Tabitha's eyes opened to find themself in their childhood bedroom. But that couldn't be right. This had to be a dream. They fell asleep next to their mother, who was still recovering from being given the "cure" that elf gave them. The only way they'd so vividly be aware of these facts, they further surmised, is if this was not a dream. Not entirely.
"Hello, Tabitha," they heard the familiar voice of Saito, snapping their head to him. He looked different. Lacking his facial tattoos and his usual questionable outfit. Now in a plain white shirt and blue pants.
Tabitha furrowed their brow at him.
Saito gave a wry chuckle.
"I know. This is suspicious. There's no way I'm doing this without Joseph knowing. Is that what you're thinking?"
Tabitha nodded.
Saito shook his head as he stepped forward to sit at the side of the bed Tabitha found themself laying in.
"I've been given a… gift. By… an ally."
Tabitha narrowed their eyes in suspicion.
"I know it sounds strange, but I promise, I now have some measure of freedom from that man," Saito tried to reassure them. Seeing that they remained unconvinced, Saito opted to continue. "He's making his move now."
"So soon?" Tabitha finally spoke up, shocked.
Saito gravely nodded.
"We both know he's impatient. He acts like he's in control but losing Albion to the Protoss was a humiliating blow to him. And… he's been taking it out on me. Even worse when he figured out you were gone." Saito's gaze became downcast.
Tabitha instinctively reached out to take his hand, causing him to look up to them, smiling through manifesting tears.
"It's alright, I can take it. What matters is you're safe now," Saito assured them.
"I'll save you, too," Tabitha declared as they moved forward, taking Saito in a warm embrace.
"Don't worry about that," Saito replied, giving a mirthless titter as he did. "Just focus on staying safe. Stay out of Romalia."
"How soon?"
"What?"
"How soon is he going?"
Saito hesitated to answer. And not for fear of retribution from Joseph.
"Within a week, at most. He's secured another Void Mage with the church."
"Louise?"
"No, it looks like she got away," Saito gave a wry chuckle. "I don't know how she gets so lucky."
Tabitha mirrored his chuckle.
"But I think he's counting on getting his hands on her once he makes his move. You know they won't be able to stay away, those nosy girls."
Tabitha chuckled at this, as well.
"Aside from that? They have that elf. Surely that will lure them in."
"Tiffa?"
"The very same," Saito confirmed. A moment of silence was shared between the two before Saito gave an exasperated sigh. "I guess I shouldn't have said so much. Kind of hard to convince you to stay away after knowing all this."
Tabitha pulled back and gave him a faint smile, which Saito returned as he placed a hand on Tabitha's face.
"Just promise me you'll be careful, yes? I don't want my effort of breaking you out of Alhambra to be wasted."
Tabitha's eyes widened, but before they could ask anything? The room, Saito, and the entire space they were in disappeared as they opened their eyes to find themself in their room back at the academy.
They slowly sat up, taking a look at their still-moonlit room, looking for any sign something was amiss. Feeling nothing, they looked down to the peacefully sleeping form of their mother, whose face had begun to soften and fill out after years of looking strained and gaunt from the extreme stress the poison put her under.
Tabitha sighed as they recalled their "dream". Saito had only ever done it once before, years ago, before they ever came to this academy. And he was immediately found out and punished for it. Why do it again? Chancing that and revealing information to them about Joseph's plans were both monumentally risky and hazardous to him. Tabitha was almost completely convinced Saito was being genuine.
Almost.
Saito was roused from his meditation that called to Tabitha by the voice of his hated master.
"Saito, my beautiful dog, how go your preparations?" Joseph asked, smirking down at the young man.
"It proceeds well, master, our forces are nearly built to optimal strength," Saito answered, biting back a scowl.
"And the little… mishap in Aleksandria?" Joseph asked, cocking an eyebrow.
"A small oversight due to losing focus. I am making sure it does not happen again," Saito assured him.
"Indeed, I sense you spend much more time concentrating on the slave brood," Joseph noted.
"I must make sure they don't turn on us again during this crucial time. It takes much more focus than I anticipated. For that I apologize, master," Saito bowed his head.
Joseph reached out and ruffled his hair, causing every muscle in Saito's body to tense in revolt. "You are doing so well now, my beautiful familiar. Are my… corrections finally getting through to you?"
"They must, my master. You have done well for me, your faithful servant," Saito faux-praised the man before him as he removed his hand from the Saito's head.
"My heart soars at this. Or it would, if I could believe it."
"Our minds are as one. I cannot deceive you," Saito reminded him.
"Indeed, I can no longer feel any sense of deception, or resistance, within you. It is… suspicious," Joseph narrowed his eyes at Saito, who tucked his panic into the mental space he shared with Omega, just as he was tucking all his negative emotions to the man before him.
"Would it please you to beat me again, master?" Saito suggested as he began removing his top.
Joseph shivered with anticipation as he licked his lips, while Saito tucked his terror away.
"That won't be necessary," Joseph finally said, causing Saito to breathe a mental sigh of relief.
However, Joseph reached down, tilting his head up to look him in the eye, looking for any hint, any trace of resistance within him. Finding none, Joseph released Saito's face as he stood up straight.
"Keep up the good work, my familiar. It is almost time to bring our mission to its conclusion."
Saito nodded at him.
With that, Joseph smirked down at Saito once more before taking his leave, allowing Saito to release a breath he did not know he was holding.
He is none the wiser, Terran, the voice of Omega echoed in Saito's head.
And your brood in the ocean, how is it? Saito asked.
He could hear what sounded like Omega laughing. See for yourself.
Saito's mind was filled with images of a thriving undersea hive cluster that was beginning to spread close to the shores. He felt a rush of panic. You said you'd stay away from the mainland.
And so I am.
You're pushing it.
Do not be alarmed. You will be grateful for this. When the time is right.
How?
When your master carries out his plan… at the most opportune moment… release me.
WHAT?
Release me… and you shall release yourself.
Saito paused, considering Omega's words. The longer he considered, the more he realized that his desire to be free of that man overrode any other survival instinct or trepidation he might have as he steeled his expression.
Alright.
It had been days since the sisters had left their old home, permanently severing themselves from their Valliere heritage.
The first night, upon their arrival, Louise disembarked the carriage, wandering in a trance-like state to the broken form of what used to be Khaydarin, still left as they were, impaled with a piece of stone. She collapsed by their empty shell of a body, placing a hand upon them, feeling only its cold metal shell with no hum of life as they once had.
Zeratul joined her shortly, with Siesta looking out from the cart she was left within while Eleonore helped Cattleya inside.
Upon reaching Louise, the Nerazim gently placed a hand upon her shoulder.
I am sorry, Young Louise, Zeratul mournfully said.
"No," Louise replied, strangely feeling no tears come to her as she failed to see her reflection in Khaydarin's scratched metal chassis. "You did nothing wrong."
It is as the Akhundelar told me earlier… I left you to attend to my people, leaving you… and Khaydarin, vulnerable, Zeratul replied, guilt in his tone.
Louise looked up at him, no expression of judgement upon her face as she shook her head.
"You told me when you met me," Louise began as she reminisced on their first conversation, "that you would follow my orders, within reason. Yes?"
Zeratul nodded.
"And it would have been reasonable to ask you to stay here. With us. Yes?"
Zeratul once again nodded.
"Then," Louise looked down to the former probe, rubbing her hand along it, "it could also be said the fault was mine."
A moment of silence passed between them before Zeratul once again spoke up.
I must reiterate my apology to you, Young Louise.
"I already told-."
Not for that. For another among the first things I told you, Zeratul informed, causing Louise to look up to him with slight confusion. I had said that I work every day to erase the demons of the past. And that I prayed I would help you to avoid creating ones of your own. Zeratul kneeled beside her, bringing his face closer to hers, I now sense I have failed you, in that regard.
It was at that moment that it had hit her. Really hit her. Khaydarin was gone. The first proof that she was something more than what she had been told. That she had something more to offer this world. That she was not a failure. And they were gone. She was unsure of when it started, but her eyes once again burned with a flood of tears as she threw herself on her mentor, keening for a loss she felt no one but her could fully understand.
The next day, Siesta felt it pertinent to gather the things she had left behind at her parents' house, with Louise electing to stay behind, not feeling like leaving her sisters at this time. Siesta did her best to pretend everything was alright around them, but her parents were nothing if not infinitely perceptive. Especially of their daughter.
"I can see it, babygirl," her father commented sympathetically as she stopped just outside the front door and turned back to him. "You've lost someone."
Siesta could only muster a nod as she cast her gaze down.
"Not-?"
"No, Louise is fine," Siesta partially lied. Her father waited patiently for her to be ready to say what she needed to say. "It was Khaydarin," Siesta finally admitted.
"Oh, the probe, right?" Takeo asked.
Siesta nodded in confirmation. "They were so much more than that. To us."
Takeo sympathetically smiled as he took his daughter in a warm embrace. "That little rascal defended us that night. They were a good probe."
Siesta wryly chuckled into her father's chest, nodding as she did. Once they had separated, and waved goodbye, Derflinger, who had been oddly silent, finally piped up.
"Is it true?" Derflinger hesitantly asked.
Siesta gave a wavering sigh.
"It is."
"How?" Derflinger asked, in a strangely monotone way.
"Defending us from attackers," Siesta plainly informed, "to the bitter end."
"I see," Derflinger said, taking a moment to pause. "I… I can't help but feel like I shoulda been there. Like I coulda done something."
"No, Derfligner," Siesta reassured him, "it's not your fault. There wasn't anything you could have done."
"Then… why didn't you? Or Pinky? Or Ugly?" Derflnger's tone was becoming accusatory, giving Siesta pause.
"I know you're hurting," Siesta began, her voice hitching as she did, "we all are. But… we can't blame anyone but the one who did this. And he's dead."
"Well, at least there's that…" Derfligner answered as he sheathed himself. He remained silent for the remainder of the trip back.
Upon Siesta's return, she saw Louise and Zeratul outside, with a visage that looked familiar, if quite a bit larger as it nearly dwarfed Louise.
"Who's this?" Siesta asked, referring to the giant version of Khaydarin that now hovered near her wife, who was looking red and sweating as she swung the activated warp blade.
"Just…" Louise, stopping her training, began to answer, breathing heavily as she did as she looked over it, "another probe."
"Do they think they can just replace them? Like that?" Siesta asked, offended.
This probe is not intended as a replacement. Not entirely, Zeratul informed. The Executor Louise will still be in need of a probe to fulfill her duties. Khaydarin, however, cannot be replaced.
Siesta was unused to sentimentality from the Nerazim. She remembered until only very recently he had only ever referred to Khaydarin as "the probe". Perhaps he sensed that his charge needed her past familiar's unique identity acknowledged. Siesta did not feel the need to press him for answers regarding this as she watched her wife give the much larger probe a blank look before resuming the beginner exercises Siesta had remembered well.
"I thought Khaydarin was how they were all like," Siesta observed, marveling at the size of this machine.
Khaydarin was specially designed by the Xel'Naga that sent me here to be an ideal companion for Young Louise, Zeratul informed.
"That's something you've hardly talked about," Louise said, once more pausing her training and turning to Zeratul, "who sent you here. And why."
It was not pertinent to our mission, Zeratul answered, but if you wish for me to elaborate, I will do so.
At this, Louise shook her head. "No, I don't think it matters now. Like you said."
Zeratul merely nodded in response.
Later that night, Louise found it impossible to sleep on the couch she was upon, with Siesta on the floor. Quietly, making sure not to wake her wife, she left that living room to go out the front door, walking over to the probe that was stopped where she had last told it to go, dutifully awaiting further instructions.
"Hey, can you hear me?" Louise asked.
The probe did not respond.
"C'mere," Louise ordered.
Again, the probe did not respond.
Louise, growing irritated as she remembered this one was simply a machine, then rephrased her order properly.
"Probe: move." She gave this order while thinking of the destination being right before her, and the probe did, indeed, turn on the spot and move until it stopped right in front of her. She examined it once more, staring deep into the glowing, golden light of its lens.
She reached out a hand to it, placing it on the lens.
"Can you understand me?" Louise asked, a growing desperation in her voice.
The probe ignored her.
Louise then reached out to the golden metal on each side of the probe's "eye", embracing it as she pressed her face against the gold-glowing lens.
Can you understand me? Louise thought, not expecting a reply. She closed her eyes, releasing a deep, mournful sigh while the smallest amount of tears trickled down her cheeks.
Of the two sisters brought to this old manor, Eleonore was having the most difficulty adjusting, being so used to servants carrying out her daily needs invisibly. Cattleya, meanwhile, was simply happy to have Louise and her new sister-in-law near to her, despite looking worse every day.
After spending some time with her deteriorating sister before she fell asleep again, Louise was sitting in the living room area that she and Siesta had been sleeping in until they could clean the house more and get more beds while they let Cattleya use the one known good bedroom.
Louise chewed on her thumbnail as she anxiously considered all the worst that she felt was inevitably coming. She wasn't ready to let her sister go yet.
Perhaps I may offer a suggestion, Young Louise, Zeratul spoke to her as he revealed his form in the living room before her. She looked up, not moving her head as she kept chewing on her nail. Our stasis technology aboard the Spear of Adun is very advanced. It can preserve her in her current state until we have time to surmise and cure her affliction, Zeratul suggested, causing Louise to stop her nervous chewing and turn her head fully towards him, the ray of hope he offered warming her spirit. At least for a moment. Before she considered the larger implications of what he was saying.
"What if we don't? What if we can't?" Louise asked, anxiety-ridden once more.
Zeratul stepped forward and placed a hand on her shoulder, gazing down to her with what she felt was a reassuring look.
Have faith, Young Louise. He had only said this to her once before. And things had worked out, despite all the odds, then. It was enough for her as Louise felt her heart calmed and she nodded to Zeratul, who mirrored it to her.
Just as they finished that conversation, Siesta arrived home, carrying several bags with her as she was.
"Oh, let me help you with that," Louise offered as she leapt to her feet.
"Thank you, I'm still feeling a bit fatigued from a few nights ago," Siesta admitted as she allowed Louise to share her burden. "Oh, and we also have a visitor," Siesta informed as Louise saw the door open once more, revealing a solemn-faced Henrietta.
Once their groceries were put away, Louise, Siesta, Henrietta, Zeratul, and Atindrias gathered in the living room, waiting for the Queen to speak.
"Tiffa was taken," Henrietta informed them, causing Louise and Siesta to gasp, with Zeratul performing one himself, in his own way.
"What happened?" Siesta asked, furrowing her brow.
"She and Agnes were assaulted in the capital. Agnes-," Henrietta cut herself off, her breath hitching and making Louise and Siesta brace for the worst, "She's stable, but gravely wounded."
Louise and Siesta breathed a sigh of relief.
"The attackers," Henrietta continued, "one of them was identified as Julio."
Louise and Siesta were visibly shocked. They found the man irritating, but to think him a traitor? It strained credulity.
"This would mean that the church is behind this act," Henrietta informed.
"So… what do we do?" Louise asked, knowing the implications of what Henrietta had just said.
"I have thought on it since the day I found out. I kept this information about the attack to myself for days for fear of you two finding out and rushing off to fight the Pope," Henrietta wryly chuckled, "then, this letter was sent to me. By the man himself," Henrietta produced a blue-envelope that had its wax seal with the church's star-shaped emblem upon it broken and handed it to Louise, who opened it and read the letter within.
To the Queen Henrietta and her allies, the Void Mage, and the Gandalfr,
I, his most holiness Pope Vittorio the First, do hereby extend an invitation to the latter two to join me, and the other Void Mages, in Romalia. All of Halkeginia, and the human race, is in need of your service.
Arrive by the next day of Void.
-His Most Holy Pope Vittorio
Perhaps just before or just after she summoned Khaydarin, which she still felt a stab of grief at remembering, Louise would have relished this opportunity. What dutiful follower of Brimirism wouldn't? It did not matter now. She had seen and heard too much to keep that old faith. She took a moment to consider their next move. The next day of Void was five days from now. And she couldn't just leave Cattleya behind. No, first, she had to attend to that.
"We'll need the rest of today to prepare," Louise announced as she neatly refolded the letter and tucked it back in the envelope.
Henrietta nodded, "Of course. Whatever you need."
"In the meantime," Louise began as she stood up to hand the envelope back to Henrietta, "you're welcome to stay here. There's not much usable room, but we're slowly working on it." Louise gave her friend a small smile as she reached a hand out to her. Henrietta returned these gestures, rising to her feet as she did.
"I greatly appreciate that, my friend," Henrietta replied.
Louise then turned to Zeratul. "As for the other thing we talked about?" Louise hesitated as she gathered the strength to say what she knew needed to be said, "We should go as soon as possible." Zeratul nodded while Siesta and Henrietta looked at her in confusion.
Their confusion cleared soon enough as Cattleya was roused and helped outside. Louise, Siesta, Eleonore, Cattleya, and Zeratul, who called for this, were warped to the Spear of Adun. Upon their arrival, Eleonore faltered, just as Louise and Siesta once did, and nearly vomited, only being stopped by the sheer terror of the unfamiliarity of this alien place she found herself within that she could scarcely comprehend.
After a time, they were led to a chamber that even Louise and Siesta had never seen before, with millions of Protoss warriors preserved in stasis around them in the round room that they could not see a ceiling to. Zeratul stepped forward, summoning a console as he began to operate it.
Cattleya, for her part, through heaving breaths and involuntary spasms in her limbs, was staring at everything with childlike wonder and amazement.
"Where… am I?" Cattleya weakly asked, her speech so deeply slurred that Louise needed time to understand what she said.
"You're aboard the Spear of Adun, the Protoss Arkship," Louise informed her as she took her hand.
"Am I… among the stars?" Cattleya asked, hopeful.
Louise softly smiled as she squeezed her hand, "You are, Chii."
"I would like… to see them," Cattleya requested. Since they arrived… they only went deeper into the Spear of Adun, with only golden halls to see. No stars.
Louise pondered for a moment, considering the risks as her sister seemed to be fading before her. After a moment, she made her decision, nodding in agreement as they took her to the bridge.
Once there, they were greeted by Artanis, ever present to give orders as he was.
Executor Louise, it is good to see you well, Artanis greeted her with a fist upon his chest.
Louise nodded as Eleonore looked stunned in silence by her surroundings.
Executor? Eleonore thought. The word seemed to carry weight. And these beings… they… respected her. They respected Louise.
Indeed, Terran, Artanis directly addressed Eleonore, causing her to whip her head around for the source of the voice. I see the mechanics of psionics elude you.
"Eleonore," Louise said, getting her sister's attention. She then pointed over to Artanis, who nodded at Eleonore.
I gather you are a relation of the Executor? Artanis asked.
Eleonore needed a moment to regard this figure with awe before she slowly nodded.
I am Artanis. Grand Hierarch of the unified Protoss Peoples of the Daelaam. It is an honor to meet you, then, Sister Eleonore, Artanis inclined his head to her.
Eleonore was still too overwhelmed to respond. Siesta gently nudging her side with an elbow snapped her out of it enough to incline her head back to the Hierarch.
Eleonore thought back to that night. When she sat down to dinner with Louise. And how she proclaimed so many things at the time that only made her scoff in disbelief. And felt an ever greater sense that no amount of apologies towards her sister would ever be sufficient.
Cattleya, cradled by Zeratul, was brought forward, staring up into the sea of stars that could now match the ones in her own eyes. Everyone could see tears begin to manifest and fall down her cheeks as she, with great effort due to her spasming hands, reached out to them, smiling.
"It's… beautiful," Cattleya commented.
"Not as beautiful as you, Chii," Louise remarked, standing beside her sister's carried form.
After a moment, Cattleya's arm returned to her. She looked down at her sister and placed a hand upon her face as she smiled solemnly.
"You… need to let me go."
These words hit Louise like a boulder to her chest.
"No, please, I'm not ready to," Louise pleaded as she took her sister's hand that was upon her face, squeezing it with all her might.
"You… need to," Cattleya repeated. "You… are growing into a fine woman. More beautiful, courageous, and wonderful than I could have imagined." Cattleya's solemn smile grew as tears continued to fall down her face. "I am sorry… that I spent so long playing peacekeeper. When I… should have simply stood by your side."
"No, Chii, you have nothing to apologize for. You were the only one who made me feel loved the whole time I was stuck in that house. I need you. Please. Don't give up. Not yet," Louise was doing everything in her power to stop from sobbing as she looked up at her faltering sister.
"Cattleya," Eleonore said, finally realizing the weight of what was happening as tears began to manifest in her eyes as well. "I'm so sorry you couldn't see me be better for Louise. I promise, I will do better. So please, keep fighting, so you can live to see us all grow closer. Please." Eleonore's tone had a desperation in it that Louise had never heard before. One she felt acutely as well in this moment.
Cattleya merely shook her head, "I always knew… you loved her. And now I've seen it… with my own eyes. My sisters… finally growing close." Cattleya strained to give them a wide smile. "I… could not be happier."
As Louise watched as her sister's eyes began drooping. Her heart became gripped by panic, causing her to fly to the nearest unoccupied console, her mind filling with the knowledge of how to use it once her fingers had graced the device.
"Louise, what are you doing?" Eleonore asked, confused and concerned as she wiped some of her tears away.
"No, I'm not ready. I'm not ready yet," Louise muttered desperately as she set up the command she wished to execute, calling up Karax as she did.
"Hmm, it is strange to receive communication from one of the consoles… Oh! Hello Executor Louise! How may I be of assistance?" Karax greeted in his usual friendly manner.
"Prepare for emergency warp to the stasis chamber. I wish for you to prepare one for a terran adult female," the words certainly came from Louise's mouth, but they felt foreign even to her.
"Right away, Executor," Karax stuttered in reply, with Louise turning to give her slumping sister a desperate look.
"I'm sorry, Chii, I'm just…" she paused, shame filling her as she began to realize the hypocrisy in her actions and casting her gaze away from her, "I just got you back. I'm not ready. Not yet."
Louise could hear a faint giggle, which prompted her to return her gaze to her faltering sister, who was still gently smiling at her.
"Alright… I understand."
Louise returned Cattleya's smile as she returned her gaze to the console, pressing a light-manifested button that executed the commands she had entered and causing everyone to be warped to the stasis chamber where they once were. Once again, Eleonore found herself needing to brace against something, finding the ample form of Karax supporting her.
Yes, warp travel is quite disorienting for lesser beings such as yourselves. Especially the first few times. Do not worry, you will become used to it, Karax reassured a stunned silent Eleonore with a gentle clap on her shoulder before turning his attention to the console that Zeratul was working at earlier.
A moment later, a stasis pod was warped before them, its shielded front opened. Though it was much larger than Cattleya, designed, as it was, for beings that towered over her, Karax had swiftly printed a "mold" to comfortably hold the woman in place, even as she kept spasming. As she was gently placed within the pod, Louise, Eleonore, and Siesta all stepped up to it, with Louise and Eleonore each taking one of her hands while she weakly smiled at them.
"If you're confident…" Cattleya began, each word sounding like an immense labor for her to speak as she looked to Louise "That this will work out? Then I trust you." After that, she turned her attention to Siesta. "Take care of them, my sister…" Siesta gave a small smile as she nodded to her.
Executor, her life signs are failing, we must act now, Karax informed.
Louise and Eleonore stepped away, taking each other's hands as they watched a light-manifested barrier come between them and their sister while her breathing slowed and her eyes closed.
Before either of them could worry, Karax reassured them, She is stable. And will be, for as much time as you need, Executor Louise.
Louise and Eleonore both released breaths they didn't know they were holding as they embraced each other, tears once again manifesting for each of them at the overwhelming nature of this situation.
At the very least, they each thought, these were not tears of grief. Not yet.
The sisters' embrace was interrupted by the sound of Artanis' voice ringing through Louise's head.
Executor, you are needed on the bridge immediately. Are you prepared for emergency warp? Artanis asked, urgency in his tone.
Louise took a step back from Eleonore, wiping her eyes as she did.
"I have to go now," Louise told her, causing worry to appear on the elder sister's face.
"I need you right now," Eleonore pleaded as she put her hands on Louise's shoulders. Louise, in response, folded her arms back to place her hands on her sister's.
"I know. But you must be uncomfortable here. It's a lot to take in," Louise gave a wry chuckle.
"As long as we're together, we can face anything," Eleonore chuckled back. The two exchanged a warm smile as Louise nodded.
Okay, we're all ready, Artanis, Louise replied.
Immediately upon her thinking that, the group was warped back to the bridge, where Artanis was standing before a holographically projected image of stars that showed a greater portion of this galaxy that Terre occupied. Louise, Siesta, and Eleonore eyed it with awe.
I have made a most troubling discovery, Artanis began as he waved his hand before the projection, causing it to zoom in on a section of space that looked… off. Artanis pointed to this empty space. Our gravimetric readings indicate there should be a star or star system in this area, however-
"It's empty," Louise commented.
Indeed. Gravity does not behave this way, Artanis confirmed. When the Akhundelar Siesta came here days ago, she presented to us a new way of analyzing our readings. Which led us to the troubling discovery I referred to.
Siesta thought back to what was discussed that night, realization dawning on her face, "You looked for what you couldn't see."
Correct, Artanis once again confirmed, we are sending scouts to the location now, but there are… theories as to what it could be.
Louise gave him an imploring look.
There is the possibility it is an exo-planetary UED base, Artanis posited, causing Louise and Siesta to gasp, while Eleonore looked merely concerned as she had no idea the full depth of what this meant.
Impossible, how could we miss this? Zeratul asked, disbelieving.
"Psi disruptors," Louise said, causing everyone to look at her in surprise. "Remember that night at the theater? With the smaller Psi disruptor you found? And how it seemed to make me… invisible to you?" Louise asked her mentor, who nodded in understanding.
A wise deduction. But Psi disruptors are not known to work that way, Artanis informed.
"If all your technology is based on psionics, then it stands to reason that a device that disrupts psionic connections would interfere with it," Louise stated.
I find that logic impossible to argue. The UED would have been a much greater threat to us, had they known it could be weaponized against us in such a manner during the Brood War, Zeratul said, mostly to Artanis.
Indeed, however, it seems this version of the UED has discerned that purpose, Artanis replied, concerned. We have no idea the size and strength of their forces, and what havoc their Psi Disruptor technology will wreak upon us should we engage too hastily.
Perhaps Nerazim forces would fare better, as our technology calls upon the Void, Zeratul suggested.
Indeed, perhaps even our Purifier brethren would fare well, Artanis surmised. After a moment he came upon a plan. I will have the Matriarch and Talandar begin shoring up our defenses, while holding Khalai forces in reserve, for now. Phase-smith, Artanis addressed Karax, who snapped to attention before his Hierarch. Begin the task of implementing Void-based submodules to our scanners and other critical systems. Whatever can be accomplished will be a great boon to us in the coming conflict.
At once, Hierarch, Karax inclined his head.
"Before that," Louise interrupted, once again surprising the Protoss in the room, "I have something I wish to discuss with you, Karax."
In the depths of the ship, in a room that was uncomfortably hot for the Terrans present, Louise began her request to Karax.
She gestured to her collar, at which could faintly be seen the mostly-hidden form of the necklace that Louise adorned.
"Can you make another one? But one with a built-in charge?" Louise asked.
Perhaps… Karax sounded intrigued. It would need to be powered by a generator of some kind, however. And if you are facing Psionic disruption, you may find it hard to use. Karax paused for a moment, Of course, I can always consult the Nerazim for a Void-based backup to that. Either way, it would be temporary.
Louise nodded as a smirk broke out upon her face. "That should be enough."
Siesta looked at her wife with confused pride. She didn't know exactly what this woman was planning, but she was looking forward to the results nonetheless.
"How soon can you have one ready for me?" Louise asked.
Almost immediately, Executor. Such a task would be so quick to accomplish I would recommend staying aboard the ship during this time, Karax said, excitement in his tone.
"Very well, begin," Louise nodded to him with a small smile before turning back to the rest of her group. "Now what?"
I believe now is the perfect time to address you, strange Terran, an unfamiliar, wizened, feminine Protoss voice gently spoke to Louise, shocking her.
"Is something wrong?" Siesta asked, concerned.
"There's… a new voice in my head. One I've never heard before," Louise hesitantly admitted.
Come to the War Council Chamber. I await you, the voice said, as the presence disappeared from Louise's mind. She paused for a moment, unsure what to do with this new information, before she turned to Zeratul.
"Where is the War Council Chamber?" she asked.
Zeratul had no answer. He had not heard of this place aboard this ship before. It had never occurred to him to ask after such a place, as well.
Oh! I believe I can help with that, Executor, Karax said. Though, why would you wish to go there?
"A voice. It told me to go there," Louise answered.
Curious… Karax mused, but why would she…? Never mind. I am sure it must be important for her to reach out to you, specifically.
"Wait, who is 'she'?" Louise asked.
You shall see for yourself, in a moment, Karax said as he operated a console near him. Are you prepared for warp?
"Oh no, not agai-!" Eleonore's protest was cut off by Louise nodding and the three terrans and one Nerazim were warped to what Louise assumed was the War Council.
It was a vast room, filled with countless warriors, hanging off of walls and along what looked like buttresses, in stasis. It was now that Louise, Siesta, and Zeratul recognized this room. As something they'd seen on their way to the bridge via elevator. Off in the distance, beyond a balcony they found themselves on, the cold, starry void of space could be seen. It was only held back by what they could see were glowing edges around the opening to indicate it was shielded, just as the bridge was. Immediately before them, however, was a console about half the size of the one on the bridge that projected the holograms, and a feminine-looking Protoss floating near it.
Greetings, Terran, the Protoss's eyes lit up as the words came from her mind to theirs and she placed a hand on her lightly armored chest that only covered her down to the top of her belly, I am Rohana. One of the three Sacred Preservers.
Zeratul fell to a kneeling position, bowing his head low before the Protoss before them. Eleonore, in a panic, copied him, surmising this one was a being that demanded great respect. Louise and Siesta, meanwhile, simply inclined their heads as Rohana inclined hers.
"What's a 'preserver'?" Louise asked.
It is, or was, my charge to be a living record of our people's history. Through the Khala, I was able to recall the memories and experiences of all Protoss who embraced the light, as though I had experienced them myself.
"That's amazing!" Louise cried out. "If such a thing were possible for our people, imagine what we could learn?! How many mistakes we could avoid repeating?!" This tickled that old, studious part of her that hungered for knowledge.
However, in response, Rohana shook her head, I thought so as well. But the Khala proved to be a curse, not a gift. It brought about arrogance. And stagnation. And, ultimately, it was weaponized against us by the Dark God.
"Dark God?" Louise asked.
Amon, Zeratul spoke, an aggression in his tone that Louise could scarcely remember ever hearing from him. That name. The being. Even recalling its sinister voice she heard those few times was enough to make her shudder.
"Who is he?" Louise asked.
A fallen Xel'Naga, the Gods our people worshiped and still hold reverence for to this day, Rohana explained. We did not know… that it was Amon who set us upon our path. Uplifted us. Preyed upon our ambition. And used us to slay his brethren. He did not count on him being slain in the process, however.
Louise, Siesta, and Eleonore were enthralled by this tale.
His goal was to end all of existence. To cast it into darkness to spite his brethren for the sake of his own resentment towards his existence.
Siesta fought a snort at this. An all-powerful evil being? Motivated entirely by "good morning, the Founder has let me live another day and I am about to make it everyone's problem"? It was pathetically, laughably juvenile.
"This… is fascinating. But… I'm afraid we don't have much time," Louise admitted, "Why have I been called here?"
I understand, Terran, Rohana nodded, I have called you here to confirm something I felt when last you were aboard this ship.
"You could feel me?" Louise asked.
Indeed, your presence bears a unique similarity to one I remember, Rohana's words caused both Louise and Siesta to go slack-jawed. Zeratul would have, as well, had he had one to go slack. However, as I have long since severed myself from the Khala's light, I had… difficulty in placing the feeling you evoked. Louise gave her an imploring look. Now that you are before me, Rohanda floated close to Louise, leaning down and bringing her face close to her, I can see it.
"See what?" Louise asked, her voice trembling with anticipation and concern.
There is no doubt. You bear the essence of Tassadar within you, Rohana revealed.
Louise's heart immediately began to race as her eyes went wide. That was impossible. Zeratul had assured her, more than once, that Protoss and humans could not mix.
I cannot explain how this is possible, but there is no mistaking the aura you emit, Terran.
Would that Zeratul were capable of gasping, he would have. The idea of his old friend having progeny? And that he would be in the presence of one? It shook him to his very core.
"I'm Louise," the pinkette defiantly stated. "And what you're saying is impossible."
And yet… Rohana began as she straightened herself and floated backwards to where she was before beside the console, it is so.
I would not be so quick to dismiss the Preserver, Executor, Zeratul said as he stepped forward. It explains things that I have questioned about you for some time.
Louise crossed her arms and furrowed her brow at the Nerazim, "If you had questions, why didn't you just ask?"
There has been little time, Zeratul said. It was when I witnessed you summon the Psionic Storm during our battle in Albion. Such a high level Psionic Technique, for one who possesses the power of the Void? I thought perhaps I was mistaken. That you were going to lean towards Psionics. Yet, still, I did not sense the psionic potential that I felt in the Akhundelar.
Zeratul's words were causing both Louise and Siesta to sweat with anxiety. There had already been more than enough revelations in her life, Louise thought, she didn't need what she thought he was going to say next.
However, you have also become adept at your Void powers, with no difficulty in transitioning in between. This leads to one conclusion.
"Please, don't-"
You are a Twilight Savior, Zeratul cut Louise off before she could finish her plea.
Louise clasped her head and cried out in frustration, with Siesta comforting her.
I do not understand, Executor, this is a truly rare honor, indeed, Zeratul wondered.
After Louise had finished her primal scream, she, taking deep breaths as she did, turned to Zeratul, scowling.
"Remind me what happened to these 'twilight saviors'?" Louise asked. Before he could reply, she continued, "And then ask yourself why I wouldn't want to be one."
Zeratul did not reply.
In the silence, Louise glared at Rohana, "And I'm not a Protoss. I'm human!"
Your aura betrays you, Rohana replied.
Is it shameful to you? To be considered as our own? Zeratul asked, without judgment.
"That's not it," Louise said as she stared at the metal floor and thought for a moment to come up with the best way to explain herself to her mentor, "Imagine if you found out you were part human. Or part Zerg."
This statement was enough to give both Protoss pause as they considered her words.
A wise observation, Young Louise, Zeratul admitted. But there is nothing more to be asked of you, this is merely information that is being observed.
"Then why tell me?!" Louise demanded, her voice echoing through this chamber.
It… fascinated me, Rohana admitted, though, I forgot that lesser beings such as you are more run by your emotions than your reason.
Before Louise could retort, glaring at the Preserver as she was, Zeratul stepped in front of her, facing the Preserver.
I implore you do not insult my charge, Zeratul's tone carried with it the feeling of a threat.
I would expect nothing less from a Fallen One, Rohana replied, in a manner that made those listening feel like it was a snipe.
Executor! I have finished work on the device you requested. Please come collect it, when you are ready, Karax's voice interrupted Louise, causing her glare to falter. She gave one last, withering look to Rohana before turning on her heel.
"Let's go, Karax said he's ready," Louise announced. As they walked, Eleonore reached out to take her sister's hand, causing them all to stop. Louise turned to see her sister looking down at her with concern.
"I… I had no idea," Eleonore admitted, apologetic, "I had no idea these were the kinds of burdens you were bearing."
Louise gave her sister a solemn look before sighing with resignation and shaking her head, "You couldn't have known."
"Still," Eleonore said, "I'm sorry."
Louise wryly smiled at her, "It's okay."