Chapter XII:

Thus, the Heavens fall

Liberté et Égalité, Republic of San Magnolia, September 30th SY 2148

Lena stood rigidly before Colonel Jeremiah and Commissar Darius. She tried to present herself as stoic and resolute but failed miserably under the draconian and oppressive gaze of the Commissar. Beads of sweat traced down the sides of her face while she swallowed loudly her saliva, waiting anxiously for her sanctions. Her right hand gingerly held onto her uniform's skirt.

Meanwhile, the Cadian officer reviewed the after-action reports and the admiral's conclusion to the list of infractions Milizé committed. With a heavy and tired sigh, he placed down the reports and leaned forward on his desk, hands joined and staring impassively at the young Alba officer.

"Major Milizé," The girl in question jolted, she mentally prepared for her sentence, "After some thorough review with the Commissar and Brigadier-General Karlstahl, we've concluded on your sentence. While your initiative and aggressive tactical intervention has given us some breathing room in the war effort thanks to the destruction of a Sheperd unit and the equivalent of an entire enemy division; you did act without proper authorisation or by following the chain of command. You should know better than anyone else here that there are protocols to follow to avoid any chaos on the battlefield, and for that, your actions cannot go without punishment. You can understand that we need to set an example to rest of the Republic's Armed Forces."

He took a document and signed it with a fountain pen, "Thankfully for you, General Karlstahl, the admiral and your military records helped in your favour. That is why we're not going to execute you for the following infractions: insubordination, violation of the chain of command and unauthorised use of resources to the war effort…" He walked up to Lena and handed her two new rank insignias, "Instead, you will be demoted to lieutenant. You will also be relieved of command as a Handler and will be on probation for five months, effective immediately. In addition, you will attend the Special Officer Training Course; if you come back with good results, you may earn back your rank as Major and resume command as a Handler."

Lena stared at him with wide eyes, "That's… all, Colonel?" She asked hesitantly.

"That is all, lieutenant." Commissar Darius spoke up instead, "You've contributed a lot to the war and for the Imperium. You can rest assure that the Emperor smiles upon you. Killing you would be a waste of a talented officer and precious resource. That being said, if you commit these infractions again, I'll personally shoot you dead. Is that clear, Lieutenant Milizé?"

She nodded in terror.

"Your training begins tomorrow at precisely 0600 hours. You'll report to Captain Blythe with the rest of the cadets. Do not disappoint us, lieutenant." Colonel Jeremiah warned ominously.

"I won't, sir. As the Emperor commands." Lena replied with a sharp salute, earning an approving nod from the Commissar.

Republic of San Magnolia's Eastern Front, October 13th SY 2148

"Alright you spineless dogs! Get to your posts! Be ready for combat!" Hollered Commissar van Hart.

The Alba soldiers hurried to the trench's battlements; their rifles aimed at the desolate no man's land. Death Korps guardsmen set the heavy weapons and joined the defence. Behind them, artillery batteries thundered loudly, breaking the ominous silence of the frontline. Shortly after, Rogal Dorns opened fire in synchronised salvos, followed by mortar shells arching above the trenches.

The San Magnolians trembled with fear and anticipation. Some muttered a small prayer; others did their best to shake off their jitters; chewing tobacco or breathing slowly and deeply. The Korpsmen remained stoic and silent, gladly waiting the Emperor's enemies.

Despite the sundering volume of fire launched by the defenders, the Legion wave rushed through the unrelenting bombardment, uncaring of their losses and undeterred by the many obstacles laid out by the Death Korps and the Republic. Fear and dread gripped the San Magnolian troopers as they hear the mechanical strides and engine roars of their enemy.

"Stand your ground, soldiers of San Magnolia!" Commissar van Hart shouted sternly, marching down the trench and observing the battlefield, "Smite these machine menace with extreme prejudice! The immortal Emperor watches over you!"

The Legion finally responded. A simultaneous barrage of tank rounds and rockets soared at the trenches. In an instant, the combined explosions violently punched through the defences. Pillboxes, machine gun emplacements and whole sections of the trench line shattered into pieces. Plumes of mud, wood and corpses shot up in the air. The cries of the dying were soon drowned out by the intense and chaotic firefight. Bullets and lasrounds were exchanged. Casualties rose rapidly on both sides as they vied to overcome with sheer volume of fire and numbers in this bloody war of attrition.

Hydras and Earthshaker platforms opened fire at the Legion's veil that blotted out the sun. Inferno and flakk rounds ripped the autonomous mayflies to pieces; a silvery rain washed over the destructive battlefield.

"Shit! Suicide drones, incoming!" A San Magnolian trooper shouted in panic.

The humanoid suicide mines jumped over the piles and wrecks of destroyed drones, rushing over the first trench line. The infantry desperately hosed down no man's land, scything and thinning down their ranks… but it wasn't enough.

"Fix bayonets!" The Commissar ordered furiously as he gunned down a trio of suicide drones with a single Bolter round.

Once the self-propelled mines climbed over shell craters and anti-tank ditches, they were immediately met with thick lines of wooden spikes and razor wires, planting themselves accidentally into the anti-infantry obstacles. The Guardsmen and Alba soldiers wasted no time to gun them down, praying that their last line of obstacles was enough to halt the drones' advance.

But it backfired; the mines' payloads were enough to rip open tight corridors through the razor wires and straight to the first trench line. The remaining mines vaulted over the obstacles and landed right between the men.

"mommamommamomma"

"Scatter!"

A series of explosions ripped through the trench line, killing the tightly packed infantrymen and shattering the San Magnolians' morale.

"We need to fall back!" A San Magnolian officer exclaimed, fear gripping his body, "Retreat!"

He was swiftly met with a Bolter round to the head. The top half of his body erupted in a shower of gore and guts before the eyes of his shocked men. Standing impassively behind the slumped corpse was the Commissar. His icy glare sent anxiety and dread down their spines. They were more afraid of him than the Legion.

"If you will not serve in combat, then you will serve in the firing line." He stated forbiddingly, the soldiers shakingly remained silent. "Back to your posts! This battle isn't lost."

The battle dragged on till the afternoon. The soldiers were exhausted, their desert combat uniforms completely covered in bloodstains and mud. The barrels of their rifles smoked heavily; some of them took off their Kevlar helmets to see their head emitting a plume of steam. Even the usually silent and stoic Korpsmen were showing signs of fatigue… though slightly. But their work didn't end there.

After a short break, the defenders began to extract the bodies, wounded and weapons. Whatever they could scavenge, Guardsmen and soldiers took any available ammunition, grenades and water canteens. Meanwhile, Chimeras and Trojan Support Vehicles equipped with dozer blades treaded over their heads and into no man's land, clearing out the smoking wrecks and opening new fields of fire. Death Korps engineers quickly got to work, setting out more lines of razor wires, repairing any possible pillboxes and refortify first trench line. A handful of Tech-priest Enginseers carried out the sacred routine of incantations and spreading blessed oils to appease the Machine Spirit, much to the confusion and incomprehension of the Alba soldiers.

Death Marshal Arnem silently observed the frontline through a pair of binoculars, satisfied with the battle's outcome. They've only suffered thirty percent of losses and the San Magnolians stood their ground, for now.

A Watchmaster enters the forward command bunker, sharply saluting the Death Marshal, "Commissar Rayne has arrived. She is expecting your presence, herr Marshal." He announced monotonously.

Arnem simply replied with a nod and followed the Watchmaster.

Her boots squelched loudly under the mud while the stench of gunpowder, smoke and rotting flesh hung heavily in the trench network. Commissar Melissandra Rayne gazed sternly the frontline, silently cursing her superiors for this new assignment. Rayne was in her early fifties, but she had the same energy and drive as if she was still in her youth.

A grizzly scar could also be observed tracing along the left side of her head and to her now disabled eye. There was also a cut from her lower lip to her chin. But those were nothing compared to the other scars that hid under her uniform. Holstered to her right hip was her plasma pistol while her master-crafted power sword was sheathed to her left.

Groaning, she took off her tall, peaked cap, running her fingers through her greying, shaved undercut short hair.

Standing behind her was her strike team. Consisting of five members, there were two veteran Guardsmen and three Sanctioned Psykers. They were either natives of Cadia or of the Moebian Domain. She had initially started with a strike team of ten, but half were killed during their last incursion on Atoma Prime.

"Throne!" One of Veterans exclaimed upon witnessing the frontline, "I reckon it'll take some time before this world can pay the Imperial tithe."

Solomon Krann was a former Guardsman of the Moebian 212th Regiment, having served over thirty years before being recruited by the Inquisition. An intrepid soldier and renowned weapon specialist, he is also an expert survivalist and proficient close quarters fighter. Despite being the tallest and more experienced member of the team, he is also the more easy-going and reckless.

Beside him was a smaller Guardswoman, spitting at the ground before groaning, "Don't care. It's like anywhere else - at war." She said bitingly, eyeing the San Magnolian soldiers with distrust and contempt.

Katarinya Weiss was a proud but cutthroat Cadian, having served with the Cadian 51st until her regiment's destruction during the Thirteenth Black Crusade. Being the only survivor, she was falsely accused of desertion by the Imperial Navy and apprehended before her forced recruitment to the Inquisition on Atoma. A natural marksman and experienced scout, her skills in infiltration behind enemy lines and accuracy are unmatched, having saved her team multiple times thanks to a well-placed lasround or a deftly thrown melta bomb. She's always caught up in a brawl with anyone that looked at her the wrong way. Despite that, she's the team's unofficial second-in-command, partly due to Commissar Rayne being the only person that manages to keep her in a tight leash.

"Y'know, you're a real buzzkill sometimes." Krann replied exasperatedly.

"Quiet. Both of you." Rayne ordered coldly after putting her peaked cap back on her head. She then shifted her gaze to one of the psykers, "Edyth, can you hear the voices of the Legion?"

Edyth Rosemary was the youngest of the strike team and also the less experienced psyker compared to Hector Lyonaal or Seth Castinus. Donned in the crimson and black robe of the Inquisition, she unveiled the silk hood, revealing her fiery red hair, pale skin and bright blue eyes with black sclera. She focused on the voices, blocking out the noises around her environment. The voices of the damned were present but faint. She grimaced when she could hear the distant wails of weeping mothers and frightened children.

"Yes, madame." She answered softly, "But they are far enough to not be a threat. By the Throne, the smell..." She hastily covered her mouth and nose with a piece of her robe, grimacing at the pungent stench of burnt corpses.

"Excellent!" Krann replied, "That means the admiral's theory worked. So, back to the Vigilant Star, right?" A glare from the Commissar was enough to shut him up.

"Commissar Rayne." A muffled voice called her. She turned around and spotted a high-ranking Krieg officer, "I am Death Marshal Arnem. It is an honour to have your presence on the battlefield, ma'am."

"Thank you, Death Marshal. We're here to do some field testing with the psykers, the admiral and the general apparently have some theory to test out." Rayne stated bluntly, "What's the situation?"

"Legion forces have been probing our defences for a week now. They've been sending whole regiments to break our lines but to no avail. The San Magnolians are holding their own, for now."

"Yes, I've heard. But they won't be my problem. Continue with good work, Death Marshal,but we will only be here for a short amount of time."

"Commissar," Arnem began hesitantly, "While we have prepared a barrack for your strike team… are they going to be with us on the battlefield as well?" He asked while staring at the Psykers.

"Yes. Do you have a problem with that?" She asked sternly.

Arnem remained quiet for a couple of seconds. It was clear to her that the officer, and the rest of the Kriegers, aren't comfortable working around Psykers, seeing them as an insult and abominations to the Emperor. Though a common feeling throughout the Imperium, with some more strongly than others, Psykers are essential tools for Mankind among other abhumans. To wipe out the Psykers would mean the end of the Imperium.

"No, Commissar. I'll make sure that my men will comply and cooperate with your strike team."

First Ward's Defensive "Spearhead" Base

Lena gasped as she walked out of the cargo aircraft with the other cadets of the Special Officer Training Course. After two harsh weeks of drilling and physical training, the officers in-training were allowed to visit one of the Eighty-Six's defensive bases to familiarise themselves of the conditions on the frontline.

The young lieutenant was baffled by the fortifications built around the base by the Astra Militarum. Before it was a small base featuring two abandoned buildings and hangars; now grown into a formidable military complex, with prefabs, a larger mess hall, armouries, watch towers and a curtain wall, capable of housing over two thousand soldiers, including the thirty Eighty-Six processors that are replacing Spearhead Squadron.

The old wooden door to the barrack's storage room creaked loudly as Lev Aldrecht pushed it open with some force. Dust and soot washed over them, causing Lena to cough dryly, quickly covering her mouth with a handkerchief.

"Follow me," Aldrecht instructed flatly, walking ahead of her without stopping, "This is where we store the last belongings of previous Eighty-Six before they are sent to their deaths," He explained, glancing back and forth between shelves filled with dilapidated and decayed boxes. "Most take everything with them or destroy any records and tokens of themselves, their memories forever washed away… and then some leave behind souvenirs in the hopes that one day… someone will remember and honour them."

He stopped rigidly, looked to his left and pulled out a lightly dust-covered carton box out of the shelf. He handed the box to her, his rough hands still holding onto the fragile container, "Since I've been here, you're the only Handler that actually came for them."

Lena could notice a weak and wistful smile on the once stoic man's face. His silver Alabaster eyes brimmed with faint tears, threatening to rush out.

"Has… Has Shin ever confirmed the deaths of your wife and daughter?" She asked delicately.

The old mechanic looked down at the box before letting go. He cleared his throat and put his dark shades on. "Yes. He didn't hear any voice that called out to a bastard of a husband and lousy father that was incapable of joining them to the other side. But at least it gave me some solace. At least their souls weren't stuck in purgatory among the Legion and soon, I'll join them in peace. That's all that matters to me." He stated sombrely.

There was a heavy silence in the storage room before Aldrecht finally decided to leave the young officer alone, "You can keep the box if you want, you deserve it but please remember to lock the storage room behind," He instructed her plainly, "I'll be in Hangar Bravo 4 for some maintenance work."

"Um, Aldrecht!" She called him just as he was about of leave, "I know this may not mean much to you, but I want to thank you, sincerely, for watching over Spearhead Squadron and the other Eighty-Six… It comforts me that they were looked after by someone that actually cared for them when their own homeland rejected them. Thank you, lieutenant."

"Yeah… yeah, don't mention it. It is an honour and privilege to be with them." He replied stoically before he left hastily, sniffing and clearing his throat repeatedly.

Lena continued to explore the decrepit building that once housed the members of Spearhead Squadron. Each bedroom, the dining room, the showers and even the hallways all felt empty yet constrained, as if all life and air was sucked out since their departure. The replacements were still in the hangars, getting briefed by a senior Cadian officer.

She found herself in some sort of common room with various couches, arcade machines, a blackboard with a faded drawing on it, a bookshelf and a large wooden desk. Scratching on the side of the desk was a small black and white cat, meowling and clawing furiously at a drawer.

Lena smiled softly and pulled at the drawer, finding a ball of pink fluff with small pointy ears, a pink nose and a pair of black beady eyes. She played with the small animal for a while before she threw the toy gently across the room, letting the cat chase after it. She set the box on the desk and opened it.

She was quite intrigued and slightly disappointed with its content; she was hoping to find some clues on where they would go. There was a book titled "All Quiet on the Western Front" and a folded piece of paper. She retrieved the paper, unfolded it and gasped. It was a pencil drawing of an adorable pink in a princess's dress and a tiara on its head.

"I guess Theo's the artist behind this…" She muttered with an exasperated grin. She then read the small messages left behind by the last five survivors.

- If you actually went to the trouble of finding this, you're one crazy dumb ass. Raiden Shuga

- I wrote down everyone's names for you. I bet you're crying your eyes out right about now because you can't tell which of us is which. Theoto Rikka

Puzzled, she searched through the box and found a blurred and faded picture of the entire squadron assembled with a note attached to it. It was a rough outline of silhouettes with each of their names pointed out. She smiled sadly at the picture, frustrated that she couldn't quite make out their faces on the picture.

- Take care of the cat. Might as well if you insist on being a saint. Kurena Kukumila

- We still haven't decided on a name yet. Give it a cute one, okay, Major? Anju Emma

Her lips quivered; her visions blurred as the floodgates of swirling emotions threatened to flush out. She bit her tongue and held her tears with all of her might so that she can finish reading the messages and to prove Theo wrong that she wasn't a cry-baby.

Her bittersweet gaze landed on the last message:

- If one day you make to our final destination, would you please leave flowers? Shinei Nouzen

Tears fell down her fair pale cheeks as her legs gave out. She sobbed quietly as she held the drawing close to her chest. Giving in, she let her broken heart wail. Despite everything she did, the risks she took, the only people that actually treated like a decent person were gone, their whereabouts or status unknown.

It was very likely they could be dead or have survived and found refuge elsewhere, going forward in life without her. The promise she has kept with Shin seemed to now be an impossible task.

But instead of giving up, it ignited a new fire in her. A newfound determination and drive to keep on living, if not for the Republic, then for them. They didn't want her to die, so she'll continue to fight on in their memory, to honour them properly and cherish the time they've spent alive, even if it was through a screen and a Para-Raid. She'll fight to the very end, until the moment Fate finally comes for her.

Captain Lenck set two mugs of recaff and sat down in front of Lieutenant Milizé. The two bumped into each other by the mess hall and the Cadian officer immediately recognized Lena. Unbeknownst to her, she has become quite a notable personality after she saved General Farestein's life and earned the utmost respect of the Cadians.

"Gotta hand it to you, Milizé," Lenck took a sip of recaff, sighing with relief, "It takes guts to bluff a Sheperd with a danger close artillery strike. If it wasn't for that, my company and I would surely be blown to smithereens, not to mention the kids of Spearhead."

"Do you remember what happened after the battle?"

Lenck breathed out heavily and rubbed the back of her head, "Not quite. I've lost consciousness due to blood loss and got evacuated by the Colour Sergeant. Lieutenant Ivan temporarily took command at the time."

"And where can I find him?" Lena asked slightly desperately.

"He's dead." Lenck answered bluntly, "Got his head nicked by shrapnel a week ago."

"I'm sorry to hear that."

The captain simply shrugged, "It happens."

Lena drank her recaff, grimacing as the bitter fluid hit her inexperienced tastebuds. "And, uh, did you receive any signal or vox transmissions from them since then?"

The older woman shook her head empathically, "I'm sorry, Milizé. But their whereabouts are unknown to us as well. We've already launched several aerial search parties but to no avail. All we do know is that they headed eastward, deep in Legion territory. We've lost comms through the Para-Raid a day after we eliminated the Sheperd." She explained defeatedly.

Lena cast her forlorn gaze at the mug, gently caressing the ceramic cup. Lenck bit her lower lip, tapping impatiently against the table. She wasn't an adept when it comes to comforting a teenager or to the matters of the heart. She downed her recaff and stood up, passing behind Lena and placing a warm hand on her shoulder.

"Listen… I know it must be hard to lose people you care on the battlefield. I know because I've been there. Mourn and cherish their memories but keep your head up. Take comfort that the Emperor has welcomed them to the Eternal Gates. Our job as Guardsmen isn't over yet. Defend Mankind at all costs; to fight and die standing. There's no better way to honour them than to keep fighting."

"I… I understand, Captain…" The young Alba replied despondently, "I'll do whatever it takes to win this war."

"That's the spirit, lieutenant. I would be proud to have you in my company." Lenck softly squeezed her shoulder and left quietly, leaving Lena with her own thoughts.

"Emperor… if you can hear my plea… protect them."

Sankt Glycine Base, the Western Front, Federal Republic of Giad

Interim President Ernst Zimmerman pondered silently, his frows furrowed in front of the document presented to him by Major General Altner. Most of the high-ranking officers of the Western Army were reunited to discuss on the future of their country and of Humanity.

The Astra Militarum has presented to them a simple ultimatum: to pledge loyalty to the Imperium or to be destroyed with the Legion.

Zimmerman could see it in their faces; they were all conflicted but ultimately resigned; they didn't truly have a choice in the matter.

"General Altner," He finally spoke up, his voice devoid of emotion but firm, "How do you truly feel about this?" He asked curiously, "Do we have a chance against them?"

The one eyed general cleared his throat, "Speaking frankly, sir?" The president nodded, "No. While we clearly outnumber them five to one, it won't matter when they outgun us and have control of the air, their spaceship is evidence of that."

"Not to mention that they now have the Republic of San Magnolia subjugated." Brigadier General Willem Ehrenfried, the Chief of Staff of the Western Army, reminded plainly, "Thus increasing their numbers."

"We're barely holding the line with the Legion as we speak, sir," Altner continued gravely, "Going to war against the Imperium would only guarantee our destruction, maybe even damning the world with it."

Zimmerman hummed pensively, closing his ashen eyes and leaning back into his seat, "Having the Imperium on our side will surely grant us an edge against the Legion, but in exchange, we lose our freedom and livelihood, condemning ourselves to eternal servitude to this "God-Emperor" of Mankind…" He stated to no one in particular.

No one protested. Not a word of defiance or fiery passion to embolden their spirit. They've all reluctantly conceded. In order to survive in this world, they would sacrifice their people's freedom and livelihood, their very own way of life.

After taking a careful glance at everyone in the meeting room, the middle-aged man picked up his fountain pen and signed the treaty.

"Let it be known that I have decided our nation's fate. If we must kneel before the Imperium, then at least we'll have fighting chance against the Legion and maybe join the rest of Humanity to the stars. I, Ernst Zimmerman, interim president of the Federal Republic of Giad, pledge my loyalty to the Imperium of Man."

General Farestein and his staff were invited in the meeting room. Zimmerman could sense his generals' discomfort and apprehension at the sight of the Cadians and their gruesome scars. He could tell that the men that came from another world had long years of combat experience.

General Farestein nodded appreciatively after reading the treaty and turned his gaze to the president. "It is a pleasure to have the Federal Republic of Giad back in the Imperium, mister president." He stated diplomatically, "As we have discussed previously, the Cadian 501st will transfer to the Western Front and aid your soldiers in repelling the Legion. Right now, our primary objective in this war is to link the Republic of San Magnolia and your country and establish a communication and supply corridor. Hopefully, this show of force will rally the other nations to our cause and destroy the Legion once and for all."

Republic of San Magnolia's First Ward, the Eastern Front, October 25th SY 2148

The frontline was quiet, for the most part. Distant rumbles and detonations from the other wards echoed to the trenches. The sleep deprived San Magnolian soldiers that stood guard lazily watched the no man's land. The other soldiers slept soundly in their dug-outs or against the trench's revetment.

The first trench line was now occupied by Alba soldiers, the Kriegers and Cadians rested in the support trench, with only a few officers and the Commissar roaming around among their ranks.

Private Gilles sluggishly slumped against the sandbag wall; his rifle slung behind his back. He yawned loudly for the umpteenth times, being on guard duty has become a chore for most of the troops. He didn't see the point; they could easily spot the Legion just by the sounds of their engines and stomping feet, not to mention that they were incapable of launching raids in the night. Yet, the otherworlders insisted on keeping up with night guard duties.

The young man took a glance at his watch, his relief was already ten minutes late. "Screw it…" He cursed angrily and decided to sit down on the fire step and lean on the wooden beams, wrapping his woodland poncho around and closed his eyes, eagerly welcoming his well-deserved sleep.

However, he felt something nagging at the back of his mind. He grumbled and tried to force himself to sleep and failed. He didn't know why but he sensed that there was a presence, someone, out in no man's land. Like a shadow that was out of place.

Huffing and cursing himself, he stood back on the fire step, rifle in hand. He observed the trench once more, expecting to find nothing but he was immediately surprised by a dozen of dark human-shaped shadows crawling mere inches from the trench, managing to silently cut their way through the razor wires.

"Wha-"

His voice was swiftly turned to a gargle of saliva and blood as one of the silhouettes jumped at him, its sharp blade slicing his throat. Gilles's eyes opened wide with fear and confusion, loudly falling backwards as he thrashed around in panic.

More of the shadows vaulted over the sandbags and infiltrating the trench. They resembled the Self Propelled Mine units: humanoid in shape, heavily modified and armoured. Their arms were replaced with long sword bayonets, their legs augmented with hydraulics and more articulations. Their porcelain faces have multiple antennas and optical sensors, resembling more to a spider-like creature than a human.

One of the drones accidently bumped into his rifle. The rifle dropped loudly on the duckboards, awakening a pair of soldiers that were in the next dug-out.

"Huh? Fuck! Contact!" The Alba screamed hastily, bringing his rifle.

The infiltration drones pounced with incredible speed, closing the gap in an instant and brutally stabbed the soldiers with cold efficiency. The other soldier fired a flared gun before he was stabbed viciously. Instantly, the alarm rung throughout the trench line, San Magnolian soldiers were spurred out of their sleep and faced with horror the new drones. Sporadic gunfire echoed with urgent shouts and wails of pain. Chaos erupted as the rest of the Legion surged forward, a tidal wave of light and heavy armour rushed into no man's land, taking advantage of the confusion to finally take over the defenders.

Edyth gasped shockingly as she was forcefully pulled out of her sleeping cot.

"On your feet, freaks! The enemy is in the wire!" Weiss hollered sternly, "We need to hold them in the first trench until the Kriegers can flush them out!"

The two other psykers jumped out of their slumber, hastily grabbing their weapons and followed the Cadian veteran. Krann and Commissar Rayne were already in the thick of the action, mowing down the infantry drones with plasma fire.

A drone snuck behind Krann, poised to slash him in a downward strike. The Veteran deftly blocked the blade with his plasma gun, shoved the sword bayonet away and knocked it out of its feet with a powerful elbow strike.

"Karking buggers!" He cursed angrily while stomping viciously at its neck, severing the head from the rest of its body, "This wasn't in the bleeding briefing, ma'am!"

"Don't give a crap, Krann!" Rayne replied after thrusting her power sword through an enemy drone, "Keep blasting them back to Hel and we'll talk about the briefing later!"

The Commissar casually dodged a lasround, eliminating two drones with a single shot down the trench line. "Thanks, Weiss." She gave her a thumbs up.

"I'm just warming up…" The Cadian sharpshooter replied with a side grin.

Edyth drew out her heavy laspistol, gunning down any drone that would come up above the trench. Although she wasn't as accurate as the two Veterans, it didn't matter since the drones have now funnelled themselves into the trench, making it easier for anyone to simply open fire and still hit a target.

Castinus nonchalantly stood in the middle of a trench line, unfazed by the flying rounds and whizzing lasbolts around him. He stared down the group of humanoid drones, his sword, a thin but sharp blade, drawn out and pointed downwards. Once they were talking distance from him, the psyker surged forward in a blur, astonishing the San Magnolian soldiers that were just behind him.

In mere seconds, he carved a destructive path through the dozen or so drones, thrusting and slashing his way through their ranks like they were mere practice dummies. The drones didn't even register their own demise and simply collapsed in pieces. A drone stealthily stalked behind him, sword bayonets poised to strike. As if predicted, Castinus nimbly parried strikes from behind and sliced its head off.

"Too easy. I'm quite disappointed that you simpletons couldn't hold the line." He stated plainly.

"Quite the show-off, aren't you, darling?" Lyonaal, commented playfully, sending out burst of Warp projectiles into a pile of hostile machines.

Castinus rolled his eyes, "Let me guess: your so-called Beloved said that?"

"Why, yes! He even advises you that you shouldn't spend too much energy on the theatrics! It might get you killed." Lyonaal replied enthusiastically.

"Hit the deck!"

A barrage of rockets plummeted from the dark sky, spread out across the trenches. Edyth rushed in the middle of the group and slammed her force staff with a powerful spark, summoning out of thin air a large energy shield over her comrades. The rockets hit their targets, wiping out entire sections and pillboxes.

Thick plume of smoke and ash enveloped the trench line, Guardsmen and San Magnolian soldiers laid dead around them while Rayne's strike force was completely unharmed. The energy bubble dissipated, and Edyth fell to her knees. Krann caught her in his arms while the psyker breathed heavily, grabbing her head and moaning in pain. A trail of blood flowed out of her nose.

"The voices…" She muttered weakly, her face contorted in agony, "They're getting stronger…"

"You don't say? It's not like the enemy is rushing straight for us!" Castinus shouted frustratedly.

"Shut it down!" Rayne admonished coldly, "You and Krann, take Edyth back to the support trench. Lyonaal, keep the Legion at bay for as long as possible. And Weiss, gather whatever survivor you can find and kick some vigour into them. Am I clear?"

"Yes, Commissar!" They all replied obediently.

Castinus picked up the weakened Edyth and followed Krann back to the support trench. Weiss ran down the trench line, barking out orders and kicking any survivors back to the fight.

Commissar Rayne took in deep breaths as she leaned against the wooden beams, hearing the Legion's drones coming at them. Her power sword hummed to life while her plasma pistol glowed with a fresh energy pack. She swiped the grime and sweat from her forehead and eyed incredulously at Lyonaal, who's been staring at her with concern.

"What are you gawking at?"

"My Beloved is starting to worry about your health, ma'am. It would sadden Him if one of his finest warriors would die this soon." He explained nonchalantly.

Rayne chuckled dryly and pushed herself off the beams, "Well, tell Him that my duty's not done yet for the Emperor still needs me." She answered half-sarcastically.

"He knows." He shot back before going up the fire step, his green eyes flashed and glowed as sparks of energy surged through his veins and his staff. The staff's icon, a large eye, symbol of the Adeptus Astra Telepathica, radiated and sparked wildly. Lyonaal focused his mind and soul, using whatever Warp energy that flowed in the air. He mumbled a foreign incantation, feeling the build-up of Warp energy. Suddenly, his eyes flashed open, hand and staff pointed forward as psychic electricity soared at the incoming Legion units.

"WITNESS YOUR DOOM!" The psyker exclaimed maniacally.

The psychic attack pierced through the armour, frying their internal processors and cooking off their ammunition, creating a spectacular and infernal chain reaction. While Lyonaal manages to stall the enemy, Krieg Guardsmen quickly took their posts with the disoriented and tired San Magnolian soldiers. The troopers silently watched with horror and awe as the lone psyker easily destroys dozens of Legion drones in seconds while laughing hysterically.

"Feel my Beloved's wrath! Witness His power!"

Rayne spotted Weiss rushing over to her, concern written all over her face, "Krieg tanks and artillery batteries are ready to fire, Commissar. They're waiting on your signal." She reported before staring at Lyonaal, "Ugh, Throne! Don't tell me he's going to lose it again!"

"Take care of it, Weiss." She instructed coldly as she aimed her plasma pistol at Lyonaal.

"Can't we just let his brains explode?"

"If you do not hurry, you'll be next on my execution list."

"Leave it to me, ma'am…" The Cadian Veteran groaned.

Lyonaal was already past the razor wires by the time she climbed over the trench. She ducked as a couple of bullets still flew around them.

"I better get a bonus pay for this Grox shite." She grumbled through mud and smoke.

Once she got close enough, she tackled him forcefully into a shell crater and swiftly knocked him unconscious with a violent punch to the head. Without wasting any time and now with the Legion on their backs, she carried him over her shoulders and began the dangerous trek of running back into the trench.

"Cover fire!" She heard the Commissar barking.

Bullets and lasrounds abruptly lit up the no man's land, narrowly missing them by mere inches. Weiss carefully navigated through the lines of razor wires before ungracefully jumping into the trench. She landed hard on the duck boards and immediately lost her balance, crumbling in a heap with Lyonaal crushing her lungs out.

"S-someone get this bastard off me!" She urged furiously.

Nearby San Magnolians hurried over and retrieve the unconscious psyker while a Korpsman heaved her up. She briskly shook him off and stared at Lyonaal, "You owe me big time, freak."

"What the fuck is he?" One of the Alba soldiers asked apprehensively.

"A psyker. You don't want to be near him." She replied offhandedly, massaging her right shoulder.

"Excellent work, Weiss," She heard Commissar Rayne said behind her, "Join the others back to the support trench, our part here is done. The Death Korps will handle it."

"Aye, ma'am." She replied with a mock salute and grabbed Lyonaal by the collar.

Thanks to Rayne's strike force, the Death Korps was able to retake the front trench line and launch their counter-attack. Tanks and artillery pieces pummelled the enemy wave into a bloody pulp followed by a carpet bombing run from the Imperial Navy, forcing the Legion to retreat.

Cheers of joy erupted among the San Magnolians but were quickly whipped back to work by their officers. As the wounded and corpses were retrieved, Commissar Darius ordered the collect of the new infantry Legion types for examination and research by the techpriests.

Darius inspected one of the wrecked drones with disgust and hatred before the arrival of the adepts of the Cult Mechanicus. "Abominations… trying to take us out in melee."

He then shifted his eyes toward the regimental commander of San Magnolian troops, Colonel Paul Isaac. The Alba man was one of the few combat veterans in the Republic, having fought the Legion head on as a tank commander. Isaac peered down and poked the drone with a bayonet, a deep frown formed on his face.

"This is indeed a first, Commissar. They didn't need close-quarters units since they easily repelled us with range and their Grauwolf type was devastating enough."

"Hmm, it seems that they've designed these things specifically for us then." Darius mused pensively. "This could mean that they are getting desperate and hasting up their next great offensive."

"How can you tell?"

"If the Legion is willing to send specialised types to deal with our trenches, that means that they are going to be more aggressive and put more effort to weaken our troops' morale and fighting capability with night raids and constant skirmishes. Once our troops fold in, they'll strike us with everything they've got, the Gran Mur being their first objective." He explained with grim certainty.

"Then we need to be more aggressive," Isaac suggested while standing up, "We need to launch more air strikes and counter-offensives. Pierce the enemy line with armoured assaults, keep the enemy guessing when and where we'll launch our own offensive."

Darius rubbed his chin, closing his eyes contemplatively. It was a bold but risky strategy. They need the firepower and numbers to maintain such momentum and putting the enemy on a constant alert. While the draft surely bolstered the Astra Militarum's ranks, they didn't have enough to actually be a serious threat to the Legion. He took a glance at the sky and came to a grim solution.

"We're going to need orbital bombardments to achieve this… and send out the Eighty-Six for skirmishes until we have the armoured regiments rolled out."

Republic of San Magnolia's First Ward, the Eastern Front, October 30th SY 2148

Captain Lenck mounted on board her command Chimera after briefing the Eighty-Six squadron that would accompany them into the raid. Sledgehammer Squadron's commander, First Lieutenant "Black Bird", was a young man but scarred with years of frontline combat. Despite his rank, he took the mantle of squadron commander a month ago after his captain's death.

From what Colonel Frazyer has told her, Sledgehammer Squadron is a veteran unit of the Eighty-Six, sharing the honour of having the lowest casualty rate with another veteran squadron.

Twenty-eight Juggernauts and four Scavenger units will accompany her mechanized infantry company, along with two Leman Russ tank platoons and a Sentinel squadron from the Cadian 605th Regiment.

Their mission was to launch a surprise raid from the south of the trench line, or a "Thunder Run" as the local forces would describe it. The idea was to punch through the enemy line, cause as much damage as possible and return to friendly lines. The sudden attack would confuse and throw the Legion's ranks in disarray before they could even organize a proper counter-attack.

The Death Korps will begin the "Thunder Run" with a barrage of Basilisks and Griffon Heavy Mortar Carriers, Manticores and Praetors. This will gather the Legion's attention towards the trench line. Once caught up in no man's land, the armoured strike force will rush out and attack from behind.

Quite a daring and daunting operation, but Lenck's Guardsmen were rather enthusiastic to finally strike back at the enemy.

The pilot of Black Bird rubbed his hands before grabbing the command sticks. With his squadron's Handler shipped off to a training course, they were reassigned to the Eastern Front under Cadian command. Though it has been only two weeks, Sledgehammer Squadron has shown and proven their reputation to the Imperial Guard, earning the respects of the Cadians and Kriegsmen.

Despite the much-needed help on the battlefield, Black Bird and the other processors didn't feel like their lives changed. Sure, the Republic doesn't control them anymore, but they weren't free either, just under new management.

They were still forced to fight and die on the frontline with no other alternative but death. They are just mere pawns, to be used until they are dead. The battlefield changed but not the outcome. And rebellion was certainly out of the question now that the Imperial Guard's officers are willing to shoot down any coward on sight.

"Fucking bullshit…" Black Bird muttered under his breath.

"To all units," Captain Lenck's voice pierced through his Para-Raid, "This is Beta 2-0, we're mission launch in exactly five minutes. Be prepared and may the Emperor give us strength and guide our aim."

The artillery barrage begun. The trenches lit up with the detonations of cannons; the night sky broken up by the smoke trails of missiles. The earth's crust shattered violently by the massive impacts, smashing through the Legion's ranks with extreme prejudice and Mankind's thirst for vengeance. Forests and plains were indiscriminately battered and eviscerated by high-explosive shells; plumes of dirt, ash and carcasses shot up in the air. The Republic's landscape was senselessly and brutally reformed and transformed into an inhabitable hellscape, where death and destruction tainted and soiled nature's beauty.

"We're sooo going in Hell for this." Mad Horse commented ironically.

"Think we'll finally meet the white pigs there?" Wild Coyote chuckled dryly.

Even if the squadron has seen the San Magnolian soldiers, made up only of Alba, fight on the frontline for a couple of days, they were unimpressed with the results. The Albas were more of a dead weight than any actual help. Their morale would break too easily, and it was up to them and the Imperials to step up and hold the frontline. They were useless and incompetent. The Eighty-Six were aware of that fact, the Cadians admit it and the Kriegsmen… were silent as usual.

"This is Beta 2-0, move out! Charge for the Emperor and the Imperium!"

The Leman Russ tanks rolled forward, taking the lead with the Chimeras following close behind. The armoured strike group formed a wedge with the Juggernauts taking the left flank and the Sentinels bringing the rear.

The formation raced across the plains and woodlands, kicking up a massive cloud of dust but they miraculously remained undetected, the Legion took the bait and launched their counter-offensive at the trenches. Frantic reports buzzed through the Resonance, the San Magnolian troops were taking casualties while the Cadians and Kriegsmen called out artillery strikes and tank barrages with professional calmness.

They approached their designated combat area: a small town surrounded by hills and small forests. Navy reports suggest that the Legion's main artillery batteries were located within the ruins while large formations of Löwes were fortified in the outskirts.

As predicted, Löwe types started to open fire from the hills and forests two kilometres away from the armoured strike force, abysmally missing their targets. The Leman Russes returned fire in kind, while not as accurately they were still able to hit a handful of targets. The Sentinels spread out and charged forwards, rapidly closing the gap with their designated targets.

The tanks and APCs continued towards the town, using speed and aggression to catch the Legion off guard. Sensing trouble, a skeleton rear guard of Ameises and Grauwolves surged out of the town, intercepting the Imperial Guard. They were quickly countered by the Leman Russ tanks, leaving a path for the Chimeras and Juggernauts to push into their target objective.

"Formation halt! Guardsmen, disembark!" Captain Lenck barked sternly once they've reached the town square.

The Chimeras grounded to a halt, the infantry jumped out hastily while Sledgehammer Squadron went ahead to clear out any routes and obstacles. Once the Cadians had boots on the ground, they quickly scattered into smaller formations and made their way through their designated routes. Ameise and suicide mine drones formed a rigid and immovable defensive perimeter around the Skorpion batteries. The Cadians used the urban ruins to their advantage; weaving between narrow alleyways and through buildings to ambush the much larger Ameise scout drones. The Juggernauts climbed and vaulted over the ruins, eliminating the lightly armoured Legion units with ease and combat prowess.

"Black Bird, this is Beta 2-0. I've received intel that a sizeable enemy force is egressing back to the town." He noted the officer's strained breathing and distant shouts, "Progress towards the objective and destroy those guns! Make it quick!"

"Roger, Beta 2-0." He replied calmly, swiftly evading a shower of bullets, "Third and Fourth platoons, redirect to the west and assist the Cadians. First and Second platoons on me, we need to push in and silence those Skorpions."

"Roger!" They replied in unison.

Black Bird and eight other Juggernauts pushed down an avenue, their path cleared of hostile drones. The intensity of the firefight from the west could be heard through the desolate wails of the Legion's many claimed and unrested souls. Imperial Navy fighters swooped in to aid the ground forces, unleashing a hail of unguided bombs.

Coming up to a crossroad, Black Bird was about to make a right turn when he suddenly spotted a bright glint from an abandoned apartment. A forlorn voice echoed through his Para-Raid.

"no, please… I don't want to die…" Came the echo of a young girl.

"Shit! Scatter!" Black Bird cried urgently, pushing his Juggernaut to the side.

The Skorpion perched on the roof of the apartment fired. The 155mm high explosive shell impacted almost at point blank range, crushing two Juggernauts. The infernal explosion engulfed the road, white hot shrapnel shot out haphazardly in a wide radius, burrowing into the side of a third Juggernaut.

Caught off guard and disoriented, the Skorpion fired another shell down the crossroad before it repositioned, its movement covered by the thick plume of ash and dust.

"To all units! This is Beta 2-0, fall back! I repeat fall back! The Skorpions have us zeroed in!"

Liberté et Egalité, Republic of San Magnolia

Back at Palace Blancneige, the General Command Staff followed closely to the operation's status. Admiral Ravenkin listened keenly to the frontline reports flowing through the Resonance. Air and ground reports suggested that the "Thunder Run", as the Eighty-Six called it, was a success. They achieved their primary objective of destroying the enemy Skorpion batteries with minimal casualties and managed to easily divert the Legion's attention. This meant that the enemy wasn't expecting them to launch a daring raid, their rear guard was complacent.

"Lady Admiral," A Battle Captain spoke up urgently, "The strike force is out of range. Should we launch an orbital bombardment?"

The admiral nodded resolutely. The order was relayed back to Cadia's Requiem. The Emperor-Class Battleship, although not initially designed to provide orbital bombardments, was still equipped with broadside macro-cannons, able to destroy entire cities depending on range, ammunition and altitude. To avoid any catastrophic black-on-black incidents, the massive battleship needed to hover closer to the atmosphere, potentially exposing itself to any anti-air batteries, even with its Void shields activated.

+Relaying target coordinates and fire solution+

+Estimation to orbital bombardment: six Terran minutes and 48 seconds +

The tech-priest announced autonomously, sending a dreadful shiver down a San Magnolian's spine. The Navy liaison officers and Vox operators worked diligently with the units on the battlefield, impatiently waiting for the Battleship to unleash the God-Emperor's holy fury and might.

Ravenkin unknowingly gripped the desk's edge until her knuckles turned white. She was anxious and apprehensive. This would be the first time she would initiate a bombardment this close to the surface. The tech-priest's calculations assured her that the bombardment's success rate was 74%... not great but not terrible as well, even if they didn't elaborate further on after several nervous inquiries.

"This is Cadia's Requiem to Blancneige headquarters. Fire solution received. Macro-batteries loaded. Bombardment begins in 1 minute!" The ship's Master Gunner informed coldly.

Everyone in the command-and-control station held their breaths in anticipation. The Vox comms were still blaring with frantic reports from the frontline; the San Magnolian infantry was barely holding the line while the three Eighty-Six squadrons assigned to First Ward were taking casualties.

+Lady Admiral – all weapon systems online – target coordinates ported + Macro-batteries ready to fire – requesting your order+

"Open fire."

Pajk wordlessly picked up the Alba corpse and threw it off the Autocannon gun emplacement, taking his place. The other Grenadiers of his squad posted alongside him, their hot-shot lasguns primed and aimed at the wave of Legion drones. All around them the screams and wails of the dying were drowned out by the intense cacophony of the battle. Artillery shells shrieked above them, the no man's land trembled under the destructive explosions and treads of tanks. Lasrounds and bullets engulfed the frontline, striking indiscriminately everything in their paths.

Although he was used to such sights, he sometimes caught himself mesmerized by the spectacular onslaught and display of sheer volume and sundering firepower. In his eyes, it was truly a glimpse of the God-Emperor's wrath, and he is among untold trillions to wield such weapons worthy of His holy image.

"Everyone! Hit the deck!" The Watchmaster instructed loudly behind them, "Orbital Bombardment inbound!"

Every soldier and Guardsman in the trench line hunkered down and braced for impact. A powerful and raw explosion thundered from the sky. All of a sudden, the world quaked with an oppressive force, its violent shockwave spanned across the continent several times. A sea of dust and dirt washed over the frontline, obscuring both sides. Then an ear-splitting detonation clapped with such force that several hundreds of San Magnolians had their eardrums ruptured. Less resilient pillboxes and bunkers crumbled, entire forests near ground zero were swept away. Several layers of the earth were overturned, hills and mountains shattered, and nearby towns and villages were levelled and burnt to ash.

The planet stood still and remained silent for several long seconds. The defenders carefully peeked their heads over the trenches, observing the devastating and unchained power of the Imperial Navy. The Korpsmen and Cadian shock troopers were quick on their feet, regaining their posts and weapons pointed at no man's land. But they were as baffled and awed as the Alba soldiers.

The no man's land was transformed into a valley of destruction and death. A massive graveyard of Legion drones laid before their very eyes. Mangled wrecks and fuming carcasses piled into disturbingly tall spires; dark plumes of smoke dotted the battlefield.

"D-did… did they just launch a fucking nuke?" A San Magnolian asked concernedly, his face blanching by the second.

"Nah, lad," Weiss replied flatly, wiping the dirt off her face, "That right there was an orbital bombardment… crazy bastards could've buried us if they missed." She spat bitterly, more annoyed to be covered in dirt than being buried alive.

Black Bird took in deep breaths as his senses came back. His head was numb with pain while his ears rang sharply; he could feel warm liquid seeping out. Despite lowering the Juggernaut behind a concrete wall, its weak chassis and thin legs almost gave way and flew with the shockwave.

The damaged Feldreß's canopy shot open, the processor jumped down and stumbled to his feet. Disoriented and frightened, he grabbed his battle rifle, hastily scanning his surroundings.

From his position, he could see a line of Imperial Guard tanks advancing into no man's land with the San Magnolian infantrymen tailing behind them, securing new grounds while the Legion's forces were obliterated.

"Black Bird!" A worried female voice shrieked through his ears, startling him. He weakly leaned against his Juggernaut and took in a deep breath. "Black Bird! Can you hear me? Are you still alive?"

"Yeah, yeah, I'm a bit banged up but I'm still breathing," He answered bluntly, jumping slightly when he heard several gunshots echoing in the distance, possibly coming from some Legion stragglers. "How's everyone?"

"Black Dagger's seriously injured. I'm with him and I managed to hail Guard medics, he'll be fine."

"Good. Anyone else?"

"Mad Horse and Sakura are gone… and Roach's missing in action. No one has seen nor heard of him."

He noted the hesitation and sullen tone of his second-in-command. Wild Coyote was two years younger than him but has been with him through thick and thin, alongside Roach.

"I'm sure he's alive. He's probably a bit dazed and lost but we'll find him. You have my word."

"Thanks, Black Bird."

He shifted his gaze to the night toward the hovering starship. Its long and spiked dark silhouette contrasted heavily against the cloudless sky. He still felt dread and apprehension each time he saw it, feeling like a worthless ant before a deity. He was not a man of faith, not believing in a higher power. However, with the Imperium and their God-Emperor, he was certain that they could wipe out this world with a simple push of a button.

Suddenly a projectile struck the starship with staggering velocity and unbridled force. On impact, an explosion of blue and white energy engulfed the starship with wild sparks of electricity shooting outwards. The massive space-faring vessel physically tilted slightly to the side but remained somehow intact.

An earth-shattering thunderclap ruptured from the Heavens, sending a chilling reminder to Mankind that the Legion won't be stopped so easily. They won't cease their heartless mission to exterminate all humans on this planet, be they San Magnolian, Giadian or loyal Guardsman of the Imperium.

Author's Note: Salut! Here's the other chapter as promised. However, is anyone having any trouble uploading or editing Word docs on the site? Because not only does it not take account any edits I make but now I can't upload anything. So that's another headache to take account and chapters might come in even slower... anyways à la prochaine.