"isn't exodus a drug addicted high school dropout turned korean and former sex offender?"
-Persian
|
| Chapter Two: Redemption and Death | | | Author: | | | IP: | pa-gbg-tXXXX | | Date: | 06/17/02 03:06 | | Game Type: | Starcraft | | Labels: | none | | Report Rating: , # of Ratings: 2, Max: 8, Min: 6
Lifetime Rating for TheyAre: 6.1111 |   | Chapter Two, no intro, encompasses Protoss Missions 2 and 3 in Original. Still looking for a nice pic for the story.
Chapter Two: Redemption and Death
The sun of Aiur slowly rose over the horizon, a sliver of white light that momentarily blinded Fenix as it blasted him with its power. He turned to escape its rays, instead choosing to look down upon the ruined mass that had been a Zerg Cerebrate barely two hours ago, a living, breathing creature. He remembered the terse meeting bare hours before, when Tassadar finally sent a message to his Templar brethren…
* * *
The Citadel of the Executor was a massive Nexus, taller and wider than any other on Aiur. It dominated the skyline of Antioch, and was larger than even the Temple of the Khala on the southern edge of the city, the side facing the An’Hari desert.
The mood inside the Citadel was anything but bright, even with the siege of Antioch lifted. The Zerg Brood that had landed in the desert was still there, rebuilding its shattered forces, its master, whatever it was, driving its minions to a murderous frenzy.
Fenix and the Executor sat beside one another, watching on a large viewscreen as Aldaris greeted them in his stuffy, official way. [En Taro Adun, Executor. Your defense of Antioch has restored my faith in the Templar caste. I admit that Tassadar's desertion had shaken my faith.]
The Executor began to say something, and Fenix sprang forward. This time he was determined to defend his friend’s honor, but then the viewscreen emitted a burst of static, and another image appeared beside Aldaris’, one Fenix had not seen in almost a year, a visage that filled him with joy and relief that his brethren was safe.
[Indeed, Aldaris?] The Templar on the screen said. [I would hope that the Judicator would put more faith in their Templar brethren.] His voice was light, almost mocking. A voice Fenix and the Executor had heard many times over the years, a voice that made you feel no matter how desperate the situation was, in the end it would be all right.
[Tassadar!] Aldaris yelled, his eyes glowing a fierce orange in surprise. [Where have you been?]
In a moment Tassadar’s tone became coldly furious, a tone one would use when reprimanding a subordinate. [Be silent, Judicator. There is no time to waste, and I have much to tell you. As you know, the Zerg vanished after the fall of the Terran world of Tarsonis, and even though the Conclave bid me return home, I was compelled to remain.
[A powerful psionic call drew my attention to a remote, barren world named Char. Apparently, the call was answered by others as well. For upon Char, I encountered those who were once our brethren—the Dark Templar.]
Aldaris exploded. [Consorting with the Fallen Ones is heresy!]
Tassadar shot back quickly, rocking the Judicator back on his heels, Fenix expected. [Enough! Hear me, Executor, for I have learned much from the Dark Templar Prelate, Zeratul.]
Silence greeted him. The name of Zeratul was well known among the higher ranks of the Templar and Judicator. Leader of the armed forces of the Dark Templar, he was wanted for dozens of crimes against the Khala, including infiltrating the Homeworld herself many times during his life. The only way to deal with the likes of he was death, as was written by the Khala’s Law.
[The Overmind controls its minions through agents called Cerebrates,] Tassadar continued. [Strike down the Cerebrates, and the Swarm will surely fall.]
Fenix spoke up. [Executor, Tassadar may be right. If you can keep the Zerg occupied, my force may be able to penetrate their perimeter and slay the abomination.]
Aldaris, looking mournful, said, [I pray we can trust you, Tassadar. Already I can sense the taint of the Fallen Ones’ influence on your mind. You must return to Aiur at once!]
Tassadar’s tone was serious, but with a hint of the playfulness it had held during his entrance. [My concern is for the safety of Aiur, not the judgments of the Conclave. I will return when the time is right.]
* * *
Fenix remembered watching the horrible battle as the Executor’s outnumbered forces repeatedly provoked the massive Zerg Brood into combat while his small strike team was inserted behind the main Hive cluster. Then the battle had truly begun, although the outcome was almost predetermined. Caught between the two forces, the Zerg had fell in a hail of Disrupter Cannon and Scarab fire, their bodies burned and twisted, leaving the wormlike Cerebrate open to attack. Fenix had struck the final blow himself, exulting at the feeling of flesh giving way under his Psi Blade, the feeling of the abomination’s mind slowly fading as it died.
Now, looking down at the ruined body of the Cerebrate, Fenix wondered when he would be recalled to Antioch. The mood after the destruction of the Zerg Hive cluster was undeniably joyous; even Aldaris seemed brighter. He had personally taken the Praetor aside and told him that he had redeemed himself in the Conclave’s eyes, thanks to his role in the death of the Cerebrate. Things had seemed… better then, the war against the Zerg almost over—We were fools, bare hours ago, Fenix thought—but that was before a messenger arrived, bearing word from Executor Talis at Scion. His forces had been overwhelmed, run from the capital of the province, and were hiding in the nearby foothills. They would all be wiped out, or worse, if reinforcements from Aiur did not soon arrive.
The Executor and Aldaris had wordlessly broken away from the main group, and minutes later an Executive Shuttle rose into the sky, gouts of blue flame blasting from its engines as it sped away to the Citadel. A message left by Aldaris said that the decision of the Conclave was to send the 1st, 4th, and 5th Legions to Scion, and was transferring the 12th Legion to Antioch to continue the defense of the Protoss capital.
He had sent a return message, saying [I will remain here and observe the effects of our attack. Return to the Citadel. I shall notify you when the behavior of the Brood becomes erratic.]
And so he had remained, observing. The Brood’s behavior had stayed the same now for hours, that being its minions merely stood still, their eyes glassy, and would not respond to any stimuli, even a Psi Blade cutting through their rough hides. These Zerg are truly dependent on their Cerebrates, Fenix thought. It is amazing how simple-minded they are. Yet no other species had ever put the Protoss people in such danger, flaunted the might of their Templar and laid waste to large tracts of the Homeworld herself. Help us, Khas, Fenix thought, remembering the devastation that the Aeon of Strife had wrought. Its scars still covered parts of Aiur, ruins of great cities, or places where even the simplest of plants refused to grow, like the great An’Hari desert, where the main armies of the Akilae and Sargas Tribes had fought a massive battle. A titanic conflict that lasted for over a decade, until both Tribes had been forced to retreat. The prospect of mutual annihilation slapping them in the face had finally convinced the Praetors of both tribes that living to fight another day was better than going out in a blaze of glory.
A Templar floated up to him, his—no, her—eyes flashing a bright red as she handed him a report. [The briefing of the situation in Scion is set to begin in ten minutes, Praetor,] she said. [Do you wish to attend? We can set up a small transmitter/receiver here, so you can remain and observe Cerebrate.]
[Very well,] Fenix said. [Set up the transmitter, Templar.] He watched her go, rethinking once again his position on women joining the ranks of the Templar. It had been an emergency decision passed by the Conclave, but… they just were not suited for front line combat. Piloting fightercraft or serving on Carriers was different, but… Fenix had never seen a woman Zealot. What he had seen were far too many Dragoons who had been women Zealots, women Zealots who had been assigned to remote outposts to get them out of the way… outposts the Zerg had overrun.
The viewscreen had been set up, and was connecting to the Executor’s Citadel in Antioch when Fenix heard an odd… slurping sound coming from the small ravine where the dead Cerebrate lay. Looking over the lip of the ravine, Fenix let out a snort of a surprise, along with a Protoss curse, at the sight before him.
The torn flesh of the Cerebrate was regenerating, healing itself. The mass was pulsing as blood flowed through visible veins, and the ravine was full of Zerg. Hundreds of them. They hadn’t noticed him yet, but he had to make his report and get out of there, now. He put a hand on the Templar’s forehead as she returned to silence her, then pointed into the ravine. She looked down and her eyes widened, burning a fiery red in surprise. She nodded and ran off, silently sounding the alarm as she went. Fenix silently took note of how the Cerebrate seemed larger now, more robust.
The viewscreen let out a quiet beep as it activated. Fenix rushed to it, interrupting the briefing and raising a hand to quiet the startled Judicator Aldaris and the Executor. [Executor, I bring news most dire,] he said softly. [The Cerebrate we thought we killed has risen again. The creature’s battered form was reincarnated, despite the considerable damage we inflicted upon it. Even now, the Cerebrate drives its Brood in preparation for their next offensive.]
Aldaris cursed and slammed a hand down upon the table in front of him, although neither Fenix or the Executor could see it. [It is as I feared,] he said ominously. [It was folly to believe Tassadar could be trusted. The Conclave will not soon forget his wanton betrayal. Nevertheless, we must stand resolute. For attacking defenseless Cerebrates is not the way of true Protoss warriors! We shall overcome the entire Swarm with the might and fury that is our heritage!]
He paused for a moment, breathing heavily. [Executor, we shall lead our main strike force to the province of Scion, which has fallen to the Zerg. It’s time the Zerg felt the wrath of the Sons of Aiur! Praetor Fenix will remain here with a small detachment to guard Antioch from any further assaults.]
Fenix sighed. It was true then. He would be left with an undermanned garrison, most likely from the 12th Legion, as Aldaris’ earlier message had conveyed. How was he to defend Antioch from an assault? He slowly said, [Adun be with you, Executor. Bring swift death to the enemies of Aiur.] He cut the connection, and ran for the Shuttles which were taking his forces back to Antioch. The days ahead would certainly be darker than any he had seen before. The people needed light, and Fenix knew he would be forced to be that light. It was not something he looked forward to.
* * *
The Executor watched in dismay as his Shuttle landed in the middle of the main Protoss base in the Scion province. He was greeted by a Nexus. A few Pylons. Two battalion’s worth of Dragoons. A wing of Scouts rounded out the defenses. Not nearly enough to hold off a small probe by a Zerg Hive cluster, and he’d heard that there were two, each distinctly separate from the other, in the area. [Wonderful,] he said softly. [This is what I am given to work with.]
As he stepped off the Shuttle, the Executor could feel the pall that had fallen over the base. The Templar here felt—no, knew—they were going to die. I must spread hope into these poor souls, the Executor thought.
A young Zealot ran up to him, his nerve cords bouncing everywhere as he tried to catch his breath, his hands on his knees. [Executor,] he said between pants, [we have an urgent message from Praetor Fenix at Antioch. It is waiting in the Shuttle.]
What now? The Executor thought. How many more must die before Aldaris and the Conclave realize that the Zerg is a true threat? Perhaps Antioch should have been overrun. They believe they are winning this war… but all around them is desperation and death.
As he entered the Shuttle, the Executor could dimly hear Fenix yelling something… [Executor! Antioch is under attack by overwhelming Zerg forces!]
The Executor began to say something, began to issue orders for a pullout from the Scion system, when Judicator Aldaris, who was also in the Shuttle, interrupted. [Praetor, you must hold your position for as long as possible. Fight on, brave Fenix. And know that the Gods watch over you. En Taro Adun!] Aldaris then proceeded to cut the connection. The Executor turned on him in a fury. [What is going on here! Fenix is Praetor of our Defense Forces! We cannot allow him to fall!]
Aldaris regarded him coldly. [I have my orders from the Conclave, Executor,] he said. [They are to destroy the Zerg Hive clusters here in the Scion province. Until then, or until the Conclave remands those orders, we will remain here, and combat the Zerg threat. Do you understand me?] his voice had turned silky, dangerous; the Executor had heard him use that voice before, and knew it was best to obey when it was used. [Very well, Judicator,] he said. [We will remain here. And if the “brave” Fenix falls—] his eyes flashed dangerously—[I will know who is responsible.]
[I applaud your devotion to your Templar brethren,] Aldaris said, [but now is not the time to show that devotion. En Taro Adun, Executor,] he said. [You will defend Scion to the last man.] He made his way over another Shuttle, and moments later, it lifted off, disappearing into the skies of Scion.
Damn him! The Executor thought vehemently. The Conclave and their Judicator lackeys will tear our race apart, he thought sorrowfully. The war had been going on for years, now. It already seemed endless. Experts had said it could go on for another ten years, another twenty. The Executor knew why they did not go farther. In another twenty years the Empire will have been destroyed by the swarms. Why must my race go through another period of destruction? Must my brethren lay millions to rest, millions who have been sent to the Khala’s End for no purpose other than to sate the appetite of a creature we have never even seen, much less know it even exists? The Executor could find no answers, and it depressed him all the more.
* * *
The Protoss Temple at Antioch had been built over one hundred fifty thousand years ago by the followers of Khas, a memorial to the warriors who had fell in the great battle between the Akilae and Sargas Tribes. Over the thousands of years, it had been acknowledged as the focal point for the Khala, and the great capital city of Antioch had risen to one side, leaving the Temple a large open area around it as a sign of respect. On one end of the place of worship was the An’Hari desert, endless shimmering dunes, and the Tylae Mountains beyond; to the other, almost a full kilometer of beautiful gardens and shrines to the Khala before the greenery gave way to Antioch.
Fenix strode along one of the outer pathways of the Temple, to one side the massive rough-hewn rocks that made up the monument, to the other the desert—and sweltering heat. The stones that made up the roof that covered path, floor, and pillars holding up the roof on the other side did not help either—all of them held in the heat. I should have sent a lowly Zealot to do this patrol, he thought, running a hand across his brow. He quickly pulled it back, hissing in pain as the heated metal scorched his skin. But I must set an example for my brethren. Fenix had been setting examples ever since he'd joined the ranks of the Templar over 250 years before—and was glad to see that his men had followed those examples during the war against the Zerg. Relieved, as well.
He did not notice the slime dripping off the edge of the roof, and did not hear it splatter against the stone floor. Nor did he hear it sizzle as the heat of the stones brought it to a boil and evaporated it almost immediately. The two Hunter Killers perched on the roof above Fenix waited for the command of the Cerebrate that would send them down onto the pathway, down to rip and tear and kill…
The Cerebrate did not disappoint them. A silent mental command, and both dropped down, hissing and snarling as they did so. Fenix turned, and cursed at the sight of the two Hydralisks. He activated his Psi Blades and said something to them, a challenge perhaps. The two Zerg did not understand his words, but they comprehended the tone in them perfectly. They advanced slowly, slime dripping out of their gargantuan jaws and falling to the pathway floor, snarls and wails screaming from their throats.
[Kill him, before he calls for help!] The Cerebrate commanded. Fenix powered up his Psi Blades and charged the Hunter Killers, before stopping abruptly as his Blades flickered and died. Fenix barely had time to glance at his Blades, and utter a Protoss war cry before the Hunter Killers were on him, ripping and tearing. As his death cries rose over the Temple, alerting the other Protoss, the Cerebrate transmitted a message to the Overmind: [it is done. This “Fenix” is dead. The capture of Antioch will commence.]
[Excellent, my child,] the Overmind responded. [Soon we will be… perfect.]
* * *
The Executor watched as his force of Dragoons slowly pushed through the mass of Zerg defending the final Hive cluster in the Scion province. One last group of Zerglings rushed the Templar, dying in a hail of Disrupter Cannon fire that obliterated them, tore their bodies in half, smashed them to jelly, or killed them in any of a half-dozen other ways. A squad of Zealots moved in with the Dragoons, screening the cybernetic warriors as they pounded the Zerg structures until they collapsed in an explosion of blood and flesh. [Disengage from the Scion system,] he ordered after the last one had fallen. [Our work here is done.] It had not been easy, but he had prevailed over the Swarm. It filled the Executor with a sense of pride that he had been the first to hit the Zerg with a truly devastating blow.
Or so he hoped.
On the Gal’Rae, the Executor let a cocky smile spread over his face as Aldaris appeared on the viewscreen. [Congratulations, Executor,] he said, [but I have grim news to send you. While you were defeating the Zerg forces here in the Scion province, Antioch was overrun by the Brood that we thought we had subdued. Praetor Fenix… is dead.] His voice grew bitter. [Tassadar’s betrayal has sealed the fate of thousands, possibly millions of our brethren if the Zerg attack our civilians hiding in the jungles beyond Antioch. His treachery will be remembered. We will now head to Char, to find Tassadar and bring him to justice. The Conclave has decided that he is now the greatest threat to the Protoss race.] Aldaris’ face disappeared as he cut the connection.
The Executor sat back, stunned. Fenix, dead? No. But it was true. His earlier thoughts came back to him. How many more must die before we realize how dangerous the Zerg are?
How many?
And so Chapter Two ends with my man Fenix dead... I need a hug =*(. |
|
|
|
Home
Forum
Starcraft Tournaments
