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Underground, Forald VI…

Two Weeks Later, Protoss Arbiter, Thanduras…

“Where are you taking me, Artanis?” Klithon demanded finally. Though Artanis had stopped dragging him a while ago, there was no doubt in either’s mind that Artanis would start again if Klithon showed the slightest sign of stopping, if not going back. After a terse order to use his Uraj Crystal, Artanis hadn’t said a thing, not a word of explanation or of friendly chat. Their feet made no sound at all as they impacted the metallic ceratoid floor. Indeed, the ambience in a Protoss environment was almost always silent to the unlearned, but now it seemed much more heavier and far too oppressive, seeming to swallow their every step, thought part of that could have been the floor itself. Artanis’s two-word reply shocked Klithon. “My ship.” Time seemed to stand still for Klithon as he contemplated why Artanis would do such a thing. Unless… “Artanis… you are not deserting the Protoss, are you?” Artanis glanced at him wryly. “Is that what you were worried about, Klithon? I have no intentions of deserting the Protoss; no, I need to find Zeratul.” Klithon was as surprised at that as he had been of everything else that day. Curiosity quickly overcame consternation. “The Prelate? Do you even have any idea where he is? Or is that simply an excuse for wandering aimlessly?” Artanis’s eyes narrowed slightly in annoyance. “Do not take that tone with me, friend. I thought you were more lucid than to declare such a thing. As for Zeratul’s location, I thought it was obvious. He will be coming here; I understand how his mind works, and he will be coming to ‘defend Shakuras against an attack’. That was my purpose for activating the Crystals. Though the added effect was…beneficial.” The two of them had reached the Stargates, two interlocked structures with numerous docking ports and bays, and they began climbing the long, winding ramp to the upper levels where Artanis’s modified Scout was kept. “Do you not worry at all of our sudden departure and the lack of leadership?” Klithon asked in exasperation. So many things were happening so quickly, and his mind decided to remain on a level with things he could deal with. “I did.” Artanis allowed slowly. “But then those fools, those separatists, convinced me otherwise. No; I am sure Shakuras will be fine during my…extended leave of absence. As for you, do not worry. The Dark Templar are capable and trustworthy. I am sure they will be capable of independent survival.” Artanis finished dryly, anger having surged once more. The two of them walked in mental silence again; the Stargate was empty of Protoss today. While Artanis watched their every surrounding, Klithon was deep in thought. Indeed, if Artanis had not stopped him with an outstretched arm, he would have walked right off the ramp. A fall of perhaps thirty feet would not kill a Protoss without shield, but it would certainly be hindering. Abruptly, as they passed a tall column, Artanis’s personal Scout appeared. Or rather, what had once been a Scout. After the death of Fenix, the Protoss had created a craft for him, christened a Phoenix. Though it was unrecognizable from its base model, the controls were much the same, and Artanis had begun using it from the first. Though the speed and maneuverability were lessened, the added firepower and durability made it a powerful enemy of the Terran Valkyrie and the Zerg Devourer. The three rotating pulse turrets were more than a match more the Terran’s Halo Rockets or the Zerg’s Corrosive Acid. As Artanis smoothly entered the craft, he beckoned Klithon to follow. “Come. We have work to do.” As the ship began accelerating, and the transmissions were locked, Klithon wondered what kind of madness he was immersing himself in.