The Emperor Said He Wanted to Give You a Little Red Flower

Prince Tosh of the Blades is imprisoned in the Merrimack, a Leviathan -class battlecruiser that is alone in a stationary orbit around the planet. She is one of the few remaining ships of her class.

The old Leviathan -class ships should have been retired long ago; only the captains and sailors who once sailed the Merrimack across the Sea of Stars can recall her glorious past. As her service life continues to extend, the Mark's aging hull and outdated armor are no longer suitable for the increasingly severe warfare.

When the Imperial Army captured Tarsonis, the decommissioned Merrimack was docked in Port Aleksander, awaiting either final dismantling or conversion into a large transport ship.

Even within the Imperial Fleets, the Merrimack was relegated from a capital ship to a border patrol vessel. Although the Leviathan- class's weapon systems were already outdated, it was still more than capable of dealing with third-rate pirates and bandits who committed crimes in orbital spacecraft. (An orbital spacecraft is smaller than a shuttle and is a low-Earth orbital passenger aircraft capable of achieving escape velocity.)

The Mark, which was used as a prison ship to hold Tosh, has now had its jump start device and main engine removed and non-combat personnel evacuated, leaving only a crew to maintain essential survival facilities.

The Empire knows very little about Tosh's past as a human, only that he came from the Haj Voodoo Cult. The current Tosh is an extremely powerful and dangerous Psionics individual, which is obvious, and so far no prison has been able to guarantee that he can be imprisoned without any risk.

Once Tosh loses control, Mark will be his doom.

When Lieutenant General William Wozowski and his adjutant Colonel Matt Horner Matt Horner arrived at the docking bay of the Merrimack in a military shuttle, fully armed Imperial Marine Corps were guarding the passageways, and officers wearing eagle and wolf insignia were patrolling the decks. A tense atmosphere permeated the air.

"General, the prisoner is in stable condition and the situation is under control." A naval headquarters staff officer, accompanied by several officers, greeted Wozowski and Matt Horner as they descended the shuttle's gangway.

"If he wants to cause any trouble, give him anesthesia—the kind that would numb a Behemoth." Like all the Imperial soldiers here, Lieutenant General Wozowski wore CMC Power Armor over his uniform.

Modern armor is constantly being updated and improved, becoming more reliable and more widely used with each iteration.

"We have prepared seven contingency plans. The compartment where Tosh is held is independent and can be ejected into outer space at any time. If necessary, the air can be pumped out and filled with liquid nitrogen." The staff officer was tall with meticulously groomed blond hair. He had previously worked in Emperor Augustus's command headquarters, where he was the one who handled calls from various subordinate command posts.

Wozowski knew his name was Otto Anderbet, a true-blue Korhal reformist nobleman whose family had been staunch supporters of the Mengsk Family. Otto's resume was impeccable, and his future looked bright.

"To deal with the Zerg, you have to use fire," Wozowski commented.

"We can also inject an equal amount of plasma; everyone is equal before thermal melting," Otto said.

"Add one more thing: once he's ejected from the capsule, execute him with the Yamato Cannon," Wozowski said casually, turning to the other side, where the only person present wasn't wearing Power Armor.

"Professor Helek Branamoor, Honorary Professor of Umojan National University, expert in alien research, Royal Scientific Advisor, one of the most learned people in the world," the staff officer introduced to the lieutenant general.

Professor Branamur was short, with a thin face, and appeared serious and silent. He didn't seem that old, but his once beautiful hair had clearly disappeared.

A Umojans —this is a somewhat sensitive identity in today's world.

The Umojans were loyal friends of Korhal, and they spared no effort in promoting and assisting Korhal's independence movement, although the deeper reason was to weaken the power of the overly strong Terran Confederacy.

Emperor Augustus certainly did not forget this kindness. As soon as he established the Terran Empire, he established diplomatic relations with Umojan and restored the large-scale trade and aid projects between the Terran and Umojan worlds that had been interrupted.

However, both sides' leaders are aware that this balance will not last long.

The current Emperor of the Terran Empire is an enlightened and powerful monarch. Under his rule, the Confederacy world, mired in civil war, has finally achieved unification. Under his so-called enlightened and autonomous political system, a powerful and confident era is about to begin.

For the Terran Empire, expanding beyond the Koprulu Sector and pursuing further expansion is inevitable. Although the Terran Empire and the Umojan Republic are brothers of the same origin, and the current emperor is pursuing a policy of appeasement towards Umojan, no one knows what attitude the successor will take in the future, whether the empire is short-lived or long-lasting.

The Emperor has no children yet, and given that his wife is an extremely powerful Psionics, it is unlikely that he will have any more. Therefore, the Umojans would prefer that Valerian, the son of Prince Arcturus who has Umojan blood, become the crown prince.

Of course, this is a biased misunderstanding.

However, neither the emperor nor the royal family wanted outsiders to interfere in this matter. In addition, the Umojan people were unwilling to give up their insignificant espionage activities, which led to many unpleasant incidents.

Of course, Professor Umojan, who could become a royal advisor, was absolutely loyal enough to withstand any test.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Professor. I've read your work." The lieutenant general immediately shook hands with Professor Branamur and complimented him, saying that he had long admired him.

"Oh, which one?" Professor Branamur asked inappropriately.

"The right temperature for roasting larvae." Wozowski held out his hand to lead the professor. "Let me see that captive beast."

"Of course, but you must wear anti- Psionics equipment." The professor gave a dry smile, "Even through a steel plate ten feet away, Tosh can still crush a human brain with sheer willpower. With that level of Psionics, controlling the will of others is a piece of cake."

"What kind of anti -Psionics equipment would be effective?" Wozowski asked as they walked. "I've heard about the abilities of Ghost operative; they're said to be able to..."

"He can control other people's bladders, making them urinate against a wall with one leg raised like a dog, or dance the tango backwards," Professor Branamur said.

"He might even possess the ability to manipulate minds, although mind control is only temporary and extremely difficult to achieve. Those with such a talent are exceptionally gifted and extremely rare."

The Merrimack's enclosed passageways lead in all directions, where the equipment is outdated and the wall lights are dim. Only the deck is spotless, and even the gray carpet has been washed repeatedly; everything reflects a commitment to pragmatism.

There weren't many soldiers in the passageway, but they were all elite troops; the War Pigs, Hellhound, and Sterling Strikers were the cream of the crop.

Wozowski walked through the ship's corridors, soldiers saluting him as he approached. The closer he got to the compartment where Tosh was imprisoned, the more Imperial soldiers there were, along with a large number of intelligent Black Widow Spider Mine scattered in hidden corners. Even the current head of the Tagore Family's prison didn't receive this kind of treatment.

The corridors were like a maze, parallel to each other, almost identical except for the markings and signs. After passing through the last passageway and opening the airlock, the heavily guarded cells were already in sight.

Two heavily armored soldiers in Marauder Power Armor guarded the gate. Their heavy full-body armor made them look much more robust than ordinary Marines. Upon seeing the Wozowski, they immediately saluted.

"This loyalty is dedicated to the Emperor."

Marauder Power Armor is much more expensive than regular CMC, and can only be worn by elite troops. It is not available to criminals or Resocialized Soldier; all are veterans from the Revolutionary Army era.

One of them was someone Wozowski knew. This young man, not yet twenty-four, came from the agricultural immigrant region of Halsen. His family were genuine farmers who earned a living from the barren land through hard work. He was dull and rigid, and could be described as completely single-minded, but he trusted the commander implicitly and regarded the revolution as his faith without reservation.

Today, they enjoy very good treatment and salaries, and their families have been brought to Augustgrad in Korhal, making them a respectable and well-regarded class.

These soldiers were the backbone of the Imperial Army, loyal, brave, and almost uncontrollably devoted to their generals and emperor.

"This loyalty is dedicated to the Emperor."

Wozowski returned the salute and said, "Open the door."

The guards did as instructed. The airlock that had been opened was for a cell with layers of reinforced alloy steel walls and three layers of glass.

A green-skinned, wrinkled man was sitting in a chair, facing the Wozowski and others who were walking in through the door.

Tosh, who had been lost in thought, slowly raised his head. His Medusa-like hair was covered in spines, while the rest of his body was made of tendons, muscles, and chitinous armor. His eyes shone with a dim, yellowish light, like two dark stars.

"Can you hear that? The whispers among the stars, the galaxies will burn with their arrival, an unstoppable storm is approaching." Tosh looked at Wozowski, his eyes filled with apprehension.

"Fate is irreversible, unchangeable, and inescapable."

"You are Prince Gabriel Tosh of the Blades?" Wozowski sat down in the chair opposite Tosh, separated by thick glass, surrounded by Psionics shielding, machine guns, and railguns.

"Genuine and authentic."

"Okay, now tell me, what is this talking star and its damn destiny?" Wozowski said to Tosh. "I only believe in myself. No one can Overmind human destiny, not even God."

"Heh." Tosh chuckled, a gentle smile that was completely at odds with his intimidating appearance.

"You're right."

"." Wozowski realized he couldn't understand this guy at all, but then he thought he didn't need to understand the words of a madman.

This tall and mighty body should actually house the soul of a teenager, but this soul has been reshaped, twisted, and transformed by Char into the form that the Overmind desires him to become.

Sarah Kerrigan should have been the ideal candidate to Overmind, but in the end, they had to settle for second best. If it wasn't Tosh, it would most likely have been someone else, such as Nova Terra.

"Where is your emperor? I want to speak with him." Tosh paused for a moment.

"You are a prisoner, and I expect you to understand that in every one of the next twenty-four hours," Wozowski said coldly.

"I don't need to grant any of the prisoners' requests."

Gabriel Tosh was already a prisoner of the Empire, and his last Behemoth was on its last legs, being pushed toward the sun by hundreds of tugboats.

The Protoss Fleets remained anchored at the edge of the system.

The Protoss have rescued the matriarch, but they are not yet ready to leave. Emperor Augustus, upon learning of the progress, specifically called to instruct that the matriarch, Raszagal, be checked for signs of infection, parasitism, or other forms of control.

Although it is common knowledge that the Zerg cannot infect the Protoss, the Protoss dared not be negligent when their respected matriarch was involved.

Strangely enough, Tosh never tormented Chief Raszagal. Even when he was lectured to the point of losing his temper, he would only throw a tantrum. The Zerg's modifications made Tosh extremely violent, but he never lost control due to anger.

Raszagal is now undergoing further examination and treatment to ensure everything is alright.

"Why did you kidnap the female chieftain of the Protoss Dark Templar?" Wozowski wanted to use the word "abducted."

"She's beautiful, isn't she?" Tosh certainly wouldn't tell the truth.

"That's no reason." Wozowski, of course, did not accept it.

"What does Augustus intend to do with me?" Tosh asked after a moment of silence.

"I have good news for you: the Emperor is prepared to spare your life." Wozowski seemed somewhat dissatisfied with this order.

"Haha, that's exactly what he should do. He understands all of this, only he does." Tosh said that the only heroes in the world are himself and Augustus.

"..." Wozowski completely misunderstood Tosh's words. "Our benevolent emperor has decided to send his scientists to do their utmost to save you and find a way to eradicate the infection. To this end, he has also joined forces with Protoss scientists."

As he spoke, Wozowski shook his head, as if his words made him physically uncomfortable.

"This level of infection is unprecedented and unheard of in the world," Professor Branamur added from the side. "We are just doing our best."

"Save me? There are still people in this world who care about me." Tosh seemed surprised by the Wozowski's response, and the words touched him deeply.

"After all, I was just a pathetic, self-pitying person. I only begged the Confederacy to spare my life, but they killed my grandmother. And now I've become Zerg, and when I need help the most, the people around me only want to push me into the abyss," he said.

"But this was just for experimentation."

"So that's why you're relentlessly hunting down Confederacy members." Wozowski indicated he roughly understood. "His Majesty asked me to tell you that your actions are commendable, but you should have avoided harming innocent people."

"He's going to award me a medal?" Tosh smiled, but his fangs were bared in a menacing grin.

"Just stay put. Dissecting and torturing you is what the Confederacy does." Wozowski looked at her. "You don't seem to have tortured Raszagal before?"

Tosh remained calm and composed, not at all like a prisoner. "I don't do things I don't like."