After thoroughly exploring Tarsonis, Marcus had obtained a comprehensive report on the planet's current condition.
This world—abandoned by the Terran Dominion—had shown no traces of active life for quite some time. Aside from scattered debris covering the scorched ground, absolutely nothing remained to indicate habitation.
"Well, at least we successfully located the Koprulu Sector," Marcus observed with a casual shrug. "That's fortunate enough."
He planned to continue visiting other planets throughout the Koprulu Sector. After all, this represented another universe entirely—he absolutely had to experience it properly.
More importantly, Marcus remained very concerned about locating Jim Raynor. The man had discovered Xel'Naga artifacts in the original timeline, and Marcus absolutely intended to acquire those artifacts for himself.
"Notify the Kryptonians. Let's proceed to the next planet for investigation," Marcus commanded.
After issuing that directive, Marcus reclined comfortably on the Dark Aster's hover chair. Although spatial jumps saved tremendous amounts of transit time, each jump still required certain preparation intervals. He could utilize this opportunity to organize and catalog the various powers he'd accumulated.
Shortly afterward, Zod and his people returned wearing distinctly unhappy expressions.
They'd searched extensively across Tarsonis for considerable time but had completely failed to locate any useful crystal deposits. Although this had clearly been an inhabited world previously, it was so thoroughly stripped of resources they found themselves genuinely speechless.
"In other words, you discovered absolutely no viable crystal veins anywhere?" Marcus asked, turning from his reclined position to look at everyone.
"That's correct," General Zod confirmed, his expression decidedly sour.
The Kryptonians had systematically searched nearly every accessible region of the planet. But the remaining resources truly left them feeling helpless and frustrated.
"I see. No wonder Mengsk could abandon an entire planet so casually," Marcus reflected. "It seems this world's strategic value wasn't particularly significant."
Without crystal deposits and positioned far from the Koprulu Sector's central territories, such a planet could naturally be discarded without substantial loss.
"Let's proceed to another world and investigate there. Perhaps we'll locate something more useful," Marcus suggested.
With his words as authorization, the Dark Aster began accelerating dramatically. It initiated spatial jump protocols and transitioned toward another planet indicated on the recovered star chart.
Everyone aboard the spacecraft remained remarkably silent. They all stared at the scenery outside the viewports—watching it blur and vanish rapidly—waiting for a new planetary system to appear.
After several minutes of transit, the surrounding environment gradually became clear once more. They'd arrived at a peculiar stellar system. The star here appeared extraordinarily massive and seemed ready to explode at any moment.
"Where exactly is this location?" someone aboard the vessel wondered aloud, clearly confused.
This stellar system didn't remotely appear capable of supporting life.
Judging from the star's appearance and energy output, it would enter supernova phase at literally any moment. The destruction of a star released absolutely terrifying energetic forces.
Even if Marcus himself could potentially survive a supernova explosion, the Dark Aster and Zod's people almost certainly couldn't endure such catastrophic energy discharge.
"This system is designated Typhon," Will announced. "According to monitoring data on Typhon's primary star, supernova detonation will commence imminently. We should relocate to another planetary system."
As the AI spoke, Will prepared to execute another spatial jump—planning to transport Marcus and his companions away from this extremely dangerous location.
Typhon?
This planet's name gave Marcus an intensely familiar feeling. He felt absolutely certain he'd encountered this designation somewhere previously.
"Wait—give me a moment to think," Marcus requested.
Marcus fell into deep contemplation, and Will immediately ceased spatial jump preparations. After all, some time remained before the supernova would actually detonate. They didn't need to panic yet.
Typhon...
This name continued echoing through Marcus's thoughts. Memories from his meta-knowledge kept flashing through his mind systematically.
Very quickly, information about Typhon surfaced from Marcus's recollection.
"A star approaching supernova detonation, and three conflicting species all converging on one location..." Marcus said, his excitement building. "I understand now. No wonder I've heard of this place!"
Marcus felt genuinely excited about his fortunate timing. He genuinely hadn't expected to locate a Xel'Naga artifact burial site so rapidly.
"Planet Typhon... Ha! Let's descend and investigate thoroughly. There might be unexpected discoveries waiting," Marcus decided enthusiastically.
The more Marcus considered this opportunity, the more excited he became. If fortune favored him, he could not only acquire Xel'Naga artifacts but also encounter Jim Raynor—who would also be searching for those same relics.
Because Marcus's orders represented the highest authority aboard the Railjack, nobody objected to his directive. The Dark Aster accelerated rapidly toward planet Typhon.
During their approach, Will's voice announced new findings. Simultaneously, a virtual projection materialized before Marcus.
"Commander, signs of active life have been detected on planet Typhon's surface," Will reported.
This news made Marcus's eyes literally light up with anticipation. This was exactly what he'd been hoping to discover.
According to his meta-knowledge, beyond Jim Raynor and other humans who'd come seeking Xel'Naga artifacts, a faction of Protoss maintained garrison on Typhon. If Marcus remembered correctly, these Protoss belonged to the Tal'darim—zealots who worshipped the fallen Xel'Naga known as Amon.
"Full speed ahead!" Marcus commanded.
The Dark Aster rushed toward Typhon with maximum velocity. The closer they approached the planet, the more terrifying the heat radiating from the dying star became.
If void energy hadn't been actively shielding the Railjack's hull, the vessel would probably have suffered numerous system malfunctions in this blazing thermal environment.
Very quickly, they successfully landed on Typhon's surface. Because the star was approaching critical detonation, the planet had already transformed into a sea of flames. Only a handful of locations could barely maintain their original geological features.
"I assume you all can tolerate this temperature adequately?" Marcus asked the Kryptonians.
This heat might prove lethal for baseline humans, but it represented nothing particularly concerning for Kryptonians. Even without environmental suits, they could move freely in such extreme temperatures.
"Affirmative. This thermal output has negligible effect on our physiology," General Zod confirmed.
"Excellent. Then you can operate independently," Marcus instructed. "Help me locate the life forms present on this planet."
After delivering those instructions, Marcus departed the Dark Aster. He transformed into Ember Prime and stepped onto this world that would soon be completely reduced to an inferno.
After Marcus departed, Zod turned to address his subordinates.
"Everyone, operate independently. There genuinely might be something critically important here. Search carefully and thoroughly," he commanded.
Marcus had demonstrated such unusual seriousness about this location. Perhaps there really were precious resources waiting to be discovered on this dying planet. As for the life forms Marcus mentioned—naturally they'd search for those as well.
After all, if they located native inhabitants, it would become far easier to identify valuable resources present here.
The assembled Kryptonians launched into the sky and dispersed across different vectors, searching for useful materials amid the blazing flames.
After completing his transformation, Marcus walked freely through the inferno. The flames here seemed impressively fierce, but for someone who'd mastered an entire flame dimension, such fire remained far too weak—inferior even to the flames present on the Burning Plains within that dimensional space.
"The precursor manifestations of supernova detonation are certainly dramatic," Marcus observed. "But they're only genuinely dangerous to unprotected individuals."
He shook his head slightly and waved one hand casually at flames burning across the ground. All the fire seemed magnetically attracted—flying toward Marcus and transforming into an enormous vortex that condensed within his palm.
Walking across this planet engulfed in flames, Marcus moved steadily toward distant coordinates. Fire continued gathering progressively within his hands.
"Jim, we absolutely must act as quickly as possible," someone urged over the comm channel. "The star here will detonate into a supernova very soon."
"I understand the situation," Jim Raynor replied tersely.
Jim—equipped in distinctive black combat armor—was currently leading his team through one of Typhon's few safe zones. They'd received intelligence from Mobius Foundation research indicating a Xel'Naga artifact fragment existed somewhere on this world.
"To be honest, I genuinely feel like taking such tremendous risks for a single artifact fragment isn't worth the potential cost," a man in blue armor commented, stepping forward.
The star in this system was literally approaching detonation. They didn't have unlimited time remaining.
"We don't have any choice but to try, Tychus," Jim responded while simultaneously shouting orders to everyone. "Prepare for deployment! We need to secure the Xel'Naga artifact fragments from the Protoss as rapidly as possible!"
Not far from their position stood several automated construction facilities. They could utilize these structures to rapidly establish sufficiently powerful military forces—enough to seize the artifacts from Protoss control.
Following Jim's command, everyone immediately began coordinated action. All the structures activated sequentially, initiating intensive production operations before the approaching flames could reach their position.
"We only have a few hours maximum," Jim noted grimly. "We must race against the clock here."
Jim hurried outside the command center. He and Tychus weren't production personnel—they needed to lead armed reconnaissance teams to survey surrounding conditions.
Just as they'd completed initial preparations, they witnessed a figure descending from the sky above.
"My God... can the Protoss fly now?" Tychus exclaimed, genuinely shocked by the airborne figure.
Beyond their recently landed forces, only the fanatical Tal'darim Protoss inhabited this planet.
The Protoss couldn't fly unaided—which meant this had to be one of those zealot warriors.
"No, that's not a Protoss at all!" Jim observed carefully, finally discerning that the figure wasn't Protoss but appeared distinctly humanoid. "If I'm not mistaken, that should be... a person?"
Even as Jim spoke these words, he felt deeply uncertain. Among human forces, even elite ghost operatives couldn't fly through the air without mechanical assistance.
Jim knew this better than most people. After all, his former lover—the abandoned Sarah Kerrigan—had been one of the Dominion's most powerful ghost agents.
The situation unfolding near Jim's position was naturally detected by Faora, who'd been conducting aerial reconnaissance. After observing these people and their equipment, she felt genuinely pleased.
After all, Jim's gear and the structures behind them appeared identical to Captain Locke's forces. They were impossible not to recognize.
"So they're human? That simplifies everything," Faora thought.
She immediately pressed her communicator and reported findings to General Zod. Marcus also received her transmission.
"You're saying you've encountered marines similar to Captain Locke's forces?" Marcus asked for clarification.
"Affirmative. But I've also identified two individuals who appear distinctly different from standard personnel. They should be commanding officers," Faora reported.
Her body descended smoothly toward the surface.
She'd noticed something else as well—there were crystal deposits here that appeared extremely barren and nearly depleted.
"Another resource-poor planet," Faora observed. "But since the star is approaching detonation, resource abundance becomes irrelevant regardless."
After landing, Faora walked toward Jim and his people with a stern, expressionless face.
"Ha! What did I tell you? That's a genuinely beautiful woman!" Tychus laughed, slapping Jim's shoulder companionably.
After Faora touched down, everyone could clearly see her features. Tychus grinned broadly at the sight.
But Jim's expression remained grimly serious. He could sense instinctively that this mysterious woman was extremely dangerous.
"I strongly suggest you retract what you just said," Jim warned Tychus quietly. "She doesn't look easy to provoke at all."
"Tsk, she's just a girl. What could she possibly do? Transform into your Queen of Blades?" Tychus replied mockingly.
He'd experienced numerous dangerous situations throughout his career. But he'd never been seriously harmed for making casual comments.
But the instant those words left his mouth, Tychus's entire body was driven into the ground with devastating force. Even the earth shook slightly from the impact.
"You don't seem much tougher than a chicken," Faora observed coldly, slowly straightening from her striking position.
She stood directly over Tychus, who lay pinned beneath her boot. She regarded him with obvious disdain.
Faora didn't particularly mind being appreciated—but the premise was that the individual possessed actual capability. Some guy barely stronger than livestock had absolutely no right to make such comments.
"Ma'am, we have no intention of offending you," Jim said diplomatically, stepping forward.
Witnessing Tychus being incapacitated instantly, Jim's pupils contracted sharply. He could clearly recognize that this woman's capabilities far exceeded anything they'd anticipated.
Faora employed her X-ray vision to examine Jim carefully, immediately understanding his identity through visible identification markers.
"Are you Jim Raynor?" she asked with genuine curiosity.
Faora had heard this name from Captain Locke previously. Just now, she'd used her penetrating vision to observe the man's ID credentials.
According to Captain Locke's accounts, Jim was someone possessing tremendous leadership capabilities. Many soldiers willingly followed him into dangerous situations. Locke had dealt with Jim on several occasions and praised him extensively.
"You know who I am?" Jim asked, clearly surprised.
"Not personally. But I've heard about you from Captain Locke," Faora explained.
Captain Locke?
This name left Jim feeling thoroughly confused. He possessed absolutely no recollection of anyone by that designation.
But this revelation didn't prevent Jim from addressing more immediate concerns. He glanced at Tychus—still pinned beneath Faora's boot—and requested politely:
"Could you release my friend? He didn't mean any genuine harm. He simply has an unfortunate tendency toward inappropriate comments."
Seeing Jim make this reasonable request, Faora lifted her foot and stepped aside. Now that she'd successfully located both Jim Raynor and crystal deposits, she simply needed to wait for the others to arrive.
But Jim Raynor remained filled with questions. He felt intensely interested in understanding Faora's origins.
"Ma'am, perhaps we could discuss this situation?" Jim suggested diplomatically.
"Someone will speak with you shortly..." Faora began.
Before she could complete that sentence, multiple explosive sounds erupted from the sky above.
BOOM BOOM BOOM
Accompanied by tremendous wind pressure, an entire group of Kryptonians—all dressed identically to Faora—descended from the heavens and landed smoothly.
Witnessing such a spectacle, not just Jim but even Tychus—who'd finally climbed to his feet—couldn't help twitching involuntarily.
Just one of these women could completely dominate him. And now there were so many more? Where had these people possibly come from?
Suddenly, a cloud of dense fog captured everyone's attention. Typhon was currently burning with flames absolutely everywhere—how could mysterious fog possibly manifest? Especially thick fog that couldn't be penetrated visually.
"Greetings, Rangers!" a voice called from within the mist.
With those words, Marcus emerged from the thick fog.
He'd already deactivated his Warframe transformation. But the flames he'd been gathering still remained condensed within his hands—playing with concentrated fire as if it were nothing more than an amusing toy.
Looking at the two distinctive power armor suits before him, Marcus smiled with genuine satisfaction.
He recognized these two individuals perfectly. One was the wanted revolutionary Jim Raynor. The other was the death row prisoner Tychus Findlay—currently operating under Dominion surveillance and control.