Staring out across the vast expansion of the city, he cannot help but feel a distant ache in his heart grow from the memories that the sights and smells bring forth. So much has happened to him and his beloved planet over the past years. It seems almost like an eternity as he tries to come to terms with the events that have literally sculpted his life and set him on his path. A warm breeze washes over the balcony and envelops him within its gentle embrace. He closes his eyes and clears his mind of all thoughts as he lets nature claim him body and soul. Sadly as all things go, the breeze passes and leaves him alone with but his thoughts once again. He opens his eyes to behold the final beauty of the day as the sun slowly sets in the distance heralding nightfall. He fells the glow cast by the retreating sun warm his face as he stares out at the sky. The sky is set ablaze with the colors only Mother Nature herself could create as a multitude of red, yellow, orange and pink streaks stain the canvas that is the skies of Korhal. It is a sight that stirs fond memories of his youth as he continues to gaze out at the expanse. He recalls looking out from a building, unlike the one he resides in now, viewing almost the same exact view. So much has happened since those days. Continuing to gaze across the sky, he spots dozens of transports scurry across the sky with their navigational lights blinking as they continue on their way. In a way, part of him is envious of those who pilot those crafts. Life is simpler, less complicated. They do not have to deal with the larger issues. Issues that mold and shape the very lives of those he has sworn to govern and protect.
“No,” he whispers softly, “I would not trade places with them for anything. Mine is a path of far more importance.” With one final glance, he turns away from the distant colorful canvas and walks through the parted glass doors as one final breeze chases after him. The floor is polished fire rock, native only to Korhal with an almost quartz-like appearance. Its shine is with a brilliance that few stones in the sector could compare with. Sadly, this is due in part to the hellish fires unleashed by the thousand nuclear warheads that ravaged this planet so long ago. Ironic, he thinks to himself, that something so beautiful could come from so deadly an origin. Continuing onward, his footsteps echo along the empty white halls as he strides purposely towards the council chambers. The members of his personal guard that line the hallway snap to attention, their heels making a soft audible click, as he passes. He reaches the twin ornate doors flanked by yet more of his guardsmen that mark the entrance to the chambers. With a soft hiss, they slide open to reveal those inside. The members of his personal council rise out of respect, or more than likely fear of offending him, as he enters the vast room. As he passes each member, they perform a soft military bow to show yet further respect for his stature.
He takes his seat and orders the others to sit as well. With a slight shuffling of seats and papers, those gathered settle in for the final business of the day.
“I trust all of you enjoyed our brief recess.” The council members offer their thanks for the brief respite. “Before we adjourn this meeting, do any of you have any final matters that require attention?”
General Kenneth Paulsen, Supreme Commander of Dominion Forces is the first to speak. “I have something that deserves to be announced before we continue any further Emperor.” Glancing briefly at those gathered, he continues on with an air of importance in his tone. “I’m pleased to report to you that your glorious forces are now on the verge of reclaiming the last of our outer rim worlds.” His words draw some muffled grumbling from those gathered.
Lacing his fingers in front of him, Arcturus continues with a slight smile. “I’m so happy to hear that Kenny. However, are those not the very same words of assurance that you presented before this council and ME several weeks ago? I do not appreciate being misled nor made a fool sir.” The room is silent as they await Paulsen’s reply.
Clearing his throat nervously, he continues onward, the previous arrogance now replaced with a sense of uncertainty. “Umm… I may have presented that information to you before due to poor reports provided by those under my command but the source of these recent reports is accurate… to the best of my knowledge that is,” he adds belatedly.
“I see,” flatly replies Mengsk. “And just how sure of you this time of this information?” he asks with a steel edge to his tone.
“This information comes directly from the commander of Alpha Squadron personally Emperor,” replies Paulsen with some courage returning in his voice.
Staring intently towards Paulsen, Arcturus’ expression softens slightly at the mention of his loyal soldier. “Good o’ Christopher,” Mengsk replies with a smile, “well if that o’ war horse sent the report then there can be no doubt that it is in fact accurate. Has he or his staff provided you with a projected timeline as to when this campaign of his will be reaching the final stages of completion?”
“Yes Emperor. According to the General’s staff, they should be eradicating the last remaining Zerg presence on Dylar IV within two to three weeks standard time. They should be then proceeding towards the last two remaining worlds, Chau Sara and Brontes, both still held by the Zerg.”
Smiling broadly, Arcturus continues on. “That is outstanding news then Kenny. Please forward my best wishes to General Ames and his staff that they complete the objectives as soon as possible. I feel that their presence will be needed soon.”
“Of course Emperor.”
“Anything else that requires further attention ladies and gentlemen?” A chorus of replies answers no to his question. “Very well then, let us finish with the meeting.”
“Alexia my dear, if you would be so kind as to end these processions with your report?” he says as he gestures over towards an attractive young blond seated to his left.
Alexia Sarles, Director of the Special Services Corps rises and walks towards the central holoprojector; Arcturus and the eyes of many of the men present watch her passage with great interest. Being the youngest member of the council at twenty-seven and in a position of considerable power, those who do not know her assumed it had more to do with her stunning looks than abilities; an assumption that eventually proved to hold dire consequences for those foolish enough to trifle with her. Several years ago Mengsk had appointed her personally to head his special “enforcement” division because of her utterly ruthless personality and dedication to duty; a sharp contrast to her exquisite exterior. It is an intriguing duality that he himself appreciates.
With a soft humming of machinery, the projector powers-up and an image of the sovereignties under control of the Dominion appears before the council with several sections highlighted white marking areas of “conflicting interest.”
“As you can see from this image, we now control little over 85% of the territories once held by the Confederacy,” she states with a warm inviting tone. “However, there are still some regions that fail to acknowledge this governing body so we are attempting to—“
“Those ungrateful fools,” interrupts Jamie Quinson, Minister of Interior, “we only offer them a reliable governing body that would bring stability and prosperity and yet they still reject US?!”
“Save your endless speeches Jamie,” comments Rachael Bean from the Ministry of Economics, “no one outside this room will hear them much less care for them.”
Glaring harshly at the raven-haired women across the table from him, he is about to snap back but is cut off by a sharp pounding of a gavel on stone. “I believe that we all have heard enough bickering for today,” states Mengsk. Gesturing back towards Alexia, “My apology my dear, please continue,” he says sweetly.
“As I was saying,” she says coolly as she casts her pale blue eyes on Quinson briefly, “we are attempting to bring these reluctant factions finally under our control. We have made several overtures in the past towards the ruling body of the Umojan Protectorate but in my opinion, they are unwilling to listen to reason. I believe they require a more… forceful approach to diplomacy.”
“And what did you have in mind my dear,” inquires Mengsk.
“Those who wish to join us have already been offered positions of power when the new ruling body is set to arise. As to those who lack our vision of a unified Terran sector… we shall deal with them in a manner befitting their crimes.” Those gathered in the chamber are chilled by her cold words.
“Several of our operatives are in position now to remove those who are unwilling to flock to our banner as well as their supporters.”
“Excellent my dear, and the potential for political fallout?”
“None that would directly involve you my Emperor, we have planned for that eventuality and have thus scattered enough evidence to make it appear as if the forces of Raynor instigated the attack. The end result will be an increase in your political influence while those few fools who still continue to support Raynor’s cause will instead question his ultimate motives.”
“Very impressive my dear… very impressive indeed,” states Mengsk with a broad grin. “How soon before this plan commences?”
“You have but to give the order and by nightfall tomorrow, the territories of the Umojan Protectorate and all its wealth will be firmly under Dominion control,” she replies with a cruel smile. A small beep is heard from the direction of Quinson’s seat as he answers the message in a rapid, hushed voice.
“Then the order is given. Both Raynor and those old self-righteous fools in the Umojan Protectorate have been a thorn in my side for these past few years and I cannot let slip the opportunity to destroy one while gaining the other.”
“Perhaps this plan comes too late my Emperor,” interrupts Quinson. “I have just learned recently that one of our largest convoys carrying vital supplies and materials through the Kel-Morian sector was captured.”
“WHAT?!” Mengsk roars. The outburst of emotion causes those gathered to cringe slightly. Taking a moment to reign in his emotions, he continues in a more civilized tone. “How may I ask was this convoy taken so easily given the importance of its cargo?” he asks sharply.
“Reports are still sketchy from the survivors of the raid but the force assigned to protect the convoy was not small. At least several squadrons and their supporting vessels were assigned escort duty.”
“And why may I ask were there no cruisers assigned to this convoy Kenny?”
“The Kel-Morian sector commander felt that his squadrons were sufficient to repel any assault from raiders and thus did not assign any to the detail,” states Quinson quickly as he glances briefly towards Paulsen’s seat.
“Have that man stripped of rank immediately, replaced for his stupidity and placed under custody. I will not suffer failure from the incompetence of others.”
“Yes… of course my Emperor,” replies Paulsen who has no doubt as to the fate of that former commander now. “I shall see to a proper replacement immediately after this meeting.”
“Have the reports mentioned as to who these pirates may have been, though I personally have no doubt as to who it is.”
“As I stated before Emperor, the reports are still filtering in but from the preliminary accounts that I have seen it appears that these pirates were very small in number, only a few squadrons worth, and yet they succeeded in besting a larger force,” flatly replies Quinson.
“Raynor,” hisses Mengsk like a snake. “I swear that boy just doesn’t know when to quit. I want that after-action report as soon as it is completed Jamie.”
“Yes my Emperor.”
“I think it’s time to start paying Mr. Raynor back with some well-deserved interest. Initiate your plan immediately Alexia, after that begins I would like to see to it that that little insect of a man is finally squashed and squashed…HARD!”
“As you wish my Emperor.”
“Is that all ladies and gentlemen? Are there anymore further issues to discuss?” he asks. A chorus of replies answers his question. “Very well then… I believe all of you have work to do so it’s best that you get to it.” With that closing statement, the meeting adjourns and the council moves to exit the chamber.
“Alexia my dear, would you stay a moment? I wish to discuss some points of your plan in detail.”
“Of course my Emperor,” she replies smoothly. Those who managed to hear the exchange know of course the real reason for her staying behind yet they dare not bring it up.
The room empties out with the exception of its two lone occupants.
“You are as devious as ever my dear,” he states as he runs his fingers through her long silky hair, “and equally beautiful,” he adds as he eyes her womanly charms.
“It is my wish only to serve you my Emperor. My duty is to you and the Dominion only. All others do not matter,” she says as she smiles sweetly.
“Yes… on several occasions you have proven your loyalty to both causes,” he replies slyly. “Join me in my chambers later for dinner my dear if you would be so kind. It has been awhile since I had the pleasure of your company.”
“I would be delighted Emperor,” she replies with another smile that lights up her features.
“I shall see you later this evening then Alexia,” states Mengsk as he leaves the chamber leaving Alexia alone in the room.
As soon as he leaves, her expression twists into a vicious look of contempt now that she is alone. “How long must I continue to endure this foul creature?” she asks into the seemingly empty room. A small energy field materializes before her and crackles briefly as a voice issues forth.
“Patience… yours is a role that must be filled…”
“How soon before our forces move against these lesser beings?”
“All is proceeding as has been planned… even now our forces begin to sow confusion among their ranks with those of the first-born to follow shortly… continue your manipulations…”
“I grow weary of entertaining his primal whims,” she snaps viciously.
“Carry out your duties… the time of passing of this entire specie will be at hand soon…”
“When that time arrives, will you give this creature to me?”
“Yes… you may do as you wish… when our masters arrive, we shall herald their grand arrival with chaos and this universe shall be cleansed in fire...”
“Very well… I shall wait… for now… but when that time arrives… the kill will be mine and mine alone to make,” she states as her eyes flare briefly as she strides towards the doors to leave.
“Is everything fine ma’am,” asks a guard with concern in his tone.
“Yes… why do you ask?” she replies with feinted surprise.
“We thought we heard some voices in there after the Emperor left and we were just wondering as to what it was.”
“Nothing really, just a minor communication from my division, though I appreciate the concern,” she says with a smile that warms the guard as she pats his arm gently.
“No problem ma’am, it’s our job and our pleasure,” answers the guard as he smiles back stupidly
“Thank you anyway for your concern,” she replies cheerfully as she turns to walk down the hallway.
Both guards look at her walk away and turn to each other to share an appraising look. “Damn… not that’s what I call a WOMAN!” whispers the first guard.
“Watch what you say you idiot,” hisses the other, “talk like that about her will get you a one-way trip to Char. Don’t you know what she is?”
“No… what?”
“She the head of the “spook squad” man! Don’t let those honeyed looks fool you. She may not look it, but that is one dangerous lady!”
Despite the distance, she hears their exchange just as she rounds the corner out of sight. “Foolish creatures… you have no idea how dangerous I truly am,” she thinks to herself as she smiles maliciously.
