Heroes Never Die
Chapter 5: World of Darkness
By: Dark-Elk
Artanis held his breath in suspense, hoping against hope that the incoming Carrier had aboard the important passenger its' ID said it carried. If it did, the entire Protoss race would rejoice, knowing that he had returned after such a long sojourn.
The Carrier Tassadar was being afforded an entire military honor guard; dozens of Scouts and Corsairs were clouding the space around it. All were weaving intricately around the surface of the Carrier, projecting the illusion of the hull of the Carrier shifting randomly.
Finally Artanis could wait no longer, and was forced to ask the question that was hovering among the many Protoss minds gathered in the area.
"Is that you, Prelate Zeratul?"
The soft chuckle that echoed across the speakers of the fighters in the area elicited a cheer; it was instantly recognizable as that of the Prelate himself.
"It is indeed, my young Praetor. This honor guard is impressive to say the least. I wasn't aware that my return was so fiercely awaited."
It was Artanis's turn to laugh now. Zeratul seemed the same as always.
"Welcome home, Prelate. You have been gone far too long, and we have great need of your leadership. The Zerg have been quiet lately, but the Dominion. . ." Artanis's voice trailed off "We aren't really sure what the Dominion is doing."
"Young Praetor, I believe it is time that I spoke with you and whatever passes as leadership on Shakuras. I have a matter far more grave than that of the Dominion or the Swarm. But before I arrive, I must know.have you heard recently from Commander Raynor?"
Artanis bowed his head sadly. "No, Prelate, I'm afraid we have not spoken with him in some time. At our last meeting, he was planning to continue leading his band of Terran renegades. I have thought for some time that we should perhaps seek out Raynor. . ."
"It must be done immediately, Praetor. With the ill news I am bearing, we will need every last ally we can find." With that chilling statement, Zeratul ended the conversation, and the Tassadar began moving towards Shakuras again.
Artanis felt a wave of ice slide down his spine, and slowly swung his fighter around until he could view Shakuras again. He hadn't had the heart to tell Zeratul that he was the only leadership on Shakuras, and that many of the Protoss who had been settled there had since left to found other colonies. The Conclave had never been reformed, and there was no other qualified to become a Praetor. He often thought at times that even he wasn't skilled enough to lead his people, and that he had been chosen merely because he was the closest one at hand. Shaking off the depressing thoughts that were clouding his mind like a fog, he engaged the drive of his Scout and punched the thrust button. He wanted to be the first to greet Zeratul upon his return.
-_-_-_-
"You have been away too long, Prelate," said Artanis as he walked with Zeratul. "Much has changed among our people."
"Change is inevitable, young Praetor, but while some things change, others remain as stalwart as time itself," said Zeratul. His voice sounded stressed, and the philosophical banter he used to engage in seemed forced.
Artanis stopped and turned to Zeratul. "What is wrong, my friend? Never even during the height of the Brood War were you as worried as you seem now."
"You would do well to remember that although the Brood War ended, Kerrigan's forces run rampant throughout the Koprulu sector still, and the Terran Mengsk is clenching the Terran worlds in his grasp. We did not need another threat during these times, but fate is not merciful."
Artanis's eyes betrayed his shock. "Another threat? Our fleets are having enough trouble staving off our enemies. A new enemy could well prove our end."
Zeratul slowly nodded. "You have no idea how right you may be. We must speak to the new leaders of Shakuras now."
Artanis steeled himself for Zeratul's reaction. "I. . .am the only remaining leadership on Shakuras. The Conclave. . .the people chose not to recreate it.. They believed that the old one was part of the reason our people had come close to extermination before. They believed that I would be better able to resist the Zerg without restrictions placed by a Conclave."
Zeratul's reaction was not one Artanis had predicted. He had predicted perhaps anger, or maybe sadness, but not the joy that came to Zeratul's face. "The people could not have chosen a wiser leader, Artanis."
Artanis, still stunned from the unexpected joy, nevertheless barked out a short telepathic laugh. "Of course they could have. There are any number of people more qualified than I; I went from Praetor of the Fleet to effectively the only ruler of the Protoss. I don't have the skills, the prestige, the experience. . ." Artanis trailed off for a moment. "You would have made a much better choice, Prelate."
It was Zeratul's turn to laugh. "I have pondered this matter long and hard, Praetor. I had nearly expected to return to lawlessness, a lack of authority and strong leadership. I would have been more than willing years ago to step into such a power vacuum, to lead to the extent of my capacities. The return voyage gave me much time to think, Artanis, and I realized that what we face now isn't what we've faced ever before."
"I do not understand, Prelate. We have been under siege by the Zerg for years now, and the Terrans have plotted against us times innumerable. Though our losses have been heavy, we remain."
Zeratul nodded. "Yes, but those were during Kerrigan's ascent to power. She was still nascent, still achieving control over the Broods, weeding out traitorous elements, separating the chaff from the grain. The Terrans have united mostly under the banner of Mengsk, and he calls for our extermination. The Brood War is over, young Praetor. We have entered the time of the Hybrids, and this conflict cannot be solved by the aging, like myself. This is your time, young Praetor, not mine."
"Hybrids? What do you mean?"
Zeratul sighed. "I have been away far too long, Praetor, and I have kept this horror secret, even though I knew it would only cause more trouble in the future. I didn't want to believe the creature that took the form of Duran. . .but I know now what he said was anything but lies. He told the truth, Artanis."
"I do not understand, Zeratul. What does the traitor Duran have anything to do with these Hybrids?"
"He created them, Artanis, under the orders of another race. The Hybrids are to this race as we were supposed to be to the Xel'Naga; champions of their cause, unequaled in battle. From what I have been able to gather, the ancient enemy we were to resist. This enemy exists outside the dimension we now, and were the enemies of the Xel'Naga. The only name I have for this race is the Scourge."
"The Scourge? Where did you get that name from?"
"During my travels, I undertook an expedition to a number of planets that had been sites of Xel'Naga experiments. At one I uncovered what appeared to be their equivalent of a command post, and managed to retrieve much information from within. The Scourge and the Xel'Naga struggled for eons, it seems, and much of their "evolutionary research" was really just manipulating races into becoming warriors for them, meddling with entire planets to hold the Scourge at bay. I only learned the smallest amount about the Scourge during my travels, despite my efforts. The Scourge is the exact opposite of the Xel'Naga; while the Xel'Naga were creators, the Scourge are destroyers."
"So this Scourge has created a new race to defeat us? Let them come!"
"You do not understand, Praetor. The term "hybrid" was not merely chosen to name this new race; the Hybrid race is indeed a true race of hybrids, comprised of the strengths of the Terrans, the Zerg, and though I am loath to say it, they also contain the genetics of the Protoss."
"This is madness! They have blended our races? These creatures are abominations, twisted replicas of the First Born!"
"Nevertheless, Artanis, the Hybrids were created expressly for the termination of our three races. What better way to defeat a race then embody its' greatest strength along with the strengths of its enemies?"
Artanis backed against the corridor wall as the realization finally struck him. He slowly slid down the wall until he hit the floor, and cradled his face in his hands. "How can we possibly defeat such a race, Zeratul? Perhaps at the height of our power, we might have stood a chance, but now? Now we stand all but defeated, crushed in the palm of Kerrigan and her ilk."
"You must not give up hope, Artanis. With the aid of Raynor, we may yet find a way to resist these Hybrids. Perhaps they will recognize the Zerg as the greatest threat and attack them before us. All we need is time to prepare, Artanis. Offensive war takes genius, but defensive war takes preparation and time. I have much more confidence in our ability to defend ourselves than in our ability to assault the Hybrids now."
Artanis nodded, and slowly climbed to his feet. "You are right, Prelate. We must alert Raynor at once! The sooner we begin preparations, the better. Although we have been at a continual state of war, much has changed since your leave, Zeratul. We have new technologies, new abilities that perhaps the Hybrids may underestimate. After we find Raynor, what we you suggest our next course of action be?"
Zeratul's thought deeply for a few moments before coming to his conclusion. "We must leave Shakuras behind, Artanis. We must find a new world from which to stage from."
"You cannot possibly believe that the Protoss would uproot themselves from both of their homes, and move to a new world, Prelate! The loss of Aiur and the assault upon Shakuras were the most devastating events to happen in our race's history since the Aeon of Strife! The Protoss would rather die now than leave Shakuras!"
Zeratul nodded. "I know, Praetor. That is why I said we must find a new world to stage from, rather than a new world to populate. The Protoss cannot lose Shakuras, Artanis, it would be the final stab to our race's heart. If we move only the vital workers, the leadership, and the military to this new world, we will be able to better organize and construct new fleets, train new soldiers. If we do this, Artanis, we will divert the war from Shakuras for a time, hopefully long enough for a commander to construct the most impenetrable defense imaginable, enough even to ward off the Hybrids."
"Your plan is sound, Prelate. We will seek Raynor and begin the search for a new world at once."
Another Protoss dashed into the corridor, bowed respectfully to both leaders, and said "You wished to be notified of Commander Raynor's location, Praetor and Prelate. He has contacted us, requesting a meeting immediately. He has said he has news of a new threat to our peoples."
Artanis and Zeratul looked at each other. "How can he possibly already know of the Hybrids, Zeratul?" asked Artanis.
"I do not believe he does."
"Then. . . there may be another threat?"
"Indeed, Praetor."
Artanis sighed. "As though we didn't have enough at hand. Inform Raynor that we shall meet him as soon as he reaches Shakuras."
The Protoss replied, "My apologies Praetor, but Commander Raynor has requested a meeting in another location, one he cites is more secure. He insisted that the meeting be held there."
"Very well. Inform him that we will meet him as soon as we can."
The Protoss left quickly, but Artanis and Zeratul lingered for a few more minutes. "Zeratul. . . does this change anything we should be doing?"
"I do not believe so, young Praetor. More factors in the galactic equation may benefit us, should the Hybrids find it more threatening. I must reserve judgment for the moment; it is entirely possible this new threat is more formidable than even the Hybrids."
"Let us go learn then, Prelate, and hope that things do not worsen anymore than they already have."
Chapter 5: World of Darkness
By: Dark-Elk
Artanis held his breath in suspense, hoping against hope that the incoming Carrier had aboard the important passenger its' ID said it carried. If it did, the entire Protoss race would rejoice, knowing that he had returned after such a long sojourn.
The Carrier Tassadar was being afforded an entire military honor guard; dozens of Scouts and Corsairs were clouding the space around it. All were weaving intricately around the surface of the Carrier, projecting the illusion of the hull of the Carrier shifting randomly.
Finally Artanis could wait no longer, and was forced to ask the question that was hovering among the many Protoss minds gathered in the area.
"Is that you, Prelate Zeratul?"
The soft chuckle that echoed across the speakers of the fighters in the area elicited a cheer; it was instantly recognizable as that of the Prelate himself.
"It is indeed, my young Praetor. This honor guard is impressive to say the least. I wasn't aware that my return was so fiercely awaited."
It was Artanis's turn to laugh now. Zeratul seemed the same as always.
"Welcome home, Prelate. You have been gone far too long, and we have great need of your leadership. The Zerg have been quiet lately, but the Dominion. . ." Artanis's voice trailed off "We aren't really sure what the Dominion is doing."
"Young Praetor, I believe it is time that I spoke with you and whatever passes as leadership on Shakuras. I have a matter far more grave than that of the Dominion or the Swarm. But before I arrive, I must know.have you heard recently from Commander Raynor?"
Artanis bowed his head sadly. "No, Prelate, I'm afraid we have not spoken with him in some time. At our last meeting, he was planning to continue leading his band of Terran renegades. I have thought for some time that we should perhaps seek out Raynor. . ."
"It must be done immediately, Praetor. With the ill news I am bearing, we will need every last ally we can find." With that chilling statement, Zeratul ended the conversation, and the Tassadar began moving towards Shakuras again.
Artanis felt a wave of ice slide down his spine, and slowly swung his fighter around until he could view Shakuras again. He hadn't had the heart to tell Zeratul that he was the only leadership on Shakuras, and that many of the Protoss who had been settled there had since left to found other colonies. The Conclave had never been reformed, and there was no other qualified to become a Praetor. He often thought at times that even he wasn't skilled enough to lead his people, and that he had been chosen merely because he was the closest one at hand. Shaking off the depressing thoughts that were clouding his mind like a fog, he engaged the drive of his Scout and punched the thrust button. He wanted to be the first to greet Zeratul upon his return.
-_-_-_-
"You have been away too long, Prelate," said Artanis as he walked with Zeratul. "Much has changed among our people."
"Change is inevitable, young Praetor, but while some things change, others remain as stalwart as time itself," said Zeratul. His voice sounded stressed, and the philosophical banter he used to engage in seemed forced.
Artanis stopped and turned to Zeratul. "What is wrong, my friend? Never even during the height of the Brood War were you as worried as you seem now."
"You would do well to remember that although the Brood War ended, Kerrigan's forces run rampant throughout the Koprulu sector still, and the Terran Mengsk is clenching the Terran worlds in his grasp. We did not need another threat during these times, but fate is not merciful."
Artanis's eyes betrayed his shock. "Another threat? Our fleets are having enough trouble staving off our enemies. A new enemy could well prove our end."
Zeratul slowly nodded. "You have no idea how right you may be. We must speak to the new leaders of Shakuras now."
Artanis steeled himself for Zeratul's reaction. "I. . .am the only remaining leadership on Shakuras. The Conclave. . .the people chose not to recreate it.. They believed that the old one was part of the reason our people had come close to extermination before. They believed that I would be better able to resist the Zerg without restrictions placed by a Conclave."
Zeratul's reaction was not one Artanis had predicted. He had predicted perhaps anger, or maybe sadness, but not the joy that came to Zeratul's face. "The people could not have chosen a wiser leader, Artanis."
Artanis, still stunned from the unexpected joy, nevertheless barked out a short telepathic laugh. "Of course they could have. There are any number of people more qualified than I; I went from Praetor of the Fleet to effectively the only ruler of the Protoss. I don't have the skills, the prestige, the experience. . ." Artanis trailed off for a moment. "You would have made a much better choice, Prelate."
It was Zeratul's turn to laugh. "I have pondered this matter long and hard, Praetor. I had nearly expected to return to lawlessness, a lack of authority and strong leadership. I would have been more than willing years ago to step into such a power vacuum, to lead to the extent of my capacities. The return voyage gave me much time to think, Artanis, and I realized that what we face now isn't what we've faced ever before."
"I do not understand, Prelate. We have been under siege by the Zerg for years now, and the Terrans have plotted against us times innumerable. Though our losses have been heavy, we remain."
Zeratul nodded. "Yes, but those were during Kerrigan's ascent to power. She was still nascent, still achieving control over the Broods, weeding out traitorous elements, separating the chaff from the grain. The Terrans have united mostly under the banner of Mengsk, and he calls for our extermination. The Brood War is over, young Praetor. We have entered the time of the Hybrids, and this conflict cannot be solved by the aging, like myself. This is your time, young Praetor, not mine."
"Hybrids? What do you mean?"
Zeratul sighed. "I have been away far too long, Praetor, and I have kept this horror secret, even though I knew it would only cause more trouble in the future. I didn't want to believe the creature that took the form of Duran. . .but I know now what he said was anything but lies. He told the truth, Artanis."
"I do not understand, Zeratul. What does the traitor Duran have anything to do with these Hybrids?"
"He created them, Artanis, under the orders of another race. The Hybrids are to this race as we were supposed to be to the Xel'Naga; champions of their cause, unequaled in battle. From what I have been able to gather, the ancient enemy we were to resist. This enemy exists outside the dimension we now, and were the enemies of the Xel'Naga. The only name I have for this race is the Scourge."
"The Scourge? Where did you get that name from?"
"During my travels, I undertook an expedition to a number of planets that had been sites of Xel'Naga experiments. At one I uncovered what appeared to be their equivalent of a command post, and managed to retrieve much information from within. The Scourge and the Xel'Naga struggled for eons, it seems, and much of their "evolutionary research" was really just manipulating races into becoming warriors for them, meddling with entire planets to hold the Scourge at bay. I only learned the smallest amount about the Scourge during my travels, despite my efforts. The Scourge is the exact opposite of the Xel'Naga; while the Xel'Naga were creators, the Scourge are destroyers."
"So this Scourge has created a new race to defeat us? Let them come!"
"You do not understand, Praetor. The term "hybrid" was not merely chosen to name this new race; the Hybrid race is indeed a true race of hybrids, comprised of the strengths of the Terrans, the Zerg, and though I am loath to say it, they also contain the genetics of the Protoss."
"This is madness! They have blended our races? These creatures are abominations, twisted replicas of the First Born!"
"Nevertheless, Artanis, the Hybrids were created expressly for the termination of our three races. What better way to defeat a race then embody its' greatest strength along with the strengths of its enemies?"
Artanis backed against the corridor wall as the realization finally struck him. He slowly slid down the wall until he hit the floor, and cradled his face in his hands. "How can we possibly defeat such a race, Zeratul? Perhaps at the height of our power, we might have stood a chance, but now? Now we stand all but defeated, crushed in the palm of Kerrigan and her ilk."
"You must not give up hope, Artanis. With the aid of Raynor, we may yet find a way to resist these Hybrids. Perhaps they will recognize the Zerg as the greatest threat and attack them before us. All we need is time to prepare, Artanis. Offensive war takes genius, but defensive war takes preparation and time. I have much more confidence in our ability to defend ourselves than in our ability to assault the Hybrids now."
Artanis nodded, and slowly climbed to his feet. "You are right, Prelate. We must alert Raynor at once! The sooner we begin preparations, the better. Although we have been at a continual state of war, much has changed since your leave, Zeratul. We have new technologies, new abilities that perhaps the Hybrids may underestimate. After we find Raynor, what we you suggest our next course of action be?"
Zeratul's thought deeply for a few moments before coming to his conclusion. "We must leave Shakuras behind, Artanis. We must find a new world from which to stage from."
"You cannot possibly believe that the Protoss would uproot themselves from both of their homes, and move to a new world, Prelate! The loss of Aiur and the assault upon Shakuras were the most devastating events to happen in our race's history since the Aeon of Strife! The Protoss would rather die now than leave Shakuras!"
Zeratul nodded. "I know, Praetor. That is why I said we must find a new world to stage from, rather than a new world to populate. The Protoss cannot lose Shakuras, Artanis, it would be the final stab to our race's heart. If we move only the vital workers, the leadership, and the military to this new world, we will be able to better organize and construct new fleets, train new soldiers. If we do this, Artanis, we will divert the war from Shakuras for a time, hopefully long enough for a commander to construct the most impenetrable defense imaginable, enough even to ward off the Hybrids."
"Your plan is sound, Prelate. We will seek Raynor and begin the search for a new world at once."
Another Protoss dashed into the corridor, bowed respectfully to both leaders, and said "You wished to be notified of Commander Raynor's location, Praetor and Prelate. He has contacted us, requesting a meeting immediately. He has said he has news of a new threat to our peoples."
Artanis and Zeratul looked at each other. "How can he possibly already know of the Hybrids, Zeratul?" asked Artanis.
"I do not believe he does."
"Then. . . there may be another threat?"
"Indeed, Praetor."
Artanis sighed. "As though we didn't have enough at hand. Inform Raynor that we shall meet him as soon as he reaches Shakuras."
The Protoss replied, "My apologies Praetor, but Commander Raynor has requested a meeting in another location, one he cites is more secure. He insisted that the meeting be held there."
"Very well. Inform him that we will meet him as soon as we can."
The Protoss left quickly, but Artanis and Zeratul lingered for a few more minutes. "Zeratul. . . does this change anything we should be doing?"
"I do not believe so, young Praetor. More factors in the galactic equation may benefit us, should the Hybrids find it more threatening. I must reserve judgment for the moment; it is entirely possible this new threat is more formidable than even the Hybrids."
"Let us go learn then, Prelate, and hope that things do not worsen anymore than they already have."