Chapter 7: Stukov's Mission/Queens Anger (Spreading Disease/Kerrigan's Rage)

"Stukov, there is an Infested settlement nearby, you are to go and take control of the Infested, and destroy the large city nearby, it holds the main base of the Defense's operations, steal their plans."

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Several Infested limped around the city, however it was not limited to ponies, as there were several Infested Terrans there as well. They aimlessly moved around the city without purpose, but they would soon be given a purpose as Stukov approached them. The Infested turned and prepared to attack the oncoming stranger, but upon seeing he was like them, they began to relax. "I am Alexi Stukov, I have been sent by the Queen of Blades to lead you in combat, and we are to attack the nearby city soon. Kill or infest anything in your path. For the Swarm!" Stukov shouted, while the Infested raised their weapons and also took in the shout. "FoR tHe SwArM!"

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The Infested began to approach the city, they marched with a steady thump of each foot and hoof. Left, right, left, right, left, right. Several ponies boarded up their homes in an attempt to keep the Zerg from getting to them, however this would be their downfall. Stukov had with him an Infestor, and once it got close enough to one of the buildings, began to plant Virophages around them. Once the Virophages were complete, they began to release a thick green liquid onto the buildings, causing them to grow boils and tentacle like appendages, but the ponies trapped inside could be heard screaming as the liquid seeped through the cracks of the buildings and were covered in the substance. Their screams eventually stopped and the newly Infested began to destroy the wooden boards meant to keep out the Zerg and join their brothers and sisters. The guards were horrified as the Infested approached, but something made their hearts sink to their stomachs, one mare moved closer and said "PlEaSe KiLl Me…" She got her wish as a spear pierced her skull. She lied on the ground writhing in what could only be described as a seizure, and she said "ThAnK yOu…"

"Oh dear Celestia. We are doomed." One guard muttered as the Infested approached, but they would stand their ground no matter what happened, they would never back down. At least that's what they thought, once they saw the Infested Terrans and their ranged weapons one shouted "Oh screw this!" before running away deeper into the city. "Cowards…" Stukov muttered beneath his breath as he approached them and prepared to attack. He fired bolts of Psionic energy at the fleeing guards and killed them, however some wearing heavy armor ran forward with their nerves steeled. However he used his Corrosive Blast on them, melting their armor and their flesh done to the bone. The Infested finished the job by ripping them apart, using their hooves, claws, and guns they slaughtered each guard as they ran over to fight. More and more ponies were becoming infested, eventually the entire town was under the Swarm's control, and all that remained was the main base, where they waited for the Zerg to attack, for they had all their defenses set up around the round building.

Stukov watched as they prepared to fight back against the Zerg, weapons raised, with bravery in their eyes, however all the weapons and bravery in the world couldn't save them now. The numbers of the Infested had grown too large and now threatened to overwhelm them, so their actions were pitiful and useless. No matter how much they fought, they would die and fail in the end, their plans would fall into the Swarm's hands, and they would know all of the Defense's secrets. Stukov marched forward and raised his right hand, a symbol of speech. "What do you want Infested?" One of the guards shouted. "I wish to offer you a choice. Fight us ultimately fail at the hands of your friends and family…" Stukov began but paused, he said nothing more and confused the guards. "Or…?" Stukov smiled before finishing his sentence. "Surrender. We will let you go, all you need to do is give me all your tactical data, your plans, and anything else you might have."

"Never! We will never give into your fiendish demands! Prepare to defend the base!" The guard shouted, as the Infested charged forward, prepared to fight and kill anyone and anything in their path. Stukov walked slowly while the rest of the Infested bolted past him in an attempt to break into the base. Guards were slain left and right, while Infested fell to the ground, several in the middle of an attack. One Infested Marine was focusing his fire at a guard when a spear went through its head, it fell while the weapon still fired, hitting several guards and several Infested as well, but eventually it only shot at the ground. However the guards on the outside had been killed, allowing the Infested to enter the base, and search for the plans. Stukov made his way to the main area and found several guards hauling papers and other things to pile before they noticed him. "I don't know what you're planning, but I wouldn't go through with it." Stukov spoke, while moving forward. However one guard looked Stukov in the eyes while he said "Burn it…" The plans and data were set aflame, and they were burnt to nothing but ash. "You're going to regret doing that." Stukov said calmly before the Infested lunged forward to attack.

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The Queen of Blades stood near the Leviathan, knowing that they should return soon. Zagara, Dehaka, and Stukov approached, but something was wrong, she could tell. "My Queen, I was unable to kill the Princess of the Crystal Empire, she had fled with her husband before the Swarm had arrived…" Zagara spoke with her head hanging low, but that would not be the only disappointment for the Queen. "I was unable to destroy all of their research. They escaped with all of it…" Dehaka said in a low tone. "I am afraid that my efforts have also landed in failure, they destroyed their plans, and I believe they may have copies of them in Canterlot…" Stukov said. The Queen of Blades was furious, she had sent them out and they failed her, she could kill them all at this moment. She raised her right hand and Dehaka was lifted into the air, she spun around throwing him onto the ground. "My Queen!?" Zagara had muttered before she was slammed into the Leviathan's side. Stukov however was lifted straight up and dropped onto the ground. "Idiots! How could you have failed such simple tasks!?" The Queen asked, but she wouldn't get an answer, for Izsha would call to her. "My Queen. The Defense is attacking one of our Hive Clusters! They seek the Artifact we had stored there!" Izsha's voice rang through the Queen's head. "You're lucky… Izsha send forces to defend the Hive Cluster, and send some to defend the others as well, I have a feeling they'll be going for them next…"