Julius wanted to control all the mountains and create cities, and the forests would be the larders, but he had to discover what was edible and what wasn't and find water sources.
Jim Raynor: The main Terran hero of the StarCraft saga, present in different variants (marine, sniper, commando).
Nova Terra:A famous Ghost from the Terran espionage corps.
The plan was taking shape in Julius's mind with new clarity. The mountains would become his fortresses, a network of impregnable citadels dominating the hostile landscape. The forests, once secured and analyzed, would be reserves of natural resources, larders to be conquered. But for that, he needed knowledge of the local biosphere and reliable water sources. Extracting minerals and vespene wouldn't be enough to sustain a growing population.
He stood in the new war room, an extension of the Command Center, with wall screens displaying topographic maps and real-time data streams. Data stood by his side, a calm and unshakable presence.
"Expansion is logical, Commander," commented Data. "However, exploring and analyzing the ecosystem represents a significant risk. Our standard units lack the versatility and discretion for this type of mission."
"I know," replied Julius, his eyes fixed on the holographic map. "That's why we need them. System, status of the Terran 'Technological Mastery'."
< Analysis in progress...>
< Terran tech tree: 100% unlocked.>
< Conditions met for unlocking "Champions".>
< Proceed with summoning available Champions ?>
A spike of adrenaline shot through Julius. This was the moment.
"Yes. Proceed."
< Launching Champion summoning sequence...>
The air in the war room crackled with static energy. Two pillars of bluish light, far more intense than those of standard units, shot up from the floor, casting dancing shadows on the walls.
When the light dissipated, two figures stood before him, radiant with presence and authority.
To the left, a man. He wore Marine armor, but modified, personalized, with burn marks and scratches that spoke of countless battles. He casually held a C-14 Impaler on his shoulder. His face was hard, marked by trials, but his blue eyes sparkled with a glint of rebellion and resigned weariness. An unlit cigarette was tucked in the corner of his lips.
< Champion: Jim Raynor - The Revolt's Scout.>
"Well, where are we, and who's the boss?" grumbled the man, his gaze sweeping the room before settling, with little surprise, on Julius.
To the right, a woman. Her silhouette was sheathed in a black and blue combat suit, form-fitting and lethally efficient. Her hair was white as snow, cut short and elegant. Her eyes, a piercing blue, seemed able to see through souls. She carried no visible weapon, but an aura of danger emanated from her, cold and precise.
< Champion: Nova Terra - The Imperial Shadow.>
"An underground installation. Technological level... eclectic," she commented in a clear, poised voice. "Your security systems have several flaws, Commander." Her gaze, more analytical than Raynor's, had already inspected everything, from the structure to the interfaces, before fixing on Julius.
Julius, despite his new uniform and position of authority, felt momentarily minuscule before these two legends. He pulled himself together. They were here for him.
"I am Commander Julius Braveheart. Welcome to LV-492, in the... well, I don't know exactly where we are. But we're building something here. And I need your specific skills."
Raynor removed his cigarette and slipped it into a pocket.
"Braveheart, huh? A name that packs a punch. Raynor, Jim Raynor. And from what I see, you've got problems bigger than ornery Zerg." He threw a glance at Data, an eyebrow raised. "And a Starfleet android. You're mixing genres, Commander."
"Efficiency over doctrine, Mr. Raynor," replied Data. "Your expertise in reconnaissance and combat in hostile environments would be valuable."
Nova crossed her arms.
"Your objectives, Commander?"
"Secure this mountain range. Map the forests, identify water sources and food resources. And eliminate any xeno threat in a discreet and effective manner."
An almost imperceptible smile touched Nova's lips.
"Reconnaissance and targeted assassination. That's my field."
"And raising hell with the bad guys, I know a thing or two about that too," added Raynor with a broad smile. "You've got a nice little colony here. Shame if it got eaten 'cause nobody checked the woods."
Julius felt immense relief. He now had his champions. A charismatic warlord and an elite ghost agent.
"Mr. Raynor, you will lead reconnaissance and perimeter security operations. Take a squad of Marines and Vultures. Ms. Terra, I want you to infiltrate the shadowy areas. Map, identify water points, and assess the fauna. If you find nests or pack leaders... neutralize them discreetly."
"Understood, Commander," said Nova, already examining the holographic map, her fingers brushing the controls to extract data.
"We'll handle it, boss," acquiesced Raynor, heading for the exit. "Hey, android! You got any Vultures that work?"
"The workshop has produced four operational Vulture units 1.7 hours ago, Mr. Raynor," replied Data. "I am sending you the garage coordinates."
Julius watched them leave, his heart light. With Raynor and Nova in the field, and Data on logistics, he could finally think big. The era of mere survival was over. Time for conquest.