Despite the flurry of activity taking place within this vast alien fleet, the massive vessels that compose it are strangely quiet. Only the soft humming of equipment consoles and the slight vibration of the hull are all that is heard as the members of the crews move purposefully to complete their assignments prior to the opening of hostilities. Only a few words are spoken amongst them and yet they are still able to function to an incredible degree of efficiency. With merely a glance between their members, orders are issued and performed immediately. Anyone unfamiliar with their species would be at a loss as to offer a proper explanation for the scene they witness as crewmembers conduct themselves with minimal interaction or any means of verbal communication. However, for those who know them best, such a use of so primitive a means of exchange is unnecessary to the species named Protoss. These sons and daughters of Aiur share a communal psychic link and their thoughts flow from one member to the next at a speed far greater than anything achieved by conventional means. It was through this inherent ability that they were able to evolve from their humble beginnings of solitary hunters to become what most consider, one of the most powerful forces in the known galaxy. Even though the vessels are practically devoid of any form of audible conversation, the minds of their occupants are anything but silent. A barrage of thoughts and concerns flow among them creating literally a crackling storm of mental activity. At the very center of this buzzing one occupant, aboard one of the many vessels, prepares his mind for an exertion that those around him would not understand.
Sitting quietly within his chamber, his form remains incredible still, almost frozen in time, as his mind is deep in meditative thought. A flicker of strain briefly passes across his features as the mental level that he seeks continues to tasks his reserves. He quickly focuses his thoughts and presses his energies inward. His form soon relaxes as the preliminary part of his task is completed. The many thoughts of those around him slip from a roar to a whisper and then silence as he succeeds in completely shielding himself from the minds of those around him. Once clear of the first obstacle, he begins to focus his considerable mental energies on the next stage. He feels the sensation of disorientation as his mind reels from the influx of energies that begin to permeate his very being. His physical form seemingly disappears within the folds of the intense glow that begins to envelop him. The physical surroundings around him begin to blur and warp as more energies are brought into play to wash over the walls of the chamber like flowing liquid. With a silent flash of light and energy being released, a yellow-white crackling sphere is created around him and slowly encases him within its warm and inviting glow. With a bright flare, the sphere and its lone occupant flash out of existence as the energies subside and wash the interior of the chamber down to leave emptiness. It takes but a brief moment before the being finds himself at his destination.
"Greetings wanderer. we bid you welcome." softly says the figure before him.
"I accept your welcome with much gratitude," replies the wanderer. "It is good to be here once again."
"Why have you come." asks the being in the same soft whisper-like tone.
"I have come to bring ill news."
"You risk discovery by contacting us. The news must be grave indeed."
"It is. The other children have finally arrived to do battle with them," answers the wanderer back.
"And what of the spawn of the Overmind, does she lead them?"
"Yes. she still believes that power and conquest can heal her many wounds. only through the infliction of pain and misery does she think she is truly alive anymore," answers the wanderer solemnly, "I grieve for her."
"There is little we can do for this creature now. She has been tainted by the horrors that plague her past and sculpt her future. She is lost to us."
"Perhaps," offers the wanderer softly, "but perhaps not. There still exists some remnants of her former self within the prison she resides now. She may still yet fulfill her role."
"Or succeed in merely accelerating the chaos." retorts the figure. "Whether she may or may not still be redeemed is the least of our concerns. the situation has deteriorated on the home of the dark ones."
"What has transpired in my absence?"
"They totter upon the brink of repeating the mistakes of those who have come before them. I fear they may become divided once more and fail us all."
"That must not be allowed to come to pass," pleads the wanderer, "without their assistance we shall all succumb to the coming darkness. We must help them," he urges.
"We have already dispatched one to assist their efforts. We dare not send anymore for we risk revealing ourselves. the danger is far too great."
"I understand," concedes the wanderer reluctantly, "do we still continue as planned?"
"Yes. speed is of the essence for the final cycles are almost upon us."
"Very well. I must return now," apologetically says the wanderer. "The first stage of the coming conflict is close at hand and my absence will surely be noticed."
"Until next we meet then."
"Until next time," simply replies the wanderer.
With those parting words, the figure before the traveler swirls and then fades into the brilliance that encompasses the surroundings. With another flash of light and a sudden rush of disorientation, the traveler finds himself back onboard the vessel he left mere moments ago. Walls once warped and twisted by the portal revert back to form as the energies emitted from the tear in the fabric of space and time quickly dissipates. Small arcs of electrical energy cascade from the lingering effects of the tear and electrify the atmosphere within the chamber briefly. Soon all traces of the portal are erased as the one simply known as the wanderer rises smoothly and exits the chamber.
***
On the opposite side of this region of space, the race known as the Zerg, arrogant in their overwhelming power, continue to close the distance rapidly as they are driven by the will of their master, the Queen of Blades. Those few outposts placed throughout this region are quickly overrun by the living wave. Wave upon wave of the monstrous Zerg flow by in ever increasing numbers as the stars around them disappear within their dark, wavery cloud. Deep within the center of this living fleet, three massive living pods flow with the rushing tide as they transport their precious cargo. Situated at the heart of the largest pod, Kerrigan continues to urge her minions onward. Standing within the center of her personal chamber, her form is tense and unmoving as several bizarre circular structures rise around her. A sheath of a leathery substance slowly peels back off their surfaces to reveal literally dozens of wavery images. The strain having passed, her eyes slowly open to reveal a cold and cruel fury as she bares witness to the coming of the Protoss. A mental call is heard from one of her many servants and she answers it with slight agitation.
"What is it Draago?" she asks.
"Forgive the interruption my queen," replies Draago hesitantly, "the small forces we encountered earlier have ceased their retreat and have merged with what must be the main body. Shall we proceed with the attack?"
"Hold your brood in check for now," orders Kerrigan as she turns to closer examine the image of the distant Protoss fleet. She watches as the massive armada of vessels slowly comes to a stop and wonders why they would choose to defend so far from their home planet.
"What are they up to?" she asks in a thoughtful tone.
"I do not know my queen," answers Balroth. "Perhaps we should merely bypass their fleet and continue on towards their planet instead if they intend to offer us the opportunity."
"No. Let us find out if they have anything to say first," states Kerrigan with a malicious, cruel smile. Closing her eyes, Kerrigan's form tenses in preparation. She quickly begins to project her thoughts out across the vast expansion that separates her forces from that of the Protoss and awaits the explosive results.
Her mental energies radiate outward from within the depths of the living horde and surges like an invisible wave towards its destination. It starts with merely a faint sensation, barely noticeable as the Protoss continue their preparations. Soon what once was a whisper quickly grows to a sense-shattering scream that lashes viciously at the minds of the Protoss. All but the most potent minds among them are affected by Kerrigan's psionic attack. Throughout the armada, thousands are struck by the unseen assault and reel from its effects. The vast majorities drop where they stand and claw at their heads as their minds are bombarded with an excruciating pain. It is in this instance that the sharing of a communal link works to their disadvantage as the burning pain is quickly relayed among them and grows in intensity with each exchange. Only the dark templars are spared the additional mental backlash, their psionic links having long been severed from their race. As suddenly as the attack began, it quickly fades to leave only a numbing pain and disorientation among the recovering.
***
On board the fleet command ship, Schiltron, the Executor of the Protoss struggles to recover from the unexpected attack. He quickly relays his orders to the accompanying high templars to shield the minds of those of their fleet. Moving with a speed born out of urgency, the high templars quickly form their minds into a single union. Drawing their strength from each other, the high templars begin to emit a psionic pulse that flows from one Protoss to the next. Within only mere seconds after the attack, the minds of those of the fleet are quickly shielded from further assault.
"Well done my brethren. Well done indeed," says Nagol with satisfaction as he detects a second psionic blast and feels its energies dissipate harmlessly. He turns to his side to address the familiar presence that he senses moving beside him.
"Such an attack of that magnitude was unexpected. I fear we were caught unprepared. It is unfortunate that your earlier misgivings have been confirmed my friend," sadly states Nagol.
"She has grown, grown far more powerful than we have ever expected," says Zeratul as he glances out towards the hovering dark mass.
"Agreed. though I fear that that was only a small sample of her potential. We shall be far more cautious from this point on."
"Executor," states a member of the Khalai, "the Zerg have halted their advance."
"Do you suspect she has uncovered our true intentions?" asks Zeratul as he steps towards the hovering image of the Zerg on a nearby console.
"Unknown," replies Nagol as he slides next to him. "Perhaps we could persuade her to inform us?" offers Nagol with dark humor.
"Perhaps," offers Zeratul as his eyes flash slightly.
"Begin transmitting a signal towards the Zerg," orders Nagol to a nearby technician.
With his command, electromagnetic pulses specifically tuned to a level that the Zerg are capable of detecting are sent out across the void. Thousands of receptors on the accompanying overlords are tweaked by the incoming signal and quickly relay it towards their queen. Within seconds after it is received, a similar emission is sent back towards the Protoss thus establishing a link.
On board the Schiltron, the transmission from the Zerg is received and processed. At first, only a wavery image is displayed, but then that slowly clears to reveal the grinning image of Kerrigan, the Queen of Blades.
"Greetings Protoss. So nice to see your kind again," says Kerrigan, her voice dripping with acid.
"I am sure the feelings are likewise O' Queen of Blades," dryly states Nagol.
"It seems my reputation has preceded me," says Kerrigan as she moves to her throne. "You know who I am yet you are unfamiliar to me."
"I am Nagol of the Templar," he says, the pride very evident in his tone. "Executor of the Protoss fleet you see before you and loyal son and defender of Aiur."
"So nice to make your acquaintance Nagol," replies Kerrigan with a small nod of feinted respect. "I do so appreciate it when I know the names of my foes. It makes it more personal and satisfying when I destroy them," she adds with a vicious smile.
"Do not assume victory just yet O' Queen," states Nagol defiantly. "You will find that we have changed greatly since we last encountered your kind."
"As have we Nagol," retorts Kerrigan. "By the way, do you or your people have need for any medical treatment? Perhaps something to treat your headaches?" she asks with that same vicious smile.
"If you are referring to that recent psychic attack of yours, you will find that we have adapted to it. Any further attempts will be useless."
"So I noticed," flatly replies Kerrigan. "But be warned templar, that was just a small sample of my abilities. I am just full of surprises these days."
"Yes, we know from first-hand experience of your treacherous and deceitful heart," interjects Zeratul.
The image of Kerrigan twists with annoyance at the derogatory words directed at her. She shifts her attention to the source of the words and her expression softens some upon recognition of the source.
"Ah Zeratul," warmly says Kerrigan, "I see you are back from your exile. Shame about Fenix and your Matriarch. truly sad. By the way, I forgot to thank you for all that assistance you provided me before. Thank you... my unlikely puppet," she adds with a cold flash of her eyes.
"You will pay for your crimes soon," snaps Zeratul, "I have paid the price for my sins. It is time that you paid for yours!"
"I am suddenly growing bored with this conversation," lazily says Kerrigan, "I think it is time for all of you to die now," she adds as she reaches behind her to stroke the top of her throne.
"We shall see who will do the dying this day. Your reign of terror and chaos shall end beginning now," finishes Nagol as he severs the link causing the image of Kerrigan to fade from view. "Prepare the fleet. They will be coming."
"Yes Executor," states a technician.
"Do you think we have angered her sufficiently?" asks Nagol.
"Let us hope so," answers Zeratul. "If she is seized by anger she will be less in control of her thoughts. By the time she realizes what we have planned it should be too late to prevent it."
Nagol remains motionless and says nothing as he continues to watch his fleet quickly prepare for the coming of the Zerg.
"Arrogant, self-righteous Protoss," snarls Kerrigan as she scrapes at the armrest of her throne and gouges out long streaks. "This ends NOW!" She quickly rises and moves towards the center of her chamber to stand within the ring of structures. Images flash to existence on the wavery displays as she fuels the fury growing within her hordes.
"Draago. Balroth. You two will engage their fleet and keep them at bay. I will take the main body of our forces and continue on towards their homeworld. Once we have secured a foothold on their planet they can do little to stop us."
"As you command our queen," the two cerebrates reply in unison. With a simple command from Kerrigan, the ravenous force that is the Zerg is unleashed with but one single thought to run through their collective minds, "Eradicate all life that is non-Zerg. Sacrifice yourselves for your Queen."
That single command whips the Zerg into a maddening fury as they strain against the mental chain that holds them. Soon the chain is released as the swarm surges forward to do battle with their foes. The Protoss fleet is not without activities of its own as thousands of small robotic interceptors are ejected into the cold of space. Waves of the tiny drone fighters flow from the bellies of the massive carriers and quickly begin to close with the Zerg. The first visible signs of conflict are seen as a flurry of bright streaks, explosions and dark expanding clouds mark the battle lines as the Protoss draw first blood. Despite their advantage in technology, the Zerg quickly prove far too much due to their overwhelming numbers. One by one the wall of fighters is thinned until the carrier commanders reluctantly order the remnants back. The Zerg, seeing the lines of the Protoss breaking under the strain quickly press their advantage. More Zerg are fed into the maw of death as the Protoss continue to exact their revenge while retreating towards Aiur.
"The first phase is completed Executor," states a lesser templar, "The Zerg are in full pursuit."
"The templar crews are standing by Executor," announces a technician.
"Order them to initiate phase two," orders Nagol. "Inform the fleet commanders to be ready."
"Yes Executor."
Off in the distance, several dozen vessels materialize into view along the flanks of the advancing Zerg horde. The noses of the medium-sized, sleek looking crafts begin to flare as energies are built within them to the point that they can no longer be contained. An intense ball of energy begins to coalesce at the bows of each of the Protoss Arbalests. Firing as one, massive spheres of energy erupt forth and ripple into the flanks of the swarm to detonate silently in the vacuum of space. The results of the explosions are spectacular as the spheres shatter into hundreds of smaller pieces, which in turn break into yet more pieces that ripple through the ranks of the Zerg. Those Zerg caught in the blasts are ripped to shreds in the shower of deadly shards and left to litter the cold void. Several large groups immediately break off from the main body to engage these new threats. However, as mysteriously as they appeared, they quickly fire off another volley and vanish leaving the Zerg to pursue shadows. The Arbalests quietly withdraw to regroup at the next preplanned point.
Despite the appearance of this new, unexpected threat, the main body of the Zerg simply shrugs off their losses and continues undaunted towards the distant planet. Kerrigan watches with satisfaction as several carriers and assorted smaller crafts at the rear of the Protoss fleet erupt into brilliant balls of light and expanding wreckage. Using the distraction the Arbalests bought them; the Protoss fleet quickly halts its retreat and turns to reengage the rushing horde. With their interceptor stores having been replaced during the respite, the carriers quickly spill their cargo into space yet again as the accompanying scouts and corsairs rocket ahead. Losses continue to mount on both sides at a staggering rate as the children of the Xel'Naga tear into each other with an insane fury. Despite their lack of numbers, the Protoss nonetheless remain a very capable foe.
Kerrigan howls with an insane fury as she watches the leading wave of her minions vaporized by the hammering strikes of the Protoss. She watches as Draago quickly shifts his brood over to envelop the Protoss in an attempt to cut off their escape route. Dozens of the smaller Protoss crafts are immolated in fiery blasts as they seek to flee the collapsing trap. Half dozen more fighters and one of the prized Protoss carriers explode as the rest thread their way through the Zerg and escape the closure. With her anger long past a controllable level, Kerrigan forgoes the planet and instead concentrates her forces on the Protoss fleet. Explosions begin to light up space as she turns the full fury of her swarm on her foes.
Within the swirling mass of death, one formation of scouts blazes a trail of destruction through a nearby cluster of Zerg. Space is streaked with the trails of their anti-matter packets and the fire from their particle weapons. Though several of the scouts are struck and disappear in brilliant blue flashes, the amount of destruction they inflicted was vastly out of proportion to their numbers as dozens of Zerg are left dead in their wake. The scene is repeated several times as scores of fighters slash their way through the carnage. The tide of the battle soon begins to turn against the Protoss as the Zerg recover the initiative and begin to counter.
"Inform the Judicator crews that they are to initiate the third phase immediately," swiftly orders Nagol as he shields his eyes briefly; a flaming interceptor spirals past his view and disappears in a blinding flash.
On his command, several arbiters break from the fleet and immediately blaze off to their unknown destinations as the Arbalests reappear to raise havoc once more among the Zerg. Deep within the monstrous pod, Kerrigan shifts her attention and watches as the strange crafts slowly begin to charge their weapons.
"Not this time Nagol," she whispers to herself, "you're not the only one with surprises today." With a mental command, several bizarre ovoid creatures break from the Zerg body and race towards the Protoss crafts The arbalests manage to fire their weapons at the rapidly approaching threat but the strange creatures quickly outdistance the effects of their blasts. Faced with the possibility of fighting in close range, the commanders of the vessels wisely chose to cloak and withdraw. With a brief shimmer of light, the arbalests quickly fade from sight. However, several of their number are too slow to disengage and are pounced upon by the incoming threats.
A flurry of small, greenish casings spews forth from the rushing Zerg to strike the retreating crafts. The objects smash into the shields and are vaporized until they finally succeed in penetrating. Once in contact with the surface, the casings crack open to reveal small spiny creatures that begin to scurry all along the hull. Brief sparks are seen as the creatures begin to tear into the metal and then rush inside to raise havoc before they expire. Two retreating arbalests are beseeched by an overwhelming number of the small creatures and wink out in white-hot explosions, the rest limp away trailing gaseous streams and debris. With their prey no longer in sight, the creatures quickly heed the call of their master to rejoin the chaos as the battle slips in favor of the Zerg.
"The arbiters are in position Nagol," states Zeratul as he struggles to regain his balance after a particularly vicious blast that rocks the massive ship. "We are ready."
"Activate the portals," quickly orders Nagol, "inform the fleet that they are to withdraw at once! All vessels are to retreat immediately!"
Several massive blue-white portals spiral into existence near the fleet and the Protoss immediately break off to enter them. Numerous fighters and vessels disappear into the swirling vortex as the Zerg immediately give chase to catch their fleeing prey.
"NOOOOOOOOOO!" screams Kerrigan with rage as she bears witness to the Protoss fleeing. "THEY SHALL NOT DENY ME MY VICTORY!"
She quickly urges her forces to pursue and manages to catch several fleeing crafts. A carrier, its hull blackened and burning, is struck viciously in its aft section and tumbles out of control towards one vortex. Several hundred Zerg, seizing the opportunity stream past the crippled vessel and manage to make it into the rapidly shrinking portal. The carrier is less fortunate, having lost its forward momentum it fails to completely enter the massive portal before it collapses. Half of the carrier is caught within the portal just as it seals. The front half is violently ripped off and reduced to particles that are scattered between that point and the unknown destination. The remaining half is shredded by the intense energies left in the wake of the portal. The Zerg reform and regroup as the last remaining Protoss vessels flicker out of existence.
"You are victorious my queen," states Balroth with respect, "your enemies flee before your wrath."
"But they still EXIST Balroth," snaps Kerrigan as her eyes flare with a burning rage. "As long as they exist they are still a threat!"
"Their planet is now yours my queen, no matter where they run to we shall find them," offers Draago.
"When their world dies. So will their hopes," viciously hisses Kerrigan as she flexes her hands into fists. "Let us press forward but be wary of an ambush. I doubt the Protoss have gone far." On her command the battered Zerg quickly charge forward, seeking to encompass the waiting planet into their folds of darkness.
***
On the far side of Aiur, several brilliant flashes light up the darkness as portals erupt from the waiting arbiters. Within mere seconds, the majority of the Protoss fleet surges forth to patiently lie in wait for their enemies.
"Have we all arrived safely," inquires Nagol as he glances at the revolving image of his beloved homeworld.
"Yes Executor," softly replies a lesser templar, "the rear guard of the fleet is clearing the last vestiges of the Zerg that followed us through. They shall be rejoining us shortly."
"Excellent," states Nagol as he nods with satisfaction at the progress of the battle. "It would appear that the Zerg have fallen for our ruse."
"It would appear so," answers back Zeratul. "Now we shall see how anxious she is to reclaim our world."
"Do you think she will suspect a trap?"
"Most likely yes. As you pointed out once before, she is not as foolish as we would like," replies Zeratul dryly with a hint of dark humor
Nagol merely grunts with agreement. "Let us hope that her anger will continue to cloud her judgment," he adds as he stares out into the black lanes of space.
***
Charging recklessly forward, the living swarm rapidly closes the distance to their waiting prize, the planet Aiur. Blinding fury and the lust for blood drives them as the gap separating them from their goal decreases with each passing moment. Reaching out from the depths of space like a monstrous outstretched hand, the horde slowly spreads apart to almost cover the entire side of the exposed world. Suddenly and unexpectedly they come to an immediate halt. Just as they were on the verge of penetrating the planet's atmosphere, the living wave now instead seems content to silently hover just above the blue-green world that slowly rotates before them.
"Our ploy has failed," whispers Nagol as he stares at the transmitted images from numerous hidden observers.
"Perhaps not," replies back Zeratul. "She suspects a trap, of that I am sure, but she still does not know where or what it is. Now we must wait for her to make her choice."
"Why do you halt our advance my queen?" asks Draago impatiently. "The world is within our grasp."
"Draago is correct," puts in Balroth, "Your enemies have fled before you. Now is the time to lay waste to their world."
"And do you both expect them to merely leave their world so blatantly open?" asks Kerrigan coldly. "Fools," she snaps contemptuously, "the Protoss are up to something."
"What would you have us do then my queen," asks Draago. "We cannot stay above their world indefinitely. Your forces have been tasked greatly by battle and the long journey here. They require time to recover. We should press forward."
"And risk all of us falling into an ambush?!" she asks with a snort of disdain. "I don't think so. We shall seek a compromise instead," she states.
"Draago, you will take your brood down to secure our foothold."
"My queen."
"Balroth, you and your broods shall remain above us to ensure that our passage proceeds unchallenged."
"As you say, so it shall be done my queen."
On her command, the Zerg swarm breaks into three separate groups. Draago's brood quickly accelerates down into the planet, as the greater mass of the swarm remains safely in orbit. Waves of Zerg quickly flow down to dot the surface of the planet as they gather in preparation of the arrival of their master. Their piercing cries and screams fill the air as the living cloud begins to spiral around a particular plot of land. The dark spot begins to grow and spread as the rest of Draago's brood filters down from above. The soil is stripped barren, pounded and churned to dust beneath their thunderous footfalls. Minutes slowly tick by but soon all is in readiness for the brood's master. A massive pod splinters from the orbiting mass and quickly plummets to the ground. The monstrous pod begins to glow red-hot as its roars through the planet's atmosphere like a blazing comet; a trail of blackened dust is left in its wake. The brood quickly scatters as the pod is on the verge of slamming into the ground. With an earth-shattering blast, the pod plows into the soil and drives a massive cloud of dirt and debris into the clear skies. The area grows dark and gloom from the violent impact as the Zerg return to protectively circle their master. The pod immediately spreads open and begins to sprout dozens of smaller structures as rivers of creep begin to flow outward to cover the surrounding terrain. Within mere minutes after their arrival, a dark living fortress arises from the blasted soil to loom over the once fertile lands.
"We have arrived uncontested my queen," announces Draago. "You may commence your descent now."
The main body of the Zerg soon begins to flow down in waves to the now claimed grounds. What once were merely small groups of assorted Zerg is quickly replaced with literally a continuous living wave that continues to pour from the skies over Aiur. Kerrigan's pod breaks from the heart of her fleet and begins its plummet to the darkened and ruined surface below as the rest of her brood follows her down in escort.
***
"She has fallen for our deception," says Nagol with satisfaction as he watches the last of Kerrigan's forces break orbit and descend. "She has left one of her broods isolated and vulnerable to assault."
"Just as we planned Nagol," says Zeratul as his eyes flash briefly with anticipation. "How soon before we can strike?"
"It willtake a moment for them to adjust the emitters to compensate for Aiur's gravitational forces. We can ill afford any mistakes in regards to their settings. It must be precise."
Pausing briefly, Nagol turns to one of his caste and inquires into the status of the fleet. "Has the last of our fleet rejoined us?"
"Yes Executor," quickly answers the young templar, "the last of the rear guard and our reserves have just arrived," he adds as he watches a portal closing behind several incoming vessels that move to join the massive armada.
"And the fleet arbiters? Have the Judicator crews reached their assigned positions?" tensely asks Zeratul.
"The Judicators are almost in position Prelate Zeratul," states a member of the Khalai, "they merely await your command to proceed Executor."
"Order them to allow the last remnants of Kerrigan's brood to pass to the planet," commands Nagol as he watches the fleet shift its formation in preparation of battle. "Then inform the fleet to await my signal," he adds softly.
"Yes Executor."
The Protoss fleet waits patiently for the last of Kerrigan's forces to reach the surface. Though his appearance is calm and unmoving, Nagol's mind is anything but relaxed as he silently urges the Zerg to remain unaware of the trap that they continue to stumble into.
"Executor, the Judicators have reached their positions and are ready," states a technician.
"May this moment forever be heralded as the end of the Zerg," softly whispers Nagol.
"For Aiur," whispers Zeratul as his eyes flash briefly.
"For Aiur," echoes back Nagol.
"Order the fleet to the attack," commands Nagol firmly.
The waiting arbiters receive their orders and moving as one, they quickly accelerate towards the designated coordinates. From multiple points in space, the arbiters converge like predators on a crippled prey as they target the single brood hovering above Aiur. Massive fields of distortion radiate out from the Judicator vessels as intense energies begin to build within them. The Zerg brood soon spots the rapidly closing threats but reacts far too late to stop them. On the far side of Aiur, dozens of portals erupt into space offering passage for those seeking vengeance. None turn down the invitation as scores of vessels rocket through the spatial portals to arrive on top of the now greatly outnumbered Zerg. With their numbers swelled by their recently arrived reserves, the Protoss tears into the Zerg with an incredible fanaticism. Energy fields lance out from the accompanying arbiters to strike large concentrations of the Zerg to thin their numbers considerably. Those struck are immediately ripped from the current time stream and made inert as they are placed into stasis. Circling in like wolves smelling blood on a dying animal, the arbalests reappear and begin to add their fire to the slaughter.
"My queen," comes the desperate plea from Balroth, "the Protoss have returned and in far greater numbers than we initially encountered! We are being slaughtered!"
"Cease your whining," snaps Kerrigan as she silently curses herself for the mistake. "Spread your brood out to split their forces. Do not let them mass their strength! I am sending my forces to assist you."
"Hurry my queen."
Forces capable of flight immediately pull up and rush towards the distant battle. Surging up from the planet, the Zerg recklessly charge the thin line of arbiters as the reinforced Protoss fleet continues to lay waste to Balroth's brood. Having anticipated such a reaction from those on the planet below, the Protoss quickly commence the second part of their ambush. Portals quickly blossom between the onrushing Zerg and the formation of arbiters to reveal thousands of robotic satellites. The satellites rocket apart to form an immense network spread over a vast area. The satellites power to life as they silently begin to transmit their special signal. Just as the first of the Zerg are on the verge of reaching the network and beyond that, their embattled comrades, they begin to screech in agony as powerful psionic pulses broadcast from the emitters assaults their minds. Searing pains lance through them and the majority turn back towards the planet to flee. Those that linger defiantly try to lash out at that which torments them but their efforts prove futile, as they move closer their minds are viciously ravaged by the intense energy.
Kerrigan quickly tries to move her forces around the network but the psionic barrier proves far too vast for her to traverse in time. Cursing loudly, she is reluctantly forced to hold her forces in check as she helplessly watches one of her broods being completely annihilated. The last remnants of Balroth's brood circle their master as they struggle to rejoin the horde down below. The massive pod desperately tries to run the gauntlet of vessels but that act proves futile. Thousands of energy weapons tear into the pod and rip it to shreds. Large pieces are blasted off or are vaporized as the Protoss increase their deadly fire. Soon all that remains of the pod is a shattered and burned-out shell that rapidly streaks to the ground below. Most of the huge pod disintegrates upon impact; those parts that managed to survive the crash scatter everywhere to scorch the ground black with fires.
"We are victorious this day," states Nagol as he watches the last of the slaughtered brood disappear in ugly clouds of expanding matter.
"She will be eager for blood after such a loss so early in her campaign against us," comments Zeratul.
"We shall deal with Kerrigan at a time and place of our choosing. not hers," says Nagol softly, "those emitters will not hold her at bay for long. We must prepare for her coming."
"Signal the fleet to withdraw," commands Nagol to a lesser templar, "the war has now begun."
The Protoss fleet, having accomplished their objectives, quickly depart the area through the new portals that materialize around them. The second struggle for Aiur has now commenced and the Protoss are victorious... for now. On the planet below, angry clouds signifying the Zerg horde are merely a sign of dark times yet to come.
