(Chapter 31: A Iron Defense truly Begins)
It would be the tailend of May as Ben and the Iron Warriors were proceeding to put up a compellingly effective counter-offensive against the Drukhari invaders of the Olympia Sector. Given that with the Ultimatrix wielder not only working to pump out new armor patterns for the 4th Legion day and night, and going days without sleep to get it to his exact specifications, on top of buidling them new weapons, siege engines, and armored vehicles.
That suffice to say that Ben alongside the Iron Warriors were making sure that the 4th Legion and their forces would be well prepared against their almost ravenous opposition.
(May 30th, 951. M30, Olympia Sector, Ultima Segmentum, Kronos, Iron Warriors Encampment, 2:50 Pm)
It would be 10 minutes till 3 in the afternoon as Ben had finished helping Kroeger and his men into their new armor, wherein the Lieutenant in question was being fitted into his new suit Gojira-Pattern Power Armor and the Terminator Squads adjusting to their new Juggernaut Pattern.
"Alright, Kroeger, you should be ready and set to go. How are we liking the new armor?" Ben asked the pugnacious Astartes lieutenant who clenched his armored fists in excitement of what was to come
"I will admit, Tennyson. This new set of armor feels incredible." Were the words of the Iron Warriors Lieutenant as he put on his helmet
"I do have to ask, how did you accomplish this armor having near Terminator quality of defense? Despite that, it still feels as mobile if not slightly more than our old ones." Kroeger wondered in having felt almost as strong as a Terminator in his new armor
"The trickiest part about building it was trying to make both energy efficient, and make them tough enough for Bolter shells to bounce off 'em like bullets off Superman. However, after I realized my main problem was both trying to make it atomic powered instead of using Arc reactors. On top of making the armor distribution far to bottom heavy and the mass distribution uneven for the absorption of kinetic damage. I was able to even everything out and here we are now with your new armor." Ben explained on his condensed version of how he was able to get the Gojira Pattern armor to not only work efficiently but also be 20% more mobile than their old armor
"Credit where it is due, you have delivered on your workmanship thus far. We have so far done nothing but walk done these knife-eared bastards." Kroeger said back with a cruel grin on his face
"Thanks, but we aren't done yet. In fact we still have the last Hive City to continue taking from these fuckers." Ben told the grinning Iron Warrior
"Best part being, we're gonna do this in style. I just need you to lead the charge while I break their doors down."Ben further spoke
"You've got my attention, Tennyson. Walk me through how this plan of yours is going to shake out." Kroeger said with interest in his voice
"I'm gonna turn into one of my alien forms known as Jetray; to fly high enough over their aerial radar to be undetected. Then from there, I'm going to shift into another one known as Humungosaur, grow into the max height I can, and just go on a fucking rampage to draw their attention." Ben replied
"Then considering how much we've been softening these guys up; before we unleash fire and brimstone on them. I say that our chances of doing this as a one and done and moving onto the next planet…That it is smooth sailing from there." Ben further spoke
"You're not wrong about that. We've done nothing but punish these knife-eared bastards from the moment we started. They may be fast, conniving, tricky wretches do deal with. But put them through an endurance match where they have to dig deep for once, and they are all but made worthless." Kroeger said back with a vicious smirk from behind his helmed form
Wherein the near two weeks they had launched their Siege over Hive Krios, that they immediately began going to work on forcing the Drukhari stationed there to fight in the new way of siege warfare that the 4th Legion began to greatly enjoy. The sadistic Eldar being forced to engage in a hyper-aggressive campaign, where they never gained a single moments rest from the constant clockwork offensive of the Iron Warriors, who unleashed upon them a seemingly endless tidal wave of firepower.
From the use of aerial bombardments to destroy their armored vehicles, pain engines, and light vehicles; with a scorched earth level of near abominable wrath, to the use of not only Bolters, but Plasma weapons, Flamers, ordinances, and even prototype Repulsor weaponry that Ben began crafting. To subterreaean assaults to burst forth and infiltrate section of the Hive and not only build their own fortification, but use the home advantage of knowing the cities better than the Drukhari to engage in devastating close-quarters skirmishes and corralling them into cramped areas where they couldn't afford to be as mobile.
"Also, I finally got you guys to start getting into the habit of setting up traps…I told you that stuff like landmines, claymores, and all that other junk is gonna be your best friend." Ben said excited that he got Kroeger into the habit of trap-making
"At first, I didn't think I would get anything out of it. I prefer to go in do what I need as directly as possible, without much bells and whistles.." Kroeger said back in having always preferred the most straightfoward way to handle a problem
"Now…Now that I know how to set up a handful of them thanks to your help. I've been getting creative about a few things I want to try out against those knife-eared cunts. Let's see them try any of their weird shit when their legs get blown off their carcasses."The Iron Warriors Lieutenant spoke
"If we keep up the momentum we have now. I'll be surprised if you don't get considered for a promotion." Ben told Kroeger
"You really think that I could get a promotion to Captain?" Kroeger asked
"It's possible and even if yo don't get it, helping defend Perturabo's home system from Drukhari. That will definitely put you on the fasttrack in my personal opinion." Ben answered back in seeing campaigns like this as the perfect breeding ground for promotions
"If I somehow make it to the rank of Captain from this alone, Tennyson. Then I may have to throw a celebration with you right along with me…Making our Legion these new armor patterns, helping design new siege engines and tanks for us to use. On top of the new wargear you've pumped out these past 2 almost 3 months. You have made more than sure that you earned one." Kroeger told the Ultimatrix wielder in having grown to respect if not see him as a comrade for his hard work for the Legion
"Don't forget about your new wargear my guy. I figured that you could use the upgrade for when you wanna get in close." Ben said as Kroeger looked at his new Thunder Hammer that glowed a bright reddish orange instead of the normal blue
"I still can't believe you were crazy enough to swap out the Power Field for an oversized Melta core. What gave you the idea to try that of all things?" Kroeger remarked
"I had figured that it would let you break through enemy armor far quicker if I did. Besides, it seemed like a funny idea at the time when I was making it." Ben told the Astartes
"You are a strange one, Tennyson, but in a good way." Kroeger spoke
"Thanks, Lieutenant. Anywho, we're gonna need to do a bit more of prep for the final assault. We're gonna have a lot of work to do to take the rest of the Hive City in two days." Ben said back knowing that they were gonna have to continue to lock in against the Drukhari
"Understood, I will rally as many of our forces for a war council within the next 2 hours." Kroeger told the Ultimatrix wielder
"Awesome, that'll give me enough time to work on making a Demon Core to fry these guys." Ben offhandedly responded catching the Iron Warrior by surprise
"W-What is a Demon Core?" Kroeger asked caught off guard by the term
"Oh it's a radioactive sphere so lethal in radiation that it can straight-up erase a person's d.n.a….I'm gonna try and build one so we can use it to nuke these bastards off the face of the galaxy. If not that at least give them a wicked case of radiation poisoning." Ben answered back in knowing he was going to need to put his back into making a Daemon core or rather Demon Cores to fire at the Drukhari
"H-How do you come up with these ideas of yours, Tennyson?" Kroeger questioned at the near absurdity of such a thing
"The people from my time were just built different. We may not have had all the whacky stuff the Imperium has on hand. We did however, get really creative on 'funny' ways to kill people." Ben answered back
"I'll take your word for it, if half of what you have built is anything to go by." Kroeger said
"Anyways, I will be doing last minute checks with our men; before we call a war council for our assault." Kroeger spoke as he exited Ben's makeshift workshop
'Now then, what sort of radiation should I use for my Demon Cores? Gamma, Microwave, or X-rays…man am I gonna have a tough call to make.' Were the Ultimatrix wielders thoughts as he began drafting designs for a siege engine that could fire Demon Core artillery shells
(2 days later, June 2nd, 951. M30, Hive Krios, 3:03 Pm, Kronos)
Meanwhile, in the days to follow would Ben now as Jetray would be flying about searching for the most optimal areas to begin his end of the assault against the Drukhari still holding the Hive City.
"Kroeger, I've completed my flyby of the attack points. I will begin my end of the assault in the next 2-3 minutes." Jetray told the Iron Warriors Lieutenant
"Understood, Tennyson. The rest of the men and I will be waiting for you to soften these bastards up; so we can get this finished." Kroeger told the Ultimatrix wielder
"Got it, I'll radio you once things are ready for all of you to rain down hellfire." Jetray replied
'Time to get this party started.' Were the Ultimatrix wielder's thoughts as he eyed the perfect spot to begin things
With Jetray then angling himself up into the air for another 2-3,000 feet until he was nearly level with some of the tallest spires of the Hive City, before diving down like an atomic bomb on crack, launching Neuroshock blasts at Drukhari sentries as he did so. The Kabalite Warriors on guard being disintegrated on contact, Wracks being blasted clean in half from the potent blasts by the dozens that seemed to rain across the area like a lightining-quick meteor shower. With it being by the time anyone realized that roughly nearly 2 battalions worth of Kabalite warriors/gunners had been eviscerated by Jetray's descent, and half a regiment of their Reavers and a squad of their patrolling scourages annihilated would it be too late.
By the time the alarms would sound would Ben upon reaching 300 feet seemingly transform into Humungosaur and upon doing so body slam a squad of Ravagers to death, the 25 foot Vauxsaurian landing with a loud KKRRRRAAAATHOOOOMMMM! The concussive shockwave being so deafening that it caused nearby buildings buckle, their windowpanes shattering into the dust, with each Drukhari having to cover their sensitive ears from bursting. All the while, Humungosaur began to grow to his full height of 75 feet his body becoming far heavier, armored, and bulkier, as the Kaballite Warriors on orders from their commanders began to fire upon the growing form of the Ultimatrix wielder.
The Kabalite Gunners, Talos Pain Engines, Scourges, and Reaper Grav Tanks also racing to open fire upon the now titanic form of Humungosaur, launching everything from Twin-linked Heat Lances, Haywire Blasters, Shredcarbines, Void Lances, and Implosion Missiles. However, this was in vain for the simple fact that at his maximum height that had made his biological armors' plating so dense and resilient, that they might as well have been a swarm of bees, as they hilariously bounced off his massive form. Wherein he began chuckling at their attacks almost tickling at him as he began to stomp and soon make his way through ripping apart the Dark Eldar forces, his massive footsteps being such that they felt more like localized earthquakes.
His bounding stride throughout the massive expanse of the Hive City being such that the Dark Eldar warriors, were forced onto a rare defensive given that their weapons would either bounce off his hide, or clank off it with such force their bones were left vibrating. With even their Liquifier Guns acting as little more than the equivalent of water guns to Humungosaur's toughened hide, as they found themselves scattering to not be smooshed under his massive footsteps. A task that was easier said than done given that despite his massive size was he able to move at a speed that was equal to a creature a 4th of his size, to demolish them en masse like a mobile siege engine.
With the great sweeping arcs of his tail slamming into the foot soldiers like a bludgeonous tidal wave, pulverizing Kabalite soldiers, Pain Engines, and Reaper Grav Tanks in massive arcs that left noticing but corpses and fattened scrap in their wake. All the while said tail would occasionally thump into the ground to deliver shockwaves of devastating force so intense that they may as well have come from a Plasma Annhilator, as they would either be misted into puddles of gore, or splattered into chunky viscera from being violently sent flying. The kaiju-sized Ultimatrix wielder would also swing out with his massive fists to swat the Scourges that would fly out to attack him, his massive hands being able to swat them out of the air with unnervingly accurate deftness.
So much so was he able to grab a Razorwing Jetfighter out of the air and promptly flick across the sky like a paper airplane, the result was it smashing through several bombers and destroying a Drukhari siege tower, before imploding upon itself. The site of him doing so in-between his leaping from one end of the Hive to the next to commit People's elbow's onto their siege towers and deports where they stashed their grav tanks, would've been hilarious if not for how thunderously devastating they were.
Given that the reality began to set in for the Dark Eldar as more of their elite warriors came to attempt to stop the nearly 80 foot tall Kaiju of an Ultimatrix wielder, that in order to have a chance at stopping this thing, much less bring it to heel, that they would need a small cadre of Haemonculus, Succubi, and Incubi at bare minimum. After all, when Humungosaur was practically steamrolling his way through their armored vehicles, swating their bombers and jetfighters out of the air with impunity, and squashing their Pain and Parasite Engines like they were cockroaches. That suffice it to say that even their Incubi warriors that had come out to see what was going on were rendered hapless, as almost on sight would Humungosaur swing his tail as hard as possible to pulpify them and any of their accompanying platoons.
Yet just when things could not get worse for the Drukhari soldiers who in the span of 6 minutes had their forces halved by the Vauxaurian, would they be further deafened when after tearing apart the last of their watchtowers/communication towers, would Humunogsaur shot one single word. That being his roaring out 'MUSSSTTTAAARRRRDDDD!' with such force that all Drukhari soldiers in a mile radius felt their eardrums burst like grapes being ran over by a steamroller. And with it would that be the signal for the Iron Warriors led by Kroeger, 4 Iron Havoc Support Squads, 8 Squads of Assault Marines, 9 Squads of Tactical marines, 3 Squads of Tyrant Siege Terminators, and 5 squads from the Stor-Bezashk, as Kroeger was leading his own squad alongside Captain Auric Saxton.
All of whom were clad in their new armor as they would storm Hive Krios either through Land Raiders, Rhinos', and Predators, while the Astro Megaship would swoop in to teleport Iron Warriors and their Siege Engines to stationed areas, where they could begin laying into their enemies. From the mighty artillery pieces of the Earthshaker and Thunderfire Cannons, Graviatic Ballistae, Heavy Mortar Cannons were used to rain down a heavy storm of artillery fire upon them. While from the earth would burst out their new drill/tanks to punch through the earth and bring with them a squad of Battle Brothers, who were bringing with them not only with them heavy-fire from the vehicles mounted Twin-linked Heavy Bolters, Plasma Destroyer and Whirlwind Missile Launchers.
But with it Legionairres wielding everything from Bolters, Plasma Cannons, Heavy Flamers, Bolt Rifles, Autocannons, Plasma Guns, to close combat weapons such as Power Axes, Power Swords, Thunder Hammers, Eviscerators. To that of Ben's newest weapons made for them in the form of Repulsor Rifles powered by miniature Arc Reactors, that they used with utmost prejudice to execute any and all Drukhari soldiers in their sites.
"Alright men, you heard, Tennyson. Let's get this done! Move out now, now, now! I want these knife-eared bastards killed yesterday!" Kroeger said as he commanded his men to carry out their end of the assault
"I have to admit, Lieutenant. This is the most that I have seen you excited to carry out a siege." Auric Saxton spoke to the accompanying lieutenant
"This is the first time, that I've been allowed to spearhead one of my own, Captain." Kroeger spoke with a grin from within his new armor
"Besides, even you would be excited to break in our new armor." Kroeger further spoke as the Captain beside him brought out his Power Sword
"That we can agree upon…For now let us get to work and purge this place of this Xenos infection." Auric replied as he put on his helmet
"You've got that right!" Kroeger said back as he activated his custom Thunder Hammer
From thereon the chaos of Hive Krios erupted into what could only be described as a literal bullet hell, as the Drukhari now found themselves now locked in against the warriors of the 4th Legion, who proceeded to rip into them with an aggression that would make a Space Wolf proud. Wherein be it at range were those of their Tactical Marines and Iron Havoc Support Squads would operate in near-perfect lockstep to unleash barrages of Bolter and Plasma fire at the Drukhari. Who were being pinned between the chaos caused by Humungosaur who by this point had sundered their aerial support to smithereens, and the Subterrean assault units having burrowed upwards for devastating ambushes, before digging back down again.
Adding to it that the trio of Tyrant Siege Terminator squads were able to essentially walk down anything in sight, given that with their new Juggernaut Pattern armor, the weaponry that would leave superficial damages on their less armored brothers, didn't even make so much as a spark against them. Wherein the Terminators in question were able to bulldoze through them and cut them down with either close-combat weapons, where they be butchered, hacked into, and battered with impunity. Use their Autocannons, Heavy Bolters, Multi-Meltas, and Storm Bolters, and newly made Repulsor Cannons to rip through even their Grav Tanks with little impunity, moving forwards against the Drukhari as a bulwark of silver, gold and onyx.
This being made all the more apparent when said Terminators were able to manhandle a Talos Pain Engine like a parent would discipline their child, the brute strength of it all being a near horror to witness, as even the Incubi elite would find great difficulty in overcoming their brute strength. Which in tandem with the Iron Havoc Marines and Assault Marines laying down additional suppressive fire, would they find themselves being cut down like refuse put through a woodchipper. Something that was made all the more apparent when a Terminator would use one hand to catch a Ravager bare handed and proceed to jump up and pile drive it into the ground hard enough to crumple it inwards, before sending it through 3 buildings with a swing of its Thunder Hammer.
Meanwhile, Kroeger was fighting alongside Auric amidst the continuous barrage of ordinance and artillery fire being rained from those of the Stor-Bezashk, were accompanied by a squad of Assault Marines and a secondary squad of Tactical Marines that were carving their way through Kaballite Warriors. The strength of their new armor Pattern was so much so that they were able to one v one Wracks with little if any issue, evident by how Kroeger in using his custom made Thunder Hammer named Spinemelter was plowing through them left, right, and center. The Iron Warriors lieutenant taking great joy in ripping through them, be they Kaballite Warriors, leaping forward to smash through Hellions, it did not matter as Kroeger was having the absolute time of his life.
"Is this the best you rotten cunts have to offer?! To think the Imperium considers you worthy of being held as enemies! How fucking pathetic!" Kroeger roared as he went onto start laying into a Wrack with brutal borderline savage aggression
"Careful, Lieutenant, any further into your bloodlust, and you might start sounding like a World Eater." Auric semi-jokingly scolded as he blasted a Kaballite Warrior with a shot of his Bolter
"Can you blame me?! I have been waiting for the chance to lead this assault, and thus far we have done nothing but butcher them. Honestly, it feels as though we have over prepared for this." Kroger spoke through the Vox channel as he continued to evisceate any Drukhari he could reach
"Speaking of butcheirng these X wretches, where is Tennyson? Everything seems far too quiet after he stopped tearing through the Drukhari." Auric wondered as to where the massive form of Humungosaur had vanished too
"Look up, Captain. Apparently, Tennyson has decided to ramp things up as it were." Kroeger spoke as the spherical form of Gravattack ould be seen rising to the forefront
'Time to rip shit up. We have a schedule to keep and its time we made these fuckers go the way of the dinosaurs…Extinct.' Were Gravattacks thoughts as he began to use his gravity powers to unleash massive devasation
From thereon would Gravattack use their gravitational might to extend his orbit to cover the near entirety of the battlefield, and in doing so allow for him to unleash his gravitation might in a myraid of way to further cause chaos. All of which ranged from crushing random Drukhari soldiers and their armored vehicles into paste and gore-soaked scrap, sending out gravitational waves to redirect their weapons fire back at them, or to shred their allies. To the use of using intense gravity wells to warp the artillery fire from the 4th Legions' warriorrs to better strike out at the Drukhari who were now in complete disarray, given that the gravitational powers of the spherical Xenos had another side effect.
That being that due to his much more potent gravitational pull, he was able to completely disrupt their Grav-tanks and rip complete control of them out of their hands, to the point where they were practically playing bumper cars with each other. Wherein even if they tried their hardest would they either rash into each other at full speeds, stop completely in place to allow the warriors of the 4th Legion to gun them down or bombard them with artillery fire at their semi-leisure, or float in the air for target practice. This being compounded by the fact that at random would they be drawn into his orbit and then launched at their allies like overgrown bits of shrapnel, flattening them on impact.
Other sites would show the intense gravitational forces wielded by Gravattack slowing down space-time around the Drukhari to a crawl, allowing for the Iron Havoc Support Squads and Tactical Marines to unleash deadly torrents of firepower. All the while, those from the Siege Tyrant Terminators and Kroeger's own squads of Marines were able to bulldoze and brutalize the frozen Drukhari with unrelenting aggression as they would ravage through them like a roving plague. Those of the Drukhari forces that tried to escape would find themselves unable to do so as the intense gravity of Gravattack's orbit would reel them back into the oversized killbox that Hive Krios had become.
The intense gravitational pull refusing to let any fly their way out, dash away on their jetbikes, or even take cover, as the intense forces at work would send them flying back into the killing fields, against the indomitable forces of the 4th Legion. Wherein every Marine that trudged forward with roars of fury and anger in their lungs as they aimed their weapons to blast them with everything from Bolters, Plasma weapons, their new Repulsor weapons to unleashes waves of unyielding gunfire upon them. The Stor Bezaskh thanks to Gravattacks' gravitational powers and manipulation therein was able to direct their artillery fire to their enemies weak points with pinpoint precision, so much so that it felt almost biblical in how singularly directed they were towards their opposition.
To the close-quarters massacre provided by Kroeger who led his squads of Assault Marines alongside Captain Auric to group up with the Tyrant Siege Terminators, who almost praded through enemy lines, in a macabre death march of annihilation. Making sure that no Drukhari would be able to escape their laser-focused wrath as they unleashed borderline everything into them to ensure that the streets would be paved in the blood of their enemies. As the deafening fire of Bolters, Plasma weapons, alongside the cacophonous booms of Krak missiles and Concussion Missiles from the Terminators, in tandem with the heavy thuds of Thunder Hammers pulverizing bones and flesh into gore-splattered detritus.
That within the next 2 nearing 3 hours of the assault on Hive Krios would the forces of the Drukhari be completely and utterly exterminated, not a single Dark Eldar from their soldiers, equipment or otherwise was left, unless it had been bombarded, shot or crushed to scrap. All the while, would the Iron Warriors shout no roars of celebration in their victory as Gravattak would descend down alongside them, instead their was only the grim resolve and dark hatred in their eyes to do one thing. Assess the wounded it any, make plans to fortify and rebuild to make sure this never happened again, and most of all to slaughter every last Dark Eldar from the lowest Kabalite Warrior all the way to the Succubi and Archons, all would know their wrath.
Yet one thing could be briefly noticed as the Ultimatrix wielder would descend down to speak with and coordinate future objectives with Kroeger and the leaders of the assault, that being after they agreed on where to move on next to. That as Ben departed via transforming into Jetray to head back to base, would the telltale flickering of blood-red crop up in his eyes before disappearing, as the Ultimatrix wielder was not determined to see all Dark Eldar dead at his feet by this campaigns end no matter what it took.
(The Following Evening, Kronos, Iron Warriors Encampment, 7:17 Pm, June 3rd, 951.M30)
The following evening would see Ben communicating with Forrix over their next plans of attack against the Drukhari infesting the Olympia Majoris system. In addition, to their progress on repelling the threat overall and the deliveries therein of their new armor patterns and weapons to their forces.
"So how are we looking overall on getting rid of the Drukhari from the system?" Ben asked of the member of the Trident
"With the implementation of your new tactics into our forces, in addition to the spread of your new armor patterns. The success rate of our campaigns against the Drukhari thus far have increased by 80%." Forrix informed the Ultimatrix wielder
"In addition, we have regained 30% of the conquered sector from the Eldar scourge, vs our previous 22%. I estimate by the time that Lady Perturabo and the Death Guard arrive as reinforcements. We should be able to increase that within the realm of 48 to 50%." Forrix further explained to Ben on the situation
"That's great, but I have some weapons I've been working onto help speed that up. Remember how I told you I've been working on a few new weapon loadouts for your Titans?" Ben replied
"Yes I remember you informing me of this the day prior to your assault on Hive Krios. Have you completed them in the interim?" Forrix questioned as Ben nodded yes
"They're all good to go, granted I've been pulling all-nighters nonstop to get them ready. Alongside the new Terminator armors that should be headed to your men by tomorrow. By the way thanks for letting me use your guys's spare ships to modify into transports, it really makes things go faster." Ben answered back appreciative for the warsmith loaning him out said Frigates to re-make into defensive transport ships
"I will admit that I had initial doubts at first. However, with your being able to take 4 Gladius Frigates and turn them into high-speed transports. My doubts were quickly squashed and proven for naught." Forrix said having been initially doubtful on the idea but was gratefully proven wrong at the rate Ben was able to put out wargear
"Well, that's the funny thing about it, Mr. Warsmith. You see these ships of yours are far more massive than what we had in my time, so much so that I went over and above in tricking them out to be just armored transport ships….No, No, I got to thinking what if I could take it one step further and keep this going." Ben said back his bloodshot eyes having an almost excitable delirium to them
"So I decided to mechanize things a bit and turn them into one part transports, one part arms and weapons factory, and one part gunship. That way they can manufacture what I need to get to you guys, when I can't personally do it myself. Deliver it you in record time, and defend themselves from enemy fire without much of an issue…So honestly, I have you to thank for letting me pump out everything to you guys in far, far faster time than I normally could." Ben further explained as to what he had used the set of Frigates for
Wherein the Ultimatrix user saw it as a rying shame to let such massive frigates only be used as armored transports for wargear and armor, he could make for the 4th Legion in their campaign against the Dark Aeldari scourge. Hence why in a moment of random inspiration did he decide to further outfit and modify the frigates into not only more decently armored gunships, but use Ultimate Jury Rigg and Ultimate Upgrade to make them into armored mobile arms and weapons factories, to better deliver his assets to the 4th Legion.
"T-This is beyond anything I expected you to pull off, Tennyson. For all of my ingenuity and skill as a Warsmith of the Iron Warriors. The idea of turning our Frigates into such things, would have never crossed my mind." Forrix spoke actually surprised that Ben pulled off such a thing
"Granted, I did have to go a week or so without sleep to make this happen. However, given that we're currently at war right now. I figured that I wasn't going to wait around for us to get re-supplies back and forth…Too much risk for enemies to intercept, when I can just make sure we can constantly pump out gear as needed. Made more sense than having to radio for outside help…I did not really feel like having to do the legwork for that." Ben replied almost getting a chuckle from Forrix at his answer
"To hear you achieve something so vast in scale, out of a want for convenience. Now that is truly impressive, Tennyson…Time and time again; am I shown that had you been born into our era, that you would have made a fantastic Iron Warrior." The Warsmith said back impressed by Ben ingenuity
"What can I say, I just prefer to not be bothered when I can help it. Turns out that because of that I go to pretty weird places." Was the Ultimatrix wielder's nonchalant response to what he'd done
"So long as this thought process of yours continues to lead to great things. Then do as you must, for now I salute the complexities of your mind, for they serve us well." Forrix said to his compatriot
"I'll keep that in mind, for now I've gotta start looking at where I'm gonna go next. These Dark Eldar goons are a pain in the ass a dozen to deal with. The fact that their so spread out is also a bitch and a half to deal with as well." Ben responded in naked disdain and ever growing rage of the Drukhari
"If I may make a suggestion, I would head to the Forge World of Pratherion Prime. It is one of the worlds where are Titan Legions are stationed." Forrix informed the Ultimatrix wielder
"The loss of such a world to the scourge of our enemies would be a detriment, and a incredibly sizable one at that. Therefore, making haste to that planet would be most advantageous to us overall. That is if your forces will be able to make it in a timely manner?" Forrix further spoke
"I can head out by tomorrow morning and let the guys rest. It's been awhile since I've done a solo run." Ben said back with a small yawn in his voice
"Are you certain that you can accomplish such a thing? I know that your combat prowess is nothing to take lightly; given your body of work thus far. However, to be one man against an entire army of Drukhari and whatever horrors they may control. Even I know that nothing short of a Matriarch could stand against such dreadful powers." Forrix queried as Ben couldn't help himself but to laugh at the worry of the Warsmith so much so that it almost sent a blood-curdling chill down Forrix's spine
"That's the best part about me going, Forrix. I'll finally get a decent challenge out of this. Honestly, it'll really help me to continue shaking off the 'rust' I've had since being here…No offense, but they'll have to bring an entire fleet to make me so much as sweat." Ben answered back as he began to smile with such deviousness and menace that it was almost tangible
"Sure these guys might be tough opponents, I'll give them that. They may prize themselves as monsters, untouchable sadists, and knife-eared daemons. But all I see are death-worshipping cowards, who fail to see that they're dealing with a one-man apocalpyse…So believe me when I say, I'm happy to turn off being a hero for a bit to show them what a real monster looks like." Ben further spoke his smile widening slightly but the underlying intentions were more than clear
'...Now I can see how he and Lady Konstance are lovers…If it weren't for his prior heroics, I could swear that he has some Night Lord in him.' Were the Astartes thoughts at his compatriots' declaration that made even his bones shake with fear even if slightly
"So don't worry about a thing. I'll get Pratherion Prime taken care of in a fortnight or less." Ben promised to the senior member of the Trident
"I will hold you too it, in the meantime, get some rest. You have more than earned it for your efforts in aiding us." Forrix told the brunette in question
"I'll pass for now, I still have a few things I wanna finish up first. After that, I'll hop onto the Astro Megaship and make my way to this Forge World." Ben said back his voice doing a 180 back to its previous tone of voice
"Very well then, but do not exhaust yourself. We need you at as close to full power as possible if we are to win. You are of no good to anyone, as a sleep deprived wreck of a man." Forrix advised to the Ultimatrix wielder
"Relax, I've done worse stints than this. My record without sleep has been 18 days, 21 hours, and 33 minutes…I wonder if I can break my record…the hallucinations might be an issue if I try it. But at this point fuck it why not." Ben responded in regards to his longest record without sleep
"As intriguing as it is to know that you can operate that long without rest. I would advise against it at a time like this." Forrix spoke
"Fair enough, fair enough. Anyways, I'll send you further messages about the wargear I'm working on for your Titans…I'd say about 3 to 5ish hours before you here back, give or take." Ben informs Forrix of the timetable to expect when the wargear for the Titan Legions new 'toys' to arrive
"I will keep an eye out…Until then, take these moments to rest and enjoy your victory, you have earned it…This is Warsmith Forrix out, and good luck to you, Tennyson." Forrix replied as he ended the transmission
'So I get to 1 V who knows how many Drukhari next…Now the real question is how much of a menace do I wanna be? I'll sort that out once I get there.' Ben mused to himself as he set a timer for when he would soon leave to headout on Pratherion Prime
(1 week later, Ultima Segmentum, Prospero, 1:45 Pm, June 10th, 951. M30)
Yet things would be a different story altogether, as Lorna Aurellian would currently find herself in contact with one of her most trusted Astartes in Argel Tal, who she tasked alongside his Captain in the Serrated Sun Chapter, among several others to investigate the potential Chaos Cults on prior worlds their Legion had conquered. The Word Bearers Matriarch wanting to make sure that should her worst fears be realized that they could be exterminated with great haste.
"What is your report thus far, Argel? I trust that you have some measure of good news to inform me of?" Lorna inquired
"While I have not heard back from those within the Onyx Maw, Sundered Tower, or Coiled Lash Chapters, regarding the progress of their investigations. Those of the Crimson Mask, Perpetual Spiral, and Ebony Serpent Chapters have given me their reports." Argel Tal answered back
"All having corroborated similar if not exact findings to my own. Findings that confirm both mine and you suspicions as to what 1st Captain Kor Phaeron and Chaplain Erebus have being doing behind your back. That they have been spreading the word of these Ruinous Powers; to the planets we have converted to the Imperium. Among other discoveries that sicken me to my core." The 7th Company Captain of the Serrated Sun reported to his Matriarch whose features became more dour at this news
"I see…what further news do you have to report on the matter?" Lorna asked
"At best the cults we have found thus far are nothing that our forces cannot exterminate." Argel Tal answered back
"What of at the worst you have found so far?" Lorna further questioned
"The worst thus far is that we have encountered not only sorcerers amidst these foul cultists. We have also dealt with daemons and potent servants as well from them. While nothing we cannot handle thus far, it is a cause for concern…Especially when we have had a few close calls in intercepting the rituals cast to call forth stronger champions of their wretched gods." The Serrated Sun lieutenant informed the Urizen who frowned in mounting fury at hearing this
"While that is a relief to hear, that none thus far have had any great difficulties in the eliminations of such heresy. I will impress upon you one further order, that I wish spread to those in pursuit of these cultists. That all who are sighted worshipping them, seen making idols in their name, or making so much as a single offering or prayer to these wretched things…That they are to be exterminated with utmost prejudice, am I understood?" Lorna commanded her voice full of wrathful steel and a fury of a righteous prophet
"You are heard loud and clear, my Matriarch. I will spread word to Chapter Master Deumos, the rest of our chapter, and those of our brother chapters. The blasphemy of these traitors will not stand." The Captain of the 7th Company responded
"Furthermore, any relics belonging to these Chaos Gods, are to be destroyed immediately. The very last thing our Legion needs is to have any remaining, and risk corruption to our Marines. Therefore, any relics or idolatry spotted you are to burn and set fire too immediately." Lorna ordered her usually kind amethyst eyes burning with a furious almost reddish golden light
"I will see too it that it is carried out with haste." Argel Tal said back
"Is there anything else, I am to be made aware of in your progress thus far?" Lorna questioned as she felt her psychic powers roil with the biblical wrath of a stirring behemoth
"As of yet, no. We are continuing our search for and the terminating of these cults. Some of which have proven more difficult to suss out than others." The Word Bearer Marine answered back
"That is understandable. These cults have had the aid of my foster father and one of our Chaplains to flourish. It makes sense that in addition to any boons their wretched deities have blessed them with, that they would difficult to track." Lorna spoke whilst internally cursing at how Kor at played her a fool these many decades
"Nonetheless, do whatever is needed to find and eliminate them. The longer they are allowed to live and prosper, is the higher risk they present of spreading to the planet itself…The very last thing we need to deal with is planets we have conquered becoming fully embroiled in the worship of Warp abominations." Lorna furhter spoke in almost vitriolic disgust of such a thing
Wherein the idea of an entire planet praising and worshipping one of the 4 Chaos Gods sickened her, especially in knowing what horrors each one could bring after not only being further informed from the Emperor of what they truly were. It was also the potential terror of a planet that she had unknowingly delivered into the arms of one of them, that frightened her and enraged her to no end, and as such Lorna Aurellian, the Urizen and Matriarch of the 17th Legion would see all Chaos Cults stamped out with utmost prejudice.
"Worry not, Lady Lorna. We will make sure that none of these heretics will see another day. On our honor as Marines of your Legion, we shall not fail you." Was the promise of one of Lorna's most trusted Marine
"I appreciate your loyalty and zeal, Argel. I am thankful to have someone of your loyalty and prowess as one of my most trusted." The Urizen spoke in appreciation for Argel Tal's undertaking of this task
"Of course, the reward is knowing I am bringing judgment to these wretches." The Serrated Sun Captain replied
"However, I must ask an important question of you." Argel Tal spoke to the Urizen who he could sense the currents of bubbling fury to her features
"What is the question?" The Word Bearers Matriarch asked
"When we have gathered enough evidence of the 1st Captains crimes as well as that of his accomplices? What will be there punishment and when shall you move to strike against them?" The Serrated Sun Captain inquired in regards to the future fates of Kor Phaeron and Erebus
"...I cannot say for certain what their punishments will be. It is still to early to decide what I will do to them in the immediate. However, I do know one thing and one thng only regarding their backstabbing and blasphemy against the Emperor." Lorna answered back as her the glow of her eyes and soon her tattoos intensiftied with an almost scorching brilliance
"That their punishment and the wrath I will bring down upon their cohorts; will be nothing if not terrifying! The fury I will unleash upon them will at bare minimum be something that will be fitting of the Christian Hell of Old Terra! The moment I have gathered all I need to convict them of their crimes…That they will be made examples, nee epitomes of what it means to bring blasphemous idolatry and worship into MY Legion! I will make their last moments a requiem of psalm for all to see of what happens when you worship such horrid things, and have the nerve to undermine my authority! That all of them, all of them will burn in holy fire, for THAT is the only way they will be allowed my forgiveness for their trespass against me and the Emperor!" Lorna raved as she borderline preached to Argel in such detail of her fury towards the treacherous ilk of her Legion that for a few brief moments would a shroud of reddish-golden Warp fire wreath around her with such intensity that it caused the ground beneath her to glass and the air to burn from the sheer potency of her hatred
"That is my answer to you, Argel Tal! The sentencing has not yet been delivered, but it soon will be, and it will be an example for all that DARE follow in their footsteps!" Lorna said to her underling who had to resist the urge to fall too his knees at the oppressiveness he felt
"U-Understood, my Matriarch." Were the only words that he could feasibly say to her
"Now go, go and continue your mission. The purging of the heretic and the unclean has just begun…Once I have finished training alongside Morganna, I will soon join you and the others." Lorna commanded with an authority of her voice that put the fear of the Biblical God into Argel Tal
"You needn't say more, I will continue immediately." The Serrated Sun Captain replied as Lorna ended the transmission
'I do not nowhere she gained her backbone, but by the Emperor is it terrifying.' Were his thoughts as he went about to inform the Chapter Master of what the Urizen's new mission statement was
"Mark my words Kor and Erebus, you two will pay dearly for your blasphemy against my father, and your treachery against me. Pray to your dark mishapen gods that you will evade my wrath. Because once I have gathered my evidence against you, I will make Heaven itself burn from the weight of my fury, for your heresies against me." Was Lorna's declaration as her psychic might grew so intense that it caused a minor city-wide earthquake around her enough to gain Morganna's attention
'Lorna, is everything alright? I sensed a disturbance within your area?' Was the Crimson Queen telepathic query laced with worry
'Everything is fine, Morganna, I am just…sorting through things is all. My apologies if I worried you.' Lorna telepathically responded
'If you are certain, then I will not question it any further than needed. However, I impress upon you to be careful, I do not need your powers causing another inferno, in our city square. The last one you caused nearly engulfed a city block had my Marines not intervened.' Morganna warned her sister of her psychic powers being highly destructive
'Do not worry, Morganna. I have everything under control.' Was Lorna's response as she looked at the Imperial Aquilla burned into the building adjacent of her
"In fact, I have never felt better." Were the words of the Urizen who would go forth to work on the next chapters of her book
Now that we have shifted gears back into focus without intrepid Ultimatrix wielder, we see that not only is he alongside the 4th Legion kicking things off into full swing; against the Dark Aeldari scourge. We also see that Lorna has not only begun her headhunting of Chaos Cults seeded in her conquered worlds by her treacherous foster father and Chaplain Erebus, but that in doing so has ignited a zealous wrath within the Urizen. How will things proceed as Ben assists the Iron Warriors against the Drukhari, and Lorna's preparing to soon exact her wrath on the forces of Chaos? Stay tuned to see in the all new chapters of, Ultimate Alien: Primarch Force!
Alright, that'll do it for this one, as I hope that you guys have enjoyed this chapter and all that has gone on in it, as we shift things over to Ben and the Iron Warriors in the defense of Perturabo's home star system against the Drukhari…Wherein the only thing I can say is…I'm about to get in my bag with this one, so I hope you guys are ready for all the shenanigans that're to come out of the future chapters.
Furthermore, thank you all for your support so far into the story, as it does mean quite a lot see you guys continuing to follow along into the craziness so far. And I will promise that we will keep this crazy train going for as long as you guys are willing to see it through.
So without further adieu, this is Pravus666 signing off until next time. With our next chapter detailing Ben and the forces of the 4th Legion taking it to the Drukhari in a full-bore assault against the Drukhari, among other things I have in mind, so stay tuned for all of that good stuff to come.
Part 1 Theme Song: Black out the Sun by Sevendust
Random End Song: Tread Lightly by Mastodon
Now then, onto the reviews from the last chapter.
Skull Flame: Gendor made sure that the moment Furiosa and Konstance were headed to Nostramo, that he was as far away as possible. Because even he knows that he is nowhere near strong enough to mess with his own Matriarch much less with Furiosa and the best the 12th Legion has to offer. Also, there are a lot more notable Keepers of Secrets than what I initially thought of as well, some of which are pretty active in 40K proper. I'm glad you liked how Konstance put two and two together that the illusion of her wedding was a sham, but as for why she doesn't like Sanguinius enough to invite her...let's just say that she has a reason for not liking her that's gonna put Sanguinius on the back foot is all. Oh yeah as I have something planned for Ben and Dantioch to repurpose the Ork Force-field and teleportation tech into siege weaponry later down the line for what's coming. As for when the Death Guard show up...all I'll say is that once Ben gets with them he's gonna give them a few new ideas for Chemical weaponry, since the man did fight the Incurseans, Kryptonians, and especially got active against Vilgax's race during the Chimera Wars; and because of that committed enough war Crimes that Mortarion and Typhon would be impressed.
KharaBella: I can definitely hear Hela's voice actress for Konstance every time I write now. Also, we are now finally getting into the conflict between the Dark Eldar vs Ben and the Iron Warriors offensive, which is gonna get wicked soon enough. Furthermore, the question of what the Legions will do when the Great Crusade is over; is something I plan on having pop up across the story, because I feel as though its something that doesn't get answered enough. Also, Ben and Konstance are still dating and will eventually get to planning their wedding soon enough, and as for total of kids I won't say how many for now, but there will be more than just the 2 that Konstance saw in her initial vision of Ben and her being a couple.