24Hey guys author here; I am making another story lol... It is going to be Massively AU, like seriously, MASSIVE
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(19AC-After conquest) In the aftermath of the Protoss' departure, the Zerg seized the opportunity to aggressively colonize abandoned human planets and recently infested Protoss worlds.
(21AC)- The return of the Zerg Overmind, their progenitor and highest authority, marked a significant turning point. With the expansion of the Psionic network—the Zerg's hivemind—Zerglings were produced faster, and the Overmind's influence extended further. As a result, the Zerg expanded at an unprecedented rate, transforming planets into hive worlds. Organic material, primarily in the form of Zerg-produced Creep, rapidly covered the landscape, consuming vegetation. Creep served as the Zerg's self-sustaining food source, granting their units enhanced mobility and allowing for a self-sustaining population without reliance on external food supplies.
(45AC) After securing the Koprulu Sector and eliminating remnant enemies, the Zerg faced a new challenge: rampant reproduction rates and overpopulated worlds. The absence of external foes led to internal divisions. The Overmind's connection to the Zerg did little to mitigate the situation. Splinter groups emerged, swiftly asserting control over their star systems. They either assimilated nearby Zerg networks into their own Psionic network or obliterated outside Zerg forces. Meanwhile, the weakened Overmind consolidated its remaining forces. As more splinter groups rebelled, the Overmind reluctantly joined the fray—either annihilating enemy forces or forcibly reintegrating them into its own Psionic network
(47AC) The Purge Wars, as dubbed by the Overmind, marked a tumultuous period when splinter Zerg forces broke away from the collective—driven either by starvation, the creep not enough to sustain the massive populations of zerg or the pressing need for more space. This conflict witnessed millions of Zerg casualties, with infested worlds changing hands through forceful takeovers by Zerg splinter groups or the grim process of purging and consuming Zerg populations.
(48AC) Amidst the chaos of the Purge Wars, the Zerg, preoccupied with their internal strife, failed to detect the disappearance of outlying Zerg colonies. Curiously, no Zerg psionic signatures lingered at the abandoned sites. When Zerg ships conducted a cursory scan of the system, they stumbled upon a revelation that would ignite a newfound unity: the ancient enemy had resurfaced. After three years of relentless conflict, the Zerg would finally rally together to face this common threat.
(49AC) The resurgence of the ancient enemy served as a rallying cry for the Zerg. The Overmind, driven by a desire to reclaim its dominion over the fragmented Zerg factions, issued a call for unity—a merging of minds into a single psionic network. This visionary idea would facilitate seamless information exchange among the Zerg, transcending past conflicts and petty disputes. The collective consciousness recognized that survival trumped all else; starvation was preferable to extinction. Thus, the Overmind ascended once more to its rightful position—the ultimate leader of the Zerg. Its will became synonymous with the Zerg's very essence.
Swiftly assuming its role, the Overmind purged previously infested creatures, including the Terrans—a perceived cause of the "Purge Wars." Their inferior minds clung to outdated needs like organic Terran food and the illusory comforts of currency. The infested Protoss faced a similar fate, albeit after extensive study. Despite their numerical disadvantage, the Protoss excelled in technology and psionic research, centuries ahead of the Terrans. Yet, their advancements held no sway over the Zerg, who adhered to organic technology—their hallmark: Bio tech.
(51AC) The Overmind swiftly reinforced the border worlds in the region where colonies had mysteriously vanished. It aimed to prevent further losses, recognizing that these worlds' resources were crucial for the ongoing expansion of the Zerg collective
(54AC) The Zerg endured a two-year vigil, anticipating further assaults from their ancient foes. Yet, inexplicably, the enemy vanished once more, eluding the Zerg's psionic detection.
(61AC) The Zerg, known for their aggressive expansionist policies, shifted toward a more exploratory approach rather than their previous "scan-conquer-scan" methodology. By redirecting resources away from continuous colony ships and exploratory vessels, the Overmind introduced a novel perspective. It focused on solidifying worlds with defenses, creating habitats from creep to sustain the Zerg within their confines. These conquered and colonized worlds now teemed with infested creep, spreading at an increasing rate.
In the pursuit of growth, the Zerg explored new methods of creep production. Unique organic samples discovered on a border world held the key. Among the possibilities were enhanced sight, reinforced chitinous armor, and a distinctive memory exchange system. Through physical contact, experiences and proportions could be transferred to the collective's memories—an innovation meticulously developed by the Overmind and its resident geneticist, Abathur.
This new expansionist policy led to fresh discoveries on already colonized worlds and systems. Among them was the Terq star system, where the moon of an uninhabited planet revealed an ancient relic—an artifact known as the Mass Relay.
(62AC) With the discovery of the Mass Relay came another revelation: element zero. This enigmatic element possessed what some called "biotic properties." However, the Zerg soon learned that biotics were temperamental when integrated into organic systems, leading to rapid cancerous growths and tumors.
Leveraging their mastery of biotech and Abathur's relentless improvements to the collective's DNA strains, the Zerg successfully applied biotics to their vessels—specifically their larger, grown creatures. By infusing biotic DNA strands into the Zerg's psi emitter, they could create kinetic shields, granting precise control over shield sizes.
Equipped with element zero, Zerg vessels could now activate the relic—the Mass Relay—an achievement previously beyond their reach. This newfound capability allowed them access to worlds beyond the Koprulu sector.
(83AC) first Contact
...
Tutis Felion, a unique member of the crew aboard the ship Invictus, bore the weight of experience from the unification wars. As an admiral within the nascent hierarchy, he wielded considerable influence in its formative stages. However, there were obstacles: remote colonies rejected integration into the ruling authority, perceiving it as an imposition. Rebellious elements stubbornly maintained their independence, refusing to recognize the conditions of the treaty.
Behind the scenes, Tutis witnessed the mounting pressure exerted by outlying colony chieftains. Their xenophobic and anti-hierarchy sentiments clashed with the vision of Turian unity. The hierarchy, still finding its footing, encountered a challenging and difficult situation.
Tutis refused to engage in the Chieftains' games—now self-styled Primark's. This stance created divisions within the fledgling government, echoing cultural fault lines. Turians adorned themselves with face paint, signifying their planetary origins. The generational divide deepened: some embraced outer colony integration, while others leaned toward extremism, pushing their agendas within the broader hierarchy.
In the eyes of outsiders, the cultural divide within the turian hierarchy might appear inconsequential. After all, the government is multicultural, and unity seems inevitable. However, Tutis understood the deeper implications. If this divide persists across generations, the hierarchy may never achieve the unity envisioned by the elder Primarchs.
The concept of turian unity, as propagated by these Primarchs, revolves around the idea that all turians should accept their place within the hierarchy and prioritize the collective good over individual interests. But Tutis considered it a flawed notion.
Every individual harbors personal desires and needs that may eventually clash with the hierarchy's overarching goals. What happens then? Will dissenters be ostracized? Or will those who fail to conform be imprisoned? Tutis foresaw these challenges and voiced his concerns to the elder Primarchs—some of whom he had fought alongside during the unification wars. Unfortunately, they dismissed his warnings, claiming they had solutions to address these issues. A statement Tutis wisely chose not to challenge.
The Primarchs assured Tutis that their idea would succeed—that even the dissenting Primarchs would eventually recognize the benefits of unity. Their control over massive element zero stocks and the strategic mass relays lent weight to their words.
Ah, yes—the mass relays, Tutis mused. Yet another reason for his supposed neutrality in the ongoing cultural and political struggle within the hierarchy. These relays offered the tantalizing possibility of encountering extraterrestrial life, whether friendly or hostile. Meanwhile, the Primarchs remained preoccupied with organizing and funding "re-education camps" designed to shape the next generation into fervent adherents of Haetism—a new religion centered around the very concept of unity.
And so, Tutis found himself on the outer colony of Noctus—a recently established settlement linked by a secondary relay to neighboring primary relays. This connection facilitated increased immigration and boosted trade. But why was he here? The answer lay in the activation of a newly discovered relay within the system—one that supposedly led to a region rich in much-needed resources.
...
The star system itself appeared unremarkable, much like countless others scattered across the galaxy. It boasted four moderately sized planets and an asteroidal ring encircling its outer reaches. The ring, though barely visible due to its distance from the central star—what normal individuals referred to as the sun—sent plasma rays gently colliding with the Turian vessels' outer hulls. The ships' Metalica paint gleamed under the sun's rays.
As the fleet emerged from the mass relay, their kinetic barriers remained charged, engines decelerating from their previous speed. Scan systems hummed to life, and the crew worked tirelessly to maintain order. Communication teams exchanged messages with neighboring vessels, while technicians diligently ran pre-scheduled diagnostics.
Tutis reclined in his command chair, issuing orders to his crew with the ease of experience. His claws scrolled through reports displayed on his console, while crew members handed him handwritten or printed documents.
Suddenly, the tranquil mood dissipated. Sirens blared, their deafening noise filling the bridge. The red warning lights flashed urgently. "Velana, report," Tutis commanded, his voice stern and unreadable. His communication unit sprang to life, and Velana's calm and steady voice came through. "Unknown object detected—it appears of alien origin. No discernible hierarchical designs within its structure," she paused. "And, sir… it looks organic."
Tutis pondered quietly. While not an expert in technological matters, he had a relative understanding of the hierarchy's advancements in biological manipulation and enhancements. There are restrictions, of course—unwritten societal taboos against alterations that inhibited or introduced untested organic reflexes or senses. Take, for instance, the Inada Initiative—an ill-fated scientific obsession with organic enhancements that led to widespread public revolt. The chieftain of the time had no choice but to dismiss the court scientists or risk impeachment by the populace...
The hierarchy's attempts to integrate biological functions and units into their technology were no secret. Their goal was to enhance compatibility and create more user-friendly interfaces. However, these endeavors ultimately failed due to the hierarchy's lack of experience with biotech and the inherent bulkiness of the resulting objects.
As the Unification Wars loomed on the horizon, and with the biotech projects yielding no profits, they were abandoned before any considerable progress could be made.
As Tutis gazed at the object through the viewports of his ship, he was taken aback by its advanced design and, more significantly, the seamless integration of organic weaponry visible on its outer walls. Strikingly, there were no conventional technological components; everything appeared purely organic. The purplish color scheme assaulted his eyes.
Further out in the system, he noticed tiny dots—ships of organic origin—approaching an active relay. Their presence was unmistakable through his viewports and the ship's scanners.
What truly alarmed Tutis was the planet below—a world that had once boasted lush forests and breathtaking skies visible from space. Now, large splotches of the same material—the very substance composing the mysterious structure—blanketed the landscape. The once-clear skies now bore a purplish tinge, resembling a haunting miasma. And the land floor itself appeared as if coated in wax of the same eerie hue.
As the structure, previously unaware of his fleet's presence, sprang into action, Tutis observed its weapon-like protrusions. These once innocuous features now revealed their true purpose: they shot out purple spores, each covered in a slimy residue. These spores rapidly expanded, transforming into serpentine-like creatures with large reptilian heads and six eyes. The creatures multiplied before Tutis's eyes, hatching from more spores until they outnumbered his fleet four to one.
...
"Hold positions! I repeat, hold positions!" Tutis's urgent command echoed through the ship's communicator, reaching both his crew and the neighboring vessels in his fleet.
"Do not make any threatening moves. This could be our first contact with an extraterrestrial force," Tutis emphasized. His crew complied, and after some persuasion, the admirals of the other ships followed suit. The kinetic barriers remained charged, weapons ready, but held in a non-threatening position.
"Velena," Tutis addressed his communications officer, "send the first contact package through all known frequencies."
"Yes, sir," Velena responded promptly, accessing the nearby console, and transmitting the message across all available channels. The fate of this encounter hung in the balance, and Tutis hoped their approach would be met with understanding rather than hostility.
The alien ships, once headed in Tutis's direction, abruptly halted upon receiving their communications. Tension gripped the bridge, the silence as they awaited a reply almost unbearable. It was to be expected, if Tutis were honest with himself. These extraterrestrial beings might communicate differently, as evidenced by their unique ships and the enigmatic organic structure in the distance.
Yet, an itch at the back of his mind distracted him from the situation. The feeling intensified, forcing him to sit down, inexplicably drained. Clicks and clacks, reminiscent of insects chirping, echoed around him. He snapped his head, searching for the source of the noise, but found nothing. His concerned crew approached, but he waved them away. This first contact was more critical than his sudden exhaustion. And he dared not reveal the mental hallucinations plaguing him—after all, the hierarchy frowned upon commanders or admirals with any sort of mental instability in leadership roles.
The itch—no, more of a headache—intensified, accompanied by voices of unknown origin speaking in an unfamiliar language within Tutis's mind. "Interesting," one voice whispered, its tone reminiscent of an insect's subtle rattle.
"So much information acquired; the Overmind will be pleased," another voice, with a distinctly feminine quality, chimed in. "This creature is young, new, and unmistakably sentient… The Collective will be interested."
"We might as well retreat; we have everything we need," spoke the voice with the whispery timbre. Tutis did not understand the words, but he could infer their meaning. The ships ahead of his fleet reversed course, retreating through the relay on the opposite side of the system. The enigmatic alien structure began to disintegrate, chunks breaking off and transforming into additional alien vessels that followed their brethren in retreat.
The sudden turn of events left Tutis both relieved and bewildered. What had these extraterrestrial beings sought from their encounter? And why had they departed so abruptly? The mysteries lingered, echoing in his mind like the fading whispers of the unknown voices.