Of Magic, Broods and Blood

Part 2

For the next several weeks Harry, Hermione, and Ron chased the terrorist Raynor, always a step behind. Barely missing him on Redstone, and only Missing him on Agria but just a second. They tracked the man to a protoss Shrine world and finally Harry felt that they might have caught up to him at Tarsonis.

Over those weeks the men grew to trust their young, but brilliant generals. They then began to believe in them as they learned that they weren't above sitting beside common Marines and Siege Tank Operators. They grew to hold their generals in respect as they went out of their way to make sure that no man, woman, or child. Civilian or Military was left behind.

Their Creed became:

"Even one is too many."

By the time they reached Tarsonis, the men were happy to greet their generals as friends, and brothers (and sister).

"General Potter, we've identified a small Merc Detachment that we suspect to be Jim Raynor's. Within the last six minutes they've pillaged a Dominion Train."

Harry nodded at the adjutant's voice that interrupted his thoughts.

"Ask Hermione to send a ghost to the location to confirm if it is Raynor. If it isn't then we won't bother with 'em."

"Understood General." The computerized voice agreed.

"So here we are on Tarsonis... A world of wastelands and sorrow. I can almost feel the world itself weeping..." Harry shook his head.

"General, General Granger has agreed to send a ghost out and is watching the reports closely." The Adjutant told him.

"Good." Harry grinned as he pulled up a holoscreen and began to look over his forces and consider what troops would be the fastest way of destroying Raynor's forces and capturing the terrorist.

Less than half an hour later the ghost brought Harry the report.

"It's Raynor alright. He's got a bunch of marines, medics, marauders, bunkers and a squad of firebats but that's about it. He does have a few missile turrets on the south and east edges of his base. Looks like he's getting his ship organized to call his troops back to the Hyperion." The lightly armored stealth unit added.

"Good. We'll be able to settle this quick then. Let Hermione know that I'll be attacking from the front with banshees. Once they can't get any closer to his compound we'll drop marauders and marines down via medivac. Their main objective will be to destroy the missile turrets and assist the banshees." Harry told the adjutant.

Banshees were unusual units. Unlike almost every other Terran unit they could cloak, and their silent turbofans made them almost impossible to detect. They also were armed with powerful anti-ground missiles that could tear apart infantry almost instantly and most structures would fall rather quickly. They however, were unable to withstand a sustained barrage of Anti-Air missiles.

"Permission to speak freely?" The ghost suddenly asked.

"Go ahead." Harry agreed.

"I just want to nuke the cr-"

"No. A tac nuke strike will not be needed at this time. Don't worry, you'll get your chance against the Zerg." Harry interrupted.

"I understand." The ghost said sullenly.

"Good man. Now, you are free to return to the barracks."

A short while later Harry grinned as he ordered his troops to strike at the last missile turret, allowing Harry air superiority.

It was a bloody fight. Each raider fought boldly, and proudly. Harry was rather in awe on how well and desperately they fought but as the command center began to smolder a message came through to Harry.

"General, Rebel James Raynor requests permission to speak to you sir."

"Very well, patch him through." Harry decided after a moment.

"Understood."

"Alright Dominion General, you've got me in a corner. We yield." A weary man spoke.

Harry was struck by how...exhausted the man was. His black hair had streaks of gray coursing through it and his eyes were an exhausted pool showing a man that had all but given up on life.

"Robbing trains? Emperor Mensk was right about you traitor." Harry spat in disgust.

"Taking down the Dominion is something I've devoted my life to for a reason you-" Raynor said with a bit of heat as Harry interrupted.

"If you want your boys to survive you'll want to give up whatever you stole from us. Now. And of course you'll all be in chains too." Harry added.

Yet, something didn't feel quite right.

Raynor nodded in understanding.

"We haven't been able to pull the container off world yet." Raynor admitted.

"Then I'll have my boys pick it up out of your command center."

"All I ask is that you take a look at it first. Mensk wouldn't have sent a company here just for some old prototype diamondbacks."

Harry decided to humor the man.

"Why not? I'll even let you be nearby when I take a look." Harry chuckled lightly.

"Thanks." Raynor smiled.

At that the Raiders on the ground surrendered to Harry's company, and not long afterward Harry had a couple marines 'escort' Raynor and the cargo to his command center.

"Alright, I'm in a good mood right now criminal, that's the only reason why I allowed you to stay while I boot this old adjutant up." Harry said as Hermione and Ron took seats near Harry.

Harry then booted the ancient adjutant up.

"Good morning."

"Good Morning. User Identity: Unknown. Status: Unknown."

"What government are you with?" Harry asked.

"This Adjutant is in the service of the Terran Confederacy."

"I hate to tell you this but the Confederacy was destroyed a few years back. Were you active during the fall of Tarsonis?" Harry asked.

"User Identity: Unknown."

"What is your current mission?" Harry tried.

"Mission: Record all intercepted transmissions from the Sons of Korhol terrorist group."

"Terrorist Group?" Harry gasped in shock.

Harry was horrified at the thought before he shook his head; no, Mensk was a great man he couldn't be a terrorist...could he?

"Someone get me a Fed ID." Harry called over to the Marines nearby.

"What's wrong sir?"

"I don't know but this thing might have some secret data about the Zerg if it was involved in the Fall of Tarsonis." Harry replied.

"Alright. We'll pull one out of the Database."

"Discreetly. We don't need to make those over nervous techies worry about what we're doing...Ron, better start taking notes." Ron nodded grimly.

It was only a few minutes later that Harry accessed the Adjutant's recording and Harry's horror truly began.

"This...this is..."

"This is when Mensk murdered a whole planet and I finally knew what kind of man I had been dealing with." Raynor said bitterly.

"Tarsonis' fall was caused by Mensk using Psi Emitters?" Harry whispered.

"General, are you okay?" A Marine asked in genuine concern.

"I dunno. So many innocent lives lost..." Harry whispered as he collapsed onto his command chair.

Ron stared unblinking, while tears rolled down Hermione's face.

"An entire planet..." She managed to whisper weakly.

"Well, before then I fought beside Mensk gladly. After he abandoned the planet and Sarah to the Zerg...well, I just...It was too much for me to forgive." Raynor said with a glint of steel in his eyes.

"I see. Alright. Adjutant, have all forces leave Tarsonis. We're headed out shortly."

"Understood General."

"Harry, what are you planning?" Hermione asked.

"In war you need to know who your allies are, and be able to know your enemies as well. But I'll tell you the plan once we've gotten to the ship." Harry replied.

"Okay." Hermione said trustingly.

"Thanks."

Less than an hour later Harry was on board his own capital ship the DCS (Dominion Capital Ship) Eternal.

"Adjutant, prep the ship and captured Hyperion for jump."

"Understood General." The adjutant nodded.

"Now, Raynor. What was your next objective?" Harry turned to the man.

"Well, I was hearing rumors about some problems on Meinhoff. It was going to be the next location I headed."

"Well, Since I'm fairly certain that Rebels still remain on that planet I'll need to head there next."

"Harry? What are you planning." Hermione asked.

"Mensk didn't tell us he slaughtered a planet for his desire for power. I for one see that as a betrayal."

"He's the only one who can send us home mate!" Ron objected.

"If he was willing to kill a planet who's to say he won't just use us more."

Ron was silenced.

Hermione spoke next.

"I agree, I don't think we can trust him after all. Besides, he tore us away from our homes, he killed millions by destroying a planet." Hermione whispered.

"I think it's time that we stand up and do what's right. Adjutant, I want the troops assembled for a briefing. Make sure that the adjutant that we recovered is also at the meeting."

"Understood General."

"You three kids are tough." Raynor said in respect.

Harry's burning eyes met Raynor's.

"What are your plans for after Mensk was taken down?"

Raynor blinked.

"That was my ultimate goal. To see Mensk destroyed. Nothing more." Raynor replied.

Harry shook his head in disgust.

"Pathetic. You need to plan for the future too. Anarchy will help no one."

"General..." Raynor tried to phrase his thoughts.

"Now, I'm not saying you should take his place, no. Nor should anyone for that matter. Instead, a new era of freedom needs to be born. Hermione, what government symbolizes freedom the most?" Harry asked.

Hermione frowned.

"Democracy...but no, that in and of itself isn't enough. It can easily fall into 'mob rule'. A government for the people, by the people. A republic."

"What's the difference between a Republic and a democracy?" Ron asked curiously.

"A democracy is a more 'basic' form if you will of a Republic...It uh..." Harry trailed off.

"Stop before you hurt yourself Harry." Hermione grinned.

"Okay." Harry said weakly.

"A democracy is where the people vote on every topic. It can easily fall into mob rule or another form rather easily. A republic is a form of government that uses elected leaders and by using a series of checks and balances ensures that no one part of the government becomes too powerful."

"You seem to be a supporter of a republic form of government." Harry noted.

Hermione nodded.

"That's right. I believe that it's the best way too obtain freedom and make sure you keep said freedom."

"Alright, so how does one create a Republic?" Harry asked.

"One would declare themselves independent of the Dominion." Hermione replied.

"That's it? We wouldn't even need to battle or anything?" Ron asked skeptically.

"Do you think Mensk would be too happy that his three aces in the holes turned on him?" Harry asked with a wry smile.

"That's true." Raynor agreed.

"General, the troops have been assembled and the Adjutant is on standby on the podium." The Adjutant announced.

"Alright. We'll be down immediately." Harry agreed.

"Hermione, I'll need you and Ron more than ever before now." Harry said as they 'escorted' Raynor to the assembly hall.

Once everyone was in place Harry spoke.

"Well done men, you've done a fantastic job on this day."

The Marine Corps cheered.

"However, we all know that this is just one more battle."

The marines, pilots, and other troops quieted.

"How many of you are from core worlds?" Harry asked.

A handful of men and women raised their hands.

"How many lost family on Tarsonis?" Harry asked.

This time almost every hand rose. A few sniffs and sobs could be heard across the group.

"It hurts to lose a loved one. It hurts to lose a brother or sister in combat. But it hurts worse when those that we believe in turn on us." A few tears trailed down Harry's face.

"The Adjutant that we managed to get ahold of before James Raynor was able to open her protective casing had a message." Harry spoke in a whisper that everyone heard.

"Adjutant...play...play the recording." Harry sat weakly upon the seat behind him.

"This is Duke...the Psi Emmiters have been placed. We're ready to begin."

"You're going to use the Zerg against a whole planet."

"C'ommon man, think this through. Don't do this." Raynor's voice was clearly heard.

"I have thought it out. You have your orders. Carry them out."

A second's pause before another set of messages began.

"You're just going to leave her here? Don't do this!" Raynor begged.

"It's done. Helmsman take us away from Tarsonis."

"Sarah..." A younger sounding James whispered weakly.

A few seconds pause.

"I will rule this sector or see it burn to ash around me."

Another pause.

"Forget you Mensk! I'm going to save Kerrigan, I have no interest in living in an Empire built on betrayals and petty ambition!" Raynor roared.

"You are a fool James." Mensk hissed.

The assembled group roared in confusion, shock, and anguish.

The Captain near Harry had a face that would not be odd on an actual Hogwarts ghost.

"I may be a general, but this is bigger than me. What say you?" Harry asked.

A soldier raised his hand.

"Yes?" Harry called.

"Permission to speak freely sir, without fear of repercussion."

"Go ahead." Harry agreed.

"Mensk has betrayed not only Tarsonis but everyone. He through this 'terrorist' to the wolves and left the queen of blades on a Zerg infested world. I'm guessing that's why she became what she is now. We can't stand for this. Sir, If you decide to fight the dominion I would stand beside you." The man said nervously.

"As will I." A staunch supporter of Harry stood.

One by one the men began raising their hands.

Once Harry was able to contain his emotions he looked around.

"Then we are of one mind? Mensk must pay for his crimes?" Harry asked.

The men nodded.

"Alright. I'm in agreement too. Raynor, I'm going to release you and your crew on the condition you assist us on the taking of the Dominion capital."

The entire ship gasped in shock. (Ron and Hermione included.)

"To attack the throne world itself...You're one brave, crazy and just plain nuts General." James said in grudging admiration.

"I'll take it as a compliment. Of course what we're 'officially' doing is taking you in. That'll help relax Mensk's guard and we will be able to stop him easier. Once he's captured we'll be able to try him, and convict him. As little bloodshed as possible."

"Are there any forces here familiar with the Palace?" Harry asked.

A dozen hands raised.

"Good, report to General Granger. The three of us will plan the attack in depth later."

Harry sighed before he made his way back up to the bridge with Hermione and Ron beside him.

"Well, this is it. We left as Mensk's loyal dogs, and now after completing this mission we'll be returning as his foes."

"Harry?" Hermione spoke.

"Yeah?"

"You're really lucky you know."

"What do you mean?"

"You were too trusting. If the men didn't trust you one hundred percent like they do you'd have had a mutiny on your hands."

Harry was shaken.

"A mutiny?"

"Yeah, if they believed you less and believed in Mensk more...well, let's not think about what would have happened." Hermione shuddered.

"Speaking of our 'esteemed' Emperor, we better make the report to Mensk."

"Tell him we're bringing the traitor in to be judged by him himself?" Ron asked.

Harry nodded.

Less than an hour later and Harry had finished speaking to Mensk, and was on his way with a small fleet of battlecruisers and the Hyperion to the throne world.

"This is...a battle we can't lose." Harry whispered.

"Yeah, we've got to hold on tough here." Ron agreed as Korhal appeared.

"Well, we should drop off our troops...here." Hermione pointed to a ledge on the edge of the palace.

"How?"

"Raynor has a couple Hercules carriers that we've retrofitted for this. They can descent into the atmosphere and even drop off a large group of troops in just seconds. Even if they're shot down they'll still make it via drop pod. Sure, there will be injuries if that happens but they'll survive and our medics will be able to patch them up right away." Hermione explained.

"How many troops?"

"About thirty." Hermione replied with a shrug.

"So sixty infantry will drop down to capture Mensk...but they won't be able to withstand on their own. After the Hercules' have dropped off their troops we'll enter the atmosphere in regards to the raiders that managed to escape to 'chase them down'. Once we're in orbit the Hyperion and the majority of the fleet will begin a space based diversion which will distract the orbital ships. Then, we'll begin sending in drop ships to the palace and at the same time create fortifications. Ron, where should they be put up?" Harry asked.

Ron frowned.

"Here, here and here. This gives us a sight advantage as well as cover, plus they'll have to run through choke points; here, here and here." Ron pointed to several locations.

"We should post some ghosts to cut down their numbers on top of buildings; cloaking whenever air units draw close." Harry mused.

Hermione nodded in agreement.

"I think they would serve best here, here, here, here, there, and here." She pointed to several buildings.

"Yeah. With us holding those grounds the Dominion will be confused about the 'real' threat. Will it be the handful of troops that entered the Palace? Or will it be the ground force? Maybe it's the space based fleet?" Harry mused.

"We're divided up pretty heavily for this but they'll be divided up too, and if they try to get to the palace we'll be able to take a large number of pot shots at them." Ron snickered.

Harry frowned.

"I know Mensk has ghosts and Nuke Silos, he had quite a bit of enthusiasm for nuking back in the brood war. We need to make sure our ghosts can sense enemy ghosts and snipe them first."

"Most ghosts can detect other ghosts unless cloaked. However, we can post a few Ravens as 'stationary rubble', and have them do nothing but be sensors." Hermione suggested.

"That'll do." Harry agreed.

Unlike Raynor Harry had more than enough troops to attack Mensk. And the man didn't even know that his 'loyal pet' was rogue. Harry wasn't willing to serve dictators. He had fought Voldemort because of that one aspect.

And so, Harry Potter was going to fight again.

Good news and bad news.

Bad news first: I've got a bad case of writers block and so I decided just to release this tidbit. I do have a couple of great ideas but getting them 'on paper' is being the difficult part... One possible story talks about a group called the 'Exiles' and a really high ranking Harry... (No not related to A video game, pure HP Fic) That if I can get the concept to flow properly may be making its way as a new full fic.

Bad news 2: I will NOT Be able to Update Radiant Chaos until I get a SATA HD Enclosure (Which means I have to BUY it...) There were too many notes on my old HI ard Drive that were essential to Radiant Chaos, and I don't want to lose the original idea because it was just that good. (Or until my memory kicks into overdrive...Happens more than one might think...)

Bad news 3: (Comes in 3's after all . ) I haven't been able to secure funding for my business yet but I am still trying.

Good news now

1: I got a good job finally, it pays 10.50 an Hr, and although its part time alone with just it I'll be able to make it ^.^

2: I have four ideas floating around. If anyone of them forms enough well, there will either be a Tales Update or a new story :D

3: There might be a special, a very, very, special surprise for you soon as well. Keep checking in!