Valerian in LoTV

[Gradius]

What allows Valerian to stay in power? Given that the Dominion got trashed yet again in HoTS, he will have to be as ruthless as his father to maintain power and keep the Morians and Umojans from coming in and taking leadership, let alone other people in his government. Is it believable that the Dominion would still exist as a government?

And does anybody find it funny that Mengsk used the zerg to come to power, yet Valerian, who's supposed to be better, did the same exact thing. He gave Kerrigan permission to kill his father and invade Korhal, yet took credit for evacuating civilians just like Mengsk did in SC1. It's an eerie, although most likely unintentional, parallel between the two characters.

Furthermore, now that Mengsk's crimes have been exposed, doesn't this basically shine a spotlight on Valerian? Is there going to be any sort of investigation of his and the Raiders' collusion with Sarah Kerrigan? Imagine a SC3 where some rebel group discovers an adjutant which has recordings of these events and decides to broadcast them to the entire sector causing riots. The mission could involve holding your units at news towers to upload the transmission while General Raynor sends in squads that fail miserably against you.

[Visions of Khas]

We both know none of this will happen, unless it's covered in an inter-game novel, the same way Flashpoint bridged WoL and HotS... which would be pretty badass, actually.

No, I think the reasoning will be this: Valerian was raised on Umoja and has the pledged support of their ruling body; Raynor and other rebel elements have ties with the Kel-Morian Combine, bringing them into the fold. And the Dominion is in such disarray that it would be "easy" for Valerian to assume the reigns of control, considering Korhal still has the bulk of Dominion military forces (Valerian's half of the fleet, Raynor's Rebels and their extensive mercenary allies, etc.) The biggest obstacle will be the remnants of the Dominion fleet warping in to Korhal from all across the Sector, too late to assist in defending Korhal but in time to unify against the Shadow Corps' siege of the planet.

[Shadow Archon]

Is it believable that the Dominion would still exist as a government?

Valerian's grandfather is a member of the Umoja Ruling Council and Raynor has good connections with the Kel-Morians' leaders.

The Dominion basically had a civil-war, with the Dominion fleet invading Umoja Protectorate territory, killing Umoja soldiers and civilians, even with a fleet attacking the ship with Valerian on board in the beginning of the HotS with the Dominion incurring zero major ramifications for this act, and the Kel-Morians were assisting Raynor's Raiders attacks against the Dominion in the Starcraft comic series, with Raynor talking with many of the Combine's leaders.

I don't see Umoja and the Combine having a reason for invading the Dominion's territory at this time. Valerian will likely start trading with them again with the Umojan blockade ending, and the Combine will probably have better trade relations now that the Dominion is no longer likely to use gunboat diplomacy.

The Dominion at large has already accepted Valerian as the rightful ruler going by the ending of Blackstone.

From: Emperor Valerian Mengsk To: Blackstone Research Staff Subject:

Greetings, salutations, apologies, and commendations To the soon-to-be-renowned research staff of Project Blackstone: I have only just come across my father’s well-hidden record of your facility, and apologize for any worry or duress the recent calamity (and subsequent quiet) may have caused you. I had this ship sent in your direction the very minute I learned of your existence.

I realize that this letter may come as something of a surprise to you. My father was never one to deal directly with “the talent,” as he called those employed in the Dominion research departments. I do not know if you are aware of the most recent developments in our government, but suffice it to say that several relatively significant changes have been implemented. I know that there are fierce loyalists among your ranks, but I believe that a truly honest intellect will be aware, to some degree, of the flaws in my father’s grand design.

The days of military oppression, forced labor, and unlawful conscription are coming to an end. I have already begun establishing new regulations and limitations for the senate to weed out corruption and ensure that it stands as a clear and unwavering voice of the people. Our military will be repurposed to protect the people instead of proscribing them.

This new order of rule, this new Dominion, shall be maintained by liberty and justice to the citizens of mankind, those courageous pioneers who have fought through horrors unimaginable to become stewards of this distant end of the universe. Never again will fear, greed, or alien threats force us from our rightful place in the Koprulu sector, or from the sacred human desire for freedom. Now let’s get down to brass tacks. Your jobs are still intact. While I plan to effect some sweeping structural transformations across the Dominion, your own shadowy corner of the human effort here in the fringes holds great value to me. I have ever been a patron of the sciences, and even endeavored to hire (or find) many of you after my father had spirited you away. I would, however, like to discuss a change of venue. And . . . architecture. The battleship delivering this message and ambassadors to your front door is accompanied by a Kurzweil-class science vessel, an experimental craft I have been designing for the past couple of years. I think you will find it to be a fitting upgrade to your current situation. I would like your team to continue its ambitious study of the universe, but now in a more mobile and active role.

My ambassadors can fill you in on the rest of the details, but know this: you have the emperor’s blessing to explore the mysteries of this sector according to the dictates of your own intellect. With this autonomy, I also grant you the right to reorganize your facility for maximum effectiveness. My father was a brilliant man in many ways, but he had a blind spot when it came to his comrades from the Sons of Korhal. He would occasionally set his old friends into positions better suited to experts. While I find loyalty to be a valuable quality on the battlefield, it has no place in academia.

More important, your “voluntary” admission into Project Blackstone has been transformed into a paid position. A very well-paid position, at that. A society’s values are often expressed by what it invests its time and money into, and you will quickly learn that I value nothing more highly than the clarity and light that come from unfettered research. Please let me know your decision regarding whether you look to continue with Blackstone. I pray that you all elect to remain on the project; there is so, so much more out there for us to discover.

Sincerely, Emperor Valerian Mengsk.

Not to mention, it is already public knowledge that Valerian was in league with the Queen of Blades.

Personal Log: Dr. Talen Ayers

A Dash of Denouement

So it looks as if the cowboy in the tall white hat rode in to save us just in the nick of time. Or, I suppose a Prince Charming metaphor may be more appropriate in this case. We were down to our last bit of food (and had begun to consider adding roasted zergling to the menu) when we all felt a shudder through the walls of our cozy little coffin. There were several moments of sheer panic as we debated the possibility of tectonic disturbances within a hollowed-out asteroid (further testament to our delirious state), and then we jumped back as an arc welder started sparking through the door.

Followed by a marine in Dominion armor. Which was nice. But he was followed by a team of medics armed with supplies, medkits, and oxygen tanks— which was nicer. Emperor Mengsk had come to save us.

No, not that Emperor Mengsk.

A new one.

Seems the universe changed a bit while we were locked away. After the rescue crew reviewed the structural integrity of the upper floors (no small task, considering the severe wear and tear they had suffered at the hands of a dozen angry zerglings and a mixture of plasma and ethanol), they reinstated most of Project Blackstone’s communication systems, including our datapads and CHIRP access. It was then that we saw the message from the Dominion’s new emperor. I’m still forming an opinion of young Valerian, though first impressions have been promising.

I confess that after I learned he had joined forces with the Queen of Blades to topple his father, the word treason flittered about in my mind. But given what I now understand about the elder Mengsk’s ambitions for Project Blackstone, I have a hard time mustering any true moral outrage. Our old friend Arcturus— he reaped what he sowed. I’ll just leave it at that.

Truth be told, despite my initial misgivings about the boy, it appears the younger Mengsk intends to act upon his lofty words. After all the poking and prodding from the medics had ceased, we were transferred off that godforsaken rock and onto a unique ship the emperor had sent, the DS Brin. Compared to the cramped, flame-scorched halls of Project Blackstone, the gleaming, hygienic corridors of a properly equipped science vessel are like a glorious afterlife. Despite the deception and the horror we’ve experienced, I can’t shake the notion that the idea of Project Blackstone— a cutting-edge, experimental, scientific enterprise dedicated to exploring the secrets of the Koprulu sector— could yield truly significant advancements.

The late Mengsk aimed us toward some vile objectives, but in more moral hands, well . . . The possibilities intrigue me. I have had a limited amount of follow-up communication with the new emperor. Brief as the conversations were (reigning over a Dominion in chaos appropriates most of his time, I would imagine), I believe he’s committed to this notion of a new and improved Blackstone. In fact, he has asked me to take charge of it. I wasn’t sure how to respond. I still am not. (Our former leader, Dr. Branamoor, seemed relieved when he heard the news, which surprised me. I suspect the poor bastard has had his fill of leadership for the time being.)

Emperor Valerian Mengsk said he needs skilled teams investigating strange alien artifacts that have been found across the sector. I know little of this ancient race— xel’naga, Mengsk called them— but if Jake Ramsey and Kaeon choose to remain aboard, we might make some meaningful progress. Oh yes, did I mention that our new protoss friend seems interested in joining us? He was offered transport to wherever he wanted, but he refused. Apparently, Kaeon is fascinated with Jake’s “condition.” It sounds as if he would be willing to advise us on matters of xenological studies if he in turn were allowed to examine Jake’s sensitivity to the protoss’ forms of communication. I thought Jake would bolt at the suggestion. (I would!) But the two have been conversing about the subject and have reached some sort of understanding. The whole topic makes me uneasy, but I can’t deny its fascination.

Speaking of Ramsey . . . Valerian mentioned in his missive to us that he was sending ambassadors to try to secure our continued participation in whatever Project Blackstone would become. One of them was a woman named Rosemary Dahl. Until that moment, I never truly understood how Arcturus Mengsk had compelled Jake’s cooperation for Project Blackstone.

Arcturus had used Rosemary as leverage. I imagine the consequences would have been dire had Jake refused. The reunion of Jake and Rosemary was genuinely touching. Tears were shed. Mostly by Jake.

Witnessing their joy left an ache in my own heart. It has been far too long since I received any news of my daughter. Valerian Mengsk says even his classified records do not indicate Maren’s current location, though he has promised to track her down immediately. My conversations with Rothfuss on the matter have brought only despair.

There are but a few reasons why Arcturus’s Dominion would have so thoroughly masked her whereabouts. I do not wish to think upon this further, even in writing, until I know for certain where she is. I will face whatever news comes with any strength I can muster. That is all I can do. I have made no commitment to Emperor Mengsk. Neither have many of my colleagues. Each of us has the option to walk away.

Some may. Even if my greatest fears about my daughter are realized, I don’t believe I will. Perhaps that makes me a bad person. Heaven knows I have my flaws . . . But maybe something good can come out of this. I can only hope the reward will be worth the struggle. It will take some work before the DS Brin is completely refitted for long-term exploration. I have time yet to consider my path. We all do.

Until next time, TA

And even with that info known, there is no Dominion-wide uprising against Valerian.

Besides, the Combine and the Umojans have never displayed themselves militarily capable of such a huge undertaking. The Protectorate was supporting the Sons of Korhal and never attacked the Confederacy in the open. The Combine has been the Confederacy and now the Dominion's bitches ever since they lost the Guild War.

Hell, Kerrigan had no issue invading Moria to finance her invasion of a UED held Korhal.

These factions, while existing independently from the Dominion, simply are not displayed as any credible threat at all to the Terran Dominion, even when the Dominion was vulnerable post-Brood War.

Since Legacy of the Void and Heart of the Swarm take place in the same year, we will see exactly if the Combine and the Umojans are shown at all being active about the Dominion's change of management.

[Turalyon]

I guess the issue is not whether Valerian has support from the other factions nor whether the other factions have any clout to dictate things, but rather more to do with whether the people who were collectively under former Confederate and Dominion rule have any say in the matter. It just seems like a narrative conceit for these people to just accept whoever says "I'm the leader, now" and that's that. In this respect, it is "unrealistic" for Valerian to maintain the Dominion government in its current form given that Mengk's empire was self-appointed and later shown/proven to be "bad" for the people. in real-life, even if Valerian had any political clout going into thing from HotS fallout, he would still be earning himself some serious disfavour amongst his own people and those outside by continuing something that is now seen as a regime. I'd imagine that in order to truly distance himself from his father and to maintain trust and political clout, he would have to abolish the current system of government which would include not referencing his people as "the Dominion" or being an Emperor since this is already tainted by association with Mengsk Snr -which he doesn't need since he already shares his name.

Either way, it's all just narrative conceit. Sure, the Dominion at the end of HotS has never been any weaker but since it's expected that all other Terran factions don't have the balls to grab power for whatever reason and that calling/devising a new scheme of government to distinguish Valerian from his predecessor is not the focus of LotV, we'll just have to lump it.

[ragnarok]

Either way, it's all just narrative conceit. Sure, the Dominion at the end of HotS has never been any weaker but since it's expected that all other Terran factions don't have the balls to grab power for whatever reason and that calling/devising a new scheme of government to distinguish Valerian from his predecessor is not the focus of LotV, we'll just have to lump it.

I'm hoping this finally changes once LotV ends. The Dominion has stayed in power for too long. I expect the KMC to do otherwise. After all, this goes all the way back to the guild wars when they found the Confederacy and everything in the hopes of power dominance. They lost, and have fallen from grace ever since. Now they would want to get it back.

Plus if they don't show the KMC and UP in LotV and only Amon's attacks on the Dominion, it's possible the KMC may just sit back and allow Amon's actions to kill off the Dominion. Let another guy do the dirty work for them and everything.

[Alar]

Rosemary and Jake were reunited? ;~; That's so sweet. And Jake gets a new Protoss buddy! That doesn't tie things up perfectly for them, but it does make me feel a good deal better.

[Nissa]

I'd really rather the Dominion weren't dissolved until we have some clear idea of what the other factions are. We know that the Umojans and Morians exist (and it may be that Valerian has support with Umojans, given where his lab was located), but we know next to nothing about them or how much pull they have on Dominion citizens or economy.

What seems more likely is that internal political forces within the Dominion itself would have been trying to gain power or otherwise influence Mengsk, biding their time until some point in time. Kerrigan's destruction on Korhal is equally as helpful to political opponents as to Valerian, assuming they have enough political clout. What seems most practical is that these opponents either attempt to take over the Dominion for themselves, or wrangle Valerian into a Magna Carta-ish agreement. Depending on what their ability is.

There's no need for the Dominion to change its name, particularly since Sector instability means the people have to try and be as united as possible. It's also easier to avoid collecting enemies if you pretend you're not changing everything about the government.

The trouble is, we're the ones talking about Terran factions. Blizzard has given no real indication that they care at all. This is especially annoying given that they flopped that chance in WoL, and inserting too much Terran stuff will overwhelm the Protoss expansion. Since no rivals to Valerian, intra- or inter-Dominion, have ever been introduced, we have no one to root for, care about, or recoil from.

[Turalyon]

I'd really rather the Dominion weren't dissolved until we have some clear idea of what the other factions are. We know that the Umojans and Morians exist (and it may be that Valerian has support with Umojans, given where his lab was located), but we know next to nothing about them or how much pull they have on Dominion citizens or economy.

It's obvious these "other factions" have no pull (due to inability or indifference - not that that seems to matter anyway), otherwise they would have swooped in when the Confederacy was laid to waste or when given a second opportunity at the end of BW when Mengsk's Dominion was crippled (then again, some would say that Mengsk and the Dominion were only slightly damaged at BW's end).

What seems more likely is that internal political forces within the Dominion itself would have been trying to gain power or otherwise influence Mengsk, biding their time until some point in time. Kerrigan's destruction on Korhal is equally as helpful to political opponents as to Valerian, assuming they have enough political clout. What seems most practical is that these opponents either attempt to take over the Dominion for themselves, or wrangle Valerian into a Magna Carta-ish agreement. Depending on what their ability is.

Wouldn't this spell the end of the Dominion as an effective government though? Knowing what their nature is like, with all this in-fighting and squabbling to get the top position, it would be anarchy.

There's no need for the Dominion to change its name, particularly since Sector instability means the people have to try and be as united as possible. It's also easier to avoid collecting enemies if you pretend you're not changing everything about the government.

Yeah, but the brand name has kinda been tainted. It's now associated with a megalomaniacal self-appointed Emperor who killed millions to get that position and then continued to abuse his priveleges during his rule which culiminated in one of his former associates who had been wronged by him, bringing the wrath of the Swarm onto his people in order to kill him. If one wanted to exercise a genuine change away from all that, a name change is the least they can do on a PR level. This is even considering that whatever is left can even be united, especially if Valerian has genuine opposition from within the broken Dominion.

Since no rivals to Valerian, intra- or inter-Dominion, have ever been introduced, we have no one to root for, care about, or recoil from.

Don't worry, the Shadow Corps will be the appointed Terran villains that we fight. Like how the Tal'darim were introduced, we'll be given a cursory justification (they're fanatics) to kill them. There you go, Valerian is the default good Terran side whilst the Shadow Corps are the bad. Happy?

[DonnyZeDoof]

I'm still not sure if Valerian giving Kerrigan permission to attack the Dominion was a wise choice or even if Kerrigan's entire campaign against the Dominion in HOTS was even worthwhile. I mean Kerrigan dealt some severe blows to the Dominion's military. That weakened it but since Amon is coming the factions in the Koprulu Sector need all the help they can get. It's too bad we probably won't see any consequence for this in LoTV.

- - - Updated - - -

I'm still not sure if Valerian giving Kerrigan permission to attack the Dominion was a wise choice or even if Kerrigan's entire campaign against the Dominion in HOTS was even worthwhile. I mean Kerrigan dealt some severe blows to the Dominion's military. That weakened it but since Amon is coming the factions in the Koprulu Sector need all the help they can get. It's too bad we probably won't see any consequence for this in LoTV.

[Nissa]

It's obvious these "other factions" have no pull (due to inability or indifference - not that that seems to matter anyway), otherwise they would have swooped in when the Confederacy was laid to waste or when given a second opportunity at the end of BW when Mengsk's Dominion was crippled (then again, some would say that Mengsk and the Dominion were only slightly damaged at BW's end).

Well, there was no reason why Blizzard couldn't have created some sort of political opposition for Mengsk during WoL, implying that it had been there since the end of Brood War. Besides, every leader has to deal with other people with authority under him. There's multiple angles it could have come from. For example, Mengsk might have a right hand man who can rival Valerian, or a political opponent calling for reform, or a popular leader from another planet leads a movement for free elections -- any sort of opportunity might exist.

But of course, Blizzard has missed these kinds of opportunities. There's no disputing that.

Wouldn't this spell the end of the Dominion as an effective government though? Knowing what their nature is like, with all this in-fighting and squabbling to get the top position, it would be anarchy.

Not necessarily. It depends on the nature of the opposition, as well as Zerg/Protoss/Umojan/Morian activity. Think about the Soviet Union. Despite having a horrid economic model, opposition from other nations, and weak and/or assassinated leadership since Stalin's death at 1953, they still managed to stay a nation until 1991. If a nation can linger like that for forty years, then surely the Dominion can survive some degree of leadership issues. Particularly since they have better technology, multi-planet resources, redneck survival sentiments, and probably a better economic model.

Yeah, but the brand name has kinda been tainted. It's now associated with a megalomaniacal self-appointed Emperor who killed millions to get that position and then continued to abuse his priveleges during his rule which culiminated in one of his former associates who had been wronged by him, bringing the wrath of the Swarm onto his people in order to kill him. If one wanted to exercise a genuine change away from all that, a name change is the least they can do on a PR level. This is even considering that whatever is left can even be united, especially if Valerian has genuine opposition from within the broken Dominion.

No, I don't think so. Mao Tse Tung is praised and communism still rules the day in China, despite the fact Mao killed 60-70 million people and communism almost destroyed the country. China has slowly been adopting more capitalist practices while remaining communist in name, so it's entirely possible the moniker "Dominion" can live on. After all, technically it's been around only five years, and constant government change makes people weary. This weariness would outweigh any PR benefits.

Don't worry, the Shadow Corps will be the appointed Terran villains that we fight. Like how the Tal'darim were introduced, we'll be given a cursory justification (they're fanatics) to kill them. There you go, Valerian is the default good Terran side whilst the Shadow Corps are the bad. Happy?

Ugh, not even close. But you're probably way more right than I want you to be. Heh, I always thought it was funny that Raynor believes Tychus and Tosh when they say that the Tal'darim are just fanatics, despite the fact that both guys are dangerous guys obviously hiding stuff from him. It's a good thing the Tal'darim turned out to be baddies, or Jimmy boy would be a murderer for hire.