-XI-
"How did we not realise the temperament with the Astropathic relay?" asked Ioras.
"They must have done it with a Librarian, our astropaths are not at the levels of an Astartes Librarian. And we don't have a Librarian at our ranks." explained Galieo.
"So it runs deeper into the command structure of the Lion Warriors, the entire Chapter might be plotting against us for all we know." said Ioras.
"We need to uncover what they are up to at the Echtesia." said Techmarine Garatio.
"We will form a strike squad and deploy them covertly to Echtesia to uncover the secret dealings there." said Galieo.
"Who will lead this squad?" asked Garatio.
"I know you want to see for yourself whats going on down there brother, but I need you here working on brother Modius' bionics and other duties I asked you to do." said Galieo.
"Very well." said Garatio.
"I can lead them in." offered Ioras.
"That's what I was thinking about, brother. We would probably encounter Lion Warrior ships at Echtesia so I will need to stay on board and handle any communications that arise." said Galieo.
"Try to be diplomatic Chaplain." quipped Ioras.
"I always am." said Galieo coldly.
"Now that we lost our Tactical squad, who will I lead?" asked Ioras.
"We will need a new squad, we must add all the best elements we have for this covert operation, failure is unacceptable." declared Galieo and continued.
"Sergeant Horatus I need four marines from your squad including yourself in the strike squad." said Galieo.
"Yes, lord." replied Horatus of the Xiphos Assault Squad.
"Sergeant Iulius, I need you and two devastator brothers in this squad." said Galieo.
"Three devastator marines is not advised in the Codex, lord." reminded Horatus as by the book as always.
"Don't lecture me on the Codex, Horatus." growled Galieo "We are undermanned and under equipped as it is, one of the devastator brothers would carry tactical equipment to provide support instead of his usual gear." he concluded.
"Lord, I want in. I need to redeem myslef." said Julius.
Galieo looked uncertain and about the go against as Ioras cut in "You're on it marine, but go against my orders and I will shoot you where you stand."
"Yes, lord, thank you." replied Julius.
Galieo was displeased "Well now that you're making the shots we need to fill in the last gap in the squad." he said to Ioras.
Ioras looked unfazed by the Chaplain's displeasure, only he could be so bold to go against the Chaplain and survive.
"Is there anyone who would recommend their marines to be the last marine on the squad." asked Ioras to the gathering.
"Lord, brother Achagon is an excellent shot, if we were to equip him with a sniper equipment he would be a great asset. And in such a surgical strike it could change the game." said Julius.
"A sniper? In a marine squad? You must be out of your mind." Horatus was annoyed.
Galieo looked uncertain "Are you sure about this?" he asked.
"Lord, he picks Orks like an Aegle hunting wurms in a basket." he said.
"Fine, we need every angle we can get." said Ioras.
"The Covert Squad Extus is formed." declared Galieo.
Everyone except Horatus looked pleased with the upcoming deployment but he didn't express his concern and respected his lord's decisions.
"The Emperor commands and the spear pierces." prayed Galieo.
"Pierce their flesh." he continued.
"For the Primarch." gathering replied.
"Pierce their soul."
"For the Emperor." gathering finished.