Cadby and Thomas follow them on their Venator.
Yes, your companions can act as drivers.
The footprints are human like, but long and narrow.
Lidah, follow us Zack says over the vox.
He continues to observe and follow Pelles to help keep him covered.
OK so we're following the footprints, staying in cover with good dispersion and having our comrades overwatch from the vehicles
The footprints disappear shortly outside of town. Following them outside of town is impossible for now. Following them back in and they scatter everywhere. There is definite or to them, as if they had some idea of where to go.
Pelles, make a Hard(-20) Awareness roll.
"Can we pinpoint where the guardsman we heard over the vox is? We may find it better to get answers from them."
Alright, never mind.
At the edge of town, Zack pulls out his Magnoculars, and scans the horizon, while remaining in cover.
Seeing the footprints disappear Pelles scratches his head for a moment before loudly exclaiming
"Bored now!" he wanders back to his Taurros
"Come on Synth. Let's see what whatshisname is whining about"
Alright, I am going to assume that you go find the freaked trooper. By now the rest of the squad has started to gather around. A preist is trying to decide what to do with the body. The body is question is of a planetary defender. He is gripping his las gun tightly. There is a look of extreme agony on his face. The body is in pristine condition.
Well, this cannot be good
Zack gets out of his Tauros near the body.
"The alien mechanism is a perversion of the True Path. This has Xenos stink all around. Let's establish a defensive perimeter, before they cough us unaware as they did our predecessor fellow soldiers. 1 click from the town sound good?"
He drives his Venator to be at the established distance to the town, moving in clockwise direction, scanning the horizon for enemies with his Magnoculars.
"Alright alright, so it's a dead guy. We're in the guard, dead guys are what we do. I don't think my medi-kit is going to be of any use here"
Pelles follows Cadby's advice and follows his vehicle
"Yeye Rassaphore!"
"You're making me dizzy Cadby. Whatever was here is long gone. Surely they saw our drop off or are aware of it. They won't be coming in small numbers.
What do you say we do some scouting? See if we can't find some trails or tracks heading out of town. Maybe there are survivors who fleed, maybe those Xenos gave chase."
As they nearly hit something and fly over a bump Thomas almost flies out of his seat. He yells at Cadby.
"Who's driving this thing? You or the servitor? Give me those damn magnoculars and focus on the road. My vantage is better anyways."
Zack looks at the body.
Well, nothing I can do
With that, gets back in his car, and proceeds out after the other car.
Your first mission is coming soon.
"Someone give me a hand." Holstering his bolt pistol, Quintus Aurellius will get a tool from his Venerator and dig the man a grave.
The rest of the day passes uneventfully. The next morning your squad is invited to dine with Commander Jacob. After breakfast he turns to you.
Look, clearly we had a bad start, and no one wants it to get worse. The last thing I want is to just sit here waiting for the enemy to strike. Your squad got the highest marks. I need you to go and scout out where the enemy was last reported. DO NOT ENGAGE. If the intel is still any good then where I am sending you is a major outpost. You are to check things out and report back. I just want to know that the enemy is still there, and what exactly they are. Any question?
"I understand completely Commander. I have no questions at this time."
"Intellect is the understanding of knowledge. Are we to make the emperor's presence known to the Xenos, so they despair?"
While I appreciate the enthusiasm, Rassaphore, I am concerned that drawing attention to yourselves would just be a waste of material and man power.
Yes sir, look but do not engage.
"Sir what do we know about this enemy? Will they be capable of engaging us at speed?"
The old intel would suggest that we are dealing with the traitorous Eldar filth. I would not put anything past them. Just becareful and have faith.
After getting the dismissal, Zack heads over to the Quartermaster.
Sir, can we get some smoke grenades for our cars ?
"If we have time to get smoke launchers fitted, that may help our cause greatly. Also each of us has only 1 reload for our laspistol. If we are to do more scouting by foot, we'll be needing more..."
Pelles thinks for a few moments before continuing
"Also my ma on Omicron sent me a big teddy bear... Has that arrived yet?"
Thomas zips up his pants, lets loose the rabbit, and swears to find toilet paper. He joins back up with the crew near the Quarter Master.
Trails getting cold ladies. Get your smokes and red lipstick and lets move.
He makes his way over to Cadby and asks "Hey, is there anything we need for the ride? You need anything personal? I can sort stuff out with the QM.