by Warneshi
The Vox-Caster crackled and hummed, but still nothing came through; no voices, no reports. The massive form of a Gothic Battleship held it's orbit over the planet, it's form silent but it's intent was clear. The Captain hailed the frequency again, but still the scouts sent no word back. Edmund Sigsmen watched the Vox-Caster, let the silence overwhelm him. He had good men on the planets surface, Sergeant Fridmen's Crusader Squad had proven itself time and time again, taking the Emperor's wrath to his enemies and showing a zeal that would put many in the Chapter to shame. Still, something was not right, it was protocol to have reported in, and Sergeant Fridmen had always been a man of protocol.
Edmund did well to hide his suspicions, him and his men had been dispatched here to investigate reports of disturbances in this system of an unknown origin, and if this unknown origin was enough to eliminate some of the best the Black Templars had to offer; then Edmund wondered how many more would fall before his will was done.
It was well known that the eastern fringes were in the path of the ever expanding Tau Empire, but Edmund had faced their kind on Nimbosa and he did not think they could of wiped out the entire squad without giving them time to even report. The Tau were like any alien though, tricky, underhanded, corrupt and of course damned in their heretical beliefs. Edmund leaned forward and hit the rune of activation again, calling out to his troops on the ground yet again. Still no response, Edmund allowed a sigh to escape his lips as he bowed to the Lord Admiral and made his way back to his troops.
The Black Templars embodied the zeal that was famous amongst the Angels of Death, but while others used that zeal to bring death upon the enemies of The Emperor the Black Templars lived by that zeal. It was their purpose, their passion, and without it they had nothing. It was just that zeal that now drove Edmund to his action. Making a detour before going to address his battle-brothers, Edmund made his way to the holy resting place of the Crusades Dreadnoughts.
Only one massive form occupied the area, only one Dreadnought had been taken on this Crusade but Edmunds heart swelled with pride as he looked upon the form of the Veteran Dreadnought Octavius Sigsmen . Placing his hand upon the sacred Sarcophagus Edmund gave a prayer of battle for his brother. The Two had served the Black Templars for the better part of 3 centuries, they had fought side by side through every possible engagement against every possible foe and always the Emperors will had lead them to victory. It was on the hellish world of Armageddon under the command of great High Marshall Helbrecht himself that Octavius had met his end, well almost his end. In Edmunds mind the glory of that day was all his brothers, he had given his life in service and now was honored with service forevermore. Edmund smiled at his brothers armored tomb and whispered softly; "Soon brother, soon you will take his word to our enemies, his wrath to their hearts, and his fire to their souls, In His Name dear brother."
Edmund walked to a nearby viewing window and looked down upon the great form of Gracius III, somewhere deep in his mind he knew that this planet, this battle was for him and him alone. Edmund Sigsmen held his head high and looked defiantly upon the world he would soon cleanse; He was Edmund Sigsmen Marshall of this Crusade, it was his duty to seek out and bring the Emperors Judgement to the champions of the enemy, to lead his warriors through his example. Tau, Eldar, Ork, Chaos, Edmund did not care whom would fall under his blade, only that they suffered their fate.
He took his hand from the viewing portal and made his way to the chapel where even now Chaplain Cromus blessed the warriors of the Black Templars, blessed their hearts and minds, and made them ready to deliver death to all those whom waited to receive it. Edmund smiled and thought to himself..."In His Name."
((I edited some of this, I had some woefully inaccurate information up there, so it is all correct now.))
In His Name (Warhammer 40K RP for The Grim!)
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Re: In His Name (Warhammer 40K RP for The Grim!)
by Emmons
Shas'O Sa'cea Vior'la looked at the tactical readout on the holographic projector. The Gue'la Battleship was a half-orbit around the planet. He knew the humans' poor sensors would not be able to pick them up before they made landfall, with the planet shielding their signature. They had been trailing this ship in-system for about a day, luckily a small scouting party had been in system at the time and had sent word to O'Vior'la about the human incursion. It had not been his plan to have to take this planet so early, the water caste ambassadors had not yet had a chance to discuss a peaceful inclusion into the Tau empire yet, however if the humans had sent such a powerful force to this planet, it would be too great a liability to the Tau Empire should the planet become occupied by them.
He flicked on the inter-fleet comm channel. "Orca dropships, prepare to make planetfall, a clear area has been designated as the landing zone. We expect light to no resistance upon landing, and will set up a primary base along the equator zone. All Shas'la, take this time to prepare for battle. In approximately 6 hours, we will begin the process of uniting this planet, for the greater good!"
O'Vior'la turned off the comm unit and turned to his Air caste pilot. "Make sure you send word back to Sa'cea, we will require additional Manta Missile Destroyers to ensure air superiority. This will be our key to victory." The pilot nodded as O'Vior'la cracked a small smile and headed to his personal armory to choose the loadout for his specially made XV-87 Crisis suit. His methods were not smiled upon by the Ethereal caste, but they were proven effective. Peace, through superior fire power.
Shas'O Sa'cea Vior'la looked at the tactical readout on the holographic projector. The Gue'la Battleship was a half-orbit around the planet. He knew the humans' poor sensors would not be able to pick them up before they made landfall, with the planet shielding their signature. They had been trailing this ship in-system for about a day, luckily a small scouting party had been in system at the time and had sent word to O'Vior'la about the human incursion. It had not been his plan to have to take this planet so early, the water caste ambassadors had not yet had a chance to discuss a peaceful inclusion into the Tau empire yet, however if the humans had sent such a powerful force to this planet, it would be too great a liability to the Tau Empire should the planet become occupied by them.
He flicked on the inter-fleet comm channel. "Orca dropships, prepare to make planetfall, a clear area has been designated as the landing zone. We expect light to no resistance upon landing, and will set up a primary base along the equator zone. All Shas'la, take this time to prepare for battle. In approximately 6 hours, we will begin the process of uniting this planet, for the greater good!"
O'Vior'la turned off the comm unit and turned to his Air caste pilot. "Make sure you send word back to Sa'cea, we will require additional Manta Missile Destroyers to ensure air superiority. This will be our key to victory." The pilot nodded as O'Vior'la cracked a small smile and headed to his personal armory to choose the loadout for his specially made XV-87 Crisis suit. His methods were not smiled upon by the Ethereal caste, but they were proven effective. Peace, through superior fire power.
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Re: In His Name (Warhammer 40K RP for The Grim!)
Sergeant Frideman focused his sight on the scene before him. It had been days since his crusader squad had been in contact with their battle barge Vow of Conquest all of their vox channels had been jammed and they had been effectively cut off. It was by the Emperors blessing it seemed that one of the Neophytes had been adept in communications and as such interference in communications, it had taken them several days of tracking and a couple times they had to keep their heads down to avoid enemy patrols, but they had finally reached the source of the interference.
Frideman stared out again at the small Tau outpost that lay before him nestled in the heavy fur woods of the planet. He could see the station and many other support structures and buildings that must have been causing the jamming of their channels. Frideman sighed, he despised the Tau and their heretical sciences, the only true knowledge was that gained in service of the Emperor and these Xenos scum would soon learn that.
Frideman lowered himself from his perch and took stock of what forces he had at his disposal.
--- Force Deployment ---
Crusader Squad Pathfinders
1 Sergeant (Veteran Initiate) Kraos Frideman - Power Fist, Holy Bolt Pistol
8 Initiates of the Gracius Crusade - All with Krak Grenades
Brother Ronus - Holy Bolter
Brother Olaric - Holy Bolter
Brother Isaiah - Chainsword, Holy Bolt Pistol
Brother Gren - Chainsword, Holy Bolt Pistol
Brother Feuden - Chainsword, Holy Bolt Pistol
Brother Marduk - Chainsword, Holy Bolt Pistol
Brother Garus - Chainsword, Holy Bolt Pistol
Brother Auric - Meltagun
6 Neophytes of the Gracius Crusade - All with Krak Grenades
Neophyte Turnson - Combat Knife, Holy Bolt Pistol
Neophyte Krest - Combat Knife, Holy Bolt Pistol
Neophyte Kreig - Combat Knife, Holy Bolt Pistol
Neophyte Hroas - Combat Knife, Holy Bolt Pistol
Neophyte Lescest - Shotgun
Neophyte Brever - Shotgun
--- End ---
Frideman smiled to himself inside his helmet, he had more then enough troops to destroy the objective. He motioned his Squad to gather round him and spoke softly to them all.
"My Brothers and our squires today I will ask only that which I have always asked; that we deliver the Emperor's holy fury to the hearts of his foe's. The foul Tau Xenos block our transmissions with their foul sciences, if we are to transmit drop locations to our waiting Brothers so that they to may take his will to the holy melee, then we must first neutralize this station. The Xenos scum have not detected us, and so we show them their wicked idea's and constructs are no match for our faith. Follow me again Brothers, our squires will learn the ways of death through our actions alone."
Sergeant Frideman rose from his hidden position over the Tau compound and raised his power fist in the air giving a resounding war cry to his Black Templar Brothers as the charged the alien compound.
"Accept Any Challenge No Matter the Odds!"
The Tau at the station were taken by surprise at the ferocity of the attack, before they had even finished raising the alarms Frideman and his Crusaders were amongst them, dealing death at every turn. Frideman laughed and sang praises to the Emperor as his Power Fist shattered Tau warrior after Tau warrior, several of the alien battlesuits already laid wrecked in his path. He brought his powered fist around in a deadly arc shattering the bodies of two more of the Tau infantry. His bolter ate through the Xenos armor as he rejoiced hearing the victory cries of his warriors. As soon as it had begun the battle ended, not one Space Marian or Neophyte had met his end during the fray, such was the ferocity of the Templars charge.
Frideman commanded his troops to set charges on the station and watched as it was consumed in holy fire, it's heretical markings and workings purged and forever destroyed. As soon as it was leveled he sent a transmission back the Vow of Conquest. He was able to report his position and his progress in scouting the planet, he also identified the infestation of this world to be that of the Tau, it was shortly after the last transmission that his message was again blocked. Sergeant Frideman swore under his breath, these damn Xenos were smart, but he would find the next station and destroy that one as well. Frideman had been finding the key locations to assault and he wanted to make sure his Brothers drop pods found the locations that would deal the swiftest and most definite victory.
He ordered his squad back to the heavy woods and looked out across the scene his men had left and smiled, he dearly wished to see the commander of the Tau forces face when he saw the cost this one Crusader squad would cost his forces.
Edmund listened intently to Sergeant Frideman's transmission and was happy to know his Crusader squad was still performing their duty. He did not worry about the lose of transmission, the Xenos had most likely covered the interference lose in the area and was most likely dispatching forces to deal with Frideman's squad even as he received the transmission. Edmund allowed himself a smile and new that as soon as Frideman could give him accurate Drop Pod Assault location, then the Tau would know the true fury of his chapter.
Frideman stared out again at the small Tau outpost that lay before him nestled in the heavy fur woods of the planet. He could see the station and many other support structures and buildings that must have been causing the jamming of their channels. Frideman sighed, he despised the Tau and their heretical sciences, the only true knowledge was that gained in service of the Emperor and these Xenos scum would soon learn that.
Frideman lowered himself from his perch and took stock of what forces he had at his disposal.
--- Force Deployment ---
Crusader Squad Pathfinders
1 Sergeant (Veteran Initiate) Kraos Frideman - Power Fist, Holy Bolt Pistol
8 Initiates of the Gracius Crusade - All with Krak Grenades
Brother Ronus - Holy Bolter
Brother Olaric - Holy Bolter
Brother Isaiah - Chainsword, Holy Bolt Pistol
Brother Gren - Chainsword, Holy Bolt Pistol
Brother Feuden - Chainsword, Holy Bolt Pistol
Brother Marduk - Chainsword, Holy Bolt Pistol
Brother Garus - Chainsword, Holy Bolt Pistol
Brother Auric - Meltagun
6 Neophytes of the Gracius Crusade - All with Krak Grenades
Neophyte Turnson - Combat Knife, Holy Bolt Pistol
Neophyte Krest - Combat Knife, Holy Bolt Pistol
Neophyte Kreig - Combat Knife, Holy Bolt Pistol
Neophyte Hroas - Combat Knife, Holy Bolt Pistol
Neophyte Lescest - Shotgun
Neophyte Brever - Shotgun
--- End ---
Frideman smiled to himself inside his helmet, he had more then enough troops to destroy the objective. He motioned his Squad to gather round him and spoke softly to them all.
"My Brothers and our squires today I will ask only that which I have always asked; that we deliver the Emperor's holy fury to the hearts of his foe's. The foul Tau Xenos block our transmissions with their foul sciences, if we are to transmit drop locations to our waiting Brothers so that they to may take his will to the holy melee, then we must first neutralize this station. The Xenos scum have not detected us, and so we show them their wicked idea's and constructs are no match for our faith. Follow me again Brothers, our squires will learn the ways of death through our actions alone."
Sergeant Frideman rose from his hidden position over the Tau compound and raised his power fist in the air giving a resounding war cry to his Black Templar Brothers as the charged the alien compound.
"Accept Any Challenge No Matter the Odds!"
The Tau at the station were taken by surprise at the ferocity of the attack, before they had even finished raising the alarms Frideman and his Crusaders were amongst them, dealing death at every turn. Frideman laughed and sang praises to the Emperor as his Power Fist shattered Tau warrior after Tau warrior, several of the alien battlesuits already laid wrecked in his path. He brought his powered fist around in a deadly arc shattering the bodies of two more of the Tau infantry. His bolter ate through the Xenos armor as he rejoiced hearing the victory cries of his warriors. As soon as it had begun the battle ended, not one Space Marian or Neophyte had met his end during the fray, such was the ferocity of the Templars charge.
Frideman commanded his troops to set charges on the station and watched as it was consumed in holy fire, it's heretical markings and workings purged and forever destroyed. As soon as it was leveled he sent a transmission back the Vow of Conquest. He was able to report his position and his progress in scouting the planet, he also identified the infestation of this world to be that of the Tau, it was shortly after the last transmission that his message was again blocked. Sergeant Frideman swore under his breath, these damn Xenos were smart, but he would find the next station and destroy that one as well. Frideman had been finding the key locations to assault and he wanted to make sure his Brothers drop pods found the locations that would deal the swiftest and most definite victory.
He ordered his squad back to the heavy woods and looked out across the scene his men had left and smiled, he dearly wished to see the commander of the Tau forces face when he saw the cost this one Crusader squad would cost his forces.
Edmund listened intently to Sergeant Frideman's transmission and was happy to know his Crusader squad was still performing their duty. He did not worry about the lose of transmission, the Xenos had most likely covered the interference lose in the area and was most likely dispatching forces to deal with Frideman's squad even as he received the transmission. Edmund allowed himself a smile and new that as soon as Frideman could give him accurate Drop Pod Assault location, then the Tau would know the true fury of his chapter.
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Re: In His Name (Warhammer 40K RP for The Grim!)
Commander Darkfire entered the command structure where O'Vior'la stood, pouring over tactical data on the holo-map. "Sir," she gulped, "we've lost a small outpost". Vior'la turned around and shot a harsh glance at the young Fire caste commander.
"I'm aware of this, Commander." And I've already taken the necessary steps to ensure this will not happen again.
"Ok?", the commander was interested in what Vior'la was planning to do.
"Yes, we already have five squadrons of baracudas cleansing the vegetation from the areas immediately surrounding each camp. The trees hide the Gue'la from our guns, without the foliage they are vulnerable."
"But sir, what if they wait us out in the trees?"
O'Vior'la smirked. "Do you take me for a fool, Darkfire? Of course I thought of this." O'Vior'la turned to a small comm unit on the holomap. "Shaper Karnax?" A gutteral squeal emitted from the unit. "Shaper Karnax, we are nearly ready. Unleash the Kroot." Darkfire shuttered at the mention of their allies. The Kroot were an integral part of the Tau Empire, and indeed the first race to adopt the path of the Greater Good, but they still gave her the chills. They were the things of a child's nightmare. Standing two meters tall, with greyish green skin and sharp beaks that often reeked of rotten flesh. This was a byproduct of the process that made them so deadly a foe. Whenever they defeated an enemy, they feasted on their flesh. Special glands within their body allowed them to extract DNA, analyze it, and adapt their quarry's strengths to their own. The longer they hunted their prey, the more efficient they became at killing it, taking on all of their strengths, and none of their weaknesses.
"S-Sir, do you really think we need the Kroot?", she stuttered.
"We need the Kroot like the Gue'la commander needs a railgun round through the cranium. They are extremely adept at using the leaf cover to their advantage. Even if they do not accomplish their mission, the humans will be driven out of the forests for fear of the beasts that reside within. Our superior weaponry will win this skirmish. Already our Mantas are in orbit annihilating the enemy's air support." O'Vior'la smiled as he imagined the image of a pulse of blue cutting cleanly through one of the slow moving archaic hulks that the humans called ships. "Now, get your squad ready, I have special plans for you."
"Yes sir, for the Greater Good." Darkfire saluted her superior and headed off to don her XV-25 Stealthsuit. She had to duck upon exiting the structure to avoid a drone toting a rail rifle, and O'Vior'la turned back to the comm unit to check on the status of the XV-88 Broadsides he had positioned on a nearby hilltop. He thought of his human counterpart, no doubt pondering at this exact moment as he stood in thought, "Do the deaths of your soldiers mean so little to you?"
"I'm aware of this, Commander." And I've already taken the necessary steps to ensure this will not happen again.
"Ok?", the commander was interested in what Vior'la was planning to do.
"Yes, we already have five squadrons of baracudas cleansing the vegetation from the areas immediately surrounding each camp. The trees hide the Gue'la from our guns, without the foliage they are vulnerable."
"But sir, what if they wait us out in the trees?"
O'Vior'la smirked. "Do you take me for a fool, Darkfire? Of course I thought of this." O'Vior'la turned to a small comm unit on the holomap. "Shaper Karnax?" A gutteral squeal emitted from the unit. "Shaper Karnax, we are nearly ready. Unleash the Kroot." Darkfire shuttered at the mention of their allies. The Kroot were an integral part of the Tau Empire, and indeed the first race to adopt the path of the Greater Good, but they still gave her the chills. They were the things of a child's nightmare. Standing two meters tall, with greyish green skin and sharp beaks that often reeked of rotten flesh. This was a byproduct of the process that made them so deadly a foe. Whenever they defeated an enemy, they feasted on their flesh. Special glands within their body allowed them to extract DNA, analyze it, and adapt their quarry's strengths to their own. The longer they hunted their prey, the more efficient they became at killing it, taking on all of their strengths, and none of their weaknesses.
"S-Sir, do you really think we need the Kroot?", she stuttered.
"We need the Kroot like the Gue'la commander needs a railgun round through the cranium. They are extremely adept at using the leaf cover to their advantage. Even if they do not accomplish their mission, the humans will be driven out of the forests for fear of the beasts that reside within. Our superior weaponry will win this skirmish. Already our Mantas are in orbit annihilating the enemy's air support." O'Vior'la smiled as he imagined the image of a pulse of blue cutting cleanly through one of the slow moving archaic hulks that the humans called ships. "Now, get your squad ready, I have special plans for you."
"Yes sir, for the Greater Good." Darkfire saluted her superior and headed off to don her XV-25 Stealthsuit. She had to duck upon exiting the structure to avoid a drone toting a rail rifle, and O'Vior'la turned back to the comm unit to check on the status of the XV-88 Broadsides he had positioned on a nearby hilltop. He thought of his human counterpart, no doubt pondering at this exact moment as he stood in thought, "Do the deaths of your soldiers mean so little to you?"
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Re: In His Name (Warhammer 40K RP for The Grim!)
Many did not fully understand the workings of a Space Marines power armor, true it encased him in holy Adamantium that would portect him from all but the most lethal attacks, but it also conveyed heightened senses and a drastically increased movement rate as well as sound dampers. A Marine fully integrated with his Power Armor, was not only an unstopable killing machine but also silent and swift if they chose to be; Sergeant Frideman chose to be.
Frideman had hide his squad well, many of the Black Templar looked down upon infiltration tactics, that was until they saw what Sergeant Frideman and his Crusaders could do. The Tau had been hunting them for days now, and it seemed they had to call on their most putrid and defiled soldiers to face the might of the Angels of Death. Frideman had not been taken as a Neophyte until several years after the blessed Crusade cleansed the world of Nimbosa, after the fledging Tau had felt the true might of the Black Templars and their zealotry. He did however remember the creatures that now made their way through the heavy fur tree's, leaping from tree to tree, scanning, sniffing...hunting; these Kroot would indeed of been fearsome to one whose was not charged with the Emperor's will. He turned to scan his forces, two Neophytes, Lescest and Krest had been lost, caught in the open as they had crossed a road, some blasted scout team of these Xenos had dropped them in seconds. Frideman smiled as he remembered his Power Fist wrapping around the skulls of one of the scout team members and turning it to a pulpy goo, blood still stained his Power Fist.
Turning his attention back to the Kroot, he was surprised to see only half their number was still in the open, a gasp caught in his throat and he turned to give orders to his men, but it was not soon enough. The air was filled with aliens and their warcry, the Kroot cleared great distances in leaps that carrried them to grips with the Space Marines. Brother Ronus and Neophyte Turnson both were slain in seconds; Turnson slew his own attacker during the fray. Frideman brought his Power Fist around to bear in front of him as he faced down tree of the abominations, their beaks clattering in their cursed tongue. He smiled as he heard his Marines fighting back heard Chainsword roar and alien die, he took heart that even in this face of overwhelming odds that his men stood as paragons of their chapter, the great words of the Emperor himself echoed in Frideman's mind, "And they shall know no fear" He raised his fist and charged the three waiting Kroot, they stumbled a bit clearly not expecting this massive form to move so quickly, their laxity was their undoing and with Holy Bolter fire and Power Fist he gave them the Emperor's blessing.
The dust cleared and Frideman prepared himself to face more foe's, his arm was bleeding from a deep wound one of the damned Kroot had given him, as well as from several other minor wounds that covered his entire frame. He assessed what remained of his forces, only 2 of the Neophytes had survived, he was proud truly they deserved to wear the Power Armor of their brothers, only 5 Initiates remained as well, the Kroot had dealt a good blow to his forces, but those that survived were only all the more determined to reach their target. Within one days time the next station would fall and they could transmit the coordinates to the Vow of Conquest and then the true war could begin.
Frideman smiled again as he removed several beaks from the fallen Kroot, whose number of dead far outnumbered his own, he saved them for latter, if he survived they would be grim trophies and reminders of what his men fought and died to erradicate from the Emperor's Universe.
The Vow of Conquest was as massive as it was ancient, one of the greatest battle barges that the Chapter had to offer. Lord Admiral Trakest had commanded it for years upon years, he knew the ship better then himself some speculated, but whatever bond was their it served him well. Trakest had known they fought the Tau almost before Edmund had relayed the transmission to him, their ships were unmistakable, and Nimbosa was still fresh in Trakest's mind. They relied so heavly on their technology to carry then through the fights, they did not have the zeal nor the faith to coax the spirits of war in their blasphemous creations and so they could not defeat a true weapon of the Emperor. Trakest was thankful that his Edmund preferred drop pod assaults, it freed up the several Thunderhawks on board to be used against the Tau interceptors that sped towards his craft.
The fight for air superiority was getting brutal, both sides beginning to mount losses, the Thunderhawks were powerful and swift, but the Tau craft were swifter. Trakest however was not focused on them, it was the Tau Strike Cruiser off his bow that interested him. He did not think it the lead ship, but it was still prey to be had, he gave the orders and the massive Gothic Battleship powered it's way towards the smaller craft. He could tell the commander of the other ship may not of faced many Space Marines before, he did not devert course in the slightest. Trakest took a second and thought, perhaps this Tau was not so stupid, he had seen this tactic before; the great Battle Barges were mighty, and nigh unstoppable, but their manuverablity could never match a Tau Strike Cruiser, it would charge him then slide along side since most Battleships would try to finish them quickly, bringing it's massive prow gun to bear, slipping behind it would shred his ship to pieces in minutes. Trakest told his crews to prepare the broadside batteries, they looked confused but they did not question, such was their faith. As the two ships approached each other, no fire was exchanged at all, they simply looked to be locked in a massive game of chicken. It was the Tau cruiser that broke first, it did as Trakest suspected and tried to slip along close to the Battle Barge and get behind it, it suffered dearly for it's mistake, the broadside batteries reduced it to dust in one volley. The small interceptors broke the battle and retreated at the sight of their cruiser destroyed.
Trakest told his men to make ready for more ships, he suspected greater numbers of Tau then this. Edmund had observed the whole thing, quietly letting the Lord Admiral go about his way of war, he only hoped to gain as much glory for his soldiers on the ground that Trakest was making for them in the air.
Frideman had hide his squad well, many of the Black Templar looked down upon infiltration tactics, that was until they saw what Sergeant Frideman and his Crusaders could do. The Tau had been hunting them for days now, and it seemed they had to call on their most putrid and defiled soldiers to face the might of the Angels of Death. Frideman had not been taken as a Neophyte until several years after the blessed Crusade cleansed the world of Nimbosa, after the fledging Tau had felt the true might of the Black Templars and their zealotry. He did however remember the creatures that now made their way through the heavy fur tree's, leaping from tree to tree, scanning, sniffing...hunting; these Kroot would indeed of been fearsome to one whose was not charged with the Emperor's will. He turned to scan his forces, two Neophytes, Lescest and Krest had been lost, caught in the open as they had crossed a road, some blasted scout team of these Xenos had dropped them in seconds. Frideman smiled as he remembered his Power Fist wrapping around the skulls of one of the scout team members and turning it to a pulpy goo, blood still stained his Power Fist.
Turning his attention back to the Kroot, he was surprised to see only half their number was still in the open, a gasp caught in his throat and he turned to give orders to his men, but it was not soon enough. The air was filled with aliens and their warcry, the Kroot cleared great distances in leaps that carrried them to grips with the Space Marines. Brother Ronus and Neophyte Turnson both were slain in seconds; Turnson slew his own attacker during the fray. Frideman brought his Power Fist around to bear in front of him as he faced down tree of the abominations, their beaks clattering in their cursed tongue. He smiled as he heard his Marines fighting back heard Chainsword roar and alien die, he took heart that even in this face of overwhelming odds that his men stood as paragons of their chapter, the great words of the Emperor himself echoed in Frideman's mind, "And they shall know no fear" He raised his fist and charged the three waiting Kroot, they stumbled a bit clearly not expecting this massive form to move so quickly, their laxity was their undoing and with Holy Bolter fire and Power Fist he gave them the Emperor's blessing.
The dust cleared and Frideman prepared himself to face more foe's, his arm was bleeding from a deep wound one of the damned Kroot had given him, as well as from several other minor wounds that covered his entire frame. He assessed what remained of his forces, only 2 of the Neophytes had survived, he was proud truly they deserved to wear the Power Armor of their brothers, only 5 Initiates remained as well, the Kroot had dealt a good blow to his forces, but those that survived were only all the more determined to reach their target. Within one days time the next station would fall and they could transmit the coordinates to the Vow of Conquest and then the true war could begin.
Frideman smiled again as he removed several beaks from the fallen Kroot, whose number of dead far outnumbered his own, he saved them for latter, if he survived they would be grim trophies and reminders of what his men fought and died to erradicate from the Emperor's Universe.
The Vow of Conquest was as massive as it was ancient, one of the greatest battle barges that the Chapter had to offer. Lord Admiral Trakest had commanded it for years upon years, he knew the ship better then himself some speculated, but whatever bond was their it served him well. Trakest had known they fought the Tau almost before Edmund had relayed the transmission to him, their ships were unmistakable, and Nimbosa was still fresh in Trakest's mind. They relied so heavly on their technology to carry then through the fights, they did not have the zeal nor the faith to coax the spirits of war in their blasphemous creations and so they could not defeat a true weapon of the Emperor. Trakest was thankful that his Edmund preferred drop pod assaults, it freed up the several Thunderhawks on board to be used against the Tau interceptors that sped towards his craft.
The fight for air superiority was getting brutal, both sides beginning to mount losses, the Thunderhawks were powerful and swift, but the Tau craft were swifter. Trakest however was not focused on them, it was the Tau Strike Cruiser off his bow that interested him. He did not think it the lead ship, but it was still prey to be had, he gave the orders and the massive Gothic Battleship powered it's way towards the smaller craft. He could tell the commander of the other ship may not of faced many Space Marines before, he did not devert course in the slightest. Trakest took a second and thought, perhaps this Tau was not so stupid, he had seen this tactic before; the great Battle Barges were mighty, and nigh unstoppable, but their manuverablity could never match a Tau Strike Cruiser, it would charge him then slide along side since most Battleships would try to finish them quickly, bringing it's massive prow gun to bear, slipping behind it would shred his ship to pieces in minutes. Trakest told his crews to prepare the broadside batteries, they looked confused but they did not question, such was their faith. As the two ships approached each other, no fire was exchanged at all, they simply looked to be locked in a massive game of chicken. It was the Tau cruiser that broke first, it did as Trakest suspected and tried to slip along close to the Battle Barge and get behind it, it suffered dearly for it's mistake, the broadside batteries reduced it to dust in one volley. The small interceptors broke the battle and retreated at the sight of their cruiser destroyed.
Trakest told his men to make ready for more ships, he suspected greater numbers of Tau then this. Edmund had observed the whole thing, quietly letting the Lord Admiral go about his way of war, he only hoped to gain as much glory for his soldiers on the ground that Trakest was making for them in the air.