Starcraft 2 Ic

[Lansfirestar]

A month has passed since the fall of the Queen of Blades. The surviving zerg who were once under Kerrigan’s rule has turned renegade leaving them unpredictable and dangerous. Meanwhile, the Dominion is still reeling from the devastating effects of Jim Raynor’s broadcast, as many of the outer – rim planets have broken off from Dominion rule, leaving Arcturus Mengsk and his fleet stretched thin as they scramble to bring them back into the fold. The Protoss have stayed away from the affairs of the Dominion as much as possible, but the news of Kerrigan’s defeat was a beacon such that many of the younger protoss warriors have left their world and moved against the remaining zerg that have now become rogue.

As the Dominion hold over the planets begins to crumble, majority of the soldiers have turned to piracy. Stealing valuable resources for their own benefits, many planetary governments have sought the protection of mercenaries to fight for them.

With the continued uprising of the people within the Dominion, Arcturus Mengsk ordered General Sturm of the 3rd Dominion Fleet, to conquer the planet of Haven because he believed that Jim Raynor would be hiding out in Haven. Meanwhile, reports have reached Mengsk that a protoss observer was destroyed near the capital of Korhol, also a zerg cerebrate was found on a moon where a recent mining facility was established, surprisingly the two groups have formed a mutual balance. Intrigued by such news, Mengsk knew that he should find out all he could about a possible zerg and protoss threat, but only when he has someone he could trust to investigate on his behalf.

As the 3rd Dominion Fleet travels towards Haven, General Sturm decided to send someone to infiltrate the capital of Haven and discover any pertinent news. General Sturm sent Private Gabriel Thorn alone instead of the usual squad because he believed that he has the ability to blend in without causing too much trouble. The dropship holding Gabriel landed 15 miles away from the capital of Haven.

 

[swordandsandle]

He was watching.

Beneth the surface of the moon, the Hive was bustling with activity. The Drones, lead by their Overlords and Overseers, were burrowing away at the crust with thier corrosive spit, occasionaly falling dead when tapping into pockets of poisonas gases. If he where a Terrian, like those in the outpost just a few miles off, he might have actually cared when the patrols dragged these bodies back to the Hatchery, where they where to be cosmued by the larva within. But the Hive was eternal, not like the flikering lights of the Terrian cities that would one day grow dim.

Transfering His conciousness, He turned his attention to his favorate hunter-killer, which he kept burrowed just next to the Surface Hatchery nearest to the Consortium. Digging up through the soft dirt, he scanned the surface; the small operation here was working well, drawing in the Vespane gas from the particularly rich vents. But, something wasen't right.

... Something...

 

[DeathsKnight]

Gabriel Thorn

"OK private you are on your own now, report back only when you have new information"

"Roger that sir"

Thorn exits the ship and after scouting the area he drapes a camouflage net over the ship, then activates the specially attached GHOST cloaking device. He checks the load of his pistol and hide it inside his clothes, looking around again a familiar shiver runs down his spine

"Ah...they are here as well"

Grinning to himself he wonders how long it will take for the Zerg to show themselves, that would definitely make this mission much more worth the effort. Making sure that his disguise is in order he starts to walk in a Northerly direction to change the angle of his approach, taking no chances with his landing having been tracked by sensors from within the city or from the various ships in orbit. Coming across a trial he hunches down and inspects the tracks, it seems that there is patrols in the area

"Hold it right there"

The command makes him smile, at least he knows the right routines for identification. A small squad of marines in suits with their guns trained on him fans out around him.

"Stand up, slowly"

He slowly gets to his feet

"Identify yourself"

"James...Kevin James, number 4785928 dash 7"

The corporal relays the information and Thorn waits patiently, with a command the marines lower their weapons

"You are quite far out of the city Mr James"

Thorn nods

"Yes I was looking for rock samples and next thing I knew I was almost outside the perimeter"

"Found anything interesting yet?"

Thorn shakes his head and pats the empty bag hanging from his shoulder

"A few tidbits, but I doubt that it can be described as interesting"

"I hope you are not one of those researchers who refuses to go with a weapon"

Thorn grins

"Corporal, knowing how to shoot a gun, doesn't give me a gun"

The marines chuckle

"Just stay within the perimeter sir, we are running active patrols so you would meet a few squads out here. Command is busy notifying everybody about you so you would not be bothered while you are out here"

Thorn smiles

"Thank you corporal, very kind of you"

They say their farewells and Thorn takes out a small chisel and a hammer from the tool belt around his waist and kneels down starting to chip away at an interesting rock fragment.

"And they said studying geology will get me nowhere"

Grinning to himself Thorn deposits the sample inside the bag and starts to make a slow searching sweep towards the capital. As he picks up samples he run over the details: Kevin James, bachelor, no friends, lives in solitude, studies rock formations looking for a Vespane source. It will be easy to pass along as James, but he will have to see what information he can find before the Zerg rears it's ugly head again.

 

[Lansfirestar]

Michael Forrester

Orbiting Haven, the Battle Cruiser "Freedom" was on standby while the crew made repairs. Captain Michael Forrester stopped to rub his eyes before continuing the incoming reports of the repairs of his battle cruiser.

"Managing a battle cruiser isn't all it's cracked up to be." Michael muttered to his aide and best friend, Johnson Martel.

"Yeah, but we started this mess so we might as well clean it up as well." Johnson replied wryly.

"I know that, do you think I wanted to exterminate these people just so the Dominion will put fear back into the citizens? No, I don't. I didn't plan on instigating a revolution. I didn't plan on killing our commanding officer. And I sure as hell didn't plan on being the captain of this battle cruiser. Hey... here's an idea. Why don't YOU be the captain, John." Michael asked his friend.

"Can't do that, Mike. We voted, remember? And besides you are the next highest ranking officer here." Johnson answered, "Unless you want to hand over control of this battle cruiser to Dr. Hanson." Johnson remarked as an afterthought.

"No thanks. She has enough problems managing the problems plaguing the planet as it is." Michael retorted, "Besides, what does she know about managing a battle cruiser... in fact, what do I know about that as well?" Michael asks.

"Practically nothing, but Captain. I suggest you get back to reading those reports. We still need to order in materials for rebuilding this ship and we can't do that without your signature." Johnson tells Michael.

"Fine, let's get back to work" Michael answers wearily before going back to read up on the reports.

Suddenly, an alarm siren sounds and then stops suddenly.

"What was that?" Michael asks in surprise.

"Beats me, must be another computer malfunction." Johnson answers although he's a bit unsure.

"Oh well, back to work." Michael mutters, before plunging back to the reports.

Meanwhile, a small dropship lands in Haven.

3 Hours Later
A knock on the door interrupts the two friends from their work.

"Enter." Michael orders without looking up.

A private enters the room, carrying a data card.

"What's that?" Johnson asks the private.

"An invitation to the inauguration of Haven's new City Hall." answers the private.

"Ah... what else?" Michael asks, continuing in reading the reports.

"It also includes a ballroom party." continues the private

"What?!" Michael exclaimed, looking up, his face shocked. "What the hell do I know about dancing?!" asked Michael incredulously.

"Not alot." Johnson answered him, "But still it is an invitation. So you should definitely go. Considering you ARE in charge of Haven's defenses." Johnson added.

"Fine... Inform her, that I and Lieutenant Johnson will both attend the inauguration ceremony and the party." Michael told the Private, who left upon receiving the reply.

"What?!" Johnson exclaimed, "Why are you bringing me?!" Johnson asked in exasperation.

"Two reasons, one, I need a wingman, and two, your captain orders you to join him." Michael answers him before chuckling at the expression of his friend.

"Alright... but you owe me for this, Mike." Johnson retorted before going back to work.

"Of course." Michael agreed before reading the report concerning Haven's defenses.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
HAVEN MILITARY DEFENSES
Eight (Four-man) Squadrons are assigned to the capital of Haven, tasked with the it's protection.

Twelve Vulture class vehicles are assigned for the reconnoitering of Haven, searching for possible hostile forces.

Battle Cruiser, Freedom, orbiting Planet Haven, serving as it's only space fleet.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"John, we really need to step up the recruitment and training of our men. I've just finished reading this report, and realized our men are badly stretched thin." Michael remarked to his friend.

"Cant do a thing about it, Mike. No one isn't that interested in joining us considering the Dominion has other problems." Johnson answered.

"Still... we should still be prepared for any eventuality. Right?" Michael asked.

"Agreed" Johnson agreed, looks at his watch. "Woah, we'd better get going if we don't want to be late for the ceremony. Mike"

"... what did I do to deserve this?" Michael asked rhetorically.

"Hehe you killed our commanding officer. That's why." Johnson answered cheekily before leaving the office to get ready.

"... I must have been out of mind then... oh well, duty calls." Michael said to himself before leaving his office to get dressed.

 

[DeathsKnight]

Gabriel Thorn

Thorn never thought that it would be so easy to get into a heavily guarded city, but in hindsight it doesn't seem like the defenses is all that much up to scratch. Following the memorized map in his head, he winds his way through the streets, typing and reading on the research computer strapped to his fore arm. He think that the samples he found actually points in the direction of Vespan gas, but maybe the scientists knows that already. Using the key card he enters the apartment that belongs to James, a few seconds later the com link sounds. Walking over he punches the receiver

"Hello?"

"Kevin you will thank me on hands and knees for this?"

"Uhm I will?"

Months of training and emulating Kevin Jones' voice is now at test

"Of course! You know how you always wanted to get your research to be noticed?"

"Well yes I can remember that"

Of course he isn't remembering anything, but luckily the caller is making this easy

"Well guess who just got you an invitation to the inauguration of the new City Hall"

"Hmmmm that would be you"

"Hahaha yes, but you have another problem"

"And what may that be?"

"You have to take a companion and my sister is already getting dressed"

"Oh man you got to be kidding me?"

"Nope, sorry man it's how it is"

Thorn sighs heavily

"What I have to suffer for science"

A peal of laughter from the other side greets him

"The man you want to speak to is Captain Michael Forrester, he will definitely want to hear you out"

Thorn's pulse quickens, but only slightly

"I will keep that in mind, thanks man"

"Hey what is buddies for, you better get ready for your date"

More laughter precedes the link's cut, Thorn switches off the receiver

"Forrester...here..."

A jumble of plans run through his head, he can do it, he can get Forrester off planet, but his ship will not be able to outrun the Freedom. Frustrated he balls his left fist and grits his teeth

"Information is your duty soldier, get to it"

Thorn places his samples on the work bench and unstraps the research computer from his arm and drop it on the bench as well

"Let's hope that James has clothing for this occasion"

Thorn starts to strip as he enters the bedroom.

 

[Jedi_Khan]

Somewhere in deep space…

Zeladar sat a console, reviewing the latest batch of intercepted Terran communications; the room dark except for the ambient glow of the consoles that he and several others of his brethren sat at. The Terran dialect was proving difficult for the young Protoss to decipher, but with the aid of the computers, he was making headway. And so far, the reports were quite interesting to say the least.

A number of the intercepted communications seem to indicate that the Terran Dominion is turning its attention to a fringe world they call “Haven,” in the hopes of finding James Raynor hiding there and in using it as an example to all the other worlds that would try to leave the Dominion. One communiqué seemed to indicate that the Dominion had sent an advance scout to determine the defensive capabilities of the planet, and that said scout had landed almost four hours ago. The message didn’t give away the scout’s cover or his real identity, but nonetheless, the very fact that a spy in known to be in the area is all it takes to stave off disaster.

An Observer in the Haven system indicated that the only Terran military presence in space around the planet was a badly battered battlecruiser, apparently serving as Haven’s first and only line of defense. By Zeladar’s estimate, the Terran vessel wouldn’t stand a chance against even a flight of fighters, but then again, Terrans have been known to have a few tricks up their sleeves.

Feeling charitable, Zeladar decided to anonymously forward some of the intercepted Dominion communiqués regarding Haven and the scout to the battlecruiser, making sure that the transmission couldn’t be traced back to the Protoss.

After sending the transmission, Zeladar returned to reviewing more intercepted communications. However, the very next one proved to be a bit on the disturbing side. According to the transmission, there seemed to be a sizable Zerg presence on one of the moons of Agria, controlled by a Cerebrate no less. All reports had indicated that Kerrigan had killed off the Cerebrates when she took control of the swarm, but apparently she missed one. The report also went on to indicate that a Terran mining operation had established itself on the moon and had encountered the Zerg. Remarkably, the Terrans and the Zerg had somehow managed to broker a truce between each other, thus allowing them both to coexist on the moon.

Such a truce is unprecedented in the entire history of the Zerg, and if this was indeed the case on that moon, it would be of great interest to the Protoss to investigate it. Zeladar dispatched an Observer drone to the planet Agria in order to get a better idea of the situation before Zeladar moved the fleet.

 

[Lansfirestar]

Michael Forrester

BATTLE CRUISER “FREEDOM”
11:00AM – 11:10AM

The bridge was one of the few areas of the battle cruiser where the fighting between Michael’s men and those loyal to the Dominion was the fiercest. As a result, majority of the consoles were destroyed leaving only a handful of the ship’s system to be operational. Fortunately, the systems vital to the ship were relatively undamaged.

With the recent deployment of the marines to Haven, it left the personnel within the battle cruiser seriously undermanned except for those essential for the survival of the ship.

On the communication’s system, Corporal Stanford was compiling all the communication reports which the captain would have to read, when the communication system received a transcript from an unknown source concerning a Dominion spy who just recently arrived in Haven. Realizing that it should reach the captain immediately, he downloaded the transcript into his PDA and ran towards the Captain’s office to deliver the news. Upon entering, he was chagrined to find it completely empty. Corporal Stanford went looking for the captain and was told that the captain was already on his way to Haven. Upon hearing that, he went back to his post and sent the transcript to the Haven Communication Center, hoping that it would reach his captain soon.

HAVEN, NEW HAVEN – COMMUNICATION CENTER
11:15AM – 11:17AM

“Steven!” the communication personnel called out to his companion.

“Yeah?! What is it, Frank? I’m a little busy at the moment” Frank answered from beneath a malfunctioning console.

“Do you know where Captain Michael is?” asked Frank.

“Michael? He’s supposed to be going over to the opening ceremony over at City Hall. Why?” Steven replied as he began to repair the console.

“I just received an urgent coded message from his ship, marked ‘Urgent’. Wonder what time the ceremony will end” Frank mused to himself as he encoded the message into a data pad. “By the way, what are you doing anyway?” Frank asked as he swiveled his chair to his companion.

“My console short circuited awhile ago, I’m trying to fix it. That should do… Yaaargh” Steven bellowed as sparks shocked his hand, suddenly, the console suddenly activated.

“You okay, Steven?” asked Frank as he went and pulled on the legs of Steven, his face blackened from the accumulated dust beneath the console.

“Yeah… just a little shook up from the electric current.” Steven answered shakily as he stood up, “Hey, at least the console is now working.” he remarked as he sat down on his chair.

“Steven, your face is covered in dust. You look like you had a bad hair day hahaha” Frank laughed at his friend’s appearance.

“Laugh all you want, smart ass, at least now the local communications is now working perfectly.” Steven remarked as he booted the system.

Suddenly, a message on the local frequency could be heard.

“This is Vulture Squadron, we request assistance. I repeat. This is Vulture Squadron, requesting assistance. Can anyone hear me?”

“This is New Haven, copy that, Vulture Squadron. What’s your status?” Steven answered.

“This is Lieutenant Chan, from Vulture Squadron. We are fighting a large concentration of zerg twenty miles due south of New Haven.”

“Say again, Lieutenant Chan. Did you just say ZERG?!” Frank asked.

“Affirmative, New Haven. Requesting immediate…” static can be heard

“Vulture Squadron! Vulture Squadron! Are you there?!” Steven asked as he began to try to reconnect with the patrol.

“Belay that order… Do NOT… … reinforcements … Inform … Forrester… Zerg… towards Haven” the communication suddenly ended.

The two communications personnel sat in horrified silence as they realized that a zerg force was coming towards Haven.

Grabbing the phone, Steven put through a call towards the governor’s house.

HAVEN, NEW HAVEN – GOVERNOR’S HOUSE
11:12AM – 11:18AM

Arriving at the governor’s modest house, Michael felt uncomfortable wearing a black suit with a blue necktie. Glancing at the side mirror of the limo, Michael thought he looked good in a suit even if he didn’t like it.

Lieutenant Johnson also wore a black suit but with a red necktie. Glancing at the limousine, he wondered who the mechanic in charge of this vehicle was because it was in every sense of the word, perfect.

“Mike, it’s funny that cars such as these still exist.” Johnson remarked.

“Well, it’s all part of the image, I imagine. Still I’m surprised that we’re even given a limousine, considering were just mercenaries.” Michael replied, readjusting his necktie.

At that point, Governor Ariel Hanson emerged from her house, wearing a red jacket with a pale blue skirt. Both the men admired the lovely Governor as she approached them.

“Gentlemen, it’s nice to see that you both look good in suits. Maybe someday, we can assign you a nice comfy desk job at our new city hall.” Governor Hanson offered.

“That’s a kind offer, governor. We’ll have to take up your offer another time when everything has settled down at our end.” Michael answered, “Also I have here a report of the materials we will need to repair my ship.” He also added.

“Of course, but we’ll discuss that later. For now… Let’s go to the ceremony and welcome in a new chapter of our lives in Haven.” Governor Hanson asserted as she led the way to the limousine. Turning to face them, “I assume that both of you brought some sort of weapon?” Governor Hanson asked them.

Looking at each other, Captain Michael replied, “Of course, governor. You can’t expect us to go anywhere without some sort of protection.”

“I thought as much, you remind me of Jim Raynor. Both of you are professional in a way.” Governor Hanson remarked before going inside the limousine.

“Jim Raynor. That’s quite a compliment, Mike.” Johnson commented before climbing into the limousine.

“… Yes… it is.” Michael muttered as he climbed into the limousine as well.

As the limousine drove off towards the ceremony, the phone inside the governor’s house began to ring.

HAVEN, NEW HAVEN – CITY HALL
11:25AM – 11:43AM
Arriving at the ceremony, Captain Michael was astounded by the assembly of the citizens of New Haven as they gathered to watch the opening of their new independent government. As they made their way to the podium, Michael was briefly introduced to a noted geologist but was unable to convey his own introductions as he was pushed by Johnson towards the podium. Once there, the two of them stood beside a group of government officials as Governor Hanson began her speech.

Nudging the side of Johnson, Michael pointed out to four siege tanks on two elevated platforms beside the water fountain.

“Those are what we need, Siege Tanks.” Michael whispered to Johnson, so as not to interrupt the ceremony.

An official who was behind them, overheard Michaels, and softly said, “I see your interested in our modified siege tanks, Captain.”

“Modified?” asked Johnson.

“Why yes, we modified the siege tanks, which Jim Raynor was kind enough to leave behind with some of the new materials that we uncovered in Haven. The armor plating is now strong enough to withstand a nuclear missile which is a vast improvement however; the people inside the tank will still be vaporized. Well, that’s according to our chief engineer.” The official boasted.

“Really… sounds very interesting. Tell me, will the alloy also work on our ship?” Michael asked.

“Hmm I wouldn’t know. You’ll have to ask Van, he’s our chief engineer around here. He also designed the city hall. Too bad he couldn’t make the ceremony.” Remarked the official before clapping to what the governor said about “equality and independence”.

“Why? What happened to him?” Johnson questioned him as he also clapped in response to the speech.

“He’s busy working on another project of his. Speaking of which, you see those cannon’s from the tank? The shell’s casing was modified to explode upon impact thereby shredding anyone or anything nearby. Convenient right?” the official remarked.

“Yes very, convenient. Would it be possible to meet with Van?” Michael asked the official.

“Of course, after the ceremony probably.” The official replied, before moving forward to make his own speech.

As Governor Hanson joined the two mercenaries, she whispered “Hope your speech is ready, Captain.”

“What?! What speech?! You didn’t tell me I would have to make a speech.” Michael replied in consternation.

“Too bad, Captain. I guess you’ll have to improvise.” Governor Hanson answered with a wink, before turning her focus back on the ceremony.

“Oh man… What did I do to deserve this.” Michael muttered to himself

HAVEN, NEW HAVEN – COMMUNICATION CENTER
11:43AM – 11:45AM

“Damn it, no one is answering in their assigned channels.” Steven bellowed in frustration as his eighth call wasn’t answered.

“Nothing we can do about it, Steven, they’re all at the ceremony. Why don’t we contact the guys at the Radar Tower to see if they picked up anything?” Frank suggested

“That’s a good idea.” Steven commented before making another call.

HAVEN, NEW HAVEN – RADAR TOWER
11:45AM – 11:47AM

“Steven? Alright, I’ll check the satellite readouts for you.” Gregory answered as he connected the satellite feed to his console.

“HOLY SHIT!!” Gregory cursed as he saw a large zerg force heading towards New Haven.

“Steven, I am NOT alright, we have a major zerg problem heading our way. Crap, this is SO NOT good. It will be here in 20 minutes tops. I gotta go, Steven. Thanks for the update.” Gregory replied before hanging up.

As Gregory stared at the screen showing the zerg heading towards his beloved city, he pressed the “Code Red” button.

HAVEN, NEW HAVEN – CITY HALL
11:47AM – 11:48AM

“Alright, Captain. It’s your time to shine. Break a leg.” Governor Ariel whispered as she pushed Captain Michael to the pedestal.

“Uhm… I’m Captain Michael Forrester and…” Michael began when suddenly, a siren sounded.

“That’s the Emergency Code Red siren.” Michael exclaimed…

Suddenly, the speaker phone blared out, “A MAJOR ZERG THREAT IS HEADING TOWARDS NEW HAVEN! I REPEAT ZERG THREAT HEADING TOWARDS NEW HAVEN! ALL CIVILIANS EVACUATE TO THE NEAREST SHELTER! ALL SECURITY PERSONNEL PREPARE FOR IMMINENT THREAT TO NEW HAVEN!”

With that announcement, mass hysteria affected the people and they all began to scream and shout, until a decisive voice spoke out.

“ATTENTION! ALL CITIZENS MUST EVACUATE CALMLY SO THAT WE CAN BETTER PREPARE FOR DEFENDING OUR NEW HOME! THOSE WHO WISH TO JOIN THE FIGHT, GO TO THE NEAREST ARMORY AND RETRIEVE A WEAPON. NEW HAVEN SECURITY FORCE AND STORMBLADE’S ASSEMBLE AT CITY HALL NOW!” Captain Michael ordered as he took charge.

“This is more like it” Governor Hanson whispered to Lieutenant Martel as they approached him.

“He has his moments.” Johnson remarked as he unholstered his personal firearm. “So what’s the plan, Captain?” Johnson asked as their men assembled in front of them while majority of the citizen’s organized themselves to defend their city.

“Johnson, you’ll have to lead the militia while I take command of our men. Governor Hanson, I know that you wish to participate in defending your city, but being the governor has its own duties. I suggest you leave the defense of your city to us. Please escort your governor to the nearest shelter.” Michael ordered a nearby official who led the governor away.

“Some reception, right, Mike?” asked Johnson as he retrieved his blaster rifle from his men.

“Yeah, but the reception the zerg will get will be far more different from the one we received earlier.” Michael vowed as he also retrieved his blaster rifle. “The siege tanks will be useful in defending this area. We’ll make our stand here. Move out, men. Find some cover!” Michael’s ordered as he went to organize his men.

“And this is why we chose you to be our captain, Mike.” Johnson muttered before heading towards the militia to organize them.

 

[swordandsandle]

... was here

He could feel it, the gaze of something on his vessels skin yet, it seemed, the Hunter-Killer could not sence it. It reminded him of something, from a long time ago, when the Terrans had first come to this world. The shots from nowhere... Clocking! Some kind of clocking tech was being used. He focused in, letting his own sence of space completly fade away; the dark drearly core of the Hive a distent memory, and now it was His all-seeing eyes he was looking through.

Then He saw it, some sort of machine. It diden't look like the survayor APC's the miners used to scout out sources of minerals. No, this one had a distinct, aura to it. Some sort of barly visable, electric blue sphere. Whatever it was, it wasen't a freindly.

Bringing his spines to bare, He took the razor bone spikes of his host and shot them into the borg, easly following the plodding thing away as he knocked out the propulsion system, knocking it to the ground. Hustling over, he sence for the optical sensor, a pale blue eye, and decided to send a warning.

Making the zerg talk wasen't easy. The Hive Mind was mental, and vocal cords had never needed to be evolved. Yet, if he tried, straining himself to exaustion, he could do so.

"Whomever is watching us," he rasped while staring directly into the eye. "We do not like those cowards who hide behind their robats and strike from a distance. Should you want to meet, it shall be face to face. I will be waiting for a message from your brothers here, that you wish to see us. Goodbye."

And with that, he drove a talon into the sensor, knocking it out cold.

 

[DeathsKnight]

Gabriel Thorn

So close...that was so close....he even shaked the man's hand! Thorn was looking at the ensemble of officials when the alarm went off.

"Damn it all to hell! They are here too soon"

Yet the elation of being able to kill his old foe again send shivers of pleasure through his body. Armory...they said there is an Armory, scanning the crowd he can see the men heading into a direction and he starts that way, but a hand clasps his arm

"Kevin? What are you thinking?"

"I...I have to go Rita, we need to defend Haven"

"That is what the marines are here for"

"Rita I know that it's their job, but I also heard about the Zerg, they will come in numbers far superior to our own, we will have to fight for our lives tonight and I want to do it with a gun, not a rock drill"

She blinks at the sudden rush of words

"Rita just get to safety..."

For a second he weighs his options and then slip the pistol into her hands

"Use that only when absolutely necessary"

"Kevin where did you..."

"Go Rita I'll explain it later, just go!"

She takes a step backward and is caught up in group of people heading for the exit, Thorn heads for the armory. The Dominion would have him sit back and watch the fall of Haven, but damned if he will allow the Zerg to kill other human beings. Haven may be enemy territory, but with the Zerg approaching rapidly he has a bigger thirst to quench. His thirst to kill Zerg.

"Wait aren't you James?"

He turns to find Johnson standing along with some of the Haven militia

"Yes I am sir"

"What is an archeologist doing at the armory? I thought you guys can't even hold a weapon?"

"I had some training with weapons sir and I'm not going to hide if I know that I can fire a weapon and keep some people safe"

"Good man, suit him up"

Thorn takes the basic armor and allows himself to slip a bit, he can't blow his cover by looking like a fighting man, but he knows that once the fighting starts, how he fights will not matter. Hefting his assault rifle he grins inwardly, time for death to come and get herself some Zerg.

"You ready James?"

"Yes sir"

"Let's secure this place people, we can't allow the Zerg to breach these walls"

With that Johnson leads the militia out of the Armory area towards the defensive positions on the walls, sending out squads of four as they move. Watching his calm authority Thorn can't help but wonder what the changes of survival would be if they were fully trained marines. Joining up with one squad he moves along to a defensive position, a strange tingling runs down his back and he frowns. That is a new feeling, not the usual unease when Zerg is around. Taking up position he makes sure the safety is disengaged and he waits, fight now, wonder later.

 

[Jedi_Khan]

A console blinked repeatedly, getting the attention of the nearest Protoss. The Observer that had been sent in for a closer look at Haven had detected many Zerg bio signatures, including half a dozen large ones, on route to attack the capital city on the planet. On a previous pass over the city, the Observer had reported that the city had been sparsely defended, with the bulk of the military being concentrated around what appeared to be a new building in defensive positions. A closer look at the report on the city revealed that the defenders apparently had a measure of early warning about the impending Zerg attack, and that they had dug in as best they could.

Zeladar could tell that the defenders stood little chance of survival against such a large Zerg force without help. And, it might be of benefit to Zeladar and his fleet if he were to become an ally to whoever was in charge of Haven’s defenses; helping to defend the capital city was an excellent way to show good intentions. Zeladar sent five Scout-class fighters and four of his Warp Prisms to the planet with orders to help the Terrans defend their position but to remain cloaked the entire time.

Before Zeladar could decide what else to do with regards to Haven, a report from the Agria moon came in. Apparently the Observer had gotten a little too close and ended up being destroyed by a hydralisk on the ground. Odd thing although was that the hydralisk came up to the drone’s optical scanners and seemed to move its jaws around for a bit before driving a spike into the sensors. Observer drones don’t normally come equipped with audio detectors, so if the hydralisk had made any sounds, it wasn’t heard.

Before the Observer had been destroyed, it had sent back images showing that there indeed was some kind of understanding between the Zerg and the Terrans on that moon, as there was a Zerg hatchery sitting not too far away from a Terran outpost, and there were no signs of infestation nor recent combat among the Terrans.

The Agria moon was indeed proving to be of great interest, but Haven was a little more pressing at the moment. Zeladar turned his attention to the live transmission from the Observer over the capital on Haven so that he could watch as the battle transpired.

 

[DeathsKnight]

Gabriel Thorn

Thorn can feel the eminent battle approaching fast, it is like a mist that covers the ground between the two groups

"Funny how things come to this"

"Hey James, stop talking to yourself it makes you sound mad"

Thorn grins at the militant

"Who knows, maybe I am"

This sets off a chuckle among the militia

'Good', Gabe thinks to himself, 'a bit of humor always calms you down a bit'

 

[swordandsandle]

He let his grip fade away, returing to the cool dampness of his true form. His vassel would find it's way back, and hopefully the strange machine had realied his message. He'd send a drone to recover it, bring it to the miners for analyses. The Hive had no use for or knowledge of machines; their bodies where far stronger.

Slowly, He suck himself into the Hive, feeling the humm of his people's lifeblood. They where growing, slower then would have been prefered, perhaps, but still not large enough to preform The Evolution. An anceint rite, from the first days of the Cerebrates, for the day The Swarm was no longer needed. He could still remember it well, once the Hive Mind grew strong enough, he could forge the individual mind as well.

But now, sleep.

 

[Lansfirestar]

Michael Forrester

HAVEN, NEW HAVEN – FIELD COMMAND CENTER
As Michael was busy issuing orders to his men about where they should dig in and what to expect, Johnson went to his friend and commanding officer.

“John?! What are you doing here?” Michael exclaimed as he saw him approaching him.

“Lieutenant Martel, reporting for orders, Captain.” Johnson replied as he went and stood before Michael.

“What about the militia?” Michael asked him as he began to remove his suit.

“It’s being taken care of, I just appointed someone to lead the militia. He’s quite capable despite his dubious occupation.” Johnson remarked as he also began to undress.

“Dubious? What do you mean? What’s his occupation then?” Michael asked as he tightened the padded armor onto his chest.

“It’s the guy we briefly met before the ceremony. Gabriel, he might not look it, but he was born to take charge, you can see it in his eyes.” remarked Johnson as he slid his arms inside the padded armor.

“Really…” Michael muttered softly.

“Captain? Estimated time of arrival of the zerg within the city limits is 15 minutes and counting, sir.” the corporal managing the radar and sensor relay system informed them.

“Just enough time to get ready.” Johnson replied.

Just then, a small truck came lumbering near the command post, as soon as it was parked, a man dressed in mechanic’s outfit went towards the captain.

“Captain Forrester?” the man briefly inquired as he raised his hand at the two men.

“I’m Van, chief engineer of Haven. It’s an honor to meet you, captain.” Van continued when Michael’s took his hand.

“A pleasure as well, it looks like we’ll be seeing one of your projects in action soon, Chief.” Johnson remarked as he pointed out towards the siege tanks.

“Ah… yes, those should prove valuable, Captain, but that’s not why I’m here.” Van told them as he motioned his assistants to bring down two steel containers towards them.

“This is why I’m here.” Van said with relish as he opened one of the containers.

As the two men, looked inside the container, they could see that it was suit of armor but unlike anything in which they have encountered.

“As you can see, these armored suits are nothing compared to the ones you currently have. Haven surprisingly enough has rare elements which very few other planets have. Because of this, I was able to experiment with these elements and apply them for practical use. The most significant contribution of course is the new armor plating of the siege tanks over there. I also managed to improve the basic design of the marine armored suits by replacing the outer covering with these new alloys, which would definitely give any marine an added advantage in handling any form of attack. Also taking a page from Dr. Hanson’s research notes when she was trying to find the cure for the infested civilians, I managed to incorporate one of her vaccines into the armor’s newly built-in medical capabilities, along with conventional medicine so that the person wearing this armor doesn’t need a medic whenever he’s fatally wounded. And as an added bonus because of your reputation, captain, I have added a special weapon for you to use as well, considering this armor is my contribution.” Van told them as he lifted the glove to show them what he meant.

“Just press this button here,” Van told them as he pressed a small button near the gauntlet, when a large blade suddenly appeared from within the gauntlet, then he pressed the button again so that the blade would go back inside the gauntlet.

“Impressive.” Michael marveled at the armor.

“I know. But mind you, Captain, these are still prototypes and they haven’t been tested in full combat exercises but I have every belief that they will be of utmost value to you. Perhaps your friend would like to use the other suit? It unfortunately has no combat capabilities, I’m afraid. We were planning to add some more surprises when we heard the alarm, so we rushed over here with what we already had. Do forgive me for the delay, captain. Van said contritely.

“It’s alright, Chief. You’ve done more than enough to help us.” Michael told him. “I suggest you go inside the shelter, the zerg will be here soon and we still have to get preparations ready for the defense.” Johnson added as well.

“Of course, good luck… captain.” Van told them before he and his assistants went for the nearby shelter.

“Well captain? Let’s get suited up.” Johnson told his friend, as he retrieved the other armored suit from the container.

“Of course,” Michael replied, as he inserted the armored glove in his hand. Pressing the button, the blade emerged once again. “This time, things will be different.” Michael murmured softly as he stared at the blade.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Flashback to the event in Char
“Michael!?! Get away from here, Michael!” shouted the squad commander who saw Michael’s running towards them as his squad continued to fight the zerg who surrounded them.

“Kevin!!” Michael screamed as he ran towards his brother–in–law, when he suddenly found himself on the ground with a Hydralisk on top of him.

As the Hydralisk claws scratched his armor, Michael saw that behind Kevin was another Hydralisk.

“Kevin!!!!” Michael shouted as the Hydralisk’s claws tore through his brother–in–law’s armor and into his flesh.

Unsheathing his own blade, Michael’s grabbed ahold of the Hydralisk’s head and rammed the knife between it’s eyes, killing it. As Michael lay exhausted with the corpse of the Hydralisk on top of him, he glanced toward where Kevin lay dead.

“Kevin…” Michael whispered before the Hydralisk was lifted off him and Jim Raynor offered his hand to him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As Johnson finished suiting up, he noticed that Michael was standing still. Moving towards him, Johnson put his hand over Michael’s shoulder and whispered, “It wasn’t your fault, Mike.”

Glancing at his friend, Michael’s nodded in assent, “Your right, It’s not my fault… it’s the zergs.”

Johnson nodded grimly at his friend before leaving to make preparations at his side.

HAVEN, NEW HAVEN – CITY HALL (BATTLE)
West Fortifications
“Lieutenant.” the corporal called out as he ran to his commanding officer.

“What is it, Louise?” Johnson answered back as inserted a fresh mag into his rifle.

“The zerg have entered the city, they’re heading straight for us. There are hundreds of them. Lieutenant.” Louise remarked as he paused to breathe.

“Peter?!” Johnson called out to his communications specialist.

“Sir?” Peter answered back from the ditch he was busy digging.

“Contact Captain Michael’s. Tell him the zerg will be here soon.” Johnson ordered as he motioned for the rest of his men to stop what they’re doing.

“Sir, yes sir!” Peter replied as he went to the communication setup.

“The rest of you, get to your defensive positions. Let’s move it, marines! We have a lot of zerg to kill and were running out of time to get ready for them.” Johnson ordered as his men positioned themselves to their assigned locations.

“God, I wish we had ghosts or some specters from Tosh.” Johnson muttered as he could see in the distance, dust from the onrushing zerg attack.

East Fortifications
“Captain! We just sighted the zerg.” Private Ryan called out to his commanding officer.

“Finally.” muttered Michael, “Get to your positions people.” Michael's ordered as he hefted his combat rifle. “It's time.”

Battle Overview – East Fortifications
As the zerg forces rushed towards the marines fortifying city hall, a large zerg unit traveled towards New Haven without appearing on radar.

“Captain!” Luke called out to Michael's amidst the hail of bullets that the marines.

“What is it, Private?!” Michael shouted as he aimed his rifle towards a Hydralisk's head. releasing a short burst of bullets, which tore through it's head, before turning his head towards the private.

“Most of the zergs in the back are heading for the shelters to the east and west.” Private Luke shouted when suddenly a Hydralisk burst through from barricades behind Luke. The Hydralisk scratched his armor with it's claws before latching his jaws on the private's neck, the private screaming in agony as the Hydralisk tore out his throat.

“Luke!” Michael, shouted as he ran towards the Hydralisk and jammed his rifle into it's open mouth and fired.

“Damn it!” Michael cursed as he pulled out his rifle.

“Captain!!! We seriously need backup!” shouted a marine as he began to reload his rifle.

“I know! But we are StormBlade marines! We are the defenders of Haven and because of that we CANNOT die! Fight back for our fellow comrades!!” shouted Michael's as he hefted his rifle towards the oncoming zerg and released a hail of bullets at them.

Battle Overview – West Fortifications
On the west front, things were getting difficult as more and more of the zerg managed to breach through the wire mesh. One overzealous zergling managed to get through the hail of bullets and rammed towards Lieutenant Martel and proceeded to scratch his armor with it's claws.

“Lieutenant!” shouted a nearby marine who noticed his commanding officer was down.

“Get back to the fight marine! I'm alright.” Lieutenant Johnson answered as he pulled back his armored fist and rammed it on the zergling's head. “Lucky this armor works” Johnson muttered as he picked himself up and gazed over the horde of zerg rushing towards his men, before retrieving his rifle and laid down a hail of bullets at them.

Battle Overview
As the battle between the StormBlades and the zerg raged, no one noticed that many of the zerg fell before reaching the marines. As more and more of the zerg got past the barricades the marines erected, the marines were forced to abandon the forward fortifications or risk losing more men.

Battle Overview – West Fortifications
“Lieutenant! We gotta pull back, sir.” a marine shouted as he continued to fire at the oncoming zerg who have breached the fortifications.

“Alright! Marines! Fall back to the secondary positions!” Johnson ordered his men, laying down cover fire for his men who were still engaging the zerg.

“Damn it! They’re too many of them.” Johnson muttered as he retreated, still shooting at as he ran towards the secondary fortifications.

Battle Overview – East Fortifications
“Damn it!” Michael cursed as another of his men was massacred by a group of zerglings

“Everyone! Pull back to the secondary defensive positions!” Michael ordered as he threw a grenade at the marine's corpse before pulling back, the zerglings on top and nearby were killed by the explosion.

Michael was thrown off balance by the explosion, as he lost his grip on his rifle. As he tried to pick himself up, he was mauled by half a dozen zerglings. Realizing that he only had one chance to survive, Michael's activated the gauntlet's blade and proceeded to go on the offensive. Grabbing ahold of the zergling’s head, he rammed the blade into it’s mouth before nearly decapitating it’s head. Michael managed to get into a sitting position, before another zergling charged at him in the front with it’s claws while another zergling rushed at him from behind with it’s jaw wide open. Michael slashed at the zergling rushing him in the front, who jumped back before the blade could reach it, while also backhanding the zergling behind him with his left armored fist. The zergling’s head snapped back as it tumbled away from Michael’s. After finally getting some breathing area, Michael pushed his attack on the rest of the zergling when he was gored by an Ultralisk from behind. As Michael crashed a few meters away from the Ultralisk, his men realized what was happening but couldn’t do anything as they were still fighting the other zerg. As Michael’s tried to stand up, he saw the Ultralisk charging towards him once again.

 

[Jedi_Khan]

The Terran lines were already beginning to falter before the Zerg onslaught as the Protoss forces arrived at the capital of Haven. The cloaked Scout fighters came in low, strafing the massed Zerg units with their guns, the rat-tat-tat of the guns and the whine of their engines barely heard over the sounds of the battle raging below. Dozens of zerglings and hydralisks burst apart as the shots from the Scout guns struck home, the few shots that somehow managed to find dirt instead of Zerg flesh sending plumes of dust into the air. First on the eastern flank, then the western, then back again, the Scouts made their attack runs, thinning the seemingly endless swarm.

The Scouts were not the only Protoss units to come to the aid of the Terran defenders; cloaked Warp Prism transports brought with them Immortals and Colossi. In brief flashes of light, the Warp Prisms dropped their cloaked passengers along the Terran front lines, then shifted position on the spot to produce a psi field on which more Protoss units could directly warp in to the fight. As the twin phase disruptors of the mighty Immortals opened up, blasting zerglings and hydralisks alike with pinpoint accuracy, the towering Colossi let loose with their sweeping thermal lances, roasting the Zerg units with each pass.

Shortly after the Immortals and Colossi began their attack, Dark Templar warped onto the field on brief flashes of light lost among the smoke and fire of the battle. Some armed with a single, wrist mounted blades of pure energy, others carrying staffs tipped on each end with the same energy blades as their brethren, the warriors dove into the writhing Zerg mass, cutting and slicing with indiscriminate finesse.

The Protoss forces held their ground, ignored by the mindless horde that moved around what seemed to be solid air but was actually the Protoss fighters hidden by their cloaking technology.

Then the ultralisks came. These lumbering juggernauts charged into the Terran lines, heedless of the Dark Templar who dodged to avoid being trampled, scattering the marines like bugs flushed from hiding. The Immortals immediately switched targets, focusing their weapons upon the giant beasts. Likewise, the Scouts changed targets as well, strafing the well armored hides of the ultralisks when they could, adding what little damage they could to help the forces on the ground.

On the eastern flank, one of the Dark Templar had identified a Terran who appeared to be in command and decided to stay near the man, cutting down any unnoticed Zerg that got too close. As the Terran was swarmed by no less than six zerglings, the Protoss warrior moved to cut down the attacking creatures, slicing apart three of them as the solider produced a blade from his gauntlet and rammed it into a zergling’s open jaws. Two more of the creatures attacked the marine, one from the front, one from the rear. The one attacking the front jumped back before the solider could hit it with his blade, only to be sliced neatly in half by the waiting Dark Templar.

The Dark Templar watched in morbid fascination as the solider was struck from behind by the full force of an ultralisk, flying several meters away from where he had just been, only to proceed to try and get up again. A quick thought passed through the Protoss warrior’s mind as very few could have sustained such a blow and stayed in one piece long enough to be flung any distance, let alone live to get up again.

As the ultralisk made to charge the unfortunate solider again, an Immortal placed itself between the two, its four armored legs impacting the solid ground and digging in. The ultralisk charged unaware of the obstacle before it and smashed headlong into solid, immovable air. The hardened shields of the Immortal flashed on impact, absorbing and brushing off the force of the impact. The Immortal opened up with its phase disruptors, punching holes in the armor of the offending beast as the Dark Templar continued to move about, dispatching the smaller Zerg creatures.

 

[Lansfirestar]

Michael Forrester

HAVEN, NEW HAVEN - EASTERN BATTLEFIELD
As Michael prepared to bear the brunt of the Ultralisk's charge once again, he was astounded when the Ultralisk crumpled a few meters in front of him, and he could faintly discern the crackle of an energy shield.

"Wow... that was close" Michael muttered as he stood up.

Glancing at the Ultralisk, Michael noticed that it was also trying to get up when suddenly one of it's arm suddenly exploded, leaving it's bloody stump visible, but still managed to stand up towering over Michael. Making his decision, Michael ran to the side of the Ultralisk and climbed on it's back. Aiming his blade directly at the base neck, Michael jammed his blade as deep it could go. Then grabbing his gauntlet tightly with his other hand, he jumped to it's side, decapitating it's head clearly. As Michael's rolled a few meters away, he glimpsed a Hydralisk rushing towards him and brought up his gauntlet to ward of it's attack when it suddenly exploded in a burst of blood, as the shell from a nearby Siege Tank landed on it. As Michael got drenched in the Hydralisk's blood, noticed that some of it's blood landed on thin air.

"What in god's name?!" Michael muttered as he raised his blade in a defensive posture against the unknown entity covered in blood near him.

HAVEN, NEW HAVEN - WESTERN BATTLEFIELD
As Johnson and his men, ran towards the safety of the secondary fortifications, a Hydralisk burst through a barricade to his left and sliced another of his marine's through the chest. Training his sights on its head, Johnson let loose a hail of bullets, impacting on the Hydralisk's head until one of his bullets pierced through the Hydralisk's eyes, killing it.

"Damn it! Everyone Fall Back!" Johnson shouted to his men as they retreated from the oncoming zerg.

Activating the built in radio, "Where's our covering fire!" Johnson shouted in his microphone as another of his men, was mauled by an Ultralisk.

"Siege Tanks ready for bombardment. Mark your location, Lieutenant."

Glancing around, Johnson noticed that majority of the zerg were pressed near the Ultralisk. "Aim your cannons at the Ultralisk. I repeat, aim for the fucking Ultralisk!" Johnson shouted as he vaulted over the barricade outlining the secondary fortifications.

Raising his rifle to survey the battlefield, Johnson was surprised to find that there were more zerg killed further away than they should be considering it was out of range from the Terminator - Class Siege Tanks, but promptly filed it away for future considerations as he laid down covering fire for his men that still haven't reached the fortifications.

 

[DeathsKnight]

"Now why on earth would they think a geologist can command a defense position?"

"Beat me if I know"

Gabe listens to the militiamen mutter under each other, he is not happy with this arrangement any more than they are. Story of his life, he wants to kill zerg and another officer wants to push him into a commanding position. Keeping a sharp ear out on the radio, he follows the battle, it's looking bad so far for Haven, the zerg is slowly, but surely over running their defenses.

"Where's our covering fire!"

"Siege Tanks ready for bombardment. Mark your location, Lieutenant."

"Aim your cannons at the Ultralisk. I repeat, aim for the fucking Ultralisk!"

"Shit"

Gabe swears softly

"What is an Ultralisk?"

"Bad news, huge armored zerg which can tear down a house and even take on a tank"

Gabe realized he has spoken about something he shouldn't know about and the militiamen picks up on that fact quickly

"How does he know that?"

"Yeah James, how do you know that?"

"I read about it OK? I was studying the different ways of mining and came across information on the zerg"

The speaker scoffs

"You nerdy types always gives me the creeps"

"Kevin are you there?"

Gabe grabs the microphone

"James here"

"We really could use a bit of help here"

"Roger that sir"

Dropping the mic he turns to the militia stationed at the City Hall

"I need 40 guys to stay here, the rest of you come with me, we need to go help out at the Western defenses"

A flurry of movement, brings most of the militia's guns to bear. Gabe hefts his gun and sets out, the trotting of boots right behind him makes him feel at home, even though he isn't. Coming into contact with the last remnants of the Johnson's command, Gabe sees a sight he lives for. Zerg, swarming all over the place, lifting his gun he starts firing at the Zerg as the marines continues to steadily fall back to the second line of fortifications. Shortly more guns joins his and the Zerg starts to fall,

"Berr, take twenty men and let's set up a barricade! We must give those marines a basis to fight from!"

"On it!"

Berr calls out names and then heads out with the men to salvage material to use as barricades. Gabe turns his attention back to covering the Marines and of course killing as much of the zerg as possible. Exchanging his depleted magazine for another, Gabe glances around and sees that Berr is already busy erecting another barricade along with the other militia.

"Advancing!"

Gabe rushes forward and stops next to Johnson, who is still laying down suppressing fire from the fortification, adjusting his aim to a hydralisk and just as he is about to fire, the hydralisk falls to the ground, smoothly adjusting his aim Gabe kills a zergling.

"Sir! We are busy erecting a makeshift barricade!"

Johnson glances at him

"Good thinking!"

Gabe fires at a hydralisk, pinpointing the weak spots and it falls dead to the ground. More Marines makes it to the safety of the fortifications, Gabe motions the militia to the fortifications and the combined fire power from the militia and the marines, makes the zerg falter, giving the rest of the marines time to get to the fortifications. Replacing his magazine again, Gabe makes a quick survey of the battle ground, the siege tanks is pounding the ultralisks, the impact of the explosions ripping through the zerg gathered around them.

"Now this is much more fun than I thought it would be"

Ignoring Johnson's puzzling glance Gabe lifts his rifle and starts firing again, grouping his shots with deadly accuracy among the swarming zerg, dropping zerglings like flies. Again as Gabe aims at at hydralisk it falls bleeding to the ground, he can swear that he can see the air slightly bending above the corpse, but the illusion quickly disappears

"What the hell is happening out there?"

"What do you mean James?"

"I could swear that twice now some of the zerg fell without taking a hit from our weapons"

"They fall, that is what counts for now"

Gabe nods and continues to fire

"Kevin! Kevin! Come in!"

"James here"

"You better get here! It's...it's....AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGGGHHHHH!!!"

"Shit!"

Gabe jumps up and fires away at the swarming zerg

"Leave me twenty men, go!"

Gabe nods at Johnson

"Berr status report"

"Almost done Kev"

"When you are done get your ass up here"

"Roger that"

"Fall back, to the City Hall...MOVE!!!"

Killing one more zergling, Gabe turns on his heel and runs back towards City Hall, wondering what got through their defenses

 

[Jedi_Khan]

The Dark Templar was mildly impressed at the boldness of the Terran soldier as it ran towards the ultralisk and proceeded to climb onto its back. The Dark Templar was then very impressed as he watched the Terran cut the head off the massive beast with a blade that was attached to the soldier’s gauntlet.

The ground suddenly shook as a shell from the Terran tanks impacted a nearby hydralisk, turning it into little more than red mist and a few small pieces. The Marine raised his blade in a defensive posture while looking towards the Dark Templar, and it was then that the Dark Templar realized that some of the hydralisk’s blood had landed on his clothes and that it was visible to the Terran, while the rest of the Protoss warrior was not.

Just then a zergling came charging from behind the Dark Templar, intent upon the Terran rather than the Protoss that it couldn’t see. The Protoss warrior pivoted on his heel just as the zergling came within reach and swung his wrist mounted warp blade through the creature diagonally, the momentum behind the creature causing it to spilt almost cleanly in half, landing on either side of the Dark Templar.

The warrior turned back towards the Terran, and for a second, made himself opaque enough to be seen by the solider while touching his fist to his shoulder in a salute. Then he was gone again, blood stains and all.

Meanwhile, back with the fleet somewhere in deep space, Zeladar watched the live video of the battle on Haven in silence. His warriors were making a difference on the battle field and the Terrans didn’t seem to realize it as they fell back towards secondary defensive positions. In Zeladar’s opinion, the Terrans were putting up a good defense which only got better once they were within range of the Terran tanks. But despite the good defense, Zeladar believed that the Terrans would have been completely overrun by now if not for the presence of the Protoss.

Something on the video feed drew Zeladar’s attention; fighting had broken out near the build around which the Terran defenses had been based. There hadn’t been any fighting there a moment ago. Zeladar couldn’t tell what exactly was going on there, so he directed the Observer that floated over the battle to move to a better vantage point. While he waited for the drone to maneuver, he watched as an ultralisk on the eastern flank fell to the ground, its head seemingly cut off. Zeladar briefly wondered at what could have accomplished such a feat, but then the drone had finally revealed what had caused the fighting around the central building.

 

[DeathsKnight]

As he runs as fast as he can back to the City Hall area Gabe listens to the confused shouts and gunfire over the radio.

 

[swordandsandle]

The Terrians did not normally come to the Hive. It was too, alive, too alien. But, he had not wanted to dilute this. Whomever was spying on him, he wanted them to know they where dealing with a Cerebrate.

"So," he saw the human come in, shaking in his boots even though none of the zerg had given him the slightest hostile glace. "You have worked on this, machine yes?"

Behind the human was a hovercart. He could recongize most of the thing; the golden plates, the smashed lence, the propulsion system, but something was different about it. Something grey...

"We've indentified it as some kind of recon probe, um, sir," the human kept his eyes turned away. " The optics where busted, but we managed to install a audio transmitter. Just give it a moment to charge up and..." the human, in a fearful haste, tapped out a sequence on the keypad. "There, say what you'd like".

Whomever you are, know that this is the Cre-vis Hive, on the moons of Agias. While we respect all living creatures, as you may already know, your cowerdness in sending a machine to meet us does not give us a very good impression. Still, we are willing to speak with you. Send whomever you wish to the mining center on the face of this moon, and they will take you to our Hive. Come with few arms, we know when we are under attack.

 

[Lansfirestar]

Michael Forrester

HAVEN, NEW HAVEN - BATTLEFIELD
Michael watched as the cloaked figure split the figure in half.

"What the hell?!" Michael muttered as he stared at the decapitated zergling before staring back at the figure as it showed itself a little more clearly and then disappeared completely.

"That was a protoss..." Michael exclaimed in surprise, "What are they doing here?"

Seeing that he was relatively safe, Michael's ran towards his men.

"Report?" Michael asked Corporal Ray.

"The zerg are slowly being pushed back, captain." Corporal Ray informed him, "But we suffered heavy casualties, especially where Lieutenant Johnson was stationed, but the Militia was able to save them."

"Good for the Militia, it's about time they did some work to save their planet." Michael replied, "Inform Johnson to get his butt over here pronto." Michael ordered the Communication specialist, Private 1st Class Jenkins.

"Yes, sir!"

A few minutes later
"What is it, Captain?" Johnson asked Michael as he drew closer, breathing heavily.

"We got some unexpected help," Michael whispered as he drew closer to his friend, "The Protoss are here but not like the Protoss that we encountered, I think it's their darker siblings."

"So that might explain why there are far more zerg corpses farther away than they should be." Johnson.

Suddenly the radio crackled to life.

"This is Governor Hanson. Please respond."

"Governor, I didn't know that the shelter had radio", Michael asked as he retrieved the radio.

"I'm not at the shelter, Captain. I'm at the Science Complex. And I badly need assistance. The zerg has just entered the building and I'm trapped along with my security personnel. We need help."

"Alright, we'll be there as soon as we can, Governor. Over and out." Michael informed her.

"Please hurry."

"You heard the lady, marines. She needs help. Johnson, what's the fastest way to get to the Science Complex?" Michael asked Johnson

"The entrance is at the center of the city. We'll need transportation for that." Johnson informed him.

"Alright. We'll use the vultures that the security forces still have. Marines! Move out!" Michael ordered his men.

Together with Johnson and his men, they rode out to wards the Science Complex leaving the city hall in command of the Militia Captain.

 

[DeathsKnight]

Skidding to a stop Gabe can only stare at the beast slaughtering the militia, it's large, standing on two legs covered in a zerg skin, two long arms with razor sharp claws, from it's left arm protrudes two bade like extensions, from it's back grows claw tipped appendages, the same as the zerglings' and from its neck area tentacle like growths protrudes and the wriggle around.

"What the fuck is that?"

Gabe shakes his head

"I've never seen anything like it"

Raising his weapon he opens fire, that strange tingle travels down his spine again and he recognize it from a bit earlier on. Did it come from this creature? The rest of the militia opens fire as well and the creature turns around on them, roaring in anger

"Spread out! Get behind some cover!"

Gabe aims for the obvious weak spots that he know from the zerg setup on the creature, but they are even better protected

"Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Commander this is James! We have one hell of a problem here"

"What is it James?"

"It's...something big and powerful, better protected than any zerg, we will need some help...any help!"

Gabe ducks out of the way and keeps on moving out of the way as the creature rushes at him, exchanging his depleted magazine and starts firing at any part that isn't covered with bone, falling back in the direction of the armory, he knows there is more weapons and ammunition, but he doubt if it will be able to bring this thing down. The creature turns on a group of militia and tears into them, this gives Gabe the time to fall back further, he knows it must seem like he is running away, but he needs a better weapon...or just more weapons, blocking out the screams he runs for the Armory, this is the last chance he will get. He finds the Armory open and rushes inside, there is two more assault rifles, he ignores them and grabs more ammunition.

"James come in"

"James here"

"We are heading for the Science Complex to help Governor Hanson, you are now in control of the defenses"

"Roger that sir"

"Kevin! Kevin! We have reinforcements!"

"Finally, can you give a stat report?"

"Uhm it looks like...40 Security Personnel and 40 Marines...wait a minute....Goliaths! We have 5 Goliaths now!"

"I think they should take down that thing out there"

Gabe heads outside and watch the Goliaths lumber into view and the infantry dashing for cover as the creature still wreaks havoc.

"Howdee people, anybody need some heavy firepower?"

"This is Kevin James, I'm leading the City Hall defenses, give me all you got on that creature"

"Roger Wilco that, you heard the man guys, let's rock and roll"

Gabe watch as the Goliaths engages the creature, firing their cannons at it, with surprising speed the creature turns towards them and in shocked silence everybody present watches as the creature smashes one of the clawed appendages straight through the cockpit

"Holy shit, take it out! TAKE IT OUT!!"

The panic is clear in the goliath pilot's voice and Gabe can understand why, this is the first time that this has happened.

"Sir? James?"

"James here"

"We have lost two of the siege tank's crews, the zerg is starting to falter, but there is still three ultralisks heading towards your position"

"Get the tanks to fire on those ultralisks, when necessary fall back, but try to hold out as long as possible, this thing here just took out a goliath..."

Gabe looks on in astonishment as the creature batters a goliath almost into the ground

"make that two goliaths, this thing is tougher than anything I have ever heard of"

"Roger that sir"

"This is James to the new marine arrivals, we need reinforcements on the east and west defenses"

"Roger that"

The marines splits up and head for the defensive positions, the creature grabs one goliath and rips off the shoulder mounted rocket pods, before driving one fist clean through the cockpit.

"Fire! Keep on firing! It has to go down!"

Gabe's shouted command shakes the defense forces out of their shock and almost immediately a hail of automatic gunfire rakes the creature. Four marines comes running towards the armory, their suits are dented scratched and marred.

"Sir? We are ready to help out"

"How is your ammunition?"

"We are all low sir"

"Take defensive positions up at the City Halls' entrance, if any zerg gets in there those civilians are toast"

"Roger that sir"

The Marines trots off, Gabe turns his attention back to creature just as it rips off a goliath's leg and claws at the grounded goliath.

"Shit"

He rushes back inside, frantically getting more ammunition, then his eye catches the muzzle a weapon, half hidden by a crate. Pulling the crate aside he stares at the weapon, it's based on an antique bi pod mounted machine gun, he opens the crate and finds boxes of ammunition for the weapon

"Well it's old, let's hope it works"

Setting to work he starts to link the ammunition belts together

"James! Where the hell are you? This thing is slaughtering us out here"

"Hold on! I'm getting ammunition, I'm dry"

"Hurry the fuck up!"

Grabbing a nearby flatbed trolley used to move weapon crates, he stacks the linked weapon belts on it and then finally place the gun on top of the ammunition, throwing more magazines for the assault rifle on the trolley he rushes outside and back towards the sound of the defense forces fighting with the creature. As he comes back into view he sees the creature driving his foot onto the last remaining goliath as it's flat on it's back, the pilot's scream ends in a gurgle and the creature roars at the remaining forces, stopping in range of his assault rifle he hefts the gun and loads it, bracing himself, clutching the gun under his arm, he pulls the trigger, the gun starts firing, some of the bullets ripping into the creature and the other ricocheting. It feels to Gabe like he is trying to hold onto a tornado and the gun is actually driving him slowly backwards. The creature roars in anger and pain and turns towards Gabe, renewed firing from the remaining militia and defense force tears into the creature, it seems like the creature might go down under the massive firepower and just at that moment Gabe's weapon jams.

"Damn!"

The creature charges towards Gabe and he just have time to grab his assault rifle and run before the creature tears into the ammunition laden trolley, a swipe from his claws rakes across Gabe's back, sending him sprawling

"Kevin! Watch out!"

Gabe turns onto his back and winches in pain and watch as death strides towards him...

 

[Jedi_Khan]

The monster was unlike anything the Protoss had ever encountered in their entire history. It looked to be some perverse blending of Zerg and Protoss, with there being more of the former than the latter. The mere sight of it through the Observer’s eyes stunned all the Protoss aboard the bridge of Zeladar’s flagship. It seemed that there was nothing they could do to stop the creature as it tore apart anything in its path, be it a structure or a hapless Terran soldier.

Then there was a moment like a collective blink as the Protoss recovered from the initial shock of seeing the creature. Zeladar directed a Warp Prism to move into position over the general area of the creature and deploy a psi field. Then with a press of a button, Zeladar was gone from the bridge of his ship and warping onto the battle field on Haven.

Zeladar was unaccustomed to the sounds of a Terran battle, but that fact didn’t bother him in the least. He quickly took in his surroundings, noting the places where the Terrans hid from the beast and where one of them was running towards a building, pausing every so often to turn and fire. Most of the buildings in the area were one and two story structures, but there was one structure that Zeladar remembered to be the one that the Terrans were defending which was four stories tall. The creature’s head reached the third floor.

Zeladar ran towards the building that he had seen the retreating soldier run into, but instead of following the man inside, Zeladar climbed to the roof of the structure. From there, he had a much better vantage point, and a feeling that the creature would be coming his way eventually. He watched from there as Terran reinforcements arrived, among them five mechanical walkers that the Terrans called “Goliaths.” As the soldiers that accompanied the Goliaths scattered for cover, the walkers opened up with their chain guns, pelting the beast with bullets.

Instead of really hurting the monster, the Goliaths only get its attention as it whips around and puts a clawed appendage through the cockpit of one of the walkers. After that, things just went downhill as the creature proceeded to crush the other walkers. Shortly after the last Goliath is crushed, a new sound splits the air; loud, rapid gunshots from below where Zeladar stands.

He looks down to see a Terran wielding what appears to be a large machine gun and is holding on for dear life as the rapid recoil of the weapon slowly pushes him backwards. The rounds either rip into the creature’s hide or bounce off, but either way, the soldier succeeded in drawing the monster’s ire. Then the weapon stops firing, and Zeladar can tell that something has gone wrong with the gun. The Terran abandons the weapon and runs as the creature charges towards him, a wide swipe grazing the man’s back, sending him sprawling.

At the moment, Zeladar acts. Mentally pulling at the Void around him, Zeladar is wrapped in a cloud of smoke then vanishes, reappearing in a puff of smoke above the creature’s head. As he falls onto the creature, one of Zeladar’s hands grabs onto a ridge in the creature’s armor, while with the other, he stabs his activated warp blade into the armor, the energy blade biting deep into the flesh.

The beast halts in its charge, and bellowing in pain, reaches behind it in an attempt to remove Zeladar, but he has a good grip and a good spot – the creature can’t reach him. The monster twists and turns violently, trying to dislodge the Protoss warrior, as Zeladar digs his blade into the monster and pulls, creating deep cuts in the armor. The beast throws itself into the side of a building, back first, determined to crush what it couldn’t reach, but Zeladar avoids the blow, once again teleporting to above the creature’s head. This time, he landed just behind the head, right next to the neck as the monster pulled away from the building.

Seeing an opportunity to bring the creature down, Zeladar swung his warp blade into the creature’s neck, slicing deep into the spine, but not deep enough to kill the beast. It roared in severe pain, knowing that for the first and last time in its life, death was upon it. With a final swing, Zeladar dug his blade into the creature’s spine, severing it. The monster’s mouth opened for a final time in a silent roar as life left its body, the soft and vulnerable roof of its mouth exposed.

 

[DeathsKnight]

Gabe watches in fascination as the creature stops and seem to try and scratch an itch behind his head, then it throws itself against a building. Gabe tries to get up, but the pain shooting down his back from the claws, that ripped his armor to shreds, makes him fall back onto his back, sending waves of agony shooting up his spine.

"Well fuck you too, I'll go out like a man"

Gabe hefts his rifle and takes aim at the creature, at that precise moment the creature opens it's mouth and Gabe swiftly adjusts his aim and pull the trigger, the bullets slam through the soft roof of it's mouth and dig into it's brain. The beast staggers and Gabe can swear he sees a puff of smoke appear and disappear above the creature's head, just as it crashes to the ground with a thud that sends dust up into the air. Again that strange tingle travels down Gabe's spine and he realize that it's not from the creature, as it is now dead. A collective cheer goes up from the defenders and Gabe smiles, at least this thing is dead, now for the rest of the zerg.

"Anybody have a stimpack? I feel a bit wounded"

"The zerg seems to be faltering sir, maybe that thing controlled them"

"Gather any man you can find who is willing and able to fight and drive them out, kill every last one of them sonsabitches"

"Roger that sir"

A field medic of the security forces, kneels down next to Gabe and injects him with a stimpack. It takes a few seconds for the pain to disappear and Gabe tries to get up again, but his back muscles screams in protest, that makes him grit his teeth even through the pain dulling effects of the stimpack. The medic turns him on his side and whistles

"I'll need some help here, James' back is badly damaged"

"I can feel my legs"

"Sir you don't want to see your back muscles at the moment, you can be very lucky that the blow didn't damage your spinal cord"

"I can't stop now, there is still zerg out there, I need to get up and help with getting rid of them"

Gabe feels another prick in his neck and he starts to lose consciousness

"Sorry sir, but you aren't going anywhere with a wound like that"

Gabe slumps to the ground, his last thought is that he hopes they don't pick up on the fact that he is Dominion.

 

[Lansfirestar]

Michael Forrester

HAVEN, NEW HAVEN - SCIENCE COMPLEX
Arriving at the New Haven Science Complex, Michael called for an update on the situation at City Hall.

"Captain, this is Corporal Steven. The situation at City Hall has been resolved although casualties were extremely high due to the unknown entity that suddenly appeared awhile ago."

"Alright, Corporal. I'll want a full report when I get back. Where is James, corporal?" Michael asked as his men began to get ready to storm the building.

"He's in weakened condition and it was decided that he should rest. Captain, what should we do now?"

"Secure the perimeter but other than that, you guys deserve a break. Blade out." Michael informed him.

Retrieving his rifle from the vulture bike, Michael approached his friend, Johnson.

"Looks like it's time to save our governor, John." Michael stated as he jammed a magazine into his rifle.

"Of course, but this won't be easy." Johnson told him as zerglings burst out from the second floor windows of the Science Complex.

Immediately the marines opened fire on the zerglings, their bullets tearing the zerglings to shreds before crashing on the ground, riddled with holes.

As the marines holstered their weapons when it was clear that no more zerg would ambush them, the marines stormed into the building.

"Hmmm... nice welcoming party." Michael mused as he surveyed the damaged lobby riddled with the corpses of both Terran and Zerg. Just then a Hydralisk appeared on the east corridor, oblivious to the marines.

"We'll at least, we know that the zerg is still here." replied Johnson as he aimed at it's head before releasing a short burst. The Hydralisk's head exploded while it's body toppled to the ground.

As the marines took a survey of their location, Michael's noticed that there were three corridors.

"Alright, here's the plan. Corporal James, take three men and explore the west corridor. Johnson, you'll take the east corridor. I'll take the north corridor. Alright, let's move." Michael ordered.

As the marines separated into their respective groups, Governor Hanson was busy downloading the necessary files into her PDA when the security door outside burst open, where the zerg rushed inside.

 

[DeathsKnight]

"You had help killing that creature"

Gabe looks over at his father who is standing at the table, busy assembling a rifle

"I figured as much"

"You have compromised yourself, you know that don't you? You should have stayed out of the fight"

"The zerg..."

"Have you thought what you would do when all the zerg have been killed? What would you do then?"

Gabe flexes his hand, covered in zerg blood

"Then I can rest for a change"

"You? Rest? Don't fool yourself Gabriel, you know that you will seek out something else to hate, to kill"

"Why?"

"You made this hate your personal crusade, I died in battle like a true soldier. You took it personal"

Gabe nods

"Then what should I do dad?"

"Wake up, or you will be alone behind enemy lines"

There is a bright flash and Gabe groans, slowly opening his eyes

"He's coming to"

"Should I sedate him again?"

"No don't worry, by now the battle lust would have left him. Kevin...do you still want to get up and go after them zergs?"

Gabe blinks his eyes

"I want to get at them, but not right now, let me rest a bit first"

"There we go, ok your back is patched up, but you will feel it for quite some time. Don't place too much stress on it"

Gabriel makes a slight nodding motion

"OK I'll do that"

There is a commotion beyond Gabe's field of view

"Doctor we have a wounded marine here, he has lost a lot of blood!"

Gabe can sense the medical personal rushing away and he relaxes, it seems that he came out of it just in time. He shifts slightly and sighs, he never expected to end up in an infirmary when he was given this assignment.