Formatting got messed up by FF.net so I'm still experimenting. Anyways, at best this will only be eight chapters I think. Also, this chapter was rushed so it isn't as good as the others. However, I plan on wrapping this segment up pretty quickly. I hope the others will be better than this.

Chapter 5: The False Emperor

Jackson received the reports and smiled. The assassination of Gen Mah Sakai couldn't be kept quiet and the new Combine leadership was already in place. While they insisted nothing would change, overtures had already been made to the Alliance. He had been lucky in pulling off this operation so quickly and efficiently. The Combine hadn't expected such an approach but in the future they would.

For the first time, all the current leaders of the Alliance would be meeting on Tarsonis. Orion and Reikson had gone back to their respective headquarters and were now coming back for this important meeting. He walked in and took his seat to make his report.

"I'm happy to say that the Kel-Morian Combine has finally decided to consider joining the Alliance," he began. "They are extremely rich resource-wise and maintain a good technological base. With their resources, we can truly start building a fleet to match the Zerg."

"What of that weapons test?" Reikson asked. "You were supposed to test that nuke on the Zerg on Chau Sara."

"It went off very well," Henry replied. "My men are still monitoring it and if they're right the Zerg will finish each other off for us. They have almost nothing in the air and we've finished off the flyers that survived. The ground units are still fighting and apparently the surviving Overlords have managed to maintain some control, though now the various groups are fighting amongst each other. We estimate that there are five million dead Zerg on Chau Sara."

Reikson smiled. "Now that's what I like to hear."

"We've also nearly finished cleaning out the old research facility," said Jackson. "However, losses have been heavy. These new Zerg are incredibly dangerous and I personally don't want to run into anymore."

"It might be too late," said James. "The Protoss encountered them on Braxis though they managed to defeat them. They suffered losses but nothing extreme and both our forces have settled in on the planet. They also have a proposal of sorts."

"And what would that be?" Samantha asked.

"That Braxis become a neutral world of sorts where we both maintain a presence," James answered. "It'd be a place where we could exchange technology, information, that kind of stuff."

Jorgensen nodded his agreement. "I like this idea. It provides a safe place to deal with the Protoss and as we both have a commitment there, it can be considered better than any other world we control."

"Any objections?" Samantha said, looking around. There were none. "Very well then, it's approved. We'll send the message after the meeting. What else is there?"

"We haven't received any news from the strike team on Aiur," Jackson stated. "It's making me nervous."

"Nothing?"

"Only confirmation that they reached the system."

Samantha thought it over. "They still have two more hours. If we hear nothing, then we have to assume the worst."

"I don't like wasting resources like this," said Reikson. "If we don't hear anything, we should send a scout to figure out what happened at least."

Jackson nodded. "We can arrange it."

"Either way, we have to take care," said Samantha. "But now it's time to plan our next move. Do we strike at the Zerg again or strike at Mengsk?"

"I think it would be safer to fight the Zerg once Mengsk is removed," Jackson replied. "While we're off fighting the Zerg, he might try something stupid and wreck everything."

Henry nodded. "He hates all of us with a passion and would gladly have a chance to hurt us, even if it means helping the Zerg."

"It will be difficult to defeat him," said Reikson. "Korhal is well- defended and he has a fleet of over thirty battlecruisers remaining. Not something to be laughed at."

"It would take a great deal of resources to fight him," Samantha agreed. "However, the Zerg would be even more difficult. We caught them off-guard this time, but the next battle will be much more difficult. Do we have anything that would give us an edge against him?"

"The Millennium," Jorgensen suddenly said. "By the time it is completed, we'd have at least doubled the size of our fleet. We can project a force that would be twice the size of Mengsk's and overwhelm him. How loyal are his troops?"

"Depends," said Henry. "The Marines and Firebats have all gone through neural resocialization. Therefore, they will remain loyal to the last. His fleet elements on the other hand..."

Samantha nodded. "So we might be able to convince some of them to join us."

"This time we have to kill Mengsk, not just capture him," said Reikson. "He managed to escape the UED but this time we'll finish him off for good."

Raynor remained silent. Memories of helping Kerrigan defeat the UED weren't pleasant. Unfortunately, at the time it looked like the lesser of two evils.

"How many ships do we have going into upgrades?" Samantha asked.

"Ten," Jackson answered. "I'd give it three months before they're ready to fight. That cuts our fighting strength down quite a bit."

"We'll deal with it," said Samantha. "Then it's settled. We'll finish off Mengsk. It'd be a pleasure to not have to worry about that pathetic emperor."

Nods told her they all felt the same way.

Magellan had at first resisted the idea of going to Braxis, especially since it was such a cold planet. However, one look at the biotechnology the Alliance and the Protoss had recovered took care of his previous grievances.

"My, my, this is all quite impressive," he muttered. "I wonder who designed all this?"

"We believe it was Duran," an officer answered.

"Yes. Hmm. Let me see now."

The encryption around the databanks were impressive but after a few more minutes Magellan penetrated them.

"Ah. Nothing can keep me out. Well, this is most interesting."

"What is it?"

"This was a genetics lab," Magellan explained. "I believe that is obvious from all the equipment. However, from what I can see, there had been a great deal of experimentation on Protoss and Zerg DNA. I believe that this is a map of the Protoss genome. Let me see, the areas of interest to whoever ran this project involved the energies the Protoss could call upon. It's called psionic energy, by the way."

The officer sighed. "Doctor, I already know all this. What else can you tell me about this project?"

"Be more patient. Whoever operated this project was a genius, albeit a twisted one at that. Let me see, hmm, they were working on splicing that particular fragment of DNA into the Zerg genome so that it would have similar effects. It had something to do with the brain, I believe."

"We've already dissected a lot of the dead Zerg," the officer added. "From comparing them to the other Zerg we've encountered before, it seems that a region in their lower brain has grown larger. A lot of them seemed to be bulging and it was as if there wasn't enough room in their skulls."

"No, I doubt there was," said Magellan as he continued reading. "The Zerg weren't designed to have a brain shaped like that, so of course there was pressure on the newly developed parts. Let's see, there were efforts to correct this problem but it was slow."

"Any way to kill them faster?" the officer asked. "Or for that matter, disrupt their shields."

Magellan didn't answer for several minutes before he looked up at the officer.

"If you really expect me to be able to give you an answer now, that is absurd. I have just had a chance to start reading these records and now you're asking me how to undo work that probably took years for them to accomplish. Really now."

The officer ground his teeth. "My apologies, doctor. What will you need to help you with this?"

"Proper work space for one. This place is a horrible mess. And I'll need a team of geneticists and biologists. This is going to be complicated work."

The scientist quickly set out to his new assignment and began making a list of the specialists he would require. From what he had read already, the research behind this was revolutionary and might someday be of some use. As for undoing the work, there were always ways and ideas already floated in his head. Now he just had to think up some way to initiate them.

At the massive Protoss encampment Artanis was busy expanding it. Buildings were erected for the many Protoss warriors living here and a small colony was being established. While the Protoss population had been thoroughly decimated by the Zerg Swarm, they still maintained a very large number. The total population still numbered in the billions so establishing a colony wasn't too difficult. Besides, another world under Protoss control would be nice, even if they shared it with the Terrans.

Construction of a city was already underway and the Protoss were warping in food-production equipment. Despite the harsh conditions on Khyrador, they were adapting well to everything. Besides, it had been a Protoss colony in the past before.

"Praetor Artanis, we've set up beacons to designate the extent of the city," one of the Furinax workers reported.

"Good. When will our defenses be in place?" Artanis asked. He would always be a warrior and felt vulnerable without a proper defense.

"Not yet. We are preparing to bring in some of the new Photon Cannons. They are being equipped with miniature pylons so they do not have to be in the Pylon field to be of use."

Another new innovation the Protoss had developed. Despite how advanced their technology was, the dependency on the Pylon network prevented the Protoss on being too flexible and created issues in expanding any base or colony.

"Excellent. Once they're in place I can dispatch more hunter teams to root out any remaining Zergs."

It was obvious there were still more Zerg on the planet, hiding from the combined Protoss/Terran forces. It would only be a matter of time before they attacked, so Artanis preferred to take care of them immediately. The Terrans had settled in around the genetics lab and had begun construction of a massive base. Three of their battlecruisers remained to provide cover along with a virtual fleet of Wraiths. Until their own defensive network was in place, they were vulnerable. The Terrans were also analyzing the research that had taken place in the base and were focusing most of their time on that, so few of their troops actively participated in routing the Zerg. Artanis understood the importance of their work and didn't hold it against them for placing his troops in the most danger. Besides, the Terrans had proven themselves to be surprisingly innovative and they might figure out a way to disrupt the shields these Zerg produced. This would help both of the allied races.

"Praetor, a large Zerg force is approaching from the north!" a warrior reported.

Artanis nodded. "I shall lead the counterstroke myself. Organize a force Reavers and Dragoons. I shall use my personal Scout to watch over the battle."

A dozen Reavers were quickly loaded onto Shuttles while Dragoons followed suit. Several Zealots also went along to act as guards and Artanis led a small squadron of Scouts ahead. Tasting battle, Artanis sped forward and quickly found the Zerg force. When he looked down he found it was largely a force of Hunter Killers. It was fairly large so he avoided direct battle. However, an idea cropped up in his head.

"Shuttles, wait behind for now. I require a squadron of Corsairs to move in on my position."

It didn't take long for his orders to be carried out. He quickly had them lay down a large Disruptor Web which quickly incapacitated the Hunter Killers. The Protoss Scouts then opened fire and their Photon Blasters tore through their shields. They quickly succumbed and by the time the Disruptor Web dissipated over half of the attackers were dead. The Reavers then moved in and finished off the Zerg.

"A well-fought battle, Praetor," another Scout pilot complimented.

Artanis nodded. As a leader among his people, he needed to guard their lives even if they were warriors. Thus the initial run had achieved its goal of weakening the enemy before his warriors engaged on the ground.

"Gather up some of the dead Zerg," Artanis ordered. "We shall study them and deliver some to the Terrans for research. We must know more about these new breeds."

As he circled about Artanis saw his orders being carried out. Zealots were already picking through the bodies, choosing the most-intact ones. Considering the carnage that had taken place, it was harder than it looked. After one last swing around the battlefield Artanis returned to his command ship. He looked with pride at the Fenix, a Tassadar-class battleship named after a great warrior.

"Haul ass!"

The Marines fought hard as they withdrew from the defensive position even as more of their numbers were killed. The Zerglings rushed forward but met a hail of bullets from several Goliaths waiting for them. Slowly the battered soldiers boarded the Dropships as it prepared to lift off. The two surviving freighters were already in the air and the Wraiths strafed the onrushing Zerg units. Each Goliath was picked up by grappling hooks and they continued to fire as they were pulled into the remaining Dropships.

"We have incoming!" a pilot screamed.

Mere seconds later three Scourges impacted the Dropship and blew it apart. Scraps and twisted pieces of metal fell to the ground with splattering of flesh and blood. The others were already away and the Valkyries were already opening fire, holding off the many Scourges that remained. It wasn't long before the entire taskforce was racing into orbit. Fortunately no Zerg units were waiting for them but there were plenty of Scourges chasing after them. They were finally far enough away and warped out, leaving Aiur and the pursuing Zergs behind.

When they barreled out of warp space the engines on the two freighters were overheating and they only had three Wraiths left from the original escort. Two battlecruisers immediately moved to cover them as it detected something following them. Tarsonian defenses were quickly alerted and fighters and frigates quickly approached. Out of the warp hole came a small flight of Scourges but they were immediately decimated by the two battlecruisers. Finally the Aiur taskforce was home safe.

Samantha ran down the hallways and into the command center. Jackson was already present and getting the report.

"What happened?" Samantha asked.

Jackson looked over at her. "I think we found another Cerebrate. We knew about the one on Chau Sara and there is definitely one on Char. Now we've found a third Cerebrate on Aiur."

Samantha frowned. "If we had known there was a Cerebrate, I would have never ordered the raid."

"It doesn't matter anymore," said Jackson. "We succeeded. Besides, I think this is a minor Cerebrate. The Zerg forces weren't that powerful and our taskforce managed to escape, despite its limited resources."

Reluctantly Samantha nodded. "Fine. But did they get the crystals?"

"Yes. Both freighters are loaded with them."

"At least it wasn't for nothing. All right. Once they're down, I want to meet them. They deserve something for what they went through."

A frown appeared on Jackson's face. "You know, you can't always reward people."

"Only when I feel it's appropriate," Samantha replied, "and I feel it is this time."

Balthazar looked through the list of Dark Templars. Each one had fought with him during that fateful day when the Overmind was destroyed. A few sat on the Council itself, but one drew his attention more than the others.

Vertisage was an old Dark Templar, wise and patient. He had been one of Balthazar's own teachers in the ways of the Dark Templar and was willing to accept their fellow brethren from Aiur. This would be the one he could send. Artanis had already looked through the many Dark Templars and Vertisage was one he approved of too. Hopefully their decision would be the correct one.

The massive construction bays on Shakuras were at work even now, laying the foundations for the next Tassadar-class battleships. Carriers, destroyers, and Arbiters were all being built in orbit while these important warships would remain hidden from any that spied upon Shakuras. Scouts were also being turned out in large numbers and in three months the strength of the Protoss Grand Armada would be doubled.

Because of this renewed strength and the apparent weakness of the Zerg for the time being, Balthazar needed to choose a new target for the Protoss. The Terrans had succeeded in destroying a Cerebrate and routing an entire Brood from Chau Sara, an admirable feat despite their limited technology. However, the Terrans weren't the only ones developing new weapons of mass destruction.

While the Protoss held a high warrior code of honor, sometimes the best way to fight was to slay as many of your enemies as possible using the least amount of resources. The Tassadar-class battleships were all equipped with a powerful weapon that emitted the combined energies of High Templars and Dark Templars. These had proven extremely effective against the Zerg and had wiped out the renegade Broods on Shakuras. Three such warships stationed strategically around any planet would be capable of destroying all Zerg on that world.

Balthazar smiled. That fact gave him an idea of what their next target would be. Moments later the Council walked in and took a seat.

"My brethren," he began. "We have fought for many years against the Zerg and it is my belief we are prepared to strike them a mortal blow. We will soon have twenty more of the mighty Tassadar battleships and with them we can wipe out the Zerg on any planet we choose. I say it is time we retook our homeworld."

There were looks of surprise on the faces of the Councilmembers and then anticipation. They liked this idea.

"We already know that once linked together, three of our new battleships can cleanse a world of any Zerg. Thus, their destruction on Aiur will allow us to liberate another of their strongholds. The days when their numbers outmatched our might is over. And once that is done, we shall have two worlds under our control, the birthplace of the Protoss race and the birthplace of our greatest hope."

Both sides knew what he meant and he noticed smiles on the faces of the Dark Templars. It was important to let them know he had not forgotten everything they had done for his people. No, their people. It was time to severe the ideas of old and look forward to a united Protoss race.

"Could we hold the planet once we take it?" one of the Dark Templars asked.

"Our scientists have worked to duplicate the power of the Xel'Naga temple ever since we used it to wipe out the invading Zerg," a High Templar responded. "We are ready to deploy another such weapon on Aiur and it will provide us with a shield from the Zerg."

Balthazar nodded. That was indeed good news.

"In three months time we shall have twice the strength we now hold. It would not be difficult to split our forces to protect Aiur, Shakarus, and Khyrador," another pointed out.

"It is also high time we adapted a Terran innovation to assist us in the defense of our worlds," said Balthazar. "The Terrans built massive battle platforms in orbit of their worlds, allowing them to mount powerful weapons without using warships. While these are restricted to their respective planets, they provide an excellent defense from invasion."

"Perhaps we can mount our emitters on these platforms," a Dark Templar suggested. "Thus we can project a shield around our world that would prevent the Zerg from even landing."

This was good. The Protoss were slowly learning to forsake their old conservative approaches and adapt to new circumstances. None of them had even made any remarks about using the 'barbaric' Terran methods. Balthazar looked on with pride as the Council suggested ways to increase the defense of the worlds they held or protected. If this idea worked, no Zerg would be able to penetrate any Protoss world ever again.

"Do we have the workers to carry out such construction?" one Councilmember asked.

Balthazar thought it over and shook his head. "Not at the moment. However, we are modifying our Probes to carry out construction work. By the time three months have passed, we shall be ready."

"We must stockpile resources for this assault. There are several asteroid fields where we can mine the minerals we need."

"We must keep the true objective secret," said Balthazar. "However, we can begin spreading rumors that we are planning a massive attack. It will help motivate the people and boost the morale of our warriors."

The others nodded in agreement.

"We shall reclaim our homeworld from the Zerg and nothing will stop us," Balthazar stated defiantly."

Hours after the meeting the old Executor walked down the halls with Vertisage. The Dark Templar remained respectfully silent, waiting for his superior to speak.

"We have come a long way, my friend," said Balthazar. "There have been countless victories but many defeats as well. Retaking Aiur will be a great deed."

"Indeed it will, Executor. Your name shall be as revered as Tassadar."

Balthazar smiled. "I would not go that far, Vertisage. However, there is a grave matter at hand and I require your assistance."

"How many I be of service?"

With a wave of his hand images appeared, floating in the air. Balthazar pointed at one, showing what looked like a star chart.

"It is said that Dark Templars can sense the energies that emit from neutron stars, black holes, and many other mysterious things in the galaxy. I believe it, for I have felt them myself. What I have here is a map showing the route to an ancient Xel'Naga warship, something that may be the salvation of our race."

Vertisage nodded knowingly. "I see. You wish me to find this ship and bring it back to Shakuras?"

"Yes. Only a Dark Templar can follow the map and figure out the many mysterious along the way. I could perhaps do it, but I cannot leave the people like this. Therefore, I ask you, old friend, to take this journey. I do not know what hardships you will encounter, but there will be perils."

"What will I have at my disposal?" Vertisage asked.

"A single Arbiter. It is all we can spare at the moment but the ability to warp time and space should be all that you need."

"Very well, Executor," Vertisage said with a bow. "I shall do my best to serve my brethren."

As Balthazar watched the Dark Templar leave, he hoped he wasn't sending him on a suicide mission.

3 Months Later

Samantha watched the newest battlecruisers from Alpha Squadron fly in formation. With the completion of the shipyards at Mar Sara and the near- completion of another set at Dylar IV, the Alliance would be making its presence felt very soon. The good thing was that these were all up-graded battlecruisers and ten others from the Tarsonian Starports were also up and running. With nearly a hundred battlecruisers between them, the remaining Zerg forces would have a difficult time penetrating any Alliance territory.

With the cloning facilities coming on line, they could soon muster an even larger army. All of this was in preparation for reoccupying Mar Sara and invading the Char System itself. There had also been significant progress in finding ways to disrupt the new Zerg shields. Samantha rather liked the eccentric scientist named Magellan. His idea involving sending a burst of psionic energy tuned against the Zerg shields was actually practical with the help of the Protoss. Because the Protoss used a different frequency and would have been able to disable Zerg shields if they were the same frequency, it was no issue.

Veronica was gapping at the fleet of ships flying about. Samantha cradled her daughter lovingly and hoped she would have a peaceful world to grow up in. However, Kerrigan would probably return in approximately thirty years so they had to be prepared. Still, there was a chance that Jonathan would survive and would return. Samantha's heart hurt at the thought of her husband facing off against the entire Swarm, but he had made the decision. She was just glad he knew about their daughter before he left.

The inspection flight was soon over and Samantha gave Veronica back to her nurse. It saddened her how little time she could spend with her daughter but there was so much to do. Next on her agenda was taking a look at the progress of the Millennium.

Out of the shuttle windows she looked at the superstructure already in place. The skeleton of the warship was ready and they were beginning to install the Protoss reactor and the three secondary reactors. That would take two months at least and then would come the major systems. She could already see other engineers working on the engine and hoped that everything ran smoothly. After reworking things to fit in the plasma-pulse cannon, they had to sacrifice more space because of how complex the weapon was. That meant a change in the armor layout, but the designers compensated as much as they could.

"Lieutenant, take us in closer."

"Aye ma'am."

The shuttle flew by the side of the massive space dock, partially completed but ever extending as the Millennium grew. Besides the massive flagship were several other battleships being built. The Lancelot-class battleships were going to be an important part of the Alliance fleet and with the addition of the Kel-Morian Combine, they had the resources for all these construction projects.

"Commander, Colonel Hauler needs to speak with you."

Samantha took the headset. "This is Commander Hardy."

"Maybe we should make you an admiral," Jackson joked. "You certainly command enough ships for that."

Samantha frowned. Jackson didn't normally joke.

"What's wrong?"

"The Protoss just attacked Aiur," Jackson explained. "Their forces have gutted the Zerg defenses and from the reports I'm reading, I think the Cerebrate was killed too. They deployed some kind of new weapon; it basically destroyed all the Zerg on the planet."

"They have something like that?" Samantha said, amazed.

She couldn't see Jackson nodding on the other end. "I think it has something to do with their Tassadar-class battleships. From all their activity, I thought they were going after another Zerg world, but I didn't expect them to retake Aiur."

Samantha took a deep breath. "All right. That means we've taken down two Cerebrates so far. We know that one is on Char so that leaves two unaccounted for."

"My men are looking for them," Jackson assured her. "We don't want them popping up unexpected but those two are being very sneaky."

"Not to mention one of them commands a large Brood," said Samantha. "All right. Keep me updated on this. I want to know how this develops and if the Protoss are going to make another move."

The shuttle shook a bit and Samantha looked over at the pilot.

"Sorry commander. There was some debris hanging in orbit. A Dropship is coming over to clean it up."

Another thing Samantha had ordered done was the cleanup of all the space trash around Tarsonis. It provided some minerals and made travel a lot safer. After they did another flyby the shuttle veered back towards the planet.

"This is pathetic."

Magellan looked up and saw another one of the scientists tinkering with one of the psi emitters.

"What is the problem?" he asked.

"This is one of the psi emitters we used during the Chau Sara weapons test. It was broadcasting on a wavelength directly opposite of the Zerg and thus disrupting their communications within its area, but it shorted out right before the nuke went off."

"Ah yes," said Magellan. "We've been having problems with those mini psi disruptors. That's what they should be called, but this project is still heavily classified."

His fellow researcher nodded. "I don't think these emitters have the power to broadcast very large distances."

"They just need to have enough range to cover a battlefield," said Magellan. "Besides, we're developing them for use on battleships. They don't need to be that small."

"I'm well aware of that. But imagine what we could do with emitters this small. Our ground troops would be able to slaughter the Zerg while they tried to figure out what to do."

A message popped up and Magellan opened it.

"Oh dear."

"What's wrong?"

Magellan only handed the message to his colleague. The man's face turned white and the pad dropped to the floor. The war had just gotten more interesting.

End of Chapter 5

Chances are, I'm not going to get to ten chapters. Hope for eight people, cause I'm not making any promises.

Z98