When the Immortal Spirit battlegroup emerged from the Warp what greeted them was the familiar vista of stars and planets, an ocean of mesmerizing nebulas and unending ebon studded with a million dancing silvery light. Only this time the encompassing panorama was filled with fiery debris, burning tombs drifting silently across the uncaring void, spiraling streamers of flame made morbid brushstrokes across the black canvas.

"Uh…Solveig, is this the right coordinate?" Having joined the lord admiral on the grand circular bridge of the Immortal Spirit, Henry swept his gaze across the curved seamless wall of glass that gave him a one hundred and eighty degrees view of what was directly outside the Gloriana ship. "I thought this system was supposed to be empty?"

"According to the data provided by the Ministorum, yes, there should be no settlement in this system or the surrounding sectors," Solveig stood before the large crescent lectern that served as his command center. One of the first modifications done to the Immortal Spirit after it came online was to remove that stupid ass monolithic throne with the fuckton of wires snaking out like a bad hair day. Beside the sleek lecture, bulky in design and rendered lovingly with skulls and 40k gothic motif, they had also done away with the old analogue sockets and needles and went digital. Encircling Solveig's forehead like a medieval crown of the European persuasion was a black circlet of ceramite and adamantium, simple and spartan in design, the inside possessing six nano size needles that connected the lord admiral's brain with the rest of the ship. Every information from across the Immortal Spirit can reach Solveig at quantum speed, and the lord admiral wield this power with awe-inspiring mastery, silently and verbally giving command to the men and women around the bridge. Now he sighed as he took in the 12k data hovering above the lectern. "The incompetency of those damn bureaucrats will never cease to amaze me."

"Such is life I'm afraid," Solveig nodded in acknowledgment as Henry joined him. He read the display on the holographic screen then looked at the panoramic window. "I'm no naval expert lord admiral, but despite those sum bitches having been reduced to burning slags, I don't recognize the design. They're definitely not of the Imperium, and even though what's left of them is sleek and cool, I can positively say that they're not Tau."

"Lord admiral, we're picking up massive radio chatters coming from the planet at the core of the system," a woman manning a communication console spoke up, around her a team of blue clad naval officers were swiftly going over the influx of data flowing impossibly fast across the screens. "We're deciphering the algorithm and frequency used…lord admiral, the majority of the communication being conducted is of Aeldari origin."

"What kind of Aeldari mam?" Henry asked politely. "Are they of the Craftworlders or Drukhari persuasion? Because if it's the latter, then we need to sound the red alert immediately."

"One moment lord general," the communication officer worked quickly with her team. "The frequency is not Drukhari in nature, although I'm not sure which Aeldari faction this belongs to."

"Pass me the data please Sela," at Solveig's command the communication officer swipe the info across the aether and the lord admiral enlarge it above him. He scrutinized it for a couple of minute before his eyes bulged in surprise. Henry couldn't tell if it was the good or the bad kind. "They're Ynnari, by the Golden Throne there's an armada of them."

"That's a good thing, right?" Henry turned to Solveig, he himself not quite sure of his own statement.

"They're our allies," Solveig didn't really answer the question when a blue digitized globe popped up at the right corner of the holographic display and started flashing, this was followed a moment later by a sharp alert chime that echoed across the bridge. "They're hailing us."

"Let's not keep them waiting then," Henry adjusted his awesome general coat and cap, clasped his hands behind his back, struck an appropriately serious pose then nodded at Solveig. "Bring them up."

The lord admiral pressed a single button on the console, accepting the message being hailed. The globe icon disappeared and the hologram became dominated by the image of a huge pillared bridge of an Aeldari ship, the architecture curvaceous and seamless and bright in the most stereotypically elvish way possible. And standing in the middle of the screen, arms crossed over her chest, her visage one of haughtiness and impatience, was none other than Yvraine. Goddamn, she was as immaculate as the last time he saw her, that diamond studded crescent head ornament was absolutely out of this galaxy. Did she fix all that up herself?

"Lord general, what a pleasant surprised," Yvraine's melodic but very apathic tone suggested the opposite. "To what do we owe this serendipitous meeting?"

"A pleasure to see you too lady Yvraine, it has been a while since our paths crossed," Henry took off his awesome general cap and bowed politely, unlike Tangmo he preferred to be charming and diplomatic. He put the awesome general cap back on and matched Yvraine's impassivity with a light smile. "As for this meeting, well, fate weaves a strange pattern. You see, we're here to collect the STC in this system."

"So are we," Yvraine cut to the point. "The Ynnari have arrived in this system first, and by that right we will take custodianship of the knowledge inside your primitive device."

"Now, now Yvraine, no need for such hostility, unless you've forgotten we're on the same side," Henry might be more diplomatic than the rest of the Eight, but that doesn't mean he'll allow others to walk over him. His smile almost widen when Yvraine's eyes narrowed minutely at him. "With that fact in mind, I believe I must make it very clear that the STC doesn't belong to you, nor does it belongs to the Immortal Spirit battlegroup. It belongs to the both of us, Imperium and Aeldari. We can easily share what we've found and go our separate ways without any hard feeling."

"A naïve sentiment, although I must admit the logic have merits," Yvraine continued, still frosty but thawing a bit somewhat. "All of this can be discussed once we've landed on the planetary capital."

"And it seems that objective haven't yet been reached," Henry made sure his innocent statement was a little barbed, alas Yvraine only reaction was a small dipping of the head. "If you require assistant we'll be happy to help."

"Seems only fair, we've spent the better part of the week dismantling the enemy's naval capability. Before you ask, no, they're not of the Imperium, but a federation comprised of humans and aliens," Yvraine explained then fall into a contemplative silence, the gaze she fixed on Henry was uncomfortable, to say the least. "Isha, the goddess of life, is with you?"

"Indeed she is," Henry seriously did not like the sudden change in topic. The sentiment was shared by Solveig if the concerned visage was any indication. "Her eminence Isha is traveling with the Immortal Spirit battlegroup. But I assume you already know this."

"Yes, we do," oh, now he drew blood. It was no secret that when Isha called for aid the Ynnari ignored her. "I would very much like to meet her."

"I'm sure she's eager to meet you as well," Henry found his composure wavering in the face of Yvraine's unblinking scrutiny. The herald of Ynnead was really rubbing him the wrong way, her sharp gaze felt like a knife prickling at his neck. "But first, let's us neutralize our common foe. I'll be seeing you soon."

"I very much look forward to it," Yvraine bowed shallowly before terminating transmission and Henry let out a breath he had been holding. Goddamn that was one scary woman, the fire in her eyes burn as opposed to giving warmth and hope like Isha and Celestine, thank fuck she didn't tag along with the battlegroup.

"Permission to speak freely, lord general," Solveig waited until Henry gathered his shit before speaking. The lord admiral was a gentleman like that.

"Go ahead dude," Henry nodded. "Although I suspect we're thinking about the same thing."

"We cannot trust the Ynnari," yep, Solveig shared Henry's misgiving.

"Of course we can't trust the Ynnari, I mean, look at Yvraine, she's not exactly Ms. Congeniality is she?" Henry said. "And seriously, wanting to meet Isha? That is the most nefarious shit I've ever heard, they probably plan to kidnap her and sacrifice her to Ynnead."

"They can do that?" Solveig turned to Henry, one brow quirked in startlement, "how can a god be sacrifice to another god?"

"My friend, I think you and I both know that in this galaxy anything can happen," Henry gave Solveig a knowing look. "The good, as well as the bad, but mostly the bad because fucking Murphy's Law."

"Yes, I see what you mean. The Immortal Spirit battlegroup have faced many great and strange events," Solveig stroke his chin, his visage thoughtful. "How will the Aeldari of the battlegroup receive this news?"

"Poorly, they remember how Yvraine and the Ynnari left Isha to die," Henry explained. "All of them believe the Ynnari betrayed them, so there's no love lost between the two groups. You don't have to worry Solveig, Isha and the battlegroup eldars are never gonna betray us."

"I wasn't suggesting otherwise, Isha and the eldars have more than earned our unconditional trust," Solveig said, his timbre transparent in sincerity. "Do you truly believe the Ynnari have design for Isha?"

"Judging by the creepy ass way Yvraine was asking her question, yes, those assholes are definitely plotting some dastardly scheme," Henry adjusted his awesome general coat and pointed at the star map that had materialized above them, the projection encompassing the entire bridge, the preliminary details breathtaking in clarity. "I believe it's time we join our devious allies, is the FTL primed?"

"They are, lord general," Solveig nodded then pointed at the map, specifically the spot where multiple green and red dots converged. "We have our target and the most optimal course has been plotted, engage the FTL engines."

Startlingly enough, despite the Warp being the go to method of space travel, FTL drive did exist in the Warhammer 40k universe. Most prominently used by the Tau before the advent of the Pariah Nexus, the Imperium of Man also employed FTL in a more limited capacity, usually for short range travel or when you totally need to haul ass and the Warp drive just happened to be fucked at the moment. The ships of the Immortal Spirit fleet were equipped with FTL propulsion systems, a super advance variation from the Dark Age of Technology which allows them to quickly redeploy and maneuver at the drop of a dime, much to the fatal detriment of their enemies.

Henry kept his unblinking gaze on the glass pane and was left disoriented when the scenery blurred then changed within a fraction of a nanosecond. He kinda hoped it would be more like Star Wars and Star Trek, you know, with the starry vista of planets and nebulas distorting as they streaked through the cosmos. Instead what he got was a jarring instantaneous travel, a blink and you missed it sort of deal. It was pretty cool but damn, he just wished it was more extravagantly science fiction in presentation.

"Holy shit, I'm getting fucking vertigo," Henry rubbed his eyes and blinked several times until equilibrium returned. Adjusting his awesome general cap, Henry turned curiously to Solveig. "Damn dude, you're totally unfazed by this? Hats off to you man."

"Compare to the miasmic horror of the empyrean, I wish all space travel was this quick and easy," Solveig trained his finger forward at the calm panorama outside the Immortal Spirit. "The Ynnari fleet hasn't engaged the enemy yet, we've arrived just in time."

"Oh good, more talking," Henry clasped his hands behind his back and squared his shoulders, a formidable pose of a warrior. The time for diplomacy had ended. "Solveig, can you hail the enemy fleet please? I believe it is only fair that we give them a chance to surrender and die a painless death."

"As you command, lord general," the corner of Solveig's lip lifted up in a grin as he turned to the communication team from before. "Sela, please hail the enemy and make clear to them the urgency of our request."

Sela and her team promptly went to task, the synchronicity and precision of the naval officers as they relayed the Immortal Spirit's ultimatum was very pleasant to behold. After about a minute Sela held up her thumb and the holographic display dissolved then reformed into another bridge of an interstellar ship. What greeted Henry and Solveig this time was a strapping military man, grey of hair and sporting a crisp futuristic uniform of aquamarine trimmed in marigold, looking every bit the respected veteran of the admiralty. And well, well, well, the grizzled old man was surrounded by bipedal aliens of colorful and distinct variety. There's a purple bird woman, a red scaled lizard dude, a grey humanoid with a ridge head which gave him a shark like appearance, and a bulky plant thing with muscles bulging out of his uniform, looks like they just ran into a PG-13 space civilization.

"I am admiral Jonah Baeton of the United Federation of Acorium, commander of the Federation naval forces," the old man introduced himself, his powerful voice carried a clear resonance of authority, "identify yourself."

"We are the Immortal Spirit battlegroup, of the Imperium of Man," Henry made his reply and was very pleased when the aliens started chatting with each other, panic clear in their timbre. "As for the reason of this visitation, your people are in possession of an ancient technology that belongs to us."

"If that is what you seek, why not just ask?" Granted, admiral Jonah made an extremely legitimate point. They could simply stroll into the system, explained what the battlegroup required, and after a few banters made their exit with every party involved happy and satisfied. It was most unfortunate for the United Federation of Acorium that the Imperium of Man took a rather blunt approach to other civilizations that were not subservient to them. "Diplomacy can be established instead of the bloodshed that has tragically transpired. The lives lost can never be replaced."

"In our defense, the Ynnari Aeldari is an independent polity removed from the Imperium, but we are allies in purpose and cause," Henry explained with a nonchalant shrug, earning him immediate ire from admiral Jonah. "As for diplomacy, the Imperium of Man doesn't open dialogue with a rouge state freeloading inside our border. Your existence is a bureaucratic mistake that will be resolved soon enough."

"Who are you sir? I don't believe we've been properly introduced," Jonah asked suddenly. "Are you the leader of this battlegroup?"

"Lord general Henry, at your service admiral Jonah," Henry bowed. "I am but one of the many leaders of the battlegroup."

"Well then general Henry, let me be the first to say that your Imperium is known to us. Over the course of our interstellar history, millions of refugee had fled into Federation space seeking sanctuary, the tales they told of your Imperium is nothing short of sickening," Jonah puffed up his chest, looking to intimidate and shame Henry from atop his pedestal of morality. All he got in response was pure boredom. "I know the Imperium lurk beyond our border and many top military officials had suggested that we attack your empire. A shame that the preemptive strike was not approved, I would've been honored to lead the armada and bring an end to the Imperium."

Henry blinked, turned to an equally blank Solveig, held his gaze for longer than was necessary, then the pair burst out laughing. A moment later the entire bridge, comprised of more than a hundred humans and eldars, all joined in the hilarity. Of course, this naturally pissed off admiral Johan and his staff to high heaven.

"Thank you admiral, all of us was in need of a good laugh after our long journey, you truly know how to lift the spirit!" Henry composed himself and made sure his facial expression went through the sequence of hilarity, calm, confusion, before finally settling on angst shock. "I'm sorry…were you not joking? By the God Emperor's infinite mercy, you were genuine in that statement. I don't know whether to laugh some more or pity your ignorance."

"All I'm hearing so far is nothing but bold talks, a most common tactic employed by despotic tyrant, which your Imperium certainly is," Henry had to admit that Jonah's grizzled appearance went deeper than the skin, the man showing impressive restrain in the face of undiluted mockery. He even forced calm into his officers, silencing them with a simple raise of the hand. "If conflict is unavoidable then I can guarantee that we will be victorious. Within a single day cycle, you will all be fleeing from Federation's space."

"I must assume you know the size of the galaxy we reside in admiral, if not then I suggest you bring up a map," Henry pressed on easily. "Your Federation is an inconsequential speck of dust hovering somewhere in the eastern arm of the Milky Way. While the Imperium of Man, the realm of the immortal God Emperor of Mankind, encompassed the entire galaxy, therefore I want you to acknowledge the mathematical impossibility of you ever triumphing over us. As for matching the battlegroup in strength of arms," Henry shook his head pityingly. "We saw the destroyed ships on our way here, so I will make the assumption that what I'm seeing right now is all that remained of the Federation navy. This isn't a battle formation it's a last stand, my condolence."

"We will win," admiral Jonah declared, the small quiver in his timbre betraying the first crack in his conviction. Beside him his officers stood with parade ground crispness, ready to follow him to whatever end. "Is this banter finally finish, lord general?"

"Just to be clear admiral," Henry clasped his hands behind his back and struck his own indomitable pose, "the United Federation of Acorium refuses to surrender?"

"We will not surrender, lord general," was admiral Jonah adamant answer.

"It would not have mattered in the end. My only consolation to you, admiral Jonah, is that you will be spared seeing the death of your Federation. Cherish her memory, let your home be the last image you see before oblivion claim your soul," Henry made his eulogy, grim and somber, his timbre revealed neither guile nor mockery. It was probably the dark quality of the words spoken that stunned admiral Jonah and his crew into silence, for they recognized an irrevocable promise and the portent of doom it carried. "The victory the Immortal Spirit battlegroup pursues is one of total annihilation, a complete eradication of the Federation from living memories and to remove from all record every trace of its existence. A defeat none can recover from. May the God Emperor and his Saints have mercy upon your souls, for we shall not."

Taking his que, Solveig waved away admiral Jonah, adding another layer of dramatic to the exchange that will surely wreak havoc on the morale of the doomed Federation fleet.

"Solveig, please politely tell Yvraine to stay out of our way," Henry said and the communication team relayed the message to the Ynnari fleet. After about a minute the Aeldari ships peeled away to the left and right, leaving nothing but empty space between the Immortal Spirit battlegroup and the Federation navy. There were a lot of them and all were enveloped in a spherical transparent force field, every bow turned toward the battlegroup, the naval warfare coming straight out of Star Wars and Star Treks. "When we turn broadside, we won't be able to see the epic fight, right?"

"Unfortunately no, lord general," the Immortal Spirit was already turning when Solveig gave his reply, the rows of Federation ships sliding away until all that greeted them was the dark void of space. "The holographic display will give us a full account of the engagement."

"It's not as awesome as seeing the real thing," Henry sighed then turned to Solveig, his visage one of innocence. "Are you sure I can't warm you to the idea of an observation deck with a three hundred and sixty degree view? It'll be so easy to install, just above the bridge in fact, with elevators connecting both places. Come on, it'll be super cool dude."

"My answer to that request remains cold lord general," Solveig flashed Henry an indulgent grin, like a father gently refusing to buy his son a new toy. "As I have stated before to both you and your colleagues, not only is it unwise to present the enemy with a tempting target, it is downright suicidal. Therefore, by my authority as the overall commander of the Immortal Spirit fleet, I must decline your request."

"Now that's a real bummer, won't mean I'm gonna stop pestering you about it," Henry and Solveig shared a laugh as the American general spun around and headed for the exit, hand raised as he waved his goodbye to the lord admiral. "I better go get the ground invasion ready. How long do you think the battle's gonna last?"

"My most conservative estimate would be thirty minutes, lord general," Solveig tipped his awesome admiral cap at Henry. "Although I doubt it would last that long."

"Increase the number of drones for the engagement this time, I want more angles of the space battles for the epic debriefing video," Henry told Solveig. "We didn't get enough footage last time."

"It will be done, lord general," although Henry can't see it, he was sure Solveig was rolling his eyes good-naturedly at him.

"What is the significant of this STC?" Krillen asked Tangmo after Tyra's Valkyrie breached the atmosphere and the vibration stopped. Around them the Cadians from both the 89th and the 101st got off their seats and started making final check on armors and weapons. "From what I heard the Ynnari are very eager to get their hands on it before us."

"That's the real kicker about this place," Tangmo stepped over to the porthole and peered outside at the smog filled sky. The first wave of Valkyries made a pretty formation across the cerulean canvas, their rumbling passage unimpeded by anti-air batteries. The high-altitude bombings were scarily effective like that. "The Aeldari used to rule this entire planet, along with a small conclave of humans from the Dark Age of Technology, hence the STC."

"Exodites?" Krillen pressed on as he strapped a few more grenades to his belt.

"No, an actual colony from the time of the original Eldar Empire," Tangmo reached up and grabbed a lanyard dangling from the ceiling as the Valkyrie made a dive. "According to the Immortal Spirit database, this entire system sat at the border between the DAOT humans and the Eldar Empire, benefiting greatly from the shipping lanes before everything went to fuck."

"Then who the hell are the United Federation?" Meko joined the conversation. "Are they the descendant of the DAOT humans?"

"I haven't a fucking clue," Tangmo shook his head, the skylines were coming into view now and yep, this place looks like a perfect blend of Coruscant and cities from Star Treks and the Orville, the fires and smokes cannot hide the towering grandeur of glass and steels. "Could be the Aeldari and the original humans got overrun by the ancestor of the Federation, who knows?"

"Who fucking cares?" Krix spoke up and braced her rapid-las LMG across her shoulder, the annoyed twist on her face was shared by Luva. "We can get historical after we turned those Federation fucks into history."

"That'll probably come sooner more than later," Korri joined Tangmo at the porthole, eyes squinted as she glanced up, "I mean, Throne's mercy, pieces of the Federation navy is still plummeting into the planet. How long did it take for Solveig to finish them off again?"

"About fifteen minutes, plus a ten minute mopping operation," Tangmo grinned toothily, the Valkyries were nearing the landing zone now, a large flat strip of tarmac flanked on both side by airport like terminals, the two buildings were currently on fire. Beyond the landing zone Tangmo can see a large contingent of vehicles and soldiers rushing forward to meet the descending battlegroup. "The naval massacre was short as all fuck but at least the footage we got was balls out awesome, shit's gonna be epic!"

"Making final approach now! Five minutes! Give us a little covering fire please," the Valkyrie's side doors slid open and the mounted heavy bolters unleashed their payload on the nearing column of Federation soldiers. With no command needed, the Cadian quickly got into the correct disembarking position, Tangmo giving the troops friendly taps on backs and shoulders as he and Krillen went to stand at the back ramp, joined a moment later by captain Minka of the 101st. "We're here! Give them hell! God Emperor protects all of you!"

The Valkyries had barely slowed to a stop when the ramp slammed down and Tangmo leapt on to the tarmac, his feet touching the ground a nanosecond before Krillen and Minka's own, the first to enter the fray baby! Running across the flat strip of land then turning sharply to face the destroyed terminal on the left, Tangmo, Krillen and Minka went prone and trained their lasguns at the direction they saw the Federation troops approaching earlier.

"Good luck lord commissar, we'll see you in a bit!" The ten Valkyries that had carried the first wave shot back into the stratosphere at a near vertical angle. Guardsmen swiftly fall into place around Tangmo and the Cadians, crouching or lying flat on the ground with barrels trained unwavering forward. Making a quick sweep of the regiments in attendance, Tangmo saw that the Death Korps of Krieg, the Jijurean Homeland Rifles, the Mordian Iron Guards and the Antebellan Cobalt Star had joined the Cadian.

"Hildebrandt, Min Jae, Evangeline, Joanna, to me!" Tangmo waved the colonels over, the four officers swiftly slipped in beside him. "Okay, you guys know the plan but I'm gonna give you a quick rundown. See that fucking burning airport terminal? We need to secure it and hold it against Federation's counterattack long enough for Henry and the tanks to get planetside. So let's go, follow me!"

"We have a bit of problem lord commissar," Min Jae grabbed Tangmo's shoulder before he can take off and pointed at the building before them. "The Federation troops are already inside the terminal."

Following the trajectory of the Jijurean's finger, Tangmo let out a slew of Thai curses when he saw figures clad in an amalgamation of futuristic and modern 21st century armor darting amongst the churning smog, barking and shouting loudly as they took up position behind fallen masonries and steels.

"There ain't that many, from what I can see at least," Joanna twirled the revolver bolter around her finger, eyes narrowed on the enemies and finding them very much wanting. "Lord commissar, I suggest we make a break for it. Them Federation boys have no idea how we fight, meaning we have the element of surprise and an all-out attack will more than likely throw them into disarray. Better make the choice quick sir, they're still figuring out how to defend the terminal."

"That's a mighty fine plan Joanna, and I'm all for it," Tangmo held up his thumb and Joanna beamed brightly, goddamn that's one hell of a sunny smile. Tipping his awesome commissar cap at the Antebellan colonel, Tangmo tapped his earbud and relayed his order. "Fix bayonet people, we're attack the terminal head on. Cadian, you're with me at the center. Hildebrandt, Min Jae, take the Krieg and the Homeland Rifles left. Joanna, you and Evangeline do the same on the right with the Cobalt Star and the Iron Guard. Let's show them the might of the Imperial Guards! Forward! In the name of the Emperor, let none survive!"

Pops of grenade launchers and thunderous bangs of propelled rockets resounded down the battlegroup's line, the explosive ordnances were en route to their targets when the Imperial Guards rose as one and charged with boisterous war cries and blasting trumpets, the aquila flying fiercely above them. The Federation soldiers, a mismatch of humans and xenos Tangmo now saw, were in the process of raising and aiming their assault rifles when the grenades and rockets tore into them, ripping apart the meager defenses in a shower of sizzling gore and twirling mutilated limbs, those that weren't blown to shit ducked behind cover and tried to help the squealing wounded. This split second of opportunity was all the battlegroup needed, and before the Federation goons realized what was happening the guardsmen were within bayonet range. Tangmo knew he shouldn't cackle when killing people, his reputation in that regard was so bad Isha had to talk to him several times, but holy shit he couldn't stop laughing at how stunned and flabbergasted the Federation troops were when the battlegroup waylaid them in glorious close quarter combat. The Thai commissar was able to compose himself a bit, grinning now instead of guffawing, as he rammed his bayonet into the abdomen of a lizard xeno and spilled the fucker's guts with a savage exit yank. Kicking the screaming saurian away, Tangmo trained his lasgun at a pair of troops firing blindly at him. He decapitated a ridge headed grey xeno with a burst of lasbolts and struck a male human trooper in the face with the stock of his lasgun. The man collapsed to the ground and Tangmo ended him with several stomps to the neck.

"Fuckers already fleeing," Meko pulled his gleaming red bayonet out of a twitching corpse and started blasting the survivors, dropping the bastards like it was Doom on easy mode. "Do we pursue?"

"Maintain position people, this is their planet and I'm not going into their turf without armor support," Tangmo's order was quickly obeyed as the Cadians headed deeper into the terminal to take up new position. Cries of fear and terror erupted on his left, Tangmo turned toward the baleful cacophony and almost laughed anew. Having been encircled, the Federation soldiers threw down their weapons and started pleading with the regiment that had cornered them, that regiment happened to be the Death Korps of Krieg. The melee execution that followed was brutally horrific and merciless. "Of all the people to surrender to, they had to choose the Krieg, damn."

"It's not like we were going to spare them anyway," captain Minka spoke up from beside him.

"I know but, seriously, look at us then look at the Krieg," Tangmo waved between the Cadian and the Death Korps. "Who the hell looks at a buncha creepy gasmask wearing motherfuckers and think, hmm, these guys will be nice and reasonable."

"Almost made me feel sorry for the fools," Minka snorted but paled a moment later when she remembered that Tangmo was a commissar. "That's to say I spared no sympathy to the heretics and their xenos allies, the death we brought upon them was well deserve."

"Yo Minka, chill, I know you were just horsing around dude, no harm done," Tangmo offered her a disarming chuckle and Minka visibly breathe a sigh of relief. "Besides, we've fought together long enough to know that I'm not a stickler for rules. I don't go around blamming people for saying things offhanded like that, I'm many things but an asshole is not one of them."

"I know you're not sir," Minka and Tangmo took off and joined the other guardsmen near the exit of the terminal, settling down behind what little cover they could find. Fifty yard in front of them was a destroyed great pane of glass, nothing remained but glittering jagged rims. "Forgive me for being blunt sir, but I couldn't stop myself from flinching every time I see the black coat and the red sash."

"Glad to hear it, that means I can still scare people," Tangmo grinned then trained his gaze at the large host that was gathering beyond the terminal. The smog and shattered glasses were really fucking with the visibility, but Tangmo was able to make out a lot of boxy shapes that he assumed were tanks slowly rolling into position. There seems to be a lot of flashing red and blue lights too, looks like the police and the ambulances were also here. "They'll be attacking us soon, prepare to repel a combined infantry and armor assault. And when they're running away like the pussy ass bitches that they are, we'll commence with the counterattack."

"We might not even need to wait, the second wave have just arrived…wait a minute, stand by," Meko's face scrunched up in confusion as he tapped the data-pad on his armguard, blinking several times to make sure he was reading the info correctly. "It's not general Henry who's coming down, it's the Aeldari. High Ranger Erik is with them, along with captain general Marwen."

"Hold up, I thought the tanks were supposed to come down after us," flipping open his own data-pad, Tangmo's fingers danced swiftly across the screen, what he saw confirmed Meko's report. "What the hell, they cut in line to get to the surface first? I admire the enthusiasm, but now I have several questions."

"Could be the Ynnari that spurred them to action," colonel Evangeline of the Iron Guard made her comment. "From the murmurs I heard, the Immortal Spirit eldars doesn't take kindly to Yvraine and her host."

"Grudges and bad blood were never an exclusive trait of mankind," Tangmo shrugged and glanced back at the huge swathe of tarmac they'd just evicted, a squadron of Aeldari troop transports was making a final approach. "They've also brought the heavy hitters too, Wraithguards, anti-grav platforms, and the Fire Dragon Aspect Warriors. They really wanna fuck some shit up."

"Your order lord commissar?" Min Jae braced the lascarbine to his shoulder and switched on the laser pointer. "I can see Federation troops forming into a loose phalanx, with APCs and tanks at the front. Do we attack them?"

"Hold our position, let's see what kind of arsenal they can muster against us," Tangmo flicked his lasgun to full auto, trained his gaze down the optic attachment and iron sight, and coiled his finger around the trigger. "Ready the anti-tanks ordnance and be prepared to lay down a suppressive fire, keep them at a thirty yard distance from the terminal."

"Looks like we arrived just in time," Erik appeared suddenly beside Tangmo, his Batman act caused some of the guardsmen to flinch. He was soon joined by captain general Marwen and a large contingent of Fire Dragons and heavily armed Guardians from Ulthwe and Biel-Tan, the eldars swiftly joining their guardsman comrades. "The tanks and APCs are hovering by the way, they're anti-grav. The design is very…optimistically science fiction, if you catch my drift."

"Emperor bless those elven eyes of yours," Tangmo traded fist bump with Erik then turned to Marwen, a bit startle to see a darkness on her usually serene visage. "Uh…so, why did you guys cut the line and took Henry's queue? I'm not judging, just curious."

"This was an Aeldari world, her eminence Isha can sense the physic residue of our people that lingers on this planet even after ten thousand years," Marwen flashed a quick sequence of hand signals, prompting the Guardians and Fire Dragons to prime and readied their weapons while a dozen anti-grav platforms armed with Starcannons and Scatter Lasers hovered into position along the frontline. The Federation slowed for a moment, more than likely taking stock of the newly arrived eldars, before resuming their approach with increased speed. "We will not allow the Ynnari to take custodianship of the STC and desecrate it with their blackguardly schemes. No, it will be us Ishari who safeguard those ancient knowledge and wisdoms, not them."

"Damn you guys really hate each other, just remember that we're technically allies, alright?" Tangmo held up his thumb and flashed his winning smile at Marwen, who rolled her eyes in acknowledgement. "And Ishari? That's what you guys are calling yourself? Pretty cool, not gonna line." Tangmo let his mirthfulness slip away and replaced it with stern professionalism. "But seriously, you guys are okay with humans touching the STC as oppose to your own kin?"

"After everything we've been through, I can say without reservation that yes, the humans of the Immortal Spirit battlegroup have more than earned our absolute trust," Marwen answered honestly. "You risked your lives to save Isha from defilement and bondage, and healed her when Nurgle corrupted her. The Ynnari abandoned her. To use your preferred colloquialism lord commissar, they can go fuck themselves."

"Understood mam," Tangmo tipped his awesome commissar cap at her and stiffened when he saw how close Federation tanks were. Gaggles of infantry can be seen between the war machines, wisely spread out ala modern warfare. "Do you want to do the honor?"

"With pleasure, lord commissar," Marwen nodded and held her shuriken catapult forward. Having chosen not to wear the conical eldar helm, the captain general's light brunette hair fluttered fiercely like a banner in the midst of battle. "These parasites will pay for despoiling our people! Today the forlorn ghosts of the fallen can finally rest and find peace! Isha will grant them mercy, but we will not! Mael Dannan! Kill them all!"

The guns atop the anti-grav platforms glowed radiantly and hummed a grim ponderous note, the air shimmered in blurry anticipation as the Federation tanks trained their turrets at the barely entrenched battlegroup. Bright blue plasmas shot across the terminal to collide viciously with the tanks outside like vengeful comets. The war machines were destroyed in great blooms of blue fire, the metals ripped apart and melted. Burning pieces scythed across the raging flame to cut down the infantries who had survived the initial inferno. The foot soldiers scrambled for cover, unfortunately the cul-de-sac in front of the terminal provided no meaningful protection, with many going prone or fleeing back to the rear with injured friends.

"Pin them down!" Marwen had taken command, the eldars and the guardsmen obeying promptly as they poured an overwhelming barrage of las and shurikens on the Federation soldiers, all of them having given up on actually fighting and instead buried their heads in the ground. They screamed and shouted in terror as a group of APCs rushed up the road to aid them. "Wraithguard, Fire Dragons, press forward! Olatien, show them the true wrath of the Aeldari!"

"Watch your fire people, Wraithguards and Aspect Warriors entering the fray," Tangmo tapped his earbud, the barrage lessening as quaking thump of heavy footfalls approached them from behind. The tempered speed soon increased to a jog, and Tangmo instinctively ducked when the Wraithguards stepped over the defenses, Wraithcannons trained forward. "On your ass people, we're pushing forward soon!"

The colonels were only starting to rouse the guardsmen when the Wraithguards let it rip on the Federation troops, the awesome reality bending arsenals of the Aeldari gutted the tanks and APCs in horrific roiling palls of flame. The Wraithguards advance quickly, wading through the Federation's competently unleashed hail of bullets and lasers without a care in the world, the Wraithcannons reciprocating the futile display of bravery with indiscriminate destruction. Olatien and the Fire Dragons were matching strides with the Wraithguards as they opened fire, the Fusion Lances sending streams of merciless laser into the Federation's defensive line. Men and women were set ablaze, and Tangmo was sure the Fire Dragons dialed down the Fusion Lances so that the poor fuckers weren't turned immediately to dust. It took a whooping two minutes for the Federation's forces to collapse completely into a messy rout, dumbasses didn't get far though because Marwen and the Guardians went full auto on everything that moved, the storm of shurikens quickly took on a ghostly crimson hue.

"Henry and the tanks are here," Erik glanced back at the titanic Airavata transport ships touching down on the tarmac. The side ramps slammed open and out rolled the behemoth that was the King Ghidorah Stormhammer, the first tank to make planetfall. Not one to skimp on making an entrance, the King Ghidorah raised its triple turret and opened fire, the shell whistled loudly over the terminal to land about five kilometers behind the Federation's line. Deafening thunder erupted as several blocks of buildings collapsed and disappeared in a storm of fiery dust. "Welp, this fight is just about done. Let's kill them quickly and get to the STC. Seriously, we hardly break a sweat this time."

"The battle isn't over yet, and I'm not talking about the Federation jackoffs," Tangmo pointed at the other side of the city, where multiple spiky black ships were darting down from the sky at an extremely unsafe speed before vanishing behind a cluster of high-rise buildings. "The Ynnari just landed in the city itself, and they're nearer to the STC than we are."

"Those ships look like it belongs to the Dark Eldars," Erik added as he, Tangmo and the guardsmen sprinted into the open and took over the position the Federation had occupied earlier, adopting a loose formation as they waited for the tanks to join them. About a hundred yards away, the Aeldari had created a perimeter across a ten lanes highway. "They'll cut through the Federation troops like white hot knife through butter."

"That's really fucking bad for us," cacophonic rumbles reverberate behind Tangmo, the grinding squeals as tank tracks easily pulverized steels and concretes. Waiting until the torrent of dust billowed passed him, Tangmo and Erik turned to the King Ghidorah as it rolled to a stop beside them and waved at Henry who stood atop the hatch, the American general saluting them playfully. "Yo Henry, how fast can this thing go?"

"Max out at ninety kilometers an hour," Henry tapped his earbud then fixed his attention on the burning city. Tsking audibly, Henry leaned on the mounted twin heavy bolters and grunted. "That's gonna be a bit of a problem though. The King Ghidorah's tough and I'm sure she can plow through a couple of buildings, but I risk damaging the hull and the tracks if I have to bulldoze an entire city. What's happening?"

"The Ynnari just landed inside the city, and they're near the STC," Erik told Henry. "The Federation troops are lightweight but they're slowing us down, and we need to get to the STC before Yvraine's lackeys does."

"And we can't shoot them, fuckers are our allies," Henry groaned and Tangmo and Erik reciprocated in kind. Drumming his fingers agitatedly across the rim of the hatch, Henry swept a critical gaze across the sprawling futuristic city. "Okay, I have a plan, but it's kinda risky for you guys. I can have the King Ghidorah and the King Russes open fire on the city like it's an artillery bombardment, the explosions should be enough to clear a path for the infantry to advance deeper into the urban interior. This will be a sprint through fire and flame, so get Dragonforce ready on your playlist and…"

"I got a better idea, how about the lots of you sit back, relax, and watch the firework?! Oi Galatea, pull the lever! LET'S FUCKING GO!"

Tangmo didn't know whether he should be super psyche by Laura's unbelievably hyped announcement or start shitting his pants at the promised inhumane extreme violence the British inquisitor was about to unleash on the planet. He was in the process of deciding that both reactions were warranted when the sky above started burning fiercely, a second sun flaring to life as the atmosphere was savagely breach by an unnatural foreign object. Tangmo waited until the blinding illuminations lessened before turning his head to the sky, and honestly, after all the crazy shit he had seen since arriving in Warhammer 40k, this fucking takes the cake.

"That's too big and moving too slow to be an orbital bombardment," Henry commented and scratched his bald head. "Okay I give up, what am I looking at exactly? And why was Laura super excited about it?"

"According to my Swedish elven eyes, I can say with certainty that the white-hot object careening down from the sky is a building," Erik didn't sound like he believed what he was seeing, his face scrunched up in confusion. "I'm not kidding, a building just dead ass fall from orbit and, if I get the trajectory right, is hurtling straight for the city center. What is this city called again, never quite catch the name."

"Who fucking cares, it's about to become a fucking past tense in a couple of hours anyway," Henry pressed a binocular over his eyes then pulled away, his face one of startlement. "Holy shit Erik's right, it's a goddamn building."

"Is the building a church?" Tangmo asked the same moment sirens started blaring across the city. "Please tell me it's a church or an abbey or a cathedral."

"…That's an affirmative, it's a church," Henry peered through his binocular again and nodded. "A really big ass church by the way."

"After all this time we're only seeing it now?" Tangmo chuckled pleasantly. "Better late than never I suppose."

"Mind explaining a bit, I'm not really that attuned to Imperium lore," Erik asked. "Is this some new Space Marine shit?"

"Nah dude, it's the Sororitas. That's how they do deep strike," Tangmo pointed high and Erik's jaw dropped when the burning outline of the church became clear. "Seriously, that's in the codexes and books by the way, the Sisters of Battle drop a literal fucking church on top of the enemy when entering hot combat zone."

"That's a big ass church," Erik's eyes were bulging saucers as the sky above contorted from the searing heat unleashed. "Is that the Sistine Chapel?"

"Nah dude, this one got a gothic motif, and nope it ain't Notre Dame," Henry followed the church's diving trajectory with his binocular while Tangmo laughed aloud when he saw the Federation troops tried to stop the fiery descend by shooting at it. "Judging by the dimension and size and the distinct culture of the architecture, I'm gonna say its Saint Paul Cathedral, the one in London."

"God save the queen – I mean king, fuck, still getting that wrong," Tangmo chastised himself with a tsk as the cathedral made its final explosive approach, the landing area now nothing but a blurry haze of unimaginable heat. "How loud do you think that's gonna be…!"

The answer threw his Thai ass off the ground, the kinetic force was like a battering ram that struck every part of his body simultaneously and ragdolled him like a video game NPC. He didn't suffered alone though, because around him were sprawled Erik, the guardsmen and the Aeldari, many were trying to rise when the actual boom of the landing reached them, prompting everyone to remain prone.

"Holy fucking shit, did you see that shit?! That was the hypest shit I've ever seen yo, look at that shit!" Of course Henry was able to see everything. The little shit probably ducked inside the King Ghidorah and watched the whole thing with Ladaee and Elpida. Groaning, Tangmo staggered back to his feet, head banged a bit to clear the ringing in his ears, and Jesus Christ on a motorbike the American general was completely correct in his assessment. A gigantic mushroom cloud, shot through with flashing lightning and roiling inferno, now dominated the city, and judging by the smaller but by no mean insignificant plumes around the titanic destruction several skyscrapers had been knocked down when the cathedral landed. Through the cloud and dust came music, composed of a full orchestral arrangement and choirs. Tangmo recognized the melody as being the most epic part of the song the Poet and the Pendulum, from Nightwish sixth studio album Dark Passion Play, at around the seven minute mark.

"So…the battle's over then?" Erik scratched his head, bolts of plasma and streams of melta were cutting through the mushroom cloud now.

"Hey Laura, sorry for interrupting your psychotic slaughter," Tangmo cringed when the background noise that greeted him was one of unhinged religious fueled killing. "But I kinda need the coordinate of the location you've just landed. Is it near where the STC is?"

"The STC is right next to us mate, Celestine and Isha and the Dire Avengers are already inside and securing it right now," Laura gave her cackling response, and yep, Tangmo was a tad disturbed. "Gotta go mate, I'm about to sing!"

"Okay it's official, we won," Tangmo placed his hand on his hips, glanced around the conquered city, his visage scrunched up in perplexity and mirth. "Huh, that's was quick, thought the battle against the Federation would last a bit longer."

"Dude, after what happened with their navy, it was a foregone conclusion before even we breached the fucking atmosphere," Henry reemerged atop the hatch, his data-pad flipped open as he swiped his finger across the screen. "By the way, we broke our previous record for the fastest win. I mean, shit, we're never gonna top this."

"Is the battle really over though?" Erik tapped his earbud and flashed a sequence of hand signal at Tangmo and Henry, indicating that they were now communicating via the secured channel exclusive to the Eight. "Seriously, I'm a hundred percent sure a large number of Federation soldiers and civilians are still alive, this is gonna turn into some pain in the ass insurgency shit."

"So? We're not the US during the Afghan Iraqi war, no offense Henry," Tangmo held up his hand in apology and Henry waved him off good-naturedly. "We're about to teach them how fucking thorough the Imperium of Man can be when it comes to killing our enemies. Too bad it's the sort of education you'll never get to appreciate."

"Okay, but what about Yvraine and the Ynnari?" Erik pressed on and Tangmo was extremely glad the Swedish elf put a break on their rising enthusiasm, preventing them from prematurely celebrating. "I wouldn't even call this a hunch man, there's no way in hell the Ynnari are gonna leave us in peace while we extract the STC, even when we promise to share everything. Foul play is sure as hell gonna happen."

"He got a point," Henry added. "Our Aeldari, the Ishari, absolutely hate the Ynnari, that's one powder keg that can go off at any moment. Secondly, Celestine and Yvraine have a pretty confrontational history, and given how chummy the Sororitas and the Aeldari have become in recent days, things are bound to escalate."

"Goddamn it, both of you are absolutely right," Tangmo grunted, feet tapping an annoyed tune. "The Federation can take a back seat, what we need to do now is keep the peace between us and the Ynnari."

"What do we do then?" Henry fixed his gaze on the mushroom cloud, it was dissipating a bit but the place was gonna be covered in a hazy gloom for the next few days, maybe even weeks.

"Peace keeping probably," Tangmo shrugged dispassionately, he hated boring shit like this. "But not the piss poor kind the UN does."

"I'll get the tanks in order," Henry turned the twin heavy bolter at the destroyed city and typed swiftly across the data-pad, relaying his battle plan to the other tanks.

"Better make sure Marwen doesn't lead the eldars into the city without back up," Erik darted off toward where the Guardians and the Wraithguards were starting to form wedges and squares. He held up a hand and waved at Tangmo. "I'll tell them to wait for Henry and the tanks, see you in a bit dude!"

"I'll be right with you," Tangmo gave Erik a thumb up then tapped his earbud. "Guardsmen, form up on me, we're heading into the city with the eldars and the tanks." As the guardsmen got into the correct formation, a quick glance told him that besides several injuries everyone was alive, Tangmo changed the frequency. "Tyra, Ae-Shin, do you read me?"

"Go ahead lord commissar."

"What do you need, lord commissar?"

"Give me an update on the Ynnari making planetfall please," Tangmo asked to the two pilots. "Their locations and numbers too, if that's possible."

"Multiple aircrafts had landed on the eastern part of the city, they had set up a forward base there," Ae-Shin told him. "Before the Sororitas landed the Ynnari were making quick progress deeper into the city, they have now shifted tactic to that of reconnoitering."

"Tyra, Ae-Shin, I need the air force to trail the Ynnari, stalk those fucking assholes and let them know we got our eyes on them," Tangmo gave his command. "Don't antagonize them, but if the Ynnari sons of bitches attack us feel free to glass every last one of them."

"Yes sir!" Both pilots responded crisply before Tangmo changed the frequency again.

"Lady Celestine, I apologize for interrupting," Tangmo made sure his timbre was polite for the Living Saint. "But is the STC secure?"

"It is lord commissar," Celestine answered him with a smile in her voice. "We are in control of the STC and the adjacent buildings, the Sororitas and the Aspect Warriors are fortifying our positions as we speak."

"That's great to hear," Tangmo nodded. "My lady Saint, I must ask that the Sororitas and the Aspect Warriors refrain from attacking the Ynnari. Now that we have captured the coveted prize, I fear they might try something, but we must not be the one to initiate hostility."

"I understand lord commissar," Celestine said solemnly. "We will tolerate Yvraine and her ilk, for now."

"Thank you my lady, I'll see you soon," Tangmo terminated transmission, turned to the waiting guardsmen, and nudged his head. "Follow me, the city is destroyed but not subdue. Anything that's not us dies. Move out!"