Chapter VIII: Power Overwhelming

Briefing Room, aboard the Hyperion

17:09 Ship Hour

*Joe and Andrew are waiting for the captain to get their orders. Andrew is rather impatient because he has no clue what this is all about.*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

*taping the table with his hand* “Common, Astor... What’s going on? What’s this next assignment?” 

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“We will be given our next mission. I think the cap will also give us some new man power to complete the squad.”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“The Commander, Jim Raynor gave us a go... That’s what he said. What does that suppose to mean?” *confused*

Prv. Joe “Slick” Astor

“It means we have direct orders. Fischer, chill out. Everything’s alright.” *very calm*

*the Captain enters the room, along with two women. Andrew is surprised to see the girls as they were quite beautiful. Joe did not sketch anything. Both marines stand up and salute the Captain.*

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd 

“At ease, privates. Let me introduce you to your new squad members: Prv. Yar and Prv. LeNoir. *both women salute* Prv. Yar is specialized in Zerg tactics while Prv. LeNoir knows her way with demolitions. Both specially requested to be transferred to your squad. Because of the recent events, the command suggested that the new leader should be Prv. Astor. Therefore, congratulations Astor, you have been promoted to Corporal. *hands him the ranks*. Now, about your next assignment: the Commander accepted a deal which can end the war with the Zerg. With the recent protoss artifacts we recovered, scientist developed an antizerg weapon of some kind and we are going to test it on Char. But the hybrid matter cannot be left unattended. This is where you come in: while we are heading to Char, you will be go back on Atticus Minor to annihilate all these things.”

*Andrew is getting nervous and finds it very disturbing.*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Excuse me, captain, but this is insane. We saw what those things can do. How in the hell are you expecting us to destroy them? Us... only 4 people against God knows how many abominations and, on top of all, against all the zerg... We were lucky, damn lucky the last time...” *very serious*

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd 

“We are not going to let you jump into battle without any support. Once on Atticus Minor, you will have to scout the hybrids position and then rendezvous with a small operational taskforce called “Delta Thunder”. “

Corporal Joe “Slick” Astor

“Ghosts...” *acting very interested* “Captain, after all the backstabs, can we trust ghosts?”

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd 

“These ones, yes. They are mercenaries, the best we could find and they will finish this job.” *smiling* “We managed to “borrow” some nukes from old Mengsk and these fellows will help you get your job done.”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“This gets better and better. Now, why us? We are one of the best squads the Commander has at his disposal and I think you really need us on Char. There are other suited squads for such tactical missions...”

Captain Samuel „The Dog” Shepperd 

“Corporal Astor asked for this job. We decided you are fit for it. So... you know your orders. God speed and I hope to see you again, marines. Dismissed.”

*The marines salute while the captain leaves the room. Andrew is not comfortable at all after hearing his mission. Joe is very serious, thinking at something.*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Why would you request such a mission? It’s suicide...” *confused*

Corporal Joe “Slick” Astor

“We have to destroy those things. What do you think it will happen when they will attack a Terran planet? You think the Dominion will step in? They left people to die when the protoss came and they stood back and let them murder hundreds. We have our orders. So, let’s execute.” *without any remorse and very serious*

Prv. Natasha Yar

“Excuse me, why are you discussing about this so much? Orders are orders. We can just obey them.” *a little bit ironic*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“We are sent there to die...”

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

“We are sent there to do something. It’s everybody’s option if they want to die.” *without sketching any feelings*

*Both new marines leave the room.*

Corporal Joe “Slick” Astor

“Though women, won’t you say?”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

*repeats what Joe said in a mocking manner* “Though women, won’t you say? Jesus...”

*Joe starts to laugh while Andrew leaves the room.*

            On the ship, everybody was busy, trying to prepare themselves for the assault on Char. Mechanics, scientists, medics, soldiers, all of them were struggling to do their assignments as fast and as well as humanly possible. The atmosphere was tense because this was a shot in a million: to destroy the zerg once and for all. Even so, the members of Squad One were not so preoccupied of this. They were sent to engage in battle with something more powerful then the mere zerg. Andrew was convinced this was a desperate move, without giving proper thought to it, but Joe was alright with it. He asked for this mission.

            After two days, Squad One was dropped on Atticus Minor. The Hyperion traveled further to the Zerg system. From now on, they were on their own. Joe decided to walk in a two by two formation along the canyons to prevent any unforeseen events. He also thought this is a way they can get to know their new squad members. Andrew and Claudia took point in front while Joe and Natasha watched their back. The rocky terrain was difficult and the powerful winds dusted off everything off the ground, making it very difficult to see in the distance.

Somewhere on the surface of Atticus Minor

03:55 Local Hour

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

“I hate these damn planets where you can’t see the sun but it also isn’t night.”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“No wonder it is a wasteland. What can live and grow out here?”

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

“Disgusting half zerg half protoss creatures I presume...” *very ironical*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Hmm. You seem to have knowledge about these creatures. Is that why you requested to be transferred to this squad? To have a closer look?” *puzzled*

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

“I’m not so keen into facing some new powerful creatures. I requested to be transferred here because Corporal Astor is a bit of a legend among us. I wanted to serve with him.”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“He’s a legend? How come?” *more confused*

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

“He is one of the marines who stood besides Jim Raynor since he went against the Dominion. He went into over 300 missions and came back with the whole squad... except one incident which wasn’t his fault. No one accomplished that. And he is loyal to the cause and to the team. I don’t know what someone would want more from a man...” *talking with great admiration*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Interesting... But, the last recent events don’t bother you?” *almost understanding what she is saying.*

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

“It doesn’t bother me... It makes me feel sorry he had to go through all this...” *said with some compassion*

*radio static is heard*

Corporal Joe “Slick” Astor

“It’s everything alright there?”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Everything’s fine. Over.”

Corporal Joe “Slick” Astor

“Continue proceeding without so much noise. Over and out.”

*Natasha looks very insistently to Joe.*

Corporal Joe “Slick” Astor

“Is there something wrong, private?”

Prv. Natasha Yar

“No, sir. I was just wondering how can you do this...” *serious*

Corporal Joe “Slick” Astor

“Do what?” *without even looking at her*

Prv. Natasha Yar

“Go on, like nothing happened. It must be difficult for you to... I don’t want to get in this... it’s not my right to...”

Corporal Joe “Slick” Astor

“Thank you for caring, but we are on a mission. What happened, happened and nothing will undo the recent past events. Stay focused on the task at hand, private.” *serious*

Prv. Natasha Yar

“Yes, sir. Sorry, sir.” *a bit intimidated by Joe*

*Andrew suddenly stops and gives the sign for cover. Radio static is heard.*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Corporal, we have company here.”

Corporal Joe “Slick” Astor

“Have we made contact?”

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

“Yes, but not with the hybrids...” *uneased*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“It’s the Dominion. They established some kind of base here. More then 30 marines and lots of other people down there.”

*Joe and Natasha regroup with Andrew and Claudia on their position.*

            It seemed that the Dominion came on this planet for a while. They established their position pretty well: the compound was secured by some electrical fences and now, they were building a defense bunker on the west ridge. There were many marines, and after a more thorough look, there were some siege tanks and goliaths also. In the middle of the base, there was a building which had on the roof an alien device, resembling to some of the artifacts Raynor’s Riders recovered.

            While checking the base, the four marines were discovered by a dominion marine. Natasha spotted him and succeeded into annihilate him before he got the chance to shoot. Joe nods his head towards Natasha and then recovers the enemy’s radio.

*radio static from the new radio.*

Lt. Cmd. Alona DaVilla

“Side Ridge 12, please report your position. We heard a shot, over.”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“I can’t believe it! It’s Alona...” *astonished*

*Joe makes a sign for them to be quiet and answers the radio.*

Corporal Joe “Slick” Astor

“This is Side Ridge 12. Sorry for that, we thought it was some zerg. Continue with the patrol, over.”

Lt. Cmd. Alona DaVilla

“Copy that. Stay sharp. Over and out.”

Prv. Natasha Yar

“What is the Dominion doing out here?”

*Andrew figures everything out and looks at Joe.*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“You knew. God, I’m so idiot. You knew it from the beginning. Fuck!”

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

“Knew what?” *confused*

*Joe is very calm and thinks about something. He is not paying very much  attention to what Andrew says.*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Alona knows everything we do. So, she goes back to the Dominion and reports the new threat. They send her here to destroy the damn hybrids. We aren’t here to ensure their destruction; we’re here because you want to get your revenge!” *almost screaming to Joe*

Corporal Joe “Slick” Astor

“You three will proceed with the mission. You will head north and locate the position of the hybrids.” *preparing his weapon*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“This is not your quest for vengeance!”

Corporal Joe “Slick” Astor

“I have to do what I have to do.”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Damn it, Astor. You know why these girls transferred to your squad? Because you are their idol, because of your teamwork and loyalty. Where are these feats of yours now? You, son of a bitch, you brought us here to die? Is that it?”

Prv. Natasha Yar

“We have our orders, sir. You wanna go rogue?” *confused of everything*

*Joe stops. After a while he stands on his feet.*

Corporal Joe “Slick” Astor

“You’re right. We will proceed with our mission. Yar, Lenoir you take head. 10 meters spread one of other. Let’s not get ambushed. Fischer, stay with me.”

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

“Understood, sir.”

*Claudia and Natasha go to their designated positions while Joe and Andrew follow.*

Corporal Joe “Slick” Astor

“You are right... I knew about her coming here... well, I thought this will be her move and I was right.”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“I understand that she killed your best friend... But you seem to have a past with her...”

Corporal Joe “Slick” Astor

*very sad* “I had. We were some how... We lov... I loved her. We were together for a long time. But she had a covert op mission to infiltrate a base from the Dominion. She succeeded rather easily and everybody was satisfied with her results. I couldn’t understand how those guys where idiots then but it didn’t matter so much... And when we attacked that base and went to the bedrooms to seek for a target, I found her in bed with a guy. She was... Since then, I thought of her as a ... friend.”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“I’m sorry, man...”

Corporal Joe “Slick” Astor

“Now she killed a friend... betrayed all of us...”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“It’s alright... Let’s continue the mission...”

            After some hours of walking with no success of finding the hybrids, Joe decided to stop and rest. He ordered Claudia to setup a defense perimeter and Natasha to stay first on watch. There was no night though because the planetary system had 4 suns and planet did not have a shaded part. The atmosphere was full of solid particles and only from some parts of the planet the sun could be seen. Otherwise, it gave the feeling it was always noon. The wind was constantly blowing and it was rather hard to sleep. Even so, the marines tried because they had a difficult mission at hand.

            After the first watch, Natasha switched with Claudia. She finished her patrol around the perimeter fast and when she came back, she saw that Joe was missing. At first, she thought he was around, looking or doing something, but she tried to reach him on the radio without any success.

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

“Fischer, wake up!” *very nervous* “Wake up, damn it!”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

*waking up fast, getting on his feet* “What’s the matter?”

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

“Corporal Astor is gone. He doesn’t answer to his radio.”

*Natasha also wakes up.*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Astor, please respond, over.”

*radio static and no answer.*

Prv. Natasha Yar

“Do you think those creatures could of...” *insecure*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“No. We must go back. He is going after Alona.” *certain*

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

“Why?” *confused*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Because this is all about her. Don’t you get it? Now, gear up and let’s gain some ground, fast!”

            The three tried to get to him as fast as possible, but he was a good soldier indeed. He knew every aspect of this kind of mission: trailing, terrain difficulty, decoys, you name it. Joe was well ahead of them and they knew it. After almost 3 hours, they were near the Dominion compound. From the base, smoke rose into the air from multiple locations. Andrew understood that the outpost had been attacked and told the marines to be cautious.

            When they reached a ridge that had visibility upon the compound, they saw it destroyed, burnt to ashes as if nothing was there built. Claudia was astonished by the view: she could not believe her eyes that someone or something could do that in a matter of hours. Flames torched in the powerful wind and black dense smoke covered the whole region. Andrew gave the order to proceed down and search for survivors.

*sound of fire, burning everywhere*

Prv. Natasha Yar

“Do you see anything?”

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

“There is someone here.”

*they regroup near an injured scientist.*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“He’s not dead. *looking at the scientist* What happened here?”

The Scientist

*very difficult to understand* “I.... terrible.... the hybrid.... attacked... Power overwhelming.”

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

“A hybrid did all this? It’s impossible... In the reports, you said you killed it with lots of bullets, but it died in the end. There were over 30 marines here....” *confused*

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Sir, can you talk... I need to know what happened here!” *almost yelling at him*

*The scientist tries to tell something but he dies.*

Prv. Natasha Yar

“Damn it!”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

“Search further. Maybe there are others survivors around here. We need to know what happened.” *serious*

*they split up and search the place*

Prv. Natasha Yar

“Fischer, you’d better come and take a look at this...”

*Claudia goes also.*

Prv. Claudia LeNoir

*taking her pulse* “She’s alive.”

Prv. Andrew Fischer

*serious* “Alona...”