Mutalisks, the core of the Zerg Swarm's aerial strength in StarCraft 2, could operate both within the atmosphere and in the vacuum of space. With a body length of 6-7 meters and a wingspan of 12-14 meters, they were remarkably agile. Their hollow skeletons and leathery wing membranes made them fast enough to dodge enemy fire while harrassing and destroying aerial targets.
Their tails could fire "Glaive Wurms"—living weapons that exploded into acidic spray to erode hulls and could bounce between multiple targets. They were excellent against light, clustered aerial units.
Alexei stood before a massive Spire formed by a Drone. Inside, the Mutalisk sacs were "breathing" rhythmically. He observed for a while before walking toward Abathur, who was tinkering with something.
"Abathur, can the Mutalisks be evolved further?"
Abathur turned, his limbs scraping the creep with an unsettling sound. "Master. Swarm lacks suitable genes. Need more samples."
Alexei nodded. Expected. But he didn't know if he would have time to evolve once the Tyranids arrived, or if the Zerg's evolution speed could keep up with them. "I'm counting on you, Abathur. I trust your abilities." He patted Abathur's hard carapace.
"I will not fail Master's expectations," Abathur replied instantly.
Alexei ordered Zagara to accelerate the consumption of the Genestealers in other Hives. Those heretics were now merely delicious biomass for the Swarm. He also ordered the creep to be spread across the wilderness and plains between Hives. Unlike Tyranids, Zerg weren't inherently extinction-level threats to an ecosystem; they acted more like a symbiont.
After arranging the Swarm's affairs, he headed to the Lower Hive factory district. With Zerg aerial units underway, it was time for new Terran equipment.
Unlike the Zerg, Terran units required training. Large vehicles took even longer. However, he had a unit in mind that was effective against both air and ground, with simpler controls than a Siege Tank.
Alexei reached an empty lot in the factory district. It was originally slated for new barracks, but he had stopped the SCVs. He looked at the "Factory" in his interface and a black, locked shadow within.
"Heavy vehicles take too long to train. Let's go with something simpler to operate."
He unlocked the unit: the Goliath Combat Walker.
He projected the 4x4x4 meter black cube onto the lot. Once the Factory fully deployed, Alexei walked inside. The interior was even larger than the Command Center. Several massive automated assembly lines stood ready, their silver-white precision machinery a sight for sore eyes.
He went to the central console and selected the StarCraft 2 Goliath for production. The automated lines began to hum. After half an hour, the machinery stopped. As the alloy doors rose, a 4.5-meter-tall bipedal walker stepped out.
Its bipedal structure could adapt to any terrain, including the cluttered Hives. Its "Hellfire" missiles and Ares-class targeting system were more than enough for enemy aerial strikes. Coupled with Mutalisks, it could hold the atmosphere against Tyranid flyers. Furthermore, the Goliath's twin autocannons provided solid ground support, making it a mainstay of Terran ground forces. Its only weakness was poor mobility, but against the overwhelming tide of Tyranids, that was negligible.
Now he needed to find experienced vehicle crews for training. He ordered his deputy, Laurend, to bring in heavy vehicle operators to the Factory for trial training so they could later serve as instructors for new recruits.
Finally, Alexei looked toward the Upper Hive. He unlocked the Missile Turret. He planned to have SCVs place these around vital facilities in the Upper Hives to augment existing air defenses against the Tyranid onslaught.
Just then, he received a message through the psionic network: several unknown fleets were approaching the Hive from the Starport. When he learned the ships bore the Aquila, his heart skipped a beat.
"Shit, is this the Tithe Fleet?"
He had assumed the Tyranids had caught them. He hadn't expected them to reach Aiur safely. Alexei quickened his pace toward the Starport's orbital elevator.
At the Mandeville Point of the Aiur system, a fleet emerged from the Warp. A Lunar-class Cruiser bearing the Aquila sat at the center.
In the observation deck, a high-ranking Imperial Navy officer looked at the yellowish-brown planet with its five massive Hive cities. He turned to a woman in Inquisitorial robes. "Lady Diana, what do you think of this force that suppressed the Hordem rebellion?"
"I shall determine their loyalty to the God-Emperor," the woman replied coldly. Her eyes tolerated no heresy.
The naval officer shrugged. He hated dealing with Inquisition fanatics. Although the lady was stunning, she was incredibly dangerous. He sighed. If not for the "accident" on Aiur, they wouldn't be here. He just wanted to collect the Tithe and leave this desolate place. He had an ominous feeling; perhaps he should consult the Emperor's Tarot.
As the officer mused, the fleet began docking at the Starport above the main Hive. Suddenly, a naval ensign rushed onto the deck.
"Sir! The Navigator has experienced an anomaly!"