Bolter Fire rang throughout the city. Anyone who resisted would be killed, and many had already perished in the bloody search.
The Ethereal threw the doors of the central building wide open. He took in the sight of his city; the Ultra Marines were destroying it, he knew it would be left that way. They didn't care what happened, only that they got what they wanted. He was determined not to let this happen. A Marine approached from up down the steps.
"We have orders to confine you to your office. Come with me." The Marine said.
The Ethereal was grabbed by the Marine and forced back into the building. There wasn't much point in resisting now.
The Marine shoved him into the office and slammed the door shut. Two Marines were posted on the outside of the door.
The Ethereal wiped himself off and then went over to his desk. He had an angry look on his face. After he typed something into his computer, a small panel in the desk opened and revealed a small communications device. He pressed a button on the device and it changed the frequency of his radio.
"This is your Ethereal. This siege has gone on long enough. I'm giving the order to commence the counterattack. Drive this scum out of out city!" He said quietly enough so the guards outside couldn't overhear; he released the button and leaned back in his chair. His forces would soon release the city from the grip of the Space Marines.
Below the city lights were coming on and Tau were at work getting ready for the battle, Fire Warriors were preparing and getting into position. Pathfinders stationed themselves by elevators that went up into various buildings. XV8 Crisis and XV-88 Broadside Battlesuits were waiting by ramps to go up into the city. Four groups of three Hammerhead Tanks were waiting in secret hangers to deploy.
One by one units reported in to the Ethereal when they were in place. When the last unit reported in, he stood up and went to the window. Smoke was starting to rise from multiple buildings. A look of anger crept onto his face. He walked back to the computer and typed something into it. A device descended form the ceiling and unfolded. Then the lights went dim and the glass tinted. A holographic map of the city appeared in the middle of the room; red dots were under the city.
"Commence the attack!" The Ethereal said with great enthusiasm.
All over the city explosions were heard and smoke was seen rising into the air. Small explosions broke the locks that held large sections of the road up. The road opened and formed a ramp into the tunnels under it.
Fire Warriors swarmed up the ramps, and took out any enemy troops that fell into the tunnels. Broadside and Crisis Battlesuits walked up the ramps and crushed any foot soldier that may have fallen under them. The Hammerheads came out of their hangers and opened fire on any enemy soldiers that moved. Pathfinders with Rail Rifles ascended into certain buildings with the elevators, and started to clear them out.
The Ethereal watched all of the troop movements on his holographic map. He smiled to himself as he directed his troops. The image was interactive, so he could direct his troops without ever saying a word. His units moved with grace and speed. They had one thing on their side for sure, and that was the element of surprise.