Faithfull and the Damned; Shades of Loyalty

[Antaeus]

‘All clear. Bastard’s jumped, we’ll never find him.’

Haeric cursed as Moxiter pulled off his helmet and resp hood. The man’s flank was covered in Gallus’ blood, the dark red merging into the navy blue - black of his carapace body armour.

‘Well. At least he didn’t get him.’

‘He got one of us, couple of Vedneks, one of the General’s bodyguards.’ Moxiter’s gums were locked together. ‘On our watch.’

‘There was nothing we could have done, Mox.’

‘Maybe.’ Moxiter sighed. ‘Well, better let Rupert know I guess, wherever he is.’

‘Certainly not what he needed just before he left us.’

The other soldier gave a curt laugh. ‘No. Useless idiot. Not the worst, Sarge, but we’ll be better off without him.’

‘I’m not so sure, Mox. I’m not so sure.’ He turned to Alec Deleon, the Gan-Haden vox officer, who was in the process of cleaning the lens on his lasgun’s sight. ‘Anyone else get hit?’

The Wildcard soldier grimaced. ‘Ah.’

‘Ah, what?’ Haeric frowned.

‘You…haven’t been upstairs yet then?’

‘Why would we have been?’ enquired Moxiter.

‘Then…well. You’d better go up.’ Deleon walked slowly up the stairs. Apprehensively, the two Jaegers followed.

‘Oh, Emperor.’

‘I’m sorry, boys. I really am. I thought you knew.’

Malvolius lay at the top of the stairs. The young officer’s eyes stared blankly upwards, like one entranced by the beauty of the sky, of the sunlight that streamed in through the broken window and illuminated his face.

Haeric knelt beside his former CO. The small, neat wound in his throat, a trio of puncture marks, was a deep crimson against the man’s white throat. There were footsteps along the corridor - Colonel Strife and Commissar Joseph had strode along the upper balcony. Haeric couldn’t make his body respond to their presence.

‘Commissar. Colonel.’ he said quietly. Moxiter stood, leaning against a pillar, seemingly not knowing what to say.

‘Sergeant.’ Colonel Strife walked over to Haeric. ’For what it’s worth, I don’t think he suffered.’

Joseph shook his head. ’All we heard was one shot and the window breaking.’ He cleared his throat. ’He was a good officer, Sergeant.’

‘Really, or are you just saying that because you think you should?’

‘Careful, Sergeant.’ Joseph’s reply was icy. ‘Remember who I am.’

Haeric’s head dropped, beads of sweat following his skull’s arc and, hurled free, splashed onto the ground. ‘Yes, Commissar. Forgive me, I’m…’

‘I know, Sergeant. We lose subordinates, we lose superiors, sometimes we lose both. But the Emperor has a plan for all of us. Our place not to wonder, but to serve. And serve well do you and your men.’ Joseph walked past, gently patting the crouching Jaeger on the shoulder. ‘We all lost a good man today in the Captain. But he is now at the right hand of the Emperor, where we all shall stand one day. Think on that, Sergeant. Think on that.’ The Commissar removed his black and red cape, and handed it to the standing Moxiter.

‘Corporal.’

‘Commissar.’

The two officers’ footsteps disappeared down the stairs, leaving the two Jaegers with the fallen Captain.

‘He’s right, Sarge.’ Moxiter knelt beside Haeric, his dark hair and stubble laden with perspiration. He took Joseph’s cloak, and unfurled it, draping it over Malvolius’ remains.

‘One moment.’ Haeric was unmoving, looking down at the empty, sightless green eyes of the dead Captain. His left hand reached out, fingers closing over Janmar Malvolous’ eyes forever.

‘Goodbye.’ A lump rose in his throat, his heart racing, breathing coming fast and hot.

‘Sir.’ Haeric gently leaned over, and kissed Malvolius’ lips. Then he rose. Moxiter let the Commissar’s cloak gently fall, concealing their superior’s remains.

Then, the two Jaegers turned, and walked down the steps as the evening sunlight shone weakly on their backs, its gold beams tainted with the blood-red of dusk.

[Tanith Ghost]

Colonel Dark bowed his head as the Jaegers passed. Another good life ended far too soon. "Daur, did perimeter see anything?" "No sir. The bastard got away." The bitterness was evident in the captain's voice. "How's Becky? Some of her boys got it." "Sh'e hanging in there. Thanks in no small part to guarding General Hunter rather closely." "What in the name of Him on Terra did she do this time?" "Saved the General's life. With a liplock."

[Colonel Jacka]

Thought For The Day

It is the nature of the military that swiftness rules!

Holy Terra

Imrador had arrived at the shuttle bay. The Aquila would take him to Teach’s Ship that now lay in high orbit. He turned into the last corridor his thoughts on the tasks ahead and his long conversation with the Lord Militant just completed. He looked up and saw an officer in the uniform of the Jaeger's. The young Captain looked at Imrador as he approached. Clearly he had a message for the ageless traveler. As closed with the officer he snapped to attention and said, “Captain Padryn Antaeus, 22nd Antarean Regiment, the Jaeger's, I have been ordered to accompany you on your mission to Hagra III.”

“I hope not in that uniform son,” replied Imrador, “You’ll standout like Grox balls where we are going!”

“ I….. But I’ve been ordered to……..” Further comments by Padryn were stopped by Imrador raised hand.

“Look Son, if your standing in this particular corridor and in front of this shuttle hatch I am not going to argue if you should come with me or not. I’m old enough and just punch drunk enough to know that the guys that told you to be here aren’t worth arguing with about your presence on this Mission!.” Imrador said opening the hatch. “Seems to me that I will find out why sooner or later. I’m sure the Eagle Claws will grow to love you as much as they will grow to love me.” He turned to look at Padryn who stood dumbfounded by the situation he found himself in. “Well are you coming or what?” inquired Imrador.

“Yes Sir!” Padryn replied climbing through the hatch.

“And listen don’t call me Sir! I’m Imrador! And your know Paddy got it!” Imrador stated with a smile closing the hatch.

Kaffin Prime

Ducca had come to Jacka’s office with the message he had received. As an Astopath he had served Jacka family many years. Four generations in fact. He knew full well that his skills were among the best and that the special communication with his sister on Terra gave the Cadian Officer a very secure link to Terra. Jacka was in his Dress Uniform on his way to General Hunters Ceremony when Ducca had arrived delaying the Colonel leaving.

“Well Imrador is on his way again and we have a month to prepare and leave. You other information your communication brought is very interesting and I sure that Hunter will be very interested in that. Thank you again Ducca.” Jacka said nodding to the Astopath.

“Colonel.” replied the Astopath.

“A message for my Father Ducca. ACK and WILCO!” Jacka said

“It shall be done Colonel.” Ducca stated he turned to leave only to nearly knocked down by Bill and Jenks bursting into the office.

“Boss they just tried to kill Boss Hunter!’ said the Ogryn waving his Ripper Gun around, “we gotta go and ……

Cutting Bill off Jenks started, “Sir, It just happened, Bugger me I just got word from O’Connor! He said……….”

“Jenks get the on duty Kasrkins Squad and let’s go.” Jacka said putting on his fighting kit.

“Now you two!” he looked on as the Troopers jumped to meet his demand.

“What the bloody hell had that bugger Hunter got into now!” Jacka thought to himself as he hurried out the door leaving Ducca behind.

[Captain_Ardias]

A low rumble shook Seriph’s boots and, looking down, he could see small rocks on the side of the road trembling. One of hundreds of hard points that were springing up all over the planet, B16 was situated around two anti-orbital missile fields and four redoubts and located just south of Polaris hive, was meant to defend one of the major landing fields that could be used by Imperial invaders. Convict labor had built more than a hundred miles of trenches, reinforced rockrete bunkers and artillery positions. Turning from the extensive field-works being carved into the ice, Seriph saw the massive cannon of the Stormblade Bright Sword creep over the hill. Adding its strength now to that number was a detachment of tanks from the 6th northern army, as well as troops trained in siege warfare by lieutenant Kasham with as many heavy mortars and howitzers as the Hagra II and III factories could produce for them.

Across the small, frozen world, scenes like this were playing out as the millions of men pledged to the Hagra III military were preparing for the hard fight that would inevitably come their way. Space too, was ringing with the sounds of industry. The four largest orbitals hanging above Hagra III were undergoing refits and upgrades: the massive cargo docks being changed over to handle repairs and rearming of great cruisers and warships, while viewing decks and warehouses were being transformed into great cannon batteries and void shield arrays. General Garthin had also pulled his weight in this critical hour. Entering the system now was reinforcements that the Brotherhood would be happy to hear about, if not to actually see for themselves. A grand, ornate and twisted Despoiler class battleship, the Harbinger’s Gaze, was leading four cruisers and another dozen infidel and Iconoclast escorts to what promised to be one of the largest fleet engagements in the sector’s history.

The Hagra system was at full alert.

[Tanith Ghost]

Hagra 3, high orbit near orbital one

A lone astartes thunderhawk, twisted and evil, flew into orbit. In the black void, it was hard to see with it's dark blue paint but the lightning strike pattern stood out clearly. It dipped it's wings respectfully near the despoiler battleship, as it it had every right to fly here. Then, it suddenly plunged away planetside.

"Put us down there." Ghend Hokast's command came as a growl. "Let us offer our aid to the locals." Arghen nodded, personaly working the controls.
"Defenseive structure B-16 sir, according to this map the control tower gave us when I told them we were sheduled to be here." Ghend grinned in aproval of his friend and subordinate's clever tactics. "Always using your head. One of several reasons it's still attached to your shoulders." Ghend laughed at his own macarbe joke, a sickly twisted laugh. The Thunderhawk touched down next to a roadway. Ghen's compliment of night lords filed out.

"No welcome even? Disapointing. What if we had been a team of loyalist scum? Then where would you be?" Ghen wasted no time interrogating a trooper in the area. He made no overtly threatening move, instead choosing to reply on his stature and appearance.

[Captain_Ardias]

Seriph had heard of these warriors and, looking up upon the midnight armored form before him, knew that things here on Hagra III might be slowly wriggling out of the firm plan that had been laid down by the Blood Pact. Baroque, picked out in gold and blue, and emitting an aura of absolute terror, the Night Lord marine standing in front of the Blood Pact lieutenant was waiting for an answer.

“If you had been a team of loyalist scum, you would have been shot out of the sky, targeted by ground based laser arrays and blown into small, manageable pieces that my troops here on the ground could have picked up and thrown into a shallow grave.” Seriph said, before switching to his comms. “Commander, I have made contact with another potential speed bump. Requesting rerouting orders, I will make a full report later today.”

Seriph looked over this chaos space marine once more, noting the dark thunderhawk sitting in one of the mustering grounds, saw that curious soldiers and laborers already crowding around it. He would have to get these insane Astartes out of the way fast, a need quickly filled by a nameless coordinator that linked to his comm. “Seriph, landing zone confirmed at airfield 62-1, the general told me to pass on this: ‘keep it quiet’”. Seriph could have guessed at that last part, but he was sure that his commander was just as eager to hide this as he was.

“Astartes,” Seriph said, switching back to his speaker, “You’ve attracted enough attention to me, if you want to know more about what is going on, leave now and ask the flight controller for airfield 62-1. I will meet you there.” With that, the lieutenant turned and left. Too much was happening too quickly, and now they had TWO traitor Astartes factions to worry about.

[Tanith Ghost]

"Fly us over there." Ghen said to Arghen. Arghen nodded. "You think I should have shot him? Perhaps maimed him in a non-lethal but disfiguring way?"
Ghend shrugged metaly. "Paitience, my good Arghen. IN due time we will inflict fear on whomever we wish. Under the cover that the turmoil of war gives. But for now, we would only get ourselves killed by the heavier equipped forces here." Arghen nodded in agreement. He knew Ghend would make good on his promise. Ghend was remarkably restrained and diplomatic for a night lord. But once he got to terrorizing, he was a consumate master of horror. The men boarded the Thunderhawk again, and flew over to the landing strip the blood pact soldier had indicated.

"Here is good." Ghend smiled. "Shut that gibbiering idiot off and offload our gear." The chaos marines moved quickly, Arghen killing the vox link to the protesting co-ordinator. "He slighted us, sir. The wing in the window was just deserts." He chuckled, looking with dark mirth at the blood splatters on the right wing. "Besides, he can easily replace that servitor." "Do we have it
rebuilt yet?" Ghend said, as two marines wrestled a massive crate about the size of a sarcoghogas down the ramp. "The components are here, all we need is a tech-adept." Arghen said, smirking a fierce fang filled smile. "Borrow one."
Ghend's reply was just what his surbordinate had hoped for.

[Colonel Jacka]

Thought For The Day

The Age of Exploration witnessed the expansion of Humanity throughout the galaxy. Some colonists even ventured into the systems that were located close to the galactic core. The planets there became known as "Forge Worlds near the Core" or to those that lived there "The Home Worlds". They were rich in metallic ore of the kinds that the Galactic Empire of Humanity needed to fuel its continual growth. The colonists on these Forge Worlds had to be very hardy as the gravitation force on these planets were substantially higher than that faced upon Earth.

High Orbit Kaffin Prime

Jacka had commenced moving some of the “Ophan’s” back aboard the Squat Fleet. To that end, and with the Kaffin surrender Lt Col Stewart Conner had loaded the 12th Cadian on the Regimental Shuttles and they had then been transported the Explorer Ship Hope, The Cadian’s and Squats of the 12th had started repairs and maintenance of their beloved Chimera’s. Stewart watched as they worked they had been lucky with only nine vehicles being knocked out during the fighting. All had been recovered and all could be repaired. The workshops of the Hope were immense and could handle the requirements of the Cadian Combat Team.

He continued on his inspection of his ship. He was tired after the recent fighting and longed to space again. He smiled to himself thinking that his 263 years were starting to catch up on him. He took the Grav lift to the Engineering Observation deck as the doors opened he looked at the Neo-plasma Reactor feeling the throbbing of the Warp Core that powered it. He watched the shimmering of the Zero Energy Containment Field knowing that this technology was found no were else in the Imperium. It was unique and only the Squats had mastered it. The Imperium had tried but the failure of the Tech Priest's to harness the Warp Core Engine had resulted in the Contagion of Ganymede. The Squats had mastered many Technologies and had managed to hold on to much knowledge from before the Age of Strife. They had infiltrated the Adeptus Mechancius many years before and had shared much knowledge, but there were still many Tech Priests who were no more then Sorcerers. He laughed to himself imaging what would happen if the rest of the Imperium knew they the Squat Clans moved the vastness of stellar space without the aide of the Navigator Guilds.

Connor and his Brother’s had been lucky. They were the survivors of the League of Emberg, this League had been smaller and less powerful then League’s such as Kapellar or Norgyr. Their luck and survival was because of their Home Worlds location. Conner’s Worlds had lay very close to the Eye of Terror and included only Four Strongholds. Their location allowed them to form a strong and long standing alliance with the Cadian’s. One that had lead to the Cadian support during the destruction of the Strong Holds by the cursed “Nids”. He knew that other Squats still survived but they only survived because of the existence of Explorer Ships like the “Hope”. They were the size of a Marine Battle Barge’s and were self contained worlds. Not War Ships but Explorer Ships although they did have significant firepower and armour. They had left Terra during the great Age of Technology. They were Ancient and only a few dozen survived powered by the technology that Stewart Conner now gazed at. He smiled thinking of how they were now manned by Squats, Humans, Ratlings and Ogryns now. Maybe they were the last chance of Humanty to push back the darkness that threatened to destroy the Emperor’s Imperium.

[Tanith Ghost]

Kaffing prime, Wings of Deliverance loading ramp.

The massive troop transport settled neatly onto the ground with a dull crump.
With the ramps lowered, men began to embark, loading up equipment as they went. Orders were shouted back and forth between platoon leaders and squad leaders. "How goes our progress?" Colonel Dark shouted over the ruckus of the vehicle barge landing a scant quarter mile off. "Well sir! The barge is coming in now for Rory's Guns and my sentinals!" Lt. Cutter Sims replied. "Where's Rebecca?!" Dark asked. "Still on guard with General Hunter! She says she can't come home! She claims Jen wants to kill her!" "She does!"
Dark laughed. "Did you hear how she saved General Hunter's life!?"

The roar of engines intensified. "Yes! I know she foiled some sniper's only good shot on him!" Cutter bellowed in Dark's ear. "But how'd she do that?!" "She pulled him toward her and kissed him a good one! The Sniper waffed by a hair thanks to her being so agressive!" Cutter's roar of laughter was nearly lost in the engine backwash as the vehicle barge powered down.
The noise finaly faded away as the barge dropped ramps. "No wonder." Cutter stopped shouting. "Rebecca, creds to catachan fangs, rubbed it in Jen's face." He mused. "Bullseye." Dark confirmed. "Go figure. Would it kill her to stay out of trouble?" Cutter wondered, as his men began marching sentinals up the ramp.

"So who are the short folk?" Captain Daur asked, checking his roster as squads filed into bunk rooms on their deck of the ship. "Halflings sir. We got re-enforced for the Hagra campaign." Seargent Lacke replied. "They know the rules, and Krieg will be watching them closely. Nothing but clean records all around though sir." Indeed, the men seemed to be warming up to the abhuman auxiluries well. Offers of better bunking, ration trades, and smokes of various types were already being made. "Sir, Sniper Spec ops seargent
Benjamin Brandonberg reporting for duty." A halfling wearing a peaked cap and small sized Vednikan uniform saluted Daur. Looking for all the world like a smaller version of Brook, the halfling seemed to dispel the rumors of unhygenic
and cowardly theives. He even wore boots over his hair covered feet.
"At ease seargent. Welcome to the 47th rifles." Daur returned the salute, and lowered himself to Brandonburg's level to shake his hand. "My men are descended from the Ornsworld massacre survivors. We hate chaos, and will fight to the bitter end. We won't let you down."

[Vemetric]

The specks of light that glittered along the hull of the Sojur's Lance illuminated the black outline of the finely wrought Imperial Light Cruiser. She glided through the darkness of the solar system alongside two of her escorts, the remains of Cobra Squadron Gropius. The three vessels drifted through the deep cold outter realms of the Kaffing system. The fleet had maintained it's roll as primary naval support for the invasion, and now stood ready as the picket around Colonel Jacka's forces.

Lord Roth of Sojur had insisted his fleet was enough, in an effort to keep his forces at the disposal of the operations on Kaffing Prime, but in recent days, the talks of force reduction and battlegroup redistrobution had grown more insistant on the commander's ears. Despite the sage advise of Miss Orelia Sinrosa, the Astropath in his company, he had since still been unable to persuade his superiors that his fleet was best utilized with the forces under Commander Hunter.

The Adeptus Mechanicus explorator vessels who had come in attendance to the fleet to aid in the final logistical recovery of equipment from the war hadn't made anything easier. Both the Mechanus Volt and the Ars Technikus had joined the fleet and were acting as a secondary fleet command during repairs aboard the Temarius.

In the meantime, however, the commanders of the fleet were being sure to perform their duty as best they could, remaining vigilant to protect the Kaffing System from further incursion...


"Unscheduled Warp breach forming at 128-32-92, Captain!"

"Bring the Gropius one and two along to port, prepare ordinance crews and firing teams to battle stations," Watch commander Grasch ordered from his command chair at the peak of the Lance's bridge. "Relay to the Gropius group to prepare for a hard bank for attack pattern Zebra Foxtrot 3. Any further reports on the breach?"

The adept huddled close to his screen as data poured across the dull flickering blue device. "One major contact, Sire. Size class four. It appears to be an Imperial pattern Mars class battle cruiser. Sensors indicate she is is suffering engine damage."

The Watch commander switches screens again and twisted his face in consideration, his cybernetic eye whining as he refocused his vision... there was a missing vessel of that class he knew all too well. "Signal the vessel. Check her registry against the INV Kolar's Light."

"Checking now, Sire" the Adept said dryly as screens continued to flicker. Through the main viewing decks of the bridge, commander Grasch could easily see the forms of the Gropius escort group flanking his vessel. With a powerful gaze, he peered into the depths of space and could even see the distortions of the immaterium.

"Confirmed identification code solaris echo romeo four eighty two..." the adept calmly commented. "Mars class battlecruiser, Imperial navy vessel Kolar's Light. She is signaling for permission to enter system. By the blessings of the Emperor and the Omnissiah she has made it through."

Commander Grasch's glower lightened slightly, "Prepare communications for the Admiral aboard the Temarius, he and the Explorator Logis must be informed at once..."

[fishborne]

Dutch Fishborne stood nearly a mile from the landing grounds the task force were using to ferry into orbit. He stood looking into a burning orange sunset, his short cropped brown hair moving with the breeze the landers created even from this great distance. Behind him stood the regiment, waiting in parade formation with small gaps randomly throughout the congregation. The "wildcards' were seperated into companies but with a very large gap between 'Dimond' company and 'Ace' company large enough to fit another companies worth of men into. The bare spots represented a fallen soldier. Turning, Dutch noticed Chasitiy walk up to him.

"Everyone that can be here is here sir." she said. Her mood was more somber than usual, this was the first time she had done this. She held her hands clasped together infront of her.

"Good, thanks Chas." He responded back.

She tried to smile but it was a weak one. A small metal *clink* could be heard as she fidgeted with something in her hands. Fishborne looked at her inquisitivly and she showed him a pair of dog tags.

Dutch knew whos they were from and smiled to her warmly. The tags were from trooper Grenivan, a livly boy from 'Ace' company that wasnt much older than Chastity. He was killed in Eanac. They were close to going steady, but the sudden end came from a kaffing lasround. Motioning for her to stand next to Faith, he waited until she was in position.

Everyone had a similar item gripped tightly in their hand, memories given form of a close friend, a brother, a comrade. Fishborne raised his voice to be heard by everyone.

"We were not able to do this on Medusa because of the speedy withdraw." The wind carried his words farther than the confines of the assembly, "but here and now, we will do it right!"

The glowing sun of kaffing prime dropped out of view behind Dutch. The sky blazing orange set a marvelous back drop to the colonel, his brown greatcoat flapping slightly in the breeze.

"nos memor nostrum cado frater insquequo nos intereo , pro nos es tantum victus propter lemma!" Colonel Fishborne yelled. The 'wildcards' pumped their fists into the air as they shouted

"AH-WOO!"
"AH-WOO!"
"AH-WOO!"

Then as one, they bowed their heads for a moment before kissing their lost friends momentos and walked to the idling battle tanks and chimera transports.

later,
fishborne

[Colonel Jacka]

Thought For The Day

Arrive first at the place of battle, gain the initiative and wait! You have shaped the conflict, bringing the enemy to the battlefield of your choice!

Commissar Nugen Wu "Orphan" Brigade

High Orbit Kaffing Prime

“Sir”, his Comms Bead broke his thoughts. Stewart looked away from the mighty engine and replied, “Send Midshipman what has happened now?”

“Colon…..Arrrh I mean Captain a vessel has just cleared space. And she has been missing awhile. It appears that she is the Mars Class Battle Cruiser, Kolar's Light!”

Conner started at the name, “By Pius………… the Kolar.” He gathered himself, “Bridge, I am on my way! Send greetings to the skipper of the Battle Cruiser Kolar's Light. Tell him he owes Stewart Conner a bottle of Cadian Whisky!”

“Aye Captain! ACK and sent!” Conner’s Midshipman Great Grandson replied.


Warp Gate Terra System

Captain Padryn Antaeus watched Imrador as he gunned the ship to the transition point, “Where is the navigator? This ship is very small and I have not seen a ……... Surly we will not jump without one?”, asked the nervous young Officer.

Imrador started “Well as a matter of fact we really don’t nee…………..”

“Oh by Pius buggggggggggggg………..” for Padryn the journey had begun.

Holy Terra

General Jacka walked back into the Lord Militant’s private room. He had his undress uniform on. He saw Wugen sitting in his favorite winged backed chair. He always told the story that it was once owned by a guy called Winston who it would seem also liked Cigars.

Jacka carried a bottle of the finest Cadian Whisky, a bottle he had won from Stewart Conner in fact. “You need this my friend!” he commenced, watching his old friend turn. He poured two shots and added some ice, handed the tumbler across. Wugen took it and rolled the ice waiting for Jacka to speak, knowing that their plan was now in motion!

Jacka Senior held his glass to the sky. “To the Emperor, To the Imperium, To Cadia, To Pius!”

Wugen smiled, “Aye! Matt and Good Hunting to Hunter and his Force!”

“Good Hunting! Lord Militant." replied Jacka.

Bill’s Dad put the glass to his mouth and empted the tumbler that General Jacka had given him. “Good Hunting my son!” the old Ogryn said to himself as he watch the men he had served for over a century refill their glasses.

[Hooter Hunter]

18 Days after the Assisnation attempt

Hunter watched as his commanders filed in and took their place at the table. They passed through the huge mohogany doors of the Govenors hall that Hunter had taken over for this breifing. Hef stood on one side of the door, and Rebecca Galeron on the other, both scanned each that came in looking for anything untowards. Most of them looked worn and haggard, and they should they had been pushing their troops 24 hours a day since Jagdus Dashor had tried to kill Hunter. Hunter had orderd the push, not because of the attempt on his life, but because he was ordered to be leaving Kaffing Prime within 30 days, he wanted to go ahead of schedule to throw off any BoO informers that might not have been rooted out on Kaffing Prime. He had told his War Council that he he wanted to lift in 15 days, they had made it in 18 and he was happy as he was fully prepared to settle for 21.

Part of that was due to the offer made by Marshall Henri Kliest. He had offered to extend his stay until after the Flyin Circus had lifted so that all of his resouces as well as that of the fleet could be used more conservatively. He had even ordered his men to help with the laoding of supplies and the various barges that had to be loaded and sent up to the waiting fleet. His men pitched in with a fervent effort of men who knew that the sooner the job was done the sooner they would be on their way home.

Hunter nodded to Joseph Merces as he plopped down in the chair next to him. The man had dark circles under his eyes that made him look all the more like a Terran racoon, Hunter had even taken to calling him Bandit just to get a rise out of him, the past few days though the Commisar was to exhausted to even rise to the bait Hunter threw out. The reason for taht was very good though as he was keeping even longer hours than Hunter by assisting the Lord General and Major General Drewxfu who were planning the assault on Hagra III. Hunter and Drew had split their time so that one of them was overseeing the lift effort at all times, which meant that for a change they were both well rested.

Major Karia Feran was the last one in as his troops had just lifted off and he had been there to see them skyward. Once everyone was seated Munitorium staff began to ciculate and provide hot food and cool drinks for all. The worn and tired officers set to the food with a vengance and soon the staff had to bring in even more food. "What no Sav Blanc?" Jacka complained.

"'Fraid not General," Hunter replied with a grin. "This heres a formal and tactical mettin and I dont want none of ya lazy shirkers dozin off durin the breifin." Hunter grinned as Jacka shot him a one fingered salute. "Now if I could have yer attention so we can get started. First off I wanna congradtulate ya on gettin yer troops off the ground in record time. I know we got off faster from Medusa V but in truth there we were plannin on that for a couple of months, this went well and with only a few mishaps."

Cheers and shouts and slaps on the back began after Hunters proclomation. Once it had died down Hunter clicked a button on his remote and a map of the local sector popped up. "We will be exiting the Kaffing system in 31 hours. We will jump from the warp point in the outer system to here," he pointed his laser at the spot of empty space between Kaffing Prime and Hagra III. "Colonel Dark, Sgt Actaon, Captain Ramis, Ya'll will transfer yer men and equipment to the Squat ships while the fleet readies for the next jump."

"Why not have just loaded them on the Squat ships here?" Ramion asked as he worried a chicken bone for the last little bit of meat.

"Because I wanted any BoO spies here to see each unit on the same ships they arrived in," Hunter answered as he lit a cigar. "Also because I will need yer ships fer somethin else altogether, and I'll explain that in just a few moments. Now while yer waitin to jump to Hagra III you will need to order all yer Techpriests to help the ships Techs to take off or disable the transponders on yer ships. When ya arrive at Hagra III this should really confuse the hell out of the enemy there as they wont know just who is comin after them. Joseph."

"We will jump in three different groups from the way point," Merces began. "The first group will be Admiral Von Roths battle group and the Squat fleet. The second group will consist of the rest of the flyin circus minus the transports that the Vednikians, Lordians and Jaegers were occupying. The third group will consist of the Queen Annes Revenge, Albemarle, three other ships that will meet us there and the before mentioned transports."

"So youre sitting this one out huh?", Feran sent an accusing stare at Captain Teach.

"Lord Hunter has other plans for me?" Teach replied with a grin.

"What fetching his wives from Carolon?" Ramion joked.

"No we need his ship just to carry all of Drews uniforms and hats," Hunter added to the mirth. Once the laughter had died down Hunter looked back to Joseph, " continue please."

"Hagra III has a jump point that is much closer to the planet than most," Joseph began, "This is where we will be jumping in." He pointed to the jump point with is laser and a few whistles of worry popped up through the breifing room. "We know it is risky, but we will have the aid of the Squats who will drop beacons for our astropaths to home in on once they have reverted back to normal space. Once here Von Roths fleet will naturally engage the enemy fleet and drive it back so that we you may safely land.

"Brigadier Jacka, the Squat ships will enter the atmosphere and proceed here," Hagra III zoomed in and it showed the edge of the southern continent where a peninsula of land jutted out into the fridgin waters of the ocean. "This is the port of Garsavra, it one of the most important ports on the eastern side of the southern continent. The Squat fleet will descend juts over the horizon and launch every Chimera that you and the Vednikians have. Brigadier Jacka you objective will be green beach here that leads dirctly into the city proper. Colonel Dark you will have blue beach which is on the opposite side of the river from green."

"Let me guess who gets the island," Captain Ramion spoke up.

"It will be a split operation," Joseph replied. "The Jaegers will go in first, your ships will exit as soon as safe once the Squat fleet is in the atmosphere. This island," the pointer danced around the small islan that guarded the approach to Garsavra, "will have quite a bit of AA and other heavy weaponry on it. The Jaegers will take out as much as you can tha then the Lordians will follow up and secure the island. Once the island is secure you will go wherever Brigadier Jacka needs ya the most.

"Matt," Hunter interupted, "yer gonna have command of this entire wing of the Flyin Circus. Once ya have taken the city the Squat ships will land and unload yer heavy equipment so that ya can march inland to link up with Drew. It will be a two pronged attack that will hopefully not only catch the enemy flat footed, but also allow us to thin their numbers a bit."

Jacka raised an eyebrow as Hunter mentioned he would link up with Drew and not Hunter himself. He wondered at that and where Hunter would be. It was unlike him to not be at the front directing the action himself. he kept quiet though knowing Hoots would explain everything as it needed to be.

"The rest of the Flyin Circus will land here," the pointer now moved to the line held by the few remaining Loyal Imperial Forces and the Eagle CLaws. "Major General Drewxfu will have full command of this wing and over all command of the task force until Hunter and I arrive.

"Gentlemen this will be a Hot landin fer ya," Hunter joined in. "You will land and go directly over to the offensive and attack towards Jacka. Colonel Besseaux will have the tip of the spear as he will be the first on the ground. Each of ya will have operational discretion when ya land as to where ya attack. Basically if yer needed more on one flanok or the other thats where ya go. Push hard towards Jacka and once ya link up with him push north. Push these bastards hard and dont give 'em any time to regroup."

"Ummm just where are you going to be?" Colonel Dutch Fishborne asked the question on everybodys mind.

Hunter grinned and leaned back in his chair. "Joseph and me are takin a lil side trip to Makia. We will be there about a day before you arrive and all the ships we take will have the rest of the fleets transponders on them. So we will alunch a few shuttles and what not and it'll look like the whole of the Flyin Circus is at Makia not Hagra III. Any BoO operatives there will report this to their superiors and hopefully this will slacken any alertness on Hagra III makin yer landins a lil easier. Also when Joseph and me land on Makia it will confirm more or less to any eyes on the ground that I am there, so therefore it must be my fleet in orbit."

"You sneaky old dog," "Wild" Bill Kittle said with a grin as he too had been kept out of the loop on this partiuclar part of the plan.

"Now that we have laid out the plan I am ordering you to keep this to yourselves until after your ship has left the way point and yer on yer way to Hagra III," Hunter gave a stern look around the room to show he was serious about this. "You'll have plenty of time to brief yer troops on the way. Now unless ya'll have anymore questions I think we all have shuttles to catch. Oh and Colonel Besseaux would you join me fer dinner on the Temarius?"

[Lord_Crull]

12345

In the cold void of space a crimson line opened up, tearing a large multicolored hole in real space a large prow of a ship entered the blessed real of real space from the nightmare dangers of the warp.

As one ornate prow exited after another the ships immediately took out defensive positions in a perfected textbook formation around the planet of Harga III, to an onlooker they looked like floating palaces.

Then lance fire was exchanged by orbiting ships of the traitor fleet by the Eagle Claws strike cruisers and destroyers. A massive Battle Barge with a large gold winged claw emblazoned on one side led the charge.

The Perfection’s Light had arrived.

Of course they wouldn’t be staying long in orbit as they would soon drop of there load of Eagle Claw astartes but it still mattered, because their brethren needed them now down there.

12345

Through the ice rumbled a line of black Astartes Rhinos through the deep white show, heavy treads crushed the ice in the streets with contemptuous ease in order to transport their riders into the battle.

Each rhino was marked by it’s passengers, on one there was emblazoned a gold mark of Khorne, another bore the symbol of Nurgle, while others had the sigh of Chaos Undivided on there ebon hulls.

Then where escorted by several predators, vindicators and defilers. A pair of monstrous Land Raiders followed them, both filled with the elite veterans of the Black Legion, the Chosen of Abbadon, men who had fought for ten thousand years and where clad in unholy suits of Terminator armor.

Treads ground bodies of homeless civilians who where scrounging out for food, tearing through the icy streets they turned and faced the rough fortifications of the Eagle Claws astartes chapter.

One by one the Black Legion transports ground to a halt and their hatches emptied, as huge ebon-armored warriors filled out, the golden eye of Horus prominent on each one of them.

They’re where Black Legion Bezerkers with flat recurve horns on their T-slitted helms and Aluuri’s Rubrics with black loincloths and shoulder guards with the Eye of Horus on them.

The sorcerer took a long swill of a beer bottle and them replaced his high crested helmet while singling his three squads of rubrics with him. Across from him Serus Jaegerjaques took up position with his personal guard of Berzerkers. Then he took up a chant, his suit’s vox-speaker sounding out from across everywhere.

"My Hate is Black, Black as my Armor.
My Armor is Black, Black as my Legion.
My Legion is Black, Black as my Hate."

He said as his words where echoed by the rest of his assault company. Then the predators began to fire lasbolts and bolter rounds at the fortifications and havocs set up heavy weapons as the Black Legion warriors boarded their transports again.

Immediately fire from Tarantula turrets sprayed the incoming rhinos of the Black Legion, the heavy bolter rounds cratering the armored doors of the ebon transports but the Black Legion was unperturbed.

In front of the formation the pair of Land Raiders ground up in front of the guns, missiles bouncing off like raindrops as a pair of lascannon beams tore into a rhino next to them, wrecking it.

Then the first Land Raider breached the Eagle Claws’s defenses, the heavy hull blades tearing through the rockrete with ease. Then the frag-launchers mounted in the front of the Land Raider fired, sending hordes of shrapnel into the chapter serfs manning the defenses.

Imminently a squad of Eagle Claws had rushed towards the defensive point, a meltagun flared and tore a large chunk off the landing doors ad they opened, then the Terminators moved out.

Standing a half-head taller than the normal Astartes they where clad in mighty black suits of Terminator assault plate, in there hands they clutched comb-bolters and power swords and axes, one carried a reaper autocannon and flexed a power claw.

Their champion leader bellowed forth a mighty battle-cry. ‘’WE ARE RETURNED!’’ he shouted as a hail of bolt shells tore into the Eagle Claws, felling four of them as the Terminators charged in.

Against the power weapons of the Terminators and their heavy armor the regular astartes of the Eagle Claws stood no chance. The Black Legion champion snorted in contempt as a chainsword tore fruitlessly into his shoulderguard. He swept his power mace through the torso of the Eagle Claw and pulped another’s skull with it’s armor-eating power-field.

The rest of the Astartes died quickly as the Chaos Terminators swept through them easily, bellowing out their war cries. Then quickly kicking aside another corpse of an Eagle Claw the Champion activated his vox-link.

‘’Lord Jaegerjaques?’’ he sounded.

‘’Here’’ the disinterested voice came.

‘’We have breached their defenses’’ the Terminator sounded.

‘’Excellent, Let the slaughter begin!’’ his formally lazy voice came on a high-excited tone now.

All across the battlefield only one war cry was issued from the throats of the Black Legionnaires.

"My Hate is Black, Black as my Armor.
My Armor is Black, Black as my Legion.
My Legion is Black, Black as my Hate."

[Feran]

"One thing," Feran held up his hand as if he was back in school.

"Yes?" Joseph turned to his friend.

"Let me get this straight," Feran sat up in his chair, "we are landing hot, on Hagra III, mind you Joseph." He paused and cleared his throat. "You think that we are just going to waltz in without them killing every last one of us?"

Silence filled the room. Joseph closed his eyes and rubbed them. "Damn it Feran, you know we have no other choice."

Feran shook his head sadly. He toyed with the pen in his hand nervously. "Joseph, everything we did... we built those defenses. There is now way we are breaking through without losing at least half of our ships." Hunter looked inquiringly at Joseph.

"Gentlemen, Feran is referencing the defenses that the coalition built after ice hell. Over three hundred orbital batteries cover the surface, thirty more were in production when we left. When we left there were ten in construction on its moon. We also trained these men. These are no civilian militia, these are our friends, and at one point our brothers against the archenemy." Joseph paused and took a long swig of water. "Yes Feran, I know that we are risking a lot... but that is why I am going to go to Makia, we need a distraction and that could be the answer."

"They aren't going to like it," Feran shouted at Joseph. "I know I speak not only for my rag tag army but also the Makians. Joseph we can't possibly kill them." Feran stood up angrily. Do you not understand? Those men fought along side us Joseph! We cant simply turn our guns against them." Joseph hung his head in defeat.

"Feran..." Hunter growled.

"Feth off!" Feran shouted. "You don't have to turn your own guns on your blood brothers. I was there, I was there!" Feran waved his arms for the dramatic affect. "They killed thousands, thousands! I have seen the archenemy in their bloodied carapace. Those iron masks that shot hundreds of harmless civilians." Feran began crossing to the door, his face red with rage. "Joseph open your eyes. You take out whoever or whatever is controlling this uprising, you are compromising what you and I bleed gallons upon gallons for!" Feran ignored the stunned looks of the assembled officers. For once in his life he wasn't going to be looked down upon for his flippant behavior. "We break Hagra III, and if Makia is broken... Joseph who know what will happen. Let the Brotherhood of Order defend themselves, let the poor bastards die when they come again to reclaim their prize." Feran slammed the door behind him.

[Antaeus]

Sergeant Benedictus looked up at the sky as the star he had been watching grew larger, and larger, and finally metamorphosed into a Valkyrie lander. The sleek, V-shaped craft descended slowly, the faint whine of its VTOL engines the only sound save the wind that rustled through the silhouetted trees. The dull crump of its landing reached him as he walked up to it, and a man hopped out of the side entrance, vaulting over the unmanned heavy bolter.

‘Haeric.’

‘Ben.’ Sergeant Actaon walked with his fellow Jaeger, Benedictus’ dark hair flowing behind him in the wind.

‘Orders?’

‘Get ready to pack up and ship out. Us, the Vedneks and the flyboys will be the last to leave. In about thirty hours the main body of the fleet’s jumping out - once they’ve completed their first jump, we move up into orbit double time.’

‘Easy enough with only four squads.’

‘Truth and truth - tougher for the other two. The Lorrdians should be ok, but the Veds will be pushing it. Might want to offer them a hand if logistics could turn out a problem, I’ll ask the Colonel next time I see him.’

‘Alrightey.’ He grimaced. ‘And what about the ashes?’

Haeric sighed. The funerals of Captain Malvolius, Trooper Gallas, and the Carolonian and Vednekian soldiers who had been killed in the attempt on the General’s life had taken place two days ago. The ceremony had been brief, conducted by Brother Favistas, attended by all the regimental leaders on Kaffing. Gallas’ ashes had been buried in a post tomb, as was usual for a Jaeger - but Malvolius wasn’t a Jaeger.

‘I thought we could get the Squats to make them into a gem. Their ships must have forges onboard.’

‘That’s a good idea. Bit different.’

‘Don’t know what it’ll end up like, but, still. Seems better than just leaving him here.’

‘Aye. It is.’ Silence reigned. ‘Well, I’ll tell the boys to get their things in order.’

‘Do that, Ben. Do that.’

--------------------------------------------------------------

Two kilometres away, a dark shape brooded. He clutched at the fresh scar tissue covering his shoulder. Another reminder of his mortality. But the Emperor had preserved him to continue in his duty.

The duty in which he had failed.

He had never failed before. The concept was new to Jagdus Dashor. And now he had no idea where the creature Hunter was going. He could not track them down so easily this time. And none of his Brotherhood ‘employers’ were here to help him. What could he do? The scourge of Carolon still lived, and could be heading for anywhere in the Imperium, bespoil any part of His holy realm with his disgusting existence.

How could he hurt a man of whose whereabouts he had not a single clue. Broxian had given him Kaffing, but where was the man now? Where were the Order’s efforts concentrated. Jagdus Dashor had little love for the Order, but they had given him what he wanted, the chance to hunt down the traitors of Cassitor II. And he had killed many. But the arch-betrayer, the Janus, the snake who Jagdus had called a friend, was now beyond his grasp. He could be anywhere from Terra to Carolon.
Carolon. A world of forests and rivers, of beauty rarely rivalled outside Ultramar. He wouldn’t be there. A million worlds for one man to choose from. How could he go to this creature with no clue as to his whereabouts.

Unless.

Unless.

Unless he could make Hunter live up to his name. To make the traitor seek to face him. But why would he do that? He was running scared, protected by ignorant fools and infernal witches. He cursed the Astartes witch who had tried to stop him escaping. Had he not needed to disappear, he would have torn the blasphemy’s throat out with a single blow, watered the very earth with his tainted blood. There would be a reckoning with that one. One his master had been dealt with.

Where could he hit General Hunter that it would cause him to look for his enemy? Where would he feel a blow the hardest? Where would any man feel the most terrible pain, and seek the darkest revenge.

The corners of Jagdus Dashor’s mouth curled up into the semblances of a smile.

[Feran]

Feran sat alone in Joseph's borrowed mansion, his mind troubled by the news of the Hagra III campaign. He remembered. Blood and grotesque masks swam into his mind's eye. Frozen bodies lay in the slushy red snow. He suddenly remembered his torturer. He had been taken captive, brutishly beaten by the Blood Pact. They had stripped him of his clothes, tossed him into the frozen water, jeering him as he struggled to stay above water. Those grim masks pulled him back up, warmed him up before throwing him back into the frozen lakes. Fifty lashes a day, that was what he got. He remembered his rescue, the Makians bursting through his prison cell, Joseph Merces in the lead. Merces had taken him in, reunited Feran with his men. Rehab had been rough, but in six weeks he was back to the front lines. The fighting was bitter, the carnage going beyond anything he had witnessed. Battles ended in thousands dying. The open ice wastes held no cover. The Makian generals had tried to set up trenches but the Archenema would attack before they were complete. In order to balance that out, the coalition would attack when the blood pact tried to dig in. It was a never ending bloodbath.

Feran took out his flask and gulped down the deep red wine. The wine was Makian vintage, grown from the vineyards that dominated the south of the Athin continent. This particular bottle was about three years old, very good stuff, just dry enough to be delicious. The door opened and Joseph quietly came in. Without a word, he pulled up a chair next to Feran. The two men gazed out the window, both trying to think of something to say. Finally, Joseph sighed and crossed his legs.

"There is no easy way for me to say this," Joseph started, "but I need your help. You think I want to go back to Hagra III Feran?" Feran said nothing but drank from his flask again. "I know what we will be fighting, I know those men. They are good men, but they have turned their backs on what is right."

"Joseph, this is not going to be easy..." Feran sighed.

"War is never easy, it tries all mens' souls."

"Do you think they are going to come back?" Feran asked carefully, he looked at Joseph, who returned the look.

"For the Emperor's sake I hope not." Feran nodded. "Feran do I have you with me?"

Feran nodded again, and passed Joseph another flask. Joseph accepted the flask without hesitation. "To victory."

"Aye, to victory."

They drank.

[Colonel Jacka]

Thought For The Day

Seek to emulate the Cadian Soldier in every aspect of your life and you will be setting a fine example to your fellows.

High Orbit Kaffin Prime

Jacka had just arrived back on board the "Hope" from Hunter's Orders Group and was waiting while Stewart Conner read the written version of the Orders. The Squats brow was knitted in conscentration as he worked the tasks required of the "Orpahans" and the Squat Fleet.

"Hmmm," Conner commenced, "Looks like me and Admiral Von Roth need to do some planning. The meeting at a way point is going to be tricky. But we will need to do it to enable Colonel Dark, Sgt Actaon and Captain Ramis's transfer to the Flleet. I will get the beacons ready and advise the Shuttle Crews that it will be a water insertion, annd a cold one at that near Garsavra. I hope our friend Imrador can get us a little more info on conditions there when he arrives on Hagra III. Your's and Dark attacks on Green and Blue beach will only be supported by our Orbital Bombardment as we wont be able to land any Arty or Tanks until the beaches are secured." continued the Squat.

"Yes I been thinking about that and that's where Lt Col Kilby Smith and his Tayhosians come into play. I will insert them in at D-2hr to create a diversion to make what ever Garrision is in Garsavra think that they are under attack from the landward side of the port. It will act as a dervision to the Amphib Assault and help Dark and myself take the Port proper." Jacka replied.

"Well Matt we need to call the boy's in for a planning meeting we have some work to do in a very short period and how long has been since your boys have done an Amphib Assault?" Conner asked.

"Hmmmmm, a long time Stewart, a long time." Jacka replied concern on his face.

[Tanith Ghost]

"Ok, so how are we doing this?" Captain Rory Kelso asked. "Damned if I know boss." One of the gunners replied. "Those bearded short guys so much as dent my gun sheild I'll be using them for ammunition." Rory muttered.
"So what did our fearless leader say this time?" "Nothing. Just get ready for amphibious." "Nothing?" "At all." Rory frowned. "Odd....never mind that now though. Rig for water landing!" Gun crews began water proofing the carrier hulls."

"Can you even swim Cutter?" Commisar Kreig asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Well, no sir. Not very well. But still-" "What will you do if your sentinal cockpit is breached in the water? Walk underwater in the hypothermic surf?"
"I have to lead! Axon is good, but no-one pulls the moves I can with a sentinal formation!" Cutter insisted. "Cutter, if you get hit, you'll die." "A risk I'm willing to take sir. Besides, with the water that cold swimming would be a waste anyway." Kreig nodded, conceeding the point.

"Is Rebecca still with the General?" Colonel Dark asked. "Yes sir. Word is she may join him for dinner, sir." Seargent Brandonburg said. The sniper looked as if he wished to ask something. "Sir, permission to speak freely?" "Granted."
"You don't trust my men sir." Brandonburg was direct. "True, to an extent.
Your men have done much to buck the stereotype. Keep it up. It is making an impression." Brandonburg nodded. "We're no less subjects of He who rules from Terra than humans, and no less loyal."

[Hooter Hunter]

Coloenel Besseau walked down the corridor of the Temarius that led to Hunters stste room. He was still wondering if he should have worn his dress uniform for the occasion, but Kliests words had echoed in his mind. Hunter is informal at best. When you go to join him for dinner wear your battle fatigues, and you'll still be over dressed. Trust me son Hunter puts very little faith in formality, its results that man is after. He halted outside Hunters state room and presented himself to the guard, a short thin girlish looking trooper, who had the stripes of a Master Sgt. "Colonel Besseau, I am..."

"Here for dinner with Hoots," Rebecca Galleron interupted him. "Yeah he said to be looking for you. Go on in."

Besseau was somewhat taken aback by the lack of formality, but had been warned so wasnt offended. He took off his cap as he entered and saw that the outer room had a thin haze of smoke, he inhaled the smoke and his impression of General Hunter went up, it obviously fine tobacco.

"Come on in Kernal," Hunter yelled from the next room. Hunter was even more laid back than what Besseau had been warned against. He was wearing a pair of baggy gray sweat pants and a black Tshirt that had the words I fought on St Joes Hope and all I got was this crappy T-shirt. The Carolonians bare feet were propped up on the coffee table and he was reading the latest issue of Imperial Military Quarterly. "Cigar?", Hunter offered as he slid the box of fine cigars across the table in Besseaus direction.

”Sure,” said Besseau. Hunter handed him one while he began working on lighting his own. Jonathan first placed the tapered end in his mouth, moistening it enough to peal the cap off with his teeth while leaving the filler tobacco in place. After taking a slight drag to make sure that there as enough air flow, he took the cigar out of his mouth. He then lit a match, moving the flame over end heating it up evenly, and puffed it to life.

"It'll be a few minutes yet before Faith has dinner ready," Hunter announced putting his magazine down. Besseau noted that the cover slid off and saw that the magazine that it was covering was titled Busty Bea... but thats all he saw as the fake cover was only partially askew. "Henri has told me alot about ya boy, and all of it damned good. If he vouches fer ya and so does Jack then yer in good standin with me, but I just like to get to know my commanders on a more personal level before I send 'em chargin off to battle."

"I can apreciate that sir," Besseau replied nodding his head in honest agreement.

"So ya married? Got a couple of wives back on Corsica?" Hunter asked knowing full well that most worlds frowned upon the poligamy laws that Carolon had carried since its founding and the sepration of the age of strife.

“None so far,” he responded. “Though I’ll hopefully change that soon.”

Hunter nodded and asked his next question again one that he liked to ask just to see what kind of answer he would get. "Ginger or Marianne?"

“I prefer brunettes,” he said. “Though a full athletic figure is also a must.”

Hunter nodded his apreciation for Besseaus taste in women. From there Hunter began to get more serious. " Where do ya keep yer HQ when yer in a fight?"

Besseau chuckled to himself for a minute. “How does my HQ keep up would be a better question because to make good decisions in battle, in my opinion, one must be close enough to the fighting to feel the ebb and flow of it all.”

Henri Kliest had told Hunter that Besseau like all good Corsican commanders believed in leading from the front. "I was like that at yer age to boy, take my word fer it though, if ya get offered Generals pips turn 'em down 'cause then the seal stampers and munitorium pukes keep ya chained to a desk far more often than not. Rare it is that ya get to ejoy a good fight. "Hunter sighed as if the weight of the Imperial Palace itself were on his shoulders. " So how would ya take out a Gargant or a Titan should ya have the misfortune of comin across one?"

“Call in a Lightning Strike attack if possible,” said Besseau. “If not, then I would say concentrate all artillery onto one of its legs or tracks, that way it either can’t move or better yet falls over.”

Hunter nodded at the sense in that strategy and while on the subject asked his next question. In yer opinion what are the pros and cons of the different Russ variants such as the Vanquisher, Conqueror, Exterminator, or Demolisher?"

“They all have their strengths and weaknesses,” he said. “And since each one is geared towards a particular role, I prefer the one that fits the specific situation at the moment.”

"Ha!", Hunter replied slapping his leg witrh an open palm. "Answered like a bloddy politician."

Besseau smiled in reply. "On Corsica it is benificial to be a politician as well as a soldier."

"So Hneri has told me many times," Hunter mused. "I also suspect that he will offer to leave a corps of officers and NCO's that volunteer to train Kafffing Primes new PDF." Hunter was pleased to see an eyebrow rais as if wondering how Hunter knew of the plan. "Dont fret boy I think its a good idea, and Kaffing Prime will benifit from not only the training they will get, but also from the the ideas that they will instill in them.

Hunter then flicked a switch and a holo map comes up. Hunter shows the Colonel a map that is domnated by a hill. Enemy units highlighted in red are at the southern face of the hill, and the Blue highlighted are Imperial forces. As Besseaux studies the map he sees that the only way off the hill is straight through the enemy units as two sides of the hill is bordered by a fast flowing river with many rocks, and the third side is nearly a sheer cliff that is fully exposed to enemy fire. "What do ya do in this crap shoot?"

“Simple,” he said. “I order some of my troops to start constructing whatever they can to try and use the rocks to cross over one of the rivers. Then, I begin thinning my left flank and center, moving the men to make them look like they are preparing to cross. Hopefully the enemy will be gulled into attacking so as to prevent our escape. And since the most likely avenue would be against my weakened positions, the freed up forces will be concentrated against his now stretched center, thereby splitting his forces in two and allowing me to overwhelm and destroy each portion in turn.”

Hunter then fixed Besseau with a serious stare. "Who do ya trust?"

“No one sir,” he said. “Unless they gave me my life, or save it.”

Hunter nodded at the answer, and knew that he had a gfood commander in front of him. Then as if on cue Faith came out and announced that dinner was ready.