As Jean was observing Davis, the general was observing Jean as well. In reality Davis felt strange. She had never heard of an Admiral Victoria Heart before. She knew that was impossible. She knew everyone important in the Dominion military. There was only one explanation. Admiral VIctoria Heart didn’t exist before Valerian came to power.

The common soldiers in the Dominion didn’t question why they were suddenly been put under command of someone never heard of before. They weren’t in a place of asking questions. Davis, however, knew there was something off with Jean. There was a reason Valerian trusted her with the entire Dominion fleet.

“Admiral,” Davis spoke first. There was a confidence within her that made others doubt themselves. She didn’t seem like someone lost and captured. It was as if she was the victor in this exchange. “I find it odd that I have never heard of you. You’re a talented commander, and I wonder why you have never been heard of or seen before Arcturus died and Valerian became emperor. It was as if you wasn’t in the Dominion before that.”

Jean waved her hand, and all the Dominion soldiers left the bridge. Nova was about to leave as well, but Jean grabbed onto her by her arm and stopped her. All the while Jean was staring at Davis.

“Does it matter, general?” She dodged the question.

“In fact, it does matter. First Arcturus died by some mysterious cause. Then Valerian took over the throne almost instantly. Now you, Admiral Heart, you are put into command of the Dominion fleet. I, a loyal supporter of the former emperor, am being hunted down.” Davis said slowly but steadily. “It’s a political takeover.”

Jean didn’t respond. She didn’t feel the need to have a pointless conversation with someone about to die. Some would feel like bragging to their captured opponents. Not her.

“Did Arcturus really die at the hands of the protoss, Admiral? Or was he murdered by someone else? Who is in this? Valerian. You.” Davis had already lost all restrictions. She was saying whatever she wanted to. She glanced at Nova, who was unmoved. “Agent Nova over here, judging from how calm she is.”

Jean didn’t respond.

“Just one last question. Did Valerian come to you with the plan of murdering his father or did someone else go to him?” Davis asked after a few seconds.

“Why?” Nova was confused. "You’re defeated and captured. Does it really matter?

“Well, if Valerian came up with the idea then he is a great actor and someone dangerous. He will do anything and everything he can to increase and maintain his power power. He would, with no doubt, order you to kill me. If he was forced or just tempted by a promise, however, he will let me live and face a fair trial. If that happens,” Davis leaned up. “I will expose every inch of your plan to the public and let the world see who their new emperor truly is.”

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

Nova looked at Jean for a decision. She had no idea how much she trusted the girl. She admired Jean’s confidence. It was as if there was no problem she couldn’t solve. They were indeed under the order to capture Davis alive no matter how mad the emperor seemed.

Jean didn’t say a word. Instead she went straight to action and did what she had to do.

Jean’s eyes turned blue from the use of psi energy. Davis’ expression turned to surprise as she realized she couldn’t move her body.

Jean turned to Nova.

“A while later she will shoot me. When that happens, you will have to make a decision, Nova Terra.” Jean said with a manner that told Nova she meant business. “If you kill her, you will be disobeying Valerian’s order, but I will consider you a friend and a sister in arms. If you refuse to kill her, then you will be siding with Valerian, and you will potentially be my enemy.” Jean tilted her head. That would be cute if you ignored what she was saying. “You know how I treat my enemies. It’s your own decision to make.”

For a moment the bridge was silent. Jean was holding Davis in place. Nova had a large frown on her face that showed the world her dilemma.

Nova had been forced to serve Arcturus Mengsk due to the inhibitor chip. After the chip was removed, Nova joined Jean and Valerian’s plan partly because they saved her from being enslaved and partly because she had nowhere else to go. She had no friends. She had no families. She had no home. So she stayed and did what she does best.

But now she was forced to make a choice. Valerian or Jean.

Valerian had the entire Dominion behind him, but Nova knew better than looking at the surface of events. Valerian was nice to his people, but he was too nice. He might be a good leader, but he also lacked the decisiveness needed to win. As someone experienced with death and destruction Nova wasn’t really thrilled about serving under someone as soft as Valerian.

Jean was completely different. She didn’t have the forces Valerian had, but her skills were impressive. She was a tactician, smart enough to defeat one of the best generals in the Dominion and wipe out her fleet. She was a fighter, strong enough to destroy anyone enemy she met. She was brave, brave enough to risk her own life to complete her goal. Most importantly she was ruthless to her enemies but friendly to her own. She could slaughter enemies without a single sense of mercy, but she could also pity and pay respect to the lowest rank of her own.

It wasn’t a difficult decision to make.

Nova looked at Jean and nodded. Jean smiled sweetly in encouragement, and Nova aimed her rifle at Davis.

Jean moved her fingers slightly. Davis’ eyes widened as her right hand, trembling, was forced to reach onto her belt and pulled out her pistol. Jean moved her index finger, and Davis raised her pistol at Jean. Jean held her hands together, and Davis pulled the trigger.

A gauss round exited the gauss pistol and smashed into Jean’s stomach and came out the other end. Jean stumbled as the impact of the weapon hit her body. Blood started to drip from the wound. She just manually modified her genes so that she could be damaged by the small firearm. She needed to make it look like she was taken by surprise. She also needed to suppress her healing mechanism to make her seem more terran.

Almost at the same time Nova’s rifle fired, and Davis’ heart was opened up. Without Jean’s inhuman healing, the general fell on the ground, no longer breathing.

Dominion soldiers from outside charged in and recovered their “unconscious” general.