AN
'Telepathic speech'
Nova's Feelings
The mission was going well for the most part. But Jim knew it wouldn't last. It never did. Nova and Adrian had made short work of the drones guarding the place. Nova had at least come through. Jim knew he could at least trust her. When Adrian reads someone he is never wrong. Jim learned that the hard way. He didn't listen to Adrian and it cost him Sarah. Adrian had said that Arcturus would do something and Jim didn't listen. He shook off the memories and regained his focus he would most likely need it in the next few minutes.
Nova was grateful things were going so well. She worried that the mission would go south and she would get the blame. Adrian had been by her side the whole mission. He was comforting to have around. They barely knew each other a day and there were already like best friends. He had shown her around the Hyperion and helped her get settled in. She was trying to sort out her feelings for him. She hasn't really been able to get him off of her mind. Was she falling in love with him? Was that even possible for her? She was still getting used to being in control of her own body. But with everything going on was she likely to live long? That thought crossed her mind. Would she survive this war? She was good but there were no guaranties. So what's the harm in falling love? Adrian was kind, smart, and good looking to top it off. She knew he wouldn't leave or hurt her. She blushed at the thought of herself in a wedding dress.
Adrian was running thoughts about Nova in his head. She was amazing. Adrian couldn't get her out of his head. Having been a subject of crazy scientist's experiments for a few years had left him little time to develop dating skills. Even being a part of the Raiders for about five years hasn't given him anything beyond a purely physical relationship which he didn't want. Some of the female scientists loved to use him as their young play toy. Adrian hated them so. The old crones loved to use him for their depraved fantasies. It caused him to look at purely sexual relationships in a bad way. He needed more than a daily roll in the hay. He tried to sake the bad memories because he was in the company of an amazing women.
Both ghosts could tell they were thinking about each other but wouldn't pry. Before they could talk the sound of explosions. A team of Dominion ghost stared to open fire on the raiders. Before the marines could return fire Nova and Adrian dropped a large container on the squad of ghosts giving the marines a chance to escape.
"Alright time to go. Nova we get everything we need?"
"Better than that. We got about five times what we needed."
Adrian laughed. "Well let's get outta here then."
Back on the Hyperion
The cantina was a buzz of excitement. Nova was getting major praise and a real welcome to the Raiders. She was now officially one of them. She and Adrian would begin to train the Raiders that could become Ghost in the morning. The gear they got would make it a quick process. Swan was prepping the equipment. He was already working on upgrades. The cantina became quiet when Jim stood up.
"I'd like to propose a toast to Nova. Welcome to the raiders." Cheers came from everyone in the room. Then a UNN news report came on.
"Good evening this is Donny Vermillion with a special news report. It would seem that one of our proud Dominion ghosts has fallen from grace. Nova Terra a once proud Dominion ghost has joined Raynor's Raiders in what this reporter calls a massacre. Nova Terra assisted James Raynor's known accomplice an assassin known only as Adrian in destroying a Dominion factory which produces some of the best medical equipment for the Dominion. Emperor Mengsk has added a bounty for her along with the rest of the Raiders."
The report added a few things about her family and her past but Nova had stopped listening after her siblings were brought up. She left the cantina with tears. That asshole had the nerve…she just needed to get to her quarters. She just fell onto her bed and cried. She was so out of it that she didn't even notice Adrian had followed her.
He went to her side. She looked up and pulled him into a tight hug and she cried into his shoulder. He said nothing as they sat in her quarters her sobs were the only thing that could be heard. The two telepaths read each other. Adrian had seen some of her childhood memories including the fall of Tarsonis. He hated himself for helping in its fall. But Nova had seen his side of it he tried to destroy the Psi emitters but he failed.
The guilt and rage he felt were powerful if his mind wasn't so focused on helping her he would most likely need to crush something but the only real thought in is head was. 'I'm here for you.' Nova calmed down a little. She found it a small bit funny. Her parents tired so hard to hide the fact that she was a physic even from her. She wondered what her parents would think about her now. Part of her wondered what she would be like if Tarsonis had been left alone. She would most likely have never met Adrian and that thought sickens her. Right now she felt happy and safe in his arms.
She lifted her head from his shoulder he wiped the tears from her face. She knew what her feelings toward Adrian were now. She loved him. She had barely known him a day and she loved him. She read his mind and knew that he felt the same way. He loved her too he didn't understand how he developed these kind of feelings for her in such a short time. But he remembered how Jim and Sarah fell in love after they had saved him. So there they were unsure of what to do next. Nova looked Adrian in his eyes and as red met green the gap between closed quickly until their lips met.
It wasn't a fiery kiss it wasn't based on lust but on passion. The two ghosts just kissed each other. Their minds join and they begin to know each other completely. There were no more secrets between them their pasts, their hopes, and their dreams became known. The kiss ended and they sat there for a while just enjoying each other's company.
Nova looked into his eyes. "I love you Adrian."
"I love you two Nova."
The next Morning
Nova woke up in her quarters. She felt Adrian against her. She was somewhat embarrassed at the fact that she was cuddling him like a big teddy bear.
'You look really cute when you blush.'
'Morning to you too.' She kissed him. 'Mm I could enjoy waking up like this every morning.'
"That's a great idea." Adrian had never felt so good in his life and he knew Nova felt the same.
"Adrian do you want to talk about it?" He knew what she meant. She had seen everything he had been put through and she was worried it might affect their relationship. She didn't want to rush but she did want to make sure physical things wouldn't freak him out.
"Nova I've fine. Any issues I had with that I worked out years ago. Besides there are a lot of differences."
"Such as?"
"Well I actually want to have sex with you for one. Two you're not going to strap me to a slab and drill into me with a power drill. Three you're a walking goddess…"
"Okay I get it. I just don't want to do anything to make you uncomfortable. I don't want to lose this."
"Neither do I my love. Um I hate to break up the moment but maybe we should get ready we do have some ghosts to train."
Nova sighed. "Should we shower together to save time?"
Adrian knew she wasn't thinking sexually but his mind did form a few images to which Nova blushed. "Sorry."
"Don't be I've been thinking the same thing."
They went into shower and undressed. They did take a look at each other but only for a few moments. They would have time later. They washed quickly and got dressed.
When they got to the armory they received some questing looks.
Adrian and Nova blushed slightly but shook it off as they ran through basic things and started the training. They had about 30 recruits with an even split between men and women.
So they got to work and by the end of the day they had made progress. They still needed some work but there was progress.
Adrian was happy he had Nova. She was amazing he felt like he was new man. The hours of her sleeping in his arms were amazing. She looked so peaceful while she slept she cuddled him like a stuffed toy and he loved every second of it. They pair had been talking telepathically over the training and had been flirting a bit. Which made Nova blush from time to time. Overall it had been a relaxing day. Adrian and Nova went to the cantina for a drink. When they got there they found it mostly empty which was weird for this time of day. Adrian shrugged it off as Mr. Hill was drinking his usual drink. Nova noted that there was some soft music playing. Her thoughts were interrupted when Adrian held his hand out. "Care to dance?"
Nova smiled she took his hand and the pair of ghost began a slow dance. They just danced in silence for the most part not caring what anyone else thought. By the time their dance ended they heard applause. When their eyes looked away from each other the room was now full of people. Including Jim, Matt, Swan, and Tychus giving Adrian thumbs up. The pair blushed and sat down in a both. As the jukebox played Sweet Home Alabama Jim's favorite song. The rest of the evening was spent working on upgrades. Adrian was helping Nova get her gear to better than new. Nova noted in the back of her mind that he was very good with his hands. She would have to test how good they were later.
They spent the night in Adrian's room. Nova had commented on how soft his bed was. She knew he didn't need to sleep but he was glad for the company at night they cuddled until she fell asleep in his arms. He hated spending nights alone but having Nova in his arms made him feel just a bit more like a person. In turn Nova felt more like a normal girl again. After being trapped in her own body for years she was able to be herself. She also didn't have to worry about a loveless marriage. Being courted by suitors was not what she wanted. As she slept her dreams were filled with Adrian.
The next morning the pair of ghosts were called to the bridge. Jim was sitting in his chair. "Morning you two sleep well?" Jim was trying not to smirk at the two young ghosts but it was hard. "Anyway, Nova up for helping us stick it to Mengsk?"
"Definitely where to?"
"Good question. Matt want to tell us what your contacts found for us?"
Matt seemed hesitant. But he pulled up a file about Tarsonis.
"We've received reports of a new Dominion salvage operation on Tarsonis. They're running a large number of supply trains with minimal security. If we intercept the trains and liberate their contents before they can be shipped off-world, we could make a serious profit."
Nova held her breath for a moment. She hadn't been home since her memory wipe and now that she had her memories back she was slightly panicking. She steeled herself she would have to face her demons.
"Nova if you're not…"
"I'm going I can handle it." The look in her eyes said as much and Jim nodded. He had his own demons to face there as well. Adrian's hand reached for Nova's and she gladly took it. They made their way to the armory to prep their gear.
A few hours later.
"Never thought we'd be back to this graveyard again. What've we got, Matt?"
"The Dominion's restored power to the old rail network. They're using the trains to move salvage to a central processing station. Our informants say the Dominion's found something unusually valuable - and they're transporting it to the processing station today. It's on one of these trains but unfortunately they're all scan-shielded so we can't tell which one. We'll have to hit as many as we can and hope we get lucky."
"Hope we get lucky? That ain't the usual Matt Horner plan!"
"You got a better one, sir, I'm all ears."
"It's all good, Matt. You sold me. Well, let's go rob ourselves some trains. Ol' Tychus is gonna love this one."
On the ride down Nova was slightly shaking. Not enough for a normal person to notice but Adrian wasn't normal. He out his hand on her shoulder.
'Hey I'm here.'
'I know thank you.'
'I love you.'
'I love you too.'
When they got to the ground they saw an unfamiliar type of vehicle. Matt came on the radio. "Sir, it turns out there are a few Confederate vehicles in the hills the Dominion haven't salvaged yet..."
Which lead to Swan too excitedly speak. "Diamondbacks! Man, I didn't think they made it past prototyping! Their rail guns'll be great for stopping those trains...no pun intended. I'll upload their schematics to our Factory network."
Matt radios again. "There may be other vehicles around that we can commandeer. We should keep our eyes open."
They set up a base and begin to attack the trains. Tychus was having a ball raiding trains to him it was like Christmas had come early.
After the first train was blown up. "Excellent work, sir. We can utilize the train's scrap payload to build more units."
Another train coming. "Check it out Jimmy, Dominion's started sending escorts to protect the trains."
"Well they won't last long. Nova, Adrian can you get a line of sight?"
"Nuclear launch detected."
"Boom now that was awesome! If only we could do that back in the day eh Jimmy?"
Adrian came on the comm. "Today's forecast is...extra bomby, slight chance of mushroom clouds."
"Nova, Adrian move to the next train."
"On the move."
"Got it Jim."
After they destroyed three move trains.
"Sir, I'm detecting Dominion kill teams patrolling the tracks with large groups of Marauders. Watch yourselves."
After five more trains
"Sir, we're detecting electrical activity in the wreckage."
"Now let's see what they were so fired up to get their hands on..."
They see an old Confederate Adjutant. "Adjutant 23-46... online... system recording... N-N-New Gettysburg Defense Initiative... S-S-Submit a-access codes."
Jim raised an eyebrow. "Well I'll be. It's an old Confederate adjutant. Now what intel's so important they'd go and dig her up to recover it?"
Nova turned to see her old home in the distance. Well what was left of it anyway. Jim could see Nova and Adrian looking elsewhere. When he turned to see what they were looking at that. He saw a ruined tower. In its day it must have been high class. He put two and two together and realized it was Nova's old home. Adrian had an arm around Nova's waist holding her tight. They headed for the ruin while the raiders packed up. Jim understood Nova needed to be here after the broadcast. She needed to say goodbye.
Nova stood in the ruins of her old home. This place used to stand tall a symbol of her family's power. She was not like her siblings she believed in fair play and was kind to her servants. The memoires of her childhood came the good times and the bad. She looked to the ground and saw an album. It was filled with photos of her family. Including some of the best times she had with her siblings. She closed it and held it close. Adrian felt her pain. He wanted to say something but it wouldn't make a difference. He couldn't help but feel guilt. He was involved with Arcturus. He never liked the man and he could feel his power hungry nature. He wanted to tear his head off. Especially after coming back here.
Nova could feel Adrian's guilt. It wasn't his fault. She went to him.
'Adrian you shouldn't feel guilty. It wasn't your fault.'
'I could feel his madness and I did nothing. I was too damaged to try until it was too late.'
Nova kissed him.
'It still wasn't your fault. Let's go home.'
Back on the Hyperion. 11:30 shipboard time.
Jim had gotten out of his suit and was headed to the bridge. "Sir, that adjutant we recovered is down in the lab. She's all powered up." He nodded and headed back to the lab.
In the lab
"Talk to me, you old piece of junk. What do you know?"
The adjutant moved. "User identified. Raynor. James. Ex-marshal, Mar Sara colony. Joined. Sons of Korhal terrorist group. Status. Criminal."
"Enough about me, darlin'. What else you got locked up in that synthetic head of yours?"
"User status. Criminal. Access denied."
"Playin' hard to get, huh? We'll see about that."
Jim left the lab while Nova and Adrian stayed in there. Dr. Hanson had asked to check their vitals. Adrian wasn't so trusting when it came to doctors. He knew she wasn't evil far from it her mind was filled with good thoughts. It was the purest mind he had ever seen. So he let her do her work. She saw some of his scars and being a doctor she could guess what they were from. Her stomach began to bubble. Adrian wouldn't give her details. As for Nova, Ariel was feeling a little sad for her. Being trapped in your own body while a shadow of you runs the show. She couldn't imagine it. The two ghosts went to grab something to eat then returned to training their recruits. They had improved enough to merit a field test. Nova had an idea about that but she would need to plan a little more first.
Back in the cantina
Jim and Tychus were enjoying some drinks. "Robbing a train again get ya' feelin' nostalgic?"
"Damn straight. We musta hit the Shale Express a dozen times back in the day. Ah, that caper never got old."
"Almost got us killed when they smartened up and started using outriders to chase us."
"Never was a man of 'em could keep up with you on a Vulture, Jimmy. Just added to the fun. How the hell you got a job as marshal after all that I'll never know."
Jim would have responded but a UNN news cast came on.
"Ladies and gentlemen, each night I bring you the news in the most fair and balanced manner possible. But tonight I have a commentary. Some have asked me what the difference is between our leader, Emperor Mengsk, and the traitor Jim Raynor. They point out that Mengsk rebelled against the government of his youth, and came to power through the use of violence and subversion. Why is it wrong for Jim Raynor to rebel in similar fashion? There is a difference. When Emperor Mengsk began his revolution, there was no threat hanging over humanity. James Raynor is waging his revolution while we are at war with two alien races. James Raynor, have you no conscience? Shouldn't you fall in line, putting your petty complaints aside as we struggle for humanity's very survival against this alien menace?"
"Everyone's a critic..."
Jim went to the lab and had a chat with Doctor Hanson about what happened on Tarsonis. Ariel was taken aback by Arcturus's actions. Jim headed back to the bridge. To see Matt, Adrian, and Nova around the map.
"I agree it's a little risky but we could pull it off now that Tosh is dead."
"There are more inmates that aren't specters. I say we take the chance to free them."
"It's a good plan. But are you sure there ready?"
"They need to do some field work and it should be a good test for them. Besides this will give the dominion a blow while we find a way to figure out what's so valuable about that adjutant."
Jim cleared this throat. "Mind telling me what you guys are planning?"
Adrian turned to him. "We're planning an assault on New Folsom."
Okay well I'm going to leave the chapter here. Hope you guys liked it leave a review if you have any suggestions or PM me. Oh and shout out to warchief for helping me run through some ideas. Hopefully I'll get the next chapter out soonish but I am also working on Crossroads. So that and this will be my focus as well as a few oneshots here and there.