Moving in small groups, the forces of the Terrans slowly advance down into the dark and foreboding depths of the vile fortress that is the home for the Zerg cerebrate. Despite their lights they are barely able to penetrate more than a few meters in front of them as the thick heated fog fills the air and obscures their vision. Even the vaulted thermal imaging gear that their combat suits are equipped with proves utterly useless within the cramped and steamy passages; the intense heat creating literally hundreds of images that prove false. Cursing as one, the marines reluctantly revert back to their normal vision and silently pray that in their blind stumbling in the dark, they do not accidentally chance upon death. Beneath their feet they feel the moist, sticky ground give slightly under their weight as they continue their silent trek deeper into the hive of the Zerg. The tension in the air is thick as the unnerving silence covers them like a dark shroud. The only sound they can hear is the slight metallic clicking of their gear and the occasional sound of distant gunfire or animalistic howls echoing off the walls. Fears and tensions run rampant among the marines as the thought of death around every corner sinks in. Their imaginations gone wild combined with the nightmarish surroundings only intensifies the deadliness of their current situation. Along the line of advance, several marines take a brief moment to marvel at the inhuman architecture that encompasses their view. A few short, terse orders and they quickly resume their pace.
"You ever seen anything like this shit before Andy," quietly asks Private Kevin Steele as he nervously looks around at the faint glowing walls.
"Nope," whispers back Private Andrew Womack as he continues to scan his surroundings for signs of trouble. "How 'bout you Gar?"
"No way man. this shit is seriously freakin' me out," rasps Corporal Garger Ayton. "What was I thinkin' when I asked for this detail?" he adds as he checks the novels on his flame apparatus; the faint blue flames casting pale shadows on the nearby walls.
"That's the thing Gar. you weren't thinking. That's ok though man. it's typical for you 'bats," comments Steele with a soft chuckle. "Anyone stupid enough to strap an explosive tank to his back would be perfect for this assignment."
"That's funny bitch," snaps Ayton, "if I'm so stupid then explain to me how you wound up down here right 'long with me?"
"You still owe me some credits Gar," replies Steele with a grin. "Can't let you die and get out of paying me can I?" he adds with a shrug.
"I already paid you back for that game Kev! I don't owe you a thing!"
"Really? Ya know. I think you're right," Steele says thoughtfully, "oh well. guess you're on your own. Wanna leave a message for your parents with me?" he asks with a cruel grin. The troops of 1st platoon get a brief chuckle over their exchange but their laughter quickly comes to an abrupt end with a sharp order.
"Will you two shut the f*** up," vicious hisses Frost as he moves silently from behind them. "Keep your minds on your job and can the bullshit! Keep this channel clear from now unless you've got something to report!" he adds as he waves the trailing platoon forward.
"Sorry Sarge," sheepishly apologizes Steele, "just trying to take the edge off a tense situation. Didn't mean nothin' by it."
"Just stay focused from here on out ok?" orders Frost as his expression softens slightly. "We can't afford to get loose in here. stay sharp," he orders as he quietly moves off to join those on point. The marines reflect for a moment on his words and then silently resume their advance into the unknown.
"How we doing Sarge?" softly whispers Beekins.
"So far so good sir, I'd say we're 'bout fifty to sixty meters down and still no contact since that last," says Frost as he drops into a crouch and halts the advance to listen ahead. His head shifts slightly to the side as he strains to listen for anything out of the ordinary. Several tense seconds pass before he is satisfied that it is reasonably clear up ahead. With a brief hand gesture from him, the marines resume their slow pace. "O' course I doubt that'll last for long," he adds sourly.
"Just keep it going Sarge. We need to get at least one hundred eighty to two hundred meters down. According to intelligence their sensors are picking up a large bio reading at that depth. that's got to be our slug."
"That's a long way to go walking blind El-Tee," whispers back Frost, his voice laced with uncertainty. "How sure are they that that thing will be dumb enough to stick around for us to blow it to hell and gone?"
"I don't know Sarge," offers Beekins reluctantly, "but we've come too far to go home empty-handed."
Further discussion on the mission is interrupted as the voice of Alpha Company's commander whispers through the comm and breaks the eerie silence.
"Requesting a SitRep 1st platoon."
"Doing good Cap'n. We’ve got at least another hundred plus meters to go before we reach optimum depth though."
"Pick up the pace guys. just heard from command that they want us in and out of here in under thirty minutes."
"There's no way in hell Manny," snaps Frost angrily, "we rush in blind and we run the risk of stumbling into an ambush!"
"He's right sir," puts in Beekins diplomatically, "we can't move any faster. our thermal imaging is useless in here. we're pretty much walking blind."
"Sorry Hal but it's not my call. command says we've got. guests coming and that we don't want to be here when they arrive," says Manny nervously.
"What's that supposed to mean Cap'n," asks Beekins with concern.
"It means we need to move our asses Lieutenant," states Frost as he snaps his fingers to get everyone's attention. "Double time it people. We’re on the clock now. Langley. Cross," says Frost as he points to two marines near him, "you two got point with me. Everyone else stay frosty. radio silence from here on out. Let's move!" With a brief gesture from Frost, the marines of 1st platoon quicken their pace as they head deeper into the hive. The follow-on platoon and the demo team rapidly travel behind them as their lights, painting long moving shadows on the walls, fade into the dark abyss.
***
Outside the hive, those placed on perimeter watch continue their vigil. Despite their numbers having been thinned considerably, the last remnants of the Zerg desperately try to heed the call from their master and come to its aid. The resulting scene can only best be described as a slaughter. Hundreds of Zerg are cut down and are left to bleed the ground red as they single-mindedly charge the perimeter. Shouts resound from the lines of the Terrans as a wall of lead is fired into the advancing mass. The sharp crack of tank guns and the rattle of rifle fire fills the air and is drowned out by the howls of pain from the dying Zerg. Despite their fury, they prove little threat to their foes; nothing more than target practice. After one particularly costly attack, the Zerg surprisingly turn and leave to abandon their master to its fate. Perhaps faced with the proposition of complete annihilation they suddenly sense any further effort would be futile. This obvious act of intelligence comes as quite a surprise to the Terrans who for long have considered the Zerg incapable of independent thought. The scene of the Zerg abruptly leaving only tends to reinforce the fact that they have had enough for one day.
"Cease fire! Cease Fire!" screams those in command above the diminishing rattle of gunfire. A few sharp pops filter through the air and is then replaced with a numbing silence. Beyond the perimeter, those Zerg merely wounded in the assault struggle to move away in an attempt to answer a distant call. Their cries of pain and suffering flows over the battered soil with a blood chilling effect to those within earshot. Even though their language is that of an animal. a beast, the Terran soldiers can at least sympathize slightly with their pain. Perhaps as an act of mercy or perhaps as a means of just maintaining security, small groups of soldiers slowly advance outward into the blood soaked grounds. Short bursts are soon heard above the growing silence as the wounded Zerg are mercifully dispatched. Off in the distance, dozens of dropships continue to stream down from above and take up station to EVAC the waiting ground forces.
"Let's get these people outta here," shouts Lieutenant Elizabeth Askins above the roar of dropship engines. She quickly moves alongside her medical team as they struggle against the wave of dust and debris to cart the casualties on board the waiting transports.
"You're going to be just fine. you're going home soldier," she says as she smiles reassuringly at a severely wounded marine. Looking down at him, she sees the numerous punctures and slashes drawing a trail across his bloody chest and she tries to hide her concern with little success.
"Am. am I. really going. home," he whispers softly as he struggles to bite back the wave of pain that wracks his body.
"Yes," she answers as she places her hand on his, "you get to go home now. You guys did a great job here."
"I. I'm dying. aren't I." he whispers as his face winces briefly from a sharp pain.
"No," she answers as she squeezes his hand firmly for assurance. "You just need to get better. You're being EVAC to a medical facility where you can get proper care. in a week you'll be just like new," she adds as small signs of moisture begin to well up in her eyes.
"I am. dying," he says as he focuses on her, "I can. see it. in your. eyes."
"You're NOT going to die," Askins says a little harshly as her demeanor cracks slightly. "Don't ever think that-"
"It's. ok," he says with a weak smile, "thank you."
"For what?" she asks with confusion.
"For. trying."
"Your welcome." Askins replies back, barely above a whisper.
"All stations secured," shouts a crew chief, "if you're not coming along for the ride you need to get off right now!"
The medical team quickly leaves the cavernous bay of the dropship as the engines spool to life. The rear hatch barely closes as the dropship quickly rises and joins the others evacuating the casualties off planet. The dropships are quickly reduced to glowing pinpricks of light as they rocket away to the heavens; numerous clouds of dust are left in their wake choking and blinding those left behind. Standing within one swirling cloud, Askins continues to watch the transports leave and wonders to herself silently how long will the death and suffering continue.
"Lizzy? You ok?" asks a fellow medic.
"I'm not sure anymore Carl," she says softly while watching the last dropship fading in the distance. "I don't think any of us will ever be ok after all this," she adds without emotion.
"C'mon Lizzy," says Carl Hilstrom as he turns to walk off, "we've still got work to do and we're running out of time to do it." With one parting glance, Askins turns and walks back to the jammed pack medical section.
***
Far above the planet, the commanders of Alpha Squadron continue their preparations for the incoming Zerg. In the Combat Information Center on board the fleet flagship, Mengsk's Fist, dozens of reports filter in and the calls from different sections flood the room with a barrage of noise. On the main tactical display, images of the unknown brood are received from the light recon ship feeds as they continue to pull back towards the fleet.
"How much time before they reach our ground forces at New Vista?" inquires Ames.
"Zerg brood will be on the outskirts of the city within thirteen minutes General," briskly responds a tactical controller.
"Last progress report from our boys in the hive?"
"Assault groups are still advancing," replies Stewart as he looks at a nearby console, "they still have roughly less than a hundred meters to go General."
"Resistance?"
"Mostly light so far but we've been getting reports stating that enemy strength is increasing the deeper they advance. they may not make target depth sir."
"Let's see their progress," orders Ames. With a few presses, the image of the advancing Zerg is replaced to display a rough wireframe image and projection of the central hive.
"Here sir," states Stewart as he highlights the advancing lines, "assault groups blue, green and red are currently here. According to our estimates, they need to be at least at this depth," says Stewart as he points to a marked section of the 3-D hive. "Sensors are still reading the cerebrate oddly holding position. If they drop the nukes at that depth, the hive will act to contain the blasts. make it even more powerful. Anything within that hive and a few kilometers within sight of it will be reduced to atoms."
"And what if they can't make that depth Colonel? Will the nukes still be effective enough to vaporize that thing?"
"Possibly sir but all the simulations we've run are for the target depth only. We can't be sure. Given the warhead yields it should be enough but again. we're still guessing."
Ames is silent for a moment as he considers his options. His eyes flicker back and forth between the hive image and the dark shadow moving on the planet below. After a few small nods, he finally reaches his decision.
"Those boys won't make it in time," states Ames as he snorts softly with disgust. "Given the rate that brood is closing. they'll be on top of our forces before they EVAC the area safely. Pass the order for them to drop their payloads and begin the withdrawal Colonel. Get'em out of there."
"Yes sir," replies Stewart as a look of relief passes briefly across his features. "Any further instructions?"
"Deploy the fleet into a defensive posture for now. My main concern is recovering our boys down there. Besides, in a few minutes the Zerg are going to have a lot more to worry about besides us," adds Ames with a tight grin.
"Yes sir," says Stewart as he quickly begins to issue orders.
***
Down on the surface and beneath the sandy soil, the assault teams are surprisingly finding that the Zerg still have some fight in them. In the near pitch-black environment, the constant rattle of rifle fire and screams punctuate the chaos within the hellish walls.
"ON YOUR RIGHT!" screams Ayton as he continues to hose the surrounding walls down with hot plasma, the crackling of material roasting and the burning stench of flesh quickly fills the corridor.
"WE GOT IT!" answers back Womack as three marines shift their rifles over on the four advancing zerglings and viciously unload into them. Their rifle muzzles flash intensely and cast a strobe-like effect on the darkened walls. The bodies of their targets spark from the impacts of dozens of shells as they scream in pain. Within moments the small creatures collapse to the ground in a messy heap.
"C'mon! Move your asses!" screams Frost as he leap-frogs from behind his limited cover and moves to a new location; his gun spiting rounds indiscriminately into the darkness. Several marines follow his lead and join him as a hail of needles erupts from down the passage. One marine is struck by the volley and is hit in the shoulder, the impact spinning him wildly to the ground.
"Get him out of there!" orders Frost as he racks a grenade and fires it down the burning passage. A flash of light, a deep rumble and a shower of debris erupt from the exploding grenade round as the Zerg are momentarily silenced. Two marines rush out under cover of the explosion to grab their wounded comrade and quickly drag him to cover.
"That's it Lieutenant," yells Frost into his comm above the roar of gunfire, "this is as far as we're gonna get!"
"We're still about sixty meters shy Sarge, can we still make it?" asks Beekins.
"Negative. negative," snaps Frost as he pops up and fires a short burst, "there's too many up ahead! We're barely able to keep 'em off of us! This is it!""
"It's good enough," puts in Manny, "just received orders that we are to drop the nukes and haul our asses out of here right NOW! Seal 'em in!"
"Got it boss!" replies Frost as he waves several marines over to him.
"FIRE IN THE HOLE!" shouts Frost as the other marines pass his warning down the line and ready themselves.
On command they all fire their grenades at the ceilings and the walls as several satchel charges are thrown into the darkness. An intense pressure wave is created in the ensuing explosions that rip through the alien foundation. Walls splinter and crumble under the blast energies as a massive thunderclap howls through the passage. In the aftermath, a huge mound of debris and rocks is left to fill the now silent corridor.
"Demo team. UP!" screams Manny as he nervously checks the operation clock. "Weathers. keep our exit open!"
"We got the door Manny," replies Lieutenant Weathers as he and his men continue to nervously cover the rear.
The demo team quickly goes to work on setting the warheads. The armored casings are quickly dropped to reveal the activation panels. A signal booster is connected and the command sequence is inputted as the marines silently urge them to hurry. The technicians' hands move in a blur across the control panels and within a matter of seconds, red warning lights blink to life indicating the warheads are hot. With a soft hiss, the casings are sealed back up to protect the payloads in the event the Zerg get to them before they explode.
"All set Captain," states a specialist with a thumbs up, "time to leave!"
"FALLBACK! EVERYONE FALLBACK NOW!" screams Manny as he shoves those closest to him. "BACK TO THE LZ!" The marines immediately take off at a dead run as they struggle to reach the waiting dropships in time. The wounded are carried along haphazardly as the clatter of equipment and rapid footsteps echoes down the walls. With one final glance at the warheads, Manny takes off after his men.
***
Far above, new developments continue to draw attention.
"Zerg brood is splitting into two halves General," announces a tactical officer above the buzzing of activity. On the central display, the data is updated and focuses on the new section.
"Looks like their flyers are coming up for a visit," says Ames to no one in particular. "Their ground forces still continuing on to New Vista?"
"Yes sir, estimated time to contact with our ground troops is now four minutes."
"How far are they along with the EVAC?"
"Battalion commanders are requesting at least an additional five minutes to get everyone out," states Stewart as he continues to listen on their progress below.
"Inform the commanders that we can buy them at least two minutes. nothing more," states Ames. "Order them to hustle it up and have Green Two give 'em some cover."
***
On the surface, waves of troops begin to withdrawal from around the hive and dash towards the nearby transports. Overhead, a half dozen cruisers and several fighter squadrons intensify their air cover in preparation of the incoming Zerg. Just beyond the horizon, massive clouds of dust are seen as the brood churns the soil with their advance. The ground trembles beneath the feet of the Terrans and a faint howling in the wind is heard as thousands of Zerg breech the ruined city and madly rush towards them. The first snaps of ranging shots erupt from the covering cruisers as they try to engage the Zerg at maximum range. Within seconds, a flurry of shots fill the skies as the Zerg quickly eat up the distance. Clouds of expanding matter are seen marching towards the cruiser line as the Zerg continue to close. Soon the air is filled with piercing cries and chilling screams as the Zerg are within sight of the threatened hive.
Faced with overwhelming odds, the cruisers wisely begin to pull back as their batteries fire insanely into the coming horde. One cruiser, flames raging all along the hull, attempts to escape the rushing mass by fleeing towards space. Thousands of airborne Zerg pounce upon the vessel like a wounded animal and tear into its frame. A wall of laser fire defiantly sprays forth but proves ineffective to stop the rushing tide. The battered cruiser fractures along the hull and is ripped apart violently as it disappears into a massive red-black fireball. A thunderous roar rattles the skies like an angry god as thousands of flaming pieces fall to the ground. Two more cruisers share the same fate a moment later.
Down below on the ground, the leading edge of the Zerg is just beginning to engage the retreating Terran forces. With a series of fierce cries, the Zerg give chase to their fleeing prey. A flurry of tracer rounds is seen spraying forth from the Terrans as they try to dissuade their pursuers. Dozens of Zerg are struck but the wave continues to close. Soon the bodies of Terrans begin to litter the red soil as they fall before the insane wrath of their enemies.
"C'mon! Move it!" screams Manny as he wills his men to hurry. Off in the distance, he sees several dozen dropships quickly lift off and rocket to the relative safety of the fleet.
"All Assault Red elements get to your EVAC zones NOW!" orders Colonel Haagen over the command channel. "You've got less than two minutes to get clear!"
"Roger that sir!" replies Manny as he stops briefly to shove several marines in the right direction.
"Go that way you dumb asses!" he shouts at them, "You too Beekins," adds Manny as he grabs his shoulder and give him a good shove towards a dropship.
"Sorry. Cap'n," breathlessly says Beekins in passing as he continues his mad scramble with his men.
Looking back, Manny sees the first of the new Zerg just beginning to clear the area around the hive and that sight only instills the urgency to leave. The troops of Assault Red quickly begin to board their waiting transports as the Zerg are just beginning to engage the overwatch troops. Gunfire erupts from the lines in an attempt to cover those still lingering behind.
"Shit! Just a little bit further!" pants Private Womack as he struggles to carry his wounded friend. "C'mon hang in there Gar!"
"F*** it! Jus. just. drop me. and run!" pleads Ayton as he bites back a surging of pain. "You're. not gonna. make. it haulin' me!"
"Shut up and just keep moving!" snaps Steele as he turns around briefly and fires a long burst into a closing zergling. The creature staggers and then drops to the ground. "Just a little bit further!"
Several trailing marines cry out and fall facedown as a volley of needles lances through the air and impacts with deadly results. More marines fall around them just as they finally reach the perimeter. The perimeter fire slowly slacks off as the covering troops begin to withdrawal to their transports.
"Last one! Get 'em out of here!" shouts Frost as he slams his fist down on the shoulder of the last marine rushing up the ramp. With a blast of heat and dust, the dropship rises and immediately blazes away. "There's our rides Manny," says Frosts as he points to the last remaining transports. "Time to bail boss!"
"Let's go people! We're outta here!" bellows Manny above the deafening roar of noise. The last of the assault forces quickly rush off and board the transports. Stopping on the ramp of the dropship, Manny looks back and sees the rest of their forces pulling back under cover of their air support. He scans the area briefly to check for anyone straggling behind and spots a small group of marines struggling to reach them.
"C'mon Captain, I've got to secure this ramp for liftoff," says the crew chief. Before he can reach the control panel, Manny grabs his hand and points to the trailing group.
"We can't leave! I've still got some men out there!"
"They're gone Cap'n!" shouts back the chief, "we've got over thirty onboard now! I can't risk their lives for just three!"
"Just give me a minute! I'm not leaving anyone behind!" yells Manny as he waves several marines over to help.
"F*** that Captain," snaps the chief as he reaches for the panel again, "we're outta here!" Before he can activate the control, he stops as he feels the touch of a cold metal circle at his temple.
"You heard the man," says Frost calmly, "we stay another damn minute," he adds as he presses his sidearm harder into the now wide-eyed chief for emphasis.
"Parker. Johansen. Monroe. with me!" shouts Manny as he clambers down the ramp.
Manny and the three marines quickly rush out of the dropship towards the trailing group. Within a matter of seconds, they are weaving their way back to the ship shoving and pushing the stragglers onward. A nearby dropship is struck while lifting off by a passing mutalisk and erupts into a fireball. The resulting blast drives the marines to the ground for cover as flaming pieces and body parts drop everywhere.
"C'mon!" screams Frost from the ramp as he urges them on. "Hurry the f*** up!"
The marines, urged by the fear of horrible death quickly rise and take off at a reckless pace. A quick shout is heard from a covering marine as he turns his gun on a small group of Zerg.
"Look out!" screams Johansen as he hammers madly at his targets. Manny and Parker quickly join him as they desperately try to cover the retreating wounded. One hydralisk takes several long bursts in its chest and is reduced to a bloody mess from the piercing shells. A volley of needles flies forth from the small group and manages to catch Johansen; he goes down hard on his back to lie silent. Manny fires off his last grenade into the cluster and is rewarded with a brilliant explosion. Quickly rising from cover, he and the accompanying marine take off for the transport.
"Let's go go go go!" he screams as he turns to check behind him briefly. "We can't keep-"
Manny never gets to finish his sentence as a half-dozen needles pierce his suit and strike him in the chest. His body shudders from the impacts and the world whirls around him as his mind goes cloudy from an incredible burning sensation. He tries to stagger towards the ramp of the waiting transport, only a few feet away, until another set of needles strikes him and slams him up against a landing strut. His legs quickly give out beneath him as he drops near the bottom of the ramp screaming in agony.
"MANNY!" screams Frost in horror as he whips his rifle up to fire at the advancing Zerg. Parker turns around and grabs for Manny's hand to drag him up the dropship as his gun fires back wildly. He manages to drag him a few more feet before several needles smack into him and cause him to sprawl onto the ramp; his rifle dropping with a loud clatter on the steel deck. Small sparks and the sharp cracks of needles striking metal are heard as the Zerg fire on the dropship. Several marines leap up and quickly rush out to help pull their wounded comrades in from under the intense fire.
"They're clear!" screams Frost as Manny is dragged past him, "Go damnmit! GO!""
With a sudden dip, the dropship immediately wheels into the air even before the ramp fully closes. Several hydralisk needles manage to fly through the closing ramp and imbed themselves into the crowded bay. The dropship turret quickly swivels around and begins to lay down suppression fire at the rapidly shrinking ground below. Those inside soon feel the pressure increase as the dropship accelerates up through the gravity well.
"Get 'em out of those things!" snaps Frost as he and several marines fumble with removing the combat suits off their wounded. Manny and Parker are pulled out of the battered suits and are gently placed on the cold deck.
"Oh Jesus." says Frost as he struggles to tear open a medical pack. The wound sealants tumble out and he quickly presses them up against the gaping holes as a crimson stream of blood pours out to form a small lake. "C'mon." urges Frost as he presses down harder, "seal. seal the f***ing wounds already!"
"Move this piece of shit!" screams Frost with desperation towards the cockpit. "C'mon move it!"
He and the other marines desperately continue their efforts to stem the river of life draining from their friends as the dropship races towards the fleet.
"C'mon buddy. stay with me. stay with me man."
With blood flowing from at least a dozen wounds, Manny tries to focus on the face of his long-time friend. He struggles to talk but a small stream of blood only spills from his mouth causing him to hack softly. His skin begins to grow pale and cold as his blood continues to leave him and stain the deck. It takes him all the strength he can muster to raise his hand and grip that of his friend.
"H. H. Hal." rasps Manny as he coughs another stream of blood onto the deck.
"Just try to take it easy Manny," whispers Frost as he grips his friend's hand tightly, "we're almost there buddy. hang on."
"I. c. can't. feel a. thing. I. I'm cold. Hal. s. s. so cold," softly whispers Manny.
"Don't talk. save your strength," says Frost as he is practically on the verge of tears. "How much further!" he yells toward the pilot.
"One more minute," shouts the pilot back.
"Almost there. almost there." says Frost as he continues grip his friend's hand tightly. He feels the grip loosen some and he looks down briefly. He sees Manny's eyes roll up as his battered body begins to convulse wildly from shock.
"NO. OH F*** NO! DON'T YOU DIE ON ME! DON'T YOU F***IN' DIE ON ME!" screams Frost with anguish lacing his voice. He starts to shake Manny viciously in an attempt to keep him from drifting off.
"We're coming in hot!" shouts the pilot from up front. "Brace yourselves!"
A sudden jolt and the high-pitched screech of metal is heard as the dropship slams into the deck of the medical vessel; a stream of sparks left in its wake. The ramp quickly opens with a hum of hydraulics as several figures rush in. At that point everything becomes a blur to Frost except one image that rips his heart apart; the body of his friend lying still on the cold deck in a pool of expanding red.
***
As one drama ends another is being played out to its final conclusion on the bridge of the fleet flagship. All along the perimeter of the fleet, thousands of Zerg hover just beyond range as if daring the Terrans to provoke an attack.
"All transports have been recovered General," states Stewart as he walks over to the central display. "We're ready. Looks like that new brood just wants to watch the fireworks," he adds as he gestures towards the mass hovering in space. "Sensors are also indicating that the target is on the move and their ground forces are pulling out of the city too. It has to be now sir."
Ames takes one long puff on the remains of his cigar as he stares out at the Zerg and the planet below. Taking the still burning stump, he mashes it into a console and gives the long awaited order.
"Fry 'em."
From a distance, it appears as if nothing happened as the hive continues to remain intact. For several tense seconds, those of the fleet begin to wonder if all their efforts and losses were for nothing. Their doubts are quickly laid to rest as the ground around the hive ripples to resemble the waves in a pond after a stone is dropped. Fracture lines are seen splintering all over the living fortress as the first signs of energy is unleashed. Soon hell itself is unchained as large sections of the hive are hurled everywhere or vaporized from the incredible energy. A massive blue-white wave blasts outward from the remains of the hive and cuts a path of destruction across the land. Within a blink of an eye, the remains of the ruined city are completely erased from existence. The new brood surprisingly does not make any attempt to avenge the loss of one of their masters. Instead, moving as one, they turn to leave the area.
"Distance to unidentified brood is increasing," states the tactical officer with surprise.
"Confirmed, Zerg forces are moving off," adds another officer.
"They'll be back..." states Ames as he fishes for a new cigar. "Guess they just figured it's not worth fighting anymore for a lost cause.
Tactical," says Ames loudly as he points toward the retreating mass, "continue tracking their progress. I want to know where they setup shop."
"Yes sir."
"Are we going to pursue sir?" asks Brandis.
"As much as I'd like to Sam. We’re not. We need to lick our wounds and rearm. We got what we wanted today. best be satisfied with that for now," he adds with a grunt. "Order all remaining squadrons into escort. Let’s go home."
On command the fleet immediately reforms and engines flare to life as the Terrans leave the space above the remains of New Vista. Staring out towards the disappearing mass of the Zerg, Ames can't help the feelings of emptiness this recent win fills him with. What was to be the finale to his campaign to rid their region of the Zerg only resulted in a hollow victory at best. One brood battled and destroyed to be replaced with a newer, more powerful one in its place.
"Damnmit," he hisses softly. With one parting look, he turns to leave for his personal quarters to compose his after-action report for the Emperor Mengsk.
