Do You Think I'm an Idiot?

At the entrance to the Aotearian Rift, aboard Alpha Squadron's flagship, the Norad III.

Imperial Marshal General Edmund Duke wore a neatly pressed ivory uniform, with dozens of dazzling gold medals and decorations pinned to his chest, displaying the outstanding achievements he had earned throughout the many Total Wars.

As always, Duke stood on the bridge of his flagship, looking down upon his vast, majestic fleet and imagining the magnificent sight of its guns firing in unison and unleashing their might.

Below, lights flickered throughout the starport and fleet formations. The engine trails of warships converged into blazing currents of blue and red, grand and imposing, their momentum overwhelming. Without question, this was the greatest fleet in the Terran Empire. Its gleaming white decks, intimidating gun barrels, and shining golden eagle insignias were enough to make every enemy of the Empire tremble.

Within the Terran Imperial Navy, Alpha Squadron's warships all appeared somewhat larger than vessels of the same class. In a sense, they probably were, because whenever the fleet rested, Duke always ordered his beloved ships to be repainted again and again, ensuring that they could always be inspected in pristine condition.

It was estimated that the paint on Alpha Squadron's warships was at least several inches thick.

In short, under Duke's strict demands, Alpha Squadron was ready to join a grand war anytime, anywhere. Blood Eagles Alpha would prove that it remained the Terran Empire's most powerful military force, and that he remained Emperor Augustus's most trusted general.

Who knew what the Terran Empire would do without him someday? Those country bumpkins, clowns, and idiots around Jim Raynor would sooner or later turn the imperial palace into a circus.

Edmund Duke had no interest whatsoever in political power, but he was utterly intoxicated by the prospect of commanding