Chapter Three: Crushing the Embers

In order to understand protoss politics you have to first understand the protoss. They all knew each other on a personal level. Their innate connection in the khalai meant that they could see through each others eyes. This meant that there was almost no crime among the khalai. When you caused someone else to suffer you felt their suffering.

But that is beside the point. The point is that there were several giants in protoss society. Or so I gathered from talking with their people.

I'll talk about them in a minute.

Liberty's Reports, volume IV.

It grieved Fenix to leave Artanis' side. When working together the two of them had never been defeated. Great had been his joy to fight alongside them again. Yet now as he walked forward he met his first Terran.

They were small creatures and their minds were limited. In place of neural cords, they had hair of many different colors. At their front was one taller than the others. She was slim and clad in a black uniform. Her hair was dark and she regarded him carefully.

'Praetor Fenix?' she asked. She made a wet noise from the sound of her tongue smacking against her teeth. Yet Fenix could discern her meaning by her thoughts.

'I am he.' said Fenix, sensing her mind. 'You are Commander Serena Calabas, who served alongside Mojo.'

'Yes. I've been assigned by Judicator Aldaris to help you kill this cerebrate.' said Serena.

'I am told by Mojo that you and your warriors are valorous men, worthy of praise.' said Fenix 'I hope he did not speak wrongly.'

'He didn't. We'd better move out.' said Serena 'We'll have to move quickly if we're to get around the enemy fortifications.'

Felix nodded. Gathering their forces they marched quickly north toward the highlands. The terrans moved with good order, despite having no innate connection to one another. Their vast vehicles lumbered along with them and wraith escorts circled around. Serena Calabas spent a great deal more time giving orders than any protoss commander.

Fenix could sense from his warriors the distrust of the terrans. They did not like these pink skinned creatures who spoke with the sounds from their mouths. The terrans, on the other hand, found all this but were focused more on killing zerg than anything else.

Fenix examined the mind of Calabas. He was impressed by what he saw. 'You fought upon Mar Sara, Antiga Prime, and Tarsonis?'

'I commanded at all three yes.' said Serena. 'As well as dozens of smaller engagements. I also fought on Valhalla V and eventually, here.' She paused. 'How many worlds have you fought on?'

'Three hundred and seventy-eight.' said Fenix 'I have fought more battles on them that can be counted and faced enemies none would dare fight.'

He felt a tinge of resentment from her. 'Did you choose to be there?'

'Hmm,' said Fenix 'yes. Though I am one of the few. I was born of the illegal union between a member of the worker caste and the warrior caste. I was given the choice between which one I should enter and I choose the templar.'

'How did you become a Praetor then?' asked Serena 'I figured the position would be reserved for Judicators.'

'When I graduated from the warrior academy I proved the most talented of my generation.' said Fenix 'At several points, those from the Judicator Caste sought to test my mettle and defeat me ten to one. But all were defeated by my hand. No other was my equal. Thus I was given the chance to prove myself again and again. In every battle, I was sent into the thickest part of the combat.

'I was first in every charge. And last in every retreat. I remember in one battle my brethren were ordered to withdraw from me. They were to allow me to die.'

Serena blinked. 'And you're okay with this?'

'After I destroyed the enemy army justice was done. Judicator Aldaris had the one who had given the orders stripped of command.' said Fenix 'I was given his position. Thus even as my enemies sought to undo me they paved the way to my triumph.'

'Did anything else happen to the guy?' asked Serena 'Was he executed or jailed?'

'He was stripped of his command.' said Fenix 'There can be no great humiliation for a Templar.'

'But he was Judicator,' said Serena 'what happened to him?'

'I believe he was reassigned.' admitted Fenix.

'Aren't you angry about being sent to die?' asked Serena.

'No.' said Fenix 'I was given great opportunities to prove myself.'

'Fenix you live in a caste system.' said Serena. 'And you were part of the lower castes. It sounds to me like they didn't want you to come back.'

'Likely not.' said Fenix 'Should I then have stooped to deception and dishonor like them? No, better to keep one's honor and prove through valor my worth. Such was the greatness of my deeds that I was chosen as a Praetor.

Thus was I elevated for my virtue, and they disgraced for their vices.'

'Hmm,' said Serena 'I'd probably find a new job.'

At this moment Emily Swallow approached. Fenix sensed by the thoughts of the terrans that she was held in high regard by all. Serena, in particular, cared for her and held her as the noblest of her warriors. Both had won many great deeds of valor in their own right.

'Commander,' said Emily 'the zerg have established a force on the cliffs above. What are your orders?'

'Let us assail them.' said Fenix 'I shall lead the charge myself.'

'No,' said Serena, raising binoculars. And she beheld formidable fortifications. Yet there were few guards, for much of the host had been sent on the offense. 'Emily bring up the siege tanks. Shell them to pieces. That should lure them out to our defenses.'

'Yes ma'am.' said Emily.

The terrans were valorous. Yet they also sought to win by any means necessary. Serena Calabas had seen many of her brethren fall in battle. And she hated to rush. Fenix walked impatiently at the siege tanks began their bombardment.

'We should attack in haste.' said Fenix. 'Our strategy requires speed.'

'Hopefully, we'll draw some of the heat off Artanis this way.' said Serena.

Little by little the defenses were shelled down. But rather than launch an offensive the zerg forces withdrew. Serena found this troubling. 'That's weird. Usually, they rush out and charge us as soon as we fire.'

'We face Kaloth.' said Fenix 'He is the greatest of the Overmind's minions. A creature of surpassing cunning. All our greatest warriors could not halt his rampage.'

And then over the hill came mutalisks. They assaulted the tanks from behind. Within moments many marines had fallen and several tanks were consumed in flame. Serena whirled round. 'All marines redeploy to the rear. Fenix, cover the cliffs!'

Fenix could feel the panic. And he realized that the terrans had not faced a zerg commander who used such ploys. Most assaulted only from the front, doing little more than choosing a weak point. But now the mutalisks were coming on them from the rear. And behind came a great host of ultralisks and with them many hydralisks.

Fenix raised his psi blade. 'To war my brethren! Let none stand before the sons of Aiur!'

And he rushed to battle. The reavers fired their scarabs and many ultralisks fell in the onslaught. For each one that did dozens of hydralisks died as well. The dragoons fired as well and then the battle was joined. Fenix and hacked his way through them. He shot past two ultralisks, cutting off both their heads and tore through the hydralisks. He felt one of his brethren die, then another, and another.

And with each death he fought all the harder, tearing down all who came. Behind him, he sensed Calabas fighting off unending swarms. Many of her warriors had fallen, but she was holding them back.

At last the battle halted.

The cliffs were cleared. The enemy defeated. But many terrans and protoss had fallen.

'Casualties, Emily.' said Serena.

'Nearly half our tanks were destroyed.' said Emily 'A third of our marines as well. More than half our goliaths.'

'Damn it.' said Serena 'Let's move people. We can't afford another battle like that. Up the cliffs.'

Orders were given and on the forces marched as soon as they could..

Fenix remembered the deaths of so many of his comrades. Dozens had fallen. Many others had been wounded beyond healing and had to be warped back to be transformed into a dragoon.

'Your warriors have performed well.' said Fenix 'I am glad to have them on our side.'

'Well it isn't as though we have anywhere better to be.' said Serena and that was not true. Fenix could sense from her that the war continued in her own space. The terrans faced more and more zerg with each passing day. And it seemed as if there was no end to them. 'Do you think we'll all die here, Fenix?'

'It is likely.' said Fenix 'But our spirits shall live on. And it may be that tales of our past deeds shall inspire survivors to fight on and avenge us in some future time. And if not, a deed is no less valiant though it may never be remembered.

'I fear not death. I fear no enemy. For our strength is eternal.'

'Is that poetry?' asked Serena.

'No, it is a personal philosophy.' said Fenix.

'I wish I had your confidence.' said Serenas as they scaled the cliffs. 'Tell me something Fenix, Mojo introduced himself as the Praetor of Aiur. I thought it was a unique rank. But you hold it as well. Why is this?'

'There are by tradition two Praetors at all times.' said Fenix 'Mojo comes from a distinguished noble family and inherited it. I earned mine by right of battle.'

'Okay, good to know.' said Serena 'Wait? Noble families? I thought that the Templar didn't have families?'

'The Judicator Caste has always been far smaller than the others.' said Fenix 'Thus they all come to know their relations. As a result of this, there have sprung up a number of Judicator bloodlines.'

'But what is a Judicator doing in the warrior caste anyway?' asked Serena 'Aren't they meant to be separate.'

'It would be foolish to have our armies commanded by one with no understanding of war.' said Fenix 'Thus the Judicator Caste has the ability to transcend the Caste system. Some oversee the workings of the economy. Others command in battle.'

'It sounds to me like you have a power imbalance.' muttered Serena.

'It was intended to be so. Yet I fear that the Judicator have become lax.' said Fenix 'Many among the Templar Caste cowered and fled when their forces came under attack by the zerg. Others proved incapable of commanding properly.

'Thus our first defense was overrun and many of my brethren now are one with the khala.'

'The Khala, it's like a collective unconscious, isn't it?' asked Serena.

'One might call it that. But it is more.' said Fenix 'All our memories, all of the knowledge of the ancients, everything that makes us who we are. It is all part of the khala. Some say that the spirits of those who die pass onto it to dwell in splendor. Others that theirs is a destination far from here. Still, others believe that the spirit and mind are one and the same and that all that remains of us is the khala.

'I have never given much thought to such things. You ask many questions.'

'I'm curious.' admitted Serena 'How do you think your friend is doing?'

'Artanis is a warrior both bold and true. He will hold out long.' said Fenix.

'Well let's try and make sure he doesn't have to.' said Serena. 'You know, Aldaris told me about Tassadar. I figure I'll tell you what I told Aldaris. Tassadar is bluffing when he says he'll come back when the time is right.'

'How could you know this?' asked Fenix.

'I've been in contact with Commander Jim Raynor.' said Serena 'He says that Tassadar lost his ships and are stranded.'

'Stranded?' asked Fenix 'Why would he not tell us of this?'

'I don't know.' admitted Serena 'Maybe he didn't want to admit to failure.'

'Tassadar has never been one to boast, nor to refuse to admit to fault.' said Fenix 'Though I cannot recall a time when he was at fault. I do not believe he would deceive us unless he believed it was for the good of Aiur.'

'I've heard that before.' muttered Serena.

'What mean you by this?' asked Fenix.

'Human history is one long line of people believing what they are doing is for the good of their nation.' said Serena 'A lot of them were wrong.'

They spoke no more for a long at last they came to a cliff overlooking the zerg hive cluster. To the south, they could see the cerebrate, pulsing with psionic energy. And between them and it was a mass of flesh and spikes over the creep. To the west, they could see Artanis' base.

The fortifications were in ruins. The buildings were in flame. But there was still a large group of warriors who stood amidst many mountains of corpses. And they were ready to fight. But in the hive below yet more zerg were mustering for the assault.

'Look there! Artanis is under siege!' said Fenix 'We must hasten to his aid!'

'Praetor a force of zerg come from the north!' said a warrior.

'Emily get our forces in a defensive position.'said Serena 'We'll deal with these. Go save your friend.'

'Your valor will not be forgotten.' said Fenix.

'Please,' scoffed Serena 'I've got better things to do than die here.'

Fenix laughed and rushed to battle.

It was a grim air among the defenders of the hill. Many brave warriors had fallen to hold it against the unending tides of zerg. And although they had held out, for now, it was only a matter of time before more came. And more after that.

Where was Fenix?

And as if in answer Artanis saw the flash of a psi blade on a clifftop. Down from the hills came Fenix and his warriors. And with them came many reavers. They shelled the defenses of the hive to pieces. The depleted defenders rushed to stop them and were cut down. Hope sprang once more amongst the khalai.

'They come at last!' cried Artanis.

'Keep them back, warriors of Aiur! Let not a zerg survive!

'Executor we are in position.' came Fenix's voice.

'Fenix!' cried Artanis in joy. 'Forward my warriors! Let us cut a path and meet Fenix halfway!'

'Now warriors of Aiur!' said Fenix 'Forward to victory!'

Thus the two armies rushed into battle. They carved a path into the hive and met near the hatchery. And as it was overcome and put to flame Fenix and Artanis met and embraced. 'Well met, Fenix!' said Artanis 'As always you arrive with perfect timing!'

'We will celebrate long after this!' said Fenix, breaking the embrace. 'But for now, we fight!'

The battle was far from over. For reinforcements came from the zerg. Many valorous deeds were performed on the fields. And many would lament the loss of friends for long centuries afterward. But the tale would be one told for longer still.

And at last the field was theirs. The hives were burned. And only the cerebrate remained alive, hidden behind a thin defense. The Command of the Terrans came forward and Artanis regarded her with distaste. Where were her people during this assault?

Yet Fenix greeted her like a friend. He wondered why and detected a semblance of their battle together. So the terrans had held back a tide of reinforcements.

'The hive clusters are destroyed.' said Artanis 'Now there remains only the cerebrate itself.'

'Its death will be a great victory.' said Fenix 'For the cerebrate we face here is Kaloth. He who burned the Great Temple and marred the khalis crystals.'

But none of the warriors dared approach it. Even as they urged them forward they held back, as if gripped by some primal fear. Artanis looked at them. 'What is this? My brethren why do you fear? He cannot harm you without his minions?'

'This being is of great psychic power.' mused Fenix.

'He's stalling.' said Serena 'Trying to delay until he can withdraw.'

'And what would a terran know of this matter?' asked Artanis.

'More than you I'd guess.' said Serena 'Cerebrates can uproot themselves. When they do they can be transported away if they have time. I've seen it happen. All zerg structures can.'

'Then I will face this creature.' said Fenix 'Alone if I must.'

'I will go with you Fenix.' said Artanis.

'I'll go as well.' said Serena 'Emily, secure the perimeter here.'

'Yes ma'am.' said the terran Emily.

Artanis was amazed by her hubris. 'You think that you, a mere human, can stand before what many khalai warriors dare not?'

'Well, I've been doing that since Mar Sara so… yeah.' said Serena.

Fenix laughed. And he was still laughing as they made their way toward the cerebrate. He'd been in favor of aggressively attacking the zerg. The Conclave's more conservative plan of sterilizing planets had not seemed to him a good one.

Artanis found it irritating. But soon the thought was pushed from his mind as they came before Kaloth. And although his flesh was pulsing and slimy, there was an elegance to his spirit. And there was no fear. Kaloth regarded them calmly.

'So you have come have you.' said Kaloth.

'You are Kaloth.' said Artanis.

'I am.' said Kaloth 'By my will was Tassadar humbled and Duke overthrown. Through my efforts has the fall of Aiur been engineered.'

'We have not fallen.' said Fenix 'Nor shall we.'

'You do not comprehend your peril.' said Kaloth 'To emerge victorious against us is to suffer a worse fate. So that even if you were to defeat the Overmind you would only live long enough to lament the deed. You will rue that you did not allow yourselves to be consumed.'

'You don't sound very proud of yourself.' noted Serena.

'My will is the Overmind's.' said Kaloth 'I obey his orders without question for he is the Father of the Swarm and the source of all that I am.'

'Enough! This foul creature has killed many of our brethren!' said Artanis, summoning his psi blade. 'Now it will pay!'

'Am I a murderer because I have slain warriors in fair combat?' asked Kaloth 'How many zerg have you protoss and terrans destroyed?'

'I don't really many a habit of mourning the anthills I kick over.' said Serena.

'Your kind are abominations upon the world.' said Artanis 'Fit only for destruction.'

'No more than you.' said Kaloth 'For both our races were born of the arts of the Xel'naga. We are but different aspects of a greater whole. We are the fulfillment of the Xel'naga's experiments. And the culmination of your history.'

Artanis was spurred by sudden anger and he drove his blade into the cerebrate. Even as he did so Fenix slashed it. The spirit shuddered but held in place. 'Slay me if you will. Death has no meaning to a cerebrate. For I am immortal. No being that walks in the light may bring me harm nor inflict any wound on the swarm that will not be healed. The ascension of the khalai is nigh. All shall soon be reborn within the glory of the Overmind and order brought from the chaos…'

And he faded.

'It is done.' said Artanis 'The creature is slain.'

'I will remain behind and observe the effects of our attack.' said Fenix 'Return to the Citadel. I shall notify you when the Broods becomes erratic.'

'Very well. But keep a small detachment with you.' said Artanis.

'And I'm going to request reinforcements.' said Serena 'At the rate, I'm burning through men I'll be out of this fight if this goes on any longer.

Across the length and breadth of Aiur offensives were launched. Provinces were retaken. Innumerable zerg were consumed. And many cerebrates were found and slain in a series of lightning attacks. But the price was high. Too high for Artanis' liking. He only prayed that Tassadar was right. If he was, then no doubt the zerg would fall into disarray.

He hoped.

Authors Note:

This was originally supposed to be the second half of the previous chapter. But that one was getting a bit on the long side and I felt I ought to separate them. Enjoy.