While Augustus was thinking a lot, Zeratul turned his head and looked at the Xel'Naga artifact fragment suspended in mid-air, his eyes seeming to penetrate the long river of time.
Obviously, he did not pry into Augustus' inner thoughts, and he did not know that the master had most likely learned the bad news about the star spirit's mother planet Aiur.
Although the ancestors of the Dark Templar were expelled from Aiur by the Supreme Council thousands of years ago and were forced to live in exile in Thagurath, which was forever in the twilight, they still regarded it as their eternal home planet and holy land.
"This Xel'Naga creation is different from the ordinary." Zeratul observed the artifact fragments slowly rotating in the air: "It is a masterpiece of the Xel'Naga and has unimaginable power."
"What kind of power? To be more precise, the kind that can directly sweep across a large area of insects?" Renault tried to get closer to the dark templar warriors, but the latter just stared at him calmly. The Dark Templar don't seem to see the humans here as a threat at all.
"You need to see this with your own eyes, child." Zeratul closed his eyes.
"That is to say, even you don't know." Rather than saying that Renault is a very smart person, it is better to say that he is better at dealing with these puzzle-like words.
"Yes." Zeratul said frankly: "This Xel'Naga creation contains unpredictable power... It is connected to the void."
"Void..." Augustus will not tell Zeratul the bad news that El's coordinates may have been exposed yet, because he has no way to explain why he knows this.
"We know that it is a magical natural phenomenon, another dimension of the universe." Augustus asked, "Is that why my men hear strange noises when they are around it."
"I'm afraid so." As a protoss, Zeratul was far less arrogant and indifferent than the templars in Tassadar, but answered Augustus' questions patiently.
"If you are a member of the Nerazim, then you will find that such sounds are all too common when the Dark Templar meditate and connect to the void." Zeratul said.
"Such sounds are like the chirping of birds and insects in the forest, the sound of wind and grass, and the low roars of wild beasts. Some of the sounds are fragments of prophecy and shallow philosophy, while others are irrational roars," he said.
"The human will cannot withstand this kind of pressure, and the Dark Templar hone themselves in this way and absorb the energy of the void."
"That sounds scary," Raynor interjected.
"That's why we're here." The female Dark Templar following Zeratul took a few steps forward, which immediately alerted Augustus's Corporal Faraday and the Ghost Agent "recruits".
"It's too dangerous," she said.
"So you are here to take it away. For God's sake, it took us a lot of effort to dig this scrap metal out of the mud of Mar Sara." Renault wanted to say that. It's a great help that you can deal with this troublesome thing, but now the Xel'Naga artifact fragment belongs to Augustus instead of him.
"No." Zeratul's voice rang in the minds of Augustus and others at the same time: "We just hope that you can turn off the signal enhancement device, which is blocking the interference waves released by this Xel'Naga creation. If you keep zooming in, it will also have a certain attraction to the zerg."
"Turn it off." Augustus nodded and immediately ordered: "Seal it up."
The engineers who were frightened by the sudden arrival of the Dark Templar were very brave. At least they put the Xel'Naga artifact fragments back into the transport container and sealed them without any omissions.
"You are the wise man among mankind, the leader among them." Zeratul, who had achieved his goal, praised Augustus. His words were like a riddle that connected each other: "The invisible hand connects us. Together, destiny is being woven into a thread."
Then, Zeratul took a few steps back and prepared to leave, as if his purpose here was really to let the humans here turn off the device to avoid getting burned.
Zeratul didn't know that Augustus' purpose was to lure him, which was a mistake.
But what if the person in the command room just now was not Augustus but a general of the Tyranid Federation, or Duke was here. Then they would never worry about hearing what Zeratul had to say, and they would have already fought to the death.
Of course, three Dark Templar warriors are enough to deal with dozens of heavily armed ordinary human soldiers.
"Wait, Dark Templar Zeratul." Augustus said, "Since you can completely kill the Cerebrate, then I think we need the help of the Dark Templar."
Augustus spent so much effort to find the Dark Templar just because he wanted them to help him deal with the brainworm. At this time, what could you do to sit down and continue chatting nonsense? Zeratul couldn't stay, so it was better to tell the truth.
"We have no reason to help the aliens." The male Dark Templar behind Zeratul said in a not-so-good tone. His robes, armor, and armor decorations were also different from the other two Dark Templars.
He wears no veil, just a black helmet decorated with springtail mandibles, and his armor is studded with trophies such as hydralisk skulls. A Zeratai hunter, a tribe of hunters among the Nerazim tribes.
"...with pleasure." Zeratul made a calm gesture towards his companion.
"We are here to destroy the zerg. This is honor and duty. The Dark Templar will not reject a friendly ally."
"Please sit down." With the support of the servo system of the power armor, Augustus would not feel tired even if he stood for a few more hours, but he thought that doing so would help create a less tense atmosphere.
"Okay." Zeratul's green eyes twitched: "We just need a place to rest. Thank you for your tolerance, human commander."
It was difficult for Zeratul not to be surprised by Augustus' extraordinary calmness and unimaginable tolerance for foreign races. He did not completely understand the human race and was well aware of human greed, cruelty, cunning and cowardice.
But Augustus was different, completely different.
When three aliens suddenly broke into the command center, Augustus acted as calmly as a neighbor visiting his home. But why does he believe that these people are not here to assassinate him, or that this absolute calmness and reason are the reasons why he can lead so many humans.
Like other protoss, Zeratul has only sympathy and tolerance for the human race.
There are many chairs in this command room, and they are all the most comfortable and luxurious command chairs in Alpha Squadron. And while these chairs are adjustable, the protoss are huge giants to them.
Zeratul reluctantly found a floating chair suspended above the ground. The other two Dark Templar warriors were not polite to the humans in front of them, and each found their own chairs.
Augustus sat down on Duke's command chair. This expensive chair could fully withstand the weight of the power armor. Corporal Faraday and the ghost agent responsible for protecting Augustus refused to relax their vigilance at this time, especially the latter, even though contact with the cold void psychic energy of the Dark Templar would make him feel a sting, he thought he was tightly Stare at them.
"Don't you feel scared?" Zeratul looked at Augustus seriously. Just because Augustus could calmly invite the invading aliens to sit down under such circumstances, Zeratul admired his courage and extraordinary generosity.
"A little, actually," Augustus said with a smile.
"I was really frightened when you suddenly appeared. Fortunately, we have already met the Star Spirits and got along well."
“It wasn’t just a little bit,” Reynold added. “I thought I was going to die and all I could think about was my mom’s chowder, No. 8 Whiskey, and Little John.”
"You should be talking about the protoss in high-altitude orbit...in fact, they have already parted ways with us." Zeratul did not read Augustus's thoughts, but he already understood Augustus The meaning of words.
"What? So you are not in the same group?" Renault was obviously surprised: "Dark Templar, Templar, I originally thought you were all expeditionary forces of the Protoss Empire."
"The Protoss Empire..." Zeratul's green eyes narrowed slightly, or he was sad: "We do not belong to the Protoss Empire. The Dark Templar chose freedom and truth."
"The Nerazim protoss refused to integrate into the Kara, and each child had its own nerve bundle cut off. This is why we were banished, because the Conclave will not tolerate this behavior."
"It seems that just like the differences between the Tyranid Federation, Camorion and Umoyan, the protoss also have their own factions." Augustus signaled Renault not to make a fuss: "Haven't you already met the Tal'darin protoss? ?They are also different from the templars of Tassadar."
"Well... no wonder even Tassadar couldn't kill that brainworm, but you can." Raynor figured it out.
"The Overlord and its cerebrates also use void energy similar to ours, and only void energy can harm the cerebrates and even the Overlord." Zeratul said: "We circulate in the Kara used by our compatriots in the Protoss Empire. The reciprocating psychic energy has long been disconnected from the void. Only the Dark Templar are still absorbing energy from the cold void like the ancestors of the protoss."
"Okay, then the next step will be much easier." Renault nodded: "We will kill the brain worm guarding the brain worm, and you will behead it."
However, before he finished speaking, the eyes of Zeratul and the other two protoss turned into crescent moons. Renault believed they must be laughing.
"You are brave, James Raynor." Zeratul learned Raynor's name while briefly analyzing Raynor's thoughts. This is a quite formal title: "But I'm afraid this matter will not be as simple as you think. .”
"The death of Cerebrate Gwen was due to the negligence of the Zerg Overlord. It had never seen an enemy like the Dark Templar." He explained to Raynor: "After your army launched an attack on Gwen's hive, At that time, it sent out almost all the hive warriors."
"Gwen's tribe is ferocious and violent, but their numbers are not as large as other tribes. My warriors and I sneaked into his nest and attacked from the shadows."
"Now, the Overlord and its brainworms will definitely not make the same mistake again. This is a race that is constantly evolving and learning."
"The brain worm will definitely not show up easily again." Augustus fully agreed with Zeratul's statement: "It will be even more difficult to get as close as before or even kill a brain worm."
Augustus did not hold out any hope of eradicating all the Cerebrates in a short time, not to mention that while the Overlord of the Swarm was still alive, it could create new Cerebrates at any time.
As long as the main overlord is alive, the zerg will not die.
However, the Dark Templar are still vital. In the past, humans and protoss had no effective way to deal with the cerebrates, and Zeratul's warriors were magical weapons to suppress the cerebrates.
"The brainworms themselves have no fighting power. They can command their own clan members through psychic links from light years away." Augustus continued: "After Gwen's death, they have no need to put the brainworms in danger. under."
"However, there are always more solutions than trouble." He finally said: "Creating opportunities when there are no opportunities, even the Cerebrates will make mistakes. We can also work with the Templars of Tassadar to deal with most of the Zergs first, and then Zeratul kills the Cerebrates in the main hive."
Although Augustus undoubtedly exaggerated the role of humans in this war, Tassadar's forces were able to defeat the zerg main hive section even without their aid.
At this time, the Protoss Empire had not yet completely declined. Their many colonies on Aiur were still prosperous, and their huge fleets were still scattered across the galaxy.
"Tassadar..." At this time, everyone could feel Zeratul sighing - although he was not really sighing. Sad emotions caressed the hearts of others like water flowing through a river valley.
"They will not cooperate with us. A thousand years are enough to change everything. The gap between the Dark Templar and the Templar is already too deep." He said.
"Thousands of years ago, prejudice ran so deep when the Nerazim were considered heretics who abandoned Kara."
"We will never fight side by side with the Templars." The anger of the Zeratai Dark Templar behind Zeratul was obvious.
"The Nerazim are the ones who are being bullied and persecuted, but the El Protoss describe themselves as the victims. So despicable and shameless, this is their style."
"In the face of the threat of the zerg, we can also put aside our past prejudices." Zeratul only felt sad about the history of the split between the Aiur Protoss and the Nerazim.
"Don't let Orega's hatred and hatred for the El Protoss affect you. Since his return to Tamatroth, the anger has spread among our brothers and sisters."
"Maybe Orega is wrong, but the El Protoss will not be so wise and kind to you." The Dark Templar's mood quickly stabilized due to Zeratul's comfort.
"I believe that among the Protoss clan, there must be more wise men with reason." Zeratul said: "Orega is still our brother, and his ideas also represent many people in this generation of Dark Templar. the opinion of."
"Then you must have never seen the Tal'darin Protoss." Raynor complained.
"Tassadar is different from other protoss." Augustus said to Zeratul: "Maybe you just lack certain communication between you."
For Augustus, he is happy to see the reconciliation between the Dark Templar and the Templar. Only by working together can they kill more brainworms.
"I hope so." Zeratul stood up, ready to leave.
But Augustus's words still moved him.
Zeratul walked towards Augustus and took out an equitriangular instrument inlaid with sharp dark green crystal: "This is a communicator. On this planet, once you need the help of the Dark Templar, we will Will show up.”
"But I have to tell you, because in the past I only traveled around the universe with some brothers and sisters, and now only a relatively small number of Dark Templar warriors are still following me." He told Augustus.
"You must use this communicator with caution, otherwise..."
"Why don't you follow us..." Augustus wanted Zeratul to follow his troops, otherwise God knows how he would know them at the most critical moment.
As he was talking, Duke's image flashed on the communication screen in the command room. The camera in the command room was automatically looking for Augustus, and it inevitably captured Zeratul and others.
"I'm Duke, Marshal... What do you damn aliens want with our Marshal?" Augustus' eyelids flickered when he saw Duke almost jumping to his feet. Jumped.
"I'm going to peel off all your skin!"
"Don't worry, General Duke, these are some of my protoss friends." Augustus stood up and walked towards the main screen.
"..." Duke carefully confirmed whether Augustus was under duress. He noticed that neither Renault nor Corporal Faraday had disarmed, and he was immediately relieved. Duke's simple mind could not imagine any conspiracy against Augustus, or he selectively ignored that possibility.
"Marshal, while the Berog (Barog) swarm is going crazy, we have cleared the two main nests at point B and point C." Duke's square chin raised slightly, as if he was thinking about it. Be proud of your achievements.
Zeratul and others who were about to leave stayed for ceremonial reasons or other reasons to listen to the conversation between Augustus and Duke. They also seemed to be very interested in the human battle plan.
"At the same time, we also received a distress signal...it seemed to be someone from Nova Squadron," he said.
"Nova Squadron?" Augustus frowned: "They also sent a landing force... The people of Nova Squadron must have escaped the surveillance of our fleet. What do they want to do?"
"You can even think about it with your butt. It's definitely not a good thing." Renault snorted heavily.
"Do you know what they do?" Augustus asked.
"Two troop transport ships and a scientific research ship." Duke replied: "In any case, based on my understanding of Nova Squadron Commander Holler, at least they are definitely not trying to fight us or aliens on the ground. The purpose of the insect is to fight a tough battle.”
"Do you want to save them?" Duke asked Augustus.
"Save it if you can," Augustus said.
"Well...I can only say that there is not much hope." Duke gave an order to dispatch the transport ship to an Alpha Squadron officer beside him.
"But let's leave it to fate," Renault said.
"Alert - Zerg life signal found." At this time, the voice of the mechanical intelligent adjutant suddenly rang. At the same time, Duke's picture on the main screen quickly shrank, and a series of letters and numbers jumped crazily.
"Zergs? Are they coming?" Renault hurriedly walked to the main screen.
"How is it possible..." Duke also heard the alarm, and he immediately said in disbelief: "A newly designed psychic disruptor is also set up at the landing site. Its psychic interference force field can cover a diameter of An area of thirty miles, which means the zerg cannot get close to our base at all."
Psionic disruptors have become the standard equipment of the Revolutionary Army in the war against the Zerg. Every division-level unit has distributed at least two psionic disruptors within a twenty-mile range. This technology is currently unique to the Revolutionary Army.
"If those bugs weren't originally from us, then it must have been the fragments of the artifact that attracted them." Renault immediately thought of this possibility.
"It must be that...artifact." Zeratul walked over: "It attracted the zerg that flocked to it."
"What's even more troublesome is that unless these zerg don't know the function of the psychic disruptor, they will definitely know that this is a wasted trip." Augustus didn't believe that the zerg would do such a thing knowing that it would definitely fail. things.
An unknown premonition forced Augustus to make a quick judgment. He knew that he must not delay, and immediately opened the communication channel and radio channel of the entire base: "I am Augustus Mengsk, everyone pick up Weapons ready for battle, a swarm is approaching our base."
"Combat alert level one, soldiers, this is war!"
"The situation is not good." Renault opened the command room and walked out, leading several of his rangers to the Alpha Squadron base to command the frontline troops.
"Duke, return to the base of the landing point immediately." Augustus immediately ordered: "Immediately!"
"I know..." Duke no longer had time to care about the Nova Squadron soldiers who sent out distress signals. He eagerly roared and announced every order he had to his soldiers.
After Duke was sent to clean out the Zerg main nest, there were less than 500 Alpha Squadron marines left in the landing point base, including a considerable number of medical soldiers, engineers and logistics troops.
"Lieutenant Colonel Roland, immediately dispatch all the reconnaissance aircraft on the tarmac. Adjutant, connect the satellites arranged in Char orbit. I need all high-altitude orbits within a forty-mile radius of the base to take pictures." Augustus stared closely. The screen until a picture that was being continuously enlarged appeared on it.
Thousands of zerg with red carapace and spikes were running on the ashes of the burning land of Char, enveloping the sky in gray-white smoke.
"Nerazim, draw your sword," Zeratul said.
