The SCL Starcraft RPG - Content thread

This thread has been specifically made for Character Applications and IC (In-Character posts) only. This thread should also only be used by those participating in the SCL Starcraft RPG. If you're interested in joining and haven't already posted interest in the Recruitment thread already, then please do so here: http://sclegacy.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1632

Now more on this thread's purpose. This thread is only to be used for:
1. The Character Application Draft (already done by me)
2. Character Applications
3. The starting post for the eventual first IC post (to be done by me)
4. IC posts (only until after an "The SCL Starcraft RPG - IC Thread" thread is started in the "SCL SC RPG" Social Group forum)

If this thread isn't easy to follow, its not supposed to be: it will be a lot easier to follow once you see how the posts in this thread will be linked over to the SCL SC RPG Social Group. Why we don't just post out full Character Application and IC posts is due to a 1000 max character limit in a single post on the Social Group forums, which is just far too limiting.

The SCL Starcraft RPG Character Application

Screen Name:

Character Name:

Race:

Gender:

Faction: [This section should not only include the character's faction and their rank in that faction, but also any details on the planets they control and a possible army size (only really necessary if you're playing the leader of a faction)]

Equipment: [Includes weapon, armor, and appearance (appearance is only really important for those playing an original character)]

Personality: [Should be at least a paragraph in length]

Background: [Should be at least a paragraph or two in length; be sure to include their starting position at the start of this RPG]

Character Font/Color: [This is important for in-game dialog. Example: Bold Arial Red could be used for your character while they are speaking in an IC post; this helps to make IC posts easier to read and follow imo)]

Sample Post: [Should at least be a paragraph in length and include your character talking at least once]


Rules

- Please follow and fully complete the Application Draft shown above.
- Be sure to not only post your character application in this thread, but also to post the link to your Character Application in the Social Group's Character Application thread
- Each player is allowed only 1 major and 1 minor character at this time. Major characters are those like Raynor, Kerrigan, Arcturus Mengsk, etc. (usually those who are best known in the Starcraft 1 game and/or those in-charge of factions). Pretty much everyone else in the lore will count as a minor character. Original characters will usually count as a minor character.
- There is no 'claiming' of characters. Whoever gets their character application (good quality of course) up first and gets their application approved by me gets the character.

Accepted Applications

Alexei Stukov
NamesAreUseless

Alzarath
Artanis186

Amaris
Sarov

Artanis
Artanis186

Captain Mattheiu Buzan
Visions of Khas

Daemon Gant
Pandonetho

Jenna Taylor
UED Special Ops

Karen Sarov
Sarov

Morik
Visions of Khas

Samir Duran
DemolitionSquid

Taldarin
mr. peasant

Ulrezaj
Kimera757

Screen Name: Artanis186

Character Name: Artanis

Race: Protoss

Gender: Male

Faction: Akilae Tribe

Equipment: Scout/Unarmed

Personality: Artanis is a young Protoss commander whom was the youngest of his kind to achieve rank of Praetor. He's very dedicated in his appraisal of the mighty warrior Tassadar. He can be reckless, though all he does is for the good of the Protoss.

Background: Artanis has been through much in his time. Though he is young, he's traveled across hundreds of worlds. He has been through many ranks. Namely Executor and Praetor. He has most recently been appointed Hierarch of the Protoss. Artanis is rebuilding the Protoss civilization on Shakuras.

Character Font/Color: Arial Orange

Sample Post: Artanis wishes for the Dark Templar and the Khalai to finally merge together to create a glorious race of warriors. He speaks out to a crowd of Protoss, eager to hear the bidding of their newly appointed leader.

"I am honored that I am selected to be Hierarch of the Protoss Protectorate. With that, I believe we should not push away our brothers, just because they are different. No, we should welcome them with open arms! It is no ones fault but ours that they continue to be looked down upon by us. They are not so much different than us. With the reuniting of our people, we can stop the Zerg. It is the Zerg that are out enemy. They are the ones who destroy all that we take pride in. Why waste resources, energy, and lives fighting ones that are our own? We are a dwindling race, and we will not last if we continue to keep our own blood bordered off from us!"

Screen Name: Artanis186

Character Name: Alzarath

Race: Protoss

Gender: Male

Appearance: 9'6" Dark blue skin with short appendages and a long flowing dark purple cape.

Faction: The Fist of Ulrezaj

Equipment: Curved green Warp Blade, Light cloth armor.

Personality: Alzarath is a Dark Templar. He has a deep grudge against all of Terran civilization. He's rarely in a "good mood". He is normally a loner, though he has a single, younger partner named Jazaren.

Background: Alzarath is 573 years old. He's been through many missions, mostly ones involving the destruction of human towns. He's a high ranking officer in The Fist of Ulrezaj. He serves under Ulrezaj himself, Though Ulrezaj allows him much freedom. Alzarath has been resting on Braxis most recently in a cave, awaiting further order from his master.

Character Font/Color: Century Gothic RoyalBlue

Sample Post: Alzarath plunged his blade deep into a Terran civilian and let out a mental laugh. After destroying most of the regions people, he headed to his primary target. Carving a hole into the exterior of a Terran Command Center, he stealthily eliminated 2 guards protecting the door from behind. He entered the main room of the building and quickly sliced the 2 remaining gaurds. He then approached the Terran commander. He allowed visibility of himself and spoke.

"Terran, I have been sent here to kill you. No exception will be had. I do this not only for my master, but for my own pleasure as well."

At that, the Terran reached for his gun holster. As he grabbed for it, not a second later, he realized something... He no longer had an arm.

Screen Name: DemolitionSquid

Character Name: Samir Duran

Race: Terran/Unknown

Gender: Male/Unknown

Faction: Clandestine Mercenaries. Serves an unknown higher power. Head of a secret project to forcefully combine Protoss and Zerg DNA into a Hybrid form.

Equipment: C-10 Rifle, Lockdown device, Ghost-class power armor.

Personality: Samir Duran was very intelligent and quite arrogant. He was very convincing in his plans, and betrayed everyone who thought they had control over him. He seems to find the incessant fighting between the factions quite humorous, and enjoys making bets with himself about the outcomes of the battles between the 3 "young" races.

Background: Nothing is known of Samir Duran's early origins. We are first introduced to him during the Brood War. He is 30 years old, and leading a band of ex Confederates against Arcturus Mengsk and his new Dominion. He quickly allies himself with the newly arrived UED, and together they made strong gains against the Dominion by seizing the Dylarian Shipyards. Duran next advised destroying the Dominion Psi Disruptor, but UED Vice Admiral Stukov thought it would be better used against the Zerg to help the UED in their eventual goal of controlling the second Overmind. UED Admiral Dugalle agreed with Duran, and Duran was sent to Tarsonis to destory the Psi Disruptor, but Stukov told Duran he'd take care of it. This was a lie; Stukov wanted to use the Disruptor against the Zerg. UED Admiral DuGalle ordered Duran to kill Stukov for his betrayal and to finally destroy the Psi Disruptor. Duran confronted Stukov, and once he had shot him he disappeared. Stukov, in his dying moments, told Dugalle that Duran was the real traitor, and was possibly infested. By destroying the Disruptor, there would be no way to stop the Zerg from launching attacks on a world. It became clear Duran was actually working for the Zerg as he covertly set the Psi Disruptor on overload, but the sequence was aborted just in time by UED forces. The UED then followed through on Stukov's plan and took control of the second Overmind.

At this point the clearly Infested Duran reappeared and introduced Dugalle to Infested Kerrigan. The two took flight to the ravaged world of Tarsonis to hide from the UED. They carefully forged alliances with Jim Raynor, Fenix, and Arcturus Mengsk to assault the UED and reclaim the sector. After the UED main base and the Psi Disruptor were destroyed, Kerrigan and Duran betrayed their allies and killed Fenix (for good) and General Duke. They then captured the Dark Templar Matriarch Razagal to force the Zeratul to destroy the second Overmind, and upon learning Kerrigan Infested Razagal's old mind, he was forced to kill her too. Finally, Kerrigan had control of all the Zerg, and fought off the final push at Char by the UED, the Dominion, and the Protoss to become the most being in the sector. Duran disappeared just before this grand battle, which angered Kerrigan greatly.

Duran traveled to a dark moon where he and a team of Clandestine Mercenaries worked on a protoss/zerg hybridization project at the behest of a "far higher power." Zeratul discovered this project and confronted Duran, who claimed he was in fact a being of great power, millennia old. Zeratul destroyed the Hybrid he found, but Duran said there were many others seeded on countless worlds, ready to wake.

Character Font/Color: Orange

Sample Post:

Duran watched the creature twitch in its tank with a grin. After his talk with Zeratul on the dark moon and the destruction of the Hybrid there, he decided it would be best to visit each remaining Hybrid, one by one, and expand on the defenses of each base. This Hybrid was the newest, and from initial tests the most powerful so far. His scientists were learning quickly how to merge the Zerg and Protoss DNA more effectively each time, and he viewed this infant creature with a pride only a father could understand. Having arrived unexpectedly to this base a few days ago, the crew had just finished their report. Duran reads it carefully.

"Well Lieutenant, base status looks acceptable."
Lieutenant Kevin Fairborne looks up from his chair behind a terminal.
"Thank you, sir. Your suggestions have ensured the defenses will be finished ahead of schedule, but the base bunker still needs to be reinforced because of the crew shift."
"That's just fine. See to it my ship is prepared, I will be leaving soon for another appointment."
"So soon?... Yes sir."
Fairborne hesitates, then asks the question that's been on the back of his mind for a few weeks.
"Sir... pardon my curiosity, but are you sure these warriors will be enough to accomplish our goals? I don't doubt their power in a land fight, but our lack of spaceships remains an issue."
"Your worries are unfounded, Lieutenant. Rest assured that I have our air superiority issues under control. Just make sure our friend here is happy and healthy, and you will live to see the promised day."
Fairborne smiles, and goes back to monitoring his terminal.

Duran continues to look at the tank, and inside his mind continues to plot. The primitive Terran Lieutenant may have a point. Thankfully, Duran is always one step ahead, and his next move may just secure the air power they require. An hour passes quickly as hes deep in thought.

"Is my ship ready yet?"
"Of course."
"Then I shall depart for my appointment. Keep me informed of our progress."
"Of course, sir. Subspace communications locked and cycled."

Duran exists the Hybrids chamber and enters the elevator that will take him to his ship, and back into Protoss space.

Screen Name: Visions of Khas

Character Name: Captain Mattheiu Buzan

Race: Terran, Homo sapiens sapiens

Gender: Male

Appearance: Six foot two, grizzled face with greying hair, round spectacles, muscular physique, dark brown - almost black - hair with a widow's peak.

Faction: Kimeran Pirates; Commander. Est. size 132. Mobile base (the Kimera).

Equipment: Twin pistols (x1 P1000, x1 P30); Hostile Environment Suit; Psi screen; ICE-breaker (portable Intrusion Countermeasure Electronics hacking system); EMP grenade

Personality: Known for his jurisprudential acumen and quick, silver tongue, Mattheiu Buzan effects an amiable and noble mien. Though somewhat a kleptomaniac, he channels his tendencies and urges into "profitable enterprises, where all parties come out even." He is fond of playing psychological games with foes and friends alike, but remains absolutely professional when "on-the-clock".

Background: Matthieu Buzan began his militant career as a Confederate officer on the world of Tal Qirat, wear he served as an enforcer and later a lead systems defense developer. The colony of Tal Qirat proved to be a constant thorn in the side of the Confederacy, vying for control over resources of the nearby Aeirilon asteroid cluster. In time, however, the world fell into decadence and corruption, and the world's senators made increasingly gratuitous demands. Though the colony lacked any real political power or clout, the Confederacy chose to make Tal Qirat an abject example.

Mattheiu Buzan was ordered to program flaws into the colony's defensive net, which he did most handily. Against orders, however, Buzan procured a light shipping freighter and stole a volume of war materiel from the world and escaped. As Omega Squadron fell upon the colony, Buzan slipped away into the chaos, breaching the encroaching Confederate net as easily as Tal Qirat's.

Over the next few years, he would garner the support of Qirati "survivors", the disenfranchised, and various other discontented and talented souls. Their first and greatest victory was the completely bloodless coup at Osborne Port, stealing away an advanced star cruiser which would be renamed the Kimera. From that point forward, the newly christened Kimeran Pirates would strike quickly and effectively from the dar, cold recesses of the night. Few victims would acknowledge themselves as such until well after the Kimerans had profited off their ill-gotten gains.

Character Font/Color: Garamond, sandy brown.

Sample Post:

The Kimera glided smoothly through space, a null sensor shroud masking the efflux form its engine nacelles. Buzan studied the dull grey sheen of a moon below the Kimera, slowly rotating amidst the rubble of an asteroid field. Composed primarily of aggregate, phosphates, perlites, mica, ununpentium, and even some fossil fuels, the band of asteroids were a prime source of construction and commercial materials. However, given the star's chaotic and unpredictable fluctuations, and unusually high radiological output, the asteroid remained relatively undisturbed, even by the Kel-Morian Combine.

Until now.

Mattheiu nodded to himself and breathed, "Launch." An officer nodded and punched at some controls on the bridge of the Kimera. After a brief hesitation, the deck shook gently. On the view screen, three more asteroids joined the gentle flow of others. Mattheiu smiled to himself. He didn't know who this new band of enterprising miners were, but it was evident their materials could withstand a torrential downpour of radiation. When Mattheiu first observed them come in-system, he suspected they would try to crack the moon and burrow deep within it. Instead, their mining station glittered brazenly on its surface as SCVs buzzed about. Mattheiu was determined to pillage whatever he could from this rabble and put it to good use.

The three asteroids faded into the distance. Within each were sophisticated detection equipment capable of penetrating even the constant radiation from the star. They'd still burn out in three day's time, Velichek warned, but that would provide the Kimerans more than enough to mount a proper infiltration.

"Guide us out of system, Cicerone, and prepare for warp jump." The officer at the controls gave his acknowledgment. He could feel the cruiser begin its slow, almost lazy turn beneeath the shadow of the moon. On the view screen, beyond the moon, the crimson orb of Red Stone faded into the distance. Captain Buzan lifted his six foot frame out of the command chair and adjusted his spectacles. "The bridge is yours. Excuse me as I confer with our most esteemed mutant guest, Mr Morik."

Screen Name: Visions of Khas

Character Name: Morik

Race: Infested Terran (mutate); Homo sapiens internecivus

Gender: Male

Appearance: Five foot seven; dull ruddy skin with pale patches of dull grey; dark striations form intricate patterns across his face and arms; short, fine nonfunctional spines emerge from his otherwise bald head; phosphorous-yellow, glowing eyes.

Faction: Kimeran Pirates; Specialist

Equipment: Razor claws; needle spine volley; Stripped CMC Light Combat armour; explosives (Hellfire grenades; Irradiation grenades; satchel charge); Torrent SR-8 shotgun

Personality: Formerly a terran demolitions expert, the mutate known only as Morik suffers from a combination of symptoms typically associated with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, dissociative personality disorder and bouts of sociopathy. The nanites coursing through his blood stream have of late been adjusted by the Kimeran scientist Velichek, granting Morik's "down" bipolar state, lucidity and empathy, greater longevity. During these moments he expresses impressive strategic knowledge and acute awareness of all things that go "boom". During both states, Morik expresses a sardonic sense of humor.

Background: Formerly a member of the Confederate Marine Corps, Morik was detailed to the Recon Patrol 09 detachment and participated in the Battle of Fire Base Chimera on Mar Sara. During the zerg onslaught Morik was heavily wounded and received mortal injuries. As survivors dragged his body to Command Bravo, and from there off-world, Morik's body healed quickly and rapidly. On the downside, he attempted to kill his comrades. His baffled colleagues, unable to kill another of their own, isolated him in the brig. He would later be experimented upon by Confederate science division, his intelligence and personality gradually restored through use of nanites. There it was ascertained that creep spores had infected his blood stream. He was transfered to an undisclosed testing and research facility along the outer rim, where he would eventually be "rescued" by the Kimeran pirates. As the three Kimeran space pirates made to escape from the facility with their information, Morik slaughtered various personnel and overloaded an experimental reactor. With the facility crumbling around them, they converged on the hangar and were picked up by the Kimera.

Though captain Buzan has allowed Morik to stay with his team, he insists that the "mutant" receives frequent attention from the scientist Velichek, who has taken an instant like towards Morik's outre nature.

Morik isn't sure he likes the attention. Or his captain, for that matter.

Font/Color: Comic Sans MS, red

Sample Post:

Morik was studying his face in the mirror.

It was a triangular reflection, owing to the fact that it was a sliver derived from a pile of similarly broken glass on the floor. Which had been derived from a pristine square mirror on the wall. Which got from point A to point B by way of Morik's clawed fist.

It was more interesting this way. It accentuated the brutal beauty of his face.

Velichek seemed unperturbed by what most would consider Morik's "anti-social behaviour". As Morik glanced over the striations in his face, Velichek injected his arm with a serum.

This was the fifth syringe he had to use. The others lay discarded in a pile on the floor, their metal tips bent by Morik's skin.

Such lovely skin.

"What, doctor," breathed Morik in his deep, rich, raspy-textured voice, "are we to do about the funds we made off with from the ConFeds?"

Velichek shrugged and typed on his computer. "They've been disbursed among the crew." The scietist immediately winced as he said it.

"Then where's my share?!" Morik roared, his reflection forgotten.

The door hissed open, and Morik was immediately calmed by the cool rush of air. Buzan strode in slowly, taking care to avoid the glass. He shook his head. "Dear friend Morik, what ARE we going to do with you?" He rolled his eyes.

Screen Name: UED Special Ops

Character Name: Jenna Taylor

Race: Terran

Gender: Female

Faction: None (UED Defector)/Mercenary for Hire

Equipment: C-150 Pistol, Combat Knife, AGR-14 Assault Rifle w/underslung grenade launcher, x4 Fragmentation Gernades, Light Black/Green camo body armor, Personal arm-mounted PDA (contains auto-mapper, communication uplink, vital scanner, plus standard PDA functions)

Physical Appearance: 5'8", black shoulder length hair, green eyes, slightly palish white skin

Personality: Cool and collected under presser, Jenna Taylor also has a slightly sadistic sense of humor, especially when dealing with her ‘targets’. She takes great pride in her work and is very sociable, able to get along with just about anyone given time, although hints of her sadistic side can be seen. However, once she is on a mission, she puts all of her energy into completing it, and will go to any lengths necessary to complete it.

Background: Born on Earth, Jenna was conscripted into the UPL Military when she was 18. Three years later, the Zerg overran Chau Sara, prompting the creation of the United Earth Directorate and a general militarization of Earth’s policies. An Expeditionary Fleet was quickly formed, and Jenna, although on probation for striking a superior officer, was drafted for service in the Fleet.

As the Koprulu Campaign dragged on and the Expeditionary Fleet’s early victories were undone, many within the Fleet began to see that there was a real chance that they could be facing total destruction. With the devastating defeat above Char, several squadrons abandoned the remains of the retreating Fleet, scattering across the Sector. Joining the deserters, Jenna fled to Moria and kept a low profile for a time. However, as her supplies and credits ran low, she decided to set herself up as a mercenary for hire, using the skills she gained while part of the Directorate to do so. Jenna quickly adapted to her new job and excelled at it. Although she will work for just about any contractor, Jenna has avoided any Dominion contracts, out of fear of them somehow finding out about her Directorate connections.

Character Font/Color: Verdana, Blue

Sample Post: The bar buzzed with activity, with civilians intermixing with other, less then reputable types while the bartenders kept the flow of alcohol steady. Located in one of the shadier parts of the planet’s capital, the area was a hotbed of crime and corruption, and therefore a perfect area to meet. Jenna had already cased the area hours in advance, keeping note of who was coming and going, seeing if she was being set up or not. After several hours of nothing suspicious going on, she finally entered into the bar, taking a seat near the back and ordering up a drink. Twenty minutes later, her possible employer arrived.

“Right on time.” Jenna mused, downing the rest of her drink. Walking up to the table, the rather large crimeboss sat down across of her, his two flunkies standing nearby, sweeping the area for any signs that someone was listening in.

“So then pal. What is the contract?” Jenna asked in a very causal manner, disturbing the petty boss slightly, as it was obvious he was used to people treating him with “respect”.

“A certain union leader in charge of the local mining guild does not wish to pay us to... protect his guild. I need you to, remove him from his post.” the boss responded, regaining his composure slightly.

“Hmm, no problem. 500,000 up front, another 500,000 when I am done.”

“What? 1 million for a simple hit? 500,000 and only after the job is done.” the boss said, as his two goons drew a little closer. Seeing this, Jenna casually drew her knife and played with it idly for a few seconds, a slight grin on her face, causing the crimeboss to begin to sweat. Suddenly, she drove the knife down onto the metal tabletop, inches from the boss's hands.

“250,000 up front, 500,000 after. Sounds fair, doesn’t it?” Jenna said, eying the boss closely.
The two guards slowly began to reach into their coats, but were stopped by their boss, who waved them off.

“Hah, I see you are no rookie. Fine, you have a deal. I’ll meet you here at 1 hour before closing the day after it is done.”
And with that, the crimeboss rose from his seat and strolled off.

Screen name: mr. peasant

Character name: Taldarin

Race: Protoss

Gender: Male

Faction: Praetor of the Templar Caste

Equipment: Immortal exoskeleton, including two phase disruptors and a hardened shield generator

Personality:
A seasoned veteran, Taldarin has a tendency of rambling on about fantastic, highly improbable anecdotes of his glory days to anyone willing - and also those unwilling - to stay awhile and listen. When not spouting out factually suspect stories, he can often be found fussing over his pet, Goldie that has yet to be seen. Whether he is obfuscating stupidity or well and truly senile is much a subject of debate.

Background:
As the first to acquire a Dragoon exoskeleton some 800 years ago, this Protoss has since been known as Taldarin, meaning 'The Forged One'. Other than his claim of having fought alongside the great Adun, little is known of his past before this point. Even his name remains a mystery to all as few of his peers are still alive. Only he and the preservers know the truth of his identity and none of them are speaking.

Character font/color: <Violet Fixedsys>

Sample post:
The swarm was moving as fast as they could. There were at least a half dozen Hydralisks amongst them. The rest were Zerglings. They were on the hunt. And they were gaining. Their prey; a certain former marshal and a limping Dragoon.

"Things don't look good for us, old timer," Raynor called out to the wounded Protoss as the two struggled to maintain their lead. "My sensors indicate we're headed for a dead end."

<This reminds me of the last time I was in Braxis.> Taldarin responded conversationally. It was as if the Protoss did not fully grasp the gravity of the situation. As if they had not been running for the past hour. <Let me tell you; Ursadons are much faster than they look.>

They were not the only one. A Zergling pounced onto Raynor's back. Its vicious claw slammed against his visor, leaving a thin crack. But before the creature could land a second blow, he managed to shake it loose before filling it with hot lead.

"How'd you get out?" Raynor now asked. Perhaps there was a point to the story. Some lesson learned or perhaps even a way out?

<I can honestly say I had never been more thankful to happen to have rope, two Sammuro fruits and a brick.>

"Not helping!" Raynor retorted, by now half buried under Zerglings. Plus, where did the brick come from?

But before Taldarin could expound further, the Protoss' words were cut short when the ground started to shake. Without warning, an Ultralisk burst out of the ground; its large, brutal blades slicing into his armor. Still half buried underground, the creature reared to its full height whilst pulling the half broken Dragoon into its maw, swallowing it whole. From its size, it was clearly a Torrasque.

"Taldarin!" Raynor called out in vain as his comrade disappeared into the gullet of the giant-sized Ultralisk. But there was no time for that. He looked to be next on the menu.

Except, the Torrasque suddenly started to stumble; its giant hooves trampling over hapless Zerglings as the giant creature fell to the ground; narrowly missing Raynor. By now, what little remained of his pursuers were now fleeing, leaving him alone, alive and utterly confused over what just happened.

Suddenly, the Torrasque's hind section exploded. As the smoke cleared, Raynor could not believe his eyes. Taldarin slowly crawled his way out of the wreckage that had once been the back end of the giant monster. Turning to face the flabbergasted Terran, the Protoss had only one thing to say.

<I believe, as you humans would say... "fire from the hole"?>

Screen Name: Pandonetho

Character Name: Daemon Gant

Race: Terran (Homo Sapien)

Gender: Male

Faction: United Earth Directorate

Equipment: New Viking Model, constantly being customized by Daemon.

Personality: Solitary man, strong believer in the ideals of the UED, works only for his own gains but is dynamic and will eventually develop to see beyond the UED's views, allowing him to form alliances with who the UED would consider villains. Is of average height, around 6 feet tall. Thin, lean build. Not overly muscular but agile and proficient with weapons.

Background: One of pilots that came with the invasion fleet of the UED, managed to survive the Zerg onslaught and escape with few others to the planet of Abbadon. Former wraith pilot but is now using a Viking model. Not much is known about this character. His face has never been shown because he always wears a pilot's helmet/mask. Every other person who has ever seen his face (all of his UED allies) have perished in their retreat from the Zerg.

Character Font/Color: Yellow

Sample Post: The mechanic called Daemon over, "Hey Daemon, check this out, our boys in the 4th Wraith division just went for a little raid on an 'abandoned' Dominion facility. It just so happens that it wasn't 'abandoned' after all, the appearance was purposely thrown together to allude us."
Daemon, interested, walked over to the mechanic, who was standing beside what looked like a giant statue veiled in a thick dust tarp. "What have you got for me?"
"Something that will blow your mind, you love your wraith don'tcha? Well, it's time to let go of old relationships, and make new ones. I offer you..." he unveiled the heavy tarp, "the recently designed prototype of the Wyrm. It just happens to be our luck, one of these bad boys was shipped to that seemingly 'abandoned' facility for additional design improvements. Thank our flyboys for grabbing this piece of art for us."
Daemon was stunned at the design,"I don't know how they do it, but they've managed to make an efficient beast out of something I would consider impossible... the Wyrm is a beauty... I certainly know that the UED has tried its hand at these types of designs before, and has opted for what they considered more efficient and traditional designs, I'm very impressed." Daemon walked around the standing Wyrm, admiring the design philosophy. "So why are you guys handing over this beast to me?"
Grinning, the mechanic replied "Come on man, don't play the fool, we all know you have a massive kill count racked up from your wraith, if anyone can do it, it's you who would be the most fit to learn how to use this thing. I've heard tales of many rookies dying in their first battle trying out these things as they've often ended up confused by the multiple control schemes... but you my man, you're a whole different story."
Daemon nodded absentmindedly, his perverted eyes poring over every part of the Wyrm.
The mechanic interrupted his trance of admiration, "She should be prepped and ready for flight in 3 standard hours."
"Excellent, I'll be back in 3 hours then to test it out." Daemon walked out of the room, pleased, and very excited. His cold laugh resonated down the halls. The mechanic shivered from the thoughts of how destructible Daemon could be.

Picture: http://images.bidorbuy.co.za/user_im.../433827_17.JPG

And this is in general what he looks like, except with future gear instead. No one knows what he really looks like because he always wears his helmet.

Screen Name: Sarov

Character Name: Karen Sarov

Race: Genetically Manipulated Terran*
*She could also be called an Infested Terran depending on how you see it.

Gender: Female

Faction: UED Remnants

Rank: Karen is considered to be an officer under Stukov's command despite not being a member or ex-member of the UED military.

Army: Karen does not have any army at the moment but is considered to be in command of a small group of soldiers who also serve as her bodyguards. She is, however, preparing to gather forces.

Equipment:

Weapon: Pistol*
There is a rumor however that she has other ways to fight and can fight very well but this remains to be seen.

*Haven't decided which one because there are so many...

Armor: Hostile Environment Suit*
*Karen wears a specially modified hostile environment suit and its appearance is much like Ghost armor.

Miscellaneous Equipment:*

Hand Held Display: This contains her logs, studies and findings as well as a few other things. It should also be noted that the data is double-encrypted and requires her to scan her finger for access.

Handheld Personal Information-Gathering and Navigation Unit: Also known as a HPIGNU or 'Pig' for short, this small rectangular device has a screen in the center and a keyboard running along the bottom. It can show all sorts of things from where your enemies are, to how to get to your destination and even what the terrain is like.

*Among other things not listed.

Known Abilities: Karen has psionic potential but unfortunately not much has been discovered beyond her limited mind reading and thought projection capabilities. Many believe this is because she never had any formal training or enough time to test out what she could do. As a result of genetic manipulation, Karen's reflexes and speed have been increased and she is believed to have some form of regeneration but unfortunately that has not been tested. Other abilities that have come from her genetic manipulation is an increase in stamina as well as a greatly increased resistance to disease and toxins - for instance, it is rumored that she cannot get drunk. Other changes that have come from her genetic manipulation are unknown at this time (beginning of the RP).

Appearance: Karen is slender and stands at about five foot six. Her black hair is long and bone-straight, reaching down to the middle of her back and her eyes are a bright ice blue, almost impossibly. Her skin is pale. The only clue as to what she really is are the veins on her neck which appear slightly darker, almost a dark grey or black, than most people's veins. Her nails are sharp and are rumored to be claws.

Personality: Karen, as a result of her limitted social interaction, can appear to be distant and aloof. And to most people she is. Karen is calm and controlled but is known to have a violent temper although it should be noted that it takes a lot to for her to blow her temper. There is another side to her however, which is rarely shown. Contrary to popular belief, Karen has the capacity to care about someone other than herself and her bodyguards have noticed her affection towards Stukov. As to why she treats Stukov differently remains to be seen. Karen makes a good commander, treating her men well but not enough as to spoil them. The big problem is that most people don't trust her, finding her to be a very odd person - if a person is what you could call her.

Background: Not much is known about Karen's past. Even those she associates with now do not know who she really is or what her goals are. There is a rumor that she was a product of experimentation and that this explains the veins along her neck and her strange abilities. As to what faction she belonged to previously or even as to whether that is true remains to be seen. The reason this is so is because she went through a lot to make sure that they could not trace her. There are few that know where she originated from but some believe she is an experiment. Karen can be called a scientist of sorts as she has and continues to study the Zerg with a fascination that can only be described as "a distant cousin looking upon their family".

Some people question her loyalty to Stukov but Karen has never given Stukov a reason to doubt her. Even so, their are many people among the remnants of the UED fleets that believe that Karen will end up being as much as a backstabber as Duran. And while Karen has not promised to never disobey Stukov she has told him that so long as he remains in good standing with her and does not give her a reason to betray him, she will not.

Character Font/Color: Forum Default / Medium Turquoise

Sample Post:

Karen grinned as she looked down at her opponent, licking the blood off her claws. She loved sparring as it gave her a chance to hone her already impressive abilities as well as to give into the urge to kill - or at the very least harm someone. And while there had been a distinct lack of fear in the Ghost's mind, that did not matter too much. There were gashes and cuts along the Ghost's neck and arms and a few on his face, all inflicted by her sharp claws. The Ghost stood up after some time, his face impassive.

"Clean yourself up and return to your room," Karen said, tossing a towel at him. He had done well - much better than the marine - and so he had earned himself some time to rest.

"Yes, ma'am," he replied in that almost monotone voice.

She walked over to the table and picked up the hand-held display. After scanning her finger, it displayed her latest studies, all pertaining to what was perhaps her most favourite of the Zerg strains: the zergling. Karen studied the contents of the file as she walked down the hallways. She quickly entered the code and opened her door. Her room was pretty simple with a comfortable bed, a dresser, a sizable closet and a personal bathroom. Hanging up in the corner of her room was her hostile environment suit. Karen wasn't one to

After lightly tossing the display onto her bed and taking a quick shower, Karen examined herself in the mirror. While she had always been very beautiful the dark veins on her neck seemed to be standing out more and more so as the time passed. Karen wondered if she was still changing but it would do no good to worry. She sighed. After all, her appearance wasn't that important in her line of work.

Karen left her room and headed down the hallway, heading towards Stukov's room. She felt like the man needed a bit of company every now and then no matter how he might feel over being de-infested.

Screen Name: Sarov

Character Name: Amaris
Pronunciation: ah-MAR-is

Race: Protoss

Gender: Female

Faction: Firstborn lead by Heirarch Artanis
It should be noted that, unlike the Firstborn or the Dark Templar, Amaris' allegiance lies with the Protoss race as a whole.

Rank: Preserver

Army: Amaris does not have an army or soldiers for that matter as she is not a commander. She does of course have bodyguards.

Equipment:

Weapon: Psi-blade

Armor: Preserver Robes

Appearance: Amaris is of average height for a female Protoss. She has light grey skin with no spots and sky blue eyes. Her face is smooth and her eyes are large. Amaris' nerve cords are held together by a band made out of the same metal as her armor. On her right arm she wears a silver bracer with a large, round blue crystal. She wears a black robes that shimmer slightly in the light.

Personality: Amaris is young and passionate about her people but at the same time she is wise, much as anyone who bears the memories of countless people would be. She does not like the Terran nor the Zerg, viewing the former as inferior and the latter as abominations. Unlike most Protoss, Xeranis does not hate the Dark Templar which is probably because she, like all Preservers, harbors the memories associated with the Dark Templar being banished from Auir.

Background: Amaris spent much of her life training to bear and understand the memories that came with being a Preserver. Understanding that in order to protect the memories she bears she must be able to protect herself, she enlisted the help of the Templar. When she wasn't experiencing memories, Amaris spent her time training with a few Templar, training in both hand to hand combat as well as learning how to better control the powers that all Protoss are born with. In doing so, she learned to defend herself.

Like all preservers, Amaris harbors the secret pertaining to the cycle and the Xel'Naga. A secret that, unknowing to her, may end up in her death...

Character Font/Color: Default / Dark Orchid

Sample Post:

They were closing in, those monstrous abominations. And still she and her comrades fought on. Psiblades sliced through carapace and loud, angry hisses could be heard.

"More are coming!"

She sensed the urgency in that thought and focused on fighting, focused and dodging the scythe-like appendages of the nearest hydralisk. Once several of the Zerg were done, she waded through the mess, attacking faster than the enemy could anticipate.

Auir has fallen.

That single statement caused more emotion than she had felt for the last few hours. She felt their horror and anguish. Their gut wrenching loss.

Flee! came a response from one of the Templar near the Gate.

"We must hold our position for but a few moments longer!" she called to her fellow Templar.

"But they are closing the gate!"

"A few will make it through..."

"And the others?"

"They will have to do all the can to escape while we attempt to stem the tide," she replied knowing it was a futile effort - the Zerg were too many. But perhaps by holding her position and giving her life, she would save the lives of countless others.

Amaris withdrew from the memory and slowly, she opened her eyes.

Moments later, her door irised open revealing a tall Protoss male with grey skin and orange eyes in the golden armor of a zealot.

"Zethanis."

The Templar inclined his head in acknowledgment. "It is good to see you, Amaris."

"I have learned much in the past few hours."

"Oh?" Zethanis' orange eyes brightened slightly.

Amaris nodded. "I may not have been in the frontlines of the defense but I remember what transpired that dark and gloomy day. 'Though our future be dark and clouded, do not give up hope, Zethanis. Our people need you more than you know. You must continue on... for the sake of all Protoss.'"

Zethanis' eyes widened and he took a step back. She felt his confusion, then sorrow and finally understanding. "I... had almost forgotten that you are a Preserver. So young to bear the memories of our people. And yet... I sense that this is not all you have discovered, Amaris."

"Yes. But I cannot tell you. Surely you must understand that there are things that not even you must know, Templar though you may be."

"Indeed," Zethanis agreed although Amaris thought she sensed dissapointment.

Amaris beckoned him over to the other cushion. "Come and sit Zethanis. Let us talk about the present day's events and not of the horrors of the past."

Screen Name: NamesAreUseless

Character Name: Alexei Stukov

Race: Earth Human / former Infested Terran

Gender: Male

Faction: UED Expeditionary Fleet Remnant. This remnant force is made up of former Atlas Wing soldiers and colonial Confederate conscripts. Since Stukov has re-organized this force, the remnant group has promoted Stukov from Vice Admiral to Admiral.

Equipment: C-10 Rifle, C-150 Pistol, Knife, and a few Fragmentation Grenades.

Personality: Stukov is a loyal and courageous man. He would do anything to further the empire of his homeworld of Earth. However, after his reanimation and infestation, Stukov quickly lost control of his old self. He became mad with power. He was later administered a serum by the Protoss to deinfest him. It still took months of therapy before Stukov slowly became his old self, but the experience has severely scarred him psychologically for the rest of his life.

Background:
_____Alexei Stukov was born and raised on the human homeworld of Earth. When Stukov joined the United Power Leagues armed forces, he rose through the ranks beside his longtime friend Gerard Dugalle. His military career was spent developing top-secret technology along with serving on the frontline, winning many awards for his acts of valor.
_____For a long time the UPL had monitored the Koprulu Sector Terrans. Their monitoring payed off once the UPL witnessed extra-terrestrial life in the sector. The various factions of Earth, fearing the newly-discovered aliens, agreed to join the UPL. This new alliance was called the United Earth Directorate. Alexei would continue to serve his home planet under the new flag of the UED.
_____The UED believed it had the power to destroy all the conflict plaguing the Koprulu Sector. It created an Expeditionary Fleet that would head out to quell the war and conquer the terran colonies. Stukov joined the Fleet, wishing to protect his homeworld and further the ideal of Earth at any cost, and was immediately signed on as the fleet’s Vice Admiral.
_____Once the force reached the Sector, Stukov was put in charge of blockading the Protoss on the planet of Braxis. However the Protoss broke through. Later, Stukov gave orders to a Captain of the UED to take control of the capital of the planet, Boralis. The UED met the Confederate Resistance Forces there; Lieutenant Samir Duran offered assistance and helped destroy the Dominion forces there.
_____After the Fleet was bolstered thanks to a successful raiding of Battlecruisers from the Dylarian Shipyards, a Psi Disruptor on Tarsonis was discovered. Stukov advised of its use as a weapon, but Dugalle took Duran’s advice to destroy it. Stukov sent forces to dismantle and transport the Disruptor to Braxis.
_____The UED then made its move to attack Arcuturus on Korhal, lead by Stukov. However the attack failed as Raynor and a Protoss fleet warped Mengsk to Aiur. The UED pursued, and once again failed to kill Mengsk, mainly due to Samir Duran allowing a Zerg force to push through.
_____Failing to eliminate Mengsk, Stukov headed back to Braxis, intending to activate the re-mantled Psi Disruptor. A UED task force tracked him there, and Dugalle gave Samir orders to eliminare Alexei and destroy the disruptor. Duran was successful in his assassination, and in Stukov’s dying breathe, he convinced Gerard that Duran had been playing them both. The self-destruct was overrided.

_____It wouldn’t be his last breathe however. The rogue Cerebrate Kaloth ordered his Swarm to abduct Stukov’s corpse, reanimate and infest him. Although infested, Stukov wasn’t controlled by any Swarm (nor had he the power to control them). Stukov tried to get ahold of UED forces, but couldn’t get ahold of them (the main Fleet had already been destroyed by Kerrigan).
_____Stukov then looked to the closest ally he had, the Confederate Resistance Forces. The Confederates were able to locate and evac him to a Confederate Science Facility. He was shocked to find groundbreaking research, and hoped that they could deinfest him. Unfortunately, Kimeran Pirates raided and blew up the facility.
_____With the various research stolen, he swore to get it back from the pirates. The Confederates admitted they had little forces to spare, and so Stukov would need to hire outside help. Although under infestation, Stukov hardly showed it, and was able to hire many mercenary groups with the task of hunting down and taking back the plans the Kimeran Pirates stole, but all the mercenaries failed to get back the research.
_____Cerebrate Kaloth watched and studied the free-reign Infested Terran. Kaloth finally called to Stukov, offering him control over this entire “New Swarm” that he had been infested into. The invitation initially startled him, but with power over his own Zerg Brood along with the Confederacy on his side, he believed he had a chance at still furthering the UED’s invasion. Unfortunately for him, Artanis had created a serum and wanted to test it out on the newly-infested Stukov. Raynor’s and Taldarin’s forces went to Braxis and administered the serum. The Protoss then obliterated the planet’s surface.
_____Stukov had lost it all. He had no Swarm to lord over, and the Confederate Forces had abandoned Alexei due to his insanity. Raynor took it upon himself to take Stukov through therapy, even though he detested them for disinfesting him. It took months, but Stukov began to regress to his former self. Although he didn’t consider himself a friend to Artanis, Taldarin, and Raynor, he was somewhat thankful they had freed his mind.
_____Alexei Stukov was eventually told of the Expeditionary Fleet’s destruction under Kerrigan. The news pained him, but Raynor felt bad for Stukov’s predicament and helped him to find a small remnant UED force that was still left on Abaddon. The remnant force gladly allowed Stukov to lead them, promoting him to Admiral of their fleet.

Character Font/Color: Bold Sienna Courier New

Sample Post:
"Ensign Richards, what is the status of today's transmission logs?" asked Admiral Stukov as he walked into a ComSat Station. The communication expert Richards immediately came to attention, popping up from his chair and saluting. "None sir, we've picked up no UED transmissions." Stukov sighed heavily. "At ease." The Ensign sat back down.

"They're all gone, aren't they?" Richards looked down to the floor in silence. "It's just hit me: we're all that's left of the Expeditionary Fleet. We'll never get home. I'll never see Lucya and my children ever again." Alexei held back the tears that had been welling up inside for a long time.

"Sir, I ..." "I've seen hell Richards, and we all continue to live it here on Abaddon, but you know what keeps me going?" Richards shrugged. "It was a promise I made years ago to Gerard: if one of us were ever to fall, that we would live to serve in the other's absence. I thought that he'd be the one to take over for me, especially when I was in that Disruptor ..."

Richards sat quietly. Stukov stared at the Ensign with determination in his eye. "Dugalle came to lead our forces to quell the conflict here in the Sector. Let us not let the death of our brothers in arms go in shame. Let us live to fight for Mother Earth, no matter how faint she may be."

The communications expert looked up to his Admiral with a resolute "Thank you, sir." Stukov left the station, heading back to the barracks to get some rest.

It has been several months since Kerrigan, the Queen of Blades, has declared herself the Queen Bitch of the Universe. The Dominion is in shambles, the UED Expeditionary Fleet has been completely destroyed and scattered, and the Protoss are on their last leg of survival. All she had to do was finish the job, but she’s disappeared …

Now the sector has gone quiet as empires rebuild. Something big is brewing during the silence. What events will unfold next? Now it is YOUR time to decide the fate of the Koprulu Sector!

The SCL Starcraft RPG

Rules:
- Remember to post ONLY IC posts in the Social Group's IC thread.
- Post your IC posts as you did in the Character Application (post in the Content thread and then link that post to the IC thread in the Social Group forum)
- Remember to put the character's name that that IC post is for at the start of the post. It could even be a character banner if you're artistic enough to make one.

"Infiltration":
Captain Buzan and Morik

Buzan massaged his forehead, a seed of a tension headache already having taken root and spreading behind his eyes. The steady white noise of the warp drives suffused the command cabin. The ship rocked gently as it was buffeted by gravitational geodesics and anomalous currents in the warp stream. Finally, the telltale alarm from the navigation panel roused him from dark memories.

The Kimera decanted from warp with nary any indication, slipping quietly into stealth mode as it entered the Red Stone system. Only the briefest shimmer in background microwave radiation would betray its entrance.

Red Stone was a ruddy haze in the distance.

It had been seven days since the Kimera disgorged its probes. Four days since the information was retrieved. Three days since the information was analyzed; and since then the strike team drilled in simulated runs.

It was time.

Time for the Kimerans to begin reconstructing after the debacle.

Buzan still had nightmares.

Buzan spoke to the strike team through the open comm.

"Manic, Twitch, Vex, you have the green light."

Morik's scratchy voice responded. "We got it, boss. It'll be a cake walk -- I'll be right back!"

"Don't threaten me," Buzan muttered. "Good luck out there." He switched off the comm board before the Mutate could respond.

* * *

The system runner came in-system a kilometer out from the moon. After a moment, the pirate base's automated defense net cleared it for entry into the main hangar bay. It was guided in by tractor beams; it glided slowly through the entrance. A final sputter from its engines, a sharp flash of light, and it set down. Maintanence crews came to tend the freighter.

For twenty minutes, nothing happened. The men hesitated.

Finally, the crew drew straws. The smallest of the men found himself with the shortest, and was pushed toward the runner. He nervously stepped forward and banged on the hull with a hydrospanner.

There was no answer.

The crew looked at one another, then decided to cut it open. After ten minutes of working, they cracked it -- only to find its crew strewn across the floor, unconscious or dead.

The crew set the alarm. Unknown to them, however, it was too late.

"Well, that was easier than expected," said Twitch to Manic. He and the other pirates watched the crew as they closed the hangar from a catwalk high above. "Nice idea, Vex." The tall, lanky, dark-skinned man bowed at the waist dramatically. They followed the crew men as they vacated the hangar.

"Defiance"

Samir Duran, or at least the outer husk of the being known as Samir Duran, had never liked hyperspace. After all the eons of its consciousness, all the forms it had taken, the mind in control of this body had come to appreciate the intricacies of hyperspace travel - the calculations, the power required, the free reign of the universe it had granted to his kind. But this husk was weak, and still made him a bit queasy. He paused for a moment as he stared out the porthole in his captain's quarters at the streaks of light beyond, each one a star being bent in defiance of normal spacial laws.

Defiance. Yes, he knew it well. So much potting. Backstabbing and outright betrayal. "And that was just Kerrigan," he said out loud with a chuckle. She had learned quickly the power one can gain from a strong goal. Could it have gone more perfectly? The chances of the Overmind finding one so full of vengeance. Almost as remorseless and manipulative as Duran himself. Its too bad she didn't follow through and crush the Dominion, their security had impeded his travels a bit too much for his liking, but all in all his expectations of her had proven accurate and he had one the bet. A minor victory compared to the one at hand, but still noteworthy.

The intercom clicks on as the view outside his porthole shifts from streaks of blue to dots of white.
"Sir, we're arrived at the coordinates you requested."
"Any reading on our good friend's ship?"
"Yes sir. Reading a Protoss Carrier 2.3 light years out. We're emitting on all frequencies."
"There's no need. He knows we're here. Cooldown and prepare to dock."
"Yes, sir."

The com clicks off. Duran continues to peer out into the void from which he came. He is not upset over his new ally's tardiness, a being of such power has much on his minds. If all goes well this meeting will prove most important in the coming times.

A Protoss Super-Carrier emerges from hyperspace beside them. Duran can sense the presence of his new ally, a powerful psychic force. The com turns on again.
"Captain, the Fist of Ulrezaj's representative would like to invite you aboard his Super Carrier."
"I know. Initiate docking procedures. Ensure all crew are adequately protected from the more powerful Dark Archon's lifeforce. Tell him it is an honor to meet him, and I am looking forward to ironing out the terms of our mutually beneficial relationship."


Yes. What an honor to meet an apex of his eldest children's power. Today would be a good day.

"In other news, the Taldris Guild's head CO and union leader, Markus Taldris, was found dead in his residential apartment yesterday morning. Authorities found no evidence of foul play and it seems that he may have taken his own life. Although they are not releasing the exact cause of death, our station has learned through eye witness accounts that the body has a number of lacerations on the arms, possibly from a knife. We will bring you more once more information becomes available. This his Robert Havort, for..."

Jenna clicked the telecast off and stretched. The hit had gone off perfectly, and she was 750,000 credits richer from it. Checking a few notes on her arm mounted PDA, she calculated that after expenses, she had about 2 million total left over.

"Hmm, it will have to do." she though to herself. It was high time she moved on from Moria. There was talk of breaking off from the Dominion coming from many lead Guild officials, and the last thing Jenna needed was for a planetary lock-down or even worse, a direct attack from the Dominion on Moria. However, for now at least, reports were making it pretty clear that the Dominion was in no position to really do anything about Morian descent. Still, she had overstayed her welcome here and the sooner she left, the better. Taking one last look around her cleaned out apartment, Jenna shouldered her bag and walked out the door. The city was busy with activity, and she slipped unnoticed among the buzzing crowd, quickly coming to the cities' primary space port.

"Which ship is leaving soonest?" Jenna asked at one of the many ticket centers. The middle-aged, slightly balding attendant checked his monitor for several seconds before looking back at her.

"Well missy, we have a Freighter heading out Red Stone way in about 20 minutes or so. Carrying a load of miners and equipment out there, but they is also accepting passengers as well."

"Sounds good to me. One pass please." Jenna responded.
"Welp, don't know why you'd want to go out there, but fine by me. That will be, ohh, 500 credits." the attendant answered.
"Fine, here you go." Jenna said, handing the man the credits.
"Well then, have a nice flight then miss. The shuttle to the Freighter will be leaving from dock 65C, third story, west wing. Might wanna run there I think." he said, taking the credits and handing out a boarding pass.

Grabbing the pass, Jenna quickly made her way over to the docking gate, just getting there in time for the last shuttle call. 15 minutes later she was on board the Freighter and leaving Morian orbit. Placing her bag near her feet, Jenna sighed as the ship's warp drive began to spool up.

""Heh, see yeah later Moria. It's been fun killing off people for money." she thought, smiling at her own slightly dark joke. Resting her head back on her seat, Jenna closed her eyes as the large Freighter went to warp.

Daemon Gant -

"I'm back, is she prepped and ready?" He spoke, his voice echoing through the room which housed the newly hijacked Wyrm model that the Dominion had recently created.

"Yes sir, she's prepped and ready for take off, take care of her well, it was damn hard trying to get one." the mechanic replied, "Oh and, I've made a few modifications for you, I've upgraded the internals of the machine so that you don't have to slow down before transforming and landing as a walker like the standard Wyrm models do. You can now transform while still flying fast for an efficient landing without wasting time. Just don't crash into anything, okay?"

Gant smiled, "Don't worry about it, I like to prolong the inevitable."

The mechanic sighed. "Well, a couple of other things before you take her out, I've replaced the standard plating with thicker plating, it should withstand more punishment than the standard Wyrm model. Oh, and I've installed a custom made nuclear reactor to it and removed whatever crap was powering it before. This will allow eventual modifications to your Wyrm that would otherwise take too much power for the standard Wyrm to function. I've already taken the liberty of replacing your twin 18mm gatling cannons with a Goliath's 20mm smoothbore auto cannons, and further upgraded the smoothbore to 25mm. Seriously man, this took me a lot of work, your Wyrm should kick some serious ass." He patted the leg of the Wyrm in admiration of his handy work.

Damon grinned heartily "Ha ha ha, well done my friend, I definitely owe you one, just make sure the modifications keep coming in, yahear?"

"Don't worry about it, go enjoy your toy, I have to put in an order for new parts, hopefully the guys who went out raiding have found some useful materials. See you in a bit" he waved, and left the room.

Daemon breathed heavily in excitement. Perhaps he would go for a little raid himself, have a little fun with the Dominion at the next nearest munitions depot. He took a hold of the elevator rope and let it drag him up to the cockpit. It was beautiful, he hopped in, sealed the cockpit, and brought the Wyrm to life. The nuclear reactor purred in a way that warmed Gant's cold heart. It was time to rack up a kill count.

Screen Name: The Lone Hydralisk (Fraises)

Character Name: KillaKhan

Race: Zerg

Gender: Lets say he is a guy.

Faction: Kukulkan Brood

Equipment: Weapons: Fore-arm Scythes, Spines, Sharp Teeth, and a Bad Attitude.
Armour: Carapace. A lot of it.

Personality: The Lone Hydralisk is a wise hydralisk. *It* has elevated itself in the ranks of the Queen Of Blades's personal consorts, by destroying all who stand in it's path.

Background: Long ago in the Kukulkan Brood, The Lone Hydralisk, also known as Fraises, was recruited by Kerrigan to be her personal bodyguard, on the planet Char. Once a meager soldier in the zerg swarm, he has risen in strength and reputation by feasting on the flesh of its enemies. Now, The Lone Hydralisk is twice the size of a regular hydralisk, with twice the power.
In the good old days, the Lone Hydralisk would raid Aiur for fun, but is now cooped up with Kerrigan on Char, simply biding their time for the coming invasion. The Brutalisk is a distant cousin of The Lone Hydralisk.

Character Font/Color: Default/Red

Sample Post:
The ground shook as The Lone Hydralisk rose from his resting place in the entranceway of the Hive.
"Fraises, be a dear and go and lead the search expedition for me", said Kerrigan as she fondled his bloody scythe blades.
"DROOLSPITDROOL, HISSSSSSS GARRRUMPH!", stated Fraises as he shifted with pleasure at his queen's loving touch. The Queen understood his words as a loving reply to her request.
Immediately getting up at Kerrigan's first words, he rattled some disgruntled zerglings in the way, before launching himself out of the door and in the general direction of the search party.

It would be quite some time before the lone hydralisk could reach the small brood that was scouting the outskirts of the planet Char, even at his riproaring pace.
"This planet is so boring, the only reason I stay here is to be with my humble queen", groaned Fraises to himself, "I need to hunt, to kill, and to rip things apart with no remorse and i little humour!"
Maybe I can attempt to get off this filthy planet, maybe the glorius queen will let me lead"

Sorry about the editing guys, I keep having to leave halfway through writing...

"Crucible":
Captain Buzan and Morik

Mattheiu Buzan sat silently in his chair, effecting the outward appearance of pure calm and serenity. Inside, however, he was waging war with a storm of anxiety and doubt. His mind flickered back to memories filled with blood and explosions and darkness; a phantasmagoric twilight that swirled with the clang of steel against sinew and bone. A blinding light obviated all sound and sight. As his sight returned --

Mattheiu growled and stood up, shaking himself from his ruminations and back into the present. He paced, focusing on the tasks of the men and women crewing the bridge.

Mattheiu Buzan had been sloppy. Not this time. Never again.

He checked the chrono on his wrist. The strike team had been in the facility for 32 minutes. He forced himself to sit, leaned forward, and waited.

* * *

Morik waded his way into the blood soaked uniform of the crewer. He tasted the iron and salt on his tongue as he shimmied the too-tight jumpsuit on. Twitch and the other pirates just watched him, nonplussed.

The data fed to the Kimerans by way of the asteroids was good. It had given them everything they needed, including shipment times. The intense radiation from the star precluded the Kimera from just teleporting the space pirates inside. Instead, the Kimera had intercepted a freighter on its way to the lunar base, yanking it out of warp by way of an interdiction field. The ship was boarded, the crew knocked out, and Twitch, Manic, Morik, Vex and two other pirates had entered. From there they had piloted it into the Red Stone system and through the hangar. From there, they exited the craft under cloak through a port hole, letting the confused maintanence crew pound at the ship helplessly.

They made their way through the facility, soldiers racing past them toward the cargo bay. They entered a command chamber. Twitch took the lead and consulted a PDA, ignoring the curious personnel manning the station. He raised a fist, two fingers, and gestured to the right; Vex and Manic went through the corridors. Twitch gestured again, to the left; the two nondescript space pirates went through the hatch on the left.

Twitch looked up, finally acknowledging the now panicking crew. He waved simply and went back the way he came, walking around Morik.

The door closed behind Twitch. The lock mechanism resounded through the chamber.

Morik looked up and removed his helmet. Men screamed, women wailed and moaned. Blood was spilled.

* * *

Twitch and the remaining space pirates, having completed their assigned tasks, re-convened in the chamber. There was no evidence of the bodies save a few scraps of jump suits in the floor. Twitch didn't question Morik, who sat happily in a chair, playing a game on a computer.

They left.

Amaris
Protoss Preserver

Zethanis turned his attention to the young preserver that sat on the cushion in front of him, his hands resting on his legs. Amaris could not help but think that he looked silly, a large Templar wearing the golden cybernetic armor of a zealot sitting on a small cushion.

"You must have endured much in your training, Amaris."

She nodded, slowly, staring at her own hands.

He half closed his eyes, tilting his head. "Do not be so shy. If I am to serve you properly, you must be able to trust me."

Amaris nodded once more.

"Now then," Zethanis said, his thoughts more serious than before. "What else have you learned?" Before she could respond, he quickly added, "That you can tell me of course."

Amaris saw this as a way to escape the horror she had recently experienced in the form of a series of memories. "I have learned that the simple pleasures are sometimes the most important in life. That great joy can be found in the simplest of things."

"And whom did you learn this from?"

"A member of the khalai caste," Amaris replied. "The khalai was making a small ornament out of wood. I... experienced his joy in completing it."

Zethanis nodded. "It is good that you had this experience, Amaris. It will help to strengthen you. You may not see it at first but these experiences and others much like it will help you become a better Protoss. You will appreciate not only the beautiful architecture of our cousins but those that laboured to make it."

"It is a sad thing that I cannot experience their memories. It is even more sad that they cannot join us in the Khala."

Amaris felt Zethanis' sorrow. "That it is. But know this: from this choice they have gained abilities that have helped us against the Swarm. Was it not a Dark Templar that tought Tassadar the means with which to destroy the dreaded Overmind?"

"Zeratul!" Amaris exclaimed, eyes wide.

The zealot half closed his eyes, tilting his head. "You have learned much, Amaris, and this, I am proud of."

"... Thank you, Zethanis." Amaris looked down, feeling a bit uneasy. If there was a Terran around, they would have said that she was blushing. Well, as much as a Protoss could.

"Perhaps we should focus on your training for today?" Zethanis suggested, eyes half closed, head tilting in a smile.

Amaris shook her head. "I must train with my teacher."

"I will wait for you then and perhaps we may train later."

Both Protoss got off the cushions. Amaris ran her hands down her robe, smoothing the folds out while Zethanis patiently waited near the door. Amaris walked over to join him and together they left the room. Amaris headed down the hallway.

"You may come in," came the strong, dry voice of her teacher.

"How did you know I was there so easily?" Amaris asked as she entered the room.

Her teacher's room was even more extragant than her own. There was a chair in front of a desk and cushion along the ground. There was also a shelf to hold his many khaydarin crystals. They were of all shapes and sizes, some green, others purple and still others blueish. Her teacher looked up from his cushion, holding a crystal in his hands. He was a dark blue in colour although the colour faded into a lighter blue around his eyes and chin, and he had bright orange eyes.

The skin around his eyes crinkled and he tilted his head. Amaris felt his amusement. "I am much more trained than you are, Amaris. I sensed you long before."

She nodded. "I am here as you have requested, Ranul."

Ranul beckoned her to come sit down on a cushion and Amaris complied. Once she looked comfortable, Ranul put his khaydarin crystal down and looked at her.

"Today we will work on learning to keep yourself from becoming too wound up by the memories you bear. You have always needed work on this although I suspect it is because you are very emotional. At times."

"What memory would you have me experience?" she asked.

"It is your choice this time," Ranul replied.

Amaris nodded and closed her eyes, letting the memory flood her mind and her senses.

Karen Sarov
Experiment

Karen opened her eyes, pulling the covers tighter around her, letting out what could be called a purr. Karen looked at the alarm clock on the nightstand and sighed. It was nice and warm, and she didn't want to get up. But alas, she had a duty to fulfill and more sleep would have to come later. Reluctantly, she threw the covers off her and got up. It took her a minute or so to change into her 'uniform' - that is if you could call what she wore some sort of uniform. She wore a once piece, black suit that was tight fitting. She laced her boots up and put on her belt with the holster for her side arm - not that she'd be needing that right now. Karen checked the mirror to make sure she looked presentable and realized that her hair looked messy. Grumbling, she grabbed the brush on the sink and became brushing her hair down. Once she was satisfied with her appearance, she turned off the light and stepped out into the hallway.

And as usual there was a marine there to greet her. Or was it to follow her and keep an eyes out on her? While Karen found this mildly annoying she did realize that there was a large chance that Stukov did not fully trust her. But she could live with that.

"Ma'am," the marine said by way of greeting.

"Carry on," Karen replied even as she headed down the hallway. The marine fell in step behind her.

It didn't take too long for Karen to reach the room she was looking for, especially with her speed. She opened the door and entered the room. The room was a particularily large one at least for the amount of room they had. There were a few tables and file cabinets in the room but most of the space was reserved for a working area. Scientists in labcoats wandered around the room, some checking on paperwork or looking at a handheld display while still a few others stood around what could be called the isolation chamber. Karen walked over to the isolation chamber. She stared out the window and watched as the zergling that was kept within growled and stood up. It paced in the room before suddenly launching itself at the glass. Some of the scientists immediately backed up. There was a loud thud as the zergling slammed into the glass and slid down.

"How is the research going?" Karen asked, her gaze focused on the magnificent creature.

"We're having a bit of a problem," the man reluctantly admitted after some time.

"Oh?" Karen responded, turning to face him, one eyebrow raised.

The scientist pointed to the zergling in the isolation room. "You need to do something to keep it calm or else we'll never get what we need."

"You know I've been trying," Karen replied. She growled slightly. "It would help however if I didn't have people watching and taking notes all the time."

"Terribly sorry, ma'am..."

Karen sighed. "I understand..." She smiled. "Everything for science, huh?"

The scientist grinned slightly, feeling a little more comfortable around her but not by much. Karen wasn't too shocked by the fact that even her co-workers didn't feel comfortable around her much less trust her. She figured it was because of her appearance - claws, black veins, bright almost glowing blue eyes and a pale complexion weren't anywhere near the normal human appearance. She'd have to live with it. Maybe - eventually - they would learn to trust her. Or maybe it was because some of them feared her because of what she was? Who knows. Karen found her studies to be more important than what people thought of her.

Karen entered the code and entered the room. The zergling immediately turned to face her. Karen calmly walked up to it and knelt down.

"So beautiful..." she said, running a hand over the zergling's head. "It's a shame they won't let me take you out of here. I find that rather... cruel."

The zergling growled slightly as if it agreed with her.

"Don't worry though, I'll make Alexei see that you're harmless," she explained. "Or at least as harmless as you can possibly be."

Karen sighed and stood up.

"I'll be back soon. Mommy will get you out of here," she said before she left the room.

And just as usual, the other scientists were all staring at her as if they had seen something disturbing or strange. Karen glared at them and some of them quickly walked off, searching for other things to do. Karen looked at the remaining scientists.

"Do you have a problem?" she growled.

"N-no, ma'am."

"Good. Oh and make sure my pet is well fed - you wouldn't want it to go hungry."

"Y-yes, ma'am."

Karen walked over to the table and picked up the handheld display. She shuffled through its contents looking for the file on her. And she found it after some time. There wasn't much on her as she had yet to test her abilities but there were a few notes that interested her. Apparently the scientists thought she was of not one but two strains. She found this amusing and wondered exactly what strains they were. Karen would have to wait for them to continue the testing and she would need to test her own abilities in order to figure out but she had all the time in the world - it wasn't as if she was aging anyways.

Taldarin
Location: New Antioch, Shakuras

<I have returned.>

Almost at once, every Protoss in the room - five of them in total - rushed towards the one that spoke. It resembled a large, golden sarcophagus that had been mounted on four legs and armed with two very large, very powerful cannons. Tubes and cables of every thickness were plugged into the back. Some were carrying vital information; recording vitals and providing feedback on the newly installed components. Others, were pumping large volumes of a clear, blue-tinged liquid into the main body.

"You're awake?" One of those gathered asked somewhat pointlessly.

He, much like the others, was a thin chap with a pale, sallow complexion. The white robes and cybernetic eye marked him out to be from the Khalai Caste. Their frail physique and penchant for technology had not changed in over a thousand years. More importantly, the gold badge on his robes marked him out as the leader. Not a good sign if that meant he was the brightest of the lot.

"How are you feeling?" he went on to ask.

<About as nauseous as I felt the morning after Adun and I both made Praetor and proceeded to celebrate with a free flow of Alavash nectar.> Taldarin managed to respond, despite the pounding heaadache. <Did you know the legal limit for a male Protoss is twenty-one units of it in one week. Yet, for females, it is only fourteen? It is all very sexist, don't you think?>

"Uhhh..." the head scientist hessitated, not knowing how to go from there. Turning to the others, he was a little annoyed to find them all pretending to be busy with their duties.

<Come to think of it, it would be a frightful mess should I happen to be sick inside this chamber. Would I have to swim in it for the rest of eternity? Oh wait, never mind. I believe the little one will eventually clean it all up for me, yes?>

Utterly confused now, the head scientist ran for his notes in a final ditch effort to keep things running smoothly. Running through his list and making the final checks, he finally gave the go-ahead to detach the cables. Like a well oiled machine, the remaining four Protoss proceeded with the complicated process. The Robotics Facility echoed with the hiss of disengaging cables. Gradually, Taldarin stepped away from the assembly station, glad to finally have an opportunity to stretch his legs and admire his new body.

"Everything seems to be fine thus far," the head scientist droned, double checking his notes to be sure. "Your vitals remain within control parameters and power levels remain steady. Testing is likely to begin sometime within the next few hours. How are you liking the upgrades?"

<I thought I would never have a waist again.> Taldarin sounded his approval as he literally gave the new joint a spin. <And with twice the firepower, things should be pretty fun. Though, what is this 'hardened shield' that I can activate?>

The scientist's back straightened at the mention of this. One could easily see his smugness and pride. After all, that particular innovation was his brainchild.

"It is a new type of plasma shield I have developed. Theoretically, it better disperses enemy fire; using their own magnitude to reduce the force of impact."

<So, you mean to say that the more powerful the hit, the less it will hurt?>

"Essentially, yes. But... wait, where are you going? We have tests to do!"

Even before the head scientist had completed the sentence, Taldarin was already halfway out the door. Rotating around to face his benefactors, he explained himself even whilst he continued to make his unscheduled departure.

<Excellent.> he said, clearly ignoring the other's protests. <I can finally have a word with Selendis about the twenty credits she owes me.>

Screen Name: Kimera757

Character Name: Ulrezaj

Race: Protoss (dark archon)

Gender: Male (primary personality)

Appearance: A huge dark red archon. (His appearance will shift as he absorbs more followers into himself.)

Faction: Fist of Ulrezaj and Tal'darim, will shift from the former to the latter over the course of the story. Ulrezaj directly lead the former and leads the Aiur branch of the latter behind the scenes.

The Fist of Ulrezaj was a large dark templar terrorist group devoted to striking against the protoss of Aiur, especially whence they came to Shakuras. However, it was greatly weakened by troops led by Artanis and Zeratul. Elements still exist, including even a small fleet.

The Tal'darim are a cult of protoss, many addicted to the drug Sundrop, who worship forbidden knowledge related to the xel'naga. Many of their members are deluded, believing only what Ulrezaj or Felanis have told them, but those away from Aiur often have access to xel'naga artifacts. A branch exists on Shakuras, posing as guardians of the xel'naga temple there. This branch consists mainly of scholars, but their forbidden knowledge could be dangerous.

The Aiur branch is currently quite large, numbering about 300, but Ulrezaj whittles them down over time. The Shakuras branch consists of only 25 members but is growing.

Equipment: None directly, but Ulrezaj has access to the caverns beneath Aiur, including the giant crystal artifact and the special platforms there, as well as at least one xel'naga ship hidden in the caverns. He frequently visits an energy nexus under Ehlna's shallow ocean to recharge his powers. His followers have access to the drug, Sundrop, but must come to him for their supply.

Personality:/Background: Ulrezaj is bitter with hatred of the protoss of Aiur. While he had not yet been born when the Exile occurred, he was raised by angry parents on the moon of Ehlna, shortly after the rest of the Nerazim had set off toward Shakuras.

As a young alysaar (keeper of wisdom), Ulrezaj was unsatisfied with his lot in life. He accessed forbidden knowledge, which he learned concerned the xel'naga. He vowed to use it against the protoss of Aiur, feeling it would make him and any followers he could acquire stronger than them. However, the knowledge also warped and twisted his mind, afflicting him with obsession and a willingness to do anything to achieve his goals.

Ulrezaj had not finished accessing the knowledge when the alysaar discovered what he was doing. They begged him to allow them to wipe his mind clean of the knowledge, but he refused and stormed out. The protoss generally do not slay one another, and so they could not prevent him from leaving. This has left Ulrezaj not just insane, but with dangerous gaps in his knowledge. His knowledge of genetic modification and manipulation of xel'naga artifacts, for instance, greatly outpaces his knowledge of how they were intended to be used.

Ulrezaj hates all the protoss of Aiur, even the Tal'darim. He manifests this hatred by emotionally corrupting them and not freeing them from Aiur, though he could do so if he chose with his transport system.

Ulrezaj's core personality is about six hundred years old. He currently has three more within himself.

Character Font/Color: Lime Ulrezaj does not speak in quotation marks.

Sample Post:

Ulrezaj
Aiur, at the secret mouth of the caverns.

Report.

Felanis was a former Judicator still stranded on Aiur. Ever since the terrible betrayal, the sense of loss... he wished to be alone. No one thought it odd that he would avoid his fellows for hours, even days at a time. Such as now. Felanis shuddered at the powerful mental voice. Whatever this creature he now served was, he knew it to be far more powerful than himself. Of course, he had no way to know he was being subtly manipulated by a creature which could bend even protoss minds to its will.

"I have done what you have requested, oh Benefactor. I have spread the word of your religion. And those who know not the way to go, they have come to me. The most impressive of them is Alzadar."

That is good. I will give them purpose. I will center their thoughts, soothe their cries.

And what purpose shall that be?

Is not salving their ills enough? Trust me, Felanis, they will listen. You, on the other hand, must know who you serve. What you serve. Come forward. Step into the light.

A rectangular piece of ground simply vanished, and a dull red-violet glow exuded from the hole it had left behind. As a Judicator, Felanis had an idea of what was down there. However, he had never thought of going by himself. There was no Conclave to give him permission to do so. But he was the new leader of his race, and was being invited by a demigod himself. He went.

Come quickly, Felanis. Patience is not one of my many virtues.

Felanis hurried, but tried to hold onto his dignity. After all, the new leader of the protoss race had his position to think about.

Do you see me? Do you know what I am?

"No, Benefactor. I do not."

I will tell you. I will tell you all. But first, something to more closely link us. Something to strengthen the now missing link. I call it ... Sundrop...

(OOC I love you, mr peasant. I will bear your children.)

"Departure":
Captain Buzan and Morik

The lunar facility was in chaos. A Mammoth-class carrier was descending upon the base, its flank covered by three frigates. The mystery miner's response was as impressive as it was informative; automated chain guns opened up from a number of large asteroids and poured copious volumes of high-brisance primary explosives into them.

The chain guns' automated nature became quite obvious as they continued to fire, even though not a single round impacted the invaders, despite being dead-on target.

SCVs, mining ships and several Starheaper-class salvage vessels flitted across the asteroid belt uselessly, making way for the Mammoth carrer. A series of escape pods were jettisoned from the primary facility, twelve in number.

It was sheer chaos and disorder. This was good, as no one noticed that five of the escape pods conerged at the same coordinates and simply vanished into the darkness. The chaos also precluded worry that anyone still manning the communications array wouldn't pick up the telltale crackle and pop of the microwave background radiation... the sign of a warp jump.

The phantom battle against the Mammoth and frigates ended abruptly as they, too, vanished.

The automated chain guns, their programming contenting themselves with having "neutralized" the invading bogeys, settled back into their housings, almost like somnolent bears (somnolent bears with high-yield explosive projectiles) and went dormant.

* * *

Twitch, alongside the other space pirates, exited the escape pods that lingered on the hangar deck of the Kimera. The pods were lifted away and transported to storage by massive cranes. Twitch removed his helmet, to be greeted by the dour face of Captain Buzan. He winced and looked for help from his comrades. Instead, Vex, Manic and the others apparently had more pressing matters to attend to and had vanished; all he got was an Infested Terran at his side who intently studied his PDA.

Twitch opened his mouth; Buzan spoke instead. "We had to employ the Wintermute-class holo-projector. Velichek had to have a crew douse the generator as it overloaded not two minutes ago." Twitch winced. "What on Earth happened down there that made us need to use a Wintermute to distract the miners -- MINERS! -- with a veritable fleet of phantoms?!"

Twitch had no verbal response. Instead he raised a quivering finger at Morik.

Buzan closed his eyes. "Did he murder people?"

Twitch nodded. "But that's no what set them off."


"What, pray tell, did?"

Morik slowly smiled. "Carbon nanotubes and cesium are fun. So is nucleosynthesis."

Buzan blinked. "Nucleo. Synthesis." Morik nodded vigorously, and walked off.

Twitch recoiled, anticipating a tirade from Buzan. Instead, the man seemed to slump in on himself, and turned to him, having seemingly aged fifteen years in as many seconds. "What... did we find?" Dumbfounded, Twitch brought up his PDA to face Buzan.

::: DOWNLOADED DATA FILE :::
Observation of Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen Entanglement on Supraquantum
Structures by Induction Through Nonlinear Transuranic Crystal of Extremely
Long Wavelength (ELW) Pulse from Mode-Locked Source Array.

"Among other things," Twitch supplied.

Buzan's features softened, and he waved Twitch to follow him. "We're floundering, Twitch. I don't know if we can keep him aboard." Twitch translated "him" into "Morik". "We need more people, more resources, weapons, technology, money. And I don't know if we can keep him aboard at this rate." Buzan stopped and turned to Twitch fully. "Get some sleep. We're about to rectify two of our problems over the next few days."

Twitch hesitated. "And... which two problems are those?"

Buzan smiled. "Our money problem and shortage of personnel. We're now hiring."

Fire and smoke was everywhere. Marines were firing their C-141 AC Gauss Rifles wildly, letting loose hundreds of rounds. But still the Zerg pressed on, clambering over their dead, even ripping through them in some cases. Behind them some one hundred meters away was the landing zone for the retreating UED forces. Korhal had been lost, the primary base was nothing but a smoking ruin and the remaining forces on the planet were desperately trying to escape. On board one the numerous Dropships, Jenna Taylor stood inside, helping in the survivors as they scrambled on board.

"How many back there?" the dropship pilot asked over the comm.
"14 so far, and we have more coming in!" Jenna called back, firing off a few rounds towards the main mass of Zerg that was just now hitting the secondary defense line, some even climbing over bunkers, trying to get to the Dropships just behind. A Firebat rushed in, letting loose a torrant of plasma-based flame, turning several Zerglings into blackened husks.

"We can't wait anymore!" the pilot called out over the din of battle.
"There are still people coming in! We need to hold!" Jenna called back, helping in two more survivors.
"Negative, command said go, so we are going! Hold on, closing bay door!" the pilot responded, flicking several switches, slowly sealing the heavy neo-steel door. Just in time as well, as several Hydralisk spines impacted on the door, causing several dents in the metal. Moving to the cockpit, Jenna looked out over the landing zone.
"Damn it..." she whispered...

---

"Attention, attention, we have arrived at Redstone III. We will be docking at the orbital station in 10 minutes." the Freighter's communication system reported, waking Jenna from her troubled dreams. Shaking her head slightly, she got up and walked towards a window and looked out at the nearby planet. Redstone III was a sight to behold. A volcanic world, it was a home to the newest Kel-Morian Combine mining operation and already a space platform had been constructed on a grouping of several captured asteroids in high orbit over the world. In actuality, the asteroids were once part of the planet below. Jenna had read from official Combine reports that something had caused the planet to fracture long ago. This in turn brought up massive amounts of minerals and caused huge Vespene gas geysers to form across the planet's surface. However, large lava tides frequently covered much of the richer parts of the world, hence the Combines desperate need for miners.

This in turn meant that the world was a haven for people like her. The world, or more exact, the orbiting space platform, would hopefully bring new, more exciting employment then offing petty union bosses or messed up druggies. Grinning at this thought, Jenna turned away from the window and walked back to her bag, pushing past several miners. Getting her stuff, she joined the mass of people, waiting for the ship to dock.

15 minutes later, she was off the ship and on the station. It was obvious that it had just been built weeks earlier, as the walls and floors still had some shine to them and here and there was an engineer, working on some minor repair or fault in the new wiring. Ignoring this, Jenna headed right for largest bazaar on the station, picking out the busiest bar there. If anyone was looking for crew or some hired muscle, this would be the place to start. Taking a seat near the front of the business, Jenna ordered up a beer and began to wait, keeping one eye on the front door.
"Sooner or later..." she thought as she took a small sip. "Sooner or later..."

Ulrezaj growled to himself.

Even a demigod could have troubles. In this case, an embarrassment of riches. He simply had too many chores, each of which were of world-shattering importance. He had fanatics to sway, assassins to direct, knowledge to attain...

The last was the most important. How would he know where to send his minions with these despicable gaps in his knowledge? Well, he would fix some of that problem soon.

But first, he had a minion to direct. In his giddiness, Ulrezaj simply vanished from his spot in the caverns, reappearing in the forbidden central chamber. Felanis was drawn in his wake. Idly, one part of him was disturbed that some of the Nerazim had discovered how to use that same ability easily. Ulrezaj stifled the thought. If his eventual subjects became more like him, all the better.

Felanis. This is my most private, secret chamber. It is off-limits to all of your subordinates. You will make this clear.

"The penalty, Benefactor?"

DEATH.

Felanis did not agree, but one never knew when a demigod could be pushed.

"I hear and obey."

You have been abandoned, Felanis. Not once, but twice.

Felanis bowed his head in shame. Ladranix had reported the protoss force which had arrived the previous year. They had destroyed many of the zerg, but left quickly, ignoring the signal fires the Shel'na Kryhas had lit.

Knowledge is strength. I will teach you how to hide from the zerg, and how to capture them.

Felanis was stunned. Why would they want to capture the zerg? Why not just slay them?

You will tell your followers to move into the caves. Yes, into these very places. They must let go of their old ways. Those who refuse are denying their Benefactor. The zerg may not be spawning, but numbers of them have been moving toward your camp in the last few months... it will be easy to persuade them to come here, especially once you've given them the Sundrop. Now go. I will tell you about the zerg later.

Felanis rushed out of the central chamber. A few minutes later, he realized he was lost. This was a test, was it not? He must get to his followers, and quickly.

Ulrezaj turned to the giant crystal which enabled him to communicate with his minions at long-range, wherever they may be. And right now, it was imperative he speak with Garovitner, his emissary to the Ascended Being.

Garovitner. Report.

"Lord Ulrezaj. The super carrier is in position, but I have seen no sign of the Ascended Being's--

They shall be there. I have already given you instructions on what to say, and what to do. But I have a new one: when you are finished, come here. Come right back here to Aiur. I need the report personally. You know what that means.

Garovitner knew exactly what this meant. He would be part of a living demigod, adding himself to Ulrezaj.

Alexei Stukov

'Stukov ... Stukov ...'

Alexei Stukov stood in a realm of black abyss.

'Your heart for the Swarm.'

Purple creep began to seep below him, covering his feet, and climbing up his legs. Alexei began to scream.

'You cannot run, you cannot run.'

He tried to move, but the Creep only engulfed him faster. As his body was covered in the Zerg slime, the atmosphere changed to atop a burning planet (and he could see himself outside his body). His body began to move across space, covering each planet in creep he passed.

'Your vessel, Stuko-- your vessel is mine.'

"No no, stop it, no!"

His body began to fly at light-speed, and before he knew it he saw his homeworld of Earth.

"I owe you nothing! I owe you nothing!"

'Stukov ... Stukov ... come back to me ...'

The world began to burn with the Swarm's Creep.

"No ... I won't do this ... no, no!"

* * * * *

"NO!" screamed Stukov as he awoke from his bed, Opera music playing from an antique radio. He began to look around the room in horror. "A dream ... only a dream ..."

Just then, a loud screech began buzzing in his head. He screamed in agony at the high frequency noise. After it stopped, he got up from his fetal position, his head thumping with pain.

He slammed out of his quarters and began walking through the Barracks. A Marine stood to attention as he walked by. "Sir, uh ..." The Marine witnessed the Admiral's schizo face. The rest of the soldiers stopped their training and could only watch in horror at their leader's horrifying passing.

Stukov went straight to the Science Facility in their base, and headed towards the research area, where he knew he'd find her. He stepped into a room with several scientists (about to leave), Karen Sarov, and a Zergling. They all stood in shock at their inflamed Admiral.

"Kill it," he said, pointing to the contained Zergling. One of the scientists looked towards him bewildered. "But sir ..."

"I SAID KILL IT DAMNIT!"

The scientists immediately rushed to a panel and pushed a button, which filled the contained area with poison gas, killing the Zergling inside. The screeching began once again; he held up his stature the best he could.

Stukov turned his attention towards Karen Sarov, who was deeply disturbed by the Admiral's furor. He took out his C-150 Pistol, pushed the genetically-manipulated Terran against the wall, the pistol in front of her forehead with the gun triggered.

"Stop fucking with my hea-- STOP FUCKING WITH ME!" Karen looked in abhorrence at the one man she had trusted. "You brought IT back didn't you!? DIDN'T YOU!?"

Karen Sarov
Experiment

Karen put down the display and turned just in time to see Stukov walk in. A genuine smile spread across her face. One of the scientist noticed and his eyebrows raised - it was rare for Karen to smile, especially on that was not fake. But her smile quickly disappeared as she realized the emotional state the Admiral was in. Even without her psionics she would have been able to tell that something serious was wrong. He definitely wasn't the same Admiral she had known.

"What the-?" Karen started as she watched the scientists rush over to the control panel.

When she noticed what was happening, she began to growl. Karen felt the zergling cry out in her mind and she immediately reached out with her mind in attempt to comfort it in its last moments. At the same time she knew that there was nothing she could do about it as the men would follow Stukov's orders and not her own. She turned to face Stukov, still growling, her hands flexing slightly as she tried to resist the urge to kill him. Karen was normally a calm person but there were certain things that would bring forth a reaction which would often become a violent one if it weren't for her self control.

How dare he kill what is mine! Karen thought. I should kill him for it in the exact same way he killed my pet. She breathed in and out in an attempt to calm herself. No, it wasn't entirely his fault. I can't blame him if he doesn't like the Zerg, after what he's been through.

Once Karen had quelled her urges and had calmed herself down, she looked up at Stukov. It was obvious that he was not well. Something terrible was troubling him.

She was surprised when he slammed against the wall and then drew his pistol out and pointed it at her.

Normally, Karen would have immediately gone into what she called her survival mode. She would have killed him on the spot if he were anyone else. Karen forced herself to remain calm, willing her anger to go away. And when Stukov yelled at her, Karen did something unexpected. She smiled, gently pushed his hand down and away from her.

"Sshhh," Karen said, still smiling. "I'm not messing with you and I don't think I ever could. But I can help you, Alexei. All you have to do is let me."

Karen raised her right hand and placed it on the side of face. She idly rubbed her thumb against his cheek, still smiling. Karen reached out with her mind and tried to calm him down just enough so that she could get to work. She realized that this was an opportunity to show him her loyalty and to earn a bit of trust. The scientists watched in confusion, a few in amusement. Once she was in his mind, she began to tell him what she was going to do, more so that he could trust her than any real need to do so.

I'm just going to do a routine check of your mind to make sure everything is okay, Karen explained in his mind so that only he would hear her.

Karen began to scan his mind, going slowly so he didn't feel like she was trying to do something else. She almost gasped in shock but forced herself to remain calm for his sake - she didn't want to scare or surprise him. Her facial expression almost changed into one of shock but she forced it to stay the same. It would be much better for the both of them if he remained calm.

Now I don't mean to alarm you, Alexei, but you have a parasite, Karen continued to explain, remaining as calm as ever. We'll need to perform surgery to get rid of it. And before you even ask, no I did not put it in you. Though I am infested, there are some things that I haven't done. I should probably tell you that from what we've gathered so far there are two possibilities as to what strain I am spliced with - it is either zergling or queen or perhaps both. And yet, I have not discovered what abilities I may possess so it is out of the question that I could have put a parasite in you. Someone - or something in the case of the Zerg - else probably did this. And I have told you this countless times: I work for you. I'm on your side. I've was the only person who stayed with you when you 'lost your mind'. Doesn't that say a anything, Alexei? Can't you see I'm loyal? Or do you not trust me because I remained infested? Are you that pathetic that you cannot see past physical differences? Trust me Alexei or at least give me a chance to prove my loyalty to you.

"Defiance - Part 2"

"So, we are in agreement then?" Duran asked.
The Dark Archon hovering before him nodded.
"Indeed. What you have told us is... profound. Even a mind as ours will take some time to process all this new information. But our reply is a resounding 'yes.'"
Duran grinned.
"Excellent. Its almost a pity you do not ingest solid sustenance, I should have liked to toast our finalized allegiance."

It was all as he had planned. Garovitner, the Dark Archon before him, a friend of Ulrezaj himself, had just agreed to supply Duran with coveted Protoss technology and ships. All in exchange for information about the Protoss's origins and the crystals they seeked. They had also agreed to provide military support to eachother in case of attack, and Duran was glad he had connections to a band of mercenaries called Schezar's Scavengers. He would covertly introduce the Fist to this band of renegades and let them suffer the brunt of any battles rather than his own men.

Garovitner stared at him.
"We are still not sure what to make of all this. Under normal circumstances I would invade your mind and take the information I desired. But I cannot read your thoughts, Terran. Tell us, how do you know so much of our strife? What crystals did you unlock?"
His children were bright, but not so wise.
"If I told you that, I'd have no leverage. You'll just have to trust me for the time being. You are not the only one who can play mind games. Do not temp me, Archon. Enjoy our victory here today and you shall be rewarded with more in time."

Garovitner, taken a bit aback, silenced himself. No normal Terran would dare challenge a Dark Archon face to face, their brain would fry. But this one had escaped the clutches of the new Zerg Queen herself, and thus deserved at least some respect.

Duran continued. "Now, if you do not mind, I have other business to attend to. You will hear again from me soon."
Garovitner nodded, and Duran exited the room. On the way down the corridor to his shuttle, he passed two Dark Templar dragging a Khalai civilian towards Garovitner's chamber.

"I guess its Lunchtime," he said to himself with his usual pompous chuckle.

He could feel Velichek's nanites course through him, buzzing through his blood stream and at the end of his nerve endings, much like von Neumann probes - exploring, invading, reproducing...

Cogitating.

This did little, however, to curb his mirth. Morik was giddy. Experience would tell anyone that a giddy Morik was detrimental to the health of others.

Morik poured over the information on his PDA extracted from the pirate base near Red Stone. It was full of rubbish -- observations and tests on micro-Lorentzian traversible wormholes; meta-stable plasmoid solenoids that resonated at varying frequencies; new and more powerful spectrometer equipment; advencements in extractive metallurgy; the personal dossier of one metallurgist's midnight rendezvous with an intern... none of it was of use.
[ = incorporate = ]
Well, that's a lie. There was one interesting article he found.

The pirates had at one point been affiliated with the Morian Mining Coalition before its merger with the Kelanis Guild. They had severed ties with the Coalition, but had been forced by the economic and political and abject alien climate to rejoin. There were brief mentions of sorties at Char and, later, Aiur, but it was all a muddled mess. What was evident, however, was that they had come by a stock pile of information regarding psychic warfare, and zerg infestation techniques.

The zerg. That tickled something in the periphery of his mind, just beyond the hinterlands of conscious thought. A pall the color of activated charcoal settled over his mood.
[ = hunger = ]
Morik still wasn't quite sure how he felt about his half-breed nature. Well, that's another lie. He felt a lot of things about it - anger, happiness, passion, paranoia (that was a common one, admittedly) and loneliness. Lonely not for deep, erudite conversation; not lonely for lack of a meaningful intimate relationship... but he had impulses, many of which he could not describe, aside from the fact that various motives and thoughts ran into each other and canceled one another out.

And these damned nanites were really giving him a flat affect and harshing his mellow.
[ = destroy, kil kill kill = ]
Except when they weren't.

The Kimera lurched as it swung through warp space, snagging hold of gravitational geodesics on the run and slingshotting an extra light year toward its destination.

Morik heard they were bound for Moria. They need money, equipment, intelligence... Personnel.

...Personnel... yes, we might all benefit from some added company, wouldn't we?...


[ = food... = ]


... Rat? Is that a rat? FOOD!

The sinewy train tracks that composed Morik's mind experienced yet another collision. Psychic repair crews in the form of molecular workers would have the mess cleaned up by morning.

* * *

Early the next morning, the Kimera decanted from warp space. Moria hung in amidst a blizzard of activity, freighters and craft of all make and model encasing it in a transient shell that glint and glittered in the sun's rays.

Buzan didn't wince away from the light. He had done much thinking the night before, and hadn't slept more than forty minutes before starting his shift. It didn't matter though, he didn't feel the weight of sleep debt. His mind had raced against it self, and in a moment of clarity, having outrun the shadows of the past, he caught his second wind, and made a realization.

Morik, he decided, could stay...

Buzan had finally found a way to make the nightmares go away. Then he'd never have to outrace the shadows again.

Ulrezaj, swirling in his caverns, was impatient for Garovitner to return. He consoled himself by considering the knowledge he stood to gain. When he did, fusing with his minion would require tremendous amounts of energy, and Ulrezaj couldn't travel to Ehlna right away either.

So he turned to his highest-ranking minion on Aiur, Felanis.

How did they like their first taste of Sundrop?

"They were overawed. But only for a brief time. Afterward they felt lost and despondent."

What of it?

"That was a problem when the zerg came. Most of my followers were too weak to fight back. Only Alzadar and a few other former templar were any use at all ... in the fighting, that is. Worse, Alzadar could not enter the Khala--"

Have you not paid attention to a SINGLE THING I have taught you, Felanis? The Khala is simply a narrow, twisted version of our natural gifts!

Ulrezaj continued to berate Felanis, venting his varying frustrations. It took the willpower of his other three minds to pull him back from the brink of absorbing Felanis' mind right then and there.

Listen, Ulrezaj insinuated one of his backup minds. Felanis is too valuable to be dismissed this way. When a protoss is cut off from the Khala, it requires a period of ... adjustment ... before they can become strong again.

What of it? raged Ulrezaj, but inwardly this time. When the protoss are cut off from the Khala, they begin to reassert their natural gifts. Or so I thought. Perhaps the protoss of Aiur have become weak since the best of them left so many years ago. These smooth-faced weaklings aren't worthy of... but, alas, I must use them for now. Since you're so full of advice, propose something, of "wise one."

Felanis briefly lifted his arm from over his eyes, surprised to still be intact. Physically at least. He decided staring at his still and ... well, staring, master wasn't a good idea. He hid his face again.

I propose you ... I ... and Felanis, teach these protoss how to wield their natural gifts. Weak though they may be, you will still be able to feed off of them.

Very well. I was right to have made you my first cohort within me... Shakura. We will begin.

Now, "speaking out loud" to Felanis, and taking care to carefully regulate the former Judicator's mental state...

I am disappointed in their weakness. However, it was as much... no, he wouldn't blame himself the Sundrop. It takes time to become acquainted with. And I don't have time to teach them all. Not yet. So I will teach you, and you will teach Alzadar. Together you will secretly show them your abilities. They will realize their Benefactor can make them strong.

"It will be done, my lord. Just one question. These new dark powers, won't they resemble..."

Must I do all the thinking for the five ... two of us?! Teach Alzadar how to outwardly affect the world with his mind, and nothing more. That was something he never learned as a zealot. It is not the way of the "Tal'darim" to conceal knowledge from their brethren.

Ulrezaj conveniently forgot that he wouldn't be teaching the Tal'darim a lot of things, such as the final fate he had in store for them.

"Tal'darim... the Forged. Yes, it sounds nice. We'll be forged anew."

Yes, you will. Ulrezaj watched his little minion leave. They would be forged, into tools, into slaves. Tal'darim was a translation of the xel'naga word meaning "slave robot". Fortunately, the origin of the word had been lost, except to him and the Ascended Being of course. And possibly the preservers knew the secret, too. No matter. He knew all the secrets of the preservers anyway. He'd absorbed enough of them already. Still, it wouldn't hurt to contact his agents on Shakuras. Preservers were few enough, they were not difficult to keep track of. The only problem was waiting for them to leave the world... they tended to be heavily guarded when many protoss were around. Fortunately, his agents could scare off the two they had located...

The Summons:
Buzan and the Kimeran Pirates

"I am the Marquis of Carabas."

The man wore neo-traditional clothes reminiscent of the style of the late victorian era, a simple yet elagant smoking jacket with large, the warm color of loam rich with red clay, with simple brass buttons. Bric-a-brac covered the faux-mahogany shelves behind him. A cummerbund and the man's relaxed pose obviated the strictness and formality characteristic of the style.

"And I am here to propose to you a handsome deal." He took a long breath from a cigar. "Hopefully, by the end of this message, we shall address each other as comrades-in-arms -- no, as friends."

"Our neighborhood, the sector of Koprulu, is ashambles. Who, now, will protect your interests and enterprises? Certainly not Mengsk. We've seen what he is capable of -- and incapable of doing for you."

"In times of great jeopardy as this, only solidarity and strength will see us survive the day's end. Strength not only of muscle and arm, but of intellect; conviction; the strength to improve and advance the human condition, and the strength to make the hard decisions."

"Learn what we know -- know your enemy; learn to wield the most outre technologies you've ever witnessed. To circumvent each and every one of your enemy's defenses - physical, mental, emotional, technological, ethical, spiritual - and crush them beneath your heel. And to augment yourself and your brothers."

"Do you seek freedom? Solidarity? Brotherhood? Strength?"

"We have it."

"We've been cleansed through fire and rise from the soot and coal and dying embers. Soon, the same shall become of all our enemies: reduced to naught but stirring phantoms - to never arise. To our enemies, we are forever wrapped in the cloak of anonymity, caring not for their ire and wrath of steel."

"Seek us out, and we shall find you. You know who you are... as you know who WE are."

"Cloaked in starlight's absence, We follow paths unseen, Never to be watched or heard, Our senses are too keen."

* * *

The transmission, bounced across the back-alleys of holonet relays the sector over, were received by the mercenaries, assassins, bounty hunters, pirates; by fallen warriors, the disenfranchised, hackers and mutants, quixotic wanderers; by a select few officials.

Jenna Taylor's 'net account received its own copy of the transmission, as did one Daemon Gant.

* * *

Vex stood up languidly from the over stuffed chair, tugging at the hem of his jacket. The videographers packed away their equipment as Mattheiu Buzan and Twitch stepped towards Vex, who effected a broad grin. The man dropped his cultured Umojan accent in favor of a sterotypical Mar Saran; "Well, cap'n, how was that? Dem's good'n, mm-hmm?"

Buzan smiled. "Over the top and pretentious." He slapped Vex's shoulder with a hand. "Couldn't have done better myself."

"A little public, don't you think, Boss?" said Twitch.

Buzan turned and began to walk out the door. "Even public addresses have their uses. This is only the first step, Twitch." He puffed on his own cigar and added silently, to himself, "Down the path of reconstruction... and revenge."

Daemon gently eased on the speed, surprised at how agile the mechanic had managed to make his Wyrm. It matched his Wraith in speed, and was far superior in Air to Air combat. Just below him he could see a tiny dot, the munitions depot undoubtedly. Grinning with excitement he nosedived towards the depot, reaching it in only seconds before transforming and slamming into the ground with an impressive landing. He stood just in front of the munitions depot as alarms went ringing loudly throughout the facility.

"Heh, let's see what you K-Sector chumps are made of."

He let loose a wave of rounds puncturing holes all over one side of the building causing superficial damage, but fulfilling the intended result. Two enemy prototype Wyrms walked out of the facility, undoubtedly piloted by rookies. Daemon had already gotten completely used to the complicated control scheme, he quickly launched into his aerial form and flew away baiting the two unfortunate Wyrms behind him.

They ungracefully transformed to follow, excited to draw blood.

"Come on! Is that all you got?!" Gant accelerated. The enemies could not keep up. Immediately, a light started flashing on Daemon's HUD.

It indicated that he had "mail."

"Not now" he grunted, and ignored it. Following this action, another light activated, more urgent. "Shit!" he muttered as 2 missiles locked onto him. He smiled, time to show the rookies how it was really done.

Gant boosted himself as quickly as he could into the air before following a parabolic arc and nosediving once more. He quickly transformed and rotated his Wyrm to face the oncoming missiles as he fell from the sky. Following this action he let mowed down the missiles with a wave of fire and re-transformed into assault mode.

"Time to finish off the small fry"

It could not even be considered a dog fight, Gant flew up behind the two enemy Wyrms who were confused as to his location. He made short work of them, blasting them out of the sky.

"HAHAHAhahaha. That's two for the count."

Shivers crawled ungracefully up Daemon's spine, this modified Wyrm was unrealistic.
He headed back base intent on patting his mechanic on the shoulder for a job outstandingly done.

"Now... what was this mail that I received...?"

*2 days after arrival at Redstone III Station*

"Two days..." Jenna Taylor thought, looking up at the roof of her rented room. "Two days of waiting and for what? Only three serious offers, and all of them unacceptable." In the two days since she had arrived, the only people to approach her where either slimy Mafia types, looking for a patsy or miners looking to hire some security. The miners had offered next to nothing for the job, and while the Mafia offers were lucrative, it was obvious they were merely looking for someone to take a Gauss round for some petty Don. Sighing once again, she was distracted from her brooding thoughts by her PDA beeping. Sitting up, Jenna flicked it on, seeing that she had a new message. Tapping a few more buttons, the message started up.

---

"Seek us out, and we shall find you. You know who you are... as you know who WE are."

"Cloaked in starlight's absence, We follow paths unseen, Never to be watched or heard, Our senses are too keen."

With those words the recording ended, leaving Jenna intrigued. It was obvious that this potential employer meant serious business and had a flare for the dramatic, based on the dress and manner of the speaker.

"Hmm, anti-Dominion, obviously from a group that isn't allied with any of the major Terran powers, a value for independence and freedom. I like it." she mused. Looking around the small room, then back at her arm-mounted PDA, Jenna came to her decision. Activating the built-in encrypter, she fired off a reply message to the mysterious sender:
---
"Jenna Taylor, independent Mercenary. Received message. Current location Redstone III orbital station. Do not bother looking for references or background, will not find any. Your group and I have much in common and I am interested in a partnership. Willing to travel out of system to meet. Will be able to provide own transport. Waiting for response."
---
Giving the message a final once over, Jenna sent to off towards the hidden reply location built into the original message. With that done, Jenna decided that she might as well go and get a drink, as it seemed that things might just be looking up for once.

"Whispers"

The ships com came online again. Com officer Jared Greviv's voice came through.
"Sir, we've just received a full spectrum communication. It appears to be an offer of allegiance to overthrow the new Dominion."
Duran sat up on his bed, a bit suspicious.
"Raynor?"
"No, sir. A man calling himself the Marquis of Carabas."
Well, there's a name Duran hadn't heard in awhile. He chuckled at the obscure reference.
"Patch it through."
"Aye Aye."

Rising from his bed, on which he struggled for control of the husk that contains him, Duran stretched and moved over to his desk. He turned on his holocorder and watched the message in full.
"This could be quite beneficial. If only to keep the Dominion occupied so I can have a bit more freedom."
He stroked his goatee, then activated the ships com.
"You did well in realizing the importance of this message, Mr. Greviv. I want you to keep track of the activities of this "Marquis of Carabas" and his ilk. Do not make contact, however."
"Thank you, sir. Will do."

If he had the supplies, Duran would have gladly considered the offer. But even with the new Protoss ships he would be receiving, his resources were spread thin. The irony of the situation was not lost on him, though. If anyone was as resourceful, tricky, and deceitful as "Puss in Boots," it was certainly himself.

Screen Name: Visions of Khas

Character Name: Kaloth

Race: Zerg - Cerebrate

Faction: Belphegor Brood (rogue brood)

Equipment: Belphegor brood; a number of specialized breeds, including but not limited to Androlisks (advanced strain of Infested Terran), Behemoths, Unclean Ones, and Advanced Evolution Chambers. Possesses a number of extruding tentacles from a cavernous maw.

Personality: Kaloth is a highly intelligent Cerebrate that has the uncanny ability to predict the thoughts and motives of its protoss and terran enemies. It has a wicked sense of humor, and despises the Zerg Swarm over which Kerrigan holds sway. The thought of other surviving Cerebrates both excites and disgusts Kaloth. It is driven by a profound hunger. Kaloth is also skilled at reanimation and reincarnation.

Background:

Experiences periods of dormancy, during which times Kaloth is camotose and its minions spread thin.

The culmination of the Brood War saw the destruction of Kerrigan's opposition and the end of the Overmind's line of progeny, the Cerebrates. Or so it was believed. Rumors persist of a handful of Cerebrates having eluded destruction. One such case was proven true when the Protoss discovered the reanimated Alexei Stukov and tracked down his benefactor, Kaloth. Before its annihilation, Raynor and Taldarin discovered research and development into Terran, Protoss and Zerg technologies on Braxis; Kaloth itself was never found.

From the tractless depths of space, a rogue brood descends on an unsuspecting world. Driven by mysterious compulsions, Kaloth continues waging a covert shadow war, relying on intrigue and subterfuge as much as brute force.


Character Font / Color: To be determined... >>

Sample Post:

Awakening

Kalloth screamed.

It was the dissonant wail of an orchestra tuning its multifarious instruments. A thronging cacophany. Hundreds upon thousands of nodes of screeching and clashing until they slowly began coming together into a unified whole. From the madness emerged a single voice.

Kalloth was awakening. Again.

In a fit of instinctive paranoia, Kalloth looked about its environs through its thousands of eyes, listening through ears and antennae and pressure-sensitive limbs.

Everything was in order. Kalloth was safe.

Judging from the rotation of the planet above, from the stars in the sky, three days had elapsed. Its brood minions had enough time to wander across several dozen kilometers. These periods of somnalance varied. The source of the deep slumbers eluded Kalloth, and occured irregularly. He dismissed the concern - he was used to it by this point - and resumed from where he left off, before the last sleep.

He needed to feed.

Attuned once more to their master's will, the brood minions went about the task of finding Kalloth's meal, a lone terran. Zerglings and mutalisks scowered the moon; overlords and queens expanded their sense.

The man was found half a kilometer from Kalloth's cove.

The man was brought before him by a pair of hydralisks, long scythes boxing him in. The man raged and screamed; ripples of force cascaded from his mind. Kalloth nullified his psychic attack. A quick slash from one of the minions doubled the man over in pain and bowels. Kalloth lumbered forward, reared back to reveal its cavernous maw, and let loose a storm of tendrils. They sank into his pores, orifices, eyes. It took a few hours for the man's thrashing to stop, his mind and body depleted.

With his hunger temporarily satiated, something within Kalloth's mind opened up. Aside from the hunger, another element that defined Kaloth's life were undeniable instincts driving it foward. With each new awakening, a new instinct, an impulse with all the motive power of a supernova, pushed itself to the forefront.

Kalloth was refreshed. He, and the brood by extension, could now continue their voyage. As one, the Belphegor brood looked up into the sky, where there hung a ruddy world crimpled by silver streaks of clouds.

Descent

The Belphegor brood descended upon Aiur on pillars of light.

Behemoths crashed down into the planet like great meteorites, burning entry corridors through the atmosphere. Craters formed in the rocky crust; plumes of ash and smoke billowed upward, high into the atmosphere. Like a mass of cockroaches, the brood burrowed into the ground and shunned the light of day. When night fell, they raced across the world.

A lone Behemoth rested in orbit. It observed the world, conveyed its information to Kaloth, then transitioned into warp space. A flicker of pseduomotion, and it was gone.

On the planet, a carpet of black zerg rushed headlong across Aiur's marred surface. The ocassional native zerg or protoss encountered was ignored; the brood had only one goal, a single destination, in its overarching mind. Only once in a great while would a queen descend and capture a native to forcefully inject it with spores or parasites, then release it, like organic tracking collars placed on endangered animals. Kaloth itself raced along with its children within the hollowed confines of the husk of a torrasque. It had been reanimated from the remains of a long dead Cerebrate's personal guardian.

The Belphegor brood tracked a long swath across the barren landscape, a scar that would not end until it terminated at the death bed of the Overmind. They would reach their goal in four days.

* * *

A blip registered on the Dark Templar defense net over Shakuras. It was massive. Mass and speed indicated it to be a Behemoth, one of the zerg super carriers typically used to field ground invasion forces.

A psychic call rippled from Talematross. Cloaked vessels on the moon detached from its surface and made their way silently to the invader. As they closed the distance, it did nothing. For ten minutes it hung, silently. Observing.

Then, as quickly as it appeared, it disappeared.

Baffled, the praetor of the defenses called for his warriors to track the carrier. Perhaps it fled elsewhere to disgorge its contents in secret.

It was after the mighty carrier Kheldratyr lifted off to scout the system that the protoss realized there were already Zerg on Shakuras. Thousands erupted from the ground, training their sights on the Protoss settlements.

Open to attack, the Protoss girded themselves for battle.

Garovitner was still taking too long. The last time Ulrezaj contacted him, he had taken a detour to Braxis, in order to consult with an operative there, Alzarath.

But whatever for?

Garovitner seemed unruffled, and the look in his eyes... whatever he learned, it must have been profound to change him so. The Garovitner Ulrezaj knew had always seemed wild when speaking to him. No doubt that was why he was such a proficient assassin.

"Alzarath's spying on the terrans uncovered an unusual ...manifesto."

What of it? Every terran group has a manifesto. Even Alan Schezar had one.

"I did not think 'for the greater glory of my bank account' was a manifesto."

Humor was unlike Garovitner as well.

"This is the manifesto: 'Cloaked in starlight's absence, We follow paths unseen, Never to be watched or heard, Our senses are too keen.' If I recall correctly, a shadow agent I knew used to be a member. But we never heard of them since that admiral returned...

Ulrezaj was intrigued. He knew of no Dark Templar who would willingly work with terrans, other than himself. And he knew of none who would work for terrans, unless their name was James Raynor. Much as he didn't like dealing with the hairless apes, they were useful. And the returned Admiral could not be explained. And from what little he knew of the Shadow Pirate, he had worked with a terran group with access to high technology. Perhaps they could build him something like an EMP Disrupter. With the proper incentive, of course. And by "incentive", it would just be an illusion of free will.

Return before you fade away. You are more important than you know... I will instruct Alzarath to seek them out.

"I will return soon, my lord. As soon as I've taken care of a few more things." The communicator flickered out.

Disobeying instructions wasn't like him. But before he reprimand him, the communicator flared to life again. Ulrezaj found himself looking face-to-face with Taarim, his contact within the Shakuras temple, and one of the few in the Shakuras branch of the Tal'darim who knew of the Benefactor's true nature.

"Lord" began Taarim, who knew better than to use Ulrezaj's name. "The zerg have suddenly appeared on Shakuras."

Taarim could afford to be calm. Ensconced in the Shakuras temple, the safest spot on Shakuras when the zerg came calling... Ulrezaj would have to do something about that. Fast.

But wait ... the Queen began her move already? This was ... unexpected. And foolish. Even with Zeratul being away from Shakuras, the temple could still be activated. There were still, of course, powerful Nerazim on the twilit world, many loyal to him.

As if he could read Ulrezaj's face ... or even thoughts ... at such long range, Taarim responded "It is an unusual brood, my lord. It appears directed, much more than those you told me about on Aiur, but yet it appears to be an independent brood."

That was exactly what Alzarath had been investigating on recently refrozen Braxis. Ulrezaj felt a thrill. It was as if fate itself had placed such opportunities in his path, as it did before any great protoss. Of course he would take advantage.

Here are your instructions. They come in two parts. The first must be accomplished, so listen carefully.

FIRST, slay Nahaan.

Nahaan was the leader of the Ara Tribe. While he had not been a member of the Conclave, he had spent much time with them. What the Conclave knew, he might know, which made him much more dangerous than his arrogant hateful nature would suggest.

Summon a warband of ten of your fanatics. Include a disruptor with them if possible - a weapons test - but none of the rest are to be Nerazim.

Due to the panic in the Khala, Nahaan and his khalen'ri will not be at their best. They'll be looking for zerg threats. They will trust any "smooth-faced Khalai" who approach them.

You are familiar with the ten-band assassination tactic. Have the disruptor send illusions with the primary four. Have them distract the khalen'ri at an appropriate time. Then the Tal'darim may strike.

The plan is perfect. Do not fail.

"I hear and obey, my lord. We shall not fail you."

I should hope not, for your sake. You have been too slow in identifying the last preservers. I understand there may be two still left on Shakuras... Ulrezaj growled out. He let the threat hang in the air a moment as Naarim quialed. Ulrezaj had forced him out of his comfort zone with but a few words. Send as many Nerazim as you can spare to capture these zerg. Store them under the temple. Study them. I may have need of zerg minions soon. I have plenty on Aiur, but variety may be essential.

The subhead of the Guardians of the Xel'Naga Temple of Shakuras scurried to obey, as if Void-borne demons were right on his heels. Which of course, Ulrezaj observed to himself, wasn't true. The demon was still on Aiur. For now.

Of Meetings and Apples

The Kimerans

The shuttle entered the Red Stone system, entering from a vector diametrically opposed to the moon base raided by the Kimerans. It swept across the system and docked at the Red Stone orbital. After docking, a single man, a man dressed in grey, stepped down from the shuttle. Looking around, he appraised the hangar. A plethora of craft of all makes and models rested here. He transmitted a simple, narrow-beam message to the shuttle's onboard computer. It complied by systematically scanning and cataloging the various craft and their specs.

An hour later, the Man in Grey was in the dormitory section of the station. It was late at night, or the equivalent by local reckoning. There wasn't any day or night, especially on Red Stone, which didn't even have a sky in the traditional sense.

Or land, for that matter. Again, in the traditional sense.

Satisifed that the coast was clear, he began fiddling with the security lock at one of the doors. After two minutes' worth of work, it responded with a satisfying *snick* and yielded to him. He slowly and gingerly pushed it open...

"One false move and I'm redecorating," she said.

... to have a pistol pushed against the side of his head. Standing perfectly still, he swiveled his wide eyes to appraise Jenna Taylor, the assassin.

"Is that quite right, Miss Taylor? Red is such a lovely color." Said a dark figure directly behind Jenna, speaking with a cultured Umojan accent. He held a knife a bear centimeter from her throat. "The gun, please."

Taylor slowly put the gun away, and the Marquis of Carabas responded by moving through the assassin. A holographic projection! Jenna realized.

"It is good to make your acquintance, Miss Taylor. I am -- "

"The 'Marquise'," responded Taylor.

"Quite right again!" He moved through the cabin as though it were his own. The Man in Grey stood at the door, treating the whole dialog with unrestrained indifference.

"We've reviewed your profile, Miss Taylor --" continued the Marquis.

"I don't have one."

"And by that very virtue we find you highly attractive." He gave her a sly smile, teeth white and gleaming against dark skin. "That is to say, we are attracted to the prospect of a business arrangement. With you."

The Marquis sat down on a couch and produced an apple. "We could use a skilled hunter. We have certain... 'characters' in mind, whom we'd like to keep tabs on. Or eliminated. Killed. Drive six feet under, jettisoned, poisoned, eighty-sixed, fucked up, flayed -- really, the choice is up to you." He began to munch on the apple. It was very green. In his other hand he produced a data card and inserted it into the computer on the desk. (The holo-projector was probably coupled to a transmitter, which uploaded the information directly.) A profile came up, one Taylor recognized instantly.

"This is our -- your -- target."

Taylor studied the picture. The man was changed, but there was no mistaking the face...

It was Alexei Stukov, long thought dead Vice Admiral of the annihilated United Earth Directorate Expeditionary Force.

The specter of the Marquis spoke around another bite from his very green apple. "Interested, my dear?"

* * *

Several light years distant, Daemon Grant continued to pilot his craft through a dizzying spiral and loop, destroying another enemy craft. As he leveled out, the proximity alarms began to blare. Confused, he pulled the figher into a steep climb relative his previous heading. The alarms subsided for only a few seconds, then came back at full force. He looked both left and right, and saw nothing but...

From the darkness emerged a Wraith on either side, both a warm grey, rising from the dark as though from great wells of ink. There was a small grey, green and gold insignia emblazoned on both. The Wraith to Grant's right slalomed and broke formation, clearly disengaging itself, leaving Grant alone with the Wraith to his left. It accelerated, went out a kilometer, and made a sharp U-turn.

A new alarm erupted in the cockpit. The tone of a target lock...