Gate: Thus the Dominion Fought there

Disclaimer: I do not own Starcraft, Gate: Thus the JSDF Fought There, or the characters associated with them. Starcraft is the property of Blizzard while Gate is the property Takumi Yanai

"Talking"

Thoughts

Gate 35

A large gathering was underway as carriages for nobles and common folks was ferrying people.

But for the destination in question, it was formerly the slave city of Telta. As far as the eye can see there was nothing here anymore. All that was left were stumps that used to be trees that were burnt to charcoal. Remnant of stones that used to be part of buildings. The land itself was completely blackened earth as shards of glass could be found here and there.

As far as everyone was concerned, this land was cursed by the gods.

The retelling of the tale was a bit different depending on where you went. But it came down to all the same conclusion that the Empire had angered the gods and the destruction of Telta was their punishment,

Hence no one dared try to reclaim the land.

Not even the wild life came back as even common weeds would not grow here adding to their belief of a curse.

Frankly none of them wanted to be here as normally they would avoid this place at all costs. But under the direction of Pina, they were all invited. For some of the guests only came out of courtesy while the majority couldn't say no outright without good reason.

But more then that, a good deal of them were confused at the presence of demi-humans at this gathering.

It was no secret that the Empire believed in human superiority and looked down on demi-humans for it which created tension between the two groups resulting in horrific genocidal wars throughout their history. Thus they didn't understand why the empress would go out of her way to invite them much to the equal confusion of the other party. Thus a conflict would have resulted right then and there if not for the people of iron present to keep the peace.

With tables and chairs set up in accordance to their status, all parties took their seats feeling both anxious and curious to why Pina had called them out here.

Arriving within the predetermined time, Pina looked out to all her guests as she could only sigh a bit. "A little more then I expected . . . ." Frankly, it should've have been a lot less. Since the conflict with the people of iron followed with the civil dispute in the transition of power with Zorzal, the reputation of the Empire had been on a steady decline if not completely bottomed out.

There was no real reason to explain why the demi-humans hated them as that was self-explanatory.

The nobles were split among themselves who they should back and more so her leadership was constantly in question.

The lords of the twenty-one kingdoms were silently withholding their anger for their blunder in leading them into one disaster after another.

But more then all of that, due to their foolish actions they had lost the trust and respect of the common people. Her old self would not think anything of it as she would look down at them as ignorant and foolish. Thus not worth any of her time. But after having her pride tempered were her eyes truly open. The people were the life blood of the country. Power, prestige, or wealth didn't mean anything without them. They've been dragged into terrible situations one after the other either due to the greed or incompetence of those they had no choice but to follow.

After seeing Augustgrad did she truly understand what she had to do as she knew it was right within her heart.

With the Rose Order of Knights in position did Pina take center stage to deliver her message.

Taking everything she had learned and experienced, she conveyed her thoughts and feelings to all her subjects. It wasn't easy as it took all her courage and strength to face all the terrible things the Empire had done in the name of their own glory at the cost of everyone else. But to reach the future she envisioned, it could only be attained together.

For her audience, there was just so much bitterness, anger, and resentment they had accumulated throughout their history that words alone would not simply mend. But then they did have to wonder why Pina had wanted to tell them all this at these cursed lands?

Yet why Telta specifically?

Simply, it was the perfect place for them to make a change for the better. The young empress needed to guide the continent to a new path now. No longer divided and destructive but united and harmonious. After much discussion with her ministers and the Dominion, here she would lay the foundation for the future.

"The Empire had done many wrongs which had resulted in the ruin you see here" as she waved to the lands before her. Taking a bit of truth and a carefully crafted story, she looked to her audience with courage and strength to face the future ahead of her. So taking a calming breath, "I have received a divine oracle. The gods were angered by our arrogant destructive ways. But they are merciful as they had granted us this one chance to be better. And we will prove to them that we are worthy of it as they have given me this gift as a show of their benevolence." Being handed a finely crafted box, Pina removed the adostra seed from it as she stared at it.

She still wasn't quite sure what to expect as the Dominion and the Daelaam had described this seed akin to a miracle. Silently praying holding a picture in her mind, she planted the seed into the ground. Right before their eyes, said miracle was born.

The once wasteland came back to life. Greenery had started to spawn out spontaneously as several massive trees, bushes, and lush grass took shape. Animals were appearing out of nowhere as they just faded into existence. Even a huge lake had even formed as fish were jumping around dancing on the surface of the body of water. In an instant, this dead land had transformed into a paradise.

Stunned beyond comprehension, those who gathered couldn't believe their eyes. Was this for real?

A few of the audience couldn't help themselves but want to take a closer look to make sure this wasn't some sort of illusion.

"This water! I have never tasted anything so fresh!"

"What incredible fruit! So sweet!"

"The air is so clean now!" as many other shouts could be heard as they were all trying to process what had happened.

Dumbfounded at this incredible power, Pina quickly got her wits back as she listened to everyone as they could only speak words of astonishment. Getting back everyone's attention, "you have now seen with your own eyes that I speak the truth. I will honor the promise I made to the gods as the Empire will cast aside it's barbaric ways and become something worthy for the gods to praise as we will all walk together to the future hand in hand". Looking to all subjects, "will you help me honor that promise?"

After some idle chatter they kneeled one by one.

Having witnessed this miracle, each group were of their own opinion.

If the empress was truly supported by the gods then the nobles saw no further reason to question who they should be backing. Those who were on the fence had completely abandoned any idea of siding with Zorzal.

The lords of the kingdoms saw promise in her in contrast to the past monarchs who allowed their greed or pride to blind them.

As for the common folks and demi-humans, they were still cautious. They had been lied and cheated many times before with sweet words. Yet upon witnessing this power with their own eyes along with a promise to the gods, did they have any reason to doubt her? Though their hearts remained steadfast, they will see if this empress was worthy of their trust.

Though her heart beamed with pride at seeing the reaction of her people she felt a little awkward with the slight deception she had to tell. But for everything that was on the line, she would gladly carry this burden for the sake of this world.

Eventually news of this would spread across the continent as many will want to see this miracle. Of course this would work in her favor as she needed to rebuild the trust in the Empire as it would take time and a lot of effort.

However there was one last obstacle that she had to cross. Her brother Zorzal had caused significant damage sacrificing so much to satiate his pride and ego as it would take years to completely recover. For that to happen, he and his ilk now had to be removed. She did not want anymore infighting as the Empire could not bare anymore losses. But if push came to shove then with a heavy heart she knew what she had to do.

But before crossing that bridge, she first needed to reclaim the territories her brother controlled. Hopefully with nothing left he would see reason and stand down.

~ Falmart ~

The Heaven's Devils. A legendary name among quite a few circles.

Heroes to some.

Infamous to others.

A group who gets the job done.

It was truly an honor to inherit their name. But as great as honor was, money was better as just with their name alone got them the best paying gigs.

This was no different as they were needed to destroy some Zerg samples that had gotten loose on the planet of Falmart.

Though it had none of it's original members, this new group did their name justice which consisted of seven individuals.

First was Miles 'Blaze' Lewis whose main occupation was firebat. Serving under the Raynor Raiders right up to the end war, Lewis wasn't cut out for the retired life. After all, the galaxy was a big place and the Dominion couldn't be everywhere. As good as money was, he loved burning things more.

Then there was Crooked Sam, a former resident of New Folsom. Mastering his reaper suit during his stay he figured there was always going to be trouble out in the fringe worlds making his services all that more desirable.

Among the seven was Rob 'Cannonball' Boswell. A very eccentric man who just loved his unusual equipment while also solving problems in the most unorthodox way possible. His latest find being HERC gear straight from Umoja which was designed to serve the role of a combat engineer. But in his hands, those he fight learns why they call him Cannonball.

Strangely one of the most reputable members was Kev 'Rattlesnake' West. One of the few marauders who loyally served the Dominion and was honorably discharged from duty. However the galaxy was full of injustices that needed a man like him to take a swing.

A necessary addition was Lt. Layna Nikara who served as a medic. In the beginning she was one of those idealistic types who wanted to be a doctor to make a difference in the world. But upon learning how much she would make as a backwater physician, the mercenary life suited her more. After all, hopes and dreams don't put food on the table nor prepare you for retirement.

For the last members were Vega and Nux who were a ghost and specter respectively. The former claimed to have been an escaped agent which no one could actually prove while the later always seemed melancholic. Vega on one hand kept her past to herself while Nux couldn't remember his. But nonetheless they were both powerful and talented psi users and that was always welcomed.

As for how they got together, that would prove to be a long and complicated story. But to sum it up, they all happened to have been contracted for the same job. There were quite a few bodies, a bit of property damage, and a very regretful employer for double crossing them. Yet realizing they had good chemistry with each other, they re-founded the Heaven's Devils and have been kicking ass across the stars for the last two years.

Now concerning the job itself, intel was not so great. They had an idea on several Haryo members and their locations. However what kept the Haryo clan alive for all this time was complete compartmentalization. Essentially no one knew more then they had too. Especially in the event someone was captured and interrogated. But going off a few leads they had, they figured they would start from there and see where it got them.

Each being specialists in their field, they did what they did best.

~ Falmart ~

Norra was running for her life.

To explain why she was running required a little backtracking. She was considered one of the Haryo's tribe best spy and assassin. For the darker side of Falmart knew her by the name of Pied Piper. Her talent as a manipulator even allowed her to assassinate others with the use of simple pawns without her ever getting her hands dirty.

As for her current predicament, she had just come off a job as she successfully assassinated a few of the people of iron. Reporting back to one of their hideouts, that's when their iron soldiers came. The entire hideout had turned into hell within an instant. There was too much that had happened at once that she couldn't make sense of it. All she could remember were blurs as fire completely consumed the main entrance. From there the Haryo members ran to whatever emergency exit they can get too.

However the people of iron had their hideout completely surrounded as many of them had died in a number of ways.

Some fell into spiked pits as no one knew how they could have been dug without anyone knowing.

Others had only heard a brief whistling sound before exploding as their remains splattered all over the ground.

As they ran they were being picked off one after the other as they never even saw where the attack was coming from as they used that strange magic that ripped small holes in them.

By the time she realized it, she was the only one left as she was running by herself.

"Shit!" Norra cursed as she had reached a forest to catch her breath. Going for a well hidden area, she needed to rest for a while after her ordeal. The Haryo assassin had only a bit of supply. However it was enough till she was able to make it to the other safe house. But thinking about the attack, it angered her greatly. "Damn those people of iron! I will make you pay a thousand deaths for treating me like prey!"

She had no idea how they even found her in the first place. Her plan was flawless in it's execution as she had tricked one of the residence of Alnus into being bait. Once the trap was sprung, she had slayed many people of iron with one quick swing of her blade. Something she took great personal pleasure in. When chaos had erupted is when she made her escape. More so she didn't even use her real face as she had shape shifted several times to cover her tracks. Yet within only two days were they able to catch up to her and destroy their hideout and killed several of her kin.

How did they find her so fast?

Did they really possess some god eye like ability?

So many questions floated around Norra's head. She didn't care to believe in any of the non-sense that the people of iron were as invincible as everyone said. To her pride she proved it as she made them bleed. But if she were to take another assignment, she needed to know how they found her as not to repeat this incident again.

Eating what food she had on hand, she looked around making sure the coast was clear as she rested for the night before continuing on her journey at the break of daylight tomorrow. Once first light was seen, she started her run arriving to a cave like structure deep in the forest.

Seeing her fellow Haryo members, she felt more relaxed as she was in safe territory again. Navigating the cave network, she quickly met up with the one in charge to report her status.

"Pied Piper? What are you doing here? What has happened?"

Showing proper respect first, the Haryo assassin relayed her ordeal in the past few days. "We were hit hard. I do not know how the people of iron were able to locate our base near Alnus Hill. But somehow they did completely destroying it as those mongrels slayed many of us. We will need a new base of operations if we wish to continue our work in the area".

"I see. Perhaps we should force a merchant to purchase a house within the community. What better place to hide then right under their pathetic noses".

Liking what she was hearing, Norra then went on to break the good news. "As for your orders, the assassination was successful. The target was eliminated with ease I might add" as she took immense pride in making the people of iron look like fools.

Yet upon hearing that, ". . . . What assassination?" the creature asked visibly confused.

Becoming bewildered at that question. "What do you mean?" then asked Norra. "It was the assignment you personally gave me to take care of the target which I successfully did". Seeing him even more confused, Norra felt irritated as she clearly remembered him giving her the request. Taking out the knife she used to do the deed, she herself then became perplexed. The blade was unnaturally clean and sharp like it was unused. What was going on?

Yet before she could question him further, "Intruders! We are under attack!"

Standing up from his chair, the creature looked angrily at Norra. "Did you lead them here?!"

"Impossible!" she shot back. "I made sure I wasn't followed!"

However this was no time for arguments as they only had two options at the moment which was either fight or flee. But regardless of choice, it was not up to them anymore.

Just moments earlier, the sentries guarding the entrance were taken out. Vega and Nux under cloak had simply walked up to them slapping their mouths shut before stabbing them as they watched the light in their eyes go out. Decloaking, the rest of the team had arrived.

"What do you see?" asked Miles as he turned to Boswell.

Using his scanning equipment, a rudimentary map was made. "Got a good idea what it looks like down there as well as the exits. Uploading maps to everyone".

Checking his pistols, Sam twirled them before holstering them. "Same bet as usual?"

"Really guys?" Nikara complained. "How is that fair for me?"

"Simple" Sam then shrugged. "Just don't be the last one there" as their medic could only roll her eyes.

"It's a matter of luck anyways" as West looked over his munitions. "But if you want you can partner up with me".

"Hey what do you say?" as Vega nudged her fellow psychic. "Pair up?"

Nux could only give a deep sigh, "whatever".

"Take your entry points" then said Miles. "Let's see who gets to the finish line first".

Covering all entrances and exits they began their assault as all the Haryo members were now aware of them.

Since the Heaven's Devils were discreetly contracted by the Dominion that meant getting access to certain equipment such as their new cutting edge armors that the recon teams were using. Though it traded strength and defense for mobility, it was fine in this situation as bulky mechanical suits would slow them down.

After a bit of customization, they liked what they got.

Miles hated he couldn't use his usual flamethrowers as it would quickly choke out the air lessening it's effectiveness within this environment. But it didn't stop him from using incendiary grenades as he chucked them into rooms not bothering to see if anyone was in there or not so long as something was burning.

Sam had his pistols at the ready firing them at whatever enemy ran at him. Not much of a difference to his usual set up. Hence why change what's not broken.

West like Miles couldn't use his usual weapons as it would be more problematic then helpful. But for a situation like this he had a custom made rifle with a secondary attachment that fired out concussive energy pulses for crowd control.

Though nothing fancy, Nikara just used a standard pistol as she followed closely behind her companion.

"Glad you teamed up with me?" as they continued their pace.

Clearly irritated about the situation. "Damn it West! I'm a doctor, not a soldier!"

Elsewhere Vega and Nux were casually strolling through staring at each other as they creatively took out whatever enemy they came by. Some were trick shots. A couple of knife throws. As well as some telekinesis mixed in.

Happening upon a group, Vega used her psi influence to make them take each other out only for the last one standing to gouge his blade through his head.

Clicking his tongue, "no one likes a show off" as Nux telekinetically snapped a Haryo agent's neck.

"Not unless what you're showing off is dope as f**k" Vega countered as she casually threw a knife guiding it with her abilities as it hit an enemy around the corner.

The dreary specter could only grunt as he took out some terrazine to smoke.

As the intruders grew closer, the creature and Norra tried to escape only to be caught off at every exit as the enemy was coming for them. Seeing their terrifying magic, they had no choice but to retreat back to where they started which was a complete dead end.

After several thundering booms, the intruders entered the room one by one.

"Thank god we weren't the last ones" Nikara sighed.

Vega and Nux were off the in the corner quibbling.

Sam took a seat twirling his gun.

Miles however looked around as he was doing a head count. "One . . . . Two . . . . Three, hold on we're missing someone. Hey, where's Boswell?"

Only for moments later a wall to be completely blown open as the Herc merc made a dramatic entrance. But seeing his companions already in the room, "damn it I'm last!"

"No one told you to be flashy about it!"

"You're the smart ass who thought digging his way here would've been faster".

"Drinks on you tonight. Better keep the tab open" as his companions couldn't help but laugh at his expense.

Watching all this, the creature and Norra felt both terror and anger at their situation. They were completely being made light of. Although they had no way to fight back, they were not even considered a threat as these intruders were not even taking them seriously with how laid back their attitude was. It was infuriating with how unprofessional and disrespectful they were. Yet they dared not move a muscle as they could easily end them at any time they wished.

"Alright, let's see if we bagged ourselves something good this time" as Miles nodded his head towards Vega and Nux.

"Don't dare think you can get anything out of me!" the creature defied. "I'd rather die then tell you anything!"

Vega could only roll her eyes at this pointless posturing.

Norra then tried to pull out her knife ready to defy them to the end. However Nux telekinetically restrained her pinning her to the wall. Now all she could do was watch what was about to happen.

Sam, West, and Boswell then held the creature down as Nikara then drugged him. Not that it was necessary as Vega could forcefully take what she needed. But with his consciousness weakened it made extraction easier without any mental interference. Digging back a few days, she found what they were looking for. "The samples were here. They already moved it to a city. Seems to be well bunker in. I think they plan to move it somewhere else soon".

"Well we already got that other one. Hopefully the other two will still be there". Miles then looked over the map. "Alright this should be the city. Seems to be right on the border. Let's clean up here and get going".

Norra's eyes moistened as it was so humiliating at how easily she was caught and was about to be killed. She was supposed to be the predator, the deceiver, the puppeteer. One who can easily bend any situation to her machination as everyone would dance to her tune. Yet it was all for naught now. But, if she was going to die then she would do so defiantly not giving them the satisfaction of a complete victory as they will not break her spirit. "You think you've won! This is but a small set back! You may kill me but there are many of us who will take my place! We will always strike at you from the shadows as none of you will ever be safe from us!" she then sneered. "I can already imagine the pain I caused for your kin. My only regret is not seeing the looks of anguish of their bereaved family's!"

After listening to that outburst their reactions were not what Norra had expected. What she had anticipated was anger, crying, maybe torture, or immediate death. Yet she was met with a mixture of the opposite reaction. Silence, amusement, and pity.

". . . ." as Miles then looked to Vega. "Really? That's the story you went with this time?"

"What?" she shrugged. "I had a coin toss with Nux and that's what was decided on".

Once again listening to their laid back arguments, the infamous Pied Piper's mouth had gone dry as the life in her eyes became faded. "Story? What . . . . What are they talking about . . . ." Carefully thinking about everything till now, her gut started to sink. Beginning at the start of their attack, she couldn't shake this uncomfortable feeling that something wasn't right. At first she didn't think anything of it. But as she started collecting pieces she noticed unusual gaps in her memory. Who exactly did she assassinate? How did she even sneak into Alnus? More importantly, how did she even escape? All she recalled was the last thing she did as she was running after a successful mission.

As she quietly listened to their bickering lost in her own thoughts, she started to remember.

She was captured at Alnus when she was sent there to spy on them. She had no idea how they knew who she was. But the moment she set foot there, the people of iron had already figured out she was a Haryo agent. What happened next was a blur as for some reason she was living like a normal citizen in the town instead of collecting information contrary to her mission.

Then there was nothing. Her memories between then and now were a complete blank. But focusing her mind, she was able to pull back the pages getting glimpses of what had happened.

It was then she realized how truly diabolical the people of iron could be. She thought of them incapable of fighting in the shadows. Yet she had clearly underestimated them. Now it was too late to escape their grasp.

Even with all her skill, they had the devils whisper as she had been unknowingly doing their bidding. She hadn't killed anyone as they let her think she did. Frighteningly so, she didn't escape they let her go.

Feeling a cold grasp on her heart, this attack and the previous one were not the first. She had guided them to each of the Haryo tribes hideouts getting information on where other hideouts might be. All this destruction raining down on her people for the sake of those demonic worms they stole from Sadera. She was the one who helped them each step of the way.

With despair stretched across her face, so many of her kind were dead now. She had no idea the exact number and with still more to come. With eyes wide with shock at this realization, ". . . . Just . . . . Just kill me . . . ."

"Hmm?" as Vega looked back. "Sorry sweetie, but we're not done with you just yet. But we will be once we destroy all the specimen" as she smoothed her hand across her cheek lifting her chin.

Trying to think of some way to minimize the damage, Nux had already sensed her thoughts or in this case re-explaining what she had thought in previous iterations. "Don't bother thinking about bribing or compromising" as he took a hit off his terrazine. For the former, it's not like their 'treasures' had any real value within Terran economics as they were only at best pretty little trinkets. As for the later, it would save them time if they were open to negotiation. However they learned under telepathic scrutiny that they would just be talking in circles till they got the upper hand. Hence here they were working there way up the ladder till they completed their objective.

Before Norra could make any other rebuttals, Nikara sedated her as Vega got to work manipulating her memories to chase their next lead.

"Let's drop her off a few clicks from that destination giving her a running start" as Miles set a location marker on the map. "Hopefully this doesn't get messy".

To be continued . . . .

Author's notes: After careful consideration, I have an idea where the story will end. But I haven't quite hammered out the epilogue. However it's still up for consideration. So here in the new chapter, hope it was OK. Now onto some commentary.

Shout out to author MadClawDragon with the awesome ideas as usual.

In relation to the adostra the Zerg used, the regeneration of a whole planet was incredibly fast when Gyst was bursting with life once again since the Protoss and Terrans responded almost immediately when the Zerg made a move on the planet. So I kind of figured that the effects should more or less be how it was portrayed with how Pina used it.

But in truth, Xel'naga essence is pretty much the building blocks of the universe as it can be anything. In the case of the Koprulu factions, they chose to use it to instantly rekindle life. But I believe it can take on the nature of any and all kinds of matter irregardless of complexity seeing as they are energy beings. So if they wanted to make the surface of a planet the rarest metal in the universe it should be possible.

As for the Heaven's Devils, I decided not to go into an overly complex backstory to how they got together and just left it vague. This team was originally put together in a 'what if' scenario by Tychus which is playable in coop. But as for each of their backstories and personalities, that was very difficult to grasp as the wiki on each them is limited. So I gave them the best distinctions I could as I didn't want to over invest in them as they are just there to move the story along. If you want, just think Guardians of the Galaxy but more brutal and merciless in their approach.

On another note, the moment with Vega and Nux was a scene from James Gunn's 'The Suicide Squad' between Peacemaker and Bloodsport. I thought the film was clearly superior to the first one in better story telling and pacing.

Norra/Pied Piper as noted in this chapter is canonically one of the Haryo's tribe best assassin and spy. Essentially the person who tried to kill Lelei on a few occasions along with Itami's group. Like the changelings among them are able to easily change their shape to look like anyone they want. To what limit, I have no idea myself. Obviously this ability would be troublesome against 21st century humans. But not so much against 26th century technology and psychics who could easily spot you out of the crowd. Without any real defense against telepathy, Norra who prided herself as a master puppeteer became the puppet herself.

Morally and ethically speaking, I found this method questionable. But then considering the terrible things the Haryo tribe has done, I didn't feel so bad about it.

I also thought about them being interested in looting Haryo hideouts, but I then didn't see the point. Materials only have value because we give them value. For a space faring civilizations, what worth was there anymore in gold or jewels? Based on an ever growing civilization and technological advancements there was no point as they couldn't compare to the value of minerals or vespene gas. If it had some historical or scientific relevance to the Terrans then perhaps. But otherwise, it would just be shiny and that was all it was worth.

If there are any questions or concerns feel free to ask as I'll try to answer them.

So thank you for reading as I further extend my gratitude if you can review as well.