"That is precisely the issue," Artanis responded calmly. "A prophecy is not a detailed tactical report; it is a warning of a potential future. Zeratul saw the ultimate destruction, as well as a critical piece of information.
"The Queen of Blades—or rather, Sarah Kerrigan as she is now—is the vital variable capable of altering this outcome. And she is currently held captive by a human faction known as the Farstar Union."
"Humans detaining humans—why does this warrant Protoss intervention?" another Templar commander asked, his tone laced with perplexity.
"Because the man detaining her possesses technology far beyond our current understanding," Raynor took over, pulling up data fragments recorded by the Hyperion in Char's orbit.
The catastrophic energy readings captured when the Eternal Seeker's Nova Cannon fired—though merely the residual ripples caught by fringe sensors—were of a magnitude that caused the attending Protoss technicians to emit psionic ripples of astonishment.
"The warship Eternal Seeker—a single strike from its main battery is equivalent to the saturated bombardment of a standard Carrier fleet.
"And according to Osiris, the leader of the Farstar Union, this is merely 'conventional firepower,'" Raynor projected the data into the center of the hall. "More importantly, he has conducted deep research into Xel'Naga creations, even obtaining the Keystone—the very artifact that reversed Kerrigan—from the Terran Dominion.
"His true motive remains unknown, but what is certain is that he views Kerrigan as an extraordinarily important 'research specimen,' not a common prisoner."
Matriarch Vorazun's dark green eyes flickered: "So your suggestion is that we should snatch this 'specimen' from the hands of such an entity, simply because a prophecy indicates she might be useful?"
"More than that," Raynor met her gaze. "Osiris knows about Amon."
The utterance of that name caused the psionic currents in the hall to destabilize for an instant.
The Protoss naturally knew of Amon—the Fallen One of Xel'Naga lore, a legend of darkness.
To most Protoss, however, it was merely a legend.
"What proof do you have?" a Preserver inquired, her voice echoing as if from a vast distance.
"Osiris spoke it himself," Raynor answered. "He explicitly named Amon and hinted at his imminent resurrection, stating that his goal is to... capture Amon for research.
"It sounds insane, but given the technological strength he has demonstrated, we cannot dismiss it as mere bravado.
"If Amon is more than myth, and if the 'Voice in the Darkness' from Zeratul's prophecy is connected to Amon, then between Kerrigan as the predicted key and Osiris's interest in Amon, there must be a nexus among the three that we have yet to comprehend."
The Council plunged into debate.
One side maintained that the immediate priority was the reclamation of Aiur; resources and focus should not be diverted to intervene in the complex squabbles of human factions—especially for a former arch-nemesis like the Queen of Blades.
The other side argued that Zeratul's prophecy had to be taken seriously, particularly since it foretold the absolute extinction of the Protoss—a threat far more fundamental than retaking a single world.
Artanis listened to the debate before raising his hand, suppressing the turmoil in the hall with a wave of psionic energy.
"My kin," the Hierarch's voice echoed through the hall. "I understand the longing to reclaim Aiur. It is our lost homeworld, the calling embedded in our bloodline.
"However, the warning conveyed by Zeratul cannot be ignored either.
"He witnessed a darkness none of us have seen, and stated unequivocally that if we do not act, even if the light of Aiur is rekindled, it will ultimately be consumed by that shadow."
He turned back to Raynor: "Commander Raynor, the Protoss cannot offer you a fleet at this time. Every fraction of the Golden Armada's strength has been committed to the Battle for Aiur. Yet we will not turn a blind eye to the prophecy."
"Then what can you offer?" Raynor asked, no longer expecting large-scale military support.
"Three things," Artanis held up three fingers. "First, intelligence and wisdom. Our Preservers will analyze every detail of the prophecy and cross-reference it with our recorded data on Xel'Naga ruins, attempting to decipher the exact meaning of the 'Voice in the Darkness.'
"Second, a small elite team," Matriarch Vorazun interjected. "The Dark Templar can dispatch a squad of seasoned scouts and infiltration specialists.
"They excel in covert operations and intelligence gathering, and can help you reconnoiter the Eternal Seeker, assess its defenses, and search for potential weaknesses. This will not interfere with our campaign deployments for Aiur."
"A team of Dark Templar?" Raynor noted.
"Infiltration experts, well-versed in covert operations," Vorazun clarified briefly. "They are more than qualified for scout missions."
"Third," Artanis continued, "technological support. If conventional force cannot stand against that warship, perhaps unconventional methods can. Our scientists can examine the energy readings you provided to identify potential frequency weaknesses in its shielding or power sources.
"Furthermore, should contact or negotiation prove necessary, Protoss advancements in psionic resonance and consciousness communication may yield unique avenues of dialogue."
It was less than Raynor had hoped for, but vastly better than nothing. An infiltration squad of Dark Templar, Protoss technological analysis, and a systematic study of the prophecy—these were precisely what he needed right now.
"I accept," Raynor nodded. "Though time is of the essence. Osiris is currently researching the Keystone—God knows what he might uncover from it, or what he intends to do with it. Every day Kerrigan remains in his hands, the risk escalates."
"Then we begin immediately," Artanis declared. "Matriarch Vorazun, please arrange for your warriors to liaise with Commander Raynor. The Council of Preservers will now transition into analyzing the prophecy.
"Commander Raynor, you must provide every detail you possess regarding Osiris and the Eternal Seeker, no matter how trivial."
The Council shifted into high gear with remarkable efficiency. Though the Protoss had debated their course of action fiercely, once a decision was made, their execution was formidable.
Raynor was guided to a tactical briefing room to meet several Dark Templar commanders and technical Preservers.
Leading the infiltration squad was a female Dark Templar named Velani.
Her skin was a deep purple, her frame sleek and agile. Clad in shadow-like armor, her eyes shone with a calm, sharp brilliance. Behind her stood four similarly attired warriors, moving almost soundlessly like true shadows.
"Commander Raynor," Velani's voice was devoid of ripples. "Matriarch Vorazun has ordered us to assist you. Please summarize the target vessel's basic layout, defensive systems, and any known entry points or vulnerabilities—any information will prove useful."