Chapter 14: Comeback
Ryoga, wearing his new X-Com uniform and the three decorations he had earned defeating the Zerg a little over a month ago, sat in a waiting room near one of the several concealed landing pads. The room was empty. Ranma had been here for a while, but he left when they announced they were getting ready to move Akane. Ranma wanted to be there when they did. Ryoga did too, but he was just too bloody tired. He did not understand why, and neither did anyone else. Ever since his attempted suicide, Ryoga was unable to regain his old strength and endurance. Right now, his strength was about the same as a normal person. He could not even defeat Nabiki in his condition, much less Ranma. Ryoga leaned back against the wall behind him and closed his eyes. He felt like he had been up for two days even though he had slept over ten hours the night before. What was wrong? He felt like he wanted to sleep some more. Rygoa started awake as the door to the room opened. "Ranma-" Ryoga stopped when he noticed it was not Ranma walking through the door. "Hey there, sugar," said Ukyo brightly. She wore a standard issue X- Com uniform that did nothing to flatter her figure, not that that bothered Ukyo in the slightest. She still wore her bandoleer of mini-spatulas and her large battle spatula. Limping across the room, she made her way to the eternal lost boy, and sat down on another chair. Wincing with pain, she straightened her left leg and then slumped back into the chair with a sigh of relief. "Ukyo!" Ryoga could not keep himself from staring. "Where did you come from?" "The hospital." She began massaging the leg. "Where do you think?" "What are you doing here?" "I'm coming along for the ride. Can't you figure anything out for yourself?" "Hey, I'm not stupid, you know," he said indignantly. "I'm still reserving judgment on that one, sugar." They stared at each other for a moment then broke into peals of laughter. Eventually, they settled down and silence filled the room. "It's great to see you again, Ukyo," said Ryoga, breaking the silence. "Same here, Ryoga. Say, you look pretty good in the uniform." She gave him a quick once over. "They made you a Captain, huh? Same here. Did you sign up?" Ryoga tried to make sense of the jumble of rank insignias, but quickly gave up. "It's more like I was drafted. Not that it matters. I'll just get lost anyway. What's with the leg?" Ukyo grimaced. "It was an allergic reaction to the venom in the Hydralisk spines. The docs said that it inhibited my healing, and now I've got a big scar from a Zergling claw." "Ouch. That must have hurt." "You got that right. How about you? How're you doing?" "I'm okay. Tired, though. I can't seem to get enough energy. Nabiki could beat me up right now." Ukyo laughed. "Oh, how the mighty have fallen." "Hey, shut up! It's not funny! It's been over a month, and no one knows why. Even the Protoss's scanners couldn't figure it out." Ryoga fell back into his chair. "What if I'm like this for the rest of my life? What'll I do? If I can't do martial arts, then." "That'd be horrible," replied Ukyo. "Hey, I've got an idea. You could work for me in my restaurant.when I get it rebuilt, that is." "Work as a waiter? I don't know." "You don't have to accept now. We can talk about it later." "What about Tsubasa? Ranma told me that you and he were working together." Ukyo's face clouded over with grief. "He.he disappeared when the Zerg attacked Japan: North. I hope he managed to infiltrate himself in with the Zerg and escape, but it's been so long.I don't know if he survived. Ranma told me about Nabiki destroying the Zerg with a nuke, and I'm afraid that.that Tsubasa." Ukyo choked back a sob. "Ukyo, I'm.I'm sorry." It seemed such an inadequate thing to say. "That's okay. I'm still.dealing with it." "Ukyo." Ryoga put one hand on her shoulder, trying to console her. At that moment, Ranma opened the door and stuck his head inside. "Okay, you two, time to-" Ranma stopped as the two pulled away from each other, their faces blushing red. "Uhhh, I'm not interrupting anything, am I?" "Of course not, Ran-chan," replied Ukyo, trying to hide her embarrassment. "Uh, good. Anyway, it's time to go." The two got up and left the room, following Ranma to the landing pad.
Six days. It had been six days since Halos had spoken with the humans, and they still had yet to respond to his demands. Well, he could wait. He was over four hundred years old. What were a few weeks to him? He had spent his time divided between the base defenses and small punitive strikes against the Zerg encampment to the east. Using the raids as bait, he hoped to draw the Zerg out into the open where he could raze their forces with his powerful troops. He knew that Raetor disapproved of his decision about the humans, but the usually vocal Judicator had been silent on the matter. It seemed to Halos that Raetor had finally learned his place, unlike that upstart Healer, Ka'Dalanis. What had possessed her to defect? It was unheard of! Protoss defecting? Halos shook his head. On reflection, he could believe it, even if he could not understand. Ka'Dalanis was one of the.Protoss, if he could call them that, from Shakuras. While the two peoples had become united in their quest to destroy the Overmind, old prejudices ran deep. By Halos's view of things, the Dark Templar had been traitors to the Khala's Light by embracing the powers of the cold void. Ergo, all Dark Templar were inherently traitors. It was one of the reasons he allowed no Dark Templar in his forces. It also caused.problems between himself and the Executor. A telepathic signal from his view screen caused Halos to look up from the bureaucratic red tape that cluttered his desk. Activating the screen, he watched as the face of a scan-technician appeared. [Praetor Halos, scans have detected several Protoss shuttles being escorted by a squadron of Scout fighters from the south east heading toward us. Passcode checks have verified their identity. They are our shuttles.] [Excellent! What is their condition? Do they require repairs?] [No, sir. They report that they are in perfect condition. They have also sent us a list of supplies that they are bringing.] Halos's eye ridges rose in surprise. They managed to run the human's blockade and sustained no damage? Even if an Arbiter cloaked them, the Arbiter was usually severely damaged in the crossing. Could they be human spies? How would they have the passcodes? [Are you sure they are ours?] [Yes Praetor. The passcodes have been confirmed. And Praetor.] The scan-tech hesitated. [What is it?] [Sir, I have been informed that the Executor is on one of the shuttles.] Halos's eyes widened and he stared at the scan-tech in disbelief. [THE Executor? Executor Treyvis?] [Yes Praetor.] Halos sat back staring around the room, yet seeing nothing. Executor Treyvis, here? Why? Why would he risk the journey? Shaking himself out of his amazement, he thanked the scan-tech, then called in Raetor. [Raetor! The Executor is coming here! We must get the troops ready for inspection. Standard order, except I need people to help with the organization of the supplies they are bringing. Move Raetor, we don't have much time!]
Rank upon rank of gleaming Protoss Zealots stood at rigid attention around the landing pad. Their armor shone in the bright sunlight of the late morning. The air was thick with the smell of ozone given off by their force fields. In front, Praetor Halos paced back and forth. Judicator Raetor stood a few steps behind the agitated Halos. Halos was worried. Why would Executor Treyvis come all the way from Europe to Japan? Why would he risk the journey? What was his purpose? Was it about the destruction of the Zerg base? Or the traitor Ka'Dalanis? Or maybe Phoenix? Halos stared up into the sky, wishing he could see the shuttles approaching. Shaking his head, he continued pacing. Through all of this, Raetor remained silent. Several minutes later, the message came in. The shuttles were beginning their final approach. Down from the bright blue sky came six shuttles, their gold armor plating reflecting the light of the sun off their hulls. The multicolored shimmering of their force fields were barely visible, and the thrum of their drive systems was unmistakable. Surrounding them was an escort of twelve Scout fighters. Landing skids folded down from the shuttles undersides as they began the landing sequence. The Scouts hovered over the group, maintaining an altitude of about one thousand feet. As the shuttles finished landing, blue-white energy storms appeared in front of the three lead shuttles. The Zealots began a ritual chant. [We, the sons of Aiur, give homage to the great Executor Treyvis, who through the grace of the Khala's Light-] The chant dissolved into chaos as they saw what emerged from the energy storms. One contained four Elite Zealots. The second contained four Dark Templar. Their purple robes flowed around them, shifting in color and texture, making them hard to see. From the last storm stepped Executor Treyvis and his Judicator advisor. She wore the blue robes of a Judicator, and the Executor was clad in the armor of a High Templar. As he walked, the assembled Protoss could almost see the astral after-image his presence created. They were in awe of their commander, but what caused the mental din was what followed them. Behind the Executor and Judicator was a Dark Archon. Created by the merging of two Dark Templar, their creation had been outlawed centuries ago. It was not until the death of the Overmind and the reign of the Queen of Blades that the stricture against Dark Archons had been lifted. It towered above the Executor, surrounded by a field of astral energy that glowed a dark crimson. The field concealed its legs, and it seemed to float across the ground. It's eyes were a bright orange, and they seemed to be distracted, as though they were looking at a world different than the one everyone else saw. Halos was rooted to the spot, both in awe and fear. Dark Templar and a Dark Archon? Why would the Executor bring a Dark Archon? While not warriors in the strictest sense, their mental powers were unmatched in the known universe. Through their mental powers they could render dozens of enemy troops unconscious for a time, or, with enough effort, they could even wrest control of Zerg from Kerrigan's mental grip. The Executor's Zealots and Dark Templar created an honor guard around the Executor and his entourage. They walked forward as one. Halos also stepped forward to meet them. When they met, Halos and Raetor bowed deeply. [En Taro Adun, Executor,] said Halos placing his fist to his chest. Executor Treyvis inclined his head slightly. [En Taro Adun, Praetor.] [Your presence here greatly honors us.] [Yes,] replied the Executor. Treyvis looked around at the assembled warriors. [May the Khala's light be on this place, and may the wisdom of Khas, be with you, Praetor.] Externally, Halos nodded his thanks, while internally he seethed. How dare he invoke the name of the founder of the way of the Khala while in the presence of this profane creature! [Come, let us go to your office, Praetor,] said Treyvis. [There are many things I wish to discuss.] Halos felt his face pale. [What about the inspection?] [When there is time for inspections, then I will inspect them. For now, however, time is of the essence.] Turning to Raetor he said, [Judicator, dismiss the troops and assemble a detail to unload the supplies from the other three shuttles. Praetor, come with me.]
The door to Halos's office hissed open, and Treyvis walked in, followed by his Judicator, the Dark Archon and Halos. Halos motioned to three chairs. [Please, sit and be.] The Executor sat in Halos's chair behind the desk. The Judicator took her place at his right, and the Dark Archon sat another chair in front of the desk, forcing Halos to sit beside the Dark Archon. Halos did not like the implications of Treyvis sitting behind his own desk. [I apologize Halos. I have not introduced my companions.] He motioned first to Judicator behind him, the to the Dark Archon. [This is Judicator Wenella, and that is Varnor.] Halos nodded to each of them. He could feel his skin crawl as the wispy tendrils of Varnor's aura brushed against him. [Executor, why-] [Praetor, you are a person of puzzling contradictions. On the surface you seem to hold a brilliant mind and excellent command ability, and yet you also have performed some of the worst mistakes a Praetor can make. Your performance as a Guard Commander on Altair VI was both unpredictable and inspired. But I promote you to a Praetor and charge you with removing the Zerg infestation from this island, and you fail.] Halos began to protest, but Treyvis held up a hand had Halos became silent. [Not that you were without victories. You successfully managed to destroy one of the Zerg fortresses. The losses would have been relatively light, but you could not have anticipated the strange psychic weapon the humans used against the Zerg during their attack. And the creation of Phoenix was a masterful idea. Your enthusiasm for the project persuaded me to approve of the project even against Ka'Dalanis's misgivings and Wenella's advice. Phoenix's initial battle reports showed her to have great promise. [And yet, what was the end result of all this hard work? Ka'Dalanis, one of the best xenobiologists on this planet defects, taking Phoenix with them. Why? Because she was be used improperly, and because you were unwilling to listen to the knowledge of those who knew better than you. Then, when the Terrans contacted you with news that they had a weapon to fight the Zerg with, but needed our help, you refuse to even consider the idea. They were willing to give you almost any terms in order to gain your help. Did that not tell you anything?] Up until now, Treyvis had managed to remain calm, but as he went through Halos's list of mistakes, his eye began to flash brightly with anger. [Humans are nearly as prideful a species as we are, and yet, in your blindness, you ignore them when they plead for our help! What of the Dae'Hul? Are we not Stewards of this world and its people?] [Executor.I.] [Yes, you. Exactly you and no one else!] Treyvis jumped to his feet and glared at Halos who now sat cowering in his chair. [I am demoting you to Guard Commander. I will be in charge here until I can find a suitable replacement. Judicator Raetor is being reassigned. You, Commander, are dismissed.] [You can't do this!] protested Halos, also rising to his feet. [I rightfully gained this command, and I will not let you-] Suddenly, Varnor arose from his seat and stared down at the rebellious Commander. His eyes flared a bright orange. Halos cringed away from the massive creature, terrified. [Leave, Commander,] declared Treyvis, his mind-voice a deadly quiet whisper. [Now!] Halo's shoulders slumped in defeat. Getting up, he left the room. [What now, Treyvis?] asked Wenella. [Now we see if the humans can deliver as promised.] Activating the comm., Treyvis contacted the communications center. [This is Executor Treyvis. Transmit the following code: Alpha-Phoenix-3-Gamma-Templar. When the X-Com ships appear, allow them to land.] Turning to Varnor, he said, [Do you think it can be done?] Varnor turned his head towards Treyvis. His brow furrowed, as through just now seeing the Executor. When Varnor answered, the voices of the multitude spoke. [We shall see.]
"All right, everyone," said General Moroto over the radio. "We're almost at the Protoss base. No one is to make any sudden moves. We don't want to provoke anyone into doing something we'll regret later." [He need not be so worried,] said Ka'Dalanis to the others in the shuttle with her. [The Executor gave us safe passage. No one will dare defy him.] Ka'Dalanis bent over Akane, who was in a Protoss stasis cell that had been delivered by servants of the Executor. Beside Akane, lying in their own beds were Kasumi and Jessica. Both were still comatose. "He sounds pretty nasty," replied Ranma, who sat beside Nabiki. Across from them sat Darryl, who nodded in agreement. [He is not evil, just.powerful.] "In what way?" asked Darryl. [He was the Executor that defied the Great Conclave and joined the High Templar Tassadar in his quest to free the Dark Templar from the world of Char. Tassadar eventually destroyed the Overmind by combining the powers of both the Khala's Light and cold void. He died doing so.] She was silent for a moment. [It is rumored that the Executor learned many things from Tassadar before he died. Plus Treyvis has both the favor of the remaining warriors of Aiur and the Dark Templar on Shakuras. He is probably the most influential and powerful Executor in the Protoss Empire.] "Boy, it's a good thing we didn't bring Pops on this trip," said Ranma wryly. "You know how he is around authority." "Yeah," replied Nabiki. "Like father, like son." "Hey!"
Treyvis, Wenella, and Varnor, along with their honor guard watched as the three X-Com shuttles came in to land. Treyvis squinted his eyes as air blown from the vertical jets of the craft blew dust and debris around the landing pad. He watched as large vehicle elevators lowered from the belly of the shuttles and several humans emerged. From one came General Moroto, his aid Lieutenant Harper, Ryoga, and Ukyo, along with four other scientists and doctors. The second contained Ka'Dalanis, Akane in her stasis tube, Kasumi and Jessica on their gurneys, with Darryl, Ranma, and Nabiki beside them. The last held eight marines, an honor guard for the X-Com representatives. Before the Executor could step forward and greet them, Ka'Dalanis led Akane, Ranma, Ukyo, Ryoga and two of the doctors towards the Nexus, where Regeneration Tanks was awaiting them. One of Treyvis's eye-ridges rose as he watched the Healer and Ranma leave with their patient. Beside him, Wenella shook her head ruefully. [Healers,] she said to him privately. [They never change.] [So it would seem,] he replied, turning back to watch the rest of the human delegation form up and approach. [There is something.] started Varnor, his eyes lingering on Ka'Dalanis. The Executor's eyes furrowed. [What do you mean?] [I am.unsure. Something in her.calls to me.] Treyvis turned his attention to the humans. [We can worry about that later.] As the humans approached, the three could feel a heavy presence settle over them. It suddenly felt like they were trying to move through water, so thick was the feeling. [Tari Khala.!] whispered Varnor in amazement. At the head of the delegation was General Moroto, followed closely by Lieutenant Harper. After that was Kasumi and Jessica, each being pushed along by the two remaining doctors and Darryl and Nabiki. All around them were marines, who formed an escort for the party. The group stopped several feet from the Executor and his party. General Moroto and the rest of the military personnel saluted. "I am General Hikaru Moroto and I bring greetings from the United Earth Government and the X-Com defense force. With me is my aide, Lieutenant Deanna Harper. Captains Nabiki Saotome and Darryl Johnson, and finally Doctor Ibisha Yoshiro, our expert in Protoss biology, and Captain Harper Collins, our current head of Special Operations." Treyvis put one fist to his breast, as did his companions. [En Taro Adun, General. I am Executor Treyvis. This is my advisor, Judicator Wenella and Varnor, who is what we call a 'Dark Archon'. I, also, bring greetings from the Protoss people.] General Moroto barely restrained himself from staring at the Dark Archon before him. What was it? Where did they come from? So far Intelligence had no information about any such creatures in the Protoss army. Moroto knew it would be a long debriefing session when they returned to base. Treyvis's eye flickered over to the two humans on the gurneys. [These are the two you told us about?] "Yes, they are." Treyvis and Varnor moved over to Kasumi and Jessica. Dr. Yoshiro tried to explain what the problem was, but Wenella waved them away. Treyvis began to examine Jessica, but Varnor did not even spare a glance in her direction. All his attention was on Kasumi. Varnor's hand moved down until it was just above Kasumi's forehead. He closed his eyes. Kasumi's body began to twitch. Her head shook and a grimace came to her features. The crimson aura around Varnor flared brightly, and Kasumi's eyes and mouth opened. Her scream was a silent one, but the pain and horror she felt were blasted out onto the astral plane, and both Nabiki and Henry groaned and clutched their heads, while Treyvis and Wenella winced. A single blue tendril of energy came out of Kasumi's forehead and stopped in Varnor's palm. Suddenly, the biosuit surrounding Kasumi's body went wild. Spikes and spines formed all around her body, some two or three feet long, blindly stabbing out at the source of the pain to its host. One spike lashed out at the Dark Archon, but was halted by Varnor's crimson aura. Varnor pulled his hand away and the tendril of energy sank back into Kasumi's head. After a few moments, Kasumi's biosuit calmed and returned to its normal state. Varnor looked up at Treyvis, his expression grave. [This will be.difficult.]
Ka'Dalanis sat back, trying to relax after the several moments of tension she had experienced transferring Akane from the stasis cell to the Regeneration Tank. The transfer had caused Akane's life signs to fluctuate wildly, and she and another Healer had worked frantically to stabilize her. Ka'Dalanis turned to the other Healer to express her thanks. [Thank you Healer.] She trailed off not knowing the Healer's name. [Pranala, Healer.] Ka'Dalanis's eye ridges rose in surprise. [Pranala? I've read your record, and you're just a field Healer. What are you doing here?] Pranala's blue-white cheeks flushed a dark purple at the 'just a field Healer' remark. [Evidently, the Executor thought I would be of assistance to you in caring for your patients,] she replied stiffly. [And if you've read my file, then it must have been some time ago. I've started my teachings in xeno-cellular biology and nano-restructuring.] [Really?] Perhaps Halos had been using some forethought and I was being the impulsive one, Ka'Dalanis thought to her self. [Yes. Now, I believe that there are two Regeneration Tanks ready for your other patients downstairs.] Pranala began to make her way downstairs to where Ryoga and Ukyo awaited them. [Yes. Of course.] Ka'Dalanis followed the younger Healer, a bemused expression on her face.
In the upper levels of the Templar Archives General Moroto and most of his party gathered to be told of the Executor's findings. The Executor had spent most of the day cloistered with Varnor as they performed a detailed examination of both Kasumi and Jessica. By evening, they were ready to give them their report. "Well, can you heal her?" demanded Nabiki as Treyvis and Varnor entered. Treyvis looked down at the smaller woman. [Yes, we can.] Nabiki blinked. "Y-you can?" Tears filled her eyes. Her lower lip trembled and she buried herself in Ranma's shoulder. "S-she's going to be okay," she whispered hoarsely, not quite believing it. Ranma put his arms around her, a reassuring grin on his face. "See?" said Ranma, his voice and expression at his cockiest. "What'd I tell you?" Nabiki laughed and wiped the tears from her eyes. "Oh, you!" she said, exasperated. She pushed him away. Most of the rest of the humans looked relieved, except Darryl. "What about Jessica?" he asked. [Yes, we can help her as well.] Darryl's eye widened with hope. [But, her situation is more complicated.] "What do you mean?" asked Henry. [Think of it as though their minds were plastic. They are joined together by powerful bonds. As we pull them apart, they stretch and tear. Bits and pieces of each other's mind will be left behind after we separate them. Also, this operation will be extremely taxing. We will not have the strength to both pull Jessica free of Kasumi and put Jessica back into her own body. We will, instead, put her into what we call a Mind Gem. They are receptacles for the minds of Protoss Zealots when they have become injured beyond our capacity to heal them. Normally, once a Protoss has been transferred to a Gem, they are then implanted into a Dragoon. But in Jessica's case, we will leave her there until both Varnor and I have rested. After that, we shall return Jessica's mind to her body.] "When will you start?" [The day after tomorrow should be enough time for Varnor and myself to prepare ourselves. After we separate them, we will need a couple of days to rest and recover before we can move Jessica back to her body.] They all turned as Healer Pranala entered the room. [Excellent! Healer, what word do you have from Ka'Dalanis?] Pranala took out a data pad, tapped a few buttons, and gave her report. [Ukyo's scar tissue is being dealt with, and she will need some gene therapy to cure her of her allergy to Hydralisk venom. Ka'Dalanis estimates this will take about two days. Ryoga has sustained injuries to his astral receptors.] Pranala noted the confused looks from the humans. [Astral receptors are the synapses in the brain that channel energy from astral space. They've been burned out, and that's why he cannot regain his former strength. Healing him will take somewhat longer, about five days since we must do an extensive scan and map of Ryoga's brain, and use tailor made nanites to perform the restructuring.] "And what about Akane?" asked Nabiki. [That will take several weeks, but she thinks Akane will make a complete recovery, now that she had.'proper tools', I believe was the way she put it.] General Moroto chuckled. [Excellent! Thank you, Healer.] Pranala left. Turning to the rest, Treyvis continued. [I believe that is everything. If there are no further questions, then we shall see all of you here the day after tomorrow.]
Nabiki arose from the bed she and Ranma shared and went to the window. Going to the window, she watched the aliens working on the ground below her. It was not long before she heard Ranma get up and come to her side. "Worried about tomorrow?" he asked quietly. The day had gone by surprisingly quickly, as they all had busied themselves, trying not to focus on the treatment Kasumi and Jessica were going to undergo the next day. She nodded. "What.what if it doesn't work?" "It will work." Nabiki frowned and turned away. "You're just saying that." Ranma sighed. "Yeah, maybe I am. And maybe I believe, too." Nabiki hugged herself, trying to dispel the feelings of fear and uncertainty. "It's just.even if it does work, Kasumi won't be Kasumi anymore. You heard the Executor. There will be bits of Jessica in her. How do we know she'll even be sane?" She turned to Ranma, anger plainly written on her face. "And what about Akane? You.and her.I.I don't want to share you! You're mine! But.but Akane almost killed herself when she realized she couldn't have you and.and.I don't want her to die!" She spun away from him and gripped the window frame so tightly that had the metal not been made of alien materials, it would have warped under her hands. "Everything's been going so wrong in the past few weeks, and now so many problems are being solved.but what about the new problems they create?" Ranma took her in his arms. "Nabiki, I'm not sharing myself with anyone. Anyone! Not even Akane. You remember what happened when I wouldn't make a decision about the women in my life before, and I'm not going to make the same mistake now. I love you. I married you, and that's more important to me than anything." Nabiki felt tears run down her cheeks. "But what about Akane?" she whispered. "She'll just have to.get over me," he replied glumly. He knew how hard that could be on someone after seeing Ukyo's and Shampoo's reactions after they had discovered that he had married Nabiki. He also remembered some of their early attempts to 'convince' him to dump his wife. They did not work, much to their disappointment. "As for Kasumi, well, there's not much that we can do except wait, and hope."
[First, we need someone to act as an anchor,] Treyvis explained to the assembled group. [That person must be a powerful psion, and trusted by Kasumi. They will help Kasumi to keep her mind in her body as we pull Jessica and Kasumi apart.] "I'll do it," replied Nabiki and Darryl simultaneously. They turned to each other. "I'm more powerful than you are," said Darryl. "Kasumi trusts me a heck of a lot more than you," retorted Nabiki. General Moroto cleared his throat loudly. "Executor, what's the most important trait needed, trust or power?" [Power will create a stronger bond between the two, but trust will give the bond endurance, as neither side would be willing to give up and let go. I believe that trust is needed the most.] "It's all yours, Nabiki," growled Darryl. "Wait a minute," said Nabiki. "Why can't we both help?" [The more minds involved, the harder it will be. The astral resonance caused by your mind will make it harder for us to separate them. It is another reason why trust is more important that power. All we need is that you be powerful *enough*. And.] Treyvis brushed his fingers against Nabiki's forehead and she felt a slight tingle as he performed a minor probe. [Yes. I believe you are. Come with me.] The rest of the assembled went to an observation room, while the Executor took Nabiki to where Kasumi and Varnor awaited. Inside the room Varnor stood at Kasumi's right and Treyvis took up a position on Kasumi's left. Kasumi herself was lying down on a table with a wide variety of sensors imbedded in it. Above her was a large spherical crystal about the size of a human head. Treyvis pulled up a chair so that it was at the head of the table. [Sit,] he told Nabiki. She did so. [Now what you must do is go into Kasumi's mind and make contact. Let her know that no matter what happens, you are there to help her. Link with her, and do not let go until we tell you. Do not worry about Jessica and her probes, Varnor and I will shield you from them.] Varnor and Treyvis then turned to Kasumi and put their fingers lightly on her head. Nabiki felt a shift in the presence that accompanied Kasumi. Treyvis eyes began to glow a soft white, while Varnor's orange eyes flared brightly. [Now, Nabiki!] Nabiki put her hands on Kasumi's head and closed here eyes. She was amazed at the sight before her. In front of her, illuminated by a shaft of light, was Kasumi. Sticking out of Kasumi like a Siamese twin was Jessica. Jessica's left side was imbedded into Kasumi and the right half stuck out, flailing wildly. Both of their expressions were one of terror and confusion. On either side of Kasumi and Jessica were Varnor and Treyvis. Varnor glowed a deep dark red, while Treyvis was a brilliant white. Behind Kasumi and Jessica was a single point of light, which Nabiki assumed was the Mind Gem. A shaft of light from above, which represented the physical boundaries of their bodies, illuminated them all. Nabiki could see bolts of energy flashing out from both Kasumi and Jessica. Kasumi's were a bright red, while Jessica's were blue. The forks flew out in random directions. When they came near Varnor or Treyvis, the twisted away, deflected. Suddenly, a blue bolt flashed out directly at Nabiki. She instinctively raised her arms to block the strike, knowing as she did it, it would be futile, when, to her amazement, the bolt was blocked by a brilliant white shield that sprang up near her. She looked up and saw Treyvis staring at her. [Go! We cannot start until you have anchored Kasumi's mind!] Nabiki reached out, and touched Kasumi. Kasumi started in surprise then grasped Nabiki's hand tightly. [Who's there? Help me, please! What's happening to us.I mean me? What's going on?] [Kasumi! Kasumi, it's Nabiki!] [Nabiki? Who's Nabiki?] [Nabiki! I'm your sister! Remember? Nabiki!] [Nabiki.Nabiki.wait.yes, I do remember! Nabiki, you've got to help!] [That's what I'm here for. I've got some friends who are coming to help. All you need to do is hang on to me? Can you do that?] [Yes.yes I can? What's going to happen?] [Don't worry. Just hold on.] Focusing her attention on Treyvis she said [We're ready.] She watched as Varnor and Treyvis stepped out from under their columns of light and moved to Jessica. Varnor grabbed Jessica's hair and arm, and Trevyis took hold of her leg. As one they pulled. Kasumi's and Jessica's expressions changed from terror and confusion to excruciating pain. Like Varnor and Treyvis, they acted as one. They screamed. The shrill cry echoed throughout the astral plane. Nabiki was so surprised and horrified that she almost let go. The sight of Kasumi being pulled out from her body made Nabiki grab hold of her tightly again. Kasumi was completely ignoring Nabiki, focusing her attention on the strange creatures that hurt her. A blaze of red and blue energy blasted out from the pair and engulfed Treyvis and Varnor. It met their psychic shields and the energy storm flowed around and off them. Kasumi and Jessica struck again. And again. Powerful shields blocked each attack. [Stop her! We will fail if you do not stop her!] thundered Varnor. [Kasumi, stop!] cried Nabiki. [You have to stop; they're here to help!] [But they're hurting us.I mean me! They're hurting me!] Kasumi and Jessica hit them a fourth time with another wave of burning psychic energy. [Kasumi, you have to stop! Trust me! They're here to help.] Kasumi ceased her attack and looked back at Nabiki. [Please, trust me. I know it hurts, but they're trying to help you.] Kasumi stared back at her. Nabiki could feel her fear and uncertainty. [Trust me.] After what seemed to be an eternity, Kasumi nodded. Reaching out, she grasped hold of Nabiki's hands. Jessica continued to pound the two Protoss with blasts of energy, but without Kasumi's strength behind them, they were little more than an annoyance. Nabiki watched as Varnor and Treyvis slowly pulled Jessica away from Kasumi. Trying to ignore the screams of the two women, she realized that they were not pulling Jessica out of Kasumi, they were pulling her away from Kasumi. The parts where Jessica had melded into Kasumi did not reform into a complete face, but stayed at half a face with wispy blue tendrils of energy flowing out. For an eternity, Nabiki and Kasumi strained against Varnor and Treyvis. Several times she though she would not be able to keep a hold on her older sister, but she managed to summon up a reserve of energy she did not think she had, and managed to stay anchored. Eventually, the two Protoss managed to completely separate the two women. Drawing what was left of Jessica with them, they pulled her up to the Mind Gem and gently pushed her mind into it. When Jessica was finally pulled free, there was a psychic whiplash effect. Augmented by Kasumi's and Jessica's formidable powers, the wave washed over all present, knocking them to the ground. Treyvis and Varnor managed to retain their grip on Jessica, but Nabiki was pushed away from Kasumi. With the removal of Jessica from her mind, Kasumi had collapsed in a heap. Nabiki gently shook her, trying to get some response. [Nabiki.] Nabiki jumped, startled. [Let her rest. She will be several days in recovering.] His astral presence, once a brilliant white, was now just a dull gray. Turning away, he made his way back to his body. Releasing her hold on her older sister, Nabiki came out of her trance. Exhaustion overwhelmed her. She felt like she had swam across the Pacific, climbed Mount Fuji, and then had no sleep for three days. Trembling she stood and stumbled over to the window. Pressing a button, the window slid open and she stuck her head out, breathing the fresh air. A peculiar expression crossed her face, and she vomited up breakfast. Heaving over and over, she managed to push herself back inside just before she passed out. Ranma entered the room, completely ignoring the exhausted Executor and weakened Dark Archon. Picking up his wife, he jumped out of the window, fell four floors to the ground, and bolted towards the Nexus, where Ka'Dalanis was. Wenella was next into the room and helped Treyvis up. The Executor's dark gray skin was now a dull white, and circles hung under his eyes. [Must.rest,] he managed to project to his advisor. She nodded, and she and Pranala carried him from the room. General Moroto and Darryl watched the Executor leave. Turning to Varnor he asked, "Well? Did it work?" The Dark Archon's crimson aura was pale and weak, but the powerful creature did not show any other signs of his exertions. [Yes. Kasumi is alone in her body, and Jessica resides in the Mind Gem.] The Gem itself now glowed with a soft blue light. [The Executor will be a few days in recovering. Once he is ready, we will move Jessica from the Mind Gem to her body.] "What about Kasumi?" [She is as she should be. Whether that is enough, only time can tell.]
Several miles to the north, a lone Zergling stopped in its tracks. It cast its head about, looking like it was sniffing the air. The direction of its target discovered, it oriented itself and began the long trek south.
The scan technician massaged her skull, trying to relieve the dull pain in her forehead. Kasumi and Jessica had been separated the day before, and the psychic backwash had given everyone with even just a hint of psionic power a headache. Looking out through a window, she could see one of the humans, Ukyo, meet another human, whose name was.Nabiki, yes, that was it. These humans were so strange! The scan tech shook her head with bemusement. A beep brought her back to her console. Observer 247 stationed about five miles from the base, was reporting an intruder. An eye ridge rose as she saw that a Zergling was making its way south towards them. [Sir?] she called to her superior. [Yes, what is it?] he replied, coming over to her. [Observer 247 reports a Zergling making its way towards us. It should be here in about an hour.] [Only one?] [Yes sir.] His forehead wrinkled in confusion. [How unusual. Alert the Commander and reroute Observer 232 to monitor its progress.] [Yes sir.]
About three quarters of an hour later, the Zergling approached the outskirts of the Protoss base. The scan technician, her superior, Commander Halos and General Moroto watched the screen intently. The Zergling approached the base and stopped just short of the Photon Cannon's range. It moved back and forth, apparently trying to decide what to do. "That's not characteristic behavior in a Zergling," said Moroto. [Could it be caused by Kasumi?] asked Halos. Morotos rubbed his chin. "Possibly. But I don't know why.what the hell?!" As they watched, the Zergling blurred into the form of a Protoss Zealot, who then continued to walk towards the Protoss base. There was no reaction from the Photon Cannons guarding the Protoss fortress. [What is that?] demanded Halos. [Scans show it to be Protoss,] replied the Scan Tech. [Impossible! Order the Photon Cannons to open fire!] "No, wait! Capture it. We could learn more if we can take it alive." Halos's eyes narrowed dangerously. The Executor had ordered Halos to work with the humans, but his cooperation would only go so far. But for now, he would do as ordered. [As you wish. We will capture the creature instead.]
Outside, the Zealot passed through the Photon Cannons with no consequences. It stopped when confronted by several other Zealots and two Dragoons. [Halt and surrender!] declared one Zealot. The invader looked around at the assembled troops. Its form blurred again and it leapt away over their heads, evading the plasma blasts from the Dragoons.
[Sir, now it registers as human.] Moroto stared at the screen intently. "Can you give me a close up?" [Yes.] Pressing a few buttons, the figure expanded to fill the screen. General Moroto began to laugh. "Call off your men, Halos," managed Moroto through his laughter. "She.he's one of ours." [One of yours?] growled Halos. "Yes. He's an infiltrator. We thought he died when the Zerg attacked Japan: North." [How did he know you were here?] "One of his peculiarities is that he has a low level psychic link to Captain Kunonji. He has the ability to find her as long as she isn't protected by a psi-shield. I hear it caused Captain Kunonji some problems before the war."
"Ukyo-sama!" cried Tsubasa Kuranai. "I know you're here somewhere!" He raced around the compound, searching for his love. "Ukyo-sama!" Tsubasa had traded his girl school uniform for a female military formal dress. "Tsubasa, is that you?" called Ukyo from the opposite side of the compound. "Ukyo!" Ukyo was knocked off her feet as Tsubasa slammed into her at several miles an hour. When the dust cleared, Ukyo was lying against a building, with Tsubasa on top. He was covering her face with a multitude of kisses, trying to squeeze several words in between them. Ukyo, in the meantime, was trying unsuccessfully trying to fend him off. "Oh Ukyo! I'm so happy I found you! I love you, and I'll never abandon you like that ever again-" He was interrupted as Ukyo grabbed his head, pulled him near, and planted a huge passionate kiss on his lips. By the time Ranma and Nabiki arrived, the kiss had already lasted for about half a minute. They waited. And waited, and waited. Finally, Ukyo ended the kiss, and fell back, gasping for air. "Mmmmmmm.nice to see you too, Ukyo-sama," Tsubasa gurgled happily. Ukyo pushed the transvestite off of her and got to her feet. Tsubasa did not even notice. Brushing dust off her uniform, Ukyo muttered, "Stupid jackass!" Picking him up, she began shaking him. "Don't you ever disappear like that ever again! Are you out of your mind?! If you ever do something like that again, I'll.I'll." Pulling him into a tight hug, she whispered hoarsely. "You idiot! I'm so glad you're okay." "There, there, Ukyo," replied Tsubasa consolingly, still lost in the euphoria of Ukyo's kiss. "There, there." "Another family happily united," whispered Nabiki to Ranma. Ranma grinned and nodded. "Well, this is some unexpected good news," said General Moroto as he approached the group, with Commander Halos on his heels. Ranma and Nabiki snapped to attention. Ukyo tried, but was still being clung to by a dazed Tsubasa. "So, Tsubasa, how are you feeling?" asked Moroto. "Wonderful," he sighed, tracing designs into Ukyo's shoulder with a finger. "And where have you been?" "Oh, spying on the Zerg, and stuff like that." "And what did you find out?" "Not much. Oh, wait; they're getting ready to attack. They'll be here by tomorrow." "What?!" exclaimed the group. Tsubasa was startled out of his daze and stared at them. "What? What'd I say?" Grabbing the transvestite, Moroto began dragging him away. "We need to talk." "Hey! Leggo!" Tsubasa tried to struggle with the General, but his grip was like iron. "Ukyo, we'll talk later, right?" "Yeah, you go ahead." Halos stared at General Moroto and Tsubasa as they left. [What a strange human,] he remarked before following. "You got that right," muttered Ranma.
Tsubasa bolted from the room, searching for his love after the marathon briefing session. Halos and General Moroto, however, stayed behind, staring at the holographic display that Tsubasa's information had enabled them to create. The entire northern and eastern walls of the Protoss base was surrounded by Zerg. Troops of all kind made up the attacking force. Zerglings, Hydralisks, Ultralisks, they were all there, vector lines showing the directions of the assault. Matched against the Protoss defenses, the Zerg would surely win. "We can't win, can we?" asked Moroto. [No,] replied Halos grimly. [We can, however, make sure that we take as many of them with us as possible.] "What if we added our super martial artists to the defense?" Halos gave him a strange look but added the necessary information. After several trial runs, the Protoss ended up lasting longer, but eventually they were overwhelmed. [It's no good, General. There are simply too many of them.] Moroto stared at the map, thinking furiously. "Would adding any troops from Japan: South help? I'd have to leave most of them there, but I'm sure I could call up -" [Why are you doing this, human?] asked Halos. "Doing what?" [Volunteering to sacrifice your men for an alien race?] Moroto shook his head. "You really don't understand, do you?" [Perhaps you would enlighten me.] "Well, for starters, your base acts as a buffer zone between my base and the Zerg. Oh don't give me that look," said Moroto, as Halos glared down at him. "You'd think the same thing if our positions were reversed. Second, I have several excellent fighters here that won't leave without Akane, and quite frankly, I can't make them leave if they don't want to. And third, were allies Halos. It wouldn't be honorable to just leave you to the Zerg. I mean, what kind of creatures did you think we were? Ignorant barbarian savages?" Halos blinked. [In a word.yes.] Moroto threw hands up into the air in disgust. "Well, do you want our help or not?" There was a moment of silence as Halos considered the General's question. [Do I really have any choice?] replied Halos, his mind voice tinged with disgust. "I guess not," said Moroto sarcastically. "Not if you want a chance of surviving. Now, shall we get back to planning?"
"It's too bad Executor Treyvis couldn't be here," remarked General Moroto. [Yes, unfortunately he is still recovering from his ordeal with Kasumi,] replied Halos. [While the Executor and I do not agree on many things, one thing we do agree on is our goal to destroy the Zerg.] "I think that's one thing we can all agree on." Activating his communicator Moroto checked the disposition of his forces. "Nabiki, is everyone ready?" "As ready as we'll ever be," came the reply. Throughout the night X- Com troops moved into the Protoss base, bolstering the aliens forces. Almost fifty marines were joined by two dozen Goliaths, twelve siege tanks and another dozen interceptors. In a bit of a surprise move, X-Com: China East managed to send six prototype Valkyrie Missile Craft. These planes were loaded with hundreds of short-range dumb-fire missiles designed to inflict heavy damage against Guardian squadrons. "Ranma and myself are at the west entrance. Ukyo and Ryoga are at the north." "Good. Wait there for further orders." Moroto turned to Halos. "So, what does the simulator say now?" [Now we're destroyed only two times out of three.] "Great. Now instead of certain doom, were facing almost certain doom." [Jest will you can, General. Soon the time for humor will be behind us.] They waited. The sun peeked over the eastern horizon, bathing the warriors in its golden rays. Tension among the troops thickened until you could almost see it. Each person had his or her own way of dealing with the pre-battle tension. Some joked, like General Moroto, while others simply waited. Many, both Protoss and human, prayed. The Protoss prayed to the Khala, that its light and strength would guide them, and the humans prayed to whatever God they believed in. [Zerg units spotted in sectors A-3 and the C-5. All units stand ready!] Down the line, Zealots activated their psi blades, marines cocked rifles, and all the other troops prepared for battle.
In the end, it was the Guardians that turned the tide. The Protoss and X-Com air forces, weakened by wave after wave of Scourges, Mutalisks and Devourers, were unable to turn back the horde of Guardians sent against them. Their acid spores cut a bloody swath through the ranks, Zealot and Marine armour melting to slag. The defenders answered the initial barrage with the volley of surface-to-air missiles from the X-Com Goliaths and plasma blasts from Protoss Dragoons. Several Guardians disintegrated and others were heavily wounded. Unfortunately for the defenders, Zerglings and Hydralisks filled the hole created by the death of most of the infantry. Energy beams from Ranma and Nabiki ripped Zerglings apart, while Ryoga engaged his Breaking Point Technique, blasting huge craters in the landscape. Ukyo, running through their ranks like a freight train, cut down Zerglings and Hydralisks with ease. She even managed to slice of the leg off of an Ultralisk, which roared in pain and collapsed, lashing out at everything that came within reach, friend or foe alike. "Ukyo, Ryoga, how are we doing?" cried Nabiki through her communicator. "We're getting torn apart!" replied Ukyo. She watched as Ryoga threw a large boulder at the Guardians. On the way up, it hit one breaking bones in shattering flesh. On the way down, Ryoga jumped up and hit the rock with the Breaking Point. The Boulder became a large fragmentation bomb, impaling the airborne monsters with thousands of granite shards. During his descent, Ryoga lashed out at three Scourges that were approaching him with a powerful ki blast, turning them into protoplasmic mush. "We've got a breach in our line!" cried Ukyo. Dozens Zerglings and Hydralisks ran through the hole created by the Guardians. "Nabiki, you've got Zerg coming down to flank you! We can't do anything about it!" "Dammit! All right, all troops fall back - what the hell?!" To those who were psionically aware, it felt like the air had suddenly turned to water and a rock had been dropped in. Psionic waves rippled outward, washing over everyone, making both groups pause in their fight. Turning towards the source, the Zerg charged. Overrunning the defenders, Zerg poured into the base, completely ignoring their foes, who continued to pour fire into their enemies. [What's happening?] demanded Halos. [Our sensors have been scrambled, sir,] replied one scan-technician. [It will take us a few moments to get back on-line.] "We've got more important things to worry about!" said General Moroto, pointing out a window. Through the window, they could see the Zerg that had managed to break through running towards them at top speed. Guardians joined Hydralisks, Ultralisks and Zerglings in the assault. The defenders retreated and tried to regroup around the Nexus, but the Zerg had the advantage of both speed and numbers. [Prepare for the assault!] bellowed Halos to the security forces in the besieged building. [All personnel to battle stations!] "Here they come!" cried Moroto. They braced themselves for the attack. The thunder of approaching invaders shook the building to its foundations. Any time now. thought Moroto. The roaring reached a crescendo and. Nothing. No sounds of battle, no cries of anger, just the thunder of running Zerg. "What's going on?" demanded Moroto as the building shook around them. [Sensors are on line,] replied the scan-technician. [The Zerg forces are ignoring us and continuing south.] Moroto's brow furrowed in confusion. "South? What's so important to the south of us?" [Nothing,] replied Halos. [Just some research facilities. An Observatory, our Robotics Support Bay and the.] Halo's eyes widened in horror. [The Templar Archives! They're after Kasumi! Everyone, rally around the Templar Archives! We must protect Kasumi at all costs!] Horror and fear for her older sister's life flooded through Nabiki. Her green battle aura blazed around her, and she bolted to Kasumi's aid. Green fire flowed off her as she ran, past the defenders, leaping over the Zerg, and to the enterance of the Archives. Her aura grew brighter, and she raised an arm, her first two fingers extended. "I'm not going to let you have her!" she cried to the advancing aliens. "Never again!" Nabiki crouched down and touched her fingers to the ground. A wave of concussive force blasted outward and into the enemy. While there was little damage, the confusion caused was considerable. The first and second ranks were blown off their feet into the third, who tripped and fell, causing those behind them to stumble to a halt. This gave the defenders the precious seconds needed to catch up with their foes. The Siege Tanks led the way, crushing the Hydralisks and Zerglings underneath their treads, creating a path for the rest. Zealots and Marines sprinted to create a perimeter around the Archives. Goliaths and Dragoons blasted away at the Zerg while moving into supporting positions behind the infantry. Reavers, too slow to take the advantage of the enemy's confusion, took up positions behind the Zerg, protected by Dark Templar. The few remaining Templar joined them, bathing the Zerg in storms of psionic energy. By the time most of the troops were in position, the rest of the martial artists had managed to make their way to the tired Nabiki. "Way to go Nabiki," congratulated Ukyo. "Yeah, that was really, something," added Ryoga. "Are you okay?" asked Ranma. Nabiki got to her feet. "Yeah," she replied, her voice shaking slightly. "Just let me catch my breath. "What was that?" "A spur of the moment combination of the Breaking Point and the Moko Takabisha." "You'll have to teach it to me." "If we survive." "Yeah, if we survive." As the Zerg forces milled around in confusion, the defenders pounded them with their wide array of weapons. Zealots engaged them in hand-to- hand, tearing into them with their psi-blades. Marines and Goliaths poured bullets into the enemy, creating piles of dead in the enemy line. Dragoons attacked Zerg air units, knocking Scourges and Mutalisks from the sky. Reavers shot their Scarabs into the Zerg ranks, obliterating dozens of Hydralisks, while the invisible Dark Templar quickly obliterated the troops that managed to counterattack. It took less than thirty seconds for the Zerg to recover, but in that time, the defenders managed to change the odds from five-to-one to three-to-one. Even with the horrible losses incurred from the defenders, the Zerg still managed to tear into the defenders, breaking through the first line. Ultralisks slammed into the second line, tearing apart Dragoons, Goliaths, and Tanks with their powerful mandibles. The final line, the martial artists, managed to hold, but they could only protect one side of the building. The other three were open to attack. Zerglings began clawing at the building while Hydralisks shot their spines. The force field surrounding the Archives glowed a sapphire blue as it repelled the attacks. Guardian acid spores caused the shield to burn, the smell of ozone filling the air. In less than a minute, the shield was breached and Zerglings poured into the building, followed by the martial artists, who managed to race ahead of the aliens up to Kasumi's room. Ryoga shut and locked the door just ahead of a charging Zergling. There was a loud clang, and the door shuddered. "That's not going to hold them for long!" he cried. Kasumi was lying on the floor, unconscious. Ranma grabbed her and ran to the window. He quickly leaped back and away as an acid spore hit the side of the building. The group watched in horror as the wall melted away before their eyes. Guardians hovered almost a hundred feet away, their sacs bulging in preparation for another attack. Down below, a sea of Zerglings and Hydralisks, with about a dozen Ultralisks trying to get close, covered the ground. "Ryoga, jump down and make an opening for us!" ordered Nabiki. "Ranma, back me up. Ukyo, take care of Kasumi." Ranma gave Kasumi to Ukyo, then he and Nabiki began shooting the Guardians with their ki blasts while Ryoga dropped to the ground below. "Baksai-Tenketsu!" Touching the ground with is finger, the ground erupted, creating a thirty-foot diameter crater and knocking the Zerglings back and away from him. The rest of the group dropped down into the clear space created by Ryoga. Above them, the Guardians continued to hammer the Archives. "Quick, let's get to the Nexus!" said Nabiki. Using the Zerg like stepping stones, they leapt from Zergling to Zergling, staying one step ahead of their attackers, dodging Zergling claws and Hydralisk spines sometimes with only inches to spare. When the reached it, they ran to the entrance - and bounced off the building's shield. "We can't get in!" exclaimed Ukyo. "The shield's still up," replied Nabiki, her voice resigned. "Besides," she continued, looking out at the horde before them. "What good would it do?" Ukyo gently put Kasumi on the ground. Drawing her battle spatula, she faced the enemy. "I don't know about you guys, but they're not taking me without a fight." Ryoga pulled his umbrella out from behind him. "I'm with you, Ukyo." Ranma and Nabiki embraced each other tightly. "I love you," Ranma whispered. Nabiki's mouth twitched into a slight smile. "I know." Ranma threw his hands up in disgust. "Women!" Taking his face in her hands, Naibki drew him into a short, deep, passionate kiss. "I love you too." Behind the Zerg army, the Templar Archives collapsed into rubble "NOOOOOO!!!!" Kasumi bolted upright into a sitting position, eye wide with fear. "Jessica!!" She blinked and looked around. "Where am I?" "Kasumi?!" cried the assembled group of martial artists in amazement. "Oh, hello everyone. What-" Kasumi was interrupted as Nabiki fell into Kasumi's arms. "Kasumi! Are you all right? How do you feel?" "I'm fine Nabiki." Kasumi stood, pulling Nabiki up with her. Looking Nabiki over, Kasumi shook her head. "Nabiki Tendo, you look horrible. You've always had the most inappropriate taste in clothes. And your figure! What happened to you?" "Hey guys, we've got other things to worry about than what Nabiki's wearing," warned Ukyo. "Oh, it's those cute Zerg creatures," remarked Kasumi. The Zerg, about to pounce on their foes, had now drawn back away from the group. They hissed in anger and fear, but were unwilling to close with them. "What're they doing?" wondered Ryoga. "It almost seems like they're afraid of us," replied Ranma. "No," said Nabiki. "Not us, but." She turned to Kasumi. "Her. They're afraid of Kasumi." "No way!" said Ukyo. "Zerg aren't smart enough to be afraid." "The troops aren't," replied Ranma. "But the Overlords are. Look." He pointed up to where the Overlords, hovering over their charges, were grouping together, seeking strength in numbers. "Kasumi," said Nabiki earnestly. "You've got to take control of them, like you did before." "What?" "The other Zerg. You've got to turn them to our side or they'll kill us all!" "Me? But I-" "Go!" Nabiki pushed her older sister to the front, in full view of the Brood. Kasumi stared at the massed aliens, fear filling her entire being. "N-nabiki, I-I don't think I can do this!" "You have to!" "I can't! I-" At that moment, a Guardian floated forward and shot a gob of acid at the Nexus. The ball hit the shield and was repelled. Down below the martial artists scattered, trying to avoid the spray. Unfortunately, Nabiki dodged one glob of acid, only to run into another one. It landed on her back and almost immediately ate through her uniform. Nabiki screamed in agony and the acid burned her flesh. She began thrashing wildly, trying to get the acid off of her. "Nabiki!" Ranma tore off his uniform shirt. Jumping on the struggling woman, he tried to scrape off the acid with his shirt, with minimal success as the acid also began to eat through his shirt and reach his fingers. Kasumi's face turned white and she felt her legs weaken. I can't do it, I can't! she thought. The world began to fade into darkness and she began to faint when a bolt of thought reached out and touched her. [Join us.] The thought brought her back upright. "What?" she asked confused. [Join us, or we will kill your friends.] Kasumi looked across the field of battle and saw the assembled Overlords. The thought was coming from them. [Join us now!] they demanded. [Or we will destroy all you hold dear! End this conflict and live!] They were afraid! She could feel it. If they were afraid, then that meant she could do something. But what? Suddenly, she remembered her first confrontation with these creatures, and how she defeated them. Processes floated through her mind, methods of channeling energy she never knew before. Kasumi realized they were from Jessica, while they shared the same body. Kasumi had most, if not all of Jessica's training. She had the power, she had the knowledge, and she had a target. Now to use it. Kasumi turned to face the Overlords. Her eyes began to glow a bright red. Staring up at the bulbous creatures she sent her reply. [This fight ends NOW!] Kasumi opened the floodgates. Astral power poured through the aliens. Telepathic cries of agony radiated out from the Overlords. Zerglings charged at her, but she raised her hand, palm outward. Another blast of energy eradicated those closest to her. [No,] came a weak telepathic call. Kasumi started in surprise. That was not from the Overlords. She turned and saw Nabiki lying prone on the ground, her eyes filled with pain, barely holding on to consciousness. Ranma was above her, trying his best to remove the acid still on her body. [Don't kill them. Capture them. Take them from the Swarm. You can do it.] Nabiki became too weak to send. Kasumi saw Nabiki's body slump into unconsciousness. Take control of them? How? Kasumi wondered. She turned back to the Overlords, who were squirming in her mental grip. Closing her eyes, she looked at them with her mind's eye. She could see tiny strands leading from every Zerg up to the Overlords that controlled them. She could see thicker, more powerful lines that came out of the Overlords that led back to the Cerebrate that controlled them. Reaching out, she grabbed hold of one of the lines in her mental hands. With a powerful yank, she broke the line in two. Taking the end that was connected to the Overlord, she pulled that line into herself. A flood of alien sensations filled her mind. She could see, for a moment, herself through the eyes of the Overlord, of the Zerglings, of the Hyralisks under its command. The Overlord's thoughts and her's were one. The Zerg still in the Swarm turned on the emancipated Overlord. Already weakened by Kasumi's previous attack, the Overlord fell, disintegrating into blood and gobbets of flesh. As the Overlord died, the alien presences in her mind vanished. Kasumi opened her eyes and stared at the aliens before her. She could do it. She could do it! Kasumi smiled, remembering all the times Ranma or Akane had acted to protect herself or her friends. Now, it was her turn. Grabbing all the lines connecting the Overlords to the Cerebrate, Kasumi strained, trying to break the ties. She could feel both the Overlords and the Cerebrate resisting her intrusion. Trying every trick Jessica had taught her, she fought. For her friends, for her family, for her world, she fought them. For an eternity, it seemed like no one side managed gain the upper hand. Then, Kasumi felt a tiny bit of give in one of the lines. Then another. And another. With a rush of renewed strength, Kasumi pulled. One by one, the bonds were broken. Kasumi pulled apart the tie that bound the Cerebrate and its Zerg. Bringing the lines to her, she and the Zerg became one. Alien sensations overwhelmed her. Clutching her head, she fell to her knees, trying desperately to keep her sense of self. Memories not her own appeared in her mind's eye. Her mind was a swirling maelstrom, and she was at its center, being pulled in every direction. She could not think. She fought to remember. She was Kasumi. She had two sisters. She was . .a Mutalisk attacking an avian race on Deneb VII. .an Ultralisk, awaiting the commands of its Cerebrate on Altair III. .a Zergling, deep in its burrow. .a Guardian.an Overlord.a Drone.a Hydralisk. .
Kasumi awoke. Her first recognizable sensation was something warm pushing her. Opening her eyes, she saw the horrid form of a Zergling. It was nudging her, encouraging her to stand. She sat up. Looking around, she could see the assembled Brood around her, silent waiting for her orders. Above in the sky were the Overlords, bent to her will. She smiled. It was her family. They were waiting for her. How considerate of them. Standing, she turned and saw Nabiki, Ranma, and the others. Her brow furrowed. She knew them. Who were they? She blinked. Who am I? she thought. I use to know. I can almost remember. Nabiki and Ranma approached Kasumi. Nabiki's face was filled with pain, and she leaned heavily on her husband. "K-Kasumi?" she asked, her voice hoarse from her screams. Kasumi's eyes widened in recognition. "Yes. Kasumi. I'm Kasumi. Your sister." She smiled and embraced her younger sibling. [Queen of the Zerg.]
End of Chapter 14
Ryoga, wearing his new X-Com uniform and the three decorations he had earned defeating the Zerg a little over a month ago, sat in a waiting room near one of the several concealed landing pads. The room was empty. Ranma had been here for a while, but he left when they announced they were getting ready to move Akane. Ranma wanted to be there when they did. Ryoga did too, but he was just too bloody tired. He did not understand why, and neither did anyone else. Ever since his attempted suicide, Ryoga was unable to regain his old strength and endurance. Right now, his strength was about the same as a normal person. He could not even defeat Nabiki in his condition, much less Ranma. Ryoga leaned back against the wall behind him and closed his eyes. He felt like he had been up for two days even though he had slept over ten hours the night before. What was wrong? He felt like he wanted to sleep some more. Rygoa started awake as the door to the room opened. "Ranma-" Ryoga stopped when he noticed it was not Ranma walking through the door. "Hey there, sugar," said Ukyo brightly. She wore a standard issue X- Com uniform that did nothing to flatter her figure, not that that bothered Ukyo in the slightest. She still wore her bandoleer of mini-spatulas and her large battle spatula. Limping across the room, she made her way to the eternal lost boy, and sat down on another chair. Wincing with pain, she straightened her left leg and then slumped back into the chair with a sigh of relief. "Ukyo!" Ryoga could not keep himself from staring. "Where did you come from?" "The hospital." She began massaging the leg. "Where do you think?" "What are you doing here?" "I'm coming along for the ride. Can't you figure anything out for yourself?" "Hey, I'm not stupid, you know," he said indignantly. "I'm still reserving judgment on that one, sugar." They stared at each other for a moment then broke into peals of laughter. Eventually, they settled down and silence filled the room. "It's great to see you again, Ukyo," said Ryoga, breaking the silence. "Same here, Ryoga. Say, you look pretty good in the uniform." She gave him a quick once over. "They made you a Captain, huh? Same here. Did you sign up?" Ryoga tried to make sense of the jumble of rank insignias, but quickly gave up. "It's more like I was drafted. Not that it matters. I'll just get lost anyway. What's with the leg?" Ukyo grimaced. "It was an allergic reaction to the venom in the Hydralisk spines. The docs said that it inhibited my healing, and now I've got a big scar from a Zergling claw." "Ouch. That must have hurt." "You got that right. How about you? How're you doing?" "I'm okay. Tired, though. I can't seem to get enough energy. Nabiki could beat me up right now." Ukyo laughed. "Oh, how the mighty have fallen." "Hey, shut up! It's not funny! It's been over a month, and no one knows why. Even the Protoss's scanners couldn't figure it out." Ryoga fell back into his chair. "What if I'm like this for the rest of my life? What'll I do? If I can't do martial arts, then." "That'd be horrible," replied Ukyo. "Hey, I've got an idea. You could work for me in my restaurant.when I get it rebuilt, that is." "Work as a waiter? I don't know." "You don't have to accept now. We can talk about it later." "What about Tsubasa? Ranma told me that you and he were working together." Ukyo's face clouded over with grief. "He.he disappeared when the Zerg attacked Japan: North. I hope he managed to infiltrate himself in with the Zerg and escape, but it's been so long.I don't know if he survived. Ranma told me about Nabiki destroying the Zerg with a nuke, and I'm afraid that.that Tsubasa." Ukyo choked back a sob. "Ukyo, I'm.I'm sorry." It seemed such an inadequate thing to say. "That's okay. I'm still.dealing with it." "Ukyo." Ryoga put one hand on her shoulder, trying to console her. At that moment, Ranma opened the door and stuck his head inside. "Okay, you two, time to-" Ranma stopped as the two pulled away from each other, their faces blushing red. "Uhhh, I'm not interrupting anything, am I?" "Of course not, Ran-chan," replied Ukyo, trying to hide her embarrassment. "Uh, good. Anyway, it's time to go." The two got up and left the room, following Ranma to the landing pad.
Six days. It had been six days since Halos had spoken with the humans, and they still had yet to respond to his demands. Well, he could wait. He was over four hundred years old. What were a few weeks to him? He had spent his time divided between the base defenses and small punitive strikes against the Zerg encampment to the east. Using the raids as bait, he hoped to draw the Zerg out into the open where he could raze their forces with his powerful troops. He knew that Raetor disapproved of his decision about the humans, but the usually vocal Judicator had been silent on the matter. It seemed to Halos that Raetor had finally learned his place, unlike that upstart Healer, Ka'Dalanis. What had possessed her to defect? It was unheard of! Protoss defecting? Halos shook his head. On reflection, he could believe it, even if he could not understand. Ka'Dalanis was one of the.Protoss, if he could call them that, from Shakuras. While the two peoples had become united in their quest to destroy the Overmind, old prejudices ran deep. By Halos's view of things, the Dark Templar had been traitors to the Khala's Light by embracing the powers of the cold void. Ergo, all Dark Templar were inherently traitors. It was one of the reasons he allowed no Dark Templar in his forces. It also caused.problems between himself and the Executor. A telepathic signal from his view screen caused Halos to look up from the bureaucratic red tape that cluttered his desk. Activating the screen, he watched as the face of a scan-technician appeared. [Praetor Halos, scans have detected several Protoss shuttles being escorted by a squadron of Scout fighters from the south east heading toward us. Passcode checks have verified their identity. They are our shuttles.] [Excellent! What is their condition? Do they require repairs?] [No, sir. They report that they are in perfect condition. They have also sent us a list of supplies that they are bringing.] Halos's eye ridges rose in surprise. They managed to run the human's blockade and sustained no damage? Even if an Arbiter cloaked them, the Arbiter was usually severely damaged in the crossing. Could they be human spies? How would they have the passcodes? [Are you sure they are ours?] [Yes Praetor. The passcodes have been confirmed. And Praetor.] The scan-tech hesitated. [What is it?] [Sir, I have been informed that the Executor is on one of the shuttles.] Halos's eyes widened and he stared at the scan-tech in disbelief. [THE Executor? Executor Treyvis?] [Yes Praetor.] Halos sat back staring around the room, yet seeing nothing. Executor Treyvis, here? Why? Why would he risk the journey? Shaking himself out of his amazement, he thanked the scan-tech, then called in Raetor. [Raetor! The Executor is coming here! We must get the troops ready for inspection. Standard order, except I need people to help with the organization of the supplies they are bringing. Move Raetor, we don't have much time!]
Rank upon rank of gleaming Protoss Zealots stood at rigid attention around the landing pad. Their armor shone in the bright sunlight of the late morning. The air was thick with the smell of ozone given off by their force fields. In front, Praetor Halos paced back and forth. Judicator Raetor stood a few steps behind the agitated Halos. Halos was worried. Why would Executor Treyvis come all the way from Europe to Japan? Why would he risk the journey? What was his purpose? Was it about the destruction of the Zerg base? Or the traitor Ka'Dalanis? Or maybe Phoenix? Halos stared up into the sky, wishing he could see the shuttles approaching. Shaking his head, he continued pacing. Through all of this, Raetor remained silent. Several minutes later, the message came in. The shuttles were beginning their final approach. Down from the bright blue sky came six shuttles, their gold armor plating reflecting the light of the sun off their hulls. The multicolored shimmering of their force fields were barely visible, and the thrum of their drive systems was unmistakable. Surrounding them was an escort of twelve Scout fighters. Landing skids folded down from the shuttles undersides as they began the landing sequence. The Scouts hovered over the group, maintaining an altitude of about one thousand feet. As the shuttles finished landing, blue-white energy storms appeared in front of the three lead shuttles. The Zealots began a ritual chant. [We, the sons of Aiur, give homage to the great Executor Treyvis, who through the grace of the Khala's Light-] The chant dissolved into chaos as they saw what emerged from the energy storms. One contained four Elite Zealots. The second contained four Dark Templar. Their purple robes flowed around them, shifting in color and texture, making them hard to see. From the last storm stepped Executor Treyvis and his Judicator advisor. She wore the blue robes of a Judicator, and the Executor was clad in the armor of a High Templar. As he walked, the assembled Protoss could almost see the astral after-image his presence created. They were in awe of their commander, but what caused the mental din was what followed them. Behind the Executor and Judicator was a Dark Archon. Created by the merging of two Dark Templar, their creation had been outlawed centuries ago. It was not until the death of the Overmind and the reign of the Queen of Blades that the stricture against Dark Archons had been lifted. It towered above the Executor, surrounded by a field of astral energy that glowed a dark crimson. The field concealed its legs, and it seemed to float across the ground. It's eyes were a bright orange, and they seemed to be distracted, as though they were looking at a world different than the one everyone else saw. Halos was rooted to the spot, both in awe and fear. Dark Templar and a Dark Archon? Why would the Executor bring a Dark Archon? While not warriors in the strictest sense, their mental powers were unmatched in the known universe. Through their mental powers they could render dozens of enemy troops unconscious for a time, or, with enough effort, they could even wrest control of Zerg from Kerrigan's mental grip. The Executor's Zealots and Dark Templar created an honor guard around the Executor and his entourage. They walked forward as one. Halos also stepped forward to meet them. When they met, Halos and Raetor bowed deeply. [En Taro Adun, Executor,] said Halos placing his fist to his chest. Executor Treyvis inclined his head slightly. [En Taro Adun, Praetor.] [Your presence here greatly honors us.] [Yes,] replied the Executor. Treyvis looked around at the assembled warriors. [May the Khala's light be on this place, and may the wisdom of Khas, be with you, Praetor.] Externally, Halos nodded his thanks, while internally he seethed. How dare he invoke the name of the founder of the way of the Khala while in the presence of this profane creature! [Come, let us go to your office, Praetor,] said Treyvis. [There are many things I wish to discuss.] Halos felt his face pale. [What about the inspection?] [When there is time for inspections, then I will inspect them. For now, however, time is of the essence.] Turning to Raetor he said, [Judicator, dismiss the troops and assemble a detail to unload the supplies from the other three shuttles. Praetor, come with me.]
The door to Halos's office hissed open, and Treyvis walked in, followed by his Judicator, the Dark Archon and Halos. Halos motioned to three chairs. [Please, sit and be.] The Executor sat in Halos's chair behind the desk. The Judicator took her place at his right, and the Dark Archon sat another chair in front of the desk, forcing Halos to sit beside the Dark Archon. Halos did not like the implications of Treyvis sitting behind his own desk. [I apologize Halos. I have not introduced my companions.] He motioned first to Judicator behind him, the to the Dark Archon. [This is Judicator Wenella, and that is Varnor.] Halos nodded to each of them. He could feel his skin crawl as the wispy tendrils of Varnor's aura brushed against him. [Executor, why-] [Praetor, you are a person of puzzling contradictions. On the surface you seem to hold a brilliant mind and excellent command ability, and yet you also have performed some of the worst mistakes a Praetor can make. Your performance as a Guard Commander on Altair VI was both unpredictable and inspired. But I promote you to a Praetor and charge you with removing the Zerg infestation from this island, and you fail.] Halos began to protest, but Treyvis held up a hand had Halos became silent. [Not that you were without victories. You successfully managed to destroy one of the Zerg fortresses. The losses would have been relatively light, but you could not have anticipated the strange psychic weapon the humans used against the Zerg during their attack. And the creation of Phoenix was a masterful idea. Your enthusiasm for the project persuaded me to approve of the project even against Ka'Dalanis's misgivings and Wenella's advice. Phoenix's initial battle reports showed her to have great promise. [And yet, what was the end result of all this hard work? Ka'Dalanis, one of the best xenobiologists on this planet defects, taking Phoenix with them. Why? Because she was be used improperly, and because you were unwilling to listen to the knowledge of those who knew better than you. Then, when the Terrans contacted you with news that they had a weapon to fight the Zerg with, but needed our help, you refuse to even consider the idea. They were willing to give you almost any terms in order to gain your help. Did that not tell you anything?] Up until now, Treyvis had managed to remain calm, but as he went through Halos's list of mistakes, his eye began to flash brightly with anger. [Humans are nearly as prideful a species as we are, and yet, in your blindness, you ignore them when they plead for our help! What of the Dae'Hul? Are we not Stewards of this world and its people?] [Executor.I.] [Yes, you. Exactly you and no one else!] Treyvis jumped to his feet and glared at Halos who now sat cowering in his chair. [I am demoting you to Guard Commander. I will be in charge here until I can find a suitable replacement. Judicator Raetor is being reassigned. You, Commander, are dismissed.] [You can't do this!] protested Halos, also rising to his feet. [I rightfully gained this command, and I will not let you-] Suddenly, Varnor arose from his seat and stared down at the rebellious Commander. His eyes flared a bright orange. Halos cringed away from the massive creature, terrified. [Leave, Commander,] declared Treyvis, his mind-voice a deadly quiet whisper. [Now!] Halo's shoulders slumped in defeat. Getting up, he left the room. [What now, Treyvis?] asked Wenella. [Now we see if the humans can deliver as promised.] Activating the comm., Treyvis contacted the communications center. [This is Executor Treyvis. Transmit the following code: Alpha-Phoenix-3-Gamma-Templar. When the X-Com ships appear, allow them to land.] Turning to Varnor, he said, [Do you think it can be done?] Varnor turned his head towards Treyvis. His brow furrowed, as through just now seeing the Executor. When Varnor answered, the voices of the multitude spoke. [We shall see.]
"All right, everyone," said General Moroto over the radio. "We're almost at the Protoss base. No one is to make any sudden moves. We don't want to provoke anyone into doing something we'll regret later." [He need not be so worried,] said Ka'Dalanis to the others in the shuttle with her. [The Executor gave us safe passage. No one will dare defy him.] Ka'Dalanis bent over Akane, who was in a Protoss stasis cell that had been delivered by servants of the Executor. Beside Akane, lying in their own beds were Kasumi and Jessica. Both were still comatose. "He sounds pretty nasty," replied Ranma, who sat beside Nabiki. Across from them sat Darryl, who nodded in agreement. [He is not evil, just.powerful.] "In what way?" asked Darryl. [He was the Executor that defied the Great Conclave and joined the High Templar Tassadar in his quest to free the Dark Templar from the world of Char. Tassadar eventually destroyed the Overmind by combining the powers of both the Khala's Light and cold void. He died doing so.] She was silent for a moment. [It is rumored that the Executor learned many things from Tassadar before he died. Plus Treyvis has both the favor of the remaining warriors of Aiur and the Dark Templar on Shakuras. He is probably the most influential and powerful Executor in the Protoss Empire.] "Boy, it's a good thing we didn't bring Pops on this trip," said Ranma wryly. "You know how he is around authority." "Yeah," replied Nabiki. "Like father, like son." "Hey!"
Treyvis, Wenella, and Varnor, along with their honor guard watched as the three X-Com shuttles came in to land. Treyvis squinted his eyes as air blown from the vertical jets of the craft blew dust and debris around the landing pad. He watched as large vehicle elevators lowered from the belly of the shuttles and several humans emerged. From one came General Moroto, his aid Lieutenant Harper, Ryoga, and Ukyo, along with four other scientists and doctors. The second contained Ka'Dalanis, Akane in her stasis tube, Kasumi and Jessica on their gurneys, with Darryl, Ranma, and Nabiki beside them. The last held eight marines, an honor guard for the X-Com representatives. Before the Executor could step forward and greet them, Ka'Dalanis led Akane, Ranma, Ukyo, Ryoga and two of the doctors towards the Nexus, where Regeneration Tanks was awaiting them. One of Treyvis's eye-ridges rose as he watched the Healer and Ranma leave with their patient. Beside him, Wenella shook her head ruefully. [Healers,] she said to him privately. [They never change.] [So it would seem,] he replied, turning back to watch the rest of the human delegation form up and approach. [There is something.] started Varnor, his eyes lingering on Ka'Dalanis. The Executor's eyes furrowed. [What do you mean?] [I am.unsure. Something in her.calls to me.] Treyvis turned his attention to the humans. [We can worry about that later.] As the humans approached, the three could feel a heavy presence settle over them. It suddenly felt like they were trying to move through water, so thick was the feeling. [Tari Khala.!] whispered Varnor in amazement. At the head of the delegation was General Moroto, followed closely by Lieutenant Harper. After that was Kasumi and Jessica, each being pushed along by the two remaining doctors and Darryl and Nabiki. All around them were marines, who formed an escort for the party. The group stopped several feet from the Executor and his party. General Moroto and the rest of the military personnel saluted. "I am General Hikaru Moroto and I bring greetings from the United Earth Government and the X-Com defense force. With me is my aide, Lieutenant Deanna Harper. Captains Nabiki Saotome and Darryl Johnson, and finally Doctor Ibisha Yoshiro, our expert in Protoss biology, and Captain Harper Collins, our current head of Special Operations." Treyvis put one fist to his breast, as did his companions. [En Taro Adun, General. I am Executor Treyvis. This is my advisor, Judicator Wenella and Varnor, who is what we call a 'Dark Archon'. I, also, bring greetings from the Protoss people.] General Moroto barely restrained himself from staring at the Dark Archon before him. What was it? Where did they come from? So far Intelligence had no information about any such creatures in the Protoss army. Moroto knew it would be a long debriefing session when they returned to base. Treyvis's eye flickered over to the two humans on the gurneys. [These are the two you told us about?] "Yes, they are." Treyvis and Varnor moved over to Kasumi and Jessica. Dr. Yoshiro tried to explain what the problem was, but Wenella waved them away. Treyvis began to examine Jessica, but Varnor did not even spare a glance in her direction. All his attention was on Kasumi. Varnor's hand moved down until it was just above Kasumi's forehead. He closed his eyes. Kasumi's body began to twitch. Her head shook and a grimace came to her features. The crimson aura around Varnor flared brightly, and Kasumi's eyes and mouth opened. Her scream was a silent one, but the pain and horror she felt were blasted out onto the astral plane, and both Nabiki and Henry groaned and clutched their heads, while Treyvis and Wenella winced. A single blue tendril of energy came out of Kasumi's forehead and stopped in Varnor's palm. Suddenly, the biosuit surrounding Kasumi's body went wild. Spikes and spines formed all around her body, some two or three feet long, blindly stabbing out at the source of the pain to its host. One spike lashed out at the Dark Archon, but was halted by Varnor's crimson aura. Varnor pulled his hand away and the tendril of energy sank back into Kasumi's head. After a few moments, Kasumi's biosuit calmed and returned to its normal state. Varnor looked up at Treyvis, his expression grave. [This will be.difficult.]
Ka'Dalanis sat back, trying to relax after the several moments of tension she had experienced transferring Akane from the stasis cell to the Regeneration Tank. The transfer had caused Akane's life signs to fluctuate wildly, and she and another Healer had worked frantically to stabilize her. Ka'Dalanis turned to the other Healer to express her thanks. [Thank you Healer.] She trailed off not knowing the Healer's name. [Pranala, Healer.] Ka'Dalanis's eye ridges rose in surprise. [Pranala? I've read your record, and you're just a field Healer. What are you doing here?] Pranala's blue-white cheeks flushed a dark purple at the 'just a field Healer' remark. [Evidently, the Executor thought I would be of assistance to you in caring for your patients,] she replied stiffly. [And if you've read my file, then it must have been some time ago. I've started my teachings in xeno-cellular biology and nano-restructuring.] [Really?] Perhaps Halos had been using some forethought and I was being the impulsive one, Ka'Dalanis thought to her self. [Yes. Now, I believe that there are two Regeneration Tanks ready for your other patients downstairs.] Pranala began to make her way downstairs to where Ryoga and Ukyo awaited them. [Yes. Of course.] Ka'Dalanis followed the younger Healer, a bemused expression on her face.
In the upper levels of the Templar Archives General Moroto and most of his party gathered to be told of the Executor's findings. The Executor had spent most of the day cloistered with Varnor as they performed a detailed examination of both Kasumi and Jessica. By evening, they were ready to give them their report. "Well, can you heal her?" demanded Nabiki as Treyvis and Varnor entered. Treyvis looked down at the smaller woman. [Yes, we can.] Nabiki blinked. "Y-you can?" Tears filled her eyes. Her lower lip trembled and she buried herself in Ranma's shoulder. "S-she's going to be okay," she whispered hoarsely, not quite believing it. Ranma put his arms around her, a reassuring grin on his face. "See?" said Ranma, his voice and expression at his cockiest. "What'd I tell you?" Nabiki laughed and wiped the tears from her eyes. "Oh, you!" she said, exasperated. She pushed him away. Most of the rest of the humans looked relieved, except Darryl. "What about Jessica?" he asked. [Yes, we can help her as well.] Darryl's eye widened with hope. [But, her situation is more complicated.] "What do you mean?" asked Henry. [Think of it as though their minds were plastic. They are joined together by powerful bonds. As we pull them apart, they stretch and tear. Bits and pieces of each other's mind will be left behind after we separate them. Also, this operation will be extremely taxing. We will not have the strength to both pull Jessica free of Kasumi and put Jessica back into her own body. We will, instead, put her into what we call a Mind Gem. They are receptacles for the minds of Protoss Zealots when they have become injured beyond our capacity to heal them. Normally, once a Protoss has been transferred to a Gem, they are then implanted into a Dragoon. But in Jessica's case, we will leave her there until both Varnor and I have rested. After that, we shall return Jessica's mind to her body.] "When will you start?" [The day after tomorrow should be enough time for Varnor and myself to prepare ourselves. After we separate them, we will need a couple of days to rest and recover before we can move Jessica back to her body.] They all turned as Healer Pranala entered the room. [Excellent! Healer, what word do you have from Ka'Dalanis?] Pranala took out a data pad, tapped a few buttons, and gave her report. [Ukyo's scar tissue is being dealt with, and she will need some gene therapy to cure her of her allergy to Hydralisk venom. Ka'Dalanis estimates this will take about two days. Ryoga has sustained injuries to his astral receptors.] Pranala noted the confused looks from the humans. [Astral receptors are the synapses in the brain that channel energy from astral space. They've been burned out, and that's why he cannot regain his former strength. Healing him will take somewhat longer, about five days since we must do an extensive scan and map of Ryoga's brain, and use tailor made nanites to perform the restructuring.] "And what about Akane?" asked Nabiki. [That will take several weeks, but she thinks Akane will make a complete recovery, now that she had.'proper tools', I believe was the way she put it.] General Moroto chuckled. [Excellent! Thank you, Healer.] Pranala left. Turning to the rest, Treyvis continued. [I believe that is everything. If there are no further questions, then we shall see all of you here the day after tomorrow.]
Nabiki arose from the bed she and Ranma shared and went to the window. Going to the window, she watched the aliens working on the ground below her. It was not long before she heard Ranma get up and come to her side. "Worried about tomorrow?" he asked quietly. The day had gone by surprisingly quickly, as they all had busied themselves, trying not to focus on the treatment Kasumi and Jessica were going to undergo the next day. She nodded. "What.what if it doesn't work?" "It will work." Nabiki frowned and turned away. "You're just saying that." Ranma sighed. "Yeah, maybe I am. And maybe I believe, too." Nabiki hugged herself, trying to dispel the feelings of fear and uncertainty. "It's just.even if it does work, Kasumi won't be Kasumi anymore. You heard the Executor. There will be bits of Jessica in her. How do we know she'll even be sane?" She turned to Ranma, anger plainly written on her face. "And what about Akane? You.and her.I.I don't want to share you! You're mine! But.but Akane almost killed herself when she realized she couldn't have you and.and.I don't want her to die!" She spun away from him and gripped the window frame so tightly that had the metal not been made of alien materials, it would have warped under her hands. "Everything's been going so wrong in the past few weeks, and now so many problems are being solved.but what about the new problems they create?" Ranma took her in his arms. "Nabiki, I'm not sharing myself with anyone. Anyone! Not even Akane. You remember what happened when I wouldn't make a decision about the women in my life before, and I'm not going to make the same mistake now. I love you. I married you, and that's more important to me than anything." Nabiki felt tears run down her cheeks. "But what about Akane?" she whispered. "She'll just have to.get over me," he replied glumly. He knew how hard that could be on someone after seeing Ukyo's and Shampoo's reactions after they had discovered that he had married Nabiki. He also remembered some of their early attempts to 'convince' him to dump his wife. They did not work, much to their disappointment. "As for Kasumi, well, there's not much that we can do except wait, and hope."
[First, we need someone to act as an anchor,] Treyvis explained to the assembled group. [That person must be a powerful psion, and trusted by Kasumi. They will help Kasumi to keep her mind in her body as we pull Jessica and Kasumi apart.] "I'll do it," replied Nabiki and Darryl simultaneously. They turned to each other. "I'm more powerful than you are," said Darryl. "Kasumi trusts me a heck of a lot more than you," retorted Nabiki. General Moroto cleared his throat loudly. "Executor, what's the most important trait needed, trust or power?" [Power will create a stronger bond between the two, but trust will give the bond endurance, as neither side would be willing to give up and let go. I believe that trust is needed the most.] "It's all yours, Nabiki," growled Darryl. "Wait a minute," said Nabiki. "Why can't we both help?" [The more minds involved, the harder it will be. The astral resonance caused by your mind will make it harder for us to separate them. It is another reason why trust is more important that power. All we need is that you be powerful *enough*. And.] Treyvis brushed his fingers against Nabiki's forehead and she felt a slight tingle as he performed a minor probe. [Yes. I believe you are. Come with me.] The rest of the assembled went to an observation room, while the Executor took Nabiki to where Kasumi and Varnor awaited. Inside the room Varnor stood at Kasumi's right and Treyvis took up a position on Kasumi's left. Kasumi herself was lying down on a table with a wide variety of sensors imbedded in it. Above her was a large spherical crystal about the size of a human head. Treyvis pulled up a chair so that it was at the head of the table. [Sit,] he told Nabiki. She did so. [Now what you must do is go into Kasumi's mind and make contact. Let her know that no matter what happens, you are there to help her. Link with her, and do not let go until we tell you. Do not worry about Jessica and her probes, Varnor and I will shield you from them.] Varnor and Treyvis then turned to Kasumi and put their fingers lightly on her head. Nabiki felt a shift in the presence that accompanied Kasumi. Treyvis eyes began to glow a soft white, while Varnor's orange eyes flared brightly. [Now, Nabiki!] Nabiki put her hands on Kasumi's head and closed here eyes. She was amazed at the sight before her. In front of her, illuminated by a shaft of light, was Kasumi. Sticking out of Kasumi like a Siamese twin was Jessica. Jessica's left side was imbedded into Kasumi and the right half stuck out, flailing wildly. Both of their expressions were one of terror and confusion. On either side of Kasumi and Jessica were Varnor and Treyvis. Varnor glowed a deep dark red, while Treyvis was a brilliant white. Behind Kasumi and Jessica was a single point of light, which Nabiki assumed was the Mind Gem. A shaft of light from above, which represented the physical boundaries of their bodies, illuminated them all. Nabiki could see bolts of energy flashing out from both Kasumi and Jessica. Kasumi's were a bright red, while Jessica's were blue. The forks flew out in random directions. When they came near Varnor or Treyvis, the twisted away, deflected. Suddenly, a blue bolt flashed out directly at Nabiki. She instinctively raised her arms to block the strike, knowing as she did it, it would be futile, when, to her amazement, the bolt was blocked by a brilliant white shield that sprang up near her. She looked up and saw Treyvis staring at her. [Go! We cannot start until you have anchored Kasumi's mind!] Nabiki reached out, and touched Kasumi. Kasumi started in surprise then grasped Nabiki's hand tightly. [Who's there? Help me, please! What's happening to us.I mean me? What's going on?] [Kasumi! Kasumi, it's Nabiki!] [Nabiki? Who's Nabiki?] [Nabiki! I'm your sister! Remember? Nabiki!] [Nabiki.Nabiki.wait.yes, I do remember! Nabiki, you've got to help!] [That's what I'm here for. I've got some friends who are coming to help. All you need to do is hang on to me? Can you do that?] [Yes.yes I can? What's going to happen?] [Don't worry. Just hold on.] Focusing her attention on Treyvis she said [We're ready.] She watched as Varnor and Treyvis stepped out from under their columns of light and moved to Jessica. Varnor grabbed Jessica's hair and arm, and Trevyis took hold of her leg. As one they pulled. Kasumi's and Jessica's expressions changed from terror and confusion to excruciating pain. Like Varnor and Treyvis, they acted as one. They screamed. The shrill cry echoed throughout the astral plane. Nabiki was so surprised and horrified that she almost let go. The sight of Kasumi being pulled out from her body made Nabiki grab hold of her tightly again. Kasumi was completely ignoring Nabiki, focusing her attention on the strange creatures that hurt her. A blaze of red and blue energy blasted out from the pair and engulfed Treyvis and Varnor. It met their psychic shields and the energy storm flowed around and off them. Kasumi and Jessica struck again. And again. Powerful shields blocked each attack. [Stop her! We will fail if you do not stop her!] thundered Varnor. [Kasumi, stop!] cried Nabiki. [You have to stop; they're here to help!] [But they're hurting us.I mean me! They're hurting me!] Kasumi and Jessica hit them a fourth time with another wave of burning psychic energy. [Kasumi, you have to stop! Trust me! They're here to help.] Kasumi ceased her attack and looked back at Nabiki. [Please, trust me. I know it hurts, but they're trying to help you.] Kasumi stared back at her. Nabiki could feel her fear and uncertainty. [Trust me.] After what seemed to be an eternity, Kasumi nodded. Reaching out, she grasped hold of Nabiki's hands. Jessica continued to pound the two Protoss with blasts of energy, but without Kasumi's strength behind them, they were little more than an annoyance. Nabiki watched as Varnor and Treyvis slowly pulled Jessica away from Kasumi. Trying to ignore the screams of the two women, she realized that they were not pulling Jessica out of Kasumi, they were pulling her away from Kasumi. The parts where Jessica had melded into Kasumi did not reform into a complete face, but stayed at half a face with wispy blue tendrils of energy flowing out. For an eternity, Nabiki and Kasumi strained against Varnor and Treyvis. Several times she though she would not be able to keep a hold on her older sister, but she managed to summon up a reserve of energy she did not think she had, and managed to stay anchored. Eventually, the two Protoss managed to completely separate the two women. Drawing what was left of Jessica with them, they pulled her up to the Mind Gem and gently pushed her mind into it. When Jessica was finally pulled free, there was a psychic whiplash effect. Augmented by Kasumi's and Jessica's formidable powers, the wave washed over all present, knocking them to the ground. Treyvis and Varnor managed to retain their grip on Jessica, but Nabiki was pushed away from Kasumi. With the removal of Jessica from her mind, Kasumi had collapsed in a heap. Nabiki gently shook her, trying to get some response. [Nabiki.] Nabiki jumped, startled. [Let her rest. She will be several days in recovering.] His astral presence, once a brilliant white, was now just a dull gray. Turning away, he made his way back to his body. Releasing her hold on her older sister, Nabiki came out of her trance. Exhaustion overwhelmed her. She felt like she had swam across the Pacific, climbed Mount Fuji, and then had no sleep for three days. Trembling she stood and stumbled over to the window. Pressing a button, the window slid open and she stuck her head out, breathing the fresh air. A peculiar expression crossed her face, and she vomited up breakfast. Heaving over and over, she managed to push herself back inside just before she passed out. Ranma entered the room, completely ignoring the exhausted Executor and weakened Dark Archon. Picking up his wife, he jumped out of the window, fell four floors to the ground, and bolted towards the Nexus, where Ka'Dalanis was. Wenella was next into the room and helped Treyvis up. The Executor's dark gray skin was now a dull white, and circles hung under his eyes. [Must.rest,] he managed to project to his advisor. She nodded, and she and Pranala carried him from the room. General Moroto and Darryl watched the Executor leave. Turning to Varnor he asked, "Well? Did it work?" The Dark Archon's crimson aura was pale and weak, but the powerful creature did not show any other signs of his exertions. [Yes. Kasumi is alone in her body, and Jessica resides in the Mind Gem.] The Gem itself now glowed with a soft blue light. [The Executor will be a few days in recovering. Once he is ready, we will move Jessica from the Mind Gem to her body.] "What about Kasumi?" [She is as she should be. Whether that is enough, only time can tell.]
Several miles to the north, a lone Zergling stopped in its tracks. It cast its head about, looking like it was sniffing the air. The direction of its target discovered, it oriented itself and began the long trek south.
The scan technician massaged her skull, trying to relieve the dull pain in her forehead. Kasumi and Jessica had been separated the day before, and the psychic backwash had given everyone with even just a hint of psionic power a headache. Looking out through a window, she could see one of the humans, Ukyo, meet another human, whose name was.Nabiki, yes, that was it. These humans were so strange! The scan tech shook her head with bemusement. A beep brought her back to her console. Observer 247 stationed about five miles from the base, was reporting an intruder. An eye ridge rose as she saw that a Zergling was making its way south towards them. [Sir?] she called to her superior. [Yes, what is it?] he replied, coming over to her. [Observer 247 reports a Zergling making its way towards us. It should be here in about an hour.] [Only one?] [Yes sir.] His forehead wrinkled in confusion. [How unusual. Alert the Commander and reroute Observer 232 to monitor its progress.] [Yes sir.]
About three quarters of an hour later, the Zergling approached the outskirts of the Protoss base. The scan technician, her superior, Commander Halos and General Moroto watched the screen intently. The Zergling approached the base and stopped just short of the Photon Cannon's range. It moved back and forth, apparently trying to decide what to do. "That's not characteristic behavior in a Zergling," said Moroto. [Could it be caused by Kasumi?] asked Halos. Morotos rubbed his chin. "Possibly. But I don't know why.what the hell?!" As they watched, the Zergling blurred into the form of a Protoss Zealot, who then continued to walk towards the Protoss base. There was no reaction from the Photon Cannons guarding the Protoss fortress. [What is that?] demanded Halos. [Scans show it to be Protoss,] replied the Scan Tech. [Impossible! Order the Photon Cannons to open fire!] "No, wait! Capture it. We could learn more if we can take it alive." Halos's eyes narrowed dangerously. The Executor had ordered Halos to work with the humans, but his cooperation would only go so far. But for now, he would do as ordered. [As you wish. We will capture the creature instead.]
Outside, the Zealot passed through the Photon Cannons with no consequences. It stopped when confronted by several other Zealots and two Dragoons. [Halt and surrender!] declared one Zealot. The invader looked around at the assembled troops. Its form blurred again and it leapt away over their heads, evading the plasma blasts from the Dragoons.
[Sir, now it registers as human.] Moroto stared at the screen intently. "Can you give me a close up?" [Yes.] Pressing a few buttons, the figure expanded to fill the screen. General Moroto began to laugh. "Call off your men, Halos," managed Moroto through his laughter. "She.he's one of ours." [One of yours?] growled Halos. "Yes. He's an infiltrator. We thought he died when the Zerg attacked Japan: North." [How did he know you were here?] "One of his peculiarities is that he has a low level psychic link to Captain Kunonji. He has the ability to find her as long as she isn't protected by a psi-shield. I hear it caused Captain Kunonji some problems before the war."
"Ukyo-sama!" cried Tsubasa Kuranai. "I know you're here somewhere!" He raced around the compound, searching for his love. "Ukyo-sama!" Tsubasa had traded his girl school uniform for a female military formal dress. "Tsubasa, is that you?" called Ukyo from the opposite side of the compound. "Ukyo!" Ukyo was knocked off her feet as Tsubasa slammed into her at several miles an hour. When the dust cleared, Ukyo was lying against a building, with Tsubasa on top. He was covering her face with a multitude of kisses, trying to squeeze several words in between them. Ukyo, in the meantime, was trying unsuccessfully trying to fend him off. "Oh Ukyo! I'm so happy I found you! I love you, and I'll never abandon you like that ever again-" He was interrupted as Ukyo grabbed his head, pulled him near, and planted a huge passionate kiss on his lips. By the time Ranma and Nabiki arrived, the kiss had already lasted for about half a minute. They waited. And waited, and waited. Finally, Ukyo ended the kiss, and fell back, gasping for air. "Mmmmmmm.nice to see you too, Ukyo-sama," Tsubasa gurgled happily. Ukyo pushed the transvestite off of her and got to her feet. Tsubasa did not even notice. Brushing dust off her uniform, Ukyo muttered, "Stupid jackass!" Picking him up, she began shaking him. "Don't you ever disappear like that ever again! Are you out of your mind?! If you ever do something like that again, I'll.I'll." Pulling him into a tight hug, she whispered hoarsely. "You idiot! I'm so glad you're okay." "There, there, Ukyo," replied Tsubasa consolingly, still lost in the euphoria of Ukyo's kiss. "There, there." "Another family happily united," whispered Nabiki to Ranma. Ranma grinned and nodded. "Well, this is some unexpected good news," said General Moroto as he approached the group, with Commander Halos on his heels. Ranma and Nabiki snapped to attention. Ukyo tried, but was still being clung to by a dazed Tsubasa. "So, Tsubasa, how are you feeling?" asked Moroto. "Wonderful," he sighed, tracing designs into Ukyo's shoulder with a finger. "And where have you been?" "Oh, spying on the Zerg, and stuff like that." "And what did you find out?" "Not much. Oh, wait; they're getting ready to attack. They'll be here by tomorrow." "What?!" exclaimed the group. Tsubasa was startled out of his daze and stared at them. "What? What'd I say?" Grabbing the transvestite, Moroto began dragging him away. "We need to talk." "Hey! Leggo!" Tsubasa tried to struggle with the General, but his grip was like iron. "Ukyo, we'll talk later, right?" "Yeah, you go ahead." Halos stared at General Moroto and Tsubasa as they left. [What a strange human,] he remarked before following. "You got that right," muttered Ranma.
Tsubasa bolted from the room, searching for his love after the marathon briefing session. Halos and General Moroto, however, stayed behind, staring at the holographic display that Tsubasa's information had enabled them to create. The entire northern and eastern walls of the Protoss base was surrounded by Zerg. Troops of all kind made up the attacking force. Zerglings, Hydralisks, Ultralisks, they were all there, vector lines showing the directions of the assault. Matched against the Protoss defenses, the Zerg would surely win. "We can't win, can we?" asked Moroto. [No,] replied Halos grimly. [We can, however, make sure that we take as many of them with us as possible.] "What if we added our super martial artists to the defense?" Halos gave him a strange look but added the necessary information. After several trial runs, the Protoss ended up lasting longer, but eventually they were overwhelmed. [It's no good, General. There are simply too many of them.] Moroto stared at the map, thinking furiously. "Would adding any troops from Japan: South help? I'd have to leave most of them there, but I'm sure I could call up -" [Why are you doing this, human?] asked Halos. "Doing what?" [Volunteering to sacrifice your men for an alien race?] Moroto shook his head. "You really don't understand, do you?" [Perhaps you would enlighten me.] "Well, for starters, your base acts as a buffer zone between my base and the Zerg. Oh don't give me that look," said Moroto, as Halos glared down at him. "You'd think the same thing if our positions were reversed. Second, I have several excellent fighters here that won't leave without Akane, and quite frankly, I can't make them leave if they don't want to. And third, were allies Halos. It wouldn't be honorable to just leave you to the Zerg. I mean, what kind of creatures did you think we were? Ignorant barbarian savages?" Halos blinked. [In a word.yes.] Moroto threw hands up into the air in disgust. "Well, do you want our help or not?" There was a moment of silence as Halos considered the General's question. [Do I really have any choice?] replied Halos, his mind voice tinged with disgust. "I guess not," said Moroto sarcastically. "Not if you want a chance of surviving. Now, shall we get back to planning?"
"It's too bad Executor Treyvis couldn't be here," remarked General Moroto. [Yes, unfortunately he is still recovering from his ordeal with Kasumi,] replied Halos. [While the Executor and I do not agree on many things, one thing we do agree on is our goal to destroy the Zerg.] "I think that's one thing we can all agree on." Activating his communicator Moroto checked the disposition of his forces. "Nabiki, is everyone ready?" "As ready as we'll ever be," came the reply. Throughout the night X- Com troops moved into the Protoss base, bolstering the aliens forces. Almost fifty marines were joined by two dozen Goliaths, twelve siege tanks and another dozen interceptors. In a bit of a surprise move, X-Com: China East managed to send six prototype Valkyrie Missile Craft. These planes were loaded with hundreds of short-range dumb-fire missiles designed to inflict heavy damage against Guardian squadrons. "Ranma and myself are at the west entrance. Ukyo and Ryoga are at the north." "Good. Wait there for further orders." Moroto turned to Halos. "So, what does the simulator say now?" [Now we're destroyed only two times out of three.] "Great. Now instead of certain doom, were facing almost certain doom." [Jest will you can, General. Soon the time for humor will be behind us.] They waited. The sun peeked over the eastern horizon, bathing the warriors in its golden rays. Tension among the troops thickened until you could almost see it. Each person had his or her own way of dealing with the pre-battle tension. Some joked, like General Moroto, while others simply waited. Many, both Protoss and human, prayed. The Protoss prayed to the Khala, that its light and strength would guide them, and the humans prayed to whatever God they believed in. [Zerg units spotted in sectors A-3 and the C-5. All units stand ready!] Down the line, Zealots activated their psi blades, marines cocked rifles, and all the other troops prepared for battle.
In the end, it was the Guardians that turned the tide. The Protoss and X-Com air forces, weakened by wave after wave of Scourges, Mutalisks and Devourers, were unable to turn back the horde of Guardians sent against them. Their acid spores cut a bloody swath through the ranks, Zealot and Marine armour melting to slag. The defenders answered the initial barrage with the volley of surface-to-air missiles from the X-Com Goliaths and plasma blasts from Protoss Dragoons. Several Guardians disintegrated and others were heavily wounded. Unfortunately for the defenders, Zerglings and Hydralisks filled the hole created by the death of most of the infantry. Energy beams from Ranma and Nabiki ripped Zerglings apart, while Ryoga engaged his Breaking Point Technique, blasting huge craters in the landscape. Ukyo, running through their ranks like a freight train, cut down Zerglings and Hydralisks with ease. She even managed to slice of the leg off of an Ultralisk, which roared in pain and collapsed, lashing out at everything that came within reach, friend or foe alike. "Ukyo, Ryoga, how are we doing?" cried Nabiki through her communicator. "We're getting torn apart!" replied Ukyo. She watched as Ryoga threw a large boulder at the Guardians. On the way up, it hit one breaking bones in shattering flesh. On the way down, Ryoga jumped up and hit the rock with the Breaking Point. The Boulder became a large fragmentation bomb, impaling the airborne monsters with thousands of granite shards. During his descent, Ryoga lashed out at three Scourges that were approaching him with a powerful ki blast, turning them into protoplasmic mush. "We've got a breach in our line!" cried Ukyo. Dozens Zerglings and Hydralisks ran through the hole created by the Guardians. "Nabiki, you've got Zerg coming down to flank you! We can't do anything about it!" "Dammit! All right, all troops fall back - what the hell?!" To those who were psionically aware, it felt like the air had suddenly turned to water and a rock had been dropped in. Psionic waves rippled outward, washing over everyone, making both groups pause in their fight. Turning towards the source, the Zerg charged. Overrunning the defenders, Zerg poured into the base, completely ignoring their foes, who continued to pour fire into their enemies. [What's happening?] demanded Halos. [Our sensors have been scrambled, sir,] replied one scan-technician. [It will take us a few moments to get back on-line.] "We've got more important things to worry about!" said General Moroto, pointing out a window. Through the window, they could see the Zerg that had managed to break through running towards them at top speed. Guardians joined Hydralisks, Ultralisks and Zerglings in the assault. The defenders retreated and tried to regroup around the Nexus, but the Zerg had the advantage of both speed and numbers. [Prepare for the assault!] bellowed Halos to the security forces in the besieged building. [All personnel to battle stations!] "Here they come!" cried Moroto. They braced themselves for the attack. The thunder of approaching invaders shook the building to its foundations. Any time now. thought Moroto. The roaring reached a crescendo and. Nothing. No sounds of battle, no cries of anger, just the thunder of running Zerg. "What's going on?" demanded Moroto as the building shook around them. [Sensors are on line,] replied the scan-technician. [The Zerg forces are ignoring us and continuing south.] Moroto's brow furrowed in confusion. "South? What's so important to the south of us?" [Nothing,] replied Halos. [Just some research facilities. An Observatory, our Robotics Support Bay and the.] Halo's eyes widened in horror. [The Templar Archives! They're after Kasumi! Everyone, rally around the Templar Archives! We must protect Kasumi at all costs!] Horror and fear for her older sister's life flooded through Nabiki. Her green battle aura blazed around her, and she bolted to Kasumi's aid. Green fire flowed off her as she ran, past the defenders, leaping over the Zerg, and to the enterance of the Archives. Her aura grew brighter, and she raised an arm, her first two fingers extended. "I'm not going to let you have her!" she cried to the advancing aliens. "Never again!" Nabiki crouched down and touched her fingers to the ground. A wave of concussive force blasted outward and into the enemy. While there was little damage, the confusion caused was considerable. The first and second ranks were blown off their feet into the third, who tripped and fell, causing those behind them to stumble to a halt. This gave the defenders the precious seconds needed to catch up with their foes. The Siege Tanks led the way, crushing the Hydralisks and Zerglings underneath their treads, creating a path for the rest. Zealots and Marines sprinted to create a perimeter around the Archives. Goliaths and Dragoons blasted away at the Zerg while moving into supporting positions behind the infantry. Reavers, too slow to take the advantage of the enemy's confusion, took up positions behind the Zerg, protected by Dark Templar. The few remaining Templar joined them, bathing the Zerg in storms of psionic energy. By the time most of the troops were in position, the rest of the martial artists had managed to make their way to the tired Nabiki. "Way to go Nabiki," congratulated Ukyo. "Yeah, that was really, something," added Ryoga. "Are you okay?" asked Ranma. Nabiki got to her feet. "Yeah," she replied, her voice shaking slightly. "Just let me catch my breath. "What was that?" "A spur of the moment combination of the Breaking Point and the Moko Takabisha." "You'll have to teach it to me." "If we survive." "Yeah, if we survive." As the Zerg forces milled around in confusion, the defenders pounded them with their wide array of weapons. Zealots engaged them in hand-to- hand, tearing into them with their psi-blades. Marines and Goliaths poured bullets into the enemy, creating piles of dead in the enemy line. Dragoons attacked Zerg air units, knocking Scourges and Mutalisks from the sky. Reavers shot their Scarabs into the Zerg ranks, obliterating dozens of Hydralisks, while the invisible Dark Templar quickly obliterated the troops that managed to counterattack. It took less than thirty seconds for the Zerg to recover, but in that time, the defenders managed to change the odds from five-to-one to three-to-one. Even with the horrible losses incurred from the defenders, the Zerg still managed to tear into the defenders, breaking through the first line. Ultralisks slammed into the second line, tearing apart Dragoons, Goliaths, and Tanks with their powerful mandibles. The final line, the martial artists, managed to hold, but they could only protect one side of the building. The other three were open to attack. Zerglings began clawing at the building while Hydralisks shot their spines. The force field surrounding the Archives glowed a sapphire blue as it repelled the attacks. Guardian acid spores caused the shield to burn, the smell of ozone filling the air. In less than a minute, the shield was breached and Zerglings poured into the building, followed by the martial artists, who managed to race ahead of the aliens up to Kasumi's room. Ryoga shut and locked the door just ahead of a charging Zergling. There was a loud clang, and the door shuddered. "That's not going to hold them for long!" he cried. Kasumi was lying on the floor, unconscious. Ranma grabbed her and ran to the window. He quickly leaped back and away as an acid spore hit the side of the building. The group watched in horror as the wall melted away before their eyes. Guardians hovered almost a hundred feet away, their sacs bulging in preparation for another attack. Down below, a sea of Zerglings and Hydralisks, with about a dozen Ultralisks trying to get close, covered the ground. "Ryoga, jump down and make an opening for us!" ordered Nabiki. "Ranma, back me up. Ukyo, take care of Kasumi." Ranma gave Kasumi to Ukyo, then he and Nabiki began shooting the Guardians with their ki blasts while Ryoga dropped to the ground below. "Baksai-Tenketsu!" Touching the ground with is finger, the ground erupted, creating a thirty-foot diameter crater and knocking the Zerglings back and away from him. The rest of the group dropped down into the clear space created by Ryoga. Above them, the Guardians continued to hammer the Archives. "Quick, let's get to the Nexus!" said Nabiki. Using the Zerg like stepping stones, they leapt from Zergling to Zergling, staying one step ahead of their attackers, dodging Zergling claws and Hydralisk spines sometimes with only inches to spare. When the reached it, they ran to the entrance - and bounced off the building's shield. "We can't get in!" exclaimed Ukyo. "The shield's still up," replied Nabiki, her voice resigned. "Besides," she continued, looking out at the horde before them. "What good would it do?" Ukyo gently put Kasumi on the ground. Drawing her battle spatula, she faced the enemy. "I don't know about you guys, but they're not taking me without a fight." Ryoga pulled his umbrella out from behind him. "I'm with you, Ukyo." Ranma and Nabiki embraced each other tightly. "I love you," Ranma whispered. Nabiki's mouth twitched into a slight smile. "I know." Ranma threw his hands up in disgust. "Women!" Taking his face in her hands, Naibki drew him into a short, deep, passionate kiss. "I love you too." Behind the Zerg army, the Templar Archives collapsed into rubble "NOOOOOO!!!!" Kasumi bolted upright into a sitting position, eye wide with fear. "Jessica!!" She blinked and looked around. "Where am I?" "Kasumi?!" cried the assembled group of martial artists in amazement. "Oh, hello everyone. What-" Kasumi was interrupted as Nabiki fell into Kasumi's arms. "Kasumi! Are you all right? How do you feel?" "I'm fine Nabiki." Kasumi stood, pulling Nabiki up with her. Looking Nabiki over, Kasumi shook her head. "Nabiki Tendo, you look horrible. You've always had the most inappropriate taste in clothes. And your figure! What happened to you?" "Hey guys, we've got other things to worry about than what Nabiki's wearing," warned Ukyo. "Oh, it's those cute Zerg creatures," remarked Kasumi. The Zerg, about to pounce on their foes, had now drawn back away from the group. They hissed in anger and fear, but were unwilling to close with them. "What're they doing?" wondered Ryoga. "It almost seems like they're afraid of us," replied Ranma. "No," said Nabiki. "Not us, but." She turned to Kasumi. "Her. They're afraid of Kasumi." "No way!" said Ukyo. "Zerg aren't smart enough to be afraid." "The troops aren't," replied Ranma. "But the Overlords are. Look." He pointed up to where the Overlords, hovering over their charges, were grouping together, seeking strength in numbers. "Kasumi," said Nabiki earnestly. "You've got to take control of them, like you did before." "What?" "The other Zerg. You've got to turn them to our side or they'll kill us all!" "Me? But I-" "Go!" Nabiki pushed her older sister to the front, in full view of the Brood. Kasumi stared at the massed aliens, fear filling her entire being. "N-nabiki, I-I don't think I can do this!" "You have to!" "I can't! I-" At that moment, a Guardian floated forward and shot a gob of acid at the Nexus. The ball hit the shield and was repelled. Down below the martial artists scattered, trying to avoid the spray. Unfortunately, Nabiki dodged one glob of acid, only to run into another one. It landed on her back and almost immediately ate through her uniform. Nabiki screamed in agony and the acid burned her flesh. She began thrashing wildly, trying to get the acid off of her. "Nabiki!" Ranma tore off his uniform shirt. Jumping on the struggling woman, he tried to scrape off the acid with his shirt, with minimal success as the acid also began to eat through his shirt and reach his fingers. Kasumi's face turned white and she felt her legs weaken. I can't do it, I can't! she thought. The world began to fade into darkness and she began to faint when a bolt of thought reached out and touched her. [Join us.] The thought brought her back upright. "What?" she asked confused. [Join us, or we will kill your friends.] Kasumi looked across the field of battle and saw the assembled Overlords. The thought was coming from them. [Join us now!] they demanded. [Or we will destroy all you hold dear! End this conflict and live!] They were afraid! She could feel it. If they were afraid, then that meant she could do something. But what? Suddenly, she remembered her first confrontation with these creatures, and how she defeated them. Processes floated through her mind, methods of channeling energy she never knew before. Kasumi realized they were from Jessica, while they shared the same body. Kasumi had most, if not all of Jessica's training. She had the power, she had the knowledge, and she had a target. Now to use it. Kasumi turned to face the Overlords. Her eyes began to glow a bright red. Staring up at the bulbous creatures she sent her reply. [This fight ends NOW!] Kasumi opened the floodgates. Astral power poured through the aliens. Telepathic cries of agony radiated out from the Overlords. Zerglings charged at her, but she raised her hand, palm outward. Another blast of energy eradicated those closest to her. [No,] came a weak telepathic call. Kasumi started in surprise. That was not from the Overlords. She turned and saw Nabiki lying prone on the ground, her eyes filled with pain, barely holding on to consciousness. Ranma was above her, trying his best to remove the acid still on her body. [Don't kill them. Capture them. Take them from the Swarm. You can do it.] Nabiki became too weak to send. Kasumi saw Nabiki's body slump into unconsciousness. Take control of them? How? Kasumi wondered. She turned back to the Overlords, who were squirming in her mental grip. Closing her eyes, she looked at them with her mind's eye. She could see tiny strands leading from every Zerg up to the Overlords that controlled them. She could see thicker, more powerful lines that came out of the Overlords that led back to the Cerebrate that controlled them. Reaching out, she grabbed hold of one of the lines in her mental hands. With a powerful yank, she broke the line in two. Taking the end that was connected to the Overlord, she pulled that line into herself. A flood of alien sensations filled her mind. She could see, for a moment, herself through the eyes of the Overlord, of the Zerglings, of the Hyralisks under its command. The Overlord's thoughts and her's were one. The Zerg still in the Swarm turned on the emancipated Overlord. Already weakened by Kasumi's previous attack, the Overlord fell, disintegrating into blood and gobbets of flesh. As the Overlord died, the alien presences in her mind vanished. Kasumi opened her eyes and stared at the aliens before her. She could do it. She could do it! Kasumi smiled, remembering all the times Ranma or Akane had acted to protect herself or her friends. Now, it was her turn. Grabbing all the lines connecting the Overlords to the Cerebrate, Kasumi strained, trying to break the ties. She could feel both the Overlords and the Cerebrate resisting her intrusion. Trying every trick Jessica had taught her, she fought. For her friends, for her family, for her world, she fought them. For an eternity, it seemed like no one side managed gain the upper hand. Then, Kasumi felt a tiny bit of give in one of the lines. Then another. And another. With a rush of renewed strength, Kasumi pulled. One by one, the bonds were broken. Kasumi pulled apart the tie that bound the Cerebrate and its Zerg. Bringing the lines to her, she and the Zerg became one. Alien sensations overwhelmed her. Clutching her head, she fell to her knees, trying desperately to keep her sense of self. Memories not her own appeared in her mind's eye. Her mind was a swirling maelstrom, and she was at its center, being pulled in every direction. She could not think. She fought to remember. She was Kasumi. She had two sisters. She was . .a Mutalisk attacking an avian race on Deneb VII. .an Ultralisk, awaiting the commands of its Cerebrate on Altair III. .a Zergling, deep in its burrow. .a Guardian.an Overlord.a Drone.a Hydralisk. .
Kasumi awoke. Her first recognizable sensation was something warm pushing her. Opening her eyes, she saw the horrid form of a Zergling. It was nudging her, encouraging her to stand. She sat up. Looking around, she could see the assembled Brood around her, silent waiting for her orders. Above in the sky were the Overlords, bent to her will. She smiled. It was her family. They were waiting for her. How considerate of them. Standing, she turned and saw Nabiki, Ranma, and the others. Her brow furrowed. She knew them. Who were they? She blinked. Who am I? she thought. I use to know. I can almost remember. Nabiki and Ranma approached Kasumi. Nabiki's face was filled with pain, and she leaned heavily on her husband. "K-Kasumi?" she asked, her voice hoarse from her screams. Kasumi's eyes widened in recognition. "Yes. Kasumi. I'm Kasumi. Your sister." She smiled and embraced her younger sibling. [Queen of the Zerg.]
End of Chapter 14