Disclaimer: I HAVE RETURNED.
Okay, I know that all of you wanted to know the reason what or why I'm late (very, very late) at this fanfic. Let's just put it this way; I got a job promotion, more responsibility, more BS to deal with, and for the love of god, the Supervisor (Scrin or otherwise) is a pain in the ass. To sum it all up; Real life 'n stuff.
Also, my computer; just got it back up and running last April, so there are cash involve somewhere. Hmm... Regardless, This chapter is finish. Most of the work here is done by my faithful smart phone, Sony Xperia Z1 (and no, I'm not promoting anything here).
Enough disclaimer; let's end this!
Command and Conquer belongs to former Westwood Studios and NOT EA. EA can go dig themselves their own grave.
Starcraft belongs to Blizzard Entertainment.
Starcraft AU; Tiberium Galaxy Trilogy story arch belongs to Avatar-of-Kane.
All original content, headcanon and characters are mine.
WARNING; IRON CURTAIN ACTIVATED!
To OMAC001: Thanks man! I had no words to describe how much I appreciate your support!
To Soldier of the Future: Take things slowly my friend; be water, like Bruce Lee. Or in some cases, be a Kirov Airship; just make your merry way to your destination, hope that no one is going to shoot you down, and when you arrive at your destination... well, "Stalin would be proud". And no, I don't drink alcohol, so pass me that apple juice with sour plum please.
You'll be surprise how resistant the Scrin is against the RAID. You need something stronger than that my friend.
The Hydra Tripod is a predecessor to the original Annihilator Tripod; it has more damage output and many, many weapon system at its disposal for a cost; it did not have enough armour to withstand a lot of hits, and the shield can only absorb one attack before it goes pop. To make it simpler, offensive over defense.
The Librarian Caste has no access to both Devastator and/or Planetary Assault Carriers and are compensate with Stormbringers. This already point out on the Stormbringer unit description section.
Russian betrayer goes on very deeply in the Command and Conquer universe, Soldier. Tell me ONE instances where the Russian don't go trigger-happy and decide to shot themselves at the foot when victory is at the forth front in any campaign mission involving the Soviet.
Then start imagining soldier; the explosion will be glorious. GLORIOUS I TELL YOU! GLORIOUS!
To Avatar-of-Kane: Thank for your review, 'cos without you and your original story on combining two universe as one, this chapter... this fanfic will not exist. Thank you.
For the record Avatar, if a Steppe Mammoth goes against an Eradicator Hexapod, that tank is screwed; so long as the Eradicator has a proper counter, that piece of high tech transforming tank to walker is going to need a ton of help.
Regarding the Scrin Mothership, the unique weapon is fairly used by any veteran Command and Conquer players, especially Scrin players. Just watch this video (/watch?v=8c0VIVW98-M) and tell me it isn't so otherwise.
Right; the Scrin new units. Scarab is a absorber/glass-cannon unit. It was design to take as much damage as humanly (or Scrin-ly) possible to build-up its nexus energy for raw destruction. The shields are then discarded (because it got to a point where the shield could kill the unit if it remain with the unit for too long). I didn't however point out that the unit speed is increases by several fold once the unit shield is discarded for a quick get away, so my apologies for not being intuitive in my work. The unit idea for the Scarab is from the Supreme Commander 2 Experimental Unit; the Bomb Bouncer Experimental Reflector Shield, just more towards direct energy feedback than... you know... the bouncer... thingy.
The Hydra Tripod is a predecessor on two front. One, it was made to have more offensive capabilities to tackle both air and ground unit than the later, more refine Tripods. Second, like most Command and Conquer universe, if a Tier-3 unit are to be powerful to a point where it could lay waste a squadron of tanks, it needs to sacrifice something in return; the Mammoth Tank sacrifice speed for overall power and endurance. Avatar sacrifice speed for versatility, and the Hydra Tripod sacrifice armour for overall high impact damage.
To RoyalTwinFangs: Thanks! ...I think?
To Just a Crazy-Man: Well, your MEGA EPIC for reviewing!
Starcraft AU Tiberium Galaxy; Primus
Final Chapter: Into the Locust Maw - End Game
Year 2504, during the Second Great War. Outside of Koprulu Sector, Primus - Original Homeworld of the Locust Swarm aka The Scrin.
An unknown planet known as Primus, located outside of the Koprulu Sector and away from the influence of the Terran Dominion, the Protoss Protectorate and the Zerg Swarm, an ancient being is awaken from its millennia of stasis slumber. The new enemy, known as the Locust Swarm awake in droves, pockets of inactive ancient machine coming back to life, and for the Terran of Earth who didn't know better, setting up shop on previously unknown alien planet are quick to armed themselves to fight off an ancient enemy which their ancestors had fought off before.
To make matters worse, a newly arrived rogue tribe - the Tal'darim Protoss, who claim the planet as their own, attempts to cleanse the impurity on this planet as fast as possible by purifying the alien forces and the Terrans with their Purification Beam from Primus upper stratosphere are all but nil attempts. The mighty Tal'darim fleet with several dozens of Dreadnaught-class Carrier fire their Purification Beam onto the surface of Primus, expecting the beam to reach into the planets core and implode the alien race from within. But no matter how many Dreadnaught-class Carrier open fire their holy weapon onto the planet, the stubborn planet will not rupture or gave in. It did in fact draw the Scrin's attention to this orbital bombardment, and had dispatch a massive swarm of Stormbringer, rival that of the Zerg Mutalisk in numbers up into the stratosphere to do battle against the growing threat.
Thus far, the Scrin has been holding the planet defenses well since the Scrin is battling on their own home turf thus gaining advantage here; the Scrin knows the layout of the planet, it's choke points, the deployment, the number of continental plate that divide the planet in a stratified pattern - layers upon layers of surfaces that makes the Scrin welcoming, and it's enemy vary. The Ion Storm are a bless from the heaven - quite literally in a sense - and nightmare for both Terrans and Protoss alike. The ionic lightning storm welcomes the patrolling Scrin flyers for the Stormbringer to fly in, or if there isn't, simply conjure one to refresh its damage companion anew. It's massive gravity effect all but the Scrin, blissful to its massive gravitational pull while the other faction are forced to adapt. Perhaps the best part the Scrin enjoy being here is the number of their fallen empire desecrated ruin and the harvestable Ichor on their world; the ruin can be recycled back to Ichor, and their society are adaptable to its surrounding. So long as a single Scrin unit still live, the Locust Swarm shall not be denied.
The Terrans however are in deep; they are known to be adaptable, able to survive in the harshest environment and capable to hold the line with more than enough C-14 Impaler to kill an approaching bloodlust Ultralisk like, but the battle here on Primus has stretch the Terrans to its absolute limit. They can't do everything in their own power, but they can do virtually anything in that respect. They have been holding the line against the Scrin and the Protoss thus far, and they seemed to be well defended for the time being.
But that's the problem isn't is? Time. Time has never been kind to the Terrans, more so to the remnant of the United Earth Directorate Expedition Force on Primus. They maybe able to hold the attacks from multiple assault with the combine technology of Dominion and Old Earth technology, but the UED Terran knows they are running out of time, and the time they have borrowed now rest on the shoulder of their Commander, traveling deep into the bowel of the planet, with little to no detail what they might encounter within Primus.
700 feet below sea level, Primus...
"Time to rock 'n roll!"
Felix exclaim loudly as he leap down from the steep cliff overlooking the Scrin Megalopolis/Military base, his visor on his helmet countdown the moment of impact to the solid ground below him. His jetpack, the Apollo Burst, which is built into his suit function much differently than standard version of jetpack found on the Dominion Corp; his version is considered ancient in many aspects compare to the well refine version found on the Terran Reapers, but his version is powerful enough to send a man his weight (including his cybernetics limbs) flying up into the air several feet off the ground. Just before he impact said ground, Felix activated his jetpack, propelling him upward with a violent jerk to boot. Due to the massive gravity from this planet as well as the nature of his weight, Felix is propelled upward only by five and a half feet into the air before touchdown. As soon as he land onto the ground, EVA feed the Admiral Fleet all the data he need about the layout, it's objectives and the number of structures to disrupt. Felix Parker begin to run towards the less protected side of the Scrin outer perimeter, gunning down the unprepared Scrin infantry with his Null Rifle with rapid succession before planting his trademark C18 Remote Satchel 'Demolition' Charge on a wall-like fortification. Retreating a few distance away from the remote satchel on the wall, a great thunderous explosion of blue, red and orange bought a smile to Felix.
"Wall breached; Vladimir and company will enter the breach and disrupt the enemy power line. What are your orders?"
"Oh, don't play dumb EVA; you know this part as well as I do. We're practically in-synth when it comes to base breaching." Felix reply, his devilish smile did not diminished.
EVA giggles, almost humanly, "I guess so. Shall we go, Mr Parker?"
"Heh," he nodded.
As Felix burst into the air and disappear behind enemy fortification deep in the enemy base, Vladimir, Dr Carmen and Shan'kai arrived just to catch a glimpse of the Commander blitzing into the base on his own. Vladimir cried something cheerful in Russian, and Dr Carmen who couldn't understand a word he just said just nod. Shan'kai however still can't shake her sight at the rampaging Eradicator Hexapod; on the cliff above she could see the monster just as it is, but once she's on the ground, she felt miniscule compare to the beast that is on a rampage against the Tal'darim. Despite having all four Eradicator reigning havoc against the Tal'darim, the rogue Protoss tribe is unnaturally persistence.
"Come on Comrade Shan'kai!" Vladimir yell at the distance, he cared little if the enemy did hear him, "The alien power generator isn't going to explode by itself you know!"
"Ah, at once." she gestures, "Zhakul inok"
I must remain focus, thought Shan'kai, as she catch a glimpse at the beast once more, My quarry shall wait. For now, duty beckons!
Felix Parker zooms in and out of the area, using his Null Rifle as he blitz through the lightly armoured infantry forces from Blue Buzzers to the Disintegrator. Planting his C18 charges onto the enemy production structure is easy, trying to get out of there in time is a challenge.
And he likes the challenge.
"Santa's coming to town!" he bellow aloud as he burst upward to his next target, leaving behind another thunderous explosion with Felix's name on it. He sees an approaching Fiend Ravager and a single Seeker from above, and the Scrin Seeker has a lock on him - Felix greet the anti-air/detector unit with his Portable Ion Cannon, which leave behind a smoking crater in its wake. The Scrin Fiend Ravager approach fast into Felix's landing position, and the man simply laugh at the creature as he rips through them with his Null Rifle as he descend back to the ground.
He killed 4 Fiend Ravager, another 4 scatter away but are within striking position. EVA quickly highlight the Ravager's position to Felix, giving him a rough idea where they would strike next. The first one pop its ugly head out and attempt to kill Felix within range; that Ravager died the instant it pop its head out. Another Ravager rushes towards Felix and leap into the air, attempting to kill Felix in melee. The Admiral Fleet Commander simply side step to the side, bash the creature with the buck of his Null Rifle on its head, and crush it's said head with his boots. The last two Ravager attempts to try their luck, this time with both tactic implies; one of the Ravager race towards the Terran Commando in a frenzy state while another attempt to suppress Felix's position with hails of incoming Ichor Shards. Felix Parker jumps and roll to the nearest cover he could find only to have the second Ravager, which was fast approaching towards Felix's position to zip at the rear of the Elite Commando. The creature leap into the air, it's alien mechanical roar announced itself towards the augmented human being.
Felix quickly shift his position hastily to the left, a long large and sharp claw-like legs easily penetrate the faulty cover. The Ravager snarl menacingly when the Elite Commando reach out his secondary weapon he keep it handle on his side; his Cobalt Shatter Gun - it is essentially a shotgun the size of a handcannon without sacrificing the overall firepower. A single shot was enough to send the reeling Scrin Ravager into the air, it's body has a huge gapping hole from one end to another, spilling green ooze as it is flung. It make a harsh contact with another Scrin structure before collapse onto the ground, bleeding out green liquid like substance. The wounded Fiend Ravager struggle to get up, it squeals angrily at the Terran it eyed in front of it - it's mechanical sound came out from its non-existence mouth. The Terran Commander fire another round at the fallen Ravager right at its face, thus putting it out of its misery.
The last Ravager, seeing its last companion falls, becomes even more erratic; it fires more Ichor Shards at Felix's likely position as it squeal aloud angrily. The Terran Commander practically being pin down by the alien creature, but he isn't running out of option just yet. Pulling out a brick size object from many of his pouch compartment, he set the C12 Remote Charger to timer setting, setting the device to explode in less than 15 seconds. He toss the said object behind his oddward cover and landed a few meters in front of him. The Fiend Ravager knows what Felix is doing, and it knows that brick item is some kind of explosive, but the Ravager are not concern of it; it's well far away from it, and the silly human toss the item just a few distance in front of him, barely even half of the range between it and it's human target; the Fiend Ravager resume firing more Ichor Shard against Felix.
Suddenly the C12 detonates as the timer Felix sets in runs out. The explosion kicks in dirt, debris, crystal and smoke, effectively blocking the Fiend Ravager's point of view entirely. Without a fix target to lock into, the last Fiend Ravager randomly spray more Ichor Shards on said target while slowly approaching forward. A second explosion can be heard, but this one sounds well controlled and less violent. The last thing the Ravager sees was the Terran Commander being airborne with its heavy metal boots meeting with its optic sensor before everything when dark.
"Heh, now that was left-handed," Felix chuckled.
"Admit it Felix; you haven't had this much fun since your last mission on the field back on Earth." EVA approve, she giggles at her human master who is now beaming with smile underneath that helmet of his.
"I assume you're still keeping score of my kills?" Felix Parker reply, he refresh his Null Rifle back to full functionality.
"Yes; you're current kill is now 16,769." she reply.
"Is this before or after I reset you?"
"Felix," EVA said, she sound like an unapproved girlfriend, complete with her annoyed look and hands on her hips, her free hand does that 'I know what you did' action, "I'm 20 programming cycle years old; does that answer your question?"
Felix chuckled again, "Right... Good god I'm getting old."
"Well, best try to keep the Elite Commando quota in check Felix," she said, highlighting a new map, new targets and a new challenge, "because your going to need it to take that thing down."
Felix eyed at his quarry; several Portals and Warp Sphere, a handful of Shock Troopers and a pair of Scrin Warmonger with seven tentacle towering tripod. A new name has been given to that unknown yet familiar unit.
"Hydra Tripod? Well... That's new."
"Word of caution; Hydra Tripod has anti-air capabilities - Captain Rilves learn this the hard way."
"I'm sure he'll do just fine." Felix sigh, juggling a C18 remote satchel charge with one hand, "Well, like my mentor once said, 'Gotta present for ya'!"
Meanwhile...
The ground burns in red hot, artificial lightning rod zaps the Scrin incoming forces in place and a jet stream of fire burns the Scrin power line to ashes; Vladimir loves his job. Taking the meaning 'Scorch Earth' to a whole new level, Vladimir burn more than he could chew, thus giving Dr Carmen and Shan'kai to clean up his mess. Alise Carmen is obviously upset, screaming at the Russian man to stop making the alien Scrin more angrier than it should but Shan'kai lavish the situation; she allows her built-in rage, anger and frustration out in a murderous frenzy against the Scrin incoming infantry, her dark Protoss garb is now stain with green liquid ooze and she enjoys it completely.
"Into the Void!" Shan'kai proclaim, "Zerashk Gulida!"
"Shan'kai, your getting a little too excited..." Dr Carmen question her mentality, worrisome at best.
"It is merely a non-consequence to me or you, Dr Carmen. The Locust are design to combat both the Zerg and the Protoss, but I had not meet one that would push the limit of my abilities!"
"I agree, Comrade Shan'kai!" Vladimir bellows, along with his joyful laughs, "If the Scrin really is a threat, I see no reason why we should be fearful to the creature that is being easily crushed under our mighty feet!"
Dr Carmen is saying something offensive to the Russian Firebat, but all Vladimir heard was the sound of fire burning the Scrin Reactor and the choir of explosion. Vladimir's Tesla Coil defense structure adds another variety of destruction - after it's sensor picks up no visible target, the defensive structure automatically zaps the nearest possible enemy target; the enemy structure. The blazing fire and lightning zapping was beautiful in Vladimir eye, and he cherish it more by setting up more Tesla Coil and set another alien structure ablaze.
If Vladimir is a wizard in a far off universe, he could die happily seeing two things he enjoy the most; death and destruction via fire and lightning.
A hail of photon based weaponry hit Vladimir's power suit at the chest, interrupting the big red Russian man from his dream; the Scrin Warmonger has been deployed to quell this Terran/Protoss incursion, and the Warmonger bought a lot of friends to play with Vladimir and his two lovely assistance.
"See?! I told you you were upsetting the Scrin, and now they had to send in those things!" Dr Carmen cried, her weapon now pointing at the massive group of hissing Warmongers.
"Perfect timing then," Shan'kai reply, her burning yellow eyes ignite excitedly, "I shall quench my combat skill with these kind! Come at me, foul creature, En Shakuras!"
"Well said Shan'kai!" Vladimir roar, and with a pinch of Stimpack into his system, he roars even more ferociously at his own quarry - adrenaline rush and aggression level peak to the max, "ASHES TO ASHES!"
Fiery jets of flame shoots out from Vladimir's triple gauntlet nozzle at the nearest Scrin Warmongers, white flame and extreme high temperature is a clear sign for the Warmongers to take a hint not to go melee against this dangerous unit. In a complete synth, the Warmongers place it's Ichor Spear down on their back as they draw out their Photon Rifles to bear. That synth came into conflict when Shan'kai Blinks into their rank and has started go slice their number down. The Warmonger overall forces are forced to split two separate team to handle the two demanding heroes but with no avail.
The female Dark Templar Assassin continues to target those who had taken priority towards the Russian hero Vladimir over her - while the Scrin Warmongers attempt to counter her by spinning its Ichor Spear like a blade of helicopter propeller at high velocity speed, Shan'kai simply Blink around them until she gets her marked quarry; once she took aim of her target, the Dark Templar Assassin ends her marked target with a single clean slice, preferable on the neck. To Shan'kai acknowledgment, none of these Warmongers has any detection gizmo on their heads, thus lessen the threat to her, but the Warmonger bastard isn't taking any chances; as soon as one of their rank is killed, the surrounding Scrin Warmongers surround the freshly slain corpse and start spinning their Ichor Spear in an attempt to lock the Dark Templar Assassin in place. They get an 'A' for such creative effort.
Those that isn't actively hunting the Dark Templar shift their divine attention to the man who could call forth artificial lightning rod and conjure off powerful stream of fiery jet of flames; Vladimir is a frightening force to fight against. Despite being limited in range combat efficiency, the Terran in giant red clad armour is a walking tank that snuff off the Scrin Photon rifle in terms of heavy armour he dons. The Warmonger did not however understand why the red giant still stands after several shots make contact upon its massive frame when they took no notice at the Combat Medic, Dr Carmen who is constantly healing and mending Vladimir to full status. A number of smarter Warmonger group that did notice this 'Corruptor - heavy combat unit' relationship device a plan to take down the female Terran in white armour first, since all she does is mending the damage their numbers has inflicting at the big red Terran tank. It was a sound plan - but several problems arise; they had to get past the shadowy alien assassin first, then get through that artificial lightning rod defenses that the red clad Terran seemed to have a habit to deploy that is constantly zapping their numbers to cinders, and let's not forget that the female Terran in white armour can actually fight back with a weapon that can turn the inside of the Scrin Shock Trooper into paste per penetration, much like their own Corruptor unit, except better.
This is going to be a long battle.
The Scrin commander in this base already request for further reinforcement from the surface to tackle this situation mainly because their production facility is being hammered hard by the alien outsiders and from the lone Terran warrior who is zipping back and forth between structures as he fought the towering Scrin unit. Not to mention the other party member of Terrans that seemed to conjure fire and create artifical lightning rod at its biding; somehow, an army of Warmongers just didn't seemed to cut it against these three bothersome intruders and their unique traits.
The Scrin Commander, Foremen-012 isn't the most experience in combat of any description, but its ability to maintain such a huge facility is an achievement to all, and it is losing control of such facility; Foremen-012 is instructed by his superior to continue summoning as much unit as possible to repel this thieving infidels, and with the Ichor crystal seamlessly unlimited here, the Foremen task could have completed if it were not due to these pesky Terran and their daredevil act of athrocity towards the purity that the Locust Swarm enjoys.
A new event bing its interest, showing another section of facility is now offline, and its protector destroyed. Foremen-012 cursed in its language, lament at their inability to create great warships like most caste. Damn the Overlord and his power-hungry Supervisors, Foremen thought, Without their Devastator or Planetary Assault Carrier, they could not do anything other than preparing the Stormbringer to battle.
A new bing on Foremen's controls lid up, a new event just occured. Foremen-012 took notice that the event scale back to the alien outsiders known as the Protoss that mar their holy ground with their presents had summon in a powerful psionic being. It was unlike anything it had seen before, and strangely enough, it looks familiar. Perhaps too familiar.
By the Gods, Promethean? Foremen-012 frown, I must warn Supervisor-331 for this!
An explosion trigger a dying mechanical moan as the creature slowly descend to the ground leaving behind trail of fiery smoke and fire. The towering creature crashed to the ground with thunderous thump, laying on the crystallized ground with the other broken bodies of the Locust Swarm. The area is scorch with fire, the ground breaks with multiple medium to large crater. The Scrin structure, destroyed and collapsed under its own gravitational field.
The Elite Commando, Felix Parker stood on the monstrous creature, exhausted, battered and worn. Triumph was never in his mind, but for the moment he fell the creature with a well placed C12 remote satchel charge, he smiles, satisfactory was the keyword that race into his mind.
"Now that was challenging; that really reminds me of that giant Mecha back on Earth where that Empire of the Rising Sun sends in an army against us." Felix sigh, "What was it call again? Avatar?"
"I believe that particular unit is called King Oni." EVA corrects her master's point. "At least those things are tame in comparison to the Scrin Hydra Tripod; strategic rocket jumping is problematic when that particular alien unit is able to target airborne targets."
"Ah, but using the rocket jumping technique on a fifteen degree angle minimizes that problem." Felix points out smartly, "All the more reason why I prefer this version of jetpack and not the one sported by the Dominion; self-control on-board computer that strap with the Reaper suit did have its moments, but manually on command input has a lot more characteristic and trajectory angle for you to consider. Going anyway from 20 feet into the air or propel the user to a great distance at one point to another at high velocity is an option given to professionals, not harden criminals."
"Assuming you don't hit anything as you voltz through the path." the artificial intelligence reply, "With that sort of speed, you could have easily killed a Scrin infantry or knock a Scrin light vehicle off its feet as if you were a bullet the size of a man - though that will kill you in both cases however."
Felix look through the devastation he had cause as he absorb EVA's wise referral before he asked his artificial intelligence companion a question, "EVA, how is our forces on the surface going about? An update on the current situation would shred some light on our condition."
"I have already establish my other half on the Litany of Fury and the situation is now grim; we are losing more troops than before and the Fort is now being breach by multiple side. Captain Rilves has now ordered a full defensive strategy against the hostile alien forces. Gamma Point outpost still stand, but on a borrowed time; Scrin and Protoss forces continue to target our installation and among themselves, and I have detected a genuine psionic level on a grander and greater scale on the Protoss side."
"Archons?" Felix asked. Granted he has a fair share of fighting the Archons back then and during their crusade on Koprulu Sector. The one Felix addresses may very well be Dark Archon; powerful psionic being with unique psionic traits such as the dreaded Mind-control. But having a Dark Archon on the Tal'darim's side is very unlikely, as it requires two Dark Templar to merge with, and the Tal'darim had none of them.
Of course, there is another version of Archon than the vanilla flavor Archon and the grim Dark Archon; the Twilight Archon - a powerful, almost godlike being with an unparalleled psionic power and a vast pool of psionic energy. The Twilight Archon is said to yield the power of the cosmic itself, evidently the way it glows; it's psionic aura shines like the sun, yet it has that mysteries ethereal feel when you gaze upon it with that two burning mini-nova like eyes, especially as eye-catching as a being of pure energy and rage. The Protoss looked upon them as hope, while their enemies only saw death. Felix didn't believe it, until he saw one on a Zerg infested world of Aiur - the former homeworld of the Khalani Protoss - fighting untold numbers of Zerg creature from all shape and sizes. The UED had to retreat from the infested planet of Aiur when the soon-to-be traitor Duran activate the Psi Emitters and cost them a victory to seize Emperor Mengsk, but for Felix, he was glad he and his men retreated that day and are spared from fighting a creature that is closer to the power of the gods.
He remembers the burning red eyes from the Twilight Archon onto him; the burning rage and wraith told Felix everything he needs to know about these powerful godlike alien creatures - the Twilight Archon is a force to be reckon with.
"No" EVA said openly, breaking the train of thoughts in Felix's mind, "The psionic level is far more elevated than those of the Archons. I believe the Tal'darim has found some kind of creature under its wing. It is either under the Tal'darim control or the creature itself is controlling the Tal'darim. There is currently too much unknown phenomenon on the battlefield, not even myself could hope to wonder the outcome of the battle."
Felix simple nod, his gaze is fixed on the Scrin Drone Platform on the distance right, "All the more reason we should plant the nuclear device as soon as possible and run before the fat lady starts to sing."
"Going up!"
As a Scrin Megalopolis battles both the massive army of alien infidel, the Protoss army and the sneaky Terran intruder, massive group of Scrin infantry forces stood on the very same cliff as Felix Parker and his group once stood, overlooking the battle as it unfolds. These are fresh reinforcement from the surface world of Primus, and they have come to rally their brethren cry for assistant, despite that the Scrin Megalopolis base appeared to be well under control.
Among the collection of diverse Scrin creatures that had been identified by EVA, one type of Scrin unit, numbered only by a dozen appears humanoid. Unlike the Scrin Warmonger creature that looks like an alien grasshopper that stood up on two legs, this type has a close resemblance to the bulky CMC Terran Marine, except that it has the same purple overall decal, Ichor crystal growth on both its shoulder, three digit finger with no thumb and is equip with the most unusual two-handed weapon in hand. It's head is closely resemble that of the Ravager's own, complete with a single eerie eye that is glowing in green. It's head is long, crown shape than the simple Ravager.
The Scrin creature is known by many as the Scrin Guardian; a creature that protects the most vital and sensitive area as well as the holiest known warrior in the Scrin military. These creatures are a rare sight on the battlefield for various reason; they exist to protect the Scrin Supervisors and Scrin Overlord by default and are fiercely loyal for their cause. The Guardian never left their sacred ground unless it is necessary to protect their hierarchy or to protect their most well-guarded structures such as the Relay Node. Ever since the Scrin Librarian Caste has taken control much of the planet by the end of the Scrin Civil War, most surviving loyalist of Scrin Guardian pledged their loyalty to the last surviving Supervisor on Primus.
The Scrin Guardian looks down at the battlefield, it's eerie glowing eye constantly shifting between each separate battles. The front most Scrin Guardian seemed to be the leader of the group - it directs the lesser Scrin infantry towards the group that is require immediate assistance on this Terran/Protoss intrusion while it instructs half of its kin to the Protoss Tal'darim intrusion, seeing as how even four Eradicator Hexapod is having trouble to settle the matter by themselves. The leader will bring the rest of the Guardian with it towards the lone Terran at the distance.
"SCREEEEECHHHH!"
The dying screech from the Scrin Warmonger echoed the field as Vladimir roast the poor fool with its deadly jets of flame, reducing it to ashes. Vladimir has been busy spraying his deadly flame towards the Scrin forces than the Scrin Reactor as instructed due to pressure; the enemy has been coming non-stop towards Vladimir and his cohorts since he accidentally provoke the Locust Swarm, as credited by Dr Carmen constant tantrum rant. No matter how many Tesla Coil is being deployed to close the gab between him and the Scrin forces, the Scrin has a habit to bulldoze his defensive tower, albeit losing a few of their own brethren.
Shan'kai didn't see the problem at such agitation, but she has to admit that her offensive role has to reevaluate to defense stance when several Scrin Warmonger begin to assault her with new headgear with built-in detection system no less, salvage by either a decommissioned Protoss Observer or by the Terran Raven unit. She could, of course Void Prison the ones with existing headgear, but when there are about a dozen of them with detection system link into their head and are distributing Shan'kai location to its comrades, her assassination skills are being put to the ultimate test. Fortunately for her, Blink ability still has its uses to a favorable margin in term of quick assassination or escape, but that's about it.
As for the Combat Medic, she has been helping both Vladimir and Shan'kai active and healthy throughout the battle. Ever since the battle on Char against the Queen of Blades, she has made major modification, upgrades and newly install AI sensory updates onto her wore out power suit to suit her needs. To this degree, the automated 4x laser syringe can now perform medical healings, mending and repairing to her companions to tip top shape. While her automated AI works on both Vladimir and Shan'kai during the fight, Dr Carmen deliver the opposite factor as a medical officers by killing the enemy with her custom made CRC-14 Penetrator Gauss Rifle. The majority of the Scrin exoskeleton are extremely fragile against such weapon wield by the medical officer, especially when that said weapon are meant to penetrate a Zerg Hydralisk with a single well placed shot, and the only theory that she hasn't tested out was against the newly discovered Zerg creature called the Zerg Roaches. Of course, her ranting and angry tantrum also contribute the fight as well.
However, as the large men in red clad power suit is busy seismic slam a Scrin Warmonger to the ground with his powered fist followed by a scorch of flame, Vladimir intercept a disturbing vox channel which cause the large men to stop.
"What is it?" Dr Carmen asked as she notice the Russian Firebat stop spraying fire to the Scrin forces.
"Dr Carmen," said Vladimir, "Switch secure channel 12. What do you hear?"
Dr Carmen quickly switch to said secure channel as Vladimir suggested, and from what she can tell, it's sound like something is going on on the surface.
"Blimey hell, Com, get me the channel to that ships frequency!"
"No reply sir!"
"What about secure channels?"
"No ones replying sir!"
"Bugger Russians!"
From what Dr Carmen could gather, the crew in the Alexander Axis is doing something behind their backs. This goes doubly true in Vladimir's case, as he left his EVA unit Natasha to oversee the operation and the big Russian man knows that the artificial intelligence avatar of his will never backstab his commanding officer's allies. Then there's Captain Salvo Boris...
Please, please, please don't be that revolutionary dickhead, Vladimir pray with all his heart.
"This is John McNeil to any blimey people in this damn frequency; the Alexander Axis just chicken us out on us! Anyone one of you rotting lots has a confirmation why our only air support decided to skittle away like a kangaroo meeting a bloody rabid koala?"
Please, don't be Salvo Boris. Anyone else but him.
"This is EVA unit from Litany of Fury; no, no confirmation on Alexander Axis bailing out of the theater of war. I'm patching through you and get in touch with Vladimir. Standby."
Vladimir sigh as the frequency is now his to communicate with. He quickly deploy two more Tesla Coil in front of him before he begin, "Vladimir here, and I heard the urgent call; what do you mean my ship just bail out?"
"Well, Alexander Axis and it's crew is leaving the theater of war. Anyone ordered such command?"
Vladimir let out a loud curse; it's that goddamn Boris isn't it? "That damn fool Boris! What is he doing this time?! EVA, get my Natasha online to me!"
"Unable to comply; artificial intelligence avatar 'Natasha' cannot be reach at this moment."
Unable to establish to his EVA unit? HIS EVA UNIT?! Vladimir snarl with great anger, fist clutch together so hard that his powered fist is screaming in protest.
"I... I just can't get her to-"
"This is Admiral Chief of the United Earth Directorate, Felix Parker calling to all troops." the Admiral Chief of the UED forces suddenly announce himself, which surprise Vladimir Romanov; has he been listening to the frequency all this time? "As UED protocol paragraphs 5D dash C9, Captain Salvo Boris and/or its crew has violated direct orders from their commanding officer. You are allowed to use any and/or all means to bring Captain Salvo Boris down. Dead or alive."
"I agree," Vladimir reply, his calm voice hides a very, very enrage beast locked inside this red clad power suit, "As I hate to say this... All units still loyal to me and the Admiral Chief, all who are loyal to the United Earth Directorate and it's cause... you have my permission to destroy... The Alexander Axis."
"Vladimir!" Dr Carmen immediately protest, but Vladimir Romanov will not change his mind; without his EVA unit, the red clad Russian Firebat is just what it is; a Russian Firebat warrior.
"Come, Dr Carmen. The great purge has yet to begin." Vladimir Romanov simply reply to her, with a hint of 'shut the fuck up or I'll torch you on the spot'.
And for once, she took that hint seriously.
Vladimir went on a complete berserk much further onward, applying his close range melee skill that had so far never being demonstrated outside of the theatre of war before. The big red clad Russian Firebat literally rush to the nearest Scrin unit - a Scrin Warmonger - and proceed to slam it down like a freight train. Though Dr Carmen and Shan'kai are unprepared by Romanov unethical combat stance, but both member get to see the wild side of Vladimir; the giant red clad Russian Firebat slams down the unsuspecting Warmonger to the ground with its power fist at full power, causing a small crater in its wake. The Warmonger somehow survive, but Vladimir isn't through with it yet; after slamming the Warmonger to the ground like a ragdoll, Vladimir quickly twist around and grab the downed Scrin unit by the neck. The giant red clad Russian Firebat bought up his captive with his powered fist before momentarily slam the poor fool back to the ground, head first. Vladimir then proceed to crush it's spine with its heavy red boot as hard as he can before torching the sad Warmonger with its triple barrel 'Cerberus' Flamethrower nozzle.
Three Scrin Warmonger notice Vladimir's foolish action, and proceed to attack him in range. But Vladimir didn't seek cover when the Scrin unit fire their Photon Rifle at him; he immediately charge forward, his enrage and loud roar shaken the Warmonger up a little. No matter how much energy-based weapon hit home, Vladimir's rage will not be denied; the closes one are instantly bulldozed to the ground, ignoring the fact that the creature had its Ichor Spear thrust forward. The spear did not hit Vladimir, but merely gaze on its side armour. As soon as the first Warmonger is down, the red clad Russian Firebat snag the Ichor Spear and ram it into the downed Warmonger's face. He then proceed to crush its neck with its heavy boots while he yank the head free from it's socket, effectively decapitated the Scrin Warmonger. The closes Warmonger let out a horrid screech-like battle cry, leaping forward with its Ichor spear ready to thrust downward. Vladimir saw this second Warmonger coming, and proceed to throw the spear in hand with the head of an unfortunate Warmonger at the descending second. The spear Vladimir throws catapult past the second Warmonger's torso, much of the creatures disbelief as it rocket into the air before being affected by Primus natural gravity a few moments later. The third and last Warmonger challenge Vladimir in a death duel of sort, screeching angrily at the red clad Firebat. Vladimir accept its challenge and charge forward, ignoring any potential danger the creature might have in mind. Both species clash one another, but it was Vladimir Romanov brute strength and high powered suit that win the day, smashing right into the third Warmonger head on and nail the alien creature onto the wall of a Scrin Reactor. Being a resourceful man himself, Vladimir snag the Ichor Spear off from the Warmonger's grip as he held the creature with one hand, pinning it on the wall. After playfully juggle the spear once, Vladimir ram the alien spear into the Warmonger's chest, further pinning the creature deeper into the alien reactor. The alien creature screech painfully, almost dying; Vladimir proceed to torch the creature alive to further excruciating the alien creature along with the alien reactor it was pinned into.
Dr Carmen and Shan'kai just stood there, staring at the enrage red clad Russian man in a Firebat suit and it's brutal execution, as well as a good number of other Scrin unit who are as dumbfounded as the girls is. Vladimir merely glare at the Scrin unit, and he said openly to them, red glowing lights lid up on his visors, "Okay, you insect fiend; whose next?"
Imagine seeing the lesser Scrin unit scatter away in fear after that little brutal action and afterward his enrage voice, leaving only the majority of the Scrin Warmonger and the Shock Troopers on the scene, and even they are shaking in fear.
"Now I understood why the Zerg fear him more than any Terran would." Shan'kai quickly acknowledged this finding.
"I didn't truly believe it to be so myself till now... Now I'm debating wherever or not it was true that Vladimir wrestle Ursa Major on Earth as a hobby." Dr Carmen utter in a dumbfounded manner.
"Come now, my feline comrades!" Vladimir Romanov roars that would rival a madden Terran Reaper in a psychotic killing spree, "It is time that we bury them!"
Meanwhile, on the other edge of the Scrin Megalopolis Base...
"EVA, tell me you know what the fuck I'm fighting against."
"Unfortunately... I haven't got a single clue what it is."
Immediately after the Alexander Axis crisis began, Admiral Chief Felix Parker had to face down a Scrin unit dress up as a Terran Marine wannabe and lookalike which is carrying what is arguably the most devastating weapon Felix has ever seen in all his years of fighting various alien and hostile faction. The weapon it carry is not the same boxy Gauss Rifle that all standard Marine should be wielding; these group of beast is carrying something alien in origin, and the weapon it wield looks extremely heavy as evidence of the creature slow movement pace. Their armour also appear superficially plated with an unknown alien component to a point where Felix's Null Rifle just 'bling' off their armour, which is the first for the Admiral Chief of the UED Expedition Force.
Felix can quickly outpace these walking hulking tank with a simple sprint, but later he had to resort on using his jetpack to get to a safe distance away from them. The reason why he did so was because of the weapon they are carrying; whatever it is, it fires off a slow moving purple orb projectile which for unknown reason, has a gravitational field that draws objects TOWARDS the said purple orb. At first Felix didn't think it was a dangerous until a few 'volunteer' Scrin Fiend Ravager, Warmonger and Devourer Tank are sucked into the said purple orb, tearing them to bits as they struggle to get away from the purple orb. It even tears apart a Scrin Gravity Stabilizer, the next intended target in Felix's list. It was a horrific sight to see as the Scrin Fiend Ravager and Warmonger screech painfully as the purple orb engulf it, tearing it down to subatomic particle level and leaves absolute nothing behind or any trace of the former Fiend Ravager and the Warmonger combat unit.
Did I mention it also implodes after a few short seconds afterwards? It's like Felix's own version of C12 remote satchel charge, but mobile, deadly and dangerous.
Getting away from this monstrous Scrin unit is not an option as Felix concluded; whatever this thing is, it can't be invincible to all and the further he is to his mission objective, the more difficult he is to complete his task.
After a good distance from these Scrin creature, Felix open fire his main weapon at full auto against these walking hulking tank which is marching at a leisure pace towards him. Felix's rapid-fire ion based weaponry did nothing but to simply ping off from their armour without leaving a dent. The monstrous creature ignores the incoming hail of ionized based weaponry while slowly march onward towards the human commando.
Little did they know about the beeping satchel charge which the creature casually walk pass unnoticed.
With a click of a button, a mighty explosion engulf 4 monstrous creature with fiery explosion and super hot temperature. The non-nuclear explosion from the C18 remote charges toss all three creature off their feet and decimated the nearest monstrous creature into nothing more than burning heap of metal and crystal. While Felix mentally celebrated his victory over one defeated nigh invincible creature, the monstrous being are not pleased seeing one of its comrades reduce to broken shard of its former self, all of them had their retinal optic train onto Felix Parker, their green glowing eyes turn red in a blink of an eye.
"Uh-oh." yelp Felix.
The enrage Terran Marine-like creature fires more of their deadly purple orb at the UED Elite Commando position, the massive gravitational pull yank Felix hard towards it despite being a good few distance away. These powerful artificial gravity is threatening to tear Felix's artificial limb off his socket, and Felix still needs them in order to complete his mission. Rocketing forward even further with his jetpack solves his minor problem, but with five more Scrin monstrous creature advancing towards him, Felix needs to redirect this situation to his favor and fast.
Since this creatures weapon is akin to a miniature blackhole launcher - that description seems lagging, but Felix can worry about that detail later - based on his understanding regarding the law of physics, blackholes can suck in almost anything into it, even light itself, rendering his weapon being absolutely outclassed in terms of efficiency. He already knows that his Null Rifle has zero effect against these creature due to its heavy carapace-like armour but an explosion with superficial magnitude like his C18 remote satchel charge could potentially kill them albeit relying purely on timing, position and a stroke of luck. This means that his standard ion based weaponry won't have any effect against them, but not something with an extra kick. If this creature is immune to an ion based weaponry on a rapid-fire setting, are they immune to an ion based weaponry on burst mode setting, such as his portable Ion Cannon?
Felix quickly sprint around the partially damaged Scrin Warp Sphere, probably taken damage from the purple orb of death and it's massive gravitational pull. The Scrin monstrous creature caught a glimpse of Felix sprinting behind the structure, and proceed to open fire at the Scrin Warp Sphere regardless if the alien structure is still standing or not, ally or otherwise.
Gasping at such action, Felix quickly rocket around a new location to hide with his jetpack, while looking behind the crippling Scrin Warp Sphere reduced to nothingness. EVA, which has been collecting valuable data regarding the creature combat strategy, military doctrine and analyzing its tactical value is shocked, similar to Felix Parker's reaction, "Wait a minute! Did they just fire their orb of death at our direction? Behind the Scrin Warp Sphere?"
"I'm sharing the same optic sensor as you are EVA."
"But that makes zero sense! The Scrin forces are very careful at collateral damage! It was evidenced by the way the Hydra Tripod and the gigantic Eradicator Hexapod striving around this base without causing any damage on its nearby structure!"
"Guess they are a different league of its own. They really look like the type that would accept collateral damage and danger-close tactic over normal tactical strategy from the rest of the Scrin forces." Felix points out as he hid behind one of the functional Scrin structure.
"I really don't like where this is going... Do you remember the time when our Atlantic Naval Division thought it was a good idea to bombarded the Dominion position close to our own UED encampment back on Korhal?"
"Yeah," Felix shrug, "Collateral damage across the board, not to mention the amount of danger-close instances that almost cause my whole platoon to be wipe out. The Commander was whacked, but at least we did secure victory."
"...Did you miss him, Felix?" EVA asked, almost pouting, "Akira Yamada I mean."
"..." Felix scowl deeper, "No... Whatever fate he have got himself into is of no concern of mine. He abandoned the United Earth Directorate, his own vow, siding with that corrupted Dominion Empire... I..."
Felix stops there. Old memory came floating in like someone just open the floodgates, and Felix quickly push that all old memory back into a small corner of his mind which reads nonessential. Felix shakes his head twice before trailing his weapon at the sight of the Scrin monstrosity that is still searching for this Terran Commando. "Cut the idle chat, EVA; we got this bastard to kill. If collateral damage is their thing, then we can use that to our advantage."
The remaining Scrin Guardian finally arrive at what appears to be a clean, cleared ground. The previously partially damaged Warp Sphere is gone, decimated after what the Guardians just did. The Scrin monstrosity survey the area around their current position diligently, believing that the Terran humans is still alive. All five of them took note at all five possible hiding spot at the immediate area, given the rocket hopping Terran situation, these five spots may hold a Terran soldier. All five spots are functional, non-unit production Scrin structure.
And all five Scrin Guardian took aim at all five structures, despite getting a protest order from the Scrin Commander via telepathic means.
Suddenly, a loud thunderous boom, followed by another loud mechanical whirl stir the Scrin Guardian's attention. All four eyed at the position where that sound came from, and are quite surprise to see one of their number stood there motionless, it's weapon drop to the ground, headless. Green ooze gust out from the opening of the headless Guardian. The remaining Scrin Guardian randomly fire their heavy weapon at the direction where the shot came from, decimating a row of perfectly functional Scrin Reactor and a Nerve Center. It's destruction was justified in their books so long as they got the Terran soldier, though the Scrin Commander in the base isn't too pleased knowing more destruction is coming in.
Another loud thunderous boom echoed the battlefield, followed by the same loud whirl. This time the unfortunate Guardian victim is right in front of them. A mighty huge hole puncture the mighty Scrin Guardian from the front chest to the back, the creature groan painfully as it collapse to the stratified ground, it's green ooze soak the area beneath it. All three Scrin Guardian hastily turn to where they heard the loud thunderous boom from, their weapons now points at that said direction. Obviously all three of them all open fire their miniature blackhole weapon against another row of functional Scrin structures where the Terran soldier could be hiding, despite the heavy protest of the Scrin Commander.
As the Guardian are too fixated at dealing the Terran soldier, it is not a big surprise that all three of them did not notice the Terran Elite Commando zoom pass behind them while dropping off another batch of C18 remote satchel charge right behind their ugly rear. The constant beeping from the explosive device is still new to the Scrin Guardian's audio receptors, allowing one of the most curious Scrin Guardian to foolishly turn around, pick up the dangerous device and have a good long look at it, at close proximity to its optic no less.
"Dumbass" whisper Felix, followed by a snort and a short chuckle as he press the trigger button hard.
A violent explosion erupted between both Scrin Guardian's position, knocking them off their feet and crashed into the ground. As both Scrin Guardian rose up while suffering moderate damage from said explosion, both monstrous creature turn to investigate what had happen, only to witness their poor comrade is reduced to nothingness; only a pair of grotesque feet is present after the explosion.
The Scrin Guardian becomes increasingly agitated; they were one of the holiest warrior in the Scrin once glorious empire, and this lone Terran soldier dare mar that reputation to the ground? Unforgiving! Heresy! Blasphemy!
The duo Scrin Guardian becomes extremely hostile in a manner of seconds; both of them begin to fire their heavy weapon randomly at any target at any direction, be that an allied Scrin structure or the Scrin incoming reinforcement as these being are now unable to differentiate between friend or foe - not that they really care to begin with - which further decimating the Scrin Megalopolis status quota faster than an entire Tal'darim forces could possibly would. The Scrin Commander of this base, Foremen-012 even had to redirect two out of four Eradicator Hexapod that was battling the Tal'darim forces with a detachment of 6 dozen Hydra Tripod along with half of the total amount of Stormbringer forces to eliminate this rogue Scrin Ubér unit before it destroys everything, Scrin, Tal'darim and otherwise.
At a distance away, nearing the third Scrin Drone Platform, Dr Carmen, Vladimir and Shan'kai had arrive at the rendezvous point, hidden from view when a loud commotion alerted them of this event. All three member become extremely curious what had happen on that section of the base, seeing that the Scrin just pour in half of their overall forces to that section of the base. What scares Dr Carmen is not the total number of forces in that particular area; she is afraid for Felix Parker's well being, especially seeing this overwhelming force.
"Well... Looks like Felix really did stir up a hornets nest filled with Ichor tip over there." Vladimir bluntly said, eyes blinking. He had calm himself down after what Captain Salvo Boris did to his onboard AI avatar and his commandeered capital ship albeit the loss of most of the Scrin functional reactor (and a sum of many unfortunate Scrin unit who are forced to engage against an enrage Russian Firebat).
"Truly, a sight to behold," the female Dark Templar agrees, though she is still getting use to the Terran language pattern down, "... If so ever such a creature known as Hornet are to be blame are yet to arise."
"I'm worried... Perhaps too worried... What if he didn't make it?" Dr Carmen voice her concern.
"Wow, you guys really have little faith in me huh?"
All three party member turn to the direction where it sound so familiar to them. Dr Carmen naturally yelp at such a sudden voice.
Lo and behold, the United Earth Directorate Expedition Force Admiral Chief stood before them, battered and worn. Most of his suit's surface is damage, but none can compare the hissing and buzzing sound from his artificial arm and leg. In the eye of Dr Carmen, Vladimir and Shan'kai, they could conclude he had been fighting for the longest time in his life, judging by the wear and tear of his armour and his artificial limb which makes absolutely no sense at all. How ironic, considering he is also the oldest member of the bunch.
"Felix! Are you alright? What happen?" Dr Carmen are quick to question him. More like an interrogation, thought Felix. "Oh my god, just look at that stretch! That was a class one grade artificial muscle the UED had administered to you! Were you pushing yourself too hard again?" she continues.
"Yes mom, I've been a naughty boy," Felix answered sarcastically as he roll his eye. Vladimir snicker underneath his power suit while Shan'kai is still trying to understand the Terran humor conversation between the two completely strange Terran warrior. Felix continues, "Just heal me up, Dr Carmen - do your magic."
"Just this once, I wish you would tell me what happen to you; it's not everyday I had to live by seeing you hurt yourself every time I blink my eyes." Dr Carmen pout. She let her power suit's artificial intelligence to mend any wound and repair any damages sustain by the Admiral Chief himself.
"Later," Felix quickly quote, "Once I'm patch up, we're going down that chamber, set up the bomb and get the hell out of here. Speaking of strapping the bomb, where is that robotic M.U.L.E?"
"Right here Felix!" the robotic female tone from the female artificial intelligence EVA reply, appearing just behind Vladimir, "Been tailing Dr Carmen while staying out of trouble is my top priority!"
"Strange, I did not see you throughout the battle. Were you hiding?" the female Dark Templar assassin asked.
"Well, I did tell it to keep itself in low profile." Dr Carmen points out.
"There is nothing 'low profile' about a robotic M.U.L.E carrying a thermonuclear warhead into the heart of the alien operation." Vladimir quickly points that out, "Seriously, with that thing being carried around, it practically scream 'hit me!' like it's a walking target unit or something."
"Oh god, that really reminds me of those Demolition Truck that is carrying both Gamma Anthrax and Nuclear Bomb Device back on Earth. The nightmare we had to deal with many decades ago."
"Demolition Truck?" Shan'kai asked, her burning eyes lock into Felix's own eyes.
"Frankly it's like the M.U.L.E we are now conducting, but is loaded on a modified heavy duty trucker by the hundreds." Felix recalls, "it's a good thing your people didn't have to deal with those shit; during my time we lost multiple base of operational on Earth, and those are the hardest fortification the UN could mustered up. And the worst part is? They came from freaking underground."
"Ah, the tactic used by the latter Zerg Swarm through the Nydus Worm. I'm surprised your kind had such enemy that utilizes such tactic early on. We Protoss had just recently encounter such maneuver, and has already contrive such deployment of strategy to counter against such nuisance intrusion from the Zerg Swarm, but I could not dare imagine seeing a single Zerg Baneling explode with a force powerful enough to wipe out an entire encampment, let alone a hundred of them. My sympathy."
"Well, at least Felix had to deal with those Demo Truck in his days; I remember the day when the Chinese decides to be generous and carpet bomb us with the same thermonuclear weaponry; half of my beloved Mother Russia was bomb back to the stone age. For as far as I can remember, it was a nuclear winter, and it is not fun walking out of the fort with dangerous high level radiation around you. Snow and all."
"I see that the Terran of Earth has many enemies as I have led to believe. Surely, the unification prosper from such further bloodshed to be occur,"
Felix's face turn dark, frowning, "You are referring to the Project Purification, aren't you?"
"You have mention it so, yes." Shan'kai nod.
"Not the most fondest memory in my book." Felix quickly reply.
"Da, Comrade. Worst war ever, greater than the Divine War." Vladimir agrees, crossing his arm as he nod intelligently.
"You mean the Great World War III." Dr Carmen points out in an academic standpoint.
Wow, and I thought the Aeon of Strife was the worst experience our elders has to subject themselves with; these Terrans had more war than peace, thought Shan'kai.
"Whichever," Felix concluded, "Despite the successful union of all races and all faction, we had to suffer the consequence, having literally shooting our foot and all. But that is not why we are here babbling about our past. We have a task to perform. And I for one thinks it is high time we finish the job."
All three members nod in an agreement; they are now close enough to infiltrate the enemy's sub-level area via the third Scrin Drone Platform. With the Scrin forces too busy dealing with the Tal'darim and a pair of rogue Scrin Ubér unit, they could not spare any forces to tackle against such a small infiltration team.
Getting into the alien platform was easy, trying to make sense of it all is another trivia matter; despite the slim, slick tall alien structure, the inside of the alien structure seems much wider from the inside, the ceiling is nonexistent and the walls is filled with neon lighting of sort, occasional blinking beautifully like a distance star. The alien platform house many of these wisp-like being that is busy moving around and conducting their alien task though the arrival of four intruders did however stir them into a brief hysteria. Felix and his companion were marvelled by the splendour beauty that the Scrin demonstrate, but are immediately goes into a defensive stance when several Scrin Blue Buzzers, Disintegrator, Fiend Ravager, Shock Trooper and Warmonger entered the chamber in respond to the panic cry of the wisp-like being.
The battle inside the Scrin Drone Platform broke out almost immediately; with no cover to be utilized by both fighting faction, the two party fought where they stand. Luckily for Felix and his teammates, the Scrin troops aren't provision against a highly train, elite member of the bunch; Felix Parker's rapid-fire ion based weaponry make short work the Disintegrator and Fiend Ravager, Vladimir Romanov arsonist act merely torch the place and burn through anything that comes into range. Shan'kai has the privilege to slice the Warmonger and Shock Trooper to half; her Blinking ability are credited for such successful assassination duty. Dr Carmen is stuck to support duty, but still helps out occasionally with a well placed shots from her custom made Penetrator Gauss Rifle.
The fighting drags on, but when neither side would yield to the other, the death arena suddenly favors the Scrin for a good reason; the defeated form of the Blue Buzzer crystals shards that has scatter on the ground grants the Scrin unit regeneration ability, and this contribute the defenders side with an unfair advantage. Any damage sustain by the Scrin are easily regenerate back to full health, and the infamous Ichor is slowly poisoning the party member despite having their visor shut tight.
The turning point between the Terran/Protoss and the Scrin battle however occur when Vladimir decides that it is a good idea to ignite the highly volatile Blue Ichor crystal with his jet of flame sprayed from his triple barrel flamethrower.
Not the brightest idea.
The entire ground littered by Blue Ichor shards instantly detonate violently on the Scrin's side, and the explosion have somehow cause the entirety of the alien platform structure to give way as it came crashing down. It would appears that the explosion not only weaken the alien structure somewhat to cause a total collapse of the structure, the violent explosion also took out 4 out of 5 alien pillar which were supporting the entirety of the alien structure. Total darkness awaits them from below the crippling alien platform structure.
"Great job destroying that support pillar Vladimir, now we can all die!" Dr Carmen begin to rant again, seeing as the situation is now worsen with each chain detonation. Vladimir is probably chuckle nervously underneath his power suit.
"No time to think!" Felix cried, "Jump!"
"Into the abyss?! Are you mad?!" Dr Carmen protest angrily.
Felix is perhaps mad, because he had already jump down into the abyss, followed by Vladimir and Shan'kai. Even the robotic M.U.L.E drops down with them.
"Oh, you insufferable little...!" the Chief Science of the Mobius Research Team cried most foul before she too jumps down before the Scrin Drone Platform collapse under her. She scream at the top of her lungs as the dark void welcome her in open arms. Most inviting death scene she had ever witness before she falls unconscious out of fear.
2500 feet below Primus sea level. Several meters away from missionary objective...
"Alise? Can you hear me doctor? Wake up."
A voice so calm, so soothing is calling her. She stir a little with a groan. She recognize that voice anywhere. Who was it belong?
She slightly open her eyes, seeing a lot of holographic numbers, panels and system. She could also see a strange armour Marine looking at her from behind her visor. Then her brain finally make a firm connection between the voice and the man behind that strange armour belong to; Felix Parker.
She sprang into a sitting position, gazing around her surrounding before she let out a horrid gasp when she suddenly experience a sharp pain on her hip and waist.
"Please don't move too much Dr Carmen; that fall could have easily killed you if it weren't for Shan'kai quick thinking." said the Admiral Chief of the UED Expedition Force openly to her as he administered several medical stimpack, painkiller and other assortment of syringe fluid into her, "Well, I guess not all people experience HALO jumping in their first try, but I guess beggars can't be too choosy."
"How... How long was I out?" she asked, a small smile begin to creep up on her cheek as the drug begin to have effect on her.
"An hour... More or less. You know how screwy the time is on Primus."
"Yeah... I... I feel funny..."
"Medical chemical. It may not hold up as that fancy laser syringe most medic are equipped, but it is nonetheless effective; you'll be fine once the medication is pump right into your nerve system. It won't be long before you recover your overall senses."
Dr Carmen wanted to rant, to argue, anything to said it was Felix's fault. If only she wasn't so high right now with all that medical chemical pumped into her. It's a good thing she had her visor down; she is currently smiling sheepishly at her savior, making googly eye at Felix even though he can't see through her visor. She shall savor all that timid moment she had now before she throws another brutal tantrum and ranting worthy of Doctor Alise Carmen's name.
Yes. She will savour this moment for now.
A sharp pitch makes her yelp, "Ouch!"
"There, that should take care of the damage. Your power suit system should be kicking in now. How are you feeling? How many fingers am I holding?"
"Rather... Sheepish..." she murmurs in a dreamy manner. She then tries to mimic the number of fingers Felix is holding, but present him the 'bird' instead.
"Good to hear." Felix reply, a short chuckle soon followed.
When a set of footsteps are heard, Felix turn casually behind him, revealing the two incoming comrade-in-arms. The giant red clad Russian Firebat and female Dark Templar Assassin both simultaneously stop in front of Felix, both of them are quick to discuss of their current situation. "Report."
"Not a Scrin units in sight for a mile. But I still can't shake the feeling that we are being watch." Vladimir starts, "There are walls of ancient glyph, similar to what Comrade Shan'kai would refer to as Khalani language. But that's not all; I also found several shattered piece of armour; both are identified as the missing Marine and Medic several years ago. Their power suit are damage beyond repair," a pause, "There is no Terran remains, most likely being assimilate within enemy ranks."
"My findings leads to more disturbing find; this very place has millions upon millions of mind commune with one another, they are present even as we communicate, but by no means that are hostile or innocent. It also explain why the Tal'darim are here; a Xel'naga Temple, relic of a bygone era of the gods exist here, commune alongside with the collection of minds unlike any I have seen before. Truly, we are currently at the heart of the bastion core of the Scrin hive-mind."
"I find that hard to believe regarding the Scrin as a hive-mind being, Shan'kai" Felix points out. "a Hive-mind will never declare civil war amongst its own clan."
"Perhaps so, or we are dealing with a rogue creature who had wish nothing but total deviate from the rest of the caste."
"Hmm, that could be a possibility." Felix ponders, "The Xel'naga temple is of no concern to me, so I shall rule that out. Anything else you like to add Shan'kai?"
"Regarding the withdrawal of your forces," Shan'kai quickly points out. "Are your forces have enough time to evacuate?"
"Depends; Captain Rilves had given me the statistics of my overall forces, and from what I can understand, trying to win a war against an alien race on their own turf is suicidal. The evacuation should be-"
"Wait... Felix..." Dr Carmen cried softly, "You... You order a full retreat?"
"My man have been fighting the Scrin and the Tal'darim for too long Dr Carmen; I'm losing good men up there, men that still thinks that the UED is far more better than the tyrant Dominion." Felix points out. "I want that ordeal to survive. Understand that the order for a full planetary retreat is a heavy burden I had to bear."
"Still, from what I gather from the rogue Khala tribe, the Scrin had deploy some kind of weapon platform above the Fort. Hardly a margin for a full planetary retreat." Shan'kai reply.
"All the reason to evacuate the base then to regret the latter option."
"...And that would be?" the red clad Firebat asked.
"..." Felix remain quiet for a while before letting out a long sigh, "The latter option was to fight to the last men. Alexei Stukov would have hang me if I choose that option. He probably would if he was still alive."
"Ah."
"What about our evac, Felix?"
"Litany of Fury will make a round for us as soon as they drop off all non-essential personal, ground troops and your research team, Dr Carmen. I calculated that we could have completed our mission till then."
"That's hardly an answer I want..." Dr Carmen concludes.
"Do we ever had a choice, Alise?" The Admiral Chief reply her back, offering his hand to her, "The sooner we prep the bomb, the faster we can say 'Sayonara' to this ugly planet. I had enough of greys as my background wallpaper of late."
The female researcher chuckles, "Yes, a little colour would be nice for a change."
As the team understood the current situation - though Shan'kai had no clue what Felix meant by Sayonara, grey background or any of his conversion with the fine doctor - all four team and their robotic M. begin their long march towards their objective mission. The wall of Khalani glyphs spark great interest to Dr Carmen photographing each carving chronologically, though it did disturb Shan'kai as she goes through each glyph. While it had never occurred to the team, Felix has notice that his artificial intelligence has been quiet lately. It is almost disturbing since his AI avatar just love to poke fun into something no matter the situation and that she loves to interact with her master and his friends. It brings the AI a full joy to converse with different people with equally different mindset.
"EVA, can you hear me?" Felix asked quietly.
"Yes Felix?" the A.I reply in a soft manner.
"You've been awfully quiet for the last hour or so..."
"I'm just thinking."
"About the mission?"
"No, about me."
"What of it? Are you experiencing some kind of data lost? A glitch?"
"No... It's just... I think I'm becoming... Too human." she reply, "Is that normal? My system diagnosed says I am, though clearly I'm not, granted I am a 20 year old piece of digital being but..."
"What are you saying?" Felix asked again.
"... Nothing. It's nothing." EVA reply with a defeating sigh. It sounded almost human-like, but the Admiral Chief thinks nothing of it, and immediately drop the subject.
The team of four and the robot M.U.L.E. unit eventually exit out of the room filled with glyphs and is welcome with a rather spacious flat platform which is suspended in the air. The platform looks like those from the floating Terran Space Station, complete with various structure and ruin dotted the area albeit alien in origin. Below them glows eerily green and blue and the glimmer of light above them seems to be their only light source in this blasted dank area. Dr Carmen turn around to have a good look at what structure they were in before, only to be more thrilled than surprise; they were in some kind of temple, judging by the archway on the roof and strange dangling objects on each corner. It's not a Xel'naga temple that's for sure, since the said temple she sees in front of her is made out of stone, and judging from what Shan'kai had spoken(?) earlier, the alien architecture structure must be a distant from their said objective. She slows down her usual pace from the rest of the team just to admire such a holy structure in an enemy turf.
She can't believe her eyes upon seeing this platform and the structure it house; she can tell the platform is suspended by a magnetic force of some kind, but the platform looks like a smooth out alien granite material and given its spacious flat platform nature, she could conclude this platform is some sort of... Well, platform. Similarly to the Terran Space Station, but is suspended between the upper stratified layer of the planet and whatever it is that is glowing in eerily green and blue down below.
After she admiring the stone temple for a little longer, Dr Carmen tries to pickup the pace with the party member when a mechanical roar from above alerted the team. A very familiar mechanical roar in Dr Carmen's ears. Felix grunt dishearteningly, "Oh, for fuck sake, that thing is very persistent."
Dr Carmen gives a hard glare at Felix and the group, "What did you do when I was out, Felix?"
Several series of continuous and thunderous boom above their heads quickly force the group on a defensive stance when a massive explosion followed by a massive dirt kicks up to the sky. The Terran/Protoss group slowly edge themselves away from the impending danger, safe for the female Terran whom curiosity took her over. Dr Carmen slowly took a few steps towards this unknown object when all of a sudden she felt a powerful tug from Felix on her powered suit shoulder armour, telling her not to go there. In fact, none of the team wanted to stay long with that said object landed here, so all four members quickly seek cover behind some tall alien structure.
"Felix," Dr Carmen begins, though Felix can now predict what she has to say, and it is something he can't be bothered right now. "What on Earth is going on here? Mind telling me what's that thing is?"
Felix Parker didn't have to answer that, as the answer is just right in front of them; with the massive dirt and dust clear from blocking the view, Dr Carmen let out a surprised gasp.
An Eradicator Hexapod stood up in all its majestic statute, roaring aloud that the ground shock up its horrid cry.
"When we... Vladimir, destroy the Scrin Drone Platform..." Felix starts, "the Eradicator you see there came after us."
"What."
"And... We may have anger it a little..." Felix confess, "with a number of my C18 remote charges."
"What."
The Eradicator Hexapod roars aloud in its mechanical horrid cry, before it begins to fire it's plasma disc everywhere. It looks enrage than anger, note Vladimir.
Instead of her usual angry rant, Dr Carmen becomes excited. Perhaps too excited, "This is amazing! Something that big landed on this suspended platform and yet this alien platform did not buckle or drop!" Dr Carmen begins her usual excited rant, "To be able to hold all this alien structure is one thing, but to be able to hold even the Eradicator is a feat by its own! The power to suspend even that creatures size and weight could have normally affect the artificial gravity even by a margin of 0.66 percentage! I mean, when we-"
Felix tap her shoulder once, signalling her to stop, "Doctor, I appreciate about you going geek on the subject, but I don't think we need any of that right now! We gotta move!"
"Friend Felix, we must put the creature down, least we encounter this creature again in our future endeavors." Shan'kai suggest. "The creature is blind without Detectors. I could inflict major damage against it, but I require your cannon to penetrate its exterior hull."
"Sounds risky... Especially when we are dealing with a creature that had terrorise our home planet without effort," Felix laments, but a long grin slowly creeps up underneath his visor, "But I like the challenge. Take point Shan'kai; deal as much damage as you can inflict against it with each Ion Cannon I deliver. Vladimir, you'll provide support fire; lay down as many Tesla Coil against it, but keep yourself away from danger. Dr Carmen, your Penetrator should be able to dent that Eradicator's hull with continuous fire; I want you to aim at its eye - it can't attack us effectively when it's blind. I'll be following behind you Shan'kai, acting as bait for the creatures attention."
"By the Shadows of Shakuras." Shan'kai agree before activating her active cloaking field. "Be vigilant friend Felix," she ended.
"Ghahahaha! Prepare for some major shock therapy!" Vladimir cried excitedly, drawing out as many collapsible Tesla Coil device as he can carry.
"Roger that," Dr Carmen nod. Again she clutch her fist near her chest, worried that Felix is risking himself again.
"Heh, let the first boss battle begin!" EVA happily cheers, "New Objective Receive - Destroy the Eradicator Hexapod."
(Boss Battle - Eradicator Hexapod)
As the team formulate a plan and the robotic mining robot which is carrying the dangerous nuclear warhead flee into hiding, Shan'kai and Felix both sprint away from their cover position and rush towards the Scrin Eradicator Hexapod. Despite moving as a pair of unit, the Eradicator only see one target, and that target had already point his weapon against it. A thunderous boom followed by a streak of white hot ray found its way onto the Eradicator's hard armour crown, leaving behind a burning, exterior damage. This damage however begins to close up in a slow pace due to the Hexapod's garrison Scrin unit on one of the three pairs of leg. EVA quickly points out where this regenerate hard point is located.
"Tactical analysis confirm; enemy Eradicator Hexapod has regenerative capability contributed by a single Scrin Assimilator. Disabling this ability will increase probability of success rate by 5%." EVA concluded, "Regenerative Hard Points is located on the rear pair of the Eradicator Hexapod. Secondary Objective Receive; Disable the Eradicator Hexapod's regenerate capability."
"Only five percent?" Felix repeats, "That doesn't sound promising at all!"
"Its either that or total pwnage!" EVA cried back.
Pointing his Portable Ion Cannon at the direction where the garrison Assimilator is located, Felix fired his high powered ion-based weapon at that hard point, which unfortunately only nailed the creatures reinforced limbs and not the hard point itself. Felix curse silently as he quickly readjust his weapon sight while discarding another energy cell off the weapon. The Eradicator, realise that this enemy is attempting to shut its regenerate capabilities swiftly shield its rear hard point with its two other long and reinforce limbs while going on an offensive, spewing out blob of highly corrosive and concentrated plasma based energy disc.
Little did the Eradicator realize that Shan'kai already taking a clear hint why Felix attempt to target its rear leg with that strange object that is pulsing with regenerative psionic wavelength. Blinking to the other pair to its right, Shan'kai jam her dual Psi Blade into one of the rear hard point, which cause the Eradicator to jerk it's rear legs on the right in a frantic action while moaning painfully, shaking its leg in a rapid fashion. The female Dark Templar assassin hang onto the Epic unit monstrous leg with her dear life while continue her effort to hack and slash the connected hard point off as quickly as she can, desperately trying to peel the strange object off the Eradicator's leg as the damage she deliver is beginning to regenerate, connecting tissues, tendrils and nerve system back in place. It was almost a hopeless attempt when a loud cracking boom caught Shan'kai attention, followed by the strange pulsing object explosive respond in thick green oozing from the exposed bleeding hard points. The sudden lost of its regenerate ability cause the monstrous Scrin unit to jerk, throwing the Dark Templar assassin off of its leg before Shan'kai blink herself to a nearby Scrin ruin. She shoot a glare at the direction where the shots originate, which is evidently happen to be Dr Carmen and her unique weapon class she's carrying. Shan'kai narrow her eyes, doubtful. How in the name of Aiur can she accurately shot the hard point spot on without hitting me? Most puzzling.
Despite having to bear through the excruciating pain from the lost of one regenerate properties, the Scrin Eradicator Hexapod had little to concern, thus continues to rampage the ground with its ferocious and animosity act, hoping that it could hit at least one of them in the progress. It's reckless pursuit to eradicate these four mischief indigenous lifeforms came to a screeching halt when another thunderous boom, followed by a bright white hot trail nailing the rear left of the Eradicator hard point. The destruction of both garrison Assimilator/Replicator as well as denying the massive Scrin Epic unit it's regenerative capabilities cause the monstrous unit to be more aggressive.
"All Regenerative Hard Point disable; Secondary Objective Achieved" EVA report to her master, "Without those regenerate capability, the Eradicator will not be able to heal it's monstrous wound any faster than us."
"Don't be so sure EVA; we have just denied that monster it's only advantage, and now it's running on a 'hold no bar' situation; 'least we could do now is to wither its strength one shot at the time."
"Still, I-" EVA stop before letting out a horrid gasp, "Felix! Get away from there! Incoming Plasma Disc!"
"What?!"
The Eradicator will not take such assault lightly against Felix; it unleash heavy plasma disc onto his position. These deadly, highly concentrated plasma disc rain down upon the Elite Commando, and Felix has no desire to feel the searing heat despite having augmented limbs and fully shielded armour. With a quick burst of his jetpack, Felix rockets through a clearer path, almost colliding with the Scrin ruin altogether. After a quick directional adjustment, the Elite Commando manage to avoid getting to splatter himself on the wall and quickly check himself if he got hit by the Eradicator's plasma disc. He curses, seeing his artificial leg on his right is suffering minor damage.
That will certainly slow him down; his artificial leg motor is being eaten away, and this will lower his effectiveness in combat until this module is fix.
The Eradicator, now prioritize Felix over the rest of the party member gets a rather shocking discovery, quite literally in a sense, when Vladimir manage to deploy all four Tesla Coil when the behemoth of a creature isn't looking. The monstrous creature didn't like getting shocked by artificial lightning, as seen as the creature bellow in rage. It turn its attention where the Tesla Coil is at when a machete-size spike nail it's huge optical sensor, resulting the monstrous creature to bellow out more pain. It can't tell where that shot came from, but it knows it's general location.
Dr Carmen hid herself behind the Scrin ruin as soon as the Eradicator spat out highly condensed plasma disc onto her general location, and she could literally hear the burning sizzling sound behind her back. She hastily back off her cover with a yelp, worries that the plasma could got into her suit.
"Ow, ow! Hot, hot, hot!" she yelp, foolishly running to an open field.
But then she realize the Eradicator is now staring menacing at her, with all four Tesla Coil defenses destroyed. Obviously, she let out hopeless yelp.
Shan'kai came to the rescue as the female Dark Templar Assassin has been Blinking from one structure to the next, trying go get closer and closer to her target. With Felix gone to the opposite side of the platform she had to do something; she attempted Void Prison, but the creature is far too large and her ability is nowhere near as powerful as her mentor or her respected peers, such as Prelate Zeratul. Without any form of range weapon like those of the Terrans (though technically Vladimir's power suit is consider melee, minus the point where it spew burning Hellfire onto you), she resort on Blinking near the creature and stab at its nerve joint. It works as she successfully Blink at the Eradicator legs and proceed to stab the nerve with her dual Psi Scythe, which cause the creature to quickly loose interest on Dr Carmen and focus on whatever that is is stabbing it. This stabbing action however alerted the other two hard point which the Eradicator has garrison with. The first one happens to be the one she is standing on, which is firing Ichor Shards at Shan'kai general location. She evade the attack, though the shard did mar her favourite garb with a sizeable hole. The second one fires an incoming plasma disc at her, though not as highly condensed than the one from the Eradicator but it still burns should it hit Shan'kai. She evade that one as well, Blinking away from the leg joint and appear right on top of the metallic hunk of beast.
Another thunderous boom echoes the cavern, followed by the creatures painful wailing. Felix Parker had manage to fire another round from his Portable Ion Cannon, this time right onto the creature's exposed rear pair. This allows the female Dark Templar Assassin to go in via Blink ability and do as much damage as possible before the wound closes up, stabbing, hacking and slashing her way to the sensitive nerve that cause the Eradicator to bellow in pain.
The Eradicator is getting frustrated, it cannot fathom how it can be so hard to deal with these four puny intruder than a pack of mindless Tal'darim troops. At every turn, the mighty Scrin Epic Unit felt like it's being toyed; one moment a beam of white light damage its exterior hull, then being electrocuted by artificial lightning strikes, than get a bloody machete-size spike in its optic eyes and then some kind of ghost Protoss goes stab happy at it. If that isn't annoying than its pure frustration.
Ignoring whatever situation it is currently suffering from, the Eradicator snuff the pain and charge forward towards Dr Carmen's position. It's not dumb; the Eradicator knows what that red cross decoration on the female researchers shoulder is meant. This sudden change of tactics from the Scrin Epic unit only solidify what was previously theorized; they are a very intelligent being.
"Dr Carmen!" Felix yell at his intercom, "Get the hell out of here! Find a new cover!"
"I'll try to slow it down, devushka!" Vladimir exclaim as it ran out from his cover.
"Wait! Vladimir, watch out-!"
Shan'kai warning came a little too late; as soon as the red clad power suit Russian waltz out of cover, two out of three hard point garrison open fire, causing the big red Russian man to do the Russian dance in reverse. Vladimir let out a painful roar when the plasma disc nail him on his power armour chest, right leg and right arm while his shoulder armour is riddle by Ichor shards. Vladimir is forced to retreat into cover, cursing his luck.
"Damn it, I'm hit!" Vladimir lament angrily, "Plasma is eating part of the suit; need to stabilize this shit or I'll be exposed by these Ichor atmosphere!"
"I got this handle Vladimir; tend to your armour, that's an order!"
"Da, Comrade Felix!"
Felix Parker tries to zoom forward with his rocket burst, propelling him with a force that would turn a man into mash if he were to collided against a wall. He is willing to take that risk just to get Dr Carmen to safety. Speaking of the good doctor, she is too afraid to fight back, feeling the dread notion hanging before her; she hid herself behind a Scrin ruin structure, mumbling to herself in calm, gentle voice - a comfort notion, but futile nonetheless. The Eradicator however, care less which victim dies under the name of the Scrin Empire.
"Alise, get into cover now!" yelled Felix over the intercom, but all he got was a silent praying for a god, "Damn it, Shan'kai, can you do something on your end?"
"A necessary notion, friend Felix; I'll try my best to distract it."
And did her best she did; Shan'kai continue to hack and slash any exposed exterior hull in order to disrupt the Eradicator's rampage on the nerve joint, but without any further support from Felix and his high powered ion based weaponry, she is not accomplishing anything other than to further enraging the monstrous beast. Then, an idea came to mind; she desperately climb onto of the creatures back, ran forward towards the head of the creature before leaping into the air, over the crown-like head and landed at the side of the creatures face, with her Dual Psi Blade digging right into the creatures face. The creature snuff the horrid pain as it got closer and closer to its target, firing highly condensed plasma disc down onto the general location where Dr Carmen is.
Then Shan'kai did the unimaginable.
While hanging on the creatures face, Shan'kai hastily stabs multiple times against the Eradicator Hexapod's giant optic sensor with enough sizeable hole to allow a Terran fist to jam in, and then while the creature bellow machine like roar of protest, the female Dark Templar Assassin focusses all of her psionic reserve pool and unleashed the unrestricted and raw psionic storm inside the Eradicator's nerve center.
The Eradicator practically scream in pain at the highest volume, it carry itself upward using its rear hind legs as the storm ravage in its alien mind, trashing about at the air as if it is fighting something far bigger than itself. Shan'kai, exhausted and drain after unleashing the forbidden ability which has mar Nerazim Tribe for ever using it, found herself slipping off from the Eradicator's face and dropping downward toward the ragged part of the platform.
Realize that her teleportation device in her garb is damage, probably due to the Ichor shard or the plasma disc, or perhaps even because of that violent kick from that Scrin Warmonger, Shan'kai, half-conscious and tired, the grey tall alien falls, almost welcoming her doomed ending. No final phrase, no iconic speech, she close her eyes, and let gravity do the rest.
Of course, Admiral Chief Felix Parker isn't going to let that happen, not by a long shot.
Felix couldn't change his trajectory to rescue Shan'kai; unlike the latest Terran Reapers jetpack, his ancient burst only jetpack is ill-equipped to suddenly change trajectory at mid-flight at will; it must first allow the system time to rest before it could make the next jump. Vladimir could help, but catching a dropping Protoss is suicidal, even if you are inside a Terran CMC-660 series power suit, especially if the planet's gravity is massively affected to the whole team.
He is the closes member to reach her, and he CAN reach her... For a price.
Felix grunt angrily as he force himself to turn to Shan'kai direction at mid-air and ready to burst upward to catch Shan'kai. The system, obviously screaming in protest with loud wailing siren and EVA ranting how dangerous this is going to get. Felix dumped all that into his mind called nonessential.
His going to save Shan'kai; his decision is final.
Felix Parker rocket into the air towards Shan'kai during his mid-air jump, causing the worn technology Felix is using now screaming in red, whiny sound. Felix swear he heard EVA said something about his jetpack is at critical level, and might cause an explosion if Felix continue to abuse the system any further. His mid-air rocket jump trajectory is spot on however; the minute Felix stop ascending and start descending, he had already caught Shan'kai under his arms.
Now how is he going to land with the weight of two beings that could potentially turn him and the grey alien creature he had rescue into grounded mashed potatoes? The answer; another rocket burst.
And obviously EVA rants against Felix's good judge of character. Again, her rant is marked as nonessential.
The moment Felix about to fall to his death onto the floating platform with the female Dark Templar Assassin at hand, the Elite Commando fires off yet another rocket burst, but this time it didn't just propel Felix upward for a safe landing, the old, worn out technology upright explodes into unrecognizable metal shards. The explosion did cause some damage onto Felix's back, but that only scar his reputation rather than outright killing him in a suicidal heroic deeds.
Dr Carmen arrive next to Felix, obviously shaken, but still have enough strength to lecture Felix about his reckless action and not tending his wounds. Vladimir appear soon after, heaving himself towards Felix though he pull a fake front for looking generally stable despite having that Ichor shards sticking out of his shoulder armour. The big red Russian wanted to congratulate Felix for a job well done but kept his mouth shut when Felix is being lectured by the female researcher; he allow himself a comforting smile under the visor - at least he could see the drama unfolding before him. The computer generated avatar EVA unit join Dr Carmen and vent her frustration onto Felix as well, leaving the UED Admiral Chief only option is to suck it up and take it like a man, after he roll his boring eyes cause now he has a migraine.
The Eradicator isn't done yet, it would seemed. With the gang all foolishly collect each other around, the might Scrin Epic war machine manage to spat out more of it's highly condensed plasma disc upon Felix and his merry crew. Felix and Vladimir, who caught the monstrous creature intended action quickly seek cover behind the tall Scrin ruin, with the Russian man yanking Dr Carmen into hiding in a rough fashion.
"Darn it, I though a psionic storm from a Nerazim should have taken that beast down!" Felix curses.
"No." Shan'kai reply weakly under Felix's hand, "I did so to buy us more time but the creature is far too resilient; it would take the Protoss mighty ships and it's armada to destroy such beast."
"Oh, I won't bet on that," Felix chuckle, "Take a good long look at the Eradicator, Shan'kai."
The tall grey female alien warrior did, and notice nothing. "I fail to see what you are attempting to show me, friend Felix."
"It's eye; that giant optic sensor that you manage to punch a hole into," Felix points out, "It's not reconstructing, nor is it healing any damages it sustain after that 'illegal' psionic storm you had just perform."
Shan'kai tilt her head, an action she caught on after seeing the Terran human did it to gesture a pondering/confuse pattern, "I still not see the point..."
"You just given us an open opportunity to kill this beast with a single strike, Shan'kai!" Felix concludes, "Forget about trying to get through it's tough exterior and alien material plate of highly dense armour - we just need to focus fire at that vulnerability there before anything happens."
"Again, I still did not see-"
"It's okay Shan'kai, your new at this, I understand." Felix reply to her, "But think of this as a Terran tactics. Perhaps you'll learnt that such method is necessary, even though it is not the most honorable thing to do."
The female Dark Templar Assassin just nod; perhaps her approach isn't as refine as she had believe, just like how the old Protoss Conclave thought it would be foolish to gain the attention and the assistant of the Nerazim when Aiur is overrun by the Zerg. Or neglecting the Nerazim tribe generous aid by the Tal'darim who holds the old virtue as a necessary notion to communicate their Xel'naga master.
"Understood, friend Felix. What would you have me do?"
The Eradicator is half-blind, half disoriented and completely enrage. It gaze around with its remaining good eye as the monstrous creature stomps around looking for all four, rather nuisance pest. It growl low with each careful steps, knowing that somewhere these intruders are likely pin down by its very presents.
A series of sharp jolt of artificial lightning cause the creature to moan angrily, and tear the nearby fully deployed Tesla Coil down in a matter of seconds. Machete-size spike came racing towards its other good eye, which the creature furiously spew out it's plasma disc at that general location, hoping to nail these indigenous lifeforms from their planet. It growl angrily when no hair or shadow appear before it. The Scrin Epic Unit continue to spew out more plasma disc on its surrounding area, eyeing at every standing structure that is being eaten away by the highly condensed alien material.
And yet those tiny indigenous pest is no where to be found.
The Eradicator didn't buy that; something is up. These puny lifeforms did a number on it, why stop now? It's regenerate capabilities is down, almost half of its tough exterior hull is expose, and it's main eye-sight is completely total. If these puny indigenous lifeforms is doing nothing after going through that much trouble confronting it, why stop now? The Eradicator Hexapod transit the terrain carefully, it's gigantic insect-like head lowers closely to the ground, clicking and hissing at the alien structures on the platform, knowing the four indigenous being could still be around.
As the gigantic alien being glimpse it's remaining good eye at the ruin alien structure, the red clad Russian power suit Geroy make itself known in front of the Eradicator, spraying dark liquid into the creatures face. Offended, the creature rear it's ugly head back but not before Vladimir dose the Eradicator's face with White Napalm, which the flame caught on and spread onto the Eradicator's face like wildfire. The monstrous Hexapod bellow machine-like cry as it tries to stop the fire from spreading but to no avail. As the mighty Scrin Epic Unit struggle the burning pain on its face, Dr Carmen alongside Felix pop out of hiding, their weapons aim at the massive creature and unload their weapons at it with everything they got, even Vladimir joins in by setting up several more Tesla Coils around Felix and the group.
The Eradicator, displeased by this indigenous ruffians could only roar with rage; the massive Scrin creature vision is now blurred due to the artificial inferno that has burn the creatures head causing superficial damages. It can't tell where the enemy is, but it can tell where they are shooting from. The massive creature carelessly approach the indigenous pest, crushing the alien structures and holy pillars with very little care. It endure the continued alien foreigners assault, from the feeling of being puncture into its expose exterior hull to the stunned artificial lightning surge. The blinded Eradicator retaliate with its own plasma disc, but unless it knows where the enemy is, all it accomplish merely just washing the alien structure with burning plasma-base weaponry.
Suddenly, the Eradicator felt something is climbing, crawling and digging at its face. It stop moving forward and start panicking, trying to shake whatever or whoever it is that dare climb on its already marred face. Trashing about while shaking it's head violently, the badly damage Eradicator Hexapod felt a relieving sense that whatever that cling at its face has finally came right off.
So why is the Eradicator Hexapod felt like something bad is going to happen, and what is that insidious beeping that is ringing inside it's head?
A thunderous explosion erupt from inside the Eradicator's head cause the mightiest Scrin Epic Unit to jerk backwards due to the massive recoil force, forcing the Eradicator to stand on its hind legs, head lift up staring at the stratified ceiling. The devastating explosion cause the creature to let out a dying moan instead of the usual mechanical roar. Before the creature falls back down face first into the platform, Felix Parker had already position himself in front of the Eradicator, and with his Portable Ion Cannon at hand, he is not going to let this thing reanimated itself again.
"From Santa to you, you one ugly mother-"
With a steady alien structure behind him, Felix Parker sets his secondary weapon configuration to blast the Portable Ion Cannon at 200% of its original setting. The results was terrifying; Felix Parker open fire the devastating Ionic particle against the massive Eradicator Hexapod - it's massive force slams the UED Admiral Chief against the wall behind him, indicating the strength of the modified weapon he is currently using - is super significant to catapult the beast off the platform and crash into the stratified walls before plunging into the dark abyss. Because the Portable Ion Cannon burst out more output that the device could possibly handle, the super high-powered device threatens to break the piece of weaponry hardware to two.
Felix frantically detach the entire weapon attachments off from his primary weapon, and with a good toss into the air, the cranking destabilized secondary weapon detonate with enough force to rival even Felix's own C-18 Remote Satchel Charge.
Goodbye PIC, you have serve your master well, thought Felix, with a salute no less
With the Eradicator gone, plunging into the dark abyss below, the team of four regroup at Felix's side, battered and tired; some of their armour are horrible dented (for Shan'kai, it was scarred with tiny scratches of debries, since she worn next to no armour other than a thin sheet of Nerazim fabric). They feel accomplish though; having manage to downed a Scrin Epic Unit was in fact a real feat, especially when its ones that could take on an entire well-armed army and could still savor a metropolis size city for breakfast. Even Felix's EVA unit celebrate such an accomplishments, "Well done Commander! Primary Objective Achieve!" she declared, "Achievement Unlocked; Eradicate Eradication!"
"What?"
"Oh, nothing," EVA chirp happily, "Something I personally keep track on. Nothing major."
"So, Comrade Felix," Vladimir begins, interrupting Felix's further question to his A.I, "do you know where we must go now?"
"According to EVA," Felix reply as he tap his PDA device mounted on his gauntlet, staring at the navigational system loaded with mission objectives, diagrams, data dossier and an entire files of his record kills - that last part was mostly intentional by the Artificial Intelligence, go figure, "We are within reach, just by... Wow."
Felix Parker space out, staring at something than may have potentially blew his mind. All three member who is waiting for the commander to finish his sentence all blink when they could see some kind of alien structure from the reflection off the Admiral Chief's visor. Clearly this alien tower has caught Felix's attention, who is staring it behind the group of three party member. Dr Alise Carmen, Vladimir Romanov and Shan'kai took a gentle turn and are also awe at what bestow before their eyes.
An alien tower of sort in three, build high from the lower level possible to the stratified ceiling and through it. The said structure has this strange 'DNA' like look, each end of the 'ladder' has a majestic lights glowing in the darkness. The alien structure is beautiful, majestic but also with a hint of eerieness, haunting and disturbingly horrified. Shan'kai eyes glows with great interest; this structure does not look like any structure that the Xel'naga could have possibly built or potentially build, but at the same time the massive towering alien structure pull her interest with curiosity. at this point she is convince this is a Scrin structure of sort.
To the Earth-born warriors however, they have seen it - the very structure was like a sore reminder that the Terrans of Earth is not the only sentient species in this universe. That, and it was a hard fact that the Old Government has been hiding something sinister from the public view since the last Ascension Conflict.
"The Threshold Tower..." Dr Alise Carmen said as she eyed the alien structure at the far distance. "I've never thought I'll see it again in this lifetime. I guess calling it the Scrin Tower is going to be a normality once this news reach Earth."
"You and me Doc," Felix Parker lament, his throat felt dry, "You and me both."
"Wait, you've seen it before?" Shan'kai inquire.
"More than we wanted to." Vladimir reply to the female Dark Templar. "The Old Goverment tries to erase the alien structure ever since the Ascension Conflict, but try as they might, the alien structure was impervious to all Earth-based weaponry. They try nuking - from the inside no less, but to no avail. So they did the next best thing other than simple destroying it; they create a 1000km in diameter quarantine zone with no airspace fly zone to all but the military personal, build seven outpost with a major UED military installation armed to the teeth and to top it all off, used the heavily modified stealth generator to cloak the tower from existence and shield it with the equally modified Iron Curtain around the base. It was basically impenetrable, just like the damn alien tower that is sitting so idle on Earth."
Felix facepalm at Vladimir sudden respond, "Vladimir, under UED jurisdiction Section 33 Line 8, you are not allow to tell civilian or citizen about the United Earth Directorate classified base, outpost, forces or otherwise. ESPECIALLY when that said information you so happen to share is a Protoss forces, allies or not." He let out a heavy sigh under his visor, "It also didn't really stand up to that 'Impenetrable' title you claim, especially when it has fallen to the terrorist attack some time ago before the infidel are push back."
"Other than a military outpost and installation, yes Shan'kai, we've all seen it," Dr Alise Carmen gives a direct answer to the female Dark Templar, "though only a handful of Commanders on the Expedition Force actually had the privilage to see it."
"Correct." EVA reply via the M.U.L.E unit, which appear out of nowhere with little to no damage whatsoever, "According to my collective database thus far, over 5,000 total amount of UED Commanders knows of its existense, and only 30% from the original Expedition Force has seen it. Doctor Alise Carmen, Vladimir Romanov and Felix Parker are one of many surviving members from that Expedition Force who have prior knowledge of the Threshold Tower, aka the Scrin Tower."
"Wait, hold on a minute," Felix stop her, "By any chance our ex-UED Commander knows about this?"
"I'm not sure. His EVA unit was shutdown after he had join the Dominion, and the full extend of his record in the UED database library is restricted by order of Admiral DuGelle himself."
"So in order to gain incite if he has prior knowledge of the tower is by asking the Admiral to uplift that command..." Vladimir said slowly.
"...Who so happened to commit suicide four years ago on the Alekzander." Felix ended.
Shan'kai shift her view back and forth from Vladimir and Felix, pondering why this subject would even matter, "And this disccussion matter why?"
"Call it a gut feeling," Felix reply, "But I think Akira Yamada knows about the Threshold Tower, that or he could have at some point seen it before."
"Felix, the Threshold Tower is nothing more than it is. For all we know it could just be an alien pillar like this one we see right now." Dr Carmen share her view.
"With all due respect, Dr Carmen, I don't think so," Felix reply, he point the distance alien tower with his finger as he begin to reinforce his beliefs, "In your recently updated database, it is stated that the Scrin and humanity once struggle on Earth. Humanity give a big F-you to the Scrin and force the aliens from never ever coming back to Earth again, but not after ravaging our beautiful planet like their own damn amusement park. But they leave their mark on Earth, and that mark come in a form of that same tower we see in front of us, which mind you happen to be where the Ascension Conflict also took place. I don't think the Threshold Tower is there to sit pretty and have us space monkeys look at it with awe; the Scrin BUILT it for a reason, and I want to know WHY they build it on our turf."
Doctor Alise Carmen didn't thought of that, and for someone who research xeno material and technology, she fails on both front, acknowledging that to some degree. Felix is right; why did the Scrin build such a tall, insidious tower on Earth? What was its main purpose? Does it have a purpose at all? That sort of question begins to bother the female reseacher, and such a question is brewing even more elaborate question in her head.
"We can achieve our need of answers by completing our mission via heading towards the same direction as our mission objectives." EVA openly suggest innocently. She knows when Felix gets agitated easily when there are literally thousands of unknowns floating around him and he has zero knowledge what each of it represents. Now, Felix finally has the opportunity to get the long burning itch of a question as to what the Threshold Tower is meant to be on Earth and what is its significant during the Scrin/Terran war on Earth ages ago.
An answer which will shock Felix and company if they ever found out.
Taking the EVA unit advice, the team of four venture towards their misionary objective with little to no enemy comfrontation, which comes to no surprise since Vladimir has already confirm that there is no form of enemy rank or number on the floating platform itself. After crossing a rather large gap between the floating platform and the cliff side entrance - after making a makeshift bridge out of one of the Scrin tall ruin tower - the team is once again bombard with patrolling Scrin forces, most of them didn't really knew they were there or the Scrin forces down here has bad hearing, especially the massive battle against the Eradicator. The Scrin forces mostly comprise with Warmongers, Fiend Ravagers and Shock Troopers, and strangely enough an abundance of Scrin Assimilator. The Terran/Protoss team assault the idle Scrin troopers, each member prioritize their target as their weapons are highly effective against them; Vladimir Romanov spray deadly jets of flames against the Ravager, burning them into a crisp, Shan'kai blinks around the Warmonger and backstab each and every one of these tall Scrin grasshopper monstrosity before it could do too much damage while Dr Carmen and Felix open fire their primary weapon against the Shock Trooper on Full Auto. The unprepared Scrin forces tries to fight back, but with little success.
As the team dispatch all the hostile Scrin forces down to the last unit, only the scared, frighten Assimilator are left. Strangely enough, these Assimilator does not go clocked when standing still, and a number of them are moving frantically are faster than normal Assimilator. It was later being identified differently after EVA makes a system check with her database for any new information.
"Replicator?" Shan'kai repeat in disgust, "How dare the lowly Locust thought of a name that would rival even our true magnificent craft."
"I'm not going to complain but... shouldn't we be dealing these things? They are dangerous right?" Vladimir asked, pointing his three barrel nozzle at one of the random Replicator units. Out of all the possible Replicator, one of them stop just in front of Vladimir as it curiously peek into the weapon barrel of Vladimir's Cereberus Tri-nozzle flamethrower.
"Actually they are quite harmless," Dr Carmen gesture, "According to the database regarding the Assimilator, they are rather docile and curious beings. They are a creature that sees technology as a fascinating object."
Felix checks the recently added database. After reading it, he quickly disagrees, and point his weapon at the nearest Replicator, "Objection; these are not Assimilator. Replicators, if the data is to be believed - which I am believing right now - has the ability to hijack unit."
"Hijack?" Vladimir reply, as he tries to peer off the clinging Replicator off his weapon.
"Basically the Replicator latch itself onto a unit and assume control of said unit." EVA reply.
Felix Parker, Vladimir Romanov, Dr Alise Carmen and Shan'kai stood there absorbing the artificial intelligence avatar wise words.
And then they all turn their heads around, seeing their M.U.L.E unit carrying their precious nuclear bomb being hijacked by said Replicators, racing towards a different direction.
"The Package!" Felix cried.
"The Bomb!" Vladimir reply.
"No! Don't take that!" Carmen lament.
"After it!" Shan'kai give chase.
All four party member immediately give chase at the hijacked M.U.L.E unit, which is impossible because the M.U.L.E unit isn't generally a huge unit to be considered hijacking, but the Replicator did. Felix, Vladimir, Carmen and Shan'kai race through corridor after corridor, following the runaway mining unit carrying a dangerous nuclear device meant for missionary purpose. To make matters worse, the team of four just had to run past a docile Fiend Ravager which is lazing around the corridor. Having purpose again, the Fiend Ravager start chasing after the four fleet-footed heroes, while firing their deadly Blue Ichor shards at their backs. This cause the rear member of the party, Vladimir, to hastily drop down the deployable Tesla Coil before any of the dangerous Ichor shards could nailed Vladimir, quite literally in a sense.
Being the most athelete member of the four, Shan'kai is astonished that Felix could keep up with this pace wielding his weapon and gear no less, racing neck to neck with her while the other two are barely even qualify as fitting soldiers on the field. In her mind, no Terran on Koprulu Sector could even do that without some kind of fancy gadget that would quicken their pace, like those Terran Reapers and their fancy turbine jetpack. Felix is running at his top speed with his busted jetpack that could no longer be used for the duration of the mission, and yet this mortal being is able to keep up with a Protoss Nerazim. Is he even mortal at this point, wondered Shan'kai - peering into Dr Carmen's mind as well as Vladimir tells her that Felix is an Elite Commando, but what does that even signify him as such?
No, thought Shan'kai, This is not the time for trivia matters - this mission takes priority.
Both of them could see the fleeing M.U.L.E unit, but are unable to open fire and swiftly kill the attached Replicator without accidentally destroying the mining robot in the progress. Thus both of them had to think of a way to stop the mining robot from moving. Void Prison comes to mind, but without sufficiant range, this ability is useless. Shan'kai could Blink forward and then uses the Void Prison, but that would leave her exhausted. Felix's ability and arsenal are out of the question as well - he would love to zoom in with his jetpack, had it not blown apart and are now too damage to be used, and majority of Felix's arsenal primary uses are to exterminate, not disable. Both of them knows Alise and Romanov ability is out of the question.
EVA however had various of option in her disposal.
Throughout the mad chase, the computer generated artificial intelligence is busy realign and reestablish her control over the M.U.L.E unit, and with each inch Felix and Shan'kai made in progress, she gain a little more data to take control over the hijack unit. She relay her objective clearly to her human master, and like it or not, Felix had to make do with that plan; it's either ignoring the Replicator from seizing a dangerous weapon known to man, or catch the damn machine before it could understand human WMD more thoroughly. Currently she is reading roughly about 78% completion, which is fair considering how difficult it is to get a clear lock-on on that mining robot which is under a control of an alien engineer. She relay her progress to be synth with Felix's visors, showing the percentage needed to be established.
All the more reason for Felix to pull his weight on this crazy chase.
As more Scrin hostile unit ranging from Buzzer to Shock Trooper joining the race (poor Dr Carmen and Vladimir having to deal with Shan'kai and Felix's junk), Felix Parker could see the progression bar is now at 99% completion; one more percent and this chase can now be-
Felix immediately blink when the phrase 'Connection Lost' display on his hub as soon as the hijack M.U.L.E unit disappear after making a hard right. Cue loud swearing.
"What do you mean 'Connection Lost'!? " Felix scream in anger as he and Shan'kai bank to the right where the mining unit disappeared. What greet them both was a huge chasm with no visible path other than jumping down into the abyss. With no mining robot to greet them with, it is assume that their stolen M.U.L.E unit just took a dive into said abyss. Felix and Shan'kai stare at the dark abyss before staring at one another, "Really?" Felix lament in a sadistic tone.
"I don't suppose we could just end our journey here... correct?" Shan'kai said in a worried tone.
"No, we can't. Otherwise this chapter will not be in-synch with the previous chapter." Felix reply with a heavy sigh.
"Chapter? What do you mean by that, friend Felix?"
"It's a fourth wall thing."
"W-what's a fourth wall?"
"Nevermind."
Dr Carmen and Vladimir sudden arrival stops whatever question Shan'kai has in her mind as she focus on the two comrade which has finally manage to catch up with them both. Both of them suffered a number of armour damage here and there, but with a quick laser syringe here and there, both member will be good as new. The giant red clad Vladimir butt in Shan'kai and stood next to Felix, looking down at the huge dark chasm, "Wow, that's quite a hole comrade..."
"Yes. Yes it is." Felix reply, "And we're going to be the fortunate one to jump in and retrieve the nuclear weapon off that thieving Scrin Replicator."
"Ooh..." Vladimir moan, "The things I do for big, bright explosion..."
"Speaking of which," Dr Carmen calls out, "Does any of you know why the Scrin are overly protective back there? Seriously, it's like we just walk into a room filled with Scrin units at each corridor we make."
While Felix and Vladimir shrug at the female Terran as to why, Shan'kai provide the answer via translating the Khalani glyph on the wall, "We are currently in the chamber called the Pitt. Honestly, the Scrin lacks any creativity in term of room naming. But it does merit a point however."
"Why?"
"If my translation to these Khalani glyph are correct, we should be very vary on a being in the Pitt that called the Pariah." the female Dark Templar Assassin concludes her translation, her dual Psi-Scythe ablaze at her command, "Whatever being below this chasm would merit such claim is null compare to my judgement onto thee; may we lay waste onto these Pariah and rid ourselves with this dilemma."
And with that, the Dark Templar Assassin jump down into the dark chasm, leaving only the three Terran heroes to look at each other before staring back at the dark chasm in a least inviting manner. With little choice or lack of option, all three bravely leap into the darkness.
5000 feet above sea level, Mass Deposit Ichor Cavern, Primus
Jumping bravely into the dark abyss without knowing the depth is plain suicide, knowing that their landing would cause catastrophic failure is another. Oh, and the unnatural gravitational pull also didn't help at all. Luckily for all four heroes manage to survive the fall, though the Terran's armour gets a nasty dent due to the gravity abnormalities. Shan'kai had no problem landing unharmed.
The team discovers a massive deposit of Ichor on the ground they stood on, both green and blue, glowing ominously in the dark. Though the harmful condition has yet to affect the female Dark Templar Assassin other than mild headache, Ichor poisoning level and it's radiation is completely off the chart - enough to kill a man, as Dr Carmen discovered; an unprotected man will instantly die just by looking at it, and the Terran armour suit Biological, Nuclear and Chemical (BNC) System is now being put to the test. So long as no one is wise to open their visor up, the Terran CMC armour should protect them for the time being.
This rule however is exceptional to Felix; his armour pre-date any modern Terran armour technology. Though his armour are meant to take on artillery shell, it does not have any special protection against biological, nuclear and chemical other than mild resistance to it. Dr Carmen eyed at Felix with great fear.
"Felix..." the female researcher/gunner whisper in the intercom. She has seen Felix's armour suit in great detail, even attempt to upgrade it for Felix, but it was obvious the man will not allow such things to occurred.
"I'm fine, don't worry about me." Felix reply, followed by a cough.
As the team transcend the massive vein of Ichor deposit, they found more Terran armour in pieces, both from the researcher and the Marine Corp. They even found a number of crystallized corpse on the ground that appears to be struggling to survive against an invisible force; it looked extremely agonizing.
"EVA," Felix begin, "Visual scan on all known corpse here and ID their face for recognition; these man and woman deserve a proper funeral rites once we complete our mission."
"Assuming we get out of here alive." Vladimir sigh, "Something tells me that Ichor Terrans we saw earlier are one of those unlucky few to continue living... Just brainwashed and crazy them lot."
"Here's hoping that the mining robot is still functional then..."
This however, quickly turn against Felix, as mining robot just a few feet away appeared damaged, grounded and emitting smoke. The payload it carries did not appear to be damage.
"Houston... We have a major problem... " EVA quote in a terrified manner.
The Replicator laid at the side, seized from ever moving again, though the nature as to why it dies is a mystery the team cannot prioritize. Dr Carmen is among the group that quickly moves in to check the mining robot, fearful of the machine well-being; she was the one who maintain this unit and the nuclear handing after all. She let a relieving sigh after a thorough scan. "The M.U.L.E unit suffers some serious dent, but I could make a quick-fix onto it."
A low hiss quickly raise the awareness to Shan'kai, Felix and Vladimir; all three of them quickly look around their surrounding area, and are quick to note that someone... or something have them completely surrounded. Their eyes caught a moving Ichor brushing off among itself, among thousands others. The oblivious female researcher continue to tinker with the busted mining robot without noticing any sign of danger.
"And how much time do we have?" Vladimir asked, with a hint of fear. He is seeing moving Ichor, particularly the blue one, slowly inching itself towards him.
"8 minutes, tops."
"You have 3 minutes!" roar Felix, "We got company!"
Both Terran heroes open fire almost immediately against the sea of Ichor deposit. However, their action are justified when several 'beings' leap out from danger and snarl angrily at them, with Shan'kai slicing up those that got too close to team.
These Ichor 'beings' looks like a humanoid roaches, standing as tall as Shan'kai but slimmer than average Scrin forces do, multiple arms and a hideous insect-like appearance, unlike most Scrin creatures it has more arms than the Warmonger - a total of 4 additional arms sporing out at its back and front body. The creatures spots very long insect-like antenna, multiple layers of mandible and has a single glowing optic that stares the team with its eerie stare. Its body is riddled with Ichor deposits of various colours, oddly glowing brightly before dimming and produce a much higher psionic frequency wave than the docile Ichor on the ground. Unlike the Warmonger, they have no weapon in hand or any build-in weapon attach to them, as they appear barehanded. However, they have numbers on their side, and they quickly outnumber Felix and his merry group a thousand to one.
They are the Scrin Pariah, outcast from the Scrin Empire, a rank much lower than a mere wisp or Buzzers, a prisoner to forever wonder in a field filled with an Ichor deposit, but are unable to nurture or harness its untapped energy within it. And judging from the high psionic frequency readings indicates multiple outcast are shoved into a single construct to be forever be damned. Its volatile temper also did not help matters at all.
Felix and Vladimir quickly pick their target and unload their weapon against these unholy abomination, The creature are nothing more than meatshield at this point, since a single shot can easily down a dozen more, or in Vladimir's case, a blanket of fiery abberation in flames or Shan'kai's slice and dice method. But what they lack in toughness, they have in numbers and resilient.
And by Terra, these Pariah just don't die! Even if these alien creature's body is full of holes or incinerate to black coal or being sliced to a million pieces, each individual pieces can actually meld themselves back together as if nothing had ever happen to them! One of them even reattach their decapitated head back on as if Shan'kai didn't slice them to ribbons, and even if she did, these Pariah simple meld themselves back together! Hell, not even Felix's own C18 Remote Satchel Charge non-nuclear explosion had any effect against the Pariah, other than to make a huge hole and scatter bodies of Pariah merge together into an even hidieous monstrosity!
The word 'undying approaching zombie' quickly intrude the minds of both Felix and Vladimir, or in Shan'kai's case, The Arrival of the Dark Gods of Cruelty.
"Dr Carmen!" Felix yelled in panic, "We really be needing to flee, like now!"
"Done!" She replied hastily, "M.U.L.E motor system is now operational! Let's get the hell out of here!"
All four members hastily run towards the direction where objective is marked by EVA. Appointing Vladimir and Shan'kai to take the point, the two melee hero and heroine push their way against the ever regenerating Pariah by the hundreds, following behind is the robotic mining M.U.L.E unit and the rearguard Dr Carmen and Felix, who both snipe the Pariah at the distance to buy themselves some time and much needed distance. And since there is no shortage of Pariah due to their unusual healing factor, the Scrin outcast monstrosity is anything short but pissed.
Naturally, the Pariah give chase, snarling, roaring and snapping as they ran in all four... err, eight... twelve..?
"Where are we going!?" the panicked Dr Carmen cried as she burst-fire another Pariah at the distance, "Isn't our objectives 2500 feet above sea level, directly above us!?"
"That was the plan, but since we are already down here, I figure we could just place the bomb underneath here, set off a transmit signal to our returning crew then have them pick us up here." Felix reply professionally.
"THAT DIDN'T MAKE SENSE AT ALL!"
"According to my calculation, the likelihood of surviving is now reduce to 0.001%." EVA reply, "But I do have some good news though; we could achieve our goal by 500% of successful mission."
"THAT STILL DIDN'T MAKE ANY SENSE WHATSOEVER!"
"Well, this IS a suicide mission doc," Felix reply, followed by a short chuckle, "It was suppose to be a huge gamble between us and these Scrin creatures."
"Nay, look forth, friend Felix! I see the temple! The Xel'naga Temple is before us!"
Shan'kai is right; just beyond the distance of Ichor is a temple that is iconic to the Protoss. Though it is not as magnificent or as huge as the one from Shakuras, it is still a Xel'naga temple, complete with its familiar Khalani design and archways.
One problem; it is separated by another chasm, and below it is molten lava, judging by its intense heat and orange-red coloration.
"We can't cross that!" Dr Carmen cried in panic.
"I could blink across, but I am unsure how I could be able to blink across with a company in tow." Shan'kai confessed.
"And my jetpack is in ruin..." Felix confess in turn.
"And both me and the M.U.L.E. unit are heavy..." Vladimir reply in turn.
Felix quickly scan the area, taking in the scenery filled with Ichor dotting at every turn. He quickly notice a two towering pillar, one long blue Ichor standing majesticly surrounding a smaller patch of blue and green Ichor, and another a tall green Ichor at a short distance away, littered with blue Ichor. The blue Ichor is the closes at the edge, and judging by the height of that alien crystal, it could provide the answer to create a makeshift bridge out of it. The real danger is the crystal itself; blue Ichor are volatile in nature, and a single spark will cause it to explode, creating chain reaction on a nearby Ichor associated with it.
The green towering Ichor that stood a good few distance away is a much safer choice, but will not make an effective makeshift bridge; due to the distance a few feet away from the fiery chasm, this Ichor will only make it half the length, and any further needs to do some serious jumping. One wrong slip, and it's swimming in the molten lava on Primus. Not an experience everyone would like to venture in any time soon.
"Vladimir!" Felix announce his plan aloud, "Try and knock that blue towering Ichor to that gap, without setting it on fire! Place a few Tesla Coil around me as I try and hold the line!"
"Affirmative, Comrade!" the giant red clad Firebat reply as he toss three deployable Tesla Coil near Felix's position. All three deployable defensive structures charge up and ready to fry the approaching Pariah.
"Wait, why didn't you just have that M.U.L.E unit to cut it down? It will be more simpler that way." came a reply from the female researcher.
"Well, it could have been handy enough, but you remodel the damn mining robot to carry the warhead and nothing else." Felix reply, finger pointing the M.U.L.E unit without the saw function which was present on all unmodified mining robot unit
"Ooh... Right..."
"Shan'kai!" Felix quickly addresses towards the Dark Templar Assassin, "Blink you way across the chasm and secure the area, I don't want any Scrin forces shuffle the area!"
"By your will" she answered, and blink across in an instant. The moment the Dark Templar Assassin crosses the chasm, the sound of battle at the other side assures.
"Dr Carmen!" Felix quickly points her out, "I need your assistance on defending this area! As soon as Vladimir crash that towering Ichor you need to get across that gap as quickly as possible, with that M.U.L.E unit along the way!"
"W-what about you?"
"Don't worry about me. Just do as I've ordered you to do!"
The plan is commence with two UED officers with three defensive structures holding the line against the approaching Scrin Pariah, with the robotic mining unit safely secure itself behind them. Their mission is to defend this area at all cost while Vladimir attempt to knock down the towering blue Ichor crystal to the other side with his sheer strength and not his fiery flame weapons. The blue Ichor crystal is extremely dense and thick, not to mention completely rooted to the ground makes it near impossible to budge, but Vladimir isn't a slouch either; Felix knows the big red Russian man can out do himself when given a chance, and he always does in a day to day basis; no one could claim that his tactics regarding strength in numbers are ineffective against the Zerg, when he and his thousands of legion of man in power suit could drove a Zerg Swarm off a planet. Who could claim that Aiur, once proud homeworld of the Protoss, now tainted with the present of the Zerg, nullified a massive Zerg Hive Cluster by Vladimir and his men, holding off the main Zerg forces at bay, until that traitor Samir Duran ruin everything he had accomplished?
Vladimir did the impossible, because impossible wasn't in his dictionary.
The red giant clad of armour roar aloud fitting to his rage, continue to slam himself against the towering blue Ichor crystal with all his might, his automated sensory continue to show his left and right shoulder armour continue to plummet with each ram he did, but he did so without bearing fruit; cracks just inch off the ground is all he needs to verify his progress.
On the other side of the chasm, Shan'kai is currently being swarmed by more Scrin units, though thankfully not Pariah. For unknown reason the Scrin could see her as clear as day despite having her cloaking ability active. Buzzers, Disintegrator, Fiend Ravagers, Shock Trooper all join the fun, and the proud Nerazim tribe Assassin knew she had just bitten more than she could chew. Regardless, the female Dark Templar Assassin fought on, blinking across the battlefield and void prison the closes Fiend Ravager (she recognized the major threat was them, next to the absent Warmonger then the Shock Trooper) while at the same time learn a few new tricks she pick up from the Warmonger itself via spinning her dual Psi Scythe with one hand as a protective shield as well as a spinning blade of death and execute the other using her own Psi Blade.
She pray that it will be enough to hold these aliens at bay long enough for Felix and his gang manage to cross over.
"WARNING, SHOULDER ARMOUR INTEGRITY IS NOW 19%"
"I know, dammit," Vladimir bellows at his automated system, "Just a few more... Aaarrggghhh!"
Metallic clang with a hint of crystallized screech. Another cracks are now make visible.
"WARNING, SHOULDER ARMOUR INTEGRITY IS NOW 9%, MAJOR FRACTURE DETECTED. MORPHINE ADMINISTERED."
"Fuck!" the giant Russian man cried, cursing aloud at best, "By the love of Mother Russia, WHY WON'T YOU FALL?!"
Vladimir ram again, only this time he heard other things than just a metallic clang and the screeching crystal; he heard a wet snap.
Then the pain that burns him like a thousand needle just stabbing his faulty shoulder, with a hint of knife in a mix. Vladimir roar in great pain.
"ALERT! SHOULDER ARMOUR INTEGRITY RUPTURED. BONE SHOULDER DISLOCATED. SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ASSISTANT."
Vladimir huff and puff in his suit, sweating heavily at the at his dislocated shoulder, his vision blurred as the unbearable pain is now tempting to force the red giant to faint. Lending against the blue Ichor with his aching shoulder was the only way to wake this sleeping giant up, but it did more than just that.
As Vladimir intentional lending against the towering blue Ichor with his faulty shoulder aid him to stay awake, the towering crystal itself also lend with Vladimir. By the time Vladimir remove himself from the collapsing tower, the red clad Firebat manage to cried "TIMBER!" as loud as he can.
The towering blue Ichor crash down to the other side of the chasm, making a bridge from one end to another. However, the blue Ichor bridge will not last long, due to the molten lava and it's extreme heat coming from the bottom of the chasm. The chemistry of both heat and blue Ichor only makes things worse when they only have a limited time to cross over.
"Good job Vladimir! I knew I could count on you! Dr Carmen, go with Vladimir and the mining unit! Get yourself across!"
"I'm not leaving you without me!" she retorts.
"You don't have a choice!" the UED Commander reply back, "Go! I'll find another way to you!"
"I just don't understand why you can't come with us!"
"Use your head for once, Alise Carmen! Blue Ichor are super sensitive to heat! The more pressure we apply the more heat it will absorb! If all three of us walk across it, with the M.U.L.E unit no less, the blue Ichor will implode! Someone needs to stay behind, and I am more qualified for such matter!"
"You don't know that!"
"I KNOW BECAUSE I WAS THERE!" Felix reply harshly, "GO!"
Dr Carmen just stood there for a second, blank when Felix said he was there. What does that mean? What does it mean by that?
"WHY ARE YOU STANDING AROUND LIKE A FOOL?! GET ACROSS THE CHASM, NOW!"
If Felix could see through Dr Carmen visor, he could see her heartbroken, tears flowing down her cheeks, sobbing at Felix's harsh words. Without any word to exchange, she did just that, with the M.U.L.E unit in tow. Vladimir allows the young lady, heartbroken to cross first, followed by the robotic mining unit before he himself lumbering across. On cue, as soon as the red giant crosses the chasm, the blue Ichor makeshift bridge subdued to the heat, implodes into many tiny piercing pieces. However, they are not done yet, as they are now being besiege upon the approaching Scrin forces from the other side of the chasm. The female Dark Templar Assassin is nowhere to be found, the two members of the UED Expedition Force on the other side of the chasm now worries about the outcome.
Felix Parker on the other hand is now bring swarm by these degenerate monstrous being, with no clear ending to weed them out. He needs to get across, and without his jetpack fully functional, he had to improvised.
Eyeing at the second Ichor tower in green, Felix quickly leave the protection of the three standing Tesla Coils and rush towards the green tower, guns blazing against the narrow end of the root, carefully not to hit any of the smaller blue Ichor grove surrounding it. After a good blasting later, the towering green Ichor tilted down towards the chasm, but as Felix has theorized, the downed towering green Ichor barely make it half of the chasm entire length.
Felix smirk, that's where the C18 on top of the grove of blue Ichor is for.
The UED Commander place his main weapon on his back, securing it with an auditory click before he pulls out two sets of C18 remote satchel charge on both hands, placing the volatile explosion next to each other underneath the grove of highly volatile blue Ichor. Setting the countdown to a few seconds, Felix grab his main weapon back into his hands, climb up onto the collapsed green Ichor tower and starts nailing the tidal wave of approaching Scrin Pariah as he counts the seconds before the C18 timer reaches to zero.
"EVA, disconnect the jetpack expansion module as soon as I make the jump; I'm going to need the extra lift once the explosion catapult us into the clearing."
"Understood." the electronic computer generated avatar reply, "Felix, you could at least tell her about this plan..."
"I would, but then again she'll only jeopardize the mission with her emotion." Felix reply, nailing another Pariah at the distance, though it cannot be counted as a confirm kill. "It will be her best interest if she knows little of what I'm thinking than showing her what I'm capable off."
"Speaking of which-"
"No point of telling her EVA" Felix intervene, "This body is at its limit."
As the swarm of Pariah blindly rush towards Felix's position, which in the progress also completely destroy the three Tesla Coil defenses, the C18 remote satchel charge that Felix place on the base of the collapsed Ichor tower detonate, and with the extra kick from the blue Ichor, sends the one end of the collapse Ichor tower to catapult towards the chasm, with Felix Parker in tow. Felix count the many seconds in his mind as the catapulted Ichor tower arch itself dangerously upward before threatening to collapse on the other side into the chasm of fiery death. At this point, Felix took a leap of faith, and the electronic computer generated artificial intelligence avatar discharge Felix's jetpack module forcefully in the air, giving the former Elite-Commando a much needed thrust forward. But will that be enough?
Back on the other side of the Chasm, the entire hostility affair had turn from moderate to extreme violent; it would appear that the Scrin is highly protective with the Xel'naga temple (though, it looks more like a shrine than anything else, since it is so darn small for a temple found on Shakuras) and that Vladimir and Dr Carmen are in a thick of it. Both had fought their way toward the temple (shrine) and had taken defensive position, but the Scrin took offense to this, and now even Scrin Shard Walker, Shard Seeker, Corruptor have arrive to purge the infidel off from their sacred ground.
The female Dark Templar Assassin shows up after a while; apparently she has been hiding from the Scrin inside the Xel'naga temple since the Scrin had naturally overwhelm her and she could do little but to fend off all but the worse attack. Her dark garment shielded her from the worst attack, but due to the extend damage throughout the scenario, her psionic shielding is non-functional; Shan'kai naturally curse in Khalani tongue. Dr Carmen naturally yelp at her sudden appearance, but immediately recover herself before going to work via healing her alien companion. Vladimir continue to deploy more Tesla Coil defenses and dosing a jetstream of fiery flame of death, but the giant red Russian warrior has begun to show his side of fear; the deployable defense module is now running short, and he is dangerous low of fuel.
Just as Vladimir scorch the earth with his white fiery flames, Felix Parker makes a dramatic landing, rolling on the ground for several turn before getting up on his feet, his main weapon trailing at the nearby Scrin infantry, and did as much damage as he could before retreating into the temple just like the rest of the UED party.
"Glad you could make it on the other side of the party Commander," Vladimir said with a dry humorous tone, "Was the other side too much to handle, Comrade?"
"Yes, the party didn't seemed to die out on its own. On another note, I would very much prefer to not drown myself with that ravaging undying corpses than a typical one."
"Well, least we think of something fast; I'm running out of fuel AND deployable defensive module." the red clad Russian Firebat reply.
"Perhaps there is," Felix ponders, "Where's Shan'kai?"
"Inside, being treated by our Dr Carmen." Vladimir response, pointing behind him.
With the given information received, the UED Commander walks in deeper into the temple inner sanctum, with its walls covered with Khalani glyph one layer after another. It didn't take long for Felix to find Dr Carmen and Shan'kai studying the stone glyph on the wall, fascinated with each crafting. The robotic mining unit accompany them, occasionally snapping picture at the alien glyph.
"...And this here, the Third and Fourth Creation..."
"Similar to the prophecy foretold-"
"And here, over there! The image of the Xel'naga! This just gets better and better!"
"But the reoccurring is different, unsettling. And this glyph here. The Creation..."
"...Assault their Creator..."
"Whatever are you ladies babbling about?" Felix interrupts both party.
"Oh, Felix! Your alive!" exclaim Dr Carmen, there is a hint of sarcasm in that line; Dr Carmen is in that mood again, thought Felix, "This is an amazing find! A Xel'naga Temple that document the advent and rise of the Scrin! It tells a full story of the Scrin complete connection with the Xel'naga!"
"And this is not all, friend Felix. It retells the tale of origin dated back several millennium of ages, fitting into the Khala and the Nerazim Aeon of Strife conflict, almost as disturbing as it hardly sound."
"It's not a complete picture of the Scrin origin, but it's a major start, one that would have researcher such as myself a very long time to translate, and a major long time to compare notes to one's who worship the said alien deity."
"I wager you girls document all of the glyph?" Felix ask.
"Dr Carmen had already ordered me to document everything. It is now safe within my hypernet database. New information has been uploaded to the nearby surviving UED Science Vessel and has transmitted to the UED Spartan Company on Abaddon." EVA reply cheerfully. The robotic M.U.L.E does a small twirl, mimicking ahuman excitement
"Good, now Shan'kai, of all the question I'm going to ask you, is there any way we can shut the main door to prevent the Scrin from coming in?"
"Why of course friend Felix," she reply, staring at the human oddly, "however, this shrine lacks any mechanism to completely sealing the entrance shut. I have, however manage to find an active warp gate. In my experience, many Nerazim shrine such as this one are similar to that on Shakuras. Most shrine are connected to a web of psionic network towards the temple."
"Well, fancy that," Felix huff, "So the shrine has a portal to jump into the main temple. And that's where our missionary objective leads us to. I'll rally Vladimir in here while you and Dr Carmen stay put."
"Surely you will not trespass the holy temple of the Xel'naga sacred ground?" The female Dark Templar Assassin asked.
"We don't have much choice in that matter Shan'kai," Felix pointed out, "either we fight our foes here and die down here or we continue our objectives and plan to nuke the Scrin Relay Node to kingdom come, and I don't think the Scrin really care about our little sacrilege act when their first order of business is to hunt us down and murder us horribly."
The Dark Templar wanted to object, but a heavy hand from the Combat Medic stops her before she begun to speak, "He's right though; if what the glyph and carving suggest, the Scrin may not have the same ideology towards the Xel'naga, moreover than not, I fear they would just assimilate them like the Zerg Swarm."
Shan'kai kept quiet, silently nodding as her only respond. She gaze towards the human Commando with blazing nova eyes, "I shall prepare the needed sequence for an immediate warp gate transport. Where we might end up will not be pleasant."
Xel'naga Temple, 2500 feet below sea level, Primus.
The warping field died down as quickly as it started, with the three Terran from Earth blink their eyes repeatedly to ensure they are not delusional. The female Dark Templar Assassin however did not allow her offensive stance to drop down; her combat experience throughout these many years had taught her not to go idle once a fellow warrior such as herself step out from a warp gate and into the battlefield, either be a season veteran or ones who seek glory for the Protoss Protectorate.
Once all four of them warp into existence, they are greeted by non other than a number of Scrin forces protecting the chamber from outside intruders, but unknown to the Locust Swarm, their enemies are already within. Still, the guarding Scrin unit is comprised by Warmonger, Shock Trooper and Fiend Ravager, a rather popular pairing of late. All four heroes let loose of their respective weapon behind heavy cover against the enemy who is idle and unprepared, killing a great number of the idle Scrin troopers before they are rush to retaliate. Shan'kai blinks around and savagely slice the annoying Fiend Ravager to broken bits, Vladimir sparingly dose a healthy amount of fiery death of white Napalm against the Shock Trooper while Dr Carmen and Felix open fire their respective weapons against the Warmonger, prioritizing the ones with the most accessories on their body than the one which has nothing on them. As the Scrin defenders getting thin down, the Terran/Protoss allegiance could finally count their lucky stars in completing their mission.
What they didn't count on was the swarm of Scrin Pariah that suddenly emerge from the warp gate! Both the Scrin forces and the Terran/Protoss joint team are suddenly being targeted by these creatures!
"What the...?! How on Earth did these creatures make it here?!" Felix retort angrily,
"Have they been following you Felix?!" Dr Alise Carmen scold him, obviously placing the blame on him.
"That's virtually impossible! They only way they could had done to get across was to leap over the giant chasm of molten lava!" the UED Elite Commando reply in his haste, turning his weapon around to take an aim at the approaching Pariah.
All of a sudden the fight between the Scrin forces just got crazy; the mad and driven Scrin Pariah prey both the normal Scrin forces and the Terran/Protoss team, the Locust Swarm tries to salvage the situation by eliminating the Pariah rather than the four space infidel and the Terran/Protoss joint forces caught in a crossfire between the two. Strangely enough, the Pariah did not register the local Scrin forces as its allies, rather they choose to annihilate the Scrin as much as they would choose to eliminate the foreign forces.
"We need to destroy that Warp Gate!" Felix cried out in the mist of battle, "If we don't, our position will be overwhelmed!"
"Comrade, I can place a few more Tesla Coils around, but that will only buy us time, and I doubt it has enough power to take it out!"
Cursing under his breathe, the UED Elite Commando pull out his remote satchel charge with one hand, his Null Rifle isn't pointing at the enemy, "It's alright Vladimir! I still have enough C18 remote satchel charge-"
Felix felt a heavy punch against his unprotected back, like a truck just hit him from behind. He rocket to the ground, dropping his Null Rifle and the satchel charge on the ground. Felix let out a curse before he turn to his side, only to see the giant unholy Scrin Guardian staring down at him it's massive weapon absent from its grasp. The two UED officers Vladimir Romanov and Dr Alise Carmen are all but gap at the creature's present; granted, both of them either did not encounter the Guardian or had no idea such a creature exist in the first place.
Felix let out another cursed, "Ooh, fuck you..."
The Scrin Guardian drew it's hand in, forming a fist and proceed to deliver a death blow by thrusting it's fatal punch into Felix and into the ground. Thankfully, the Terran dodge to the side just in time to see the giant alien fist is now buried under that massive dirt. The Guardian shot a menacing glare at him, drew it's alien fist from the ground and proceed to repeat it's action again. Felix roll to the other side, picked up the remote satchel charge off the ground before taunting the creature towards it, "Come on, ya big fat and useless hunk of junk! I'm right here!"
The taunting must have an affect to it; the Scrin Guardian roars aloud in its machine-like cry, mimicking a mad person enraged by the thousand word of insult... has the Scrin completely translated Terran language? Judging by the number of disappearing researcher and scientists, it would make a ton of sense, especially if said researcher and scientists are assimilated.
Felix run at the opposite end of the complex, towards the Warp Gate the team (and the Pariah) came from, while shoving through the relentless wave of Pariah. The Scrin Guardian, whom took the offensive taunting to heart, pursue the lone Terran hero while ignoring the other two companion. While Felix merely shove the deformed creature as hard as he can, knocking them from their balance and what not, the Scrin Guardian outright ram the fallen Scrin units, crushing their broken body with that titanic body and it's heavy alien feet, literally 'killing' the unfortunate Pariah that had stood at its path. It makes the Terran method looks merciful, until you realize that the Pariah can regenerate seamlessly any kind of damage done by anything outside of continues stream of fire and similar weaponry. Does nuclear bomb count as well? Worth checking out ain't it?
Felix battle his way towards the Warp Gate, but tackling the Pariah along the way slows him down, and that was all the Guardian needed to catch up with the lone Terran unit. The Scrin Guardian not only slams against Felix like a freaking truck (again), but the creature continues to run forward towards the Warp Gate, threatening Felix to flatten him against the alien structure. Helplessly vulnerable, Felix brace for impact.
"This is going to hurt!" Felix remind himself.
The effects are instantaneous; the giant alien creature running at ramming speed slams against the prehistoric Warp Gate with Felix Parker in tow, burying him deep inside the very structure itself. Felix screams in pain upon impact, his AI assisted computer generated avatar also scream out of fear, knowing her master is in grave danger and she could do nothing but to watch him suffer. Felix could see tons of readings from his visor, all of the statistics readings are completely in red; his Spartan Mark IV power suit can withstand artillery shell fire, but that massive damage output felt more like an orbital bombardment, using Tungsten Rod no less. All of his cybernetic limb is either too damage to move or disconnected - he wasn't sure which.
Felix cough violently, blood spat out with each cough. Unable to remove his visor to clean his blood off means he had to smell his own blood under the same visor, but that wasn't the biggest bad news of all; it's the reading on the lower right of his visor, which register his condition throughout the skirmish.
Ichor Poisoning at 45%
Damn. I do not have enough time, thought Felix.
He suddenly felt someone or something grabbing him from the back of his neck, heavy grasp tighten around Felix's neck. The Scrin Guardian forcefully yank out the buried lone Terran soldier off from the walls, growling and chuckling as it does before the creature forcefully buried him back in. Satisfied after a few more times of 'slamming it's victim into the wall', the Scrin Guardian draw his captive trophy and had a good look at the UED soldier with a nametag named Felix Parker. The Scrin creature stare at it for a moment, before the creature is growling lowly at it.
Wait. It's not growling at it. It's trying to pronounce it, "ffeellx pprckaerrr"
"It's... It's Felix... Parker... ya overgrown insect..." groan Felix.
"..." the Scrin Guardian kept silent for a while, before it chuckle menacingly in its robotic like tune, followed by an eerie and ominous, "ddddiiieeeee..."
"Don't count on that... just yet..." Felix announce, "I still have... this."
The Scrin Guardian turn his attention to Felix's hand where the remote satchel charge is at hand, grasp anew from his military stash. The creature either underestimate him for carrying a brick or did not know that it's an explosive device. Laugh all you want, let's see who's the one who gets the last laugh.
As quickly as he could bring his cybernetic arm back online, he quickly jam the explosive device between the Scrin Guardian's shoulder, arm and body, activating the C18 remote satchel charge timer countdown. The Scrin monstrosity retort at Felix's action, and desperately tries to remove whatever object the lone Terran had shoved into it, unconditionally freeing Felix in the progress. Felix crashed to the ground, but quickly bringing himself up as he bought out two more C18 remote charges in hand. While the giant creature tries to remove the object and failing, Felix Parker runs around it placing and jamming both explosive device on its back and another between its thighs and legs, jamming it in place. The Scrin Guardian begun to panic as it starts to claw it's own insect-like armour fruitlessly to remove the explosive detonator and before it knows it, Felix was well underway escaping within blast radius. The Scrin monstrosity roar aloud in a fitting anger towards the lone retreating Terran hero, before the flood of fire, heat and death ripple it's body into nothingness.
Not only did the three C18 reduce the Scrin Guardian into atom, it's mighty explosion is enough to blanket the entire prehistoric Warp Gate with fire and destruction, vaporized the ancient teleportation device from existence. The omnipotent shockwave sends all remaining Pariah flying, and those who are caught in the explosion will never regenerate again. Felix Parker is one of the few unlucky individual to get thrown across the room, ricochet off the floor and cause a few heads to turn seeing how he could have even survive that kind of blow.
"Ow, ow, ow... That's gonna leave a mark..." Felix groan as he struggle to get up on his feet only to realize his Null Rifle is now next to him on the ground. "What the..."
Felix looks up, only to took notice where he is. Vladimir Romanov begins, "What in the name of Ursa Major was that?" he asked, referring to the tackling Scrin Guardian.
"Trust me... You don't wanna know." Felix sigh, "Well, at least that Warp Gate won't be teleporting troops into this place anymore. How are we fairing?"
"We are rounding up the remaining Scrin forces here, Comrade. We could use some help thinning their ranks further though."
The UED Elite Commando rose up, his legs trembling weakly and he had to catch his breathe subsequently, but other than that, his ready to finish this fight, "You got it Vladimir; just set them up, and I'll knock 'em down."
Several minutes later...
"Okay, we did it," the large red clad Russian reply with a heavy huff, bodies of crystallized foe in humanoid shape are now either burning or shattered, "That's the last of them..."
"Good," huff Dr Carmen. She empty her weapon before slugging in a fresh ammo into her weapon, "These Scrin Pariah are persistent, I'll give you that."
"Hold," cried the female Dark Templar, she drew her psionic blade off a recently slain Scrin Pariah, "Where is friend Felix?"
The ground behind them burst open, a mechanical arm rise from the dirt and earth as the lone individual climbs up from whatever god knows where he'd been from, groaning as he does. He shake his head, "That's the last time I'm going to piledrive an alien creature to the ground from 3 stories high."
"Well, at least you kill the Warmonger by hand," the AI chirp happily, "If that ain't an achievement I dunno what is."
"Well... Is everyone accounted for?" Felix Parker ask among the group.
"Da, we are all here comrade Felix." Vladimir reply, "Few bruises here and there. Nothing major."
"Oh no." a voice cried softly which caught the attention of Felix, Shan'kai and Vladimir, "The package! It's damage! It must have been the fight with those Pariah. Oh, we have no equipment to repair the damage."
Felix walks towards Dr Carmen and the robotic M.U.L.E unit that is carrying the nuclear device. Felix can see a long, thin Ichor Shard on the package itself. It was a miracle the thing didn't go nuclear after suffering that kind of damage!
"Is it still operational?" Felix asked. He blink when his visor system suddenly detects something that is strap with the nuclear device.
"Yes, but the remote detonator is busted; someone will have to activate it manually... And..."
"Err... Dr Carmen?" Felix slowly raise a question, "Correct me if I'm wrong but... My Geiger counter on the attach compartments with the nuke package is off the charts, far more than the one on scale with isometric uranium isotope; what IS this thing you keep dodging the bullet from anyway?"
Doctor Alise Carmen frown, she wanted to keep this a secret. She really do. The jinx is up, thought Dr Carmen.
"It's..." she hesitates, "In the final confrontation with the Scrin, the old superpower nation tried to end the war as soon as possible, and create a weapon based on the enemy captured technology. A direct replica of said weapon; it's a weapon that was only created once but is never used onto the Scrin due to its destructive nature."
"This," Dr Carmen continues, pointing at the weapon package which is strap with the thermonuclear device, "Is the Liquid Tiberium Bomb."
"Wow, all of a sudden I feel like I've been hit by a wave of déjà vu," EVA blinked, "Shouldn't it be called Liquid Ichor Bomb?"
"Huh? Tiberium? What does that had anything to do with Ichor?" the giant red clad Russian Firebat asked as he examine the attached device on the warhead.
"Well, on Earth, Ichor is known as Tiberium, named after the Tiber River it first discovered, though the rival superpower coin it differently, saying that it was named after the first king of humanity, Tiberius Julius Caesar Augustus."
"I guess the Old World really did cramp all that data for a reason into the main EVA unit memory frame," mumble Dr Carmen, "Now I'm even more curious about this sort of thing."
"Wait, you called it Liquid *Tiberium* Bomb, not Liquid Ichor Bomb. You mean to tell me you had not research this stuff before you install it next to a nuclear warhead?"
"As a matter a fact I did, Felix Parker of the UED Expedition Force," Dr Carmen reply with a strict tone, "I just find it strange to call something created on Earth and replace it with something completely alien and foreign to our tongue."
"Might I asked what this... Bomb... Is capable off?" Shan'kai politely asked - she had seen nuclear weapons up close and personal before, and in one of her skirmish she had seen the detonation of such weapon on a remote planet of Mü Ràmü on a remote planet in the southern Koprulu Sector, but this things just screamed 'planet cracker', especially when you consider that the Terran of Earth deploy such destructive weapons against the Scrin and among themselves.
"Have you seen a Terran Apocalypse-Class Nuclear Missile before, Shan'kai? I take it that you have, considering Terran Dominion general policy is to 'Nuke First, Ask Questions Later'."
"Yes, I have."
Dr Alise Carmen nod, "Now imagine this - a Liquid Tiberium Bomb would yield roughly ten times greater than a 200 megaton thermonuclear bomb - rival even the one possessed by the Terran Dominion nuclear weaponry, as it is by far the most powerful nuclear weapon to be available on Holy Terra ALONE. Now, with the proper catalyst, such as a nearby Ichor field, such a blast, it may also create a self-sustaining exothermic reaction - a massive chain reaction that would continue the flow of destruction to any proximate Ichor deposits, liquid, crystal, even the air around it, will be instantly be detonated."
Felix, Vladimir and Shan'kai stood still as Dr Carmen lecture froze them on the spot, giving them a sudden chill that crawl against their spine; no wonder the Old Government did not allow the weapon to be used... Or perhaps TRIED not to use it especially against the invading Scrin forces. If it WAS used, the fallout will be enough to choke humanity near deaths door. Felix and Vladimir recall nothing regarding any Ichor deposit on Holy Terra, probably mined out after the Ascension Conflict, thus the weapon become useless other than the 'ten times more powerful than our most badass nuclear weapon in existence'.
Now imagine using it on Primus. On a Scrin homeworld. FILLED WITH ICHOR DEPOSIT FROM TOP TO BOTTOM.
"Are we seriously going used that device here, Comrade?" Vladimir suddenly asked, "I can actually paint a picture here, seeing as the massive planet cracks to two... Or worst, total oblivion of an entire planet. That's practically genocide!"
"And to think Russian mindset was the total annihilation of their enemy, that you had the brain cell that no other Russian Commander I know would feel sorry for their enemy." Felix gesture, "I know it sounds cruel... But... We still had to detonate it... For humanity's sake, as well as any other intelligence sentient beings out there."
"Such foul weapon to be used against a foul foe... And I had always believe the Conclave and the Tal'darim are the worst of its own. If I were to agree..."
"Don't finish that sentence, Shan'kai." Felix Parker quickly stops her, "This is a Terran business. More specifically, the United Earth Directorate business. You are here for a ride, nothing more."
"But such vile device is..."
"Don't worry Shan'kai," Dr Carmen assures, "I'll make sure the weapon blueprint is destroyed, once we get out of here alive. You have my words."
Felix could only give a silent nod, before he walks away from the group bearing his main weapon in hand. "Come on guys, just need to setup this weapon... Then we can all go home."
Dr Alise Carmen blinked at Felix's optimistic tone, "But... The remote detonator..."
"We'll think of something," Felix said, pulling a fake smile underneath his visor; he stare at his body status on the lower right of his visor - Ichor Poisoning at 78%
Not now... Just need to... Push forward... I have too. This will be my last mission.
"You really need to tell them." came a whisper, Felix let out a defeated sigh. "No. Don't tell any of them. My time is growing short. And I want to make sure everything is going according to plan."
"But..."
"I'm old, EVA. I'm the oldest living human being, older than Vladimir there, heck I bet I'm even older than Shan'kai, and she's a Protoss for fuck sake. It's time I had a more permanent retirement from all this fighting." Felix whisper back.
"...I'm going to miss you though." she reply.
"For an artificial intelligence, you really care for my well being; I'm flatten."
"Is that how you treat girls? Just asking by the way."
Felix blink, surprise by this question, "Are you hitting me?"
"No! Of course not! I mean come on, I'm an AI and your my human operator, we've been together like forever and... Um... I... I just a loyal computer avatar and your a soldier... Um... I... No. Just no. I'm not hitting you. Not physically... Or mentally... Or whatever it is in between... Just... Just no."
There was a hint of sadness in her tone, something which Felix had been completely oblivious to it. He allow a small, genuine smile across his face. A computer generated avatar, 20 years of service, and human-like emotion? That's no fluke. The EVA unit really has feelings for him.
"Thank you." Felix said softly, and he use an open channel to do so.
"Who are you thanking too?" Vladimir asked, he was quite surprised to hear this from Felix, especially on an open channel. Same goes to Dr Carmen and Shan'kai.
The Admiral Chief ignores that question. He already said his piece. That was all he needed right now.
It was a long walk from the alien hallway (calling it an arena leave a bad taste to all four combatants) to a grand chamber in dark purple with silver lining where Shan'kai quickly identify the place as the Great Hall, a similar chamber in golden yellow and an ominous white used by High Templar and Dark Templar to teach young acolytes the Ways of the Khala and the Path of Shadow, respectively, back on Shakuras. Strangely enough, not only is the color scheme on this place different, even the chamber is too large than the one Shan'kai recalls, definitely house for the Locust Swarm. Inside this chamber lies the Scrin Relay Node, broadcasting, contributing and distribute Ichor radiation, psionic energy and crystal deposit to the surface world.
"Exactly how large is the Xel'naga temple is?" Dr Carmen asked Shan'kai, "I've seen your holy temple on Shakuras before, but never actually register having a structure within a structure; is it a common thing back in your world?"
"I fear I am at lost as well," Shan'kai admits, "I had ascend from sisterhood to a Dark Templar sect, journey far and wide after my Path of Shadow trial. The Xel'naga Temple are always spacious... But this is ludicrously spacious for a mere temple."
"Because it wasn't meant to be."
The booming unknown voice cause all four members to quickly enter into an offensive stance, ready to fight whatever Scrin units that may appear within this chamber. What was startling was the voice - it sound so familiar yet distance.
"The Scrin Empire pride themselves as a massive network of independent hive-mind. We, the collective set of mind are destined for far more than simple species, and the Promethean unwillingly gave us the needed ability to continue thriving under any and all conditions. Their usefulness are what bought an end to them."
"Who are you!? Show yourself!"
"Wait... I - I know that voice..."
"Ah, Admiral Chief Felix Parker I presume? Rarely a man of your caliber to be doing such a filthy task for a lowly Marine... And who is this you bought with you? A Medic carrying a weapon? Is that Dr Alise Carmen? Head of the Mobius Research Team? I'm flatten to bring her along; great minds are always a plus here."
The booming voice from an unknown assailant troubled the team, but Dr Carmen knew who it was, "Dr Petrova? Is that you?" she asked, lowering her weapon as she tries to come into terms with her fellow colleague. Even if her colleagues had gone brainwashed and crazy.
"Alise, stand back!" Felix cried, dragging her back in.
"Show yourself fiend, for you and your kind shall feel the wrath of my Psi Blade!"
"Don't forget about me and my fire, Comrade Shan'kai! Ghahahaha!"
"Hmm, Vladimir Romanov, I did not expect to see you here as well, considering what had happened on the world aboveground. And an allied Protoss? Are you really that desperate, Felix, to chain yourself with an alien that was partly responsible to your defeat on Koprulu Sector? Moreover, a Dark Templar off all things? Aren't you all adorable? All down here, fighting an inch of your life, knowing that the only escape is death?"
A long silhouette appear before them at the distance - from the ceiling of all things - as gently as a ballerina dancer, despite the massive gravity here in the temple. The team could not see anything behind that shadow it settled, but it is clearly resembles a human being, especially that postures, and the way it stand, but there's something definitely wrong about it, especially how this silhouette being has an oversized hump from the head up.
All members ready their weapons, except for Dr Carmen, who recognized this persons voice, even though it has this strange dual voice, "Dr Petrova, please, tell me that your alright, are they other researcher with you? Or scientists?"
The silhouette simple giggle at the good doctor's words, an ominous and eerie giggle, "Why, Dr Carmen, can't you understand anything at all?" the silhouette concluded, before showing herself to the Terran/Protoss joint team. All four members are horrified, that's for certain.
The creature that stood before them was Dr Petrova, but her entire body looked ragged, dirty and barely clothed. Her entire skin is blue-ish, almost like a corpse. The former female doctor's eyes are unfocused, dull and empty, her mouth is lay open, jaw locked in place, drool oozes down her lips and mouth, unattended saliva that wet her jaw down to her neck. But the most horrific thing was the creature on top of her. Locked in place from the back up to the head is an insect-like Scrin creature with multiple optics staring down at the team of four, it's mandible clicks occasionally. Insect-like legs spring upward from the creatures body suggest the being is upside-down, but this did not explain as to why it latches on to the female Terran. While the Terran officers and the Protoss Dark Templar had never seen such a creature before, Dr Carmen has - it was a detail description regarding a documented eyewitness back when the Earth came under attack by the Scrin.
The Scrin Cultist - unwilling humans who are forced to become traitor to their own humanity and become a mental slave for the Scrin to nurture the young Scrin Mastermind they carry.
"There is no Dr Petrova. She, and the rest of her fellow colleague, belongs to the Scrin Empire."
"...Infested Terrans..." Shan'kai concludes, "I'm not surprised one bit of this outcome."
"On the contrary, Dark Templar, the being you refer to as 'Terran' is no longer correct." the Terran/Scrin monstrosity reply, "Infestation, as you refer to are also, incorrect. This is divination, and your race shall also be acceptance, by force if necessary. Resistance is futile."
"Over my dead body." Felix retort, firing his Null Rifle against the lone Scrin Cultist unit, but the creature jump up to the ceiling with its lightning fast reflex, catching the team off-guard. Felix and Vladimir quickly react to this and use their power suit build-in flashlight to illuminate the ceiling, only to bear witness numerous other Scrin Cultist on the ceiling - the young Mastermind creature clinging onto the ceiling with its claw while the hanging host moan and groan, clawing the air and waving their feet. Either this was intentional or not is just as horrifying.
But the Scrin Cultist are not alone on the ceiling, amongst them are also the variant Scrin insectoid forces, from the Disintegrator to the Warmonger, ready to drop down to engage, and since the entire ceiling is covered with the Scrin forces, all four team member ready their weapon in preparation of an all out brawl, even though their weapon resources are now running dry, as well as stamina.
The entire Scrin forces drop down from the ceiling, quickly and effectively surround all four of them in place. However, the Scrin forces did not engage immediately - they all just stood there, hissing, screeching, clicking and crackling aloud, but not a single Scrin unit move into an open conflict. They all, however, notice something in the air, something that require their attention and not the outsiders.
Then, a booming psionic voice announced itself, it echoed throughout the chamber. At first it was a long screech and clicking, then it turn to a nonsensical gurgle of words, before finally a full Terran sentence, "Greetings, Outsiders. Welcome to our holy land."
Felix and his party turn their attention to the booming voice, eyeing at the descending being. The powerful psionic creature - a Mastermind unit - emerges downward from the ceiling but its insect-like leg never touch the floor it stood on, almost levitate off the ground. It continues, "Despite your inevitable defeat on the surface world seal your hold on our planet, you four have done more than enough damage against the Scrin Empire, without any of your ancient, derelict and unrefined technology. Your species intrigues me, and furthermore, your species can co-exist with the First Born. Either it is a mere coincidencial alliance or merely a bid to prolong your battle is of not my concern."
"I am Supervisor 331, the last remnant of my kind on Primus, leader of the Librarian Caste."
Okay, remember when Felix thought that the Scrin had successfully translate their Terran language? Yes. He wish he could take it back now.
"For a Librarian Caste you sure are... plain," Dr Carmen thought aloud, unfazed by the Supervisor 331 fluent Terran language, "I was hoping that it would be a unique unit..."
"My apologies, then." it reply with a sinister chuckle, "My previous armour was damage during the Civil War. The Mastermind unit you see before me are one of many inactive suits lay empty and barren after the Warp Storm incident."
"So you were there... During the Scrin Civil War." the good doctor gesture before a gleeful smile painted on her face, "Please, tell us more, tell us what had happen during the war."
"Alise Carmen..." Felix whisper, his weapon aim at the direction of the Mastermind unit, "I don't think you get it; this is one of many lesser known alien hierarchy that your glyph talks about. I don't think this thing is willing to spill the bean just yet."
Dr Carmen ignores Felix's warning, "It would be highly beneficial to share your side of the story to us who know so little outside of a violent race of highly intelligence insectoid beings."
The Supervisor 331 ponders, almost intrigues, "And just what, might I ask, why an enemy of the Scrin, seek to understand our race as a whole?"
The good female doctor let a smile on her face, "Well, we Terrans are not only violent in nature, we can be very intuitive in studying Xeno-Culture, for example the Protoss has one of the most interesting... and a disturbing historical instances, many of which are being looked upon by my Terran Xenotologist." The Scrin Supervisors seems to be excited, it's mandible clicks at a rapid pace.
"Umm... is it just me, or is Dr Carmen adding fuel of desire to the big bad wolf over there?" The computer generated artificial intelligence avatar muses to Felix and Vladimir.
"Impressive. Even when you are surrounded by my forces, you continue to amuse me; none of such quality in which you desire are hardly shown by the many other lesser Caste outside of the Librarian Caste."
"Unfortunately," The Supervisor continues, "As smart and brilliant as you are, I cannot afford to waste my precious time on you. The Promethean abomination are loose on our holy planet, and I will need every able forces I could muster to battle. However, leaving you here will not be beneficial to my cause as well, and as I have reviewed your performance, and this army, surround as you maybe, is not sufficient to stop you, so I shall leave you with a foe worthy of your skill. Call it a parting gifts. A very, very, familiar parting gift."
As soon as the Supervisor finishes his dreaded(?) speech, the Scrin Supervisor and its entire Scrin units vanished into thin air - mass recall as Shan'kai quickly pointed out - and is replace with a unit that make Felix regret constructing it for the rest of his life.
What replace an army of capable Scrin unit is actually a unit that can take on said army on all front, if there is no appropriate counter exist against it. Since none of the four member had said appropriate counter, is a challenge by itself. The cross technology with the Terran UED Expedition Force and the old tech of the GDI - the Steppe Mammoth, in all its glory and all of its massive guns... and if the Word of God rings true, it is also under enemy control.
Just wonderful. Cue 'What a wonderful world' by Louis Armstrong.
Vladimir stare at the monster of a unit, curse silently in Russian before mumbling, "Ooh... This is not good"
"It's sheer size alone would have an Ultralisk a bitter task dismantling it, but what are we in comparison...?" Shan'kai agrees with the giant clad Firebat. It's no Eradicator Hexapod, but still...
Dr Carmen just gap, she open her mouth but no words spat out. She is either terrified, shaken, or trembling in fear, perhaps even all three of it. She didn't mind letting the most powerful weapon to strike against the enemy, so obviously she did not considered the possibility that the weapon could be turned against them.
"What are you guys standing here for, an invitation?" Felix calls out to his companion, rally them to regain their fighting morale, "Take into a defensive action! Move, move, move!"
The massive tank came to life, it's roaring engine and high powered hydraulic that produce all that creak and groan noise gives a clear signal that the supertank is moving it's main gun, the Twin Railgun Accelerator Cannon into position. The loudest machine-like whirl screech offensively against all four of their ears (Protoss don't have ears, but they felt disturbed still by the vibration in the air) as the main gun turret turn and aim at all four of them. The team of four disperse almost immediately into four random direction, with Shan'kai leading the charge, while Felix quickly arm himself with the C18 remote satchel charge on both hands, running around in order to flank the supertank. Vladimir, due to his weapon running out of fumes and his defensive module is running low (two remains), forcing the powerful Vladimir to hide behind cover; the red clad Russian Firebat had to think of something to help his comrade, and he need to do it fast. The good doctor hid herself behind another cover spot, just a direct opposite to where Vladimir hid himself. Cursing herself for not carrying anything more heavier armament, she is forced to stay out of the battle, given her weapon statistics and the nature of the Steppe Mammoth. Even if she tries to do damage, her Penetrator munitions will simply bing off from that monster of an armour. The M.U.L.E unit vanished almost immediately, and judging from what Felix would gather from his AI, the mining robot unit is currently on route to the Scrin Relay Node ready for activation.
The Twin Railgun Accelerator Cannon fired against Felix's position, given the target being the nearest and within striking range. And unlike the female Dark Templar Assassin, Felix stands out among the rest. Felix Parker would have been killed by the Twin Railgun Accelerator Cannon (since it has a pinpoint accuracy of 95.5% hit ratio) if not for Felix's own cybernetic limb that offer him greater movement mobility, and pair that to the AI that suddenly shout "Dodge!" also help his survivability rate. That further complicate things when the twin quadruple missile launcher fires it's deadly missile amass against him, and Felix's only defense was to shoot down as many missile as possible with his Null Rifle and dodge the rest. Splash of explosion, sharp shrapnel, edged rocks and dirt did little against Felix's Spartan Mark IV armour other than to brush him aside via shockwave. Timing was his ally now, between dodging, shooting down a number of incoming missile and brave himself against the shockwave, it is not an easy task.
Back on Earth, Felix Parker had once fend off a battalion of Russian Apocalypse Tank by himself and had use similar ability to outflank the Russian war machine with his iconic C18 satchel charge and his wits. The Steppe Mammoth is a different beast than the one he tackled on Earth; it did not leave a deadly depleted uranium deposit and a pool of radiation poisoning in its wake, it's powered by a twin Tesla Reactor on its back, and it's missile launcher that straps at the side can only target airborne targets. The Steppe Mammoth however fires ionized charged particles, powered by a huge battery of nuclear fusion like those found on a Terran Command Center, and it's quadruple missile launcher can target anything in an effective range. Oh, and the massive super tank here has armour to outlast a massive crossfire between it and two other warring faction.
So yeah, no big deal. It's just a huge, slow moving unit that can hit you back 20 times the force you deliver, and it won't feel a thing. A perfect challenge for an Elite Commando Admiral Chief Felix Parker of the United Earth Directorate Expedition Force.
"Yeah, and I hate you too, Narrator."
The massive super tank continue to target lock onto the cybernetically enhanced human soldier, firing everything it has as possible and the man dodge, roll, and sprint many of the supertank relentless assault. Shan'kai, being cloak, has to be extra careful now and since her cloaking device are the only thing left functioning, she had to use every ounce of her ability to the fullest. The young female Dark Templar blink towards the massive tank and land safely on top of the supertank. Unable to determine the weakness of this monster of a tank due to the reactor is completely shielded (most Dark Templar are train to go after the reactor that powered most of the Terran technology vehicle, structures and weapons, and most of the Terran Dominion reactor are poorly shielded against the Nerazim Psi Blade), the Dark Templar Assassin goes after the nuisance twin quadruple missile launcher that is attached on the Steppe Mammoth side turret. Despite that it is held tight by integrate series of thick metal beam and super-alloy, Shan'kai Psi Blade and Dual Psi-Scythe could separate these function from the Steppe Mammoth, though it will take some time slicing it through, with the supertank regenerate capability and whatnot - the female Dark Templar Assassin had never seen such a technology before, especially when the marred armour could repair itself despite how small the damages is. It would be a frightful battle if the Terran Dominion has such technology with their high powered battalion of Siege Tank or a fleet of Battlecruiser laying siege on each front, never needed a SCV for repair, or an assuring victory if the Protoss Protectorate manage to replicate this technology for their warrior, both on the field or inside the life-support warmechs, never to worry of faulty armour equipment like Shan'kai is experiencing right now.
As the battle presses on, Felix manage to get to the rear side of the supertank (thanks to the explosion that catapult him forward, plus an aching sore). The cybernetically enhanced human soldier quickly place two C18 remote satchel charge into one of its tread gear, where an exposed armour can be seen after a close look in it. The moment Felix place the explosive device, he quickly sprint away as far as possible from the detonation radius when a mighty roar of explosion followed by a violent shockwave that pushes the Terran Elite Commando a good few distance. Looking back from his left shoulders, the explosion just took out one of the supertank massive tread, damaging it beyond repair, thus significant lowering the mighty Steppe Mammoth movement speed.
Now that Felix thinks about it, that would mean the Steppe Mammoth can now transfer the energy meant for that tread to its other function, like the main gun for example.
There are times when logic is such a bitch.
Time for more running, Felix muses.
"Shan'kai, just a trivia question, just how big can a Xel'naga temple get? Not only did it house the Scrin Relay Node, it even house the freaking Steppe Mammoth! And that is the largest supertank we've manufacture today!"
"Even I ponder the true scale of its sheer size, friend Felix; a few full moons ago a number of our sect Dark Templar Elder once landed on a planet that house an entity called the Dark One, and that temple is nothing more than a prison for such being."
"Is your Xel'naga gods so big on going super size? I really hate seeing another temple the size of a planet!"
While both Felix and Shan'kai are off fighting the Steppe Mammoth, vocally and physically, Vladimir Romanov did the most radical and mind-blowing attempt to get back into the fight. The former premier had always thought of a way to integrate one of Russian most used technology into the fight - the Tesla Technology - but was limited to a number of set of restrictions due to their agreement by the Old Government after the Project Purification. The Tesla Coil Defenses Module was one of the devastating and most crude surviving technology still use by his Russian members back on Earth, despite that the flimsy technology would essentially backfire due to its fragile nature. Vladimir personally redesign the Firebat to be different than the rest of the CMC-500 series before he don the more terrifying black clad armour with minigun, rocket launcher and a shoulder mount mortar cannon.
There is a reason why Vladimir insist that his version of Firebat suit require a miniature Tesla Reactor built alongside the fuel tank. Now, that reason has finally being taking shape.
Vladimir detach both Triple Nozzle 'Cerberus' Inferno gauntlet with an auditory click, ensuring that the long pipe is properly shut tight to prevent any fuel leak; the last thing he need during modification was an explosion due to his carelessness. Placing the weapon gauntlet down, he further detach the two fuel tank behind him, carefully placing it beside him and not having these two to start rolling downhill or have its foul flammable liquid to spill out. Vladimir then remove the last two MEDS-09 TC series from the feeder, this time attaching the two defensive module into the vacant arm gauntlet with the same auditory clicks, and instantly the defensive module deployed. Most of the time when Vladimir deploy the Tesla Coil down, the defensive structure grew in size despite how small and compact it is, now the deployable defense module transform into a much smaller version of a Tesla Coil, fitting into the vacant gauntlet perfectly in size. The device cracks with unrelenting, powerful and buzzing with pure rare electrifying energy, a joy in the hearts of all Russian engineering. Vladimir Romanov proceed to blindly open the control panel on both sides on his armour suit's back - his miniature Tesla Reactor that powered his suit - as he continue his modification by yanking out various cable from powered suit, specifically the one with black overall and red underline wire. He jack the wire into the gauntlet, twisting it until it produce another auditory click, and then suddenly the two Tesla Coil that was buzzing with pure energy cracked up with blinding flash and thundering boom before it settle down, calm and tranquil.
Satisfied, Vladimir detach the MEDS-09 TC feeder from the back of his suit, freeing up some room before picking up the Cerberus weapon gauntlet and the two fuel tank, attach the triple nozzle weapon gauntlet where the feeder was while he empty the entire fuel down to the last drop into a special hose that is connected to the makeshift weapon gauntlet.
His modification is complete, his main weapon has altered completely, and with that crackling energy it produce, Vladimir Romanov gleefully announce his entry into the fight.
"Tesla Trooper, fully charged!"
Vladimir charge forward, his modified CMC-500 series leave a heavy stomps that alert the team of his approach. With each heavy stomps he leaves, traces of electrical surge bursting with energy, crackling with unnaturally powerful field of electricity. The Steppe Mammoth, which previously targeting Felix before, change to a more easier target. The Steppe Mammoth took aim and fire it's Twin Railgun Accelerator Cannon against Vladimir, only to have the powerful white beam of death disperse harmlessly against the approaching walking (or running, for this matter) human tank. Another round is fired against Vladimir, and the deadly beam again disperse harmlessly upon contact.
Vladimir practically laugh at the monstrous tank valiant effort to slow him down; the high energy output of his Tesla Reactor which frequently generate a field of electricity combine with a short control burst of flame that sprayed around him automatically when immediate danger occured shielded Vladimir from harm - known within the walls of Russian science and elemental reverse-engineering in the field of Russian ingenuity to create the first of many impenetrable shield during the Great World War III. The Russian Ironclad Technology System, the Iron Curtain.
It is a temporarily effect, and once the fuel ran out, it'll be plain old Vladimir again. It'll be enough to subdue the supertank, thought Vladimir aloud.
More particle beam are fired against Vladimir, and most of these said beams disperse harmlessly against the approaching Russian Firebat (or, as one could now call it, the Tesla Trooper), allowing both Felix and Shan'kai (they were too enthralled by the notion that Vladimir suddenly can take on a beam of fully charged, highly concentrated deathray while the Scrin and Protoss most highly advanced tiered unit fail to withstand such a hit) an elbow room to further damage the supertank while it is occupied with the Russian Tesla Trooper. This however does not mean that Vladimir can't attack as the Iron Curtain is still in effect - after getting within striking range, Vladimir Romanov deactivate his flame to bring forth the lightning bolt of death from the palm of his hands (or rather, his Tesla gauntlet arms) to bear, where the flamethrower is now being replace by a pair of Tesla Coil. Just like the stationary Tesla Coil defense structure module, Vladimir's weapon sings with lightning speed, pinpoint accuracy and with deadly effects; multicolored beams of electricity of blue, yellow and white zaps the Steppe Mammoth armour hull, and not only did the armoured hull blacken from Vladimir's Tesla strikes, the effected armour hull literally melts, leaving behind an exposed gears, piston and electrical wires. What's more, the regenerative capability did not restore the black, darken part of the hull; the lightning bolt attack has damage the system severely, shut down part of regenerative capability on one section of the hull, or possibly due to the EMP effect as well.
"Here's your electric bill!" Vladimir gestures as he fire another bolt of lightning, crackling with a sinister chuckle.
Despite the overall reinforced armour, immense firepower and nanomachine regenerate capabilities which is a traits to the Steppe Mammoth and all other supertank that comes before it, Felix Parker, Vladimir Romanov and Shan'kai continue to pressure the turncoat supertank further to defeat; continuous C18 bombing on the tank tread render the supertank to become immobile, multiple psionic slashes against the Steppe Mammoth weapon system and depot further damage the inner works of the supertank and incapable of firing it's quadruple missile launcher, furthermore the Firebat turned Tesla Trooper continously damage the exterior armoured hull, with each strikes darken the affected area and promote zero regenerate capability to the grand Steppe Mammoth supertank. Without an effective counter against these three warriors (Felix has his speed, Shan'kai has cloak and Vladimir has his temporarily Ironclad Technology System, the Iron Curtain), the Steppe Mammoth burst out one last ability.
"ARMOUR SUPERIORITY!" came a booming voice from the Steppe Mammoth itself, and the booming taunting voice suddenly turns the table against the much favorable heroes. Suddenly Felix no longer running in circle and avoiding the Steppe Mammoth attack, as his mind seamlessly robbed away and is replace with a much more suicidal direct approach, screaming his heads off as he unload his Null Rifle with little effect. The female Dark Templar Assassin, who tends to be very stealthy suddenly decloaks her ability and randomly slashing the super alloy armour uselessly, her glowing eyes burn with much hatred and denied, screaming in foul Khalani language. Only the red giant remain still, under the effect of the Iron Curtain.
This is absurd, thought Vladimir, Felix Parker's mind is completely shield from psionic attacks, and yet a psionic shout affect him? And what of Shan'kai? Dark Templar has a more potent psionic defense, at least from my understanding. How on Earth can she be effected as well?!
While the two combatants gone berserk, Vladimir and Dr Carmen wasn't affected by the taunt. The latter admit that hiding over the pillar maybe the reason, but that taunt was supposed to have some effect on her but it did not occured due to its psionic wavelength in nature. Vladimir does however, knew that the Ironclad Technology System has something to do with it, albeit being completely immune to anything the world decides to throw at until the effects wears off, he just too concerned about his two comrade who had forgo evasion over blind aggressive assault. With the effects of the Iron Curtain still up, he first go after Felix, grapple him to the ground while his body shield his companion from the Mammoth's Twin Railgun Accelerator Cannon. Fighting Felix down was easy, getting the Combat Medic to apply the Restoration Kit is a problem since she has to cross the huge gap between her and Vladimir, with the Steppe Mammoth smack right at the middle.
Whoever is controlling the Steppe Mammoth is smart; it knows how invincible Vladimir is, so it didn't attack it, but it knows the Terran in white powered armour with a cross is somewhere close-by, and she is vulnerable to any attacks. It bid it's time turning it's turret left and right while ignoring the slashing sound of the psionic blade against it, knowing that the regenerate capability is enough to blanket the damage as quickly as she could mar it against its exterior hull surface. It sees the one in white armour slowly approaches, nearer and nearer towards that invulnerable Vladimir, shielding and covering the berserk Felix Parker. It took aim at Dr Carmen, ready to pop her head with its powerful weapon. She rose up, and then-
"Eat Flare Gun!"
Dr Carmen fires her self-defense multi-purpose Flare Gun against the Steppe Mammoth, its bright light instantly blinded whoever it is that pilot the giant supertank, damage the automatic targeting system, optical sensor, anything which involve getting an accurate visual for targeting are instantly disabled. In a fit of (blind) retaliate, the Steppe Mammoth open fire it's Twin Railgun Accelerator Cannon... against hot air and tall alien pillar. It even further damage itself by mistakenly fire the ground, which cause said ground to crumble at one angle and cause the supertank to collapse to the side, sticking out from the ground in an odd position. The almighty Steppe Mammoth continue to fire it's payload, though none of its attack hits home, not even by a mile. It's blind attack only further bury the supertank underneath all the rubble it cause.
Satisfied, Dr Carmen hurry towards Felix's side and quickly administer the Restoration Kit item she's been carrying throughout the skirmish only to discover something; Felix's vital sign is abnormal, as if he is dying, but is also living. She could see traces of blood just underneath his protective helmet, and among the red pigment which blood is mostly associated, she also sees traces of green. His cybernetic limb which she personally maintain for him just a few moments ago is out of place. Also, his right lung is failing.
Dear god, what has happen to my Felix? Wondered Alise Carmen with all her aching heart.
"Oww... Wha... What just happened?" Felix mumble, aiding his aching head, "I was running... Trying to get a good position when... When..."
"Relax, Comrade Felix. You were affected by the Steppe Mammoth psionic taunt." Vladimir concludes, he then catch a glimpse of an unconscious Shan'kai on the ground near the half buried supertank, most likely being thrown off when the Earth mightiest tank got blinded by a Flare Gun. The Dark Templar Assassin woke up almost immediately as a third or fourth cannon are fired from the Steppe Mammoth, complete with her regular battle stance before she stumble about, aiding her aching head. "By Adun... What sight? What... Where...?"
"I guess that psionic shout is a bit too strong from a psionic race." Felix chuckle.
"Felix..."
"What should we do with the turncoat Steppe Mammoth?" Vladimir asked.
"Felix..."
"Don't bother; with that kind of position, I don't think it can harm anything other than dirt, wall and ceiling." Felix Parker reply, "That being said, we should arm the nuclear device before more unwanted alien race stumble here and claim-"
"FELIX PARKER!"
Both UED officers jump with fright when Dr Carmen literally scream into her intercom, causing both officers to turn their attention to the female Terran scientist. "What?! What is it?! Another Scrin boss battle?!"
Dr Carmen didn't reply, her head look down, shaking slowly as she tighten her powered fist. She held her head up, panning towards Felix Parker, "You're... You're infected... Aren't you?"
Felix kept quiet, his serious pose took into a more relax stance, his weapon holster onto his back, and let his head hung, letting out a short sigh. Vladimir gaze his view to his old time friend, and even if the visor shuts tight, Felix could imagine the red giant horrid facial expressions. Shan'kai, who had blink across terrain to regroup heard the conversation, panning her attention towards the Terran soldier in front of her.
"Yeah..." Felix confess, "I... sorta got this tiny problem in my lungs. My artificial lungs is still working, but... well..."
"How long has that been?" the concern female scientist asked, "Perhaps... we could find a cure for this Ichor symptoms."
"You know as well as I do that a victim that caught this infection will die, regardless of his or her condition. Ichor Poisoning, as EVA highlight earlier to me, suggest Sonic Treatment, but no medical treatment from any faction on Koprulu Sector has this sort of treatment, and the closes one is on the Solar System." Felix explain, level-headed and collective, as well as being completely honest.
"Then perhaps we can stop the infection via cold-sleep! Cold-sleep has proven time and time again that the infected individual side-effects are halted instantaneously until they are reawaken!" Dr Carmen suggest.
"Dr Carmen..."
"Well, I know that it is not completely tested, but Ichor Poisoning should be the same as well, right? You... You just... Grow diamond the shape of a fist... But it is still treatable! We can even replace all the affected organs with a new one! Yes, that's it! We can turn this table around! This... This infection can be stop!" Dr Carmen continue to rant, and from her rasping voice, she is trying very hard not to cry.
"I don't think cold-sleep will halt Ichor Poisoning, it may actually work against it." Felix calmly reply.
"Stasis field! Yes! That may work!" the desperate scientist exclaim, "We could borrow, or better yet, reverse-engineer the Protoss or the Scrin technology to perform a Stasis field! That way the... the symptoms can be halted! In place! As if time became absolutely still! We can do this! All four of us! Ju-just stay with us! I'm sure we can work this out so all of us can go home!"
Felix let a sigh, followed by a short chuckle, "I'm sorry, but I can't go back. And I'm not going to. There is an alien structure just in front of us, and it has my name written on it."
"But why?! Why can't you go back with us?! Why do you always play a hero in this kind of situation?! Your alive and I want it that way! I don't want to loose anymore people I knew in this war! This... This mindless war! I'm sick of it!"
The poor female scientist pouts even harder, before ending up kneeling on her knees, sobbing and crying. Felix could not give any comforting words to her, but he did kneel to her level, giving her a pat on the shoulder. He smiles behind the visor, "Alise Carmen. I'm no hero. I will never, ever be a hero. Heroes are just a fantasy driven phrase to let people know that such a being exist. Most heroes are depicted are invincible, charismatic, holier-than-thou knight in shining armour with a mount to bear, with millions of followers and an army to bear. But I'm no hero. I'm a soldier, moreover, an Elite Commando of the UED Expedition Force. I do not simply fight because it was right, I fight because I must."
"Please understand, Dr Carmen." Felix continues, he slightly place his head onto hers, knocking against each powered helmet together. "This is something I must do."
Dr Carmen open her mouth to protest when an explosion from above their head and the chamber at the distance deafen the room and all those around it. As the team of four takes up defensive stance, they are greeted with a familiar fanatical Khalani battle cry.
"We are within the holy temple, Brothers! Slay all the heretics, the alien and the infested! Khassar de templari!"
"En Taro Khas!"
"Zira' vek kyor!"
The Tal'darim is here - Shan'kai let out a sigh, an action she has begun adopting during her accompany with these three Terran heroes.
Almost as immediately the Khalani battle cry is heard, the fanatical Zealot rush forward into the temple, numbered by a few dozen while half a dozen Warp Prism swoop in from the crack ceiling to unload more Protoss Tal'darim, including a number of Protoss Drone. The Warp Prism deploy itself as the nose of the Protoss ship arch upward, displaying it brilliant blue gem as the floor lit up in gold and blue psionic web-like network.
Dr Carmen, Shan'kai and Vladimir get into a fighting stance, ready to push these corrupt Protoss back to where it came from when they notice Felix Parker did not prepare into a fight. He did however walk up to the M.U.L.E unit that is park next to the Scrin Relay Node, press a few buttons which results the mining robot to collapse and broken down before he holster his Null Rifle back in his hand, placing his back against the alien structure as he tries to get comfortable. His right hand held the remote detonator for the nuclear device with the attached the Liquid Tiberium Bomb device.
"Run." he said ominously to his fellow party member. "I'll buy you all the time you need to escape."
"No!" Dr Carmen yelled, "I am not leaving you! I'm not!"
"Stop this foolishness, Alise Carmen!" Felix extort angrily, "Vladimir, Shan'kai, take Dr Carmen with you to the right, there is a long hallway that looks like an exit. Whatever you do you need to keep moving!"
"But even if we did escape from the temple, how do we get out to the surface?!"
"Use my transponder," Felix gesture as he toss a small, rod-like device to Vladimir, "The transponder can teleport any number of people safely to the surface, but it needs to get a clear signal from any orbiting Terran UED Science Vessel. If it's a clear signal, the small LED bulb will lit up. If it doesn't, it'll stay inactive."
"Wait, you have a transponder... THIS WHOLE TIME?!" the female researcher yelled.
"It's still in a prototype stage, use it in a couple of mission. Turns your stomach inside out. The team behind the tech couldn't figure out the problem."
"Got it, Comrade." Vladimir quickly nodded before he snag the female scientist's hand and tug her along, forcing her to follow. Shan'kai took the lead, but just before she psionically wish him luck, "May Adun watch over you, brave Terran, En Taro Tassadar friend Felix!"
Felix nod to his Protoss ally, "En Taro Tassadar, Shan'kai."
As more Protoss Tal'darim forces approach near him, Felix Parker haphazardly pull his helmet off and toss it to the ground, thus exposing him to Primus most lethal atmosphere. To top it all off, he inhale the foul stench of the said atmosphere deeply before he exhale it all out, with coughing no less.
"EVA, are you still online?" Felix ask, wetting his dry mouth with his tongue.
"I am." the computer generated artificial intelligence avatar reply. There a hint of sadness in her tone, Felix notice.
"Reset my kill count, would you? I want to know how many bastard I can kill before I decided to end this brawl once and for all."
"...affirmative. Kill Count reset." she reply.
"Also, all gathered intelligence and database are set to Omega level priority; the file cannot be accessible without the Spartan Company acknowledgement and are therefore makes Major Captain Browder Elsewood full authority and accessibility to the database."
"Confirm - All current accumulated database, including all files regarding the Scrin and the old technology tree from the past are transfered to Major Captain Browder Elsewood; high priority - eyes only information."
With all asset transfered, Felix can finally breath easy; no more burden, no more political manner, no chain left unhinged, just him, and a score of angry Protoss Zealot. One last matter left to attend to.
"EVA, link your system authorization directory to my vital sign. That will be all."
The computer generated artificial intelligence avatar let out a surprising gasp, but she did not object; the EVA system loyally obey her human master, linking Felix's vital sign to her system. She allow herself to smile, the notion that an AI system serving 20 long years to her human master was a ride of her lifecycle, and now she get to be with him until he drops dead. When he does, so too is her entire system being reset anew. "Link established, Admiral Chief."
"...I notice you grew quieter by the minute, EVA. That was a sudden change..."
"Well... I have no joke to comfort this situation, and both of us will be vaporized very soon. I'm not wasting it when it is going to be my last moment with you."
"Point." Felix reply, followed by a violent coughing, "Now then, it's just me against thousand of Protoss Tal'darim bastard. That doesn't sound fair doesn't it?"
"Nope." EVA chuckles.
"Maybe I'll do it left-handed." the Elite Commando gesture, firing his Null Rifle against the first of many incoming Protoss Tal'darim forces.
Meanwhile...
The hallway which Felix directed are anything but safe; throughout the timespan of mere minutes, the Scrin and the Protoss Tal'darim flooded the chamber with battle cry, Psi Blades, Photon Cannon, Disintegrator Beam, Plasma Disc, kamikaze Buzzers, craze Infested Terrans, and spear spinning Warmonger. The hall is pack with random chaotic battle that it is very much a kill-or-be-killed all-out slaughter buffet. The Protoss Tal'darim fought in the name of purifying the temple from these alien hands while the Scrin wrestle back the noble (but corrupt) Protoss with their own nefarious deeds, one party in particular simple blitz through the long hallway, killing only those that are in the way. This party, is none other than Shan'kai, Vladimir Romanov and Dr Alise Carmen, with the former slaughter her way to freedom while the latter is being drag along, who plead them to let her go.
"Let me go! Please Vladimir! Let me go! He needs me! Felix needs me!" she plead hopelessly to her Russian comrade.
"Forget it, Dr Carmen! Comrade Felix gave his life for us to escape, and I do not want to waste his valorous effort by letting you run back off!" Vladimir scolded her.
It makes Vladimir's heart ache when she plead even more, sobbing and begging, moreover, the poor doctor is not carrying her signature weapon, probably lost when her fragile mind is crumbling around her. The once intelligence, hard-headed and curious doctor is reduce to a crying child who had lost her love ones, and that image is not something Vladimir enjoy seeing in this lifetime.
Dr Carmen constant crying has also affected the female Dark Templar Assassin; Shan'kai who had fought the Terran Dominion before never experienced a Marine cried in tears, most of the Marine's last thought was anger, frustration, fear, hope and desire. Dr Carmen isn't angry, she isn't frustrating, she is not fearful, hopeful or desirable. She is crying, pleading and begging. When Shan'kai agree to this assignment, she thought it would be much easier to understand her foe better if they are cooperating with her. Now she is regretting that decision.
Though that did not mean she can't vain her frustration towards the Scrin or these traitorous Protoss kin.
As the team drew closer to the end of the long hallway where they could see the bright light emitting from the distance, a giant claw-like hand drew out from the shadows over at the distance, tossing a number of light Scrin vehicles off the ground. All three member halt for a moment, as they are now in the presents of the Xel'naga Abomination, the Hybrid Reaver.
It is a colossal monstrosity that bore a Protoss face with a Zerg mandible and a razor sharp jaw. It has several Scythe-like claw as oppose to hands, like those on a Hydralisk. Thick, rugged scaly skin outline with a pulsing white glow that gives it a 'holy' appearance. Like the Protoss, it has a pair of glowing pure white eyes, setting ablaze like a supernova. Very long dreadlocks that cover the back of the creature, which surprisingly hides a tail, an abnormal extra appendages which if caught by the eye of the Protoss, the poor creature will not likely reach adulthood.
Shan'kai stood there, staring at the being with pure psionic power and raw strength. The beast continue to crush several more lighter Scrin units, roaring in triumphant against such a puny being. A number of Warmongers challenge the creature, but with its mighty swing, backhand and swipe, the Warmonger breaks apart utterly. Not even the Ichor Spear that manage to stab into the Hybrid Reaver were able to crystallized the powerful being. Truly, an ultimate foe worth fighting against in the field of battle!
So why is Shan'kai trembling in fear?
The Hybrid Reaver gaze around, looking for more battle to quell its thirst for bloodshed. It easily spotted the female Dark Templar Assassin among the cluster of gibberish nonsense, and two Terran. The Reaver did not register these beings as friendly, moreover, they look formidable; the Hybrid pace its path towards them, whiplash a sneaky Scrin Corruptor into the wall with its tail. Dark Templar Shan'kai took a step back, preparing a defensive stance when the red giant move forward in front of the noble young female Protoss.
"I got this, devushka." he gesture, his suit is currently bursting with energy, "You and Dr Carmen needs to escape. I shall be out momentarily."
"Vladimir..."
"Ah, do not look sad, Comrade Shan'kai, please. A lady must stay strong, stronger than man, stronger than an Ursa Major! As we Russian are fondly said, 'never let a lady pay your meal, least you be pay tenfold'."
"That's... That's hardly a joke..." Shan'kai muses, noticing a lot of seriousness in him.
"Da, Comrade... What's use is a joke, when an enemy such as thee is upon you? Go, devushka, and ensure the good doctor is taken care of." he said calmly, handing the transponder to the female Dark Templar Assassin.
"...thank you, friend Vladimir. May your bravery be equal as Adun."
Shan'kai and Dr Carmen (which the former 'pursued' the female scientist) blink across a large section of the long hallway and proceed onward towards the end of the hall, ignoring the battle between the Tal'darim and the Librarian Caste. The Hybrid Reaver was about to give chase when a bolt of lightning struck the beast at its back, which cause the monstrous beast to gaze at the direction where the strike came from. Vladimir Romanov pace forward towards the Hybrid Reaver, a sign of great authority and challenge.
"The quality of decision is like a well-timed scoop of a falcon which enables it to strike and destroy it's victim, Sun Tzu, art of war." Vladimir begins, his Tesla gauntlet crackle with energy, "Turning your back against a formidable foe will be your undoing, beast. Your battle is with me, you ugly, stupid mug, for I, Vladimir Romanov shall show you the true extend of Mother Russia technological advances weapon of mass destruction!"
The Hybrid Reaver roars, both physically and psionically, giving a clear indication that the beast agrees to fight Vladimir at his own term. As the beast march towards the giant red clad warrior, Vladimir Romanov looks into his suit for a status update. He frown.
"Tsk, life-support is now at 27%, oxygen level is 10% and the Iron Curtain effect can only last a minute." he mumble, "Well, at least the Tesla Reactor is 500% charged."
Despite that Vladimir knows he will not survive, he blazingly march towards the Hybrid's path, his Tesla weapon supercharged and ready to go off. Under the Iron Curtain effect that will only last a minute, Vladimir waste no time but to discharge every ounce of power against the Hybrid Reaver, and whether he succeed at killing the being that crosses both Protoss and Zerg or not, is not his to judge.
"FOR MOTHER RUSSIA!"
"ROOOAAAAARRRRRRGGGHHH!"
At the same time...
Shan'kai and the deeply shocked Dr Carmen continue to blaze through the long hallway as Vladimir instructed, and with little to no opposition to stop them from advancing towards the exit just a few feet away, both remaining party member are shocked upon exiting the Xel'naga Temple.
It would appear this Xel'naga Temple is abnormally large for a reason; the once ancient, proud alien deity structure was a docking station for the Xel'naga World Ship, much like the one on Aiur but a grander scale by a hundred times. What horrified the young female Nerazim warrior was the remnants of said Xel'naga World Ship in pieces, scattered around the holy ground of the once proud alien gods. The holy ground is further desecrated by the present of Scrin and the Tal'darim; the Scrin is tearing the remnants of the Xel'naga World Ship with Harvesters and Devourer Tank, converting it into resources or power, while the Tal'darim, who once worship the same alien deity as Shan'kai is now openly defile their gods by allowing the Hybrid monstrosity to absorb whatever energy left for its own purpose.
The young female Dark Templar Assassin fume with rage, but are unable to take into action when she is severely outnumbered, lack in terms of an army to fight with, and she is now the only being that could protect the female researcher who had lost the will to fight.
The Dark Templar Assassin is now indecisive - admittedly she is just a ranking warrior, and unlike Felix or Vladimir who had authority and lead brave Terrans into battle via commanding an army, Shan'kai would rather follow an order and not making one. Being a hot-headed warrior also did not help her situation.
The Dark Templar Assassin slowly makes her way towards the edge of the Xel'naga Temple, lending towards the Tal'darim side with Dr Carmen in tow. The Tal'darim is too concentrated on the hostile Scrin forces and paid no mind over a Nerazim and a single Terran. Shan'kai wondered aloud however; the Tal'darim is remnant of the Old Conclave on Aiur where only a few surviving Protoss still fighting against the Zerg Infestation, and their forces should have been thin down, judging by the number of troops deployment (and the countless number of slain Protoss Tal'darim in Shan'kai hand). If her understand of the Great War is as foretold by Hierarchy Artanis, the Protoss on Aiur shouldn't be that many left, so how in the name of Tassadar can the Tal'darim pour forth an army to rival the Scrin? Is there another faction helping the Tal'darim out? Can't be; these blind faction are fanatic at best, upholding the Old Faith which the Conclave practice, and they are not too kind to let other races to join in the grand crusade as Artanis organized.
Her train of thought are instantly interrupted by the whispering murmurs behind her - it would appear Dr Carmen has finally given up all hope and no longer able push onward, as her shattered voice spoke about 'abandoning her', 'leave her to her fate' and 'forget about her', among other things which is too gibberish to make out off. Her scattered mind are a complete mess, which the Dark Templar quickly took note; venturing into her broken mind reveal a lot of buried memories, painful memories, from the death of her husband, her children and her fellow colleague, the latter one was on Char during the broken remnant of the UED forces in an attempt to assault the Queen of Blades with two unlikely allies, where most of her colleagues are drafted as a Medic unit. The newest memory in her twisted mind are Felix and Vladimir quick demise.
I must quickly do something, losing ones mind in the middle of the war is as good as a death sentence! Shan'kai muse.
"Please leave me... I don't want... No more..." the female researcher said dryly, "Let me die. Just. Just let me die."
"Alise Carmen, you must stay strong! The others had to sacrifice their own life to ensure your safety!"
"But... In the end... They died. They left me. I don't want to go on. I'm no... No good. No good."
Was that sadness? There is a massive emotional turmoil in her, but Shan'kai could sense emptiness in her speech pattern. Like those fellow Khalai who had practice the Way of the Khala but become void of life on Shakuras due to his or her nerve coil are severed, becoming increasingly paranoid of the silent, paranoid to the void. As the Dark Templar, Shan'kai is raised with her nerve coil removed, to harness the silent of the universe, and to adapt the Path of the Shadow, and not to unleash the raw unending psionic storm like her predecessor did.
When the young Protoss Nerazim attempt to comfort her, she heard a long beeping noise, coming from inside her dark garb she wore. When she drew it out, her eyes widen; Felix's transponder is beeping, and its small LED bulb lit up. It is beeping and active! Not only does that mean the Terran Science Vessel is still around, fully functional and still in orbit no doubt, but it would also mean that they could get out of here alive! Dark Templar kneel next to Dr Carmen, hoping to restore whatever hope she had left with this strange device that the young Protoss Nerazim aren't familiar with.
Unfortunately, Dr Carmen reaction are negative in respond, "Throw it away. It's no use escaping. No use."
The young Protoss Nerazim could not believe what she's hearing; clearly she is still in denial. "Friend Carmen, your compatriot give up their life in exchange with your safety. Surely you had not forgotten?"
"No one is coming, Shan'kai. Even if we did escape... we just end up... dead. Dead on a hostile planet."
"No, your wrong, Dr Carmen. You still have companion, those which you care, the one that matters. Your Terran brethren will return for you, that I can guarantee."
The female researcher remain gloom, but it did made her feel motivate by the young Protoss words. Dr Carmen slowly stood up, eyeing at the transponder which is still beeping in the hands of the Nerazim. Shan'kai hand over the device to her, being completely unfamiliar with Terran technology, but when Dr Carmen was about to activate the device, Shan'kai held her hand up prompting her to stop for a moment.
"This is where we part ways, friend Carmen." she said calmly. "Return to your compatriot, and tell them of this battle. The Locust Swarm is an undying force, for if one Scrin remain, they will always be a threat to the universe."
"But... But I can't leave you..." she lament, "You're... You're been like a friend to me..."
"As too I, but our path now divide. Make haste, friend Carmen. Return, and be at haste for the coming storm."
Dr Carmen stare at the transponder device, now safely in the palm of her hands, then back to Shan'kai. Confused and afraid, she shook her head in denial; she does not want to loose anyone else, even if that someone is a highly intelligence space wizard with a code of honor that would put any Terran commanders to shame. "No, no, please. Don't do this... You said... You... Your my companion! So you can't just leave me here!"
"No, friend Carmen. You and I, are inseparable, our hearts link as one. But both of us have our own duty to perform, and my duty is to ensure your safety."
"No!" the terrified female scientist yell in protest, "I can't take it anymore! I don't want to be alone! Please, I don't want to live like this anymore! I... I...!"
Shan'kai simply shock her head, her eyes shut tight. The Dark Templar Assassin use her psionic ability to read her mind, and after a short glimpse of silent, the young Dark Templar stood by, taking a few steps back before apologies for an action she had to do, "I am sorry, friend Carmen. May Adun watch over you."
The puzzled female scientist open her mouth with a questionable reply, but unbeknownst to the female Terran scientist, her thumb unconditionally pressed the only button on the transponder, which instantly warp her from existense. Shan'kai sigh, knowing that the Terran scientist will hate her for using psionic telekinesis power against her will; to have her activate the transponder without her knowing.
It also didn't help that Shan'kai sole reason to send her away was because the Tal'darim Observer had detect their presence, hence the reason why she did not wish to follow Dr Carmen. If both of them teleport out, the fanatical Tal'darim will ruthlessly hunt them down, even if the Scrin forces should be taken priority than hunting down a pair of misfit to the Tal'darim.
Sensing massive negative and hatred behind her, she turn towards the Tal'darim with her weapon at the ready, fearing no death towards her adversaries despite lacking a number of advantages (no shield, no cloak, no functioning teleportation device). She was about to clash against a massive sea of Tal'darim forces when all of a sudden they all halt at the spot, back away and yelping in fear. The female Dark Templar Assassin is puzzled; either she is super powerful - which she isn't, or there is something big behind her that is making the Tal'darim shaking their boots.
Shan'kai can confirm that it is the latter, especially that machine like growl.
The female Dark Templar merely turn her attention behind her, only to see the superficially damage Scrin Eradicator Hexapod growling angrily at her. Shan'kai knows this one; it was the same Eradicator that she and her Terran allies attempt to take down. Despite suffering from the damage the party had done, the Eradicator is not down for the count. On the contrary, it look rather pissed off than anything.
It took all four of us and all of our capability to bring this machine-beast down, and yet it still function? Shan'kai gesture in disbelieve. However, the notion that it still stand before her only gave a positive thought to the young Dark Templar Assassin; the Tal'darim forces feared it, but not her. For some reason she isn't afraid of the Eradicator. No, fear is not present in her mind. Just hatred. Her hatred against the Scrin, and its abomination machine-beast.
Rushing towards the Eradicator Hexapod with blind fury, the female Dark Templar Assassin let out a battle cry in her honor, even if it will lead her to her death.
It will be a battle that she will forever carry onto death.
"ZERASHK GULIDA!"
Primus, Gamma Point, Surface Layer...
Alone. The cold void welcome the last Terran on Primus with open arms. And she is terrified.
Dr Alise Carmen look around her with complete abandon, crying, pleading and screaming at the top of her voice hoping that a familiar soul could greet her, shelter her, shield her from harm. Gamma Point is devoid of any sign of living Terran Marine, only the corpse of a human being lay on the ground, and only the stationary, immobile Steppe Mammoth still fighting a battle that had clearly lost. The 'head' of the Steppe Mammoth is jammed in place by several series of long alien rod that pierce through the supertank chassis, preventing the supertank from turning and aiming properly. Her attempt to call for Transylvania was all but null, her navigation map no longer receive any kind of signal from HQ, since Transylvania was vaporized by the Scrin Mothership prior before the UED Expedition Force warp jump back to Abaddon. She could see a number of Protoss and Scrin flyer battling for dominance in the sky, but without a necessary information, she could not tell if the Protoss forces are hostile or allies.
The lone Terran scientist took a deep breath to calm herself down, only to realize her oxygen tank level is closing to depletion. Her life-support isn't doing well either, after being weathered by countless close-call occurrence underneath Primus, and her Caduceus Reactor is a mess. All her laser syringe is also disable, and her stomach cringe violently, prompting the good doctor to open her visor up and throw up.
But the situation continue to worsen as the sound of rapid clicking and heavy hissing reaches to her ear, meaning the Scrin is still around. Panic, she pick up a downed C-14 Impaler Gauss Rifle off the ground, only to realize it has barely any ammo left. Cursing and swearing, she hastily starts looting the bodies of fallen Terran Marine in search of ammo to feed into the rifle, but all she got was a few spare ammunition, rounding up to 121 of ammo, barely even half of what normally the C-14 Impaler Gauss Rifle feeds on.
Helding the weapon close while placing her back on the immobile Steppe Mammoth, her first victim to die by the Impaler Spike was the approaching Scrin Cultist. The Scrin Cultist host moan after being riddled by the spike, freeing them from the Scrin control, but the young Scrin Mastermind that it latch onto are quick to abandon the host, escaping from the Impaler's wrath.
Dr Alise Carmen is now in deep shock; that was Richter! Her aide back then! She just killed Richter!
The terrified, lone Terran scientist was about to drop her weapon and approach the dead aide when more Cultist emerge, their empty eyes stares into Alice's own. Shock to the core, she held her weapon high, pleading her former scientist and researcher not to come close, "Please, stay away! Away! I don't want to hurt you!"
"One of us. One of us. One of us."
Doctor Alise Carmen pause when the voice she heard is inside her head, and the voice is uncannily loud. She lower her weapon, but held her weapon high up again, only to held her weapon with one hand, her free hand aid her aching head as her mind is being bombarded by more voices in her head, louder than the last. It is so loud that she can't even listen herself thinking!
"No more fighting. Submit. Obey."
Perhaps it is a good idea to stop fighting. Perhaps it is a good idea to just submit. Perhaps it is a more comfortable to just obey. Yes, just obey the the voice in her head. That way she won't have to kill anymore. She won't have to torture herself anymore, she can just drop everything down and submit. To be free, to be one with...
A mental image of Felix Parker, Vladimir Romanov and Shan'kai suddenly intrude her mind, all three of them look at Dr Carmen with a disappointing gaze.
"You are better than that, Alise. Show us that hard-headed, tantrum savy person that you are," the image of Felix gesture calmly to her.
"Do not be fool by such trivia matter, devushka; be strong, embrace who you are, not who you want to be, Comrade Carmen." the image of Vladimir spoke up.
"The illusion of control is worse than the illusion of oneself. Do not accept defeat, even if you are mentally challenged," the image of Shan'kai addresses to her.
"NO!" Dr Carmen screamed at the top of her voice upon realizing what she could have done, tears flowing freely down her cheeks, "I will not be controlled! I'm not someone who is going down without a fight! And I won't forgive you for using my friends against me!"
The Scrin Cultists was quite surprised; they were about to control Dr Carmen when her mind and will somehow neglect their control over her. And as a result, the enraged, tearful Terran scientist with a gun mow down the entire row of Cultist. As her weapon sings against the Cultist body, Dr Carmen tearfully apologize her fallen comrade by name; it was quite a blow to the last female Terran scientist, knowing most of the captured scientist and researcher turned Cultist is lost to the Scrin's mind-control, challenging her already shattered mind to near breaking point. Well, at least she is 'firing' her underpaid staff member off, not that they were underpaid to begin with.
Unfortunately for Dr Carmen, due to the weapon low ammunition, the Gauss Rifle eventually goes clicking a number of times. She threw the weapon to the ground out of frustration, anger and sadness, while the surviving Scrin Cultist once again attempt to mind-control Dr Carmen. Among the row and row of fallen Terran scientist and researcher turned Cultist, the shambling figure of the once brilliant Dr Petrova pace forward, and like the many Scrin Cultist, the former Terran scientist psionically assault Dr Carmen's mind, "Do not resist us. Divination will set you free."
"No!" Dr Carmen protest loudly, "I am not someone to be controlled off! Nothing you say will convince me! Nothing! Nothing!"
"Such pain. Such misery. The Scrin knows of such pain and misery." the mind-control Dr Petrova gesture, "We were cast out as well. It ignite the Civil War. Our race are on a stalemate. For a thousand lifecycle. The Librarian Caste Supervisor and its collaborators wish to end it all. Rift Generator output by 500%. Devastate Primus. But we are victorious."
"But cycle end. Remain Stasis. Until the Terran awoke us." it continues, an eerie slasher smile creep onto Dr Petrova face, "Require Biomass. Enable rejuvenation progress. Divination commence."
"I have no idea what your talking about!" Dr Carmen respond harshly, mostly because the voice in her head is getting too strong and she did not want to become a mindless slave to the Locust Swarm.
"You will. Assimilation is now in progress. Resistance is futile." the lead Cultist reply calmly, while the rest of the Cultist move against the lone Terran scientist. With no weapon to defend herself, and having her mind being suppress to a fault, it would be unlikely that she could escape from the flock of mind-controling Scrin Cultist.
Then, as suddenly as it happen, the Litany of Fury makes a triumphant return above the sky of Gamma Point, warping into existence with a number of fresh Wraith support. The appearance of the Terran Behemoth-Class Battlecruiser quickly frighten the Scrin Cultist while the lone Terran researcher let out a relieving sigh upon beholding the familiar Terran flagship; she immediately uses her Flare Gun to signal the massive Battlecruiser of her location via firing up in the sky.
Rescue has finally arrived.
Inside the Behemoth-Class Battlecruiser, Litany of Fury...
"Captain Rilves! We've detected a signal flare from the Ground Zero!" one of the younger staff officer with a bandage on its head cried, "We have a confirm visual lock on sight. We're detecting a familiar IV scan on surface! ID registration confirm to be Doctor Alise Carmen from the Mobius Research Team! She appears to be surrounded by those Infested Terrans!"
"What are the status for Admiral Chief Felix Parker and Fleet Master Vladimir Romanov? Are they with her?"
"Negative - both Commanders are not present!" the same young staff officer reply when he gasp aloud, "Sir! Incoming hostile forces! I'm detecting Scrin and Tal'darim air forces approaching towards Litany of Fury! The Scrin is coming in by northeast, the Protoss Tal'darim are the nearest at the west, contact in 5 minutes!"
"Dammit!" Captain Rilves cursed, "Mark her as top priority! I want all functional ATS laser battery to target the Infested Terrans! I want a Dropship with a squad of Marines down on that site for an immediate extraction with a squadron of Wraith as support. The rest of Wraith are to support the Litany of Fury against those hostile forces! We cannot lose her!"
"Sir, Yes sir!"
As ordered, the Behemoth-Class Battlecruiser ATS laser battery open fire against the Infested Terrans whom is encroaching towards the defenseless female researcher. The Scrin Cultist and it's parasitic insect are quickly vaporized by the wraith of the Battlecruiser's laser battery, prompting the surviving Cultist to break formation and retreat, leaving the exhausted female researcher to collapse on her knee. The roar of an approaching Dropship and Wraith fighters are a welcoming ear to her.
The sudden clicking behind her however isn't as welcoming.
She turns around to find the Mastermind unit which the Scrin Supervisor 331 resides assaulting her at close proximity, pinning her down under its weight. The creature hiss and click insistently against the horrified female researcher, it's sharp talon-like legs stabs into the powered suit's hand, disabling the automated hand from moving. She plead and scream in panic, she tries to power her way through but with no avail.
"Do not resist, young one. For I have further uses for you." it said, followed by a sinister chuckles.
The Dropship makes a quick touchdown as close to Dr Carmen as possible, with the UED Marine exit out of the said Dropship and starts firing at the Mastermind unit which is threatening the lone female researcher. Despite outnumber by these Terran Marine, the Scrin creature uses its powerful psionic powers defensively to halt the C-14 Impaler Spike in mid-air, thus allowing the Scrin creature enough time to flee and disappear.
"Go go go! Secure the good doctor to the Dropship! We're leaving this planet right now!" the lead UED Marine officers yelled.
"Doc, hey, doc! Can you hear me?" one of the Marine calls Dr Carmen out, "Sir, I don't think she's in any position to move by herself! Whatever that was on her just broke her!"
True to the Marine's report, the poor doctor appeared frozen in fear, returning the soldiers gaze with a hundred yard stare.
"Shit, looks like we'll be hauling her ass off then. David, Carlos, Steve! Make yourself useful and help Ramid carry Doctor Carmen to the Dropship, pronto!"
"Yes sir!" all four reply in unison.
As all four Marine carries the shocked researcher into the Dropship, the massive stationary Steppe Mammoth explodes, burning heap of armor and shrapnel flew everywhere, leaving behind a destroyed chassis of a once powerful supertank. Behind that burning tank however...
"DISPERSING!"
"ERADICATE!"
"OBLITERATE!"
"Shit! We have enemy Archons! Enemy Archons approaching!"
"Oh my god, it's too many!"
"Marines! Form a vertical line formation and start firing as we backtrack! We're heading back to the Dropship!" the lead Marine ordered before he turn his attention to the sky, where a squadron of Wraith is fighting off a swarm of Stormbringer. "Captain Fore Granger, we need an immediate suppression fire on that Archon!"
"Affirmative, Captain Pierce; all squadron - follow my lead for an immediate attack formation."
The retreating Marines did as their squad leader told them to - to form a line and backtrack towards the Dropship while firing their Impaler against the approaching Archon. This tactic has not been used by the Terran Dominion, most likely because the Dominion forces uses a more aggressive tactics in the field than a defensive tactic maneuver, which is surprisingly well practice by other Terran faction on Koprulu Sector. While the Terran Marines safely reach into the Dropship as they empty their weapon and refresh with new magazine, the Wraith squadron under the cloaking field, scoop in and bombard the Archon with everything they had, knowing that the Terran Marines or Wraith unit weapons are ineffective against a dozen or more Archons other than to prolong the inevitable. To makes matters worse, the Archon bought friends too; two Hybrid Reaver and Destroyer.
"Holy shit! We got that alien monster backing those Archon!" one of the Marine cried in fear, not knowing the creatures strength or weaknesses only further fueling the state of uneasiness and paranoia, "Take off! Take off!"
"I can't!" the female pilot cried, "This accursed Tal'darim Phoniex flyer is everywhere! Unless our Wraith can do something about it, we're sitting ducks!"
"God dammit! Can it get any worse than this?!" the Marine squad leader Captain Pierce lament.
Cue massive Scrin army teleport around the Dropship, complete with Blue Buzzer, Disintegrator, Shock Trooper, Fiend Ravager, Scrin Warmonger, Shard Walker, Shard Seeker, Devourer Tank, Corruptor, Scarab and Hydra Tripod. Captain Pierce mumble silently, "Fuck."
Believe or not, the newly arrive Scrin army did not target the Terrans; on cue, the massive group of Scrin army COMPLETELY ignore the Terrans and launch a massive counterattack against the Tal'darim Archon and it's escorted Hybrids. Other Scrin units that could target airborne units immediately point their weapon upward and start firing upon the Tal'darim Phoniex, helping the Terran Wraith by thinning the hostile Protoss Tal'darim numbers significantly. The female Dropship pilot and the its crew are quite dumbfounded - what just happen?
"Sir... The Scrin is ignore us..." one of the Marine whispers, his weapon is pressed against his chest as he eyed onto the passing Scrin forces. A number of Scrin unit merely pause for a second to stare at the grounded Dropship, shriek lightly before rejoining it's brethren in the fight. "They are completely and utterly ignoring us sir," the same Marine gestures.
The Scrin strange behavior didn't just occurred on the ground; inside the Litany of Fury, Captain Rilves and his crew ponder at this new development - one moment the UED flagship came under attack by the hostile Protoss forces, the next, Scrin Stormbringer flew pass the Terran Battlecruiser at high speed, chasing down the other alien faction, completely ignoring the Terran faction altogether. Either the Scrin has a change of heart (granted, the Scrin is a psionic being with no physical body as evidence by the Buzzer) or they do not perceived the Terrans as a dominant hostile forces.
Due to being inexperienced in the field of combat than Felix Parker, Captain Rilves dismiss any possible outcome and quickly seize his opportunity, "The Scrin has divert their attention to the Tal'darim forces; let's take full advantage on this matter! I want every asset we have on this planet to return to the Litany of Fury effective immediately!"
"Yes sir!" the chorus of UED officers on the bridge reply.
"EVA, what's your status?" Captain Rilves asked the computer generated artificial intelligence avatar. There was no EVA on his end, not even an avatar of a woman, just a glowing cube and a monotone voice, "Error. EVA unit ver9.1a is not responding. All primary program and system has been reroute to Masterframe."
Captain Rilves didn't like this; ever since he and a number of transport ship warp back to Abaddon, the EVA unit inside Litany of Fury seize to function, reverting its appearance and it's higher function (such as logical tactical, database progression and her personality) into a more idle state. This was the first time it occured in front of Captain Rilves, as he has very little experience handling the EVA unit, let alone cooperating with it. He tries again, "EVA, give me your status report!"
"Error. EVA unit ver9.1a is not responding. All primary program and system has been reroute to Masterframe." she reply, monotone and uninterested.
"Someone get that Adjutant robot back online! Check the system directory, update everything but don't uplink its system to the interface; we're going to need that piece of tech if the Electronic Video Assistance System is still bugging out!"
"Right to it Captain!"
"Sir! We have incoming transport ship coming in hard at Docking Bay 5! The Dropship is being harassed by the remaining few Tal'darim flyers!"
"Where are the Wraith support? What off Captain Fore Granger?" Captain Rilves demands.
"All except him has perish in the fight sir! His Wraith fighter craft is too banged up, but he's still putting a good fight!"
The good captain curse a random word upon hearing this news, "We're loosing too many good men, and most of them are Earth-born hardcore soldiers." he lament. "Dispatch landing team, including a team of Marines and Medic."
The moment he issue the command, Litany of Fury shock, followed by a very loud blaring alarm. "What just hit us?!" he quickly asked.
"Protoss transport ships!" an UED officer cried, female, "We're detecting a large number of of Protoss Tal'darim transport ships ramming into Litany of Fury, sir!"
BOOM! Another violent shock rocks the UED capital ship, "Another direct hit! We're detecting movement inside the ship! It's a breach! Litany of Fury is being boarded!"
The captain curse aloud again, "No! This is like the battle against that Zerg Swarm all over again, this time it's that pesky Protoss! What happen to all our laser battery cannons?!"
"They are all engaging the Protoss fighters!"
"Well, consider that order as void - order all our battery cannons to target those transport ships! Mark them as high priority!"
"B-but what about our fighters? They require BC support!" one of the officers asked, looking at the view as Wraith and Viking battle the sky against the Protoss fighters which consist of Scout, Phoniex, and Void Rays.
"Order all fighters too also prioritize those transport ship as well! If anymore of those ships got on board, we'll be in a very deep situation!"
"But... Those hostile fighters...!" the same officer kept pointing the problem, and Captain Rilves are quick to address the problem, "Those are my command, staff sergeant! The Litany of Fury condition are now our top priority! Let the Scrin deal with those nuisance flyers!"
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! Three more explosion, followed by a nasty rock that almost turn the ship around. "Another hostile transport ships?!"
"Yes sir, and this one didn't have any bio-signature readings despite having a rapid movement reading! I think this one has a Protoss Probe!"
The panic captain is now biting his lower lip, too worried to let out a curse, "Do we have enough ground troops station on this ship to engage?"
"We don't! And more are coming in!"
"Then we had no choice but to seal the affected area! Dispatch all available ground forces to the target area and have them seal the area shut, any working staff should immediately evacuate from the red zone ASAP!"
"Sir! We're detecting an psionic phenomenon up here, too precise for an Ion Storm!" a random officer points out, which he quickly cried, "Brace for impact; Psionic Storm!"
The Terran capital ship rocks left and right, several monitor screen burst due to hardware overload, injuring a few staff officer in the bridge. Despite that the powerful psionic storm ravage the capital ship in but a short while, the damage is anything but minor. Already, Captain Rilves can tell that the Litany of Fury is too damage, since most of the previous damage before their jump to Abaddon are not repaired. Anymore unnecessary intake of enemy fire will forever crippled the United Earth Directorate Expedition Force Behemoth-Class Battlecruiser.
"Staff Sergeant, give the command to all personal and the fighter that we are leaving Primus! I want all escort fighters to warp jump back to Abaddon as well; we're not going back unless we make do with all the repairs!"
"Y-yes sir!"
As the staff officers across the bridge is busy relaying orders across the channel, the captain of the Terran Behemoth-Class Battlecruiser starts keying multiple virtual console that has thrown in front of him at rapid-fire speed, controlling the engine, acceleration, checking the statistic of the ships condition, fusion reactor condition, among others. This is what makes Captain Rilves reputation on the Litany of Fury stands amongst many other captain on Koprulu Sector who commandeer the Battlecruiser; whereas most of said function are thrown to the robotic AI to deal with, Captain Rilves, an Earth-born pilot through and through are taught to do this before the UED Expedition Force launch their operations to this sector. It was a sight to behold, seeing him quick tapping the virtual console, swiping to the side and addresses another that require his immediate attention - most staff officers here had seen him work like this before, while few who originate from Koprulu Sector just couldn't believe their eyes; perhaps it is true that Captain Rilves can operate a Battlecruiser without the staff officers and an computer AI companion.
In the progress of his quick tapping and rapid keying, Captain Rilves pull down the communication phone, "All personal, we are preparing to make warp jump off this planet. Standby for-"
On cue, several series of violent shakes and explosion rocks the Terran capital ship, and immediately Captain Rilves knew that violent shakes felt familiar, "That wasn't a Protoss transport ships ramming into Litany of Fury... That attack felt heavy. Too heavy."
"Captain!" one of the staff officers cried, "I'm detecting a massive object coming towards us!"
"Is it one of those Hexapod? Or that accursed Mothership?"
"Negative, Captain Rilves! It's... It's..." the same staff officer trail off, staring at the IV sensor on the screen. He look quite pale before he utter out, "Oh my god..."
"Spell it man! What is it?!"
"Alexander Axis!" he cried aloud, "It's the Alexander Axis! She's coming to sight!"
And look and behold, the crippling Alexander Axis slowly leveled itself with Litany of Fury, just barely operating from the looks of it. A good number of its laser battery cannons are damage beyond repair, but those that are still functional continues to open fire against Litany of Fury. The crew, as well as Captain Rilves baffled; Alexander Axis went down! Its fusion reactor should have gone nuclear! Why in the name of Holy Terra can the crippling corrupt capital ship still be operational?!
"Incoming transmission sir!" cried the panicked staff officer, "It's coming from that crippling Battlecruiser!"
An image of what used to be Salvo Boris intrudes into the main screen, half of his face appeared bluish like a corpse, while the other half has small spots of green crystal. The creature has one unfocused eye that is being jagged against the crystal formation on its face. Salvo Boris still carry that psychotic slasher smile that look unnatural in human standard.
Captain Rilves held his breathe, breathing through his teeth just to grasp the fact that the person in front of monitor is corrupted, "Salvo Boris. So... Your infested..."
"Divination, Captain Rilves," It corrected, dry and rash voice pierce into the ears on everyone in the bridge. It continues, "This curse. This... Gift. I felt stronger... More powerful than I previously was. My crippled body continue to regenerate. This Divination should be shared among the other Terrans. It will be glorious."
"But how...? Your ship was too damage, too damage to operate, let alone flew upward to this level." Captain Rilves ponders aloud, "Unless..."
"The Scrin Supervisor was kind enough to provide a handful of Replicator to repair the ship. It may not even be partially repaired, but I cared not for that. So long as I can commandeer this ship back, I will exact my revenge against the Old Government and its blind benefactor!" Ichor Salvo Boris state his motif. "But since you know that already, I'm afraid I can't let you go."
To make his point valid, the corrupted Russian Battlecruiser continue to open fire against the Litany of Fury, resulting a violent shock and loud explosion.
"Salvo Boris! We can still work together! We can find a cure to this violent condition you had! We can still turn this around!" Captain Rilves plead, hoping that the former Soviet Revolutionary is still inside the husk of this grotesque Terran.
It reply harshly, "None of your words shall work on me, Captain Rilves! Once I return to Earth, I shall bring my new master there, along with any other Terran who will accept Divination!"
Cursing in his mind for attempting to be diplomatic with an Ichor Terran, despite knowingly that this tactic is completely useless, Captain Rilves settle with a violent approach. "Your funeral, Salvo Boris! All crew, I want all frontal laser battery cannon to open fire against the corrupted Battlecruiser in front of us!"
As the two Battlecruiser duke it out in what most Terran Dominion strategist calls it 'knife fighting' (because both Battlecruiser is fighting so close together with a weapon meant to fight at long range), inside the Litany of Fury is another story altogether, mostly due to the hostile boarding of the Tal'darim Zealot rushing in and killing the defenseless Terran crew. Defenseless Terran crew are brutally killed by the approaching Tal'darim forces, most of the staff held their own with sidearm and shotgun shell, but only for a moment before they too fell victim to the Psi Blade wield by these blind Zealot.
A team of Marines that are dispatch to contain and seal the situation has been successful in both front. Suppression fire and focus fire did a wonderful job delaying or killing the overzealous Zealot respectively while allowing any trapped Terran forces to quickly evacuate from the area before the affected area is shut tight by a thick seal door. The Marine task is simple; locate any trapped Terran in the ship, pull them out into safety, seal the area. What they did not expect however was the intrusion of the third warring faction, which the Marine are quick to learn.
"Take it out! Take that grasshopper monstrosity down!" the squad leader Pierce cried as he empty his Impaler against the sudden encroachment of Scrin Warmonger.
"How on Earth did those thing board into the ship?!" one of the Marine cried in panic, "Seriously now, I thought this is going to be the last time I see this sort of shit!"
"Just keep firing lads! We need to secure this place before we could-"
BOOM! A thunderous explosion rocks the hallway, shaking the area and to the dismay group of Marine, a group of newly fresh - and crashed - Tal'darim Protoss Zealot rush in, ready to unleash their bloodlust against the group of Marine they set their eyes onto.
"God dammit..." mumble Captain Pierce, "Fall back! Fall back to the nearest exit! Tight formation!"
Back in the bridge...
Captain Rilves grimace with a foul expression as the mighty Litany of Fury rocks for the tenth or so time, the ships alarm angrily protest as the condition deteriorate. Many of the staff officers on the bridge begin to panic as they frantically trying to get their system back online or to perform a system check-up. In both cases the system is unable to make a complete full analysis, which further fueling the fear factor. "Sir, we just lost another section! At this rate the Litany of Fury will not survive the Warp Jump!"
"Oh yes it will!" Captain Rilves protest, multitude of holographic screen project in front of him as he work tirelessly to get the ship at optimum level, "I'm drawing all the ships energy reserve, Yamato Cannon energy, shielding and the primary weapon to the ship Warp Drive! Warp Jump in T-minus 10 second! All crew, brace yourself!"
As commanded, the Behemoth-Class Battlecruiser Litany of Fury stops firing its main weapon on the crippling Soviet capital ship or the kamikaze Protoss Warp Prism transport ships, its engine begins to gather energy at an astronomical rate. Despite having two capital ship dangerously close to one another, Captain Rilves has full confidence that the Litany of Fury will narrowly Warp Jump to Abaddon without suffering superficial damage on a Behemoth-Class Battlecruiser itself. Salvo Boris however disapprove.
"Running away from battle, are you? Not if I had anything to say about it!"
Using an unholy technological adaptation of the Scrin technology in conjuction with the existing Terran tech, the Russian Ichor Terran direct his corrupted capital ship upward, using its massive ship as a blockage to obstruct the Litany of Fury safe passage for escape or an immediate Warp Jump whilst maintain fire against the last bastion of the UED Behemoth-Class Battlecruiser.
"Sir! Alexander Axis is blocking the path!" one of the staff officer cried.
"Maintain all thruster!" Captain Rilves ignores, "Do not redirect! Remain and maintain all heading and thrusters, full throttle!"
"But sir! We are on a collision course! We are going to die if we-"
"Set collision course on Alexander Axis!" Captain Rilves bark out, still swiping and operating the holographic console in front him, "If we can't get around the ship, we'll get through it! I'm sealing all entrance from sector A through G! Brace for immediate impact!"
While most officers understand Captain Rilves desperation, the crew put up on him due his experience alone, though a number of newly staffed bridge officers originate from Koprulu Sector did not have the same faith as the ones from Earth. With a slight adjustment on the engine thruster, the ships shielding and metric other advance calculation done in mere seconds, Captain Rilves let out a roar that is refreshing to the Earth-born officers, but a bane to those on Koprulu Sector.
"To infinity and beyond!"
Litany of Fury main engine thruster fires at its maximum output, causing the Behemoth-Class Battlecruiser to push forward at speed of 40 knots, on Primus atmosphere. The corrupted Ichor Terran Salvo Boris blink at this new development as he, or any officer who had commandeer a Battlecruiser of any size, had never reach higher than 10 or 15 knots due to the planet atmospheric natural traction, at maximum drive the Battlecruiser is known to travel at 18.75 knots, but Captain Rilves did the impossible and push the Behemoth-Class Battlecruiser well past any previous records. As a result, the Litany of Fury sail through the air with the same speed as the newly observed (and constructed) Viking.
The same record breaking Behemoth-Class Battlecruiser is now on a collision course against the captured Alexander Axis.
"NOOOOOOO!"
The result is instantaneous; one moment the Litany of Fury pick up speed, the next, Salvo Boris is washed against metal beam, navigational console, high pressurized neosteel exterior hull, shards of broken mirror, fire and heat. His cry of denial is also his last.
The Litany of Fury slam and collide against the portside of the Alexander Axis, and what followed was a series of small nuclear detonation on the Alexander Axis that randomly explodes across the Russian Battlecruiser up to the bridge of the corrupt Battlecruiser, probably pockets of portable nuclear bomb stored by Vladimir. The bow of the Litany of Fury sustain major damage, and haphazardly connected to the Russian capital ship, bridging the two with a string of metal skewers, neosteel beams and exposed exterior hull. If there is anyone still alive in the bow on the Litany of Fury, they are either trapped or killed.
With a resounding painful groan, Captain Rilves slowly got up to a sitting position, his back aches sharply as he did. He blink when he had notice he had being flung from the main control bridge down to the floor. That was quite a drop, he thought. He quickly adjust his eyes to observe the damage he had done to the mighty capital ship. As he slowly stood up, he counted 12 of his staff officers suffer a minor injury, three member twist and dislocated either their shoulder or a broken leg. One casualties is a confirm; the blood smudge on the mirror and a body in front of said smudge. The body lay on the side, her head on an odd position, and her friends kneel next to it, crying in denial. Captain Rilves didn't know who she was, probably because she is one of many newly recruit member from the Koprulu Sector.
He is loosing too many good man. Even those from Koprulu Sector.
The sound of battle suddenly bought Captain Rilves back to Earth (pun intended) and can be heard just outside of the bridge, with the iconic recoil fire of the Impaler and the battle cry of the Protoss. Captain Rilves and his able crew quickly held their sidearm at the ready, pointing at the only entrance to the bridge. He could hear the automatic automaton cannon at work just at the other side working alongside with the surviving Marines, but Captain Rilves isn't taking anymore chances.
"Return to your post everyone," Captain Rilves call out, "We're going back to Abaddon. Prepare for Warp Jump by my mark."
There was an uncomfortable murmur from the crew, and depending on how you look at it, none of it are positive. If it were the Commander... The REAL Commander, he would done the same in this dire situation. Felix Parker would have approve.
Captain Rilves sigh; without Felix Parker - without the Admiral Chief, Litany of Fury will never be the same again. With a heavy heart, he shut his eyes.
"Mark."
With a flip of a switch, the Litany of Fury warp from existense with the Alexander Axis in tow, leaving behind the hostile faction on Primus.
...And then, there is only one.
2500 feet below Primus... Xel'naga Temple...
"2371, 2372, 2373..."
Felix Parker is now exhausted beyond anything he had imagine. Protecting this warhead with the Ichor substance was harder than anticipated, and since he haphazardly deploy the weapon without a thought of hiding it, he decides to shield it with his body. But after several cycle of battle his body is failing, most of his mechanical limb are no longer respond to his command, the Ichor Poisoning has effected his movement, breathing and his immune system, his proud body armour no longer able to produce energy shielding due to prolong battle and these damn Protoss is very persistent on securing this holy temple for themselves, regardless if the temple is also being worship by the Scrin.
He knows that Vladimir has died very recently, probably died as he fight the very fiber of his being. Felix wasn't too keen to see Tesla Trooper again, let alone the dreaded undead Desolator. But the Russian Government had their way to improvised, so it is understandable why the Old Government had faith in them, even though majority of the Russian are backstabbing bastards. Vladimir was a rare breed, good man through and through. That is after his brainwash, of course.
He wasn't sure what happen to Shan'kai, being a Protoss Dark Templar and all. He had hope she would survive, probably retreating to her people. The Protoss are, to Felix Parker's eyes, a potential ally, and while the Old Government did not share his view, the Admiral and the Commander does. Admiral DuGelle wanted a peaceful negotiations with the Protoss, seeing them as highly advance, intelligence lifeforms, but all of that were dashed away when the Protoss open fire upon them on Braxis, and DuGelle, with a heavy heart follow the command set by the Old Government. It was strange to fight alongside with the Protoss again; it's like fighting alongside another Terran faction, except it is taller, carrying a badass Psi Scythe and can do all that psionic stuff not to mention breaking the law of physics as they please. He had hope she'll survive the battle.
Dr Carmen.
What is there to say about her? She is noisy, childish at times, very demanding, an attention seeker, and place her research, intelligence work and techno-babble her way into fame. Or at least, that's what she was like, before she was drafted into the line, donning the Medic power suit, and scarred her for life at the horrors she had to face. Thinking about it now, Felix does feel guilty by bringing her into the depths of hell and back, and she did so, KNOWING that it will damage her mind even further. All in the name of knowledge, but Felix knew that isn't true; she was here because of him, and he knows it.
Felix shock his train of thoughts, and continue to fire his weapon at the approaching Protoss Tal'darim. "...2376, 2377, 2378..."
As the number climb on, Felix muses how quiet EVA is. Sure, the AI is very talkative that would force a Marine to take up his own life - which Felix still couldn't get a straight answer from the computer generated artificial intelligence avatar as to why and how it happen - but at least she knows her limit; a line where she dare not cross. Not to mention her jokes. Her jokes are very creative, and unlike Vladimir, her jokes is sound funny.
Damn it. Now he wanted to hear one.
As he approach his Protoss victim number 2399, his Null Rifle suddenly decides to give up; the weapon fail to open fire. Felix painfully move his mechanical arm to an angle to inspect, only to find his mechanical motor arm salvo has been crystallized. Try as he might, his arm fail to register to move or perform an action as Felix commanded. Felix sigh, letting the weight of burden to crush underneath him; he is now vulnerable to the approaching Protoss fanatic, and Felix Parker welcomes them.
His other hand, which he held the nuclear/Ichor detonator tightly still functions.
He smiles, coughing up blood a second after.
"EVA?" Felix asked silently, "Can you hear me?"
"Yes." the computer generated artificial intelligence avatar reply, almost as weakly as her master.
"Give me..." Felix cough violently, his red blood has traces of green glow; his running out of time, "Give me the list... from the UED enlisted database. Recent. Year 2504."
Usually EVA would object, but the artificial intelligence allows him access to it. "Sending over now." she reply.
The list of recruited man and woman of the UED Expedition Force are immediately display in front of Felix, almost 4/5 of the enlisted man are now marked as KIA. If he arrange the list between Koprulu Sector recruitment and those from Earth, chances are 70% from Koprulu Sector are on that list. He scroll the list down to Vladimir Romanov, which he sees KIA on his status. Dr Alise Carmen however is listed as ACTIVE, which bought a smile on his face. He browse down to his name, and adore the title for a few seconds.
Felix J. Parker. Ex-Elite Commando Rank Major. Acting Admiral Chief of the United Earth Directorate Expedition Force. Status; ACTIVE.
"EVA." he said calmly, "Rewrite status as Missing in Action."
She did just that, "Affirmative, Admiral Chief."
"Are you done talking to yourself, Terran?" a calm booming voice bought Felix's attention. Slowly, he gaze at the being that stood before him, a Tal'darim Protoss High Templar stand in all of its golden armour and shiny Khaydarin crystal on its forehead. It's like looking at a being that gloat 'I have more money than any of you puny feeble being could imagine and I had no idea what to do with it but to display my glorious self to you in the battlefield. Also, my Psionic Storm.' He (at least I think its a he) is accompany by two Zealots.
The High Templar continues, "For a feeble being to eliminate a battalion worth of exalt in training, I feel compel to condemn you from your current standing. However, to see you fell prey to these accursed rare crystal is both pitiful and injustice for a warrior such as yourself."
"Good..." Felix reply weakly, "What are you going to do to me then? Lecture me to death? Judge me as I lay here dying? Or I suppose you'll dump me into that blasted pit filled with Ichor down there; the fall could have kill me, and if it didn't, the poisoning will."
"You will have a Warriors Death." it bark as the flare in the eye intensify. He then produce a Psi Blade from his hand, a rare ability for a High Templar to be wielded. "Any last word?"
"Death?" Felix chortle before coughing violently, he bought up his head, his eyes fixated at the Protoss High Templar eye-burning flare, smiling at him, "Didn't you know? Spartan, never die."
Felix press the button.
End of Chapter Finale
Name: Scrin Guardian
Role: Special Class Destroyer, Warden.
Armament: Rift Cannon.
Appearance: Bears an uncanny resembling of the heavily armoured Terran Marine CMC 300 power suit, but is more alien in origin. Has three digit fingers and it's shoulder is covered with Ichor Crystal. The head of the Guardian is long, crown-like cone with a single huge digit optic. It does not have any visible mandible.
For many years, the Scrin Guardian has represented the Scrin military might as a true warrior in an iron fist, the last beacon of hierarchy line of defense, a being with immense psionic power to rival the Scrin Mastermind or the Scrin Prodigy. These hulking mass creature answer to no one but their loyalty to the Overlord and it's Supervisor, defiant to any safeguard rule, accepts the defeat of millions of its kin fiercely to safe a single hierarchy and fiercely loyal to their hierarchy Overlord to the point where they will gladly accept any suicide missions for the glory of the Locust Swarm. They are the pinnacle of the Scrin most elite warrior, and they are rarely seen outside of interstellar conflicts.
A Scrin Guardian is actually a very rare sight to behold outside of any interstellar invasion. They never appear outside of the Scrin homeworld or aid any Scrin Caste and minor faction that requires its attention. These unholy walking tank with an armour plating that could withstand even a Genesis Wave from the Scrin Mothership at close proximity resides deep within the Scrin controlled territory, guarding, protecting and ward off invading intruders that had dare to disturb its master. Since they are essentially a walking tank, it's not a surprising sight to see these brutes towering the other Scrin infantry forces carrying what is perhaps the most devastating weapon to exist in the universe. Dub Rift Cannon, it fires off a slow moving purple orb projectile that somehow has its own gravitational pull towards the said orb to compensate the slow rate of fire. Anyone or anything caught under this distortion rift are instantly killed upon contact, regardless of armour type and the purple orb will implode violently after a set of seconds later, devastating the area as if an explosion had just occurred. These giant brutes are violent incarnate; it did not see it's Scrin allies as brother-in-arms other than their own kind (another Guardian), more of an annoyance to their task. They are known to open fire their heavy weapons against an enemy alien faction in front of an existing allied Scrin army. Collateral damage and danger-close engagement is encouraged in their task, but the Guardian did not take any consideration on the other Scrin army. Carrying such a volatile weapon and with zero tolerance to the other Scrin forces sometimes question the other Caste if it is worth fighting alongside it.
Fortunately, the Scrin Guardian has its own protocol and set of rules that makes them unique; they are unattainable from any and all Scrin faction and caste member due to its volatile nature. Though they are limited in numbers and are not part of the Scrin military might, they are fiercely loyal to the Scrin Overlord and their Supervisors, and will not hesitate to execute the order from the higher ups even if it will lead them to their doom. Scrin Guardian can only be found deep inside Primus, their homeworld by the hundreds. The Guardians, however dwarf it's usefulness as an effective walking weapon of mass destruction on an interstellar warfare; that honor goes to the Eradicator Hexapod.
PRO:
-Powerful vs Everything
-Immune to Anti-Infantry weaponry, reduce damage against high-impact weaponry
-Highly destructive
-Uber Unit
CONS:
-A class of its own; no Scrin Faction or Caste members can train or construct this being.
-Ignores friendly-fire, in fact, the Guardian generally flat out disapprove fighting alongside with other lesser beings.
-Cannot be Controlled
-Can only be found on its homeworld.
Author's Note: To those who think the Steppe Mammoth is overpowered, the MARV is overpowered and broken and the Scrin Mothership is broken beyond repair, the Scrin Guardian is the pinnacle of OPB and most probably a Gary Stu unit. Yes, this unit has a miniature version of the Rift Generator and it's weapon is an instant kill, but on most accounts the Scrin Guardian can only be encounter on Scrin's homeworld, same as the other Ubér unit on Koprulu Sector; Omegalisk on Char, the Odin war machine and the Loki Battlecruiser on Korhal, and lastly the mythical Twilight Archons on Aiur/Shakuras. Plus, if you did manage to kill it, you get a sweet weapon from it that would put Doomguy's BFG 9000 to shame. Did I mention it fires a purple, slow orb projectile that will draws enemy into it? That will instantly kill them? Before it implodes violently killing more mooks in front of you? Yeah. Much, much better than the BFG 9000.
Name: Scrin Pariah
Role: Unknown
Armament: Unknown
Appearance: Appear like a humanoid roaches with multiple appendages and limbs. It's body is heavily infested by various Ichor crystal with an unaccountable amount of psionic wisp trapped within, making it extremely unstable. It regenerate lost limb at a rapid rate.
A Pariah is labeled as an outcast from society, and having a specific unit to be called as such must have a meaning to it. This Scrin unit, whatever it is, has been cast out of from its original caste and faction, strip from its rank and are forever to be cast underneath Primus, where the Ichor mass deposit are located. This may seemed as a blessing, being surrounded by these green glowing crystal for all eternity, but the Scrin hierarchy must has a reason why they did just that. For one, being surrounded by Ichor maybe a bad thing (or horrendous action, whichever you choose) for carbon-base lifeforms as the Ichor crystal will sap every nutrient and fibre of their being to a crystallized husk. The Scrin, in theory thrive under this condition, so one would wonder why a Scrin Pariah is found on the lowest depth of Primus where Ichor is stored and distribute is consider an outcast.
It is confirm that a Scrin Pariah is far more unpredictable than the standard Scrin unit. Akin to a zombie, the Scrin Pariah wonders the field of Ichor field deposits, forever trap in the pit for an untold amount of years, and these beings are very violent towards outsiders, even against its own kind. These creatures are unnaturally fast; much faster than the Ravager deployed by any Scrin caste member and their high-pitch shriek is the only signal you'll get before the Scrin Pariah proceed to maul you to the ground with its unnatural strength. Due to its special condition, the Scrin Pariah can regenerate lost limbs at a staggering rate, much faster than any Scrin unit combine, making the creature extremely resilient to damage outside of a non-nuclear weaponry.
Because they are outcast from the rest of the Scrin forces, it is understandable that none of the Scrin caste member would deploy a Scrin Pariah into the field, and any Scrin Caste or faction caught deploying one into the field is consider high treason by the Supervisor or the Overlord. We still do not understand why or how the Scrin Pariah are considered an outcast or why the mass deposit of Ichor will taint a Scrin unit that is originally meant them to thrive on Ichor field to begin with. What we did discover however disturb us; a single Scrin Pariah house an unaccountable number of psionic influence and an unstable psionic pool stored within. We have yet to discover why, but in all fairness, we wish we didn't.
PRO:
-Extreme High Regenerative Ability, capable of taking a shot to the head and still manage to grow a new one at a frightening rate.
-Numerous in numbers.
-Violent against all sentient race.
-Invincible to all but a tactical nuclear strike. Yeah... good luck with that one.
CON:
-Can only be found in the deepest cavern on Primus
-Cannot be recruited... for obvious reasons.
Author's Note: Pariah is a creature which has been cast out from its noble society very much like our own when committing a crime, though the Scrin took the punishment to the next level. Because there is no way to punish a psionic wisp other than to outright obliterate said being, the Scrin device a cruel fate worse than death in this shambling corpse like form, and to make matters worse, a single Pariah could house tens of more psionic being, thus their action is overwritten by another trapped being over another and vice versa. This however makes the Pariah very unstable in terms of combat effectiveness. However, the Pariah also fit in the 'unrelenting and undying zombie' status due to being exposed to Ichor or Tiberium radiation, preserving their twisted body far longer than it need be.
EVA ENTRY DATABASE DOSSIER: SCRIN ORIGIN -2504-
During the Second Great War in the year 2504, as the Terran of Koprulu Sector fought against the coming storm of an Zerg invasion, the surviving remnant of the United Earth Directorate Expedition Force on Abaddon received a sudden outburst of data from one of the 'supposingly' barren world of Primus, where said stronghold are immediately came under attack by a foe not seen in many, many years. The ancient Scrin, or most appropriately, the Locust Swarm, invade the UED stronghold of Transylvania with great numbers by the million, forced the UED off-world with heavy casualties. It is reportedly that only one Behemoth Class Battlecruiser, the Litany of Fury barely escape destruction, but not without claiming it's captain, and the highest ranking officer, Admiral Chief Felix Parker and Fleet Master Vladimir Romanov are such of many casualties of war.
The data invoke however tells a greater information regarding the general enemy of mankind, and thus such necessary sacrifice for such information are highly valued to the future of the United Earth Directorate Expedition Force. The information received however are heavily encrypted with alien language, more specifically, the Protoss Khalani. We were unsure if these has anything to do with the Scrin, but as we continue to translate the glyph and carving, progress are made and open much of our mind as both species share a common link; the ancient alien deity, the Xel'naga.
Bear in mind that what we have translated are base on our understanding of the Protoss Khalani language, which is no more than 75%. If we were to completely and properly translate these glyph and carving, we would need a live Protoss personal, prisoner or an active volunteer, preferably volunteer Protoss individual as the former may cause unpleasant side-effects, such as sending a distress call to the Protoss Protectorate and have our base of operations blown up by the Golden Armada.
The Scrin Origin;
During the exodus from the First Born, the ancient alien deity, the Xel'naga, knowing that they have fail their experiment on the Protoss, continue to seek out new life to perform a newer grand experiment. However, a minority group of Xel'naga who forsee not another failure, but also a great calamity in the future, should both creation somehow merge together as a whole. These group secretly part their ways from the active group in order to create their own breed of lifeforms dedicated to the eradication of both creation, should it goes out of control. These group of Xel'naga found a suitable planet, located at the polar opposite end of the universe with beings that can harness massive psionic wavelength in a form of wisp. These wisp, without any physical bodies to speak off, are forced to live off from the only source of energy that kept them sustain in the physical plane of life before dying out naturally due to the scarcity of said known energy source; a crystal-like flower that bloom every twilight hours. The only way it could continue to exist despite its short lifespan is to feed off the flower and duplicate itself once it had a significant psionic energy to prolonged it's own life. The longest living wisp in Xel'naga record was merely 3 months.
Seeing these ethereal beings without bodies but capable of harnessing these psionic capability at an unparalleled level is the perfect lifeforms to be heavily modified with. The Third Creation, referring to the Scrin themselves, are based on creating exoskeleton suit to prolong the wisp lifespan by a thousand fold, and the suit are powered by the same energy the wisp feed on, thus relinquish these ethereal beings from ever perishing moment. The suit is design to contain the ethereal creature from within, locking the being inside to prevent any lost of ethereal energy, though they are free to exit out of their suit as if it were a powered suit uniform like those found the Terran CMC 300 model. The Fourth Creation focusing on heavily modifying the crystal flowers these ethereal beings feed on, to a degree that it no longer resembles the beautiful crystal flower but a glacier of crystal and it's overwhelming psionic energy that the crystal is storing within. For experimental purpose, the Xel'naga created only four, for reasons yet unknown to us.
The Xel'naga, who not only openly interfere the lifecycle of the Scrin but also its natural feeding resources comes with a price; within a few short years after intervening with the wisp-like being, the Scrin already began developing newer exoskeleton suit, ones that resembles insectoid beings, and soon after equipped with weapon system, far more advance than those of the First Born. Some of the Scrin has begun developing massive exoskeleton suit rival anything the alien deity had seen before while others had begun creating cities, made of stones and metal within days. It is unknown what had transpire this ethereal beings to progress rapidly, but it is obvious that the rapid succession and massive overhaul via reverse engineering caught the Xel'naga by surprise.
The glacier psionic crystal, thought to be a massive harmless shiny stone begun to mutate itself as well; nearby stones begun to change to have crystal-like appearance and the surrounding flower crystals died off and are replace with seamlessly similar glacier crystal. The glacier crystal effected area was so severe that it begun to generate harmful gasses and pollute the planet with ionized lightning storm. The situation become a dire when the crystal could leech onto any carbon lifeforms off its nutrients, leaving behind a crystallized husk.
The last entry of the text described that the panic group of Xel'naga knew they had bitten more than they could chew, and had propose a plan to cancel their experiment by erasing everything they have done on this planet.
It is not known if they had succeed in doing so, but judging how the entry is forcefully interrupted with a cliffhanger, we could conclude that none of the Xel'naga who intend to cleanse their creation actually succeed in doing so. What is known for a fact however, was the Scrin has been pre-condition by the alien deity to the elimination of the any and all Xel'naga creation; hence the Scrin are a mortal enemy to the Zerg and the Protoss by default, though it is not known as to how extended are these pre-condition set by the Xel'naga.
Supervisor 331 and the Scrin Civil War Database Dossier
The history that predates several millennium ago, where the Scrin Empire took root on the world called Primus, are govern by the Supervisors, lead by the tyrannical Scrin Overlord. While the Overlord reign supreme, its lesser counterparts, known as Supervisor are tasked to oversee their harvesting operation, Ichor distribution, unit production, maximum population, numbers of territory and other operation. The Librarian Caste Supervisor 331 is no different to the other ranking caste member, but it divert from the rest of the Supervisor in term of effectioncy and technological understanding of Xenotologist. As such, the Librarian are mostly tasked with minor experimental update or a major overhaul upgrades. This also means that the Librarian Caste are mostly (though not confirmed) responsible for most of the Scrin most advanced technological war machine. In terms of reverse-engineering, the Librarian Caste are provision to the task, though the Supervisor are often very selective in which salvageable technology that would benefit the Scrin for any further advancement to their race.
One defining feature regarding Supervisor 331 is its tendency to get into the hair (though I'm not sure if the Scrin as a whole has hair) of other Caste members. Often times the Librarian Caste Supervisor are extremely curious over new development, new discovery and new technology to be acquired, which has strike the nerve on most Scrin Caste member such as the Reaper, Gatherer, Bulwark and Traveler. It also did not help when said members develop their technology much slower than the Librarian Caste, and in terms of technological research, it is no denying that the Librarian reign supreme.
What the Librarian has for knowledge however, is a lack of an effective army; the Librarian Caste major strong point was never intended for war. Despite having a vast library of blueprint for unit production as well as a fleet of its own, over 90% of said members within the Librarian are Assimilator and a handful of light infantry at its disposal. Experimental units such as Warmonger, Scarab and Mechapede are few and far between. Worse of all, the Librarian single-minded tasked on gathering knowledge has neglect its responsible to provide adequate unit and upgrade placement way behind schedule. This apparent flaw which is soon be exploited by the nefarious rival members become obvious when Supervisor 331 are tasked by several member of the Caste to provide additional troop support, which it denied.
It was a sensible argument to the Supervisor to object; how could it reinforced its fellow kinsman for troop deployment to a number of Caste member when they are few and far between, and not to mention the number of troops in his disposal are to safeguard its existence? The other Caste members will not have it, and abruptly report this defiance to the Overlord.
While the Supervisor are spared, its lesser members however are not, and most of them are thrown into the Pitt where the Pariah resides. Normally the Supervisor will learn its lesson and strive to do better, but Supervisor 331 did not take punishment lightly and sort to correct its mistake via violent and hostile means. Using the newly introduce Warmonger, Supervisor 331 direct them to the Pitt to locate the lesser members, and return to its side for immediate transfer. The Warmonger prove effective on its task, returning to the Supervisor with several Pariah in hand where the Supervisor 331 extract the psionic being from the accursed frame of the Pariah, unknowingly extracting several other Caste members that are wrongly judge or seek revenge on its oppressor. Before long, the Librarian Caste extract over several dozens of exile Foremen, and through them, an army.
But this defiance act has not gone unnoticed by fellow rival Caste members; reporting this act of defiance to extract a Pariah - which is a heavy crime on Primus - to the Overlord, the tyrannical hierarchy of the Scrin demands the Librarian Caste Supervisor to step forth and repent its action in front of the Overlord.
The Librarian Caste Supervisor did the opposite; openly repel the Overlord rule and open fire onto the Overlord loyalist.
The Scrin Civil War begun, and the war lasted for over several thousand years.
The loyalist and the opposition fought each other, dealing blow to blow upon one another, ravaging the planet and it's natural resources of Ichor. Many experimental technologies are thrown in by the Librarian to replace lost technology by the loyalist saboteur, and the loyalist quickly reinforce their ranks through outside means via Ichor seeding from various resource rich planets and Relay Node. Superweapon are thrown in for good measure as well, from the Genesis Wave of the Mothership, the horrid Epic Unit of the Eradicator Hexapod to the dreaded Rift Generator.
The Scrin Civil War eventually reach to a point where the opposition is losing more grounds than gain, and more members of the opposition are either captured or slain by the loyalist of the tyrannical hierarchy Scrin Overlord that prompt the Librarian Caste Supervisor to step up its experiment and upgrades, attempting the end the war once and for all. It attempt to build a Rift Generator, one that is more powerful and larger than the existing one. Its unique construction did not go unnoticed by the enemy of the Librarian Caste, and the loyalist, caught wind of the malicious plan of the Librarian intention, summon a massive fleet to intervene. This unique Rift Generator, dub Warp Generator is fully powered once construction is complete, and is activated for the first time.
The activation of the Warp Generator has a devastating result. Not only did the power of said Superweapon destroyed the tower, the excess energy it releases engulf the planet at an alarming rate. Any Scrin forces that are caught in the initial blast are atomized, and any following unit caught by the growing sphere of death seize from existense.
The Overlord and the loyalist Supervisor are horrified; this is no Superweapon. It's a Doomsday Device.
Loyalist of the Overlord all began their mass exodus off from Primus as the growing sphere of death - dub Warp Storm - engulf their planet whole, and once the Warp Storm finish envelop the planet Primus, a flash, rival that of a dying star blinded the surviving Scrin forces on the spot. Their homeworld Primus, vanished. Never to be seen again for over a millennium.
Any and all surviving Scrin forces now fought across countless worlds in the known galaxy, initiating a massive sea of Ichor seeding to prolong their existence as a race. To preserve their numbers thoroughly, massive pods of stasis are encouraged to extend their dying race until a fully matured natural Ichor detonation alerted the scout ship for an immediate harvesting session. It is an effective strategy at first, since any form of resistance from these seeded world will be too weak or already extinct to pose any kind of threat to the harvesting group.
That is... Until the Scrin came to Earth.
DONE! But not quite. I'm sure you all are wondering if this really is the last chapter. Nope! One more to go, and its a short one!