A Battle of Acting

"Emil, my friend, brother, and mentor—your achievements would shine through the annals of history and be remembered by all."

In the Goddess of Youth Hall of Augustgrad Palace, where guests were received, Emperor Augustus of the Terran Empire warmly embraced Dr. Narud, patting his back as though they were old friends reunited after many years apart.

"Emperor Augustus, all my work and my mission have been completed. The Xel'Naga Worldship possesses the devastating power to destroy an entire world. Even the strongest fortress could not withstand it." Narud wore his tailored black tailcoat, carrying himself like a proud parrot as he spoke. "You will rule this universe as you rule your empire. The worlds will grovel at your feet, and no one will ever again be able to defy the Emperor of the Terran Empire!"

"Heh heh. Without you, we could never have done it. If anyone could restore the Xel'Naga Worldship, it could only be Emil Narud." Augustus released Narud, thinking that those words applied far more aptly to his master, Amon. You're practically mocking me.

That was too much. Way too much flattery.

"If what the Protoss say is true, then the end of the world has already come. This is exactly when we need the Xel'Naga Worldship." Empress Sarah Kerrigan stood behind the Emperor. She had never cared much for extravagant gowns, wearing black only to mourn the dead after Augustgrad had come under attack.

As Augustus and Narud poured their hearts out to one another, rows upon rows of tall floor-to-ceiling windows reflected their smiling faces. Their sincere affection was plain to see.

"I never knew they were so close," Tychus muttered quietly from the other side of the hall.

"I've even seen Cerebrates and Protoss call each other brothers," Raynor said. "Who can make sense