Chapter XIII:
Federal Republic of Giad
Wolfsland, Federal Republic of Giad, the Western Front, December 2nd SY 2148
"Come on! Move it!" A Giadian heavy trooper whispered urgently as the heavy weapons specialists pushed the anti-material autocannon into position.
The Kasrkins assigned with them took cover in the ruins of the plaza, their weapons hot and primed. The chaos of battle erupted around them as Löwes clashed with Cadian Sentinels and Giadian M4A3 Vánagandrs. Howitzers roared mightily in the distance, their 155mm shells crushing the Legion advance, forcing the unmanned drones into the city and its kill boxes.
The ground trembled as a company of Ameise and Löwe types pushed through their street, unaware of the humans' presence.
"Execute." Captain Parris ordered through the Para-Raid.
Kasrkins armed with Melta and Plasma guns rushed out and sprung beneath the Legion tanks, delivering their devastating payloads at their underbellies. The special weapons chewed through their weak armour, instantly combusting their internal processors and ammunitions racks.
The Legion formation halted abruptly. The Giadian autocannons sang, unleashing volleys of 30mm armour-piercing rounds. A barrage of heavy rounds and laser streaks engulfed the hostile drones, chewing through their ranks with frightening ease and efficiency.
Across the abandoned city, the coalition set up kill boxes for the Legion to pass through, dividing their numbers and wiping out entire companies thanks to the flexible infantry companies. Barrelling through the avenues and streets were columns of fast and lightly armoured Chimeras and Devil Dogs, rushing in to deliver the killing blow.
"They are retreating. Push forwards, lads!" Colonel Frazyer bellowed with unshakeable resolve, disregarding the hail of bullets flying around him.
Spurred by the Cadians' foolhardy bravery and furious battle cries, the Giadian infantrymen joined them in their charge, firing short burst of rounds among the flurry of hot-shot lasrounds.
Bodies were flung in the air as high-explosive shells slammed into the wave of infantrymen. Machine gun volleys swathed entire squads, the Cadians and Giadians kept with their unwavering counter-attack, breaking through the punishing hail of bullets, rockets, and shells.
Sentinels and Devil Dogs, supported by Giadian IFVs, used the narrow streets to flank around enemy formations and unleash the God-Emperor's wrath. The muzzles of las-weapons glowed white hot. From the air, Valkyrie and Vendetta gunships strafed over the enemy line, decimating their ranks and taking out key targets such as Skorpion artillery types or Dinosauria heavy tanks. A Thunderbolt Wing provided close air support, their autocannons and Lascannons shrieking death and destruction on their targets.
Despite outnumbering the defenders four-to-one, the Legion couldn't sustain Mankind's fury and wrath much longer, forcing a total withdrawal of their forces, the Skorpions covered their retreat with obliterating fire. Giadian mobile artillery pieces returned fire in kind, crippling the Legion furthermore.
Though victorious, no cheers of joy or relief echoed.
The Guardsmen of the 501st Regiment noted that the Legion of the Western Front were more aggressive, bolder, and employed heavier types on the field. Though the Giadian 177th Armoured Division was made up of battle-hardened and disciplined soldiers, their numbers were spread too thin on the frontline; the Federal Republic of Giad was losing more men than they could recruit.
Yet, with the dire situation, the nation still held stalwart against the Legion, holding their line far better than the Republic of San Magnolia. Their soldiers were better equipped, better trained, and had a competent and tactically sound officer corps. For General Farestein, the Giadian military would be the standard for the planet's PDF.
The Kasrkins of First Company returned to Sankt Glycine Base after been relieved by the Third and Seventh Companies on the frontline.
The rear compartment door released, fresh air and wind surged through the opening as the Kasrkins walked out, their Cadian-pattern Carapace armour were in various state of wear and tear. The wounded were shortly evacuated to the Medicae station, recovered weapons and equipment were quickly taken by the techpriests and servitors while the rest of the company headed to their barracks to clean and rest.
Colonel Frazyer was summoned by the 177th division's commander. The grizzled colonel marched through the busy corridor, his path cleared out by the passing Giadian personnel, eyeing the Cadian officer with apprehension and respect. His uniform was in shambles, covered in blood stains, burns and bullet holes yet he carried himself with authority and dignity, taking pride in his battered appearance. He proudly led his men from the front, commanding with resolution, zeal and leading by example.
Major-General Altner stood up from his desk once Frazyer walked in his office. Both senior officers saluted each other respectfully.
"I've heard that you've successfully repelled the Legion, colonel."
"With relative minimal casualties, sir." Frazyer replied straightforwardly. Despite being more than twice his age and experience, the Cadian officer still held respect and followed procedure as per General Farestein's directives. "I've been told that my presence was urgently needed."
"Yes, for two things. First, we've successfully made contact with the nations to our North and South, the United Kingdom of Roa Gracia and the Alliance of Wald. These two nations are in the same situation as us, in a bloody stalemate with the Legion." Altner explained flatly.
"What's their military power?" Frayer inquired straightly.
"Both nations had impressive militaries and were once crucial in staling the Legion's advance in the first years of the war."
"You said "had" and "were", sir, what do you imply?"
Altner noted the colonel's sharp perception, disregarding any tact and going straight to the point, "Both nations are in a critical situation, maybe even worse than ours. The United Kingdom is plagued with a constant winter thanks to a thick cloud of Eintagsfliege permanently blocking out sunlight, slowly starving the population to death."
"As for the Alliance of Wald, despite faring better thanks to their impenetrable mountains, they are in very short supply of ammunitions and manpower, forcing themselves to hunker down in their mountains and engaging the Legion in close-quarter combat. Without these two nations, if the Legion manages to take over one of them, we will be encircled. We are already spread thin as we are now, even with your regiment's help. The president wants to know if the Astra Militarum can spare manpower to establish supply lines in order for us to deliver essential resources and munitions."
"I'll see what I can do, but I'm afraid that you'll have an unsatisfactory answer, sir." Frazyer answered frankly, "Perhaps the exploration force of the Adeptus Mechanicus may provide assistance to build railway networks and a small cohort of Skitarii. The 605th and the Death Korps of Krieg are caught in a stalemate as well. Until we get the San Magnolians up to favourable strength, we can't send more troops away from the Western front."
Altner nodded grimly, fully understanding the Imperial Guard's precarious spot, "Very well. It is still better than nothing. Moving on to the second, and bad, news: despite our victories in Wolfsland, we've suffered significant losses in terms of manpower and territories…"
He gestured his head toward the large map hung on the wall to his left. The map was marked with various signs and symbols of different colours, denoting friendly and enemy positions, types of units, grounds gained and lost and so on.
"Our right flank is barely holding. There have been reports of a new type of artillery Legion that was able to decimate entire sections of the battlefield from long distances, far longer than the Skorpion types. The intel suggests that it is the same weapon that has struck your Battleship a month ago."
He noted that Frazyer's posture changed, as if shocked by the information. "Do you have its location, sir?"
"Not yet. We're sending out drones and scouts to survey that frontline. We're guessing that we'll be able to spot thanks to a heavy concentration of Einstagsfliege, ground units or a nearby industrial-level power supply."
Frazyer nodded in understanding. For now, they'll have to play the waiting game, withstand the Legion's unending assaults until they find the heavy artillery type and destroy it for good.
"Ah, and one more thing, colonel. The president wanted to know if the general is willing to visit the capital city on the 25th. It is the Holy Birth, an important holiday in this world and he wanted to have the honour to introduce the Federacy to the Imperium."
The Cadian arched a curious brow, "I'm almost certain that the general could make it in time, sir. You'll have the answer quite shortly."
"Thank you, colonel Frazyer," Altner nodded appreciatively, "You may dismiss."
Wolfsland, Federal Republic of Giad, Western Front, December 18th SY 2148
The 155mm howitzers howled ferociously as they bombarded indiscriminately the Legion's artillery positions. Charging from the centre, a battalion of Vánagandr unleashed salvos of high-explosive 120mm shells, smashing into the ranks of Ameise and Grauwolf types. From the sides, Cadian and Giadian IFVs rushed to their objectives, transporting squads of heavy infantrymen and special weapons teams. Squadrons of Thunderbolts and Vendettas showered the enemy with autocannons and lascannons, scything through their numbers with deadly efficiency.
The Imperial-Giadian coalition has launched several small-scale counter-offensives to retake key tactical towns and villages. Capturing these settlements would allow the defenders to build a network of bunkers, fortifications, and trenches between them, giving the Federacy an impenetrable shield and buffer zone. It would also have a railway network to easily resupply the "forts". The proposition came from Brigadier-General Ehrenfried, who was inspired by old blueprints of "the Maginot Line" found in Giadian Empire military archives.
The IFVs launched their smoke grenades, screening the infantry's advance. The Giadians quickly set down autocannons and anti-materiel rifles, punching the machines with deadly accuracy.
"Move forward!" A Giadian captain hollered, prompting his men to charge uphill with the columns of IFVs.
Rockets rained down, detonating mid-air, and sending white hot shrapnel into the infantry. The men dropped like flies, rounds and shrapnel shredded through their ranks, mutilating, and eviscerating the Giadians as they braved through the onslaught. The agonizing wails of the wounded were mixed with the chaotic and vicious battlefield. Combat medics tried their best to tend to the dying, but their lives were swiftly snuffed out, prompting the few remaining to grimly abandon their pleas for help.
Despite the massacre, they managed to breach into the town, slowly but surely cleaning up the streets of Legion drones. The Kasrkins gladly razed entire buildings to encircle and destroy the Legion forces.
Her back slammed roughly against the wall; her breathing laboured but steady. She checked her plasma gun's hydrogen flasks and accelerator coils, reassuring that the volatile weapon wasn't overheating. She peeked the corner, narrowly avoiding a flurry of bullets. She turned her head to Troopers Mons and Jasper.
"Five scouts and two tanks. Down the road, a hundred fifty meters. Jasper, I want smoke down range, block out their line of sight."
"Aye, ma'am."
Jasper brought his grenade launcher to bear, adjusting the sights and loaded with 40mm smoke grenades before adopting a wide-legged stance to compensate for the recoil. The drum-fed weapon fire a salvo over their heads, impacting a few dozen meters away from the designated target.
A thick plume of smoke rose from the street and swiftly covered the entire road. The Kasrkins pushed through, closing fast with the enemy thanks to their integrated photo-visors and auspex scans. The Legion units fired into the smoke wildly, unaware of the approaching squads of Kasrkins.
"Open fire!"
Hot laser streaks ripped through the armour of the Ameise. Hekler slid under a Löwe's underbelly and fired a supercharged plasma bolt. The ball of heated energy perforated the weak point and blasted through the processor unit.
The walking tank fell heavily in a thunderous heap. The second tank turned its turret to its left, as if to express shock and bewilderment and started to stomp around itself. Hekler poured continuous plasma fire as she backed away, punching gaping holes into the armour.
Jasper loaded two krak grenades and acquired his new target. The grenades struck the side armour and detonated from within, cracking a devastating hole below the turret joint and beheading the metal beast.
Hekler raised a thumbs up at him, grateful for his timely intervention.
"Strike true and strike with precision!" Captain Parris shouted with vigour as he led the main charge into the town.
Shrugging off incoming bullets, he picked up a Giadian soldier to his feet while eliminating Ameises and Grauwolves with terrifying accuracy with his Bolt pistol.
"On your feet, trooper! You don't get to die until I say so!" He barked sternly, pushing the soldier forward. "Don't let up! I don't care how many they are! FIGHT!"
Baffled and invigorated by the captain's reckless display for his own safety, the Giadians pushed forwards, bracing through the wall of fire and their casualties. With the smaller and nimble infantry closing fast, it forced the larger and heavier Skorpions and Löwes to relocate and exposing themselves to friendly tanks and artillery strikes.
A rocket slammed into a squad of Giadians, tearing them into bloody pieces. A Leman Russ Executioner took a direct hit to the turret's rear, igniting the coolant tank. The tank burst violently in a bright blue glow, its turret and crew instantly evaporated as white shrapnel and plasma fire washed over any unfortunate soldiers. Cries for combat medics were drowned by the intense and vicious close-quarters battle of urban warfare. Men clashed with machines, steel grind with steel, blood and corpses were mixed with smoking wrecks and pools of oil in a macabre and hellish landscape.
Throughout the chaos, the wails of the damned echoed loudly into her micro-beads equipped with a Para-Raid. The desperate cries of mothers, the pleads of frightened men, the shrieks of children, a maelstrom of disembodied voices howled ceaselessly into her mind, slowly chipping through her psyche.
"Benevolent God-Emperor, hear my prayer…" She began to mutter under her breath, "Give me the strength to vanquish thy foe. Guide my aim so I may strike true. Protect my soul from their heathen words. O God-Emperor, bless my armour so I may protect Humanity in your name. Benevolent God-Emperor… please, heed my call…"
All of a sudden, the world around her slowed down. Her body tensed up. Her steps gradually hit the hard asphalt street. Giadian soldiers and Kasrkins seemed to be frozen in place. The battlefield went eerily quiet. A large crash broke through the silence, debris and smoke burst out haphazardly. Her head turned slowly to her left, her violet Cadian eyes grew wide with shock and dread.
A Löwe smashed through a hab block, catching the infantrymen off guard. Its long heavy cannon was already pointed at a nearby Leman Russ Vanquisher while its heavy stubber sponsons were directed to the humans below it. One of its front massive feet was raised over her head, ready to crush the woman into a bloody pulp.
She caught her breath as life gradually returned to its normal speed. She had only a few seconds to spare and act swiftly. Instinctively, her legs bound to the side, launching herself away from her impeding demise.
Reality returned with a deafening crash. The machine's leg cracked the ground, the heavy stubbers roared sporadically, scything through Giadian and Cadian alike. Its main battle cannon opened fire, destroying the Leman Russ Vanquisher by igniting its engines. She landed on her right shoulder with a pained groan, turned on her back and fired a continuous burst of plasma bolts.
"itburnsitburnsitburnsitburns" She could hear its wailing as it backed away like an animal, limping as its leg detached into a smoking and molten pile of scrap metal.
"What in Creed's name…?"
She shook her head and quickly grabbed a krak grenade. She stood up and hurled the hand grenade towards the turret. The explosion perforated the main cannon and optical sensors, blinding the walking tank. The Löwe thrashed around violently, shrugging off bullets and las bolts.
"Get the recoilless rifle! Take it down!" A Giadian sergeant hollered.
Two Anti-Tank teams immediately rushed out and set up their heavy weapons. The loaders tapped the operators' helmets and shouted: "Backblast clear!"
"Fire!"
The two recoilless rifles bellowed mightily, their HEAT rounds struck the Löwe's side armour and instantly eliminated the threat. One of the operators rose up and cheered enthusiastically.
"Fuck yeah! Get some!"
"Kill them! Kill them all!" A maniacal voice bellowed into her Para-Raid, causing her to jump with fright.
The distant voice was filled with seething rage and fanatical determination. She could feel the hatred and murderous drive in that voice. She looked up and gasped with shock.
"Incoming!" She shouted hastily.
The Legion forces launched a terrifying artillery strike, ravaging the town and razing it to the ground, drone and human alike. The earth quaked as the shells impacted furiously; infernos swept the streets as napalm munitions washed over their helpless victims. The artillery barrage mercilessly pummelled the town while the rest of their forces retreated.
Despite having succeeded in capturing key objectives, the cost of manpower and equipment was too heavy for the coalition. The Giadians have lost an entire infantry regiment to the operation with others decimated to below half strength.
General Farestein silently observed the devastated town, now under Imperial control. The coalition, despite their staggering losses, was able to push Legion further back than expected, leaving behind breathing room to prepare the Maginot Line. Giadian engineers and civilian contractors immediately went to work. Forward Observation Bases were already established, supply routes were being constructed and settlements were being refortified and refitted to serve the war effort.
Progress was being made at an acceptable rate in his eyes. More troops of the Cadian 501st trinkled in the Federacy, reinforcing the tired Giadians. He sighed softly before shifting his steady gaze towards Cadia's Requiem.
"Colonel Frazyer."
"Sir?"
"I'll take my leave back to San Magnolia now." Farestein stated resolutely, "I trust you to hold the line in my absence while I try to negotiate with the Navy to provide more orbital support."
"Very well, General." Frazyer bowed respectfully, "I'll oversee this frontline's defences as the Emperor demands. Cadia stands, sir."
"Cadia stands, colonel."
The Chimera loudly grounds to a halt in front of them. The tank commander's hatch swung open. A young and scarred Cadian lieutenant popped his head out and gazed down at the squad of Kasrkins.
"Ah, Sergeant!" He hailed Pavlo with a crisp salute, "Are you attached to the Giadians' Charlie Company?"
"No. We're with Delta." Pavlo shouted his reply, the engine of the Chimera drumming into his ears.
"By the Emperor, do you know where they are?"
"No, lieutenant. But we've got Giadian wounded to evacuate here. Can you send them to the aid station on your way?"
"No can do, sergeant. We've got our orders." The officer replied dryly before he hopped into his post and closed the hatch.
Hekler was tending to the wounded, providing minimum care with scarce supplies. Many were dismembered, barely staying awake due to exhaustion and blood loss. She watched with disdain as the convoy of Chimeras were about to depart… only to be stopped by Holmes that stood in middle of the road, his face blank and unfazed.
The lead Chimera halted again. Holmes urged Pavlo to persuade the crew with a head nod. His second-in-command drew out his hot-shot laspistol, climbed on the Chimera and knocked on the tank commander's hatch. The young officer's face grew pale when he stared down the barrel of his sidearm.
"Hold here until we load the wounded. Then you can move your sorry arses wherever you want. Is that clear, lieutenant?" Pavlo asked menacingly.
"Y-yes, sir…" He took his vox handset and issued the order to the rest of the convoy.
Holmes nodded appreciatively and turned to the standing Kasrkins, "Load the wounded in the Chimeras."
"Damn… that was badass…" The wounded next to Hekler commented weakly, earning a chuckle from her.
"Right, on your feet, soldier." She gently lifted the man to his feet and carried him to the APCs.
Sankt Glycine Base
The air was cool as day light waned. Winter has set in shyly. The forward operational base was bustling with activity as more personnel and material of the 501st Cadian were being transferred to the Federacy. The Imperium's aircrafts flew over the Giadian airspace uncontested and freely, the Legion's veil has been repeatedly fought back and eradicated.
Captain Parris cleared his throat before speaking to his company that filled that spacious mess hall.
"Company! Atten-shun!" Bellowed the colour sergeant, snapping everyone to position.
"Thank you, Gransk," Parris said lowly, "At ease, men. As you may have seen, our lads from Second, Fifth and Ninth companies have just arrived. In the following days, more will come until the entire regiment is transferred here, in the Federacy." He informed them plainly. "Our recent success on the western front is only the first step for the big counter-offensive: to strike deep into Legion territory and wipe out these machine bastards."
"However, that day will not come tomorrow or the day after. Our order for now, coming straight from the general himself, is to hold our ground until the boys in San Magnolia have a proper force. This may take weeks or even months… this is going to be another grind, but I have full confidence in you that we will prevail, and we will liberate this world from its blight and bring its inhabitants back to the Emperor's light. Keep up the good work and keep stacking up those scrap metals. The Emperor protects and Cadia stands!"
"Cadia stands!"
"The Maginot Line should take about four to six months to complete. If we consider any potential Legion raids." Ehrenfried reported blandly, "The Astra Militarum is expecting to have the entire 501st Cadian Regiment transferred to Giad in three weeks at the very le-"
"How many have we lost?" Altner cut him coldly.
The other high-ranking officers under his command exchanged glances between the division commander and Willem. The Major General seemed to stare lifelessly at the table before him rather than the battlefront map displayed in the meeting room. Wenzel arched a brow at the unusual distant and detached character shown by Altner.
"Recent casualty reports estimate that we've lost between fifteen hundred to two thousand KIAs and up to nine hundred wounded. We've also lost about a company worth of Vánagandr and twelve self-propelled howitzers." Willem replied plainly. He then switched his curious gaze to Altner, "Did we miss something, sir?"
"Just crunching up some numbers." Altner replied dismissively, "At the rate we're going, now that we're under new management, I'm afraid that we have to consider conscription to replenish our losses."
"I don't think it will sit well with high-command and the president, sir." Colonel Scholz, commanding the 26th Infantry Regiment, reminded doubtfully.
"I'm aware but sooner or later, they must face reality and accept it. Waiting for the Republic to pull its own weight will take some time and we aren't even sure if other countries are still alive at this point." His single jet-black eye landed on Wenzel, "Colonel Wenzel, do you think you can reverse engineer and upgrade those Feldreß used by the Eighty-Six?"
A proud and confident grin bore on Grethe's lips, "It would take some time and willing volunteers but yes, I can do it, sir."
Altner nodded quietly, "Very well. I'll get the paper works done and you can begin the project as soon as possible." He returned to Willem, "We keep building the Maginot Line. Our primary objective now is to hold the line until we can launch our counter-offensive. Gentlemen, I'm not going to lie to you: this will be a long and brutal battle of attrition going forward, but the future of the Federacy and Humanity is at play." He reminded his staff ominously.
"We must not take one step back."
Sankt Jeder, Zimmerman Residence, December 20th SY 2148
Light knocks came at his office door.
"Come in." Ernst answered without taking his eyes off his computer screen.
Teresa, the household maid, entered with a tray of hot tea and biscuits, "I figured correctly that you needed some refreshment."
The older man smiled sheepishly and rubbed the side of his head, "Is it already that late?" He looked at the wooden pendulum wall clock to his right and winced at the time, "Sorry, Teresa…"
The maid giggled as she placed down the tray next to a pile of paperwork, "Nonsense, just doing my work, but I will retire to bed soon. I think you're old enough to get to the kitchen alone, hm?" She teased playfully.
"Yes, yes, you don't have to worry about me," Ernst replied placatively, "Are they asleep?"
"Yes, they are all in their rooms. Frederica was being stubborn as usual, but I tucked her to bed soon after."
"Of course she was. Going to have to speak with her about this matter again," He sighed tiredly. He took off his glasses and rubbed his heavy eyes.
"You should consider taking some rest as well." Teresa advised knowingly.
"I know… I know…" He leaned back on his desk chair and stared emptily at the ceiling, "Do… do you think it was a mistake to take those children?"
Teresa tilted her head curiously with an intrigued eyebrow raised.
"What do you mean by that?"
"I feel like… adopting them was a stupid and pathetic way to compensate the lost of my own children… replacements…" Ernst explained honestly, his expression darkened and revealed another face behind his usual cheery and laid-back nature.
"Don't be ridiculous." Came Teresa's stern reply, earning a surprised and confused stare from her employer, "They are not replacements, and your children cannot be replaced. I feel sympathy for the loss of your family but every being is unique in this world, no one can be compensated, no matter how hard you try to lie to yourself. You must keep moving forward and cherish their memories instead."
"I guess you're right,"
"Of course, I'm right. Isn't that why you hired me?" Teresa recalled with a knowing smirk.
"Haha, and because of your excellent cooking." Ernst added as he took a sip of his tea.
"Oh please! You're just lazy to cook."
"True, true…" He chuckled lightly, "Thank you… sincerely, Teresa."
"My pleasure, Ernst," She bowed politely, "I'll be off. You can just leave the tray here; I'll pick it up tomorrow morning." She instructed as she made her way out. "And please do avoid sleeping in late this time. You're running a country for your information."
"Yes, I get it! Thank you, Teresa!" Ernst retorted exasperatedly.
Terese laughed quietly before leaving him alone in his large but empty office. He continued to drink his tea contemplatively. His eyes wandered back at the screen, displaying the mail he was reading sent by Major-General Altner.
With the course of the war going slightly in their favour, the general has issued a warning that casualties among Federacy personnel will only rise, even with the Maginot Line built in time. With the Imperium taking the lead, the Federacy military has undertaken multiple aggressive operations with staggering losses. Although he was a staunch believer of a relatively smaller but better equipped, professional, and well-trained army of volunteers, he wasn't blind to the fact that sooner or later, they'll need to draft more people to replace their losses; something most Giadians wanted to avoid since it was reminiscent of the Empire's brutal and warmongering regime.
He sighed heavily and took another serving of warm tea, his mind replaying the conversation with Teresa.
"You're also a spitting image of her…" He said out loud.
Palace Blancneige, Republic of San Magnolia
Ravenkin poured two glasses of Amasec and offered one to Farestein. The general sat comfortably on the couch by the fireplace, basking in its warmth while he lightly tapped the side of the intricate and well-crafted glass.
"How's the western front, Farestein?" The admiral asked as she sat on the leather couch opposite of him. She still wore her uniform with her hair neatly tied to a high bun despite the long hours of work she endured since taking management of a country. She still carried herself with dignity and royalty.
"We've made some progress; we've starting to push the enemy back even." Farestein noted before taking a swig of hard liquor, "However, our losses are too staggering compared to our gains."
"I see. I suppose you're going to ask another favour." The Cadian's straight face and silence confirmed her guess. "If you're asking for more boots on the ground, you can forget it, I'm not sending my Voidsmen-at-arms and leave my vessels vulnerable."
"I'm not asking for men. We need more firepower." Farestein clarified firmly, "I need some of your vessels to provide orbital support."
"We've been over this, general." Ravenkin reminded curtly, "With the Legion scrambling our cogitators, we cannot provide orbital strikes from space. They'll need to be at least at stratosphere level and a direct liaison officer to provide coordinates."
"The enemy doesn't have any anti-air capabilities, Roza."
"Yet." She retorted sternly, "The Legion hasn't developed anti-air or anti-voidship defences for now. But they do have a mobile railgun artillery piece and just recently send out their new wave of infantry drones. They are adapting to us. Emperor knows if they aren't developing plasma weaponry or stealth flyers as we speak."
"That is why we need to take advantage now before it's too late. I'm not asking for Cadia's Requiem, send me your smaller vessels, anything. But we need that punch that would crush the Legion under our boots. We've gained control of the air, and we have space supremacy. Now we need to retake the ground."
Ravenkin's lips thinned, breaking her concerned gaze away. She had already lost half of her vessels right after their last Warp jump. Two frigates had to be abandoned due to heavy fires and potential Chaos corruption. Although they had enough supplies to last a decade with some rationing, all navigators have gone silent: some were dead, some were rendered blind after the Warp jump and others were in a coma or in a catatonic state. Any hope of leaving this system extinguished.
She feared that whatever is blocking their navigators from seeing the Astronomican lies beneath the planet's surface, and it isn't human in nature.
She drew in a heavy breath and reluctantly conceded.
"Very well. I'll see if I can spare a couple of frigates or cruisers. I'll also send liaison officers to help coordinate the orbital strikes." She replied with some restrains.
"Thank you, admiral." Farestein said sincerely, "I assure you that our efforts will come to fruition, and we will see the end of this war very soon."
"I hope you're right, General. Even if the Legion isn't Chaos or the Orks, it is still a dangerous foe, especially if they can get their claws on one of our psykers." She reminded him grimly.
"Emperor help us if they do."
Liberté Et Égalité, Republic of San Magnolia, December 24th SY 2148
The first snow began to fall in the streets of Liberté et Égalité, enveloping the capital city in a thin coat of white. Children cheered with glee and awe as they played around in the snow. The adults chatted joyfully while enjoying warm beverages at the quaint wooden stands at the town square.
The eve of the Holy Birth, as the locals named for Emperor's Day, was in full swing. The streets were filled with life, bright and colourful lights hung between buildings and above boulevards and avenues, bringing an air of peace and festivities. Even for the Guardsmen of the Cadian 605th that were on duty seemed to be relaxed. Republic metropolitan police officers were also deployed to tighten security around crowded locations.
Flashy fireworks erupted in the night sky, catching the awed attention of the civilians. Vivid and elaborate patterns were on full display, animals and flowers could be recognized, glittering patterns illuminated the lively city.
Trooper Gransk observed the fireworks with a faint smile. This may not be how the Cadians celebrate Emperor's Day, but the San Magnolians sure know how to put on a show. His comrades shared his opinion, enjoying this small window of normality and respite. His gaze slowly turned to the crowd around him. A person caught his attention among the sea of civilians. A man, probably in his mid-thirties, wore a heavy trench coat and had his cowl covering most of his head. The strange man acted nervously as he stiffly shoved anyone on his path, making his way straight towards Gransk's squad and their Chimera.
Gransk pushed aside the civilians to intercept the man.
"Oi!" He hollered firmly, shoving the man with his lasgun.
The man fell backwards, stumbling on other civilians and revealing the contents under his trench coat. Gransk's eyes widened with fear as he instinctively raised his lasgun. The man quickly stood up, throwing away his coat and showed a detonator in his right hand. Frenetic zeal and determination could be seen in his silver eyes, a single cry rumbled deep from his throat.
"For the Purity of San Magnolia!"
Suddenly, the fireworks were drowned out by bigger explosions erupting in the streets. Screams and shouts of panic have broken out, people trampled on each other as they ran away from the massacre. The snow was soon tainted with the blood of unfortunate victims. Gunshots rang sporadically and was immediately responded by the sharp snap of las-bolts and rumbles of Heavy Stubbers.
Chaos quickly ensued and spread across the capital city. The Patriotic Knights, the military arm of the Holy Magnolian Order, have finally struck against the oppressive Imperium.