Part III
Brothers at Arms
Planet Elysia 3 Months Later.
For the second time in its history, Elysia prepared for war. Above the planet, huge defense stations swung in orbit, their giant lasers trained out into space. Around them clustered the ships of the Elysian Fleet, awaiting the orders that would hurl them at the incoming enemy. On the Planet Itself, excavators dug massive trenches and Anti-tank ditches, while other machines lifted huge Plasticrete bunkers, and placed them atop giant berms of rock and earth. Within the great underground factories, forges fed by the fires from the planets molten core churned out war machines at a fantastic rate. At the Imperial Guard Command Center at the Fortress of Strength, commanders received messages from the Astronomician, and deployed their forces accordingly. The Planets power grid fed power to the massive laser batteries that would defend against attack. Civilians reported to their posts, checking and stocking the shelters that they and their families would be inhabiting when the battle began. At the Spaceports, Imperial Guard Transports and Marine Battle Barges offloaded the reinforcements who had come to aid in the defense. And at the Fortress Base of the Judicators, Battalion Master Maxus Cardell stood before the holo map and plotted the likely landing zones of the enemy. The Tyrannids were coming. A splinter of Hive Fleet Kraken had somehow found itself on a straight path to Elysia. Detected by ships from the Marines Errant chapter, it was estimated at being less than a month out. The Judicators had immediately went to war footing, even though less than half their nominal strength remained on planet.10th and 8th Battalions were stationed in the frozen polar wastes at the Fortress of Courage. 3rd Battalion was based at the central continent of Argosy, and only 5th Battalion currently remained at the Fortress Base. The other Battalions had been broken up and assigned on a company basis to the Crusade force led by Marenus Calgar and his Ultramarines that was now hounding the remnants of the Ork Waagh! across the Segmentum Tempestus. Chief Librarian Clavius was tired, but he refused to take a rest. Even though the Tyrannid fleet was a whole week away, he would not rest until he was sure that every contingency had been planned for. Tall and white bearded, Clavius had been the Judicator Chief Librarian ever since the death of the former Chief Librarian and his ascension to the status of Dreadnought 01. As much as Clavius would have liked to have Doman`s wisdom to aid him, the Ancient was currently engaged in actions with the 1st Battalion and although messages had been sent, the distortion caused by the Tryannid force as it approached Elysia was blocking all replies. In fact the last ships from the White Scars had only just arrived before warp travel became impossible. Two whole Imperial Guard Corps had arrived, diverted from their original destination of Tarsus VII. With their arrival, the total number of Imperial Guard forces on planet had reached 6 million. In addition, units from the White Scars, Minotaurs, Black Templars, Vindicators and Crimson Fists, had come to the defense as well. The Tryannids would be hard pressed to take this world before the main force of the Judicator fleet returned. Alongside Clavius stood his nominal second in command. The senior Physician had ruled Canoness Savitch out of the crusade against the orks, though the rumor was that she was still severely battle fatigued. Nonetheless she stood at his side, relaying orders to the front lines via a communications hook up. Her sisters were deployed to the walls of the Fortress alongside his marines. As one of the less than 200 truly Psychic Librarians in the Legion, Clavius could feel the loathsome presence of the Tryannid hivemind pressing at the edge of his consciousness. Only his training allowed him to ignore the feelings of dread and nausea, and concentrate on the matter at hand.
Planet Artyanis Segmentum Tempestus
The Ork`s roar of bestial rage was cut short as the black bladed battle-axe tore through its head. The massive body crashed to the ground, still kicking and punching, before its nervous system told it that it was dead. Krosfyah leapt over the quivering body and looked around him. He saw only marines standing. Nodding with satisfaction, he lifted his axe and waved it to attract the attention of the standard Bearer. Seeing his Primarch`s signal, the Standard Bearer clambered up the side of the Ork BattleFortress, and lifted the 1st Battalion standard into the Air. Seeing the signal, the marines of the 1st Battalion began to lift their own weapons in salute. A shout of victory echoed from one end of the battlefield to the other. 1st battalion had crushed the Orks on Artyanis, and the crusade was over. In 3 months, the Crusade, led by the Ultramarines chapter had swept the Orks from their positions in the Segmentum, and driven the remnants into the dubious safety of the warp. But the exultation was not for their victory. It was for the fact that now they could go home. A blue Land Raider skidded to a halt next to the Primarchs position. Krosfyah`s men were consolidating around him, and that had made finding the Judicator Primarch easy. The Armored Transport's ramp came down, and Marenus Calgar, Master of the Ultramarines stepped off. The Judicators fell into ranks, clearing a path respectfully to where the Primarch sat on a block, surrounded by his honor guard. The Terminators came to attention, as did the Dreadnought, as the Ultramarine approached. Calgar bowed, and then the two officers saluted each other. " Well fought, Primarch," The Ultramarine said. " Thank you, Master of Macragge" Krosfyah replied, " but now we must leave you, our home world lies in the path of a Tryannid Hive Fleet, and we must go to its defense." " We would be honored, if you would allow us to join you," Calgar said. " Your experience would prove most invaluable." Krosfyah agreed. " We thank you"
Legion Flagship Warspite Low orbit, Kydel Secundus Two Days Later.
The Departure from Artyanis had stunned the Imperial Guard forces assigned to mop up, but the news that Marines from the Imperial Fists and the Salamanders chapters would be arriving helped mollify the cautious officers. In record time the crusade fleet had assembled and warped for Kydel Secundus. The Decision to head for Kydel in the Eastern fringe had surprised many of the other chapter's officers. Kydel Secundus had been a world captured by the Judicators during the Great Crusade. It was there that all the Judicator Forces had been ordered to muster to await their Primarchs arrival. When he did, at the head of 200 ships. Then they would warp to Terra, and from there warp to Elysia. The roundabout route immediately caused confusion among the Space Marine officers, until it was revealed that the reason for such a out of the way trip was to ensure that the fleet was not De-warped by the turbulence of the Hive Fleets presence, until it reached Elysia Ultimus, the last planet in the system.
Elysia Prime. Invasion Day Plus 2
A company of Predator Centurions raced around the flank of the Tyrannid swarm. They rotated their ponderous turrets around and fired, targeting the larger hive creatures. On the hills above the Fortress, Imperial Guard BaneBlade Super heavies kept up a battle cannon barrage as equally massive Shadow Sword's fired their Volcano cannons at the lumbering Carnifex`s. Overhead, Gargoyles and Imperial Navy Lighting fighters whirled in a stylized dance of death. The Tyranids had been disoriented by the loss of the largest Hive Ship, destroyed by Vortex torpedoes from the Battle Cruiser Victrix Regina as the hive fleet burned in system. They had made their drops, but had suffered in the Process as marine Thunder hawks and Imperial Navy fighters had torn into the descending spore pods, destroying over a thousand before being forced to break off. Defense Lasers had fired until they ran red hot and depleted, and the Elysian Battle Fleet accepted grave losses to successfully wipe out the last of the splinter Fleet's great Hive ships. From the walls of the Fortress, Clavius watched the waves of abominations surging towards the walls. He had Long ordered the Marines out of the trenches and into the bunkers and armored trenches that lined the lower walls. It made no sense to face the swarm head on when he had such an abundance of firepower to stop them cold.
Canoness Savitch stepped away from the firing step and wiped the sweat from her eyes. Her bolter steamed in the chilly air from the near constant firing. Behind her, one of the brawny auxiliaries attached to her command squad placed a fresh case of bolter magazines next to her. She nodded her thanks, and he bowed and turned away to tend to some other task. The Vindicator assigned to her force let go with its Thunderer cannon, the booming detonation shaking the Plasticrete and Adamantium bunker. Savitch stepped back up to the firing slit in time to see the shell explode in the midst of a group of Homagaunt`s protecting a Zoanthrope. The Sisters had been in the Bunkers for over a day now, fighting in shifts as the Swarm hurled itself against the guns of the Fortress. Outside, Waves of Psychic energy battered the walls of the Fortress as Zoanthropes engaged at a distance. Imperial Guard Basilisk sought them out, and the roving companies of tanks and White Scar attack Bikes hunted the Biovores. Land Speeders, free of the Gargoyle threat, because of the constant presence of Imperial Guard fighters blazed in firing their Multi Meltas at Carnifex`s, tearing them apart, and still they came. Breathing a prayer to the Emperor, Savitch slammed another clip into her bolter and resumed firing.
The Swarm had no concept of defeat, and still it came on, trying to breach the walls. Its heavy units were being blown up with fearsome rapidity, its troops were hurling themselves into a wave of gunfire, and still they came.
Upper Bastions. Fortress Base
It was time, Clavius decided. The Tryannid numbers were whittled down sufficiently. Now, it was time to end it. " Do you have the Tyrant pinpointed?" " Not as yet. Lord Librarian" Cardell fought his impatience. He knew he had to wait, to determine the exact position of the head of the swarm, then, and only then, could he kill it. " What's the status of the Fortress of Courage?" Clavius inquired. " Battalion Master Forge reported a hour ago that the Tryannids are retreating in disarray." His aide replied. Clavius nodded and turned back to the Battlefield before him. The swarm was indeed falling back, retreating from the firepower arrayed before them. " There will be no pursuit of the Swarm," the Librarian ordered. " We will wait, and see if indeed, the abominations know fear."
Elysia Judicator Fortress Base. Six Days Later
" We will send out squads from the 5th Battalion, liberally supported by airpower and armor" Clavius ordered. " Each squad will be issued hellfire ammunition, and there will be at least one Dreadnought per force. Other Dreadnoughts will cover the maintenance crews that will repair the damage to our walls. Finally, the Sisters defending the west wall will be replaced by Marines from the Storm Giants Chapter." " Why do we cower within this fortress, when we should be stalking the abominations through the hills until the last one is obliterated?" Inquisitor Neros inquired, his reedy face red with the vehemence of his anger " You will be silent, Inquisitor." It was Captain Khalid of the White Scars who spoke. The shaven headed officer had arrived from the Icy wastes of the North where his force had aided Forge's 8th Battalion in cleansing the Ice continent. He had lost an eye in operations against Hive Fleet Kraken, and had had the organ replaced out of necessity with a bionic one, and it gave him a hawk's squint. " You dare order me!" the young inquisitor barked. " I am a member of the Inquisition.." " And you have no role in the planning of our operations, nor in our strategy." Canoness Savitch interjected. She stopped for a second, as if surprised at her own audacity, and then continued. "I have no wish for this debate to continue, so I will end it." From the table next to her, the Canoness picked up a Hellfire bolt gun, and tossed it to the Inquisitor. He caught it, but the weight surprised him, and he dropped it. The heavy weapon clanged off the floor, and the inquisitor jumped away from it. " It isn't loaded" Savitch Informed Neros, her voice as cold as the North wind. " But I am willing to second as many of my sisters and Imperial Guard as you are comfortable with, and you can go pursue the abominations through the hills." Neros looked at the Canoness before him, and then at the Grimfaced marines behind her. He opened his mouth as if to say something, and then thought better of it, turned and walked out of the Command Center. " You have made an enemy of that one." Captain Khalid said. Savitch looked after the departed inquisitor, and shrugged. " It seems I have."
Battleship Warspite Inbound through the Warp
Marneus Calgar stepped around the corner and entered the quarters he had been directed to. Along with Pugh of the Imperial Fists and Casen of the Storm Giants, he had been invited to meet the Judicator Primarch for a "session" as the Aide who had delivered the message had said. " Ah, welcome, Master of Macagge" The Greeting came from a Terminator armored Marine, wearing the sigil of a Battalion master. He Bowed, before turning, and ushering the Ultramarine lord into the room. " Lord Krosfyah, the Master of Macragge is here. I will now take my leave." " Thank you, Nius" the Primarch acknowledged the departure, and then turned to Calgar. " Lord Commander Calgar, Welcome. Please, take a seat." Calgar sat next to Pugh, who nodded a curt greeting. Calgar had never warmed up to the Black haired Imperial Fist Commander, having rarely met the leader of the fleet based chapter. But now as the three officers began to discuss their operations against the Tyrannids, and Clagar soon began to feel a firm respect for the master of the Imperial Fists. After an hour, Krosfyah stood, and walked over to the cabinet in the corner. From there he withdrew an ancient Power fist, and walked back to the table. " I have made a vow once I learned of the fate of my brothers, to return all the various gifts and weapons they had given to me during our time together as warriors of the Imperium, to their chapters. To you, Vladimir Pugh I return the Powerfist, that Rogal Dorn gave to me, when the Emperor's Guard and the Imperial Fists came to our world to promote me to my current status." " The Emperor's Guard?" Pugh asked as he examined the fine craftsmanship of the ancient weapon. " Legion XI," Krosfyah replied. " The Emperor's Guard"
Word Bearer Legion Battle fleet Transiting Warp
The might of the Word Bearer Legion trailed through the glowing, orange soup of the immaterium. Fifty ships, ranging from the massive Space Hulks that bore the armies of Cultists, to the 4 remaining Battle Barges, all led by the Vengeance Class Grand Cruiser Fist of Heresy Aboard the warships, Word Bearer troops carried out their arcane worship in preparation for the battles they knew lay at the end of the warp trip. Death would come to Elysia.
Judicator Fortress Base 4 Days Later
The Sweating imperial Guard officer almost crashed into the wall with his haste to enter the command center. Clavius looked up from the map he had been reading as the Colonel fought to catch his breath. " Lord Librarian.a report from the remote monitors.the fleet.It has returned!"
10 Hours later
Krosfyah met the Librarian in the middle of the Spaceport with the traditional Judicator greeting, a fist to breastplate salute. Then in a display of affection, he clapped the white haired officer on the shoulder. " A splendid job," The Primarch congratulated the officer as they walked toward the rest of the command staff. " How heavy were our losses?" "2000" Clavius replied. "Mostly Imperial Guard, but we lost 4 squads to a Lictor attack when they first landed." " You did well," Krosfyah said again. " I think you've earned your elevation to Force Commander." Clavius shook his head. " We haven't accounted for the." The same officer who had brought the news of the fleet's arrival ran up, but this time he wore a look of abject terror on his face. "Lord Primarch, the monitoring stations just reported a massive de-warp between Elysia Triax and Elysia Secundus. 50 ships, Lord Primarch" Krosfyah whirled to shout an order, but Clavius was faster. Turning, he shouted to the Dreadnought marked by the blue Sarcophagus. " Ancient Librarian!" With a voice as dry as the whispery wind over the quartz sands of Tallaran, Doman spoke. " Chaos"
Aboard the Battleship Warspite Legion Flagship
"Come about! Ready all weaponry, and have all pilots stand to their craft!" the Master of the Legion Fleet, Vasan Lindermann bellowed his instructions. That was his way, to shout at his crew, even as he knew that they were so well trained that he didn't have to. Warspite and the other 72 ships of the Judicator crusade fleet had been heading to the orbital docks to replenish after their long mission. Then the Warp had yawned open and vomited the distorted shapes of the Chaos fleet. " What do we have?" Lindermann inquired. " 50 ships," a tech called from his console. "Are they ours?" Lindermann questioned, moving to his command position. " They are Chaos" this statement came from the leader of the squad of Dark Angel Deathwing Terminators who had been seconded to the legion fleet during the crusade. Clad in bone white armor, Veteran Sergeant Sammael stared unflinchingly at the image on the Vidscreen. " Battle Alert!" Lindermann ordered, " Astropath, contact the Fortress Base for instructions. Fleet to Battle format, and get me the rest of the Crusade fleet!"
Fortress Base
Great double doors opened, and the Judicator Primarch strode through, flanked by Marenus Calgar and Vladimir Pugh. " Greetings, Primarch" General Axel reported from the main console. " Confirmed images of Chaos ships moving in system past Elysia Triax. I have placed all Imperial Guard Forces on alert, and taken the liberty of detailing transports for redeployment of forces as you see fit." "Well done General" Krosfyah replied crisply. Turning to Calgar he said, " Lord Commander, May I rely on your Ultramarines to protect our vulnerable cites?" Calgar nodded and saluted. Krosfyah turned away and placed a hand on the Imperial Fists Master's armored Shoulder Pad. " I would have your Imperial Fists at my side during this action" "We would be honored to fight alongside your forces." Pugh replied. The Judicator Primarch stepped away from the two chapter masters and addressed his staff. " Inform Lindermann that he is to allow the intruders to drop on planet. Then, as their drop is complete, he is to wipe out their fleet. We will kill the traitors as they step from their drop pods." " You have a idea where they will land?" inquired Debeers. "Of course I do." Krosfyah replied. "They will land at Vega Real. And there they will die."
Planet Elysia. A Day later
Deadclaw assault craft and drop pods burned across the heavens. The air hissed and thundered as foul spells brought forth the hulking shapes of terminators and the Sorcerers they protected. Massive Chaos Juggernauts and other engines of war materialized on the lush plains of Vega Real. In the Frozen North, Khrone Beastmen marched alongside marines marked to Slaneesh and Nurgle. In the desertifired south, the sands of Arkadis were churned by the armored multitude of Lord Kries Ryam, former Imperial Guard Corps commander, now dedicated to Tzeentch. From each of the four Chaos gods came forces, but all marched under the banner of the flaming Skull. The Word Bearers had come.
In space, the Chaos fleet traded skirmish fire with the Elysian Battle fleet and the Crusade fleet, as the three commands jockeyed for position above the capital world. Rather than face the powerful Styx and Murder Class cruisers of the Chaos Fleet head on, Lindermann opted for feints, always keeping the bulk of his forces between the Orbital docks and the Chaos fleet. His faster Strike Cruisers and Cobra Destroyers held their positions, waiting for the Chaos ships to drop toward the planet on Orbital bombardment runs.
Charin. North Continent
Captain Claudius ducked as an explosion rained chips of ice down from the roof of the ice caves. The Ultramarine 6th Company was one of the eight companies that had arrived to defend the Ice City of Ragan from the Chaos forces. They had found that Ragan was an underground city, accessible only by a myriad of ice caves. In this freezing hell, 800 Marines and 12,000 Elysian Planet Guard faced 60,000 Traitors from the Chaos Legion. Claudius edged around the corner and fired off a burst from his Bolter. The three round of explosive bolts caught the Chaos renegade in the chest, and tossed his gaily-colored carcass back into his fellows. Claudius heard the whoosh! of a flamer lighting up, and cast his attention to the left as a squad of Elysian PDF turned the purifying blast of a flamer on a advancing squad of Plague marines. The Putrid bodies Ignited in the rich air, and for once, Claudius was glad of his rebreather, so he didn't have to smell the stench of the rotting flesh burning. The cold was not helping the traitors. They were not fighting with their customary blood lust, instead moving sluggishly and drunkenly into the fire lanes of the Imperial troops, and dying messy deaths. A squad of Judicators arrived at the front positions. The Hammer on a Black Shield Insignia was one he was unfamiliar with, but there was no time to question them as the marines opened fire, spraying the traitor marines with what was unquestionably Hellfire ammunition. With a start, Claudius realized that they were tryannid hunters, most likely from the 9th Battalion
Vega Real
The Word Bearer forces fell on the citizenry with wanton Butchery, killing all that opposed them. Two regiments of Planet Guard, already reeling from heavy losses in the Tryannid attacks were killed to the last man, dying on the steps of the Cathedral to allow the citizens time to get to the shelters. The Word Bearers Rampaged through the streets, seeking a way into the underground shelters so the slaughter could begin anew. Their commander, Lord Kgan had just begun the ritual consecration of the dead, when out of the clear sky came Thunder hawk Gunships bearing the Judicators of the 2nd Battalion. The Sons of Thundar hit the Word Bearers at the worst possible moment, for the Traitors- as they were beginning their devotions to their Chaos gods. 1st Company Teleported directly to the square at the foot of the Cathedral, and as Predicted right into the heart of the Word Bearer Command. 10 Fallen Chaplains, the force commander, a number of company leaders, and over 200 Marines were in the one acre area when the air crackled and hummed and 100 Terminators and 5 Dreadnoughts appeared in their midst. For one long second, Battalion master Javede and Lord Kgan stared at each other from a distance of 4 feet. And then the Dreadnought's Assault cannon thundered, and the Judicators killed them all. 2nd Battalion Armor plunged through the streets of the City, streets specifically built for armored battle. The awesome shapes of Land Raider Excalibur's roared though the wide paved streets, their flat topped turrets, each housing twin Excalibur Lascannon rotating to scan intersections for Traitor presence. While 2nd company seized the holy cathedral and cleared a landing field for Thunder hawks to evacuate the citizenry, 1st Company struck out, sweeping aside the confused cultists, and sizing vital crossroads. Over their heads, 7th company deployed from Thunder hawks to seize the city armory, holding it until 9th Company could set up in the marshes beyond the lush farmland. The Heavy Support Company immediately commenced to bombard the main Word Bearer Force outside the city with Cluster missiles and the massive doomsday cannon of the Leviathan Siege tanks. As the first shells landed, Imperial Guard Regiments began to arrive from their base at the Fortress of Contemplation. Columns of Chimera APC`s and Leman Russ Tanks raced for the city, as 5th and 7th companies moved forward into contact with the cultists.
Battle line Judicator 2nd Battalion 3rd Company
Veteran Sergeant Aldan squinted through the lens of his targeter, seeking an object worthy of his missiles. The third company had deployed from its Rhino's on the edge of the Bong marsh. The Company commander had been born in the city and had chosen his placement well. Any Traitor force advancing on his troops would have to do so through fire from his emplaced heavy Bolters, and flamers, through the treacherous methane gas bog, where a wrong step could lead to you being dragged down, or a shattering explosion as the flammable gas ignited. " I have a Land Raider, Broadside, 8,000 meters!" Aldan sang out. " Taking the shot!"
A Krak missile blasted out of the launcher, streaking down range to impact squarely on the twinned Las cannon. A second later two more missiles slammed through the already weakened side armor of the Land Raider and the Vehicle fireballed into the sky. "3rd Company Marines!" the voice of Captain Vidal echoed over the battalion net, "we face today, Traitor Marines from the Word Bearers legion! Let us bring them the Emperors Wrath!" Aldan felt the first surge of anger rise and immediately quelled it. He had no time for this rage now. He would ponder the fate of his fallen marines brethren, after they were all dead. Word Bearer armored vehicles exploded as Krak missiles tore through their millennia old hulls. Some, motivated by the raging daemons that inhabited their metal souls, still raged forward, crushing their own troops as more missiles ripped them apart. Without coherent command the cultists surged forward, thinking that safety from the accurate missile fire lay in the city itself. The few sorcerers who still stood, gathered their Retinue of Terminators around them and teleported to the heart of the missile fire, seeking to slay the weapons teams, who they assumed would be lightly defended. One Sorcerer and 2 squads of Terminators mistimed the teleport and materialized in the middle of the swamp. Before the Heretic could lift a hand to protect himself, Three Heavy Bolter positions and a Plasma gunner opened fire on him. The Plasma gunner triggered off a pocket of gas, and the explosion consumed the Traitors. Another Sorcerer materialized before the command squad of the company, to meet the sizzling power fist of Captain Vidal as it punched through his helmet. One of the Captains Guard fired his Storm bolter, the explosive ammunition ripping the armored chest plate apart, and knocking the Berserker back in a welter of gore. The dreadnought slashed with his left arm, and two Berserkers were torn apart.
Fortress Base
General Axel looked up from his console with a slight smile on his face. " 2nd Battalion has retaken Vega Real," the General reported. " Battalion Master Javede reports that the Sorcerer leader died by his hand." Krosfyah nodded. " We were always a match for the Word Bearers" he said. " But right now it is the disappearance of the Tryannid Hive Tryant that bothers me. It will not do for those beasts to reappear in the middle of this action." " My Lord" It was an Imperial Guard Captain who made this report. "Chaos forces are advancing on the Fortress Base." Krosfyah closed his eyes and reached out with his mind, seeking the single presence he knew he would find. " Logar is with them." The Judicator Primarch said softly. " The Daemon Prince?" Pugh exclaimed, " My lord we must call for the Grey Knights, Only they can.." "No!" Krosfyah`s tone cut the Imperial Fist master off in mid sentence. " Logar dies by my hand, Chapter Master. He was my brother once. I owe him at least a death that befits a primarch"
Logar Daemon Prince
9 feet tall, grossly disproportioned, his formerly ornate armor now a part of his body, the winged monstrosity, known as Logar, Daemon Prince of the Word Bearers Traitor legion hovered 2 meters over the plain, at the head of the massed force of his 1st company. There were no cultists marring the slow measured tread of the advancing traitors, just the ranks of Marines, Daemons, and vehicles. " Come out Followers of the False Emperor!" the monster roared, brandishing his Daemon scythe. " You who claim the mantle of the Sons of the Raptor! Come out and Die!" Lords of Battle opened fire, hurling fire toward the armored walls. Void Shielding deflected the ordnance, leaving the walls untouched. Fortress guns blasted back, targeting the monstrous Chaos engines of war. One Battery of Basilisk's scored immediately, blasting a Daemon Engine apart, the rest missed, shells landing long as the Chaos siege engines rumbled forward.
With a growling roar, the great armored doors pulled apart, and the assembled 1st Battalion advanced out onto the rock and sandstone plain before the fortress. The Daemon Primarch hissed as he saw the great standard at their head. Alongside the imperial eagle, and the Lighting claw standard of the Battalion marched the symbol of the Elysian God of War and Death. The Talons and red flashing eyes, he remembered from an eon ago.
**Flashback**
"What is that symbol?" the Dark haired Primarch inquired. He pointed to a golden statue of a winged man, bearing talons on each hand, and carrying an axe in his left. His companion looked at the indicated object, and smiled. " That is a statue in devotion to our first king, in the olden tomes. Raptor was a great warrior who bested the daemon Set in single combat, and saved our world from destruction. But the fight was terrible, and Set`s venom infected him, transforming him into.a winged Dragon." "Surely you don't believe in such pedestrian superstition" the second Primarch retorted. " Brother Logar, I am Elysian. I believe in the legends of our people. What else can I do?" "Janus, you are so.irreverent." " Brother Logar, you are devout to the extreme. But our people need their gods to protect them from the evils of the immaterium" " So you don't believe, warrior brother? you don't worship a mutant?" " Logar, were it anyone but you, I would have your head off for that remark." The Dark haired Primarch smiled, and looked up at the gilded roof of the Palace. "You know I must go to Terra," " Indeed. And I must remain here, trapped in a dying body." Logar turned and placed a hand on his fellow Primarchs shoulder. "Trust in our father, and you will be healed."
**End Flashback**
"RAPTOR!!!" Logar bellowed! " Word Bearers! Forward!"
With a rumbling roar, the entire Word Bearer 1st company broke into a charge.
At the head of the 1st Battalion, Primarch Krosfyah took a deep breath and drew his axe. " Judicators! Forward for the Emperor!" Word Bearer Raptors blasted heavenward, screaming their devotion to their chaos god. Blood mad Berserkers whirled their chain swords and charged. Insane dreadnoughts howled for blood as they thundered forward. Led by Thunderwing, 40 Thunder hawks swept in low over the battlefield. Their Rockets and Battle cannon claimed 2 dozen chaos vehicles and countless troops as they blazed overhead. 5 were swatted down by Obliterators, and fell like blazing comets into the heart of the Chaos forces, causing more slaughter. Roaring their devotion, the 1st Battalion broke into a charge. Land Raider Excalibur's led the line, shielding the vulnerable Rhinos with their armored bulk. Lascannon and Battle cannon roared, and vehicles died. Atop their Transports, the Troops of the 1st Battalion fired and shouted their litanies. Then they crashed into the Word Bearer Line, and the Marines leapt off, shouting their joy to be in combat.
Land Raider Thunderclap Leading Velociraptor Battalion
Twin Lascannons flared, and a Chaos Razorback exploded, fuel ignited by the avenging streams of light. TechMarine Aruen felt the machine spirit roar, as it tasted the heady sip of the brew of battle. Forcing himself to maintain control of both the vehicle and himself, he touched the runes controlling the right Lascannons. They swiveled out and flared, and a Doom burner exploded, showering its tenders with molten fire. Under his breath the Techmarine began to hum his own litany of battle.
Dreadnought Anton
Anton's Assault cannon hammered, and the Word Bearer Dreadnought battling Land Raider Serenity of Battle was knocked sideways, explosions erupting out of its ornate Sarcophagus. Anton kept moving forward, Lighting Claws ripping through all that opposed him. Around his feet, Veteran Sergeant Trask led the Primarch`s guard though the attacking Berserkers, his Power Sword humming as it cut through armor and flesh.
The Primarch slammed the butt of his axe into the helmet of a Traitor Marine, knocking him aside. Trask shot the stunned marine, as the Primarch slashed at a screaming Berserker, lighting claws ripping through chain sword and chest plate alike. A noise Marine fired his Doom Siren, but the blast of killing sonic waves missed as the Primarch dove full length and then rolled back to his feet, lighting claws ripping the Traitor from gullet to head.
Dreadnought Meridian felt the armor buckle and crack in his power fist, but he was already firing at a Lord of Change hovering over the Battlefield. The assault cannon shells tore through the torso of the Greater Daemon and its tumbled to the ground. " Meridian! Hold the knoll!" the roared order of Captain Varisnov echoed in his communicator. The dreadnought barreled forward another 10 meters and stopped, locking his feet into place. Around him the 4th company consolidated, holding a section of ground against all comers.
Logar tossed the fallen terminator away from him and roared in delight. The Squad that had attacked him lay broken and dead on the ground along with the Dreadnought Librarian they had tried to protect. The Daemon Primarch turned to survey the battlefield, and realized immediately that the ferocity of the Judicator attack had caused a bulge in his lines. " K`enal!" Logar roared, " Push them back!"
Krosfyah had caught a glimpse of the Daemon Primarch, but then two raging Chaos dreadnoughts had attacked him and then he had lost sight of his fallen brother. The Dreadnoughts had proven difficult to dispatch, but he had prevailed. Pulsing a raptor away and bounding onto the carcass of a downed dreadnought he looked around. "Logar! Brother! Where are you!"
Daemon scythe and Thunderblade met in a clashing impact. Raging energies bathed the two combatants as they strained for advantage, the massive muscles of the Judicator Primarch battling the chaos aided strength of the Daemon Prince. " You still live, Raptor" Logar grunted " I wish I did not" Krosfyah retorted " For I see what you have become, and I am Sickened!" The Judicator Primarch fell back, forcing Logar off balance. He punched with his left gauntlet, hitting his opponent dead center in the chest. Logar roared, summoning the power of the warp in a raging storm of warp fire that bathed the axe wielding Primarch. Krosfyah erupted out of the inferno; axe singing as it swept toward the head of the Daemon. With almost contemptuous grace, the Scythe swept up, deflecting the black bladed axe. Logar jetted backward with a pump of his powerful wings rising above the battlefield. " Fool!" he bellowed, " you cannot fight me, you do not have my powers!" " You have no power Logar." Krosfyah replied, bringing up his left arm and firing his Storm bolter. Logar dodged left, but three bolts pierced his right wing. The loss of lift caused the Daemon to drop, 5 meters, and that was all Krosfyah required. The Judicator Primarch Jumped up, tossing Thunderblade to his left hand, and deploying his lightning claws. Logar Screamed as the Lighting claws tore into his side. Eldritch fire erupted over the two combatants as they crashed to the ground. The Judicator's helmet exploded as warp fire played over the ceramite, but he kept his grip, digging the claws deep into the unholy thing his brother, his best friend had become. " Do you remember Glaessa?" It was a whisper, barely audible over the din of battle to the abused ears of the Judicator Primarch. " I remember her" he replied. " I killed her you know" Logar whispered. " I sacrificed my wife and Daughter to the cult of Chaos. I proved my loyalty to them with the blood of my love." Krosfyah said nothing, remembering.
**Flashback**
"I must tell you something, Brother" " What is it Logar, the Hunt begins again in 5 minutes" " I am betrothed." Krosfyah looked at his hunting partner with an expression of open-mouthed amazement. "Glaessa?" Logar grinned and nodded. Krosfyah leapt to his feet and whooped in delight " Our Cardinal is betrothed!" " You jest, Janus!" "He does not Angron, she has accepted my offer." " Well, Janus, its only you left." "Sanguinus, if you would leave women for the rest of us, I would get married" The Primarchs congregated around Logar, offering congratulations and friendly jibes. For the moment, they were a band of noblemen, hunting in the high hills of Terra, and the world was all right with them.
**End Flashback**
Krosfyah pushed himself off his brother. Slowly the warped form that the Primarch had been was fading as his chaos Powers left him. He was reverting to his former self.
" They leave me, now as I die." Logar said, spitting up blood and some other unidentifiable body fluid. " The powers that I have forsaken all to serve flee me to find a more suitable host. Mortarion was right."
Krosfyah stood above his brother, watching him leak his lifeblood into the stony ground. With a great effort, Logar struggled into a semi sitting position, and now Krosfyah saw the great damage the Lighting claws had done. They had opened deep jagged wounds in the dying Primarchs side, destroying most of the internal organs, and hence the bodies ability to heal itself. " Brother, Do not let me die like I deserve," Logar gasped. " Let me die as a battle Brother should, with a swift, clean blow." Krosfyah looked away, and then down at his axe. For a long second he stared at Logar, around him the battle dwindled away as the Judicators overwhelmed the Word Bearers through sheer ferocity. " Send me to my father" Logar whispered. Krosfyah lifted the great black axe, whose blade pulsed with ethereal fire, and swung.
End of Part 3
Brothers at Arms
Planet Elysia 3 Months Later.
For the second time in its history, Elysia prepared for war. Above the planet, huge defense stations swung in orbit, their giant lasers trained out into space. Around them clustered the ships of the Elysian Fleet, awaiting the orders that would hurl them at the incoming enemy. On the Planet Itself, excavators dug massive trenches and Anti-tank ditches, while other machines lifted huge Plasticrete bunkers, and placed them atop giant berms of rock and earth. Within the great underground factories, forges fed by the fires from the planets molten core churned out war machines at a fantastic rate. At the Imperial Guard Command Center at the Fortress of Strength, commanders received messages from the Astronomician, and deployed their forces accordingly. The Planets power grid fed power to the massive laser batteries that would defend against attack. Civilians reported to their posts, checking and stocking the shelters that they and their families would be inhabiting when the battle began. At the Spaceports, Imperial Guard Transports and Marine Battle Barges offloaded the reinforcements who had come to aid in the defense. And at the Fortress Base of the Judicators, Battalion Master Maxus Cardell stood before the holo map and plotted the likely landing zones of the enemy. The Tyrannids were coming. A splinter of Hive Fleet Kraken had somehow found itself on a straight path to Elysia. Detected by ships from the Marines Errant chapter, it was estimated at being less than a month out. The Judicators had immediately went to war footing, even though less than half their nominal strength remained on planet.10th and 8th Battalions were stationed in the frozen polar wastes at the Fortress of Courage. 3rd Battalion was based at the central continent of Argosy, and only 5th Battalion currently remained at the Fortress Base. The other Battalions had been broken up and assigned on a company basis to the Crusade force led by Marenus Calgar and his Ultramarines that was now hounding the remnants of the Ork Waagh! across the Segmentum Tempestus. Chief Librarian Clavius was tired, but he refused to take a rest. Even though the Tyrannid fleet was a whole week away, he would not rest until he was sure that every contingency had been planned for. Tall and white bearded, Clavius had been the Judicator Chief Librarian ever since the death of the former Chief Librarian and his ascension to the status of Dreadnought 01. As much as Clavius would have liked to have Doman`s wisdom to aid him, the Ancient was currently engaged in actions with the 1st Battalion and although messages had been sent, the distortion caused by the Tryannid force as it approached Elysia was blocking all replies. In fact the last ships from the White Scars had only just arrived before warp travel became impossible. Two whole Imperial Guard Corps had arrived, diverted from their original destination of Tarsus VII. With their arrival, the total number of Imperial Guard forces on planet had reached 6 million. In addition, units from the White Scars, Minotaurs, Black Templars, Vindicators and Crimson Fists, had come to the defense as well. The Tryannids would be hard pressed to take this world before the main force of the Judicator fleet returned. Alongside Clavius stood his nominal second in command. The senior Physician had ruled Canoness Savitch out of the crusade against the orks, though the rumor was that she was still severely battle fatigued. Nonetheless she stood at his side, relaying orders to the front lines via a communications hook up. Her sisters were deployed to the walls of the Fortress alongside his marines. As one of the less than 200 truly Psychic Librarians in the Legion, Clavius could feel the loathsome presence of the Tryannid hivemind pressing at the edge of his consciousness. Only his training allowed him to ignore the feelings of dread and nausea, and concentrate on the matter at hand.
Planet Artyanis Segmentum Tempestus
The Ork`s roar of bestial rage was cut short as the black bladed battle-axe tore through its head. The massive body crashed to the ground, still kicking and punching, before its nervous system told it that it was dead. Krosfyah leapt over the quivering body and looked around him. He saw only marines standing. Nodding with satisfaction, he lifted his axe and waved it to attract the attention of the standard Bearer. Seeing his Primarch`s signal, the Standard Bearer clambered up the side of the Ork BattleFortress, and lifted the 1st Battalion standard into the Air. Seeing the signal, the marines of the 1st Battalion began to lift their own weapons in salute. A shout of victory echoed from one end of the battlefield to the other. 1st battalion had crushed the Orks on Artyanis, and the crusade was over. In 3 months, the Crusade, led by the Ultramarines chapter had swept the Orks from their positions in the Segmentum, and driven the remnants into the dubious safety of the warp. But the exultation was not for their victory. It was for the fact that now they could go home. A blue Land Raider skidded to a halt next to the Primarchs position. Krosfyah`s men were consolidating around him, and that had made finding the Judicator Primarch easy. The Armored Transport's ramp came down, and Marenus Calgar, Master of the Ultramarines stepped off. The Judicators fell into ranks, clearing a path respectfully to where the Primarch sat on a block, surrounded by his honor guard. The Terminators came to attention, as did the Dreadnought, as the Ultramarine approached. Calgar bowed, and then the two officers saluted each other. " Well fought, Primarch," The Ultramarine said. " Thank you, Master of Macragge" Krosfyah replied, " but now we must leave you, our home world lies in the path of a Tryannid Hive Fleet, and we must go to its defense." " We would be honored, if you would allow us to join you," Calgar said. " Your experience would prove most invaluable." Krosfyah agreed. " We thank you"
Legion Flagship Warspite Low orbit, Kydel Secundus Two Days Later.
The Departure from Artyanis had stunned the Imperial Guard forces assigned to mop up, but the news that Marines from the Imperial Fists and the Salamanders chapters would be arriving helped mollify the cautious officers. In record time the crusade fleet had assembled and warped for Kydel Secundus. The Decision to head for Kydel in the Eastern fringe had surprised many of the other chapter's officers. Kydel Secundus had been a world captured by the Judicators during the Great Crusade. It was there that all the Judicator Forces had been ordered to muster to await their Primarchs arrival. When he did, at the head of 200 ships. Then they would warp to Terra, and from there warp to Elysia. The roundabout route immediately caused confusion among the Space Marine officers, until it was revealed that the reason for such a out of the way trip was to ensure that the fleet was not De-warped by the turbulence of the Hive Fleets presence, until it reached Elysia Ultimus, the last planet in the system.
Elysia Prime. Invasion Day Plus 2
A company of Predator Centurions raced around the flank of the Tyrannid swarm. They rotated their ponderous turrets around and fired, targeting the larger hive creatures. On the hills above the Fortress, Imperial Guard BaneBlade Super heavies kept up a battle cannon barrage as equally massive Shadow Sword's fired their Volcano cannons at the lumbering Carnifex`s. Overhead, Gargoyles and Imperial Navy Lighting fighters whirled in a stylized dance of death. The Tyranids had been disoriented by the loss of the largest Hive Ship, destroyed by Vortex torpedoes from the Battle Cruiser Victrix Regina as the hive fleet burned in system. They had made their drops, but had suffered in the Process as marine Thunder hawks and Imperial Navy fighters had torn into the descending spore pods, destroying over a thousand before being forced to break off. Defense Lasers had fired until they ran red hot and depleted, and the Elysian Battle Fleet accepted grave losses to successfully wipe out the last of the splinter Fleet's great Hive ships. From the walls of the Fortress, Clavius watched the waves of abominations surging towards the walls. He had Long ordered the Marines out of the trenches and into the bunkers and armored trenches that lined the lower walls. It made no sense to face the swarm head on when he had such an abundance of firepower to stop them cold.
Canoness Savitch stepped away from the firing step and wiped the sweat from her eyes. Her bolter steamed in the chilly air from the near constant firing. Behind her, one of the brawny auxiliaries attached to her command squad placed a fresh case of bolter magazines next to her. She nodded her thanks, and he bowed and turned away to tend to some other task. The Vindicator assigned to her force let go with its Thunderer cannon, the booming detonation shaking the Plasticrete and Adamantium bunker. Savitch stepped back up to the firing slit in time to see the shell explode in the midst of a group of Homagaunt`s protecting a Zoanthrope. The Sisters had been in the Bunkers for over a day now, fighting in shifts as the Swarm hurled itself against the guns of the Fortress. Outside, Waves of Psychic energy battered the walls of the Fortress as Zoanthropes engaged at a distance. Imperial Guard Basilisk sought them out, and the roving companies of tanks and White Scar attack Bikes hunted the Biovores. Land Speeders, free of the Gargoyle threat, because of the constant presence of Imperial Guard fighters blazed in firing their Multi Meltas at Carnifex`s, tearing them apart, and still they came. Breathing a prayer to the Emperor, Savitch slammed another clip into her bolter and resumed firing.
The Swarm had no concept of defeat, and still it came on, trying to breach the walls. Its heavy units were being blown up with fearsome rapidity, its troops were hurling themselves into a wave of gunfire, and still they came.
Upper Bastions. Fortress Base
It was time, Clavius decided. The Tryannid numbers were whittled down sufficiently. Now, it was time to end it. " Do you have the Tyrant pinpointed?" " Not as yet. Lord Librarian" Cardell fought his impatience. He knew he had to wait, to determine the exact position of the head of the swarm, then, and only then, could he kill it. " What's the status of the Fortress of Courage?" Clavius inquired. " Battalion Master Forge reported a hour ago that the Tryannids are retreating in disarray." His aide replied. Clavius nodded and turned back to the Battlefield before him. The swarm was indeed falling back, retreating from the firepower arrayed before them. " There will be no pursuit of the Swarm," the Librarian ordered. " We will wait, and see if indeed, the abominations know fear."
Elysia Judicator Fortress Base. Six Days Later
" We will send out squads from the 5th Battalion, liberally supported by airpower and armor" Clavius ordered. " Each squad will be issued hellfire ammunition, and there will be at least one Dreadnought per force. Other Dreadnoughts will cover the maintenance crews that will repair the damage to our walls. Finally, the Sisters defending the west wall will be replaced by Marines from the Storm Giants Chapter." " Why do we cower within this fortress, when we should be stalking the abominations through the hills until the last one is obliterated?" Inquisitor Neros inquired, his reedy face red with the vehemence of his anger " You will be silent, Inquisitor." It was Captain Khalid of the White Scars who spoke. The shaven headed officer had arrived from the Icy wastes of the North where his force had aided Forge's 8th Battalion in cleansing the Ice continent. He had lost an eye in operations against Hive Fleet Kraken, and had had the organ replaced out of necessity with a bionic one, and it gave him a hawk's squint. " You dare order me!" the young inquisitor barked. " I am a member of the Inquisition.." " And you have no role in the planning of our operations, nor in our strategy." Canoness Savitch interjected. She stopped for a second, as if surprised at her own audacity, and then continued. "I have no wish for this debate to continue, so I will end it." From the table next to her, the Canoness picked up a Hellfire bolt gun, and tossed it to the Inquisitor. He caught it, but the weight surprised him, and he dropped it. The heavy weapon clanged off the floor, and the inquisitor jumped away from it. " It isn't loaded" Savitch Informed Neros, her voice as cold as the North wind. " But I am willing to second as many of my sisters and Imperial Guard as you are comfortable with, and you can go pursue the abominations through the hills." Neros looked at the Canoness before him, and then at the Grimfaced marines behind her. He opened his mouth as if to say something, and then thought better of it, turned and walked out of the Command Center. " You have made an enemy of that one." Captain Khalid said. Savitch looked after the departed inquisitor, and shrugged. " It seems I have."
Battleship Warspite Inbound through the Warp
Marneus Calgar stepped around the corner and entered the quarters he had been directed to. Along with Pugh of the Imperial Fists and Casen of the Storm Giants, he had been invited to meet the Judicator Primarch for a "session" as the Aide who had delivered the message had said. " Ah, welcome, Master of Macagge" The Greeting came from a Terminator armored Marine, wearing the sigil of a Battalion master. He Bowed, before turning, and ushering the Ultramarine lord into the room. " Lord Krosfyah, the Master of Macragge is here. I will now take my leave." " Thank you, Nius" the Primarch acknowledged the departure, and then turned to Calgar. " Lord Commander Calgar, Welcome. Please, take a seat." Calgar sat next to Pugh, who nodded a curt greeting. Calgar had never warmed up to the Black haired Imperial Fist Commander, having rarely met the leader of the fleet based chapter. But now as the three officers began to discuss their operations against the Tyrannids, and Clagar soon began to feel a firm respect for the master of the Imperial Fists. After an hour, Krosfyah stood, and walked over to the cabinet in the corner. From there he withdrew an ancient Power fist, and walked back to the table. " I have made a vow once I learned of the fate of my brothers, to return all the various gifts and weapons they had given to me during our time together as warriors of the Imperium, to their chapters. To you, Vladimir Pugh I return the Powerfist, that Rogal Dorn gave to me, when the Emperor's Guard and the Imperial Fists came to our world to promote me to my current status." " The Emperor's Guard?" Pugh asked as he examined the fine craftsmanship of the ancient weapon. " Legion XI," Krosfyah replied. " The Emperor's Guard"
Word Bearer Legion Battle fleet Transiting Warp
The might of the Word Bearer Legion trailed through the glowing, orange soup of the immaterium. Fifty ships, ranging from the massive Space Hulks that bore the armies of Cultists, to the 4 remaining Battle Barges, all led by the Vengeance Class Grand Cruiser Fist of Heresy Aboard the warships, Word Bearer troops carried out their arcane worship in preparation for the battles they knew lay at the end of the warp trip. Death would come to Elysia.
Judicator Fortress Base 4 Days Later
The Sweating imperial Guard officer almost crashed into the wall with his haste to enter the command center. Clavius looked up from the map he had been reading as the Colonel fought to catch his breath. " Lord Librarian.a report from the remote monitors.the fleet.It has returned!"
10 Hours later
Krosfyah met the Librarian in the middle of the Spaceport with the traditional Judicator greeting, a fist to breastplate salute. Then in a display of affection, he clapped the white haired officer on the shoulder. " A splendid job," The Primarch congratulated the officer as they walked toward the rest of the command staff. " How heavy were our losses?" "2000" Clavius replied. "Mostly Imperial Guard, but we lost 4 squads to a Lictor attack when they first landed." " You did well," Krosfyah said again. " I think you've earned your elevation to Force Commander." Clavius shook his head. " We haven't accounted for the." The same officer who had brought the news of the fleet's arrival ran up, but this time he wore a look of abject terror on his face. "Lord Primarch, the monitoring stations just reported a massive de-warp between Elysia Triax and Elysia Secundus. 50 ships, Lord Primarch" Krosfyah whirled to shout an order, but Clavius was faster. Turning, he shouted to the Dreadnought marked by the blue Sarcophagus. " Ancient Librarian!" With a voice as dry as the whispery wind over the quartz sands of Tallaran, Doman spoke. " Chaos"
Aboard the Battleship Warspite Legion Flagship
"Come about! Ready all weaponry, and have all pilots stand to their craft!" the Master of the Legion Fleet, Vasan Lindermann bellowed his instructions. That was his way, to shout at his crew, even as he knew that they were so well trained that he didn't have to. Warspite and the other 72 ships of the Judicator crusade fleet had been heading to the orbital docks to replenish after their long mission. Then the Warp had yawned open and vomited the distorted shapes of the Chaos fleet. " What do we have?" Lindermann inquired. " 50 ships," a tech called from his console. "Are they ours?" Lindermann questioned, moving to his command position. " They are Chaos" this statement came from the leader of the squad of Dark Angel Deathwing Terminators who had been seconded to the legion fleet during the crusade. Clad in bone white armor, Veteran Sergeant Sammael stared unflinchingly at the image on the Vidscreen. " Battle Alert!" Lindermann ordered, " Astropath, contact the Fortress Base for instructions. Fleet to Battle format, and get me the rest of the Crusade fleet!"
Fortress Base
Great double doors opened, and the Judicator Primarch strode through, flanked by Marenus Calgar and Vladimir Pugh. " Greetings, Primarch" General Axel reported from the main console. " Confirmed images of Chaos ships moving in system past Elysia Triax. I have placed all Imperial Guard Forces on alert, and taken the liberty of detailing transports for redeployment of forces as you see fit." "Well done General" Krosfyah replied crisply. Turning to Calgar he said, " Lord Commander, May I rely on your Ultramarines to protect our vulnerable cites?" Calgar nodded and saluted. Krosfyah turned away and placed a hand on the Imperial Fists Master's armored Shoulder Pad. " I would have your Imperial Fists at my side during this action" "We would be honored to fight alongside your forces." Pugh replied. The Judicator Primarch stepped away from the two chapter masters and addressed his staff. " Inform Lindermann that he is to allow the intruders to drop on planet. Then, as their drop is complete, he is to wipe out their fleet. We will kill the traitors as they step from their drop pods." " You have a idea where they will land?" inquired Debeers. "Of course I do." Krosfyah replied. "They will land at Vega Real. And there they will die."
Planet Elysia. A Day later
Deadclaw assault craft and drop pods burned across the heavens. The air hissed and thundered as foul spells brought forth the hulking shapes of terminators and the Sorcerers they protected. Massive Chaos Juggernauts and other engines of war materialized on the lush plains of Vega Real. In the Frozen North, Khrone Beastmen marched alongside marines marked to Slaneesh and Nurgle. In the desertifired south, the sands of Arkadis were churned by the armored multitude of Lord Kries Ryam, former Imperial Guard Corps commander, now dedicated to Tzeentch. From each of the four Chaos gods came forces, but all marched under the banner of the flaming Skull. The Word Bearers had come.
In space, the Chaos fleet traded skirmish fire with the Elysian Battle fleet and the Crusade fleet, as the three commands jockeyed for position above the capital world. Rather than face the powerful Styx and Murder Class cruisers of the Chaos Fleet head on, Lindermann opted for feints, always keeping the bulk of his forces between the Orbital docks and the Chaos fleet. His faster Strike Cruisers and Cobra Destroyers held their positions, waiting for the Chaos ships to drop toward the planet on Orbital bombardment runs.
Charin. North Continent
Captain Claudius ducked as an explosion rained chips of ice down from the roof of the ice caves. The Ultramarine 6th Company was one of the eight companies that had arrived to defend the Ice City of Ragan from the Chaos forces. They had found that Ragan was an underground city, accessible only by a myriad of ice caves. In this freezing hell, 800 Marines and 12,000 Elysian Planet Guard faced 60,000 Traitors from the Chaos Legion. Claudius edged around the corner and fired off a burst from his Bolter. The three round of explosive bolts caught the Chaos renegade in the chest, and tossed his gaily-colored carcass back into his fellows. Claudius heard the whoosh! of a flamer lighting up, and cast his attention to the left as a squad of Elysian PDF turned the purifying blast of a flamer on a advancing squad of Plague marines. The Putrid bodies Ignited in the rich air, and for once, Claudius was glad of his rebreather, so he didn't have to smell the stench of the rotting flesh burning. The cold was not helping the traitors. They were not fighting with their customary blood lust, instead moving sluggishly and drunkenly into the fire lanes of the Imperial troops, and dying messy deaths. A squad of Judicators arrived at the front positions. The Hammer on a Black Shield Insignia was one he was unfamiliar with, but there was no time to question them as the marines opened fire, spraying the traitor marines with what was unquestionably Hellfire ammunition. With a start, Claudius realized that they were tryannid hunters, most likely from the 9th Battalion
Vega Real
The Word Bearer forces fell on the citizenry with wanton Butchery, killing all that opposed them. Two regiments of Planet Guard, already reeling from heavy losses in the Tryannid attacks were killed to the last man, dying on the steps of the Cathedral to allow the citizens time to get to the shelters. The Word Bearers Rampaged through the streets, seeking a way into the underground shelters so the slaughter could begin anew. Their commander, Lord Kgan had just begun the ritual consecration of the dead, when out of the clear sky came Thunder hawk Gunships bearing the Judicators of the 2nd Battalion. The Sons of Thundar hit the Word Bearers at the worst possible moment, for the Traitors- as they were beginning their devotions to their Chaos gods. 1st Company Teleported directly to the square at the foot of the Cathedral, and as Predicted right into the heart of the Word Bearer Command. 10 Fallen Chaplains, the force commander, a number of company leaders, and over 200 Marines were in the one acre area when the air crackled and hummed and 100 Terminators and 5 Dreadnoughts appeared in their midst. For one long second, Battalion master Javede and Lord Kgan stared at each other from a distance of 4 feet. And then the Dreadnought's Assault cannon thundered, and the Judicators killed them all. 2nd Battalion Armor plunged through the streets of the City, streets specifically built for armored battle. The awesome shapes of Land Raider Excalibur's roared though the wide paved streets, their flat topped turrets, each housing twin Excalibur Lascannon rotating to scan intersections for Traitor presence. While 2nd company seized the holy cathedral and cleared a landing field for Thunder hawks to evacuate the citizenry, 1st Company struck out, sweeping aside the confused cultists, and sizing vital crossroads. Over their heads, 7th company deployed from Thunder hawks to seize the city armory, holding it until 9th Company could set up in the marshes beyond the lush farmland. The Heavy Support Company immediately commenced to bombard the main Word Bearer Force outside the city with Cluster missiles and the massive doomsday cannon of the Leviathan Siege tanks. As the first shells landed, Imperial Guard Regiments began to arrive from their base at the Fortress of Contemplation. Columns of Chimera APC`s and Leman Russ Tanks raced for the city, as 5th and 7th companies moved forward into contact with the cultists.
Battle line Judicator 2nd Battalion 3rd Company
Veteran Sergeant Aldan squinted through the lens of his targeter, seeking an object worthy of his missiles. The third company had deployed from its Rhino's on the edge of the Bong marsh. The Company commander had been born in the city and had chosen his placement well. Any Traitor force advancing on his troops would have to do so through fire from his emplaced heavy Bolters, and flamers, through the treacherous methane gas bog, where a wrong step could lead to you being dragged down, or a shattering explosion as the flammable gas ignited. " I have a Land Raider, Broadside, 8,000 meters!" Aldan sang out. " Taking the shot!"
A Krak missile blasted out of the launcher, streaking down range to impact squarely on the twinned Las cannon. A second later two more missiles slammed through the already weakened side armor of the Land Raider and the Vehicle fireballed into the sky. "3rd Company Marines!" the voice of Captain Vidal echoed over the battalion net, "we face today, Traitor Marines from the Word Bearers legion! Let us bring them the Emperors Wrath!" Aldan felt the first surge of anger rise and immediately quelled it. He had no time for this rage now. He would ponder the fate of his fallen marines brethren, after they were all dead. Word Bearer armored vehicles exploded as Krak missiles tore through their millennia old hulls. Some, motivated by the raging daemons that inhabited their metal souls, still raged forward, crushing their own troops as more missiles ripped them apart. Without coherent command the cultists surged forward, thinking that safety from the accurate missile fire lay in the city itself. The few sorcerers who still stood, gathered their Retinue of Terminators around them and teleported to the heart of the missile fire, seeking to slay the weapons teams, who they assumed would be lightly defended. One Sorcerer and 2 squads of Terminators mistimed the teleport and materialized in the middle of the swamp. Before the Heretic could lift a hand to protect himself, Three Heavy Bolter positions and a Plasma gunner opened fire on him. The Plasma gunner triggered off a pocket of gas, and the explosion consumed the Traitors. Another Sorcerer materialized before the command squad of the company, to meet the sizzling power fist of Captain Vidal as it punched through his helmet. One of the Captains Guard fired his Storm bolter, the explosive ammunition ripping the armored chest plate apart, and knocking the Berserker back in a welter of gore. The dreadnought slashed with his left arm, and two Berserkers were torn apart.
Fortress Base
General Axel looked up from his console with a slight smile on his face. " 2nd Battalion has retaken Vega Real," the General reported. " Battalion Master Javede reports that the Sorcerer leader died by his hand." Krosfyah nodded. " We were always a match for the Word Bearers" he said. " But right now it is the disappearance of the Tryannid Hive Tryant that bothers me. It will not do for those beasts to reappear in the middle of this action." " My Lord" It was an Imperial Guard Captain who made this report. "Chaos forces are advancing on the Fortress Base." Krosfyah closed his eyes and reached out with his mind, seeking the single presence he knew he would find. " Logar is with them." The Judicator Primarch said softly. " The Daemon Prince?" Pugh exclaimed, " My lord we must call for the Grey Knights, Only they can.." "No!" Krosfyah`s tone cut the Imperial Fist master off in mid sentence. " Logar dies by my hand, Chapter Master. He was my brother once. I owe him at least a death that befits a primarch"
Logar Daemon Prince
9 feet tall, grossly disproportioned, his formerly ornate armor now a part of his body, the winged monstrosity, known as Logar, Daemon Prince of the Word Bearers Traitor legion hovered 2 meters over the plain, at the head of the massed force of his 1st company. There were no cultists marring the slow measured tread of the advancing traitors, just the ranks of Marines, Daemons, and vehicles. " Come out Followers of the False Emperor!" the monster roared, brandishing his Daemon scythe. " You who claim the mantle of the Sons of the Raptor! Come out and Die!" Lords of Battle opened fire, hurling fire toward the armored walls. Void Shielding deflected the ordnance, leaving the walls untouched. Fortress guns blasted back, targeting the monstrous Chaos engines of war. One Battery of Basilisk's scored immediately, blasting a Daemon Engine apart, the rest missed, shells landing long as the Chaos siege engines rumbled forward.
With a growling roar, the great armored doors pulled apart, and the assembled 1st Battalion advanced out onto the rock and sandstone plain before the fortress. The Daemon Primarch hissed as he saw the great standard at their head. Alongside the imperial eagle, and the Lighting claw standard of the Battalion marched the symbol of the Elysian God of War and Death. The Talons and red flashing eyes, he remembered from an eon ago.
**Flashback**
"What is that symbol?" the Dark haired Primarch inquired. He pointed to a golden statue of a winged man, bearing talons on each hand, and carrying an axe in his left. His companion looked at the indicated object, and smiled. " That is a statue in devotion to our first king, in the olden tomes. Raptor was a great warrior who bested the daemon Set in single combat, and saved our world from destruction. But the fight was terrible, and Set`s venom infected him, transforming him into.a winged Dragon." "Surely you don't believe in such pedestrian superstition" the second Primarch retorted. " Brother Logar, I am Elysian. I believe in the legends of our people. What else can I do?" "Janus, you are so.irreverent." " Brother Logar, you are devout to the extreme. But our people need their gods to protect them from the evils of the immaterium" " So you don't believe, warrior brother? you don't worship a mutant?" " Logar, were it anyone but you, I would have your head off for that remark." The Dark haired Primarch smiled, and looked up at the gilded roof of the Palace. "You know I must go to Terra," " Indeed. And I must remain here, trapped in a dying body." Logar turned and placed a hand on his fellow Primarchs shoulder. "Trust in our father, and you will be healed."
**End Flashback**
"RAPTOR!!!" Logar bellowed! " Word Bearers! Forward!"
With a rumbling roar, the entire Word Bearer 1st company broke into a charge.
At the head of the 1st Battalion, Primarch Krosfyah took a deep breath and drew his axe. " Judicators! Forward for the Emperor!" Word Bearer Raptors blasted heavenward, screaming their devotion to their chaos god. Blood mad Berserkers whirled their chain swords and charged. Insane dreadnoughts howled for blood as they thundered forward. Led by Thunderwing, 40 Thunder hawks swept in low over the battlefield. Their Rockets and Battle cannon claimed 2 dozen chaos vehicles and countless troops as they blazed overhead. 5 were swatted down by Obliterators, and fell like blazing comets into the heart of the Chaos forces, causing more slaughter. Roaring their devotion, the 1st Battalion broke into a charge. Land Raider Excalibur's led the line, shielding the vulnerable Rhinos with their armored bulk. Lascannon and Battle cannon roared, and vehicles died. Atop their Transports, the Troops of the 1st Battalion fired and shouted their litanies. Then they crashed into the Word Bearer Line, and the Marines leapt off, shouting their joy to be in combat.
Land Raider Thunderclap Leading Velociraptor Battalion
Twin Lascannons flared, and a Chaos Razorback exploded, fuel ignited by the avenging streams of light. TechMarine Aruen felt the machine spirit roar, as it tasted the heady sip of the brew of battle. Forcing himself to maintain control of both the vehicle and himself, he touched the runes controlling the right Lascannons. They swiveled out and flared, and a Doom burner exploded, showering its tenders with molten fire. Under his breath the Techmarine began to hum his own litany of battle.
Dreadnought Anton
Anton's Assault cannon hammered, and the Word Bearer Dreadnought battling Land Raider Serenity of Battle was knocked sideways, explosions erupting out of its ornate Sarcophagus. Anton kept moving forward, Lighting Claws ripping through all that opposed him. Around his feet, Veteran Sergeant Trask led the Primarch`s guard though the attacking Berserkers, his Power Sword humming as it cut through armor and flesh.
The Primarch slammed the butt of his axe into the helmet of a Traitor Marine, knocking him aside. Trask shot the stunned marine, as the Primarch slashed at a screaming Berserker, lighting claws ripping through chain sword and chest plate alike. A noise Marine fired his Doom Siren, but the blast of killing sonic waves missed as the Primarch dove full length and then rolled back to his feet, lighting claws ripping the Traitor from gullet to head.
Dreadnought Meridian felt the armor buckle and crack in his power fist, but he was already firing at a Lord of Change hovering over the Battlefield. The assault cannon shells tore through the torso of the Greater Daemon and its tumbled to the ground. " Meridian! Hold the knoll!" the roared order of Captain Varisnov echoed in his communicator. The dreadnought barreled forward another 10 meters and stopped, locking his feet into place. Around him the 4th company consolidated, holding a section of ground against all comers.
Logar tossed the fallen terminator away from him and roared in delight. The Squad that had attacked him lay broken and dead on the ground along with the Dreadnought Librarian they had tried to protect. The Daemon Primarch turned to survey the battlefield, and realized immediately that the ferocity of the Judicator attack had caused a bulge in his lines. " K`enal!" Logar roared, " Push them back!"
Krosfyah had caught a glimpse of the Daemon Primarch, but then two raging Chaos dreadnoughts had attacked him and then he had lost sight of his fallen brother. The Dreadnoughts had proven difficult to dispatch, but he had prevailed. Pulsing a raptor away and bounding onto the carcass of a downed dreadnought he looked around. "Logar! Brother! Where are you!"
Daemon scythe and Thunderblade met in a clashing impact. Raging energies bathed the two combatants as they strained for advantage, the massive muscles of the Judicator Primarch battling the chaos aided strength of the Daemon Prince. " You still live, Raptor" Logar grunted " I wish I did not" Krosfyah retorted " For I see what you have become, and I am Sickened!" The Judicator Primarch fell back, forcing Logar off balance. He punched with his left gauntlet, hitting his opponent dead center in the chest. Logar roared, summoning the power of the warp in a raging storm of warp fire that bathed the axe wielding Primarch. Krosfyah erupted out of the inferno; axe singing as it swept toward the head of the Daemon. With almost contemptuous grace, the Scythe swept up, deflecting the black bladed axe. Logar jetted backward with a pump of his powerful wings rising above the battlefield. " Fool!" he bellowed, " you cannot fight me, you do not have my powers!" " You have no power Logar." Krosfyah replied, bringing up his left arm and firing his Storm bolter. Logar dodged left, but three bolts pierced his right wing. The loss of lift caused the Daemon to drop, 5 meters, and that was all Krosfyah required. The Judicator Primarch Jumped up, tossing Thunderblade to his left hand, and deploying his lightning claws. Logar Screamed as the Lighting claws tore into his side. Eldritch fire erupted over the two combatants as they crashed to the ground. The Judicator's helmet exploded as warp fire played over the ceramite, but he kept his grip, digging the claws deep into the unholy thing his brother, his best friend had become. " Do you remember Glaessa?" It was a whisper, barely audible over the din of battle to the abused ears of the Judicator Primarch. " I remember her" he replied. " I killed her you know" Logar whispered. " I sacrificed my wife and Daughter to the cult of Chaos. I proved my loyalty to them with the blood of my love." Krosfyah said nothing, remembering.
**Flashback**
"I must tell you something, Brother" " What is it Logar, the Hunt begins again in 5 minutes" " I am betrothed." Krosfyah looked at his hunting partner with an expression of open-mouthed amazement. "Glaessa?" Logar grinned and nodded. Krosfyah leapt to his feet and whooped in delight " Our Cardinal is betrothed!" " You jest, Janus!" "He does not Angron, she has accepted my offer." " Well, Janus, its only you left." "Sanguinus, if you would leave women for the rest of us, I would get married" The Primarchs congregated around Logar, offering congratulations and friendly jibes. For the moment, they were a band of noblemen, hunting in the high hills of Terra, and the world was all right with them.
**End Flashback**
Krosfyah pushed himself off his brother. Slowly the warped form that the Primarch had been was fading as his chaos Powers left him. He was reverting to his former self.
" They leave me, now as I die." Logar said, spitting up blood and some other unidentifiable body fluid. " The powers that I have forsaken all to serve flee me to find a more suitable host. Mortarion was right."
Krosfyah stood above his brother, watching him leak his lifeblood into the stony ground. With a great effort, Logar struggled into a semi sitting position, and now Krosfyah saw the great damage the Lighting claws had done. They had opened deep jagged wounds in the dying Primarchs side, destroying most of the internal organs, and hence the bodies ability to heal itself. " Brother, Do not let me die like I deserve," Logar gasped. " Let me die as a battle Brother should, with a swift, clean blow." Krosfyah looked away, and then down at his axe. For a long second he stared at Logar, around him the battle dwindled away as the Judicators overwhelmed the Word Bearers through sheer ferocity. " Send me to my father" Logar whispered. Krosfyah lifted the great black axe, whose blade pulsed with ethereal fire, and swung.
End of Part 3
