Greetings! I would like to say that we are about half way, but we aren't so, I won't! But hopefully you should feel the story progress a little faster now, Sorry if you've felt its been dragging a little up to now. And of course reviews are always welcome!

A huge cloud of steam enveloped the group, they all groaned in pain. Mal had run to the front of Belle and was quietly apologising for the rough treatment. The woodland had taken its toll on her, the lights had been smashed miles back, the bumper and bonnet were scratched and dented and now something had done some more serious damage. Wyn lifted himself from the vehicle with his mechandrites, walked to the front next to Mal who gave him a wide eyed look, partly guilt, partly concern. Wyn quietly ducked under the ruined body panels and got to work.

Batty was next off the vehicle, his weighty form slamming into the soft ground. He charged at the bewildered driver. 'Frakking grox headed moron!' he yelled with disdain, tackling Mal to the floor.

'Every time you frakking do something like this!' Batty finished the sentence with a violent punch, blood flew from Mal's nose. The trapped man squealed in pain.

'What the warp!' he cursed back at the larger man, glaring at him whilst trying to get an arm free in order to retaliate. The sound of guns cocking by their ears made them freeze. Josla raised an eyebrow as they looked up at her, her auto pistols levelled at each of them. A firm voice came from the back of the vehicle.

'Batty, get off him.' the man knew there was no arguing this time. He slowly rose, letting Mal wriggle free, turning to see Jad stood behind him, arms folded. He didn't look happy.

'Help Wyn.' He said as he walked past him, his eyes fixed on Mal.

'He deserved it, we could have been...'

'Enough Batty.' Jad still had his eyes fixed on Mal.

'I'm sorry, I don't know what happened.' Mal said standing up 'You know we are in a rush, I was trying to get us to the target.'

'Kill us all more like' Batty jibed.

'Frak you! She's been through tougher terrain, and so have you.' Mal snapped back, defending his actions.

'ENOUGH' Jad yelled 'Batty make sure the gear is all secured properly, Mal help Wyn with the repairs. You are supposed to be our driver, and should be able to avoid getting us in situations like this. I don't care what your reasons are, this does not happen again. Understand?'

'Yeah…' Mal replied, his head hung low like a child. 'Not like you could have done any better.'

There was a blur and Mal fell to the ground. Jaddens punch easily knocking him out. He turned away and left Mal unconscious.

'I'm really not in the mood for any of the usual Groxshit today.' He announced to the group 'We really need to get this crap done. I will have to explain all of this to Inquisitor Vigilem, and you know what? I can't be bothered. Varner's dead, we are massively behind schedule and there is still every chance that we could fail altogether.' The whole group was silent now, just looking at him. 'We can't afford stupid delays, because if this doesn't work, we will be sent to capture another Ethereal, which probably won't be on a nice agri-world where we can drop in and enjoy the sunshine. So enough frakking around!'

Jadden walked back to the vehicle, a cold quiet descended over the group, only the hiss of steam and Wyn working on damaged engine could be heard. Josla walked over to Mal, rolling him on his side, and checking his jaw. The swelling had already started, the man's face had gone ruby red all across one side, she had seen Jadden punch an Ork to the ground, even if that was with the help of his powers, and she wanted to make sure Mal was relatively unharmed. Jadden was angry now, but would regret it if he had seriously hurt any of his team.

Batty had gone to help Wyn, he too understood it was best to remain away from their usually level headed leader at the moment. He was normally very calm and relaxed, and very easy to work with, but if it was looking like they might fail a mission, he became difficult. Mal knew better than to have answered back, and a swift punch was not unexpected. Sticking his head under the wheel arch, Wyn nodded at him and passed him a wrench.

Alishia and Bannerman had stayed in the back of Belle. Both easing the bruises from the rough ride, neither spoke after Jadden had approached. Grant and headed over to Grimes, the pair discussing what had transpired in hushed tones, neither wanting to attract the attention of the angry psyker to them.

The transport pulled into the rear of the gunship, the bulky battle suit turning to face out onto the drop site in case they were pursued. Cha'riss dropped from the chariot as soon as it was stationary, the two guards riding with him forming up behind him. He strolled back down the ramp looking his new bodyguard up and down, his eye was drawn to the slender pulse rifle mounted nearest him. There was blackening all over the suit, the bright white now a dulled grey, the green trimming blended in to the suit, no longer proudly displaying the colour of his sept.

'I appreciate your presence here Shas'Vre' He said moving around the battle suit to face the sensor array. A mechanical voice came back at him

'It is an honour to be able to serve you, Honourable Aun'El.' there was a sound of moving parts and the whistle of escaping air, The front panels of the suit split apart and the sensor array moved upwards and back. The form of the pilot appeared from within, the skin tight flight suit that crisis pilots wore showing the taught musculature of the warrior it contained. 'I am Ja'ley, if you have any requests of me please ask.' The voice was now smooth and gentle, the soft features of the pilot looked out of place contained within her battle suit.

'The pleasure is all mine, Shas'Vre.' Cha'riss replied 'Nen'sho spoke very highly of you. I will be returning to the armoury, would you be able to make a check of the drop site and then meet me there?'

'At once, Aun'El' Ja'ley nodded and without warning the suit hissed and whined as it closed around her once more. The jet pack flared to life before the suit had fully closed, the suit glided weightlessly over the Ethereal as the warrior began her patrol. Cha'riss began walking to the armoury, his guards dashing after him and forming a protective circle around their lord. Cha'riss gave a little chuckle, he had always enjoyed making the guards work a little harder than needed. He strolled through the small collection of ships and temporary buildings that made up the drop site. Earth Caste workers ran by occasionally with large boxes and such, all of them stopping to bow to him. He could have of course just given his items to one of his guards and they would have returned them to the armoury, but it was rare he got to walk amongst his people.

It was then that his guards formed up close around him, one put a hand on his shoulder and forced him to crouch. He heard the click-whirr of their rifles being readied.

'Halt,' boomed the voice of his Shas'El. The crouched dignitary peered through the legs of the guards that towered of him, just able to make out the dull green of a Gue'la vehicle. A small blue figure waved from atop the vehicle.

'I repeat halt' the tau gave a knock on the alien vehicle, and the vehicle slid to a halt, a grinding sound coming from with it. After several achingly long moments the front cupola of the vehicle swung open, and very slowly a pale face appeared, the gue'la male putting his hands over his head.

The alien called out to the group of fire warriors, but Cha'riss could not understand him, and he doubted that any of his protectors could either as they all immediately stiffened, guns refining their aim at the alien intruder. It was then that the vehicle other occupant spoke.

'I am Fio'la'keel, this is Gue'Grant.' She called out to them 'He wishes to become a Gue'vesa and join the Greater Good.'

'You are able to communicate with him?' asked the Shas'El

'I worked with Gue'vesa before on a research project, urm Sir?' The woman had obviously expected a friendlier response. 'I can speak a little Gue'la yes.'

'Exit the vehicle, we will find an appropriate water caste official to deal with the Gue'la. You will both remain here under guard until such a time as we have established neither of you are a threat.' The reply was delivered sharply and clearly brokered no argument. The woman spoke to the alien and they both dropped into the vehicle, the guards tensed up again whilst they were out of sight. Suddenly a panel swung open, the Gue'la emerged from the vehicle and faced the gun line.

A banging came from within the vehicle, the xeno held up an apologetic hand and took a few steps back, after pulling a lever a second door dropped open and the woman appeared beside him. They both stepped forward again, the xeno continued to keep his hands in the air to show he was not a threat. The leader sent two guards forward and he turned to the Ethereal, the guardian beside him allowing him to stand at last.

'Aun'El, how would you like us to proceed?' The Ethereal dusted himself down, and gave a stern look to the guard who had man handled him, finally looking to his Shas'El.

'If he wishes to join us then so be it, take him to Por'Vre Ele'ty and take the woman to the manta. I would like to question her a little further.'

'Very good, Aun'El' came the reply. They continued their journey and another 2 men split off from the group and took the new arrivals away.

As soon as the first enemy units became visible over the hill the charge began, the tau retaliated aggressively with a huge volley of return fire. The Storm ravens screamed forward, the sound of their engines booming out across the plains but the return fire from the heavy rail guns of broadside battle suits took a heavy toll, two of the craft tumbling from the sky their passengers evacuating as they fell, a third detonated in the air spraying fire and shrapnel across the battlefield. The ground forces arrived moments later, the two remaining predators unleashing the fury of their guns as soon as they were in range, the las cannons of the annihilator tore a skyray apart whilst the Baal hammered shells into a squadron of battle suits. The massive Land Raider charged down the hill, its assault cannon spitting at ranks of fire warriors, taking dozens of lives with its weaponry. The Tanks were flanking the advance of Rhinos, each with a squad shielded within, ready to unleash their rage upon the foe.

Collus watched his assault squads descend from the remaining aircraft that had made it across the plains, they fell amongst the white armoured prey. They had taken heavy losses on the approach, and each one would be mourned in time, but now they could take vengeance and cut a swathe through their targets. Collus had his view blocked as a blade of metal sheared into his rhino, it didn't do serious damage but was only a foot away from his position in the cupola, he gave a quick prayer to the emperor in thanks before pulling the metal free and tossing it aside. He looked across to see the burning remains of a rhino still rolling beside him, it only slowly losing its speed despite the uphill charge.

The line of rhinos smashed into the bodies of the aliens warriors before them, all ramps swung open and space marines poured onto the plains. Chaplain Drake led the small remaining group of Death Company berserkers into combat, they bloodied themselves amongst the Tau, the slight aliens no match for their fury. The chaplain charged at the rear of a crisis suit that had just landed, diving up onto its back, his crozius battering the suit, drawing sparks from various damaged panels. The jet pack fired again, peeling the paint from Drakes armour, he clung on and pushed his pistol into an opened panel, the point blank shot burned through the suit. The jet pack threw fire in a huge arc behind it, the black armoured figure was jettisoned, landing awkwardly atop a burning fire warrior, breaking the aliens neck. The crisis suits power slowly drained, its pilot dead, it sank on its joints and stood silent amidst the chaotic battleground.

Atop the hill, Nen'sho sent missiles streaking across the battle field whilst calmly eliminating anything that got too close with shots from his pulse rifle and volleys of burst fire. The Gue'la strike was still gaining ground however, their jump packs whilst not nearly as agile as Tau jet packs, could cover greater distance and on the open ground his battle suits were being chased down, leaving them tied up defending themselves and the remainder of his force at the mercy of enemy guns. A warning marker appeared on is HUD, he looked to see a vast tracked vehicle grinding through his lines, its heavy weaponry chewing through any opposition. The commander launched himself at the new threat, landing before the behemoth as its forward ramp opened, 5 massive armoured forms lumbering forward from within.

The Tau commander steadied himself, firing his final missile at the group. The close range prevented a proper target lock, the projectile going over the new threat and detonated within their transport causing a muffled thump as the unarmoured interior disintegrated in the explosion. The terminators stood firm as the ground shook at the destruction of the land raider, the lead figure raised a large chalice aloft and bellowed a war cry as he charged, his squad following suit, lifting clawed hands and mighty hammers, they lunged at the lone Tau veteran. Nen'sho riddled their armour with burst cannon fire as he fired his jet pack once more, backing away as the group spread out to take him on.

Collus was deep within the enemy formation, his honour guard lost in the tide of battle but he was taking a heavy toll, his armour slick with gelatinous blue blood as he strode forward smiting foes with his blade and his mind. Suddenly the ground shook and an eruption of fire and plasma threw the librarian to the ground, electrical energy dancing across the crater that had appeared in the smooth ground. Collus shook his head in a daze, and tried to seek out the source of the carnage seeing the massive form of the remaining riptide stalking towards him. He leant on his spear to lift himself, his body still stunned by the force of the blast it had received. The colossal warrior took aim again, its alien weapon hissing and crackling with power as the shot charged. The marine ran at the terrible foe hoping to be too close by the time the shot fired, the explosion detonated behind him, the force pushing him further towards his would be killer. He used the additional momentum and dropped to his back, the force allowing him to slide beneath the armoured legs as he sent a spear of warp energy up towards his attacker.

His attack dissipated against the protective shielding as he rolled up onto his feet, the large machine slow to turn to face him. Collus saw his chance, sprinting back at the behemoth he leapt at it, plunging his spear deep into the armour plating. He swung up and got a finger hold in a gap between plates, loosening his spear he began his climb of the towering battle suit, which attempted to fight off its new occupant. A white hot blast came from the vents above him, the immense armoured figure flying through the air in an attempt to shake free of him. Collus was barely protected by his armour as he heaved himself under the arm of his airborne ride, with a burst of power he sent the dark power of the warp surging into his blade and with an explosive swing the arm fell away from its mounting, molten metal running from the heat from his attack. Electricity ran across the suit surface as the shielding dissipated, the energy causing the systems of his power armour to glitch, his visor going black and the joints of the suit locking into place.

Geart had finally got his force moving, he had intercepted minor vox chatter from the Dragons, and it seemed they were engaging the Tau about 12 clicks away. Geart needed to get back in the fray, he wouldn't let the marines take all the glory, but if they were defeated it would still reflect poorly on him. He needed to get involved, and do some good. The charge was on again but the general had lost his fervour now, the glorious charge he wanted was a ruined dream now. His victory that would go down in history would not happen here.

Poiller handed him a data slate containing current army numbers and composition. Geart just checked the overview, only 12% infantry losses, 7% armour losses all well within the acceptable boundaries, but he was stuck chasing two other armies across a planet, not controlling the campaign as he should be. He tossed the data slate onto the bench opposite, it rattled on the bare metal, a weary sigh left his lips and considered his options. He could return to his drop site, reinforce his position and prepare for an attack if the Tau defeated the marines, which was a safe strategy and nobody could argue with him for doing it, but it wasn't how he wanted this war to be won. He could charge straight into the fray, and attempt to sweep the enemy aside but if he failed he would look even more incompetent and he may be discharged, or worse. If only he had a way of striking a blow against the tau without having to fight around the marines, he knew he could not risk them viewing his force as a danger and striking back at him, a civil war was not what he needed.

'Damn it, Poiller!' He blurted to the surprise of the young soldier 'What the hell is that dumb bastard thinking?'

'Sorry Sir?' came the puzzled reply, Poiller turning on the vox seat

'Craft! Damn fool has ruined everything. If I could just get my hands on him!'

'I was wondering why you hadn't chased him down Sir?'

'How can I? He is long gone by now?' Geart shook his head, the young officer clearly hadn't understood the man's treachery 'He has abandoned the Imperium, he sent his patrol across our lines so he could escape.'

'I understand that sir but he didn't abandon his chimera?

'I know what you're thinking, but the tracks will be long gone, and that is assuming he kept to the plains. He's probably already sticking it to some alien whore as we speak.' Poiller grimaced at the last statement, but continued none the less.

'But he had a command chimera didn't he sir?'

'Yes, a damn shame it'll be in filthy blue hands now.'

'You're not thinking this through, if I could be so bold Sir?' Poiller said confidently. The tired General looked up at the boy, he cheeks flushed red and his eye wide with anticipation.

'Go on then?' he said sitting back, resting his hands across his portly midriff.

'Well the command chimeras all have the advanced Vox system, able to contact every other vehicle in the formation across a 300km radius. And also if they are within range, pinpoint the location of all other major Vox transmitters that are on the grid.'

'But he cut his vox system boy?'

'And what about when we have scout regiments? They are still identifiable on the system even with vox cut?'

'You think you can find the chimera boy? The General was as excited as his adjutant was now, looking expectantly between the boy and the Vox station.

'I think I already have Sir!' Poiller leant to the side revealing the large green radar on the control board, a collection of blips surrounding the centre of the display, which showed the other command chimeras in the advance, and right on the edge of the circle, off to the north, a lone green dot flashed.

'You're a frakking genius boy!' Geart boomed, the other occupants of the chimera suddenly stirring at the new activity. 'Get us moving in that direction. Pronto!'

'Surely not the whole force, sir?' Poiller questioned, Geart paused, knowing the boy was right again. He ordered the formation halt and began thinking through his plan.

Also, I'm aware after reading this again that General Geart talks to Poiller like he is a dog at the end? Wasn't intended but whatever, drop a review and let me know what you think. Go on, there's a good boy!