Dark Skies

Dark Skies is the eighth mission of the Nova Covert Ops campaign, and the second mission of the third and final mission pack.

The Emperor's Justice
"The Dominion has always had a strong leader. Stepping into my father's role was challenging, and I often relied on others to support me, as General Davis did, when the Defenders of Man began spreading disinformation about my response to the Zerg attacks"

- Emperor Valerian Mengsk

Emperor Valerian Mengsk gave his speech in front of a large crowd on Vardona, condemning the Defenders of Man for plotting against the Terran Dominion, and stating that General Carolina Davis misinformed the population on the Dominion's response to the feral zerg attacks. He also stated that they had evidence the Defenders of Man were behind the attacks, and had a group of marines bring Davis before the crowd in handcuffs. Valerian stated that a trial would be forthcoming.

However, as this happened the Tal'darim Death Fleet arrived, and began attacking the city. Highlord Alarak projected his image on the city's screens, stating that he had come to annihilate the Defenders of Man. He then psionically contacted Nova Terra, saying their bargain had been completed, and the Defenders would be destroyed. Nova then began to mobilize Dominion defense forces to aid in the city's defense.

Mission
"Nova... Why are you helping these vermin?" "There are innocent people here. You already know that. You just don't care."

- Highlord Alarak and Agent Nova Terra

Nova's forces began to mount a defense against the Death Fleet, with the aid of forces under Admiral Matt Horner. The Defenders of Man forces also came to the aid of the Dominion, stating they were unaware of the agenda of Davis. Admiral Horner stated that the Dominion Fleet was arriving to reinforce their ranks, but it would take time for them to arrive. Nova reinforced the Dominion and Defender's positions and began to whether the Tal'darim onslaught.

Reigel noted that if the Defenders of Man line fell, the city's science facility would also fall, and they were on the verge of a breakthrough. Soon the Dominion Fleet arrived, and Gorgon-class battlecruisers began to reinforce the Dominion position. At several points in the battle, First Ascendant Ji'nara arrived using a Tal'darim mothership, attempting to break the line of the Dominion. However, the Dominion proved too powerful, and the Tal'darim invasion force was annihilated.

During the chaos of the battle, General Davis was able to escape aboard the Medusa. Nova and her crew then boarded the Griffin and began to hunt her down.