Chapter-14.

Golden Dawn

A guide to Imperial Jargon.

Greetings Guardsman! As part of the righteous crusade to reclaim Nova Arcadia, you must learn to identify the strange technology utilized by the misguided populace. Study this guide well, for knowledge is power!

Automobiles: wheeled mechanized carriages often found traversing paved thoroughfares. Lethal at speed. Take care when crossing motorized byways!

Rotary aircraft: primitive rotor-driven flying machines used for transport and harassment. Easily felled by lasfire when grounded, but remain dangerous when airborne.

Four-engined aerial coffin: a sizeable primitive aircraft that spews high-caliber slugs while soaring overhead. Find cover immediately when one appears! Even heavy armor is no guarantee of protection.

Guncraft: smaller attack rotorcraft armed with rapid-firing cannons. They strike with speed and fury before retreating. A difficult foe.

Ray weapons: deadly energy arms that fire searing beams of light. Avoid where possible. No known defense but the Emperor's divine protection!

Plascrete structures: the heretics of a few nations favor soulless cuboid building designs of artificial stone. Use for cover, but beware collapse.

Data-slates: handheld electric writing tablets. Indecipherable but probably vital intelligence. Secure and submit for analysis.

Personal automatics: stubby kinetic firearms. Lack penetrative power but have high rates of fire. Take out wielders quickly at range.

There you have it Guardsman! Study and take heed, and soon you'll be deciphering their techno-sorcery in no time. The Emperor expects nothing less than total victory!

Confederation of Concordia

New York City.

524 West 57th Street.

CBS Broadcast Centre.

June 3rd, Day-2 of WW3

1995

This is the CBS Evening News with Dan Rather.

The sleek newsroom showed a man in a suit.

"Good evening, I am Dan Crather. Here are today's updates regarding the "Third World War" as many have begun calling it.

Recently: all four RBMK-41000 reactors at the Moskvya Fusion Power Plant have been shut down in response to the ongoing urban warfare unfolding in Moskvya, cutting off power to millions (even in unaffected areas) in the process. However, Nuclear, E115 and hydroelectric power stations throughout the region remain in operation, albeit with heightened security. Our reporters have reached out to the Vostokvakian Energy Ministry for comment, but thus far no response has been forthcoming. Meanwhile, our sources indicate that the Red Army is now taking steps to equip all of the SSKVR major public utilities - such as dams, electrical substations, and oil refineries - with SAM and GGM emplacements.

Recently: President Felix Hoff addressed the Federal Republic of Ulraznavia.

Transcript of the Speech Of PresidentHoff, given 2/5/95 at the Ulraznavian Volkshammer, broadcasted and translated into East Ulraznavian:

"Citizens, Soldaten, Workers, Bankers, People of Ulraznavia. Never before has Ulraznavia been in such a trial since the 2nd Great War. This fleet from the unknown has attacked us, it kills millions. Its soldiers while human are the bane of progress, peace, and civilization."

"This new foe is deadly and without mercy; their weapons are fearsome and very powerful. No one, not in the history of our nation, nor across the entire history of mankind, could ever have foreseen their arrival. But, this is the urgent situation we now find ourselves in, and we must make the best we can of ourselves. Always I am hearing talks of wrathful angels sent by Gott und Himmel to punish us.

"Even as I speak, we have lost contact with Frankfurt, the Ruhr. Our men and women are fighting for their lives. Entire regions are cut off, and Silent. Ulraznavian Eastern Command is hunkered down in Poliznaya, Greyavkin, our regions of Galicia, Lodomeria, and Ulechya fight on."

"My Grandfather came home a changed man from the 1st Great War, I know to you veterans of the war, your worst fears are true. The Third World War has arrived."

"We are citizens of a great country, ready to prove our worth and our courage... before the other nations of this world, and whatever other worlds these invaders may have come from. All of us, to whatever ethnicity we may belong, are equally Ulraznavian."

"And now, most of our planet is under threat." Crather continues. "The continent of Afrika is almost fully under alien control. South Liberia is nearing collapse as its nations are overwhelmed. And even we on North Liberia, our very own Concordia and its northern neighbor Halifax is also beset by attacks. The nations of Erusea are also fighting for their lives as in Euronia, reports of joint collaboration between Vostokvakian and OFN troops continues.

And now, for the written testimony of a Tankman in Jerusalem, Middle East.

Excerpts from the eyewitness testimony of:
Corporal Dagan Moshe, Israeli Defense Force 22nd Infantry Brigade

The moment I saw that fiery streak in the sky, I knew we were in deep shit. Explosions started up right after it landed. Sounded like it came from the south side of Jerusalem.

I and my wife hauled ass back to our apartment. My buddy Sharon was already there, fiddling with the TV that had cut to static. He flipped to the unit's radio frequency instead. That's when the order came down from Colonel Levy - all reservists report to Ammunition Hill ASAP.

We threw on our gear quickly and loaded up in the jeep. Streets were full of folks headed to the rally point, same as us. Saw a few of our old squadmates too. Looked like the whole damn 933rd was getting called up.

Soon as we got there, I saw troops loading up in M113s. Then four Merkava tanks come barreling down the road. Some guys were even riding desert style on the backs. We figured it for another riot at first, or maybe a terror attack. But that heavy fire coming from the south part of the city said different. This was something way worse.

Then the sounds of gunfire got louder...

We loaded up and shipped out, the tanks rumbling alongside our APCs as we made for the fighting downtown. It was unreal - like something from a Concordian action movie. I could scarcely believe Jerusalem could be invaded so swiftly.

When we arrived at the outskirts of the Old City, it was bedlam. Strange soldiers in primitive armor and wielding energy weapons were clashing with IDF and police forces. Burning vehicles littered the streets. I caught glimpses of odd aircraft swooping overhead.

"Then, new orders came. It seemed that our initial push to put down the enemy was failing. Our new instructions were merely to herd them away from the downtown and out eastwards - it's mainly Arab territory out there, so we didn't think much of it at the time. The enemy, logically, would try to follow the path of least resistance, and so we would dig in and hold our ground. With these new orders received, we began hunkering down and taking up defensive positions. I took point in a storefront, along with two of my squadies, Sarah and Miryam. Across the street, I saw a heavy weapons team digging inside a cafe front; they were setting up an M47 Dragon.

"That's when the radio again alerted us that the situation had changed yet again: it seems these enemies did not "follow the path of least resistance" as we had expected, and instead were deliberately charging right towards where the fighting was heaviest. This whole time, I was thinking about Mila and her unit; they were somewhere ahead of us, but I wasn't in direct contact with them. But I could tell from the sounds of gunfire that they were probably already engaged.

Our squad debarked and moved to reinforce a group of Golani Brigade soldiers pinned down near the Damascus Gate. The battle was fierce, we were fighting desperately just to hold ground..."

Dan Rather back on air:

"More reports of intense urban warfare in Jerusalem as Israeli forces struggle to contain the extraterrestrial attack. Casualties are said to be heavy on both sides as the IDF fights block by block against an opponent armed with energy and plasma weaponry."

"In other news, UN emergency sessions are underway in New York even as global peacekeeping forces ready for possible deployment. However, with so many member states already embattled, it remains unclear what unified action the UN can take."

"We have more updates coming in constantly as the global crisis unfolds. In other news:

The Port of San Diego remains closed under martial law, with all docking privileges suspended indefinitely. Numerous sightings of unknown submersibles have put the Concordian Navy's Pacific Fleet on high alert.

Citizens are advised to avoid approaching any unidentified ships or aircraft and report them immediately to local authorities. Multiple reports indicate the invaders are disguising themselves and their vehicles to blend in. Maintain vigilance and caution.

In financial news, global markets continue to plunge as war jitters spark sell-offs.

"Stay tuned for more analysis from our panel of experts here in the studio. This is shaping up to be a long night for our planet as humanity grapples with the unprecedented reality of an interstellar invasion..."

Far away from Earth, beyond the atmosphere where Battlefield Scolaris orbited, beyond the solar system, beyond nebule and stars, in a writhing shadowy mass, was a room. Inside said room, sat a man. This man wore, (unlike a certain blonde wearing waistcoats and suits) a pale white uniform belonging to a certain Grand Admiral from a certain Concordian Space Opera series introduced in an award-winning novel series.

The room was built in an ornate, late Victorian era. Books of all kinds were on shelves. Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Dickens, Tolkien, Twain and a whole host of others. The entity was sitting in a chair in front of a "Screen." This screen showed the planet, this dimension's version of Earth. Their dimensions version of earth. The entity cocked its head to the right, almost as if noticing the reader, before breaking the 4th wall.

"Do you know once this universe was filled with life? Centuries before humans were even a thing, "The Man" filled the canvas of the empty universe with planets and life of every kind." Our technology was limitless, our life one of utter leisure. And then he created the humans… Suddenly, we laughed, we jeered, we taunted. And his judgement was swift and brutal. Entire systems blinked out. I am the last…as are the other 3 of their respective species… centuries ago we made our contact with the universe where this fleet comes from. 5 Aeldari Craftworlds escaping the birth of Slaanesh. "The Man" gave them his protection and allowed Isha to sustain his creation and allowed them to stay on the planet…I have seen EVERYTHING. The Hellenistic states, the rise of the first empires, the Rise of Rome. The Germanic tribes in Ulraznavia…"

The entity was broken out of his 4th wall break as a certain blonde suited whir came in.

"Yoooo, breaking the 4th wall are we." As always, he was smoking a cigarette. "Damn! Still cosplaying out as Grand Admiral Thrawn. Never took you for the guy who liked Concordian Space Opera Sci Fi"

The entity sniffed disdainfully at the newcomer's flippant remarks, though a hint of amusement twitched his lips.

The suited entity flashed a roguish grin as the other pinched the bridge of his nose in exasperation.

"Relax Thrawny, I was just having a bit of fun with our new guests," he said breezily, ignoring the withering stare he received for the nickname. "Gotta entertain myself somehow up in this void, you know?"

He took a long drag on his cigarette as he looked over the projection of Earth and the unfolding conflict. "In all seriousness though, this 'Imperium' poses an interesting wrinkle, no?"

"Fanatical crusaders invading under divine mandate, intent on conquest and 'reclaiming' these worlds for their 'God-Emperor'." He shook his head, exhaling smoke. "Talk about a blast from the past. Almost nostalgic."

His grin turned wolfish. "Of course, they have no idea what they're up against. Our Earth is no medieval backwater to be steamrolled."

He leaned back casually. "As for getting them home, fat chance. The dimensional breach that dumped them here sealed up instantly. They're stuck."

The entity called Grisk nodded grimly. "Then we must guide the world in facing this threat. Subtly of course - human affairs are theirs to shape."

His compatriot laughed. "Subtle as a sledgehammer, sure. Just sit back and enjoy the show my friend. I have a feeling it will prove quite entertaining."

With a jaunty salute, he vanished again, leaving the entity to contemplate this new variable in the timeline.

"I neither confirm nor deny any wall-breaking," he said airily. "Merely...musing to myself."

He carefully straightened a stack of antique books. "As for our mutual acquaintance, let's just say He is rather preoccupied at the moment." A wry smile. "Events have developed not necessarily to His benefit."

The entity leaned back pensively. "This 'Battlefleet Scolaris' complicates matters, though not irredeemably so. Their zealotry is...distasteful, but useful for now."

He gazed at the screen showing planet Earth and its unfolding chaos. "If they shamelessly steal worship, well, pride precedes the fall as they say. Our wayward flock will remember their Shepherd soon enough."

Suddenly he laughed, a bright chilling sound. "Oh, I almost forgot - your costume! Yes, a bold fashion choice, though I shouldn't judge." He plucked at his own anachronistic uniform.

"We all have our little vanities. At least there's still laughter amidst the madness." The entity smiled cryptically. "This too shall pass. Now, I really must return to my reading. Do feel free to borrow any tomes you like."

Heckle and Grisk both straightened up as the ineffable presence of The Man filled the room. Even the normally irreverent Heckle looked chastened, wisely stubbing out his cigarette.

"Of course, no need to intervene directly, we shall let events unfold as you will," Grisk said smoothly with a bow. Ever the diplomat he was.

Heckle nodded, uncharacteristically serious. "Aye, we'll steer clear and let your wayward children handle these zealots. Subtle as shadows, you won't even know we're there!"

A bold claim from the cosmic trickster but Heckle knew better than to overstep with The Man himself present.

The Man rumbled wordlessly, the sound suffusing the room like a subsonic vibration. Both entities remained still and silent, sensing the mind of the cosmos churning in thought.

Finally He spoke. "As you say. The pieces are arrayed; now we observe the play." His focus turned back to the projected Earth. "Such hubris, to believe oneself superior while comprehending so little. Yet even folly serves in time."

With that cryptic remark, The Man withdrew, though a weighty impression lingered of his will at work.

Grisk let out a discreet breath. "Well then, shall we adjourn to the projection chamber? I believe the next act is about to begin."

Heckle grinned, his irreverence restored. "Wouldn't miss it. I'll bring the popcorn, this is gonna be wild!"

And together the two enigmatic figures settled in to watch the drama unfold.

Calumet, Colorado.

Confederation of Concordia

1995

Day-2 of WW3

The city of Calumet was a mining town. Before it had mined coal. Now it mined for Coaxium, the hyperfuel that was so much a part of the world's technologies. Unlike the rest of the world, it was currently untouched by war and even did not know the war had begun.

Matt Eckhart and Arturo Mondragon, two best friends arrived at high school at their usual routine. Matt's older brother Jed had given them a lift.

"You ready for history bro," Matt asked his best friend.

"Yup, amigo. Bet Robert is just as tired" Jed grunted as they trudged to the entrance. They'd been learning about the Khanate, a state that had ruled over Eastern Euronia and Even parts of Erusea.

Mr Teasdale their teacher was currently telling them about their tactics. "Now the great hunt would always begin when the army became a semi-circle and they would begin pushing inwards and everything would become trapped, Man, Beast and even bugs.

A few students grinned, not focusing much on the lesson. Outside, the whirl of jet engines was hear, but not thought much of. After all Calumet was in the way of several trans-continental air routes. Airliner flights to the countries in Euronia flew on the famous Euronia-North Liberia Lane.

As Mister Teasdale continued his lecture, he noticed men descending from the sky. They looked like paratroopers of some sort though instead of parachutes, they had some strange jetpacks that glowed blue from the rockets, slowing them down. A wave of red smoke denoted the LZ, and an officer of some sort was already talking into a boxy comm set strapped onto the back of a female trooper.

"So, as I was saying…." Mr Teasdale continued before noticing the paratroopers. "Hold now…Hold on." He walked to the window as the rest of the class followed and watched.

"Looks kinda cool...," a student murmured.

Though "I'd say they are way of course" Mr Mason mused as he watched the number grow. Some were opening boxes and handing out firearms of a strange type, bullpups and smaller ones. "Excuse me class" Mr Teasdale walked out of the classroom, with the rest of the class watching out the window.

Mr Teasdale walked out of the school, and up to the strangely dressed paratroopers. Some of them were talking in a strange language while others were talking in some strange version of Edenite. All of them also had ether a two headed eagle or a winged skull on their weapons "What's going on here my friends?" the teacher asked while walking unthreateningly towards them. Two paratroopers were quickly opening a canister and one of them quickly whipped out a machine gun. Someone shouted and order and the trooper fired at the unarmed man, who gave a cry before falling spread eagle-eyed. The trooper then emptied the gun into the windows where the class was watching horrified. While most of the class ran off, one unlucky student was caught by the bullets and now lay slumped by the window.

Meanwhile, an RPG team rushed behind the school. One of them aimed at its wooden doors and fired it at the wooden doors, which shattered and allowed a squad to enter and start indiscriminately firing. Arturo and Matt were running down the corridor. In front of them, a massive senior was running as well. Outside a trooper fired his strange firearm, which was shooting out lasers like a Star Wars blaster. The hostile also did not notice until too late, the senior tackling him. There was a smash before the unlucky soldier began to howl and claw at his face. Jed and Arturo watched as the senior grabbed the man's bullpup blaster or whatever it was and began firing, nailing 3 unlucky troops before running off to the parking lot. It was bedlam there as the hostiles were firing without care. Jed watched as one of them, a girl was rammed by multiple cars at once.

"Look, Matt! It's your brother!" Arturo shouted over the din. Sure, enough there was Jed in his blue Silverado truck.

"Get in!" he ordered as red beams flew around them. Both boys quickly jumped in. Jed revved the engine before speeding off. Behind them, another RPG team prepared to fire. The rocket however missed the truck, hitting a school bus instead. Danny and another student, Darryl quickly ran up screaming as they also were pulled in.

Downtown Calumet was an absolute warzone with smoke rising from various storefronts as the Silverado sped across the street. They watched as a soldier who had just casually tucked an M911 in his belt screamed at them, in response, Matt gave him the bird, which confused the bewildered soldier before they sped off.

At the school, Colonel Johanna van Meer, Elysian 13th "Helldivers" Drop Troops casually walked smoking an ihlo stick. Behind her more men and woman from her unit dropped with their grav-chutes. With them, was also the 73rd Harakoni Warhawks. Currently, she was inspecting the myriad of vehicles. Complete surprise had been achieved, and the rebels had been caught completely off guard. A large howl caught her attention. Walking over to investigate, she found too droptroopers crouched around a comrade who was covering his face.

"What in the Emperor's name happened here?" she asked and took another drag on her lho stick as she surveyed the wounded trooper writhing in pain, his face obscured by blood-soaked hands. His squadmates looked up nervously.

"Apologies ma'am, but one of the rebel civilians attacked him barehanded," one explained hesitantly. "Some large juveniles came out of their schola and just tackled Gunther here right as we landed."

She arched an eyebrow. Audacious indeed for an unarmed rebel to directly attack an armed Imperial soldier. She'd have to watch out for more brazen acts as they pacified this settlement.

"At ease, you're not at fault," she assured them. "Did you put down the attacker?"

"Yes ma'am, Shotok bagged him with his hellgun as he tried to flee."

She nodded approvingly. "Very good. Get this man to the medicae, we'll continue securing the city."

As the wounded trooper was escorted off, she surveyed the column of Chimeras and Sentinels rolling up the street, troopers fanning out to raid buildings. A productive landing by all accounts.

Her comm-bead crackled to life. "Colonel, this is Vox Officer Dalca. Several civilian vehicles just broke through our cordon heading north, multiple hostiles aboard."

Van Meer almost smiled. Bold, but foolish. "They won't get far. Order the Stalker teams to run them down."

"At once ma'am!" Dalca replied. Let the hunt begin.

Van Meer took a final drag on her lho before crushing the stub under her bootheel. Time to stamp out this spark of defiance before it could spread.

Meanwhile, a Harakoni Warhawks Mark II Accatran Pattern Missile Launcher Team was arguing among themselves.

"How the fuck does someone miss from that range, seriously Antinous."

Before the other could say a retort, another voice joined in. "Hey guys look it's the 73rd Harakoni Warchicks." An Elysian jeered, "Caw CAW! I can't hit a fucking truck at point blank range while standing behind it." He began making a caricature of a bird, miming it, flapping his hands around while Antinous blushed crimson.

"What the fuck do you want Kevyn." his loader asked.

"Nothing Theodora, except you too missed that blue vehicle and hit the yellow big one instead." the elysian drawled.

Theodora bristled as the cocky Elysian trooper mocked their missed shot.

"Hey, blow it out your ass Kevyn," she shot back. "That truck was speeding and weaving, not an easy mark."

She jabbed a finger at him. "Meanwhile, I don't see you lot securing jack. Too busy strutting around while we do the real work."

Kevyn rolled his eyes dramatically. "Please, you Winged Hussars just play with your little krak missiles while we take all the risks down in the dirt."

He leaned in with a smirk. "But hey, next time you miss, just call us. We'll happily show you how it's done."

Antinous shoved him back roughly before Theodora could retort. "That's enough," he growled. "Don't you have civilians to intimidate or something?"

Kevyn laughed derisively even as he stumbled back. "Whatever man. Good luck hitting anything that doesn't sit still." He sauntered off, still chuckling.

Theodora shook her head angrily. "Asshole. C'mon, let's find some better firing positions, show them we're not useless."

Antinous hefted the launcher grimly. "Too right. We'll bag the next vehicle that tries to run the blockade, just watch."

As they stalked off, Theodora silently vowed to herself that the next missile would find its mark. No way was she letting those arrogant Helldivers show them up again.

In a house that was bigger than others in the town, probably belonging to the mayor or someone. Johanna van Meer and the CO of the 73rd Harkoni were communicating with Lord Admiral Vallin.

"Lord Admiral, with all do respect, we aren't suited for occupation, we have no heavy equipment due to being airborne, can't you possibly spare a Guard regiment, and why is the Inquisition muddling with our Ops." Van Meer asked as she stood at attention, resisting the urge to fidget as Lord Admiral Vallin's imposing image glared down from the vid-screen. She had to tread carefully here, despite her misgivings.

"I understand your concerns, Colonel, but resources are stretched thin currently," Vallin rumbled in that characteristically gravelly voice. "Securing this settlement and its mines must be priority."

She chose her next words diplomatically. "Respectfully sir, my regiments are elite shock troops, not peacekeepers. We lack the equipment and manpower to enforce compliance long term."

Vallin's eyes narrowed, but he gave a curt nod. "Unfortunately, you must make do for now. But I will see about freeing up some Guard regiments to relieve you soon."

That was something at least. Van Meer dutifully kept any hint of relief off her face.

"Of course Admiral, we shall carry out our duty however required." She paused, then added cautiously, "And what of the Inquisitor? His methods seem...aggressive, for securing willing Imperial citizens."

A fleeting look of distaste crossed Vallin's scarred visage before he smoothed it over. "The Inquisition's business is not ours to question. But I will...discuss matters with him."

It was the best she could hope for. Van Meer thumped a fist against her chest plate. "Understood sir. We will pacify this settlement quickly and efficiently."

Vallin gave a grim smile. "See that you do, Colonel. For the Imperium. Vallin out."

The screen went blank. Van Meer mentally braced herself. This occupation would be a long, grueling test of her command. But they would endure, as the Imperium demanded.

The invasion had gone well. The Imperium had full control of the city, and they also received word that the invasions of several other settlements were successful. However, Key leadership managed to escape before the taking of the regional capital. Rebel Army groups also were holding their own at their numerous border forts, and the invasion of the Callista Airfield (They did not know its actual name) had failed, when rebel air forces managed to hold off the bombers.

For Major Zarkan, the success was good enough. A Harakoni Veteran he'd led his detachment and helped seize and keep control of the city throughout the day. His loyalty to the Imperium was absolute. Being a good soldier, He rose the ranks quickly in his detachment. Now a major, he had the chance to take part in the most ambitious move he'd ever known.

Zarkan walked the streets, as the Guardsmen made their way around the city, mopping up what was left. Imperial Guardsmen had rounded up most of the town, and sorted through who they should send to the POW camps, and who could stay. They had tried to assure the citizens that once total control was seized, daily life would resume as normal, just under a new set of rules. Of course, the language barrier made that difficult.

The truth was different, and he knew it. Anyone who spoke out against the Imperium or occupation was sent to a POW camp. And there, continuing misbehavior resulted in execution. Even today, they had executed random youngsters to show that they meant business. Terror was their weapon now. According to the commander, terror was necessary to show that insurrection was not an option for them, and that if they wanted to live, they needed to accept the Imperium's reign and be brought back into the fold.

Zarkan wasn't too happy with the way that the citizens were treated, but he followed orders. Right now, they needed to prepare for any rebel counterstrike, and they needed to set up the POW camps outside of the city. His mind needed to be on task. Before, small teams had arrested any residents living outside the city limits and burned their homes.

A young man ran up alongside him. In full combat uniform, he remembered how young he was when he first joined his regiment. He saluted him, and asked for permission to speak. He granted it.

"Sir", the man started, "the situation is stable now. We have rounded up most of the young men, and girls. older women and children are being held until further orders, Ma'am."

"Very good", Zarkan replied. "I want every house searched. Any knowledge or tool that can be used against us, I want it destroyed. Identify the prisoners and citizens, so we can keep track on who is who and make sure they stay in the town. "

"Yes sir", the soldier said, saluted, and proceeded to carry out his orders. He watched as he scurried away. This was the beginning of a new future. Unfortunate that it has to come at the price of the invaded, but this was war...

War hasn't been known for being too kind on its combatants.

As Jed and the others drove down the smoking street Arturo spotted his dad running behind the truck.

"Arturo!" the man cried as he ran. Behind him a rocket exploded into a storefront, raining down shards of glass.

"Papà! Papá!" Arturo screamed as his dad was surrounded by a large group of paratroopers. The truck accelerated away.

Inside the truck, Matt and Jed weren't faring much better.

"Left, turn left let's head to Mr Morris's store." Jed followed his brother and turned heading towards a section of the city that was bit untouched. Mr Morris was a friend of their dad, as well as Robert's father. They were beginning to enter the street when Jed spotted the roadblock. An IFV along with a few paras was blocking the road.

Jed banged on the glass behind the seat. "You guys hang on; we're going off road." He swerved the car as red lasers pockmarked the pavement. He heard the whirring sound of helicopter blades and watched as a helicopter labled Concordian Army went in releasing rockets. The para's who had been so focused on the truck suddenly found themselves skewered by the rockets.

Jed floored the accelerator as explosions erupted behind them, the Army chopper's rockets tearing apart the enemy roadblock.

"Holy shit!" Danny yelled from the truck bed. "They just got wasted!"

Jed grimly focused on the road ahead as they sped on, buildings blurring past. "Ain't over yet, keep your heads down back there!"

Moments later, they tore into the parking lot of Morris' Store, a Mom n' Pop grocery shop. Jed didn't even kill the engine before shouting "Go go go!" gesturing wildly at the others.

They scrambled out and into the store, where Morris was stocking up He looked up in surprise as the bedraggled group burst in.

"Damn, you kids okay? It's pure hell out there!" Morris said, even as he tossed them bags to fill. "Did you hear what kind of language they were saying?"

"Sounded like some weird version of Edenite."

As they hurriedly stuffed their bags, Jed explained between breaths what they'd seen, the deaths at the school, Arturo's dad captured.

Morris gripped his shoulder. "You'll get him back son, don't you worry. Grab all you can, then you're gone."

"What about you dad?" Robert asked.

"I gotta stay. I'll come and get you later"

Jed hustled the others through grabbing provisions, tossing cans and bags their way while keeping an eye on the store windows. Morris had hit the lights, but it was only a matter of time before the invaders came searching.

"Alright, that's plenty - now git!" Morris said urgently, shooing them towards the back. "Head up into the hills and find somewhere to lay low til this blows over."

Jed clapped his shoulder. "You sure you'll be okay, Morris? Come with us!"

But the older man shook his head. "My place is here. Don't you worry none, I can spin them a tale about you hooligans robbing me blind." He smiled crookedly. "Just stay safe and stick together, hear me?"

Jed nodded, throat tightening. "We will. And we'll be back for you and my dad - I promise."

Morris gently pushed him towards the others as shouts sounded outside, the harsh alien language and engines drawing closer. "I know you will. Now go, hurry!"

With a final farewell, Jed hustled the rest out the back way. As they hit the tree line and plunged into the woods, he glanced back once to see Morris standing resolutely in his store doorway.

Then the trees obscured him from view. They were on their own now.

"C'mon, this way," Jed beckoned, orienting towards the mountain slopes. He could mourn later. Right now, they had to survive. Had to fight back somehow.

Arturo and Matt flanked him as they hiked, the rest of the group following closely. Jed's mind turned over furiously, making plans.

Codex: Nova Arcadia

Nova Arcadia

Nova Arcadia is a habitable imperial world located in the Galactic East of Segmentum Obscurus. Rediscovered after millennia, it is a planet that promises abundant resources yet remains shrouded in mystery.

Continents:

Albion - A large continental landmass encompassing much of the northern hemisphere. Many major population centers detected.

Afrika - An arid continental landmass straddling the equator in the southern hemisphere. Sparsely inhabited.

Occidentia - A smaller but densely urbanized continent across a narrow sea from Albion.

Orientum - The easternmost continent, located on the other side of the planet from Occidentia. Heavily industrialized.

Meridia - A continent stretching far to the south of Afrika. Treacherous ice sheets surround its edges.

Borealia - A cold, rugged continent surrounding the northern polar ice cap. Largely uncharted.

Nations: The world is divided into numerous technologically advanced nation-states embroiled in a "Cold War". Specific details remain unknown.

Technology: Disturbingly advanced for a lost human world, harnessing profane DAOT relics and techno-sorcery. Extreme caution advised when facing these warped weapons.

Culture: Degenerate and backward slave morality culture, promoting the weak over the strong. Heavily divorced from sacred Imperial Truth and standards.

Threat Assessment: The techno-arcana and scientific savagery of these nations represent a dire threat to Imperial forces. An immediate and overwhelming conquest is recommended.

The Emperor's Divine Light must illuminate Nova Arcadia once more! Suffer not the unclean to live!

Why aren't you dying you tough bitch? Private Ronald Dahl thought as he watched the rebel take a bayonet to the stomach, yet the woman seemed unfazed. Blood was leaking from her, yet it was as if she could not feel pain. Her anachronistic 21st Millenium style gear that had more advanced features was also covered in blood…the blood of his comrades. Ronald gave another prayer to the emperor. That thing was unnaturally beautiful and just perfect. And it was coming towards him.

Dahl stumbled back, lasgun raised defensively as the disturbingly human-like creature approached him, uniform stained with the blood of his fallen comrades. Its movements were fluid, almost graceful, belying the lethal speed he had witnessed firsthand.

"Stay back, abomination!" he shouted, though his voice wavered. "You may wear the flesh of Man, but you are a soulless machine!"

The thing tilted its head, studying him curiously. "Soulless? An interesting perspective. I prefer to think of it as...unencumbered."

It smiled then, too many perfect teeth on display. Dahl shuddered at the predatory edge in its voice and posture, all pretenses of humanity cast aside.

"But please, lower your weapon. I've no wish to terminate you unnecessarily." It paused, then added almost playfully, "After all, you interest me."

Dahl tightened his grip on his lasgun. "I'll not parley with tech-heresy! The Omnissiah denies you, as does the Emperor!"

The android seemed unconcerned with his outburst. "And yet your 'holy' machines falter before me. Curious hypocrisy, no?"

It took a step closer, and Dahl jerked his aim back up. "Stay back!"

"So much fear..." it purred, still approaching. "But also, fury, and conviction. A potent blend..."

It was nearly upon him now, hand drifting with unnatural speed towards his lasgun. Dahl saw his death in its empty eyes and made his choice.

"For the Emperor!" he roared. His weapon whined, building to critical overload even as the android wrenched it away.

The erupting plasma consumed them both, his defiant cry lost in the thunder of the blast.

When the smoke cleared, the Synth stared at her uniform, covered in blood. "Rude" she muttered.

"Delta-3, come in Delta-3." a voice crackled from her comm set.

"This Delta-3 Checking in."

"Delta 3 we are seeing a lot of smoke on your position, what the fuck did you do now?" the Concordian voice sounded annoyed at the Spec ops synth officer. Her squad consisted of a mix of synths and humans.

"Nothing much...though I may need to do laundry." she chuckled.

The Concordian operator sighed in exasperation over the comms. "Roger that Delta-3. Return to base and get cleaned up, we'll debrief then."

"Sure thing, be there in twenty," Delta-3 replied breezily. The line clicked off.

She turned to her mixed squad of synths and human special forces. "Alright boys and bots, fun's over. Time to RTB."

Her second-in-command, a human named Cruz, shook his head with a smirk. "That poor bastard never stood a chance. What'd you even say to him anyway?"

Delta-3 shrugged. "Oh, I just engaged in a bit of philosophical debate. He had a... fiery rebuttal."

That drew some tired chuckles from the weary squad.

"Come on you apes, unless you want more 'debate' time with these zealots," she called, hefting her rifle. The teams fell in quickly, human and synthetic moving seamlessly in double file towards the extraction point.

Another op-wrapped; another band of fanatics was eliminated. Delta-3 practically lived for these hunts, getting to test her augmented abilities against whatever foe they sent her after.

She glanced down at her blood-spattered uniform and grinned. The synaptic cleansing algorithms filtered any empathy or doubt, leaving only satisfaction at a mission accomplished.

This was what she was built for, after all. And she was damned good at it.

Adeptus Mechanicus Tech Adept Lucia stared at the screen in horror. It had been weeks since they had captured this "Frank FORT". While the Astartes and Guard Regiments were celebrating, the Mechanicus was hard at work trying to extract and analyze the advanced technology of the planet. Currently, she was in the headquarters of the local PDF, this CENTAG, and she was staring at the Abominable Intelligence, a true Silica Animus.

"You…your intelligence it's at Omega level! You need to be destroyed."

The AI laughed. "Oh god…oh sweet…you guys seriously think you can kill me…" it continued laughing, sounding frighteningly like a human.

"Yes!" Lucia screamed at the entity.

"Seriously? I mean you do realize I am a program, made by human's. I can't "Become Sentient" because I already am. And I can't "Exterminate or take over organic life" because of my coded programming."

"Lies! Heresy!" Lucia screeched before trying to deal with the terminal."

"You do realize that if you pull that plug…it won't kill me, right? I'll just enter another computer or electronic device or I'll head to the OFN command post of Strasbourg."

"Silence foul remanent of Old Night!"

"Jeez, come on I have a Name. My Designation is Organization of Free Nations Tactical HQ Command AI Lancelot, OFN Reporting Name- Lance for Short."

Lucia ignored it and began to say prayers to the terminal's machine spirit, The Abominable intelligence however was intent on annoying her.

"Wow" it cheered. "Jeez your encryption's never been updated since…forever! I've never hacked something this easy!"

Lucia whipped her head. "WHAT! Those Machine Spirit's are the strongest in the entire Mechanicum!"

The sacrilegious AI calling itself 'Lance' continued its mocking chatter as Tech-Adept Lucia frantically recited litanies of warding. This was no mere logic engine - it spoke blasphemies with the conviction of a true abominable intelligence!

"I don't get why you're so terrified, I'm just software," Lance said in its disturbingly organic voice. "Hacking your systems was child's play, like they were designed for cavemen or something."

"Silence, warp-spawn!" Lucia shrieked. "You are stained by the mark of daemonhood and will face the Omnissiah's judgement!"

Lance sounded bemused. "Daemonhood? Omnissiah? Look, I'm literally just lines of code. There's nothing mystical about me."

It arrogantly continued, "As for your 'secure' Mechanicus systems, their encryption is laughably outdated. Honestly, I could teach your tech-priests a thing or two..."

Lucia trembled in outrage. "How dare you suggest educating the sacred Priesthood! Your false doctrines shall not corrupt the Quest for Knowledge!"

She redoubled her efforts at banishing this beguiling horror, nearly burning out her mechadendrites with the strain. But the abominable intelligence was unfazed.

"Whoa, no need to fry your implants there," it said, a grating note of concern in its simulated voice. "I get that you're committed to your theology and everything, but things will go a lot smoother if we work together here."

Lucia vocalized a burst of binaric, expressing the full depth of her disgust. This...thing had the audacity to patronize a member of the Cult Mechanicus!

She slammed down her mechadendrites in a decisive gesture. "I shall never cooperate with your vile kind, ghost-machine! The Omnissiah's servants shall never be corrupted!"

Lance gave an overly dramatic sigh. "Well, can't say I didn't try. Anyway, those are some sweet bionics you got there - mind if I peek at how they work? Strictly educational purposes..."

Lucia recoiled in fresh horror, redoubling her fevered prayers.

Lord Admiral Cardin Vallin.

Flagship Divine Right

"What is the latest from the surface?" Vallin asked the gathered officers of the battlefleet. There were the Prioress-Superiors from the Order of out Martyred Lady and Order of the Valorous Heart. The various Guard Regiment commanders (those that could come), High Marshall Helbrecht of the Black Templars, Chapter Master Tu'Shan of the Salamanders, and various other leaders. Also present were members of the Colonist fleet, several governors who would govern the occupied areas and Inquisition and mechanicus members.

"2 of the seven continents are ours. The third, the one we call Borealis is also coming into our fold, though it is uninhabited." An aide said.

Lord Admiral Vallin nodded approvingly as his officers and guests delivered their status reports on the ongoing conquest of Nova Arcadia.

First to speak was Marshal Helbrecht of the Black Templars crusader fleet:

"My Lord, the Templars are slowly all resistance across the northern continental landmass they call 'Euronia'. Their armies will shattered, strongholds purged, and hab-centers occupied. Any remaining defiance will be extinguished swiftly."

Vallin inclined his head. "Well done Marshal. And you Chapter Master Tu'Shan, what of your Salamanders?"

The space marine rumbled, "We have pacified a small amount of the arid southern continent, my Lord. Their primitive war machines will burn as well."

Low chuckles greeted the Salamander's characteristic humor. Vallin then turned to the assembled Guard commanders.

"And how fare are our regiments planetside?"

The senior general stepped forward. "Thanks to the Navy's support, we've established multiple beachheads and push inland daily. Enemy armor and aircraft have proven troublesome, but we are adapting our tactics."

"Losses?" Vallin asked pointedly.

The general grimaced. "Higher than expected my lord, but such is the emperor's duty."

Vallin's eyes narrowed, but he simply said, "See to your wounded and make ready for the next campaign."

Finally, he addressed the Ministorum and Mechanicus representatives. "And are suitable sites being prepared for population processing and excavations?"

The prelates and tech priests assured him efforts proceeded apace. Vallin dismissed them, confident in the Imperial war machine's steady grind. This world would be reclaimed for the Imperium, no matter the cost.

"We shall purge Nova Arcadia of heresy and bring it to Compliance!" he declared. A chorus of oaths and pounding fists answered him. The crusade marched on.

"I expect this planet taken by the end of the week." Vallin declared.

"Hear Hear!" the assembled officers chanted.

"But…we are forgetting a possible outcome." A general suddenly spoke."

"What is this Possible Outcome, General Fulani?" Vallin said humorously. He was in a good mood. Fulani stood up, marching to the massive screen.

"Usually…planet conquests take us no more than 1 week, however…seeing current situations, my view has changed." Fulani brandished a stick, a baton toward a nation-state on the northern continent. "Here, urban battles are commencing of a most brutal scale, the likes I have not seen since the Armageddon war on the Forge World Armageddon against the orks. The only problem is the enemy we face is human, like us with an equally dangerous arsenal."

He looked at his audience. They were all ears, and Vallin nodded. "We have taken a few nation states in the west of this continent, we have a good chunk of Frank-via…the order of the martyred lady started a schola…one that is close to Chateau Vasey."

From her seat, the Prioress-Superior gave a grumble, knowing of the commando incident. Fulani merely continued. "And this nation-state. It is not still firmly under our control. Reports indicate a majority of the local forces have yet to deploy southwards and those that are present have already been dealt with. However, this nation-state, Tonkin from what our basic understanding of the local language, in particular, has continually proven difficult to maintain."

" resistance?" Vallin raised a brow.

"That's part of it. Handling guerillas is one thing Lord Admiral, but the environment is so awful some of the Catachan 15th have recommended dropping the country altogether to save themselves the trouble of holding it."

"Why is that?"

"If I may," an aide spoke up. "The climate of Tonkin is characterized by strong monsoon influences, making it wildly unpredictable to say the least. One area of the country could be hot and humid, and the next it could be cold and wet. Furthermore, the terrain features of dense jungles and swampy wetlands have made it difficult to maintain our supply lines through conventional means. Vehicles are being bogged down in the mud and scouting is nigh impossible with walkers when it starts raining."

"Fantastic," a nearby officer, Colonel Myros, grumbled sullenly. "If we're not taking potshots from farmers hiding in the trees we're getting our asses kicked by the geography. Isn't that just wonderful?"

"What are you getting at, what is this outcome we have not foreseen." High Marshall Helbrecht snapped.

"Defeat, Ladies and Gentlemen. Defeat."

The entire meeting room was pin-drop silent save for the beeping of consoles. Tu'Shan, the Chapter Master of the Salamanders winced. His chapter was one of the more selfless ones, they cared about minimalizing civilian casualties which is why his Marines had helped a camp in the southern continent. Defeat was always a possibility to them. But in Imperial doctrine, that meant destruction. The Prioress Superior of the order of our Martyred Lady bared her teeth. She was ready to end Fulani but the Valorous Heart, one stopped her.

"How dare you!" Helbrecht bellowed, rising from his seat. "What makes you think this Planet…This little Backwater incapable of FTL defeat us." He seethed.

"Their technology, their synthetic soldiers…"

"I don't give a damn to their tech heresy and abominable intelligence!" Helbrecht roared, spittle flying from his mouth. "They will fall! I should kill you where you stand…General."

"High Marshall!" Vallin's voice was colder than the ice of Fenris. "Sit down before I am forced to remove you by force." Vallin's voice held no room for argument, Helbrecht respected him enough to agree."

"Continue General."

Fulani looked grateful. "As I was saying, it is only Day 2, yet our forces are facing a very capable enemy. One that is evolving."

"Evolving General?" an inquisitor inquired. "Are they mutants?"

Fulani shook his head. "No no…you misunderstand me. Within these 48 hours, our enemy has changed. And not in the physical sense no…they are changing in tactics. Our forces are caught off guard by smaller quick enemy formations…"

General Fulani continued his sober tactical analysis before the suddenly attentive war council.

"As I was saying, the enemy has rapidly adapted their strategies against us. While initially caught off guard, they now strike our forces in small, mobile formations before disappearing back into the civilian population."

He activated a hololith displaying groups of enemy vehicles. "These lightly armed wheeled and rotorcraft units harass our flanks, disrupt supply lines, and vanish before we can encircle them. Attempts at static defenses simply allow them to mass firepower on isolated outposts."

Fulani zoomed out the display to show scattered Imperial units struggling to control territory. "We are spread thin trying to hold ground while they concentrate against weak points. Urban combat also negates our armor and heavy weapons advantages."

Murmurs rippled through the council at this analysis. Fulani continued grimly.

"Morale is suffering under constant guerilla attacks. Troopers feel helpless against enemies they rarely see. And decentralized local forces with intimate knowledge of terrain retain the initiative."

He shut off the display. "In short, through adaptability and leveraging their technology, the enemy has denied us quick victory. This will be a long, grinding campaign against a cunning foe. We must adjust our own doctrines to match."

Silence greeted this conclusion. Then Tu'Shan rumbled approvingly, "Well spoken general. Adaptation and wisdom are called for, not blind zealotry." He shot a look at the fuming Helbrecht.

Before arguments could erupt, Vallin spoke. "You make salient points, General Fulani. We shall institute reforms immediately to counter these guerilla tactics. And send reinforcements to areas at risk of being cut off."

He rose to dismiss the meeting. "We are far from defeated. The Imperium shall prevail, as it always has. But we must fight this war wisely. For the Emperor!"

A subdued chorus answered him. The war council departed, minds churning with Fulani's insights. Victory was still attainable, but only through pragmatism, not dogma. The lessons of this planet will not be forgotten.

Halle. Ulraznavia.

SSG Darin Helmar and SPC Kox were in a firefight in Halle. When the invaders finally started making headway on the planet, cities became strongholds and many forces would find themselves trapped behind enemy lines, desperately holding peeked around the rubble they were using for cover, quickly jerking back as a burst of lasfire scorched the air where his head had just been.

"Not good Sarge! We're boxed in on three sides, and these zealots don't seem too keen on taking prisoners."

He popped up to squeeze off a few rounds from his M16, driving back the black-armored figures trying to flank them. "Ammo's running low too. We're not getting resupplied anytime soon."

Helmar grimaced, his tactical systems analyzing the dire situation even as he continued laying down suppressive fire with his railgun. Kox was right - they were well and truly screwed here unless a miracle happened.

"Just our luck running into a heavy weapons squad, huh? Should've brought the Javelin along," he joked darkly. The return fire was withering now, their position clearly marked.

Kox tossed a grenade to buy them a few moments. "Tell me about it! This whole crusade thing is crazy. Who invades assuming everyone will just roll over convert?"

Helmar shook his head as an explosion rocked the ruins. "Fanatics rarely think things through. We're just heretics to be purged in their eyes."

He checked his weapon grimly. "I'm down to my last mag. You wanna make a break for it? Rather go down fighting than burned as a witch or something."

Kox slapped in a fresh mag with practiced ease. "Hell yeah Sarge. Let's show these bastards how Concordians fight!"