Chapter 7 – Of Grey Templars and Politicians
August 15th 2502, 17:12
Zerg Hive Cluster
Barada Prime
With inhuman speed, Raziel dodged the zerglings' frenzied attacks, carving through them with the Reaver as he spun it in a wide arc. As a flock of mutalisks approached, he placed a finger to his forehead and suddenly there were ten of him. Confused, the beasts randomly spat their glaive wurms, causing some of the images to flicker, while the real Raziel tore a massive rock off the ground and threw it at them. He had to be careful around those creatures, as though the Reaver was sustaining his physical form, he knew he would have to replenish his energy if he were hit. Battling in the middle of a Zerg hive cluster meant he always had to be on the lookout and couldn't stop to feed.
One month earlier...
Raziel stood before two statues that formed the centerpiece of the Protoss temple's main hall. He watched as High Templar and Dark Templar alike bowed before them in reverence, and recognized the effigies of Tassadar and Zeratul.
"Magnificent, are they not? Truly examples to be followed." a voice said into his mind. Turning around, he saw an elderly Protoss clad in silvery robes, carrying a large tome. "They shattered the veil of prejudice and cleared the sight of many, eventually resulting in the reunion of our people."
"I have heard of them." Raziel said. "Friends of Raynor. Always spoken of in reverence by your people."
"Tassadar was the first since the time of Adun to rebel against the Conclave and the Judicator caste. While his leaders would have him purge infested worlds by fire, slaughtering Zerg and innocent alike, he had the vision they lacked and sought to bring down the Zerg by destroying the Cerebrates. But in order to do that he required the energies wielded by the Dark Templar, and by seeking them out he was branded a traitor and a heretic by his people."
"I know what it is like to have your own turn upon you... I bear the scars to this day, and only vengeance will quench my fury. But I have heard that Tassadar was the first to combine the teachings of both Templar currents. Pharon told me some stories of how Tassadar and Zeratul met on Char and became friends. I have studied with High Templar and Dark Templar alike, learned to harness part of their energies. But the feats those of higher instruction are capable of are quite formidable."
"Formidable as their feats are, all of them started out as humble acolytes. You have already come far. Your will is strong and focused. Much like theirs. When Tassadar was young, he surprised his teachers by mastering the art of illusion quite precociously. High Templar are resourceful in combat. They can focus their will upon an object or living being and alter the way it is perceived by others. Typically, they resort to those techniques as a decoy, in order to draw away enemy attacks, or to sow confusion among enemy ranks. One warrior can appear to be legion, terrifying the opposition and making them waste their energy striking at air while he moves in to deliver a swift blow."
"I can imagine that such a technique would be quite effective."
The elderly Protoss' eyes glimmered and he straightened up.
"Allow me to demonstrate." he said. With a sudden flash, the Protoss appeared to split into four, all staring intently at Raziel. The wraith paused for a moment and poked one of the illusions with his claw, finding it coherent, but not completely solid.
"Did you alter my perception?" he asked. "I did not feel anything, but..."
"At the core of the illusion is a small flicker of psionic energy that assumes the desired guise, forming a solid energy construct that is coherent enough to make the original very difficult to distinguish." the Protoss to his right said.
"At the same time, false sensory input is projected into the mind of the observer." the one to his right added.
"This twofold effect is even capable of fooling most machines, but the construct is very fragile and if it is struck with enough force the energy will dissipate and the effect will end." the second Protoss on the right said.
"If properly used, this ability can help one escape a confrontation, or prevent it entirely." the second Protoss on the left said.
"Harness the power!" the four said in unison. "Sow chaos into enemy ranks! Make them believe that they fight not one, but legion! Then strike as they flail about trying to understand what is happening!"
With another flash, the illusions were gone, and only the old Protoss remained. "You are a remarkable being, Raziel." he said. "If you truly commit yourself to your training, you will master light and darkness, like Tassadar himself. The Grey Templar opened the way for others to follow."
"I would not know where to begin..." Raziel said. "I have acquired some basic notions of psionics, but I only know how to project energy, not shape it."
"Then we shall begin there. Gather your telekinetic energy into your hand, as if you were to hurl a bolt."
Raziel did so, and soon a sphere of energy was swirling in his hand.
"Gaze upon the energy. See how it pulses, how it hums. Now close your eyes and imagine yourself forming a new body out of it."
Raziel nodded and recalled the way he willed himself into the material realm, crafting a new body from spirit energy every time. He tried to imagine himself standing upon a conduit to the material realm, and attempted to shape the psionic energy into something more malleable. He felt the energy pulse and vibrate, and when he opened his eyes there was a flicker of blue light between his fingers.
"It is a start." the Protoss said. "It is a fragile core, but from it you will eventually be able to build the construct."
"This has been an enlightening experience. Perhaps I am not too far off from wielding the other powers displayed by the Templar."
"There is no limit to what one can accomplish with dedication and a strong will. Tassadar is proof of that. But do not go dying in a blaze of glory unless you absolutely must for the good of all. We need every able bodied warrior in our struggle against the Zerg. You have great potential Raziel. You are destined for great things."
"You give me too much credit, but I thank you for your words and your guidance... But now that I think about it, I did not ask your name."
"I am Patmos, young Raziel. Patmos the Doomsayer some call me, for I have visions of tragedy and try my best to keep them from coming true."
"Visions?"
"Yes. They can be vague and difficult to decipher, but they tend to revolve around the galaxy in flames. However, I find that such visions of destruction have eased since your arrival. I sense that you will play an important role in the fate of the galaxy, but that is all I am certain of for the time being."
"I do not know how long I will remain among your people, but as long as I am here, I will do what I can to aid in the war against the Zerg. The hospitality I have been offered here on Shakuras warms my battered heart. I had not thought myself capable of trusting anyone again after the way my own kin turned on me."
Raziel had found a new home among the Protoss, and the warrior psions had made him feel like he had a family again. He was determined to repay their kindness by proving himself against the Zerg. He had been able to think of something besides his vendetta against Kain, though he hadn't forgotten what he had suffered, and would gladly use his newfound abilities against him at the earliest opportunity. Meanwhile, as he slaughtered the Zerg on Barada Prime, his sworn enemy was dealing with his own challenge...
August 15th 2502, 17:15
Senate Building
Augustgrad, Korhal IV
Kain surveyed his surroundings, unimpressed by the luxury before him. The marble corridor before him was ornamented with statues of Mengsk, and the floor was lined with red velvet. The honor guardsmen stood at attention and saluted as he approached, clad in their red armors with golden stripes on the shoulderpads. The vampire wore a neutral expression on his face, though he was not exactly thrilled at what was to come. Mengsk had dragged him all the way from the Segment base to present his report before the Dominion senate, a task Kain felt was a waste of time.
"They're all so eager to know you, I couldn't deny them the pleasure." Mengsk had told him earlier. They were impressed by his performance against the Zerg, and the senate was abuzz with rumors about the new General. The way this stranger had risen to such a position on such short notice had fueled intense speculation about his ties to Mengsk and his skills. Tales about his combat prowess had spread beyond the Segment facilities, and he was becoming a legend of sorts among the Dominion.
Kain smirked as he tugged at the collar of his uniform, which was richly decorated with various commendations. Mengsk had been quite pleased with his performance against the Zerg, and so far Kain had humored him by quietly accepting the accolades. In reality, the vampire cared not for the praise. Though the Zerg were proving to be worthy opponents for him to test his mettle and keep his skills sharp, Kain was still concerned with finding Raziel most of all. The months he had spent in the Dominion's service were a necessary sacrifice in order to have access to the Dominion's resources. He was slowly getting acquainted with the Koprulu sector, its history and politics, trying to deduce Raziel's moves. So far, the Dominion's agents had been unable to find conclusive evidence about his location, but Kain had a feeling that his former lieutenant would probably end up getting involved in local affairs, and it would be only a matter of time until he made himself visible. It was not in Raziel's nature to remain idle, and the former Sarafan had a pechant for getting involved in what he perceived as righteous struggles.
Having known Raziel for a millenium and seen the future firsthand through the chronoplasm chamber, Kain had known exactly what the wraith was going to do before he knew it himself. He had allowed his lieutenants to acquire new dark gifts, so that their souls would empower Raziel, and he had ensured that he would find them. Only Turel's disappearance had been unforeseen, but Kain knew that his former right hand would be sufficiently empowered to pursue his true destiny even without Turel's enhanced telekinetic abilities. Kain's hardened heart had not faltered through the preparations, but he couldn't help feeling a pang of regret at the torment he had inflicted upon Raziel. But he cast such thoughts aside, knowing that his transformation was an inevitable necessity for the fate of Nosgoth to be set straight. By becoming a wraith, Raziel had cast aside his vampiric weaknesses and become indestructible and able to absorb the souls of his enemies. By bonding with the Reaver, he had gained a powerful weapon and tool that would open new paths. Kain only hoped his carefully laid out plan would work, and that the changes he was going to introduce to the timeline would not strain it beyond what it could take, or all would have been for naught. And there was also the danger of staying away from Nosgoth for too long. Kain still hadn't figured out a way to return, and was getting increasingly nervous.
The vampire gazed upon the large double door before him, made of solid wood and engraved with the insignia of the Sons of Korhal. The two honor guards standing at the sides opened them for him and he stepped into a large circular chamber, lined with row upon row of seats, all facing an elevated platform where Mengsk stood, clad in a brown uniform with gold embroidery and with a long black cloak trailing behind him. Next to him, Kain was surprised to find Exaccus.
"... and this decisive blow will behead the Zerg war machine. I'm sure you'll all agree that's worth the price." The scientist was saying, just as Kain entered the chamber. He then turned his gaze to the doorway and eyed Kain.
"General, this is a surprise. I didn't know you had been summoned as well." Exaccus said, straightening up and rubbing his hands together.
"Here he is, the man of the moment." Mengsk said. "Gentlemen, meet General Kain, the head of the Vempari Segment and the reason why our operations against the Zerg have been so successful."
Kain climbed the stairs to the elevated platform and looked around, feeling the gaze of all the humans upon him. He felt out of place, and wasn't exactly pleased that part of the Segment's staff had been summoned to the senate without him being informed.
"As you requested, I have come to deliver my report." Kain said. "Over the last two months we have received no less than twenty distress signals from various colonies and ships. Zerg activity is increasing, and several trade routes have been marked as hazardous as a result. At this point we are still unable to determine what the Zerg are planning, but this escalation should be taken seriously and decisive action should be taken before the Zerg gain a foothold on Dominion territory. In addition, our research on the strange crystal retreived from Dalgor III continues. So far it appears to be a psionic signal amplifier, but we have been unable to activate it. It appears to have burnt itself out and become inert."
"Your reccomendation is noted, General." Mengsk said. "And Professor Exaccus has just given us an idea of how to best carry out a decisive strike against the Zerg."
"General Kain, what about the Segment's other research projects?" One of the senators asked. Kain turned his gaze to him and recognized the man. He appeared to be in his late forties, with graying black hair and big blue eyes, his face always with a perfectly neutral expression. He was wearing an expensive looking gray suit.
"Senator Kinsey." Kain acknowledged. "There has been marginal progress since your visit. Our energy weapons project continues to advance smoothly and we are working on improving their potency while maintaining an acceptable level of efficiency. We should have a portable plasma cannon capable of piercing neosteel within the next two months. Work on the portable psi disruptors continues, though there was little to be salvaged from the original structure."
"Excellent work, General." Mengsk said. "And now we have a new assignment for you that should allow us to finally get back at the Zerg. You are to lead a taskforce to Tarsonis and access ATLAS' databanks. There is data within that we need for a priority project that takes precedence over the Segment scientists' current tasks."
"Very well. When do I leave?" Kain asked, giving Mengsk and Exaccus a suspicious glare.
"The taskforce is ready. You are to depart at 0600." Mengsk replied. "Professor Exaccus will accompany you. He knows how to operate the machinery."
"First he gives me command of a covert military unit, then he plots with my staff behind my back? Why do I get the feeling I am going to regret working with these fools?" Kain thought. "I will have to keep an eye on this... professor..."
