The Angels Of Vengeance. A collection of short stories.

[magicmonkey]

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhh!!!!!!! a bad pun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


*melts in to a pile of goo*

[Fox Of 9]

She could feel the cold dew soaked ground cushion her footfall as she sprinted across the open ground towards the governors spire. Her shadow danced off the ground as the burning wrecks smouldered in the cold evening air. Quickly she darted behind one such wreck to avoid a high powered spotlight that swept across the grounds. Looking up she quickly gathered where her master was, she had always had a knack of knowing exactly where her master was. Almost as if they where linked on some psychic level.

Rolling on to her stomach she slowly crawled forwards to get a view of the ground ahead. To her left a set of emplacements sat abandoned, their occupant had died or retreated further into the grounds. To her left a cratered wasteland, littered with the dead of both sides, their remains left to rot in the summer heat.

She buried a feeling of disgust that loyal soldiers could be just left in such a way by their companions and leaders. Quickly a flash of doubt flashed through her mind. Would, could her master leave her, just as these poor bastards had been left by their masters? No! She exclaimed, mentally repressing the feelings of doubt that had flooded her mind. She knew that he would never abandon a single one of them, ever.

She rose to leave, this place was allowing doubt to set in her mind, she had to move. Quickly she brushed away her wavy blond hair, that had settled over her left eye, behind her ear. Her face was one of extreme natural beauty, her face had such a gentle, calming glow. Her eyes where of the brightest, purest blue adding to her gentle expression.

The spotlight swept across in front of her illuminating the grounds around her with its brilliant light. Pushing herself up with her hands she rose to stand bent double behind the smouldering wreck. Shutting her eyes, she took a deep breath, then darted out from concealment, heading towards a overturned leman russ a hundred yard off. Her strong legs pounded down upon the ground, propelling her across the open ground in scant few seconds but the searchlight had already started to pan back around to her. She threw herself to the ground sliding in behind the overturned tank just before the spotlight spotted her.

She breathed a sigh of relief. That was close she thought to herself, grimacing as a sharp pain suddenly struck through her like lightning. Quickly she grabbed her chest, she didn't even need to look down to know what the problem was. She slowly caressed her armoured chest trying to stop it from hurting. Looking down she once again saw the ragged crater in her armour, luckily for her, her armour had absorbed most of the bolts energy. But it still had enough force to break one of her ribs and crack two others.

Once again the pain struck through her body causing her breathing to become shallow and her face to contort into a horrible grimace. Slowly she pushed herself up with one arm while keeping the other held tightly to her chest. She was in too much pain to stand steady, so she used her good arm to prop herself up against the hull of the leman russ. Glancing up she noticed a lone solemn figure gazing aimlessly into the starlit sky. Almost immediately she felt her heart lighten and her pain lessen, for she knew that soon she would be reunited with her master and her friends.

She reached down into her hip poaches, taking out a small vile of white liquid. Quickly she glanced down to check she had the correct one, before pulling off its lid, and bringing it to her lips. She could feel the thick liquid passing down her throat as the strong medicinal taste kicked in. Quickly, almost instantly she felt the pain in her chest dying away, she smiled lightly.

Standing in the shadow of the overturned tank she thought over her options. She couldn't very well walk straight up to the spire and just stroll in, she would be drowned in crimson las bolts before she even took a single step inside. So how could she get in with out being discovered?

Slowly she turned her head skywards, her eyes' darting over the solid walls features, her keen eyes noticing the hundreds of bullet marks, shell impacts and shrapnel wounds. Quickly she withdrew into her mind visually recreating the wall and planning the easiest route up to the balconies above. After a few second she knew every single movement she would have to perform to accomplish the climb. Soon, very soon, she would complete the task bestowed upon her.

She silently crept forward enveloped in shadow, waiting patiently for the searchlight to pan back away from her. As the searchlight passed over her she withdrew completely into the shadows before sprinting out of cover towards the spire. Within a few seconds she was at the base of the spire, standing next to one of the large supporting columns. As she approached she noticed series of autocannon impacts, she drew up next to them. Now she had to find her first hand hold, running her left hand across the surface of the battle worn column. Quickly she found it, a unusually deep impact crater, she slotted her hand into the hole getting a firm grip upon it before searching for her other holds.

Up and slightly to her right she found her second hand hold, a heavy bolter impact, the explosive 'bolt' had knocked quite a nice hole in the column for her to use. Slotting her second hand into the hold, she quickly grimaced, as climbing up a wall on bullet holes alone wasn't going to be easy, but it had to be done. Slowly and silently she began her ascent.

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After what felt like an eternity she pulled herself up over the balcony wall, her limbs burning with exhaustion. She sat slumped her back butted up against the balcony ledge, her legs stretched out in front of her and her arms hanging loosely at her side. Her hands were raw She breathed deeply trying to recover some of her strength. She opened her eyes weakly, trying to get a rough idea of her surroundings.

The room was illuminated with a sickly green light, that only helped to enhance the eeriness of the darkened room. It was all but void of furniture apart from a single desk just in front of the balcony. Further forward on the same line a thick wooden door could be seen, illuminated by the stronger light that poured in from around the door and its' frame.

Slowly the rose to her feet, bracing her self upon the balcony ledge. Her legs shuddered and shook as they struggled to bare her aloft. She stood still for several seconds waiting for the strength to return to her legs. Slowly but surely she staggered over to the desk, collapsing onto it, her arms stopping her from completely collapsing onto the floor.

She turned round, placing herself atop the desk. For several minutes she sat atop the desk without a single muscle contracting or relaxing. Then she breathed out heavily grimacing slightly as she once again became aware of her damaged ribs. Soon. She thought, soon.

Quickly she pulled back a panel on her body suit revealing a panel covered with keys, buttons and data readouts. Her fingers darted over the keys and buttons, causing different data feeds to appear then disappear. As this happened her body suit slowly changed shape, warping into a different attire completely. As the changes stopped she stood tall and proud in her new attire, a long black overcoat with red lining, a pair of black leather combat fatigues and a pair of solid combat boots.

Smiling to herself she slowly walked over to the door before, pulling it open and disappearing into the massed crowd of military personal who filled the spires halls. Her black inquisitor cap was visible for a while longer, poking out above the crowd, before it too disappeared amongst the crowd.

She smiled delicately, knowing the end was at hand soon.

________________________________________________

Elsewhere another shadowed figure stalked the corridors, passing unseen throughout the crowds. Intent on the death of her target, only with that would she return to her masters' side.


Enjoy.

[magicmonkey]

same comment as in pm about split personality. all her different personalities are her masters different (whatever she is to her master) and he just humours her.

[Fox Of 9]

Hey just a heads up on what i'm doing. ...

I'm still writing this and my batreps but atm im working on the Dark Mechanicus Codex over in the rules developement forum.... .

Will post something soon i promise.



David

[Fox Of 9]

Pre-view time.

A figure slowly passed through out the crowds, her mud splatter cape draped over her obscuring her features. As a group of soldiers passed she withdrew into the dark recesses of the passage way. They rushed past not a single one noticing her standing in the alcove. As they passed from view she lifted her head and smiled, her hood revealing the warm skin hidden beneath the ragged cloak. She could sense her prey, it was close.

Slowly she joined back into the flowing mass of people that passed through the hallway disappearing once more into a sea of movement.

________________________________________________

Else where Brouge sat at the head of the table his head resting gently atop his armoured gauntlets. His keen eyes darting from one side of the table to the other, taking in every little detail of his companions. Deitre was sitting to his right, his upper torso covered in bandages. However much fuss he made about not being in pain, Brouge could tell otherwise. His breathing was slightly shallower than usual and every now and again his right hand side would tense as a shot of pain coursed through him.

Brouges' eyes slowly shifted over to Castor who sat leaning towards the wounded general, imposing himself upon Deitre. He still looked the polar opposite of Deitre but Brouge knew otherwise. He had seen the determination and spirit in him and now, it was showing. His naysayers had now realised that he was in control and that they would have to deal with it.

“No! General Deitre we must men upon the upper floors in case of a sudden breach where we loose the lower floors.” Castor said. Quelling the earlier disagreement. A good tactical decision Brouge thought to himself.

“Very well. It's you decision after-all Sir.” Deitre replied through gritted teeth. From physical pain or the fact that it hurt his pride to call Castor Sir Brouge wondered, smiling inwardly.

________________________________________________

Slowly she strolled through the corridors her solid combat boots announcing her arrival before anyone had even seen her. The crowd had thinned out considerably since her initial insertion, now only a handful of other people hurried through the hallways, some carried stacks of data slates while others where off duty soldiers returning to their barracks.

She filled off the corridor she was currently on and headed down a side corridor, after walking roughly a hundred metres she stopped, looking about herself, to make sure no-one would spot her. Once she was sure that she was not going to be observed she walked slowly up to the nearest door and pushed it gently open, its hinges creaking as she passed through into the dark room beyond.

Enjoy.

David.

[Fox Of 9]

A figure slowly passed through out the crowds, her mud splatter cape draped over her obscuring her features. As a group of soldiers passed she withdrew into the dark recesses of the passage way. They rushed past not a single one noticing her standing in the alcove. As they passed from view she lifted her head and smiled, her hood revealing the warm skin hidden beneath the ragged cloak. She could sense her prey, it was close.

Slowly she joined back into the flowing mass of people that passed through the hallway disappearing once more into a sea of movement.

________________________________________________

Else where Brouge sat at the head of the table his head resting gently atop his armoured gauntlets. His keen eyes darting from one side of the table to the other, taking in every little detail of his companions. Deitre was sitting to his right, his upper torso covered in bandages. However much fuss he made about not being in pain, Brouge could tell otherwise. His breathing was slightly shallower than usual and every now and again his right hand side would tense as a shot of pain coursed through him.

Brouges' eyes slowly shifted over to Castor who sat leaning towards the wounded general, imposing himself upon Deitre. He still looked the polar opposite of Deitre but Brouge knew otherwise. He had seen the determination and spirit in him and now, it was showing. His naysayers had now realised that he was in control and that they would have to deal with it.

“No! General Deitre we must men upon the upper floors in case of a sudden breach where we loose the lower floors.” Castor said. Quelling the earlier disagreement. A good tactical decision Brouge thought to himself.

“Very well. It's you decision after-all Sir.” Deitre replied through gritted teeth. From physical pain or the fact that it hurt his pride to call Castor Sir Brouge wondered, smiling inwardly.

________________________________________________

Slowly she strolled through the corridors her solid combat boots announcing her arrival before anyone had even seen her. The crowd had thinned out considerably since her initial insertion, now only a handful of other people hurried through the hallways, some carried stacks of data slates while others where off duty soldiers returning to their barracks.

She filled off the corridor she was currently on and headed down a side corridor, after walking roughly a hundred metres she stopped, looking about herself, to make sure no-one would spot her. Once she was sure that she was not going to be observed she walked slowly up to the nearest door and pushed it gently open, its hinges creaking as she passed through into the dark room beyond.

The room was sparsely furnished and the majority of the floor space was taken up by large metal crates stacked one upon another. Slowly she passed between them her eyes shifting from one crate to another, her eyes finally falling upon what she was after. Bending down she reached out delicately lifting the padlock that kept the lid tightly shut, towards her face. A simple combination lock? Cheap but effective she thought, as she rotated the dial clockwise.

Her trained ear could hear everything happening within the lock as she rotated it. 6,14,10,18 she repeated quietly under her breath as she tried to find the last digit that would unlock the crate. Passing twenty she stopped and slowly rotated it backwards cursing as she did knowing she had already passed it. She entered into single figures running through 9,8,7,6,5,4 and she was starting to run out of numbers. As the dial passed two it clicked releasing the lock and the air of tension in the room. Quickly she tore the padlock off the crate and flung open the lid revealing the contents. Grinning she lifted out a small leather satchel, placing it on the floor before her, before reaching into the crate once more lifting out another leather satchel, placing it next to the first.

She removed three more leather satchels before closing the crates' lid and once more fastening the padlock on it, sealing it shut. Picking up the first satchel she set to work knowing that she had little time to prepare for what was to come.

________________________________________________

Brouge stood behind his desk staring out the window across the battle scared landscape, wondering where the Angels of Vengeance where. The situation on the ground was OK at best, they were fighting almost the entire population of the planet. If that wasn't enough the troops were exhausted and ammunition was staring to run low. His eyes drifted skywards hoping to see the faintest sign that they where on their way.

________________________________________________

Master activator Roshan stood amongst the ancient machinery of the mighty space craft, he could feel the lamentation of the machine spirits after being left inactive for so long. It sorrowed him much so that such wondrous machinery could be left to collect dust like some great chapter relic. The true way to honour such machine is to let them use their full strength and fury to help defeat the enemies of the chapter. He turned away if disgust, his mind was distracted he had to concentrate when awakening machine spirits, especially this particular one.

He shuffled over to the control panel, dust being swept away with each step. As he reached the control panel he felt the slumbering machine spirits power and smiled, soon the great Omnissiah would be at work. Knowing this his spirits lifted and he set back to work with the up most haste.
Carefully he brushed away the centuries of dust that had built up on the panels surface, placing his hand upon the activation plate. Quietly at first he started humming the hymn of activation to the machine spirit slowly awakening it from its deep slumber.

As the spirit started to arise Roshan took his free hand and placed it upon the generator to his right empowering it to awaken, slowly the turbine began to spin slowly at first then with the fury of the Omnissiah. Now that the systems had power he had to fully awaken the control systems to maintain the operation of the machine. Pressing down on the activation stub for his servo-arms he felt the difference between the two Machine spirits swirling around him, the servo-arms' spirits were more consistent and a lot calmer than the Machine spirit of the teleporter.

Roshan manoeuvred the servo-arms into position next to the exposed energy coils waiting for the precise moment to push them into their positions within the devices power condenser. As the hymn of activation entered is twelfth verse Roshan triggered his servo-arms sliding the power coils home into the power condenser one after another. The process was almost done, he now had to complete the next three verses of the hymn of activation before triggering the power condenser and starter engine simultaneously.

As he approached the fifteenth verse his whole body tensed under the pressure of the whole thing but he continued with out breaking time each word awakening the machine spirit further from its slumber. As he spoke his two servo-arms spread out to opposite sides of the rooms each ready to activate their respective devise.

“May your Mechanisms be guarded against malfunction, as your soul is guarded from impurity. The Machine God watches over you. Unleash the weapons of war. Unleash the Deathdealer!” Roshan yelled as his servo-arms activated their devises simultaneously, signalling the awakening of the great machine spirit.

Slowly the machine turned its ancient gears grinding together as they broke through the layers of dust and grime. The machines console light up and the power coils hummed as the power coursed through it. Roshan smiled, he had done it.

________________________________________________

Walking down the accesses corridor she panned her eyes left to right looking for some where to place the last satchel that sat strapped to her hip. She had placed the strategically around the lower floors of the spire in-case her plan failed and things went south. Stopping she slowly rotated looking for somewhere to place it, she desperately need to be rid of it and get back on track. Her eyes stopped on a collection of crates arranged around a pipe running from floor to ceiling. Perfect she thought a promeathian supply line.

Bending down she moved the lightest of the crates so that she could hide the satchel, un-clipping it from her hip she placed it on top of the box she'd just moved. Unfastening the strap on top the satchel she opened it removing a small metal box, which had one side covered in buttons and a display screen. she placed it next to the empty satchel and cracking her knuckles she set to work.

Her fingers hammering down on the buttons causing the the image on the display to change almost constantly. After a few seconds she stopped, reaching into her overcoat and pulling out a trigger. She pressed down one last key on the box before pressing one on top of the trigger both devises flashed red repeatedly before both turned green glowing in the half light. Smiling she concealed the metal box amongst the crates before placing the crate she moved back on top.

Standing she placed the trigger back into her overcoat before turning and heading down the corridor towards her target. Passing along several corridors she slowly closed in on her target. He would not be easy to get to but that was why her master had sent her she was the best assassin he had. She had already memorised the floor plan of the building before she had been sent on her mission, she was now only a hundred meters of corridors away from his dwellings.

As she turned the corridor she noticed the two armed guards standing watch over the entrance to his room. One hailed her, asking her to stop, she pushed on, grasping the twin pistols that rested just above her hips. Before either of then could repeat the order she had fired. Two crimson bolts exploded from the pistols slamming into the guards. One guard was killed instantly as the crimson light beam passed through his skull, the other was less fortunate, the las bolt slammed into his chest tearing it open and exiting out his back severing his spinal column and destroying his wind pipe. He squirmed about as he tried to breath. She walked over to him, and fired again finishing him off.

“Animals such as these need to put down as such.” She remarked under her breath. She now stood opposite the door, taking a deep breath she holstered on pistol and slowly pushed the door open and entered into the room beyond.

________________________________________________

Brouge stood facing away from his desk his hands resting atop the balcony ledge. In he back of his mind he heard the lasfire from outside his room followed by several seconds of silence. Then another las-shot could be heard and once again it went silent, sighing he turned to face the door as it slowly swung open. Revealing a young woman dressed in a inquisitors uniform and banishing a laspistol. While keeping the laspistol trained on his she gently shut the door behind her. As the door shut her mouth broke into a smile as she drew a second laspistol and also trained that upon him.

As the walked closer Brouge began to speak. “I see my assassin didn't find you then?” it seemed that he was almost mocking her.

“your assassin would never of found me. I like her can change my appearance at will helping escape or infiltrate when others cannot.” she replied still smiling.

“And that is why you will now die! At my hands” She exclaimed. Trying to keep the excitement at that prospect bottled up.

“I highly doubt that” Brouge remarked almost off hand, turning slightly to the left as he did.

Then a lightning-like crack echoed through the hallways. Followed by the faint clatter of something collapsing upon the hard marble flooring.

Content Writer: Fox Of 9
Editer: Magic Monkey

Hope it's been worth the wait.

[Fox Of 9]

Next preview.

Gabriel strode along the corridor, his command squad in tow. “Not long now” he thought as they passed through another set of blast doors, ahead other Astartes parted to allow them passage, many whispering quite prayers of war to themselves, which slowly built up intensity until the whole passage reverberated with the countless volumes of war. Gabriel smiled happily knowing the spirit of the chapter was behind them, he gently placed his hand upon his chest plate remembering the ones who hadn't made it back, this time everyone was coming home. He looked up just as two Regal guards parted their blades allowing them passage onto the Embarkation deck.

The embarkation deck was immense in its dimensions, almost half a kilometre long. It was basically a long tunnel dominated by the multitude of launch ramps and delivery track-ways running its entire length. Over to his left the great void could be seen through the shimmering integrity fields.

Hope you enjoy.


David.

[magicmonkey]

is it chapter master/captain gabriel angelos? of the blood ravens?

[Fox Of 9]

@Magic monkey no.

@everyone else I'm sorry if you've be missing me (which i hope you have been)

so lets cut to the chase, my laptop die lost the last chapter section thing and i really don't have the motivation to do anything 40k related for a while but if your missing my writing style im currently starting a new non-40k fantasy story project, it has a facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/David-...04020929637503 If you'd like to help or show your support it would be very welcome by me and my team.


David.

[Fox Of 9]

We'll I'm back!!! and hopefully for a while yey the holidays. with a new edition to vitalise me lets try and get a new section done in a week. hoorah!!


David.

[Fox Of 9]

Well here it is. From nearly scratch to here in under a week, I hope it's up to your standards guys and the grammar should be fine thanks to new google chrome, word oh and my editor. .

Gabriel strode along the corridor, his command squad in tow. “Not long now” he thought as they passed through another set of blast doors, ahead other Astartes parted to allow them passage, many whispering quite prayers of war to themselves, which slowly built up intensity until the whole passage reverberated with the countless volumes of war. Gabriel smiled happily knowing the spirit of the chapter was behind them, he gently placed his hand upon his chest plate remembering the ones who hadn't made it back, this time everyone was coming home. He looked up just as two regal guards parted their blades allowing them passage onto the Embarkation deck, the massive Plasteel doors sliding open as the past the guards.

The embarkation deck beyond was immense in its dimensions, almost half a kilometer long. It was basically a long tunnel, dominated by the multitude of launch ramps and delivery track-ways running its entire length. Over to his left the great void could be seen through the shimmering integrity fields. Below swathes of the planet where bathed in the fiery red, dimly shimmering as the planet passed through space. Small pieces of debris floated aimlessly just in front of the embarkation deck; some twisted beyond recognition others just barely identifiable.

After a long second Gabriel and his command squad stepped onto the embarkation deck the din of machines and workers bearing down upon them as much as any warzone had ever done. The captain hurried his step and quickly moved between the vehicles and machinery, passing behind row upon row of Thunderhawk gunships and Thunderhawk drop-ships their massive engines almost seemed as if they were the maw of some gigantic creature. Walking past the last Thunderhawk the din of their surroundings seemed to lesson as they walked up to their craft, the new Stormraven gunships.

Seven of the smaller craft sat ready their guns armed and their engines fuelled, standing next to them where the one-hundred men of Gabriels’ company each in full battle armour the black paint a stark contrast to the white Stormravens and Thunderhawks. As the command squad approached every single marine sharpened their pose and raised their weapon to their chest, to Gabriel it still seemed like a few moments ago that he stood as one of those facing his captain with honour, pride and respect. They stood to attention so rigidly it was if they were toy soldiers of the kind Gabriel had seen as a junior, the lines so straight and their movements almost erased but he could tell they all eagerly awaited this conflict.

Passing between the rows uttering vows of faith and purity was Hans Kruger, the chapters’ master of sanctity. In one hand he held is grim helmet sculpted into the shape of a human skull and painted in a waxen and pale white further adding to the sullen image of the chaplain. While in the other he swung an incense candle held within an ornate and intricate housing. The light grey smoke slowly swirled around the marines as one by one the men joined in the chaplains’ chant. Slowly Kruger made his way round the marines before stooping low in front of Gabriel and his command squad.
The old chaplain spoke softly to Gabriel “We are the victors once we have claimed vengeance for the wrongs against us.” He lifted his head before chanting the hymn of purity for the command squad blessing them and renewing their seals of purity. As he finished he turned to Gabriel and in a loud clear voice he recounted the Angels of vengeance war summons “For the lion, for his father the Emperor and for Vengeance. We send our prayers so that we brothers will return together and that the enemies we sought lay broken at our feet, for we are the Angles of vengeance!”

Turning away the Kruger motioned towards the shadows of the loading bay while speaking with a tone that carried the upmost respect “he’s ready now my lord, bestow upon him the vow as you see fit.”
Slowly figures within the shadows stepped out, first came the hulking figure of the fifth company captain Luther Von Krieg, looking a stern as ever followed by the slightly shorter and more agile looking captain of the fourth company, Theodore Vatrex a stupid smile across his lips. Following shortly behind the two of them strode Theodric Dauros chapter master of the Angels of Vengeance his face smiling gently towards Gabriel.
“We are here to read you’re your rites of battle and take your oath of moment.” Vatrex said almost as if he was toying with Gabriel.
“Understood but there was no need for our-.” Gabriel began.
“What is the worth of a lord if he cannot honour his best men by witnessing their pledge to himself and the Emperor?” Theodric intervened his smile never leaving his lips.
After a few second of silence Theodric spoke once again. “Shall we begin, or are we planning to forget about this war?” His smile almost breaking into a laugh as he spoke.

Gabriel was shocked; he had only ever witnessed the stern and unforgiving side of his lord before, whether it was at a strategic meeting or on the front lines. That was truly awe-inspiring sight to behold but this was a whole new experience all together, one even more confusing but yet awe-inspiring nevertheless.

“Well let’s do this right” Vatrex whispered to Gabriel. “The master is watching after all.” He continued. His face had the biggest grin he had ever seen upon it, almost like a small child.

From behind his cape Theodric took the seal of paper that would bear Gabriels’ oath of moment, as he did this Gabriel instinctively dropped to one knee ready to receive the oath. Theodric passed the seal to Krieg who stepped towards Gabriel and began the oath.

“I am here to hear you.” He began his stern voice as gruff and imposing as ever.
“And I am here to witness it.” Vatrex smiled.
Krieg raised the seal so it rested just in-front of Gabriels’ bowing head.

“Do you Micheal Gabriel captain of the tenth company and master of the tenth gate accept your role in this? Do you promise to lead these men, these brothers into the zone of war, this living hell? To conduct them to glory, to victory and return no matter the ferocity or guile of the foe at hand. Do you swear to crush the evil that now resides on Kahml, do you pledge to save the Imperial governor no-matter what they throw at you? Do you pledge all this, to the Angels of vengeance and to our father the lion and his father beyond him the Emperor?"

Gabriel waited for the symbolic item to be place before him to swear upon; it seemed like an eternity before a dark red blade of almost blood like surface was placed gently before him. Slowly Gabriel let his hand drop atop the blade; he could feel its power even now, coursing through his hand.
“On this matter and by this holy weapon, I swear.” He spoke as bold and proud as he could raising his head to face his brothers a firm smile upon his lips.
He rose to his feet to witness his lord standing before him, his hands clasped round the shaft of his own personal weapon the Black blood sword the tip pointed at Gabriels’ feet. To his left stood Krieg his hands outstretched the oath resting upon them. He nodded and attached the sealed oath to the left shoulder-guard of Gabriels’ armour. Krieg turned and joined the other three as they slowly marched off the embarkation deck, before they crossed the threshold they all turn round to face Gabriel their heads all bowed slightly. With this Gabriel turned to his company and quickly motioned for them to depart. The devastator squads and assault squads embarked upon the Thunderhawks while Gabriel and the rest embarked upon the Stormravens.

__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ___________________

From where she stood on the observation deck Lacie could see the whole ritual, it was an important part of the Astartes rituals of war and she acknowledged that but sometimes it seemed as if they were only doing it to keep the higher up’s of their back. She smiled at the thought of it, the space marines acting in a play to keep the Inquisition of their shoulders. It was if they were all dancing in the palm of hear hand. She strode out of the observation deck and merged with the crows that filled the passageways of this grand ship. Within seconds lost as an individual and now only seen as part of a larger crowd just how she preferred to operate.

__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ___________________

Just moments ago Castor had heard the lasbolts that had echoed from the inquisitors’ section but already him and his command squad were coming up upon Brouges’ office. In-front of the room two guards lay slumped on the floor one had a great big hole where his face was meant to be while the other had two holes burned into his chest armour, he quickly checked for a pulse but there was nothing he could do. Quietly cursing to himself he stacked upon the double doors that led to the inquisitors’ office. A clear burn hole could be seen upon the door where a lasround had passed straight through the thick wooden doors.

After a deep breath he motioned to the rest of the command squad and then they breached, their lasguns raised and his power sword unsheathed. What was on the other side of the doors he was not expecting to see, right in-front of the doorway stood a cloaked figure caked in mud and other various substances. Then upon the floor lay a female inquisitor a bolt round had severed her right forearm and another had torn away several layers of her chest carepace armour. Finally a delicate dagger was piercing through the weakened chest armour. A deep red pool of blood had developed beneath her body staining the carpet and the marble flooring below.

Opposite this Brouge stood his back to it all as if it had gone unnoticed. Within a few seconds all the command squads’ weapon were trained upon this unknown figure and Castor was rushing across the room to check on Brouge. Even before he was half way across the room Brouge turned to face him, the Inquisitors’ face was unchanged form when he had last seen him and Castor could not see a single mark upon him.


David.

[Fox Of 9]

Well tonight's been a night of revivals and this will be my last act of grace for the evening.

As Castor tried to step forward the cloaked figure disappeared from view, reappearing in-front of Castor a elegant dagger drew close to his neck while a ornate bolt weapon of some sort was trained upon his squad before anyone could react. Castor was almost face to face with the figure allowing him to get a glance off towards his attackers face. Opposite him with a cold stare stood a woman, who could not have been out of her teens, long flowing back hair protruded from under the hood while hawk like eyes shone from within the hood. Castor could tell that in any other circumstance she would be classed as a beautiful woman and never suspected of being a person able to infiltrate a base while war raged all around.

Just as he was thinking this she quickly glanced back and her small lips parted quickly as she mouthed something inaudible to him. At this Brouge slowly shook his head causing her to pull the dagger back from Castors' neck and lower her sidearm to its' holster. The release of tension almost made Castor fall to his knees in relief. Slowly the woman turned and walked across to the corpse of the inquisitor laying in the middle of the room, drawing a small cylinder from her cloak as she did so. Kneeling next to the corpse she unscrewed the lid of the container without making a sound before removing a sickly green crystal from within. Without warming she quickly drew the crystal above her head and stabbed it into the corpses chest, the lack of hesitation almost making Castors' men take a step back but the next act made even Castor recoil in horror!

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As he Strode up the embarkation ramp his armored boots resounding off the ceramite plated ramp he took one quick glance back at the hallowed ship behind him. within this ship almost half a million souls toiled to make sure they could make war in the emperors name. Smiling at that thought he quickly entered the darkness of the Stormravens' transport bay his eyes quickly adjusting to the almost pitch black darkness. To his left and right sat familiar faces, veteran sergeant Melchior his good friend and the squad sergeant, apothecary Malcian who had saved his life on more than one occasion, honoured brother Luca Schulz a man who never would shy from a fight or challenge, his sword skills where said to be on par with the current chapter champion and they where constantly seen sparring in the cage. Cain Von Shindelgeist sat almost motionless, the company standard clasped tightly in his gauntlets while opposite him in position and demeanor stood Alexandre grinning smugly as he fixed his helmet and checked his communication equipment. Gabriel knew with these men at his back there was no chance of failure. Sitting down in his seat at the end of the bay caused the automatic restraints to come down while Melchior activated the door controls. Slowly any remaining light in the transport bay faded and the brothers where engulfed in darkness.

Hope you like where I'm going.

David.

[Fox Of 9]

As Castor tried to step forward the cloaked figure disappeared from view. Before anyone could react she reappeared in-front of Castor, the dagger drawing close to his neck while a ornate boltweapon of some sort was trained upon his squad. . Castor was almost face to face with the figure allowing him to get a glance off towards his attackers face. Opposite him with a cold stare stood a woman, who could not have been out of her teens, long flowing back hair protruded from under the hood while hawk like eyes shone from within the hood. Castor could tell that in any other circumstance she would be classed as a beautiful woman and never suspected of being a person able to infiltrate a base while war raged all around.

Just as he was thinking this she quickly glanced back and her small lips parted quickly as she mouthed something inaudible to him. At this Brouge slowly shook his head causing her to pull the dagger back from Castors' neck and lower her sidearm to its' holster. The release of tension almost made Castor fall to his knees in relief. Slowly the woman turned and walked across to the corpse of the inquisitor laying in the middle of the room, drawing a small cylinder from her cloak as she did so. Kneeling next to the corpse she unscrewed the lid of the container without making a sound before removing a sickly green crystal from within. Without warming she quickly drew the crystal above her head and stabbed it into the corpses chest wound, the lack of hesitation almost making Castors' men take a step back but the next act made even Castor recoil in horror!

__________________________________________________ ____________________________________________ __________________________________

As he Strode up the embarkation ramp his armored boots resounding off the ceramite plated ramp he took one quick glance back at the hallowed ship behind him. within this ship almost half a million souls toiled to make sure they could make war in the emperors name. Smiling at that thought he quickly entered the darkness of the Stormravens' transport bay his eyes quickly adjusting to the almost pitch black darkness. To his left and right sat familiar faces, veteran sergeant Melchior his good friend and the squad sergeant, apothecary Malcian who had saved his life on more than one occasion, honoured brother Luca Schulz a man who never would shy from a fight or challenge, his sword skills where said to be on par with the current chapter champion and they where constantly seen sparring in the cage. Cain Von Shindelgeist sat almost motionless, the company standard clasped tightly in his gauntlets while opposite him in position and demeanor stood Alexandre grinning smugly as he fixed his helmet and checked his communication equipment. Gabriel knew with these men at his back there was no chance of failure. Sitting down in his seat at the end of the bay caused the automatic restraints to come down while Melchior activated the door controls. Slowly any remaining light in the transport bay faded and the brothers where engulfed in darkness.

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Standing in her own private chamber that had been bequeathed to her upon the upper decks of the battlebarge, Lacie could see the planet far below. The light had just begun to rise less than a half hour ago and already she could see the gears of war begin to turn once more. She had removed her Inquisitor clothing, throwing it in a pile on her bed. In private she preferred to her own clothing but she never felt completely relaxed unless she had her sidearm within reach. Walking away from the personal observation room she grabbed her sidearm and fastened it at her waist. It sat nestled above her hip, barely concealed by a delicate silk dressing gown draped across her shoulders. She personally didn't think it suited her but the merchant had been so insistent on that point to even reducing the price by over half, that she didn't dare not wear it.

Drifting over to her bed she picked up a small wine glass, placing it to her lips, allowing the crisp pale liquid to flow through them. Walking back to the
observation room she continued to sip away at the liquid. Outside the assault craft could be seen falling to the planet, their engines projecting light upon the immeasurable void, to her they almost looked like distant stars as they approached the planets surface. Finishing off the glass she smiled to herself knowing that everything was coming together as she hoped. almost all the actors where in position and now all that needed to happen was for the last person to act like she wished and she would be set to accomplish her task with minimum effort on her part. Walking back to her bed once more she opened the next bottle and poured a new glass, her smile never once leaving her lips.

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The kick from the launcher rail threw Gabriel forward into the restraints, even his superhuman body couldn't completely negate the massive forces acting upon him, as the craft shook under the pure acceleration force launching it into the void. In a split second the craft had left the embarkation deck and was rocketing towards the planet below. Looking out the of the view port he could see the Wrathspire slowly moving from its' anchorage behind the second moon Serrania, as it slowly pressed forward Gabriel patiently awaited the orbital defense stations reply. Roughly half a minute later all hell broke loose in orbit above Khaml.

The orbital platforms had opened fire as soon as the Wrathspire had entered into view from behind the second moon. It's antiquated cannons roaring in anger, the massive shells and plasma charges slammed into the ancient battle barge. Each impact made the whole craft shudder under the impact, yet after repeated direct hits the ship still surged towards the stations. As the distance closed to fifty kilometers the Wrathspire opened fire, it's upper turrets slowly rotated towards their target. Almost before the final turret finished rotation and leveled it'self at it's target all of the port side fire decks opened fire. Several Thunderchild melta missiles rocketed from their launch rails as multiple Stygies pattern Macrocannon shells and plasma pulses brought down the orbital platforms' void shields and tore massive holes in the armoured hull. As the Thunderchild closed in on its target it released its payload of melta missiles, blanketing vast sections of the ship in missile trails. The missiles impact set huge swathes of the station alight as the warheads' payload melted through the stations' hull and ignited the oxygen within.

As Gabriel and his craft finished traversing the debris field that was located on the dark side of the moon two of the orbital stations where already consumed by the battlebarges' barrage. Their upper-decks where completely engulfed in flame while the lower decks had massive chunks ripped and torn from the Adamantium, Plasteel and Ceramite composite hull. All around the ruined stations fine debris could be seen, some roughly the size of men. Gabriel found it distasteful to wadge war on his fellow man but he understood the underlying necessity of it all. They had abandoned the Emperors' light and for that they needed no forgiveness, all would be cleansed at their hands. His distaste and hatred only serving to drive him onward with more vigor and with little remorse.

The small fleet of craft where now maybe ten kilometers or so away from the position of the orbital platforms anchorage, as they crossed this threshold the last station opened fire with it's smaller batteries. The Thunderhawk and Stormraven pilots had to constantly jink to avoid the incoming fire laid to bear upon them, form his position Gabriel could see the high velocity shells and laser bursts flying just past the individual craft. An occasional violent shudder be felt as a flak round detonated near by, off into the distance the Wrathspire renewed its attack on the last station its' Macrocannons blazing. The shields of the traitor station disintegrated under the battlebarges' assault and the fore decks were raked by deadly fire, explosive impacts sending out chunks of debris and spilling more countless swathes of crew into the freezing black of the void. Still, the station remained firm pressing its' dual assault upon the battlebarge and Gabriels' small fleet.

Nonetheless the final result was never in doubt, as Gabriels' fleet passed by the last station it was already in its' death throes, its' plasma generatorium had become compromised. As the final few still functioning weapons fired in defiance the whole superstructure of the station collapsed into a huge fireball hot enough to liquify the surrounding sections of the ship. As the burning hulk passed form view a few flashes of light could be seen as the ships' ammunition silently detonated in the void. Looking back to his auspex Gabriel checked his armours vitals, while also maintaining a open communication link to the rest of the fleet and the Wrathspires' bridge. He didn't want to be cut off from support at a critical moment such as this.

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It was pitch black, she felt as is she was shrouded in the darkness, holding her down, stopping her from moving, her thoughts raced. What had happened? Where was she and why was she unable to move? Then a sharp pain in her chest brought her back, washing away the darkness and replacing it with a blinding light. She could hear voices but they seemed far off as if the words where being carried upon the wind. Slowly they came into focus as the light intensity faded, as her vision returned a hooded figure sat hunched over her, while others stood off to the sides. As she lay her feeling slowly came back to her body causing her face to contort in pain, quickly glancing to her right. The colour drain from her face as she saw the bloodied stump of her arm, she desperately glanced around the room as if trying to find the rest of it. Before she could find it she noticed him, over towards the window Brouge sat, one leg crossed over the other while his arms rested upon that leg and in turn his head upon his hands. He showed no sign of emotion in his face, his whole body seemed to be interrogating her, the fear she felt because of that man was almost palpable.


Hope you enjoy.

David.