**Part Two**
"First Steps"
Imperial Palace. One year later
For the thousandth time that day, armored boots thumped through the halls of the Imperial Palace. This time however, the wearer was anything but normal. Primarch Janus Krosfyah, and his Honor guard walked though the wide passageways on their way to the Council chambers. As they Passed, members of the Adeptus Custodes bowed and saluted, gestures that the Primarch returned. It had been a year since he had been on terra, enduring exacting evaluation, as the Inquisition tested everything, and every one who had come with him for signs of Chaos. They had found nothing, and had lost two inquisitors in the process, one Killed as he tried to mind probe the 1st Battalion Librarian Major, and the other by the Primarch himself, during a particularly over zealous Interrogation session. Krosfyah hated Inquisitors, all except the one that walked next to him. Nathan Debeers had grown up with him on Elysia, had fought with him in the wars of Pacification, and had been his most trusted aide when the Emperor had arrived on Elysia. Two Old to be fully inducted into the Legion as a Space Marine, he had none the less had most of the Implants, and had then been trained in the Inquisition. Still he was faithful to the Legion of his home world, and to his Friend. Next to his Primarch, Nathan Debeers kept his eyes focused on the ground so that his Primarch could not see the worry in them. He knew he had no worry of being mind scanned by the Primarch to ascertain his emotions, because Krosfyah could not do that. Debeers was worried. It had been over a year since the Primach had been reawakened from stasis. The Affliction he suffered from had not surfaced, and despite Chief Apocathary Strykers predictions, the Primarch maintained his strength, and agility. Debeers knew that that could not last, because already 20 marines from Captain Jarrick`s Company had fallen to the Second and third stages of the disease. Those stricken with Stage Two were immediately shipped back to Elysia on the Warspite, where they would be treated with Stimulants and Stasis to hopefully slow the damage to their Nervous, and muscular systems. Those stricken with Stage Three, 5 veteran Sergeants would be out fitted with the modified suits of Tactical Dreadnought Armor, and assigned to the command squads of the 1st Battalion. The group of 5 entered the council chamber to find the counsel already seated. As one they bowed and saluted. " Welcome, Primarch," High Lord Arus greeted them. " My Lord's" Krosfyah replied. Arus was one of the few High Lords who seemed to have believed his Claim from the beginning, and had lent crucial support at times. "We've called you here," the High Lord of the Admiralty spoke next, " to inform you that the Second Legion has been formally re-inducted into the Adeptus Astartes. However there are certain changes that must be made.to conform to the Codex written by your honored brother Gulliman. You Legion will have to be divided into successor Chapters. You Fleet will be divided accordingly, and." "Lord Admiral" The Primarch`s voice cut through the Chamber like a knife. " At Present, My Legion's strength is one Battalion of 1000 men. 9000 of my Troops remain in stasis, cursed by my affliction through their gene seed. I see no need for our Legion to be divided." " You will abide by the Regulations!" Lord Vinner Snapped. " Those Regulations were drawn up without my legion in mind." Krosfyah retorted. " And I will not dilute my field strength on the words in a eon old tome." " You disrespect." "No Lord Vinner. I Honor the memory of my Brother Robute. We fought together at the Midras Bastion, and I know that his decisions would not be based on ancient dictates!" "HERESY!" Vinner squawked, rising red faced to his feet, " I demand." SILENCE! The thundering voice echoed, not in the cavernous chamber, but in the minds of the assemblage there. As one they threw themselves to the Ground, leaving only Krosfyah standing. "Father" the Primarch whispered. MY SON. AFTER ONE HUNDRED CENTURIES I HEAR YOUR VOICE AGAIN, AND I SEE THAT YOU HAVE NOT CHANGED. IT PLEASES ME TO HAVE YOU HERE WITH ME ON EARTH, AND FOR THAT REASON I NOW ORDER THAT YOUR LEGION REMAIN, AS IT IS, UNDIVIDED. " Thank you, father" THE DARKNESS COMES SOON, MY SON. YOU MUST REMAIN STRONG TO COMBAT THE EVIL THAT WILL BE SPAWNED. FEAR NOT FOR I WILL BE WITH YOU, AND SO WILL YOUR BROTHERS. GO NOW, AND KNOW THAT I WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU. Krosfyah dropped to one knee, and bowed. " Thank you, father" LORD VINNER! The Emperor boomed. KNOW THAT FROM THIS MOMENT ON, PRIMARCH KROSFYAH AND HIS TROOPS ARE OPERATING UNDER MY DIRECT COMMAND. HINDER THEM NOT, AT YOUR PERIL. Krosfyah walked out as the High Lords began blabbing to the Emperor that they could not see.
Battleship Warspite. Command Center
Reorganizing a legion was no simple task, the Primarch groused to himself. The easiest thing he had had to do was secure Imperial Guard troops to support his Legion. Three Regiments, two Armored and one Infantry plus a Full Armored Division had been offered. These he would put to the defense of Elysia, and fill their billets with the Troops General Axel commanded back on Elysia. The problems lay elsewhere. Traditionally, 7th Battalion had been the heavy Support Battalion, fielding the Leviathan fortress, Vindicator siege and Whirlwind heavy Missile Launcher tanks, and the heavy Dreadnoughts. But with the Losses to the affliction that had plagued the 10th Battalion, Krosfyah was tempted to do away with the Scout Battalion entirely and induct its members into the 7th Battalion as field protection for the heavy support units. But you need Scouts his mind told him. A scout Battalion is a luxury that you cannot afford. Its not like you will be gaining new Initiates to the legion with your flawed Gene-Seed. The Primarch leaned back and pondered the paper before him. That was the root of the problem, he realized. His legion had no way to make up battle losses. The Primarch sighed. Before him were other forms, notices from the Adeptus Titanicus, a requisition from the Grey Knights for "suitable Subjects" and the form announcing the formation of a new Company in his First Battalion. That caught his eye.
Fifty Days Later. Elysia
Canoness Savitch turned to stare out over the Battlements, and catch the full beauty of the Elysian Sunset. The Raven-haired Woman relaxed and smiled a little as the rays of the Sun bathed her armor, burnishing it in a shower of gold. Her Armor was now Black and sliver like the Armor of the Second Legion, except for her insignia, which remained the Blue cross of the Order of the Jeweled Amethyst over the Red Lightning claw of the 1st Battalion. The Canoness was happy. It was a rare feeling, and she reveled in it. Elysia was not like any planet she had ever served on. The People were warm and friendly, and devout in their worship of the Emperor. They worked hard, and prospered. When her sisters commenced the construction of their Abbey, within one day, she was amazed at the numbers of citizens that dropped by, some with food, most offering their Labor. The Elysian's, she noted were not the most well off of Imperium Citizens, but they gave of themselves selflessly. And like on Macagge they worshiped the Hulking Marines that they had given birth to. The Judicators were not like any other Legion she had served alongside. Most she saw as threats, even as she served with them in battle. Some Like the Space Wolves bordered on Heresy with their Practices. All merited close inspection. But the Judicators-they seemed above all that. Two squads of Tacticals and a Quartet of Techmarines had even turned up on the fifth day of the renovation and construction of the Monastery of the Holy Order, and Aided in the clearing and refurbishment of a collapsed wing of the building. Then on the eleventh day, a Squad of Dreadnoughts from the 5th Company had arrived and proceeded to demolish the Apse and nave of the Monastery to make way for the Barracks and Scarcity the sisters planned to build. The Chapters Dreadnoughts were the most Atypical of all the units. The Dreadnoughts she had fought alongside were for the most part cold and robotic, warriors of purpose, and nothing else. The Blood Angel Furioso was the only one that seemed to have a personality, if you could call its berserk rage personality. But the Judicator Dreadnoughts could keep a conversation, they could tell jokes, and as far as she could tell, they were still very much human. The Battlement shook, and Savitch swung around to face an example of the unique and varied Ancients. The Dreadnought before her was colored in the traditional Black and red, save the gleaming silver of its Sarcophagus. It bore the Hammer in the Lighting Bolt Motif of the 6th Battalion. The banner it wore above it proclaimed its name as Meridian. " Ancient Brother Meridian" Savitch said, saluting. " Canoness Savitch" the Dreadnought rumbled. "I bring you Duty orders." Canoness Savitch tilted her head as she walked over to the Battlesuit. " Yes Brother?" " There has been a apparent Khronate Cult uprising on the planet Weald in the Segmentum Solar. The High Lords have detailed our Legion to suppress the rebellion. The Primarch has instructed that three companies of the 6th Battalion, as well as 6 squads of your sisters be embarked on the Battle Barge Reliant, and dispatched forthwith to the Planet." The Canoness nodded, feeling her familiar urge for battle rise again. " Will you be joining us, Ancient Brother Captain?" " I long for combat, Canoness," the Dreadnought replied, " I would not miss it for the Empire."
Battle Barge Reliant. Approaching Weald Three Weeks Later
Weald was a Feral Ice world, Savitch noted. The Bloodthirsty nature of the Cults of Khrone might appeal to the base savages that would inhabit the continents below. If that was the case, their lust for blood would be their undoing. The Reliant`s four Escorts, two Cobra's and two Firestorms had already taken up their positions over the planet. The Drop would be in two hours. " Canoness" Savitch turned to see a bare headed Marine Standing behind her.
" Your Pardon madam, you are needed on the Bridge."
Reliant Bridge
The Canoness arrived on the Bridge to find the Commanders of the Three Companies, and the Cardinal assigned to the mission poring over the holomap. She saluted as she entered, receiving the same honors from the three marines. " Canoness, we have a change in plan," Captain Brennan said. " An Agri World near the edge of this system has reported a large incursion from a Genestealer cult. The Blood Angel 4th Company has responded, but they have invited us to join them in the cleansing of the incursion. We have detailed the 4th and 8th Companies to the task, while our 9th Company, augmented by your sister's deals with the Cultists below." Savitch nodded. " The Sisters of the Jeweled Amethyst stand ready to drop at your signal, Brother Captain," She said.
2 Hours Later.
The Drop pod hammered into the Ground, momentarily stunning the passengers with the Ferocity of the Impact, but the Battle trained sisters shrugged off the effects, and grabbed their Bolt guns and unstrapped from the seats as the Pods doors came open. Savitch dropped her autotargeter into place over her right eye, clenched her sword by the hilt and stepped off the Pod. Into hell.
In later years the 6th Battalion would look back upon the battle of the Weald Drop site as one of their finest efforts. The Initial wave of Drop pods, which landed the Dreadnoughts and the Battle sisters were not molested, It was 50 Seconds later, as the second wave of Drop Pods plummeted from the Sky that the Mobile Artillery opened fire, not targeting the Drop Pods but the drop Zone. Simultaneously, Hellhound Fire throwers surged out from cover and unleashed their inferno cannons. Two Squads of Sisters were incinerated instantly, their bodies exploding into flame, and then collapsing in piles of charred ash. As the Confused and shocked sisters milled around, 4 Leman Russ Battle tanks surged out of the cover of a grove of trees, their sponson mounted Bolters Chattering death into the throngs of milling female warriors. The Slaughter would have been complete there, but for the Intervention of Dreadnought 8-Brother Ancient Goric. Stepping clear of his Pod, the dreadnought Pivoted and raised his left arm mounted Multi-Melta. The Crew of the number 4 Leman Russ, never saw their killer, as the Dreadnought fired a beam of superheated matter through their tanks hull, igniting ammunition and fuel in a hellish explosion that tossed the turret meters into the air. Simultaneously, Brother Ancient Meridian took a thundering series of steps forward and grabbed the second Russ By the Turret with his Power Claw. Metals screamed in torment as the Dreadnought tore the Turret off the hull and swung it like a throwing club, slamming it into the side of the 3rd Battle tank. Before the stunned Crew could react, he lifted his right arm Assault cannon and fired. The heavy shells tore through the weakened side armor, and the Tank fireballed into the sky. " Dreadnoughts! Forward for the Emperor and Krosfyah!" Meridian roared. The two Giants ambled forward, closing the distance to the last two Tanks. The Trail Russ had apparently gotten bogged and was kicking up trails of mud as it tried to move. The Commander got his turret around, but Brother Goric fired first, the Multi Melta coring through the Turret, and transforming the vehicle into an inferno. The last Russ turned its attention away from the sisters it was Massacring and targeted the incoming Dreadnought. It fired, missing low as Meridian seemed to jump, and then the Dreadnought hit the Tank, Power claw crushing and tearing through metal and crew alike. Just like that, the ambush was over. But the Toll was horrible. Of the 60 sisters and 40 Space Marines Landed in the First Wave, 50 had been killed by the Fire throwers, or the Russ Tanks, 12 more were horribly wounded, and would require EVAC from the Thunder Hawks that would bring the Armor. The Second Wave, led by Captain Brennan and the last 2 Dreadnoughts was basically unscathed. The Force consolidated, waiting for the Thunder hawks to arrive, when they did, they bought 8 Rhino's, 4 Predators, and 4 Whirlwinds, as well as the sisters 4 Chimera's and two Hellhounds. With the grievous losses suffered, Brennan had no choice but to call for support from the Company of Imperial Guard assigned to the Reliant. While depleting them would leave the Battle Barge dangerously vulnerable to a boarding attack, it at least brought the Force back up to full strength. Once that was done the Thunder hawks lifted off, heading up to the Reliant as it pressed on toward the second target.
Canoness Savitch walked over to the silent hulk of Brother Meridian. The Dreadnought stood quietly; over the wrecked remains of the Leman Russ he had destroyed with its Assault Cannon. The body of one of the Crew lay there, a smear where much of the lower body had been. The Dreadnought spoke as she drew near, its normally booming voice modulated to a near Whisper. " He looks so young, Canoness" " He was a Traitor, a Heretic" Savitch Replied. " But why was he a heretic, Canoness" the Dreadnought replied. " Why was this boy, in the cupola of a Leman Russ, trying to blow my leg off?" " I do not know." Savitch replied, " and I do not care, for it is not important." " But it is, Canoness" Meridian replied, half turning to face her. " To defeat the disease, we must know the Cause." " They are from the Metlin 17th" One of the Imperial Guard officers said as he examined the body. " The 17th are a good unit, just recently from fighting Hive fleet Kraken. They have never shown Heresy before." " Then it is our duty to discover why they have," Captain Brennan joined the discussion. " And our duty to cleanse it." The Blonde haired Captain looked at the Canoness. " Sister, my apologies for your losses in battle. I did not anticipate such heavy resistance from Khronate cultists."
The Dreadnought turned back to the Wrecked Tank. " Captain, I have fought Khronates, as have you. Those Heretics never use Tanks. This.. This is something else."
The Force boarded their transports and set off. 2 Predators led, followed by 2 Rhino's and 3 Chimera's, then Four More Rhinos, the Chimera Command vehicle, 4 Whirlwinds, and the last two Rhino's those fitted with Hunter Killer Missiles forming the tail of the Main body. 30 meters behind came the last two Predators, and on the flanks Walked the Dreadnoughts, each escorted at a safe distance by the Hellhounds. They drove for hours, following the winding road that led to the only Imperial city on planet. Despite vigilant scanning, there was no discernable pursuit. It was nearing dusk when the attack came. It came as the convoy was founding a corner at the base of a huge hill. There was a ruined village half way up the hill, and a river, half kilometer from the road itself. Out of the Gloom, a hunter Killer missile impacted on the Lead Predator. The warhead blasted the tank in a half circle, killing the Crew, and effectively blocking the road. A second later another missile flashed out of the gloom, impacting on the right track of the second Tank. The impact didn't destroy the tank, but it wrecked the Track, and left the convoy helpless on the road. The damaged Predator opened fire with its Twin Auto cannons, firing off into the gloom. The Dreadnought ahead of it, Brother Ancient Uvris stepped back to cover the tank, lifting his Assault cannon and searching for a target. " Dismount!" Captain Brennan shouted as his command squad piled out of the Rhino. The Captain waved his power sword, signaling three Squads to consolidate with him. "What's out there?" Brennan inquired of his Squad's Techmarine. Brother Alvan consulted his Auspex, and shook his head. " Nothing I can see, Captain" " Emperor Damn them!" Brennan swore. The Captain ran a hand over his face, and thought quickly. " Alright, lets flush them out. Lt.Hobbins deploy your men on the hill above us, protect our Devastators. Canoness, secure the ruins, and provide over watch. I will lead the remainder of our Force toward the river, and seek to draw their fire. Once they are pin pointed, the tanks and the Dreadnoughts will crush them." One by one the commanders nodded their understanding, and moved out. They had hardly moved 10 feet when a flurry of missiles swarmed out of the tree line. Five APC`s went up in balls of light and debris. The Concussion knocked the Imperial troops over, some unmoving, others scrambling to their feet and seeking cover. Canoness Savitch got to her knees and looked around groggily. Ahead of her was Celestian Talessa, the Sister in charge of the Retributor Squad assigned to the second Chimera. The Celestian was shouting, waving her squads to their feet, and directing them toward the Cover of the ruins. Savitch got to her feet and followed her warriors. At the base of the hill Captain Brennan locked his helmet, and jogged off with his squad. Three other Squads had already assembled, two Tactical, and one Devastator, all-advancing in a slow walk, seeking targets. Dreadnought 2, Brother Ancient Arrad joined the line. Out of the Gloom came an earsplitting cry, a scream that Brennan had heard last an Eon before. " BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD!!" " Marines! Battle Line!" Brennan roared " For the Emperor and Krosfyah!!"
The sound of Blazing bolters filled the dusk as the Marines opened fire. The Two tactical Squads blazed away into the dusk, and where rewarded by a Cacophony of screams, as explosive bolts found their mark. The damaged Predator joined in the Barrage, its Sponson mounted Lascannons flashing in the gloom. The Twin Linked auto cannons fired, their huge shells ripping through the foliage, and they must have hit something vital because a tremendous explosion mushroomed out of the trees. By the light of the explosion, the Marines saw the figures of literally thousands of cultists streaming through the woods towards the road. From the hill, the 4 surviving Devastators opened fire. Assault Cannons blasted streams of explosive bullets into the horde, the lone missile Launcher coughed, sending Cluster Warheads on a One-Way path. Further back, the Whirlwinds rolled off the Road perching themselves on the hillside silhouetted against the sky. Their missile racks swiveled and unleashed their loads of high explosive death. Explosions erupted in the middle of the wave of humanity, and it wavered. From the Dark Forest, missiles soared into the sky, spiraling in on the exposed Whirlwinds. Three of the Missile vehicles were struck, blowing apart in thundering fireballs, the third tracked up as the alert driver spotted the missile in flight, and the weapon missed. Dreadnought Ulvis tracked in on the Launch sites, his Assault Cannon barking. In the Confusion whether or not he got a hit was unclear, because the wave of blood mad Humans swept over the marine line.
Captain Brennan knew he was dead, knew that he had erred, but refused to let that sap his courage. The Captain dropped his empty bolter, and brought his Power sword up in a slash that tore through the arms of a screaming man. With his Power glove he punched a second cultist in the head, the Augmented fist tearing right through the man's head. The Marines killed with power and Precision, but there were too many. The Cultists circled the Marine line, forcing the Armored warriors to fight back to back. Dreadnought Arrad swiveled his hip, bringing his Lightning claws in a sweep that cut through 6 Cultists. The Dreadnought triggered the Auxiliary Flamer, incinerating another half dozen cultists. Still more closed, leaping on the Legs of the Dreadnought as fast as they were shot, stabbed and pulled off. Brennan avoided a wild slash and gutted the attacker with his sword. As he turned he caught sight of three Cultists clinging to the Dreadnought's legs, two more clambering up its back and one on the Left arm. Arrad was firing down into the throng with his Plasma cannon, slashing with the Claws, but he was not dislodging them, then Brennan noted the bulky packs strapped to the chests of the Cultists. The Judicator captain Lunged toward the Dreadnought.
From the hillside, Savitch looked away as the Meltabombs detonated. A bright white flash swallowed up the whole area below her, and she dropped to the ground.
Down in the Valley Dreadnought Meridian faced the explosion. The shock wave pummeled the Massive Cyborg, but the ancient's power kept it up right. Sensors however were burned out or disabled by the force of the detonation, though, and the marine within the suit was temporarily disoriented.
The Battle continued. Cultists swarmed up the road, Melta bombs strapped to their bodies, clambering over the stopped armored vehicles, and blowing themselves apart in a pyrotechnic monument to their god. From the hill, the Retributors and the sole Imperial Guard heavy weapon squad raked the heretics with heavy bolter fire, but it did little to dissuade them. Still they came on, and now they reached the crest of the hill, in desperation Celestian Talessa ordered the Hellhounds to advance and try to beat back the Cultists with their Inferno cannons. The four Tanks rumbled around the hill and unleashed the fearsome power of their Fire throwers in a broad swathe that burned a 400-meter wide swathe to bare earth and incinerated every cultist within that arc. And still they came on, running over the hot ground, leaping over the charred remains of their fellows, screaming for the blood of those who defied them. Dreadnought Ulvis fell back, his assault cannon chopping apart whole bodies in a spray of gore and innards. The cultists were too maddened to notice the Dreadnought, and the Assault cannon barrage was chopping up their flank. Then out of the mist, came the spiraling trails of Hunter Killer Missiles. Three were aimed for the Hellhounds, and all three hit, shattering the thinly armored vehicles, two more homed in on the Dreadnought, knocking the Ancient Warrior backward, but not knocking it down. With a bellow, Dreadnought Goric charged down the Hill. He fired his Multi Melta, blowing apart another 4 cultists and then he was alongside his brother Marine, and they both stood, back to back, and the Cultists changed direction, swarming toward the two war machines.
" I have you!" Brother Noren, the Missile Launcher Devastator shouted, "Sister, I have a Rhino, Hull Down in the Woods, with a Hunter Killer Missile launcher!" the Marine ducked as a bolt from a laspistol whined over his head. " Someone load me a Plasma Round!" One of the Imperial Guardsmen left his Position, scrambling over to the rock where Noren knelt with his Launcher. Rapidly he picked up the round and slammed it into the launcher. " Clear!" He shouted and rapped the marine on the Helmet. The missile blasted from the launcher, arching a flat trajectory toward its target. It flew true, striking the target under the launcher, and the hostile Rhino fireballed into the night. " Scratch One Rhino!" Noren Shouted. " There will be more, Lt. Hobbins screamed, " look for them!!" A Predator roared over the crest of the hill, firing its Auto cannon into the Forest. Its Commander stood up in the turret, blazing away with its storm bolter. " Fall back to the Ruins!!" Talessa screamed. The Heavy support troops disengaged first, covered by the fire from the Last Predator, Last Chimera, and last Hellhound, and the two damaged Dreadnoughts as they fell back. They ran to the ruined houses, setting up there, and restarting their fire. Again the Trails of hunter Killer Missiles streamed out of the Woods, but only two this time. One impacted squarely on the turret of the Chimera, gutting the Vehicle in a white flash. The Second wobbled in flight, gouging out a 3 foot crater a meter from the Predator. The Marine driver needed no urging and Tracked up, as a Jet-black vehicle surged out of the Trees. Dreadnought Goric saw It first, a massive shape covered with symbols, and spikes. It lacked a turret, but the Twinned Lascannons on its side more than made up for that failing. "LAND RAIDER!" the Dreadnought bellowed. With a screaming roar the Land Raider burst onto the Road. It's Lascannons Blasted, and the Imperial Guardsmen manning the Heavy Bolter vanished in a flash of light. Goric roared and charged down the hill. The Land Raiders gunners were slow to target the onrushing Behemoth, and by the time they traversed the guns to target the Ancient, Goric was less than 5 meters away. Both fired at the same time. Both hit. The Multi Melta slashed through the Left side Las Cannons like a hot knife, coring deep into the hull of the Armored Vehicle. The Land Raider's return shot Tore the weapon arm off the Dreadnought. Goric bellowed in shock and rage as he crashed into the Land Raider. The two titans struggled for a moment, the Daemon spirit that drove the Land Raider roaring and straining against the Power of the Dreadnought. The contest lasted only seconds more, because the Dreadnought raised his Power fist and slammed it through the front of the Land Raider, at it's weakest point- the Drivers hatch. Then he triggered the built in Flamer. The Land Raider Exploded in a thundering Ball of flame. The force of the Blast tossed Goric`s hull Back 20 meters, and severed the legs from the Torso. The Remains of the Dreadnought crashed to the Ground with a loud thud heard over the screams of the Cultists. "GORIC!!" Ulvis`s roar carried over the Battlefield. The damaged Dreadnought lunged forward, firing his Assault cannon. Shells the size of wine bottles lashed through the Forest, blasting apart trees and bodies, piercing into the metal hull of a vehicle and detonating its fuels and ammunition in a searing fireball. "Dreadnought Ulvis!" Brother Meridian commanded. " Disengage now and Fall back to re-arm!" Ulvis heard the order, and took another three steps forward before the ammo drum for the Assault cannon ran dry. That cut through his rage like a knife, and the Dreadnought began to retreat up the hill, as the surviving Retributors poured on the fire to cover the fall back. With the last of the vehicles destroyed, the cultists paused for a moment. It was a brief respite, allowing the Exhausted survivors to slam fresh Clips into Bolters, Charge Flamers, and select new rounds for missile launchers. Ulvis made it to the line of buildings, and took up a position alongside the Imperial guard heavy Weapons team. A young Guardsman looked up at the Dreadnought, and jumped up to carry out a quick check of the Assault Cannon, Tech Marine Kreos moved to assist, his servo arm carrying a fresh Drum for the cannon Between them, the two managed to unclip the empty drum, and manhandle the new clip into place, and then the Cultists charged again. Yelling a Battle Litany Celestian Talessa squeezed the trigger on the heavy Bolter she had propped up on a broken wall. The weapon thundered, hurling explosive shells in a chest high line, shattering the first line of cultists. The other two heavy bolters opened fire as well, along with the two Assault cannons, and every bolter in the squad. The fury of the fire stopped the cultist's cold, and then they surged forward. The Dreadnoughts were silent, as their weapons were not yet reloaded. As the cultists got closer, the flamers went into action, torching more men, and then the Dreadnoughts brought their firepower to bear, but now it was too late, and the wave of blood mad people washed into the thin Imperial Line.
Planet Corus
Captain Bennett, Judicator 4th Company, 6th Battalion Roared with delight as a hellfire round from one of the Centurion Variant Predators slammed through the Bony chest plate of a Carnifex. The back of the tank-sized creature exploded outward in a shower of Ichor and acid, and the giant collapsed to the ground. The Captain lifted his double Barreled Storm bolter and sprayed the few remaining Termagants with explosive shells. From his perch atop the turret of the Command vehicle, he could see the other 24 Predators of his company in a wide V formation. They had hit the flank of the Tryanid reinforcements and torn it apart. Not one tank had been lost, and from reports, only 12 of Hunnar`s 8th Company Marines had been felled. Of course, on the Blood Angel side, casualties were somewhat higher. From what he'd heard on the Planet Guard frequency, the Blood Angels had broken ranks and charged the Gene stealer Cult forces that they were supposed to be fighting. This had had two effects, neither good. First, the mad charge might have torn the Gene stealer forces to pieces, but 36 Marines would serve the Emperor no longer, and 20 more would need months of care before they were battle ready. That left the Blood Angels with just 44 marines to defend their sector. The second effect was that charging and not picking their targets had killed neither the Magus nor the Patriarch of the Cult. They still lurked out there, but at least in that respect he had an ace to deploy.
Strike Force Creuth. Penetrating Agri Storage Warehouse sector
Liberian Creuth was a rarity among the Judicators. He was one of the 200 Librarians in the Legion who were truly psychic. The powers of the warp were not blocked from his mind, leaving him with just telekinetic abilities like the other Legion Chaplin Librarians. He was a Full-fledged Psyker, and Devoted to his Primarch and Imperium. Around him was gathered the very best troops of the 6th Battalion. They had spent months on Macagge, learning from the Ultramarines who had fought the Tryannid hive fleets. They were Tyrannid hunters. And this was their trial by fire. The psychic imprint of the Magus was clear as the sun. Creuth could feel it in his head, drawing him onward. He looked up to the tops of the Granaries, were the Jump pack fitted five scouts were perched. Under Sergeant Terlith, the squad was trained to fight in autonomous groups of 2 or 3. There were two marines carrying Powerful sniper rifles, loaded with the same explosive Hellfire ammunition that the tanks had used to devastate the main Tyrannid Force. Two other marines carried Bolters loaded with the same Projectiles, as well as Auspex`s for life form detection. And then there was the sergeant with his Flamer and Power sword. Terlith had deployed his squads to each end of the Granary towers. They were silent, just waiting. Back with the main body, Creuth could feel the impatience of the two Terminator Squads and the Dreadnoughts with him. They were the heavy support he would need if he were to face both the Magus and the Patriarch. The Lead Dreadnought in particular, had been a Librarian of some power, before his ascension to the honored ranks of the ancients, and he had lost none of his Power over the Eons. " Scout Liaz to Creuth" his Comlink chirped. " I have them, Librarian, the Patriarch, two Lictors, a Cranifex and a Biovore. Also the Magus, and a squad of Purestrain, 1000 meters from my Position." " Librarian Crueth to all Units, Hold and Do not Engage," the Marine Pskyer ordered. " Scout Squad Terlith, continue to observe. Uplink your Data to Dreadnought 89. Squad Bretto, Overwatch!" That said, the Librarian bounded forward, closely followed by the Terminators and three of the Dreadnoughts. The Last Dreadnought, Brother Ancient Toria, froze in position, five Tactical Marines deploying to cover the battle suit. Toria had been a Devastator before he had been honored with his Primarchs`s affliction. After his Ascension, he had requested that his Weapons be the same as he had wielded as a Marine, a Plasma Gun, and a Missile launcher. It was the missile launcher he now elevated, selecting Cluster Warheads for half the salvo, and Frag warheads for the rest. Then he waited for the data from the scouts. The Magus and company were apparently heading for one of the grounded landing craft, seeking to get off planet, to spread their filth all over again. But the size of the Patriarch was slowing them down. "Fire!" Creuth bellowed into his Comlink as he hurdled a low wall, "Fire!" Dreadnought Toria launched a full salvo of six missiles. They were not fired blindly, but aimed at a specific point, 5 meters ahead of the Patriarch. Creuth saw the effect of the salvo as he entered the gap between two buildings. The Cluster warheads detonated 10 metes up showering the Patriarch and his bodyguard with tiny capsules of explosive acid. Right on the tail of the Cluster detonation came the sharp crack-booms of the Frag warheads detonating and the screams of the Carnifex as it was peppered with hot shards of metal. The Screamer Killer turned to face the Librarian, and bellowed out its Challenge, raising its scythe like arms high into the air. Dreadnought 60, Brother Ancient Librarian Farria stepped into the open. The Dreadnought lowered its right arm mount, the one bearing the Centurion cannon, and fired. A Hellfire shell blasted forth from the muzzle of the oversized cannon, tearing into the chest of the towering beast. A second later, the shell exploded, blowing the Carnifex`s upper body apart. The Dead Carcass slumped to the Ground, as Farria stepped forward, as Dreadnought 85, Brother Ancient Captain Jures moved into firing range. Unlike Farria, Jures was not configured for long range targeting. He was a tank killer. Twin Lascannons spat fire and the Torso of the nearest Lictor exploded in a wash of gore. Jures fired again, and the Lictor screamed as beams of Coherent light vaporized its upper chest. By now the Librarian and the Terminators were 50 meters from the Tyrannids. The head of the Magus was surrounded by a halo of light as the man-turned-abomination brought his psychic powers to bear on the Terminators. To no effect. The Armored marines brought their Storm bolters up as they ran. The Eldritch fire of the Magus's attack played over their armor, but like all marines who bore their Primarch`s Gene- seed, they were not affected. Creuth lifted his Force Axe, and unleashed his own Psychic attack. Behind him the 3rd Dreadnought lumbered into range and opened fire with its Centurion cannon. A Hellfire shell tore into the center of the Biovore, and the Psychic beast exploded. The Patriarch lifted a clawed hand and gestured towards the attackers, and the surviving Lictor and the 12 Gene stealers surged towards the Terminators and the Librarian. The Patriarch itself surged with impossible speed towards the three Dreadnoughts. Farria fired again, and the Alien's leg exploded at the knee. Jures fired, and bolts of laser light slashed through the torso of the beast, drawing a spine-chilling scream from the creature as it crashed to the Plasticrete pavement. Psychic energies surged around the dreadnoughts as the Patriarch tried again to breach the sarcophagus and get at the minds within. Ancient Brother Sergeant Lokar trigged his Centurion cannon, and the chest of the grotesque creature erupted in a shower of purple ichor. All three Dreadnoughts advanced, aiming their flamers at the fallen Patriarch, and fired. The Magus's power may have had no effect on the Terminators, but the claws of the Gene stealers was another matter entirely. Brother Mulis lost his left arm when a `stealer leapt over the stream of purging flame from his weapon, and struck at him with 2 of it's four arms. His Partner, Brother Kelea targeted the offending `stealer with his Storm bolter, blowing it apart in showers of red and purple. No other of the Gene-stealers made it to the line of Terminators, and neither did the Lictor, shot apart by the guns of the scout squad. All eyes turned to the battle between the Librarian and the Magus, a battle that came to a short and bloody end as the Librarians force Axe shattered the Magus`s Psychic shield and severed his leg at the knee. The man's scream rang out over the buildings, as the Blood Angel Command Rhino skidded around the corner, and disgorged a squad of red armored marines. The Blood Angel Captain, a tall, blonde haired man with the name Lucius on his shoulder pad walked over to where Creuth and Farria stood over the mewling body that had once been the Magus of the Gene stealer cult. " This is the Heretic?" he inquired "It is" Farria responded. " So what are you waiting for?" the Blood Angel Captain asked. " Well we were just wondering," Creuth said," Should we bury him or burn him?" For a second the face of the red armored officer darkened, and then he smiled. " Burn him," he said, and turned, signaling his squad to follow. Creuth turned to the Dreadnought next to him. " Do it." The scream of the fat man was lost in the roar of the Flamers igniting.
Elysia. Judicator Fortress A Day Later
The air sang with the sound of the Primarchs Thunderblade as the warrior went through his daily routine of exercises. Behind him, 50 members of his 1st Company followed his every move, chanting a litany of praise to the Emperor. The Inquisitors who had been assigned to access the Legion's Purity observed this Daily practice. While most of the officers of the Inquisition merely observed, one did so with a critical eye. Inquisitor Neros was easily the least experienced of the 4 Inquisitors, but he was the most Zealous. This Zealousness had earned him the favor of High Inquisitor Apollyon, and this assignment. Neros watched distastefully as the Marines went through this wasteful routine. Instead of spending time in devotion and praise to the emperor, these Marines dallied in martial practices that ate up hours of their time. He was going to have a talk with their Primarch as soon as he could get an audience, because such deviation could not long be allowed. It could lead to heresy. Something else caught his eye. The Inquisitors Chiefs assigned to the Legion had been allowing the Sisters if the Jeweled Amethyst to mingle and share close confines with the Marines. He would have something to say about that as well.
Weald. 3 Days Later
A light rain revived Savitch. Slowly the Canoness opened her eyes. She was lying on the ground, around her lay the bodies of the cultists who had fallen in the last desperate moments of the battle. The Canoness groaned, her side hurt, as did her head. Slowly she tried to rise, but her left arm would not respond to her command. It took an effort for her to get her right arm under her body, and lever herself up. Slowly, torturously, she made it to her knees and looked around. Only the dead populated the small square. Savitch looked down at herself. Her Armor was scarred and flaked from numerous hits. There was a deep gash in her side, and her left arm was at an odd angle to the rest of her. Savitch shuffled over on her knees to where her sword lay, in the black mud. The thrice-blessed weapon had shattered on the armor of one of the cultists, and was now useless. Still, Savitch was able to use it as a crutch to stand on, and lever herself to her feet. She was getting flashes of what had transpired in the final moments now. It has been down to less than 10 of them, one Devastator with a useless Missile Launcher, 2 Imperial Guard, 4 of her sisters, three Marines, and two badly damaged Dreadnoughts. There had been over a hundred in the last wave, and almost 20 black armored, ominous figures. The two Heavy Bolters and the last shells in the Dreadnought's Assault Cannons had ripped through the Charging, screaming heretics as they closed. Then as the heavy guns ran dry, the familiar hiss of Flamers had boiled away the rain, incinerating to ash those unlucky enough to be in the path of the flames. And then, their minds commended to the Emperor, the survivors had met the cultists in close combat. All of the Marines were armed with Power swords, and the Lone Veteran Sergeant in Terminator Armor wielded a deadly looking Force Axe. Her Sisters as well were all armed with Chain Swords, while the Guardsmen had scavenged Power swords from the Dead. Fighting as one, minds clear of all, save the knowledge of the Emperors love; they had killed, and killed, and Killed. Chanting Battle hymns, Marine and Sister had fought alongside Imperial Guardsman, and Dreadnought, and their fury had been awesome to behold. The raw blood mad cultists could not stand before them, and it was only when they were beset by the armored figures of the Traitor marines, that they were stopped. The Guardsmen had the bad fortune to meet the lead 5 Chaos Marines. They died valiantly though, Their Weapons and skill too ill directed to pierce the cursed armor they struck at. Seeing the deaths of his comrades, Devastator Noren shouted a warning and charged the Traitors, his Power sword up raised. He cleaved the helmet of the first traitor in two, dropping the loathsome traitor like a fly. A quick pivot brought him into range of a second traitor, and Noren rent him in twain with a powerful blow, just as a mighty blow from a chain axe cut into his chest. The mortally wounded Devastator turned and lurched into his killer, driving his sword into the body of the traitor even as his soul fled to the Emperors side. The rest of the survivors met the Traitors and it became a battle of desperation. A force axe tore through the back of a Traitor as he throttled a Sister. A Power Sword spilled the guts of a Marine onto the soil, as the traitor's head flew off, courtesy of a mighty backhand swing from Dreadnought Ulvis. The Mighty Traitor Champion challenged the Dreadnought, leaping onto the Sarcophagus and slamming his cursed sword through the armor, seeking the body below. He missed with the First thrust, and Ulvis grabbed a Chaos Terminator, crushing the mighty, centuries old armor in his grip. The Dreadnought then reached up, trying to pluck the Traitor Terminator off his hull. He failed, and the Traitor stabbed downward savagely, and the air was rent with Ulvis`s howl of Pain and rage. As the dreadnought crashed to the ground, the Traitor Flipped lightly off the falling war machine, landing four feet from the metal behemoth as he hit the ground. Before him and the four survivors of his unit, stood Talessa, Savitch, the Marine sergeant, and the battered figure of Dreadnought Meridian. " Such feeble warriors of the false Emperor." The Black suited Marine taunted. " Your Deaths bore me, really." Then he paused. " Lord Sorcerer, you can come out now, the Pups are cowed." In a flash of mist and smoke, a hulking Dreadnought materialized in the very center of the Chaos formation. Savitch, already weak from blood loss, could scarcely comprehend the Power necessary to teleport the blue and yellow monstrosity. Then the Dreadnought spoke. " Servants of the false Emperor, I offer you.the blessed peace of Oblivion."
" I remember you used to say that so differently" Meridian said. Savitch watched as the Dreadnought pivoted slowly, till it was pointing in the direction of the Judicator Dreadnought. For a long time, it said nothing. Then suddenly, it did. " I do not know your Chapter, Ancient." " You do." Meridian replied, the Judicator Dreadnought took a slow step forward, damaged servos whining in protest " Varus" The Sorcerer-Dreadnought said nothing. And then it swung its Assault cannon up, but Meridian was already moving, moving with inhuman speed for a machine so large, as the burst of heavy shells tore the ruined house behind him to ashes. His Assault cannon was empty, but the Judicator Dreadnought possessed one other weapon-Aside from his power claw. A Piece of Masonry the size of a Leman Russ streaked through the air in a flat trajectory. Two of the Traitor Marines were killed as the projectile crushed them into the ground. Bellowing,
Talessa and the Veteran Sergeant charged the Dreadnought- And died, bodies exploding into fire as a spell from the Chaos Sorcerer Dreadnought took effect. Savitch had no time to mourn, swinging her broken sword in an overhead slash that was easily blocked by the Chaos Champion by grabbing her sword. He backhanded her across the face, and punched her in the side, shattering ribs through armor. With almost contemptuous ease, the Traitor threw her away from him, her head crashing into the wall 10 meters behind her. As she fought unconsciousness, she saw Meridian and the Chaos Dreadnought exchange crushing blows. The Chaos Dreadnought twisted inside a blow from Meridian and grabbed the spent assault cannon by the Barrel, and snapped it off. Using it as a club he knocked the already damaged left leg of the Judicator dreadnought out from under it. Meridian fell heavily, and the fight was over. The chaos dreadnought towered over the fallen Judicator, and grabbed the Sarcophagus with its Power claw. Savitch heard the scream of tortured metal as the Sorcerer-Dreadnought ripped the Sarcophagus apart. Then silence. " Come, T`real" the Sorcerer said after a moment. "Our work is done here." " This one still lives, sorcerer," the Chaos Champion said, indicating Savitchs prone body." "I said Let us be gone!" the Sorcerer roared. " Do not question me again, Champion, or you will find your head on my standard! Now. Let us leave this Planet." That was the last the Canoness had heard before the darkness had claimed her.
Slowly, painfully, Savitch made her way towards the wreck she knew had to be Meridian. Each step was an effort, but she covered the distance, and began to clamber up the sloping, armored hull. Twice her body failed her, but eventually she made it to the ruined sarcophagus, and beheld the Ancient. Before her shocked and staring eyes was the partially desiccated body of a Space Marine. There were no wounds on the body, but she could see the twisted and gnarled muscles that marked the signs of the affliction. Trapped within that ruined body, a pair of Blue eyes stared back at her, as a withered mouth struggled to form words. Savitch hesitated, and then reached out, touching the mouthpiece, then grasping it, and placing it in the weakly spasming mouth of the Marine captain. " Tha..nk...you" That the wasted body could still speak awed the Canoness, and she reached into the Sarcophagus and grasped the withered hand within. The limb was moist and spongy, but she felt the answering grip as the blue eyes rolled up in the head, and the marine succumbed to unconsciousness. Savitch herself began to pray. Alpha Legion Murder Class Cruiser Wrath of the Hydra Departing Weald Space
Sorcerer Dreadnought Varus stood at the viewport, watching the planet recede in the distance. He recalled the Presence of his old Comrade in arms on the Planet, and grew meditative, pondering the meaning of this presence. The Alpha Legion warriors gave the Thousand Son Sorcerer Dreadnought a wide berth as they went about their duties. His assistance had made their diversion a success, but all would be glad when he was off the ship. " T`real" the Dreadnought spoke. " Yes Sorcerer." The Champion replied. " You may commence preparations to enter the Warp." The Sorcerer- dreadnought said, turning slowly to face the champion. " To what destination, Lord Sorcerer?" "The Demon World of Ny`aldus. Throne world of Lord Logar of the Word Bearers Legion"
Elysia. A month later.
Her wounds had healed, but Canoness Savitch had yet taken to the field. Her sisters had gone out on several operations with the Judicators, and while there were losses, there had not been so great a loss since Weald. A company of Space Marines lost, along with 6 squads of sisters. The losses of the Sororitas could be made up, but that Marine Company was gone. 100 initiates were being taught in the Fortress's walls, but there was debate as to whether or not they would receive the gene seed implants. Savitch had seen Meridian once, and they had not spoken. The Dreadnought Captain had undergone extensive repairs, but was still undergoing tests in the Apotharion before he would be declared ready for battle. Savitch closed her eyes and rearranged the badge of her rank on her hip. She was due in the main hall as part of the welcoming party for Lord Commander Dante, the Blood Angel Chapter Master who was arriving today for a celebratory feast with the Primarch of the Judicator Legion, before the Judicator 7th Company, 2nd Battalion would join the Blood Angel 8th Company on a Pre-emptive strike against Warboss N`aad BadKika`s Waaagh! in the Segmentum Pacificus. A half hour later, the door to the great hall was thrown open and the gold masked Master of the Blood Angels entered. Flanked by Mephiston and Corbulo, he marched to the Primarch`s position, but before the Blood Angel could salute, Krosfyah bowed low to him, and then saluted. Startled, Dante could only return the honors, and then Krosfyah escorted him to his Place, so the Feast could begin.
8 hours later, the Wine and Main courses were removed, and the guests sat, listening to Mephiston speak of the last battle of the Blood Angel Primarch. Krosfyah listened quietly, and then nodded as the Blood Angel Librarian finished the telling. " I am not surprised that that is how he died." Krosfyah said quietly, swirling his wine around in his goblet. "Sanguinius was always the first to fight, and the last to retreat, no matter the situation." " you fought alongside our Progenitor?" Mephiston inquired. Krosfyah`s eyes took on a faraway glint. " I did," he replied. " On the high technology world of Anaemas VI, in the first part of the Galactic Crusade..."
***Flashback***
It had rained for days. The ground had been reduced to a sea of thick cloying mud. The mud got into the joints of the Armor, gumming them up, and making movement difficult. It ate into the seals of Engines, rendering war machines immobile, and turrets frozen. It fell in driving sheets, reducing visibility to mere feet, and shorting out Power weapons. The Salamander 9th Company had been assigned to this World. Its commander had died in the first weeks of battle, and his second had been slow to call for reinforcements. By the time they called for help, 2000 of their brethren lay on the soil of Anaemas VI, rotting. To their relief had come the dreaded World Eaters. They had feared no better, lasting a month before their Primarch recalled the Company. They had left 1000 marines on the Planet. The grim armored Judicators had replaced them, but their massed armor had been bogged down by unceasing rain and horrible weather. The Imperial Guard Corps that had come with them fared little better. From the shelter of his Land Raider, Primarch Krosfyah directed his troops. For days, the Judicator 2nd and 1st Battalions had eked out fragile lines in the mud, and his Marines were now able to see the walls of the Hive City they had pin pointed as the Planets Capital. To push their lines within sight of the Walls had cost the two Battalions over half their Armor, and a tenth of their Marines. However, with the Assistance of the Imperial Guard Armored Corps, his men were ready for the final push. " So, General, we understand each other?" the Primarch inquired. General DeValliar nodded the affirmative. " In one hour, every gun I have will fire a preparatory barrage at the walls of the hive, supported by your Vindicator and Leviathan siege tanks. Under this cover, your Thunderhawks will drop drums of Plasticrete in front of the walls. Hopefully, this material will give your armor a better surface to maneuver on, and your Marines will be delivered to the walls of the hive." " Very well, General," the Primarch congratulated the Imperial Guard officer. " You are dismissed, and wish your men Good Luck, and my men's compliments." The General saluted and smiled, before leaving. From the back of the Land Raiders hold, Krosfyah`s second in command, Laurent Grieg, spoke. " Are you sure that this will work?" "No" "But you're willing to try?" "Have faith Laurent, we will persevere." " I have faith, my Primarch. I just don't have dry ground to move my tanks on." " Laurent shut up and put on your Armor."
Exactly an hour later, the 2000 massed Earthshaker cannons of the 78th Imperial Guard Armored Corps split the sky with their barrage. Through the driving rain, the explosions of the ordnance on the armored walls of the city were clearly visible. "Forward!" the Primarch ordered, and 500 Armored vehicles moved off, crawling through the mud toward the city. Overhead, 100 Thunderhawks swept in, diving towards the ground to deliver their cargo. They carried tanks of instant Plasticete, nearly all that the Legion owned. The substance dried on contact, creating a hard surface capable of bearing the weight of the armored war vehicles. A Techmarine looked up from his console. " Thunderwing reports drop successful, my lord." "Thank you." The Primarch heaved himself out of the hatch at the top of the Land Raider. The Rain was still coming, but he could make out the explosions as the Guard Basilisk pounded the Hive Walls. The tanks were still crawling methodically toward the Hive Walls, and soon they would.
Bump.bumpppppp.
The Primarch knew immediately that some thing was wrong. The Powerful land Raider around him was shuddering and roaring, but its ponderous forward movement had ceased. And then he knew. " Emperor damn me for a Fool!" The Primarch dropped out of the hatch into the belly of the Land Raider. He grabbed his Power sword, and combi-weapon, and looked around at the faces around him. "Aruen, send a message to all vehicles. All Forces, Dismount! We advance on foot!" Seconds later the Primarch jumped off the Ramp into the inch deep slurry of mud, water and plasticrete. He looked around at the Terminators around him. " So it was a bad idea, I'm not Robute, I can be wrong." "So what do we do now?" Greig inquired looking at his armored legs, "This Slop's drying!" " All Units, this is the Primarch" Krosfyah ordered over the common legion Frequency. "On foot, advance!" As the men set off, Krosfyah heard the roar of the Vehicles as they tried to get out of the slurry before it dried. Blocking it out, he turned his attention forward. His display told him that it was still 3 Klicks to the wall of the Hive. Even on solid ground, they would have a hard time making it to the walls before the turrets that studded the Hive cut them down, but in these conditions? They moved as fast as they could, but the defense guns opened fire after a few seconds. Perhaps their targeters were off because of the rain or the hail of fire from the Guard Artillery, but they killed few in those seconds that followed. The retreating tanks and Dreadnoughts lent their support, but it was an exercise in futility. Still Krosfyah ran toward the wall. It was all he could do, as he began to realize that his unorthodox behavior would kill his men. The Red Land Speeder raced by so low that its windblast knocked the Primarch and half the 1st company to their knees. On its heels came dozens more, firing their flamers and Multi Melta`s. It took Krosfyah a second to realize that they were not firing at the walls or his troops. But at the ground. The effect of Multi Melta blasts and flamer discharges on the plasticrete slurry had the instantaneous effect of transforming the semisolid morass into a semi-level solid plane of Plasticrete. " Emperor's Praise!" Krosfyah yelled, waving his sword in salute of the lead Land Speeder. Then he turned and looked at his Men. " Judicators! Forward for the Emperor!" And they charged. The guns of the Hive could not be able to track the men, the aircraft, and the tanks, all while under fire. And they were not. Out of the walls of the hive came the enemy, squads of cyborg warriors, half man, half machine. But now they faced Marines unencumbered by nature. Marines tired of eight weeks of unending rain, and marines who just wanted to go home. Krosfyah slashed with his sword, and shot with his combi-weapon. The bolter-axe had been a gift from Ferrus Manus, and its whirring blades tore through armor and flesh with ease, while the bolter spat its explosive projectiles with deadly speed. The Judicators fought their way to the walls of the hive in 3 hours. They lost 400 Marines in the Process, but they were able to hold their ground to allow their tanks and Dreadnoughts to come up. When they did, the Judicators assaulted the walls. The First assault failed, but the second breached the walls, and the Marines entered the hive for the first time. Outside they left half their brethren, and 150 of their tanks. Still they fought, even when their Primarch received a bolter round through the shoulder. They fought across the Hive, defeating all that came at them until they reached the sanctum of the Hive Governor. Primarch Krosfyah took a deep breath and sagged back against the wall. He had lost his Bolter-axe on the lower levels, and now wielded his axe in one hand. His other arm hung limply at his side. Below he could hear the clamor of battle as the Imperial Guard poured reinforcements into his Legion's Position. The Red armored Figures of the Legion that had saved his men out side the walls-the Blood Angels, were fighting their way across the hive from the south quadrant. The Primarch looked at the helmeted and resolute figures of his men. " Judicators" he said, his voice betraying his tiredness," You have today, proven that you have the hearts of the Raptor." Krosfyah struggled to his feet. " Now, Let us finish our work." Judicator Terminators demolished a wall to gain access to the main sanctum, and there confronted the grotesque figure of the leader of Anaemas VI. Mostly machine, with a bodyguard of cyborgs and other metallic abominations, the Man thing bellowed and fired a weapon that incinerated a squad of Tactical Marines. Bellowing the Emperor's name the Judicators launched into combat. Bolters and flamers crackled and thundered, Assault cannons roared, and missiles detonated as the two forces launched into close quarters battle. With a telekinetic pulse, the Primarch breached the armor on the warlord, the abomination roared and swung its Mace like arm toward the Primarch. Krosfyah brought up his sword to block, only to have it shattered by the impact. He was hurled into the air, only to be caught and lowered to the ground. In shock, Krosfyah looked up, and beheld the visage of an angel. Sanguinus, Primarch of Legion XI, the Blood Angels hovered a few feet over the Judicator Primarch, a benign smile on his face. " You must be Janus," Sanguinus said, his voice refreshing and revitalizing the tired mind of the Judicator Primarch, " My impatient older brother. Would you care to rejoin the fight?" " I have no weapon" was all Krosfyah could manage as he struggled to come to terms with the presence of his brother. Sanguinus smiled. " Fear not, Brother" he said reaching behind his back and producing a golden Power sword. " I have two" Krosfyah nodded to his brother and rose to his feet. Around them, the battle raged, as Red Armored and Black and Sliver armored Marines battled with cyborg abominations. " For the Emperor!"
***End Flashback***
As the Primarch spoke, an Orderly had entered the room carrying a gilded box. As the Primarch finished his recollection, he placed the box before Dante. The Blood Angel master looked puzzled for a moment, and then he opened the box and gasped. It was Mephiston who drew the golden weapon from the box. A master crafted power sword, bearing a winged Pommel done in the chapter sigil of the Blood Angel Legion. " Is this." Mephistions voice left him. " It is." Krosfyah replied. " I have returned the sword that your Primarch gave me that day to the legion of his children. Use it well"
Demon World Ny`Aldus
The Doors to the Great Hall opened and the booming footsteps of a dreadnought echoed within. The being known as Logar looked up from the divination altar, and turned to address the Dreadnought. " Why have you sought me, Sorcerer?" " I am recently from the Imperium world of Weald, My lord." Varus replied. " There I assisted the destruction of a Force of Adeptus Soritas. They were accompanied by forces from the Sons of the Raptor." Logar whirled and disappeared, reappearing an instant later in front of the Dreadnought. " Do not toy with me Sorcerer." Logar hissed, " for I will rend you apart with a thought and consecrate your body to Lord Tzeentch, while you still live. The Sons of the Raptor are dead." " They live." Varus insisted. "I have seen the Ancient called Meridian, he was with me when we cleansed Nostar X of the Mechanical horrors. I tore his Sarcophagus apart myself." Logar turned away and walked exactly 5 paces. Then he stopped. " K`enal, Ready the Legion!" the Primarch bellowed. " We sally forth this very Day. We go to crush the Raptors in their nests! Ready the Fleet- We move on Elysia!"
End of Part II
"First Steps"
Imperial Palace. One year later
For the thousandth time that day, armored boots thumped through the halls of the Imperial Palace. This time however, the wearer was anything but normal. Primarch Janus Krosfyah, and his Honor guard walked though the wide passageways on their way to the Council chambers. As they Passed, members of the Adeptus Custodes bowed and saluted, gestures that the Primarch returned. It had been a year since he had been on terra, enduring exacting evaluation, as the Inquisition tested everything, and every one who had come with him for signs of Chaos. They had found nothing, and had lost two inquisitors in the process, one Killed as he tried to mind probe the 1st Battalion Librarian Major, and the other by the Primarch himself, during a particularly over zealous Interrogation session. Krosfyah hated Inquisitors, all except the one that walked next to him. Nathan Debeers had grown up with him on Elysia, had fought with him in the wars of Pacification, and had been his most trusted aide when the Emperor had arrived on Elysia. Two Old to be fully inducted into the Legion as a Space Marine, he had none the less had most of the Implants, and had then been trained in the Inquisition. Still he was faithful to the Legion of his home world, and to his Friend. Next to his Primarch, Nathan Debeers kept his eyes focused on the ground so that his Primarch could not see the worry in them. He knew he had no worry of being mind scanned by the Primarch to ascertain his emotions, because Krosfyah could not do that. Debeers was worried. It had been over a year since the Primach had been reawakened from stasis. The Affliction he suffered from had not surfaced, and despite Chief Apocathary Strykers predictions, the Primarch maintained his strength, and agility. Debeers knew that that could not last, because already 20 marines from Captain Jarrick`s Company had fallen to the Second and third stages of the disease. Those stricken with Stage Two were immediately shipped back to Elysia on the Warspite, where they would be treated with Stimulants and Stasis to hopefully slow the damage to their Nervous, and muscular systems. Those stricken with Stage Three, 5 veteran Sergeants would be out fitted with the modified suits of Tactical Dreadnought Armor, and assigned to the command squads of the 1st Battalion. The group of 5 entered the council chamber to find the counsel already seated. As one they bowed and saluted. " Welcome, Primarch," High Lord Arus greeted them. " My Lord's" Krosfyah replied. Arus was one of the few High Lords who seemed to have believed his Claim from the beginning, and had lent crucial support at times. "We've called you here," the High Lord of the Admiralty spoke next, " to inform you that the Second Legion has been formally re-inducted into the Adeptus Astartes. However there are certain changes that must be made.to conform to the Codex written by your honored brother Gulliman. You Legion will have to be divided into successor Chapters. You Fleet will be divided accordingly, and." "Lord Admiral" The Primarch`s voice cut through the Chamber like a knife. " At Present, My Legion's strength is one Battalion of 1000 men. 9000 of my Troops remain in stasis, cursed by my affliction through their gene seed. I see no need for our Legion to be divided." " You will abide by the Regulations!" Lord Vinner Snapped. " Those Regulations were drawn up without my legion in mind." Krosfyah retorted. " And I will not dilute my field strength on the words in a eon old tome." " You disrespect." "No Lord Vinner. I Honor the memory of my Brother Robute. We fought together at the Midras Bastion, and I know that his decisions would not be based on ancient dictates!" "HERESY!" Vinner squawked, rising red faced to his feet, " I demand." SILENCE! The thundering voice echoed, not in the cavernous chamber, but in the minds of the assemblage there. As one they threw themselves to the Ground, leaving only Krosfyah standing. "Father" the Primarch whispered. MY SON. AFTER ONE HUNDRED CENTURIES I HEAR YOUR VOICE AGAIN, AND I SEE THAT YOU HAVE NOT CHANGED. IT PLEASES ME TO HAVE YOU HERE WITH ME ON EARTH, AND FOR THAT REASON I NOW ORDER THAT YOUR LEGION REMAIN, AS IT IS, UNDIVIDED. " Thank you, father" THE DARKNESS COMES SOON, MY SON. YOU MUST REMAIN STRONG TO COMBAT THE EVIL THAT WILL BE SPAWNED. FEAR NOT FOR I WILL BE WITH YOU, AND SO WILL YOUR BROTHERS. GO NOW, AND KNOW THAT I WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU. Krosfyah dropped to one knee, and bowed. " Thank you, father" LORD VINNER! The Emperor boomed. KNOW THAT FROM THIS MOMENT ON, PRIMARCH KROSFYAH AND HIS TROOPS ARE OPERATING UNDER MY DIRECT COMMAND. HINDER THEM NOT, AT YOUR PERIL. Krosfyah walked out as the High Lords began blabbing to the Emperor that they could not see.
Battleship Warspite. Command Center
Reorganizing a legion was no simple task, the Primarch groused to himself. The easiest thing he had had to do was secure Imperial Guard troops to support his Legion. Three Regiments, two Armored and one Infantry plus a Full Armored Division had been offered. These he would put to the defense of Elysia, and fill their billets with the Troops General Axel commanded back on Elysia. The problems lay elsewhere. Traditionally, 7th Battalion had been the heavy Support Battalion, fielding the Leviathan fortress, Vindicator siege and Whirlwind heavy Missile Launcher tanks, and the heavy Dreadnoughts. But with the Losses to the affliction that had plagued the 10th Battalion, Krosfyah was tempted to do away with the Scout Battalion entirely and induct its members into the 7th Battalion as field protection for the heavy support units. But you need Scouts his mind told him. A scout Battalion is a luxury that you cannot afford. Its not like you will be gaining new Initiates to the legion with your flawed Gene-Seed. The Primarch leaned back and pondered the paper before him. That was the root of the problem, he realized. His legion had no way to make up battle losses. The Primarch sighed. Before him were other forms, notices from the Adeptus Titanicus, a requisition from the Grey Knights for "suitable Subjects" and the form announcing the formation of a new Company in his First Battalion. That caught his eye.
Fifty Days Later. Elysia
Canoness Savitch turned to stare out over the Battlements, and catch the full beauty of the Elysian Sunset. The Raven-haired Woman relaxed and smiled a little as the rays of the Sun bathed her armor, burnishing it in a shower of gold. Her Armor was now Black and sliver like the Armor of the Second Legion, except for her insignia, which remained the Blue cross of the Order of the Jeweled Amethyst over the Red Lightning claw of the 1st Battalion. The Canoness was happy. It was a rare feeling, and she reveled in it. Elysia was not like any planet she had ever served on. The People were warm and friendly, and devout in their worship of the Emperor. They worked hard, and prospered. When her sisters commenced the construction of their Abbey, within one day, she was amazed at the numbers of citizens that dropped by, some with food, most offering their Labor. The Elysian's, she noted were not the most well off of Imperium Citizens, but they gave of themselves selflessly. And like on Macagge they worshiped the Hulking Marines that they had given birth to. The Judicators were not like any other Legion she had served alongside. Most she saw as threats, even as she served with them in battle. Some Like the Space Wolves bordered on Heresy with their Practices. All merited close inspection. But the Judicators-they seemed above all that. Two squads of Tacticals and a Quartet of Techmarines had even turned up on the fifth day of the renovation and construction of the Monastery of the Holy Order, and Aided in the clearing and refurbishment of a collapsed wing of the building. Then on the eleventh day, a Squad of Dreadnoughts from the 5th Company had arrived and proceeded to demolish the Apse and nave of the Monastery to make way for the Barracks and Scarcity the sisters planned to build. The Chapters Dreadnoughts were the most Atypical of all the units. The Dreadnoughts she had fought alongside were for the most part cold and robotic, warriors of purpose, and nothing else. The Blood Angel Furioso was the only one that seemed to have a personality, if you could call its berserk rage personality. But the Judicator Dreadnoughts could keep a conversation, they could tell jokes, and as far as she could tell, they were still very much human. The Battlement shook, and Savitch swung around to face an example of the unique and varied Ancients. The Dreadnought before her was colored in the traditional Black and red, save the gleaming silver of its Sarcophagus. It bore the Hammer in the Lighting Bolt Motif of the 6th Battalion. The banner it wore above it proclaimed its name as Meridian. " Ancient Brother Meridian" Savitch said, saluting. " Canoness Savitch" the Dreadnought rumbled. "I bring you Duty orders." Canoness Savitch tilted her head as she walked over to the Battlesuit. " Yes Brother?" " There has been a apparent Khronate Cult uprising on the planet Weald in the Segmentum Solar. The High Lords have detailed our Legion to suppress the rebellion. The Primarch has instructed that three companies of the 6th Battalion, as well as 6 squads of your sisters be embarked on the Battle Barge Reliant, and dispatched forthwith to the Planet." The Canoness nodded, feeling her familiar urge for battle rise again. " Will you be joining us, Ancient Brother Captain?" " I long for combat, Canoness," the Dreadnought replied, " I would not miss it for the Empire."
Battle Barge Reliant. Approaching Weald Three Weeks Later
Weald was a Feral Ice world, Savitch noted. The Bloodthirsty nature of the Cults of Khrone might appeal to the base savages that would inhabit the continents below. If that was the case, their lust for blood would be their undoing. The Reliant`s four Escorts, two Cobra's and two Firestorms had already taken up their positions over the planet. The Drop would be in two hours. " Canoness" Savitch turned to see a bare headed Marine Standing behind her.
" Your Pardon madam, you are needed on the Bridge."
Reliant Bridge
The Canoness arrived on the Bridge to find the Commanders of the Three Companies, and the Cardinal assigned to the mission poring over the holomap. She saluted as she entered, receiving the same honors from the three marines. " Canoness, we have a change in plan," Captain Brennan said. " An Agri World near the edge of this system has reported a large incursion from a Genestealer cult. The Blood Angel 4th Company has responded, but they have invited us to join them in the cleansing of the incursion. We have detailed the 4th and 8th Companies to the task, while our 9th Company, augmented by your sister's deals with the Cultists below." Savitch nodded. " The Sisters of the Jeweled Amethyst stand ready to drop at your signal, Brother Captain," She said.
2 Hours Later.
The Drop pod hammered into the Ground, momentarily stunning the passengers with the Ferocity of the Impact, but the Battle trained sisters shrugged off the effects, and grabbed their Bolt guns and unstrapped from the seats as the Pods doors came open. Savitch dropped her autotargeter into place over her right eye, clenched her sword by the hilt and stepped off the Pod. Into hell.
In later years the 6th Battalion would look back upon the battle of the Weald Drop site as one of their finest efforts. The Initial wave of Drop pods, which landed the Dreadnoughts and the Battle sisters were not molested, It was 50 Seconds later, as the second wave of Drop Pods plummeted from the Sky that the Mobile Artillery opened fire, not targeting the Drop Pods but the drop Zone. Simultaneously, Hellhound Fire throwers surged out from cover and unleashed their inferno cannons. Two Squads of Sisters were incinerated instantly, their bodies exploding into flame, and then collapsing in piles of charred ash. As the Confused and shocked sisters milled around, 4 Leman Russ Battle tanks surged out of the cover of a grove of trees, their sponson mounted Bolters Chattering death into the throngs of milling female warriors. The Slaughter would have been complete there, but for the Intervention of Dreadnought 8-Brother Ancient Goric. Stepping clear of his Pod, the dreadnought Pivoted and raised his left arm mounted Multi-Melta. The Crew of the number 4 Leman Russ, never saw their killer, as the Dreadnought fired a beam of superheated matter through their tanks hull, igniting ammunition and fuel in a hellish explosion that tossed the turret meters into the air. Simultaneously, Brother Ancient Meridian took a thundering series of steps forward and grabbed the second Russ By the Turret with his Power Claw. Metals screamed in torment as the Dreadnought tore the Turret off the hull and swung it like a throwing club, slamming it into the side of the 3rd Battle tank. Before the stunned Crew could react, he lifted his right arm Assault cannon and fired. The heavy shells tore through the weakened side armor, and the Tank fireballed into the sky. " Dreadnoughts! Forward for the Emperor and Krosfyah!" Meridian roared. The two Giants ambled forward, closing the distance to the last two Tanks. The Trail Russ had apparently gotten bogged and was kicking up trails of mud as it tried to move. The Commander got his turret around, but Brother Goric fired first, the Multi Melta coring through the Turret, and transforming the vehicle into an inferno. The last Russ turned its attention away from the sisters it was Massacring and targeted the incoming Dreadnought. It fired, missing low as Meridian seemed to jump, and then the Dreadnought hit the Tank, Power claw crushing and tearing through metal and crew alike. Just like that, the ambush was over. But the Toll was horrible. Of the 60 sisters and 40 Space Marines Landed in the First Wave, 50 had been killed by the Fire throwers, or the Russ Tanks, 12 more were horribly wounded, and would require EVAC from the Thunder Hawks that would bring the Armor. The Second Wave, led by Captain Brennan and the last 2 Dreadnoughts was basically unscathed. The Force consolidated, waiting for the Thunder hawks to arrive, when they did, they bought 8 Rhino's, 4 Predators, and 4 Whirlwinds, as well as the sisters 4 Chimera's and two Hellhounds. With the grievous losses suffered, Brennan had no choice but to call for support from the Company of Imperial Guard assigned to the Reliant. While depleting them would leave the Battle Barge dangerously vulnerable to a boarding attack, it at least brought the Force back up to full strength. Once that was done the Thunder hawks lifted off, heading up to the Reliant as it pressed on toward the second target.
Canoness Savitch walked over to the silent hulk of Brother Meridian. The Dreadnought stood quietly; over the wrecked remains of the Leman Russ he had destroyed with its Assault Cannon. The body of one of the Crew lay there, a smear where much of the lower body had been. The Dreadnought spoke as she drew near, its normally booming voice modulated to a near Whisper. " He looks so young, Canoness" " He was a Traitor, a Heretic" Savitch Replied. " But why was he a heretic, Canoness" the Dreadnought replied. " Why was this boy, in the cupola of a Leman Russ, trying to blow my leg off?" " I do not know." Savitch replied, " and I do not care, for it is not important." " But it is, Canoness" Meridian replied, half turning to face her. " To defeat the disease, we must know the Cause." " They are from the Metlin 17th" One of the Imperial Guard officers said as he examined the body. " The 17th are a good unit, just recently from fighting Hive fleet Kraken. They have never shown Heresy before." " Then it is our duty to discover why they have," Captain Brennan joined the discussion. " And our duty to cleanse it." The Blonde haired Captain looked at the Canoness. " Sister, my apologies for your losses in battle. I did not anticipate such heavy resistance from Khronate cultists."
The Dreadnought turned back to the Wrecked Tank. " Captain, I have fought Khronates, as have you. Those Heretics never use Tanks. This.. This is something else."
The Force boarded their transports and set off. 2 Predators led, followed by 2 Rhino's and 3 Chimera's, then Four More Rhinos, the Chimera Command vehicle, 4 Whirlwinds, and the last two Rhino's those fitted with Hunter Killer Missiles forming the tail of the Main body. 30 meters behind came the last two Predators, and on the flanks Walked the Dreadnoughts, each escorted at a safe distance by the Hellhounds. They drove for hours, following the winding road that led to the only Imperial city on planet. Despite vigilant scanning, there was no discernable pursuit. It was nearing dusk when the attack came. It came as the convoy was founding a corner at the base of a huge hill. There was a ruined village half way up the hill, and a river, half kilometer from the road itself. Out of the Gloom, a hunter Killer missile impacted on the Lead Predator. The warhead blasted the tank in a half circle, killing the Crew, and effectively blocking the road. A second later another missile flashed out of the gloom, impacting on the right track of the second Tank. The impact didn't destroy the tank, but it wrecked the Track, and left the convoy helpless on the road. The damaged Predator opened fire with its Twin Auto cannons, firing off into the gloom. The Dreadnought ahead of it, Brother Ancient Uvris stepped back to cover the tank, lifting his Assault cannon and searching for a target. " Dismount!" Captain Brennan shouted as his command squad piled out of the Rhino. The Captain waved his power sword, signaling three Squads to consolidate with him. "What's out there?" Brennan inquired of his Squad's Techmarine. Brother Alvan consulted his Auspex, and shook his head. " Nothing I can see, Captain" " Emperor Damn them!" Brennan swore. The Captain ran a hand over his face, and thought quickly. " Alright, lets flush them out. Lt.Hobbins deploy your men on the hill above us, protect our Devastators. Canoness, secure the ruins, and provide over watch. I will lead the remainder of our Force toward the river, and seek to draw their fire. Once they are pin pointed, the tanks and the Dreadnoughts will crush them." One by one the commanders nodded their understanding, and moved out. They had hardly moved 10 feet when a flurry of missiles swarmed out of the tree line. Five APC`s went up in balls of light and debris. The Concussion knocked the Imperial troops over, some unmoving, others scrambling to their feet and seeking cover. Canoness Savitch got to her knees and looked around groggily. Ahead of her was Celestian Talessa, the Sister in charge of the Retributor Squad assigned to the second Chimera. The Celestian was shouting, waving her squads to their feet, and directing them toward the Cover of the ruins. Savitch got to her feet and followed her warriors. At the base of the hill Captain Brennan locked his helmet, and jogged off with his squad. Three other Squads had already assembled, two Tactical, and one Devastator, all-advancing in a slow walk, seeking targets. Dreadnought 2, Brother Ancient Arrad joined the line. Out of the Gloom came an earsplitting cry, a scream that Brennan had heard last an Eon before. " BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD!!" " Marines! Battle Line!" Brennan roared " For the Emperor and Krosfyah!!"
The sound of Blazing bolters filled the dusk as the Marines opened fire. The Two tactical Squads blazed away into the dusk, and where rewarded by a Cacophony of screams, as explosive bolts found their mark. The damaged Predator joined in the Barrage, its Sponson mounted Lascannons flashing in the gloom. The Twin Linked auto cannons fired, their huge shells ripping through the foliage, and they must have hit something vital because a tremendous explosion mushroomed out of the trees. By the light of the explosion, the Marines saw the figures of literally thousands of cultists streaming through the woods towards the road. From the hill, the 4 surviving Devastators opened fire. Assault Cannons blasted streams of explosive bullets into the horde, the lone missile Launcher coughed, sending Cluster Warheads on a One-Way path. Further back, the Whirlwinds rolled off the Road perching themselves on the hillside silhouetted against the sky. Their missile racks swiveled and unleashed their loads of high explosive death. Explosions erupted in the middle of the wave of humanity, and it wavered. From the Dark Forest, missiles soared into the sky, spiraling in on the exposed Whirlwinds. Three of the Missile vehicles were struck, blowing apart in thundering fireballs, the third tracked up as the alert driver spotted the missile in flight, and the weapon missed. Dreadnought Ulvis tracked in on the Launch sites, his Assault Cannon barking. In the Confusion whether or not he got a hit was unclear, because the wave of blood mad Humans swept over the marine line.
Captain Brennan knew he was dead, knew that he had erred, but refused to let that sap his courage. The Captain dropped his empty bolter, and brought his Power sword up in a slash that tore through the arms of a screaming man. With his Power glove he punched a second cultist in the head, the Augmented fist tearing right through the man's head. The Marines killed with power and Precision, but there were too many. The Cultists circled the Marine line, forcing the Armored warriors to fight back to back. Dreadnought Arrad swiveled his hip, bringing his Lightning claws in a sweep that cut through 6 Cultists. The Dreadnought triggered the Auxiliary Flamer, incinerating another half dozen cultists. Still more closed, leaping on the Legs of the Dreadnought as fast as they were shot, stabbed and pulled off. Brennan avoided a wild slash and gutted the attacker with his sword. As he turned he caught sight of three Cultists clinging to the Dreadnought's legs, two more clambering up its back and one on the Left arm. Arrad was firing down into the throng with his Plasma cannon, slashing with the Claws, but he was not dislodging them, then Brennan noted the bulky packs strapped to the chests of the Cultists. The Judicator captain Lunged toward the Dreadnought.
From the hillside, Savitch looked away as the Meltabombs detonated. A bright white flash swallowed up the whole area below her, and she dropped to the ground.
Down in the Valley Dreadnought Meridian faced the explosion. The shock wave pummeled the Massive Cyborg, but the ancient's power kept it up right. Sensors however were burned out or disabled by the force of the detonation, though, and the marine within the suit was temporarily disoriented.
The Battle continued. Cultists swarmed up the road, Melta bombs strapped to their bodies, clambering over the stopped armored vehicles, and blowing themselves apart in a pyrotechnic monument to their god. From the hill, the Retributors and the sole Imperial Guard heavy weapon squad raked the heretics with heavy bolter fire, but it did little to dissuade them. Still they came on, and now they reached the crest of the hill, in desperation Celestian Talessa ordered the Hellhounds to advance and try to beat back the Cultists with their Inferno cannons. The four Tanks rumbled around the hill and unleashed the fearsome power of their Fire throwers in a broad swathe that burned a 400-meter wide swathe to bare earth and incinerated every cultist within that arc. And still they came on, running over the hot ground, leaping over the charred remains of their fellows, screaming for the blood of those who defied them. Dreadnought Ulvis fell back, his assault cannon chopping apart whole bodies in a spray of gore and innards. The cultists were too maddened to notice the Dreadnought, and the Assault cannon barrage was chopping up their flank. Then out of the mist, came the spiraling trails of Hunter Killer Missiles. Three were aimed for the Hellhounds, and all three hit, shattering the thinly armored vehicles, two more homed in on the Dreadnought, knocking the Ancient Warrior backward, but not knocking it down. With a bellow, Dreadnought Goric charged down the Hill. He fired his Multi Melta, blowing apart another 4 cultists and then he was alongside his brother Marine, and they both stood, back to back, and the Cultists changed direction, swarming toward the two war machines.
" I have you!" Brother Noren, the Missile Launcher Devastator shouted, "Sister, I have a Rhino, Hull Down in the Woods, with a Hunter Killer Missile launcher!" the Marine ducked as a bolt from a laspistol whined over his head. " Someone load me a Plasma Round!" One of the Imperial Guardsmen left his Position, scrambling over to the rock where Noren knelt with his Launcher. Rapidly he picked up the round and slammed it into the launcher. " Clear!" He shouted and rapped the marine on the Helmet. The missile blasted from the launcher, arching a flat trajectory toward its target. It flew true, striking the target under the launcher, and the hostile Rhino fireballed into the night. " Scratch One Rhino!" Noren Shouted. " There will be more, Lt. Hobbins screamed, " look for them!!" A Predator roared over the crest of the hill, firing its Auto cannon into the Forest. Its Commander stood up in the turret, blazing away with its storm bolter. " Fall back to the Ruins!!" Talessa screamed. The Heavy support troops disengaged first, covered by the fire from the Last Predator, Last Chimera, and last Hellhound, and the two damaged Dreadnoughts as they fell back. They ran to the ruined houses, setting up there, and restarting their fire. Again the Trails of hunter Killer Missiles streamed out of the Woods, but only two this time. One impacted squarely on the turret of the Chimera, gutting the Vehicle in a white flash. The Second wobbled in flight, gouging out a 3 foot crater a meter from the Predator. The Marine driver needed no urging and Tracked up, as a Jet-black vehicle surged out of the Trees. Dreadnought Goric saw It first, a massive shape covered with symbols, and spikes. It lacked a turret, but the Twinned Lascannons on its side more than made up for that failing. "LAND RAIDER!" the Dreadnought bellowed. With a screaming roar the Land Raider burst onto the Road. It's Lascannons Blasted, and the Imperial Guardsmen manning the Heavy Bolter vanished in a flash of light. Goric roared and charged down the hill. The Land Raiders gunners were slow to target the onrushing Behemoth, and by the time they traversed the guns to target the Ancient, Goric was less than 5 meters away. Both fired at the same time. Both hit. The Multi Melta slashed through the Left side Las Cannons like a hot knife, coring deep into the hull of the Armored Vehicle. The Land Raider's return shot Tore the weapon arm off the Dreadnought. Goric bellowed in shock and rage as he crashed into the Land Raider. The two titans struggled for a moment, the Daemon spirit that drove the Land Raider roaring and straining against the Power of the Dreadnought. The contest lasted only seconds more, because the Dreadnought raised his Power fist and slammed it through the front of the Land Raider, at it's weakest point- the Drivers hatch. Then he triggered the built in Flamer. The Land Raider Exploded in a thundering Ball of flame. The force of the Blast tossed Goric`s hull Back 20 meters, and severed the legs from the Torso. The Remains of the Dreadnought crashed to the Ground with a loud thud heard over the screams of the Cultists. "GORIC!!" Ulvis`s roar carried over the Battlefield. The damaged Dreadnought lunged forward, firing his Assault cannon. Shells the size of wine bottles lashed through the Forest, blasting apart trees and bodies, piercing into the metal hull of a vehicle and detonating its fuels and ammunition in a searing fireball. "Dreadnought Ulvis!" Brother Meridian commanded. " Disengage now and Fall back to re-arm!" Ulvis heard the order, and took another three steps forward before the ammo drum for the Assault cannon ran dry. That cut through his rage like a knife, and the Dreadnought began to retreat up the hill, as the surviving Retributors poured on the fire to cover the fall back. With the last of the vehicles destroyed, the cultists paused for a moment. It was a brief respite, allowing the Exhausted survivors to slam fresh Clips into Bolters, Charge Flamers, and select new rounds for missile launchers. Ulvis made it to the line of buildings, and took up a position alongside the Imperial guard heavy Weapons team. A young Guardsman looked up at the Dreadnought, and jumped up to carry out a quick check of the Assault Cannon, Tech Marine Kreos moved to assist, his servo arm carrying a fresh Drum for the cannon Between them, the two managed to unclip the empty drum, and manhandle the new clip into place, and then the Cultists charged again. Yelling a Battle Litany Celestian Talessa squeezed the trigger on the heavy Bolter she had propped up on a broken wall. The weapon thundered, hurling explosive shells in a chest high line, shattering the first line of cultists. The other two heavy bolters opened fire as well, along with the two Assault cannons, and every bolter in the squad. The fury of the fire stopped the cultist's cold, and then they surged forward. The Dreadnoughts were silent, as their weapons were not yet reloaded. As the cultists got closer, the flamers went into action, torching more men, and then the Dreadnoughts brought their firepower to bear, but now it was too late, and the wave of blood mad people washed into the thin Imperial Line.
Planet Corus
Captain Bennett, Judicator 4th Company, 6th Battalion Roared with delight as a hellfire round from one of the Centurion Variant Predators slammed through the Bony chest plate of a Carnifex. The back of the tank-sized creature exploded outward in a shower of Ichor and acid, and the giant collapsed to the ground. The Captain lifted his double Barreled Storm bolter and sprayed the few remaining Termagants with explosive shells. From his perch atop the turret of the Command vehicle, he could see the other 24 Predators of his company in a wide V formation. They had hit the flank of the Tryanid reinforcements and torn it apart. Not one tank had been lost, and from reports, only 12 of Hunnar`s 8th Company Marines had been felled. Of course, on the Blood Angel side, casualties were somewhat higher. From what he'd heard on the Planet Guard frequency, the Blood Angels had broken ranks and charged the Gene stealer Cult forces that they were supposed to be fighting. This had had two effects, neither good. First, the mad charge might have torn the Gene stealer forces to pieces, but 36 Marines would serve the Emperor no longer, and 20 more would need months of care before they were battle ready. That left the Blood Angels with just 44 marines to defend their sector. The second effect was that charging and not picking their targets had killed neither the Magus nor the Patriarch of the Cult. They still lurked out there, but at least in that respect he had an ace to deploy.
Strike Force Creuth. Penetrating Agri Storage Warehouse sector
Liberian Creuth was a rarity among the Judicators. He was one of the 200 Librarians in the Legion who were truly psychic. The powers of the warp were not blocked from his mind, leaving him with just telekinetic abilities like the other Legion Chaplin Librarians. He was a Full-fledged Psyker, and Devoted to his Primarch and Imperium. Around him was gathered the very best troops of the 6th Battalion. They had spent months on Macagge, learning from the Ultramarines who had fought the Tryannid hive fleets. They were Tyrannid hunters. And this was their trial by fire. The psychic imprint of the Magus was clear as the sun. Creuth could feel it in his head, drawing him onward. He looked up to the tops of the Granaries, were the Jump pack fitted five scouts were perched. Under Sergeant Terlith, the squad was trained to fight in autonomous groups of 2 or 3. There were two marines carrying Powerful sniper rifles, loaded with the same explosive Hellfire ammunition that the tanks had used to devastate the main Tyrannid Force. Two other marines carried Bolters loaded with the same Projectiles, as well as Auspex`s for life form detection. And then there was the sergeant with his Flamer and Power sword. Terlith had deployed his squads to each end of the Granary towers. They were silent, just waiting. Back with the main body, Creuth could feel the impatience of the two Terminator Squads and the Dreadnoughts with him. They were the heavy support he would need if he were to face both the Magus and the Patriarch. The Lead Dreadnought in particular, had been a Librarian of some power, before his ascension to the honored ranks of the ancients, and he had lost none of his Power over the Eons. " Scout Liaz to Creuth" his Comlink chirped. " I have them, Librarian, the Patriarch, two Lictors, a Cranifex and a Biovore. Also the Magus, and a squad of Purestrain, 1000 meters from my Position." " Librarian Crueth to all Units, Hold and Do not Engage," the Marine Pskyer ordered. " Scout Squad Terlith, continue to observe. Uplink your Data to Dreadnought 89. Squad Bretto, Overwatch!" That said, the Librarian bounded forward, closely followed by the Terminators and three of the Dreadnoughts. The Last Dreadnought, Brother Ancient Toria, froze in position, five Tactical Marines deploying to cover the battle suit. Toria had been a Devastator before he had been honored with his Primarchs`s affliction. After his Ascension, he had requested that his Weapons be the same as he had wielded as a Marine, a Plasma Gun, and a Missile launcher. It was the missile launcher he now elevated, selecting Cluster Warheads for half the salvo, and Frag warheads for the rest. Then he waited for the data from the scouts. The Magus and company were apparently heading for one of the grounded landing craft, seeking to get off planet, to spread their filth all over again. But the size of the Patriarch was slowing them down. "Fire!" Creuth bellowed into his Comlink as he hurdled a low wall, "Fire!" Dreadnought Toria launched a full salvo of six missiles. They were not fired blindly, but aimed at a specific point, 5 meters ahead of the Patriarch. Creuth saw the effect of the salvo as he entered the gap between two buildings. The Cluster warheads detonated 10 metes up showering the Patriarch and his bodyguard with tiny capsules of explosive acid. Right on the tail of the Cluster detonation came the sharp crack-booms of the Frag warheads detonating and the screams of the Carnifex as it was peppered with hot shards of metal. The Screamer Killer turned to face the Librarian, and bellowed out its Challenge, raising its scythe like arms high into the air. Dreadnought 60, Brother Ancient Librarian Farria stepped into the open. The Dreadnought lowered its right arm mount, the one bearing the Centurion cannon, and fired. A Hellfire shell blasted forth from the muzzle of the oversized cannon, tearing into the chest of the towering beast. A second later, the shell exploded, blowing the Carnifex`s upper body apart. The Dead Carcass slumped to the Ground, as Farria stepped forward, as Dreadnought 85, Brother Ancient Captain Jures moved into firing range. Unlike Farria, Jures was not configured for long range targeting. He was a tank killer. Twin Lascannons spat fire and the Torso of the nearest Lictor exploded in a wash of gore. Jures fired again, and the Lictor screamed as beams of Coherent light vaporized its upper chest. By now the Librarian and the Terminators were 50 meters from the Tyrannids. The head of the Magus was surrounded by a halo of light as the man-turned-abomination brought his psychic powers to bear on the Terminators. To no effect. The Armored marines brought their Storm bolters up as they ran. The Eldritch fire of the Magus's attack played over their armor, but like all marines who bore their Primarch`s Gene- seed, they were not affected. Creuth lifted his Force Axe, and unleashed his own Psychic attack. Behind him the 3rd Dreadnought lumbered into range and opened fire with its Centurion cannon. A Hellfire shell tore into the center of the Biovore, and the Psychic beast exploded. The Patriarch lifted a clawed hand and gestured towards the attackers, and the surviving Lictor and the 12 Gene stealers surged towards the Terminators and the Librarian. The Patriarch itself surged with impossible speed towards the three Dreadnoughts. Farria fired again, and the Alien's leg exploded at the knee. Jures fired, and bolts of laser light slashed through the torso of the beast, drawing a spine-chilling scream from the creature as it crashed to the Plasticrete pavement. Psychic energies surged around the dreadnoughts as the Patriarch tried again to breach the sarcophagus and get at the minds within. Ancient Brother Sergeant Lokar trigged his Centurion cannon, and the chest of the grotesque creature erupted in a shower of purple ichor. All three Dreadnoughts advanced, aiming their flamers at the fallen Patriarch, and fired. The Magus's power may have had no effect on the Terminators, but the claws of the Gene stealers was another matter entirely. Brother Mulis lost his left arm when a `stealer leapt over the stream of purging flame from his weapon, and struck at him with 2 of it's four arms. His Partner, Brother Kelea targeted the offending `stealer with his Storm bolter, blowing it apart in showers of red and purple. No other of the Gene-stealers made it to the line of Terminators, and neither did the Lictor, shot apart by the guns of the scout squad. All eyes turned to the battle between the Librarian and the Magus, a battle that came to a short and bloody end as the Librarians force Axe shattered the Magus`s Psychic shield and severed his leg at the knee. The man's scream rang out over the buildings, as the Blood Angel Command Rhino skidded around the corner, and disgorged a squad of red armored marines. The Blood Angel Captain, a tall, blonde haired man with the name Lucius on his shoulder pad walked over to where Creuth and Farria stood over the mewling body that had once been the Magus of the Gene stealer cult. " This is the Heretic?" he inquired "It is" Farria responded. " So what are you waiting for?" the Blood Angel Captain asked. " Well we were just wondering," Creuth said," Should we bury him or burn him?" For a second the face of the red armored officer darkened, and then he smiled. " Burn him," he said, and turned, signaling his squad to follow. Creuth turned to the Dreadnought next to him. " Do it." The scream of the fat man was lost in the roar of the Flamers igniting.
Elysia. Judicator Fortress A Day Later
The air sang with the sound of the Primarchs Thunderblade as the warrior went through his daily routine of exercises. Behind him, 50 members of his 1st Company followed his every move, chanting a litany of praise to the Emperor. The Inquisitors who had been assigned to access the Legion's Purity observed this Daily practice. While most of the officers of the Inquisition merely observed, one did so with a critical eye. Inquisitor Neros was easily the least experienced of the 4 Inquisitors, but he was the most Zealous. This Zealousness had earned him the favor of High Inquisitor Apollyon, and this assignment. Neros watched distastefully as the Marines went through this wasteful routine. Instead of spending time in devotion and praise to the emperor, these Marines dallied in martial practices that ate up hours of their time. He was going to have a talk with their Primarch as soon as he could get an audience, because such deviation could not long be allowed. It could lead to heresy. Something else caught his eye. The Inquisitors Chiefs assigned to the Legion had been allowing the Sisters if the Jeweled Amethyst to mingle and share close confines with the Marines. He would have something to say about that as well.
Weald. 3 Days Later
A light rain revived Savitch. Slowly the Canoness opened her eyes. She was lying on the ground, around her lay the bodies of the cultists who had fallen in the last desperate moments of the battle. The Canoness groaned, her side hurt, as did her head. Slowly she tried to rise, but her left arm would not respond to her command. It took an effort for her to get her right arm under her body, and lever herself up. Slowly, torturously, she made it to her knees and looked around. Only the dead populated the small square. Savitch looked down at herself. Her Armor was scarred and flaked from numerous hits. There was a deep gash in her side, and her left arm was at an odd angle to the rest of her. Savitch shuffled over on her knees to where her sword lay, in the black mud. The thrice-blessed weapon had shattered on the armor of one of the cultists, and was now useless. Still, Savitch was able to use it as a crutch to stand on, and lever herself to her feet. She was getting flashes of what had transpired in the final moments now. It has been down to less than 10 of them, one Devastator with a useless Missile Launcher, 2 Imperial Guard, 4 of her sisters, three Marines, and two badly damaged Dreadnoughts. There had been over a hundred in the last wave, and almost 20 black armored, ominous figures. The two Heavy Bolters and the last shells in the Dreadnought's Assault Cannons had ripped through the Charging, screaming heretics as they closed. Then as the heavy guns ran dry, the familiar hiss of Flamers had boiled away the rain, incinerating to ash those unlucky enough to be in the path of the flames. And then, their minds commended to the Emperor, the survivors had met the cultists in close combat. All of the Marines were armed with Power swords, and the Lone Veteran Sergeant in Terminator Armor wielded a deadly looking Force Axe. Her Sisters as well were all armed with Chain Swords, while the Guardsmen had scavenged Power swords from the Dead. Fighting as one, minds clear of all, save the knowledge of the Emperors love; they had killed, and killed, and Killed. Chanting Battle hymns, Marine and Sister had fought alongside Imperial Guardsman, and Dreadnought, and their fury had been awesome to behold. The raw blood mad cultists could not stand before them, and it was only when they were beset by the armored figures of the Traitor marines, that they were stopped. The Guardsmen had the bad fortune to meet the lead 5 Chaos Marines. They died valiantly though, Their Weapons and skill too ill directed to pierce the cursed armor they struck at. Seeing the deaths of his comrades, Devastator Noren shouted a warning and charged the Traitors, his Power sword up raised. He cleaved the helmet of the first traitor in two, dropping the loathsome traitor like a fly. A quick pivot brought him into range of a second traitor, and Noren rent him in twain with a powerful blow, just as a mighty blow from a chain axe cut into his chest. The mortally wounded Devastator turned and lurched into his killer, driving his sword into the body of the traitor even as his soul fled to the Emperors side. The rest of the survivors met the Traitors and it became a battle of desperation. A force axe tore through the back of a Traitor as he throttled a Sister. A Power Sword spilled the guts of a Marine onto the soil, as the traitor's head flew off, courtesy of a mighty backhand swing from Dreadnought Ulvis. The Mighty Traitor Champion challenged the Dreadnought, leaping onto the Sarcophagus and slamming his cursed sword through the armor, seeking the body below. He missed with the First thrust, and Ulvis grabbed a Chaos Terminator, crushing the mighty, centuries old armor in his grip. The Dreadnought then reached up, trying to pluck the Traitor Terminator off his hull. He failed, and the Traitor stabbed downward savagely, and the air was rent with Ulvis`s howl of Pain and rage. As the dreadnought crashed to the ground, the Traitor Flipped lightly off the falling war machine, landing four feet from the metal behemoth as he hit the ground. Before him and the four survivors of his unit, stood Talessa, Savitch, the Marine sergeant, and the battered figure of Dreadnought Meridian. " Such feeble warriors of the false Emperor." The Black suited Marine taunted. " Your Deaths bore me, really." Then he paused. " Lord Sorcerer, you can come out now, the Pups are cowed." In a flash of mist and smoke, a hulking Dreadnought materialized in the very center of the Chaos formation. Savitch, already weak from blood loss, could scarcely comprehend the Power necessary to teleport the blue and yellow monstrosity. Then the Dreadnought spoke. " Servants of the false Emperor, I offer you.the blessed peace of Oblivion."
" I remember you used to say that so differently" Meridian said. Savitch watched as the Dreadnought pivoted slowly, till it was pointing in the direction of the Judicator Dreadnought. For a long time, it said nothing. Then suddenly, it did. " I do not know your Chapter, Ancient." " You do." Meridian replied, the Judicator Dreadnought took a slow step forward, damaged servos whining in protest " Varus" The Sorcerer-Dreadnought said nothing. And then it swung its Assault cannon up, but Meridian was already moving, moving with inhuman speed for a machine so large, as the burst of heavy shells tore the ruined house behind him to ashes. His Assault cannon was empty, but the Judicator Dreadnought possessed one other weapon-Aside from his power claw. A Piece of Masonry the size of a Leman Russ streaked through the air in a flat trajectory. Two of the Traitor Marines were killed as the projectile crushed them into the ground. Bellowing,
Talessa and the Veteran Sergeant charged the Dreadnought- And died, bodies exploding into fire as a spell from the Chaos Sorcerer Dreadnought took effect. Savitch had no time to mourn, swinging her broken sword in an overhead slash that was easily blocked by the Chaos Champion by grabbing her sword. He backhanded her across the face, and punched her in the side, shattering ribs through armor. With almost contemptuous ease, the Traitor threw her away from him, her head crashing into the wall 10 meters behind her. As she fought unconsciousness, she saw Meridian and the Chaos Dreadnought exchange crushing blows. The Chaos Dreadnought twisted inside a blow from Meridian and grabbed the spent assault cannon by the Barrel, and snapped it off. Using it as a club he knocked the already damaged left leg of the Judicator dreadnought out from under it. Meridian fell heavily, and the fight was over. The chaos dreadnought towered over the fallen Judicator, and grabbed the Sarcophagus with its Power claw. Savitch heard the scream of tortured metal as the Sorcerer-Dreadnought ripped the Sarcophagus apart. Then silence. " Come, T`real" the Sorcerer said after a moment. "Our work is done here." " This one still lives, sorcerer," the Chaos Champion said, indicating Savitchs prone body." "I said Let us be gone!" the Sorcerer roared. " Do not question me again, Champion, or you will find your head on my standard! Now. Let us leave this Planet." That was the last the Canoness had heard before the darkness had claimed her.
Slowly, painfully, Savitch made her way towards the wreck she knew had to be Meridian. Each step was an effort, but she covered the distance, and began to clamber up the sloping, armored hull. Twice her body failed her, but eventually she made it to the ruined sarcophagus, and beheld the Ancient. Before her shocked and staring eyes was the partially desiccated body of a Space Marine. There were no wounds on the body, but she could see the twisted and gnarled muscles that marked the signs of the affliction. Trapped within that ruined body, a pair of Blue eyes stared back at her, as a withered mouth struggled to form words. Savitch hesitated, and then reached out, touching the mouthpiece, then grasping it, and placing it in the weakly spasming mouth of the Marine captain. " Tha..nk...you" That the wasted body could still speak awed the Canoness, and she reached into the Sarcophagus and grasped the withered hand within. The limb was moist and spongy, but she felt the answering grip as the blue eyes rolled up in the head, and the marine succumbed to unconsciousness. Savitch herself began to pray. Alpha Legion Murder Class Cruiser Wrath of the Hydra Departing Weald Space
Sorcerer Dreadnought Varus stood at the viewport, watching the planet recede in the distance. He recalled the Presence of his old Comrade in arms on the Planet, and grew meditative, pondering the meaning of this presence. The Alpha Legion warriors gave the Thousand Son Sorcerer Dreadnought a wide berth as they went about their duties. His assistance had made their diversion a success, but all would be glad when he was off the ship. " T`real" the Dreadnought spoke. " Yes Sorcerer." The Champion replied. " You may commence preparations to enter the Warp." The Sorcerer- dreadnought said, turning slowly to face the champion. " To what destination, Lord Sorcerer?" "The Demon World of Ny`aldus. Throne world of Lord Logar of the Word Bearers Legion"
Elysia. A month later.
Her wounds had healed, but Canoness Savitch had yet taken to the field. Her sisters had gone out on several operations with the Judicators, and while there were losses, there had not been so great a loss since Weald. A company of Space Marines lost, along with 6 squads of sisters. The losses of the Sororitas could be made up, but that Marine Company was gone. 100 initiates were being taught in the Fortress's walls, but there was debate as to whether or not they would receive the gene seed implants. Savitch had seen Meridian once, and they had not spoken. The Dreadnought Captain had undergone extensive repairs, but was still undergoing tests in the Apotharion before he would be declared ready for battle. Savitch closed her eyes and rearranged the badge of her rank on her hip. She was due in the main hall as part of the welcoming party for Lord Commander Dante, the Blood Angel Chapter Master who was arriving today for a celebratory feast with the Primarch of the Judicator Legion, before the Judicator 7th Company, 2nd Battalion would join the Blood Angel 8th Company on a Pre-emptive strike against Warboss N`aad BadKika`s Waaagh! in the Segmentum Pacificus. A half hour later, the door to the great hall was thrown open and the gold masked Master of the Blood Angels entered. Flanked by Mephiston and Corbulo, he marched to the Primarch`s position, but before the Blood Angel could salute, Krosfyah bowed low to him, and then saluted. Startled, Dante could only return the honors, and then Krosfyah escorted him to his Place, so the Feast could begin.
8 hours later, the Wine and Main courses were removed, and the guests sat, listening to Mephiston speak of the last battle of the Blood Angel Primarch. Krosfyah listened quietly, and then nodded as the Blood Angel Librarian finished the telling. " I am not surprised that that is how he died." Krosfyah said quietly, swirling his wine around in his goblet. "Sanguinius was always the first to fight, and the last to retreat, no matter the situation." " you fought alongside our Progenitor?" Mephiston inquired. Krosfyah`s eyes took on a faraway glint. " I did," he replied. " On the high technology world of Anaemas VI, in the first part of the Galactic Crusade..."
***Flashback***
It had rained for days. The ground had been reduced to a sea of thick cloying mud. The mud got into the joints of the Armor, gumming them up, and making movement difficult. It ate into the seals of Engines, rendering war machines immobile, and turrets frozen. It fell in driving sheets, reducing visibility to mere feet, and shorting out Power weapons. The Salamander 9th Company had been assigned to this World. Its commander had died in the first weeks of battle, and his second had been slow to call for reinforcements. By the time they called for help, 2000 of their brethren lay on the soil of Anaemas VI, rotting. To their relief had come the dreaded World Eaters. They had feared no better, lasting a month before their Primarch recalled the Company. They had left 1000 marines on the Planet. The grim armored Judicators had replaced them, but their massed armor had been bogged down by unceasing rain and horrible weather. The Imperial Guard Corps that had come with them fared little better. From the shelter of his Land Raider, Primarch Krosfyah directed his troops. For days, the Judicator 2nd and 1st Battalions had eked out fragile lines in the mud, and his Marines were now able to see the walls of the Hive City they had pin pointed as the Planets Capital. To push their lines within sight of the Walls had cost the two Battalions over half their Armor, and a tenth of their Marines. However, with the Assistance of the Imperial Guard Armored Corps, his men were ready for the final push. " So, General, we understand each other?" the Primarch inquired. General DeValliar nodded the affirmative. " In one hour, every gun I have will fire a preparatory barrage at the walls of the hive, supported by your Vindicator and Leviathan siege tanks. Under this cover, your Thunderhawks will drop drums of Plasticrete in front of the walls. Hopefully, this material will give your armor a better surface to maneuver on, and your Marines will be delivered to the walls of the hive." " Very well, General," the Primarch congratulated the Imperial Guard officer. " You are dismissed, and wish your men Good Luck, and my men's compliments." The General saluted and smiled, before leaving. From the back of the Land Raiders hold, Krosfyah`s second in command, Laurent Grieg, spoke. " Are you sure that this will work?" "No" "But you're willing to try?" "Have faith Laurent, we will persevere." " I have faith, my Primarch. I just don't have dry ground to move my tanks on." " Laurent shut up and put on your Armor."
Exactly an hour later, the 2000 massed Earthshaker cannons of the 78th Imperial Guard Armored Corps split the sky with their barrage. Through the driving rain, the explosions of the ordnance on the armored walls of the city were clearly visible. "Forward!" the Primarch ordered, and 500 Armored vehicles moved off, crawling through the mud toward the city. Overhead, 100 Thunderhawks swept in, diving towards the ground to deliver their cargo. They carried tanks of instant Plasticete, nearly all that the Legion owned. The substance dried on contact, creating a hard surface capable of bearing the weight of the armored war vehicles. A Techmarine looked up from his console. " Thunderwing reports drop successful, my lord." "Thank you." The Primarch heaved himself out of the hatch at the top of the Land Raider. The Rain was still coming, but he could make out the explosions as the Guard Basilisk pounded the Hive Walls. The tanks were still crawling methodically toward the Hive Walls, and soon they would.
Bump.bumpppppp.
The Primarch knew immediately that some thing was wrong. The Powerful land Raider around him was shuddering and roaring, but its ponderous forward movement had ceased. And then he knew. " Emperor damn me for a Fool!" The Primarch dropped out of the hatch into the belly of the Land Raider. He grabbed his Power sword, and combi-weapon, and looked around at the faces around him. "Aruen, send a message to all vehicles. All Forces, Dismount! We advance on foot!" Seconds later the Primarch jumped off the Ramp into the inch deep slurry of mud, water and plasticrete. He looked around at the Terminators around him. " So it was a bad idea, I'm not Robute, I can be wrong." "So what do we do now?" Greig inquired looking at his armored legs, "This Slop's drying!" " All Units, this is the Primarch" Krosfyah ordered over the common legion Frequency. "On foot, advance!" As the men set off, Krosfyah heard the roar of the Vehicles as they tried to get out of the slurry before it dried. Blocking it out, he turned his attention forward. His display told him that it was still 3 Klicks to the wall of the Hive. Even on solid ground, they would have a hard time making it to the walls before the turrets that studded the Hive cut them down, but in these conditions? They moved as fast as they could, but the defense guns opened fire after a few seconds. Perhaps their targeters were off because of the rain or the hail of fire from the Guard Artillery, but they killed few in those seconds that followed. The retreating tanks and Dreadnoughts lent their support, but it was an exercise in futility. Still Krosfyah ran toward the wall. It was all he could do, as he began to realize that his unorthodox behavior would kill his men. The Red Land Speeder raced by so low that its windblast knocked the Primarch and half the 1st company to their knees. On its heels came dozens more, firing their flamers and Multi Melta`s. It took Krosfyah a second to realize that they were not firing at the walls or his troops. But at the ground. The effect of Multi Melta blasts and flamer discharges on the plasticrete slurry had the instantaneous effect of transforming the semisolid morass into a semi-level solid plane of Plasticrete. " Emperor's Praise!" Krosfyah yelled, waving his sword in salute of the lead Land Speeder. Then he turned and looked at his Men. " Judicators! Forward for the Emperor!" And they charged. The guns of the Hive could not be able to track the men, the aircraft, and the tanks, all while under fire. And they were not. Out of the walls of the hive came the enemy, squads of cyborg warriors, half man, half machine. But now they faced Marines unencumbered by nature. Marines tired of eight weeks of unending rain, and marines who just wanted to go home. Krosfyah slashed with his sword, and shot with his combi-weapon. The bolter-axe had been a gift from Ferrus Manus, and its whirring blades tore through armor and flesh with ease, while the bolter spat its explosive projectiles with deadly speed. The Judicators fought their way to the walls of the hive in 3 hours. They lost 400 Marines in the Process, but they were able to hold their ground to allow their tanks and Dreadnoughts to come up. When they did, the Judicators assaulted the walls. The First assault failed, but the second breached the walls, and the Marines entered the hive for the first time. Outside they left half their brethren, and 150 of their tanks. Still they fought, even when their Primarch received a bolter round through the shoulder. They fought across the Hive, defeating all that came at them until they reached the sanctum of the Hive Governor. Primarch Krosfyah took a deep breath and sagged back against the wall. He had lost his Bolter-axe on the lower levels, and now wielded his axe in one hand. His other arm hung limply at his side. Below he could hear the clamor of battle as the Imperial Guard poured reinforcements into his Legion's Position. The Red armored Figures of the Legion that had saved his men out side the walls-the Blood Angels, were fighting their way across the hive from the south quadrant. The Primarch looked at the helmeted and resolute figures of his men. " Judicators" he said, his voice betraying his tiredness," You have today, proven that you have the hearts of the Raptor." Krosfyah struggled to his feet. " Now, Let us finish our work." Judicator Terminators demolished a wall to gain access to the main sanctum, and there confronted the grotesque figure of the leader of Anaemas VI. Mostly machine, with a bodyguard of cyborgs and other metallic abominations, the Man thing bellowed and fired a weapon that incinerated a squad of Tactical Marines. Bellowing the Emperor's name the Judicators launched into combat. Bolters and flamers crackled and thundered, Assault cannons roared, and missiles detonated as the two forces launched into close quarters battle. With a telekinetic pulse, the Primarch breached the armor on the warlord, the abomination roared and swung its Mace like arm toward the Primarch. Krosfyah brought up his sword to block, only to have it shattered by the impact. He was hurled into the air, only to be caught and lowered to the ground. In shock, Krosfyah looked up, and beheld the visage of an angel. Sanguinus, Primarch of Legion XI, the Blood Angels hovered a few feet over the Judicator Primarch, a benign smile on his face. " You must be Janus," Sanguinus said, his voice refreshing and revitalizing the tired mind of the Judicator Primarch, " My impatient older brother. Would you care to rejoin the fight?" " I have no weapon" was all Krosfyah could manage as he struggled to come to terms with the presence of his brother. Sanguinus smiled. " Fear not, Brother" he said reaching behind his back and producing a golden Power sword. " I have two" Krosfyah nodded to his brother and rose to his feet. Around them, the battle raged, as Red Armored and Black and Sliver armored Marines battled with cyborg abominations. " For the Emperor!"
***End Flashback***
As the Primarch spoke, an Orderly had entered the room carrying a gilded box. As the Primarch finished his recollection, he placed the box before Dante. The Blood Angel master looked puzzled for a moment, and then he opened the box and gasped. It was Mephiston who drew the golden weapon from the box. A master crafted power sword, bearing a winged Pommel done in the chapter sigil of the Blood Angel Legion. " Is this." Mephistions voice left him. " It is." Krosfyah replied. " I have returned the sword that your Primarch gave me that day to the legion of his children. Use it well"
Demon World Ny`Aldus
The Doors to the Great Hall opened and the booming footsteps of a dreadnought echoed within. The being known as Logar looked up from the divination altar, and turned to address the Dreadnought. " Why have you sought me, Sorcerer?" " I am recently from the Imperium world of Weald, My lord." Varus replied. " There I assisted the destruction of a Force of Adeptus Soritas. They were accompanied by forces from the Sons of the Raptor." Logar whirled and disappeared, reappearing an instant later in front of the Dreadnought. " Do not toy with me Sorcerer." Logar hissed, " for I will rend you apart with a thought and consecrate your body to Lord Tzeentch, while you still live. The Sons of the Raptor are dead." " They live." Varus insisted. "I have seen the Ancient called Meridian, he was with me when we cleansed Nostar X of the Mechanical horrors. I tore his Sarcophagus apart myself." Logar turned away and walked exactly 5 paces. Then he stopped. " K`enal, Ready the Legion!" the Primarch bellowed. " We sally forth this very Day. We go to crush the Raptors in their nests! Ready the Fleet- We move on Elysia!"
End of Part II
