Xagnir and Billy Joe entered the large meeting room. Once again many of the same important men were seated around the large table that filled the room. Youngstat motioned Xagnir and Billy Joe to two open chairs at the table. Billy Joe slowly sat down,
scanning the faces and nameplates of the men seated. Many he had only heard of and had certainly never seen. But here they were, living flesh and blood before him.
Raynor stood at the end of the table and began. "Xagnir, you have been invited here because you might be able to help us out with the damn zerg that we face. You have proven battle-worthy and supplied a healing potion, which is frankly, freaking amazing! Billy Joe, you were saved by such a potion. Could you explain to us what happened?"
Billy Joe looked around silently, and collecting his thoughts he rose.
"Well sir, I um...well...you see....sorry. Ok...When me and Xagnir went to fight we made an agreement to help each other out against the zerg. Well, Xagnir, he's quite fast for a big guy. I got behind and then I was hit with many hydra spikes. I remember feeling intense pain then I blacked out. The next thing I knew was that Xagnir was kneeling over me and I thought it was the end. Then he gave me the drink and poured it down my gullet. All of a sudden my whole body was tingly, like when your foot falls asleep. Then
the pain stopped and I felt stronger then I did before. I was completely healed."
Billy Joe looked around, smiled and sat back down. A low buzz of whispering arose around the table and a few people jotted a few notes. As this was happening an aide walked into the room and whispered to Raynor. He leaned back, nodded slowly and
spoke.
"Gentlemen, I have just been notified that the science labs have finished examining the potion and are testing a replicate that they created. If they are successful we will distribute potions to every division of our forces. Once that is complete we will launch
the next phase of our operation. It is called Black Thunder."
He pressed a recessed button on the table. In the middle of the table a holographic globe sprung into appearance. Xagnir jumped slightly and looked at the slowly spinning picture. He tried to touch it but his hand passed through. Billy Joe tapped Xagnir on the shoulder.
"Hey man, it's only a hologram. It's not real."
Xagnir sat back down still amazed. A slight chuckle was heard from a few dignitaries present.
Raynor continued. "This hologram shows our forces in the area shaded blue."
He motioned at the globe and it spun slowly, showing the area to all present.
"The red area is the Zerg and the black star is the location of the controlling cerebrate. The blue arrows show the movement of our forces and our plan of attack. Alpha, Bravo, and Delta Squadrons will be our main force and attack from the side across this mesa.
Tango and Omega squadrons will divert the attention from our main force by attacking the primary defenses located near the front. We will send all air support to the front line to help with the diversion. The main element of this attack is the fact that it will be at
night, as to give us the element of surprise. Each unit will be equipped with the latest night vision technology."
A gold star appeared at each battle site and Xagnir studied the projection carefully. He felt something was not right put he couldn't seem to put his finger on it. The plan was explained more.
"Once we have breached the perimeter, our special Thunder squad will follow in. They carry the special Khaydarin nuke that our Protoss allies ingeniously crafted. Not only will it destroy a cerebrate but it contains the damage of a hundred nukes!"
Many dignitaries gaped in amazement and others started clapping.
"Thank you, this weapon should wipe out the core of the zerg base and any other resistance. However, any men caught in the blast will die instantly. We need to plant the nuke then run for it. Any questions?"
Xagnir still clawed for the answer to his gnawing doubt of the plan. Hmm.…
"Is this an exact example of the land?"
Raynor turned.
"Yes it is. Why do you ask?"
"Well, I have fought many battles and something is wrong with this plan. I cannot tell yet, but there is a doubt."
"I have studied this plan many times myself. There is nothing wrong with it."
"I do not doubt your strategy, but why send your main force across an open mesa. They will surely get slaughtered there. I suggest that they sneak in through this canyon."
Xagnir summoned at the hologram and it turned showing a small canyon, barely twenty feet deep. The crack led almost halfway through the zerg base.
"If your men are careful, they should be able to penetrate the core of the base and attack from within. With the diversion happening on the front, they should meet little resistance."
Raynor thought this idea over carefully and exclaimed.
"Why, that's genius! I never even saw that small path! Ok, change of plans. Alpha, Bravo, and Delta are to attack from within after
gaining entrance through the canyon. Thanks Xagnir, you may have averted a tragedy."
The arrow on the globe changed with the new plan and the data was uploaded into all the squad commanders portable battle links. Raynor dismissed the leaders and ended the meeting. Xagnir came up to Raynor once the others had left and began speaking.
"Pardon me sir, I will be happy to assist with your operation. If I may, I would like to be assigned to the Thunder squad to protect the Khaydarin nuke."
"Why sure, you go right ahead. We need the best in that squad."
"And sir, have you ever heard of a creature called Diablo in your land?"
"No, that doesn't ring a bell. Wait Diablo.that means devil doesn't it?"
"Yes it does. He is one of three...."
"Ok, ok, I just wanted to know yes or no. There is a devil in this sector by the name of Kerrigan."
"Kerrigan....that is not one of the seven evils of hell. That cannot be my goal."
"She is worse than one of your evils. She is the worst creature to ever come into existence. If you could help me kill her, my life would be complete and I will help you find Diablo."
"That sounds very good. I will help you find this 'Kerrigan'."
"Thanks man. You better go get ready for the upcoming battle tonight. This is the BIG one, you understand?"
