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Post by Catachan Colonel on Mar 12, 2008 9:14:36 GMT -5
Private Soles looked down at the receiver of his vox-caster. He then double checked his switches and ensured that he had recorded the incoming transmission. Still unsatisfied Private Soles double checked the recording, listening to it half a dozen times. Private stock checked the frequency, he checked the amplitude. He even checked the digital identification code. Nothing about this communication made any sense. Perhaps his vox-caster’s spirit was ill.
Private Soles would have been negligent in his duty had he ignored the message. He walked over to Lieutenant Arnold with a hard copy of the communication and his vox-caster ready for playback. Handing the hard copy to his lieutenant Private soles watched the officer begin to look confused.
Lieutenant Arnold walked out of the command tent and looked across the plaza at where the regiment’s ogryns were being housed. The ogryns were wandering around bored, looking at rocks and staring into the sky. Two were staring at each other in an ill conceived starting contest.
“Private Soles. How far out have our long range patrols gone?” Lieutenant Arnold asked.
“Fifteen miles sir, all the way to the Governor’s palace” Private Soles answered. “We also have aerial recon from the lightnings”
“Who or what is Dr.Nids?” Lieutenant Arnold questioned aloud.
“Some servant of Chaos sir?” suggested Private soles.
The landing on the planet was uneventful. Supplies were still being ferried to the surface by the fleet. Transport back and forth from orbit would be taking place through out the next two days as the regiments other companies made their way into the landing zone and began taking the city.
“Go have your vox-caster’s spirit checked by the regiment’s priest. It must have been touched by the warp during our trip.” Lieutenant Arnold ordered. “We have artillery to take care of that’s our priority. If there is a secondary chaos force out there we will deal with it in its own time. Dismissed!”
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Lord Odoacer stood beside the burning wreck of a Leman Russ battle tank. The smell of the burning fuel reminding him of what he did to his home so many years ago. He had been opposed on the field of battle by a Captain Greyburn what had seem like a unopposed incursion onto Imperial lands turned violent as dozens of Valkyrie Airborne Assault Carriers dropped off waves of Imperial special forces to send the violators running.
The initial drops of imperial guardsmen injured or stunned dozens of chaos marines. Champion Attila watched as squad after squad of Greyburn’s Guardsmen poured round after round of lazgun fire into his squad. As the guardsmen stopped to reload their empty magazines Attila looked to the only standing member of his squad and ordered a charge into the closest unit of imperial soldiers. Inspired by Attila’s rage his fellow chaos marine held high their daemon icon and brought forth being who manifested the warp’s inhuman strength. Marine and daemon alike charged into frightened men.
Everywhere loyal defenders of the Imperium were cut to ribbons by the well disciplined bolter fire of blue armored chaos marines or by their furious assault. More daemons were called forth into the universe of man. More bodies were stacked high in piles across the battlefield. Having been left for dead his left arm crushed to pulp by Attila’s power fist Captain Greyburn escaped the battle field by crawling away under the cover of the din of battle.
Once the battle was over each of the dead imperial soldiers were stacked into a pyramid of bodies. Daemons and icon bearers of the Violators spoke sacred rights to call forth some ancient being from the warp but in the end there was not yet enough warp spawned power. There was a need for more battle and more sacrifices.
Lord Odoacer ordered his marines to continue to the world’s crude space port. It would be his! Then onto the Iron Empire itself.
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The Fire Claws’ Strike Cruiser “The Burning Talon” transitioned out of the warp. Emerging between the Rotnak systems sole planetary body and its single moon. The planet was a gas giant named “Doom” corrosive gasses swirled in perpetual storms. The moon was unnamed but was a barren and lifeless. Without any atmosphere it was essentially a large rock in space. Its atmosphere long having been stripped by the corrosive gasses of Doom.
The Burning Talon made its way toward the moon quickly taking up orbit around the lifeless rock. Massive thrusters fired to reduce the mighty ships speed. This was a standard preparation of space marine cruisers who were about to land troops on a planet.
“Inquisitor Delshie, we have arrived at the moon of Doom. You may now prepare your exploratory force.” This was a deep voice received by Delshie’s radio.
“Afirmative Captain I will be taking a single squad of my storm troopers to the surface. We will be in constant contact,” the inquisitor replied.
The Fire Hawk’s commander had not approved an expedition into the Iron Empire, but they were willing to take the inquisitor to the world Doom just outside of The Iron Empire. This was the location that Delshie had tracked the psychic message about Hellforge back to. The Fire Hawks had required that Delshie used only his own men in whatever explorations that she had to make.
“Inquisitor We have located the structure you requested be scanned for. We are uploading the coordinates into your Aquila Lander” The Burning Talon’s captain reported.
“Thank you captain. We should not be long.” Inquisitor Delshie responded.
The inquisitor’s Aquila Lander shot out of the strike cruiser toward the moon
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To Be Continued
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truedemon
Sergeant
i take the path less traveled..... where am i?
Posts: 177
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Post by truedemon on Mar 22, 2008 4:10:36 GMT -5
so r u just gonna leave us high and dry or do we get to read some more of this? its actually good tommy i didnt think u could pull something like this off. so write some more!!!!!
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Post by Catachan Colonel on Mar 27, 2008 17:23:27 GMT -5
Sergeant Coe crawled on hands and knees through the small pipe light only by a small light that was caked with mud on the end of his las pistol. He had been crawling with his quad for the better part of a mile after the drainage pipe had gotten small. He could barely even smell the pollution and filth around him anymore. He took the data slate that held the crude sewer map from his jacket pocket. He looked ahead and told his men “Its not far now boys.”
There was a sigh of relief from the whole of the squad. Crawling around a corner into a little deeper pipe Sergeant Coe saw daylight ahead. Crawling a little faster he came up to a set of bars ahead. Filthy and rusted bars held fast as the sergeant gave the them a swift kick. Instinctively Sergeant Coe grabbed for a krak grenade to blow his way through the bars. Then he loosened his grip remembering that he would need every grenade to take out the basilisk battery.
“Stock!” the sergeant commanded.
“Yes Sir?” questioned the private.
“Blow a way through with your plasma gun! I don’t want to head back for another way around”
“Yes Sir!” cheered the private. He didn’t want to stay in the pipes any longer either. “Just Stay Still Sir!”
Two shots from his plasma gun later Private Stock freed the whole squad from the tunnel and they all breathed the sweet air outside.
“We got an artillery battery to kill boys, lets get to it”
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Sergeant Coe looked around the corner of a ruined building using a small mirror. They had found their way behind three basilisk mobile artillery pieces. Half a dozen crew members lounged around on the back of their vehicles and a squad of what appeared to be planetary militia sat around behind the tank. The militia all had slug throwing automatic rifles and ragged uniforms denoting ancient Iron Warrior chaos space marine heraldry.
Private Stock peaked around the corner in the stealthy way that only a sniper can. “Crap they have a stubber.”
Sergeant Coe knew that a heavy Stubber was not the best of weapons, but it had a decent rate of fire and was plenty lethal for killing a lightly armored Catachan. “That Stubber is your target, Now go get a birds eye view.” Sergeant Coe pointed to a set of broken stairs. Hopefully they still could leat Private Stock to a window on an upper floor.
Sergeant Coe would otherwise be leading a charge into hand to hand combat. The militia outside were armed well enough but a Catachan was well trained in hand to hand combat techniques. This was a skill that most militias skipped entirely. Sergeant Coe pulled out his Catachan fang combat knife. “Here are your orders men…”
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Captain Greyburn watched as his bases astropath fell silent in his chair exhausted from hours of messages. He had been calling for help. Begging for help was more like it. Things had gone from bad to worse on the world of Nissin 3. The Violators chaos space marines had attacked and crushed the outer defenses of his world. Their fleet was sizable and then things got really worse. First more Violator ships made their way into orbit and then ships of at least four other chaos lords.
Captain Greyburn had originally hoped this would be good news and that the chaos space fleets would blast away at each other in space. There would be no such luck however the chaos lords quickly compromised and had made a game of him and his people. Whomever slays the most wins the world. The chaos lords would not be fighting amongst themselves.
All was not without hope however. Two space marine chapters had answered Nissin 3’s distress call and had promised reinforcements. The Imperial Fists and the Iron-hands both were sending ships men and tanks. Captain Greyburn hoped that, along their way they would be able to contact Con. Von Stieger’s Rizans or any other Imperial Guard formations. This war was likely to be long and bloody. More men may be needed, especially with the size of the combined fleet in the stars above him.
Captain Greyburn would let his astropath rest then eat. But he would have to push him to continue his psychic pleas.
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Private Stock looked down the scope of his plasma rifle. Its cross hairs were just above the forehead of the militiaman carrying the Heavy Stubba. He adjusted his rifle for the small wind and the effect of shooting down from the third floor window. He let the plasma chamber cycle to power at one quarter speed. He had already silenced the rifles automatic message of when it achieved full power. Private stock knew he would only have one shot with the rifle before he would have to move. The plasma discharge would leave a trail of smoke and light through the air that would reveal his exact location. Private Stock silently wished he had his sniper rifle back.
Private Stock silently said a prayer to the emperor for the soul he was about to take. Most Catachans were not very religious and even Stock rarely went to Sunday services instead playing games with the guys when a more pious man would be singing hymns. The prayer comforted him. Private stock could not explain why.
Private stock squeezed the trigger of his weapon holding fast against the considerable kick that the energy weapon had. He didn’t even see the results of his shot before he was racing back for the stairs. His hiding place had been ruined and it was time to find another. He would head back to the first floor windows and see if his plasma rifle may damage a track on the basilisks outside before they could speed away from the Catachan attack.
Outside the melted remains of a half melted militia man hit the ground with a messy wet thud.
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Sergeant Coe ordered the charge as soon as the first militia man hit the ground. He raced across from behind the corner of the nearest building directly toward the remaining militia. Long the way he managed to tap off a few shots from his las-pistol. One militia man fell to his knees clutching his face where one of the las shots found its mark. The rest of his quad raced across with Catachan fang combat knifes gripped ready to find blood of the milita.
Only a single militia man managed to raise his weapon before being engaged in hand to hand fighting. The militia man’s automatic rifle fire filled Private Kenny McCormick full of bullets. The Private fell in a bloody mess his knife clattering to the ground. Seeing his fellow Catachan fall Sergeant Coe yelled “Bastards!” as he plunged his blade into the closest.
The militia was no match for the Catachans in hand to hand combat. Soon the front of each Catachan was covered in enemy blood.
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To Be Continued
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Post by Ranger Dude on Mar 27, 2008 22:27:28 GMT -5
"Oh my god, you killed Kenny!!!"
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Garou24
Chapter Master
Posts: 1,530
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Post by Garou24 on Mar 28, 2008 20:37:01 GMT -5
Sgt. Coe will not let Kenny's death go un-avenged!
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Post by Catachan Colonel on Apr 1, 2008 7:56:39 GMT -5
The Slaughterer class cruiser “Holocaust” shook in pain as the fire of a bombardment cannon smashed through her shields and blasted into her port side. Instantly indicator lights appeared in the bridge that indicated a uncontrolled fire had started mid ship. Sirens blared and chaos renegades scrambled to their ships positions.
Lord Odoacer gripped the rail of his command station as his ship shook. Debris from an exploding console harmlessly bounced off his blue armor. “Report!” He commanded
“Sir a small space marine fleet has exited the warp and has started an attack run on our fleet. I detect one strike cruiser and several wings of Hunter class frigates. Our shields are down we have sustained damage.” A crewman was quick to report.
“Get our ship behind them. All ahead full!” The chaos lord ordered.
The Holocaust groaned under the strain as her Scartix engine coil was pushed to its limit. The ship made a sudden lurch forward at amazing speeds. The large cruiser sped past the attacking space marine vessels into their rear arc where imperial ships would be unable to achieve a firing solution. Orders were transmitted to the chaos fleet’s escort squadrons to engage the imperial warships.
The holocaust began its slow maneuver for coming about only to see the space marine fleet. Now burning its thrusters hot. They were speeding through his blockade. The Hunter escorts exchanged careful shots with the chaos squadrons who chased them but the different escort vessels shields absorbed most the exchanging fire. The Holocaust was then flanked by her sister ships of the Violators fleet a pair of murder class cruisers. The chaos fleet was fast compared to most imperial vessels. However a Space marine strike cruiser was one of the Imperiums fastest light cruisers. It was already launching squadrons of Thunderhawk gunships and rain of drop pods toward the planet.
“If we can not catch them then scan them! Who are we dealing with?” bellowed Lord Odoacer at his bridge crew.
“Sir They are Iron Dragons Space marines.” quickly responded one of the renegades at a nearby console.
“Iron Dragons!” the lord spat with contempt. “They were a constant irritation to Hellforge and his Iron Empire. Now it seems they will be an irritation to me. Once I command the Empire I will make it a priority to root out and kill every last one of them. Their continuing existence proves how thin Hellforge’s power truly was.”
The chaos cruisers were about to catch up and open fire on the Space marine Strike cruiser. Then disappeared from their screens. It made a quick escape into the warp. The space marine escorts quickly did likewise. “Shall we pursue them into the warp” questioned on of the crew.
“Negative! Retake orbit.” Lord Odoacer boomed. “Send the Iron Dragons landing coordinates to the khornate vessel of Daemon Prince Jeremy Bloodgore. Let them Rage against the machine.” Lord Odoacer smiled at the thought under his ancient helmet. Then he looked down at his command console. “Get those fires put out!”
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Inquisitor Delshie’s Aquila Lander touched down just outside the structure that the Burning Talon had located from orbit. The structure was difficult to find except for a faint energy residue. It was made of the same grey stone as the moon of Doom. The Inquisitor and retinue all sealed their helmets and armor for the vacuum they would find outside. The Inquisitor left the ship with only a small retinue. Herself three loyal Storm troopers and a single servo skull wich recorded and transmitted their progress.
The group made their way down the Aquila’s landing ramp and to a cleverly hidden door way made of the same grey stone as the outer surface. The door’s electronic controls were tried and failed. Delshi shook her head no when a Krak grenade was offered up. The storm troopers instead had to pry the door open with a crowbar taken from the ship. It was hard work and ate a lot of time into their oxygen supply.
Delshie cursed when there was no out rush of gasses from the structure. That meant that the inside was a airless space as well. Two Storm troopers took point advancing down the pristinely excavated corridor. Whomever had made this place had drilled it out of a solid rock. Wires hung above them bolted to the ceiling at regular intervals. The wires were not live however so the group continued on.
Turning around a sharp turn the group looked down at a black pike of sand just beyond what appeared to be as set of runes carved into the rock. Delshie was one of the Ordo Malleus and had seen that sort of black sand before. A daemon had died here. Its warp body had crumbled and vile essence shattered.
Delshie investigated the runes. They were runes of her ordo, These runes advanced beyond her own know how. They still faintly registered with her own psychic senses but their potency had been all but spent.
The inquisitor and her retinue advanced deeper into the structure taking note that ahead of them the floor gradually became more and more covered in a black sand until the tread as if walking on a soft and sandy beach. As the group progressed Delshie ordered her servo skull to record the way that the runes carved onto the wall spiraled down the hallway traversing ceiling to wall to floor and back again. Whatever this place was constructed for Delshie was sure that she would not like to know the answer.
Inquisitor Delshie ordered her men forward toward another great stone door.
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To Be Continued
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Iron Warrior
Moderator
The Iron
Iron Within! Iron Without!
Posts: 2,573
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Post by Iron Warrior on Apr 1, 2008 16:10:29 GMT -5
"Lord Hellforge, updated reports of the Nissin 3 planet" A Chaos marine in silver and gold trimmed armor hands him a data slate. Asteroth snatchs the data slate quickly and taps on it, taking in all the informations with a few scans of his bionic eyes and nods to the Marine standing near him to leave.
"What fates weave on Nissin my Lord?" Speaks a high pitched whiney voice from behind his throne command chair.
"It seems that the Iron Dragons have returned to this sector. They made planet fall and broke through Odoacer's blockade." The chair spun on servos to turn in the directions of the whiney voice. Lord Hellforge looked upon Ipexx in his armor of the new 13th Company. "The World Eaters and the Violators have thier work cut out for them now. Long range scanners also detect atleast 15 other ships in this sector. 5 unknown...I was not expecting such a large scale rebellion or war. We may have to commit our own forces to battle lest the Imperium may win back this sector."
Ipexx nods and catiously aproaches Hellforge's throne chair. "Perhaps we should treatise with out former allies first before placing them under the Iron fist of your rule again?"
"not yet...more pieces are yet to be played, more moves need to be taken. The Imperial Fists and More Iron Hands are making thier way to Nissin to support this Greyburn. Also there is a distinct possibilty that atleast two of the unknown vessels are on corse for the planet as well...6 vs 2...Odoacer will be destroyed without help." Asteroth Pauses before speaking again..."Ipexx I want you to go before Lord Sextus, he is based on Gidiean Prime. You will be our emassary, inform him that a large scale invasion of Nissen 3 is underway. Tell him to bring his allies from the Emporers Childrens Legion with him. Sextus never refuses a fight. Im sure he will show. I know he has some powerfull Allies as well. That will give Odoacer two more allies...I will send a communiaction to Kharns fleet to aid Odoacer as well. This should send things rolling in the right direction"
Ipexx nods and backs away into the shadows.
"I knew Odoacer could never perform such a large scale invasion, much less a blockade. He lacks the skills of an Iron Warrior." The Throne chair swivels back to veiw the front bridge. "All the pieces are coming together...the board will be Nissin 3 and only one piece is left to move...the king....." Lord Hellforge looks up and yells, "Helm! Make course for Nissin 3!"
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Post by evil_red_orks on Apr 1, 2008 18:55:44 GMT -5
Meanwhile aboard the Imperial Fist strike cruiser"Emperor's Duty".......
"Who is this Greyburn, that he may DEMAND!! our help" shouted Captain Octavius, leader of the 3rd company of the Imperial Fists.
His second in command,Lt. Aurelius, gulped then spoke,"Sir there have been reports that there are several more traitor vessels making haste to Nissin 3, the planet will fall without our help."
Octavius rose up, even more enraged,"HOW MANY TIMES MUST I COME TO THE RESCUE OF SOME INCOMPETENT IMPERIAL COMMANDER!!"He continued, albeit somewhat calmer"WHERE!! do they train these guys anyway??"
Lt. Aurelius fell silent not wanting to further anger his master, lest he feel the painglove.
The silence of the bridge was broken as the long range scanners rang out. Four ships were being tracked, 2 were clearly marine strike cruisers. The other 2 kept phasing in and out making positive id impossible.
The scanner officer spoke up, "Sir it seems the Iron Hands have massed in force, and are making all speed to Nissin 3."
"What of the other 2 ships??" questioned the Captain.
"Unable to lock onto them sir, its like now you see them, now you dont"
The helm officer interrupted," Shall we lock coordinates Sir?"
The Captain thought it over, what is it about this planet that commands this much attention.What was the imperial army doing there.
Midway through thought the Captain spoke up"What do we know of these traitor vessels?"
"Nothing as of yet sir, but I shall sweep the sector more thoroughly at once"
"Keep me informed, but continue on our current course as it seems reinforcements have gone to the aid of this Grayburn or whatever."
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Post by Lord Dacius on Apr 1, 2008 19:52:42 GMT -5
Meanwhile on nissen three.......
Captitan Greyburn took stock of what he knew he would have to repel the traitors that swarmed like wasps over the planet that he and what was left of his Company were charged to defend. 2nd and 3rd Platoon was wiped out in the initial drop on the Violators, along with the majority of the planets own defenders. But his most seasoned and veteran men of 1st platoon were still alive and at full strength. Joining them was the 149th combat engineer unit. He had sent out a long range patrol to raise up a militia of the population, but there was no word from them yet.
He turned to the company surgeon, Lt. Holiday with a grim look on his face "looks like we're digin in for this one doc"
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Iron Warrior
Moderator
The Iron
Iron Within! Iron Without!
Posts: 2,573
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Post by Iron Warrior on Apr 1, 2008 23:15:37 GMT -5
The ship glided lithely thought the warp, dark obsidian black trimmed with the color of thick spilt blood. She was one of the fastest ships in the fleet, named for a beast that chased the gods across the skies in Terran myth so ancient few had ever heard the legends. Apophis flew through the Ether, carrying her precious charges, the Iron Dragons third clan company- the Fire Talons.
Their Master was a sobering sight to behold, atop an ornate throne carved from a single piece of Vedan adamantium he sat, unsheathed in a massive suit of armor covered in archaic symbols of chapter heraldry. The mighty Lord of a Hundred, Felcar of the Iron Dragons waited as they plied the stars. En route to this lost, backward little world, he had discovered it in fact was a forgotten Forge World, much to the elation of his counterpart Solenidus. “Lord Felcar, we are approaching the system, our navigator says we have approximately six hours until we exit the empyrean at Nissin 4.” Brother sergeant Thorvar was itching to set his heavy armored feet on the ground again and Make war alongside his Master.
“Excellent, ready the troops, I want every man in full battle harness within the hour. Have the techmarines rouse Brother Captain Ferrun; it will take some time for his engines to waken after the long slumber. Have him fitted with a Lascannon, we don’t know what we will be facing, and I know he revels in carving open enemy armor.”
“Yes my lord, and shall I tell the embarkation deck ready speeders and atmospheric craft for reconnaissance?”
“Yes, I want four squadrons of tempests ready to deploy with the Thunderhawks, we will need them to guard our flanks as we approach. This landing will have to be fast, we can afford no distractions from enemy fighters. Dismissed.”
Felcar stood up and made his way across the bridge to a matching throne, “Wake up!” he bellowed in a half mocking salutation. Sitting on the throne, this one surrounded by cogitator banks and cabling writhing around it sat a machine formed of endless augmetics and power armor. The few bits of pale skin left were on his head, covered in cable jacks now attached to the bowels of the ship. While monitoring the vessels thousands of component mechanisms, he was pouring through the expansive histories and records kept by the Mechanicus. In this state he appeared to be blissfully sleeping in his seat.
Solenidus blinked several times and then began to focus again, on Felcar. “yes Lord Felcar, why do you disturb my ministrations?”
“We are to make ready for planet fall.”
“But we are still in the Warp?” the Tech-Lord replied as he felt the microscopic tines of his internal Gravmeter standing on end, twitching from the unnatural forces of the Gellar Field.
“Indeed, but you require some time to appease the spirits of my war-engines, do you not?”
“Of course, they will be readied; I will have Korvis and Alok start reciting the litanies of wakening on your transport at once.”
“No. I want the Vindicators readied first, and checked twice; I think they may have a long day ahead of them. I have sent word to have Ferrun wakened. I would like you to oversee the rituals, and gather the men in the armory in two hours. It’s time they were briefed on our mission.
One hundred Iron Dragons assembled in full battle dress was a sight to behold. As Felcar and his squad entered the hall, all he could feel was the burning in his blood grow in anticipation of the coming confrontation.
“Fire Talons! We have come here to this feeble little world to destroy the enemies of the Imperium and the Machine Cult. That is all a good soldier need know. But you are not soldiers, men made to fight and die. You are Iron Dragons, mighty warriors made to destroy all those who would oppose us. This blighted world has been fought over by several bands of our traitorous brethren, and has just fallen from the hands of Asteroth Hellforge, thrice blasted Warsmith of the Iron Warriors that has been the bane of the Drakkenhammers Clan for the past thousand years. We go now to do three things; we are to support Imperial forces trying to reclaim this forge world, retrieve an ancient artifact the nature of which is for my knowledge alone, and to strike a telling blow to the d**nable Iron Warriors while opportunity awaits.”
“You will report to the embarkation decks immediately, I want every man armed and supplied for an extended campaign. There is already heavy fighting on the planet and scanners show several large chaos cruisers in orbit. We’ll be running the gauntlet going in so reinforcements could be slow coming. Dismissed!”
The Strike cruiser was bristling, men running to their stations, marines uneasily waiting in Thunderhawks and Drop Pods with engines already spooled up and running. The cannon deck was alive with motion, gunners ready to pound the first thing that moves in the void with massive shells. Apophis started to break from the warp.
A tear two miles tall formed like a lightning bolt in the void above Nissan 4, it expanded to a jagged circle of purple fire, filled with a roiling sea the color of fire. From this hole in space burst a black behemoth four and a half kilometers long, covered in buttresses and graven dragons, at its prow the twin heads of a roaring beast decorated the side of the launch bay, ready to belch forth her children to rain death on the enemies of man.
“Captain, there is an old pattern imperial cruiser in high orbit sir, Slaughterer class. Most likely renegade ship sir, it appears to bear the markings of the ‘Violators’ band. It is with escort.” “Open the gun ports and loose the bombardment cannons into her prow as we pass. We have to get our men to the surface and we cannot afford to be slowed. I want those Thunderhawks cleared as soon as we reach low orbit. We need to slingshot out of the gravitational pull before the traitor fleet has a chance to react and give chase.” Bruul sat on a massive throne in the center of the bridge, flanked by the two ornate commander’s seats, for embarked marine lords. He had been captain of the Apophis for four hundred years. He knew every bolt on her, in peace time he would often void-walk her hull. He was well versed in every naval combat tenet since before the Heresy. This was a simple maneuver, but there was a very small window to strike through.
“Opening fire now. Moderate damage across her stern, doesn’t seem to be slowing her captain, she’s turning into us”
“All ahead full, get us in that atmosphere now. Tell the Hunters to keep raking that cruiser with melta torpedoes until we’ve cleared the planet. They should keep her from closing fast without taking heavy damage.”
“Aye sir. Launching Thunderhawks now. Captain! two enemy cruisers to port, out of nowhere sir. d**n chaos ships and their jammers, they’re like ghosts.”
“Fine lieutenant, as soon as that last ‘Hawk is clear engage full thrusters. Get us away from this mess. Tell the escorts to meet us at the jump point and tell the navigator we’re ready.
The strike cruiser jerked hard upward and rose on a column of flames ten kilometers long, burning its way out of Nissin 4’s atmosphere. Like a dart, she raced out away from the closing chaos flotilla and met her hunter escorts. With a flash they were back in the warp, leaving their brethren to carve their own fates on the planet’s surface.
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Post by Catachan Colonel on Apr 2, 2008 7:50:13 GMT -5
“Valkrie 1156 to Unidentified space marine patrol please acknowledge this signal” spoke the Valkrie commander over standard imperial frequencies. His aircraft hovered over a Rhino troop transport. There were markings on the vehicle but he could not make them out from here. “Unidentified space marine patrol do you copy?”
The Valkrie pilot signaled his commander. “We have been locked on by multiple Hyperious platforms.”
“Its to late to switch from hover mode, standby and pray to the Emperor that they answer our hails instead of firing.” The commander replied.
There were three chirps on the com system as it locked on to a direct frequency broadcast from below. The commander switched over from the broad spectrum communication to the directed frequency. “This is brother Sergeant Jake of the Iron Dragons third company. Ordering you to land your ship and prepare to be inspected.”
The Valkrie commander gave a signal to his pilot to take the Valkrie down. Within seconds the craft lightly touched down and the transported squad of storm troopers stood at attention outside the ship. The Valkrie commander walked out as well greeting the space marine sergeant when he approached. “We are happy to welcome you and all your fellow Iron Dragons to Nissin Three. Thank you for answering our distress call.”
Two Iron Dragons entered the Valkrie while Brother Sergeant Jake questioned the aircraft’s commander. “Where are the Mechanicus forges?”
“Forges?” questioned the Valkrie commander
“Per our Data, Nissin 4 is a FORGE WORLD! All we have encountered here is desert, bleak rocky wastes and the occasional petrol drilling station. Where are the great forges of the Mechanicus!!!? ” The space marine sergeant was irritated.
(The surface of a forge world is normally completely covered in massive factory complexes that stretch across the horizon. Its ecosystem has been completely destroyed. The air is saturated with toxic gases and rivers flow with toxic runoff from factories. In many cases, even seas and oceans have been dried up to make room for more factories. However, the sheer output benefits the Imperium as a whole. Each of these worlds is home to one of the Titan Legions, supported by legions of Skitarii, the Adeptus Mechanicus' cybernetically enhanced soldiers.
Nissin 3 was a desert world. A dusty speck of a world settled long ago by fuel prospectors. It was a forgotten place with only the most pathetic imperial garrison.)
With a shocked look the Valkrie commander quickly replied, “Sir this is Nissin 3. There are no forges. Nissin 4 is a gas giant nothing there but methane and dust. The closest thing we have to industry here is a repair facility for imperial aircraft, and a lot of petrol mining and reserves. We only have but two real cities on this world. Didn’t you come in answer to our distress call? Aren’t you here to save us?” The Valkrie commander was horrified that the space marines may have only arrived here due to a mistake.
“That remains to be seen,” the space marine replied as he walked away.
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Private Soles spoke loud and clear into his master vox, “We read you Sergeant Coe, Artillery batteries have been eliminated. You are ordered to hold your position while we advance in your direction. Keep us informed if your situation changes. Over and out!” The private looked up at Colonel Norton and nodded. “Looks like we are all clear sir. Ready to head out.”
Colonel Norton looked around at the platoon commanders who awaited their orders. “Let us tear up this concrete Jungle gentlemen. Order your men to advance toward the basilisk factories. The Infantry will take point. All armored support will remain in strategic reserve.” The four lieutenants saluted, acknowledging their orders then ran to their men.
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Lord Zhu looked across at Emperor’s children Lord Sextus. Sextus was far from Gidiean Prime his usual base of operations. It was Sextus who had convinced Lord Zhu to finally throw off the shackles of the dead lord Hellforge. It was Sextus who tempted him with the pleasures of Slaanesh. It felt good to finally be set free. With all the recent indulgences brought to him by the pretty chaos lord of Slaanesh Tzu had let the defense of his world slide. There were quite a number of Imperial guard on his world. Even worse they here making quick work of the local militias.
Lord Zhu could send out his Iron Warriors. No finer troops existed than among his men. However there was a sizable number of Emperor’s Children who could bleed instead. Mercenary troops were usually such a waste, but these mercenaries would be chaos marines. They may not be Iron Warriors but they were not completely useless.
Sextus had felt the changes in the warp as Tzu had. His own power had diminished. His daemon summons called only lesser creatures. Lord Zhu could offer tanks and men and some of the finest factories of war goods. The Iron warriors had never relied on the practice of daemon summoning. They relied on the bolter and chain sword.
The arrangement must have been acceptable to the Lord Sextus. He agreed to be dispatched to intercept the invading guardsmen. Sextus would meet then in an area of the city sparse with buildings. Sextus’ best men would move ahead to flank the guardsmen’s approach. With luck Sextus’ force could stop this petty invasion before it truly began.
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The Catachans advanced through the streets of Dalton 4 Lieutenant Davis and his 1st platoon advanced ahead of the line hiding in the cover of buildings, rocks, broken scraps of forge works. They were invisible advancing before the rest of the force. Captain Arnold’s 2nd platoon was a support platoon slowed by a few heavy weapons but quick enough to rapidly support the rest of the company’s forces. Two platoons of heavy weapons teams slowly trudged down the streets behind them. Dragging an assortment of the biggest weapons that a team of men could bring to the field without armored support. Big Bone 'ead Cipolla and his lads marched last making more noise than the five platoons combined.
There was a silence to the marching, no animals could be heard among the broken buildings. The Catachans were used to the hum of nature around them. There was not even the sounds of scavenger birds or buzzing of city insects. It was as if something unnatural had scared all the creatures away.
Private Soles reached around to the hand set of his vox unit. It’s spirit made a second double buzz. It was angry for being ignored. “Private Soles here!” he responded into the vox. His face went pale as he listened blocking out the loud ogryns behind him. Then with a panicked scream he ran to the front of his squad and screamed for all he was worth “WE ARE UNDER ATTACK!”
A squad advancing to his right flank disappeared in a giant explosion. Bits of the building and street around them rained shrapnel across a nearby mortar squad staining them with their own blood. All around every squad raced for the nearest cover that they could find. Already he could hear the screams of other soldiers dieing to incoming fire. Then ahead through the dust of explosion he saw the first of the enemy. It was a brightly colored crab like mechanical monster. The daemon spirit trapped within it screamed in the pleasure of its kills.
A mob of renegade chaos marines painted in the pastel colors of the pleasure god and adorned with many trophies of battles raced out of a nearby building. They yelled praises to their blasphemous deity as they peppered the Catachans with bolter fire. One of them raised a great icon that sparked with unworldly power. The Catachans had been flanked and taken by surprise.
All seemed lost.
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To Be Continued
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Post by Catachan Colonel on Apr 2, 2008 8:13:02 GMT -5
Map of Space Near this fiction
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Post by evil_red_orks on Apr 2, 2008 15:43:50 GMT -5
"Sir we have completed long range scanning", the officer paused knowing the consequences of what he says next,"It seems there are traitor vessels loyal to the Iron Warriors enroute to Nissin 3"
The bridge of the "Emperor's Duty" fell silent, everyone knew the implications of these developments. The age old enemies of the Imperial Fists had made their presence known.It was their Primarch, Rogal Dorn who led, what some might call stubborn and arrogant,an attack on Sebastus IV after the death of the emperor. In the end it was a trap known as the Iron Cage incident. The trap consisted of 20 square miles of minefields, booby traps, and gun emplacments supposedly defending a fortress in the middle.The trap had divided the fists and they were cut off from their air support.
Some called it a bitter defeat, others laugh at how inept Perturabo and his Iron Warriors were.Despite being outnumbered, out gunned , and the fact they walked into a trap, Rogal Dorn lived through the incident.Through the next decade after the Horous Hersey, the Fists joined with the Ultramarines to hunt down the Warriors.
Captain Octavius awoke from thought knowing full well what must be done. However fully half his company was on Armageddon in support of the imperial army to halt the current Waaagh!! He would need help, and he knew exactly the man for the job.
Octavius spoke up"Aurelius send word to the Phalanx",he continued"Perhaps Captain Lysander can help."
"Helm, make all speed to Nissin 3 at once"
The engines of the "Emperor's Duty" hummed to life, steadily increasing in intensity.The bridge was alive with activity, everyone knew of what was to come.
The huge view screen, high up on the walls of the bridge, flickered to life. It was a garbled transmission, full of static. A face familiar to the helm officer could barely be made out.
"Sir, I know this man"
Octavius waited
"Thats the Captain Blackbeard that asked for reinforcements earlier"The transmission was still garbled.
"I thought it was Graybeard", questioned the Captain.
The face on the view screen rang to life.
"This is Captain GREYBURN!! .... traitors....under fire.....need more men........"
The transmission was cutoff.....
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Post by Ranger Dude on Apr 2, 2008 16:50:08 GMT -5
Is it just me or are some of the Space marines looking a little senile in this story!! ;D
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Post by Catachan Colonel on Apr 3, 2008 8:38:30 GMT -5
Captain Braxton Bragg picked himself up off the floor if the Iron Hands Strike Cruiser “Merrimack” He was bleeding from the lip his right arm was battered and useless. The bride was a mess they had taken a direct hit from some sort of cannon before the console in front of his exploded. He looked around to see servitors dead and mangled unable to go about their duties any longer. The Iron hands run through the chaos blockade had gone disastrously bad.
Captain Bragg’s plan was simple. Drop out of the Immaterium as close to Nissin Three as the ship could safely calculate. They would charge through the unsuspecting chaos ships with guns blazing and then hit full thrusters. When they were close enough they would launch drop pods and Thunderhawks landing a company of space marines and support equipment to the surface of the planet. Then they would return to the Immaterium and rendezvous with their escorts at a pre arranged set of coordinates. It should have been textbook simple.
They had emerged into a wall of incoming fire. The Merrimack’s escort ships were destroyed while still exiting the warp. One cut in half as its entrance portal collapsed on the ship. Emperor have mercy on the souls of those on board. The Merrimack then started to take heavy fire uncontrolled fires raged across her prow her weapons were practically useless and her engines damaged. Captain Bragg did not know how the filthy chaos traitors knew to expect his maneuver. The element of surprise should have been on his side.
Captain Bragg pushed a dead servitor out of its station and checked what he could make out on his console. The thunderhawks had managed to launch but most of the Drop Pods were still awaiting the command to uncouple from the ship. This servitor must have died before giving the order to the Merrimack’s machine spirit. Many of the drop pods had been destroyed while still connected to the ship. Captain Bragg could not be sure if they contained marines or supplies and fixed weapons. He knew he had to release the remaining pods.
The Merrimack listed as it was hit again by the fire of one of the chaos cruisers lance batteries. The console in front of him exploded sending him to the ground. A piece of metal lodged in Captain Bragg’s throat. He had only moments to live. The console able to give the release order was gone. He would never make it to the manual over ride it was half a ship away. Captain Bragg knew there was only one option left. He crawled over to his command seat and activated the self destruct. The drop pods automatically uncoupled from the ship blasting to their pre-programmed destination.
Iron Father Robert Lee watched from his thunderhawk’s command deck. There was a bright explosion in space as his clan company’s Strike cruiser exploded in space behind them.
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Captain Greyburn met with Iron Father Lee at Nissin 3’s space port. The area was littered with drop pods many in a state of near destruction. Captain Greyburn could see a thunderhawk transport ship that had skidded to a halt its landing gear on one side was gone perhaps lost in combat during planet fall. Despite the destruction and disarray the space marines were still systematically preparing for war.
“Welcome to Nissin Three. We are sorrowed to the state of your arrival.” Captain Greyburn extended his hand to Iron Father Lee.
“Worry not of our state Captain.” The Iron father responded with a deep mechanical voice. The Iron father shook the Imperial Captain’s hand with confidence that the officer could not understand. “The Iron Hands have responded to your plea for assistance. We stand ready to fight beside you and your brave men. We hope the delay our arrival has not cost you many of the Emperor’s soldiers.”
Captain Greyburn smiled at the proud space marine. The Iron Father’s confidence and attitude reassured him that fighting side by side they could be triumphant against the invasion of Nissin Three. This marine was unlike the other space marines who had responded to his plea for help. They seemed aloof or arrogant demanding and cold. This Iron Father had the demeanor of a inspiring great hero concerned only with their shared duty to the Emperor. “Iron Father Lee our resources are your resources, make use of whatever you have need of”
“Thank you Captain! My Tech Marines have many repairs to undertake. In the mean time my marines will deploy to support your forces in what strength we can immediately bring to bear.” With a wave squads of black armored marines began marching through the streets to the front line. “In the mean time, let us go to your command center and we can prepare how to best coordinate our resources.”
“This way.” Captain Greyburn gestured.
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To Be Continued
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