Chapter III: Live Together, Die Alone

Somewhere on the surface of TarKosia

02:44 Local Hour

*Mutalisks can be heard attacking and nozzles can be seen lighting up the surroundings*

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„Stay down! Those mutas can rip off your head!”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„What’s you’re name, Private?” *looking at an injured marine*

Prv. Vladimir Cebirsev

„Cebirsev, Vladimir. Private of Marine Squadron 12.”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Are you okay? Any signs of injury?”

Prv. Vladimir Cebirsev

„I think I’m alright. But my exoskeleton is pretty damaged. I cannot move any of my hands or legs. The motor relays must be cut off from main power. I got a bump on my head. I don’t think I’m bleeding...” *trying to move*

*radio static is heard*

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd  

„... evac... I repeat: the zone is too hot for immediate evac. Hang tight. Air support will come soon, over.”

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„That’s not good enough, God damn it! We’re overrun by the zerg. Mostly air force and we do not have necessary firepower to keep up with their attacks. Please advise!”

*radio static is heard*

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd 

„There is no way this can happen faster. Hang on.”

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„Acknowledged. *pulls out the antenna from the radio and throws it. Joe looks at her* „I don’t think we’re gonna need radio too much: either they come quick or we die here.” *smiles and then starts shooting*

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„We’re not leaving anyone behind. Understood?” *very serious and angry*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Let me introduce you my C-14 modified riffle with U-238 tips, you freaks!” *screaming loud to the sky*

Wurms can be heard touching the ground over and over again. The mutaliks made a horrible noise every time they launched an attack. The gray sky made the flyers difficult to see, but the marines shoot as best as they could. Not far, zerglings can be heard approaching their position. Massive rocks and some tank debris surround the squad, making it a good place to take cover. The three moons light up the rocky mountains in the distant view. Zerg can easily be spotted coming down on it because of their very large number. It seems to be a grim situation for the terrans.

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„I’m running out of ammo. Only 100 bullets and those damn bitches still fly over our heads!”

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„Make every bullet count then!”

Prv. Vladimir Cebirsev

„Take my gear. You still have plenty of ammo in it.”

*Joe takes Vladimir riffle and throws it to Alona*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„How are you hanging there, private?”

 *shoots a zergling that falls just next to Vladimir*

Prv. Vladimir Cebirsev

„I’m ok. Just stuck in this chicken shit outfit!” *laughs a little*

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„Incoming!!! Everybody get down!”

*two wurms came down just near Vladimir and Joe. The creatures started to move towards them but Timothy shoots them on sight.*

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„Don’t make me do that again! Stay sharp!” *very serious*

            The marines shoot down mutalisks one by one and more of them came to attack. Zerglings started to reach them and they had to watch out for both air and ground attacks now.

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„I’m all done. Switching to bayonet. En garde!” *smiles*

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„Jesus, Joe, we’re in the middle of getting our asses kicked. Shut up!”

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„I’m out of ammo also. Bayonet it is. Alona, try to bring down more mutas, we’ll deal with the zerglings. Joey, watch over the private. We can do this people!” *plain serious and very confident on himself*

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„Sure, just do your part.” *rather unconfident but sticking to the orders without any protests*

Prv. Vladimir Cebirsev

„Thank you guys, but you can still make a run for it and save yourself. The LZ is not far. You don’t have to do this…” *scared*

*Timothy throws his weapon and goes to Vladimir. He picks him a bit up so he can talk face to face.*

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„Listen up very closely, boy. You ain’t gonna die here, I ain’t gonna die here, they ain’t gonna die here! Is that clear?”

Prv. Vladimir Cebirsev

„But look how many they are…”

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„Is that clear, private?”

Prv. Vladimir Cebirsev

„Sir, yes, sir!” *trying to show confidence but still scared*

            Zerglings quickly outnumbered the marines. Soon, the rocky ridges were full of zerg. Joe and Timothy fought with them, throwing them in any direction, keeping Vladimir to safety. Alona shot her last bullets but there was no use: more mutalisks came to attack. She also switched to bayonet and tried to fight the alien creatures. Unexpectedly, a zergling jumped over a boulder and put Joe to the ground. Alona reached her pistol and shot the zergling but another two jumped on her, making her fall down. Joe tried to get up, but other zerg jumped on him. Timothy tried to make room to kill the aliens but he was overwhelmed too. Vladimir was also surrounded by zerglings, which began to rip off his exoskeleton.

            In that moment of despair, a distant noise made its way. Suddenly, the sky lights up in balls of fire. Mutalisks fall to the ground almost incinerated. The Zerglings raised their head to see what happened and then all of them retreated. After them were hellion vehicles. Vikings then travel the sky over the ridges the marines were pinned down. Support finally came, saving the squad.

Hyperion’s Shuttle Bay

07:06 Ship Hour

*a big hangar with many shuttles in it. Many large machines transporting cargo and very much noise. People are very busy. Squad One and Vladimir disembarks the shuttle which evacuated them. They are awaited by Captain Shepperd.

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd 

„Corporal, come over here now!” *very angry*

*Timothy approaches him. He is smiling*

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd 

„Who authorized you to leave your position and head so far into enemy territory?”

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„No one, sir. I did what I had to do. Private Alona and Private Astor followed my orders. They are not to be implicated in this.” *very calm*

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd 

„I’m sure of that. Listen, boy. I know it was though on Tarsonis. I heard all about that. You are a survivor. But first of all, you are a marine! You do as you are told by your superiors and you never question their orders.” *very angry almost yelling at him*

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„You say you heard about that? Request permission to speak freely, sir.” *acting seriously*

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd 

„Request granted, corporal.”

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„I was part of the strike team led by Sarah Kerrigan herself on Tarsonis. I had a firebat suit then. When the zerg overwhelmed us, I was among the lucky ones who didn’t blow up in those things. We requested evac over and over again until there was only me. We were caught off from our commander, Kerrigan, who went further on high ground so she could signal our position easier. But in the end she disappeared too. This ain’t about me being a survivor. It’s about knowing how it is when everybody leaves you behind. I wasn’t going to leave him behind *points at Vladimir* even if I were to die trying to reach him. But you were going to. Why?”

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd 

„His squad was presumed dead. He was in an ineffective CMC suit. He had no chance. We cannot risk other lives for him and you know this too!”

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„Bullshit! Then, what makes you better then Mengsk? He left us behind, too.” *yelling and very mad*

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd 

„That’s enough, corporal!”

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„Only the zerg march in great numbers. Those who die, die. It doesn’t matter to them, they have a mission. We are Terrans, for crying out loud! We’re different!”

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd 

„I said enough, corporal. Your case will be investigated in the briefing next hour to see whether you are suited or not to be the leader of this squad. Until the investigation is over, you are relieved of your command. Understood?”

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„Yes, sir.” *looking contemnfull at his captain*

*walking towards the corridor seal, where Joe and Alona awaits him*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„What was all that about?” *very confused*

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„Nothing. Just nothing.”

*he walks down the corridor and punches the wall really hard*

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„If that’s nothing... I don’t wanna see what’s something...” *looking long at Timothy*

Quarters of Squad 1 aboard the Hyperion

09:15 Ship Hour

*Vladimir buzzes at the intercom and Joe opens the door for him. In the room there was only Alona, who did not pay attention to the guest. She continued cleaning her gear.”

Prv. Vladimir Cebirsev

„Is Corporal Banks around?”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„No... he went awol right after he handed over his exo in the armory.”

Prv. Vladimir Cebirsev

„I wanted to thank you guys for coming after me. And especially him for bringing some sense into me back there. I lost it...” *a little bit ashamed*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„No problemo. Glad to see you’re okay. How’s the head though? *he looks and sees some stitches on the back of Vladimir’s head*

Prv. Vladimir Cebirsev

„Just a bruise, but you know doctors...” *smiling*

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„Hey, Joey, enough with the chit-chat. We have work to around here. Oh, it’s you. *looks at Vladimir.* One question for you: what were you doing so far out the perimeter? Our mission was to keep the zerg away for the miners to get that pockets of minerals and then leave. You were more than 25 klicks away from your designated waypoint.” *very suspicious*

Prv. Vladimir Cebirsev

„As I already said in my report, when we got to the designated waypoint we got a distress call from what appeared to be a tank. The distress said there were 5 people stuck in a tank and attacked by the zerg. We reported to the captain who gave us instructions to approach them with caution. When we got there, it was an ambush. It seems the zerg tempered with some radio equipment and brought us there, where we were pinned down rather easily and quickly...”

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„Zerg tempering with equipment. Come on. Be serious. Who heard such thing? They’re animals. They do not posses intelligence...” *not believing what she heard.*

Prv. Vladimir Cebirsev

„All I know is we got there and we had no chance. Thanks to you I am here telling the story... I have to go now. I have a briefing to attend to. Send my regards to the corporal. God speed.”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Take care of yourself. *looking at Alona* Strange, don’t you think? Infested terrans could do that, maybe...”

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„Infested terrans mutate and are abominations. They don’t think, Joe. Listen to what you are saying... We are fighting them for almost 5 years. Nothing changed.” *confident*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

You’re maybe right. I’m just stressed. *thinking about Alona’s dreams*

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„Let’s head to the cantina. We deserve a drink after today. *smiles and grabs Joe by the shoulder, leaving together*

Hyperion’s Cantina

09:34 Ship Hour

*The cantina was almost full. Timothy was sitting by the bar and taking in account the great number of empty glasses, he was here for a long time. Joe and Alona go sit next to him.*

The Bartender

„Can I get you guys something?” *talking to Alona and Joe*

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„Two double whiskeys, cutie.” *winks at him*

The Bartender

„Right on it.” *smiling*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Timmy, are you okay?” *worried*

*Timothy was watching into his empty glass holding it very tight*

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„Let it go, Joe...” *serious*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„You’re drunk... What happened? What did the superiors say?”

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„I said let it go.”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Common man. What’s the deal? We are supposed to be friends on top of everything.”

*Timothy gets on his feet, grabs Joe by his neck and throws him in the middle of the cantina. Then he pulls him up*

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„Friends? You, son of a bitch. I thought we were friends until I heard you were under my command to observe my behavior and report to the command.” *very angry*

*throws him on a table, which breaks into pieces. Joe’s head is bleeding. Alona sits back, watching them fight.*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„You were one of Mengsk’s men. They had to see if you were a spy or not.” *screaming to him and reaches his head, figuring out he is actually bleeding*

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„A spy? Are you out of your freaking mind? I was left for dead! You saved me back on Tarsonis and you believed I was a spy?” *astonished of what he heard*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„I didn’t believe that, man. But I had my orders...”

*Timothy picks Joe up and punches him back to the ground*

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„Being a marine is more important to you than doing what is right. *calm now* I tried to make it up to you for saving me. I stood besides you every single time. And now... I hear this...” *disappointed* „You don’t know how hard is to feel betrayed. I was left for dead back on Tarsonis. I survived two bloody weeks in that hell only with a riffle, bayonet and eating whatever I found. I had no sleep there because the sons of bitches crawled beneath me and I had to shoot every damn place. When I saw you coming and asking if I’m alright I almost started to cry because I thought I was dead. People live together, Joe, but they die alone. However, I thought we will be together both living and dying. I really thought we were like brothers, not friends... much more than that.

*Joe gets back on his feet.*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„I am your friend...”

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„I don’t know about that anymore.*goes to Alona and gives her his corporal ranks.* The captain demoted me. Congratulations, mam. You are the new corporal of Squad one.”

*Timothy leaves the cantina. Everybody looks at Joe who tries to dust off his clothes. Alona is confused and does not know what to believe.*

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„You got it coming, Joey. I told you he will react like so.”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„I hope he’ll get over it. *angry on himself.* Maybe I should of told him about my orders. He is my best friend...”

*Alona looks at her new ranks and smiles. She changes the subject.*

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„So... I am the new corporal... I always thought you would take the lead of the squad.” *happy with a big smile of satisfaction on her face*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Then I had to argue with me and mock myself over every order. No, thanks. Go woman power!” *laughing*

*the bartender comes back and serves the drinks. Alona winks again and smiles*

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„Back to your quarters, private. I have a briefing to attend to.” *smiling and blowing a kiss to the bartender, who was delighted of Alona’s interest*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Gimme a break. You have those ranks for ten seconds and...”

*Alona cuts his words*

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„That’s an order, marine!” *very authorative*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Jesus. Go women power… Yey…”

*Joe leaves the cantina and Alona looks back at the bartender. The two seem to have a good time together.*

Chapter II: Dreams of the Future

The stunt pulled on Mar Sara got very much attention. Mengsk made public statements about the incident and put the spotlight on Raynor’s people. A good move made by the Emperor because now, many started to believe that Jim Raynor actually became a terrorist and would use innocent people to achieve his goals. Even so, the ex-marshal had bigger problems now...

            After a week since the raid on Mar Sara, people aboard the Hyperion started to act weird. Some of them lost conscience had aggressive outbursts and others pretend to hear voices or see things. Medics and scientists could not find the answer for their behavior. To diminish incidents, all personal has been requested to stay in their quarters until further notice...

Marine Quarters Room 212, aboard the Hyperion

10:33 Ship Hour

*The quarter itself was a small room containing 4 bunk beds and little room to move. On the walls there are pictures with Joe, Alona and Timothy, fighting or just smiling for the camera. Also, medals are ordered and put high on the left wall in a nice frame. The two beds down are owned by Joe and Timothy and the one above Joe’s is owned by Alona. The forth one is vacant. The three stand each in their bed, talking about what is going on aboard the Hyperion... and other things...*

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„One hydra smacked in the head with a bullet, two hydras smacked in their head with only one bullet... damn I’m good! Three hydras...”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Timmy, what the hell? Last time you counted hydras you got to one hundred or something. Don’t you have something else to do?”

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„Don’t be a slick, boy! *they both laughs* We’ve been down here for almost 6 hours and nobody said anything. I got bored and when I get bored I count hydras... or you’d rather want me to play hacky sack with your balls?” *smiles*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Why would you do that?!”

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„All you do is yapper around without stopping. Geez! You’re like citizen women in a holomultiplex. Just shut up already! Serious business is happening aboard you count hydras. Behave like marines for God’s sake!” *serious *

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„You heard her, Tim. Start counting nukes!” *both laugh*

*A gun is heard clicking from Alona’s bed*

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„Some things never change: you sit around telling jokes and I have to worry about serious things...”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Just chill, Alona. The commander suggested to stay put so that they can figure what’s wrong with the crew. All scientists are working to figure it out, but in my opinion, I think it’s about stress. I feel great...”

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„I bet you do.” *very serious*

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„Fifteen hydras knocked down by my bullet...”

*A moment of silence and then all three of them burst into laugh. Joe gets up in the vacant bed while in the background, Timothy can be heard counting hydras.*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Are you alright? You sound pretty tense.”

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„Sure... I’m fine...” *tries to not look at him and to appear she is cleaning her gun*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Alona, it’s me you’re talking with. You’re distracted, I don’t know. For the last couple of days you can’t seem to focus, even when we are at briefing you aren’t there as you used to be.”

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„Look, Joe. I’m fine. I’m having some bad dreams and can’t sleep well. That’s it.” *working even harder to clean the gun*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Wait a sec. You didn’t report this to the meds? Maybe too much stim pack for you. Remember last time you pushed the button too many times? You thought I was your mother...” *smiling, but then gets back serious*

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„It isn’t the stim. I haven’t used any since Mar Sara. And I told you, I’m ok...” *trying to fake a smile*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„What do you see in those dreams?”

*Alona takes a long look at Joe.*

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„That’s troubling. I see us... somewhere on an unknown planet. We are engaged with the zerg. Protoss troops fight alongside with us. We can almost win the fight when something appears... I don’t know what it is but it resembles both to a protoss and a zerg... The sky then turns red and we all die... it looks so real...”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„It’s just a dream. But I want you to report to the infirmary. Maybe a psi rad introspection would make it go away. Dreams are dreams...”

*The speaker announces that quarantine has been removed and everybody is free to move around the ship.*

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„Bullshit! Damn, man, I only got to one hundred two hydras... That’s a shame...”

All the personnel now return to their active duties. Alona was on south turret guard, Timothy had to go to a briefing and Joe was out of duty. Even so, „Slick” understood Alona did not tell everything. The look she gave him was pretty serious, like a warning but fear can easily be felt. Joe thought it was time for him to get a drink, so he decided to go to the cantina.

Corridors aboard the Hyperion

12:05 Ship Hour

            Joe was pretty much disturbed by Alona’s vision. He has not seen her like that for a long time. Walking down the corridor, the lights were flicking. In Joe’s mind, past events start to rollback.

*introspection and memories come up into Joe’s mind*

            Joe, Alona and her sister, Lexa, were on a covert op to retrieve a data disc from a Dominion base, back on Korhal IV. It had strategically defense schematics and it was a priority one mission. The target was pretty simple to reach but once they got it, the alarm would turn on due to the barium motion sensors.

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Just another day on the job, ey girls?” *smiling*

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„We don’t have time for this, pretty boy. Get the disc and let’s make a run for it.”

*Lexa runs by them and gunshots are heard from behind*

Prv. Lexa DaVilla

„You two lovebirds can talk all day long. Here’s the disc. Catch!” *laughs and throws it in Alona’s hands, then all of them runs”

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„Lovebir... *a bullet almost hits her helmet but ricochets into the wall* Go, I’ll make cover!”

            The three run towards the exit. Many ground units are deployed to catch them. Enemy troops flanked their position and caught them off from the corridor which leads to the exit.

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Listen, I cover your pretty asses while you run towards the end of the corridor over there and plant some plasma mines. When I run, make sure you blow them up as soon as I cross over. Got it?”

Prv. Lexa DaVilla

„Aye, aye, Joey! *blows a kiss and laughs*

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„Let’s go then!”

            Joe started to lay cover fire and the two marines ran to the end of the corridor. There, they stopped to deploy plasma mines, just as planned. Alona put her mine and took cover but when Lexa tried to lay it down, a Dominion marauder shoots at her and the mine was hit causing it to explode right in Lexa’s face. Alona froze. She was stunned and did nothing. Joe saw what happened and run screaming to Alona to cover him. He grabbed Lexa and pulled her to safety. Then he used a C4 charge to cut off the corridor by collapsing it. Lexa was in pretty bad shape. Alona called her name desperately trying to make her gain consciousness but blood was all over her face and she was nonresponsive.

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Alona! Alona! Snap out of it! I’ll grab her, you make sure we are safe and not under fire!” *he seemed calm and decisive but he was really scared*

They succeeded into getting outside the base where Timothy waited for them in a med evac unit. He was also shocked to see Lexa down. The medics tried all they could but Lexa did not make it. Alona was devastated. She blamed herself ever since for not putting the second mine herself. Yet, she managed to put that aside and make peace with herself.

For a long time she had sadness in her eyes and fear something similar would repeat. She was off duty many weeks and she attended psychological reiteration courses. Somehow, today, Joe saw the same look as the one she had then.

Suddenly, Joe wakes up from his flashback and gets vigilant. He thought he saw something. He looked back and around him but there was nothing. Only the light was fading in and out in a rapid manner. Out of nowhere, a shadow appears in front of him and goes down a corner. Joe could not believe his eyes. He has never seen such thing before. It did not resemble to anything he had knowledge of. He tries to follow it. There it was again, going towards the cantina. He runs towards it and sees how it gets through the cantina’s door. When the door opens, he sees Dr. Sheldon Carter, an astrophysicist.

Dr. Sheldon Carter

„Excuse me, Joe... you seem disoriented...”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Did you see that?” *looking in every direction, searching the shadow”

Dr. Sheldon Carter

„See.... what?”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Little green men... What do you think? The shadow or whatever it was. It ran right into the door and through it!”

Dr. Sheldon Carter

„First of all, nice joke with the green men... Classic I might add. Secondly, there is no such thing as „getting through walls”. You see, in modern science we tried to bend the structure of the atoms in such manner there would be enough space to interbind with exotic particl...”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Sheldon, shut up. *calming himself down” We need to talk. Something is very wrong and we are not told everything, that’s for sure. Come.”

Dr. Sheldon Carter

„Where to? I was going to perform some diagnostics and the new roach tissue found on Mar Sara...”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Sheldon, now!”

Dr. Sheldon Carter

„Lead the way!” *smiling*

Laboratory aboard the Hyperion

12:13 Ship Hour

Joe told Sheldon everything: Alona’s dreams and his shadow encounter. First, Sheldon thought it was a prank pulled on him but then he understood this was serious business.

Dr. Sheldon Carter

„I know stuff has been happening around. But I wasn’t told anything about dreams or shadows. Looks like a med’s job if you ask me.”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„The med’s are clueless. And I know what I saw...”

Dr. Sheldon Carter

„Wait you said you experienced it on the way to the cantina... right before we met down there?” *a little bit puzzled*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Yes... It was right there. It just appeared...”

Dr. Sheldon Carter

„Beneath that corridor is this lab, actually the room next door where is the test area...”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„So?”

Dr. Sheldon Carter

„The package you retrieved on Mar Sara is put on tests... on daily bases... It’s high tech and really helped us discove...”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Sheldon, what have we brought aboard?” *really serious*

Dr. Sheldon Carter

„Well, nothing to interest you, and nothing that would endanger the ship. But it’s pretty exciting stuff to work with.” *smile and laughs in a nerdy way”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„I’m gonna ask you again, then I’m gonna pull out my gun and shoot your osmotic defiler membrane picked up last month! What’s the package?”

Dr. Sheldon Carter

„You wouldn’t dare! All right, then... It’s an alien artifact. It seems to belong to those the protoss call Xel’ Naga. But it’s just a piece. Even so, it is very interesting as it draws its power from subspace. It emits low radiations but they don’t seem to interfere in any way with human physiology. We are currently conducting some experiments by bombarding it with different radiations and laser beams. It seems to deflect almost everything except the good old X Rays... that was what we tested when....” *swallows very hard*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„When I was passing there... I got that. So that explains my hallucination! What about Alo...”

*the general alarm goes active. Gunshots were heard in the south turret area and all near units were advised to approach with caution*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Alona is performing her shift over there! Thanks, doc! Report to the commander that we know what caused the strange behavior.”

Dr. Sheldon Carter

„Right on it. Sure hope he won’t forbid tests, though...” *sighs*

South turret of the Hyperion

12:23 Ship Hour

            Gunshots are continuously fired towards the corridor entry. Marines cannot go in. All they know is that Alona is firing the weapon and she barricaded herself after a desk. At the site arrive both Joe and Timothy.

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„What do I miss? Is she gone insane?”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Remember the package from last week? Mar Sara?”

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„Yeah.. What about it?”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Some alien crap twists our head when they irradiate it...”

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„So that’s why I saw scantids everywhere. Nice!” *laughs*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„The fu... never mind... Alona! Alona, stop the fire, let’s talk!”

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„She’s dead because of you! You’re dead! We are all dead! *crying and shouting all over the place*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Calm down. We’re just fine. Please put the gun down”

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„You don’t get it. The zerg aren’t the threat. Those monsters are. And you Joe, you will die right in front of me and I can’t save you... I just can’t... Nobody can... And everybody around me dies.... I can’t take it anymore!”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Listen to me! I am here, alive. No one dies. It’s alright. * he tries to approach her* Remember when I was on that mission alone back on Paralta and lost comlink with base? You came after me and saved me from a whole planet infested by zerg... You neglected a direct order and came after me. I was shocked... when I saw you... Put the gun down please...”

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„It’s not gonna be the same... it’s just not gonna....”

*she falls down, drops the weapon and starts to cry. Joe grabs her and hugs her, trying to calm her down.*

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„I knew they’ll get back eventually, hehe.” *laughs and goes back to his quarters.*

Marine Quarters Room 212, aboard the Hyperion

19:58 Ship Hour

            Alona went to the infirmary and passed all tests, then she was sent to her quarters. Joe stood beside her all the time. He tried to make her more comfortable and explained everything. He tried to tell her it was just a hallucination and eventually she believed him. Timothy came back from a briefing.

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„Are you ok, Alona?”

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„Now, I’m alright. What did the Commander say?”

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„Well, they put a stop to the experiments. They need this artifact for some corporation or something but they wanted to study it. Tech bullshit. I don’t know... As far as Alona is concerned, she is off duty a couple of days until I feel you are right back on your feet.” *winks*

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„That’s good news. I don’t know what got into me... I’m sorry...”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„You should... You were going to shoot me!”

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„Maybe you deserve it...  Thought about that?” *laughs*

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„You had it coming, you know, for those things back on Korhall IV...”*winks* „Just kidding’. Thanks for helping me back there...” *reaches for his hand*

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„What about me? I ain’t getting something out of this? I am the superior rank in the chain of command...”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Maybe she will dust off your ranks on your marine exoskeleton, how about that?” *all of them laugh*

*Dr. Sheldon enters and calls outside Joe*

Dr. Sheldon Carter

„Heard about everything. Are you ok? Are you back with Alona?” *smiles devilish*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„I’m alright and free of charge. *laughs* What’s up?”

Dr. Sheldon Carter

„Well, I did some research and... you know those hallucinations were symptoms everybody had but dreams, no one... We don’t know how the artifact works nor how it reacts upon human subjects but statistical speaking...”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„You’re telling me she was the only one with vivid dreams?”

Dr. Sheldon Carter

„Yes...” *puzzled* „Why?”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„I don’t know... maybe... those dreams aren’t just dreams...”

Chapter I: The Comeback

It has been 4 years since the Brood Wars ended. The remaining Terran in the Kropulu sector have been reorganized under the Dominion’s political system. Emperor Mengsk strengthened his position as humanity’s leader. Speculating the disarray in which all the factions were, he extended his reaches far beyond those he could initially, before the wars. Knowing the Zerg would come back at any moment, more and more planets adhered to the Dominion. But voices of protest still can be heard as not everybody was convinced this course of action was the answer.

Many were right thinking this way because Emperor Mengsk had other plans instead of preparing for the Zerg. He wanted to assure his ruling over the sector and for this to happen, he had to eliminate all potential dangers, such as Jim Raynor. Using mass media and propaganda, he launched a smear campaign against the former marshal of Mar Sara.

Nowadays, Jim Raynor gathered a group of people called Raynor’s Raiders with whom he prepares a strike against the corrupt Dominion. Due to low resources and ghosts of the past clouding his mind, a revolution was far from being possible. But Raynor was not going to sit back on the people at need and plundered whatever he could, preparing for his next move...

Hyperion’s Armory

04:53 Ship Hour

Captain Scott Seignour

„Listen up, folks! We have been given a very important assignment. We are to secure a package on Mar Sara. After the zerg invaded the planet we all know how the protoss fired up their asses. But now, the Dominion has established another base there and we are to infiltrate and retrieve a very important piece of hardware.”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Hey Cap, what package are we talking about?”

Captain Scott Seignour

„It’s classified. No one is to open the package down there. We have been given strict orders. Don’t you be wise guys. It will be a ruff landing far beyond enemy lines, so stay sharp and don’t get itchy triggers.”

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„That’s assuring. Another suicide mission for the cause. Remind me: instead of avoiding being killed in such fucked up missions, why don’t we just go in the heart of the Dominion and kill Mengsk?”

Captain Scott Seignour

„Suck it up private! We are marines, this is our „heaven”! We trained for this, remember? Now get suit up and shut your pieholes. We have a mission to accomplish.”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Just like old times, isn’t it Alona? Going for a steal” *laughs*

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„I don’t know Astor... Every mission I’ve been deployed with you turned bad. Remember Mar Sara 4 years ago?”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Hey, how was I supposed to know the Command Center was infested by Zerg? We didn’t even know what the zerg were... And... Commander Raynor gave us the order to go in...”

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„Oh yeah? I pretty much remember he said to be cautious and NOT to go in... You entered and I had to follow you... luckily we are still alive...”

Captain Scott Seignour

„Wasn’t I clear enough? Move, move, move, private!”

Surface of Mar Sara

13:27 Local Hour

Even though the planet’s surface was „purified” by the protoss in order to destroy the zerg, the Dominion established new colonies and restored it as much as possible. The real reason for this was that scientists discovered some unique minerals and also alien artifacts. No one knows why Mengsk had so much interest in it, but he was not the only one...

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Nothing really changed down here... Same craters, same sand, same dust...”

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„Same God damned heat!”

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„Cut the yapper, marines. We have a long walk. Try not to make me shoot you before we get there.” *ironic smile*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„We love you too, Timmy.” *winks*

            The captain led the squads using old school infiltration techniques. It was the first organized mission after a long time of staying out of the game. He feared his troops were not prepared for such a difficult mission so soon. But the orders came from Jim Raynor himself. So it was very important indeed and failure was not an option....

Secret Dominion Base, somewhere on the surface of Mar Sara

18:49 Local Hour

            It is dark already. The day here lasts only 9 hours. The temperature dropped suddenly after the night fell. Somewhere far, rhynados can be heard. The two moons orbiting the planet are at their glance over the clean sky.

Captain’s Seignour forces are deployed strategically near the base’s fences. Squad One and Six are at the back entrance, Squad Two and Three were deployed on two ridges for support. Squad Four and Five along with the captain were awaiting at the primary gate. Dominion marines, marauders and deployed siege tanks can be spotted easily. Bunkers all over the place but surprisingly, not many missile turrets. It can be an easy mission altogether but the tension can be felt all around...

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„I don’t know, man. I’m having a bad feeling. So much ground force but not much anti-air firepower.”

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„They don’t expect an attack here. Haven’t you seen the people here? They are all like farmers for crying out loud! They have a zerg rodeo... stupid sons of bitches... They toy with them instead of killing them. If I had the power...” *very angry*

*Radio static can be heard* 

Captain Scott Seignour

 „Corporal, get a grip on the tasks at hand. Take private Astor and private DaVilla and blow up the two bunkers in front. The Squad Six will burst in and I want you to support them. Banshees are on their way and we need the turrets down. Over and out.”

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„Copy that. You heard the man, let’s go privates.”

*approaching the bunkers silently; talking in whispers*

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„Heh! You know what the protoss say before each battle?”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Please do enlighten us, Timmy.” *smiles*

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„Today is good day to die. Maybe they are right, no?”

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„I’d rather be alive. First C4 deployed”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Second C4 deployed and armed. Awaiting your command, Timmy sir.” *almost laughing*

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„We are going to have a talk after this. *he raises his eyebrow and smiles ironical*  Squad One deployed charges, I repeat, Squad One deployed charges. Awaiting your command, over.”

*lots of radio static*

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„Remember our last time on Mar Sara, Joe? The tech boys said there’s something with the magnetic core of the planet which interferes with the radio in some parts of the planet. We had lots of trouble last time.”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Yeah, but didn’t the captain know this?”

*Radio static*

Captain Scott Seignour

„Roger that, Squad One... You are in for a ...”

*Gunshots and screams are heard. Suddenly, in the south corner of the base, a ball of fire rises from an explosion. Base alert goes active*

Captain Scott Seignour

„To every squad, we have been spotted. Tanks are firing on our position, retreat. I repeat: retreat to the evac LZ. Keep those lines boys! Giv’em hell. Watch your back priv....”

*A big explosion is heard on the radio. Squad One takes a look at the zone where the captain was supposed to be at the front gate. A red fireball lightened up the sky. A siege tank acquired their position and fired.*

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„Mother of all Gods...” *stunned of what she has seen*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Come on, move... Alona, wake up! They’re gone! Let’s move now. We have to go to the LZ, FAST!”

*Alona snaps out of it and gets her gun. They are starting to run towards the landing zone when Banks suddenly stops.*

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„Look, we all heard the orders but we need to take those turrets down. Banshees and Med Evacs will come here and tear this place up. We can blow the bunkers up and use the remaining C4 to blow the anti air turrets!”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Uhm... I don’t want to be disrespectful to a higher rank officer, but are you fucking crazy, man? Siege, marauders, bunkers... how are we going to get passed all that? Obviously they expected us since they knew the captain’s location...”

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„You are both right. They expected us and we need to destroy the turrets. You are both wrong also. They don’t expect us to come from the back and we don’t need C4 to destroy the turrets. We can use siege tanks...” *winks*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„You crazy girl. You want to hijack some tanks. This is crazy, I tell you, pure madness. That’s why I am going to do it... If it is ok with you, sir...” *smiles*

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„What can I say? Hell, yeah! Let’s take us some tanks”

            The captain’s squad was pulverized by the tank’s blast. It was obvious no one survived. Except Squad One, the other squads retreated. Because of the radio malfunction, the Banshee Squadron cannot be warned of the mission’s development. Squad One put together by far the most insane plan: 3 marines against an army of marines and marauders and several siege tanks. Afterwards, all they would have to do is to resist until the aerial support comes. To create a diversion, they entered the base and then blew up the bunkers. In the moment of confusion, the marines evaded the lights and the ground forces and approached different tanks...”

*Inside the siege tank. A rather small place for two persons but with many gadgets around. Displays with infrared, heat seeker targeting system, S.E.N.S.E technology, and state of the art equipment. Joe approaches from behind with the rifle’s barrel touching the pilot’s head.*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Listen up, Bob. You have a plasma charge on the back of the tank. You wanna live, you do what I say and nothing bad happens. Got that?”

Dominion Tank Pilot

„Ok man. I’m.... I’m here only for the money so... so... whatever you say...”

*scared face and sweating a lot*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Hmm... *confused* I expected more resistance from you, dominion guys... Ah well. *smiling, then reaching his radio* Ok, guys, I have a siege in control. How are you standing?”

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„My pilot decided to get a leak. But I can shoot this baby, hehe. How about you, Alona?”

*radio static and interference*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Alona, are you there?” *a bit nervous*

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„Yes... here... My pilot decided to join me... in the end...”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Are you ok?”

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„Yes... are we going to do this or what?”

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„Yeah, yeah... Wait your horses. Everybody on my mark. Aim... And 3... 2... 1.. Fire!”

            In all the confusion created, 3 siege tanks attacked the turrets and brought them down. The Dominion forces did not know what to do at first, but then they turned all their fire against the tanks. From the sky, you could see real fireworks: bullets ricochet from the plating of the tanks all over the place and marauders trying to get a direct heat, but the other tanks had no chance. Squad One opened fire on them even before the pilots got time to run.

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„I can see nothing out there except bullets and shrapnel. Where the hell is the air support?”

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„Stop complaining and enjoy the show.” *laughs*

            The Banshees came and neutralized almost all ground forces, except those who surrendered. Reinforcements scattered the place and found the package. After that happened, the Commander gave the order to evacuate the place. Squad One was congratulated for the success of the mission, even though they disconsidered a direct order and because one of the dominion tank pilots escaped from them. It seems like the pilot from one of the hijacked tanks managed to run away after the evac order had been given. Still, the 3 remain heroes of the day...

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„Let me get this straight: we hijack tanks, destroy turrets for air support to come in, find the package, secure it and when the evac order is given, we are so sloppy to lose a prisoner? Alona, how come?”

Prv. Alona „Widowmaker” DaVilla

„Well.... I.... I....”

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

„Common man, let her loose. It was a hard mission, we got it through. We kicked ass today! Let’s celebrate God damned it!”

Corporal Timothy „Sandman” Banks

„One of these days, Joey... We’ll have a talk...” *smiles and laughs*

            The three left together side by side as always after a successful mission. Once more, they came out where not many did. Squad One marks the spot again...