At Augustus's command, the Xel'Naga Worldship and the arkship Pride of Otaris cleared the way on either side of the Hyperion. The vast fleet of humans, Protoss, and Zerg followed close behind, passing through the gateway to the Void in preparation to cross the Sea of the Void.
Within the dazzling light shooting out from the Void Gate, every vessel that entered began to warp and spin, as though the fleet were reflected in rippling water.
The capital ships passing through the Void Gate at the same time were each larger than the last, and the sheer number and density of their escort vessels forced the commanders of every race and fleet to convene another meeting in advance. They had to coordinate their deployment and designate routes, lest the ships destroy one another in collisions before even entering the Void.
The plan to enter the Void went more smoothly than Augustus had expected. Compared with the terrifying enemy they were about to face, he and Tassadar were more concerned about command falling into chaos and the fleet losing all order in its advances and retreats.
This was the largest fleet humanity and the Protoss could assemble, enough to conquer the galaxy with ease and crush the stars beneath its heels.
Augustus had prepared for this moment for ten years, using that time to build warships and expand his military. By the war's end, his Terran Empire had become utterly militarized. The number of nuclear weapons it had stockpiled alone had never been intended for dealing with a few remnants of the old Confederacy and rebel forces.
"The route has been entered."
"Checking wireless communications. Complete."
"This is the communications center. Everything is normal."
"Intelligence center reports all clear. Observers are functioning properly."
On the Hyperion's bridge, everyone wore grave expressions