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... and WHOSE FAULT is THAT???



Really wonderful work Ice. I'm really, really enjoying this.

Thanks Gitsplitta. I am glad you are still reading and enjoying this. After all of these years I can't thank all you guys enough for continuing to read this fluff of mine. It keeps me motivated to chug along.

“SUU SHARPA MOHR” Voxxik shouted.

The Ice Angels each stomped a foot and opened fire. Mortifex and his squad followed their lead along with every gun wielding human and available tank. Shields flared and brightened around the Eldar things. Bullets exploded and ricocheted off the alien metal that adorned the cobbled together behemoths. The chorus of growls did not abate or change even when the lead monster fell over from the weight of fire. Limbs still thrashed about and the thing dragged itself forward despite half of it being blown off.

Mortifex paused in his fire to study their effectiveness. The energy shields shrugged off the small arms fire and they greatly dulled the effect of the battle cannons, but the worst part is that when something did get through it had such a minimal effect. A lost leg would be replaced by other limbs, chunks of flesh and metal did not slow their advance. They did not seem to have any single head or control center. Power systems could not be located from the front.

Voxxik seemed to have come up with the same conclusion. A mental commune painfully interrupted Mortifex’s thoughts.

“Lead the others back to a choke point. We will have to engage in hand to hand to slow this advance.”

Mortifex responded by commanding the humans nearby and his squad to fall back.

Voxxik held out his storm shield and a pillar of ice grew down from the large shield to hold itself in place before him in the ground. He took both hands and grasped his double headed force axe. With a sudden overhead toss he threw it end over end towards the nearest monster. One of the large claw like hands from the creature reached out to bat the axe aside but the weapon disappeared mid air and reappeared within the shield of the monster.

The axe slammed into the top most coffin. Glass shattered and fell away in a fountain of ichor and blood. The monster staggered back and a third of its limbs fell limp. Frost oozed out from the axe like a frozen cancer, spreading across and cracking the flesh it touched. The behemoth behind it stepped on top of the wounded thing and continued to advance, oblivious of the others peril. By this time the Dark Eldar mutilations had crossed half the distance and only two of them were incapacitated. They were now within the gate tunnel opening.

One squad of Ice Angels mag locked their bolters and stood very close to Voxxik. The Librarian stood behind his shield and wisps of cold air lingered around him and connected with the squad of angels. They drew their swords and charged at the nearest monster.

Mortifex did not wait to see the results, he shouted commands and watched as Gorehzingus followed his lead. The humans began to fall back in waves. Every other unit breaking from their positions to run backwards.

A new set of sounds pierced through their massive tunnel. Raiders and other floating vehicles were hovering in from behind the monsters. The Eldar on their decks were shooting at the fleeing humans and unengaged marines.

Mortifex saw Saddicus lose his leg to a black blob of nothingness that streaked through his leg into the ground. His leg simply vanished along with the armor that encased it. Saddicus grunted from the immediate fall. Xerin was at his side using his shield to protect them both.

Deklyn was standing on a leman russ firing his bolter at the onslaught when the entire tank exploded from underneath him. Mortifex gave a prayer to his fallen brethren when he turned back to his task. He caught a glimpse of Olivero sprinting to stand next to Voxxik. Mortifex saw him yell at the Librarian. He could not see or hear the response but he did see Olivero open his mouth with glee as wisps of cold passed over him.

Mortifex marched backwards trying to shield some of the fleeing men as he attempted to follow the orange and red armored marine. The Unicorn darted and seemed to pass in and out of reality. He was amongst the other hastened Ice Angels but he was a blinking brighter and seemingly faster than the rest.

His form jumped and lashed from one monster to the next. Mortifex realized that each one of them would slow and attempt to fight their assailant but Olivero was never around long enough for them to finish their counter attack.

The Ice Angels began to follow his lead. Olivero clambered up the back of one and flipped onto another, his blades slashing at tubes, flesh, and metal alike. He would then dart over to another to attack a leg or take off an arm. Blinks of blackness did the same and quickly the advance of the monsters was slowed to a halt as they slashed and hacked at the speedy forms of marines.

Another explosion rocked the tunnel floor. A blast of white hot fury blinded everyone that was looking in that direction. Mortifex’s eyes quickly adjusted thanks to his superhuman physique but the position where Voxxik had stood had been replaced with a crater. The terminators nearby had been knocked from their feet much of their ancient black armor was now warped and bare gray. The wisps of cold that hung in the air dissipated.

Then everything changed. The quick moving Ice Angels were caught mid strike and without their speed they could not evade all of the limbs and attacks of the monsters that they were dancing around. Mortifex watched as an entire squad of Ice Angels was ripped and shredded in seconds. The other squad of Angels began to fall back while helping to get the terminators back on their feet. The priest desperately looked around for the remains of the librarian, but there was nothing. No body, no geneseed, nothing to harvest. Mortifex could sense the despair in the white armored Ice Angel.

Something tugged at Mortifex, he turned to see Tek’Ar grabbing at him. “Get back. Get everyone back. NOW!”

Mortifex relayed the message and the marines fell back. The Ice Angels helped one another and any wounded they could carry while others attempted to provide cover fire. A silent beam illuminated the ruined tunnel gate. Mortifex’s had to turn away at the brilliance of it all. When he looked back the center support that held the two curving arches of the gate had vanished in a violent explosion. Without that support the two halves collapsed in on one another. The entire section of the ruined Spire above the gate came down with it. The back row of monsters and every one of the dark eldar ships was taken down and crushed. Muffled explosions could be heard under the avalanche of debris.

Light still shone in the tunnel from cracks above him but it was much darker now that the massive entrance was gone. Lights flicked on from the various vehicles and armor mounted devices. A battery of lights turned on behind Mortifex and Tek’Ar, and for the first time Mortifex saw the knight. She stood carrying a long barreled weapon in both hands. Steamed streamed out of the end of the smooth barrel. He could hear the crackle of energy that resonated out of the energy pack at the small of her back. Carefully she stepped between the survivors and vehicles. One metal step after another, making sure that no one was caught underfoot.

The barrel of the weapon shrank down with a loud click and collapsed in on itself while the trigger mechanism folded over. The knight stowed the two pieces of the weapon and pulled out two chain blades from forearm mounts. They were as large as transports but looked like daggers in the knights hands. Two of the monstrous behemoths were attempting to escape the tidal wave of debris that had pulled them to the ground. She eviscerated both of them before they could get into a kneeling position. They twiched and spasmed before the jungle of limbs all fell limp and their awful chorus finally came to an end.

Outstanding entry Ice! Love the way it portrays the power of a knight...

Noooooo Inushi.....

I liked him :(

And damn Ice! I like the librarian

That Knight took some names!

I see you all liked the knight. How was the stuff up until the knight?

Wait... there was stuff *before* the knight??!!!

“Yes Captain.” The sergeant began. His slight Shattermantle accent dotted the s sounds of his words. “Unfortunately there is no body. We will meet you at the rendezvous with the remains of Sergeant Mortifex’s unit. Priest Shu-Korvi was able to harvest the geneseed from all of the other fallen once we dug them out. Squad Suu has already departed.” There was a pause. “May the Ice show clear.”

The line went silent.

“Captain, ground transports are full and departing as we speak.” The next voice was smooth and quick. Yet there was a slight momentary pause between sentences. Razzik envisioned the sergeant monitoring a dozen things all while giving his report. “The rest are forming a column behind with the naval security force and three quarters of the Vault security detail. On foot with this many people through the ruins and jungle, it should take us most of the day to get to the rendezvous. I have split up my unit Swonsho style. We will proceed at once. Emperor Protects, Captain.”

The line went silent.

“Captain, we have located a hidden landing bay high up in the central Spire. It is heavily damaged but contains a large bay deep within that will hold our ships. As long as we have time to prepare we could easily mount a defense or seal it entirely with charges. I have already sent our two gunships there to secure. They are at critical ammunition levels after last nights encounters. They will set up additional comms once in place.” The entire report was given with a slight hint of aggravation. Razzik could feel the frustration in the pilots voice. This situation was not ideal and the best course of action was not what he desired.

The line went silent.

“Razzik, long range sensors are picking up a massive amount of atmospheric congestion. Numbers are imprecise but my estimates place the next wave of enemy vessels near thirty six hundred. Fastest of the ships will arrive in the next three point four hours if they maintain velocity.” the monotone voice cut out for a moment. “Short range is picking up a gathering of ground forces. Proximity is suggesting they are mounting a strike against our position. City defense is adding that raiding has picked up again on the opposite side of the city. Walls have been breached and the city has been infiltrated in several positions. The Mechanicum is requesting our aid.”

The line went silent.

The next voice was unfamiliar and full of pomp. “Captain of the Angels in Black and Blue, I am councilor Kwithguo of Cla….”

The line went silent as Razzik ended the communique. There was no time to listen or wait for their pleas.

After a handful of deep breaths Razzik opened his eyes. In front of him were the two pilots of the Thunderhawk and the two weapon specialist. The four of them diligently and silently went about their tasks. None spoke to Captain Razzik or to each other. A monitor to Razzik’s left reflected the long range information that Philosir had mentioned. Icons moved around their position. Two dozen Ice Angel icons, a large blob of Imperial icons around the city, and clouds of others all calmly blinking as they moved.

He forced another long breath. A voice deep down inside him wanted to jump out of the Thunderhawk and attack. He yearned to feel the thrill of killing every single xenos that landed on his planet. Another voice told him it was his duty to protect the citizens of the city. He should return and help defend the walls. The loudest voice told him to stop and think. He had many duties, to the Imperium of Man, his chapter, his company, his brothers, his people. The cold voice over powered the rest but the murmurs of other thoughts was never truly silenced. His anger and bloodlust he squelched beneath his logic but he could never truly banish the emotion. During these calm times it stayed buried deep within like a predator lying in wait. He wondered if he was getting better at pushing it aside or if it was getting better at choosing its moment to strike.

With several eye blinks he pulled up his company roster. Losses were an inevitability but nothing pained him more then to see the grayed icons in that roster. He paused and said a small prayer out loud to those that had been lost. The quiet room seemed to edge deeper, as if the weight of his words silenced the minute sounds of buttons being pressed. He prayed to each of the fallen and thought of everyone in turn. Each one of his men, each one of his brothers, he remembered and would not forget.

The ship turned and cut speed. Captain Razzik knew what that meant. He undid his locks and stood. He looked at each one of the men in the cockpit before ending his gaze at the pilot.

“Once we are off, head to the Spire and find this hidden bay. Once all air force is inside, seal it. Begin vox silence until further notice. We need to weather this storm,” he commanded and turned. When he entered into the hold he saw his remaining assault marines. Klivvik had a new jump pack on and they stood in two rows. Razzik walked down the middle as the forward ramp opened and without any further words, jumped out.

Nice way to bring everything into perspective Ice.

The air was thick with moisture and it made his uniform stick to his skin. Many of his men had already altered their uniforms by tearing off sleeves and removing their hoods. Tasbo had not. His entire body was drenched in sweat but he wanted to look the part. As Lieutenant he was technically in charge of this excursion but when a priest, a techmarine, and an entire unit of Ice Angels were along, he did not feel like he was truly in charge. That however, did not bother him. The unit of Ice Angels was among the train of refugees and they were led by Sergeant Dapinu of Squad Samsu. The Priest was at the front with the Sergeant while the techmarine marched next to Tsabo.

The marines of Squad Samsu were split into pairs and were a constant vigilant group of sentries as the train of people hustled through the ruins and jungle. Every few minutes a pair would be seen running from the back of the line up to the front. Every time they did Tsabo would marvel at their physique and power. Squad Samsu had four members that carried massive plasma cannons and they did not seem to be slowed by the extra weight of gun or pack.

Tsabo was in the center of the formation. They followed a path that had been crushed by some rhino’s and a land raider that had departed earlier in the morning. Those that would slow down the progress had been jammed inside or held on top of the vehicles as they hurried ahead to drop their passengers and then return to support the larger group.

They walked in the vehicles wake without speaking. The Ice Angels had requested they move at a quick pace while making as little noise as possible. On several occasions there had been murmurs that the dark eldar were about to strike but it never came. Bizarre sounds and dark forms did move in the jungle but he had not once heard a weapon fire or an Ice Angel act any more alert.

With that in mind, he could not help but feel uneasy. The jungle pressed in on them and hung over them like it was reaching for them. The plants themselves looked as if they wanted to consume them. The ruins they traversed were overrun with vines and thick vegetation and even the mountain sized spire to their left looked as if it was being consumed by a mouth that was the jungle itself. Throughout the trip they passed under ancient gates and remains of walls that were hundreds if not thousands of feet tall, but it was all ruins. It was a constant reminder of the failures of their past.

Smack

Tsabo hit himself for the hundredth time. He looked at the newest corpse in his palm. The bug was the size of his thumb nail and even flattened out it looked menacing. He wiped it across a nearby leaf as he walked past. He noticed that he had not been the first as the leaf had a collection of similar smears. After he was done he looked back at the endless line of faces.

Concern, fear, loss, the emotions were easy to see on the faces of the crew of the ship that exploded not that long ago. Among his men he could see some of the same but he also saw the determination in their eyes. His men all felt the danger and the responsibility they had. His men had to get these people to the interior of the Spire.

“All we need to do is to get there,” he whispered to himself. “Emperor please allow it,” he finished.

He calmed his face as best he could and jogged forward to climb a nearby outcropping of stone masonry. He stood atop it and looked ahead and behind. He could not see as much as he was hoping but he could see he nearest hundred or so people marching past. He nodded at those he knew and paid close attention to his men. He saw one of his favorite chefs from the mess hall. He saw one of the tech priests that maintained the armory on the Alabaster Reflection. An entire naval gun team ambled past and nodded. He saw the wife of one of his men as she approached, she looked up with tears in her eyes.

She made her way through the crowd so she was near the edge of the procession as she walked past. She opened her mouth to speak, but Tsabo knelt down and dismissed her words.

“He is alive and with the vanguard. Do not fear Mel’issadril and do not delay,” he gave his last words some weight of command. Her tears doubled up but a wave of gratitude and sudden willingness flooded into her. She mouthed the words thank you before hustling forward. He watched her weave her way through the long line.

A stern voice came across his ear piece. He was unused to wearing one and it nearly made him slide off his rock.

“Come Lieutenant, we most maintain our optimal position near the center of our formation.” His techmarine guide stated. Tsabo got down and ran ahead to catch up to the black and red armored marine. The bulky figure stood several heads taller than Tsabo and looked more like a tank then a person in armor.

Techmarine Shu-Takii had cermite armor that looked as if it was built from various other kinds and slapped together in a hurry. Some were red, others were black, all of it was trimmed in ice blue. Nearby a large cannon that Tsabo did not recognize floated on its own suspensors. It followed Shu-Takii like a pet on a leash.

Tsabo had never met Shu-Takii or even heard of the marine but he was intrigued by the way he moved and the intricate pieces of tech he wore. Some looked like mere pieces of junk but other glowed or hummed.

“Pardon me sir, but may I ask you a question?” Tsabo asked.

“You already have Lieutenant,” Shu-Takii responded without looking his direction.

Tsabo chuckled awkwardly when he caught sight of his son up ahead in the long line. They both walked in silence for a moment. Tsabo was lost in thoughts thinking of his son. He was afraid for him but ultimately very proud. When the vehicles were being filled with women and children he had volunteered to stay behind and even helped organize the other students into their training squads. He was a natural leader and it made him smile.

“I think it is my turn for a question Lieutenant Tsabin Tsabo.” Shu-Takii added while taking a glance at Tsabo. “Do you think having a child is more of a weakness then a strength?”

The question hit Tsabo like the end of a wet towel. The initial shock had him fumbling for words but after a second of two he stopped and pondered.

“Strength of course,” he finally decided how to explain. “anything you care about can of course be a source of pain or weakness, but I do not think humans are at their full potential until they have their own children. Something, changes in a person when they do.”

“Are you saying that we astartes, who are incapable of having our own children, in a traditional sense, will never be at our fullest potential?” Shu-Takii countered.

Tsabo took that in for a moment before responding, “I think you have been altered in a profound way that I can not relate too, but the Emperor had sons, which in turned had sons. It may not have been as natural as my own, but I think they reached a higher understanding by having that relationship.” Before Shu-Takii could retorted, Tsabo continued, “does your bond of brotherhood not give you strength? You will outlive any of us and your relationships will last lifetimes, is that bond more of a strength then a weakness?”

Shu-Takii did not speak but gave a subtle grunt in thought.

The two continued on in silence once again. If anyone around them heard the conversation none acted or responded in any way. They approached an area full of ruins and open to the sky. The metal and stone was so piled up that the trees had still not taken root even after the years, but the vines and smaller plants had covered the mound with broad dark leaves and flowers of azure and lavender. The smell was potent and there was a haze of bugs flying from flower to flower.

They came around the base of the mound, their path an uneven trail of rubble where the heavier vehicles had mashed down several rows of vegetation.

“Do you remember much before your induction into the ranks of the Angels?” Tsabo dared to ask as he looked up at the armored figure next to him. He found himself emboldened by his conversation. He had never thought he would ever have any conversation other then some commands from the elite that he had spent his life serving. They were gods among men and he was asking him personal questions. Tsabo wondered if he had breached some protocol, but he had already spoken.

They walked around a pile of rusted cables when a pair of Ice Angels from Squad Samsu rushed past. They were heading up to the front of the line. Tsabo paid them little attention, he had begun to once again scan the trees and rubble around them as they moved. He hefted his lasgun and once again checked the power levels. He felt the weight of the pistol on his hip. He hoped he would not have to use it any time soon.

“There are some things that I can recall, but they are fragmented. It is like recalling a dream that you have not had in a long time. But there are times when something sparks them back to life. I can't picture anything of my family or home, but……” He looked around at the rubble ahead. Tsabo did as well, but Shu-Takii soon began again. “Have you ever visited the Shoow Guo’Rho District in Shattermantle?”

Tsabo thought back to years before when he was on leave once. “I was there once, all I can remember is the great noodle houses.”

Shu-Takii shook his head in agreeance. “Something about that place, the smell of it, the noise of the activity. The gravity and feel of pressure from the buildings. It reminds of my life, before my life as an astartes.” The words lingered quietly between the two of them. “That is all I can recall Lieutenant.”

They wound up an incline and were on top of a section of wall that was closer to the canopy level. It was a short time at that height before they dove back down into the ruins. For a minute or so they could see the long line of people ahead and behind. Tsabo caught glimpse of his son once again and this time he had turned back to look at him. They exchanged a smile.

“My son, Gravilax, wants nothing more then to become an Ice Angel but a part of me doesn’t want him too. I could never forget him, but he would forget about me. I would be proud beyond imagine but empty all at the same time.” Tsabo felt the heaviness of those words as they began their decent. It was steep enough to where he jogged down the side.

“Has he had his tests?” Shu-Takii asked as they reached the bottom.

“Yes and he was devastated that he was not accepted into the Vliawatha’ven.” Tsabo could feel the sobs of his son when he had been told. The smell of his tears, the feel of his son shaking with disappointment. “He missed it by one point,” Tsabo absentmindedly added.

They continued to walk in silence. A few minutes later they reached another ruined gateway and a relatively clear path. A pair of Angels stood on both sides of the path looking outward with bolters raised. They were halfway there.

Holy moly that was a touching peice. All the war, all the battles. After the fact they only have there thoughts to keep them company.

This was really good!

Thanks Knightley!

I have managed to find a few opportunities to have good non battle segments. After having so much time to think about the ending of this book I have almost over booked my ideas. I have to jam them all in! I hope they continue to impress you guys.

I have to agree with Knightly! What a great human piece to add to that. Well done Ice well done!

As usual, these private bits are my favorites. Nicely done Ice. Very well played.

“Why do they hesitate?” Razzik asked in frustration.

“I believe,” Philosir began while Razzik whipped a glare at the red armored techmarine. Philosir did not look back nor did he complete his statement. For some unknown reason Razzik had found himself increasingly agitated. He did not like how he reacted at times but he often spoke or reacted much faster then he could control. He found himself reliving conversations he had had in the past about his temperment when it came to dealing with difficult situations.

He tried to focus himself. He needed action to give his mind a new target. Deep in the jungle he could see what he needed. The Dark Eldar force was amassing. They were in range of his largest cannons but he waited. He wanted to lure them in not push them back.

“How much time do we have?” Razzik asked again.

“It is at critical levels as we speak. Any moment it may collapse.” the monotone voice answered.

Razzik knew the answer before it was spoken. It was the same answer he had been given a few minutes ago. The unknowns frustrated him but he felt inclined to ask.

He looked out over the uneven ground. To his right, burnt jungle, and mud ravines were between his elevated position on the Vault and the tree line a hundred yards away. To his left, the scar of their impact on the planet was a rubble strewn trail dotted with pooling water and metal fragments.

He stood atop the battlements. Gun emplacements bristled the fortress. They had been exposed in a hurry, their protective shells not fully put away just opened enough so they could be used. The rooftop was now void of every Imperial soldier except for himself, Philosir, and the six remaining members of his assault squads.

A sharp click sound alerted Razzik to motion. Klivvik had spotted something. He looked to his left. Breaking through the jungle he could see Imperial bulk transports hovering out of the jungle.

“What?” Razzik asked. “Why are the mechanicum here? They should be” he growled in frustration. He attempted to hail them with his vox but something was jamming the signal.

“Philosir with me.” Razzik commanded and launched himself into the air. His jump pack easily shot him up and over the edge. Without any command, he landed on a large rock and jumped again and again. He covered the ground quickly and within a handful of seconds landed before the front most transport.

A moment later the rubble shook as the heavier form of Philosir pounded onto the same flattened rock. Razzik glanced over at him. Philosir had dawned his jump pack and it was unlike any he had seen. It had six lift units instead of two and it had four smaller units to adjust his trajectory. It came up over his head and further down his back then a typical jump pack. It also has a pair of barrels protruding out the center directly above his head. The entire thing was matte gray and unsightly.

“It must be a work in progress,” Razzik thought to himself. His mind began to bring up the things he had seen Philosir create but the lead transport slowed before them and he quickly lost that train of thought.

The gray robes of Nulliphant Syke were the first out of the door. The Mechanicum Priest strode out with his hulking servitor guards. The three flying child things flitted about.

“Captain, they are nearly here. We have come to give aid. Where ca” the Priest stammered.

“NO, why have you left the city?” Razzik shouted. His frustration bubbled up into his voice. He practically snarled at the priest.

Taken aback, the priest seemed shocked and alarmed.

Before he could answer, the servitors charged weapons and pointed into the jungle. Syke pivoted his head like a bird that heard prey. Everyone looked to Razzik’s left. “There were no Dark Eldar over there,” Razzik thought as he too scanned the tree line.

A space marine was running towards them. He wore a filthy bland gray robe that trailed behind him. He sprinted over rocks and the deep puddles. He carried a large sword and had a storm bolter mounted on his forearm.

Everyone froze at the sight. The marine leapt over a wide stretch of mud and landed with a sickening splat not far from them. When he stood up straight he strode forward and pulled back his hood. He wore no helm and his eyes were set with determination.

Philosir was the first to speak, “Greetings, I believe you are Brother Micus. I am Philosir of the Ice Angel Chapter.”

Micus reach over his shoulder and grabbed a maglocked plasmagun. He held the weapon out to Philosir. Belligerence, as the decorative plate stated, was ornate and magnificent. It gleamed in the sunlight. Philosir reached out to take it and reverently took it in both hands. Before he pulled it too close Brother Micus reached over and tapped a input jack hidden in the side of the weapon.

Philosir tilted his head and looked up at Micus. A metal snake like appendage came out of Philosirs chest and connected with the weapon. As data began to flow, Micus leapt backwards and spun in the air. He grasped his sword with both hands and it flooded with white light. With a primal growl, he jammed it into the waiting form of Nulliphant Syke as he landed. It passed into the Mechanicum agent up the hilt.

Razzik was stunned and unsure of how to react.

Micus hissed something that no one heard but Syke. The Priests body spasmed and twitched then erupted in an explosion of tubing, metal, and gore. The three cherub servitors seemed to panic and scream before plummeting to the mud where they thrashed about. Every other servitor stood sentinel and continued to disembark as they were previously ordered.

Brother Micus finally lowered his sword. The inner glow dulled and was once again a mere weapon of metal. The marine seemed to take a deep breath and a faint smile crossed his face. He then looked up and noticed Razzik and Philosir for the first time. He cocked his head to one side and without a single word began to wander off into the mud, back the way he had come.

Razzik and Philosir slowly looked at one another. Razzik opened his mouth to speak when their position became under fire by countless Dark Eldar weapons. More than once, Razzik’s iron halo flared into existence to deflect a shot from the xenos. They were out of range from every weapon except their heavier varieties but judging by the explosions, they had brought a lot of them.

“Attack!” Razzik commanded to the servitors. They ignored his command and instead merely stood or fell from the incoming fire. Philosir jumped away heading to the vault. A wave of Eldar ran out of the jungle to intercept. The vault answered by firing its heavier cannons and spinning up its close range assault cannons.

One final growl was all Razzik had said before he too leapt after Philosir. He shook his head as he flew through the air.

“Why did he give you the plasmagun,” he asked in his vox.

“One of Mortifex’s squad, Brother Bonamire, had saved a message in it. He had witnessed their betrayal from the Mechanicum. Nulliphant was the traitor here and had been working with the Dark Eldar. The utter failure of the orbital defences, the exact location of the positions on the surface. Nulliphant must have done it.” Philosir spoke before making his final leap back atop the vault.

Razzik paid little attention to the hordes of Eldar running, flying, leaping, and slithering across the field towards the vault. Explosions tore at the armored side of their position. “Prepare to” Razzik began to say.

“Too late Captain. Angels, up and out!” Philosir commanded.

They had been waiting for that signal. It was not as well timed as he had hoped but it was done. The jump packed marines leapt off the opposite side of the Vault. They climbed up the Spire ruins heading as high up as quickly as they could. Shots peppered them at first but the fire quickly ebbed.

When they reached their first designated rally point, they stopped and regarded the Vault below them. The Imperial fortress had ceased firing. The Eldar had reached the outer walls and were running inside. Out of the opened windows and doors, even out of the cracks from enemy fire, steam escaped at blinding speed. The center walls began to freeze and crack. Where the steam touched, everything froze in the unnatural force.

Razzik watched in awe at the bizarre sight. The confines of the Vault slowed down the initial expansion but as it got outside it expanded in circular waves washing over the assaulting force. Everything turned white. Out of the top of the Vault the steam continued to move upward into the Spire. Metal and jungle alike froze white. Cracking sounds replaced the gunfire. The Dark Eldar reacted quickly and fell back but the steam was faster. It washed over and outward.

Jet bikes, flying scourges, and even raiders fell as they froze and their systems turned to brittle ice. The expansion continued unrelenting as it hit the edge of the jungle. The silent assault had covered hundreds of yards and killed countless xenos. It was also still moving upwards but not nearly at the same speed.

“You were right in your assumption Philosir. It does not expand up nearly as fast as outward.” He moved closer to the edge of the platform they stood on. Metal was crackling and the sounds were growing.

“Second position,” Philosir spoke. They all jumped again as the side of the Spire cracked and fell apart. An avalanche of frozen metal slid down onto the Vault beneath them like a iceberg leading a charge. Razzik did not watch. He focused on his leap.

A misshapen flying beast glided into the cavern. Savra narrowed her eyes at the thing. She could not help but curl her lip in disgust at the unsightly abomination. It landed onto the arm of one of the beast masters. The three eyed thing did not blink as its red beady eyes looked in multiple directions at once. She resisted the urge to break it in two.

The beastmaster nodded his head to her. She did not respond but instead turned towards her coven. Her glare was all they needed to see to know it was time. She could not wait to feel the spray of blood on her face. The rush of energy from the fear she created. She approached the edge of the metal cavern they were crammed into. Her coven along with fifty warriors of the Blackened Tongue were there. The Death Cups were in position across from their position and the Beasts of Xu’luth were ahead of the procession.

She smiled as she thought about the other three cabals she had given incorrect information too. They were all meeting on the wrong side of the Spire to find nothing there to fight except each other. They will not disrespect her again. Her curled lip returned as she remembered the slights they had shown her.

She edged closer to the lip as silent as a beast of night. She did not look down at the passing group of monkeigh. She instead looked across at the final group in their trap. Above the Death Cups hid the Cabal of the Crumbled Eternity. Vonsokah was there. She looked forward to the verbal sparring and the physical connection they shared, but…..

Nothing was stronger than her lust for the fight. Without any noise she broke into a sprint and dove out of cavern. She grasped her blades mid flight and landed amongst the filthy “humans”. She spoke the disgusting word as she slit the throats of two soldiers she landed between.

Screams and gunfire immediately erupted all around her. It was delicious. Her head swam with the sudden swell of emotions. She began her dance, weaving and slicing, ducking and stabbing. Others were landing around her. She stabbed one warrior from the Death Cups that got in her way as she lunged for another kill. Her kills were not to be ruined by anyone! She spat and took three quick steps forward as she somersaulted over a soldier to kill the unsuspecting one behind him.

Three wyches from her coven that were trailing her suddenly melted from cannon fire. She hissed and gritted her teeth. “How DARE someone kill my wyches!” she spat in her smooth xenos language. She spun to see a space marine expertly firing his large barreled weapon. Another marine stood next to him firing with his gun and stabbing with a large bladed knife. She licked her lips at the challenge.

She saw the heavy weapon point her direction. She tumbled to her right amongst a group of unarmed monkeigh. She sliced the legs of several of them before changing direction to run at the pair of marines.

The loud bark of the smaller gun took out two warriors to her left. The larger weapon went off and she felt the glowing ball of plasma melt most of her hair off as she dove forward onto her stomach. She cursed and sprang forward, her momentum not slowing. She parried the blade of the marine and flipped one of her blades over so that the point was down. She reversed her strike and plunged it into the inner elbow of his blade wielding arm. The marines blade tumbled out of the hand. A fist from the other marine came at her face as she spun and bent over. Her body fit perfectly between the two marines. When she finished her spin she knelt down and paused just a moment. The faster marine swung across with his gun using it as a club. She darted forward after the swing and jammed the thin knife under the helmet, just beneath his chin.

She did not wait to see the results before dropping limp. The other marine had pivoted and brought the heavier weapon to point at her. She expected it to fire over her but it did not. She rolled onto her side to see the marine was unmoving. He slowly tipped to his side and fell over. The back of his head was caved in and a crystalline projectile gleamed and shimmered in the sunlight.

A scream left her lips as she saw the leader of the Black Cups smiling under his obnoxious red hair. He held his rifle up in a mock salute. She gripped her blades firmly and took a step towards him but she did not have to get any closer. His body was hit by a sizzling glob of glowing liquid. When it made contact his entire body was engulfed in white flames that consumed him and those nearby that it splashed on.

A quick snap of her head and she saw the marine while her ally screamed in agony. He stood with a floating weapon hovering above him. A pair of marines and a contingent of soldiers had a position around him. They had formed a semicircle with their backs up against a tower of metal. A doorway was behind them and people were running inside to take cover. She began to run that direction when a demanding voice pierced the din of battle.

Vonsokah ran towards the marines. His Inubi were right behind. They pushed aside the unarmed and rushed forward. Savra could see the lust in their eyes. She shivered with excitement but she dared not approach. She would have to hunt elsewhere.

Guess who has two thumbs and is a happy little boy.

This guy, thats who.

Mother Fething Micus!

You knew it was what I needed and you gave it to me in the exact way I wanted it!

Gushing is what I am now, off to read the passage again.

Ha! I am very happy that you liked it. How excited were you while reading that section?

I envisioned you clapping your hands and jumping while reading.

So I started reading it at my desk in a heavily reclined position.

Get to the section where you describe a bland grey robe with a big sword and a storm bolter, I now am sitting 90 degress from where I was before, my heart starts beating faster.

Get to the name and I'm now leaning as far forward to the screen as I can without going crossed eyed.

On to "The Skewering" as I now officially call it and I'm all "this guy is a bad ass"

And he just walks away, explosions right behind him.

I went back to sitting normally after this, looking for a cigarette to calm my nerves

That is fantastic Knightley. Thank you for sharing. I am still laughing at that comment.

Damn Ice. Loved seeing Micus show up, hand over a plasma gun to Philosir and then proceeding to wreck face. Nicely done.

As much as I hate to see your boys in black get ripped a part, nicely done section from the Dark Eldar's perspective. Well done. Makes me hate them more

Lieutenant Tsabin Tsabo ordered and lined up those he could. His soldiers flocked to his position but so many were being cut down. The ambush of the enemy had been well executed and even the Ice Angels were caught unaware. There had been no warning. They were quietly talking and then it was raining Dark Eldar. To his right Shu-Takii fired with his floating cannon one direction while firing his bolt pistol in another. To Tsabin’s left an Ice Angel with a plasma cannon fired at the positions above them that fired down at them. Another marine stood between the two carefully aiming his bolter. Dark Eldar were above them in the ruins and amongst the people all along the procession.

People were running and screaming. Death was all around them. Tsabin shouted orders and some assemblance of a defensible position came into being when a dozen of his men formed up before them. He was glad for their years of training.

A loud creak came behind him. Warden Officer Belvo shouldered a rusted door way that was set deep into a massive bulkhead. It fell open and he peered inside flicking on his light. He nodded to Tsabin and ushered some of the civilians inside. With the door open the people ran in. Tsabin shouted again and the people ran at them.

He almost regretted the command as a surge of panicked individuals ran into them. He fell backwards and was pushed aside as people ran into the opened doorway seeking any kind of safety. He rolled to his side and got up when a familiar voice broke through the din of battle.

“Father,” the voice said. He looked up to see his son holding out his hand to help him up.

When had he gotten so tall. He looked so young and yet here he was in a battle helping him. There was no fear in his face and that calm startled him. Tsabin reached out and took his sons hand. He stood and gave him a quick hug. He then pushed his son behind him towards the door. He squeezed his hand before letting go and bring up his lasgun.

Tsabin saw a pair of Ice Angels ahead in the procession fall to the blades of a wych. He heard Shu-Takii curse and continue his firing. A piercing shout seemed to halt many of the Dark Eldar in the immediate area. Shu-Takii smoothly turned his head and his hovering gun did the same. It began to fire as did the other two marines at the one that had shouted.

“Wardens, full charge!” Tsabin commanded. He heard the high pitch whine from the power packs of those around him. The lasguns fired less frequently but they were more damaging and he needed to do everything he could to stop the white helmed Dark Eldar that stalked closer. Each of them carried a long blade with multiple grips at the base and along one side. They curved twisted, each weapon an individual weapon fit to its wielder.

The Wardens hardly fired more than twice before the enemy was on them. Tsabin did not see the Ice Angels fall but the attack was brutal and quick. The lithe Eldar jumped higher then he was tall and their blades struck in large swooping arcs. Their dance was beautiful and awful all at the same time.

The devastator marine took out three before his body was sliced into pieces by the large two handed blades. The other marine engaged the only Eldar not wearing a helm. He parried the marines combat blade and in a blur stabbed his jagged blade into the marines chest. The sickening sound accompanied the attack and the Eldar left the blade in the marines chest. He parried the marines next attack with his now free hand. The xenos smiled as he held the marines arm with surprising strength. He used his other blade to repeatedly jab into the marines stomach. The thin blade easily cut through the power armor of the marine.

Tsabin watch as the Eldar continue to punish the marines body. His eyes were alight with joy as the marine suffered and gasped in pain.

A glob from Shu-Takii connected with one of the Eldar guards that moved passed the gruesome scene. The white helmed guard screamed and melted into a bubbling pile of filth.

The attack pulled the Dark Eldar off of the dying marine. He stalked forward as the other humans around them were mercilessly cut down by the long blades of his guard. Shu-Takii fired his bolt pistol but the Eldar was too fast. In a flash he was in Shu-Takii’s space. Blades pierced armor in a half dozen places in the first flashes of combat. The cord connected to the floating weapon was severed and the weapon slowly floated away, down to the ground like a snowflake being pulled by gravity.

Tsabo had to help but they were so entwined in their battle. He fired his lasgun at one of the nearest guards. The well placed shot took him in the side of the helmet. The xenos fell over with a smoking hole in the side of his head. Tsabo subconsciously counted the seconds before he could fire again, his gun began to charge up, but not fast enough.

He watched in horror as Shu-Takii was stabbed repeatedly. The techmarine soundlessly fell to the ground. Tsabo wanted to keep watching but another guard approached with a quick leap. Tsabo fired even though he knew it was not fully charged. It scorched the Dark Eldars shoulder armor.

Without slowing the Dark Eldar came up and sliced his large blade in a horizontal strike. Tsabo redirected it with the body of his lasgun while jumping backwards. He felt the weapon jolt and hiss. He risked a glance. Half of his lasgun had been sheared off by the attack.

He felt an impact in his back. He looked down to see a long blade protruding from the middle of his torso. Blood, his blood, covered the thin metal implement of death. It slowly pulled back the way it had come and he collapsed backwards. There was not any pain but a soundless bliss.

He lay there looking out at the people being slaughtered all around them. He saw his son. “When had he gotten so tall?” he thought slowly once again.

Gravilax ran over to him screaming. The guard paid him little attention. Gravilax grabbed the ornate pistol on Tsabo’s hip.

“that was a gift from an Angel. I was going to give that to you, son” Tsabo said, the words fumbled out of his mouth.

Gravilax did not respond, instead he gripped the pistol with both hands turned and fired at the guard. A beam of dark violet came out. It passed through the guard and into the next. Both of them fell over with sizzling holes as large as a man's fist.

Tsabo looked puzzled at the weapon, but more so at his son. His son, was fighting. He just killed…… He was trying to protect. The thoughts were coming slower now. Tsabo coughed and Gravilax returned to his side. The leader of the Eldar stopped torturing Shu-Takii, leapt over the bodies of the fallen, and batted the weapon out of Gravilax’s hand. Vonsokah picked him up by the neck.

A surge of clarity hit him at the sight of his son in danger. Gravilax kicked at the Eldar, but the creature laughed. The Dark Eldar warlord spoke in his sick tongue and the guards began to move towards the door behind Tsabo.

Tears streamed down his face as he felt himself weakening once again. There was nothing he could do. He closed his eyes and looked up, a prayer to the Emperor on his lips. He knew death was coming for him. He blinked when he saw hazy motion in the sky. Figures in white were falling all around him. Their armor was bright white. Ice blue trim and silver, sparkled in the light of the day. One skull helmed figure in black landed behind the Dark Eldar leader. His crozius swung down but the Eldar deftly spun away dropping Gravilax in the process. The xenos vaulted onto a beam of metal and leapt away with a snarl and uncanny speed. White armored Death Company marines landed around the black armored marine, each engaging the xenos with brutal efficiency.

Chaplain Gonatzu stood tall and looked around. The red eyes in the skull helm first scanned the downed marines. Gravilax had fallen backwards but quickly returned to Tsabo. Gonatzu approached them both a moment later.

Gravilax laid his head on Tsabo’s chest sobbing. Gonatzu looked down and met Tsabins gaze. “The Emperor will be proud to meet you Lieutenant Tsabin Tsabo,” the Chaplains voice rumbled. White armored marines and white armored dreadnoughts rampaged amongst the Eldar. Gonatzu turned and carefully watched the Death Company. A black and white dreadnought thundered down a slope bellowing ancient threats, it carried its own crozuis but it was a monument compared to Gonatzu’s. The weapon was taller than the dreadnought and lightning arced out in sporadic bursts.

“I’m so proud of you son,” Tsabin whispered as he felt the pressure of his son now holding him. To Tsabin the swirling battle had faded into a distant murmur. His world was shrinking and it now only contained his son.

“Don’t go,” Gravilax whimpered in between tears and quiet shudders.

A grunt came to their right. Shu-Takii rolled over and Gonatzu rushed to his side. Blood caked his armor in several areas and he could only move one arm. Shu-Takii propped himself up on his good arm. “Brother,” the techmarine coughed.

“I can not get any readings on your vitals brother Shu-Takii,” Gonatzu quickly stated.

“I will survive,” he turned his head slightly, “because of him.” Shu-Takii pointed to Gravilax.

The skull helm turned to regard the boy. Shu-Takii lowered his hand and went still. Gonatzu looked back at the limp tech marine. He picked up the downed marine and carried him to the doorway. Survivors and soldiers were packed into the cramped space. They made space for the Ice Angel. Gonatzu set the techmarine just inside before turning back to the boy.

“Go. Stay with Shu-Takii. We will finish these creatures and keep you safe. To NOT come back out of that doorway until I say otherwise” his deep voice spoke softly, but firmly.

Gravilax was shocked by the burly marine that addressed him. He quickly nodded his head but paused. Without thinking he turned back to his father. Lieutenant Tsabo was still. His unblinking eyes gazed up into the heavens.

* * * * * * * * * *

YASSSSSS GRAVILAX WILL BE MADE THE MOST EPIC OF ICE ANGELS

Man that was some heart wrenching writing.

Brought a tear to my eye it did!

Ice, for the record, I'm going to end up making an Ice Angel, and It will probably be one of your Tech Marines... because I love them

The metal canyon was buzzing with life. Flowers opened up to grasp at the sun. Insects darted around from flower to flower. The draping purple blossoms hung down off the metal walls in long bunches. The largest was bigger than an astartes shoulder pad. The breeze occasionally wafted down from above to bring scents of countless kinds of vegetation.

Mortifex hated it. He was hunkered down laying on his stomach under some large leaves and a broken column. A mess of purple flowers had fallen on him covering his body. Millennia old plastics still hung limp from the column occasionally shifting in the wind.

He did not move. He dare not move. Not a single part of him adjusted from his awkward dive. He stared down the canyon. He could not tell how many had been hit but the image of the Ice Angels head exploding still lingered like an after image burned into his eyes. The corpse was to his right.

Calmly he breathed. He searched the trees and rubble outside. “damn it they are good,” he thought to himself.

Near the edge of the canyon, right where the metal ruins battled with the jungle, a large group of Wardens from the Ice Angel ship were pinned behind a boulder. The piece had been a part of a larger sculpture. It resembled a wing jutting out from the rubble covered ground. They were completely concealed from the jungle but were stuck. One had attempted to flee but was gunned down by the hidden snipers in the jungle.

A yellow insect flew down at the huddled men. It was as large as his own head and had bright colorful wings that flitted in two pairs. It suddenly stopped moving its wings and dropped with hooked barbed feet onto one of the men. A long thin tongue stabbed at the mans thick clothing seeking flesh to penetrate. The man panicked but one of his calmer friends stabbed the bug with his knife.

They coughed and reeled in agony at the stench that spread out from the dying bug as it hemorrhaged bright yellow ichor. The man that had stabbed the bug leaned out to one side to try to wipe his weapon clean. A silent shot flew through the air and passed through the mans head.

Mortifex did not watch the body drop. The Warden had stayed behind cover. “they must be in the trees high above to obtain that angle,” he thought to himself. He once again scanned the thick limbs of the massive trees. He found nothing and it aggravated him to no end.

He did, however, see another yellow bug as it flew sporadically through the canopy. It suddenly dropped down onto a branch. It landed awkwardly then plummeted from the tree.

“wait,” Mortifex concentrated on the landing spot from the bug. The branch, right where it connected with the trunk, had a well hidden Eldar on it. Face painted and covered in a heavy coat. The sniper blended in with the tree perfectly.

“One sniper is in the tree,” he spoke in his vox. He continued to describe as much as he could. Soon other astartes and even a Warden spotted others, but they did nothing. They waited.

The foliage rustled as a wave of wracks ran at the canyon. They mumbled and screamed their own pained warcry. Mortifex wanted to leap up and fire but he stayed motionless. He could not risk giving up his position. The wracks poured forward rushing over rocks and through the fairly flat central path the vehicles had taken earlier.

He had to move up to protect the Wardens, but…. he hesitated.

Movement from his right came as Xerin leapt down from his position and charged with his shield raised. A crystalline bullet ricocheted off the metal combat shield. A lascannon from behind fired into the tree. The snipers began to open fire giving up their positions. Imperials returned fire. Mortifex took the opportunity to jump to his feet and charge forward. The wracks were falling on the first line of defenders that still hunkered behind rubble and foliage. Rubble fell and tumbled as he raced over from his position in the canyon wall down to where the others fought a losing battle.

Xerin arrived first and was able to plow into several wracks and cause a disturbance long enough for several Wardens to take precise shots at the pain crazed people. Mortifex arrived next and leveled his grav gun at the more armored attackers. Shots flew passed him and he caught glimpses of return fire from the Ice Angel devastators that were further down the canyon. The trees were being fired upon but it was hard to tell how effective they were being.

A brown and tan armored Eldar warrior leapt from out of nowhere at Mortifex. He had not seen his approach and almost took a blade to the neck. He stumbled backwards. In a flash Xerin was at his side but the action put Xerin at risk. A trio of other warriors were right behind him and Mortifex watched the arcing sword of Xerin parry and deflect attacks with precision. Mortifex fired his gravgun into the melee warping the armor of one of the dancing warriors. The Eldar screamed as his own armor crushed the life out of him. Xerin shield bashed one back into another with a swift two step forward. He took several hits in the process but they did not have the angle or strength to pass through his power armor.

Xerin kept his momentum moving forward when Mortifex lost his footing on some loose ground. He fell forward and felt an explosion on his back. He lay there a moment when a strong arm flipped him over. Xerin, backlit by the sun, looked down at him.

“Sir,” Xerin said quickly. Mortifex noticed that bits of his own backpack were shattered around him. That would prove problematic in the long run.

Thunk

The sound was strange and alone. There was no explosion, merely a hole in Xerins chest. They both looked at the hole simultaneously.

Mortifex reached out and grabbed Xerin as the next shot passed through his shoulder. Mortifex quickly threw him behind a nearby outcropping of metal. Mortifex pushed him down. He fired his grav gun at another charging warrior.

“Curse these sneaky xenos,” he began but stopped as Xerin weakly coughed.

“This would be one time I would like Saddicus to be here,” Xerin added.

Mortifex could hardly hear him as he fended off several warriors that came running around the metal cover they were behind.

A brillant light passed from higher up the Spire. It passed through several trees at the jungle edge. Toppling them onto one another. The sound was thunderous as the largest of near trees crashed down back into the jungle. The sniper fire stopped but the infantry assault did not.

Ice Angels were now nearby holding the line. A veteran squad that carried a collection of handflamers were putting them to good work. Mortifex called for the Ice Angel priest that had accompanied the squad.

“Let us hope these Ice Angels have nicer apothecaries then the one we employ,” Mortifex said. He had always disliked Saddicus but not once had Saddicus failed Mortifexes squad.

Xerin blinked at the statement as Mortifex quickly surveyed the combat. With the snipers out of the picture they were quickly gaining the advantage. The damaged terminators had moved up with their heavier cannons. From higher up above the Spire the knight gleamed in the light as another brilliant beam shot down from above. A distant floating vessel crashed before it even got close to the combat.

Taking his mind off the battle for a moment he looked up at the knight higher up the mountainous Spire behind him. She was mostly hidden behind a wall. The long barrel of her cannon pointed down at the jungle. Bright beams silently lanced out as he watched. She quickly stood up and moved to her left as missiles and return fire blasted her position. With uncanny mobility she continued to fire while moving between pillars and shattered remains of what was probably a gothic cathedral. She hesitated and looked down before running forward and leaping. The knight fell as more fire came at her from further in the jungle. Mortifex could not see her landing but it sounded like a crashing building. A moment later the knight bound over another wall and slid down the side of the mountain like a skier. In moments she was standing above the tunnel opening they were using as their fall back position.

The Ice Angel Priest jumped over and landed next to Mortifex and looming over Xerin. A glance was all the priest gave him.

“He has fallen into his healing coma. He will most likely survive. Take him back to the elevator” the priest commanded without giving Mortifex any sort of notice.

“Another can take him, I will stay to help aid in defense.” Mortifex said while focusing once again on the battle.

The Ice Angels had pushed back and were easily holding the position. The Wardens had all fallen back and had taken all of the wounded they could. Mortifex moved to look further when the Priest placed a firm ice blue hand on his shoulder.

“No. You will take him. Everyone must fall back,” the Priest firmly added.

Mortifex furrowed his brow and looked around once again. The knight climbed down into the canyon of metal before she began to move into the tunnel. She turned her back and was quickly swallowed by the darkness. Mortifex noticed that the Ice Angels were all that now remained and many of them were watching him. A terminator with an ancient reaper autocannon stood nearby, even burned and damaged the massive suit of armor was imposing.

“What of the survivors marching here?” Mortifex asked.

“If any remain, we will wait for them,” the priest quickly added while adjusting his stance. His large axe slid down through his hand so that it was in the proper grip for swinging the distance between him and Mortifex. “I will not ask you again Sergeant Mortifex.” he paused before speaking again softly. “Please Brother, do not dwell here any longer.” his voice was a whisper, nearly a plee.

That caught Mortifex off guard. It sounded reluctant with a hint of sorrow. He responded by reaching down and picking up Xerin. The Priest gathered the marines weapons and attached them to Mortifex. He did not understand why he was being pushed back, more importantly why even the knight was asked to retreat.

For a moment they met each other's gaze but without comment Mortifex turned and hurried down the canyon into the tunnel. Behind him the Ice Angels marched backwards. When the expansive tunnel began its long bend he glanced over his shoulder. The Ice Angels had all fallen back as well but at the edge of the jungle he thought he saw white armored marines smashing through the jungle.

Ice, I think I'd try and tackle Shu-Takii - his description is epic. My bits bin is probably deep enough to do him justice.

One question... what's his cannon that floats beside him?

Hell I might make Shu-Takii and Scout Gravilax... Ya know... for reasons...

And I agree with you on needing other emotion. I think Graham McNiel did a fantastic job with Uriel Ventris in his Ultramarine novels and who ever wrote the Soul Drinkers anthology, one of the reasons I love the Soul Drinkers is because of the wide range of emotions - Sarpedon is one of my favorite characters in the Black Library Cannon, especially with his co-hort of specialists

Ice, I think I'd try and tackle Shu-Takii - his description is epic. My bits bin is probably deep enough to do him justice. I love the description of his armor.

One question... what's his cannon that floats beside him?

Hell I might make Shu-Takii and Scout Gravilax... Ya know... for reasons...

And I agree with you on needing other emotion. I think Graham McNiel did a fantastic job with Uriel Ventris in his Ultramarine novels and who ever wrote the Soul Drinkers anthology, one of the reasons I love the Soul Drinkers is because of the wide range of emotions - Sarpedon is one of my favorite characters in the Black Library Cannon, especially with his co-hort of specialists