Hyperion Bridge, Tactical Analysis Room.
The data and physical samples brought back by Tychus had undergone preliminary processing.
Displayed on the holographic projection table were scanned imagery of planet Xil's surface, energy analysis charts of the blast craters, pictures of the Protoss wreckage, and a three-dimensional model of that colossal hollow.
Raynor, Matt, Tychus, Valerie, and Osiris—who had been specially invited to join the analysis—gathered around the projection table.
The atmosphere was heavy.
"Based on site trace analysis, the sequence of events was roughly as follows," Matt operated the interface, arranging the images chronologically. "First, the Moebius Foundation survey team arrived on planet Xil and localized the temple's position. They deployed the Drakken Laser Drill, prepping to enter the temple."
The holographic image displayed the layout of the survey team's work camp.
"Then the Protoss forces showed up," Matt toggled the display to show the spread of Protoss equipment wreckage. "Judging by the types of wreckage, this was a standard Protoss ground combat unit, including Zealots, Stalkers, and defensive structures like Photon Cannons. They ambushed the survey team, killing everyone."
The image displayed the locations of the corpses and their injury profiles.
"The Protoss subsequently occupied the temple zone, setting up a defensive position," Matt continued. "They established at least three key defense nodes around the temple: the entrance position, the eastern energy nexus, and the western barracks area. A textbook Protoss occupation pattern."
A reconstructed schematic of the Protoss layout flickered onto the screen.
"After that, the decisive event took place," Matt's tone turned severe. "An unidentified force subjected the Protoss positions to orbital bombardment. The strike utilized three super-heavy rounds, every single one achieving a pinpoint hit on a defense node. The explosive yield was insanely high—energy residue analysis indicates a single shell's blast power was equivalent to dozens of Yamato Cannon shots focused on a single point."
The 3D image of the blast craters zoomed in, flanked by highlighted energy readings.
"The Protoss forces were virtually wiped out in the bombardment. The volume of Protoss wreckage found on site matches the scale of a standard Protoss detachment, and every piece of debris shows signs of direct destruction by explosion, with zero traces of follow-up ground combat. This implies that after the strike, the Protoss completely lost any organized capacity to resist."
Tychus chimed in: "We only found Protoss wreckage down there, not a single trace of gear from whoever dropped those bombs. Not even a shred of shrapnel."
"That is because the bombardment utilized specialized ordnance," Osiris spoke up calmly, his pale blue optical lens fixed on the energy analysis chart. "Judging by the energy release waveforms and residual composition, the bombardment weapon was likely a variant of a massive kinetic cannon or directed-energy weapon. The payload was entirely consumed during the detonation, leaving no conventional shrapnel. A technical level and firepower density like this are uncommon among known factions in the Koprulu sector."
Raynor looked toward Osiris: "Consultant, in your expert opinion, what kind of faction has the juice to pull something like this off?"
Osiris paused briefly, as if retrieving data. "To inflict such a level of catastrophic destruction on Protoss ground forces, several conditions must be met: First, possession of orbital strike capabilities paired with extreme precision. Second, weapon yields far exceeding conventional standards, likely of a strategic class. Third, a deep, thorough understanding of Protoss defensive systems to accurately target key nodes. Fourth, decisive action with a clear purpose—not to repel, but to achieve total eradication."
He turned toward the pit model on the projection table: "On the other hand, cleanly removing an entire temple structure requires a separate set of technical capabilities. This involves large-scale engineering equipment, structural stabilization tech, and heavy transport capacity. The marks along the edges of the pit on site indicate that the removal operation employed multiple large tractor devices, with forces distributed evenly to prevent structural collapse."
Raynor's brow furrowed tighter and tighter. "So your conclusion is that there's an unknown faction out there—technologically advanced, packing heavy firepower, possessing a deep knowledge of the Protoss, and also hunting down Xel'Naga artifacts?"
"That is a logical inference based on the available evidence," Osiris answered. "The Moebius Foundation hunts for artifacts, the Protoss guard them, and this third-party faction directly obliterates the guardians to claim the objective. Their operational pattern demonstrates extreme efficiency and purpose."
Matt added: "There's another detail. From the bombardment to the temple's removal, the operational window was exceptionally narrow. Right after the orbital strike, ground forces touched down rapidly, cleared residual resistance, and executed the removal. Everything was seamless, without a single delay. That shows they came prepared with a meticulous plan."
Tychus spat a curse: "Damn it, this sector was already mess enough with the Zerg, Protoss, and Mengsk. Now some unknown ghost pops up out of nowhere—and it can pin the Protoss down and beat 'em to death."
Those words hit the deepest worry shared by everyone in the room.
In the Koprulu sector, the Protoss had always been regarded as the pinnacle of technology.
In the history of human-Protoss conflicts, Terrans were almost always at a disadvantage.
While the Zerg possessed sheer numbers that could drown Protoss defense lines, doing so required a massive toll, and they rarely achieved such a clean, decisive victory—wiping out a Protoss position outright with orbital bombardment without taking a single casualty of their own.
Yet now, a faction had appeared that could do so with ease.
Not only were they capable of defeating the Protoss, but their methods were swift, ruthless, and highly calculated.
More importantly, they were hunting Xel'Naga artifacts—the exact same things Raynor's crew was after.
"We need to re-evaluate the whole situation," Raynor said in a low voice. "If an unknown, powerful third party is out there collecting artifact fragments too, then our mission isn't just about fighting Mengsk or the Zerg anymore. We might be facing a far more elusive and dangerous adversary."
Valerie chimed in at the right moment: "Should we report these findings to the Moebius Foundation? They have a right to know the fate of their survey team and the whereabouts of the artifact fragment."
Raynor pondered for a few seconds.
"Tell them the survey team was killed, but keep the full details under wraps for now. Just say we found Protoss forces and signs of heavy combat on site, and that the artifact fragment's whereabouts are unknown. As for this third-party faction... we need more evidence."
He turned to Matt: "Compile all the data and set up a dedicated dossier marked 'Unknown Faction Threat Assessment.' Route all future related intel into this file. At the same time, raise the Hyperion's alert level, and keep our outgoing communications tighter."
Matt nodded: "Understood."
"Tychus, stay in touch with the Moebius Foundation. See if they have any other leads on the artifacts, or if they know of any faction that might have this kind of hardware."
"I'll ask around," Tychus said. "Though I doubt they know squat. If they knew some heavy hitter like this was snatching artifacts, they probably wouldn't have contracted us in the first place."
The meeting drew to a close. Everyone filed out of the analysis room to attend to their assigned duties.
Osiris cast one last look at the data on the projection table, his pale blue optical lens flickering slightly before he turned and departed back to his workspace.
In front of the observation window outside the bridge, Raynor stood alone, gazing out into the vast starry expanse. The events on planet Xil cast a deep shadow over his heart. An unknown faction capable of easily crushing the Protoss, an adversary hunting the same artifacts, a threat lurking in the dark...
The situation in this sector was growing increasingly complex—and far more dangerous.