who was still hanging around for some reason, took a moment to reflect on everything.

"You want to hit the bar for a few drinks." Tychus suggested.

"Yeah sure why not." Raynor agreed.

The two promptly left the hanger and hit the bar together.

"Take your armor off first would yah" said Raynor as the hangers inner doors closed behind them.


A hour later Kerrigan walked out of her room having showered and changed into a blue jean pants with a white tank top and red over shirt. She was glad to have that bio-armor of of her. It was a reminder of her past as the Queen of blades. The fact that she still had a small Zerg fleet under control was also a reminder. With the minds of the hibernating fleet still there in the back of her mind waiting to be used by their master. As she walked through the ships halls entering one of the main transit trams that went the full length of the ship, She sat down thinking. In that state she remembered all the Protoss Templar she had killed before including a group that she took several psi-blades from and the High Templar she had defeated and eaten.

"I should return them." She spoke aloud.

Some of the trams other occupants glanced at her wondering what she had meant by that but otherwise staying out of the ghosts business.

Rindol stepped out of her shower a towel covering her. She changed into some casual clothes and threw the towel into the dirty cloths hamper. Walking through the ships hallways She enjoyed the long winding paths passing many other crewmates as she made her way to the Cantina aka the Bar. Entering she quickly saw Raynor and Kerrigan at a table in a corner of the room drinking and talking together. Tychus was over by the bar picking up three extra large tankards (large metal or wood cups with handle) of alcohol in his hands and walked over to them. Rindol smiled as she saw the three engaging in a drinking game. With a shrug and grin she promptly walked over to the bar.

"The usual." she requested.

The bartender reached down pulling a steel can soft drink out of a mini-fridge, sliding it towards Rindol.

She grabbed it popping the top of the canned soda and chugged half of it before looking back at the Raynor, Kerrigan and Tychus. Her eyes fixing onto Tychus head, her eyes glowing vivid azure for a brief moment.

At her table Kerrigan smirked. "Well it's not really likely that i'll lose so if your putting your money where your mouth is i'll gladly drink you under the table big man." She said with confidence.

"Your on red," replied Tychus smirking.

Raynor sighed knowing where this was going but still thought it would be fun.

"Oh what the hell. Consider me in too."

Raynor, Tychus and Kerrigan all put down several piles of credit chips onto the table and lifted the over sized tankards to their lips gently tilting them and drinking the contents little by little. Their lips were stained by the frothy contents as they drank slowly but continually without taking breaths in between as per the rules. Rindol rolled her eyes as the so called adults had their grown up fun taking another drink of her soda.

After a full two minutes passed until Raynor bowed out being the first to stop drinking, coughing as he did.

"Ah shit!" He complained pushing his credit chips to the tables center.

Tychus and Kerrigan were still going strong but as another minute passed Tychus slowed down and started acting woozy. Eventually he caved his still half full tankard slammed on the table while He gasped for air like a fish out of water.

"Dammit," He cursed pushing his credits into the middle of the table joining Raynor's pile.

Both men watched in amazement as Kerrigan just kept chugging the booze until her tankard was empty and slammed it onto the table in triumph.

"Woah! I've never chugged that much in my life. Lets go a again!"

Raynor laughed while Tychus grumbled.

"What the hell? How did you get all that in your tiny gut?" asked Tychus pointing to Kerrigans midsection.

Kerrigan laughed.

"Well despite my looks im still a Zerg and on the inside and there for don't have to breath like you mortals." she joked playfully.

Raynor laughed again while Tychus cursed.

"What the hell does that have to do with the amount of stuff you can shove into your stomach? The damn tankards half the size of your torso?" exclaimed Tychus pointing between Kerrigan's only slightly swollen mid section and the giant tankard.

"Easy I can process it faster and convert it into calories faster then you. Uh I feel kind of pepped up like high on caffeine actually. Lets go for a second round."

Raynor sighed raised his hands politely refusing with Tychus facepalming suddenly regretting making the bet.

"Ugh? actually I feel like I have to go to the ladies room. Excuse me boys."

Rindols eyes followed Kerrigan as she entered the bathroom next to the cantina entrance. She trashed her empty soda can and payed for another one and hoped off her seat walking over to Ryanor and Tychus.

"That was fun to watch."

The two men feeling the effects of their drinks slowly looked up at Her.

"Uh, what do you want pipsqueak. Or is it jailbait?" Tychus remarked jokingly.

"Just enjoying a few numb skulls playing around."

"There a reason your here Rindol?" Raynor asked feeling the alcohol kicking in.

Rindol glanced at Tychus again staring right at his head.

"Wot? Am I thot enteresting,ing to ya little lady?" Tychus said, his speech slurring dew to his inebriation kicking in.

"Oh just one little thing." said Rindol as she used her Valkyrur aura for the first time in a long time.

With her aura in its incorporeal state she reached into Tychus head sensing a Zerg parasite within. It was spread throughout his brains neural network making reading and extracting it a difficult prospect and add to that the fact it was a new type of parasite that wouldn't be detected by the usual security scans meant that Rindols work would only be marginally difficult.. If it was one thing Her mother drilled into her it was how to use her aura even in delicate tasks like this.

Rindol got to work compartmentalizing her aura along the essence of the parasite from Tychus own biology and quarantining it. She then changed her aura into its solid corporeal state crushing the parasite on a cellular level. For a moment Tychus eyes rolled into the back of his head and he collapsed onto the table just as Kerrigan was exiting the restroom.

"OH! WHAT THE FUCK!" Tychus groaned painfully while holding his head.

"Your welcome." said Rindol as she had a seat at the table.

Tychus raised his head up rubbing it up as Kerrigan walked over staring at Rindol.

"What did you do?" Kerrigan asked having sensed the use of psionic powers.

Tychus and Raynor slowly glanced to Kerrigan then to Rindol.

"Yeah what did you do?" Raynor stated seriously in a commanding tone.

"Yikes scary." Rindol mocked. "Don't get you panties in a wad Raynor, Tychus is fine."

"What the hell did you do to me? My head feels like a piƱata in valentines day?" Tychus exclaimed.

"I just got rid of that Zerg parasite in your head that's all." Rindol explained stunning the other three.

"What? Are you sure?" asked Raynor.

"I haven't sensed anything like that?" stated Kerrigan.

Rindol casually drank from her canned soda a moment be fore replying.

"Go to the medical ward and check him out if you don't believe me."

Raynor and Kerrigan glanced at each other and then to Tychus then to Rindol again.

"You better not be joking around kid!" Raynor stated seriously as He stood up and helped the woozy Tychus up.

Several minutes later they were in the medical ward with Tychus laying on a bed in a isolated quarantine chamber with a series of robotic arms poking thin metal tubes into his skull. Just outside the surgical room a doctor and Stetmann stood manipulating the controls of the robotic arms with Raynor, Kerrigan and Rindol watching.

"Samples extracted," said Stetmann.

"Closing the wound now," said the doctor.

Some of the robotic arms retracted puling the samples out while others closed the hole in Tychus skull replacing the bone with a quick hardening bio-foam that will accelerate the natural recovery process of the bone material.

Stetmann took the samples to a corner of the room and put them through a more portable bio-scanner and was joined by the doctor.

"Its uh red!" He stated in surprise as Raynor Kerrigan and Rindol watched.

"So He did have a parasite in his head!" Kerrigan stated incredulously feeling a little worried Raynor and everyone else would accuse her of doing it.

"Kerrigan did you.." Raynor started.

"It wasn't me!" She shot back cutting him off.

"Now calm down Sarah I wasn't going to accuse you. What I was going to say was ask if you really didn't sense anything."

Feeling a little bad at not trusting Raynor since He obviously trusted Her more then she did, Kerrigan held one of her arms feeling uncomfortable.

"No I didn't. I should have been able to sense it but I didn't."

Raynor after considering Kerrigan's body language and expressions took her at her word trusting her.

"Ok then who did put it in Tychus head?" He asked.

"Why don't you ask him your self," Rindol suggested gesturing to the window.

In the isolated surgical room Tychus started coming out of his sedation. It took a few minutes for Tychus to get up and feel like talking and He sure as hell didn't feel like answering questions with his head feeling like a split melon. But as he rubbed the sedation and alcohol induced headache away He looked up to the window seeing Raynor, Kerrigan and the kid staring at him.

"Fuck. My head feels like its going to explode."

"Tychus Can you answer a few questions?" Raynors voice came over the intercom from the other room.

"I sure as hell don't want to but I guess I don't have a choice now do I."

"Well lets start somewhere simple. Like why there was a Zerg parasite in your head?"

Tychus sighed looking into Raynors eyes through the window.

"Well that's ones simple. Because a Zerg put it there of course." Tychus sighed putting his words and thought together. " But if you want the long story it all started quite a while ago."

Tychus recounted how a infested Terran busted him and his cell mate out of New folsom prison together. Said cell mate was a one Edmund Duke. After leaving the planet they were picked up by a ship and taken to a high tech lab which to Tychus surprise was guarded by Umojan marines. Tychus was put into a cell for a few hours while Duke and the infested Terran talked. It seems Duke was the one that got Tychus released on the grounds that He could be useful. Eventually Duke was given a full rank in the Umojan military and took over command of the facilities security and the infested Terran made Tychus a offer he couldn't refuse.

"Serve or die!" Tychus mocked, recounting the infested Terrans words.

"So you got this parasite shoved in your head, found your way to me, and joined my crew to spy on us," explained Raynor locking eyes with his long time friend and comrade in arms.

"Yeah pretty much."

Raynor sighed shaking his head with a few curse words given the situation and the to the fact the Umojan protectorate were now involved for some reason.

"Ok so what are you going to do now?" He asked Tychus.

"Well now that that things out of my head... I guess nothing. I mean I don't have a gun to my head anymore right."

"No I guess not," replied Raynor. "So your not a filthy traitor then Findlay."

"Hell no, me and you are bros aren't we Jim, I was just doing what I needed to do to, well not get turned into a spaghetti face like that Mengsk freak."

"What did you just say!" Kerrigan shouted hoping she just miss heard Tychus.

Raynor glanced back to her as Kerrigans eyes glowed bright orange.

"Uh Tychus explain that last bit of info would you. You said this infested Terran was called Mengsk right."

Seeing the very very angry looking ghost in the next room Tychus was more then willing to explain rather then have her come in there with him and ask up close and in person.

"Uh yeah. I think Duke mentioned his name being Arcturus once."

"Mother fucker!" Kerrigan roared punching a hole in the wall scaring both the doctor and Stetmann. "How is he alive?"

"Calm down Kerrigan." Rindol said calmly. "I get why your mad but stop punching holes in the wall please."

Kerrigan pulled her hand out of the wall flexing her fingers and glancing at Rindol a moment. She turned around walking to Raynor and spoke into the intercom.

"Hey Tychus quick question. Where's this Umoja facility you were brought to?"

"Unfortunately I have no clue as to its location. It's not like they trusted me with a look at a map or anything."

"Damn!"

"Kerrigan ease off a bit." Raynor stated firmly. "Look I know how you feel. If Arcturus is alive and infested then we have to report it to Valerian so He can make a proper call on it."

Kerrigan shot Raynor a glare for a moment and relented calming down with a deep breath.

"Just so you know if any ones going to put that undead bastard down again its me ok. Make sure the Emperor know that."

Kerrigan stormed out leaving a awkward silence.

"So uh. Can I get out here?" Tychus asked.

Raynor glanced back at Tychus and then to Stetmann who had been analyzing the parasite sample on the other side of the room with a the doctor. Both of them staying out of the drama.

"Stetmann. " Raynor started. "How's he look?"

"Huh? oh" Stetmann replied turning from his work. "Its some what similar to a standard Zerg parasite however it does have nanobots in its cellular structure. I think these things are what jammed our scanners."

"Can you counter act them?" Raynor asked.

"It might be possible but it would take time." the doctor added.

"Yeah what he said." Added Stetmann.

"Ok both of you get on it. The last thing I need to report to Valerian is that we have a new kind of Zerg parasite that can't be detected with no progress on countering them. Tychus once were sure that your clear of any other surprises you can leave quarantine."

"Ok I'll just be sitting here then." Tychus replied, rolling his eyes and mumbling about being board for a while and something about porn.

Raynor finally turned to Rindol who was some how able to detect and kill the parasite.

"And you. I have a few questions I want to ask you in private."

"Eek a a old man wants me to go to his bedroom all alone." Rindol said jokingly, suddenly making the room very uncomfortable for everyone.

Tychus just laughed at Raynor when he made a uncomfortable and amusing expression.

Raynor sighed at the comment.

"You know what I mean." Raynor replied storming out followed by Rindol.

With everyone else gone Stetmann and Tychus glanced at each other.

"Um Im just going to do more research on these samples in my lab." Stetmann said, promptly leaving.

Tychus turned to the doctor.


-Korhal-

-Imperial Palace-

-24 hours later-

Inside a elegantly styled and decorated dinning room Emperor Valerian enjoyed his dinner consisting of a dish of cooked fish and a side salad of five different chopped vegetables. He drank a cup of water and shortly after the door opened.

"Miss Pasteur has arrived." reported a butler.

"Bring her in please." replied Valerian.

The butler left a few moments and returned with a older woman in her 40s in a elegant dress, with blonde hair and eyes a Sapphire blue.

"Valerian," Juliana said opening her arms wide to embrace her son.

Valerian stood up embracing his mother.

"It's good to see you. Please have a seat. Do you want anything to eat." He said as they both sat down.

"Just a little water and a bowl of soup will do for now. The trip was exhausting."

"I'll tell the kitchen miss Pasteur." the butler said and departed.

"Now Valerian tell me. Why did you have me return from my diplomatic work on the UNSC fleet. I know im getting up there in years but I'll be damned if I'll wither away as a pampered princess."

"Wouldn't it be pampered queen." Valerian replied.

Juliana gave her son a sideways glance.

"I suppose." she replied with a wry grin. "Now please answer my question."

All of a sudden Valerians mood shifted becoming more serious.

"Mother it seems that father... that Arcturus is alive."

Juliana's expression became one of shock and she became stiff with surprise and worry.

"But you killed him your self. Didn't you?"

Valerian sighed glancing at his plate a moment before meeting his mothers gaze again.

"Only because of Haruka's planning and manipulations." Remembering the event Valerian held up the hand he used to shot his father with, remembering it as if yesterday. As His hand shook, He grasp both hands together to calm himself. But having yet to tell the whole story Valerian took in a deep breath and continued.

"And what's worse by the report he's..."

Valerian was cut off as the door opened and a maid entered pushing a food cart in. The maid pushed the cart beside the table removing the large silver dome covering revealing a expertly made and delicious looking seasoned tomato and vegetable soup with a few slices of pork to one side of the bowl. One of miss Juliana's favorite soups. The maid placed the bowl and spoons on the table and departed taking the food cart.

Valerian continued. "And what's worse, is He's been infested and turned into a Zerg."

Juliana who was just reaching into the bowl with her spoon froze at that detail.

"You mean he's become one of those frightful things!" miss Pasture questioned believing her son despit her own words.

Valerian regretted telling his mother that as He saw the color drain from her eyes.

"Unfortunately yes. He must have been resurrected," Valerian chuckled to him self. "Never though i'd say that. He must have been brought back by a group with the capacity for such a unthinkable thing."

For the longest time both of them remained silent and Juliana simply enjoyed her soup in silence while Valerian finished off his own meal. After both had emptied their plates Juliana spoke up.

"Do you think He'll come for us." the worry crystal clear in her voice.

Valerian breathed a moment as he thought.

"More then likely he'll come after Me. I'll increase security in the palace and send out Ghost teams to search and investigate certain groups with any possible connection with him in the past or that could bring him back via infestation."

Juliana spoke up getting a idea.

"I think I may know of one such group." Juliana and her son glanced at each other. "There's a certain think tank that has recently appeared in Umoja with considerable political power. "Their called the Mobius foundation. And they arrived shortly after the Confederacy fell."

"The Mobius foundation?" repeated Valerian. "I've heard of them, and even considered hiring them for my research into xenoarchaeology. But after I learned of their involvement with the Confederacy and their unethical research I scarped that idea. So you think that they are involved some how?"

"I don't have any evidence but... well consider it a women's informed intuition."

Valerian considered everything Raynor had reported and what his mother had said.

"Mother I think your right. I actually do have a witness that said that Arcturus was inside of a Umojan facility or at least guarded by their marines."

"Still this is puzzling" Juliana said thinking the matter in more depth. "Why would the Umojan government do such a think."

"Perhaps it was because of the UNSC?" Valerian considered.

"You mean because of them making contact with their long lost colonies. Meaning us who live in the Koprulu sector."

"Yes." replied Valerian. "Maybe they knew a head of time when the UNSC expedition would arrive and worked to ensure that they stayed in a position of power. If anything it seems that the Umojan government or at least a part of it has been working with the Mobius foundation for a while and for some reason the foundation resurrected Arcturus for some reason and infested him. Only to what end I can't say."

"Perhaps bioweapons research?" Juliana suggested.

"Maybe. In any case we need evidence more substantial then a single witness whos a former criminal and an escaped convict."

Juliana glanced at Valerian oddly when He mentioned Tychus past record.

"Perhaps Kerrigan can do something with that fleet she still has." Valerian mumbled as He thought.

"Valerian?" Juliana questioned.

Valerian turned to Her.

"I may have a way to get evidence without risking a international incident between the Dominion and Umoja. But its still has risks of its own."

"I trust you Valerian." Juliana said placing a comforting hand on Her sons shoulder. "Your the emperor of the Terran Dominion and have a lot on your shoulders. But your also the boy who I raised and taught. Just make sure to take the time and consider all the options before you commit to a serious decision and trust those around you. Remember you can't do everything your self."

The comforting words of his mother eased much of Valerians worries and fears as He felt much calmer for it. For a moment He thought to him self what if she had died of the cancer that was eating at her body. What if He hadn't shot Arcturus. What if Ellen and Haruka wasn't around to manipulate things in there planes. What would the world look like now. The momentary fantasy made Valerian a sigh at the thought of it.

Hours later Valerian was in his study considering the future while looking out the window out at the city as it's lights illuminated the night sky. He needed to advance the Dominions technology and get evidence on the Umojan governments involvement with Arcturus and the Dark research of the Mobius foundation. Kerrigan was the key. But weather or not she would go along with it and be able to keep her emotions in check as she searches for Arcturus the man who betrayed her and left her to die, only to be infested and turned into a Zerg. That was still a unknown.

"Kerrigan. Your once again a important piece in this mess."

Valerian looked to the table where a file folder lay. It contained detailed information on several new prototype weapon systems in development. Valerian knew that Raynor and his group would be a excellent test bed for the experimental systems. Making up his mind Valerian gathered up the documents and sat at the table going over the information on each one of the new units and tech in detail so that He could make a proper decision on each ones use and weather or not it was viable to waste time and money developing them. One of the files contained information on the shield matrix that Stetmann had helped develop. The technology was completed but still hade its flaws and had only been used on a small scale. But despite that Valerian knew the technology had many uses and could be implemented in ships and even perhaps as a city's defenses.

Valerian smiled, as for once he was actually glad that his little helper Haruka was taking such a series effort to collect skilled people to advance technology. Even if he had not ordered such a thing in the first place

"At least she has a over all plane and goal to her actions." the emperor stated.

-Chapter End-