Chapter 6: The Dylarian Shipyards

There weren't many people out and about, Roland noticed as he looked out from his vehicle driving around the streets of Boralis. Mainly, there were patrolling groups of UED soldiers who were involved in the occupation. Most of the citizens, who not long ago had been subjects of the Terran Dominion, had opted to keep their heads down, which involved staying indoors to avoid attracting attention.

There were of course those that were not able to stay in their homes. While the invasion had been completed with minimal losses and collateral damage was minor, there were still some that died and more who were displaced when their homes were destroyed. He had already arranged for military prefab buildings to be set up in order to provide temporary housing to take those people off of the streets. More permanent accommodations would be made once the Directorate administrators arrived from the fleet.

Now that his work here was done, it was time to return to the fleet to prepare for whatever would come next. Speed was essential when it came to military affairs, and though they had just one a decisive victory, there was undoubtedly more to come. Meeting up with Lieutenant Duran at the starport, they took a ship back up to orbit.

Upon docking in the Aleksander, he and Duran met with DuGalle and Stukov.

Stukov greeted him first. "Captain, your work on Braxis was excellent. Our campaign has begun with a strong start, and I hope that you continue the good work."

"Thank you, vice admiral," Roland said. "It will be a difficult path ahead of us to secure this sector, and doubtless there are potent foes arrayed against us. Have you managed to discover what the protoss fleet was doing here on Braxis?"

"Unfortunately not," Stukov said. "The protoss fleet was able to escape our blockade by exploiting a weakness in the defense platform to disable it. I have spoken to the commander in charge of the defense of the platform and he now understands his mistakes, but it can only be expected that there would be some issues after we took control so rapidly and were unfamiliar with the systems."

"This is concerning," Roland said as he sank into thought.

"It is only a minor setback," Stukov replied. "Once our plans come to fruition the protoss will be unable to stand against us."

"Before I departed Braxis I was able to speak to the Dominion mining crew that had been taken captive by the protoss. They revealed some interesting things, and I had hoped that capturing the protoss would have helped us to understand," Roland said. "The miners said that the protoss departed after retrieving a crystal from the mine."

"Well, that makes their objective here clear then," Stukov said. "We may not know much about protoss technology, but clearly that crystal was something they needed and it was rare enough that they had to come to Braxis for it. If the protoss intervention was simply limited to this then it isn't a cause for concern."

Roland shook his head. "I fear that such is not the case. It is their choice in companions that is of concern. The miners also witnessed that the protoss were accompanied by a zerg, a single one according to them. Though it was obviously zerg, it was also in the shape of a human, to be more specific it took the form of a woman."

Stukov frowned. "You are sure of this?"

"While I cannot discount the possibility that the protoss may have used mental manipulations to create a false image to every one of the miners, I can see no motivation for them to do this," Roland said. "So if we take this at face value, it would indicate that the protoss are working with the zerg, or at least some part of the zerg."

DuGalle appeared worried. "If the zerg and protoss have allied together, then that changes a great many things. It is something we will have to investigate further if we are to make sure our plan to take control over the zerg will succeed."

Stukov turned toward Duran. "Lieutenant, do you know anything about this, either why the protoss would work with the zerg or what kind of creature that was?"

"The zerg are known to infest humans," Duran said. "While it seemed that the infested humans are nothing more than mindless creatures used for suicide attacks, there is always the possibility that the zerg have designed an intelligent breed of infested. The zerg are quite adept at changing and evolving. As for the protoss, I have no clue why they would be working with the zerg. In the past the protoss and zerg have been vehement enemies."

"You seem quite knowledgeable about the zerg," Stukov noted.

"Well, during my time with the Confederacy I was involved in research, and there were some studies done on the zerg to understand how they function," Duran said. "I always considered myself a scientist at heart."

DuGalle frowned at this statement, though he didn't say anything more on this. Instead, he turned to the main topic of the meeting.

"Our Tac Teams have decrypted the Dominion's datalink and have gained access to Mengsk's most guarded files. However, our work is not complete. We have ascertained the location of the Dylarian shipyards. These shipyards, serving as a fueling and repair station for the Dominion, house a number of functional battlecruisers in dry dock. To ensure that our domination of the sector remains uncontested, you are to assault the shipyards and liberate as many of the capital ships as possible."

As Roland began to nod, Duran suddenly spoke up. "Gentlemen, I recommend that you launch this attack using the utmost caution. Dominion Command can typically reinforce its outlying bases within sixteen standard hours. You should expect some sort of reprisal from Emperor Mengsk shortly."

DuGalle looked irritated with Duran's interruption. "Ah, the turncoat. I suggest that you pay keen attention to rank when you address the Captain and myself, Lieutenant Duran. Is that understood?"

"Of course," Duran said.

"Good, now report to the fleet's quartermaster to register you and your men to have you properly integrated into our fleet," DuGalle said.

Duran nodded before getting up and leaving.

Stukov chuckled a bit. "You're beginning to show your age, Gerard. Give the boy some credit. He just tipped us off to a preeminent attack."

"He has switched his allegiance without any concern. I suspect he may still be working for others. And his involvement in the Confederacy's zerg research is distasteful," DuGalle said. "We shall see whether he will truly become loyal to us, or if he would turn traitor. No matter how useful he is, I cannot abide a traitor.

"Captain, you should indeed heed Duran's advice to prepare for a Dominion counterattack, just don't be surprised should his information prove inaccurate," DuGalle said. "You must make preparations for all contingencies."

"Understood Admiral, I will keep that in mind," Roland said.

"Excellent, I expect nothing but the best from you," DuGalle said.

The Dylarian shipyards were an impressive sight, worthy of being a major shipping hub for the Dominion. Countless ships came to and from the shipyards, either for maintenance or repairs. The fleet Roland commanded appeared to be no different. News of the fall of Braxis had not yet spread and the ships that had been captured from the Braxis defense fleet were now being put to good use. Of course, the deception would soon be discovered once the attack began, but every minute they had was important.

"Captain, our men are in position," Hector said.

Roland looked up. "And the ghosts?"

"They have already begun their infiltration of the nuclear silos," Hector added.

"Excellent," Roland said. "Begin the attack."

From his position in the command ship, Roland could see the entirety of the Dylarian shipyards below him. It was impossible to see the details of the soldier placements, but that was what the tactical display was for.

Down below, the first wave of soldiers were attacking. The Dominion garrison was occupying several bunkers, but none of them had been expecting the sudden assault, and each individual bunker was cut off from support. One after another, the bunkers fell and the UED strike force took over the section of the shipyards, along with the multiple battlecruisers.

Meanwhile, a second team was attacking another area of the shipyards. The ghost scouting the area reported back.

"The Dominion guards are sparse as you predicted Captain," the ghost said. "It seems they have gone to reinforce the section that was being attacked. However, there still remain several artillery emplacements."

"Understood, stand by for further orders." Roland closed the communication channel and leaned back.

"So how do you plan on dealing with this Captain?" Hector asked. "Most of our available soldiers are still holding off the Dominion counterattack while our pilots get the ships ready."

"It was only to be expected that they wouldn't be able to move their tanks in such a short amount of time," Roland said. "But this just means that those tanks are unsupported and vulnerable. Dominion coordination is in chaos at the moment and they will have to fend for themselves. Power without direction is useless."

Roland finished marking the locations the ghost provided on the map. "Have our special team move in. Dominion technology is still primitive in some ways. Our optical flares can ruin unshielded sensory equipment. Knock out those tanks and they will be helpless."

With the orders dispatched, all that was left was to wait as the strike team swifty attacked the remaining Dominion guards in that region.

"The ghosts have finished securing the nuclear silos," Hector informed Roland.

"Excellent, have the nukes on standby." Roland looked toward the screen in front of him displaying a map of the shipyards. By now, nearly a third of the shipyards had fallen under UED control. However, the Dominion garrison mobilized quickly and the majority of their forces were now assembled at the headquarters of the shipyard security forces to prepare for the counterattack.

Roland kept a careful eye on the disposition of the Dominion forces. The center region was by far the most fortified, but that wasn't going to matter.

"Fire the nuclear missiles," he commanded. Not long afterwards, several mushroom clouds appeared over the shipyards. This was also the signal for the UED forces to begin the attack, sweeping aside the survivors that had been thrown into chaos when their leadership was destroyed.

It was only once the UED forces reached the last section of the shipyards that was controlled by the Dominion that they started to encounter trouble as the remaining defense forces rallied.

"These Dominion soldiers are quite tenacious," Roland mused. "Even with nearly all of their forces wiped out along with their top leadership, the common soldiers continue to fight. An admirable quality, though unfortunate for us in this case."

He pulled up the screen detailing the layout of enemy forces in the area and began to think. Then, he called the commanders of each squad and began issuing direct orders.

"I want you to position your tanks at these coordinates," Roland said. "Fire upon the missile turret to your north and then exit siege mode."

As the tanks finished their bombardment, he ordered a ghost forward under cloak to lock down the enemy tanks. This then allowed the tanks to move forward and destroy that segment of the defensive line. From there, the rest of the ground forces could break through.

With the last holdouts being defeated, Roland informed the main UED fleet that was waiting in the neighboring system to come to Dylar IV. Then, he called the governor of the planet.

The voice of the governor came over the communicator. "What do you want?"

"Governor, the shipyards and the battlecruisers within are now in the hands of the United Earth Directorate," Roland said. "We have come to take control of the Terran Dominion and will deal a decisive blow to the Dominion fleet once they arrive. The capture of Dylar IV by the UED is inevitable. Now, if you were to help us, this would go even smoother."

"And why should I help you and surrender the planet?" the governor asked.

Roland smiled. "Well, if you stubbornly resist and we are forced to take the planet by storm, we certainly won't be very happy with you. On the other hand, should you choose to cooperate we can allow you to remain as the governor. Now, you could hope that we lose to the Dominion, unlikely though it may be, but what will happen next? You've lost the shipyards along with over a dozen battlecruisers. What will the Emperor think of your incompetence?"

For a short while there was only silence from the other end of the call. Then, Roland saw that the UED fleet had arrived at the edge of the system.

Finally, a weary voice responded. "Alright, what do you want me to do?"

"I'm glad that you have decided to be reasonable," Roland said. "If you want to prove your worth, you can help us a bit in the next battle. I have some EMP devices prepared, and I want you to hand over some of your ships to my crews. Then when the Dominion fleet comes, you will call them and act like you are being attacked and tell them that you are sending the remainder of your ships to join them. My men will handle it from there. Do you understand?"

"I do," the governor replied. The transmission closed and Roland opened up a channel to Stukov.

"Vice admiral, I have secured the surrender of the planet. The governor has agreed to help us lay a trap to cripple the Dominion fleet as long as we agree to keep him in place as the governor once we take over."

Stukov frowned. "You've exceeded your authority Captain. We have no guarantees as to whether he would be reliable or not. Placing him in charge of such an important planet is risky."

"I know, but this was too good of an opportunity to pass up on," Roland said. "As for him being unreliable, that is something we have little to fear. He is now wholly dependent on us for support. Should we fall, then Mengsk would not spare him. And his people won't be very happy with him either, meaning that he needs us to help him keep control. We hold all the cards here, and we can simply send him some 'advisors' to make sure he does the right actions. Of course, once we finish with our conquest of the sector we could always replace him with a more competent individual."

"Hmmm, he will be our puppet then," Stukov said. "Your plan seems sound, Captain. I shall approve of your initiative this time, but in the future inform us before making important decisions."

"Understood, vice admiral," Roland replied. The communication ended, allowing Roland to relax now that the hard work was done.

"How did you know that the governor would agree?" Hector asked.

"The governor was in charge during the time of the Confederacy before switching loyalty to the Dominion after the fall of Tarsonis. He wouldn't be opposed to switching again," Roland said. "There was really no other option for him, and he knew it. Mengsk wouldn't let him keep his position after a debacle of this scale, even if we did lose in the end. And he could see that we had the advantage in the coming fight."

Hector chuckled. "How cruel of you. Forcing a man to work for you, after you pushed him into a pit that you yourself dug."

Roland laughed. "I'm just being a kind and benevolent person, rescuing people from bad situations. I really am a good person."

"A good person indeed," Hector said as he started laughing even harder. "I'm sure he absolutely loves you right now."

"Now, let's get ready to watch the fireworks," Roland said.

A massive Dominion fleet exited warp space, approaching the Dylarian shipyards. The Directorate fleet was already in position with battle lines set.

The flagship Norad III hailed the UED fleet. "Well, now. I don't know which militia y'all are from, but I advise ya' to back down... NOW! I'm General Edmund Duke of the Dominion armada. And in the name of Emperor Mengsk, I order you to surrender your forces immediately and unconditionally."

"Ah, General Duke," Stukov replied. "I had expected your forces to arrive sooner. You should know that we represent not one of your rag-tag peasant militias, but the combined might of the United Earth Directorate."

Duke appeared shocked. "Earth Directorate? You mean to tell me that you've come all the way out here from Earth?"

"That is correct, General," Stukov said. "We're here to take control over this sector and its occupants for the betterment of mankind."

"Over my dead body. I don't care where yer' from, son. No one pushes around the Terran Dominion on my watch! All units, fire at will!" The transmission cut off, and the Dominion fleet approached.

There were several ships from the Dylar defense fleet fleeing toward the Dominion fleet. All as expected. As the Dominion fleet entered into weapon range, the trap was sprung. A series of EMP blasts knocked out power in most of the fleet. While the backup generators in the battlecruisers would kick in, their weapon systems would take some time to recover.

A volley of yamato blasts shot out from the UED fleet, striking the Dominion battlecruisers. It was as though a wave of fire swept over the fleet, leaving devastation in its wake. Some were reduced to nothing more than shattered wrecks, falling to pieces over the shipyards. Others started listing aimlessly, crippled from the attack.

The UED fleet closed in, opening fire with its main weapons. Only sporadic fire was returned, the Dominion fleet still trying to regain its bearings. As the UED fleet approached, Duke realized the predicament that he was in. Immediately, he gave an order for all surviving ships to retreat.

Some ships fled, with those crippled battlecruisers not being able to do anything more than stay in place and attack with whatever weapon systems they had left in order to cover the retreat of those that could move. By the end of the battle, only a third of the Dominion fleet had managed to make a warp jump.

Admiral DuGalle made an announcement to the fleet. "Good work men. Today we have won a great victory. The United Earth Directorate stands triumphant."