EPT
Operation Skynet
Lately, the mineral lines have been under constant threat of Mutalisk harassment. The Protoss commander, unsure of what to do, is discussing countermeasures with the Dark Archon.
“I think offense is the best defense. We should move out and annihilate the Mutalisks, instead of wasting resources on defenses. With the right preparations, we can get all of them with one strike!” The Dark Archon, surrounded in an inferno, seems like he’s in a state of perpetual fiery passion, but is really a cool, calculated thinker, valuable enough to be both the right and left hand of the commander.
“I had considered it, but the Mutalisks are highly mobile, and often appear together with fleets of Scourge. An entire squad of Corsairs was sent out to hunt down the Mutalisks, but ended up all dying. You’re saying you have a way?”
“Against these high-mobility enemies, we need to lure them in. We would need to make some sacrifices and lull them into a sense of security. After which, we can trap them once and for all. My plan’s as follows: First, send a squad of Zealots to the enemy third. When they see an all-ground force, they will send out their Mutalisks. At this point, the Zealots retreat while drawing Mutalisk fire. I will lie in ambush with some High Templars, and when they pass by, I’ll unleash a Maelstrom . Two Storms later and they should all be gone.”
“Very well. You’re in charge of this mission. We’ll name it “Operation Skynet.” I’ll place a squad of Zealots and some High Templar directly under your control. If any unforeseen circumstances arise, you are to ensure your and the High Templar’s safety, and to minimize the casualties on the Zealots. Understood?” For the commander, if he lost the Dark Archon, it is more than just a subordinate, he might as well lose half his brain.
“Understood, sir.”
12’10”, the Dark Archon moves out with his troops to begin “Opeartion Skynet.”
“Okay, get ready to move out. Remember, when Mutalisks are sighted, do not linger. Retreat immediately, don’t stop and don’t turn back. You need to return alive. You guys are bait, but you are not to be needlessly sacrificed. You were chosen because you are the most reliable troops in the army.” The Dark Archon solemnly issued the orders to the Zealots.
The moment the order was given, the Zealots moved out without a moment of hesitation. Moments later, they are out of sight.
“We will be waiting in this valley. This spot should not be scouted by the enemy. Stand at the mouth of the valley and alert me the moment you see Mutalisks. After my Maelstrom, unleash your Storms. Regardless of outcome, once you cast the Storms, retreat. Understood?” The Dark Archon repeatedly explained the orders. This is to be a delicate operation – even a second’s mistake could cost the entire mission and their lives.
“Understood, sir.” Just as the Templar replied, the sound of moving earth appeared.
“Hahahahahaha, I had long heard of the brilliant Dark Archon, Sun-Tzu incarnate. And even the mighty High Templar is here too! Well met, well met!”
The supposedly abandoned valley reverberated with the sinister laughter. “Shit…” The Dark Archon thought, “this is not good…”
Looking around, the Dark Archon suddenly spotted the source of the laughter – a Zergling!
“Y-you…” The Dark Archon was at a loss for words. How could the enemy have known to burrow a scout here?!
“Now, you two, calm down. Don’t be nervous. First off, I am not a Zerg scout. If I were scouting, I would’ve just sent the information to home base already, and wouldn’t even needed to have unburrowed.” The Zergling’s mouth etched itself into a smile, but his eyes remained sinister and calculating.
“Very well, what do you want? Name your terms.”
“Haha, you’re sharp indeed Dark Archon, sharp indeed. My terms are simple, and can even benefit the Protoss. All I want is for you to Mind Control me, and convert me to a Protoss warrior!”
“That’s out of the question. That will drain all of my energy, jeopardizing the mission.” What nonsense! There’s only those who run away to avoid Mind Control, never thought someone would ask to be!
“Ah, but I don’t think you have a choice in the matter. Let me put it simply – if you refuse, I can immediately alert the commander, and not only will your mission fail, you’ll probably die here as well. If you refuse, I’m afraid I’ll have to do my duty as a loyal Zerg warrior and kill you both – what a fine achievement that will be! Two mighty Protoss spellcasters, able to destroy armies at once, will meet their end at the hands of one little Zergling. Even if High Templar here were to use his storm, well, what a pity to use up his energy on, again, just one little Zergling. Or perhaps you will use your energy to Maelstrom me? Hahaha…As for your operation, even if you just throw down two blind Storms, who knows? Maybe you’ll get a couple stray Mutalisks. Whereas if they knew you were here, well, then you’d get nothing. Don’t be so greedy – I’m afraid that for you two, minimizing losses should be considered a victory here.”
“I’m impressed. Never thought I’d see such formidable tactical and analytical sense from a Zergling. Very well, if you are determined, I’ll commence the Mind Control.” The Dark Archon thought that even if he had to use his energy, it’s as the Zergling said – he really didn’t have a choice here. The top priority is, after all, to ensure the safety of himself and the High Templar. No use crying over spilled milk…
“Haha, but of course. What did you expect? I’m a Zergling who has lived well over 10 minutes. I’ve been waiting here for the past 4 minutes, analyzing a situation as simple as this, child’s play! Mind Control away!”
Having no choice, the Dark Archon cast the spell. Immediately, a halo surrounded the Zergling, contracted, and voila, a Protoss warrior appears.
“You have been reborn. Talk to the commander yourself. High Templar, get ready. Aim as best you can, and after you cast the Storms, we leave. I’ll get a Dragoon squad to come reinforce us.” Unable to face the Zergling who outmaneuvered him, he issued his commands to the High Templar and prepared to retreat.
“Oh great Protoss commander – I have long heard of your acceptance of talents form all walks of life. You are different from my previous commander, who only understood throwing giant armies repeatedly at the enemy. As a Protoss warrior, my talents can finally be put to use! Please, command me!” the Zergling began speaking with the commander.
“Welcome to the glorious Protoss. I have heard of you, yes. A talented individual, with a flair for writing, and understands the importance of lying in wait. I will indeed use your talents!”
“Anything, sir.”
“Very well. I command you – continue burrowing where you are, reporting enemy movements!”
T/N: See Story one for backstory.
Story one - Zergling here!
Story two - HT here!
Story three - Observer and Science Vessel here!
Story four – Mutalisk here!
Story five – Overlord here!
Story six – Medic here!
