Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

I am glad you all liked it!

Knightley, the joys of management, comment made me laugh. Maybe that is why I can relate to Mortifex so well.
BNG thanks for the break down, I am glad you are enjoying the fluff. You are more then welcome to send me some of your works, just be aware it may take me some time to read and respond.

Ramos and Gits, I think you guys have got the idea. I kind of picture these guys as the misfits that have been displaced and collected by Nefas over the years. I was reading a christmas book to my three year old the other day and it was the Rudolph book where he discovers the island of misfit toys. It really reminded me of this group. I got a good chuckle at the thought.

Actually, they remind me of the "Dirty Dozen"... but there are less of them. You've got the nutball (Telli Sevalis), the leader (Lee Marvin)... assign the rest as you like

*watches sands of time trickle by*

But... but... what about the ICE ANGELS??

The Ice Angels have not been forgotten, I have just been a bit distracted by holidays and kids, etc. There will be an update soon though. Thanks for not forgetting about me.

The arguing continued while Mortifex thought to himself. He watched the dynamics between the marines and paid attention to what each of them seemed to believe in. He listened to what they said while developing the next steps of their mission. When the arguments began to circle back to where they started he raised a hand to silence them. To his surprise, they all obeyed.

Mortifex momentarily stared at the back of his gauntlet, it was filthy. He shook away the thought.

“We clearly need more information before we decide who needs to be the target of the Emperors Wrath.” Mortifex began. “Our next satellite check in is in four days. In four days I will be sending a message to Nefas to pick us up off of this rock, which means we are completing this mission this week.” Mortifex glared around the room as his words built up momentum. “Tek’Ar, Xerin, and Deklyn, you will split up and explore the underground levels of the spire. If there are things hiding I want to know about it. Bonamire, if you believe the mechanicum are involved with this, get a closer look at the nearest cult in the mountain ridge and prove it. We have a speeder that you can take to get there faster. Olivero, Saddicus, and I will infiltrate the local tournament to learn more about this competitor.” Finally Mortifex turned to Micus, the unhinged marine didn’t need supervision but Mortifex had kept him active for a long time, he needed to meditate for a few days to reorient himself. The tree incident was a reminder of what the marine was capable of. “Micus, we will leave you here to get some rest and alone time.” Before any questions or complaints could be voiced Mortifex turned to Bonamire, “any chance of the locals or mechanicum could catch any vox chatter if we opened a line?”

Bonamire shook his head, “we are out of range from the Mechanicum unless we used our boosted lines. The locals have some advanced tech but it is ancient. I believe we have little to fear from them catching or even deciphering our occasional communications.”

“Excellent, vox line Kappa Beta Nine. Six hour check ins. We either find our suspect, or we missed him somewhere else on the planet.” Mortifex took one more look around the room. He could tell they were anxious to get moving. “Emperor guide us all.”

Marines stood up while gear was stowed. Helmets were locked into place and weapons were put back together and holstered. Mortifex watched the quiet activity. For a moment he had the bizarre sensation of their mission coming to an end, and then his pessimism returned. “We have been here for two years and have nothing. Maybe the lead Nefas had, was false and all of this was just a waste of our time.” He thought to himself as he watched his squad.

One by one they got up and began to march out. Olivero and Saddicus waited near the exit for Mortifex, only Bonamire was left in the room. The Salvage Angel was reattaching his unique lightning claw, instead of the typical four bladed versions; it had a wide lone blade that came out of the powered fist. It crackled with energy as the power connections met. The blade extended to its full length before he retracted it as far as he could. Once completed Bonamire gingerly picked up his sacred plasma gun and attached to his back over his right shoulder.

Mortifex stood up the same moment that Bonamire did. They both paused. “What makes you think there could be a traitor amongst the mechanicum?”

“The cults on this planet are mostly automated systems with only a handful of cognitive functioning members. It is feasible that a tech minded person or team could take out only a handful of individuals and then have an entire mechanicum facility at their disposal. It would not be easy but our enemy is cunning. The various cults typically do not communicate with one another as long as the output of servitors doesn’t slow.” Bonamire explained.

“Why the cult in this region then?” Mortifex asked.

“This cult is the only one that has changed,” Bonamire smiled as he put on his helmet. “The local population has expressed their outrage at the mechanicums raiding, which is not part of their original agreement.”

“It is not unusual for the Red Robes to take drastic measures to meet quotas,” Mortifex retorted.

“True, but they have never fallen below the quotas, they have broken planetary laws and begun to capture locals outside of their own jurisdiction for seemingly, no reason,” Bonamire began to walk towards the exit.

Mortifex could understand the logic but it still didn’t seem likely that a xenos created being could take over a mechanicum facility. He shook his head as Bonamire walked away.

Saddicus and Olivero waited nearby and before Mortifex could enjoy the silence Olivero spoke. Mortifex rolled his eyes before the words reached him.

“Have no fear brother, the Celestial Unicorn does not need proof. He knows who the traitor is.” Olivero said dramatically with unnecessary hand gestures.

Mortifex stared at the orange and red quartered marine and sighed very loudly. He opened his mouth to speak then shook his head and walked out of the room, “how could the Emperor permit marines like Olivero to exist?” He thought to himself.

Instant gratification! Ice, you are too kind sir!

And what an installment! The build up is well done!

My only edit would be 6th paragraph down, end of the 2nd line, "waste of 'their' time" should it be "waste of 'our' time"

Good installment!

Yes, Gearing up for a split, perhaps even some multi action about to hit, all following a smiliar theme. Imagine that, Having the fights almost work exactly the same jumping between them all, it would be a storytellers masterpiece if he could pull it off

I have faith Knightley

Thanks guys! Good call on the edit there. I will correct next time I'm on my computer. Editing from my phone sucks.

An extra thanks to Azalle as well. I like the idea of someone having some faith in my writing. It is a bit humbling, to be honest.

The candle lit tent was full of gifts, flowers, and trinkets. The last clan dignitary had departed just moments ago. A calm silence had finally returned to the multi-chamber tent, only the distant sounds of parties and celebrations occasional wafted in.

In the large center room, a figure sat facing the entry way. Adorned in ceremonial armor with bright oranges and teal, the figure waited patiently. Weapons were racked behind the figure. The ceremonial armor had a black helmet with a reflective black metal plate that covered the figures face. A demonic visage covered the rest of the helm. Ribbons dangled from the two rows of horns that crested the helm. Braids and other meticulous rope work hung from the figures armored shoulders.

In one of the side rooms sat the figures Bushini, or squire depending on what clan you came from. The Bushini waited until any signal was given to speak, or too act. Patience was something he had been improving upon, but all of the excitement of being at the Games and seeing all of the other contestants had worried him. He knew he should not fear but this contest was more then anything he had seen thus far.

How was his Sahmree going to survive? How was his master going to defeat the clan champions without any other alliances support?

He began to stand up when his master casually looked at him. His Sahmree motioned towards the tent entrance. The Bushini quickly got up and walked over to the entrance. Waiting on the other side was someone he was shocked to see. Gorehzingus the Champion of Clan Batterhorn filled the tent entrance. He was not in his ceremonial armor or even wearing his clan colors, he came wearing the gray of the working class or neutral parties.

“Your exalted champion, I am Kaihiro, please enter and…” the Bushini began.

“Please,” he raised a hand, “your pleasantries are appreciated and noted but my time is short.” He stepped into the tent and closed it behind him. Kaihiro stepped back several steps and almost tripped over some out of place gifts. Gorehzingus was one of the largest Ogryns he had seen and his demeanor demanded respect. He did not move like a beast of burden but like a well trained predator. The Bushini smiled at the clever comparison and swore that he would tell his Sahmree about it after Gorehzingus had left.

Gorehzingus took two long strides and stood over the still seated armored figure. With a well practiced motion he sat cross legged. Once properly seated, he bowed forward. His face almost touched the tent floor. The armored figure then reciprocated. An armored glove motioned to the Bushini.

Within seconds a set of tea was placed between them. Gorehzingus shook his head. “I do not mean any disrespect Reticence, but it is not easy for me to escape my own clan’s holdings to come and meet with you.”

Kaihiro mentally smiled at the name his master had acquired. Reticence, Silence, Faceless One, and many others had been given during his master’s quick ascension up the ranks in order to be allowed into the Games.

Reticence straightened up and seemed to relax.

“Eighteen clan champions and you, the first ever clanless to make it into the Games, will be in that sacred grove tomorrow. You are aware of the rules and the process. I am required to strike down all who do not swear before me. If I do not then it is a sign of weakness.”

Reticence did not move or make a sound. Gorehzingus continued.

“I know who will be joining me and who I will need to fight. You on the other hand,” he quizzically pointed,” are an unknown. I have not seen any other clan present gifts to you. I have not heard of any alliances and from what I can gather, you do not have any holdings or supporters. If that is the case then you would have to cut down all eighteen clan champions tomorrow.”

He let that linger. Kaihiro took a deep breath. He knew what his Sahmree must do but when it was spoken out loud it sounded impossible.

“I have seen you master every challenge given. I have seen videos of your fights. You fight with honor and I do not doubt your capabilities as a warrior but if you did cut down all eighteen champions, you would be given the keys and ruling authority over all the clans, clans that would be without their champions. This is what concerns me. I do not know what you fight for. Please tell me before we meet again on the battlefield.”

Kaihiro stepped forward as he has many times before, “My master fights for the people of this planet and for the Emperor.”

Gorehzingus sighed and leaned back. He shook his head, disappointed with the canned response. “If you will continue your silence then may I ask one favor from you?”

Reticence slowly nodded.

“The Champions that are swearing to me are wise men with exceptional skills in combat and in diplomacy. After I deal with the others, if we must fight I would like it to be simply between you and me. The others will not interfere. If you defeat me, they will follow you.”

Kaihiro watched his master for a sign, after a moment Reticence gave the slightest nod in acquiescence.

Gorehzingus stood up, his towering figure looked as if he could crush Reticence with only the slightest effort. He looked down upon the still seated armored figure.

“I must say Reticence; you are causing quite the up roar. You are nothing like the Games have ever seen. No one knows where you came from. No one knows what your agenda is. No one knows what you will do if you were to win. I think that is the biggest problem. That fear of the unknown.”

Gorehzingus turned to leave, he took two steps and stopped. He lowered his head, “My mind tells me that I must strike you down tomorrow. My gut tells me that I must strike you down tomorrow. However my heart,” he turned back to look at the armored figure one last time. “my heart tells me that you and I will need one another and that I think………. that scares me most of all.”

With that the sixteen foot tall ogryn champion left the tent. Kaihiro secured the tent entrance so that no others could enter. He then returned and stood before his Sahmree.

Slowly the armored figure began to take off the blank faced demonic helmet. An atmospheric hiss escaped when the helmet seals unlocked. Kaihiro took the helmet from his master.

“Thank you Kai,” she said.

Kaihiro bowed as he took her helmet and began to process of taking of the rest of her armor pieces. For several minutes he carefully took off a piece and gingerly placed it in its specific spot within the tent. He lit a candle next to each piece. He spoke a specific chant with each one.

He could not help but notice that she was watching him intently. When he returned to take one of the last pieces he met her gaze briefly. Her thin eyes were a jungle green.

“What are your thoughts on Gore?” She asked Kaihiro.

He thought for a moment as he undid several clasps and straps. “I think his intentions are good and his actions are honorable.” He said after a moment of hesitation. Her questions typically turned into lessons and he concentrated on every one of the few words she spoke.

She stared off into the distance, “I agree.”

“Will you still kill him tomorrow then?” he asked shyly.

Reticence continued to stare, “I must have those keys and I will stop at nothing to get them. If that means I must kill him, then I must kill him.” A small smile brushed her lips. “Kai, you have been with me ever since I began this journey. You are now six years old and I could not have asked for a better Bushini. Tomorrow will be the end of our journey. I hope you are prepared for any outcome.”

Kaihiro looked down and dwelled on her words. He was honored with her words yet he felt confused.

“What will happen to me when you win the keys?” He whispered.

She quietly stood up and walked over to him. She was thin and agile. Her skin was alabaster, only the occasional metal contact point broke her skin. She was just over five feet tall and he was already taller then her despite being so young.

“Kai, you must choose your own destiny. Once I have the keys things will become complicated, but if you choose, you will always have a place by my side.” She said while holding his shoulders and looking into his eyes.

He beamed with the idea of being elevated along with her to higher status. He bowed his head quickly while he smiled, “I could never leave your side while you still need me Sahmree.”

She smiled and kissed the top of his head. “Rest Kai, tomorrow will be a day we shall never forget.”

Ogryns! Combat! an inquisitor perhaps of the female variety I want to know more, who is she and how much ass is she going to kick!

That is one amazingly eloquent ogryn...

I never thought that Ogryns could be that good in terms of intelligent...

Eloquent ogryns you say? Unlikely you say? There may be a reason for these things. We must wait and see what happens. I am dying to know more.

YES!! SOOO MUCH YES!!!

And 16 feet is large haha even for an orgyn. I would have to think he is something much more.

Great passage, one of your best written Ice.

Can't wait for more!

The ship violently shook one last time. Klaxons were blaring and red light continued to bathe the bridge. Razzik watched with frustrated concern. He looked at several members of the bridge staff and then a monitor. The count down zeroed out and the ship quickly broke warp back into real space. The last day of travel had been turbulent. Every hour they closed on their destination it seemed to worsen, he wondered if they were still on course.

The main view port was covered by the warp shields and systems were shutting down as others were coming online. The scanners were sending out signals, the engines were coming online. Shield generators were switching from warp to real space. Nearly every one of the ships systems were being rebooted or turned on, all simultaneously. It was a nervous time to be sitting blind while everything came online.

“Captain Razzik, we successfully translated out of the warp. Our Navigator has failed to explain why the currents were so aggressive. Scanners will give us our precise whereabouts in moments.” Captain Pith calmly stated as he reviewed the bank of monitors in front of his throne.

“Can we open the warp shields?” Razzik asked. He shifted his helmet from under his right arm to his left.

“We can, but it is ill advised until the Alabaster Reflection has all of its systems up and functioning.” The elderly man said.

Razzik gave a side glance to the ships captain. Captain Pith had commanded the ship for hundreds of years. He was known for always succeeding in his missions and his chest of accolades was proof.

“Captain, we are receiving a transmission.” A servitor stated. Pith leaned forward, the cables coming from his back pulled taught.

The communications officer spoke next, “There are several. None are complete. They are all Mechanicum in origin.”

Monitors began to clear up as information began to stream.

“Emperors Throne! All ahead. Get me those shields!” Captain Pith shouted. His fingers twitched and the room suddenly erupted into motion. “Helmsmen, get me to sector twenty seven. Defense fire pattern Omicron Delta as soon as the system allows it.”

Razzik looked at the monitors but still did not have a good concept of what was happening. Pith could see everything before the monitors explained the situation. When icons showed up and their location was revealed, Razzik narrowed his eyes.

“Captain,” Pith said as he gave Razzik a stern look “get to the drop decks.”

“Incoming lance fire!” the Starboard deck chief shouted.
“Incoming scatter missiles,” the Port side deck chief echoed.

Just then the main view monitor lit up for everyone to see. The moon over Mortimon Secondus dominated the view port, with the planet right behind it. Smooth angled ships were all around them. Razzik did not need to wait for the icons to show up to know they were of Eldar design. In the distance Razzik could see broken weapons platforms and lifeless Imperial craft. They had arrived too close and they were too late.

“Get to pod decks Captain.” Pith said again, “If the Emperor wills it, I’ll get your company onto the surface before we follow as a debris cloud.” Pith said before shouting further commands.

Razzik had already put on his helmet and was marching off the deck.

“Matten, find me this Mortifex and get me drop coordinates. Hodge, alert all naval security.” At this point Pith was a whirlwind of commands both spoken and not. He paused just for a moment to review the number of incoming ships and their trajectories. There were all around him. They had arrived in the middle of a xenos fleet. The enemy had already begun to fire. The first rounds would hit before their shields were even online. He knew the outcome before his ship had even taken damage.

Pith flipped open a panel on his throne. The last time it had been open was when the throne was installed.

“Warden Officer Tsabo, get all personal into the upper vault immediately. By the Emperor’s Grace I will get you on the planet right behind 10th Company.” Pith listened to Tsabo’s response before reviewing the updated list of incoming ships. “Tsabo, I do not have time to argue, we are already dead! My only goal now is get as many as I can onto the surface of that planet. Separating the vault is the best option. Now go!” Pith primed the switch in his throne. Clamps and inner workings began to thunder in the distance. The Alabaster Reflection was going to drop its cargo one last time.

The first defense weapons battery came online. The rumble of distant protective fire was like a tickle on the back of his arms. He smiled as he began to hear the defiant growl of the ships spirit. He shivered in agreement. “We will get them there,” he growled back.

* * * * * * *

Love that Ice.... like a good old sea epic!

YES YES YES Just want I wanted on a monday!

BUT NOOOO not the ship!

Ice, great job, i have goosebumps. I can't wait for the next installment!

In a world where death comes easy, one man has a job, that job is to deliver his cargo to its destination. It's all very cinematic and would fit right in as an opening scene to a big budget AAA movie.

Top work!

Awesome! Thanks guys. The sea epic will continue here shortly.

The darkness was all encompassing. It pressed down on him from all sides. To many it would seem unnerving but to Tek’Ar, it was comforting. He knelt on a beam waiting. The sound was faint yet sharp. He had slowed his breathing down and entered a meditative trance, even his twin hearts had slowed to a crawl.

Snip

He focused on the sound. Amplified it in his head and waited for the echoes to die down. He opened his eyes and began to retrace the sound through the collection of stone, metal, and ancient halls.

Once satisfied he had his next bearing he moved out. Tek’Ar silently lowered himself onto the scaffolding beneath him. For hours now he had descended into the bowels of the broken spire. He understood standard spire design and was aware that it could easily reach down to the planets core. There had to be something going on in the dark depths. The hum of power lines was his first clue. The occasional spire quake was another. Now this new sound intrigued him.

Tek’Ar had been one of the first marines to arrive; his preliminary exploring had given him invaluable information. Briefly he thought about Xerin and Deklyn. He had directed them to search other areas of interest. Xerin argued about a systematic approach while Deklyn simply nodded his head and took Tek’Ar’s advice. Mortifex never thought anything of Deklyn but Tek’Ar was fascinated by him, outside of Micus, little was known of Deklyn other then his chapter and specialty. He had many terrible social habits but Tek’Ar new there was something mysterious about him. For that reason alone, Tek’Ar liked him.

Carefully and quietly he padded down the hall to another opening. A service ladder led up to another floor while a broken platform ended over a shallow pit of rubble. He looked down through the metal mesh floor, the dark vision his armor granted him allowed him to see the rubble strewn path. Across from the broken platform was another hall and the other half of the platform he could probably worm his way through the rubble and debris to the other side.

Suddenly without warning the screech of metal on metal screamed through the hall. Across from the broken platform a light beamed downwards. A metal box haphazardly fell and screeched to a halt.

Tek’Ar was hidden behind a broken beam and rubble before the box opened. With one eye peaking around the corner of the beam, he peered down the hall. The elevator opened and more light poured into the dark area.

Deklyn and Xerin stepped out with bolt pistols drawn. Xerin moved left and Deklyn right. After a moment of scanning Xerin motioned to follow and Deklyn fell right behind. Tek’Ar shook his head. He watched them leave and then decided to follow them. He had no idea how they found a working anything down here but his options of moving forward were now the same as his squad mates. He decided to follow in silence to see how alert the other two were.

The two did not go far before they stood behind a crooked door, sometime ago the frame had bent and put immense pressure on the solid metal slab. Tek’Ar was as close as he could get when the sound came again.

Snip

Deklyn and Xerin heard it as well. They both paused instantly as the sound echoed past them. Xerin was the first to move. He scanned the door and the surrounding area. Deklyn turned around to watch their rear and to Tek’Ar’s surprise. Their gazes met. The short barrel of a bolt pistol was already pointing at him. Deklyn gave off no sign of surprise, instead he waited before slowly lowering his gray pistol.

Tek’Ar padded around the corner. Deklyn stood motionless. The two stared at one another. Deklyn was bigger in every aspect and even without looking at the medals and honor badges, Tek’Ar knew that Deklyn was a veteran marine. He seemed uncaring and always thinking of something other then the moment. Tek’Ar was familiar with that gaze and wondered what sort of terrible deeds Deklyn had witnessed.

The sound of liquid splattering softly took their attentions. Deklyn turned and Tek’Ar stepped next to him. Xerin was examining the ceiling. He did not react to the newest sound.

“Deklyn we should be able to move this beam and then push the door enough for us to pass,” Xerin whispered before he looked back down to see Tek’Ar stepping within striking distance.

They exchanged a dissatisfied look. “I take it you did not find anything of use?” Xerin began.

“I disagree,” Tek’Ar responded, “I found Deklyn.”

A disappointed look was his only response before Xerin jumped straight up into the air to grab a broken beam. He pulled his armored form into the rafters of the room. After several minutes of positioning he got to a metal beam that was propping up several other pieces.

“Be ready to open the door,” Xerin added.

Deklyn and Tek’Ar stepped up the door and prepared themselves to push it ajar.

A grunt was all the warning they had. Beams moved, rubble shifted, walls tilted.

Deklyn slammed into the door and Tek’Ar stepped through.

Bright light blinded them both.

Tek’Ar stepped forward and rolled right, up into a kneeling position. His drum fed storm bolter was drawn and scanning. Deklyn slowly entered behind him. Rubble was falling from the ceiling behind them. Xerin dropped from the rafters and darted in when the shifting metal and ancient debris tumbled down into the hall behind them. In a matter of seconds the rafters had begun to collapse. The entire pathway behind them was soon impassible.

The three marines looked around the vast chamber they had stumbled into.

Banks of lights filled the room with warm amber sunlight. Rows of fruit trees lined the vaulted room in both directions. A thirty foot tall tripedal servitor slowly trod between the two nearest trees. A long shear trimmed the nearest tree.

Snip

The sound echoed through the still room. The servitor then watered the tree with an underarm water cannon. Tek’Ar watched as the servitor turned to regard the marines. It paused as if to ponder what to do. The small human head tilted and gave them a perplexing look. It shivered and blurted a binary response before returning to its task.

“Apparently we were not deemed to be a weed,” Tek’Ar remarked.

Xerin gave him a venomous look. He turned as if to say something when Deklyn stepped between them, he pointed with his pistol to a banner hanging from the ceiling at the far end of the room.

“I don’t recognize it,” Tek’Ar.

Xerin lowered his weapon and shook his head, “did you not implant any of the information about this mission?”

Tek’Ar shook his head at the thought.

“Did you read anything about this mission?” Xerin spat.

“No. None of it. I would rather not be implanted with possible false information, why would we trust anything Nefas gave us?”

A look of disappointment crossed Xerin’s face. “That is the banner of Clan Oshiashi, one of the founding clans of the Mortimon System. If this is one of their holdings then this ancient vault would be thousands of years old.”

“How is that helpful?” Tek’Ar shrugged.

Xerin stormed off towards the arch under the banner. The amount of disgust coming from Xerin made Tek’Ar smile.

Deklyn followed and Tek’Ar marched beside him. “Is that helpful?” He leaned next to Deklyn as they moved.

The deep voice of Deklyn spoke, “perhaps. Oshiashi was one of the eight clans that founded the system. They were here when the Spires were built and before the mechanicum took over. Legend has it that each original clan had a large warrior knight cast that protected the system. If we could find a knight, that would prove to be useful.”

A simple grunting approval was Tek’Ar’s response.

Ho Ho Ho, now I have a knight titan. Well soon anyway, well I hope soon anyway.

Good passage, and again, I want more!!!

Warden Officer Tsabo urged the next group of people into the vault. Another impact knocked many of them to their feet. Chaplain Gonatzu stood in the door way, his presence alone kept the people from panicking.

At each entrance a space marine or two monitored the progress. When the command was given the doors would close and the next phase of the process would begin. Tsabin Tsabo knew his son was on board but he also knew they would have to shut the doors well before everyone else could make it inside.

He watched as Gonatzu swept his glance over to him.

“Warden Officer,” he boomed.

Tsabin hurried over. Standing next to Gonatzu was another Warden Officer and Lieutenant Jillex, the highest ranking guard on the ship. “Yes Chaplain,” Tsabin said with a bowed head.

“We are closing the vault, see that your men are prepared for immediate deployment upon landing,” Gonatzu commanded.


“but there are still more coming Chaplain.” Tsabin began as he looked at the people still trying to run to the vault. Crew and civilians were still hurrying towards the vault and armed soldiers waited by the door.

Gonatzu looked down at him. His red eye lens made him regret he had spoken.

Suddenly the room shook with another impact. Tsabin and every human around him fell over or grabbed a wall for support. Gonatzu was still standing when the distant wall began to peel back with a horrible screech. Instantly the void began to claim victims. Tsabin was pulled with irresistible force before Gonatzu grabbed him by the arm. The other officers along with Jillex were swept away screaming into the void. People around them flew towards the gaping hole in the far wall. The other marines grabbed whoever they could.

Two steps to the door panel and Gonatzu was at the controls. A split second later and the door slammed shut.

“Void breach at main entrance. Seal all others and get everyone strapped in for drop. We must be prepared to launch.” He commanded.

Gonatzu then looked down at Tsabin again. The room around them was now nearly empty of people, only a few soldiers and crew had managed to grab onto anything before the door had shut.

“Go see to your men Lieutenant,” Gonatzu said.

Tsabin turned then paused. The vision of his screaming superior officer was already a distant thought. He was now the highest ranking guard on the ship. He looked back to Gonatzu when he opened his vox line to all guard staff. “This is Tsabin Tsabo, we just lost Lieutenant Jillex and several others, I am now in command.”

Lieutenant Tsabin looked around at the soldiers, his soldiers. He took a deep breath and gave his first command as Lieutenant. “Seal the vault, get everyone strapped in. Prepare for immediately deployment when we land,” he took a deep breath. “Warden Officers, give me a head count of both crew and armed staff,” he commanded.

The skull faced chaplain nodded his approval before walking past.

Tough choices have to be made, it what makes the difference between good leadership and great leadership.

I really enjoy how things are going bad here, does this make me a sufferer of schadenfreude?

Great passage ice. I agree, the moment had come, now it's time to see how they handle the hell they are about to enter

~ Azalle

Knightley wrote:Tough choices have to be made, it what makes the difference between good leadership and great leadership.

I really enjoy how things are going bad here, does this make me a sufferer of schadenfreude?

I think it does Knightley.

Master Azalle wrote:Great passage ice. I agree, the moment had come, now it's time to see how they handle the hell they are about to enter

~ Azalle

Oh yes, the hell they are about to enter is going to awesome!

The ship rumbled as it took another round of fire. Captain Pith was absorbing information and subconsciously organizing all of it into levels of importance. The outer levels of his ship had been torn apart. The skillful level of piloting of his crew was the only reason the engines were still firing and moving them forward but it was not about dodging fire. It was all about controlling the damage.

Captain Pith felt a hint of concern as his ship plowed on. He understood his skills but he was a realistic man, they were not trying to destroy them and he knew it shortly after they began to move. The enemy was faster and more maneuverable, even the boosted engines of the Alabaster Reflection did not compare to eldar raiders.

“Thirty seven seconds to next impact,”
“Captain, I have a response from the squad planet side!”
“We just voided levels fifty eight through sixty three, starboard side.”
“Aft Delta gun batteries are down.”
“Engine seven is loosing power.”
“Captain, shields are too damaged to begin recharge.”

Crew members continued to shout but Captain Pith did not hear them. He understood their words in digital form through his mental interface; some habits were hard to stop. He did not mind the chaos around him. It provided a nice background noise.

“Coordinates ensign!” He spoke as he sent a mental request to plot landing patterns for the pods and the Vault.

“Seventeen seconds to impact,” a servitor added.

Coordinates arrived and he grimaced at the distance he still needed to cover around the globe below them. A thought then pierced his grim visage.

“Helmsman, upon impact begin barrel roll, adjust to aft side nine degrees, downward four point three.”

“Five seconds,” the servitor continued.

The room shook, Captain Pith monitored their progress as they began their roll.

With a mental thought the engines flickered and shut down, emergency lights flooded the bridge.

“Captain, our engines have died. The core is coming offline. I do not know why but….”

“Calm yourself my friend, I deactivated the engines. It is time for the prey to prepare one final strike,” Captain Pith said as he noticed the immediate adjustment in weapons fire. The Eldar ships were closing in. Smaller craft were being launched. Pith smiled and allowed himself a chuckle.

“Captain Razzik, we will launch everything in four minutes. The vault will be right behind you,” Pith leaned back in his chair and allowed himself to take a deep breath.

“The sages will sing praises of your skill Captain Pith. I will chisel your name in the Ice myself,” Razzik spoke.

Pith looked up at the closing ships. The dark space around them was crawling with them, like a carpet of insects waiting on the edges of the light. As far as his scanners could see, dark eldar vessels hovered above the planet. The invasion had yet to reach the planets surface.

“Razzik, can you do one more thing for me?” Pith added as he activated charges around the ship and finished up the deployment pattern.

“What is that you wish, Captain Pith?” The space marine captain questioned.

“I fully expect my name, my full name, chiseled in the ice. I also expect you to save my crew,” Pith paused, “but most importantly Razzik, do not let the vault fall into enemy hands.”

“Of course Captain Pith,” Razzik responded at the last request with a hint of confusion.

A private line suddenly breached Razzik’s HUD, “you do not understand Razzik, the vault holds much more then the White within its frozen chambers, and it is more important then the curse your chapter wishes to hide.” Pith quickly spoke.

Hearing a non-astartes speak of their flaw caught Razzik off guard. “What could be more important then that?” Razzik responded.

“You must believe me Razzik, DO NOT let the enemy take the vault,”

“Thirty seconds until we reach the drop coordinates Captain,” one of the bridge staff added.
“Incoming boarding parties, two minutes out.” Another added.

Pith shut down the private line as Razzik started to speak, he addressed his crew one last time. “Crew of the Alabaster Reflection! I could have not asked for a better crew. You should all be proud of the missions we have completed and remember the accolades that fill the halls of this ship. They are there because of each of you.” He took a deep breathe,” I only ask one final thing, “ with a flick of a finger every drop pod launched and all of the 10th company ships flew out of the hangers speeding towards the planet as fast as possible. “when you stand before the Emperor, you look him in the eyes and you tell him what ship you were on. You tell him how we lived and how we died! Fighting till the end and doing our duty.” He could feel the pride swell in the crew around him. He felt the ancient spirit of the ship shiver with anticipation for what was to come. “And when the time comes, I will be there by your side and we will ride the afterlife in a ship of gold.”

Pith closed his eyes one last time and gave his final command.

As the ship was being surrounded by boarding vessels the ship rippled with explosions that sent a shockwave into space tearing through xenos ships and filling the space with destruction and death. In the cover of the explosion the Vault shot towards the planet. Guidance systems controlled its decent as a fortress fell from the sky.

Feth that was epic! I am also very impressed with the amount of story your pumping out at such a quick rate.

Die xenos, Die!

Thanks Knightley. I have felt inspired lately and the writing has been easy to produce. Its hard to say when more will arrive but I am mentally prepared to write it. Now to find the time.