Carrying the second Xel'Naga artifact fragment, the Hyperion temporarily anchored in an unnamed void far from the Monlyth system.
Inside the ship, the atmosphere mixed the relaxation of a successful mission with the heavy pressure brought by the Queen of Blades' sudden appearance.
The outcome of Tychus's transmission with the Moebius Foundation was less than ideal.
Upon confirming that the fragment was secured, the Foundation representative displayed none of the anticipated eagerness to take delivery, his tone turning exceptionally cautious instead.
"In light of current anomalous Swarm activity—specifically the direct intervention of the Queen of Blades—we deem the risk of an immediate physical handover excessively high," stated the Foundation's hologram in a calm, unruffled tone. "Transport routes could be intercepted, and rendezvous points exposed. We recommend that the artifact fragment remain safely in your custody temporarily until we evaluate a more secure transfer protocol. Naturally, we will cover appropriate storage fees during this period, with the remaining balance settled in full upon final delivery."
This decision meant the Raiders could not immediately collect the bulk of the contract payout.
While there were modest storage fees, it was a drop in the bucket for maintaining the daily overhead, equipment maintenance, and personnel payroll of an independent armed force.
Raynor set down the comm log and rubbed the bridge of his nose.
Financial pressure had always been an unresolved issue for the Raiders.
They relied on various contracts, mercenary work, and "special requisitions" along the Dominion fringe to keep operating, keeping their cash flow perpetually tight.
The Moebius Foundation contract was supposed to be a substantial influx of capital, but now it had been delayed.
"Looks like we need to find some other work," Tychus stated bluntly. "Can't expect to live off a handful of storage fees. The boys need to eat, the ship needs fuel, and the guns need ammo."
Just then, Osiris made a request.
He came to the bridge, finding Raynor as he discussed their next course of action with Matt.
"Commander Raynor, given that the artifact fragment will temporarily remain aboard the Hyperion, I request permission to conduct research on it," Osiris's voice was smooth as ever as he looked at Raynor. "The Far Star Alliance maintains a long-standing research interest in relics of ancient civilizations such as the Xel'Naga. I can perform non-destructive scanning and analysis, which may help us better comprehend these fragments' functions, their interconnections, and... why they draw such fierce contention from the Swarm and even the Protoss."
Raynor scrutinized Osiris.
The consultant from the "Far Star Alliance" had proven the value of his technology in previous operations—whether it was Haven's suppressor or Monlyth's psionic interference device.
His insight into technical items was also out of the ordinary. Allowing him to study the fragment under controlled conditions might actually yield critical intel.
"Research is fine," Raynor agreed after consideration. "But it must be conducted in a designated area under supervision by our personnel. All scan data and analysis results must be shared with us. Furthermore, you must not cause any damage to the fragment or activate any of its unknown functions. That's the bottom line."
"Agreed," Osiris responded cleanly. "I will abide by all security protocols and data-sharing agreements. Research will be conducted in a fully controlled environment."
With arrangements set, Osiris headed to a designated isolation lab with the necessary equipment, initiating systematic scans on the second artifact fragment.
Meanwhile, Raynor shifted his focus back to the pressing financial issue.
Right on cue, Matt received a routine update from the Raiders' intelligence network.
An encrypted message was filtered out, flagged as "High Priority."
"Jim, you might want to look at this," Matt projected the message content onto the main screen. "Our informant on Tarsonis reports that the Dominion is conducting large-scale excavation and transit operations across the ruins. They've deployed heavy construction machinery and have heavy escorts. Transport is being carried out via encrypted orbital trains at high frequency."
"Tarsonis?" Raynor's attention was hooked instantly.
That planet was once the capital of the Terran Confederacy, and a source of permanent agony in the hearts of countless people—including his own.
The Swarm led by the Overmind had consumed hundreds of millions of lives there, and had taken Sarah Kerrigan away completely.
Today's Tarsonis was a dead world partially covered in creep, choking on radiation and Zerg remnants.
What was the Dominion digging up over there?
"Details are sparse, but the informant mentioned the Dominion appears to be searching for old Confederacy relics, and with extreme urgency," Matt added, pulling up a satellite scan of the Tarsonis ruins that marked Dominion operational sectors and suspected railway tracks. "Escort levels on the transport trains are high—doesn't look like routine ruins salvaging or resource recovery."
Raynor stared at those markers, his gaze growing sharp.
Arcturus Mengsk—the man who utilized the Swarm to destroy Tarsonis to achieve his own political ambitions, and then betrayed and abandoned Sarah to the Zerg.
What was he looking for inside the graveyard he personally created? Incriminating evidence? Or something else of value?
"Whatever he's looking for, if Mengsk wants it this badly, wrecking his plans is a win-win for us," Raynor's voice carried a chilling edge. "We hit the Dominion while seizing resources or intel that could be useful to us. Besides, raiding a Dominion supply train... that's a pretty good business venture in itself."
Tychus grinned: "Now that's what I like to hear. Robbing Mengsk blind is just plain right. That hellhole Tarsonis might be nasty, but putting a thorn in that old bastard's side makes it worth the trip."
Matt began pulling up more granular intelligence. "Based on informant leads and limited scans, the Dominion repaired and reactivated a section of the old Confederacy transit network in the ruins to rapidly haul excavated goods to a staging ground on the perimeter. Train schedules are dense, with escort forces scaling up with train serial numbers. Our objective is to intercept these trains and seize or destroy the cargo being transported. But take note: since we can't confirm which specific train holds the primary target, we must intercept every train—none can be allowed to slip past."
"Then we stop them all," Raynor resolved. "Formulate the plan. We need a high-mobility ground force adapted for ruins operations and rail-line engagements. Let's call this operation 'The Great Train Robbery'—give Mengsk a earth-shattering surprise."
He looked at Matt: "Also, notify tech services to prep gear suited for ruins environments. Tarsonis doesn't just have Dominion troops; there could be lingering Zerg bio-forms and radiation contamination. This won't be a leisurely stroll."
"Understood," Matt nodded. "I'll coordinate with Swann to see if we have new gear suited for ruins assaults. Additionally, recon drones need to be deployed ahead of time to map out the railway layout and specific Dominion defense nodes."
The operational directive was set. The Hyperion adjusted its heading, course locked: the Tarsonis system.
On one hand, it was to secure desperately needed funds and resources while striking at Mengsk's Dominion; on the other hand, deep within his heart, Raynor yearned to find something left behind in that place.
Inside the isolation lab, Osiris's scanner emitted a low hum as probe beams swept over the artifact fragment hovering in the force field, recording every trace of its energy fluctuations and physical properties.
The fragment rotated quietly, its blue-white light reflecting off Osiris's expressionless synthetic features, as if whispering secrets across vast stretches of space and time.
The Hyperion set sail toward the eye of the storm once more, its target this time being the cornerstone of Dominion rule and the ruins of Tarsonis, where countless tragedies first took root.