-Chapter 48-
-Aiur, Rebuilt Citadel of the Executor-
Tassadar scowled at the number of meetings and files he had to read through on his desk's holo-display. Being leader of the new Daelaam government was not easy. However both Executor Artanis and Matriarch Raszagal have greatly added Hierarch Tassadar since he was instated as the leader of the council to brake a stalemate when the issue of the planning and resources required for the Golden armada's creation was under discussion. The purpose of the armada was as a overwhelming force meant to patrol the empires territory and counter significant threats like the Zerg. Despite Azure-swarm empress Ellen's claims of alliance many in the new Daelaam felt weary of any relationship with the Zerg. Especially those Khalai Protoss who had been abandoned on Aiur. Though a unavoidable fact many Khalai had been left on Aiur during the evacuation. Though their numbers few and scattered they had a significant voice in the Daelaam after Tassadar lead the retaking of Aiur after Ellen's purging of the Over-swarms remnant's left there. Even though many could never forgive the Zerg for their attacks on the Protoss empire for the past hundreds of years a smaller group recognized the Azure-swarms effort's in eliminating the Over-swarms presence on Aiur. Which allowed the Protoss people to quickly reclaim their home world.
Though few in number the Protoss who felt that at least the Azure swarm is quite different then the Overminds swarm and could be talked to has been growing and the number of Protoss looking at least slightly more favorably on Ellen's swarm has improved. However the recent Zerg attacks on the Terran worlds of Umoja and the Kel-morian as well as the Terran expedition fleet had put a significant damper on such sentiments. Though the majority of the Protoss population had never met Ellen many know of her effort's in securing the initial alliance between the Khalai and Nerazim factions as well as with the Terran Dominion. Though their efforts minimal the Terran Dominions fleets had helped the newly born Daelaam in securing it borders against incursions by the, then still strong Over-swarm.
Even though the Over-swarms forces lead by the Cerebrates yet resist the Azure-swarms attacks they had been reduced greatly in number and forced to consolidate their remaining forces in the Char star-system. Where even now the Azure empress and her highest ranking brood queens fight to finally wipe the Over-minds swarm from the galaxy. A small Daelaam fleet had been stationed on near one of Chars moons to monitor the conflict and send back information of it's progress to not only the Daelaam council but the empire as a whole. Many through the empire watched the utterly massive planet wide battle in real time. Many petitioned to the council for the empire to join in on the battle stating it should be the Daelaam and not another Zerg swarm that ends the Over-swarm. However even though the aide of the Azure-swarm had greatly reduced the damage to many worlds the majority of the Protoss empire's military strength had been crippled and would take years if not decades to even begin to recover to full strength. The Daelaam council made the decision to stay their hand from further unnecessary conflict until their military power had recovered some what at least.
Tassadar contemplated the situation and could easily feel the hand of another behind the Zerg attacks on Umoja and Kel-morian. If it was the Amon being Ellen had talked about before He had picked the perfect moment to make his move. Both the Daelaam and the Azure empress were other wise occupied with other important matters leaving the Terrans exposed. A opening perfectly utilized to drive a wedge further between the young underdeveloped alliance between the Terran Dominion and the Azure swarm or more specifically the Protoss and Terran races. Tassadar contemplated the possibility of such attacks on striking Protoss colonies. The unpredictable Tal'darim attacks have been as much a distraction as any and the still developing golden armada and the other recovering Daelaam fleets have had significant trouble keeping the Daelaams borders secure.
A holo-display blinked on over the golden ornate desk.
"Hierarch Tassadar. The Preserver Zamara and two others, Templar Kaldalis and Phase-smith Lasarra are requesting a meeting with you." reported the Templar guard.
"Zamara?" the Hierarch pondered remembering the preserver. "Escort them to my chambers."
"At once Hierarch." the guard replied.
Zamara a preserver that had at one time joined Tassadar on his rogue journey to Char after the failed attempts to stop the Overminds attacks on the Terran worlds. For what purpose could she need to speak with the Hierarch with. Tassadar waited, moments later two templar guards escorted the three guests to the Hierarchs chambers.
"You may leave."
At the Hierarchs command the templar guards departed allowing for a private conversation.
"En Taro Adun Zamara. It is good to see you again. What brings you here?"
Zamara, Lasarra and Kaldalis bowed respectfully.
"En Taro Adun Tassadar. I am sorry for taking up your precious time Hierarch but I and my companions have recently made a moments discovery."
"Oh? Explain."
"Recently the three of us ventured to the ancient ruins of a Xel'naga city buried deem under a mountain. Within we discovered a giant Khaydarin crystal of great purity. Within it was a copy of a Xel'naga named, in Her peoples language as First-Light-Weaves-Living-Song. Though She also went by the simpler designation the Librarian."
Tassadar's eyes opened wide in realization of the importance of this discovery.
"If this gets out there could be a significant trouble over the matter. Many in recent times have started openly stating that the Overminds war on us was a long planned test by the 'Xel'naga. There are many that still think of them as gods to be feared and worshiped. Especially in these trying times. To have the opportunity to talk with a living Xel'naga would invite much trouble. And possible conflict that could spark a civil war."
"I agree Hierarch." stated Kaldalis. "Which is why I suggest a contingent of guards be sent to prevent any more people from discovering the ruins."
Zamara leered back at the Templar.
"Kaldalis I have already explained about the system that prevents others from randomly discovering the ruins. Placing guards there will only invite the possibility of them talking to much and the location of the city being exposed to the whole of the empire."
"As the Terran term goes loose lips sink ships." Lasarra commented.
"I haven't heard that Terran saying before but I can see how fitting it is for the situation." noted the Hierarch. "Kaldali's I understand your reasoning but I would here Zamara out on this theory of hers in regards to a defense system the Xel'naga left behind."
Kaldali's sighed crossing his arms respecting the Hierarchs decision.
"Thank you Hierarch Tassadar. As to the theory it is in regards to the memories of Temlaa within me. He was the companion of the great Khas when the two ventured across Aiur long ago to end the Aeon of strife. Their searching led them to the underground city many thousands of years ago and ever since none have even sought to return there. I my self was aware of the ruins location but felt no compulsion to go there. Until recently. That is why I believe the Xel'naga placed a mental ward of some kind over the city to keep away all those that need not find the city. It will remain safe as it has for thousands of years if we only leave things be."
Hierarch Tassadar contemplated the preservers words.
"It is indeed a great means of defense to simply keep others from approaching for all these aeon's. Kaldali's I believe that for the time being we can leave the cities defense to the ancient ways of the Xel'naga."
Kaldalis bowed respecting the Hierarchs decision.
"As you wish Hierarch."
"Now then Zamara?" Tassadar spoke earnestly. "What is the real reason you came here. I sense a ulterior motive in your presence here other then bragging of your discovery?"
"The truth is Hierarch that the Xel'naga we met in the ruins told me to go to the home world of the Terrans. Earth. There in the nation of Gallia I will find ruins left by the Xel'naga's creations the Monitors. There I believe I will find truths that exist know where else."
Thinking carefully the Hierarch crossed his arms considering the situation.
"We do not have much of a relationship with the Terrans beyond the Dominion. I hardly think they will allow a Protoss to lay foot on their home world without significant reason. And any overt attempt to forcibly enter their territory even stealthily could result in hostilities. Do you truly believe it worth the trouble."
Kaldalis chuckled to him self.
"I would never have though I would see the day the great Tassadar thinking like a politician."
Tassadar shrugged.
"I have learned to think about the wider picture. But yes I do think I have changed to be more political in my thinking. I don't think Artanis would have been nearly as thoughtful or accepting of this position if he were to become Hierarch. In any case I will speak of this matter with the rest of the council with a clear declaration to keep it within the council. But in any case we will have to openly negotiate with the Terran government to allow you to go to their home world."
Zamara lowered her head accepting the political realities of the situation.
"I understand Hierarch. Such matters must be handled properly. I will simply wait until the matter is resolved then."
-Nysha's Leviathan-
Within the evolution pit two chrysalis pods glowing a faint blue began shaking. Their development was slow but once completed both Kerrigan and Nova would become significantly more powerful with the Ragnite integrated into their bodies cells.
As she commanded her fleet in the nerve center Nysha remembered when she under went the process. The feeling of the Ragnite radiating and synchronizing with her soul-gate to complete and stabilize the two way connection and the resulting magnification of her psionic powers was like being reborn with body that seemed to be the pinnacle of power. Though all higher ranking brood queens that under go such transformations all fully understand there's no such thing as unbeatable or all powerful. Fighting off the arrogance in their own hearts to become a ever thoughtful and stable leader with no useless thoughts of superiority to distract them from their true purpose. To fulfill the empresses will.
Nysha shook off her distracting thoughts turning her attention fully to the battle over Char. As She watched a forward assault wave finally broke through the upper defenses opening a path to the surface or the planet. The Empress immediately ordered a fresh attack wave to push into the opening while escorts widened the hole in the Over-swarms defenses. Another five hours passed before the first Hive clusters were established on the surface. And another five hours after that they began expanding through enemy territory while under constant assault from Over-swarm forces on all sides. But thanks to the Maw of the swarm structure and Hivelisks warping abilities and the bodies of the dead enemy the invasion forces had a constant stream of biomass to fuel their forces. With several moment's to spare Nysha returned her attention to the two chrysalis.
"Shouldn't be long now." Nysha commented.
-Redstone 3-
Arcturus flew through the sky's of Red stone 3. His skeletal wings creating a telekinetic force between the finger segments to allow them to function like real wings. Hot air flowed over him raising from the volcanic landscape below which bubbled and boiled as the gravitational in balance kept the crust from settling into a proper tectonic plate. This planets own bad luck of having a unstable orbit and moon. But that instability is what made the planet so appealing. First to the Kel-morian miners and then to the Over-swarm. And now Arcturus. The planet was literally a gold mine of resources for those who could reach and collect its rich minerals deposits. Without being killed by the heat and magma that is.
Having enjoyed enough of his ability to fly Arcturus returned to his hive cluster.
Nestaled on several hundred isolated islands of high ground that kept from melting in the lava ocean Arcturus established his mining operation.
Arcturus grinned ear to ear at the sight of hundreds of islands completely covered in Zerg structures with a fleet hovering over the magma ocean. The Zerg fleet was not just floating over the magma but using their psionic gravity manipulation abilities to pull large globules of mineral rich magma up and into a gravity trap below each bio-ship. The bio-ships would then hull the magma orbs into orbit where they would cool and become ready to be harvested. In the short time He had been on Redstone 3 Arcturus fleet had created a small asteroid belt in high orbit over the planet. Once a glob of magma had cooled sufficiently it would be harvested and the resources put into expanding the growing fleet or put into the orbiting hive's formed from several natural asteroids that were in the star system. The largest hive structure was already a mile across and still growing. But was just the largest of several hundred of such hives orbiting Redstone 3. It would not be long before Arcturus has a overwhelming fleet to conquer Korhal with. And after Korhal falls the rest of the Dominion will soon follow. He already had assurance from Amon and Narud that they don't car about the Dominion so Arcturus is free to do as he pleases with them.
With a flap of his wings Arcturus landed on the back of a Hive structure folding his wings.
"I Will create a empire for my self and those that stand in my way will die. But im not so bad. I should perhaps let the willing choose to serve me as infested."
Arcturus thought out loud as the magma boiled and bubbled all around his island hive cluster.
-Korhal Palace-
Emperor Valerian Mengsk plesentely sipped his morning coffee while preparing the documents for the transfer of resources to various research facilities that were conducting early beta testing on the development of various next gen weapons system. After completing and transferring the documents Valerian emptied his cup. Feeling the need for a refill He stood up and walked over to the coffee machine on the table by the wall.
As he walked to the coffee machine the building's inter-com beeped.
"Sir we may have a problem?" stated a security officer.
"What is it?" Valerian asked.
"We've discovered that Ghost 24601 Kerrigan and X41822N Nova have left the palace. Security had also been internally hacked which was why we hadn't noticed their absence sooner. It appears they took one of the drop ships from the upper hangers as well."
Valerian sighed at the news. Drinking his piping hot coffee lowered his anxiety some what.
"Have they left any letters or messages as to where or why they left?"
"No sir. But the logs and investigation we looked at said Raynor and Kerrigan had talked in private for several minutes last night."
"Have Raynor questioned."
"Yes sir."
Valerian turned to his window and the view of the advanced urban landscape.
"Why the hell would those two just up and leave. They better have a good reason."
-Hyperion, Korhal High Orbit-
Raynor prepared his ship for the last mission to collect the final piece to the keystone. He did the rounds across the ship stopping at the armory first and ran into Rindol talking to Rory Swan. The ghost had worked with the ground assault teams during the last mission but had been held down by heavy Tal'darim resistance while the main force secured the Keystone. She wasn't happy about playing second fiddle that time but brushed it off soon enough.
"What you two talking about?" Raynor asked.
"Oh captain." Swann said turning to Raynor. "We're just discussing how to best handle the next mission."
"The next one should be the toughest mission to date. I would like to send a scout mission for intelligence gathering on the disposition of the Tal'darim forces a head of the main fleet." explained Rindol.
"That's a mighty fine idea." Raynor agreed. "But it would have been just as good the passed four times. What makes this time different?"
Rindol shrugged.
"Well it's recently come to my attention that the UNSC expedition fleet was just attacked by that rogue fleet of Zerg. And well getting a idea I had Stetmann under my order do a scan for the general location of the fragments of the Keystone the same why we found the other fragments. The data on their locations we got came back with two fragments being at the last ones location."
Raynor seeing where this was going sighed.
"So the fragment Selvaria stole right out from under our noses that one time was stolen by the rogue Zerg fleet who then gave it to Nyon of the Tal'darim."
"Unfortunately yes." Rindol confirmed.
"That ain't good!" Swann commented. "You think the Tal'darim got's anything to do with the Zerg attacks on Umoja and Kel-morian's?"
"Don't know and no its not!" replied Raynor. "By the way Swann how's the gear."
"Oh ok. Nothing wrong with any of it since last I checked. But?"
"But what?"
"Well its just that I was wondering if We could get some of those Diamondbacks. There pretty hot stuff considering their part in the Char campaign. Oh and uh I've heard about all those new fancy prototypes in development. If you could spend some time could yeah ask the Emperor to send a few my way once their done."
"Im not his best pal but I'll ask. And about those Diamondbacks you do know their military standard issue now don't you. Just order some from the quartermaster."
Swann shrugged.
"I know that but I want the ones that fought on Char during The great war. Consider them collectables."
"What you starting a collection for retirement already old man." Commented Rindol.
"Hey! I ain't THAT old. I just want those specifically because their the oldest versions. Some of the newer versions got a stupid over the top A.I. controlled fly by wire system that gets touchy needing lots of maintenance by software geeks. But the older versions are analog with a reactive gravity booster system. It's more efficient and less fancy. Just the way I like it."
Raynor shrugged in defeat.
"Ok ok I'll put the word out for them. Also. Rindol There's something i've been meaning to ask you. Could you walk with me while I go see how much progress Stetmann has made."
"Yeah sure."
Raynor and Rindol left the armory. There was a odd silence between the two as they walked. They took the short cut passed the cantina. The roaring curse laden antics of Tychus acting wild after getting drunk again echoed through the halls. Even after getting a clean bill of health released from quarantine he's still his old trouble making self.
"So you wanted to talk about something?" Rindol asked breaking the silence.
"Did you know about the attacks on Umoja and Kel-morian?"
"Yes. I knew they were coming."
Raynor shot her a leering glance.
"Any other mass genocide's you want to inform me about little missy?"
Sensing the venom drip off Raynors words Rindol sighed regretfully.
"Look. A lot of things about time travel is paradoxical. I change one thing and everything that's connected to that event changes or snow ball's into other random changes. My own motivations have to remain centered and not reliant on the reason I came here. If my reason for being here changes then I would never have come in the first place."
"Is that some beating around the bush way of saying that you could have stopped your sister from switching sides in the first place?"
"Yes. If one can't have a reason then they never time travel. It's paradox number one that all time travelers have to deal with. Even Selvaria. She can't change anything that would destroy her reason for being her anymore then I can. So there are things I can change and things I can't."
Raynor scoffed.
"Is that supposed to make me feel better?"
"Not really."
The two remained silent until reaching Stetmanns lab. Upon entering they glanced around to see it empty. Except for the odd stuff He keeps in his collection along the wall which includes some Khaydarin crystals and Zerg bio-matter in stasis tanks in back.
"Stetmann? You here." Raynor spoke out.
"Yeah im here." Stetmann replied sticking his head out from a ventilation duck.
"What were you doing up there?" questioned Rindol.
Stetmann dropped to the floor.
"Oh uh just placing these things." Stetmann explained holding up a small mechanical spider.
Raynor raised a eyebrow.
"And those are?"
"Their my attempt at further miniaturizing the Spider mines. Not to good for combat yet but they seem to work just fine as security drones."
Raynor crossed his arms.
"And exactly how many of these security drones are walking around my ship?"
Sensing he's in trouble Stetmann chose his words carefully.
"Uh as, many, as you want?"
"Being none."
"Right. I'll get them back right away. By the way why did you need something?"
"I wanted to ask about how many of those defense matrix you can produce?"
"Them? The dominions fleet yards have already started manufacturing them based on my design. I was apart of the original team that developed the technology. The tech is powerful but has no where near the staying power of the Protoss equivalents. Their tech is just way more advanced then ours so their shields can last for way longer. So I had to redesign the Defense matrixes for short focused bursts of power that could protect the targeted vessel as best as possible. Which is why they only last five minutes before needing to recharge."
"Right" Raynor said feeling distracted. "Anyway are the other ships getting installed with them?"
"Yeah them and the whole Dominion fleet." Stetmann replied. "The defense matrix's pared with the Psi-plating tech we got from minister Haruka's friend on Reach will make the Dominion fleet virtually un-killable."
Rindol rolled her eyes.
"Un huh. And a Ultralisk might stop on over and ask for some sugar. Nothings un-killable Stetmann." She said bluntly.
Realizing his own hubris Stetmann lowered his head shamefully
"Right right. Your completely right. But im working on it!" He remarked.
Rindol raised a eye brow.
"Nice comeback. Now put your money where you mouth is."
The ships intercom beeped.
"Commander Raynor some of the Emperors security agents have borded and are asking to speak with you." Horner reported from the bridge.
Rindol glanced at Raynor.
"Did you break another priceless vase again?"
Raynor sighed.
"Shut up. It was just one time. Horner im on my way."
Leaving Rindol and Stetmann Raynor left for the bridge.
A short time later He was staring at a ghost security team and a man in a black suit from the Palace security division. They were in charge of the Imperial Palace's security and protecting the Emperor and his family as well as the rest of the people working in and from the Place including Ghost agents.
"And you are?"
"My name is not important Commander Raynor. But for the purpose of this conversation call me Alex. I take it you know why im here to question you."
"Something to do with the Palace's security right."
"Yes. Specifically the disappearance of two of our ghost agents. Two you know personally. Kerrigan and Nova."
Raynors eyes went wide in surprise.
"Your mean their missing?"
"From our date analyst reports it seems that they hacked the security system so they could take a dropship and leave the planet."
With a disconcerted look Raynor thought.
"Why would they just up and leave... unless."
Agent Alex leered at Raynor. "Is there something you know Commander?"
"It may have something to do with the recent attacks on Umoja, Kel-morian and the UNSC expedition fleet. She must have a reason for suddenly leaving?"
"Our records of your movements last night show that you and Kerrigan talked for a few minutes?"
"We were just talking about..."
Interrupting Raynors words the proximity warning went off and the Hyperion's helm officer cursed pulling up on the controls. The ship bucked intensely nearly making everyone fall over from the sudden shift in the gravity well.
"What the hells going on helm officer? why are we moving?" captain Horner yelled.
"It's the Zerg captain." the helm officer answered.
Looking to the bridges wall mounted displays everyone saw the massive wall of armored living carapace passing by them.
"Shit its a fucking Leviathan!" exclaimed Raynor.
Not wasting another second Raynor hit the button on the tactical table opening the ship wide coms.
"All crew to battle stations! We have a full scale Zerg assault barreling down on us!"
-Korhal Palace-
Emperor Valerian was rushed to the palaces underground emergency bunker shortly after the first Zerg drop pods started raining down on the planet. Now Valerian watched on the bunkers command center displays as a Zerg fleet numbering in the hundreds amassed over the planet while the Dominion fleet retreted to a safe distance to regroup.
"Is the fleet regrouping?"
General Warfield turned to Valerian.
"Yes Emperor their already reorganizing for a counter attack. But the Zerg forces have already created several beach heads in the city."
"How's the civilian evacuation proceeding?"
The mayor of the capital city Augustgrad nervously pushed his glasses up.
"The police and other non-military security forces are working with the military and civilian transport companies to evacuate as many people as possible but the constant raids by the scattered Zerg forces are slowing down their progress. All the people panicking and bodies in the streets aren't helping the situation as its hard to keep public moral up and social order with it. And those who are panicking or rioting are only complicating our efforts."
Valerian sighed rubbing his temples.
"Which means more people will die because were too slow. And what about the Zerg fleet?"
Haruka stepped forwards.
"There holding at their position over Augustgrad. Their staying there to keep our fleet from bombarding their forces ground side. The Anti-orbital defense systems are keeping the majority of the drop-pods from reaching the surface but they can't eliminate all of them."
Valerian pondered the situation.
"Some reinforcements from the rest of the Dominion would help but with communication jammed I suppose it will take hours until the other colonies know somethings wrong."
"Unfortunately that correct." Haruka sighed.
Warfield glanced down at the tactical table.
"At the least our yamato cannons at the cities perimeter are secure. Once their charged up we can blast a good portion of the Zerg fleet out of orbit."
Valerian joined Warfield at the tactical display-table.
"Still that will take time. Arcturus forces won't wait for them to be fully charged. Look."
Valerian pointed to multiple groups of Ultralisk's and other Zerg making a bee line for the ground side anti-orbital Yamato cannons scattered around the cities edges. The display projected their possible paths to the closest four Yamato-cannons.
"Not good" Noted Warfield. "I'll send extra forces to secure the cannons from attack."
"Still you can't secure all of them." stated Haruka. "Valerian, you should allow the new Ghosts from the Light-shield program the opportunity to aide in the defense of the Cannons."
Valerian gave Haruka a serious look.
"Are they operational. The last reports said they had trouble with their team work in training and simulation drills?"
"I've payed them a few visit's and straightened them out a bit. They should at least be usable as a defense force so long as they got marine back up."
"Ok then. We still have the issue of the panicking civilians."
Haruka glanced at Valerian.
"I may have a way of helping with that."
Valerian met Haruka's gaze.
"How? A public speech! I don't think the people will listen when their being chased by rampaging Zerg."
"I agree. Which is why im going to use my telepathy to project your voice and orders to the whole planet."
In surprise and disbelief everyone glanced at each other then looked back to Haruka.
"You can't be serious." Valerian shrugged.
"Im quit serious emperor. I haven't done much directly to help you other then advice but this time im invested in keeping the Dominion from falling. And besides." Haruka looked up. "Arcturus is watching from on high. He's expecting you to panic and make a mistake. But if we show him things aren't going to go his way so easily then it may be him to make the mistake. And also about Kerrigan and Nova's disappearance. It's more then likely that they left to seek power from Ellen."
Valerian sighed shaking his head.
"You make a convincing case Haruka. Even if your a utter pain in the ass. You've done a lot to help prepare us for a attack like this as well as aided in advancing the Dominions development as a nation. It would have taken years to do what you helped accomplish in months. So reluctantly I trust your judgment. So how's this going to work?"
Haruka stepped closer to Valerian.
"Just focus." She placed her hands on the sides of Valerians head.
Valerian closed his eyes and focused. Instantly his perception was expanded across the whole planet. There was fighting in cities and settlements across the planet not just in Augustgrad. Valerians perception started scattering across the planet as he saw civilians and militia fighting for their lives along with Dominion soldiers battling Zerg in the streets of the capital and beyond.
"Focus Valerian your slipping and getting distracted." Haruka warned.
Listening to Haruka advice He took several deep breaths and calmed down.
"Is this how you see Korhal?" He thought.
"I can but expanding my perception this far all the time gets cluttered. Now think of what you want to say."
Valerian calmed and focused grasping the global situation. Then the words cam to him.
"People of Korhal."
All across the planet people felt a strong presence both connecting them together and comforting them in the crisis.
"I am Emperor Valerian Mengsk."
Overhearing the open telepathic projection Arcturus growled furious at his traitorous son calling himself emperor. Focusing on the point of origin He redirected a large portion of his planet side forces to attack the palace.
Valerian continued.
"I know all of you are scared and afraid. But no matter what don't let that paralyze you, don't let it rule you. If you can, then get to safety of the cities bunkers. If not then stay out of sight and don't let the Zerg find you. Even now the Dominion military is fighting and dying to protect this planet and all of you. Don't let your life's end so easily. I know my people, the people of the Dominion are tougher then that. Live. Do everything you need to survive. And help those who can't protect themselves. No one's perfect not even me. But that is what makes us Terrans strong. Our unity and the strength that comes from working as a collective towards a shared goal despite our weakness. And to day that goal is survival. At the end of this dark day I know we'll all be proud that we did our best and survived together as one nation and people."
All across the planet Valerian could feel the peoples hearts raising as they did as He had said. Those who could not fight hide and the militia and military soldiers redoubled their efforts in protecting the civilians until they were evacuated. All across Korhal the coordination and unity of the population raised while the panic and confusion lowered. It wasn't a huge change but it was even now saving lives.
Valerian's eyes shot open as he was suddenly back in his body. Haruka stepped back giving a strained sigh.
"Well (heavy breath) That was tougher then I had expected. Connecting that many minds really took some effort."
"Impressive as always." commented Warfield. "It may not be much but it looks like the evacuations are proceeding more smoothly. Uh oh!"
"Uh oh what general!" asked Valerian.
Warfield pointed to the tactical-display table at several large groups of Zerg including Ultralisk's all heading for the palace from three directions.
"It seems that speech drew the attention for the Zerg to the palace."
"Good then it worked."
Everyone turned to Haruka.
"And what does that mean?" questioned Valerian.
"I figured that if Arcturus detected our psionic transmission he would get angry and step up his attack on the palace. Besides the more forces heading here the fewer going after the orbital cannons."
Warfield shrugged. "A sound strategy but it would have been better if you let us in on your plans."
"Yeah sorry. Im more of a doer then a talker. Also about those Zerg in bound I have a special little weapon that's been needing a serious field test. If its all right with you Warfield stay here and command the war and evacuation effort's with the mayor while me and the Emperor take a walk to the special project I got tucked away."
Valerian looked at Haruka incredulously.
"Sorry what? Im not exactly a fighter. Do you plan on having me go out there and fight the Zerg my self?"
"Come on Valerian you made such a rousing speech. Don't tell me your not willing to fight while telling others to do it for you. Besides I can assure you that you wont be in any life threating danger. I'll be right there with you. And you won't be fighting your self."
"Fine. Show the way then."
Valerian followed Haruka out the command room and down the hallway to a mono-rail. The electro-magnetic levitation train took them to a large hanger just below ground level in another wing of the Palace. Stepping into the hanger Valerians eyes were drawn up words to the massive building sized mecha standing before him.
"What the hell is that! Another one of your secret projects?"
Haruka giggled at his starry eyed gaze glued to the Odin.
"It's called the Odin. Its a prototype super heavy siege-anti-siege mecha loosely based on the Goliath. Its costly but its just a prototype. The mass-produced versions dubbed the Thor have already been completed."
Haruka gestured at the smaller docking recesses along wall's of the hanger where two dozen Thor's were docked. They were only one third the Odin's size but they were still 14 meters tall and just as heavily armored and armed as the much larger Odin.
"Quit impressive Haruka. Now that I think about it I should really keep more informed about your projects."
Haruka smirked.
"You actually sound angry for once. Emperor."
"Let me guess. You want me to pilot that thing into battle. What for moral?"
"No actually he's going to pilot it."
Haruka gestured to the man standing on the gantry leading to the Odin's cockpit.
"Your just going to assist with tactical orders to everyone as commander. You are a leader after all. Im sure it will get Arcturus gears grinding if he sees you in the thick of the battlefield."
Getting a hint as to Haruka's real plan Valerian looked her in the eye.
"You want me to draw him out into the open so we can kill him."
"Hopefully. But im also going out there to fight along side you."
Valerian sighed turning back to the Odin.
"Well this should be interesting?"
-Nysha's Leviathan-
As the invasion of Char continued Nysha kept a eye on the development of both Kerrigan and Nova as well as the events occurring on Korhal via Overseers orbiting one of Korhal's moon's.
"I wonder if I should interfere?"
As She contemplated helping the Terrans defend Korhal a wave of enemy Behemoths lead by a Leviathan accelerated up out of the Char atmosphere. Nysha spotted them through her own Overseers and with a thought sent a portion of her fleet to intercept them to maintain the blockade. The detached fleet hunted the Enemy forces down before they could warp away or cause too much damage to the Azure swarms fleet. One by one the enemy Bio-ships were ripped to pieces. As the failed enemy breakthrough was crushed Nysha turned her attention to the two chrysalis.
"The evolution of theior bodies is reaching its conclusion."
-Korhal Place, Odin & Thor hanger-
Valerian lowered him self into the Odin's two seat cockpit while still reading the manual for the prototype war machine.
"Are you secure sir?" asked the real pilot.
"Yes. Just... getting used to all this."
The pilot chuckled.
"Well you will don't worry. I'll pilot the thing while you give commands to me and the others. Just tell us where the enemy is most concentrated and we'll blast-em into next weak."
"Roger." the emperor replied as he kept reading.
Valerian looked at the left display screen seeing Haruka suited into a heavily modified ghost suit with two freight dollies to her left and right. One holding a rectangle shaped lance with metal fins on its rear section and the other held a shield made of overlapping psi-plating enhanced armor the same as her armor.
"What kind of equipment is that?" Valerian wondered.
"Warning! the Zerg have reached the Palace perimeter." reported a Adjutant over the intercom. "All defense forces focus on holding them off until the prototypes are deployed."
"You heard the general lets get these guys out there double time." yelled the hanger technician.
The Odin's pilot closed the twin armored canopy's protecting the cockpit and started up the mecha's reactors. With a rumbling that Valerian felt from deep within the Odin the mecha roared to life.
"I still can't believe She talked me into doing this!" Valerian mumbled under his breath.
The Odin lifted its massive wide foot and took its first step out of the hanger. The Odin's foot landed with such force that it sent vibrations through the hangers floor and walls. One after the other the Odin stepped across the hanger until standing on the main super heavy cargo elevator.
"Warning stand back while elevator is in operation." warned the Adjutant.
The elevator slowly lifted up raising the massive bulk of the Odin up to ground level as warning lights blinked at the elevators corners. In under two minutes the Odin reached the ground level entrance and stepped forward towards the side entrance door bigger then the Odin. As the massive mecha walked forwards the door slowly opened. Explosions and gunfire became audible along with the alien shrikes of Zerg. Valerian kept his eyes on the displays as the battle just outside his palace became visible. Marines, Marauders Ghosts, Siege tanks, Bunkers with gun turrets and Goliaths all fired in to wave after wave of charging Zerg. Zerglings, Hydralisk and Roaches mindlessly charged into the defenses only to be gunned down and blasted apart. Then from the shadows marines were gunned down by silent sniper fire. The Ghosts and Marines ducked into cover as they returned fire to the snipers position. Only for the event to repeat in a letal game of cat and mouse.
In the skies over head Wraiths and Kestrels fought in dogfights against Wyverns and Mutalisk while Overseers watched from afar. Guardians patrolled the areas the Zerg had secured and were slowly expanding as the battle continued.
"My god!" Valerian remarked seeing real war first hand.
"Buckle up your highness. Were entering battle." The pilot warned as the Odin shook from each steap.
Shaking him self out of his surprised state Valerian looked intently at the displays scanning for the worst of the enemies forces. Across the screens displayed a variety of date from unit formations to multi-spectral scans. Valerian quickly found several of the cloaked Zerg snipers just waiting on multiple roof tops around the palace.
"Enemy snipers on these rooftops." Valerian reported designating the targets.
"Cloaked Zerg snipers! There's just something not right about that." the Odin Pilot commented.
Stepping up to the frontlines the Odin stopped just behind a line of Goliaths and Siege-tanks. Its arms raised up taking steady aim at the buildings serving as sniper nests.
"Your using the main-cannons on snipers?" the emperor questioned.
"Ain't no such thing as overkill in war your highness. Don't worry i'll limit the damage so the buildings don't collapse."
Laser designators tagged the four buildings as energy flowed into the arms. With explosive force the super heavy gauss-cannons fired four times blasting holes into multiple rooftops. The noise and over pressure from the shots made both Terran and Zerg forces on the ground hesitate for a brief moment.
"Targets destroyed." reported Valerian sounding impressed.
"Snipers eliminated.. Any other targets you want me to make disappear sir?"
Valerian scanned the enemy forces looking for any targets that needed to be made to just go away. He sighted a large group of Roaches and Hydralisk accompanied by ten large praying mantis shaped Zerg with two heavy horns facing forwards.
"Those are Impaler's!" Valerian stated remembering Harukas explanation of the Azure swarms forces and units.
A moment later the Impaler's stopped taking aim at several Siege tanks and Goliaths. With a quick burst of fire the Terran armored units exploded. The heavy spines easily piercing their armor.
"Yeah their just like what Haruka said about them."
"Sir?"
Valerian tagged the group of Impaler's and the pilot aimed the Odin's chest mounted gatling guns at them. The mecha shook from the high fire rate of the guns ripping the Impaler's to pieces.
Back down in the hanger Haruka finished suiting up into her customized armor while the the smaller Thor mecha started activating and marched to the elevator to join the Odin and the rest of the defense forces.
"They were totally worth the headach of pushing their development up." Haruka commented.
Reaching out She took the rectangle shaped lance in hand then the Shield. The two were mere duplications of the Valkyrur's lance and shield and not vary good ones. But they were powerful enough to be a serious threat to the Zerg. Haruka sometimes regretted playing the Terran. But She was needed in this position more then any other if certain events were to be prevented such as Arcturus becoming emperor of the Dominion.
As one Thor walked passed her on its way to the elevator Haruka leaped up onto its shoulder and road it up to the battlefield outside.
-Korhal High Orbit, Arcturus Leviathan-
Arcturus growled in annoyance as the Palace put up more resistance then He anticipated. Bringing out a new weapon that looked like a more heavily armed and armored humanoid mecha that must be a replacement for the aging Goliath units.
"Slightly impressive. But ultimately futile." He declared.
A bright flash of light from the Leviathans optical senses drew his attention to the battle in space. The Dominion fleet had quickly reorganized after Arcturus fleet warped out right on top of them and retreated before they were destroyed along with the orbital defense platform that was crashed into by two Leviathans and quickly destroyed. Destroying the platform had cost Arcturus a Leviathan but it left the planet wide open for a invasion. But the Hyperion was now leading the counter attack in space.
The yamato beam subsided leaving behind the charred pieces of several dead Behemoths floating through the void.
"Your a annoying fly Raynor. It's time I eliminated you. But not until after I make you watch as your emperor is killed for betraying me."
-Hyperion bridge-
"Enemy is focusing their fire on the core of our fleet." reported Horner.
Raynor cursed as the ship shook from the increased fire.
"Well we kicked the hornets nest alright!"
"Suggest a tactical retreat sir." Horner advised. "Our allies are heavily damaged and our yamato cannon and defense matrix have both been over used. Reinforcements from the rest of the Dominion will arrive in six hours. If we hold out..."
Raynor interjected.
"If we wait for six hours that's six hours of people dying ground side. We hold the Zerg fleet in orbit for as long as we can. If they can't land planet side then the anti-orbital cannons will still be able to pick off their drop pods. But won't be able to do shit against the Behemoths and Leviathans at point blank range. I'd rather keep the bulk of the enemies ground forces tied up up here then running around on Korhal."
Horner nodded reluctantly accepting Raynor's decision as the right one.
"Yes sir. But what about us. If we don't do something soon we'll be shot down."
A barrage of Spines and Scourges flew towards the Dominion fleet. Those that weren't shot down slammed into the ships psi-plated armor.
As the Hyperion shook under the barrage Raynor looked over the tactical display looking for options. Quickly catching sight of the ground side Yamato cannons.
"What about the Ground side Yamato's. Why aren't they firing yet?"
Horner waved his hand over the touch screen display looking on the battle reports regarding them.
"Seems like several of them were hit early on and have been damaged by Zerg fliers and the rest have been covered in some Creep like substance that's preventing them from aiming properly. Ghost teams and Marines are working on it but they are constantly being attacked."
"Sounds like a job for Tychus and Rindol." Raynor stated.
In the Hyperion's hanger Tychus and Rindol along with multiple squads of marines and Marauders sat into orbital drop pods.
"I hate these things." Tychus commented disdainfully.
"What's a matter Tychus can't take the heat?"
Tychus flipped the Marine the middle finger.
Seeing the exchange Rindol chuckled before sitting in her own drop pod.
"Understand the mission everyone." said recently promoted Lt. Jon Littlefield.
"Yes sir!" Everyone replied.
"Hey Lt. you'd better send that sweet mercenary ass of yours over at Deadman's Port a letter or two before I snatch her out of your arms. Im not dying down there or going the rest of my life unmarried after this shit show and you've been hanging on to her for long enough without making a move."
"Shut it Jenkins or im making you drop without your pod." barked Lt. Littlefield. "I don't need your vulgar banter right before a major operation. Got it!"
"Yes sir." replied Jenkins.
Everyone hopped into their drop pods and buckled up for the long hard drop through hell. As the Hangers floor dropped away Lt. Littlefield pulled out a picture of his former commander Lt. Breanna. Now a merc working under the infamous Mira-han now the leader of the growing and very successful dead-man's port. A moment later the pods launched in sequence right to left. Accelerating towards Augustgrad.
-Agustgrad Anti-Orbital Defense Station No.4-
"To your right!" yelled Emblock
Kath toom leaped rolling along the concrete floor landing on her knees. Take aim at the nearest cloaked Hunter-Zergling. She could see the faint wavering in the air that almost perfectly blended into the environment. But thanks to Emblock's warning and her own detection visor she was able to faintly see the cloaked enemies and was able to get a target lock. The burst of three shots perforated the Hunter dropping it.
"Damn these things are everywhere!" Toom cursed.
Blue team hadn't even been officially graduated from the academy yet and yet they were thrown into this shit show. At least their enhanced training and modifications in the Light-shield project had boosted their abilities.
"More Zerglings and Hydras on the ramp!" warned Lio.
High above the battle a drone remotely controlled by Lio's technopathy hovered over head. Lio him self was crouched on a upper catwalk on the sky pointed cannon holding a sniper rifle.
"Come on you bastards just a little closer."
The newest wave of Zerglings dashed around the Ultralisk corpse that had been killed in the first wave and charged up the ramp to get at the cannons base structure. Moments later dozens of spider shaped grenades un-burrowed from the metal ramp leaping on to the closest Zerg.
"Tick tick boom." Lio commented.
The small spider grenades detonated killing half the horde. Marines, Kath Toom and Gabriel Tosh at the top of the ramp gunned down the rest. Toom and Tosh shot the last few Hunters climbing up the side of the elevated stabilizing platform for the Yamato cannon. Only to spot more of the cloaked on the nearby buildings.
"Lio we got more of those cloaked Zerg on buildings dew south."
"Roger im sending the condors that way."
Delta Emblock sitting several meters away from Lio on the upper catwalks sensed a danger. Her rifles aim shifted to the north to a skyscraper. Moving her rifle around floor to floor. Following her precognitive abilities she spotted a part of the buildings window that had been broken exposing the inside of the office room. Getting a hint as to why only the window was broken she took aim and fired into the hole in the window. A splattering of gore followed by a Predator decloaking appeared in the window.
"Smart bastards. Staying out of our detection gears range like that." Emblock noted.
A second later four spines impacted her telekinetic shield with a fifth and sixth piercing it. One of the spines stuck into the wall behind her with the last one burying it's self into her gut.
"Shit! Im hit." she projected to her team.
Gritting her teeth Emblock emptied her clip into the distant building three more Predators.
"Emblock you ok?" questioned team leader Gabriel Tosh.
"No im not." reported Emblock.
She pulled the spine out and grabbed a medical injector pen out from her pack and injected it into the hole in her gut. The nano-fom expanded sealing the hole and settled into a skin layer that kept out pollutants while also sterilizing the wound of any Zerg bio-matter or poisons.
"Damn that hurts. Im good but need time to recover a bit." reported Emblock over the radio.
Lio glanced over the catwalk at Emblock getting her vitals on his helmat visor.
"Hey Tosh Emblocks looking fine for the most part but she's not going to be running any races soon."
Reloading his rifle Tosh replied.
"Can she still shoot?"
"Oh yeah she's good so long as she doesn't have to run a marathon." Lio replied.
Moments later the condor drones fired several missiles at the Zerg on the nearby building leveling the section of the structure they were on.
"Also the Zerg that were in that building are gone now. Your welcome."
"Good work Lio now lets get that cannon up and operational."
"Roger." Lio sighed and got up hurrying into the main elevator to the underground control room.
For security purposes the only elevator to the the ground based Yamato cannon was on a upper level that was then taken down several levels. The doors opened and Lio walked into the control room to the sight of several people ripped to pieces by a few Zerg who had also died attacking the control room.
"Damn shame" Lio commented seeing the corpse of a young female officer.
He glanced up left and right, at the two ceiling turrets that had defended the room.
"Ok lets see if the codes they gave me work?"
Lio accessed the system with security codes given to him from General Warfield. The security system switched to standby mode and the cannons fusion reactors rumbled to life. On screen the power levels sharply rose higher and higher until the cannon was ready to fire.
"Ok which targets life am I going to ruin today?"
Accessing the cannons own sensor network and patching into the communication networks of the Dominion ships in orbit Lio targeted a Leviathan currently fighting against the Terrans fleet in orbit.
"You look important. Time to say good by by."
The massive cannon shifted its position slightly aiming at the target in orbit.
Outside the rest of blue team and the marines backing them up held on as the structure shifted and vibrated for a few seconds. Then with a glowing inner light the Yamato cannon warmed up and fired sending a beam of directed fusion energy into space. Emblock held onto the hand railing protected by a special EM barrier meant to focus the beam and prevent any diffusion from the beam in the atmosphere. Shooting into orbit the beam cut into a Leviathans under belly blasting out a giant creator from the giant beast. But not killing it. Seeing the lackluster effort Lio raised a eye brow sighing.
"Damn why do those things have to be so tough!"
Lio noticed the Leviathan deploying Scourges and Mutalisk along with Wyverns as escort. Their destination apparently the yamato cannon on the planets surface.
"Shit! Coming for pay back huh. Not if I can help it."
Using his own technopathy Lio directly linked with the cannons systems overclocking the recharge process. The process sped the recharge rate up but stressed the system to its limits. But carefully Lio kept the system at just the limit of its capabilities to avoid a melt down. Then once the recharge process was completed He aimed at the Leviathan again noticing that several Dominion ships were targeting the same weak spot He had opened up.
"Lets finish this bitch off with some team work boys." Lio transmitted to the Dominion ships.
The Ships maneuvered below the Leviathan while counterattacking with their normal weapons and using their Defense matrix to hold off the waves of enemy Scourges. Then just as they reoriented themselves the ships fired their own yamato cannons simultaneously with Lio. The multiple yamato beams impacted the Leviathans belly carving through its many chambers and eating through the main body of the beast. The attack finally killed the Leviathan and it's hollowed out corpse started drifting into Korhal's gravity well.
"Uh that's not good." Lio quipped calculating the impact point of the Dead hulk.
Lio sighed relieved that the estimated point of impact would be a random mountain range far from any settlement's.
Lios radio beeped.
"Travski you kill anything yet?" asked Tosh.
Outside another wave of Zerg attacked and were being repelled by the tired but still strong defenders.
"Yeah nothing big just a Leviathan!" Lio replied.
Tosh laughed.
"Nice kill."
"But ugh" Lio continued. "There's a giant swarm of Zerg flyers heading our way!"
"When it rains it pours!" Tosh sighed shaking his head. "Can you deal with them some how? Were barely holding on here ourselves?"
"Hang on im getting on it."
In the control room Lio connected with the cities defense network jacking into several dozen missile and anti-air gun turrets. Dozens of the turrets across the city all stopped firing at the local enemy fliers and all looked upwards as the giant swarm closed in on the city from orbit.
"Suck on this."
Lio pressed the mental trigger and all four dozen turrets fired into the sky. Seconds ticked by as hundreds of missiles and thousands of gauss-rounds shot sky words ripping into the descending cluster of Zerg. But the damage dealt only killed half of the enemies before they were only two miles above the yamato cannon facility.
"Shit it still not enough fire power!"
Then as if answering Travski's need four beams shot through the sky cutting the Zerg aerial armada to pieces. Travski sat in the chair laughing in surprise.
-Korhal Palace-
Valerian watched as the remnants of the Zerg flock dispersed and were targeted by the city wide defense system and picked off one at a time. Shooting down the swift individual Zerg was harder then targeting groups that bunched up together.
Valerian looked to the Odin's displays seeing the four back mounted miniature Yamato cannons would take ten minutes to recharge.
"Good work" He complimented the pilot.
"Your welcome sir. But there's still Zerg swarming all through the city. And still attacking the rest of the Anti-orbital defenses."
Valerian pondered the situation and what would the best call be next. It had been quicker then he or Warfield had expected but the anti-orbital yamato cannons had been attacked and disabled quickly. Did Arcturus have any spies in the Dominion or did he just see a way to easily disable the defenses that easily.
"Preferably I would like to get the Yamato's back on line so they could hit the enemy ships in orb it. But if we spread ourselves out to much it will only leave us vulnerable."
The Odin pilot laughed.
"Glad to see you at least know how to think like a leader."
"Your welcome."
The Odin's sensors beeped detecting hundreds of drop pods entering the atmosphere. Checking the ID they came back as registered to the Hyperion. And the dispersal patterns indicated that they were being dropped onto locations adjacent to several of the anti-orbital yamato canons.
"Lucky us. It seems Raynor got the same idea."
-Hours Later-
-High Orbit Over Char-
-Nysha's Leviathan-
The two Chrysalis burst open. Liquid droplets hovered mid air as the power of the two newly reborn brood queens radiated through the chamber.
Kerrigan opened her eyes glowing a deep azure with radiating lines of emerald green. Slowly the two of them lowered to the floor, the liquids droplets dripping off of their obsidian black skin.
"I... feel different." Stated Nova. She looked around as if seeing for the first time. Her now enhanced eyes noticing even the smallest detail.
Nova's sight focused on her own hand noticing the black layer of protective ablative psi-armor covering it. Manipulating the chromatophore cell structure of her cells she changed the color back to it's original Terran skin color.
"It's feels like im connected to every Zerg in the Swarm."
"Glad your finally up." projected Nysha.
Hearing Nysha's voice through the Hive mind. Kerrigan and Nova could actually sense her true level of power more accurately.
"Nysha? How long were we out for?" asked Kerrigan.
"The better part of a day. Around nine hours. You should get back to Korhal quickly. Your Terran friends are having a bad time of things. They put up a good fight, but after Arcturus lost several of his Leviathans and dozens of his Behemoths to the orbital defense weapons on the planet He started dropping the rest his fleet onto the city along with several Hive-lisk's on top of the palace."
"He did what?" questioned Kerrigan not recognizing the Hive-lisk breed.
"Hive-lisk. Based on the Alpha-Roach and grown to massive size. Has internal space and functions like a Hive except with a Maw of the Swarm transport structure that allows the Hive-lisk generate warp gates and transport it's self and other smaller Zerg to its location or to any other location."
Kerrigan raised a eye brow at Nova.
"You get that off the Azure swarms hive mind?"
"Yes. It was a easy as a net search."
"You two better get going or Korhal will fall by the time your don talking."
"Right. Come on Nova we need to get going."
As Kerrigan spoke two Praetorian symbiotes crawled over to them.
"Take them. You don't want to go around naked right" stated Nysha.
After quickly suiting up into the Praetorian's both Kerrigan and Nova picked up several psionically reactive bio-lances from the armory. They were the same kind that they had used before on the Castanar operation. Returning to their meager fleet of Behemoths the two of them warped to Korhal. Nysha watched them depart wondering if they could finish off Arcturus by themselves.
-Meanwhile on Shakura's-
Zeratul swiftly walked down a hall quickly ducking into a side chamber. Within sat matriarch Raszagal basking in the artificial light of the sun chamber.
"Matriarch." Zeratul said respectfully.
The matriarch spoke keeping her eyes closed.
"Something troubles you Dark Prelate?"
"We have received a report that the Dominion capital world of Korhal has been attacked by the rogue Zerg fleet."
The matriarchs eye brows furrowed disturbed by the news.
"Tho their aide has been minimal. In the few times their forces had fought against the Zerg in our stead they displayed bravery and honor. They are our allies. If we do not come to their aid in this crisis then our own honor will be for naught."
"What of the Daelaam council. Aldaris would hold up our fleets questioning the practicality of helping the Terrans. Especially since the way he's pushed for us to end all contact with them because of the hybrids the Umoja and Moebius foundation has created."
Softly Raszagal scoffed.
"Are we not Dark Templar Zeratul. We live and fight in the shadows. Aldaris need not know."
Zeratul bowed.
"As you wise matriarch."
The dark Prelate left quickly summoning his private guard to the hanger which holds his personnel ship the Void seeker.
"You summoned us Dark Prelate," Zerion questioned.
"You have all been called here to aide our ally the Dominion in their hour of need. They have been the latest victim of the rogue Zerg fleets attacks much like the Terrans of Umoja and Kel-morian. I wish to end these attacks and gain information pertaining to the reasons behind them."
"We are to capture the leader of the rogue Zerg forces?" asked a dark templar.
"Yes. Thou weather it be a Cerebrate or a infested Terran I do not know. Observe extreme caution in light of the unknown."
"Dark Prelate though we all wish to aide you in this fight there are dozens of us. We can not all fit onboard you vessel alone?"
"To solve that problem im taking the liberty of using a few prototype craft."
Shortly after the dark prelate spoke those words two large flying armored khaydarin crystals with folded wings, each having a glowing membrane of hexagons slowly flew into the hanger. Each easily as large as the Void seeker its-self.
Zeratul gestured to the two crafts.
"I requested a Phase smith named Karax to have permission to field test these two. They are the first working modules of the Warp prism. Not only can they produce powerful shields but they can also serve as warp points for a teleportation matrix network."
"Impressive. They will prove useful." stated Zerion.
"Though let us hope that we are not to late."
-Agustagrad, Outer Palace defenses.-
Two Ultralisk's roared echoing for miles through the ruined city scape.
"Crush them. Leave not one alive." commanded Arcturus psionically floating between the two giants.
The two Ultralisk's leveled their back and lower arm mounted spine cannons and fired blasting apart a line of Siege tanks and Goliaths. Infantry ran as the massive Zerg siege engines trampled the burning hulks of the Terran armored weapons.
There before him Arcturus beheld the Odin and its host of Thors blasting away at the swarming Zerg forces flowing to the Palace like a river of death and claws. Marauders launched volleys of grenades blasting Zerg to pieces, Marines in turret equipped Bunkers gunned down charging Zerglings in droves, Siege tanks, Goliaths and Thors fired their cannons, gatling-guns and rocket launchers into the heaviest Zerg forces blowing open holes in the constant siege and letting the infantry and smaller defenses time to regroup and counter attack.
Over head Dominion and Zerg fliers still dashed around the sky in constant dog fights although in fewer numbers. The cloaked Wraiths and heavily armed Kestrels shot down flocks of Mutalisk, Scourges Overseers and Guardians but were quite out maneuvered by the much faster and agile Wyverns. Arcturus fleet of Behemoths and Leviathans had been heavily damaged suffering great loses from the anti-orbital defense's forcing him to deploy them to retain the advantage.
Still they had destroyed the majority of the Augustgrad defense network forcing the majority of the Dominion air defenses to retreat to more secured positions or risk being overwhelmed by the Zerg numbers. And the Dominion fleet in orbit was still busy with Arcturus newly arrived reinforcements from Red stone 3.
Still for every meter the Zerg won the Dominion military made them bleed for it every step of the way with constant ambushe's and artillery strikes. Arcturus knew this and so decided to cut the head off the snake by taking the palace directly him self. As Arcturus gazed upon the massive pyramidal structure He gritted his teeth in anger and frustration. This should have been HIS palace not his traitorous son.
-Odin, Inner Palace defensive lines-
"Alpha Roaches and Zerglings to the rear. Thors 4 through 8 take them out." Commanded Valerian.
Five Thors turned on their heels and started blasting away at the in coming enemies. Their heavy gauss cannons ripped through the Roaches psi-armor reinforced shells bit by bit until they were finally killed. The Thors, Siege tanks and Goliaths continued focusing on and killing the larger Zerg while the Marines and Marauders cut down the Zerglings and Hydralisk that tried skirting the edges of the palace walls. Letting any of them get behind the main defenders would be major trouble as they could run circles around the larger mecha. And it would only distract them from keeping the main enemy forces from breaching the palaces defenses.
As Arcturus held his position at the edge of the palaces defenses He watching the battle from afar growing evermore impatient. But not wanting to make a mistake by charging in him self or weaken his personal guard He called in a wing of Guardians. Flying high silently and calmly a wing of the heavy bombers approached the Imperial Place.
On the upper floor of the Palace stood Haruka in her mock Valkyrur gear. Under her helmet she smirked at the targets that had just showed up in her field of view.
"Trying to finish us off quickly I see." noted Haruka.
She armed her pseudo-Valkryur lance. It was a Dominion copy of the Valkyrur's Ragnite lance with traces of Ragnite in its structure combined with particle laser tech. Deploying the lances particle emitter barrel and unfolding the thermal dispersion fins on its back Haruka aimed at the approaching Guardians. On her helmet HUD displayed targeting data that included gravity, electromagnetic interference and atmospheric interference data. As the reticles a row of circles lined up the lance charged up building up to critical levels. As the system blared warning sounds Haruka calmly breathed in and out. In and out she breathed and then in the instant between her breaths and the pulse of her own heart beats she pulled the trigger.
A pure white beam shot from the Palace through the sky. Seeing the beam shoot through the sky Arcturus watched as one of the three of the Guardians was pierced all the way through by the beam and fell crashing into several buildings. The beam fired two more times felling a Guardian with each shot. The two remaining Guardians continued on their path and started firing striking the defenders on the ground. The Odin responded quickly launching a missile volley sky words blasting the last two Guardians to pieces.
Arcturus growled in contempt of his enemies stubborn resistance.
-Chapter End-