Chapter 15: Full Potential
Kasumi struggled with the Overlords for control. Straining against their mental influence, she fought Daggoth tooth and nail, trying to break its connection with its minions. The Brood before her writhed in agony from the battle, caught between conflicting commands. Kill Kasumi/reject Daggoth! The commands raced through their puny brains, each trying to gain dominance over the other. Suddenly, something seemed to give. Kasumi's aura blazed a brilliant red, and, with a cry of anger, Kasumi ripped apart the psychic connection between the Overlords and Cerebrate and pulled their minds into her own. Kasumi screamed in horror and fell to her knees, trying to protect herself from the flood of alien memories that swept through her. Without warning, Kasumi's aura lit up like a small star, casting a red glow over the land. Then it vanished, like someone had thrown a switch. When the glare cleared, Kasumi lay on the ground, unconscious, a small sea of Zerg approaching her. One Zergling stepped forward and nudged her. There was no response. He tried again. This time Kasumi stirred. Sitting up, she smiled at the Zerg. Her Brood. Her family.
After the clip was over, lights from above quickly illuminated the plush conference room. Muted whispers and mutterings filled the room as the six Generals began to talk about what they had just seen. Standing in the front of the room, Executor Treyvis stood off to one side, watching the proceedings. "My God," whispered General Raynor. "It's Sarah all over again." "But she's on our side," said General Moroto. "Is she?" asked General Alfred Brown, who was the Regional Commander of X-Com's Europe division. "Sarah was on our side once," remarked Raynor. Moroto felt a chill at the look in the man's eyes. "All right, everyone, that's enough!" General Thomas Charleston, Regional Commander of North America, rapped his gavel on the table, bringing the meeting back to order. "Executor, please continue." Treyvis stepped forward. [Thank you,] he said pausing for a moment to collect his thoughts. [As you can see, we have been presented with a unique opportunity. For the first time in the history of all our races, Human, Protoss, and Zerg, an outside force has the ability to control the Zerg. Before this, forces hostile to us always controlled these creatures. First, there were the Xel'Naga, then the Overmind, and finally, the Queen of Blades. Always before has the Swarm been a force of destruction. Its only goal: the consumption of life. It seemed that the Overmind had reached its goal when it overran our homeworld of Aiur. For if we had fallen, there would have been no race in the galaxy capable of fighting the Zerg. Not even the Jurian Empire, which is nearly as old as ours. But, with the help of our dark brethren, we destroyed the Overmind, severing the head of the snake. Unfortunately, a new threat, the Queen of Blades, arose, and took the reigns of power from her unholy father. We did not know the source of this new threat. For a time we thought one of the Jurian Royal Family had been taken, but when the Queen of Blades came here, we knew that this planet was her home.] Treyvis's shining blue eyes met each of his listeners as he continued. [Her Cerebrates hold the borders of Zerg space while her attention is focused here. Why? Why does the mighty Queen of Blades bother with a tiny backwater planet such as this? Your kind has barely achieved space-flight technology. Your weapons are pitifully primitive. Only our intervention prevented the complete and utter destruction of your race. We gave you the time to gather what remnants of your population you could and barricade yourselves in your underground fortresses. Only through our effort, luck, and perhaps the will of Adun, did you survive. Why would Kerrigan go through such extremes to eradicate your kind?] His eyes blazed. [It is because she knows that there are other humans on this world capable of doing what she has done! The most dangerous competitor for a species is its own kind! She knows that if she could become what she is, so could others. She knows what a threat someone like Kasumi could be to her, so she seeks to destroy people like Kasumi before they attain their full potential.] [And the potential is great. Kasumi already has approximately one hundred Zerg, mostly warrior strains, under her control, and the Cerebrate in Japan has so far been unsuccessful in reclaiming them. We believe that with further training, she may be able to face it down and destroy it. We foresee the possibility of Kasumi even being able to kill Kerrigan herself.] The assembled Generals, with the exception of Moroto, gaped at Treyvis. [But for this we need time,] continued Treyvis. [It will be weeks, perhaps even months before she would have even the possibility of defeating a Cerebrate.] "So how do we get that time?" asked General Brown. [I have petitioned the Great Conclave to allocate more resources to this war. They have seen and heard what I am telling you now. The Swarm is in disarray. Kerrigan doesn't know how to fight this new threat. Always has the Swarm overwhelmed its opponents by sheer force of numbers. But now they have an enemy who defies them. Any force launched against Kasumi could be turned against them. Kerrigan must think of a new way to fight Kasumi. We cannot give her the opportunity.] Treyvis paused for effect. [I want to launch a worldwide assault against the Zerg. Our combined forces will be used to distract Kerrigan and gain us the time needed to train Kasumi. Kerrigan cannot be everywhere at once, but such is her desire for power that she will try to oversee everything herself. Her pride and arrogance will be her downfall. Once Kasumi is ready, we will take her to Kerrigan. Kerrigan will be destroyed, and Kasumi will then control the Swarm.] "And then what?" asked Reynor. [We do not know,] admitted Treyvis. [The galaxy has lived under the threat of the Zerg for so long that it is difficult to conceive the idea of a peaceful Swarm. It is even harder to think of what use such a force could be. It could not be worse than now.] "This is crazy," said General Ming Tao, who ran the Asian Division. "Kerrigan's the source of our problem, and you're proposing we make another one?" "Don't be so blind," retorted Moroto. "The Zerg aren't evil, just the leaders. Like the Executor said, cut off the head of the snake." "And put a new head in it's place," finished Tundi Zimbara, commander of Africa. "A snake that strikes on command." "We hope," said General Charleston. "Hikaru, how do we know Kasumi can handle this? She took over a hundred Zerg, and it looked like it almost drove her crazy. For all we know, it did." "Even if she is sane," continued General Tao, "how do we know she will continue to be friendly to our cause? Look at what happened to Kerrigan, and she was working for us at the time as well." Treyvis quickly interrupted before the argument could escalate. [First of all, Kasumi is quite sane. Second, the training Kasumi will receive will strengthen her powers and enable her to better control the Zerg. Even now, what had once been a burden to her is now becoming second nature. As for Kasumi remaining on our side, you must first understand what caused Kerrigan's turning. The Overmind corrupted her with complex psionic conditioning, even more complex than anything we could produce. When combined with the pollution of her DNA with the Overmind's own essence, the Queen of Blades was created. Kasumi will have no conditioning, and definitely no additions to her DNA. Her loyalties will remain with us.] "And you're certain of this?" asked General Tao belligerently. "The last thing this war needs is another Queen." One of Treyvis's eye ridges rose. [Are you certain the sun will rise next week?] "Of course," replied General Tao uncertainly, waiting for the curveball. [And what if I told you my people could introduce a device into your sun that would cause it to go nova?] A stunned silence followed the comment. [My point, gentlemen, is that there are no certainties. Only possibilities. I believe that Kasumi is the best possibility of not only winning the war on this planet, but around the galaxy.] General Charleston spoke. "Executor, a worldwide assault would be a last ditch effort on our part. We would either have to win, or our race would perish. We cannot agree on such a measure without-" He stopped at the sound of a gentle rapping on the door. "Come." A Zealot entered, stopped just inside the door and saluted smartly to the Executor. [A message for the Executor.] Charleston nodded. The Zealot went to Treyvis, gave him a small data crystal, and then departed. Treyvis fitted the crystal into a slot in his Templar armour, and then closed his eyes as the message was played out in his mind. He opened them a few moments later. [I bear tidings from the Conclave, both good and bad. They have approved of my plan, and are willing to increase production in order to supply me with additional troops. However, they are unwilling to do this alone. They will commit if you will.] He looked around at the assembled Generals. [I will withdraw so you may confer.] Exiting the room, there was dead silence left in his wake.
Moroto was the first to speak. "Before anyone says anything, I just want to ask a question. Do we have any choice? We've lost two X-Com bases this year already, one in Japan, and one in China. Our recruitment is falling behind our losses in several areas, and our Ghost program can't train new recruits fast enough. And now, we've got these new elite Zerg, the Hunter Killers, to face. We're being worn down. If we hold back, if we refuse to commit, and we lose Kasumi, our race won't survive." "I have to agree," concurred General Zimbara. "Africa was neither heavily populated nor very technological when this war started. We don't have the resources to continue. We're barely holding what we have. Of course," he said, a little more sarcastically than he intended, "my colleagues from North America, and Europe might disagree. You have the technology to deal with the Zerg, and may not feel that help from the Protoss is necessary." "Assuming he's telling the truth," replied General Tao. General Charleston nodded once, seemingly to himself, then addressed the assembled Generals. "He was. Our telepaths intercepted the transmission. Assuming the Conclave is not lying to Treyvis, they are willing to help us." "What if they try to turn Kasumi against us?" asked Tao. "Haven't you been listening?" exclaimed Raynor. He looked up at the ceiling. "Bring up Tac-Map South America 3." Someone in an adjacent room activated the view-screen that displayed a tactical map of the South American continent. There were two spots of green, one where the nation of Panama used to be, and a second on the eastern coast of Brazil. They represented an X-Com presence. Four blue spots showed the approximate location of the Protoss bases, all along the Chilean coastline. The rest of the map was red. "Take a good long look Ming. Even if we destroy all the Zerg on the Earth except here, it would take us generations to muster enough force to dislodge them. And what's to stop them from coming back? Or getting re-enforcements from space?" Raynor glared at the people around him. "Hikaru's right. We can't win. The only thing we can do is lose. It's just a matter of when. We need help."
Nabiki waited patiently. Eventually someone would come along. Fortunately, she did not have to wait long. A High Templar approached. Her skin tingled as he passed, his powerful astral presence making the hairs on her arms stand up. The door to the Archives hissed open and, invisible, she leapt inside a step behind the Templar. Not quite sure where to go, she decided to follow him. There was only one thing of interest in here, and it was a safe bet that he was heading in that direction. Her guess was not wrong. He eventually led her down into an underground chamber where she found what she was looking for. Barely managing to suppress a hiss of surprise, she immediately shielded herself from the energies floating around the room. Kasumi stood in the centre of the large circular chamber. Arrayed around her were four Templar, and the one she was following added itself to the circle, making five. Varnor stood off to one side, overseeing the exercise. Kasumi was looking slightly intimidated by the Templar, but not overly frightened. [When I give the signal,] Varnor said to the Templar, [do what I told you to do.] To Kasumi he said, [Your only goal is to defend yourself.] Kasumi nodded. Varnor took one last look around at the group, and then nodded. Three of the Templar let loose with a wave of energy, bringing it down on Kasumi like a vice, enclosing her it its grip. Kasumi's expression tightened and she erected a shield to protect herself. Surrounded by a field of red-white energy, she withstood the continuous assault from the three Templar. The other two waited a few moments, then began to strike Kasumi's shield at weak points that appeared, forcing her to quickly re-enforce her defences. Nabiki watched her flinch with each whip-like attack. The standoff continued for several minutes, both sides showing strain from the battle. [Very good, Kasumi,] said Varnor as the Templar continued to push the limits of her endurance. [Now, can you handle *this*?] On 'this', Varnor let loose with the totality of his power, performing a crushing attack directly against Kasumi's mind. Kasumi cried out and fell to her knees. Grimacing, her eyes tightly closed, she strained against the six-pronged attack. Opening her eyes to slits, she valiantly tried to fend off Varnor's assault while he gazed down at her, his crimson aura swirling around him. Nabiki watched, a mixture of fear and wonder running through her. Staying alive, facing five High Templar and a Dark Archon? How powerful was she? What else could she do? At the same time, she feared for her sister's safety. Despite the label, this was not training. A mistake at this point could kill anyone. [Enough!] declared Varnor. The six Protoss halted their attack. Nabiki could see their auras, wan and pale, weakened by the prolonged battle. Kasumi fell to her knees, gasping for breath, perspiration making a bright sheen on her skin. [Thank you all, noble Templar. En Taro Tassadar.] The Templar nodded at both Kasumi and Varnor, then left. Varnor turned to Kasumi. [Excellent, Kasumi. Your powers and endurance grow daily. Your Zerg have already ceased to become a burden to you, and I believe you could control many more, were you given the opportunity. I hope that day comes quickly. How go your efforts to channel energy from the cold void?] Kasumi grimaced. [It hurts. I haven't been focusing a lot of time on it.] [Kasumi, Cerebrates can only be killed by the energies of the Dark Templar. You cannot neglect this aspect of your training.] [I'm sorry. I'll work harder on it.] [Good. You may go now to your rooms and rest. En Taro Tassadar.] Kasumi waited in silence as Varnor turned and left. She sat for a few more moments, regaining her breath. Nabiki began to wonder how she was going to get out of the room without being noticed, when she felt a tingle of thought brush against her mind. [You can come out now, Nabiki.] Grinning nervously, Nabiki ended her cloak, which was good, because she was running low on energy herself. "Not bad, sis. You could see me?" "Yes," Kasumi replied, struggling to her feet. "It's not that hard." "Gee, thanks," Nabiki responded sardonically. Kasumi gave her a smile in return. "You're welcome." Kasumi closed her eyes, and her biosuit flowed up her neck and covered her sweat soaked head. A few seconds later, the suit flowed back down, and Kasumi's face and hair were immaculately clean. "I wish I could do that," commented Nabiki as they made their way to Kasumi's rooms in the upper levels of the Archives. "It doesn't feel as good as a hot bath, but it saves time." There was a moment of awkward silence. "How's Akane?" "Ka'Dalanis says she doing well. It's been a month, and she needs another week or two before she can be brought out. It'll be even longer before Akane's really in fighting form. There's only so much they can do in the Tank." Kasumi looked at her in surprise. "It's been a month already? The time seems to have just flown by." "When are they going to let you out of here, Kasumi?" "Varnor says I need isolation so I can focus on my training." Kasumi giggled. "You realize that this is my very first 'training trip?' I've never done something like this before, not even school." Her expression became melancholy. "Not even with Father. We were all so busy focusing on Akane." She brushed tears out of her eyes. "Oh, Nabiki I miss him so much!" Nabiki put her arms around her older sister's shoulders. "I do too, sis." "At least you handle it better than I do." "Hey, he's been dead for me for five years. I've gotten use to it. He's only been dead to you for a month. And it's been a busy month at that. You haven't really had time to grieve." Kasumi fought back the tears. "You've really grown, Nabiki." Nabiki shrugged. "Yeah, well, I haven't had much choice. None of us have." They walked in silence until they reached Kasumi's rooms. Entering, Nabiki stared, amazed at the size. The apartment, as she thought of it, had a large elliptical living area, with several pieces of furniture, all human sized. It also had a holo-screen, and small dinning area. A second room was a bedroom. "Nice digs, sis." "Thank you. The Protoss built it for me." Going to a window, she opened it and looked down at the field beside the Archives. Broken up into smaller groups, her Zerg were being held in large pens. Hovering above them were the Overlords, watching over them. One Overlord separated from the group and floated to where Kasumi was. [Greetings, my Queen.] [Hello. How are they today?] [They are well. They are no longer as restless as they were before. The games you suggest we use to occupy them were surprisingly successful. Fetch was particularly effective.] Nabiki began to laugh, imagining Zerglings chasing like mad after a large stick, scrambling over each other, fighting for possession of a piece of wood. She quickly became aware of Kasumi staring at her. She could also feel the Overlord focusing its attention on her. She stopped in mid laugh. "What?" she asked. Kasumi and the Overlord continued to stare at her strangely for a moment, then continued their communion. As the two spoke, Nabiki tried to repress a shudder. How alien her sister looked at this moment! [So they're all behaving?] [Yes. They did not even object when the Protoss came to take a couple to examine them.] Kasumi's normal cheery face chilled down to a dangerous glare. Nabiki could feel the Overlord mentally draw away in fear. Nabiki herself felt slightly nervous. She had never seen such a look on her sister's face. Nabiki found herself holding her breath. [Just examine?] [Yes. There have been no more experiments since that first time.] Kasumi's cheery expression returned. [Good. You can go back now.] Nabiki let her breath out. The first time the Protoss tried experimenting on Kasumi's live Zerg, Kasumi had stormed in on the researchers, paralysed them, released the Zerg, then gave them a painful mental lashing. It was several days before the effects of the punishment faded. "Nabiki?" called Kasumi. Nabiki went to the window. "What?" "What's going on over there?" Nabiki looked at where Kasumi pointed. About a dozen Protoss shuttles were launching. Joining six massive carriers flying in a holding pattered over the base, they turned east and began flying towards the horizon. "Oh that. They're transporting troops to their bases in China." "What for?" "To make up for troops they've lost attacking the Zerg." "Attacking the Zerg? I though they were waiting for me to take them over." "We're doing it to keep Kerrigan busy. She doesn't know how to fight you, and we can't give her the time to figure out a way. Everyone's attacking the Zerg right now, trying to keep her off balance." Kasumi stared at Nabiki in horror. "Everyone? The whole planet?" "Yes. Didn't they tell you?" "No!" "Oh. I guess they didn't want to worry you." Nabiki paused, trying to think of something to say. "Sorry," she muttered finally. Kasumi stared out of the window, oblivious to her surroundings. She thought about her training, all the people, Protoss and human, hurt and dying, giving her the time to learn enough to defeat the Zerg. About her attitude towards her training, the excuses she used to justify shirking on different areas. "Nabiki, could I have some time alone? I need to think." Nabiki gave her a long, worried look. "Are you sure?" "Yes." Looking at her face, Nabiki could see the strain on her sister's face. "Please? Just for a little while." After an uncomfortably long moment, Nabiki nodded. "Okay. I'll be back later." Nabiki left, leaving Kasumi alone with her thoughts.
[I think we've discovered that power flow problem, Praetor.] [Excellent. How soon until it is repaired?] Praetor Artanis looked over the technician's report as he climbed out of his custom modified Scout. [A couple of hours.] [Good, let me know when you're finished.] Artanis left the maintenance bay beside the Stargate and made his way towards the Nexus. "Praetor!" Artanis looked behind him and saw Nabiki jogging towards him. He stopped and waited, then continued after she had caught up. [En Taro Adun, Major,] he said amicably. "Please, call me Nabiki, Praetor." [As you wish.] They continued in silence for several moments. [Is there a purpose for you wanting to escort me to the Nexus? Or perhaps you wish to gain prestige by being seen with me?] Nabiki's expression cooled. "Don't flatter yourself, Artanis." [Forgive me. You're species is new to me and I am having trouble understanding your ways.] "No problem." Nabiki opened her mouth then closed it again. A moment later she spoke. "So how are you settling in? I hear you were recently promoted to Praetor." [It is more work than I anticipated. In the three weeks I have been here, there has been much that I have had to learn that was not in my training.] Nabiki laughed. "I know what you mean. The first time I killed a Zerg, I almost peed my pants. Killing something for real was a lot different than 'killing' a target in practice." Nabiki halted awkwardly for a moment before continuing. "So how's Kasumi coming along? I haven't seen her since you sequestered her in the Archives." [Her training proceeds,] he replied slowly. [Her ability to channel energies from the cold void is less than desirable, but Varnor has spoken to her. In another month, perhaps two-] He was interrupted as a dispatcher from the Nexus called him. [Praetor! An Overlord is leaving the premises! Do we have permission to engage?] [What? *An* Overlord? As in one? What about the rest?] [They remain docile.] [Where is the Overlord going?] [It is heading north on a direct heading to the Zerg base.] [Do not engage the Overlord. Contact Kasumi and find out what is going on.] There were several moments of tense waiting before the answer came. [I cannot find Kasumi on the internal sensors. She is either cloaked or not here. It's reasonable to assume that Kasumi is aboard the Overlord.] "Kasumi left?" Colour drained from Nabiki's face. "She's going to confront Daggoth! We've got to stop her!" [But why? She had no reason to go now. She knows she's not ready. Why now?] "Oh God-" whispered Nabiki. "I.I told her about the attacks against the Zerg. She wants to stop the Zerg before anyone else dies!" [You told her?! Why? We avoided telling her for precisely this reason!] "It was an accident! I thought she knew!" [Wait. You told her. When did you talk to her?] "About fifteen minutes ago?" she replied weakly. She saw Artanis's face darken with anger and felt her own anger rise to meet his. "She's my sister, dammit! I haven't spent an hour with her since she woke up! How did you expect me to react?" Artanis glared down at the young human for a long moment before turning his attention back to the dispatcher. [How many Scouts and Corsairs do we have in the air?] [We have four Scouts and two Corsairs flying patrol. Do you want them to engage?] [No. Have them escort the Overlord to its destination. Destroy any opposition. Get them to try to convince Kasumi to turn around. Inform General Moroto of what happened. Finally, get a Scout ready for me.] [As you command, Praetor.] Artanis reversed his course and stormed back towards the Stargate with Nabiki on his heels. "I'm coming with you. Get me a shuttle." [There are none. They're busy transporting troops to our bases in China.] "Then I'll take a Scout." [You are not qualified to fly one.] "Then I'll ride along!" [It only seats the pilot!] "I've got to do something!" Artanis whirled and leaned down until his eyes, now blazing a bright yellow, were on equal level with hers. [YOU have done quite enough! Now it is our turn to try to salvage something from this.this.disaster!] Nabiki gaped at him, guilt and horror written on her face. She opened and closed her mouth several times, trying to speak, but instead she burst into tears and fell to her knees. Artanis continued to glare at her for a moment longer before turning away.
[Mistress, the Protoss are in pursuit. They should be here shortly.] The Overlord tried to put on a bit more speed. He still was not sure about the Protoss, but if Kasumi trusted them. [Yes, I know.] Kasumi could see the Scouts and Corsairs coming up from behind them through the eyes of the Overlord. Even within the armoured belly of the Overlord, she felt vulnerable. What would the Protoss do? [How long until we reach the Hive?] [A good hour or more.] Kasumi extended a tendril of thought out to the ships. [Protoss pilots, what are your intentions?] [Kasumi, Praetor Artanis demands that you turn around and return to our fortress. You are not ready to face the Cerebrate.] [I have to! Hundreds around the world are injured and dying because of me. I have to end this!] [You are not ready! All you will do is cause your own death or capture. That would be the same as dooming your entire world to destruction!] [No! I can do it! I know I can! I have to stop the deaths! There won't be any more victims.] Like Father, she thought to herself. Like Dr. Tofu.a tear trickled down her cheek. [I won't turn back. Try to kill me if you want, but I won't turn back.] The ships reached the swiftly flying Overlord and arrayed themselves around the creature in an escort formation. [The Praetor has given us orders to escort you to the Hive if we could not dissuade you from your course.] [Thank you.]
Forty-five minutes later, they encountered the first defensive line surrounding the Hive, and the Zerg and Protoss engaged each other with an almost vicious glee. Three Mutalisks flew towards Kasumi and she felt her gut twist with fear. They were going to kill her! The full realization of what she was getting involved in hit her and she froze, unable to think, unable act, unable to react to the events around her. The three Mutalisks flew past her, spitting globs of hardened acid. The Overlord shuttered as the acid struck it and burned into its hide. The armoured carapace protected Kasumi, but deep grooves were cut in the creature's body. Kasumi could feel its pain. [Mistress, I hurt! Please, help me!] the Overlord pleaded. Kasumi focused her powers and poured psionic energy into the creatures attacking them. With screeches of agony, they disintegrated. More Mutalisks rose to fight the intruders. [I can't fight them all! What do I do?] [I beg you, Mistress, make them stop!] The Overlord shuddered as more acid pounded against it's armoured carapace. [Stop!] cried Kasumi to the other Zerg. [I order you to stop!] [As you command,] they answered. Kasumi could feel the Zerg's amazement and chagrin. The Hydralisks turned away from the Overlord and focused on the Protoss. Kasumi could see that their shields were weakening and the balls of acid were beginning to take their toll on the armoured ships. [Stop attacking the Protoss too,] she demanded. [We will not!] snarled an Overlord who watched over the battle between the two forces. [We will destroy our enemies!] [But you're suppose to attack me! Why aren't you?] [We cannot. Even though Daggoth demands it of us we cannot harm you.] [Why?] [You are a Queen. We could no more harm you than Kerrigan.] Kasumi turned her attention to her escort. [Fall back! They're attacking you, not me!] [We will destroy these scum and-!] [I can keep them from attacking me but I can't protect you. Get out of here while you still have a chance!] One of the Protoss ships exploded, breaking up into hundreds of crystals shards and metal scrap. [As you command, Kasumi. If you need us, call, and we will come.] The remaining ships regrouped and fled. With the Protoss gone, the Zerg relaxed, and Kasumi continued on her journey. Soon, they arrived at the borders of the Zerg colony. For miles the creep, an organic carpet that gave the living Zerg structures their nourishment, covered the ground with purple ooze. Around her were hundreds of Zerg of all types, from the smallest Zerglings to the mighty Ultralisks. Kasumi stared at the landscape with a mixture of revulsion and attraction. Everything was so alien, so different from what she knew; yet she could feel the strength of this place. She could feel the deep throbbing of the creep, the sparks of life of the Zerg, and it was.beautiful. Without warning, the Overlord slowed to a stop. [What? What happened?] she asked. [I.cannot go any further,] it replied. [Daggoth does not wish it.] [What?] Kasumi gut gave another twist. Was she loosing control already? She was still linked to it, but it followed Daggoth's orders.[You're mine. I order you to go.] [I.cannot. Daggoth won't let me.] She could feel the conflict within it as it struggled to obey two opposing commands. [It's okay,] she replied. [Just set me down. Then you can go.] [Yes! Thank you.] It set down and released Kasumi from its interior. Turning around, it flew away, returning to its brethren far to the south. Kasumi watched it leave, and then turned in the direction of the Cerebrate. She could feel its presence. The Zerg watched her, neither attacking nor fleeing. She could not make the Zerg attack Daggoth, but it could not make them attack her. The fight would be between the two of them alone. Trying to ignore the staring aliens, she walked to where Daggoth waited.
She wanted to throw up. The Cerebrate lay in a pool of slime, obviously some sort of nutrient bath it used to feed itself. All around and over its huge worm-like body, small beetle creatures moved, grooming and cleaning it, making sure Daggoth was well cared for. It smelled like rotten eggs and cow manure mixed together. She approached the edge of the pool. The creature shuddered, small insects falling of its skin. [Begone foul creature!] cried Daggoth in her mind. Kasumi wrinkled her nose. [You're calling me foul?] Even its mind felt slimy and disgusting. [Go! Before my minions tear you limb from limb!] Kasumi looked around. [They're not doing anything, Daggoth. I, however, can.] Her suit flowed to life and a large bony spur extended from her right forearm. [You cannot kill me! I am made from the essence of the Overmind itself! The Queen of Blades will resurrect me, and I will return and devour that second skin off your body myself before delighting in your screams as my caretakers tear you apart!] [You misunderstand, Daggoth. I can kill you.] Kasumi focused, and a misty tendril of dark blue energy surrounded the spur. [No,] whispered Daggoth in horror. [How is this possible?] Daggoth tried to shy away from Kasumi, but she jumped in the pool, sinking up to her waist in the foul concoction. Daggoth sent a desperate cry. [No! Kerrigan! Help me! She will kill me! I beg you, please!] Nothing. [Even if you kill me,] raged Daggoth impotently, [Kerrigan will come and take back what is rightfully hers! She is the Overmind's heir, and she will destroy you, upstart!] [I would have offered you a chance to join me,] said Kasumi, [but your thoughts are plain to me. You would not have joined.] She raised her hand, ready to bring it down and send Daggoth to oblivion. And expression of sadness and regret fell over her features. [I'm sorry.] She brought her arm down, stabbing the spur up to the hilt. Like a cresting wave, the dark energy gathered and grew until she could hold no more. She released the power, pain blinding her as the energy ran through her arm and out to the spur. It entered Daggoth's bloated body, turning the nearest tissue to ash instantly. Daggoth screamed. Its death cries filled astral space, echoing across the county, even reaching sensitives on Mainland China. It tried to thrash, to draw away, but the monster was paralysed by the energy flooding its body. Kasumi averted her eyes, not wanting to watch the destruction of this pitiful creature. The pain grew, a burning sensation beginning at her fingers. She fell against Daggoth, the spur still buried in its flesh as her body burned. Her fingers! Her hand! Her arm! They were suffused with fiery agony. She did not even know her physical screams had joined Daggoth's mental ones until her raw throat refused to produce any more sound. By some instinct, she eventually knew that Daggoth was dead. She stopped and collapsed to the ground. Her arm still burned. The ground around her was a broken crater. The beetles had burst and evaporated as the energy had suffused them. Daggoth itself was a burned husk. Kasumi lay on the dry ground, oblivious to her surroundings. She could feel as the Zerg around her began linking to her mind. The weight grew and grew, until she though her mind would break. She did not resist. It was too much, there were too many. The Zerg in Japan would worship a mad goddess until either Kerrigan, the Protoss, or her own people destroyed her. And they would be right. She was not strong enough. She had failed. Or had she? Kerrigan could control the Zerg, and she was human. Or had been. Why could Kerrigan control the entire Swarm while she struggled with one Brood? What was missing? What did she lack? She remembered what Daggoth had told her. [I am made from the essence of the Overmind itself!] he said. That was what she was missing. She struggled to to her feet. Extending her stump.stump? Kasumi stared at what had been her right arm. The hand itself was burned to ash, and the forearm blackened. Even as she watched, her suit flowed up and over the stump, surrounding it, creating painkillers while trying to regenerate the lost hand. That's strange, she thought to herself drunkenly. I can still feel my hand. Turning away from her arm, she put her left hand on the corpse of the Cerebrate. Responding to her command, the suit flowed out onto the body, devouring it, absorbing the genetic material. She could almost feel the Overmind's genes as they were absorbed and integrated into the suit. Nothing happened. There was no reaction. The Overmind's DNA from Daggoth was doing nothing. Why? What was wrong? Then she realized that the DNA was part of the suit, not her. She needed the DNA. She would have to bind her suit to her body, making it and her one. And she knew how. She climbed out of the pit and walked to the remains of a building. It use to be human, she knew that by the hard concrete walls, but it was covered by vine-like strands of organic material. As she stepped into the building, her sight darkened and she fell against the doorway. How long could she continue to support the Brood? Would she change in time? Struggling to stay conscious, she went deep into the bowels of the building. In one room, there were a dozen cocoons that were used to turn humans into infested servants of the Swarm. She staggered over to an unoccupied cocoon. There was a container beside it. The suit melted off of her, flowing into the container until she stood naked before the pulsating cocoon. The container closed, and the cocoon split open with a wet splashing sound. Stepping inside, she sealed herself within. With her last conscious thoughts, she prayed to whatever Gods existed that they would keep her family safe.
End Chapter 15
Kasumi struggled with the Overlords for control. Straining against their mental influence, she fought Daggoth tooth and nail, trying to break its connection with its minions. The Brood before her writhed in agony from the battle, caught between conflicting commands. Kill Kasumi/reject Daggoth! The commands raced through their puny brains, each trying to gain dominance over the other. Suddenly, something seemed to give. Kasumi's aura blazed a brilliant red, and, with a cry of anger, Kasumi ripped apart the psychic connection between the Overlords and Cerebrate and pulled their minds into her own. Kasumi screamed in horror and fell to her knees, trying to protect herself from the flood of alien memories that swept through her. Without warning, Kasumi's aura lit up like a small star, casting a red glow over the land. Then it vanished, like someone had thrown a switch. When the glare cleared, Kasumi lay on the ground, unconscious, a small sea of Zerg approaching her. One Zergling stepped forward and nudged her. There was no response. He tried again. This time Kasumi stirred. Sitting up, she smiled at the Zerg. Her Brood. Her family.
After the clip was over, lights from above quickly illuminated the plush conference room. Muted whispers and mutterings filled the room as the six Generals began to talk about what they had just seen. Standing in the front of the room, Executor Treyvis stood off to one side, watching the proceedings. "My God," whispered General Raynor. "It's Sarah all over again." "But she's on our side," said General Moroto. "Is she?" asked General Alfred Brown, who was the Regional Commander of X-Com's Europe division. "Sarah was on our side once," remarked Raynor. Moroto felt a chill at the look in the man's eyes. "All right, everyone, that's enough!" General Thomas Charleston, Regional Commander of North America, rapped his gavel on the table, bringing the meeting back to order. "Executor, please continue." Treyvis stepped forward. [Thank you,] he said pausing for a moment to collect his thoughts. [As you can see, we have been presented with a unique opportunity. For the first time in the history of all our races, Human, Protoss, and Zerg, an outside force has the ability to control the Zerg. Before this, forces hostile to us always controlled these creatures. First, there were the Xel'Naga, then the Overmind, and finally, the Queen of Blades. Always before has the Swarm been a force of destruction. Its only goal: the consumption of life. It seemed that the Overmind had reached its goal when it overran our homeworld of Aiur. For if we had fallen, there would have been no race in the galaxy capable of fighting the Zerg. Not even the Jurian Empire, which is nearly as old as ours. But, with the help of our dark brethren, we destroyed the Overmind, severing the head of the snake. Unfortunately, a new threat, the Queen of Blades, arose, and took the reigns of power from her unholy father. We did not know the source of this new threat. For a time we thought one of the Jurian Royal Family had been taken, but when the Queen of Blades came here, we knew that this planet was her home.] Treyvis's shining blue eyes met each of his listeners as he continued. [Her Cerebrates hold the borders of Zerg space while her attention is focused here. Why? Why does the mighty Queen of Blades bother with a tiny backwater planet such as this? Your kind has barely achieved space-flight technology. Your weapons are pitifully primitive. Only our intervention prevented the complete and utter destruction of your race. We gave you the time to gather what remnants of your population you could and barricade yourselves in your underground fortresses. Only through our effort, luck, and perhaps the will of Adun, did you survive. Why would Kerrigan go through such extremes to eradicate your kind?] His eyes blazed. [It is because she knows that there are other humans on this world capable of doing what she has done! The most dangerous competitor for a species is its own kind! She knows that if she could become what she is, so could others. She knows what a threat someone like Kasumi could be to her, so she seeks to destroy people like Kasumi before they attain their full potential.] [And the potential is great. Kasumi already has approximately one hundred Zerg, mostly warrior strains, under her control, and the Cerebrate in Japan has so far been unsuccessful in reclaiming them. We believe that with further training, she may be able to face it down and destroy it. We foresee the possibility of Kasumi even being able to kill Kerrigan herself.] The assembled Generals, with the exception of Moroto, gaped at Treyvis. [But for this we need time,] continued Treyvis. [It will be weeks, perhaps even months before she would have even the possibility of defeating a Cerebrate.] "So how do we get that time?" asked General Brown. [I have petitioned the Great Conclave to allocate more resources to this war. They have seen and heard what I am telling you now. The Swarm is in disarray. Kerrigan doesn't know how to fight this new threat. Always has the Swarm overwhelmed its opponents by sheer force of numbers. But now they have an enemy who defies them. Any force launched against Kasumi could be turned against them. Kerrigan must think of a new way to fight Kasumi. We cannot give her the opportunity.] Treyvis paused for effect. [I want to launch a worldwide assault against the Zerg. Our combined forces will be used to distract Kerrigan and gain us the time needed to train Kasumi. Kerrigan cannot be everywhere at once, but such is her desire for power that she will try to oversee everything herself. Her pride and arrogance will be her downfall. Once Kasumi is ready, we will take her to Kerrigan. Kerrigan will be destroyed, and Kasumi will then control the Swarm.] "And then what?" asked Reynor. [We do not know,] admitted Treyvis. [The galaxy has lived under the threat of the Zerg for so long that it is difficult to conceive the idea of a peaceful Swarm. It is even harder to think of what use such a force could be. It could not be worse than now.] "This is crazy," said General Ming Tao, who ran the Asian Division. "Kerrigan's the source of our problem, and you're proposing we make another one?" "Don't be so blind," retorted Moroto. "The Zerg aren't evil, just the leaders. Like the Executor said, cut off the head of the snake." "And put a new head in it's place," finished Tundi Zimbara, commander of Africa. "A snake that strikes on command." "We hope," said General Charleston. "Hikaru, how do we know Kasumi can handle this? She took over a hundred Zerg, and it looked like it almost drove her crazy. For all we know, it did." "Even if she is sane," continued General Tao, "how do we know she will continue to be friendly to our cause? Look at what happened to Kerrigan, and she was working for us at the time as well." Treyvis quickly interrupted before the argument could escalate. [First of all, Kasumi is quite sane. Second, the training Kasumi will receive will strengthen her powers and enable her to better control the Zerg. Even now, what had once been a burden to her is now becoming second nature. As for Kasumi remaining on our side, you must first understand what caused Kerrigan's turning. The Overmind corrupted her with complex psionic conditioning, even more complex than anything we could produce. When combined with the pollution of her DNA with the Overmind's own essence, the Queen of Blades was created. Kasumi will have no conditioning, and definitely no additions to her DNA. Her loyalties will remain with us.] "And you're certain of this?" asked General Tao belligerently. "The last thing this war needs is another Queen." One of Treyvis's eye ridges rose. [Are you certain the sun will rise next week?] "Of course," replied General Tao uncertainly, waiting for the curveball. [And what if I told you my people could introduce a device into your sun that would cause it to go nova?] A stunned silence followed the comment. [My point, gentlemen, is that there are no certainties. Only possibilities. I believe that Kasumi is the best possibility of not only winning the war on this planet, but around the galaxy.] General Charleston spoke. "Executor, a worldwide assault would be a last ditch effort on our part. We would either have to win, or our race would perish. We cannot agree on such a measure without-" He stopped at the sound of a gentle rapping on the door. "Come." A Zealot entered, stopped just inside the door and saluted smartly to the Executor. [A message for the Executor.] Charleston nodded. The Zealot went to Treyvis, gave him a small data crystal, and then departed. Treyvis fitted the crystal into a slot in his Templar armour, and then closed his eyes as the message was played out in his mind. He opened them a few moments later. [I bear tidings from the Conclave, both good and bad. They have approved of my plan, and are willing to increase production in order to supply me with additional troops. However, they are unwilling to do this alone. They will commit if you will.] He looked around at the assembled Generals. [I will withdraw so you may confer.] Exiting the room, there was dead silence left in his wake.
Moroto was the first to speak. "Before anyone says anything, I just want to ask a question. Do we have any choice? We've lost two X-Com bases this year already, one in Japan, and one in China. Our recruitment is falling behind our losses in several areas, and our Ghost program can't train new recruits fast enough. And now, we've got these new elite Zerg, the Hunter Killers, to face. We're being worn down. If we hold back, if we refuse to commit, and we lose Kasumi, our race won't survive." "I have to agree," concurred General Zimbara. "Africa was neither heavily populated nor very technological when this war started. We don't have the resources to continue. We're barely holding what we have. Of course," he said, a little more sarcastically than he intended, "my colleagues from North America, and Europe might disagree. You have the technology to deal with the Zerg, and may not feel that help from the Protoss is necessary." "Assuming he's telling the truth," replied General Tao. General Charleston nodded once, seemingly to himself, then addressed the assembled Generals. "He was. Our telepaths intercepted the transmission. Assuming the Conclave is not lying to Treyvis, they are willing to help us." "What if they try to turn Kasumi against us?" asked Tao. "Haven't you been listening?" exclaimed Raynor. He looked up at the ceiling. "Bring up Tac-Map South America 3." Someone in an adjacent room activated the view-screen that displayed a tactical map of the South American continent. There were two spots of green, one where the nation of Panama used to be, and a second on the eastern coast of Brazil. They represented an X-Com presence. Four blue spots showed the approximate location of the Protoss bases, all along the Chilean coastline. The rest of the map was red. "Take a good long look Ming. Even if we destroy all the Zerg on the Earth except here, it would take us generations to muster enough force to dislodge them. And what's to stop them from coming back? Or getting re-enforcements from space?" Raynor glared at the people around him. "Hikaru's right. We can't win. The only thing we can do is lose. It's just a matter of when. We need help."
Nabiki waited patiently. Eventually someone would come along. Fortunately, she did not have to wait long. A High Templar approached. Her skin tingled as he passed, his powerful astral presence making the hairs on her arms stand up. The door to the Archives hissed open and, invisible, she leapt inside a step behind the Templar. Not quite sure where to go, she decided to follow him. There was only one thing of interest in here, and it was a safe bet that he was heading in that direction. Her guess was not wrong. He eventually led her down into an underground chamber where she found what she was looking for. Barely managing to suppress a hiss of surprise, she immediately shielded herself from the energies floating around the room. Kasumi stood in the centre of the large circular chamber. Arrayed around her were four Templar, and the one she was following added itself to the circle, making five. Varnor stood off to one side, overseeing the exercise. Kasumi was looking slightly intimidated by the Templar, but not overly frightened. [When I give the signal,] Varnor said to the Templar, [do what I told you to do.] To Kasumi he said, [Your only goal is to defend yourself.] Kasumi nodded. Varnor took one last look around at the group, and then nodded. Three of the Templar let loose with a wave of energy, bringing it down on Kasumi like a vice, enclosing her it its grip. Kasumi's expression tightened and she erected a shield to protect herself. Surrounded by a field of red-white energy, she withstood the continuous assault from the three Templar. The other two waited a few moments, then began to strike Kasumi's shield at weak points that appeared, forcing her to quickly re-enforce her defences. Nabiki watched her flinch with each whip-like attack. The standoff continued for several minutes, both sides showing strain from the battle. [Very good, Kasumi,] said Varnor as the Templar continued to push the limits of her endurance. [Now, can you handle *this*?] On 'this', Varnor let loose with the totality of his power, performing a crushing attack directly against Kasumi's mind. Kasumi cried out and fell to her knees. Grimacing, her eyes tightly closed, she strained against the six-pronged attack. Opening her eyes to slits, she valiantly tried to fend off Varnor's assault while he gazed down at her, his crimson aura swirling around him. Nabiki watched, a mixture of fear and wonder running through her. Staying alive, facing five High Templar and a Dark Archon? How powerful was she? What else could she do? At the same time, she feared for her sister's safety. Despite the label, this was not training. A mistake at this point could kill anyone. [Enough!] declared Varnor. The six Protoss halted their attack. Nabiki could see their auras, wan and pale, weakened by the prolonged battle. Kasumi fell to her knees, gasping for breath, perspiration making a bright sheen on her skin. [Thank you all, noble Templar. En Taro Tassadar.] The Templar nodded at both Kasumi and Varnor, then left. Varnor turned to Kasumi. [Excellent, Kasumi. Your powers and endurance grow daily. Your Zerg have already ceased to become a burden to you, and I believe you could control many more, were you given the opportunity. I hope that day comes quickly. How go your efforts to channel energy from the cold void?] Kasumi grimaced. [It hurts. I haven't been focusing a lot of time on it.] [Kasumi, Cerebrates can only be killed by the energies of the Dark Templar. You cannot neglect this aspect of your training.] [I'm sorry. I'll work harder on it.] [Good. You may go now to your rooms and rest. En Taro Tassadar.] Kasumi waited in silence as Varnor turned and left. She sat for a few more moments, regaining her breath. Nabiki began to wonder how she was going to get out of the room without being noticed, when she felt a tingle of thought brush against her mind. [You can come out now, Nabiki.] Grinning nervously, Nabiki ended her cloak, which was good, because she was running low on energy herself. "Not bad, sis. You could see me?" "Yes," Kasumi replied, struggling to her feet. "It's not that hard." "Gee, thanks," Nabiki responded sardonically. Kasumi gave her a smile in return. "You're welcome." Kasumi closed her eyes, and her biosuit flowed up her neck and covered her sweat soaked head. A few seconds later, the suit flowed back down, and Kasumi's face and hair were immaculately clean. "I wish I could do that," commented Nabiki as they made their way to Kasumi's rooms in the upper levels of the Archives. "It doesn't feel as good as a hot bath, but it saves time." There was a moment of awkward silence. "How's Akane?" "Ka'Dalanis says she doing well. It's been a month, and she needs another week or two before she can be brought out. It'll be even longer before Akane's really in fighting form. There's only so much they can do in the Tank." Kasumi looked at her in surprise. "It's been a month already? The time seems to have just flown by." "When are they going to let you out of here, Kasumi?" "Varnor says I need isolation so I can focus on my training." Kasumi giggled. "You realize that this is my very first 'training trip?' I've never done something like this before, not even school." Her expression became melancholy. "Not even with Father. We were all so busy focusing on Akane." She brushed tears out of her eyes. "Oh, Nabiki I miss him so much!" Nabiki put her arms around her older sister's shoulders. "I do too, sis." "At least you handle it better than I do." "Hey, he's been dead for me for five years. I've gotten use to it. He's only been dead to you for a month. And it's been a busy month at that. You haven't really had time to grieve." Kasumi fought back the tears. "You've really grown, Nabiki." Nabiki shrugged. "Yeah, well, I haven't had much choice. None of us have." They walked in silence until they reached Kasumi's rooms. Entering, Nabiki stared, amazed at the size. The apartment, as she thought of it, had a large elliptical living area, with several pieces of furniture, all human sized. It also had a holo-screen, and small dinning area. A second room was a bedroom. "Nice digs, sis." "Thank you. The Protoss built it for me." Going to a window, she opened it and looked down at the field beside the Archives. Broken up into smaller groups, her Zerg were being held in large pens. Hovering above them were the Overlords, watching over them. One Overlord separated from the group and floated to where Kasumi was. [Greetings, my Queen.] [Hello. How are they today?] [They are well. They are no longer as restless as they were before. The games you suggest we use to occupy them were surprisingly successful. Fetch was particularly effective.] Nabiki began to laugh, imagining Zerglings chasing like mad after a large stick, scrambling over each other, fighting for possession of a piece of wood. She quickly became aware of Kasumi staring at her. She could also feel the Overlord focusing its attention on her. She stopped in mid laugh. "What?" she asked. Kasumi and the Overlord continued to stare at her strangely for a moment, then continued their communion. As the two spoke, Nabiki tried to repress a shudder. How alien her sister looked at this moment! [So they're all behaving?] [Yes. They did not even object when the Protoss came to take a couple to examine them.] Kasumi's normal cheery face chilled down to a dangerous glare. Nabiki could feel the Overlord mentally draw away in fear. Nabiki herself felt slightly nervous. She had never seen such a look on her sister's face. Nabiki found herself holding her breath. [Just examine?] [Yes. There have been no more experiments since that first time.] Kasumi's cheery expression returned. [Good. You can go back now.] Nabiki let her breath out. The first time the Protoss tried experimenting on Kasumi's live Zerg, Kasumi had stormed in on the researchers, paralysed them, released the Zerg, then gave them a painful mental lashing. It was several days before the effects of the punishment faded. "Nabiki?" called Kasumi. Nabiki went to the window. "What?" "What's going on over there?" Nabiki looked at where Kasumi pointed. About a dozen Protoss shuttles were launching. Joining six massive carriers flying in a holding pattered over the base, they turned east and began flying towards the horizon. "Oh that. They're transporting troops to their bases in China." "What for?" "To make up for troops they've lost attacking the Zerg." "Attacking the Zerg? I though they were waiting for me to take them over." "We're doing it to keep Kerrigan busy. She doesn't know how to fight you, and we can't give her the time to figure out a way. Everyone's attacking the Zerg right now, trying to keep her off balance." Kasumi stared at Nabiki in horror. "Everyone? The whole planet?" "Yes. Didn't they tell you?" "No!" "Oh. I guess they didn't want to worry you." Nabiki paused, trying to think of something to say. "Sorry," she muttered finally. Kasumi stared out of the window, oblivious to her surroundings. She thought about her training, all the people, Protoss and human, hurt and dying, giving her the time to learn enough to defeat the Zerg. About her attitude towards her training, the excuses she used to justify shirking on different areas. "Nabiki, could I have some time alone? I need to think." Nabiki gave her a long, worried look. "Are you sure?" "Yes." Looking at her face, Nabiki could see the strain on her sister's face. "Please? Just for a little while." After an uncomfortably long moment, Nabiki nodded. "Okay. I'll be back later." Nabiki left, leaving Kasumi alone with her thoughts.
[I think we've discovered that power flow problem, Praetor.] [Excellent. How soon until it is repaired?] Praetor Artanis looked over the technician's report as he climbed out of his custom modified Scout. [A couple of hours.] [Good, let me know when you're finished.] Artanis left the maintenance bay beside the Stargate and made his way towards the Nexus. "Praetor!" Artanis looked behind him and saw Nabiki jogging towards him. He stopped and waited, then continued after she had caught up. [En Taro Adun, Major,] he said amicably. "Please, call me Nabiki, Praetor." [As you wish.] They continued in silence for several moments. [Is there a purpose for you wanting to escort me to the Nexus? Or perhaps you wish to gain prestige by being seen with me?] Nabiki's expression cooled. "Don't flatter yourself, Artanis." [Forgive me. You're species is new to me and I am having trouble understanding your ways.] "No problem." Nabiki opened her mouth then closed it again. A moment later she spoke. "So how are you settling in? I hear you were recently promoted to Praetor." [It is more work than I anticipated. In the three weeks I have been here, there has been much that I have had to learn that was not in my training.] Nabiki laughed. "I know what you mean. The first time I killed a Zerg, I almost peed my pants. Killing something for real was a lot different than 'killing' a target in practice." Nabiki halted awkwardly for a moment before continuing. "So how's Kasumi coming along? I haven't seen her since you sequestered her in the Archives." [Her training proceeds,] he replied slowly. [Her ability to channel energies from the cold void is less than desirable, but Varnor has spoken to her. In another month, perhaps two-] He was interrupted as a dispatcher from the Nexus called him. [Praetor! An Overlord is leaving the premises! Do we have permission to engage?] [What? *An* Overlord? As in one? What about the rest?] [They remain docile.] [Where is the Overlord going?] [It is heading north on a direct heading to the Zerg base.] [Do not engage the Overlord. Contact Kasumi and find out what is going on.] There were several moments of tense waiting before the answer came. [I cannot find Kasumi on the internal sensors. She is either cloaked or not here. It's reasonable to assume that Kasumi is aboard the Overlord.] "Kasumi left?" Colour drained from Nabiki's face. "She's going to confront Daggoth! We've got to stop her!" [But why? She had no reason to go now. She knows she's not ready. Why now?] "Oh God-" whispered Nabiki. "I.I told her about the attacks against the Zerg. She wants to stop the Zerg before anyone else dies!" [You told her?! Why? We avoided telling her for precisely this reason!] "It was an accident! I thought she knew!" [Wait. You told her. When did you talk to her?] "About fifteen minutes ago?" she replied weakly. She saw Artanis's face darken with anger and felt her own anger rise to meet his. "She's my sister, dammit! I haven't spent an hour with her since she woke up! How did you expect me to react?" Artanis glared down at the young human for a long moment before turning his attention back to the dispatcher. [How many Scouts and Corsairs do we have in the air?] [We have four Scouts and two Corsairs flying patrol. Do you want them to engage?] [No. Have them escort the Overlord to its destination. Destroy any opposition. Get them to try to convince Kasumi to turn around. Inform General Moroto of what happened. Finally, get a Scout ready for me.] [As you command, Praetor.] Artanis reversed his course and stormed back towards the Stargate with Nabiki on his heels. "I'm coming with you. Get me a shuttle." [There are none. They're busy transporting troops to our bases in China.] "Then I'll take a Scout." [You are not qualified to fly one.] "Then I'll ride along!" [It only seats the pilot!] "I've got to do something!" Artanis whirled and leaned down until his eyes, now blazing a bright yellow, were on equal level with hers. [YOU have done quite enough! Now it is our turn to try to salvage something from this.this.disaster!] Nabiki gaped at him, guilt and horror written on her face. She opened and closed her mouth several times, trying to speak, but instead she burst into tears and fell to her knees. Artanis continued to glare at her for a moment longer before turning away.
[Mistress, the Protoss are in pursuit. They should be here shortly.] The Overlord tried to put on a bit more speed. He still was not sure about the Protoss, but if Kasumi trusted them. [Yes, I know.] Kasumi could see the Scouts and Corsairs coming up from behind them through the eyes of the Overlord. Even within the armoured belly of the Overlord, she felt vulnerable. What would the Protoss do? [How long until we reach the Hive?] [A good hour or more.] Kasumi extended a tendril of thought out to the ships. [Protoss pilots, what are your intentions?] [Kasumi, Praetor Artanis demands that you turn around and return to our fortress. You are not ready to face the Cerebrate.] [I have to! Hundreds around the world are injured and dying because of me. I have to end this!] [You are not ready! All you will do is cause your own death or capture. That would be the same as dooming your entire world to destruction!] [No! I can do it! I know I can! I have to stop the deaths! There won't be any more victims.] Like Father, she thought to herself. Like Dr. Tofu.a tear trickled down her cheek. [I won't turn back. Try to kill me if you want, but I won't turn back.] The ships reached the swiftly flying Overlord and arrayed themselves around the creature in an escort formation. [The Praetor has given us orders to escort you to the Hive if we could not dissuade you from your course.] [Thank you.]
Forty-five minutes later, they encountered the first defensive line surrounding the Hive, and the Zerg and Protoss engaged each other with an almost vicious glee. Three Mutalisks flew towards Kasumi and she felt her gut twist with fear. They were going to kill her! The full realization of what she was getting involved in hit her and she froze, unable to think, unable act, unable to react to the events around her. The three Mutalisks flew past her, spitting globs of hardened acid. The Overlord shuttered as the acid struck it and burned into its hide. The armoured carapace protected Kasumi, but deep grooves were cut in the creature's body. Kasumi could feel its pain. [Mistress, I hurt! Please, help me!] the Overlord pleaded. Kasumi focused her powers and poured psionic energy into the creatures attacking them. With screeches of agony, they disintegrated. More Mutalisks rose to fight the intruders. [I can't fight them all! What do I do?] [I beg you, Mistress, make them stop!] The Overlord shuddered as more acid pounded against it's armoured carapace. [Stop!] cried Kasumi to the other Zerg. [I order you to stop!] [As you command,] they answered. Kasumi could feel the Zerg's amazement and chagrin. The Hydralisks turned away from the Overlord and focused on the Protoss. Kasumi could see that their shields were weakening and the balls of acid were beginning to take their toll on the armoured ships. [Stop attacking the Protoss too,] she demanded. [We will not!] snarled an Overlord who watched over the battle between the two forces. [We will destroy our enemies!] [But you're suppose to attack me! Why aren't you?] [We cannot. Even though Daggoth demands it of us we cannot harm you.] [Why?] [You are a Queen. We could no more harm you than Kerrigan.] Kasumi turned her attention to her escort. [Fall back! They're attacking you, not me!] [We will destroy these scum and-!] [I can keep them from attacking me but I can't protect you. Get out of here while you still have a chance!] One of the Protoss ships exploded, breaking up into hundreds of crystals shards and metal scrap. [As you command, Kasumi. If you need us, call, and we will come.] The remaining ships regrouped and fled. With the Protoss gone, the Zerg relaxed, and Kasumi continued on her journey. Soon, they arrived at the borders of the Zerg colony. For miles the creep, an organic carpet that gave the living Zerg structures their nourishment, covered the ground with purple ooze. Around her were hundreds of Zerg of all types, from the smallest Zerglings to the mighty Ultralisks. Kasumi stared at the landscape with a mixture of revulsion and attraction. Everything was so alien, so different from what she knew; yet she could feel the strength of this place. She could feel the deep throbbing of the creep, the sparks of life of the Zerg, and it was.beautiful. Without warning, the Overlord slowed to a stop. [What? What happened?] she asked. [I.cannot go any further,] it replied. [Daggoth does not wish it.] [What?] Kasumi gut gave another twist. Was she loosing control already? She was still linked to it, but it followed Daggoth's orders.[You're mine. I order you to go.] [I.cannot. Daggoth won't let me.] She could feel the conflict within it as it struggled to obey two opposing commands. [It's okay,] she replied. [Just set me down. Then you can go.] [Yes! Thank you.] It set down and released Kasumi from its interior. Turning around, it flew away, returning to its brethren far to the south. Kasumi watched it leave, and then turned in the direction of the Cerebrate. She could feel its presence. The Zerg watched her, neither attacking nor fleeing. She could not make the Zerg attack Daggoth, but it could not make them attack her. The fight would be between the two of them alone. Trying to ignore the staring aliens, she walked to where Daggoth waited.
She wanted to throw up. The Cerebrate lay in a pool of slime, obviously some sort of nutrient bath it used to feed itself. All around and over its huge worm-like body, small beetle creatures moved, grooming and cleaning it, making sure Daggoth was well cared for. It smelled like rotten eggs and cow manure mixed together. She approached the edge of the pool. The creature shuddered, small insects falling of its skin. [Begone foul creature!] cried Daggoth in her mind. Kasumi wrinkled her nose. [You're calling me foul?] Even its mind felt slimy and disgusting. [Go! Before my minions tear you limb from limb!] Kasumi looked around. [They're not doing anything, Daggoth. I, however, can.] Her suit flowed to life and a large bony spur extended from her right forearm. [You cannot kill me! I am made from the essence of the Overmind itself! The Queen of Blades will resurrect me, and I will return and devour that second skin off your body myself before delighting in your screams as my caretakers tear you apart!] [You misunderstand, Daggoth. I can kill you.] Kasumi focused, and a misty tendril of dark blue energy surrounded the spur. [No,] whispered Daggoth in horror. [How is this possible?] Daggoth tried to shy away from Kasumi, but she jumped in the pool, sinking up to her waist in the foul concoction. Daggoth sent a desperate cry. [No! Kerrigan! Help me! She will kill me! I beg you, please!] Nothing. [Even if you kill me,] raged Daggoth impotently, [Kerrigan will come and take back what is rightfully hers! She is the Overmind's heir, and she will destroy you, upstart!] [I would have offered you a chance to join me,] said Kasumi, [but your thoughts are plain to me. You would not have joined.] She raised her hand, ready to bring it down and send Daggoth to oblivion. And expression of sadness and regret fell over her features. [I'm sorry.] She brought her arm down, stabbing the spur up to the hilt. Like a cresting wave, the dark energy gathered and grew until she could hold no more. She released the power, pain blinding her as the energy ran through her arm and out to the spur. It entered Daggoth's bloated body, turning the nearest tissue to ash instantly. Daggoth screamed. Its death cries filled astral space, echoing across the county, even reaching sensitives on Mainland China. It tried to thrash, to draw away, but the monster was paralysed by the energy flooding its body. Kasumi averted her eyes, not wanting to watch the destruction of this pitiful creature. The pain grew, a burning sensation beginning at her fingers. She fell against Daggoth, the spur still buried in its flesh as her body burned. Her fingers! Her hand! Her arm! They were suffused with fiery agony. She did not even know her physical screams had joined Daggoth's mental ones until her raw throat refused to produce any more sound. By some instinct, she eventually knew that Daggoth was dead. She stopped and collapsed to the ground. Her arm still burned. The ground around her was a broken crater. The beetles had burst and evaporated as the energy had suffused them. Daggoth itself was a burned husk. Kasumi lay on the dry ground, oblivious to her surroundings. She could feel as the Zerg around her began linking to her mind. The weight grew and grew, until she though her mind would break. She did not resist. It was too much, there were too many. The Zerg in Japan would worship a mad goddess until either Kerrigan, the Protoss, or her own people destroyed her. And they would be right. She was not strong enough. She had failed. Or had she? Kerrigan could control the Zerg, and she was human. Or had been. Why could Kerrigan control the entire Swarm while she struggled with one Brood? What was missing? What did she lack? She remembered what Daggoth had told her. [I am made from the essence of the Overmind itself!] he said. That was what she was missing. She struggled to to her feet. Extending her stump.stump? Kasumi stared at what had been her right arm. The hand itself was burned to ash, and the forearm blackened. Even as she watched, her suit flowed up and over the stump, surrounding it, creating painkillers while trying to regenerate the lost hand. That's strange, she thought to herself drunkenly. I can still feel my hand. Turning away from her arm, she put her left hand on the corpse of the Cerebrate. Responding to her command, the suit flowed out onto the body, devouring it, absorbing the genetic material. She could almost feel the Overmind's genes as they were absorbed and integrated into the suit. Nothing happened. There was no reaction. The Overmind's DNA from Daggoth was doing nothing. Why? What was wrong? Then she realized that the DNA was part of the suit, not her. She needed the DNA. She would have to bind her suit to her body, making it and her one. And she knew how. She climbed out of the pit and walked to the remains of a building. It use to be human, she knew that by the hard concrete walls, but it was covered by vine-like strands of organic material. As she stepped into the building, her sight darkened and she fell against the doorway. How long could she continue to support the Brood? Would she change in time? Struggling to stay conscious, she went deep into the bowels of the building. In one room, there were a dozen cocoons that were used to turn humans into infested servants of the Swarm. She staggered over to an unoccupied cocoon. There was a container beside it. The suit melted off of her, flowing into the container until she stood naked before the pulsating cocoon. The container closed, and the cocoon split open with a wet splashing sound. Stepping inside, she sealed herself within. With her last conscious thoughts, she prayed to whatever Gods existed that they would keep her family safe.
End Chapter 15