They glide silently across the dark immense void of space, their vessels mere pinpricks of lights among the billions of stars that is the galaxy. Though their current duty does not possess the glory that their other brethren on Aiur have, theirs is nonetheless critical to their coming conflict. They have been dispatched to search out the human Raynor and bring him back on their side for the coming battle with the Zerg. It is a quest that is just now beginning to dawn on them as to how difficult the task will in fact prove. The scout fighters continue on purposefully despite the doubts that fill the minds of their pilots. Though they do not say it, these warriors entertain little chance of finding this ally of the Protoss. Space is far too vast to give the location of one mere human so easily. Proximity sensors immediately spring to life and beep softly to alert them that they have entered the Terran held sector; their search commences now. Without a word spoken among them, the group of modified scouts immediately split and rocket off along their preprogrammed courses as massive Psionic transmitters built into the crafts repetitively broadcast a specific wave keyed for their intended recipient.
***
Back on Shakuras, within the council chambers of the Conclave, another search is soon to begin for those gathered. The chamber is a flood with conversations as those of the Conclave and representatives of the different castes discuss this recent disturbing news. Above the din of noise that floods the chamber, the words of one overwhelms all of those present.
“The dark ones can no longer be trusted! Two of their numbers already have dared attack a member of the Conclave! Who knows what other treacherous acts they have planned in their dark souls.“ bellows Razzal of the Judicators. Other members of the gathered castes comment on his words in hushed tones.
“HOW DARE YOU!” snaps Al’shak as his form tenses from the rising fury building within in him. “Those of our kind have given their lives alongside of other sons and daughters in the defense of Aiur! We have NOTHING to gain from such a crime against a fellow Protoss!”
“Though I do not question your loyalties Al’shak,” replies Razzal with a small amount of doubt lacing his tone, “I do not believe that your feelings are shared by some of your brethren judging by the actions we have been made aware this night. Noble Kreza lies on the verge of passing to the beyond from the cowardly attack of several dark ones.”
Al’shak’s eyes flare brilliantly with a burning fury at the mentioning of such slanderous words from Razzal. “Again you dare to continue to speak such words of poison and discord towards us?! It appears that the prejudices of the past have come full circle when it comes to you Judicators,” violently hisses Al’shak. “We have little information as to the identities of his attackers and yet you are eager to accuse US?! Why would dark templars attack a member of the Templar caste? It was Adun who sheltered our ancestors from the early persecutions!”
“Perhaps that may have been true before, but we have the words from the scholar Chan’dras of the Shelak.” Razzal states as he gestures towards her briefly, “and from her accounts, Kreza’s attackers were dark templars who cowardly struck down one who was unarmed!” he arrogantly says as his eyes flash briefly with challenge.
The dark templars present within the chamber immediately rise to seek challenge against those who would stain the honor of their caste. Their forms tense and prepare for battle as energy blades flash to existence and shields envelope them while their eyes burn with intense anger. The Judicators within the chamber immediately tense and prepare for battle with the dark templars as the tension in the chamber builds to an explosive level.
“ENOUGH!” bellows Gratix as members of the Templar caste swiftly move to interpose themselves between the two warring sides. “There has been enough Protoss blood shed this night! Put away your weapons my brethren and let us discuss this rationally.”
“Gratix speaks with wisdom,” grudgingly agrees Al’shak as he gestures for the other dark templars to stand down. Their blades disappearing with a slight flash of energy as they reluctantly resume their places. The Judicators soon follow suit from a commanding gesture from Trukal. “Forgive my actions my friend… I am shamed for the act I was about to commit,” replies Al’shak solemnly.
“There is no reason to apologize for yourself before this council my friend… I would have done the same if the honor of my caste were stained by such words,” replies Gratix as he spares a reprimanding glance towards Razzal. Razzal merely glares back as his eyes flash briefly with defiance.
“I too agree with your words of wisdom noble Gratix,” states Trukal, “it would appear that we all have become rather… overzealous in regards to this matter,” he says as he glances in Razzal’s direction. “The Judicators also must share the shame for the act that we were also willing to commit.”
“There is no reason for such behavior nor time for such self incriminations my brethren,” states Gratix. “Let us instead direct our energies towards solving this foul crime against one of our number. Already tensions begin to grow widening into potential strife among our brethren as news of this attack spreads. We must endeavor to solve this crime.” Those present within the chamber agree and settle back into their places.
“Chan’dras, you were with Kreza for most of the attack?” asks Gratix intently.
“Yes…” she replies softly to his question as the images of the night flash through her mind, “though I wished to stay with Kreza, he deemed it necessary for me to seek assistance so I reluctantly left his side.”
“And his attackers… did you recognize them?”
“No… most of the lighting was damaged in the explosion casting the chamber into darkness and they moved far too quickly for either of us to see their identities or caste markings. They appeared to be our dark brethren,” she states softly as she handles the crystals in her robes.
“You see! They were the dark ones! We must—“
“BE SILENT RAZZAL!” orders Trukal harshly. “You will be silent during these proceedings or you shall not remain here!”
“Of course Trukal… my apologies,” he replies barely above a whisper.
“Please continue scholar,” speaks Trukal softly.
“As I was telling Gratix… although they appeared as the dark ones… they seemed… different…” she says softly.
“Yes… what did you mean by that scholar,” asks Gratix. “Was there anything else that you recall?”
“I cannot say as of yet exactly,” she says as she tightens her grip on the data crystals, “but there were some aspects of this attack that still troubles me…”
“We know this is difficult for you, Chan’dras and I am sure the Conclave will respect your wish if you require time for meditative thought.” states Nechabol sincerely. “But it is of great importance that we discover all that we can. The choice to continue is yours to make.”
“Thank you for your concern Elder,” she replies with a respectful nod, “but I am still capable of continuing.” Bracing herself visibly, she prepares to reveal more of the night’s tragic events. “There were two items that I found unusual regarding the assault. When the attackers entered the archives we were unable to call others to our aid… it was as if our Psionic links were being blocked… somehow…”
“They could not have been dark templars then,” replies Al’shak as he shakes his head incredulously. “I know of no dark templars that possess such abilities.”
“Perhaps some of your brethren have learned new abilities Al’shak,” offers Razzal with a sneer. Al’shak throws a hard stare as his eye’s flash in annoyance from Razzal’s comment.
“Or perhaps it was the work of Judicators since your caste possesses the ability to block most forms of mental emanations,” retorts a dark templar. The Judicators present stir within their places from the accusing words. Before Razzal can even reply, two commanding voices echo out again within the chamber.
“That will be enough!” command both Gratix and Trukal as the growing tension fades in the air from their orders.
“There is only one way we will uncover the truth and that is to learn all that we can,” sternly states Gratix. “We cannot afford to waste anymore precious time and energies on useless accusations!”
“Gratix is correct,” adds Trukal, “ as such the Conclave has thus empowered the Templar caste with resolving this crime. It is they who have suffered loss so the justice is theirs to be dealt. There will be no further words of discord in regards to our brethren; we seek only relevant information now.”
Turning slowly so that he is seen by all gathered within the chamber he says, “My caste and I shall endeavor to solve this mystery with all due haste,” vows Gratix to those present. “Chan’dras, you had mentioned that there were two items that raised doubts as to this occurrence… what was the second one?”
“Yes… Kreza’s attackers, though appearing as dark templars, did not make any attempt to hide their intentions much less cloak themselves. I found it unusual that they were going to great extremes to make themselves known to us…” she trails off softly as she debates whether to reveal the lore of the ancients.
“As to the who his attackers were we cannot be certain until more information is made known. Mere speculation will only create confusion rather than provide those answers we so desperately seek.” grimly states Trukal. “What is Kreza’s condition?”
“It does not bode well for our fallen brother,” sadly states Gratix, “the healers are forced to maintain him in stasis as they slowly repair his injuries… it is a time consuming and risky process. They are still unsure as to whether the damage done can even be repaired due to the extreme nature of his wounds.”
“He is the key to all this,” grimly states Trukal, “without him the identity of his attackers will forever remain a mystery.”
“Regardless of who we may believe is responsible we must ensure steps to prevent further such acts,” states Razzal, “if these forsaken Protoss seek to bring chaos we must prevent their influence from passing to Aiur and sowing their seeds of discord there among our troops.”
“And just what do you propose Razzal?” asks Al’shak skeptically.
“I recommend that the Conclave consider securing the gateways to Aiur to contain this potential threat until our Templars can eliminate it.” A wave of surprise followed by protest issues forth from those gathered at the mere thought of such an act.
“Are you MAD?!” viciously snaps Al’shak. “By sealing those gateways you isolate our forces on Aiur! Nagol needs our forces there for the coming battle with the Zerg! By this very act, you will doom them and us all to certain destruction!”
“Al’shak is correct my brethren, “ states Gratix as he tries to maintain the voice of reason among the growing chaos, “our forces on Aiur need a constant flow of reinforcements as well as supplies… I beg the Conclave to reconsider this request.”
“Although Razzal’s proposal seems extreme… this situation may call for such measures my brethren. Even now reports are starting to filter in regarding acts of hatred and anger directed at other Protoss. But to act on this suggestion would result in the dooming of our forces on Aiur. The Conclave cannot make so quick a decision on this issue,” states Trukal. “We will abstain from this petition for now… but we charge you to solve this dire issue quickly Gratix. Otherwise the Conclave will have no choice but to contain this threat from passing to Aiur.”
“I understand Elder, my caste shall not rest until we have resolved this matter,” proclaims Gratix as he bows respectfully.
“Chan’dras, was there anything more you wished to add to these proceedings?” intently asks Trukal.
She hesitates slightly and then replies, “No elder… not now but I believe I will have more to offer at a later time.”
“Very well… if there is nothing more to be presented here these proceedings are hereby concluded,” states Trukal as those present soon begin to disburse. Al’shak and Razzal exchange a brief glance as they file out with the others. Chan’dras quickly works her way through the now suddenly crowded chamber in an attempt to speak with Gratix before he departs.
“Gratix, I must speak with you in private,” she whispers softly. “I have news that we must discuss.”
“It has been a long night and promises to be an even longer day for me Chan’dras… for all of us…” he states tiredly. He turns his gaze upon her and his expression softens at the pain in her eyes. “What do you wish to discuss?” he says gently.
“There is more to this attack that I could not reveal publicly before the Conclave,” she says in a hushed tone, “Those few records I managed to recover from the archives should shed some light on what I suspect is the reason why this attack took place.”
“There will be time enough later for that Chan’dras. Perhaps you should take some time to recover from the stresses of this night, you should seek rest Chan’dras,” he offers sincerely.
“There is no time for that Gratix,” she answers harshly, “if this threat is what I believe it is everything that we hold dear will be destroyed!”
His attention suddenly perked by her words, Gratix turns his full attention to her completely. “What is it that you speak of?”
“I cannot mention it in so open a place. Come with me,” she pleads, “I have much ill news to show you and Zeratul and the others must be informed as well.” Chan’dras gestures for him to follow her as they both leave the chamber under the watchful eyes of a form hiding within the shadowy darkened recesses.
***
“All is working as we have predicted...”
An energy field crackles to existence before the darkened being as a voice issues forth.
“You have done well… our masters are pleased…”
“What will you do next… even now the child Kerrigan will soon be on the verge of reaching their homeworld…”
“I shall continue to fan the burning embers of hatred and suspicion that exists within these first-born… they will destroy each other and save us the effort,” he replies as he smiles maliciously.
“Do you require others to aid you…”
“No… I have all that I need here… I will contact you again when the next phase commences…”
“What of the records… were they destroyed…”
“Most were destroyed or damaged in the attack… the few that we allowed to survive are with one of the first-born… no other evidence exists regarding our masters…”
“Are you sure of this… ”
“Of that I am sure… the only knowledge that remains is with our unlikely pawn and she will lead others to the slaughter… all is proceeding as planned.”
“Very well… continue your work… we shall await further word from you…”
The portal closes and with one parting glance, the being turns to leave the chamber, as the coming of darkness is soon to be at hand. He strides down a deserted corridor and is quickly joined as others appear from the shadows that line the corridor. “It is time,” he whispers softly as his eyes flare with a cold fury, “we shall plunge these pathetic first-born again into strife and pave the way for the arrival of our masters with chaos and destruction.
Gesturing for the others to follow he commands, “Come… we still have much to do.”
