Thunderous Strike

January 7th, morning.

Grandi District, Montcato Town Revolutionary Army Base.

As in the past wars against the Zerg, the reliable Revolutionary Army engineering corps will begin constructing fortifications, bases, or outposts around existing buildings after combat forces have recaptured cities and towns.

This area was originally the central square of Montcato Town, but it has now been transformed into a base surrounded by more than a dozen supply depots, barracks, heavy factories, and command centers. The spacious open space with anti-aircraft missile towers in the middle of these red-painted buildings is where aircraft parking platforms and field medical centers are located.

Montcato Town that had once become a hunting ground for Fenris Zerg, had been swept by the Revolutionary Army's airborne division, and more than a hundred Zerg hiding in houses, vehicles, and irrigation ditches had been completely eliminated.

The work of collecting the bodies of the townspeople who died in the disaster and repairing the damaged roads and living facilities began on the same day that the Zerg were cleared out. Even though the Revolutionary Army had experienced fighting the Zerg many times before, the extremely gruesome deaths of the corpses in the streets and houses still made the soldiers who were carrying out the work of collecting the corpses feel so bad that they had difficulty eating normally for many days.

To prevent the spread of the Zerg virus through the creeping Creep in the military camp, the Revolutionary Army burned all the Creep with refined high-energy gas fuel, and then cremated and buried all the corpses. All steps and procedures had to be strictly followed. The next day, a storm washed away most of the blood, as if taking away everyone who had ever lived there and that nightmare.

Those who survived were temporarily housed on a Nova Squadron science ship, where they would be tested to determine if they were carrying the deadly Zerg virus.

Because the Revolutionary Army discovered that the infection in Haj was even more terrifying than that in the Sara System and Antiga systems. If the Fenris Brood was a group known for its exquisite and efficient hunting, then the other group of Cerebrate that came to Haj, Carlos, was a group known for its infection, and they were even more inclined to drive infected humans into battle.

The Zerg virus from Haj has undergone significant changes compared to previous strains; its RNA sequencing has been fundamentally altered, making it essentially a completely different virus. Just as the Zerg itself is constantly evolving, the virus is also constantly changing.

This is the real reason why humanity's technology has been unable to develop an effective antidote: the Zerg virus mutates too quickly to be eradicated. Augustus once sought help from Tassadar, but because the Protoss cannot be infected by the Protoss Zerg, there was no need for them to develop an antidote before, and Tassadar did not have enough scientists around him to carry out related research and development.

If Augustus n't want help from the Protoss in the future, he can only rely on Aiur.

At that moment, an APOD transport ship painted in the colors of the Heaven's Devils was landing on the base's helipad. As Augustus, wearing a dark gray cloak with gold wolf head epaulets, stepped down from the lowered gangway, a colonel, brigade commander, and a dozen senior officers and staff officers from the Revolutionary Army's First Guard Division stood there ramrod straight, waiting for him.

The strong winds of Haj whipped the lapels and long hems of the Revolutionary Army officers' dark gray overcoats, and a deep red flag fluttered in the wind.

"Marshal, the Zerg main hives in the Grandi region have been wiped out. The remaining Zerg have fled into the extensive network of underground wormholes. The dark and narrow underground caves are their most familiar battlefield terrain," Colonel Gorod, commander of the 1st Brigade of the Guard Division, saluted Augustus.

Gorod was originally an army captain in the 33rd Ground Assault Division, Augustus's brother, from the isolated colonial world of Tartarus. After his former superior Arcturus Mengsk, publicly declared war on the Terran Confederacy, he chose to withdraw from the army and prove his loyalty to Augustus.

"Colonel, I'd like to know more about how many people you saved." Augustus stood on the bustling tarmac, flanked by Tychus Finley and Faraday. One of them looked impatient, while the other held his head slightly high, as if he were carrying a sense of pride in his mission.

"We've dispatched companies, special tactical units, and Raynor's Raiders to all areas where there might still be survivors, but we haven't been able to save many," Gorod sighed. "Aside from the cities, the outlying villages and towns have at most some machine gun turrets and missile towers for defense against bandits and space pirates, and there are absolutely no policies or measures to deal with the Zerg invasion. That's still considered good; the vast slums of Haj are where the deadliest people are."

"We probably only rescued a little over 20,000 people. Not counting those in the city, the death toll is conservatively estimated to be over three million." The colonel then gave the specific figures. "There were almost no wounded. Only a few Haj people, whether lucky or unlucky, survived by playing dead after being burned by the Mutalisk's acid."

"You've done a great job. At least we've saved so many people. When facing the Zerg, you can only try to be an optimist." Although Augustus said this, his expression was far from pleasant.

"All those rescued have been properly cared for," Colonel Gorod continued. "Unfortunately, approximately eight thousand of them have contracted the virus to varying degrees."

"But let's do our best and accept our fate." Augustus paused for a moment, as if mourning for those people.

This is probably the most despairing thing. They escaped when they thought they were about to be eaten by the Zerg, only to learn that they would soon be turned into hideous, twisted monsters. This extreme joy and sorrow after surviving such a catastrophe is enough to drive a person to the brink of mental collapse.

"When will the people in the biological lab finally find a way to deal with the Zerg infection? I don't want to contract this weird disease that will turn me into an idiot," Tychus said.

"I'm afraid this isn't something that can be resolved in a day or two. The Zerg virus keeps mutating, and the people of Francos are completely helpless against it." Augustus was silent for a while, then turned to Gorod for a question.

"What about the movements of the Confederacy troops in the city? I've learned they're sending Scout to the surrounding villages and abandoned outposts."

"Ever since we realized that the main Zerg force had withdrawn from Haj, the Confederacy's military operations have become increasingly audacious. Just over ten minutes ago, a Confederacy garrison clashed with our garrison at the New Saint Francis Church." As the colonel spoke, Augustus glanced around before striding toward the command center, displaying a decisive and assertive style.

Regardless of how approachable and easygoing Augustus was in normal times, he had now become accustomed to issuing commands from a superior position. Augustus a stern marshal, always calm, serious, restrained, and convincing; he was also, unsurprisingly, a charismatic commander. He was extremely confident, but that confidence did not turn into arrogance.

Ultimately, what kind of person Augustus depends on who comments on it and their stance. Some began to worry that the powerful Augustus drift further and further away from the people he had sworn to protect, but many more considered it mere nonsense.

"Continue, Colonel," Augustus said as he walked.

"Once the Confederacy forces are certain that the Zerg have withdrawn from Haj, they will likely launch an immediate attack on us," the colonel said. "They are increasingly reconnoitering our outposts and bases while refusing any communication with our troops, even when we are fighting the Zerg."

"This is a harbinger of an impending large-scale offensive. General Saul Rick knows very well that there is absolutely no possibility of peace talks Confederacy Army and the Revolutionary Army." As Augustus spoke, he had already entered the command center, where a battle map drawn by Gorod was displayed on the wall opposite the door of the operations room.

The command room was well-lit, with transparent glass on two sides. Officers and staff stood on both sides as Augustus walked toward the battle map.

"If I were you, I wouldn't waste my breath on those Confederacy bastards," Tychus couldn't help but say as Augustus examined the battle map.

"This is a rare time when I agree with you, Tychus." Augustus nodded. "However, I believe that the first to launch an attack will be the Confederacy forces of Haj."

"I had someone investigate the file of the local military commander, Saul Rick. His peacetime career was unremarkable; he hadn't fought any major battles. This guy, like Duke, likes to boast about his achievements and fabricate accomplishments, but he's a complete idiot," he said.

"He has repeatedly graced the cover of Haj fashion magazine, striking poses, and he seems more like a politician and celebrity who enjoys showing off. You know, Tychus, I have always favored people who are willing to get things done."

"Just wait and see. If our Rick tries to launch the first attack, he will definitely make a big mistake in tactics and strategy. By waiting for the enemy to tire themselves out, the one who exposes the weakness first will surely be the enemy. This is what I learned from my swordsmanship teacher."

"The Zerg siege of Geladi City has inflicted heavy losses on the garrison there, but if they continue to hold out in their fortified positions, unless we use orbital bombardment to destroy the entire city, then since they have withstood the Swarm's attack, there's no reason for us to take it so easily," Colonel Gorod said.

"However, I think the Confederacy's military commanders might rush into action before they even have a clear idea of how many troops we have deployed in Haj."

"I don't believe he has that kind of guts," Tychus said. "We're not some poorly equipped local militia or some low-level pirates. Most importantly, those bastards from Nova Squadron just defected to us."

"If they knelt down and begged him Finley, right now, I might take pity on them and spare them, wouldn't I?"

"Calling command center, this is Lieutenant Colonel Ruang, commander of the 34th Battalion. The Confederacy Army has launched an attack on Hill 1174. We have at least two and a half motorized infantry divisions and two armored regiments on our front." At this moment, the Holographic Projection screen inside the command room suddenly lit up.

The sound from the other end was intermittent, clearly due to interference from Confederacy equipment.

"Hold the line! Reinforcements are on their way!" Colonel Gorod replied immediately.

"See what I said?" Augustus located Hill 1174 on the battle map, noting that the area was an extremely wide plain, quite suitable for armored units and large-scale operations. But that also meant that this hastily deployed Confederacy army would become a sitting duck for the Revolutionary Army's air force.

"They're getting impatient," he said in a deep voice. "Now it's our turn to strike hard."

"Upon receiving orders, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Armored Brigades of the Revolutionary Army shall immediately proceed along the Bevokel-Tolean road to reinforce Hill 1174. If possible, advance all the way." Augustus drew the route of attack on the battle map.

"The Revolutionary Army's 2nd, 5th, and 7th Divisions, along with two Goliath armored battalions in the Geladi City Solen Region and Ward's four artillery regiments, departed from their garrisons and headed east towards Geladi City. Zander Max is in charge of the overall command of this operation," he said.

"This military operation will be conducted with the support of the Air Force. Please read the mission briefing issued for details regarding the specific timing and location arrangements."

Augustus took off his gloves and threw them onto the command table beside him, "Tell the generals that I hope to see Governor Haj before Sunset."

"Yes, Marshal." The officers and staff in the command room immediately saluted and took the documents from the table to carry out their tasks. Colonel Gorod remained standing beside Augustus, as his troops' primary mission was now to protect Augustus in the command center.

"The outcome of this battle is already decided," Tychus chuckled. "How long can we stay in Haj? The brothers have been running back and forth between Antiga, Char, and Haj for so long; they deserve a good rest."

"The Zerg don't rest, Tychus," Augustus. "If the enemy doesn't rest, neither will I. Once we've settled things with Haj, we'll return to Antiga Prime immediately."

"By the way, has anyone seen Zeratul, the Dark Prelate of the Dark Templar? He disappeared after returning to the Council from that abandoned Confederacy border checkpoint. I suspect that sneaky fellow is plotting something wicked." Tychus suddenly asked at this moment.

"When Haj was first discovered, there were already many ancient city ruins on it. You know, there were no humans here before. If artifacts are found, they must belong to aliens. This is the work that human archaeologists in the Koprulu Sector are doing," Augustus. "Zeratul told me before he left that there might be an ancient Xel'Naga Temple on this planet."

"Temple? We've been dealing with all sorts of mystical guys lately. You should trust those guys who can steal your thoughts." Tychus shrugged.

For the next while, Augustus and Tychus waited in the command center for reports from the front lines:

1.7.11:45, the 1st Armored Brigade arrived at Hill 1174 and has engaged the enemy. The 2nd and 3rd Armored Brigades are north of the Geladi River. -- Headquarters of the 1st Armored Brigade

1.7.13:23, The Fifth Division has completed the encirclement of the Grandi. The enemy troops defending the city not only refused to surrender, but also dared to fight back and put up a stubborn resistance. -- Fifth Division Command of the Revolutionary Army

1.7.14:06, The enemy on the front of Hill 1174 began to retreat, but it did not turn into a rout. Our unit is pursuing them. -- Headquarters of the 1st Armored Brigade

1.7.16:38, our troops entered the city, and the defending troops were retreating towards the Governor's Mansion.

1.7.16:57, our troops Haj the Governor-General's residence.

1.7.17:04, our army achieved a great victory.

After friendly negotiations, Governor-General Ent McMaster of Haj agreed to be received by Augustus Mengsk and Commander General Zander Max before Sunset.

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