In her mind she can hear the scream as if it were happening again. A scream laced with frustration and anguish as she finds herself reliving a pivotal point in her past. For the last three years she has been plagued with this nightmarish event over-and-over again and despite all her efforts to quiet the persistent voice in her mind, the results are always the same. Her mind reels from the virtual flood of scenes and raw emotions. The sights and smells flow over her like a massive wave and threaten to drown her underneath their crushing force. Despite all the control she possesses, she feels yet again the sensation of tumbling through the folds of her psyche and finding herself back in the past. She can’t help but not join the voice in chorus that rattles through her mind yet again like a small pebble in a can.
“GET THE HELL OUT OF THERE!”
Her warning comes to late as she witnesses a section of the perimeter literally disappear from the intense barrage of fire from the attacking Protoss forces. She slams the radio into a console over the loss of life from her warning that came a few seconds too late. Everywhere she looks is unbelievable madness. The scene around her is beyond the description of mere words. Chaos permeates everything in view as the forces of the Zerg, Protoss and her own fight without thought. Her musings are interrupted as a marine charges into the crowded control center.
“We’ve got to get out of here Sarah!” screams Master Sergeant Cory Gilson. “There’s no way in hell we can stop ‘em!”
“We just have to hold the Protoss off long enough for the Zerg to finish off the last of the Confederates,” she replies flatly.
Shaking his head in disbelief, he retorts back. “With all due respect but don’t you get it?! The Zerg and the Protoss are hell bent on killing each other and we are sitting right smack in the middle!”
“Arcturus wants us to delay the Protoss so that’s what we are going to do!” she states tersely.
“Listen Sarah, this mission is over no matter what we do. I say we cut and run NOW while we still can!”
“We still have a job to do here Cory,” she says with some wavering conviction in her tone. “Arcturus knows what he’s doing,” she adds with a whisper as the remaining command staff looks on.
“Ah hope you’re right there Sarah… I really do.”
“So do I.”
“We’ve got problems over here ma’am!” shouts the tactical officer.
Rushing over to his station she watches the deteriorating situation go from bad to worse on the tactical displays. The forces of the Protoss have finally succeeded in literally rolling over the remains of her defenses as the Zerg simultaneously breech the opposite side.
“Our perimeter is history ma’am!” announces the tactical officer. “Protoss AND Zerg forces are both inside our lines!”
“It’s all over Sarah,” whispers Gilson as he places a hand on her shoulder. “Let’s get our people the hell out of here.”
Knowing that any further action would just be suicide she reluctantly accepts that it’s time to leave.
“Issue the order to withdraw,” she quietly orders the comm officer. He immediately begins to transmit the retreat orders over the command channels.
“Sarge, get our people together and have them meet at the predetermined rally points. It’s time to cut our losses and head home.”
“Yes ma’am,” replies Gilson as he snaps off a quick salute and turns to leave.
Pausing briefly for a moment before leaving he says, “And Sarah, you did your best.”
The surviving members of the strike force immediately break off and run while the forces of the Zerg and the Protoss tear into each other with an almost insane fury. The fierce cries of the Zerg fills the air as they continue to lash out at everything. Intense blasts of raw energy explode in a madhouse display of light as the forces of the Protoss continue to cut a swath of destruction across the terrain. The smell of death and burning wreckage flows over the battered soil and fuels the carnage. Kerrigan’s forces quickly fallback in disarray all the while under attack from both sides. Dozens of troops and equipment are lost as they desperately struggle to clear the killing fields. The Terrans fall back away from the city seeking to reach the distant landing zone.
“Come on! Move it!” Kerrigan shouts above the sounds of battle to her forces. Troops, tanks and vehicles roar past her on the blasted ground as she urges them on to the rally point. A sudden call on her comm draws her attention.
“Lieutenant, this is Gilson. We’ve got problems back here!”
“What’ve you got sarge?”
“We’ve got some Protoss forces that just won’t leave us alone. I’d say we kinda ticked them off some and they’re still a little bit pissed,” he says as the rattle of rifle fire fills the transmission.
“What’s the opposition?” she asks as she gestures towards a passing tank crew and some troops to hold position.
“About four to six of those goons. They’ve got us pinned down hard and we don’t have anything heavy to take them out with! We might as well be pissing on ‘em!”
“Ok hang on sarge, I’m on the way back with some help.”
“Well hustle it up would ya!” he urges over the radio.
Looking around she spots Gunnery Sergeant Greg Barton advancing with some marines and shouts over the chaos of battle to get his attention.
“Gunny!”
“Yes ma’am!”
“Gunny, take charge of the boys. Continue on to the LZ. I’ve going back for the rear guard. If you don’t hear from us in a few, you are to continue on without us and get the hell out of here. Clear?”
“Crystal ma’am. We’ll see you at the LZ in a few,” he replies with a sly grin.
“Good,” she says as she punches him in the shoulder. “That’s what I said now get ‘em out of here!”
Climbing onto the tank, she orders the driver to turn it around and follow her lead. “You men, come with me!” she orders to the nearby troops who board the tank as they head back to the rear guard section. The tank roars through the burned out littered streets at a reckless pace until the sounds of energy blasts are heard up ahead.
Her troops immediately dismount and seek cover in the alleyways dotting the street while the tank cautiously creeps forward. She sees several goons attempting to navigate through the littered streets in an attempt to sweep through. Several marines under cover continue to fire on the advancing lead goons as they try to break off. The shields of the mammoth walker glow intensely from the impacts of hundreds of bullets. Suddenly with a brilliant flaring of intense light, the shields collapse and the sound of metal striking metal are immediately heard. Sparks from intense rifle fire light up the exterior of the dragoon until they eventually pierce the armored shell. With a loud electronic shriek, the robotic walker crashes into the debris spewed ground as sparks crackle from the destroyed circuitry. The small victory is short-lived as another goon moves past the first and fires a burst into the lower level of a building. With a brilliant flash of light and heat, almost the entire bottom level is vaporized along with two marines unfortunate enough to be in there. A nearby ghost aims his rifle at the second goon and with a loud sizzle of energy, a lockdown canister is fired and strikes; imbedding itself into the metal. Upon impact the shell cracks open and releases a shower of disruptive energy. Dozens of electrical charges dance all over the giant mech shorting out all the mechanical systems. The goon grinds to a halt as the survivors of the rear guard and the new arrivals concentrate fire on the now crippled unit. The shields collapse under the intense fire as two blasts from the tank’s cannons hammer the disabled goon and blast it into flaming pieces.
“Sergeant!” screams Kerrigan over the noise.
“Over here!” yells Gilson above the din of battle as he gestures from within a doorway.
She runs fast and low and barely slows down in time before slamming her body and gear against the concrete wall. She impacts with a dull thud as the air is driven briefly from her lungs.
“Well that’s two so far,” she says breathlessly. “Where’s the rest?”
“Coming around those two now,” he replies as he points downrange. “We saw two others swing around the side earlier probably trying to flank us.”
Looking at where he is pointing, she spots four more goons less than a hundred yards behind the shattered remains of their previous companions firing into the surrounding buildings. Several buildings erupt into flames as they are hammered by the energy blasts.
“Tell your boys to get ready to fallback on my signal,” she says as she readies her C-10 rifle.
“Just what the hell do you plan on doing?”
“I’m going to turn some goons into a makeshift roadblock. Now get ‘em ready to move.”
“Specialist,” she yells over the noise, “you’re with me. Let’s go!”
She takes off at a dead run across the street with the other ghost right behind her. The tank that came with them continues to add to the carnage and provide cover as shells continue to rain down on the approaching goons. Upon reaching a pile of broken duracrete, they both break up and take position on opposite sides of the street. Hefting a canister from her backpack, she pulls a tap from her mini reactor and charges the shell and slams it into the breech. Lifting the rifle into place on a pile of debris she sights her rifle on the pod of the distant walker. Glancing briefly to her right, he confirms that he’s ready with a thumbs up. Steadying her breath, she gently pulls the trigger and feels it break at an even six pounds of pressure. The massive rifle kicks like a mule as the canister is propelled forward and impacts on her target. The robot is immediately crippled and the one beside it shares the same fate a few seconds later as they block any further advance from the Protoss along the narrow street.
“Sarge go!”
Taking his cue from Kerrigan, the remaining members of the rear guard rush towards the tank as it slowly backs up while continuing to lay down cover fire. Gesturing towards the other ghost, Sarah orders him back as they rush to join the others.
As they race to catch up with the rest of their group, a nearby building is blasted apart and two goons emerge from the flaming shower of debris. The tank immediately swivels and lobs two shells into the closest target. The shields flicker wildly as they attempt to absorb the explosive energy. One goon immediately returns fire and the tank is severely rocked from the blast. Those troops that were slow to dismount the tank are blasted off and lie screaming on the ground. Rifle fire begins to rattle as the survivors open fire on their assailants. Cursing loudly, Kerrigan and the ghost quickly ready some lockdown canisters to disable the threats. Dropping into a crouch, both ghosts sight and fire yet again just as one goon succumbs to a blistering hail of fire. The remaining walker grinds to a halt but not before firing another blast into the tank ripping into the turret. Pieces of the turret are blasted off while most of the tank is covered with numerous small fires. She rushes up to check on her troops as the survivors slowly stand. Four marines were killed in the ambush while three, including Gilson have been injured. One marine lies thrashing on the ground as he screams in agony from his severed leg. Gilson weakly leans against the tank as he cradles his blackened and bloodied arm.
“You ok sarge?”
“I’m ok but Oskins and Bernella are hurt bad,” he says as he gestures towards the mauled forms. The remaining marines desperately try to help their comrades.
“We’ve got to get ‘em out of here.” Climbing up onto the tank, she quickly talks with the commander.
“What’s the situation? Can she still move?”
“She can still move, barely, but I lost my driver and my fire control. We need to get out of here fast before those lockdown shells wear off,” he replies as he dabs at his bloody shoulder.
“Anyone know how to drive a tank?”
“I kinda do ma’am,” replies a particularly young marine as he sheds his combat suit.
“Well come on then. Let’s get ‘em onboard and out of here! We’ve got a ride to catch!”
The survivors load the wounded and quickly board the blasted tank and reluctantly leave their dead behind due to lack of room. Once onboard they literally will the crippled vehicle to move before the affects of the first lockdown rounds begin to wear off.
Rattling through the streets like a broken pipe wagon, the remains of the rear guard rush to catch up with the rest of their forces at the LZ. Everywhere they look the burned out husk of city once known as New Gettysburg lies a smoking ruin as the Zerg and Protoss continue to battle across the former central planet of the Confederacy. As the last remnants of the city are passed and the countryside begins to appear ahead, Kerrigan sees the survivors of the strike force waiting in the designated canyon. She dismounts even before the tank comes to a complete halt as she runs like a broken field runner into the communications tent while Gilson remains to supervise the unloading of the wounded.
“We’ve got bad news lieutenant,” says sergeant Barton. “Sensors are reading a large, and I mean LARGE force of Zerg heading right for us.
“Get me Arcturus’ flagship!” she urges the comm officer.
Several seconds pass before he says, “Link established ma’am, you’re ready to transmit.”
“Strike force to Mengsk. Strike force to Mengsk. Come in over!”
A figure materializes on the display and begins to speak in a slow southern tone. “This is Mengsk here,” comes the calm distant reply.
“Sir. We’ve done all that we can but we can’t stop ‘em. Requesting immediate EVAC over!” she states excitedly.
“Were you able to complete the mission,” he asks with an almost offhand attitude.
“Yes sir,” she replies cautiously to the distant image. “The Zerg have all but destroyed the last remnants of the Confederates. We have suffered severe losses sir and require immediate extraction!”
“You have done far better than I had expected Sarah. I am extremely impressed with your performance on this mission.”
“Umm… thank you sir,” she answers with confusion in her tone. “Sir we need to get out of here. We’ve got a large threat advancing on this position even as we speak.”
“Yes… we see it from here as well. However, I’m afraid I can’t risk anymore of my forces on a lost cause.”
“Sir…” she replies with a blank look on her face at the distant image. “I don’t understand.”
“Oh that’s quite all right Sarah. Because of your efforts, you have eliminated the last obstacle to my ascendancy to power in this sector. The last vestiges of the Confederacy have been swept away and the path has been laid bare to my future throne. You should feel elation at what your sacrifice has accomplished.”
“NO…” she replies with fear in her voice. “You can’t just leave us down here with the Zerg. These people have fought for you. I’ve fought and given up so much for you. You owe US!”
“And don’t think I’m not grateful for your efforts Sarah. Unfortunately, you know far too much about my organization and as it stands my dear, that makes you… a threat.”
“The Zerg are beginning to engage our perimeter ma’am!” shouts the tactical officer as rifle fire begins to fill the air.
“GAWDDAMN YOU ARCTURUS!” she screams with rage and tears in her eyes as she pounds her fists on the terminal. “You can’t just leave us down here to die!”
“I’m sorry you feel that way Sarah,” comes the calm reply. “But at least you will have died for a good cause my dear. Isn’t that what you you’ve always wanted.” He asks with a cruel grin.
“The Zerg our passing into our perimeter ma’am!” screams a marine as explosions and screams begin to get closer.
“DAMN YOU TO HELL ARCTURUS!” she snaps viciously as tears stream down her face. “Somehow… someday… I swear I’ll make you PAY for this!”
Chuckling softly, the image replies with a tight grin. “And how pray tell will you be able to do that if you are dead my dear? I seriously doubt that even with your impressive abilities that you—“
The image never gets to finish as she smashes the display with the butt of her rifle. The command staff can merely look on with disbelief as they await the time when death’s hand will come and claim their very lives. Given the sounds of battle raging outside, they won’t have long to wait.
Wiping the tears of frustration from her eyes she tries to pull herself together because she knows she is all the hope her people have left. Arming her rifle, she gestures for the command staff to follow her.
“All of you, gather whatever weapons and supplies you can carry and follow me,” she orders sternly.
She rushes outside into a fierce battle. Gunfire is everywhere as the Zerg storm the defenses of the small base. Knowing that what little salvation they have depends on them surviving the next few minutes, she rallies what forces she finds left around her. She spots Gilson firing one-handedly from behind a burned out tank and rushes over to him.
“When’s our ride coming lieutenant,” he asks urgently as he fires a few rounds.
“Arcturus screwed us!” she says with anguish in her voice. “He left us out to hang!”
Gilson turns to stare at her blankly and can barely speak as the thought of impending death rolls over him at the news of their betrayal.
“We need to try and get out of here somehow.”
“How?!” he asks incredulously. “There’s nowhere left to run! All we can do is stand and die now!” he replies as he slaps in a new clip.
A massive wave of approaching Zerg draws her attention and she quickly orders her people to follow her away into some distant caves. A running fight ensues as the Terrans fire back at their pursuers until they are quickly overtaken. A pitched battle begins as the Zerg literally engulf the retreating Terrans. The survivors are promptly slaughtered despite their desperate stand punctuated by screams, curses and gunfire.
“Sarah get DOWN!” screams Gilson as he leaps to shield her from a closing hydra. He fires an extended burst into the creature just as several spikes tear into his battered body and cause him to jerk like a puppet on a string. She quickly dispatches the bloodied creature with several shots and tries to tend to Gilson as he lies bleeding on the ground.
“I’m sorry… I’m so sorry… I should’ve listened,” she sobs softly. “Maybe if I had—“
“Sarah darlin’… it’s not… your… fault...” he says with a slight smile as he touches her cheek. “You did… the best you could… with what you had… don’t… blame yourse—“ whispers his voice as he trails off. His eyes soon gloss over as he shudders his last breath.
With tears flowing down her cheeks she reluctantly leaves her friend behind as a marine pulls her along. She screams for the last survivors to follow her as she can only think of survival. A sudden warning from her side alerts her to a closing threat.
“Look out!” screams a marine as a queen soars into position and fires a green fluid that coats the retreating survivors. The last thing she sees is a thick organic blanket coating her and her troops. Sharp pains course through her as toxins coat and shock her fragile nervous system as the world goes completely black.
She wakes up to find herself in darkness enclosed within an organic prison. The walls are warm and thrum gently as the living prison pulsates. The only sound audible to her ears is her only shallow breathing. A soft hiss draws her attention to the top of her prison just as a darkish fluid begins to pour over her and begins to fill her prison. The air becomes thick with alien odors and her heart races wildly as unbelievable fear washes over her. In her mind, she can hear the voice of an ancient life speaking to her.
“You will be my greatest creation yet… for your coming will herald the end of our foes…”
Intense pain immediately begins to flow through her as the vile fluids begin their foul work on her body. Mutating and twisting that which was pure into a nightmarish creation. Soon the pain is unbearable and the only sounds that she can hear now are her own screams. Though her vision clouds from the intense pain she bears witness to the twisting of her form. She feels her skin peel as the fluid desolves her flesh and deadens it. Her once flowing brown hair is soaked and falls to mix with the putrid fluid as grotesque tentacles begin to sprout from her bloodied scalp. Despite the incredible pain, she tries desperately to pound her way out of her prison driven by the will to survive.
“Fear not my young creation… do not fight your destiny… for soon you will be made whole…”
Her mind driven insane by the intense pain that racks her form, she tries to cling to the last shreds of her humanity. She tries a last attempt to plead for help, any form of help so that the pain will stop.
“Oh GOD… someone… please… HELP ME… please… anyone… help… me…” she cries with the last ounce of her strength as the fluid floods the small prison and begins to fill her lungs. As her vision begins to fail her and the darkness threatens to claim her very soul, she utters one last cry for she knows her soul will be lost forever.
“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”
Her screams pierce the silence of her darkened chambers and it takes her a moment to realize where she is. Her eyes are slow to adjust to the dim lighting as she focuses on her exposed arms. Arms once smooth with flesh are tainted green and dead to the touch. The nightmare has visited her tortured soul yet again and she braces her head in her hands and gently rocks her body as tears start to flow. She mutters the phrase that has brought her comfort for so long.
“I am the Queen of Blades… I am the Queen of Blades… “ The words continue to flow but their comfort rings hollow in her ears.
“I am the Queen of Blades… ” she says repeatedly as she continues to cry into the darkness around her.
