Surriel walked into the Table room aboard the Icean captial ship The Aurora, the eyes of his allies falling on him and Sternum, one of the two brothers co-leading Planet Bone, was on his feet and approaching him almost accusingly.
"You told us they couldn't follow. How the hell did the Beast get here?" He hissed. Pyrus was on his feet next, small ear-spines curling up and back.
"Give him a minute to explain things maybe? Jade still needs to get here and I want to hear Gravehearts input." Pyrus frowned, crossing his arms defiantly as he watched Sternum stop only a few steps from his seat. Surriel held back his feeling of pride at the swift response and his defense by his youngest son, to a fellow world leader with more experience within a prison system than Pyrus had been alive. Surriel glowered at Sternum, who clenched a fist, fins folding flat back as he bowed his head in defeat before returning to his seat next to Femur, who made a snide comment under his breath at his brother, who lightly pinched Femur's nearest fin, earning a yelp before Femur chuckled both nervously and happily, as his comment had been that Sternum needed to remember Surriel would not take his posturing in any form.
Surriel moved to greet his son, Pyrus looking him over, Leon having told him that the Ahr'aht flagship had gotten hit with a psi-storm and blacked out for a few long minutes before they had moved to the system they had just obliterated.
"I'm fine, I'm fine, just a bit sore. Harumistrel took the brunt of it." Surriel chuckled, grasping Pyrus' shoulders to stop his worried probing.
"You better see Sai after, just in case." Pyrus narrowed his eyes, the smile on his face showing he was serious but playfully making his concern known.
"Of course." Surriel moved to his seat to Pyrus' left, Pyrus returning to his chair as Zera and her father Cryos entered, Jade and Graveheart with them. Zuma and Tekla were elsewhere, working on some project to help the Sun people and Zumahim -the Sand people- adapt to being able to visit the rest of the alliance worlds, the education and social interactions of both races stunted by their prior complacency and ignorance to each other and the universe around them. Graveheart moved to sit next to Surriel, Jade next to him, Zera and Cryos on the other side of Pyrus. The two empty seats made Surriel sigh, but he began anyway, standing up as the lighting of the room dimmed above the round table, a holo-image of the system from when they arrived before they began their battle appearing. It played through, the battle pausing when Leon and Surriel had spotted the beast drone ships, the image zooming in and outlining the two.
"Sadly, Overqueen Zagara and her Consult Admiral Alexei, as well as my alternate Xerxes Nerthiel and his second-son saw them before Leon managed to destroy them." Surriel started, the recording continuing after a moment, concluding when the last Hybrid had ambushed his ship and struck it with a blast that overloaded and shut down all its essential systems. Samateus was seen darting around their ship before the recording concluded and dissipated.
"They've accepted that Amon may have somehow brought our enemies here, though even Sam isn't certain how they got here, without our knowledge. The Beast planet hasn't shown up in the sector or this galaxy, though Leon is monitoring to see if it does. For now, Zagara has gifted us this system to remain in, which is likely going to be well received by the peoples of your worlds." Surriel smiled as his gaze met Jades', Cryos' and then turned to Femur and Sternum. "I also believe you two owe Jade and I for losing that bet."
Jade simply laughed, Femur and Sternum going pale as they realised they had been cornered.
"Is this star going to be sufficient enough for our worlds? It's very different from our parent system." As though on cue, Leon materialized from a shadow and stood behind Pyrus' left, smiling at Jade.
"It should, if needed I'm certain I could figure something out to make it's UV output more suitable. For now, I've sent commands to the four to put them in appropriate orbits and retract the engines once they are in position. I'll give them a nudge when they need it." Leon purred, wings held tightly to his back and tail swishing lightly behind him. Pyrus tilted his head slightly to regard him out of one eye with a smirk.
"None of this bugs you? That Admiral is obviously from the Earth in this universe..." Pyrus started, letting the sentence hang. The implied concern that Humans still remained here, and obviously still on the alternate version of Earth, brought up the fact that their races all looked so similar to Humans, yet were obviously not. Leon smirked, tilting his head slightly down toward Pyrus.
"I am not in any rush to ask them to help Integra, not anytime soon. I've extended interest to speak with Alexei when Sam does next. For now, our alternate, Xerxes Nerthiel, and his second-son are concerned and I'd like to get those genetics samples to Zagara's science officer Abathur where we left them." Leon explained, turning to Surriel when he mentioned their alternate.
"And why should we trust those 'Zerg'? I thought they infested any species they became interested in?" Jade asked, narrowing her eyes.
"They wont. If they already have genetic material to work with, they don't need to kill anything. They aren't the Borg." Leon smirked, Zera and Pyrus snickering at the reference to something Samateus had shown them from her time on yet another alternate Earth. Jade nodded, looking to Sternum who leaned forward now.
"Should we be concerned that the Protoss are keeping one of their ships here? It's almost as though they are monitoring us."
"No, Kuldaris and Xerxes are remaining here because Xerxes doesn't wish to cause a public scene at his brother's expense. Artanis, their Hierarch, is our alternates' younger sibling." Surriel provided, motioning lightly to Leon at the mention of Artanis.
"And what should we expect from the Dominion? You already gave them a lot of technology we use regularly." Pyrus asked, looking to Leon, the others also turning to him as Surriel grinned facetiously at him.
"Valerian is harmless. He's more concerned about undoing the damage his predecessor wrought upon the populace of Korhal and the rest of the Dominion. I'm certain if we offer to help monitor their fringe worlds they will be more understanding and accepting that Amon may have brought the Beast in as his ally. I hadn't thought of it before, but Voyd does feel similar to the force that was guiding that Hybrid that struck your ship." Leon turned to Surriel who also nodded, smile fading.
"True, I know Sam will be on board to help the Terran fringe worlds, after working and interacting first with Mira and then Valerian and Egon. Xerxes Nerthiel... He's a Primal Zerg Hybrid, and as such I am completely at a loss. He's far more humble than I expected from the Protoss, and kept his Brother and the Tal'Darim leader from being too critical of us. The Tal'Darim are likely to stay well away, after their Highlord was nearly made fool of by Xerxes and Kuldaris." Surriel explained, amused and looking forward to hearing Samateus' debriefing later. Jade and Graveheart shared a glance, Jade shaking her head and Graveheart smiling lightly after giving a shrug before Jade turned back to the two.
"Are they willing to help us in return, should we have food or resource shortages? They are limiting us a great deal by just... sticking us here and expecting us to stay." That they had been stuck in their own solar system at one time seemed to slip her mind at the moment.
"Give it time Jade. We are newcomers and refugees in a sense. The Zerg have been very generous in giving us this, only recently, barren system that she otherwise hadn't been using. Her investigation into this place, which led us on this entire debacle when her Leviathan showed up near the fleet earlier with the massive wound in its side, gave us a hint that Amon and Voyd might have allied. There may be something bigger working against everything and everyone that we have never seen before. They are just as shocked by these new events as we are, so much so that they all thought their worries were over." Surriel soothed, his feather movements showing outwardly how tired he had become during their debriefing, Leon moving to place a hand on his shoulder. Surriel tilted his head up to look at him, eyes reflecting his fatigue as Leon frowned.
"Looks like your lungs aren't processing oxygen properly again. Can we reconvene tomorrow?" Leon addressed the others with the question, all aware that Surriel had a similar yet managable form of auto-immune disorder to what plagued Leon's sister Integra, that would occassionally need more invasive treatment. Surriel appeared to droop, simply nodding as Pyrus moved to help him up and heading for Pyrus' ship docked in the Aurora's cargo hold to ferry him to the Taalrulthian World ship as Leon confirmed with the others that they would attempt to gather tomorrow to continue their conversation, as teleportation would hamper and possibly do more harm to Surriel. Leon helped Pyrus take his father to his ship as the others moved to return to their respective worlds, Femur and Sternum quickly catching up to Pyrus, Leon and Surriel. Leon flicked an ear, tilting his head to regard Sternum out of the corner of an eye. Leon did not need to acknowledge him, as the former prisoner swore he could feel when Leon's attention or gaze was on him.
"Not to say you were lying, but how are you so certain of the intentions of others?" Leon grinned toothily, the gemfire glow of his eyes unnerving even the battle and torture hardened warrior Sternum attempted to portray. Of all the things that could unnerve the tattooed Bonean, it would be an ancient Vampire that also could see through their hearts and souls to discern their intentions, and claimed to know far more about them all than they knew themselves.
"Valerian is very new to his position, only two and a half years, give or take a few months. He's not in any position to force us out, nor is Zagara going to be willing to after our assistance. I'm in a position to make her further interested in what we have to offer, I selected a few samples of species from earth that were scientifically significant in my youth, nothing too grandiose though. Once I get this featherduster where he needs to go I'll be going to parley with Abathur." Leon grinned toothily when Surriel lightly elbowed him in the ribs.
Xerxes and Dehaka, the larger reluctantly allowing the Primal Hybrid to peruse his memories to learn more of what it meant to be Primal, of what to expect when acquiring new essence and how to direct it. Xerxes withdrew after a lengthy amount of time, rumbling a thanks to Dehaka for his patience.
**Xerxes? Overqueen Zagara would like to know if Leon will have the samples he promised us soon.** Aliszha hazarded once she realised Xerxes was no longer perusing Dehaka's memories. Xerxes nodded, turning to Samateus who had returned to them once Surriel had gone off to the meeting with their allies.
**He should be on his way fairly soon. Surriel had a bit of an adverse reaction to that Hybrid Psi-Storm that needs a bit of attention first.** Samateus offered, seeing that Abathur had taken interest in her also, yet remained near Aliszha a few paces away. Xerxes moved to Lia'Ashra who blinked at an unheard question.
**I... I am interested in seeing more of the Swarm Zerg, yes, but not away from you.** Her voice almost sounded as though she were about to faint. Xerxes chuckled, shaking his head.
**I wouldn't send you alone, of course. If I cannot be with you in person, you always can reach me, you know this.** Aliszha then realised what was being discussed, moving to gently take one of the Primal Queen's taloned hands and clasp it gently in both of hers. Abathur monitored this closely, surprised and realising that Zagara had indeed used some of their Queen Kerrigan's essence in the creation of Aliszha, and remained curious at how Xerxes had so easily picked up on this.
**I'll ensure you are safe, anything you need, I'll be happy to help.** The young Queen offered, enamored with and feeling a strange kinship with the Primal Queen from the first moment they met. As though on cue, OneHorn, followed by Arska and Taluth, with four of Aliszha's younger Zerglings, trotted from the bush nearby, Arska and Taluth flanked by the younger Zerglings, as they had managed to trip up Taluth, and Arska promptly submitted to protect him. Xerxes chuckled at the group, nodding acknowledgement to the elder Zergling and her entourage, as they returned to Aliszha and his twins moved to greet him.
**Perhaps not now, later? When we have all had time to settle?** Leon's voice startled even Dehaka, as he materialized in his bipedal form next to Samateus, a large cylindrical cryo-storage case appearing next to him. Xerxes wordlessly calmed Dehaka, advising that the newcomer was the one they had been waiting for, in order to send Dehaka and the others to return home, the large Primal slowly relaxing again, though still on edge as this newcomer smelt strange, of fire, metal and blood. Lia'Ashra nodded, thanking Aliszha for her concern and generosity, the two opting to remain good friends and would attempt to converse often.
**I am willing to ferry you around, as necessary, if needed? My teleport systems are not too dissimilar compared to the Daelaam or Ahr'Aht systems, and you've seen how easily my Ark moves around, despite its size.** Leon offered, purring lightly in their minds to further soothe the concerns of his new allies. Aliszha nodded, offering a bow as Zagara gently pushed that they should leave and return to Char. **What's her hurry?** Leon raised a brow, tail curling around the cryo-storage unit.
**Overqueen is, unsettled by her Broodmothers. Many are, unhappy, with her choice to give this system as a gift.** Abathur's halting response earned Xerxes' notice, the sequencer more concerned with his Overqueen than the samples Leon had promised. Xerxes shared this sentiment with Leon and Samateus briefly, the Primal Hybrid moving to lightly inspect the cryo-storage unit, gently tugging at Abathur's mind to shift his focus.
**Well, I am certain she will quickly quell any of that dissent. Here, these are for you. Samples of genetics from the Legacy World peoples, the ones that are likely all very similar to Human are labelled. You can read Common, yes?** Leon hazarded, making a show of opening the case, the outside folding outward to reveal the four-sided cylindrical center stacked full of many vials of genetic material in the form of blood samples. He removed one, showing Abathur the label, thankful that Abathur had indeed absorbed the Terran language from his trials and tests with Terrans in the past. Leon then carefully twisted the knob at the top that he had used to open the case, the sides raising back up to enclose the samples for travel.
**Will have, much to work with. Appreciated.** Abathur thanked Leon, to which the furred draconian lightly bowed.
**I would like to discuss your findings later, if you'd be interested? I included one that has a history, it's labelled Hellsing. It's Terran, but I hope you might be able to find something about it I may have missed?** Leon fluffed up his fur and feathers lightly, feeling oddly comfortable around the strangely adapted Zerg. Abathur appeared to bow, thanking him wordlessly.
**I will, speak with the Overqueen, I am certain, she would welcome you to Char.** Abathur then looked to Aliszha, then to Dehaka, before moving to attempt to pick up the case, uncertain how to go about such. Xerxes chuckled lightly, shaking his head.
**They will teleport the case with you, not to worry.** Xerxes addressed Abathur, who almost grumbled, but held his distaste at being unable to move the strange cylinder. *For now, you all may reach me here, or through Kuldaris or Surriel, if too far away. Aliszha, you are always welcome, with however many of your swarm you wish to bring.* Xerxes purred, bowing lightly to her in his strange hunched-over bipedal manner, how some might envision Dehaka doing the same. Samateus nodded, happy to have Xerxes and his little family on her world, and happy to let them have visitors of their own, within reason. Their guests nodded, Aliszha and Lia'Ashra embracing lightly in farewell before Abathur, Dehaka and Aliszha with her brood and the case full of genetics samples, were teleported up to Zagara's waiting Leviathan.
Leon remained a few moments, eyes closed, monitoring as Zagara departed, Surriels' ship following to provide the teleportation assistance to move Dehaka, before he relaxed, returning to his smaller quadrupedal draconic form and shaking himself lightly. Xerxes waited himself, concern for Artanis weighing on him constantly, worrying that he would ignore their relation, despite his own expression of willingness to remain acquaintance, Xerxes hoped and secretly prayed that Artanis and Vorazun would acknowledge their familial relation in official capacity. Leon shared a glance with Samateus, who sighed and nodded, Leon moving to gently lean his wing on Xerxes', Xerxes snapped out of his thoughts, slight blush on his face.
**Apologies, I've been so preoccupied with all of this, your kindness and generosity, Zagara's openness... It's a lot to take in. I had hoped to be able to see how much had changed while I was imprisoned, yet I see that Artanis has things very much under control... I feel almost... Lost? Even though I know what we need to do, what I hope you will help me with, I need time to reflect...** Samateus moved to gently press her crested forehead to his, purring soothingly.
**We understand. We'll be within range should you need us. You may wish to debrief Kuldaris first, so he can explain the events here to the Daelaam?** She suggested, Xerxes nodding as he leaned into the concern of the two near him, Arska and Taluth watching with Lia'Ashra. Leon soon withdrew his wing and Samateus stepped back, once both were certain Xerxes had gathered himself, both more than familiar with depression and the physical and emotional pain relating to it. Leon gave him another nudge, wordlessly letting him know he would be available and happy to help if needed, as with Samateus who happily trilled, fluffing her fur and feathers almost comically as she was content in knowing her extended family had grown significantly.