I'm currently stuck on an issue of what Tau plasma weapons do to Kinetic Barriers. On one hand plasma does have mass and would trigger them, but they don't stop the heat of the blast from being transferred and the size of the slug holding the plasma is quite big too. So if someone can clarify this for me please do.
Again, just in case
(Edited: Fixed the dates, thanks for that)
Disclaimer: Mass Effect belongs to Bioware and WH40K belongs to Game Workshop
2180 CE – Perseus Veil, Vior'los
The Geth Platform watched in interest as he waited while the Orca transport took him to the Farsight Enclave's leadership. The red city below them was simple in design and yet looked magnificent. Hundreds of thousands of smaller vehicles glided between the buildings as Tau went about their normal business. Within a large compound in the city he could see meters high 'battlesuits' being created by the Earth Caste.
Finally descending on to a large tower it disembarked, two Fireblades a step behind him. A reception of Tau awaited him, waiting near the door to the tower, watching the Platform with interest. What had surprised him was to find two humans soldiers among them
Did this mean the Human System Alliance had already made contact? No, the humans were wearing the same equipment as their Tau counterparts, not the standard suits that System Alliance issues.
Deciding this was worth investigating the Platform noted it down for further investigation.
Shas'O Shovah watched the machine stare at the two Gue'vesa among their group. For what reason could it have to do this? Does it recognize humans? Does that mean the Imperium was present here? So many answers he wanted to know. But he knew while he was the de facto leader of the Farsight Enclave, he was no politician. Most of that responsibility fell to Por'O Ko'vash who stepped forward to greet the Geth.
"Greetings to you Geth, I welcome you to Vior'los and hope these negotiations benefit the Greater Good of all." 'O Ko'vash said a practiced smile on his face
"Acknowlegded" was the only response he got.
Already forewarned that Geth did not like speaking, he carried on unhindered. "Come, let us retire to a more comfortable and quiet location.
In a large room, the negotiations went underway. On one side were Shas'O Kais, Fio'O Vesa, Por'O Ko'vash and Kor'O Kunas, each representing their respective Caste. On the other, the Geth Prime waited patiently for his hosts to introduce themselves.
'O Ko'vash started "'El Aloh, the Tau you met with our fleet, tells us that you wish a military alliance with us. Is this correct?"
"Yes" Geth replied.
'O Ko'vash then dropped the big question. "And why whould you need our aid? According to the Codex you have provided us, your kind is said to have one of the largest militaries in this galaxy. With only a few planets of Orks left, our aid is hardly need."
The Geth tilted its head, the sound of its flaps making loud noises in the otherwise quiet room, before it responded. "The enemy of my enemy is my friend. The Ork is the enemy of Geth and Farsight Enclaves. Combined efforts will allow for swift end of Ork aggression. In this both Geth and the Farsight Enclaves will benefit."
Before 'O Ko'vash could speak, 'O Shavoh spoke. "The Ork will be unlike any other foe you have encountered. Those barbarians fight only for the sake of fighting and their numbers will seem infinite at times. Your kinetic barriers will of little use against Ork battleaxes. Your frame itself will be torn to pieces by their guns. Many of your people will die, as hundreds of thousands of mine already has, combating the Orks."
Taking a deep breath, 'O Shovah stared intently into the Geth's glowing eye. "Knowing this are you still willing to fight them with us?"
The Geth stood there, the programs within it working to reach a consensus with the collective that made up the Geth. Moments passed before it finally gave its answer.
2182 CE, 1734 hrs – Perseus Veil, Cio 'qu
Their mission had been simple. The Cadre was to flush out and eliminate a small Ork war band that had been raiding the cities on the new colony. They had underestimated the Orks no one had expected them to hold back the majority of the forces to draw in their forces. That they had a planned to use their small raiding force as bait and allowing the Orks to ambush them had been even more surprising.
The small detachment of their Geth attached to the Cadre had opted to stay behind to buy some time for them to escape. They bought them precious minutes to escape the Ork's kill zone. Unfortunately their sacrifice was for naught as Ork Tankbusters had managed to strike down the lead Devilfish leaving a burning wreak. In his rush to escape the driver of the second Devilfish in the column was unable to avoid the ruins of the first and collided head on. The resulting explosion had been enough to both kill the occupants and halt the retreat. The Orks wasted no time, pouncing on the shaken Fire Warriors and Pathfinders.
A small group of survivors ran from the site of carnage. Flaming wreaks and corpses littered the forest. The unlucky few trapped and still alive in the in a ring of green flesh were quickly being dispatched by the blood crazed Orks that had descended on them with a fury. A Nob spotting the Tau escaping quickly ordered his some of his boyz to give pursuit. Twenty of the Orks split off from the rest as they gave chase while the remainder continued the brutal slaughter.
Shas' Ui Shi'ur ran. By no means a coward he understood the need to escape and seeing that their Cadre had no chance had rallied those still left and led their retreat. Two Fire Warriors and three Pathfinders including himself were all that made it. Making it to a clearing with a dense copse in the centre a plan formulated in his head.
"Wait ta minute, dis 'ere looks like a trap! Dem grey-skins think we Orks really dis stupid?" The angry Nob in charge shouted as he pulled to a stop on the edge of the clearing.
Indeed there was a clearing ahead of them, the hoofmarks they had been following leading to a copse of tree in the center with plenty of space and no cover to be seen. Plenty of space for the Tau boyz shiny dakka to hit them and kill more boyz.
As the rest of the boyz who were lagging behind arrived at the edge of the clearing the Nob roared " All right boyz, dem Grey-skins think dey sooo smart by getting us ta run across dat field into dere glowy dakka. But Iz gotsa plan ya see. We iz gonna sneak up behind them and kill em Tau boyz good and den we'll see whos da dum ones!"
The gathered Orks cheered at that; roaring their signature "WAAAGH!" Amidst all the noise they were completely oblivious to the soft thuds of several Photon grenades landing within the group. A large bright light emitted from the grenades blinding the Orks and ruining their night vision.
"Cut them down!" 'Ui Shi'ur ordered as he and his Pathfinders dropped down from branches of the trees they had hidden themselves on. The Fire Warriors waiting within the copse opened fire on the Orks, their precise aim picking apart the dazed Orks.
The Orks while surprised upon realizing they were in a fight blindly charged the Pathfinders with reckless abandon, often tripping and stumbling over each other as they followed the sounds of battle. 'Ui Shi'ur discharged his Carbine at the approaching Orks, felling several of them before they were upon them.
A large brute rushed at him, axe raised above his head, bringing it down with in a overhead swing. Sidestepping to the left he avoided the crude weapon and fired two quick successive shots into the Orks head causing it to explode in a bath of blood and brain matter.
Jumping over the Orks corpse guns blazing, a Slugga Boy with a gun in his left hand and a rusted sword in his right charged him. One lucky shot hit 'Ui Shi'ur Carbine, the large bullet punching a hole in the weapon and knocking it out of his hand.
Drawing his Pulse Pistol and his blade he surprised the Ork by counter charging the barbarian, roaring as managed to cut off his opponent's gun hand before the Ork could respond. The Ork screamed in a mixture of anger and pain he swung his blade at the smaller Tau. Weaving under the swing he plunged his own blade into the Orks chin, driving it through his skull. Grunting in annoyance to find his sword now stuck in the Ork's cranium.
A battle cry behind him alerted him to a another Ork, turning around he saw a blinking Ork, meters away from him, raising his large machine gun and taking aim. Abandoning his blade in the corpse he threw himself onto the ground as the Ork fired. Screams of pain echoed the forest as bullets flew across the melee hitting more friends than foe.
The gunner laughed in maniacal glee before his head was suddenly cleaved off his body. A large armoured hand grabbed hold of the severed head before crushing it.
The gigantic Nob yelling at headless corpse below him."Ya stupid git, you be killin 'ore of me boyz than grey-skin."
Looking closely; 'Ui Shi'ur could make out blue blood dripping off the Ork's axe, Tau blood. Picking himself up he readied himself for his final fight. Glancing behind him he saw the two Pathfinders who followed him lying dead on the floor, their bodies chopped apart by the Orks, likely for trophies. The plasma from the Fire Warriors also seemed to have stopped giving him a sinking feeling knowing that they too were likely dead.
Analyzing the situation like the trained warrior he was; he counted only 6 Orks left including the Nob making his way towards him. So this is the end. He thought to himself only now noticing the exhaustion his body felt and the throbbing pain in his leg. Looking down he saw a hole where a stray shot most likely gone through his leg, blue blood flowing freely out of his wound. He hobbled towards the Ork he had killed earlier, his sword still stuck within his head.
The Orks formed a circle around him as he yanked his blade out drawing fresh blood which poured out of the Ork's throat. Seeing no escape he put his exhausted body into a combat stance.
The Nob moved to the front of the Orks. "Finally a grey-skin dat kan fight proper, dis ones mine boyz don't ya intafere otherwise imma stomp on ya, ya got dat!"
Seeing his boyz shift back, the Ork gave a malicious smile as he readied his axe. "Now den, let's do dis gre-"
Any further words were cut off as the Nob suddenly fell forward, dead before he hit the ground.
Both Tau and Ork were shocked and stood there. No one moved an inch as they took in the sudden death of the Nob. Then a second Ork suddenly jerked his head back, a small hole appearing dead center on his forehead. A third fell before they finally reacted.
"Dey got da boss!"
"Where's dat dakka commin from?"
"Dere! its one of em Geth Me-"the pointing Ork shouted before it died with slug burrowed in his head.
Seeing his opportunity, 'Ui Shi'ur adjusted his aim at the Ork now aiming his gun at the location his companion had pointed at.
A bolt of plasma hit the Ork's back, the impact knocking him into a tree as the plasma burned through his flesh and bone.
The last Ork with the loss of his leader and the rest of his warband, tried to run. He managed two steps before he fell forward, blood leaking from the miniscule hole in his head.
Seeing the last of the Orks fall, 'Ui Shi'ur finally lowered his pistol. Looking at where the sniper was, he could make out a single Geth platform quickly making its way to him. Taking one step towards the Geth, he wobbled slightly before his leg finally gave out, causing him to fall to the ground his consciousness fading to black.
The sound of birds awoke him. Shas'Ui Shi'ur found himself lying on the forest floor. The Orks nowhere to be seen and his wounds patched up with 'medi-gel'. Getting up he saw the Geth that saved him standing near a tree. Its bright glowing eye staring back at him, a sniper rifle ready in its hands.
Pulling himself up, he warily turned to face the Geth. While the Treaty of Lissera made them allies and with the the majority of Geth now containing at least 600 programs, with the recent limited technology exchange, allowing more of them to speak, he still regarded them as aliens. Pushing down his paranoia he noticed his weapons all retrieved and arrayed neatly by his side with the exception of his Carbine, no doubt by the Geth.
"Shas'Ui is now operational?"
Sitting up he answered the Geth inquiring about his health. "I'm alive, which is enough for me. My thanks for your assistance."
"Acknowledged" answered the Geth in their kind's usual emotionless fashion.
Rearming himself he unsteadily made his way to stand by the Geth. Looking down, he noted that they were on a higher elevation by a mountain providing him a view of the forest below. To the distance smoke could be seen where they Ork base most likely was. The Geth paid no attention to this its eyes scanning the dense forest underneath it for any threat. The shining sun above him meant that he had been asleep for atleast a few hours.
Looking at the Geth, he realized he forgot to ask for the name of his rescuer. "My apologies, I have forgotten to introduce myself, I am Shas'Ui Shovah Shi'ur Kais Mont'yr. May I know your name?" the drilled in politeness reserved for allies dictating his words.
The Geth looked at the tired Tau beside him. "Geth"
Trying again he asked "What is your name?" making the question more specific.
The Geth looked at him for a moment before anwsering"My name is Legion: for we are many"
The answer surprised him though it sounded like a quote, that a Geth had actually given itself a name was unheard of.
Incredulous, 'Ui Shi'ur asked "Legion? Why?"
"Named by Gue'vesa who was reading Human Bible. Christian Bible, Gospel of Mark, Chapter 5, Verse 9. As we have 4328 programs currently active, we accepted this as a suitable designation"
Ah yes the 'other' humans. The appearance of a second, completely new humanity had surprised many, but none more so than the humans within the Enclave. Many of them had spent days pouring over the wealth of information that the Codex provided them on the Human System Alliance, only to find they were nothing even close to the Imperium of Man. They were significantly weaker, their size not even holding a candle to the humanity they remembered.
"Well then… Legion I thank you again for saving my life"
"Acknowledged" responded Legion.
The pair stood there for a few more moments before 'Ui Shi'ur spoke again, this time with some urgency in his voice. "What about the Orks? Is Shas'O Sha'vastos aware of the situation?"
"Reinforcement estimated time of arrival 4 minute and 38 seconds." Legion answered. Lifting his left arm he pointed towards the sky.
As if it was a cue, Geth drop ships alongside Manta transports descended on the forest. Tiger Shark bombers acting as Vanguard dropping their load onto the forest below them, destroying the most of the flora within the landing zone and ensuring no Ork was in it.
Off in the distance, the brutish Ork Fighta-Bomba's could be seen taking off, their crude aircraft flying towards the landing zone, and intent on obliterating the combined Geth-Enclave force.
They were intercepted by dozens of Barracudas equally intent on the Ork's rudimentary air forces destruction. A savage dogfight broke out between the two sides. The Air Caste pilots having the advantage of speed and maneuverability easily scored several hits the Ork planes. The Orks on the other hand were proving a resilient foe, their breaking Fighta-Bombers defying the laws of aerodynamics by continuing to fly even with the loss of a propeller or wing.
The landing went unmolested and already the troops were disembarking. Geth Primes could be seen directing their troopers into formation while Earth Caste drones were already in the process of setting up a forward base. XV8 Crisis Battlesuits moved securing a perimeter around the landing zone.
The Orks must be more of a threat than I thought to warrant this kind of response. Thought 'Ui Rra as already; thousands of Geth and Tau, with the occasional Gue'vesa mixed in, were already on the ground and advancing into the forest with more still coming if the number of Manta's were any judge.
An Orca flew overhead and landed where he had lain not long ago. Stepping out of the transport was Shas'O Shovah making his way to 'Ui Shi'ur in his personal battlesuit. Shas'O Sha'vastos and Shas'O Arra'kon walking beside him similarly armored in their battlesuits.
"Shas'Ui, your Cadre was the one deployed here earlier. Was it not?" the mechanical voice emitting from the speakers on his battlesuit distorted his voice somewhat, but without doubt this was the voice of the legendary General Farsight.
Bowing his head slightly towards the founder of the Farsight Enclaves, Shas'Ui Shi'ur answered. "Yes, Shas'O, my Cadre advanced into the forest to eliminate a small Ork warband threatening the colony. The Orks were lying in wait and ambushed us causing heavy casualties. Though there may be other survivors; I believe that I am the last of my Cadre.
Finishing his report, the battlesuit placed it mechanical arm across its chest in a salute for the fallen.
"Their deaths will be avenged Shas'Ui. No Ork will be left alive by the time I'm done with this planet. That I will see to personally" said 'O Shovah, the hate could be heard even in his mechanical voice.
Lifting the famed Dawnblade above his head he leaped off the ledge into the mass of Tau and Geth below. 'O Arra'kon following only a moment later.
'O Sha'vastos remained behind with the Geth and him as the only ones still on the ledge.
'O Sha'vastos came up to him. "Shas'Ui Shi'ur, your survival was impressive given the circumstances."
Nodding, 'Ui Shi'ur waited for his commander to continue. "You are a veteran of 32 conflicts. You also have 762 confirmed kills, one of the highest among the Pathfinders. You managed to sneak into an Ork encampment once and snipe the Warboss with a railgun and still managed to escape. These accomplishments as one of the best the Farsight Enclave has."
"Yes, Shas'O" accepting the praise without missing a step. He had gotten used to it already. Though the current conversation seemed to be leading to a re-assignment.
"And that is why you will be joining the Rra Kauyon, a Battlesuit will be available to you and you are to begin training with it as soon as you are able." finished 'O Sha'vastos.
His breath hitched. Rra Kauyon was the newly formed special forces of the Farsight Enclave. They were composed of only the best and reserved to contend with things that could not be faced conventionally. The closest equivalent was that Spectre that the Citadel Council employed. Though they had met only one and that single one had managed to somehow persuade 3% of the Geth to follow him and his Old Machine with promises of power and technology, etc.
He had offered a similar deal with the Farsight Enclaves but none of them could be swayed from the Greater Good, content on building our own future not living off a borrowed one. That the Citadel still remained unaware of Enclave-Geth alliance suggested that the Spectre may not be loyal to his supposed leader.
"Yes Shas'O, It is an honour." Replied 'Ui Shi'ur, regaining his composure.
"Good, the Orca will transport you to the spaceport where you will return to Vior'los. Further instructions will be provided on your arrival." 'O Sha'vastos looked at Legion.
"The Geth Unit will be accompanying you. The Geth had volunteered their latest Platform to serve with the Rra Kauyon" And with that 'O Sha'vastos activated his jump pack and descended into the valley.
'Ui Shi'ur glanced at Legion. It had remained silent throughout the exchange and now proceeded to board to Orca. Sighing he too boarded it as the first sounds of conflict could be heard in the form of large explosions.
Fire Warriors - The rank and file troops of the Tau. Equiped with Pulse Rifles and standard issues armor they make up the most deadly ranged troops in the galaxy. They are comprised of a squad of 6 Shas'la and one or two Shas'Ui leading them.
Pathfinders – The scouts of the Tau. They are equipped with the faster firing Pulse Carbines and wear less armor than Fire Warroirs brethren. They often serve as spotters by marking their foes with markerlights allowing Tau artillery to home in on the target. Pathfinders are deployed in squads of three and can replace their Carbines with a hand held Rail Rifles which can serve as a sniper rifle.
Cio'qu – Within the last two years the Enclave has begun colonizing again. The diminished Ork threat has freed up resources that would have been otherwise been spent repelling Ork incursions. Cio'qu is one of their newer colonies near the rim of the Perseus Veil.
Battlesuits – Essentially the Mechas of the Tau army. The majority of them serve as mobile heavy artillery in the form of Broadsides and also as heavy, heavy infantry as Crisis Battlesuts. Though there is also the Stealth Suits designed with a build in cloak and intended for operating behind enemy lines. Those of Shas'Ui rank are offered the chance to pilot them and those who choose to remain as foot troops are called Fireblades.
Manta Missile Destoyer – These are the heavy transport of the Tau capacble of transporting several Cadres into battle. They can serve as bombers intended to attack enemy starships in space and also as dropships and heavy fire support on ground.
Barrucuda Class Fighter - The main fighter craft for the Tau intended for dogfights with enemy fighters.
Tiger Shark Bombers – Larger than a Barracuda, they function as a fighter-bomber. They are also equipped with drones allowing it to deploy gun drones into battle.
Treaty of Lassera – A military alliance between the Farsight Enclave and the Geth. The terms include coming to the aid of the other in case of unprovoked attack, free access between their sovereign territories and the limited exchange of technology.
'Dakka' – Ork term for gun, fire, noise, and probably a lot of other things.
Nob – They are usually larger Orks that lead the smaller ones with a mix of bullying and intimidations. After all "Bigger is better"
The rest of the Orks names for things are rather self-explanatory eg. Fighta-Bomba is a Fighter-Bomber.
Also Orks have a reality defying ability to ignore the laws of physics and other things by doing things that should not be possible. Like firing a gun with no firing mechanism. They are probably all psykers to some degree and their mob mentality means that if enough of them believe in it then it is true.
"Red is da fastest" and therefore vehicles painted red are faster somehow.