Chapter VIII:
Glory to Mankind
Republic of San Magnolia's Eastern Front, First Ward, July 27th SY 2148
Out in the hot summer outskirts of the Republic's countryside, entire companies of infantry, artillery guns and tanks lie in wait to ambush the incoming Legion assault force. For the entire day, the men and women of the Imperial Guard were subjugated to the brutal and scorching heat wave. Once again, Captain Nouzen has predicted a large enemy force about to attack the city from their right flank. Death Korps of Krieg scouts were able to establish and hold key positions to intercept the Legion. Death Marshal Arnem didn't wait to deploy a sizeable force on those positions to halt the enemy assault.
The Juggernauts of Spearhead Squadron were also deployed along the frontline, scattered in platoons and ready to jump in action at a moment's notice. Attached to them were the Armoured Sentinel squadrons of Sixth and Seventh Companies. The Sentinels would provide the needed numbers and firepower to the Juggernauts; being equipped with autocannons, Lascannons and Multi-Meltas, they were the go-to units to destroy Löwe types.
The Cadian regiment's Twelfth and Fourteenth Armoured Companies have joined the frontlines once more. The Leman Russ and Rogal Dorn tanks were eager to smite the Emperor's enemies with overwhelming and violent fire. Basilisk tanks from the Krieg 12th Siege Regiment were also deployed to provide counter-artillery fire with a pair of rare but devastating Praetor Armoured Assault Launchers. Based on the Crassus Armoured Transport's chassis, these immense and heavily armoured vehicles were armed with massive and sophisticated multiple missile launcher systems. With an impressive payload of Foehammer anti-armour and Firestorm airburst missiles, a Praetor is capable to fire at different targets with different missiles at long ranges. They were the perfect tools to either suppress a wide area or to exclusively destroy key targets and bunkers.
Sergeant Maria Henson had her eyes glued through the advanced magnoculars, able to switch to thermal imaging to detect heat signatures and equipped with a laser module that would provide the distance at the designated target. With nothing on the horizon, she uncapped her canteen and drank a generous amount of water, her body has suffered enough from the day's heatwave.
Her crew manned the Heavy Lascannon. A more powerful version of the already mighty Lascannon, the Heavy Lascannon is a prized and vital field ordnance to any Imperial Guard commander. They were the middle ground between the heavy weapons squads and a battle tank, perfect to destroy heavy armoured vehicles and heavy infantry in a pinch. The downside was that it took some time to build up the necessary energy to fire the field gun and it is power hungry, its huge power energy pack was only enough to provide five shots before reloading.
Henson swiped the built up sweat over her face and returned to her observation duty. She gasped when she spotted an immense silver wave of Eintagsfliege types was hovering over them, blanketing the ground and shielding them from the sun.
"Damn it…" She cursed bitterly, "Our vox comms are down… but at least we know they are coming. Get ready, troopers!"
Her crewmembers were on high alert, setting up the weapon's sights down range and already powering up their first shot, ready to blast any Legion that dared to show its ugly hide.
The ground shook lightly beneath their combat boots, the low rumble of the Legion army getting louder as they approached their sector of fire. Adrenaline pumped into her blood streams, Henson anticipated impatiently for the upcoming battle, she and her crew wanted first blood, to initiate the fight and deliver the Emperor's vengeful hammer.
A lone Löwe emerged into the clearing, its large gun turret scanning its surroundings.
"Target. Tank type, 700 metres, 030 degrees, front." She instructed firmly.
"On target."
"Fire!"
A bright and intense laser beam blast through the Löwe's turret ring, effectively decapitating the drone. The Legion responded immediately in kind, their Skorpion types opened fire their first barrage and pummelled the Imperial lines.
After the initial salvo, the Legion charged forth, waves of Ameise, Grauwolf, Löwe and even the Self-Propelled Mines braved through the unrelenting fire of the defenders. Disoriented and pinned down by the Skorpion accurate fire, the Imperial Guard and Spearhead Squadron were forced to face the Legion head-on and in the open.
"What in the Golden Throne?!" Colonel Frazyer swore through gritted teeth, "There weren't supposed to be this many… did they joined forces with another unit?"
"Colonel! Our front infantry line is pinned down by enemy artillery!" A Vox operator reported urgently, "Most of the field guns are destroyed by the initial volley."
"Damn these pieces of scrap metal! Send in the tanks and relieve the pressure off our infantry! They must not get through to our Basilisks!"
"Yes, sir!"
"Man, looks like they brought out the big guns to force us out in the open," Daiya commented sarcastically, effortlessly eliminating two Ameise that got too comfortable with him and Anju.
"Makes you think if all of this effort was for us or the Cadians. Almost brings a tear to my eyes!" Haruto replied with an eager grin.
"Son of a bitch!" Raiden cursed dryly, "They figured out we could predict their routes and have targeted our artillery guns. They are putting a lot of pressure to the centre. The Guard won't hold much longer at this rate."
"They've reinforced their flanks, but we need to take the pressure off and take out the spotters. Laughing Fox, do you have comms with the nearest Cadian unit?" Shin inquired flatly.
"Uh, yeah, that's a negative, Undertaker. Comms are jammed, we're going to have to speak directly to the Sentinels." Theo assessed with a grimace, shielding behind a deep trench line.
"Can't we get air support?" Lena asked through the Resonance of the Para-Raid.
"With our comms jammed and the Legion blocking our sky, the Imperials won't want to mistakenly kill their own men… I think…" He said unsurely, taking note that the Imperial Guard was willing to send out literal cavalry with spears tipped with anti-armour grenades. "We'll have to make do. Draw them out in the open and hopefully our friendlies will push back the tide."
Juggernauts and Sentinels surged forwards, spewing out burst of fire before relocating, their speed and agility were perfect for hit-and-run tactics. On foot, Cadian Shock troopers, Krieg Korpsmen and Kaskins lay down the Imperium's fury and unleashed a wall of lasfire. The lasguns quickly chewed through the Self-Propelled Mines and Ameise types, the Löwe types were distracted by the walker mechs.
A volley fire from the Löwe tanks wiped a squad of Guardsmen and two Chimeras. Screams of the wounded echoed through the woods while combat medics did their best to tend to them. Hekler accidentally stomped on the eviscerated guts of a Cadian cut in half. She stalled for a moment, regarding her blood-soaked combat boots with slight disgust. She quickly recovered and joined her squad on top of a tactical mound.
"Someone get that bleeding Heavy Bolter up and firing!" Captain Parris hollered sternly, firing two Bolt rounds into an incoming Grauwolf.
A pair of Guardsmen quickly set up the Heavy Bolter and resumed its barrage of violence and fury. More Shock troopers and Korpsmen joined the line, laying down en-masse volleys of lasfire, annihilating any lightly armoured targets to smoking husks. Despite the effective lasfire, a couple of Self-Propelled Mines managed to breakthrough the wall of hellfire, rapidly closing with the Imperial Guardsmen.
"Incoming!"
Parris swung his power sword; the activated blade cleanly decapitated the humanoid drone. A Korpsman thrusted his bayonet through a disposable drone, quickly kicking it off before it detonated its payload. While some managed to fend off in close quarters combat, others weren't as lucky. Two Self-Propelled Mines tackled the Heavy Weapons team, the gunner trying to pry them off the ammo bearer while bashing their heads in with a sapper shovel.
"Mama, mama, mama," One of the drones eerily repeated as its lifeless singular eye stared at the ammo bearer.
"Get the fragging Hel away from me!" The guardsman shouted angrily.
An explosion erupted, vaporizing both guardsmen in a second, leaving behind gore and blood on the destroyed Heavy Bolter. More mines erupted along the lines, taking with them two or five troopers. A whole pack of them climbed up a Sentinel. The pilot desperately tried to shake them off.
Gunther and Mons saw the distressed Sentinel and opened fire at the drones. The hot-shot volley gun shredded the humanoid drones, finally freeing the Sentinel. The pilot was about to thank them but took a direct hit from a 120mm HEAT tank shell to the side, the shell obliterated the armoured walker in a fiery explosion. The devastated wreck fell in a loud heap.
"Ah! Something, something – type! Front! Bring it down!" Gunther shouted in frustration.
The Löwe swerved its gun turret at them, acquiring their next targets. Lecca, positioned at a higher ground, took aim with Burnt Tayl. She pulled the trigger, the 57mm APFSD shell pierced the Löwe's top armour, saving the Kasrkins' by a second. Suddenly a 155mm artillery shell impacted the ground next to her, ripping out Burnt Tayl's left legs and sending her flying away.
Her Juggernaut rolled in the air, disorienting the poor girl. It bounced off a rocky hill before violently crashing on a nearby stream. The landing was rough and violent that her canopy flew open.
"Burnt Tayl, no!"
"Can anyone from Sixth platoon reach her?"
"Not with all that artillery fire!"
"Even the landscape. If we move now-"
"Leave it to me." Daiya volunteered, turning around Black Dog towards the creek.
"Daiya! Wait!" He heard Anju's worried cry but ignored it.
"I'll be fine! Someone send the Cadians to her location as well!"
He traversed down the hill and through the riverbank, dodging incoming tank shells. Black Dog fired short burst of 12.7mm heavy machine gun rounds, taking out Grauwolf and Ameise alike. Just as he was about three hundred metres away from Lecca's downed Juggernaut, he felt his own war machine tremble before being shot into the air. He yelped in surprise as Black Dog spiralled uncontrollably in the air. It tumbled vigorously on the ground, bending the 57mm cannon's barrel and crushing two of its legs, rendering Black Dog immobile and utterly defenceless.
"Black Dog! You need to get out of there!" Lena's alarmed voice woke him out of his stupor, his head still pounding from the rough landing.
Through his LCD screens, he spotted a swarm of Self-Propelled Mines charging for him, rolling and running despite taking casualties. Noticing that his secondary heavy machine guns were still operational, he let loose a barrage of .50 calibre rounds. The anti-material rounds easily ate through the swarm but despite the machine gun burst and mortar shells raining on them, some managed to run past and jumped at Black Dog. Daiya's eyes widened with fear and dread. He heard and saw the creepy doll-faced drones impacting around his canopy, one of them seemed to be staring straight into him. He knew that he had a couple of seconds to live. He swallowed regretfully.
"A-Anju… I love y-"
Katra stared in shock as the mobile mines that swarmed the downed Juggernaut exploded, blowing up the war machine to smoking pieces.
"Damn it! We need to move now!" Kholm shouted in anger while firing blindly at the Ameise.
Their squad was pinned down behind a rocky hill. Holmes and his squad tried to recover Burnt Tayl but were soon outgunned by a Löwe and its cohort of Ameise. Two Sentinels tried to reach the immobilized Juggernaut but were shortly cut down by a Grauwolf. Mattias was dragging the unconscious and bleeding body of Graff, his left leg missing from below the knee.
The Kasrkins couldn't do much but to fend off the Legion and try to overpower them in the firefight. An Ameise was approaching the Juggernaut, like a hungry predator going to feast on its fresh prey.
Lecca unholstered her sidearm and opened fire in defiance, Kurena screamed in her Para-Raid, saying that she was on her way. The 9mm rounds bounced off harmlessly against the light armour plating. Ignoring her fellow Eighty-Six's alarmed chatter, she continued to pour down bullets into the approaching Ameise.
"I won't be some hunk of scrap metal!" The Ameise raised one of its front legs, poised to strike her down.
Lecca smiled bitterly and accepted her fate. She pulled the pistol's barrel under her chin, ready to end her own life and refusing to give the Legion another soul to be assimilated. While staring down at death with a defiant grin…
"Make it count… mister Reaper."
She cut off her Resonance, time seemed to slow down. She saw the metallic member of the Ameise coming down in full force. She felt her index pulling the trigger. Unconsciously, she grimaced at the last moment, expecting that fired shot might be painful. All of her joyful and significant memories flashed before her eyes like a bittersweet reminder of the life she lived and of the friends she's about to leave behind prematurely.
A deafening shot rang out. The Ameise crushed Lecca lifeless corpse. A blast of a Lascannon penetrated the drone's central processor, instantly destroying it. The other surrounding Ameise and Self-Propelled Mines were eliminated as the Kasrkins finally reached Burnt Tayl.
Holmes climbed up the hull and peered into the canopy. The Cadian officer frowned deeply. The Ameise completely missed her head, impaling instead her torso. Brain matter was splattered in her seat while blood and flesh pooled out of the gaping chest wound. It wasn't a pretty sight, but he hoped that she killed herself before it did.
"Hekler, pass me three krak grenades." He instructed straightforwardly.
As he set up the anti-armour grenades, another Juggernaut joined them. It halted suddenly and stared at Burnt Tayl's back.
"Is… Is she…?" The pilot asked shakenly through the loudspeaker. Gunther nodded mutely. "Damn it!" She yelled in anger and despair.
"Marsh Hare, come back. Snow Witch, take over command from Black Dog." Shin ordered firmly. "Can you do that?"
Anju stared hopelessly at Black Dog's burning carcass. She had to scramble her shattered mind to answer Shin's command. "Yes… understood." She mustered whatever strength she had left before her throat ran dry, her stomach tying into painful knots and her heart beating in agony. She swallowed the built-up bile and ran her tongue through her dry lips, her mouth firmly closed to a thin line, regressing the mounting emotions.
"Fire in the hole!" Hekler shouted as the makeshift packed explosives detonated, destroying the Juggernaut's hull and vaporizing Lecca's body with it. They made sure that they recovered her dog tags and tore a small piece of her Juggernaut in order to deliver it to Nouzen.
They suddenly turned their heads up when they heard the deafening whistles of the Praetors' missiles. Dim streaks of white plumes drew across the air as the missiles pummelled the Legion's artillery batteries. Then out of nowhere, Valkyries and Vulture gunships swept over the battlefield, delivering their payload and gunning down the silver blanket.
The battle continued fiercely into the night and until dawn before the Legion conclusively retreated. The Leman Russ and Rogal Dorn tanks were credited for the battle's victory, managing to wipe out the Skorpions as well as successfully cutting off the Legion's forces in two, allowing the rest of the Imperial Guard to wipe out the enemy in more manageable portions.
However, no cheers of joy and songs of victory echoed.
The guardsmen continued with their work, now tasked with the grim mission of recovering as many corpses as possible before the Legion could. On the desolate and smoking battlefield, Valkyries, Chimeras and Centaurs were improvised ambulances, evacuating the wounded while the dead were unceremoniously piled up after their personal belongings were recovered. Once piled up, a team of flame throwers torched the corpses and waited until it crumbled to ashes.
A Cadian squad patrolled the small creek, coming up at a wrecked Juggernaut. They wordlessly walked by it, paying no attention to it. One of them halted by a destroyed Ameise, examining its silver-like armour plating.
"Got to be something worth a bit of scratch," He proposed to one of his squadmates, "Hand it over and I'll cut you in."
"Black marketeering? Really? You're a disgrace to the uniform!" Another chastised him.
The vox operator strolled next to the squad's sergeant, "So… assuming we're not all blasted to smithereens, reckon they'll get this planet pay its tithe after this, sergeant?"
"Not too sure of that, corporal," The sergeant answered truthfully, "I don't think they have the bodies to actually muster a proper PDF let alone a single regiment by our standards,"
"Shame really. This planet is beautiful." The guardsman admitted frankly, "I would've-" He stopped mid sentence when they came across the second destroyed Juggernaut.
Both of them gazed with dread as the pilot of the burnt Juggernaut was somehow still alive… barely. Daiya weakly outstretched his right arm, ragged gasps and heaves came out of his mouth.
"Emperor give me the strength to carry out the deed…" The sergeant started to recite sombrely as he marched towards the Juggernaut, flicking the safety off his lascarbine, "May He welcome your soul to the Eternal Gates…"
"Don't." Came a firm but soft voice.
The sergeant turned around and saw Captain Nouzen out of his Juggernaut. He hadn't even heard the Juggernaut coming up and he was completely caught off guard.
"Oh… uhm, sorry. Didn't heard you coming, captain."
Shin shook his head, "Don't worry, I tend to do that to anyone. Sneaking up I meant." He added with light humour.
"We'll… we'll leave you to it, captain…" The sergeant awkwardly turned around but stopped for a moment, "We're sorry for your lost. I'm sure he was a good warrior."
Shin quietly nodded in reply and turned towards the burnt remains of Black Dog. Moments later, a shot rang out, breaking the desolate silence of the battlefield.
Light chatter filled the mess tent. A couple of talented cooks were able to catch some fish and fresh vegetables for tonight's meal. Despite the delicious and home-cooked dinner, most of the Cadians were quiet, their minds reflected on the last battle.
Corporal Marcus Graff died of his wounds, among a dozen of other Kasrkins in the First Company. They were impacted by the loss of the Eighty-Six pilots of Spearhead Squadron. Having grown attached to the younglings, they were especially disheartened by the deaths of Lecca Lin and Daiya Irma. Kholm was the most affected. He was unresponsive for most of the time, didn't crack any jokes and barely smiled. Gunther and Mons tried their best to cheer him up but to no avail. Galen Kholm has a soft spot for the young ones, they reminded him of his siblings… the only family he once had, where their unmarked graves now floated in empty space with the pieces of Cadia. The same could be said for the Eighty-Six, they didn't have the time to dig graves, and instead were usually left where they died and their bodies were set on fire to prevent the Legion from collecting their brains.
Katra walked out of the mess tent. She instantly felt the change in temperature, the warmth of the food and swarm of hungry soldiers quickly heated up the tent to an unbearable degree. Though the summer night winds were light, it was still enough to soothe her exposed skin. She switched to a khaki tank top to let her body cool off. She began walking aimlessly towards the forest located behind the Eighty-Six's barracks.
Her mind wandered back to Daiya's and Lecca's last moments. She remembered the determination and hope she felt. She assumed that they would be rescued just like they rescued Kaie, but the enemy was fiercer, expecting the Cadians to jump in to extract the downed Juggernauts. They were foolish and complacent, preferring to act in glory and heroically instead of taking their time and assess the situation. For their rash actions, they paid the price dearly.
As she rounded the corner, she noticed at the corner of her eyes Anju closing the door behind her. She was at the building's rear exit door which led to the kitchen. The silver haired Eighty-Six held a large empty pot in her hands and stared blankly at the ground. Suddenly, she slid against the door and brought her knees to her chest, sobbing quietly and without a care in the world. Daiya's death has undoubtedly hit her the most. They were an unofficial couple, not wanting to start a relationship out of fear they might regret and die prematurely but they still acted and flirted around, happy by just being beside each other.
Katra felt a deep sympathy. She didn't deserve this, none of them do. They weren't supposed to be on the frontlines, or at least fighting in it alone and without much support from their own nation. They were sent and abandoned by the Republic, hoping the Eighty-Six would end the Legion's invasion with sheer force of will and their corpses. Yet the Legion still persisted and grew stronger while the bodies kept piling up with no long-term solutions in sight. Sooner or later, the fighting force of the Republic will perish under the weight of the Legion and the nation will collapse in a few days… maybe even hours.
The Cadian woman hesitated between leaving Anju grieve alone or comfort her. Lacking the skill and knowledge of the latter, she decided to leave her grieve. She mentally noted to check up on her the next day.
Marrek Holmes sat on the Valkyrie's right wing with Elena Jenniah, a warm tea pot sat between them as they enjoyed the soothing breeze. Marrek was unusually quiet. When he was around her, he would smile and tease her but with recent events, he had grown distant. She knew perfectly why. He didn't want to admit it, but he too was attached to the Eighty-Six.
Elena rested her hand on top of his, tracing soft circles with her thumb on his hand. Marrek slightly flinched at the unexpected gentle touch, gazing at their intertwined hands before lifting his purple eyes to meet her crimson eyes. No words were needed to be spoken, they understood each other quite well despite the nature of their work. Timidly, Marrek brought her hand to his lips and planted a shy kiss. The flight lieutenant giggled at the Cadian's bashful display of affection and cupped his face, bringing his lips closer to hers. They shared a long loving embrace, comforting each other.
Palace Blancneige, Liberté et Égalité, July 28th SY 2148
"General, my squadron suffered two more lost comrades after the last battle. Their numbers are dwindling." Lena reported coldly to Brigadier-General Karlstahl.
"How many machines remain?" He inquired plainly, not caring about the Eighty-Six casualty report.
Lena frowned and walked up to his desk, showing a document of the Gran Mur's mortars and artillery guns emplacements.
"We have sixteen people left. Our military mortars have an effective range comparable to that of a Skorpion's howitzer. That's how we even the scales. That frontline support will save the Eighty-Six-"
Her uncle groaned in annoyance at that. Lena bit her tongue and rectified herself.
"Rather, it will lessen the attrition in the frontlines, raise morale and enable us to defend our "great" republic more efficiently."
Karlstahl merely glanced at the documents, feigning mild interest before casting his austere and impersonal gaze to his niece, "You are aware that mortars need to be reloaded after firing, yes? They are set up in the middle of a minefield. It is far too close to the frontlines." He reminded her firmly. "And you need to tell me that we should take on that risk for the Eighty-Six? Exposing Republic soldiers for them? The Eighty-Six are replaceable, Republic soldiers are not. The military and the people want a homeland defence that's technologically advanced and ethical, with zero casualties. And the military's job is to follow the will of the people, correct?"
"But…"
"That's enough, Lena!" He reprimanded her sternly. "How many times do I have to tell you? The sooner you stop siding with the Eighty-Six, the better."
"Ethical? There's nothing ethical about any of this! And right now, we have allies that are currently fighting and dying on the frontlines!" Lena rebuked passionately.
"That's the Imperial Guard's problem, not ours. If they want to send their men to the slaughter, then so be it. Do you have any idea what I have to do to keep their presence unknown to the government? Do you remember the recent human casualty report? The twenty SAT operators that were killed? Do you have any idea what happened to them?"
"They… they were ambushed by the Legion, right? That's what you and Major Edouart told." Lena replied with uncertainty.
"That's what I want the people to believe. I consigned these men's execution. I warranted their deaths, and they were gunned down by the Imperial Guard! All in the name of secrecy and to not jeopardize our operation."
Lena stared at her uncle with shock and disgust. He had just admitted to signing off the lives of Alba soldiers, all under the guise of keeping the presence of the Imperial Guard a secret to the people of the Republic of San Magnolia.
"Our operation, uncle?"
"You know what I meant. I have enough blood on my hands to warrant my own execution. I'll hold responsible of their deaths after we get rid of the Legion. Anyways…" He brought out a reconnaissance report and handed over to Lena, "We've received confirmation that there's a new Legion base under construction in the First Ward's vicinity. As soon as they are ready to mobilize, they are to be deployed and destroy the base in its entirety."
"Just one moment. Even before they had a chance to replace the comrades they've lost, why is it that our unit is the only one that doesn't receive any replacements?" Lena protested in dismay.
"This base is used to bolster the Legion's advance…" Karlstahl continued thoughtlessly, "I shouldn't have to remind you that should this base be completed, the men and women of the Imperial Guard would suffer catastrophic losses." He stood up, levelling his cold silver gaze on Lena, "That goes without saying that Spearhead would also suffer. In order to accomplish this mission with minimal casualties, Spearhead Squadron will be deployed alone, the Imperial Guard will hold the frontline in case of a Legion counter-attack."
"..."
"Is that understood, Major Milizé?"
"Understood… sir." Lena replied reluctantly.
"And that concludes tonight's briefing." Major Milizé announced, her voice shaking slightly.
Captain Parris was present for the briefing, pensively gazing at the map displayed on Shin's desk while glancing at the notes. Despite the reconnaissance report, there was very little of actual intel of this Legion base. Mostly speculations and heard rumours from other Eighty-Six squadrons. His only confirmation came from Captain Nouzen, his psychic ability felt a large presence of Legion just outside the First Ward's perimeter.
Still, it wasn't enough to warrant an immediate strike. If the Navy could send their Marauder bombers to destroy the base, it would be a preferable option. They needed more eyes and coordinates for this.
"I'll relay the mission briefing to Colonel Frazyer." Captain Parris replied, "I think it would be in both of our interest that we gather more intel on the base and if possible, bombard it with the Navy's bombers."
"That… that would be a safer and efficient option, Captain Parris." Milizé agreed with relief. At least there was a sensible and reasonable officer among the command staff.
"Although scouts must be deployed for this… but I'm sure our boys from Sixth company would jump to the occasion… either that or my Kasrkins…" He explained, "But don't you worry, Major. We'll get more intel and get the job done with minimal casualties."
"Thank you, Captain Parris!"
"Don't mention it yet, Major Milizé." The Cadian officer replied with a small smile, "Anyways, if there is nothing else, I'll leave you youngsters alone. My age is catching up and demands rest," He said jokingly as he stretched his back, dry popping sounds echoed from the effort.
Lena grimaced at the sounds.
"Alright, 'night, kiddos," He bid them complacently and left the room.
Republic of San Magnolia's Eastern Front, First Ward, August 15th SY 2148
"By the Throne… that's a lot of Legion…" Private Jensk muttered in disbelief behind his binoculars.
"There's got to be about eight hundred or even over a thousand," Private Dyyma commented as he inspected his Scout Sentinel's Augur array. "This heat is killing me, man…"
"Quiet over there, or I'll personally feed you karkers to the Legion myself." Scolded Sergeant Isaak while he marked the enemy's position on the map with coordinates of key enemy targets.
The Scout Sentinels were hidden behind the thick bushes and shrubbery of the San Magnolian countryside. Two whole platoons from Sixth Company were deployed to scout out the new enemy base. Located five kilometres behind them were the Chimeras and Hellhounds of Third Company, ready to intervene and reinforce the Sentinels when the need arises. Finally, located twelve kilometres away were the Krieg Grenadiers of Fifth Company of the 12th Siege Regiment and Spearhead Squadron, acting as stop gaps and extra firepower if the reconnaissance task force needed to fend off an immediate counter-attack and extract rapidly.
"What the…? Sergeant, you need to see these things." Jensk reported with a hint of urgency.
Isaak perked up and his jaw dropped at the sight of a cohort of large walking tanks. They've never seen anything like it. The new enemy units were much larger than the standard Löwe types, easily outclassing any Legion type they've encountered. The heavy tanks possessed eight sturdy jointed legs, a bigger hull and gun turret. They had a much larger calibre main cannon, probably a 155mm or along that calibre, with a coaxial autocannon. On top of their turrets were smaller heavy stubber turrets. Their armour looked thick enough to stop tank shells and possibly Lascannons.
A couple of Scout Sentinels were armed with Krak Missile launchers, but Isaak feared that is wouldn't be enough to even dent their thick hulls. Whatever they were, they needed to exfiltrate before they were spotted.
"All units, this Shadow 8-1. I've marked enemy position, we need to exfiltrate now. I have visual confirmation of enemy heavy tanks in the area." Isaak reported while the two other pilots were already making their way back to the second line.
"Copy that, 8-1. This is Shadow 1, all units withdraw-"
A salvo from the heavy tanks erupted, their powerful guns destroyed half of First platoon.
"Damn it! We're compromised! Fall back! For Emperor's sake, fall back!" Isaak shouted through the vox comms as he fled their position.
Private Danzek spotted the fleeing Sentinels with tall plumes of dirt and trees erupting around them as the enemy kept shelling them.
"Here they come! Hold fast, men!" Lieutenant Bergen roared sternly.
Danzek swerved the Lascannon and anxiously waited for the first Legion to expose itself. Chimeras, Hellhounds and Devil Dogs roared to life; their tank crews eager to deliver the Emperor's wrath on the Legion. Surging out of the forest was a line of large heavy tank types, their smaller heavy stubber turrets and coaxial cannons firing at the fleeing Sentinels. One of them fired their main cannon, the earthshaking outroar boomed across the battlefield. Two Scout Sentinels were instantly destroyed.
"What the Hel…?" Danzek said in utter shock.
"Open fire! For Cadia!" Bergen shouted sternly.
The infantry opened fire. Lasguns, Heavy Bolters, Lascannons and Autocannons spewed out a hail of fury and vengeance, wiping out whole squadrons of Ameise, Grauwolf and Löwe drones. But the heavy tanks stood unimpeded and acquired their new targets, riposting in kind.
The volley fire of 155mm tank shells destroyed anything unfortunate enough to stand against them. Whole squads of infantry were wiped out, a dozen of tanks ruptured into charred husks.
"Lascannons! Concentrate fire on the heavy tanks!"
Danzek took aim at the heavy tank and let go multiple accurate shots. Its front armour shook off the heavily concentrated beams. There were dents but not enough to punch through the armour.
More Guardsmen were flung in the air, their corpses twisted, and members scattered all over the forest. Shortly after, their left flank collapsed. Chimeras were extracting the few survivors while the Hellhounds and Devil Dogs charged ahead, their suicidal attack would be enough to evacuate the remaining survivors of Third Company.
The Hellhounds poured out streams of super-heated promethium, glazing the lighter Legion drones with cleansing fire that expanded and rapidly melted through their armour and sensitive central processors and sensors. Their Inferno cannons and hull mounted Heavy Flamers immolated their preys, the pyromaniacal crews delivered zealously the Emperor's justice.
And although the initial charge seemed to have stalled the Legion, the lighter Imperial tanks were quickly picked off by the heavy-class Dinosauria types. The flames of the Inferno cannons were no match for their sturdy armour. The Hellhounds lit up like Roman candles as the highly volatile promethium mix ignited.
The Devil Dogs fared better, however. Their Melta cannons pulverised their targets, the thermal blasts caused massive molecular breakdowns and turning any unfortunate Legion into a molten and steaming heap of slag and gas. They fired their Hunter-Killer missiles at the Dinosauria types. The missiles were enlarged Krak guided missiles that were able to stay on target thanks to their smart and sophisticated logis-engine. The swarm of Hunter-Killer missiles soared at the line of Dinosauria, their payload punched through their armour, cracking open their hulls or disabling out one of their legs or guns.
As they closed with the Dinosauria, the Devil Dogs let out their high-pitched howls, the pyrum-petroleum based mix vaporized the air and detonated into a roaring discharge, incinerating and raze any armour.
Even if the combined efforts of the Hellhounds and Devil Dogs managed to eliminate a couple of Dinosauria, the tidal wave of Legion eventually wiped out the persistent Imperial tanks, leaving behind no survivors and burning carcasses. Despite this set back, the Legion continued with their relentless pursuit, as if driven by the uncontrollable rage and wrath of their Sheperd.
Shin watched with slight worry as the Sentinels and Chimeras withdrew in only half an hour. He had heard the distant explosions and sensed the Dinosauria types, but he did not expect them to pursue the Imperial Guard this far from their sensible and still vulnerable base. He could hear the wails of the dead growing louder. There were more Black Sheep among them, that could only mean that a Sheperd was nearby.
He noticed the stoic and silent Krieg Grenadiers taking positions and setting up their heavy weapons, bracing for the upcoming firefight. The elite shock troops of Krieg, or so he was told, weren't so different from their regular Korpsmen counterpart. The Grenadiers wore the iconic trench coats of the Death Korps but were now equipped with segmented heavy chest plate, kneepads, shinguards and three-piece shoulder guards. They also wore additional front armour on their helmets and bore the iconic, black, upper-skull shaped, armour plate over their rebreather.
These shock troopers were far different to the Cadian equivalent, the Kasrkins. The Death Korps Grenadiers were formed by the survivors of decimated units or Korpsmen that acted above and beyond their calling as Guardsmen. Although not a promotion, the Grenadiers are regarded with high respects to the average Krieger and were sought after by the commanders. They were Krieg's leading edge where the fighting is the fiercest. They often took on the role of the vanguard or the rear guard depending on the battlefield. First in the fight and last to leave… if they do survive. The attrition rate among Grenadiers is often higher than the average Korpsman.
"Shit! Dinosauria incoming!" Raiden alerted through the Resonance.
The Kriegers opened fire, laying down covering fire for the Cadians to regroup and set up their line of fire. The wall of lasgun fire swept through the lightly armoured Legion types, destroying by the dozens. However, the Dinosauria was the Legion's response to Imperial Guard firepower. The salvos were devastating, the 155mm tank shells annihilated their armour support while the infantry was scythed down by their 75mm cannons and 12.7mm heavy machine guns.
The Juggernauts' 57mm cannons did no effect on the Dinosauria's front armour, bouncing off harmlessly. They needed to hit their rear if they want a chance at destroying the heavy tanks. But with no artillery support or Guard tanks at their side, the Sentinels and Juggernauts were their only assets at destroying the enemy heavy armour.
"Kirschblüte, see if you can request tank or artillery support from the rear." Shin requested through gritted teeth as he tried to evade the incoming Dinosauria fire.
"Will do. You better not die by the time I get back!" Kaie announced as she turned around and sped back for the rear line.
"Kurena, head six hundred metres to the East. There should be some high ground over there and your platoon could at least hit the Dinosauria's top armour." Lena ordered as she studied the on-going battle.
"Y-yeah… moving out!"
The Dinosauria kept advancing, taking the brunt of their attacks and shielding the smaller types to close the gap. The heavy tanks were actively covering for the Ameise and Self-Propelled Mines.
Theo's platoon was deployed to their left flank with the remaining Sentinels, laying down accurate fire on the incoming wave of Ameise and Self-Propelled Mines.
"Son of a bitch! They are unusually persistent today!" Theo remarked with irritation, "Watch out for those mines. Creepy bastards are all over the place!"
"Shit! They're on me!" He heard Myna, callsign "Marsh Hare", scream in panic.
He looked to his left and spotted a lone Juggernaut getting swarmed by the humanoid Legion units. They crawled all over her Juggernaut, their eerie cries echoing loudly.
"Get the fuck off me!" Myna cried in distress.
A stream of lasfire washed over her hull, taking out a couple of mines and barely missing her as beams pierced through her cockpit. Theo gasped as he saw a group of Grenadiers charging at the mines, bashing them off Myna's Juggernaut and tearing them away. The Kriegers were aware of the payload imbedded in those mines, yet they were willing to risk their lives to save an Eighty-Six.
Unfortunately, more crawled on them and they detonated at the same time, killing all four Grenadiers and Myna in a destructive inferno.
"No! Marsh Hare!" He could Milizé's cry of torment. Theo closed his eyes in anguish. His hands quivered on the controls of his Juggernaut, feeling the built-up rage that boiled in his veins.
"Firing solution ported!"
"3… 2… 1… FIRE!"
"SHATTER THEIR SKY!"
The rumble of the Earthshaker Cannons could be felt through the battlefield. The artillery shells soared into the sky before descending Hell on their enemies. The Earthshaker shells crushed their top armour before detonating from the insides, blasting their ammunition racks and sending the turret flying in the air.
The earth trembled violently by the sheer force and intense payload of the shells. The explosions erupted the ground and disfigured the land in an instant. Whole sections of Legion were flung into the sky in smoking pieces. The Basilisks continued with their rain of death, unrelenting and fuelled by zeal and thirst for vengeance. They let their cannons do the talking, showing the Legion what it meant to mess with the Emperor's Hammer. They were the embodiment of the Emperor's wrath, raining death and destruction from the Heavens.
"That's right you fragging bastards! Run!"
"The Emperor's guns never cease!"
The Guardsmen were emboldened by the display of pure destruction and awe-inspiring explosions, feeling their bones rattling with each explosive impact. Seeing the Legion being helplessly torn to shreds boosted greatly their morale.
"All units! Fall back! I say again: fall back!" Captain Lynch, commanding officer of Third Company hollered sternly. "This area will be incinerated by the Navy! Fall back!"
The orders were relayed and soon the Imperial Guardsmen exfiltrated. The Spearhead Squadron followed suit, with only one reluctantly staying behind.
"Shin, what are you doing?" Raiden asked in a serious tone.
"I… I can't just leave them."
"We'll be back for them." Raiden assured with certainty, "But right now, you won't be of use for us if you die by friendly artillery… that would be a stupid and anti-climatic death," He explained half-jokingly.
Shin let a small smile spread on his lips, "Yeah, you're right. Let's hope the shelling and bombardment will be enough."
Undertaker quickly regrouped with the others. Three more Processors were killed in action: Myna Yatomika, Shuri Gilith and Miruki Cairo. Despite Kaie's swift demand for artillery support, it wasn't enough to deter the Legion initially. Their numbers were greater than reported earlier, it seems that the recon report of the Republic was inaccurate, and Spearhead and the Imperial Guard paid dearly.
Third and Sixth Companies have lost over half of their manpower, with whole platoons being wiped out. The Grenadiers of Fifth Company, though displayed unshakeable determination and steadfast courage were almost destroyed, barely a platoon's worth remained. The Hellhounds and Devil Dogs were all destroyed but their crews would be posthumously awarded the Medallion Crimson, the Golden Skull and the Ward of Cadia, one of the highest honours in the Cadian military for gallantry, valour and courage in the face of overwhelming odds.
Colonel Frazyer read out the after-action report to General Farestein. The Cadian general frowned deeply, his dark purple eyes staring at the map of the conflict area. His cold and calculating eyes were set specifically to the Republic's capital city, Liberté et Égalité. His forces were suffering greatly, the casualties were exceeding four thousand dead.
Even though he hasn't deployed the full might of his regiments, the constant losses for so little gains were beginning to irritate him. A guardsman's life is to die, and he is not afraid to spend it, but to waste their lives for no results is an insult to these brave guardsmen and to the immortal Emperor.
He needed to change the course of this war and unite the people of this planet if they want a fighting chance at survival and against the Legion. Because the Legion is only the beginning for these locals; once they could finally pay their Imperial tithes, their future generation of soldiers will have to face far worse threats than the mechanical and genocidal Legion. Cosmic horrors and vile xeno monstrosities beyond comprehension wage a terrifying and gruelling war against Mankind since their conquest in the galaxy.
"Sir. What would be our next course of action?" Colonel Frazyer asked after finishing the report.
"Tomorrow, we shall make our presence known to the Republic of San Magnolia. Our operation to unite the people of this world begins now and with the Alba of the Republic. Should they refuse to fight for the Emperor and themselves, then we will abandon them and look elsewhere, for more willing people. Tomorrow will mark the end of the Legion and the glorious rise of Humanity."
Palace Blancneige, Republic of San Magnolia, August 16th SY 2148
Lena read through the supply order and signed it, nervous sweat poured down the sides of her face. The quartermaster gazed unsurely at the large green munitions crate, with hazard explosive yellow tape wrapped erratically around it.
"Sooo… Major," The quartermaster began, "What's so important to warrant a crate like that?"
"S-special ammunition," She replied nervously.
"Why don't you try to be honest with me, Major Mili-" He was cut off when she slid a generous roll of money under his palm and forced his hand to take it. He gazed back at the young officer with a raised eyebrow.
"T-there are just s-special ammunition, s-sir…" She insisted with a tense and jittery grin, her eyes pleading to just ignore the suspicious yellow tapes on the crate.
Lena left the supply shipment hangars while staring with a defeated pout at her empty wallet. She probably took out two or three hundred worth in Republic bills, she was actually saving it to buy Annette's birthday gift. Guess she'll have to find a smaller present.
As she walked down the wide glass hallway, she suddenly tripped on her own steps, falling ungracefully in front of a group of soldiers that were putting up posters for the Revolution's festival. One of them was even wearing a full suit of a cartoon mascot. All three soldiers immediately saluted.
"Good afternoon, Major!"
"Will you be dropping by for the festivities?" Another soldier asked with a mocking grin.
Lena quickly got back up and walked away, the echoes of the soldiers' sneering were blocked out by the sudden Resonance. Somehow, she knew exactly who the caller was.
"Captain Nouzen?"
"Afternoon, Major. Is this a bad time?" Shin asked uncertainly.
"No, why? Is there an incoming Legion attack?"
"Well, no… but it is quite urgent. The general of the Imperial Guard is about to make his appearance to the Republic's military headquarters." He informed her bluntly.
"Huh?! What?! Wait… when? Now?" She was caught off guard, almost yelling in the empty hallway and not far from the soldiers.
"Captain Parris just told me a minute ago. He only said that General Farestein will arrive soon, so I figured I should notify you and to help you get mentally prepared… soooo…"
"Captain Nouzen. I swear, if you disconnect right now-"
"Good luck, Major." Shin swiftly said and cuts off their communication.
Lena groaned in frustration and began to make her way towards the armoury. She fished out her phone and dialled Annette's number. "I swear, Shin's going to get an earful when we'll talk tonight…"
"Yes, dear?" Came Annette's casual response.
"Annette, do you still have your weapon's license?" Lena curtly asked.
"What? I mean, yes… I think?"
"Good. Meet me in the armoury. ASAP."
"What?! Can you care to at least explain me why?" Annette asked in a hurried voice, struggling to put her Prussian-blue uniform jacket on.
"Our new friends are about to arrive,"
"Are you serious? Can't they at least give us a heads-up, weesh!" She could hear Annette swear and kick her office chair off to the side, "Where's my goddamn cap? Do I have to be there? Can't you get it for me?"
Lena closed her eyes and breathed in. She didn't want to do it, but her friend gave her no more choice, "Technical Lieutenant Henrietta von Penrose, I'm ordering you to be present in the armoury as soon as possible." She instructed firmly and clearly.
There was a short, stunned silence in the other end of the call. "Really? You're pulling rank on me? That's really low coming from you," She replied with a flat tone.
"You only have yourself to blame here. But seriously, hurry up!"
Brigadier-General Karlstahl read through the combat reports that were submitted this morning. They were all the same, Legion forces were repelled; hundreds eliminated while a handful of Processors were destroyed. There were no requests for supplies or reinforcements, which was typical from the uncaring and tactically inept Handlers. Vladilena was the only officer in the entire officer corps to have excelled in her academy and was gifted with an impressive tactical brilliance since a young age, earning her rank. Jérôme could only thank his sister, Margareta Milizé, and his late brother-in-law and best friend, Vàclav Milizé, for that.
His melancholy trance was interrupted by the frantic and urgent knocks on his door. He raised an annoyed brow.
"Enter." He answered firmly.
A Military Police officer barged in; his cap placed haphazardly on his short silver hair. He had the RMI FAL (Republic Military Industries, Fusil Automatique Léger) 7.62mm assault rifle slung on his back.
"General! We've got a situation! We're being invaded!" He reported frantically.
"Damn it, sergeant, calm down and explain." Karlstahl scolded the MP officer firmly, "Are we being invaded by the Legion? Have they broken through?"
"No, general. We've identified several unknown aircrafts. I believe we're being invaded by another country, but I don't recognize these aircrafts, general." The Alba soldier clarified hurriedly.
Karlstahl's brows furrowed in a stern glare, "Son of a bitch," He swore bitterly and immediately stood up, grabbing his peaked cap and dark brown Sam Browne leather belt with a pistol holster attached to the side. He briskly walked past the soldier, leaving the young man speechless and confused.
"Uh, general? What are your orders?"
"Get me Major Edouart and wait for my commands."
"Major Edouart's dead, general…" Karlstahl halted abruptly in his stride, "We found his body in his office around noon, he hung himself. There's an ongoing investigation…"
"Coward, the lot of you…" The general scoffed and continued to make his way towards the entrance hall of the palace.
"Should I rally the others, general?" The sergeant asked loudly and hesitantly. He received no answer from the high-ranking officer, leaving him lost and unsure of what to do next.
The Valkyries descended rapidly on the city. The four heavy carrier-gunships caught the immediate and worried attention of the Alba on the ground, the children pointed upwards with curiosity and awe while their parents hushed them back in their houses.
Curious onlookers shielded their eyes from the beating sun as they observed the large aircrafts making their way towards the Republic Armed Forces' headquarters, Palace Blancneige. A small crowd of bystanders was gathered at the edge of the immense ivory white building, a symbol of San Magnolia's purity and superiority.
Squads of armed military personnel formed a firing line at the palace's main entrance, they were either armed with assault rifles or handguns. The Republic soldiers were poorly equipped, while few donned their full combat gear, the most wore nothing but their uniforms or a Kevlar helmet at the very least, offering very little protection.
The Valkyries landed in the palace's outdoor courtyard, their twin engines roaring and kicking up dust and dead leaves around their impromptu landing zone. The rear ramps dropped opened and a platoon of Cadian Shock trooper from Second Company fanned out and formed a defensive perimeter around the aircrafts.
The civilians were in shock and apprehension, backing away from the intimidating and armoured khaki soldiers. General Farestein was the last one out, accompanied by Commissar Darius, Colonel Frazyer, a Navis Imperialis liaison officer and, surprisingly, Admiral Ravenkin herself.
The Navy officer wore the standard Ultramar Blue jacket over her white dress uniform with golden wrist cuffs. Her black shin-high boots were neatly polished and shined. Her ornate red and gold Chainsword was attached to her waist sheath. Her various medals and battle honours glittered against the bright sunlight.
Her emerald eyes were shielded from the glaring sun under the shade of her peaked cap. She observed the loose formation of the Republic soldiers, some had their weapons drawn and pointed at them while others were utterly confused and guideless. She snickered at the lack of professionalism and discipline.
"For a civilized world, these soldiers are an insult and disgrace to the uniform, General," She looked down at the Cadian general standing beside her, "Are you sure those are the PDF you're hoping to withstand against the enemy?"
Farestein sighed exasperatedly, "With a little and proper training, they would be sufficient meatshields at best. Better to let them get slaughtered while the real soldiers get the job done."
"Couldn't have said it better, General." Commissar Darius commented with a harsh glare, "I would gladly whip these imbeciles into a standing PDF rather than this… rabble of mockery scumbags. Should I proceed?" Farestein nodded silently.
The Commissar took several steps ahead of the rigid and stalwart Cadian line, setting himself between the two opposing soldiers. He cleared his throat before his gruff voice boomed with authority and draconian discipline.
"I am Commissar Darius of the Astra Militarum. By the authority invested in me by the Segmentum High Command, the High Lords of Terra and the immortal Emperor of Mankind, I order you to stand down and comply to Imperial Law! Any hesitation or refusal to my orders will suffer a swift and immediate execution!"
Darius' steely and resolute gaze could see that the Alba soldiers trembled with fear and dread. While some backed away and ready to drop their weapons, others tried to put up a brave face, as if to display courage. Although he would gladly order the opening salvo of lasguns on these so-called soldiers, General Farestein explicitly recommended a softer approach first.
"Guardsmen! Fix bayonets!"
On command, the Guardsmen unsheathed their sword-bayonets and affixed to their lasguns in a unified and satisfying metallic click. The platoon leader barked the order to advance, the Cadians lined up with the Commissar, waiting obediently for his next order.
"This is your last warning! Drop your weapons and surrender or we will open fire!" Darius announced menacingly.
"That won't be necessary, Commissar," Brigadier-General Karlstahl replied as he finally shows up before the Republic soldiers, "Stand down and surrender your weapons."
"General?" A lieutenant asked confusedly.
"You can't be serious!" A sergeant protested furiously.
Karlstahl drew out his service pistol and aimed at the sergeant's head, "Did I stutter, sergeant?"
The Alba non-commissioned officer shook his head, the colours on his face were drained. The others followed suit, laying their weapons on the floor and took a step back, letting the general discuss with the newcomers.
Karlstahl walked up to the Commissar, glacing at General Farestein and his retinue. "Commissar Darius, I wasn't expecting your visit to be so soon."
"General Farestein deemed it was time that we start our work on retaking this world from the Legion and bring it back to the Imperium. Enough Imperial blood has been spilled in your frontlines, general Karlstahl." Darius explained staunchly, "It is only a matter of time before the Legion launches a large-scale offensive and we have a lot of work to do before we could call the men and women of your military proper soldiers."
"Very well, Commissar. I suppose I should leave you with the apprehension of these men," Karlstahl pointed at the capitulated Republic soldiers.
"Indeed, General. Would you please accompany General Farestein and his retinue inside and begin the discussions?" The Alba officer nodded respectfully.
As he led Farestein and the rest of his staff into the palace, Commissar Darius ordered the Cadians to apprehend and gather all the Republic soldiers outside of the palace and to keep a vigilant eye on their new prisoners.
The once proud soldiers of the Republic of San Magnolia were reduced to mere prisoners in seconds, in front of the civilian population. Although a tall steel fence wall blocked the path to the Alba civilians, they stared through at the newcomers with apprehension and disapproval; who were these foreigners that dared to soil San Magnolia's pure white land?
Lena and Annette were stunned upon seeing the Imperial Guard retinue as they entered the palace, unimpeded and diligently following Karlstalh. Her uncle was explaining an important matter until his gaze crossed hers.
"Ah, speaking of the Devil… Major Milizé, Technical Lieutenant Penrose, come forth." Karlstahl instructed plainly.
Both women jolted with surprised before they presented themselves to General Farestein. They both formally and rigidly saluted the high-ranking officer, beads of nervous sweat trailing down their faces.
Farestein returned the gesture in kind and offered his hand to Lena, "Major Milizé, I'm finally glad to meet you in person. My men have talked a lot of you and your contribution to the Imperium. You have my personal gratitude."
Lena felt the pressure in the handshake, feeling extremely self-conscious and anxious now that all eyes were on her. As she followed them to Karlstahl's office, she could feel the ire stares and disapproval glares of the other soldiers. Resentful whispers and comments echoed, directed specifically at her. She glanced at her friend Annette but even she didn't meet her gaze, rather she gazed forward in a deep scowl.
She didn't understand her reaction. This was for the good of the Republic and Humanity. Without the Imperium, they wouldn't stand a hoping chance against the ever-adapting and genocidal Legion. It was also a chance for the people of San Magnolia to redemption, to atone for their sins inflicted on the Eighty-Six. If only the government's discriminatory policy wasn't so deep rooted in their culture.
The Presidential convoy made haste towards Palace Blancneige after receiving a distressing message from the military headquarters. Madam President Celestine Blanchard was the current elected head of state and staunch member of the fanatical Holy Magnolian Order of Pureblood, Pure-White, Patriotic Knights, or commonly referred to as the Holy Order or the Patriotic Knights. Accompanying her was a squadron of the Military Police and her secretary and spokesperson, Yvonne Primevére.
Blanchard had her eyes glued to her government-issued tablet, reading through news report and encoded messages of the Holy Order. She was greatly disappointed with the military, especially towards Brigadier-General Karlstahl. How some foreign army managed to enter their great city is a mystery and frankly an insult to the Republic Armed Forces. At least she would have the sufficient reason to sack Karlstahl and replace him with a more favourable candidate, one that would be more inclined and obedient to the Order.
"We're arriving soon, Madam President," The driver announced straightforwardly.
Blanchard peered through the black tinted windshield and was shocked to witness four large military aircrafts landed in the palace's front courtyard. She also observed dozens of khaki and olive green drab uniformed soldiers that now secured the palace's main fenced gates. Only a pair of Republic MPs were with them at the main gates, opening the intricate barriers and letting the vehicles pass through.
She noted that these foreign soldiers wore thick and resistant flak armour with large shoulder pads. A winged skull symbol was displayed in almost every piece of their equipment.
Military Police officers formed a protective perimeter around the president's vehicle. Standing stalwart opposite of them was a squad of Cadians with Commissar Darius at the lead. They patiently waited for the two women to get out of the car.
"What is the meaning of this?" President Blanchard asked incredulously as she faced the line of Guardsmen. "Who are you and what is your business here?"
Darius restrained himself from drawing out his Bolt pistol and execute the woman for her insolence. "We are the Cadian 501st Regiment of the Astra Militarum. We represent the might and will of the Imperium of Man. By Imperial Law invested in me by the Segmentum High Command, we seize this world under martial law." Darius stated sternly. "Now who the Hel are you?"
Offended, Blanchard took a confident and defiant step forward, "Celestine Blanchard, elected President of the Republic of San Magnolia. I'm the head of state of this great nation and I demand that you let us through and disengage immediately."
"Ah, you are the famous Madam President we've been told about. Unfortunately, only you may pass… and perhaps you can bring another person with you to meet with our superior commanders." Darius replied.
"The audacity of that man," Yvonne commented with a sneer.
"Tch, Captain Pichon, arrest these men!" Blanchard ordered with an air of vain power.
The captain nodded wordlessly and signalled his men to approach the soldiers. The Guardsmen swiftly raised their lasrifles and took aim without hesitation. Some of the officers jumped back while others drew out their service pistols. A tense silence was set between the two forces.
"Only the President and one other person can enter the palace, the others must stand down. Refusing to comply will result in your immediate executions." Darius threatened coldly.
The captain nervously sought the president for further orders. "What are you looking at me for? I told you to arrest them! They aren't Alba, they'll cower in fear."
The Military Police officer reluctantly followed her order. He urged his men to move forward. They were quickly met with a salvo of accurate lasfire, killing the captain and gravely wounding the others. Celestine and Yvonne have already dropped to the ground in utter panic and fear. The cries and moans of the wounded filled their muffled ears.
"Sergeant Lanster, retrieve the two women and lead them to the palace."
"Yes, Commissar." Sergeant Lanster complied dutifully and picked two other Guardsmen to pick up the women and forcefully raised them to their feet.
Once they were escorted to the building, Darius gazed at the wounded Republic soldiers and stared back at the shocked prisoners. "This is what happens when you do not comply to the orders of the Imperial Guard…" He turned to the Guardsmen behind him, "Execute them."
"no… no…"
"wait, wait, wait!"
"I surrender! Don't shoot!"
"Please! I have a wife and kids!"
The Cadians disregarded their pleas, brandishing their lasrifles and opened fire, sending a lasbolt to the head and thrusting their bayonet through the chest to confirm they were dead. All nine Alba soldiers were swiftly executed in front of the wide-eyed and disturbed local populace.
The message was clear: the Imperium of Man has arrived, and in the name of the Emperor, it will stay and take over this planet, whether they like it or not.
Author's Note: Salut, a slightly longer chapter, things are about to kick off and get messy. I know I previously mentioned that I would write a chapter or two before taking a hiatus but there was some slight change of plans IRL. Sooo, having much fun writing this story, I'll continue to post chapters until I actually go on hiatus (IRL work related). I hope you enjoy the story so far and don't hesitate to review, it helps a lot. À la prochaine and may the Omnissiah bless thee!