Chapter One: New Mission
The stars had come out over the Antiga Prime main Dominion base. For her part, Serena was wide awake. Partially thanks to copious amounts of coffee. But also because her sleep schedule had shifted since the UED invasion. With the fall of Dylar, the Dominion has been regrouping as best as possible.
If the Confederacy were still here, it would have collapsed within the first few days. Serena was happy people liked the Dominion enough to stick with it, at least. Glancing to the soldiers by her side, her eyes scanned the distance. As she did, she saw the new fortifications. Lines and lines of bunkers and missile turrets, and training grounds. Even now, new marines were being recruited.
It was like the Great War had never ended.
Oh, wait, it hadn't. The factions had shifted a bit, but in the end, the death of the Overmind hadn't ended anything. It had merely led to an escalation into a full-scale grudge match. And apparently, Earth thought it looked like so much fun that they'd come to join in.
Then the dropship landed.
The ramp was lowered, and a pretty, dark-haired woman made her way down. Serena moved forward and hugged. "Emily, I'm glad to have you back."
"Thank you, Commander," said Emily. "The men are ready to drive the UED invaders back to Earth on your command. Most of them are ready for war."
Serena sighed. The situation was worse than the news made it out, and Emily had a tendency toward optimism. "Unfortunately, we're going to have to let them make the first move. With the coming negotiations with Umojan, we can't afford to strike first. I'm going to need your help in establishing the defenses on Antiga Prime.
"Mengsk thinks the UED will strike here first."
Emily blinked. "Why not Korhal?"
"Attacking Korhal would be a risky venture. One that would require a prolonged fleet battle," said Serena, quoting Davis' reasoning. "But Korhal isn't self-sufficient if they were to get rid of Antiga he'd have no fuel source. Arcturus suspects that the UED will try to cut off our supply lines, then force a gradual surrender."
"Ah, right," said Emily. "So, where's the Prince?"
Serena sighed. "Prince Valerian has been called away on other business. It probably has something to do with the negotiations with Umojan, though I wouldn't know. Arcturus has been secretive; lately, it worries me.
"I am in charge of Antiga in his absence."
"I'm sure the Emperor has only the best of intentions, ma'am," said Emily.0
Arcturus always had good intentions. It was how he was going after them that concerned Serena. She'd noticed strange movement by the zerg. Those remaining on Antiga had packed up and left suddenly and with orders given not to pursue. So had many others on other worlds. Too many to be a coincidence.
Someone had been moving the zerg. And Serena was confident Arcturus knew who and approved. But this was not the place. "I'm sure he does.
"Follow me, we've got business to discuss."
"Right," said Emily. "After this, do you want to go to the bar?"
"No, I told you, I don't drink or smoke," said Serena.
"Sorry," said Emily.
"So how is Michael?" asked Serena as they walked into the main building.
"Oh, he's doing some reporting on some of the defectors from Nova Squadron," said Emily. "Under a Colonel Jackson Hauler. See, it turns out he's found some strange kind of Vespene which our science crews think could be of value. It's on a world called Demon's Fair.
"Magellan is there too."
"I know," said Serena. "I believe Hauler was an ex-ghost who was scheduled for death because the memory wipes didn't take. Didn't Schezar give him a fake alias to act as a subordinate in Nova Squadron?"
"That's the story," said Emily.
"Well then, we ought to keep our eye on him, shouldn't we," said Serena.
"You think he might be a traitor?" asked Emily. "But you haven't even met him."
Serena sighed. "True. But he owed Schezar a great deal. If he came in on our side at the beginning, that says something about him. It means his personal loyalties are fluid. Or perhaps I'm misjudging him, this is just theory.
"In my experience, you should judge people by what they do. Not by what they say."
They entered the meeting room and found a lanky man in a uniform lounging in a chair. He had short red hair and was playing solitaire on the table. He glanced up. "Commander, Emily, you're back."
"Tom Kazansky, glad to see you here," said Serena.
"Well," said Kazansky, "I had a devil of a time getting here, but it was nothing we flyboys could happen." He glanced at Emily. "Sorry about Jack."
"He died in the line of duty," said Emily, looking away. "That's the best someone can hope for anyway."
Jack Kennedy had been a pilot with a storied career. He'd fought in numerous engagements before the Great War, during it, and after. His last was a suicide run to buy time for the Dominion fleet to escape the disaster at Dylar IV. Serena wished they had more like him.
"So, what's the mission?" asked Kazansky as they sat down.
Serena sensed the two ghosts arrive before she saw them. "That is a bit of a complicated matter. I have a mission for you, but there are some others who need to arrive.
"Now, Tosh, Dylanna, kindly stop showing off and appear."
Out of the shadows came a pretty, thin woman with spiky-orange hair, clad in ghost armor. The other wore a black variant and had dreadlocks and a beard. "I be Captain Gabriel Tosh, and I'm reporting as requested."
"Captain Dylanna Okly and Blue Team reporting for duty." said the woman, sounding annoyed.
"Tosh, I'm glad you could make it," said Serena. "Have your crew recovering from the mishap with the pirate compound?"
"The bullet wounds be healing fine," said Tosh. "Shouldn't have happened, but dis kind of mistake is a risk you've gotta take."
Serena looked to Dylanna, whose team had not been part of that mission. "Dylanna, how are you settling into your new role as captain, by the way?"
"It's going great," admitted Dylanna. "Kicking Nova off the leadership position is the best thing to ever happen to the team."
"She was made team leader for a reason, Dylanna," said Tosh, voice cold.
Dylanna flared up. "You made her team leader because of her cup size, Tosh."
"Her scores were the highest in the history of da ghost academy." snarled Tosh.
"Yeah, I know," said Dylanna. "Especially the number of people she nearly got killed in that-"
"Quiet!" said Serena. "We are discussing a military operation. You will conduct yourselves with some degree of professionalism, Dylanna. Am I understood?" Pleasantries were one thing, but she wasn't here to watch them act like teenagers.
"Yes, ma'am," said Dylanna shuddering.
"Our teams ought to be here to hear this," said Tosh.
"That would ordinarily be the case," said Serena. "However, you will be coordinating with the conventional forces. Emily Swallow's troops are not all here. Neither is Tom Kazansky's flight. Your team can get the briefing from the normal channels like everyone else." Then she turned and pressed a few buttons. A hologram appeared of a large, ice planet with minimal life signs. "Now, as you are all aware, Braxis is being used as the primary staging area for the UED offensive. They have also seized control of Dylar IV and a number of minor worlds in that quadrant. We are in no position to retake those positions, but that isn't the worst of it.
"The real problem is that we have no information.
"The UED has done a total blackout of communications. Transport between worlds is now under heavy lockdown. Only military forces have any kind of communications."
"So, what's the plan?" asked Dylanna.
"Plans, actually," said Serena. "There are three objectives in mind. First, to establish a secret outpost on Braxis. From there, the Dominion can observe the situation. Second, to gain information on the UED command staff and the extent of their resources. Last of all, there is an... assassination target." The words were like poison on her lips.
The idea of killing someone by stealth disgusted Serena. But this was Mengsk's orders, and there were good reasons.
"That be sounding more like our alley," said Tosh, pleased.
"These objectives are not all equal," said Emily. "The first priority is the establishment of the outpost. The information is secondary and can be gathered gradually. The assassination target is the lowest priority. He must not be pursued if it will jeopardize the other two objectives."
"Who's the target?" asked Dylanna.
Serena pressed another button and brought up the holographic information. The image of a tall, handsome man with long blonde hair appeared. He looked like something out of nordic myth and held a futuristic variety of sword at his side. "This is Captain William Mark of the UED. He's become the face of the United Earth Directorate. He is apparently an inspiring figure. A zealot of sorts, human supremacist. He dueled Praetor Artanis in single combat and captured Dylar with only a token force.
"Emperor Mengsk wants him removed if an opportunity presents itself. We suspect he may be on Braxis. Think of this as a standing order, rather than a mission."
"So what are the details?" asked Kazansky.
"The operation will be in three stages," said Serena. "First, there will be transit into Braxis space. We'll be using the services of a smuggler by the name of Colonel Orlan. He'll transport your forces, and you'll play the roles of mercenaries. Once you descend into Braxis, you'll separate from the main fleet. From there, you'll land under the radar near the capital of Boralis. A protoss arbiter will ensure you are not detected.
"Once there, you'll establish an observation post. You'll send information via Orlan's contacts. Emily Swallow will be the commander of this operation. Kazansky, you will provide her with air support."
"Commander, how do we know we can trust this, Orlan?" asked Emily.
"Well, his daughter is staying at the Augustgrad Palace if that clears everything up," said Serena.
"Did we kidnap them?" asked Dylanna.
"No, it was a condition of the agreement," said Serena. "The wife and daughter were invited in as hostages to ensure his loyalty, and he's only getting half his pay upfront."
"Harsh," said Kazansky.
"We have far too much at stake in this conflict to take half measures," said Serena. "Right now, it's a vacation. So long as Orlan doesn't betray us, it will stay that way.
"Oh, and Dylanna, I need Nova for an alternate mission."
"More pinups?" asked Dylanna smirking.
"No, much more important," said Serena, feeling she took too much satisfaction from it. "But, it is somewhat related."
Dylanna blinked. "What do you mean?"
"She'll be playing a different part in the mission from the others," said Serena. "I'd prefer to speak with just you and her present." She drew up four folders and passed the appropriate one to each of them. "The mission details are here. Now, Dylanna, take me to your team."
Dylanna nodded and led her into a separate room. There Serena saw Aal leaning against a wall, typing on a datapad with tan fingers. Kath Toome was meditating to one side, eyes closed. Then there was Delta, busily playing a portable console. Last of all, there was Nova. The beautiful and curvaceous ghost was sitting in the corner in full getup. Her blonde hair was tied up behind her head, and she was checking the news.
It was no coincidence that Serena Calabas and Nova Terra were both stunningly beautiful with the physique of supermodels. They'd been born in test-tubes to fit the idealized desires of the heads of their families. Nova had been chosen to be an insanely seductive bombshell, while Serena Calabas had been given dark-hair with special focus on the chest. Complete with bisexual orientations, meant to ensure compliance with their future husband's mistress. And eventually, her genetic material would have been taken to design the next generation of trophy wife.
The Confederacy had been dead for years, and yet Serena still felt disgusted with it. She had been lucky, after a fashion, growing up in luxury, but she had been dehumanized in her own way. Serena had been intended to be a well-groomed pet, as opposed to a lamb to slaughter.
Serena was very glad her Uncle was dead, come to think of it. Being sprayed across the Ion Cannon couldn't have happened to a worse man. Even so, everyone was looking at them now.
"Dylanna, what's the status?" asked Kath.
"We've got a new mission," said Dylanna. "Our job is to investigate Braxis, Nova, I think you've got something special task."
"As long as it doesn't involve posing in front of cameras, I don't care," said Nova flatly.
"Nova, you seem to have a remarkable talent for getting people to give you special treatment," said Serena. "I need you to use that to your advantage."
Nova looked up, guarded. "What do you mean?"
"You're going to be infiltrating Braxis under an alias," said Serena. "You'll be hiding in plain sight in a civilian identity."
"What identity?" asked Nova.
"Nova Terra," said Serena drawing out a data chip and passing it to her. "The details are here."
There was stunned silence.
"But she is Nova," said Delta.
"...You want to run that by us again?" asked Dylanna.
Serena sighed. "You've been all over the news and media, so the UED is sure to have seen you. As such, you're going to be going to Braxis as an actor. A beautiful actress who plays the role of a fictional ghost who ends up posing on camera. In reality, you are a former member of the Terra Family who started doing pinup pictures to make a living.
"But now the Dominion has caught on to your identity. So you've had to make a run for it out of fear of Emperor Mengsk."
Kath stared. "...That's insane! Why would anybody make a plan this complicated?"
"You haven't lived in this sector very long, have you?" asked Aal.
"That datapad contains all the information on the identity you are assuming," said Serena. "It should stand up to heavy scrutiny and background checks."
"So what is Nova doing that she can't spend time with the rest of the mere mortals?" asked Aal.
"Are you seriously telling me that you need a full team to get standard information, Aal?" asked Dylanna. "We can handle this fine."
"I'm sure you can," said Serena, privately doubting it. "You, Nova, will be taking on the role of a social climber. You need to ingratiate yourself into the organization. If you play your cards right, you could get into a position that could give us a great deal of information.
"I want you to act as a contact for your team, and establish a network of information. Incoming transports, officer details. Perhaps even blackmail material." Serena considered that Nova might find this mission a humiliation. "Do you feel capable of doing this? I can find someone else-"
"No, it's fine. I'll do it," said Nova bleakly.
"Ugh," said Aal, "this is going to be a disaster?"
"You have something to say, Aal?" asked Serena.
"Oh come on, you really think someone with that high a level of psionic power is going to blend?" asked Aal. "Let along Nova. She's be turning every head on Braxis when she walks in."
"That's the idea," said Serena. "Make ready, you'll all leave tomorrow." She paused. "Oh, and Dylanna?"
"Yes?" asked Dylanna.
"There is one other aspect of this mission we need to discuss," said Serena. "I'll speak to you and Tosh about it together later."
Then Serena walked back into the meeting room. Competent though the team was, Serena could not help but dislike them. She hated working with ghosts. She hated how they presumed that they were the glorious heroes of some spy thriller. Meanwhile, the thousands of marines who died to take territory were only mooks.
What she hated most was that the Dominion Commanders treated them as living weapons. Or, alternatively, physical gods. They were just people with a job to do with the same rights and responsibilities.
Within the meeting chamber, Serena saw Emily brooding. She looked up suddenly. "...Commander?"
"Yes, Emily?" said Serena.
"Do you really think we can rely on those ghosts?" asked Emily.
Serena considered what she knew of the secret details of the mission. And also what the track record of Team Blue was. "I expect you to perform your duties. Assume that their mission will be a spectacular and explosive failure. Plan accordingly. At the very least, they'll make a flashy distraction."
"That's a little harsh," said Kazansky.
"Hope for the best. Prepare for the worst," said Serena.
"Well, that sums up the Dominion's founding pretty well, doesn't it?" asked Kazansky.
They got a laugh out of that while it lasted.
Author's Note:
So here we have the first chapter of the new StarCraft storyline. I'm not sure if this will include the Zerg Campaign. I do intend to go further into depth on the UED occupation and such. As such, I expect we'll get a lot of mileage out of the missions.