 When Duke's flagship "Norad II" is shot down by the Zerg during the battle, Duke is rescued by Raynor on Mengsk's orders in return for the defection of the general and his squadron, and Duke's knowledge is vital to Mengsk's assault on Tarsonis.Mengsk, still skeptical of Duke's loyalty, later dispatches Duke on expeditions to investigate the Zerg on Char and a Xel'Naga artifact on Bhekar Ro in "Shadow of the Xel'Naga", engagements that decimate Alpha Squadron.In "Brood War", Duke organizes the Dominion's fleet defenses against the United Earth Directorate, and later follows Mengsk into alliance with Kerrigan and her Zerg.