(Chapter 23: Shadow Liberation: Part 2)
It would be 2 weeks since Ben, Branwen Corax, and the Raven Guard would touch down on the planet of Zenthon, and within those 2 weeks would they begin to reap a bloody vengeance upon the green-skinned threat. Wherein the normally rougish and guerilla warfare tactics of the 19th Legion were now colored by the use of Ben's aliens; that not only worked as potent distractions to lure in the Orks into deadly ambushes, but also allowing the Ultimatrix wielder to make quick work of them when possible.
(January 14th, 951. M30, Zenthon, 9:45 Pm)
It would be a surprisingly humid January night as Ben as XLR8, was currently half luring/half fighting a company's worth of Orks, and much to the humor of the Raven Guard who witnessed it, half almost bullying the Orks through the use of his super speed.
'I know I shouldn't be having this much fun embarrassing these idiots…But man is it too funny to not see them lose their shit when I dodge all of their attacks.' XLR8 remarked to himself as he weaved and dodged his way out of their weapons fire as though they were moving at 1/10,000th of what they should
"Come on, I thought you guys said you could kill me? All I've done is run circles around you green idiots for the past 11 minutes!" XLR8 said as he dashed through another group of Orks and in doing so knocked them unconscious in his stride
"Hold still ya weird-looking git!" A massive Ork wielding a two-handed Choppa shouted as it tried to decapitate him
"Whatcha gonna do to make me? I swear if this is the best you 'boyz' have to give me. Then your boss must be the lousiest most, cowardly one of all of you." XLR8 spoke as he landed on a Ork wielding a pair of Shootas
"That tearz it, eat dakka ya blue and black git!" Said another Ork who hefted up a double-barrel Shoota and began to fire at the Ultimatrix wielder
With a number of the other Orks proceeding to open fire on XLR8, who looked unfazed by the hail of gunfire coming his way, and as such faster than any of them could react; had phased through the weapons bullet fire that had tore through the Ork he was sitting on. Before engaging in shenanigans to further mess with the Orks, such as tying their shoes together, repositioning their guns and weapons around so they would hit themselves in the equivalent of their 'junk-mail'. To using his super-speed to partially phase them through the ceramite and rockcrete they were standing on, so that when they did try to go after him; that they would wind up falling over on themselves like a bunch of dominoes.
Which as one would expect had the large group of Orks go from a terrifying band of green-skinned brutes, to a large smattering of now prone greenskins, who were trying to wrap their heads around what had just happened. Especially with half of them having their kneecaps blown out, holes blown into their chests by Shootas and Sluggas, or they had been set ablaze by Burnas melting them to a crisp, or literally nailed to the ground by the Choppas of the Boyz around them, who were heavily disoriented.
With him continuing to further taunt the Orks in question of how he was giving them more than ample opportunities to hit him, and yet not only couldn't they hit the broadside of a Battle Barge, but also how their supposed Gods would think of 'em as disappointments…The remarks of how Gork and Mork saw them as cowardly, gutless, and piss-poor excuses for Boyz; had the Orks roaring in anger of the taunts thrown at them as failures to their Gods. Something that had those gathered ripping and roaring to tear the blue and black lizard git to pieces, as a tide of raging greenskins were bounding, running and falling over themselves to try and kill XLR8.
However, XLR8's combination of outrunning them with ease, and speed-blitzing them with such force and swiftness to break bones, and cartoonishly trip them up; through the use of any debris, street signs, or vehicle doors he could tear off; in order to make Looney Toons style traps in the span of seconds. Something that frustrated the Orks to no end, was that instead of a worthwhile scrap that they could get some action out of, they were instead being made a joke out of, as at every turn were their enemy was making a mockery out of them, at every possible convenience given.
Yet XLR8's combination of high-speed hit and runs' and almost cartoonish levels of shenanigans to trip up the Orks chasing him, would soon pay off, as he rounded the corner into one of the hive cities downtown areas. Wherein the moment he did so, would the Orks in question find themselves blinded by another bright green flash as out of nowhere would Raven Guard come swarming out of the would work to eviscerate them wholesale.
With them being sliced to ribbons by Chain Daggers, Power Swords, and Power Blades decapitated and dismembered with almost surgical precision by those who wielded Lightning Claws and Power Swords. In addition, to those that were hidden blasting them with Sniper Rifle fire, pumping Bolter Carbine and Bolter Fire into them, that in tandem with XLR8 turning into Jetray to aid in the strafing runs done to fully eliminate the threat at deceptively quick speeds. That had within a matter of minutes had the company of assembled Orks be reduced to a mountain of absinthe and emerald-colored corpses, that try as they might to mount a counter-offensive against the 19th Legion.
That it would be for nothing as the combination of Aerophibian blitzing the greenskins in tandem with the Raven Guard who would fly alongside him on their jetpacks to rain down Bolter fire, and swoop down to eviscerate their Lightning Claws and Power Swords. Alongside those who would leap from and then disappear back into the shadows to deliver devastating sneak attacks to their brutish enemies, that by the time anyone would register what would happen in the midst of the short-lived chaos…It would soon be far too late as a combination of eviscerated Ork corpses and those turned to ash by Jetray's Neuroshock blasts were left in the ambush attack
"Of all the ways, I've seen to piss off the greenskins. This takes the cake." Said a Raven Guard Sergeant to the Ultimatrix wielder flying beside him
"Agreed, I never thought I would see the day; where someone would make a fool of the Orks. Especially like that, it seemed like something you would see out of a old Terran childrens' book." Said another Raven Guard Astartes
"I'll say this much. A good chunk of what I've learned to pull off is from cartoons back in the 21st century. You would honestly be surprised; at how much Looney Toons shenanigans can apply for ambush tactics." Jetray replied much to the confusion of the Astartes around him
"What are Looney Toons?" The Raven Guard Sergeant asked
"Oh yeah, that's right…you guys wouldn't know what that is…What Looney Toons are, are a highly successful Cartoon from my time. Honestly, despite how hilarious and left-field it can be. There's actually some decent lessons on misdirection and setting people up to get ambushed to take away from it." Jetray answered back
"Hmmm, if that is the case. Perhaps, it would be a good idea to show any recordings you have on hand to our Scouts. Any means to improve themselves on the Trifold Path will be greatly appreciated." Spoke a Raven Guard Lieutenant
"I will see what I can scrounge up, once we have a break in the action. But until that time we have work to do." Jetray said back as the platoon of Raven Guards and himself continued onwards to set up the next ambush for the Orks
(4 days later, January 18th, 951. M30, 3:25 Pm, Raven Guard Encampment)
All the while, Ben was currently discussing with Agapito Nev on an idea he had to stage a combination rescue mission of the captured civilians and those of the Planetary Defense Force, and the infiltration therein to take out a portion of their artillery.
"Are you sure this is a good idea, Tennyson? I have mixed feelings about this idea of yours." Agapito Nev spoke to the Ultimatrix wielder
"Hey, if you guys are gonna do a rescue mission right. Then you are gonna need a proper distraction. What better distraction than using one of my alien forms to 'appropriate' one of their…Gargantz…man that's a weird name to say. Then once I get ahold of one of 'em, I can start causing havoc on their side of the fence." Ben replied to the leader of the Talons
"How are you going to accomplish this? Agapito Nev questioned as Ben tapped his Ultimatrix in response
"I feel it is redundant to ask this…Is there anything that you cannot do with that device of yours?" Agapito Nev questioned the shorter between them
"Not really, there isn't really a transformation that I can't do something with. I just have to select which is going to be the right option for me. Then from there, I just start going to work." Ben answered back
"On top of being able to create technology that could keep pace with the Mechanicum. Perhaps even outpace some of their best works. You make for a very, very dangerous man." Agapito Nev spoke in being able to recognize the danger of Ben beyond his eccentricities
"Hey, I am what I am and that's all there is to it." Was Ben's semi-flippant response
"Mmhmm, that being said, I do have to ask you something." The leader of the Talons spoke
"Go for it, I have nothing to hide, Agapito...What's exactly on your mind?" Ben said back
"What exactly do you have to gain from assisting in the Great Crusade?...Understand, I am grateful that you have chosen to assist Lady Branwen and having returned to us. You have the gratitude of not only myself but the entirety of the 19th for doing so." Agapito Nev questioned
"However, your reasons for staying to see the Great Crusade through to its end…They are something I have grown curious about, both during our voyage to this planet and our stint here. So I ask this of you, soldier to soldier, man to man. What do you seek to gain from helping not only us Astartes, but the Imperium complete its mandate? Why do you participate in the Great Crusade, Ben Tennyson?" Agapito Nev further questioned the Ultimatrix wielder
"...Man, that is uh…a pretty heavy question to ask me. Especially out of the blue like this." Ben said back caught off guard by the seriousness of the question
"I know it is unexpected to have this dropped onto you. If you do not wish to answer this right away, then so be it. But I ask this to know what you intend to do once it is all over." The leader of the Talons spoke
"For starters, I can't say that I know what I will do once this is all over. But I do know one thing about this Great Crusade business." Ben replied
"What would that be, Tennyson?" Agapito Nev questioned
"That even though I think going this hard is extreme, is a bit much. Especially since I'm from a completely different timeline. That comes with its own set of morals and ethics, that by comparison to you guys, would make my people look like a bunch of hippies. That said, I also understand the reasons for it, and that it is necessary for mankind overall." Ben answered back
"As it stands mankind is divided, and against a galaxy as widespread as this. I get why everything has to be done in order for everyone to have the best possible future…Between these Necrons and these Aeldari that the Emperor filled me in on; when I asked about some of the aliens out here. Then on top of that, the Orks who are just…weird. Plus whatever else is out there, and mix that with a bunch of assholes, human or otherwise running their planets into the ground, and I can see why a Crusade is needed." Ben further spoke in regards to his feelings on the Great Crusade and the necessity for it
"And how much has the Emperor told you, regarding the need for the Great Crusade?" Agapito Nev inquired
"Enough that I understand the need for it. It is also why I expressed to him, that the Great Crusade is only the 1st phase in reuniting humanity…Because funnily enough, you guys haven't even come close to seeing the full spectrum. Not by a long shot as far as I'm concerned" Ben replied with a chuckle that confused the Raven Guard Astartes
"What do you mean by that exactly? The Great Crusade from what I, those in the Raven Guard, and Lady Branwen know to be the unifying Crusade for mankind…How would this be only phase 1 to reunite humanity?" Agapito Nev questioned in confusion
"To put it simply, you guys haven't even come close to seeing the full galaxy. Better yet, you haven't even come close to covering 80% of it, or half of it…hell you haven't even come close to covering a quarter of it. That's why, I say that if the Emperor really wants to unite humanity. Then he is going to have to cover so much more ground than this." Ben answered back as he continued to laugh to himself at the fact that the Imperium of Man had barely scratched the surface of the known galaxy
"Honestly, it's kinda funny in a weirdly fucked up way. This whole Crusade reminded me of how much is still out there...If this galaxy is anything like mine, then you guys are gonna have your hands full if and when you see some really freaky stuff. Especially if Kryptonians area thing...now that I think about it I wonder if Cybertron is too. Because that'll be a whole can of worms to deal with." Ben further spoke with a grin that almost unnerved the Space Marine
"And how much have we covered exactly? I take it not much considering the humor you find in this." Agapito Nev questioned
"Well, by what I was shown and how much you guys have left. It is somewhere between 6-8% of the known Galaxy. So take it from someone who has been doing space travel, fighting aliens, and having been to the literal edges of the entire star clusters. That there is so, so much more you guys will have to face beyond the Great Crusade…That mankind is gonna NEED to be on the same page, if it wants to have a fighting chance. Because I know what's beyond the stars, and let me tell you this right now, Agapito. Since I say this with nothing but respect for what you guys do." Ben answered back as he took a deep breath and composed himself, his stature taking on a more resolute and worn state
"That even when your Great Crusade ends. That your Imperium, that all of this, all of the worlds being brought into compliance. That every single one of you will need to be on your A-game for what comes next. Because at bare minimum, you guys are looking at another 8 possibly 10,000 years of war…Even then that's being generous with what's out there, and that's not even counting everything else in the Warp." Ben further spoke knowing that it would be a few millenia before the entire galaxy would be united
"Then why help us? Why do so, when the road to uniting mankind; is something you may not live to see?" The Leader of the Talons inquired
"Because I want to see humanity come out on top. I may be able to turn into a bunch of powerhouse aliens, and I would like the potential possibility to co-exist with them. However, my first and main priority is to protect and defend my people first. Which means, making sure that as many humans as possible live to see that possibility happen…Which is why, I am willing to get my hands as dirty as possible to see it through." Ben answered knowing that the Imperium had barely gotten its boots dirty from what was out there in the greater galaxy and beyond
What with Ben knowing from his many years as a plumber and intergalactic hero, that the galaxy at large was a vast and uncompromising area; that you could spend your whole life cataloging, and yet you still wouldn't be able to know every detail of it. Hence why Ben knew that the Great Crusade was only the first step in uniting mankind against a vast and almost endless galaxy…nee universe, because with how things were shaking up thus far, the Imperium of Man has barely scratched the surface of what is out there.
"I respect your honesty Tennyson. Even moreso, I appreciate your willingness to be truthful with your intentions. There are many who fight in the Great Crusade for selfish ones. Which is why it is nice to know yours are not." Agapito Nev said back
"No problem…Anyways, I would recommend getting some shut-eye soon. Because, we're going to have to stand on business when we do this rescue mission." Ben said back to the towering Astartes
"Fair enough, and good luck with the mission." The Leader of the Talons spoke as the Ultimatrix wielder began to head back to his tent
"Thanks, I'm gonna go for a walk in a little while. I need to clear my head up a bit...Going from one war to the next; has me still a little mixed up in the head." Ben replied with a semi-impish grin on his face as he continued on his way
"That is understandable, I do not know what you have faced in your own time. But I commend you for the bravery of the threats you have faced nonetheless." Agapito Nev said back to the Ultimatrix wielder
"I appreciate it, and I'll see you in the morning, good sir." Ben spoke
'I will say this much about you, Ben Tennyson. You are definitely an interesting human.' Were the Astartes thoughts as he would go off to coordinate another attack on the Orks' defenses with his Talons
Meanwhile Ben's 'midnight walk as it were was his proceeding to call down his Astro Megaship and using the cloaked spaceship to stage a one-man rescue mission/infiltration mission on an Ork encampment to rescue some of the planets' Planetary Defense Force, the reason being that he wanted to do so as himself for once. Given that he felt that in his mind the best way to go about clearing his mind, was by doing something as plain ol' Benjamin Kirby Tennyson, as he was currently geared up in his own armor, weaponry, and small assortment of gadgets to make it happen, as he flew down to the premises on his hoverboard.
"Master Benjamin, are you sure that this is a good idea? While I am all for finding methods to relax and unwind from the stressors of life. This is not only incredibly unconventional but dangerous as well." Bahamut said to the Ultimatrix wielder
"I know, Bahamut...That being said, this isn't anything I can't handle. Even without the Ultimatrix, I'm still that guy who can do just about anything." Ben replied to his A.I companion who was piloting the cloaked Megaship
"Besides, I've taken on so much worse than discount Shrek clones before. This is gonna be lightwork, plus this is gonna be the chance to see if I still got it." Ben further spoke
"Very well, Master Benjamin. Should you require aid, I will call forth the Delta Megaship to provide supporting fire." Bahamut told the Ultimatrix wielder
"Thanks, and I'll keep you posted on when I get everyone to the pick-up point; we agreed on." Ben said back as he continued to descend downwards
From there he would land to the northwest of the encampments gates and begin to quickly scale them with his armors Anti-Grav greaves to scale upon the walls, once there he would quickly take from his 'Bag of Holding', one of his favorite weapons he made for himself over the years, that being a emerald bladed lightsaber that he would use to swiftly decapitate and dismember the Ork sentries on the ramshackle rampart he'd landed upon. The handful of Orks not having so much as an answer to Ben's swift dismantlment of them before he would use his cloaking generator to disappear once more, and scale the walls once again to assassinate another two sets of Ork sentries on the northern walls, their limbs and skulls falling over in brief flashes of emerald before he would swing into action once again.
With Ben even using one of his many grenades that he packed with him to carry out the dismantling of the Ork sentries, that upon landing would burst into bright neon green sludge that would in seconds melt the Orks into a thick slurry of bubbling flesh, metal, and bone, leaving not so much as a single eye or jawbone in sight. Wherein Ben for his long-ranged assassination of the Orks would use his various grenades to either caustically melt them into a sludge-like puddle, another that would emit a high ultrasonic burst of sound intense enough to cause their veins and arteries to rupture, causing them to rapidly bleed out on the spot, and another a potent cryo grenade that would freeze them down to the marrow. Then there was Ben who would use a high-powered plasma pistol to blast pineapple-sized holes in their stomachs, chests, and heads, before rounding onto their bretheren with a quick dismembering slash of his lightsaber to swiftly cut them in half, or immobilize them so he could finish them off quickly with a beheading strike.
Once Ben who in swiftly eliminating the Ork sentries of the North, Northwestern, Northeastern, and now Southern portions of the encampment, before he would quickly sprint across the encampment at speeds that could rival one of Branwen's Marines, the Ultimatrix wielder's cloaked form making a beeline towards where the prisoners were held. With it being after 2 nearly 3 minutes of continuous sprinting would he reach where the guardsman were being held in captivity were held in various states of distress that made the Ultimatrix wielder's blood boil. The most able-bodied of those contained in the holding pins were suffering from broken bones, cracked ribs, skulls, dislocated shoulders, half-healed stab wounds that still oozed out blood and semi-infected pus, and plasma burns from being used as target practice. The others he looked over saw that looked as though they had been mangled by bears and honey badgers, their states of disrepair being such that even if Ben got them out of the encampment that they had looked as though they wouldn't live to see the day, while others were being treated as little more than cattle, their kneecaps and elbows slashed out in order to make them immobile.
Yet Ben steeled his nerves as he went about swiftly yet as silently as possible freeing the able-bodied of the prisoners, informing him that he was sent on behalf of the Raven Guard and the Emperor to help free them from their binds, with him handing those that were the healthiest plasma pistol, inferno pistols, power daggers, and plasma rifles as protection, as he had them to work alongside him. Those who were after Ben would show them that his stealth armor bore the golden Aquilla of the Imperium, nodded and began to work alongside him to free their comrades and carry whoever they could on collapsible mechanized gurneies that Ben pulled out from his bag of holding, the task while daunting as 3 and a half companies worth of soldiers were to be freed and aided to safety. Yet it was nonetheless an accomplishable feat as the Ultimatrix wielder was able to give orders that were able to see everyone working alongside each other to make their way to freedom, with Ben issuing follow-through orders to make sure the able-bodied guardsmen maintained a tight perimeter around the wounded to defend them at a moments notice.
With the Ultimatrix wielder leading the makeshift convoy of soldiers as quietly as they moved in a tight albeit shaky formation, wherein he would order them to quickly fire and or take down any Ork guards that would prevent them from making their way to safetly, the tight volleys of plasma and inferno pistol fire were brief yet barely noticeable in their execution. The Ultimatrix wielder making it so that it could be disguised as the Ork guards of the encampment simply going over to have 'hummie target practice' with their Shootaz and Burnaz, as Ben would continue to shepherd the guardsmen to the exit, as the would swarm an Ork with their Power Daggers to slice their throats and dismember them with a horde of vicious wolves. Their wrath serving as a roaring inferno of spiteful vengeance as they would execute their targets before moving back into formation, and continued their march to freedom over to the nearest exit, as Ben would use an E.M.P to short out the mechanisms within the western door to open forth and allow them safe passage out, with him signaling them file out in formation before he would continue
"Bahamut, I have everyone gathered. Prepare the Astro Megaship to rendezvous at an e.t.a of 23 minutes." Ben said over his com-link
"Understood, Master Benjamin. The Megaship shall be at the pick-up point within a few moments time. The enemy opposition has still not picked up the Megaship's location if that helps." Bahamut replied as Ben radioed the group of Guardsman to continue following his lead
"That helps out a lot buddy, thanks for the help. I couldn't do this without you." Ben said back before refocusing himself on the task at hand
Once he made sure that the injured and able-bodied guardsmen were all filed out and away, he would have them continue to follow them on a long march to meet up with the Astro Megaship, the march towards his starship was a long, silent and tense affair, as he and his convoy of guardsman were red alert for any Orks returning to the encampment. With them having to hide 5 times in succession to avoid being seen nor caught by the Orks with many covering their mouths as the creaking of their injured limbs, ill-taken care of wounds, and burns caused many to struggle to not make a sound, as the brutish Greenskins passed over them like towering emerald skinned giants.
Once they would they make it out of the rocky crags of where they were often forced to take cover from, would Ben soon see the Astro Megaship land, its opening itself up to herd many of the wounded and once captive Guardsmen into its halls, with Ben having medical drones rush in to assist and take care of the wounded; who would need varying forms of treatment for their injuries. Yet as everyone was being filed into the various medical bays of his Megaship would a satisfied Ultimatrix wielder enter into the cockpit and begin take off, once Bahamut alerted him to the rescued Guardsmen of Zenthon being in the process of treatment for their wounds being secured, would he then begin take-off back to the encampment. The nearly 40 year old Ultimatrix wielder breathing a sigh of relief at how he had gotten the best of both worlds from his 'midnight walk' he'd proven to himself that he could still hack it without the Ultimatrix and his alien forms, and he'd saved the lives of hundreds upon hundreds of soldiers from meeting their ill ends at the hands of the Orks.
'Yep, I still got it! ' Were the Ultimatrix wielder's thoughts as he would punch in the coordinates to fly the nearly filled Megaship back to the Raven Guard encampment
"Now all I have to do is explain to Branwen that I went out and saved a whole bunch people...I'm sure it'll be fine." Ben said to himself as he continued to fly back to the encampment
(4 days later, January 22nd, 951.M30, 6:23 Am, Zenthon)
All the while our resident Ultimatrix wielder was with the leader of the Raven Guard Assault force the Raptors and a number of Raven Guard Librarians ready to begin the assault/rescue mission on the Ork encampment.
"Are you sure about doing this?" Branne Nev questioned through the intercoms
"Trust me, I've got this covered! All you guys gotta worry about is rescuing who we're here for! That and making sure as many of these Orks go down as possible. I swear its like stomping out roaches with these idiots!" Ghostfreak answered back
"Very well, good luck, and may the strength of the Emperor be with you." Branne Nev replied
"Thanks, Mr. Branne. Also once the fireworks start; get everyone you can out of there. I'll see all of you on the ground!" Ghostfreak said back as they dove down towards the first Gargant they could see
With it being once they were a hundred feet from it, did Ghostfreak quickly turn into Upgrade and quickly begin to take over the Gargant which began to shift and warp, as the black and green of Upgrade began to overtake its jagged mechanical form. Wherein the Orks who were on patrol began to call out for the other Boyz as they watched one of their Gargants begin to transform, its form becoming more hulking and heavily armored as new machinery and weapons arrays were made. With the now black and glowing bright emerald Gargant now resembling more of a heavily armored ogre in its overall shape, its legs becoming digitegrade, as out of its 'potbelly' formed a plasma-charged Gut Buster.
The Buzzsaw Arm on it's right having become a combination of a Chainsword and Power Klaw that pulsed with immense concussive energy, while its Splasha Attack Gun became more akin to the bastard cousin of a Multi-Melta and Inferno Cannon. With the additional weaponry being out of its back twin multi-barreled laser cannons, as on its armored chest was the Ultimatrix surrounded by the glowing green Imperial Aquilla.
From there, Upgrade's single bright green glowing eye blazed to life as the Ultimatrix wielder began to go to work on causing havoc, with it firing weapons upon any of the unactive Gargants and the Orks who were preparing for the next wave of Krumping. Something that as one would imagine was causing nothing short of utter chaos, as plasma cannon fire, beams of condensed flame so hot that it made the air howl from the sheer heat that would tur sand into glass in centiseconds, and plasmatically charged shells the size of Land-Raiders fired. That had ever greenskin in sigh rallying to fight against the Upgrade-possessed Gargant who was going on a rampage against any Ork in their sight, aiming their weapons solely against any who crossed their path.
Which had allowed for the Raptors to take to ambushing their opposition with great ease, given that with the mass destruction display they were more than able to easily creep upon the distracted Orks running about, and snuff out their lives with impunity. Given that with many of them running about either trying to gather up their Choppaz, Shootaz, Burnas and other heavy-duty weapons to take on the Gargant piloted by Upgrade, or get into their Bonebreaka and Gunwagons to deal out damage to it. However, this was easier said than done given that the Orks assembled were fighting a battle on two fronts, with the obvious being Upgrade who with a frightening amount of precision was able to unleash barrages of destruction at will.
The other being the Assault Force of the Raven Guard swarming about the area; to ambush and assassinate the Orks, before they could muster a sustained offensive against the Ultimatrix wielder. Wherein the Librarians would use their psychic might to cover the encampment turned battlefield in inky voids of shadow; where voices of the damned would screech and scream at the Orks; to disorient and distract them further. Allowing for the Raptors to run roughshod within it, either by unleashing swift bursts of long range Bolter fire onto their enemies before quickly moving on to the next like a murder of crows, blasting holes through their heads and chest cavities with their Meltas.
Then their were those who would unleash their fury in the form of swarming the Greenskins, the moment any one of them tried to get into their tanks, aircrafts or utilize their artillery to attack Ben, would they be assailed by either the Raptors impaling them with Lightning Claws, Power Blades and Swords. Then their would be others who would face the wrath of the Raven Guard Librarians assembled who would hurl bolts of psychic energy and lightning to fry their opposition at a moments notice, send man-sized ravens to swarm and devour them. Then worse yet have their own shadows betray them as out of seemingly nowhwere would a Raven Guard Librarian followed by 2-4 Battle Brothers erupt from their shadow and without a sound made tear into them.
All of this made for a nightmare for the Orks to fight, given that they were either blinded by the pitch-black voids summoned by the 'beaky-boys' and their boyz to ambush them and slay them faster than they could react. Then there was the weird monstah that had taken over their Gargant and turned it into a killing field to where no proper Ork could get the honor of having a proper fight or krumping as they were being killed by the dozens if not hundreds.
Where any Ork worth their salt was either turned to paste by Upgrade unleashing beams of pure destruction with his twin plasma cannons and Splasha Attack Gun, that would incinerate anything in sight to ashes in an instant. Their vehicles turned to shredded scrap by his augmented Buzzsaw arm that would destroy their opposing tanks, and even be used to slam dunk their flyers back into the ground the moment he caught even one of them in his sights. With any Stompas or the few Gargants that hadn't been destroyed, were soon being obliterated by Upgrade's massive form, given that not only were his defenses far more powerful than any the Orks could muster to break through them.
It would be made all the more of a dominating massacre for the greenskins, given that no matter where they went it was either their going headlong into one of the inky voids raised forth by a Raven Guard librarian, and into a massacre of blades, Bolters and Meltas within. Then on the otherside of it was Upgrades' massive form unleashing destruction on a scale that had any Ork or Gretchen reduced to ashes within seconds of being caught in his sights.
Hence why within the span of 16 minutes were the entirety of the Ork encampment rendered a scarred, gore-covered, ash, melted scrap riddled waste of a battlefield, wherein any Ork or Gretchen had been laid to waste to the point that not even their inhuman resilience would save them. As such in the aftermath of it all were the Raven Guard taking both stock of their wounded and remaining ammunition, as well as eliminating any stragglers that they had managed to miss within the melee, whilst Branne would fly over to converse with Upgrade on the status of things.
"How did we do, Mr. Branne?" Spoke Upgrade's massive form as it knelt down to talk to the Astartes
"To be honest, Tennyson. This was by far one of our most successful operations against the Greenskins. While a handful of the Raptors have been wounded and 4 of our Librarians having taken injury during the operation. We are otherwise unscathed." Branne Nev spoke to the massive mechanical form of Upgrade
"That is fantastic! What about the civilians and those from the planets' Defensive Force? Were we able to get everyone out of here safely?" Upgrade asked the leader of the Raptors
"We were without much issue. Thanks to our Librarians and the swifter of my men, we were able to evacuate them amidst the chaos. They are en route to our Thunderhawks a full mile away from them. By my estimate they should be arriving at the drop-off point within the next half-hour." Branne Nev answered back
"Good to know, send back the injured to our main camp. If you and your men are willing, I'm ready to keep this going onto another encampment…My drones scouted out the area and found 3 others within a 5-mile radius for us to attack." Upgrade spoke
"There will not be any need for that. Our assigned Apothecaries are already tending to them. We need only 20-25 minutes to gather our strength and assess where we will head next. After that, we will be ready to go again." The leader of the Raptors told the Ultimatrix wielder
"Matter of fact, do you need any medical attention? I don't know if our Techmarines will be able to help you…It does not mean we cannot figure out some method to help you." Branne Nev questioned
"I'm completely fine. I didn't really take too much damage to myself. Plus, if whatever this is gets too banged up, I can just jump shit and body-snatch another one of their vehicles. Then I'm good as new and ready for action." Upgrade informed the Raven Guard Astartes
"That is both impressive and legitimately terrifying to know…That being said, I will have my men prepare for our next assault. I will say this much about you, Tennyson. You are definitely over and above anything I expected from you." Branne Nev spoke in having been time and time again been surprised by the sheer breadth of abilities and versatility that Ben was capable of
"What can I say, I'm just that good." Upgrade replied as a chuckle escaped the Leader of the Talons
"If we make it through this in one piece, I will not mind spending time around you. You're good company as far as humans go." Branne Nev said back before flying back towards his men to rally them for another assault
'Man, this really takes me back to being with my squad and Gwen…I hope she's ok back home.' Were the Ultimatrix wielders thoughts as he took this time to think back on his misadventures with his cousin
(Raven Guard Main Encampement, Zenthon, 1:50 Pm, 5 days later, January 27th, 951. M30)
On the next few days that would pass, Branwen was being informed of the progress of Zenthon's liberation from the Orks…and to say she was impressed by the rate of things was a small understatement to say the least.
"I will admit, Commander Branwen. The addition of Tennyson to our forces has been incredibly advantageous. It is thanks to his help that within another 2 months or 3 at the latest. We should be able to completely eradicate the Orks from Zenthon." The leader of the Talons said to his Gene-sire
"I am glad that you are able to see that Ben's capabilities were no exaggeration…Say what you want about him, but he is nothing if not incredibly capable. So much so that, if he were born in our era he would make for a great Commissar." Branwen Corax replied
"I do not doubt it for a moment. The fact that he has been able to so quickly adapt to fighting the Orks is nothing short of impressive." Agapito Nev spoke in regards to the Ultimatrix wielder
"While I agree that he is surprisingly adaptive to combat situations, much more than most. Why do I feel as though there is more to this than what you are telling me?" Branwen Corax asked the leader of her Tactical Marines
"Do not get me wrong, Tennyson has been a great asset to the campaign thus far. However, he is often times far more intense and aggressive than what is expected or needed for our missions...More often than not it feels as though we are fighting alongside the bastard fusion of an Iron Warrior, Dark Angel, and a Space Wolf." Agapito Nev answered back in regards to how Ben carried himself in battle
"While I will commend him for his efficiency, adaptivity, and creativeness regarding the demolishing of our enemies. I now have begun to see why he is such an overwhelming threat, that not even the Custodes could overcome. That in tandem with the bloodlust he has demonstrated towards the greenskins is enough to give even myself pause." Agapito Nev admitted at how Ben's combination of aggression and efficiency was enough to make the leader of the Talons weary
"I am aware of Ben's penchant for aggression. It was something I was witness to on the planet we were stranded on." Branwen Corax spoke remembering that Ben was particularly vicious against the Khornate daemons so much so that it seemed as though he needed little pushing to act on his need for violence
"The fact that he not only incinerated an entire company's worth of the Orks after we ambushed them. But had used one of his Xenos forms to rewind time itself to revive them, just so he could turn into another one of them, and blast them with radiation so fierce I could feel it within my armor...His reasoning for doing so was, he felt they had not paid enough for their crimes." Agapito Nev replied as having watched Ben systematically hunt down the Orks to incinerate them and watching him use time as a childs' toy to revive them so he could eradicate them with NRG out of pure spite was a bone-chilling sight to behold
"I see...I feel as though this is my fault for not making it clear as to the strength of what he was capable of. The power of what he is capable of, not to mention his penchant for efficiency and adaptability making him more than a fit for the Crusade than I imagined. Honestly, if he were born of this era, he would be well at home within Perturabo's, Minerva's, or even Ferrus's Legions." Branwen Corax said back knowing how Ben's heroism was colored by such factors to where he would be a devstatingly perfect fit for the 4th, 13th, 10th, 1st, and even 3rd Legions if he were born of the 31st centuries
"Undoubtedly so, and by the Emperor am I glad he is on our side. Otherwise, if he were an enemy of ours...I doubt we would survive, worse yet I am made startlingly aware that if this is what he is like as a hero. Then I almost shudder to think what his full wrath may bring." The Leader of the Talons spoke almost terrified of what a wrathful Ben could do to them if his full attention was focused on their destruction
"...While I have good faith that Ben would not turn against us, at least not without due cause. I will not argue that he is a devastating force indeed." The Lady of Ravens spoke as her mind would always flash to the reminder that Ben was a hero because he chose to and that if he gave into a moment of blind rage that even she couldn't stop him
"I think a shift of subjects is in order, unless we spend the rest of the day counting the ways that Tennyson could devastate us at a moments notice. Tell me, Commander, have you been able to locate the Warboss of the Orks? Finding them on either of our ends has proven surprisingly difficult." Agapito Nev asked of their Matriarch
"No I have not, Agapito. This Warboss has proven surprisingly difficult to track down...The only credit I will give them, is that they were much more of a threat than anticipated. Not enough to warrant any worry, but enough to acknowledge it." Branwen Corax said in having found her efforts thus far at tracking down the Warboss to be actually challenging
"Then perhaps a more aggressive approach is needed. One that I think will prove useful in hastening to completion of our objectives." Agapito Nev suggested
"What did you have in mind?" Branwen Corax questioned
"As it stands, Lady Branwen. While our victory is assured against the Orks, that much I am sure of it. Both Branne and Tennyson have brought it to my attention; that if we press for a more aggressive approach, that we can destroy the Orks far, far faster." The Leader of the Talons answered back
"What is the approach that Ben and Branne have come up with?" Branwen Corax questioned curious to know what both the Ultimatrix wielder and the leader of the Raptors have come up with
"Very well, and I will say it myself. That the combination of both Branne and Tennyson's tactics are an unusual combination." Agapito Nev replied before continuing
Wherein the longstanding leader of the Talons had relayed to her of Branne and Ben's pulling for a more aggressive and punishing approach to their tactics of Guerilla warfare and ambush tactics. One that would require a rotating force of Astartes to consistently attack the Orks at all hours of the day and night, making it so that they would be continuously destroyed as well as targeting their resources and weapons to leave them defenseless.
All the while, Branwen had to admit as she listened to the plans that were going to require far more aggression and ruthlessness than normal, among enacting some rather on-the-surface level cartoonish shenanigans against the Orks. That overall the planning of what Branne and Ben had dubbed as 'Operation Hell Scorpion' was nothing it not a fast-paced, brutal, but definitely effective plan of attack against the Orks.
"I will give both Ben and Branne credit. This is something that can actually work out. It will require everyone to work overtime; given how unrelenting we will need to be. However, this approach can definitely see the Orks defeated within another months' time." Branwen Corax said back in seeing this aggressive and far more punishing approach as something that could definitely destroy the Orks
"I agree and while we usually do not enforce this level of pressure and aggression. I won't say that I am against it…Who knows if it works well, then we officially have a new method of destroying enemies in future engagements." Agapito Nev spoke in full support of the tactics to be employed that had elements that drew from World Eaters and White Scars
"We shall see. In the meantime, I will give my full approval on this Operation Hell Scorpion. I will trust both Ben and Branne's judgment that this will work." Branwen Corax replied in approval of the Operation
"Understood, Lady Branwen. I will relay this to both Tennyson and Branne immediately." Agapito Nev said back
"If there is nothing else to report, you are free to leave, Agapito." Branwen Corax told the Astartes who nodded before going off to contact the duo in question
'Let's see what you are made of Ben Tennyson. You have already shown me you are capable against the monsters of the Warp. Now let us see how further capable you are within the Great Crusade.' Were the Raven Guard Matriarch's thoughts
With the 1st leg of liberating the Imperial World of Zenthon from Ork occupation underway, we see that Ben and Branne have come together to formulate a plan that will take the fight even further to the Orks. The question being, how will this much more aggressive approach to things fair against the horde of Greenskins? Well stay tuned to find all this out and more in the all new installments of, Ultimate Alien: Primarch Force!
Alright, that'll do it for this one as we put this 2nd part of Ben and the Raven Guard, as they battle against an Ork horde occupying an Imperial World, as the next part or two is gonna be fun in how Ben and the 19th take it too 'em. So with that all being said, I not only am thankful that you guys have stuck around this far, but I also hope that I can keep delivering more of a worthwhile story to you guys in what's to come in the future.
So with all of that being said, this is Pravus666 signing off until next time. Wherein the next chapter of the story will have Ben and the Raven Guard enacting Operation Hell Scorpion against the Orks, so stay tuned for all of that good stuff to come, and I will see y'all soon!
Part 1 Theme Song: Black out the Sun by Sevendust
Random End Song: Shadows by Nonpoint
Now then onto the reviews from the previous chapter.
Skull Flame: Glad you like how things are going with Gwen and how much things have changed up for her and Sunny in the original universe. Since I figured it would be funny to have future Sunny turn into an intergalactic Kingpin and as far as she's concerned, she actually has gotten close to Gwen over the years after they buried the hatchet. To where if anything happens, she's designated as the godparent to take care of Devlin if anything happens to her or Kevin, right after Grandpa Max...As for Sunny and Verdona...Sunny never really got over Verdona always comparing her to Gwen and as such holds a pretty hefty grudge about it. I'm glad you like seeing Konstance getting the motivation to turn things around for the Night Lords, since I like the idea as something as simple as Konstance being shown that someone believes in her besides Fulgrim can really make a change...Expect for Ben and Hestia shenanigans in the future, because if things go well we may even see a potential Salamanders team up with the Iron Warriors or Night Lords. Also, I may do an omake for Branwen as she continues to watch both Afro Samurai and some of her Astrtes reactions to it and Samurai Jack one of these days. Also, when Ben uses his potential Krork form, its gonna be to just set up the funniest thing against the Drukhari.
Pyromania101: I am very glad to you liking the story so far and my handling of the Matriarchs, since I have a lot more to expand upon down the line; that I can't wait to dive into for future chapters. Since there's a lot more in developing how Ben will not only navigate the Great Crusade, but also his bringing everyone closer together, and showing them that they are better as a unified family than they are apart. Also, that is a maybe on the Beta reader since I want to make sure its someone I can trust to make the story better and meet my expectations for what I have planned for the story.
MasterPanda1255: While Ben won't use his potential Ork form during the operation with the Raven Guard. I am saving it for a funny interaction in the future, as I will only give you this hint about it...Ben will probably use it to stage a WAAAGGGHHH that pits the Drukhari against a full fledged Ork Waaggghhh out of sheer petty for what happens when Ben helps the Iron Warriors next.
KharaBELLA: As it turns out, when you have not only Fulgrim as your biggest supporter, but now Ben as your boyfriend rooting for you to do better. That Konstance is now super motivated to really turn things around for the 8th Legion as I will do more Konstance fluff with her and Ben down the line, its to fun not too. Also, I hope you liked some of Ben's getting into the action this time around, as I do plan to do more with how he does so with the various Legions in the future. Since its about seeing how he can save people in regards to how each Legion functions that's gonna be the fun part of managing his heroics going foward.
smallszay: The Emperor isn't dead since things take place during the Great Crusade wherein we still have a very much alive Emperor of Mankind. But while I don't doubt it would be possible, it would need to be something more akin to a Titan or a Imperial Knight due to the sheer size of him.