"I know that you've gone through a lot, Captain Horner." Matt recalled Valerian saying as he walked through the palace.
"Just Matt, please," he said.
"I am going to ask you to be my Admiral in front of the Dominion today." The younger Mengsk seemed calm, pleased even.
"What?"
"You heard me correctly," a fine golden eyebrow raised, "I asked General Warfield but he declined, it seemed he now has a family to think of," he said.
"Why are you telling me now then?"
"Giving you some notice and time to let it sink in."
"And if I decline?" He wondered where the conversation would have gone if he really did, nodding to a member of staff as he passed by. The palace had little more than a skeleton crew right now, and it was a mess from top to bottom.
"You have been the captain of the Hyperion for years, I feel very confident that you will not."
"This new empire of yours...it can't be ran the way your father ran it, or I'll be gone as fast as I was before. You know that, right?"
"I do. You will not be bullying downtrodden minorities or guarding already safe core worlds."
"What is the purpose of your fleet?"
"To protect the Koprulu sector, all the terran inhabited worlds in it and to enforce fair and just laws."
A warm sense of hope settled in his chest. Valerian was far from being his father. "That is a fleet I would be proud to lead," he said.
"Good. I'll be glad to hear it later today too."
And there he was, at the grand doors that lead to the audience chamber. The last he saw of this room was Nova killing a Hybrid and the elder Mengsk unleashing madness on innocent people. Swallowing the knot in his throat, he pushed the doors open.
One small camera team, dwarfed inside the grand room, stood recording as Emperor Valerian spoke from his podium.
"And it is with great pleasure that I introduce to you the head of our new fleet, Matt Horner," Valerian held his hand out with a crowd pleasing smile.
Speeding up his pace, Matt strode quickly forwards to accept Valerian's hand in a firm shake, "Thank you," he said. All his jumbled thoughts, his fears and worries, smoothed away as the Emperor stepped aside and allowed him the microphone.
Holding her recording device up, Kate Lockwell looked as serious as she ever did. "Admiral Horner," the title gave him a warm feeling, "the Dominion fleet has been used for nefarious purposes in the past, moving forwards, what do you plan on doing to undo this stigma?"
"Oh I know full well what the fleet spent its time doing under Arcturus Mengsk," a chuckle softened the dark humor, "hunting down renegades and bullying fringe worlds is no longer a part of this fleets agenda," he took a breath, shoring up his courage in the otherwise silent and judging room. "The fleet will be used to help the helpless, defend those who need defending and to enforce fair and just rules across the Koprulu sector."
"Thank you for that Admiral," Kate Lockwell said.
A subtle gesture from Valerian on his right and Matt stepped back, glad to be rid of the spotlight. He crossed his hands behind his back and waited.
Valerian grew somber in a blink, his visage seeming to slump under an unseen weight. "The Moebius Foundation, though created with the best intentions, became a tool to undermine and enslave the terran people through the creation of the hybrid," he paused, letting it sink in to all those who were watching raptly. "I am hereby disbanding the entire organization and offering amnesty to those who were a part of it, so long as you turn yourselves in peacefully."
He smiled then, warm and bright as the cloud hanging over his head passed by.
"On a brighter note, the help we have been receiving from the protoss in rebuilding and rescuing those still trapped inside the cities damaged buildings is unprecedented, and I am glad to announce that we will be working much more closely with our new allies to ensure peace becomes a way of life between us." Valerian leaned away from the microphone, pointedly removing his fine gloves and pocketing them as he spoke, "To conclude this interview, I would like the people to know that my staff and I will also be joining in the efforts immediately. I am dedicated to rebuilding our great empire and look forward to working closely with my people from here on out."
Staff began to clap and Matt felt compelled to follow along, Kate Lockwell gave some final words to the camera before switching to a mobile setup. Valerian would not lack for camera coverage as he worked, that much was certain.
"That was great, but are you sure allowing amnesty to Moebius personnel is the right choice?" Matt said to Valerian as they walked towards the doors together.
"I believe it is. You know full well what it is like to be under the control of someone else, Matt," Valerian spoke softly, keeping the conversation between the two of them, "that, and not forgiving those who were a part of the organization would create a whole new generation of rebels."
"I hope you're right," Matt pulled off his gloves and tucked them into his belt. "Now, lets rebuild this empire together," he said.
"Probes are really that complex?"
Yes, their creation was perhaps one of the most pivotal to the protoss and their civilization.
"Amazing!" Egon all but glowed with excitement. "Karax, I can't tell you how much this partnership means to me but I'm sure you've already read my mind and know," he said.
I do try to allow terrans their privacy, but yes it was a bit obvious. Karax, phase-smith of the khalai, said.
The two were touring through the not-yet-powered science vessel that would be their home for an undetermined amount of time. Already, Karax was thinking of adjustments to better suit his needs. Emperor Valerian was very clear that the two would be the undisputed joint leaders of this operation and they had the first say on what stayed and what was removed from their vessel.
Requesting to join the terrans as an ambassador had been an explosive conversation by protoss standards.
"I still can't believe that Artanis intervened to allow you to come here," it seemed Egon was following the phase-smith's thoughts, despite his terran limitations.
It was a close call, to be sure, Karax recalled the moment. The feeling of being a pioneer on the front lines of the budding friendship between terrans and protoss being dashed, only to be repaired and made stronger by the until-then MIA Artanis, leader of the daelaam, appearing to intervene. There was a great deal of relief in that there would be no more infighting over leadership as well. The last thing the protoss factions needed were to be reduced to squabbling and splintering after such an incredible event.
Egon was leaned forwards, looking over the one probe Karax had been gifted to bring along on his journey. "Terrans are so far away from the kind of algorythms used to operate this kind of high tech machinery, I'm really surprised you chose to join me in the first place."
Karax's eyes smiled and he gave a mental chuckle. The terran himself is why he chose, a strange and fascinating thought pattern that he'd been drawn to like a glowing beacon. Where other terrans were focused on recovery and rebuilding, this one was breaking down his encounter with the xel'naga and his experience as a member of the zerg swarm to innovate and improve the lot of terrans as a whole. I have good reasons, I assure you, he said.
Of course, he wanted to learn from this terran's unique experiences as well.
Together, we will bridge the gap between our races and help foster peace and learning. There can be no more noble a pursuit. Karax said.
"I agree, and with Valerian being so inclined to learning and peace himself, we really have a chance at this!" Egon said, standing up straight and smiling brightly.
Karax noted a fleeting thought, a touch of mourning over glasses no longer needed, and wondered himself. While his intentions were pure, he had also discussed another reason with Artanis for his adventure into a primitive society. His probes had detected zerg matter on the terrans who were formerly infested, so minute as to pass beneath the terran's radars with ease. The situation must be monitored closely, and Egon would be right there the whole time.
Perhaps we should begin creating the list that your Emperor requested, I have some ideas for changes of my own.
"Yes, I was just thinking that. What a dream come true," Egon pulled a pad and pen from his pocket and began to scribble rapidly.
The probe chirped and whirred as Karax began creating a list psionically. Yes, it was time to begin his integration. An adventure with no end in sight, it gave him his own rush of childlike excitement.
The SCV coughed and sputtered, groaning loudly before the driver let go of the ignition button. Just one of a seemingly infinite number that needed to be repaired, Jayce thought. The idea put fire in her guts, her greasy fingertips traveling along the length of a small fuel pipe that she could no longer see, searching for the leak that was stopping the vehicle from running. I can do this. I can help people.
In the cockpit Tychus stared intently at a group of protoss ships flying overhead, sleek and futuristic. Transports, he noted. They were out recovering refugees in need of shelter and medical aid, day and night. The job Jayce chose was much dirtier and involved the kind of grease monkeys he never kept the company of before. He snorted, pressing the ignition when he saw the hand signal to try again.
Cough. Whrrr. The engine made more choking sounds, Jayce's fingers continuing to make the ignition signal until she leaped backwards and the engine roared to life. One of the numerous machines she had fixed today alone.
Hitting the key again, silence fell over the immediate area as the vehicle shut down. There was plenty of noise around though, other mechanics working feverishly to get the fleet of vehicles needed to repair damaged infrastructure up and running again. He swung down from the cockpit and landed heavily, dust puffing up around his big boots.
She hadn't said a word to him yet. But, he thought, she hadn't chased him off with a gun yet either. So he continued to follow, intent on his path, and she continued to signal him to lift this or turn on that. Been a lackey my whole life, at least I'm helping people this time around. When she walked into one of the woman's facilities, he caught himself from following automatically.
Jayce thrust her hands under the sonic sanitizers, watching as grime and dead skin flaked away rapidly. Her teeth ground together tightly, jaw creaking before she loosened it a tad. The Xel'Naga preached forgiveness and starting fresh, their special message to her before leaving. So far she'd settled for tolerance. A sharp cough behind her urged her to move out of the way for the impatient woman behind her, how long had she been staring in the mirror?
The intrusion in her mind felt featherlight, her intense emotions catching the attention of a nearby protoss. Its voice was soft and deep, like an ocean. The Xel'Naga are the creators of life, the gods, the voice turned wry, and you would turn from their advice?
Rubbing her face fiercely, she glanced between her opened fingers to see if this ballsy protoss was within eyeshot, he wasn't of course. The Xel'Naga didn't have their arm ripped off and- A sharp pain settled in her chest, tears threatening to burst through her facade. Just leave me alone, please, she thought in a whisper, defeated.
As you wish, the voice faded away, as did the touch of the aliens mind.
Tychus' brows furrowed when Jayce emerged clean yet visibly upset, her cheeks red and eyes squinted into hard angry lines. He stepped aside before she could barrel into him. Before he could help himself, he reached out and caught her shoulder in his hand, noting the wince at the touch. "Hey now, what's got you so worked up sugar?"
"Hand. Off." Her voice came out tight with emotion, but she didn't shout, for which he was glad.
Turning her around and planting his hands on both her shoulders, he shook his head and looked her in the eye. She returned the look with a defiant glare. "No. You tell me what's goin' on and if I have to go in there and kick someones ass or not," it felt good just to talk again, he noted. It would feel better if he could beat someone up on her behalf.
"You don't deserve to talk to me," she hissed, hands reaching up and grasping at his wrists.
He looked around, they were getting a few glances but not enough to worry about. The accusation hurt, deep in his chest, where all his guilt was hiding. To hell with the audience, he thought before catching her up in a bear hug and lifting her off the ground, to which she made a definite noise of protest.
"I don't care what them Xel'Naga said to you," his voice roughened with emotion. "You can hate me until the stars burn out," he took a fist to the chin in stride, he deserved at least that much anyway, "but I swear I will follow you until they do or you forgive me." Her struggling arms wavered as he curled a hand up to her head and simply held her.
Her body shook as a sob escaped, and he let out a slow sigh of relief. This is what needed to happen.
Her arms tentatively reached to hug him back, no more words need being said right then.
It is good to see our people working so closely together with the terrans, Artanis said. Aboard the mothership that was hovering above Augustgrad, it was a truly incredible display of togetherness that was unfolding beneath them.
Yes, my people that remain are made better for their actions this day, Vorazun nodded before her voice turned to its familiar dire tone, it is of some concern what your phasesmith, Karax, said about the uninfested terrans, however.
Their zerg influence will be closely monitored, Artanis agreed, watching a squad of scouts disappear into the distance. The warp technology of the fleet was proving invaluable to saving terrans trapped within failing buildings.
Why did you say no, Artanis?
Why did you? His eyes crinkled into a smile.
My people are wanderers, we value the joy of discovery and unearthing secrets. It is an obvious choice that most of us would say no to becoming a creator being. She said in such a matter of fact tone, Artanis couldn't help but chuckle. But the khalai, she added, to become something greater is a part of your very being.
You are correct, he admitted, but also incorrect. This seemed to sour her look some, the Matriarch did not like to be wrong. I chose as an individual, for many of the same reasons you did, to remain as a smaller part of this universe. And who would lead those who chose to remain? I would not forsake my duty for a greater calling, not this day.
You have chosen your words carefully, she noted, carrying a pleasant sense of contentment. Indeed, who would lead those who remain, keep them on a noble path? I am glad you stayed, Artanis
Your words humble me, Matriarch. He placed his hand to his chest, moved.
What shall become of those protoss, Khalai and Nerazim, who choose to remain behind and foster greater bonds with the terrans? Back to business, the moment had passed.
They are free to choose their path and I will be keeping contact with the terran leader, Emperor Valerian, to ensure there is no trouble.
Yes, a good start I think. What of the Queen of Blades?
Kerrigan continues on her path, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of bitterness at her handy escape of justice. She will succeed or be destroyed in the trying.
Both our people have suffered tremendously under the Queen's Swarm, she said thoughtfully, I believe this is a path of redemption laid before her. A path that the gods have chosen, I feel no reason to interfere. Not after having interacted with her in her changed state.
I wish I felt this sense of contentment you do about this particular topic, Matriarch. I fear my people will have the shadow of the zerg over them for as long as they exist.
Something our people can work towards overcoming together Artanis, we need not suffer forever.
You are right. With the loss of Shakuras, would you consider returning to Auir with us? There may be little to no zerg remaining there, we do not know yet.
To see its green hills and valleys again, untouched by the zerg and without fear of death. That is a dream all dark templar share, now that Shakuras is lost to us.
Let us begin planning then! Artanis waved his hand with a vigorous swipe and brought up an image of his beloved homeworld. Yes, he thought, we can overcome the shadow of the zerg and Amon. With that thought came resolve, and together they began to plan their futures.
"Ever gone fishing, son?"
"Fishing?"
Warfield chuckled, "guess not. I'll take you when we're done helping here, alright?"
"Alright," Tate nodded, visibly energized at the promise of fun.
Helping the refugees was long, hard work, but Warfield chose this post, giving fresh clothing to families, for Tate's sake. Even now beads of sweat were marking paths down the temples of busy workers, it was a hot day in Augustgrad. Unfortunately, he was finding there were many more kids like Tate out there. The amount of youths without anyone with them approaching for clothing was of rising concern.
Their day ended quietly, and from the intent look on Tate's face as he sat across from him and ate his food, Warfield was more upset about not finding the kids parents than the kid was.
"They are dead, I know that," Tate said past a mouthful, wincing when Warfield smacked his knuckles with a spoon sharply.
"Say again?" As Tate opened his full mouth, Warfield warned, "when you are done chewing."
Chastened, he rubbed his tender knuckles against his shirt and finished chewing and swallowing before repeating himself.
"Why do you say that?" Warfield frowned, not liking how carefully void of emotion that statement was. The boy missed his parents, there was no doubt in his mind.
"I barred them inside our building, it was on fire."
Warfield let out a slow breath, that was heavy. His rations didn't seem very appealing anymore, so he pushed them away. Tate quickly grabbed the leftovers and put them beside his own meal, he was definitely in some kind of growth spurt. "Never know with them Xel'Naga," he said hopefully, "brought back all those infested people, they were as good as dead you know."
"Didn't bring back the dead," Tate pointed out after carefully swallowing another mouthful.
"No," Warfield admitted, "it doesn't seem they did."
Sliding his now empty plate aside, Tate slid the next over and paused, spoon full of food. "Are you going to leave me even if we don't find them?"
"No," Warfield said firmly, glancing around. Their eating quarters were private, thanks to his station, but it didn't hurt to look either. "Son, it would make me glad to get you back to your parents, but I know the outlook isn't good. I will not just drop you off and leave you after what we have been through, not a chance."
Tate nodded, it was good enough. "Where are we going to go fishing?"
A bead of sweat slid down Nova's temple.
Jim did not envy the ghost, even the memory of the endless zerg chatter raised the skin on his arms into goosebumps.
The ghost's fine features screwed up into a mix of disgust and apprehension as she raised her rifle, "something is coming," she said.
Stukov kept quiet, lip curling upwards.
"You did notice we're in a zerg ship, right?" Jim teased, not bothering to look as the door squished open.
"That-" Nova gestured at the strange monster now staring at them, with its armored plates and one partially severed limb, "is not a zerg."
Brows pulling together, Jim looked away from the stars spinning past them and blinked. "Oh," he said. It looked awfully familiar, and it seemed as content to stare at them as they were at it. "Wait a second, that's one of them things from Zerus."
"Primal Zerg. Dehaka," the creatures voice was resonant and throaty, mouth barely moving as the words escaped, "one who collects."
"Some of them came along with the Queen," Stukov supplied, nodding towards the shaggy monstrosity. "Dehaka leads them," he said.
"Great. Primal zerg. Dehaka. Got it. Now get out," Nova flicked the tip of her rifle towards the door.
"Well hold on Nova," Jim held up a hand. "You want something, Dehaka?"
"Queen no longer leads swarm," Dehaka gurgled, head tilting and eyes focusing on Nova's rifle intently. "Curious. Do we go to new essence?"
"Not really sure what essence is pal," Jim shrugged inside his suit, "we're goin' to hunt down the last servant of Amon."
"Amon-"
"Why the hell are you talking to that thing, Raynor?" Nova hissed.
"Amon-" Dehaka repeated slowly, "good to destroy servants of Amon." Curiosity sated, the creature turned on the spot and stomped out of the room.
"You can't just go waving your gun around at every zerg on a zerg ship Nova," Jim said as the door shut.
"If they enter this room, you can count on it. They can have the rest of the place," Nova lowered her rifle slowly, still eyeing the place the primal zerg occupied. Just one more thing that would need to be reported to Valerian when they got back. If they got back.
Jim let out a slow breath and looked back out their fleshy viewport. "Can't be much longer now, I figure."
"Yes," Sarah said as she entered the room with Zagara en tow, "the swarm is prepared to get us to Narud no matter the cost."
"Glad you're back," Jim sounded only a little sour.
Nova tossed a small device to the floor and the facility and its surroundings appeared before them, glowing coldly. "Care to let us in on the strategy your majesty?"
"Careful," Sarah smirked. "You can barely keep the zerg out of your head, nevermind keep me from removing it."
Nova stood, fingertips curling at her canister rifle, yet not raising it, and the tension rose dramatically
"Easy ladies," Jim stood as well, raising a placating hand. "You volunteered to come with us Nova, the least you can do is keep your damn snark to yourself."
"We deserve to be a part of the conversation," Nova frowned, eyeing Sarah and the broodmother behind her.
Would you like me to destroy this terran, my Queen? Zagara asked cooly.
"No, enough." Sarah waved it all off and gestured towards the facility floating ominously before them. "Lets talk," she said.
Nova seemed to cool off, her stance relaxing and eyes returning to the task at hand. "The Kirkegaard facility has the absolute latest in terran technology, and a brief report from the ground on Korhal says that psionic energy trails lead from the city of Augustgrad to here."
"Narud called his hybrid pals here before Amon fell?" Jim frowned," you think he knew what was going to happen to his master?"
"It is likely he had a contingency plan," Sarah shrugged, "Narud is a schemer."
"If all the hybrid that were on Korhal, and there were a lot, are now in this facility..." Nova let the words hang.
We will crush them! Zagara hissed, leaning forwards and clasping her spidery fingers together.
Nova visibly cringed at the mental touch.
"How are we even getting through the asteroid belt, for starters?" Jim wondered out loud, watching the asteroids lazily pass the facility, some were the size of small moons. Even the Leviathan wasn't muscling through that.
"A gorgon class battlecruiser can fit through with the right captain but-" Nova said.
"We will use scourge, banelings thrown by overlords and the ship itself to get through," Sarah said, nodding at the obstacle.
"Guess that works," Jim nodded grudgingly.
"I no longer have my infested to offer," Stukov appeared, having sidled up beside Jim quietly, "but I will be glad to be one of the first on the ground."
"We will go together," Sarah said," zerglings and hydralisks can be the first wave. We will need to punch through whatever resistance there is and get into the facility as fast as possible.
"Let Zagara deal with the major force," Jim could appreciate this approach.
"There are numerous traps and it is a maze inside," Nova hit a button with her foot and the facility zoomed in, breaking into neat pieces and showing breakdowns of each room. "I will lead when we are in."
Sarah looked up from the image and locked eyes with the ghost. They stood there quietly regarding one another, challenging, before Sarah let go. "That is fine, the success of this mission is the only thing that matters. Not our petty conflicts and feelings."
Together they crowded around the image and broke it down piece by piece. Zagara's force would engage the defenses of the facility, holding them off until the team could return or beating them altogether. Jim did not like the idea of relying on the swarm to do this, and when they were done and Sarah began to walk out of the room he doggedly followed.
He waited until the fleshy door squished shut behind them before reaching out. His mechanical hand gently placed itself on her shoulder and he longed so deeply to touch her skin with his own it was a startling moment. "Sarah," he croaked.
"Jim," she looked over her shoulder and up at him, lips set in a sad smile.
"Please, just read my mind," he closed his eyes, willing her to understand.
Sarah reached up and into his suit, cupping his cheek with her cool hand. At his behest, she read his mind and took stock of the man's worries, hopes and fears. "You're almost as jumbled up as I am," she teased softly.
"I just want to-" Jim said.
"Shhh," Sarah shushed him and focused, "you need to see what I have seen to understand, I know."
Jim sucked in a sharp breath as it felt like a hook grabbed behind his belly button and yanked him hard.
A soft voice, familiar to Jim yet not quite, spoke "You can have the life you have dreamed of and given up on, if you will persist through one more trial, Sarah."
Opening his eyes, he found himself holding hands with Sarah and watching as a woman who looked very much like her, standing beside a man who also held similarities to her, spoke with a kneeling Sarah. He blinked and squeezed the hand of the Sarah beside him, just to double check.
"I am here Jim, listen to them," Sarah whispered.
Voice soft and full of wonder, the kneeling Sarah tilted her head back and looked up at the beings who took the shape of her parents. "What must I do?"
"Take back the power," her father said.
"Use it to destroy Narud and end a battle that has gone on since time began," her mother said.
"Break the tainted cycle," the two spoke as one, voices reverberating with power.
Sarah's hands gripped the soft blades of grass beneath them tightly, "what is going to stop you from becoming the next Amon?"
"Amon was unique," the motherly figure had begun to dissolve, glowing softly at her edges, "his dislike of the inevitable death of his creations became a poison that changed his very nature to that of destroyer."
"The cycle, all parts of it, are sacred. Amon has tainted it with his twisted version of death for time beyond memory," her father and mother were simply glowing ghosts now.
"I am a destroyer," Sarah shook her head, and Jim got the sense of tears falling down her cheeks, though he could not see them.
"One more death," the figures blended in to one, "for peace."
Slowly Sarah stood, the vision growing bright and forcing Jim to shield his eyes. Before he lost all sense of where he stood, he heard, "I accept."
Stumbling forwards, Jim found himself back in the guts of the Leviathan so startlingly that he nearly fell. Sarah was there to steady him, pressing her hands against the neosteel chest of the machine and allowing him a moment to readjust.
Sarah laughed, like an angel he thought, and shook her head when she collected his thoughts and saw new doubts and frustrations. "You will only be at peace when this is over cowboy, I know you."
"Just don't think it was right of them to put it on your shoulders," he tenderly brushed a piece of her hair aside, concerned.
"Just think," she smiled broadly, "it's almost over."
He wasted no time in worrying about the uncertain future after they succeeded, if they did.
She laughed and gave him a little shove, "cut it out, we'll-" her demeanor shifted from playful to serious in a second, as if a rock had fallen. "We're here."
"Shit," he muttered, missing the smile already.
"You'd better see this," Nova called as the door opened, not looking back at them.
Ahead was the asteroid belt, and through it a gigantic hole had been punched. millions of tons of asteroid had been evaporated in the wake of... what?
"Hybrid," Nova and Sarah said at the same time.
Zagara charged into the room with a clatter, The zerg are ready for what lay ahead, my Queen!
"It's time we finish this," Sarah's face became a grim mask, all compassion locked away once more.
Jim and Nova checked their guns over, Jim catching a small device Nova tossed him, "Huh?" he said.
"Psi screen," she said. "Put it on before the hybrid make you their slave, would you?"
Needing no more reasoning than that, Jim hooked the small device to his ear and flicked it on. "Let's do this thing!" he said.