A shimmer and a discoloration against the black of deep space, a shadow that expands until it obscures seven stars. Then a glorious coruscation of light as though the void catches fire, and the twenty three vessels of Imperial Navy Taskforce 16.1 erupt back into realspace. Within minutes the whole flotilla is in motion, pairs of destroyers loping off after the two identified system patrol vessels while the others bore in towards the separatist world, Culara IV. Shoals of Furies and Sharks spread out to either side of the double column of transports, while the cruisers form a wedge at the fore. Indomitus Jubatus - as per doctrine - is at the point of the wedge, and aboard the flagship the finest minds of the 1252nd Army were busy reviewing data and planning for the full-scale invasion ahead.
In the war room, a screen lights up and the face of Vice Admiral Theodora Doheri appears. "Lord General, senior officers of the 1252nd Army," she begins, "We have confirmation that there are only two armed vessels in-system, neither of them warp capable. Hellcat will deal with them and see to the isolation of the in-system stations until the high orbitals are secure. When your foothold is strong enough, my cruisers and our armsmen will see to their reduction in short order." While of course she speaks with the greatest courtesy, she makes it subtly clear she feels she could deal with this inconvenience far more easily without the burden of the Guard hanging about her neck. The image blinks out at Domitian's acknowledgement and he turns to the others around the table.
"Very well, gentlemen and lady. We have twenty four hours before we are in position to commence our initial landings. I want to hear confirmation of the landing sites from our plan, and have no last minute changes you want to impose. I also want confirmation of which officer is commanding on the ground at the main landing site in case of loss of communication, and confirmation of where you want the main supply dump to be assembled from Day Two. Other than that..." He stretches, and you all see the first smile from him that you can recall seeing since you joined the 1252nd Army. "...get your regiments ready for landfall and get some rest. We have some long hard days ahead of us."
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Gauis tries to field the Vice Admiral's questions.
"The way things are shaping up, and, again, everyone, correct me if I'm wrong, but it looks like the good Marshall Yorke will remain here to coordinate things top-side, and be in overall command.
Since Generals Kimes and Rodriguez will be engaged in reconnaissance-in-force operations, and General O'Hern will, it appears, be engaged in heavy fighting, I can act as coordination on the ground.
Marshall Firmianus, I don't mean to presume your place, simply advise me and where you wish to operate.
And, with all due respect, Vice Admiral, while the main supply dump will be around Hive Argent, we can not now give you precise coordinates. The Logistics during the initial phase will be, not unlike crime and politics, fluid.
Maintain supply drops at TF1's location until the opposing forces around the Space Port are neutralized, and then commence a build-up around that area.
That Space Port will be where this invasion will be won or lost.
Does anyone have any more to add?"
"not Marshall Major General Gauis. Archmagos Prime."
Lucius rises up to his full height, his red robes unfurling to its full length. Several Mechadendrite snake out form behind his robes, some clasping data slates.His slender form can be made out under all the fabric, which juts out awkwardly. For a tech-priest, lucius' bionics are refined and seem to have been crafted with great care, looking more like prosthetic limbs than anything.
"you'll have to forgive the earlier silence general, I believe it would be more efficient if less of us were to voice our opinions at any give time. That being said, my duty here is to preserve the machines spirits within what has been provided to us, which means i'll have to work closely with you general Gauis. I also serve as your liasion to the imperial navy."
O'Hern stands and cuts in before anyone else would say more We nade ter secure a locashun while others explore, or dare is naw point ter jist keep droppin' soldiers ter scrap withoyt a place ter fall back an' defend. Oi 'ill secure such place personally an' make planet fall after Jene tren chucker initial recon." he rubs his chin "Protectin' our initial landin' zone is paramount ter dis endeavor."
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Gauis nods at General O'Hern's statement.
"Without splitting hairs, that is correct. Notice that after taking Maxarpa, the objective of TF1, which is the unit you'll be with, is to entrench while TF2 and 3 are scouting.
Mind you, if it seems, and I think this will be the case, if it seems that we have overwhleming force in the theatre, then time is against us. If we sit and wait, the enemy will be able to concentrate against us, and without a SpacePort to bring in superior forces, we'll be attritioned.
Hence, offensive is our goal in the initial onset. Once the SpacePort is reconned, we can move against it. Then, once taken, it becomes our base, and we'll fortify the hell out of it, as you advocate.
But if we fail to do that quickly, the enemy will reinforce the SpacePort, and with our limited mobility, we'll have few options and risk being destroyed.
Does this make sense?"
"The warhawks are loading up their equipment now, if you wouldn't mind Admiral, I'd like to borrow some engineseers from your crew. Gravchuts are temperamental things a the best of time, anyone with some mechanical training to help calm their machine spirits before the landing would be helpful. I'd rather not loose any machines on the drop."
The young general pauses to scratch the back of his neck while considering the map.
"There's something I've... been hesitant to bring up. Maybe we shouldn't lead with a Cularan unit. I've been reading and apparently genestealer infections can go back generations. If that's what we're dealing with here... it is possible that our Cularan units have been... tainted," Kimes paused for a second. "I think we should hold the Cularan units in reserve, at least for now. They probably won't be happy about it but I'd hate to be dropping reinforcements for the enemy."
"Unfortunately I cannot oblige you, Lieutenant General." The Vice Admiral's reserve cracks enough to permit her a small moue of regret. "All enginseers not already occupied in settling the Fleet's machine spirits after our sojourn in the warp are presently working double shifts on the Valkyries dedicated to your landings. I may be able to spare one or two for any especially balky machines your own personnel are unable to calm, but I regret we are too heavily committed already for any kind of general sweep. The Emperor's Eye be upon you come the morning." She gives a grave nod of approval for your courage - and for all those so eager to transfer their commands to the surface at the first opportunity.
Maxarpa Sector - Arvitus, O'Hern, Rodriguez - Communication Good
The sky weeps fire as the first planetary landers of the Imperial Navy descend from the heavens on plumes of fire, bearing six thousand troopers of the 9th Cularan Rifles home to their wayward homeworld; and one other, Brevet-General Jene Rodriguez. The first boots of the 1252nd Army to touch Culara's soil do indeed belong to the last regiment to be mustered from there, and though there are some minor losses to lucky ground-orbital weapons (GOW) for the most part the landers are simply too small and too swift to permit an effective lock.
Once on the ground the lead elements of the 9th Culara spread out; one battalion spreads out to secure the landing field, a second to seize control of the nearest GOWs while the final two thousand men advance swiftly south to probe at the defenses of Maxarpa. Then probe further. And further. In the end despite some isolated shots from fanatics, swiftly quelled, the 3rd battalion of the 9th Culara seizes Maxarpa in its entirety at a cost of twelve men and before the second wave can even land. By 1300 hours the 9th Culara is firmly ensconced in Maxarpa and its approaches and the 66th Death Korps of Krieg is forming along the banks of the river immediately east of the city. The first wave of the 28th Scyllan Highlanders is just touching down on the landing field, not having drawn even a single shot from the now thoroughly subdued GOWs. Better still, TF1's bridgehead is still in good communication with Indomitus Jubatus and the other senior officers aboard!
Ardent Sector - Kimes - Communication None
The full-scale drop of the 19th Harakoni Warhawks is greeted with a somewhat warmer reception; concentrated GOWs slash through the spread wedges of loaded Valkyries, sending craft after craft tumbling blazing from the skies. Matters grow increasingly ugly when a squadron of local fighters bearing green-and-white checked wings comes arrowing in from the west and pile headlong into the plummeting transports. Kimes' own transport is one that falls victim to the Cularan aircraft, though thankfully after the General and his NCO had already made their drop. The burning craft explodes above them, peppering the drop troops with blazing shrapnel. The moment the last trooper is out of the transports, the Valkyries reverse course and flee back toward the Fist of Valhalla, running the gauntlet of the local GOWs once more.
On the ground, the 19th is beginning to recover and rally from the hot landing when the ragged screen Sentinel scouts dropped further to the south west report a considerable force of local PDF emerging from the woods from the direction of Target Primarus. Following standing orders, the Warhawks stop reforming and start moving south-east, angling toward the river while attempting to avoid the Cularan PDF. The local regiment does not appear to be cooperating however, angling toward the rear elements of the drop troops. Increasingly fierce skirmishing is breaking out between the Harakoni Sentinels and the enemy van. Moving across the front of the enemy to reach the east-west river does not appear to be practicable at the moment, and though the PDF do not appear to boast any fighting vehicles, their crew-served heavy weapons are taking a toll on the Sentinels. The infantry bodies, alerted to this, are attempting to pick up the pace but are still mixed in together. It is possible that if a secure headquarters could be established, contact might be made with orbit but none of the portable units currently available to General Kimes are able to cut through local jamming and the dense woodlands.
As the 19th have now moved into the shelter of the Silverwood between their drop zone and Target Secondus, the local squadron has currently ceased strafing their columns.
Indomitus Jubatus - Firmianus, Yorke - Communication Good
Reports have been received from the drop craft returning from TF1 and TF2's landings indicating the relative opposition to their landings. There was no indication of the PDF regiment's approach at the point the drop was completed, and there is no communication with General Kimes on the ground. However the drop ship pilots are very clear (and in some cases creatively obscene) about the presence of local fighter craft. Long range orbital scans indicate a number of aircraft moving back and forth between Hive Elson and Hive Ardent, though they are unable to get a fix on their design or purpose.
It is clear though, that Maxarpa is secured and the first day's Primary Objectives already in hand!
Can we cross reference all regiments currently with us... against worlds suspected of genestealer sentiment? How many regiments would that eliminate?
If what you say it true, General Kimes then you are suggesting genocide for Culara. Scorched earth. If we find allies on the surface, whom will you be willing to trust? A moment, gentlemen...
Jene... funny, "Jene and the Genestealers". She taps the comm on her ear. She would speak to her people.
Open Channel all regiments, all locations. Attention 9th Culara Rifles and those under my command.
Genestealer activity has been identified on Culara surface. Naturally, suspicion has come into... us. All of us. 9th Culara, prep for planetfall. We're first with boots on the ground. You have my trust. Look to the left and right of you, make damned sure you know who they are. Tomorrow, we take back your homeworld! Other regiments will schedule deployment. Rodriguez, out.
Jene turns to Kimes. Not the majority of 14000. And, if you're right. I'm certainly not leaving them up here with starships.
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Continuing the brief conversation before the drop
Gaius catches Jene a bit after her discussion with Kimes and takes her aside. He talks in a low voice to not be overheard.
"I've no great lorecraft of of Genestealer virus, but I've no suspicion that the regiment currently with us might be tainted. If they were actually monsters, they've had time enough to turn on other loyal units. Fear not, they shall drop with us and may the Emperor guide their destiny."
After the drop
Gaius himself seeks out the commander of the 9th and shakes his hand vigorously. "By the Throne you bring glory to the whole Imperium of Man! A whole company of Blood Angels themselves could not have done a better job! Glory to the 9th! Glory to the Lord General! The liberation of Culara has begun!"
Gaius motions for his radioman, and sends out orders to the regimental commanders on their devoted, encrypted, frequencies, though he's still in obvious earshot of the 9th Commander.
"It seems the 9th has made our jobs easier and stolen all the glory for themselves! We must make haste lest they take over the whole planet without the rest of us!
Since we're ahead of schedule, I want all units to confiscate and assimilate all intelligence assets. You have 2 whole hours to find out just what the Throne kind of situation we have here. That's enough time to read files and interview populace. Go go go!"
He switches to the Generals-only channel, conversing with the three of them.
"General Rodriguez, after those two hours, would you mind breaking South and starting your scouting early? We seem to have some momentum here so we should use it!
General O'Hern, I need your advice. We can either:
1) Start heading South with the 9th right away, or
2) Take two more hours to dig in and make an entrenched fall-back position. After which we can then follow the 9th.
I've of a mind to just start off with the 9th right off, but I know you value a fall-back bunker. Two hours would give us enough time to dig trenches long enough to just drop into if we find ourselves back here again. What say you?"
Maxarpa is a typical northern Cularan city, not yet large enough to be rated as a proto-hive but with some millions of inhabitants. The city itself is unwalled and largely laid out along eight arterial roads, with the administrative heart surrounded by big residential hab blocks, industrial quarters and finally the long trails of private workshops and slums stretching out along each of the roads for kilometres. There are more shanty towns along the riverside to the south and east, but the city proper finishes some distance before there.
The locals don't appear to be openly militant, but seem convinced that "Lord Davias" will soon see you offworld. There was a kind of local militia, but it barely had a few hundred members and scattered rapidly as the 9th fed into the town a battalion at a time. They seem willing to cooperate and answer any questions they're asked, and probably any character willing to remain in Maxarpa for the moment should write out a list of any questions they have, and it shouldn't be too hard to get some answers.
As they didn't appear to be required in Maxarpa itself, the 66th Death Korps formed along the river bank to the east of town and is ready to move out. The Highlanders will only be half landed in two hours, with further waves close behind.
Less resistance here, means more there. If there's no communication from Kimes, he's in trouble. Ardent was a... bold move.
Revised orders, Sir?
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"Orders? Yes. Move out. You have your objective. Get South until the enemy has stopped you or you've made contact with TF2. I'll await the full drop of the highlanders and be right behind you. You'll move faster without us. Try and establish the nature of the enemy and we'll hit them with a full fist ASAP.
Be of good cheer, General. Kimes is a professional. He knows that for every soldier hunting him, that's one less to dig in around Ardent."
"Damnit! I thought we were going to have air superiority on this drop!" Kimes grumbled, looking at a data slate he had attached to one of the posts of his sentinel. The distant crackle of lasgun fire accompanied by the occasional explosion, indicating heavier weapons.
"We expected heavy resistance sir," Sargent Major Ericson reminded him from her own Sentinel.
"Doesn't mean I have to like it, at least their air support can't get at us in these trees," the General paused to consider a map. "If we're taking losses to crew served weapons we aren't moving fast enough... Send runners to our forwards scout sentinels, tell them to fade north, away from any PDF elements. Our infantry units are to continue south east till they reach the edge of the forest or make contact. Let them face real guardsman."
One guardsman nodded, saluted, turned and began running towards the front of the advancing division.
"you!" Kimes said, he sentinel turning to let him point at the third sentinel in his squadron, "Get on the vox to our rear screen, I want a force estimate on what and who's following us. Are we just dealing with PDF? or did we manage to pull some real warriors? In either case remind them to keep moving, duck and weave, don't get pinned down in fighting."
"Let's keep moving," Kimes said in a quieter voice to his NCO. She simply nodded and began leading the way in her sentinel. The forest was of little concern to the walking warmachines. But they command unit didn't take it up to their full speed, preferring to travel at a walking pace, to keep their position within the great formation of the Warhawks.
Colonel, standing objectives, forward scouts maximum speed. I will be up and down the column. Do not engage. Scan for signs of fighting and communications towers.
I smell bacon... MOVE OUT!
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"Commander Marcks, belay all entrenchment orders. C-Com-TF3 believes TF2 should've communicated by now, but we've not heard from them. Since Day1 is officially behind us, we need to step up.
We have exactly the amount of time it takes to get the heavies landed until we march. Get everyone who doesn't torque people off by talking to them in that city and asking questions. Including, but not limited to:
1) What kind of government is there? Democratic to Despot? Do the people love it? I'm guessing not since in a city of millions only a handful could be bothered to defend it.
2) Does anyone know anything about the military here? Pay well for this information. People like to talk and someone must know something.
3) Police presence and organization? This will tell us a lot about future compliance difficulties.
4) Anyone know anything about Hive Argent? It's not that far. They must know something about it. If anyone has been anywhere near it, get them to tell us about their defenses.
That's plenty. Go now."
Maxarpa Sector - Arvitus, O'Hern, Rodriguez - Communication Good
Jene Rodriguez and the 9th Culara are making heavy going, moving south from Maxarpa. While scouts are successfully ranging out ahead without any sign of opposition, the main body is held up first by countless civilians looking for relatives and asking after those mustered - and later, by the Governor's airpower. Six kilometres outside of Maxarpa's southern limits, a wedge of green-and-white checked Avengers arrows in over the forest and begins strafing down the length of the column. The local guardsmen scatter to either side, and in the end the aircraft aren't able to do much more than harass them but that still slows them enough that the van of the 66th Death Corps is able to catch up with them by nightfall.
Some of the more sociable Kriegers have attempted to gain the trust of the locals - a challenging task to say the least - in the time before the Scyllans land. They manage to cause some local outrage with their condescending and judgemental manner, but the gist that some of them manage to discern is that 'Lord Davias' is ruling with the backing of several of the highest noble families, and enjoys substantial local support. Until recently he has been urging the Cularan people to calmness and tranquility, promising them that the Four-Armed Emperor will soon come and raise them unto His bosom. Only those most devoted who travel to Culara Prime and undergo the ten trials are permitted to take up arms in the Emperor's name, though even those who decide to attempt it are rewarded. In other words, it seems as though the people here in the East are the ones least likely to put up a fight, although there are rumors of some small uprisings in the west. In the past twenty days Davias has been attempting to organize a militia in Maxarpa with some success, but when questioned it seems no one can tell your agents who exactly the members of the militia were. Apparently your men achieved enough surprise that they thought better of opposing the (very dramatic) landing with refitted old lasguns and autoguns.
By the time they leave to join the Corps' march south, the 28th Scyllan are landing in force and moving to strategic points throughout the city and around the landing field. While the locals make heavy weather of understanding the Scyllan patois, at least that makes it hard for them to take offense at anything they have to say. As night falls, Ginearálta Aedán O’Hern is in firm control of Maxarpa and the landing area and has the best communications with orbit from the central Administratum building. Perhaps given time he can find answers to the other questions posed by Major General Arvitus?
Silverwood Sector - Kimes - Communication None
The Harakoni Warhawks keep moving south east through the Silverwood, managing to pick up the pace under the relentless pressure of the enemy close behind them. Hurried vox chatter rises and falls through a sea of interference, and reports from the rear indicate there could be as many as two regiments hard on your heels; PDF, but well trained PDF rather than some ponce's ceremonial guard. What's more they seem to have utterly forsaken their oaths to the Emperor and are attacking with relentless determination. The more lightly equipped drop troops are able to keep from being closely engaged for now, but when the forwards scout sentinels send back frantic vox reports it's clear there are still more Cularan forces moving around in the depths of the Silverwood. Nor are they simply waiting for the pursuers to drive the Harakoni into their line; already formed into full battle line, the Cularans readied themselves as the ongoing sounds of battle approached. When the forward scouting screen reached them, they launch a full attack through the woodlands.
The Harakoni Warhawks buckle, surprised by the aggressive attack from their fore. The situation grows still more dire as the Cularans to his rear manage to catch up with the Imperial rear guard and drive them toward the main body. In many cases this would be a death sentence for the drop troops, caught between vastly superior numbers of better equipped troops. But the Warhawks are seasoned and - being drop troops - not entirely unfamiliar with being surrounded. Under Kimes' direct leadership they are able to fight their way out of the bloody vise they've found themselves in, though at a fearsome cost to the brave rearguards that manage to keep both jaws from closing on them. On a more personal level, Sargent Major Ericson is grievously wounded; Kimes has her Sentinel slaved to follow his, keeping her from needing to walk but she needs bed rest and medical care soon if she is to have a chance to survive.
Indomitus Jubatus - Firmianus, Yorke - Communication Good
Here at least the situation remains calm. Hellcat Squadron is still maneuvering against the overmatched SDVs farther out-system, while the taskforce remains in high enough orbit that the GOWs can't threaten them. All naval attack craft squadrons remain in good order, while the staff officers consider which regiment to land the next day, and where. When the full council last met, the strongest candidate was the 1st Tychis Longspears to be landed at Maxarpa, but now some voices were considering the merits of landing the 821st Penal Legion somewhere else. As night descended over the embattled sectors, what would the plans for the next day bring?
Abroad the Indomitus Jubatus , Lucius attempts to cycle through frequencies, trying to locate general kimes. At the same times, he opens the private general channel
"Praise be the omnissiah, you've made a foothold on the planet! However, we are missing general kimes. Although I believe the general is a competent man, the lack of communication from him has made me fear for the worst. If troop morale and energy is still present, I would advise an immediate search party of the general.We need to minimise our losses now if we are to secure the planet in the name of the emperor.I shall keep this channel active while i search for kimes and prepare for my drop tomorrow.Lucius out."
Communications, scan all frequencies. Who is communicating over what? Do not dismiss antiquated or deprecated frequencies. Probe using M tap code, prison tap code, ancient telegraph. Sensor arrays broad spectrum, AM, FM, short wave, I don't care. What's the loudest gun we've got?
Objective 1, TF2. Objective 2, you know the local frequencies and operations. We need to listen in on the PDF, stay one step ahead. Establish communication with TF2, now! Rodriguez, out.
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While on the march, Artivus continues the communication with O'Hern. "General, so long as TF3 is reporting negative enemy resistance, Maxarpa is no longer an asset. Your heavy units will be needed for the attack.
Gauis wondered on the radio silence of Kimes. If he truly was heavily engaged, that could work to their advantage. If he can find someway to escape and make contact, then, according the local reports, they will face the only enemy concentration on the Western side. In one fell swoop they could capture the SpacePort and wipe all resistance in the theatre.
All they had to do was find Kimes.
That done, he takes up Lucius' message.
"Acknowledged, Indomitus. Location of TF2 is priority. Feel free to place yourself into the drop queue. TF3 has yet to make contact, so, since they are our forward-most unit, just land on them.
Of note, enemy has air superiority. Please increase the Fury activity to counter.
And can we get any air assets at TF2's drop point? If we can get him some cover, we might be able to make contact."
We don't know what TF2 is up to.
"Oi 'ill dig up a solid defensive posishun first, make it 1hr, we 'av enoof tren ter chucker so."
Turns to look at one of his Majors Brin' in yer paddy in charge av de Adeptus Arbites if any, they shud be able ter answer me quesshuns, an' if dare isn't wan den dat answers dem also. as O'Hern ponders what else, for he can't afford to leave a company or two to enforce and pacify order in the Hive, but if it's needed, then it must be done so.
Then speaks to another two majors "Brin' me de Hive Lord or yer paddy in charge av de Adeptus Ardministratum an' git me de last populashun censor." I must be able to know how many men must garrison this hive regardless of the police work if any.
O'Hern smile and before his officers leave "Be gentle in yisser invitashun after al' they are our guests nigh."
"I've done all I can for her Sir," The medic reported, hanging from the open door of the sentinel as it slowly walked behind Kime's own.
"Very well," Kimes paused as the medic latched the door to his Senior NCO's armored compartment and jumped down. Looking at a group of runners waiting for orders he continued "Send word to all units, fade back to the north, break all contact. Infantry are to leave as many mines and explosives in our wake as possible, but not to endanger themselves. We've done all we can here, but it's time to leave."
The runners nodded and scattered, sprinting off into the woods in various directions.
"Corporal," James turned to the third member of his sentinel squadron, "I want you to head north-North-west at full speed, get word to the rest of the Imperial forces... In fact here."
Kimes pulled the data slate he'd been keeping notes on from the post of his sentinel and tossed it to the Corporal.
"Yes sir," the pilot paused, "If you wanted, sir, you could come with."
"I'm not leaving the unit," the General responded forcefully, "I'd say take Ericson with you, but she would only slow you down. If you aren't averaging 40 kilometers per hour I'll be upset."
"Of course sir," The corporal saluted from within his sentinel before turning and advancing his throttle to max, quickly vanishing into the trees.
The Marshal looked over to his comms officer who was relaying the fabricator's words to him. Looking over the map display of his pict, he frowned before making his way through the ship towards his commander's location. "Things are already starting to get interesting I see. Those signs of uprisings in the west are fortuitous, if it means that the enemy is forced to fight on multiple fronts. We should see if we can get a few agents landed in that area to find out how organized they are, and if perhaps a liaison could be found so that we could co-ordinate, provided that they are not just a second set of traitors that would stab us in the back. Last thing we need is a three way conflict. If we can get confirmation though, I think it would be good to send some help the locals' way. What do you think about having those poor sods of the 821st going along with my 82nd as an exploratory force? We would need more concrete evidence of course, but I think it might do us well, both for getting the loyalty of the planet back as well as keeping the enemy off-footed," he said, hoping that Firmianus might concur.
"Gran' so tren start fortifyin' dis posishun so we 'av a defense for our supplies an' a place ter fall back, make it fast, we 'av 1 hr before we march an' al' must be done."
O'Hern supervises the positioning of sand bangs, foxholes and ditches to establish an initial defensive perimeter to defend the supply line and have a place to fall back.
Lucius comes back online after a while
"certainly Marshal Lucien.I leave my men in your hands.That in fact frees me from the trouble of coordinating a ground assault and gives me the freedom to keep an eye on things up here."
He tunes in to general Gauis' vox channel.
"Noted general Gauis.I will queue air support to TF2."
Lucius switches vox channels for a moment to contact the imperial navy.
"Archmagos-prime Lucius requesting Air support from Avenger squadron at location TF2. Directives are to locate General Kimes and provide cover.Requesting additional support from Thunderbolt squadron over locations TF1,TF2.Directives are to eliminate air support on the enemy side.Lucius out."
He quickly switches back to the general.
"I have already made a request to release a squadron of a to combat the air superiority the planet has over us, though I'm afraid that might alarm the locals.I also have bomber squadron Under my access that can and will be utilised as soon as the order is given."
Ardent Sector - Arvitus, Rodriguez - Communication Broken
General Rodriguez and the 9th Culara spearhead Taskforce 1's advance south, the regiment marching quickly behind a broad scouting screen. Being back on their home world appears to be a tonic for the Cularan Rifles; never all that distinguished in their service, now they seem driven to prove what men of their world can do. As the morning whiles by with no sign of any enemy, Jene checks in regularly with alternating communication posts as they sweep the vox frequencies in search of Kimes and the 19th Harakoni Warhawks. There are increasing levels of interference as they draw closer to Hive Ardent, but occasionally through the hissing confusion they are able to glean snippets of encrypted chatter that place three major traitor headquarters, to the south east of the space port, the west of Nehele and south somewhere in the Hive Celchu area.
That was when the Avengers swept back in, low over the trees from the east and began to harry and disorder the Cularan lines once again. For close to twenty minutes the ground attack craft played cat and mouse with the guardsmen, who scattered to deny them any kind of clustered target. Then the skies opened with a high-pitched whine and two squadrons of Thunderbolts plummeted headlong into the fight, autocannon roaring. White contrails decorate the skies as fully thirty six aircraft dive and roll around one another, and in the confusion the Avengers manage to do a remarkable amount of cosmetic damage to the greater number of heavy fighters. But finally one of the Cularan aircraft spirals down and explodes against the ground ahead of the 9th's van - and the other Avengers flee, low nape-of-the-earth flying back toward the safety of Hive Ardent. The Thunderbolts pursue, but turn back just short of the woodline north of Hive Ardent. As they ascend back into the heavens, they pass low over the 9th Culara and waggle their wings in victory. At which point, contact is made with General Kimes... and the Rifles' forward scouts report contact with a Cularan formation formed north of Hive Ardent, digging into the woods and ridgeline.
General Arvitus sees much of this activity from the forward elements of the 66th Death Korps, marching at a steady disciplined pace that keeps them from falling too far behind. Over the morning they see the lead elements of the 821st Penal Legion dropping (commissariat first) and pass by their steadily increasing numbers. By the time they stop for a brief break to eat their midday meal, the Penal Legion is up to 22 000 men deployed and almost ready to move out. The Scyllan Highlanders are also not far behind, delayed slightly by the necessity of organizing a garrison for Maxarpa. They can surely complete their march to Hive Ardent by the end of the day, assuming nothing is foolish enough to get in their way.
Maxarpa Sector - Kimes, O'Hern - Communication Good
Leaving a trail of mines and explosives hurriedly tossed in their wake, Kimes and the Warhawks finally manage to fight their way free of the furious pursuit through the Silverwood. The first man out from under their heavy boughs is the General's Staff Corporal, who begins wildly hailing any Imperial channel and is overwhelmed by the level of the response he receives. Four other regiments in the immediate vicinity hail him and ask to speak to the General, and before the vanguard proper exits the trees the Penal Legion is sending a medical response team to set up triage for the wounded who survived the running fight through the Silverwood, Kimes' NCO fortunately still among them. The battered drop troops - with precious little in the way of relief since even before they exited their Valkyries - scatter when they hear the sound of powerful Avenger engines howling down from above, but the blue and green pattern on the wings heralds a far different experience; the Imperial Navy's Avengers, flying in support of the Warhawks in wedges of three.
Ginearálta O'Hern had the opportunity to speak with what passes for a surviving Administratum presence in Maxarpa in the early morning. It seems the Arbites were wiped out in their entirety, and what passes for law and order in the city was primarily... Lord Davias' militiamen. They get the sense that certain radical elements in the city are likely to revolt given even a sliver of a chance. The older more mature city council remember the might of the Emperor and see no reason to bring his fury down upon them; they actually request a garrison and give advice on the best positions for patrol posts to keep the city under control. Your own judgement suggests a strong garrison will be required - at least in terms of keeping an Imperial presence constantly in sight - and for the moment that means a minimum of 2 000 Highlanders left behind. Once the battalion is set up, the rest of the regiment heads off toward Hive Ardent and the spaceport to the rhythm of stirring ballads and the brisk beating of the drum.
Indomitus Jubatus - Firmianus, Yorke - Communication Good
Today the communications picture is clearer. Though the signal to Arvitus and Rodriguez is increasingly patchy, a clear signal has been reestablished with Kimes and remains with both O'Hern and the Scyllan garrison at Maxarpa. Presently supplies are being landed at that city, as it has the proper facilities for middle-long term storage (as opposed to landing piles of crates and tanks in the middle of a field). Some logistics personnel are being landed with them, but local recruits will likely be required for efficient support if at all possible.
The Navy's air wing has also made itself felt today, driving off the local fliers from harassing the Imperial Guard, and operating rotating air cover over TF2 in order to dissuade any further pursuit out of the Silverwood. Further outsystem, Hellcat Squadron have destroyed their targets and have now separated to patrol the edge of the system individually in case the traitor Davias is attempting to slip more arms or soldiers in to stave off his inevitable demise. Some of the regiments are growing restless as rumors of the campaign's progress are relayed up to them by the lander pilots. If only they were down there, they would soon show the traitors what an honest Imperial Guardsman could do!
Jene activates her radio, private encrypted channel. Generals, I recommend Navy to scout Hive Elson, with the intent of acquiring spaceport. Treat Hive Ardent as a feint, harry and occupy the PDF. Take Torton.
Also suggest starting to build spaceport north of original TF1 LZ. Utilize local labor, idle hands and all. Give them something to build, be proud of. In the long run, Hive Ardent will be taken with less casualties that way. Rodriguez, out.
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Gauis takes up Jene's suggestion, keeping the channel open to all generals and the orbiting navy.
"Hmmmm, I'm of a mind to see wisdom in that, but we've got a pretty good position, as well as a good estimation of enemy we face right here. To build up a force strong enough to take on what is likely an equally large force around Elson would take at least five days.
Maybe we can still salvage what we have here at Ardent.
Since we've at least driven off their air superiority, let's hole up here today. That'll give the Warhawks a chance to rest and regroup; the Highlanders to come up to our position; and the Penal Legion a chance to get ready.
Then tomorrow we land the 83rd Magellan Rifles - Line - 15 000 to reinforce General Kimes and we go on the offensive.
1) Left Flank--General Kimes takes his Warhawks and newly arrived Rifles and presses the traitors in the woods, exposing Ardent's Eastern flank. If possible, he can wheel about and take the city from the East.
2) Center: The Penal Legion under the Archmagos Prime and my Death Corps can march abreast straight at the city until we get the gage of their defenses, where we keep their main units engaged.
3) Right: General Rodriguez's 9th skirts West, far around the flank, and takes the city and the main defenders in the rear, while they are engaged with our units in the Center.
4) Reserve: The Highlanders wait in reserve until either the Center or Right make an opening, at which point they pour through and break the enemy lines.
We know we face 3 enemy units, but if we wait, they can send reinforcements from Prime and tip those odds. This way we can attack with a local 2:1 superiority.
How's that sound?"
Culara Prime, by definition is heavily defended. Wasted forces, idle. If anything, the conflict here would draw their forces. Leaving Hive Elson, vulnerable and dare I hope unprotected. A spaceport. We can also build a spaceport above Maxarpa. We need to get Heavies down here... That's a game changer.
Take the cities, the infrastructure around Hive Ardent. Cut off resources, I am not suggesting we stay idle, Sir. Surround them at Torton, Wilton, Nehele, Avordra... a gauntlet. We don't want to play the game, Sir. We need to change the game. Frontal assault will only lose us people.
You're in command on the ground, General Arvitus. I will follow your plan, but I need you all to be open minded. Hive Ardent as I'd said in orbit will be a hard nut to crack. Along with Culara Prime, they seem to form a geographic axis.
This isn't going to be a blitz, we need a way to get Heavy Vehicles down here, a spaceport... and the one at Hive Elson may be the softest target. I'd rather lose 20,000 men dead just taking a spaceport when their are other options. Even building a spaceport, seven days. Build and drop seven more regiments, then move in with vehicular support.
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Gauis nods and Jene's voice comes across the vox. Unseen by her, but the argument is rational.
"Oh, of course, of course, General, but first let me make apologies for not being clear enough. This is very much so not a frontal assault. The term is "Double Envelopment". I shall but hold him in the front, and, with luck, sucker his third, reserve regiment, in to help fight me off.
Then you and Kimes will be unopposed on both flanks, and can attack the enemy from a position of advantage.
At worst, one of you will engage his third force, leaving three regiments to his front and at least one flank open, at which point we still have advantage and can push through. With superior numbers on all fronts, that should minimize casualties.
Does that makes things clearer?
Seven days delay would give him time enough to bring numbers uncounted from Prime. Even with 12 regiments, we might find ourselves surrounded and outnumbered. We don't even know what his total Air assets are, but it's possible that if he can concentrate him he could cut off our landings.
And, we still have no definitive intel on Elson. It could have Five regiments around it, for all we know. But even three would be too many to take by surprise. Here at least we know where they are and about how many there are. The Devil you know....
Again, I don't mean to dismiss your idea, since that is exactly what we'll be doing after we take Ardent. Which is, a build up in a strong position, once proper facilities have been conquered."
As you wish, General.
To properly maneuver into west flank position and be poised to attack in concert... We have to cover nearly twice as much ground, Sir. We will continue on. Please advise time for action as we may lose radio contact.
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"Acknowledged, General.
How's this for tomorrow:
Have the 9th bivouac on the Right of our lines, and head off at 0500. At 0900 the two regiments in the Center will start off toward the city with the intent to make contact in earnest. That should pull his assets toward us. I expect that Center will be fully engaged by 1300. That should give you plenty of time to skirt his lines and come at him from which ever angle you wish. Please make contact with either the city or an enemy unit by 1400.
Kimes, rest easy and gather your strength for right now. At 0900 you should have some elements of your Rifles landed and may begin harassing the enemy in the woods, pushing harder as more Rifles land and you gain strength. Once the enemy has been either destroyed or pushed from the Field, turn about and come at the city, either attacking it, or the enemy's Third Regiment by 1400.
General O'Hern, Hold your units in reserve until 1200. At that point begin making your way toward the front line. By 1400 pick a softpoint and crack it open.
That puts the enemy under attack from three directions at 1400. If all goes well.
Archmagos Prime, is this amenable to you? Can your Legion fight at the side of the Death Corps and maintain cohesion in the face of a determined defender?
The Emperor protects."
"just patch me through," James grumbled at his vox operator. Who nodded and proceeded to flip switches and push buttons before motioning to Kimes to proceed. "Kimes with the warhawks here, looks like we finally made contact. I may still have a hostile force tailing me so some cover would be nice. Beyond that I'm taking the warhawks north to Maxarpa, assuming you guys actually took it. I'm going to put them to work on the star port, should hopefully get it done sooner. Once we get some arty and armor on the field we can try and take the hive. Kimes out."
---Later, after the 19th warhawks arrived at Maxarpa---
"No one started working on a landing area?" James Kimes nearly shouted from within his tent.
"n-no sir," a nervous looking lieutenant said, "I think they mentioned wanting to take the starport at Ardent."
"But how are we going to take the hive withou-" the general paused, holding a hand over his face and leaning on his desk for a second. "Sorry, not your fault... ok, here's the plan, talk with Captain Ramsey of the 19th here, I want all healthy sentinel pilots and as many men as needed to get that starport running. If you need supplies from in town buy them for market price, I'll send word to the fleet and have them send down engineers and power-lifter attachments for sentinels. That should be enough to get your started at least."
"Yes sir," the Lieutenant and Captain responded.
"Anyone not injured or working on the 'port is now on garrison and civil service." Kimes continued, looking at the Warhawk's Commander, "I know there wasn't much of a battle here but while we're here we're going to do some good. Fix any damages to the city we caused, or might have caused, or maybe didn't cause but should be fixed anyways. Buckled walls, potholes, whatever. I'm sure the citizens will come up with plenty for you guys to do once they see we are here to help."
"You... want us doing menial labor? Sir?" The captain asked incredulously.
"No, I want you to help these people. We are here as liberators, not conquerors. Even if the hive is taken before we get the starport up and we relocate our HQ there I want to leave this city better than we found it. Purchase whatever supplies you need, I'll ensure you are paid back, just save the receipts. Don't work the troops too hard, they deserve some time off after a couple days behind enemy lines, but we aren't here to drink and gamble, we are here to work."
"Yes sir."
"Now, we need proper medical facilities for a lot of people, assuming my prediction about the attack on the hive is correct. Sargent Ericson-" James cuts himself off as he turns to look where his NCO generally stands, only to find it empty. He then turns to his staff Corporal, "Corporal Prescott, you are filling in for the Sargent Major. I want you to find a large open building, like a gym or community center, find the people who own it and get permission to use it for the next month. Offer to pay for any inconvenience if they agree, I'll ensure they get their money. Once you have a location find the Medicae people running around our little tent city and bring them to the new location. Tell them the building belongs to them for a bit, I'm sure they will appreciate a large, cleaner, location to treat our injured. If they have any further requests or needs that would result in better treatment tell them to come to me... Everyone, dismissed."
Jene opens a private channel, Arvitus only. In light of current events, shall we secure Torton, then? Let's build on small wins and a solid foundation. We've need to defend our new spaceport.
Should come from you, Sir. Unified front.
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"They're what?" said the flabbergasted Gauis to his Top.
"General Kimes reports TF2 moving for Maxpara. Not ready for combat."
"Throne give me strength! Fine," said the General, sending on his short range vox.
"Arch Magos Firmianus, please align your Legion to face East. With TF2 withdrawing, we are open on our Left flank. I'll stay aligned South, so just bivouac perpendicular to the front lines and we'll alright."
"General Rodriguez, delay attack one day. We'll need someone to fill the gap TF2 has left. Maintain position."
"Come in Indomitus! Come in Indomitus!" he yelled into the staticy vox. "Negative on 83rd Magellan! I say again: Negative on Eight-Three Magellan! Drop 1st Tychis Longspears on my position. Followed by 117th Cadian Shock the next day!"
"General O'Hern, With TF2 now investing Maxarpa, can you withdraw your Highlanders from there and have them merge with you?
Then, with all of tomorrow to gather your Longspears, would you be able to attack East the next day? With your Highlands and Longspears, you should be able to route whatever they have in the Forest, and then Wheel down and take the city on its East flank.
Everything else stays the same, but the Cadian Shock should be able to be fully dropped by 1400 and they can play the hammer."
to all: "New timeline:
Rest of today(Day Two): Except for TF2 and Cadian, all units entrench. Penal Legion has dropped. TF2 complete move to Maxpara.
Tomorrow(Day Three): All units entrench except for 9th Cadian. 1st Tychis Longspears to drop and join O'Hern.
9th Cadian takes Torton.
Day Four:
Right: OHern with Longspears and Highlanders to attack East at 0900. After routing Forest enemy, Attack Hive or enemy's 3rd Regiment, whichever comes first.
Center: Death Corps and Penal Legion as above.
Left: 9th as above.
Reserve: Cadian Shock to drop and form up to rear of Front line. Attack Hive at 1300.
Okay, I think that'll take care of everything. Any questions?
Acknowledge, General Rodriguez. But Maxarpa is not a spaceport. Go ahead. Just be on the line on Day Four.
Colonel, change of plans. Warhawks due for some R & R after two days behind enemy lines, building a spaceport at Maxarpa. Move west, we take Torton. But, only if it's a soft target. Minimal casualties, that's for the locals, too.
We're homecoming liberators. Forward scouts, move out.
O'Hern opens communications to all generals.
Oi nade me Lanbat regiment ter chucker planet fall, oi 'ill use dem as garrison for both Hves. Oicanny 'av me Highlander stuk doin' such work, but oi dare problems whaich oi chucker not dare ter leave any Hive wi' military presence ter act wi' extreme prejudice, oi don't want to 'av a scrap in two fronts."
Al' Hives 'av naw arbites, so we must plan ter leave an average av 2000 per city, more than likely ter maintain dem pacified 'til we can cum back ter dayle wi' de inner issues av each Hive."
O'Hern smiles to himself.
Line to General Kimes "Go recover in Maxarpa, oi 'av 2,000 men stationed dare actin' as Arbites for de time bein', they 'ill be at yisser disposal shud de nade arise. Oi 'ill replace dem wi' de Longspears regiment whaen they arrive."
Line to General Arvitus. "Oi departed after 1hr as we accorded General Arvitus, jist givin' yer a report, dat wi' every Hive we take, we are losin' 2,000 men regardless av actual combat losses."
"Arvitus, this is Yorke. Do not engage without reinforcement on the left flank. We cannot afford that flank coming to bite us in the rear. Hold until we have another unit there to back you up, then proceed. Your request for Longspears is approved, and incoming," the marshal replied over the comms, while he sent orders to redirect the landers. Turning over to his vox officer, he opened a channel up to the air forces. "This is Marshal Yorke, requesting a flyby reconnaisance of Torton, priority mission. We need eyes on ground there gents, let us see if there's anything in that area worth taking or pounding. Second priority mission is a flyby of Port Pirale for any wet-navy forces in the area." The last thing they needed was for a group of water-going vessels pounding their forces from the waters where they couldn't strike back...
Yorke noted that the map was looking a lot more defined, but there was something odd about the enemy placements. "What in the Emperor's hindquarters are those units doing out in the woods, let alone the coast? Another water navy base perhaps? Tac-officer, keep an eye on those just in case. If the Vice Admiral reports any movement on his sensors of mass troop movement, I want to be the first to know of it!"
Lucius relays general artivus' orders to the penal legion, while providing no opinion on the discussion between generals, finding it interesting enough as is to watch them.
North Ardent Sector - Arvitus, O'Hern - Communication None
Following the abrupt change in plans, the 66th Death Korps of Krieg halted their southward march and began digging in between the forest and the north-south river half a day's march north of Hive Ardent. To their east the disorganized bulk of the 821st Penal Legion was chivvied around to face the Silverwood, constructing rudimentary trenches along the banks of the river stretching off to the north. At one point a flight of green-and-white checked fighters appears and runs down the line from east to south, but keeps far enough away to avoid taking or giving fire - reluctant to risk tangling with the Navy fighters that jumped them the day before. Strangely however the vox channels are only growing worse with the departure of the Genie's specialized equipment and the leading ground commanders find themselves limited to runners for communication out-sector.
South across the plains the forward Krieg patrols are picking up signs of some of the local Cularans continuing to fortify in the woodland, although the forwardmost patrols are starting to fall prey to snipers. The following morning your men continue to dig in, while the lead battalions of the 1st Tychis Longspears land in the immediate rear of the Death Korps. Additionally the Highlander garrison of Maxarpa is at last approaching, following the tardy arrival of the Harakoni Warhawks in force at Maxarpa. From the heart of your sector everything seems to be going according to plan aside from the lack of communications in- or out- of sector. The building crack of las fire and explosions from the west though suggest that not everyone is having as easy a time.
Torton Sector - Rodriguez - Communication Good
The abrupt change in plans affects General Rodriguez and TF3 as well. From their position immediately to the north of the separatist Cularan lines, the 9th Culara wheels ponderously right and begins marching west away from the enemy toward Torton. There is some speculation that the defenders of Hive Ardent might be coaxed out of their trenches in pursuit but to no avail. The Cularan Rifles shrug their shoulders and string out in their march columns, already becoming used to this kind of rapid unopposed march in their time here - and then comes another sound they're also becoming familiar with, as half a squadron of Avengers come howling out of the south east towards them. Rodriguez's troopers begin to scatter, but before the enemy aircraft reach the column a wedge of specks begin a crash-dive from high orbit. The green-and-white checked aircraft reverse course - hard - and are well on their way to safety before the Imperial Thunderbolts complete their dive and hammer off after them until they all disappear from view.
That night the Culara camp on the open plain of their birthworld, and the next morning they complete their approach to Torton unmolested by local airpower. Moving into the eastern outskirts of the city they notice a number of abandoned vehicles and buildings. They advance with growing caution at the clear sign that their advance is anticipated, and aren't entirely surprised when their forward scouts return with reports of an armed militia holed up in the buildings ahead across an open square. The Colonel directs the bulk of the regiment to conduct a frontal assault and sweep aside the ragged militia, holding one battalion back in reserve to prosecute any weaknesses as soon as they open. The 9th Culara charge headlong at the positions held by the Torton Militia, and though a number of them fall to autogun and lasfire the Guardsmen carry the position and sweep on into the city. Or they start to.
However just as they are on the point of breaking the fleeing militia completely, the reserve battalion of the 9th Culara opens fire - into the backs of their fellow troopers. There is a brief and bloody skirmish in the headquarters that leaves most of General Rodriguez' chosen officers captured or slain, and the general herself injured and fleeing eastwards alone with a portable vox unit. Behind her she can hear the roar of increasingly vicious combat inside Torton as the fighting grows indiscriminate. Happily this is a sign that the bulk of the 9th Culara remain true to their oaths, but they are surrounded by the traitors and Davias' militia, and may be some time in breaking free.
Maxarpa Sector - Kimes - Communication Good
As late as midday on Day 3, there are still elements of the 19th Harakoni straggling into Maxarpa. General Kimes and some of his advance walkers managed to arrive and take charge before nightfall the day before, and arrange quarters for the surviving drop troops to go through a rest shift as they arrive, then get to work garrisoning the city and starting basic work on a new spaceport in the landing area to the north of the city. Having good communication lines to the flotilla is a rare luxury for James Kimes, and he is also doubtless relieved to hear that Ericson is recovering well from her near-critical condition. More ominously Maxarpa is buzzed by a flight of fighters with familiar white-and-green markings early the next morning, but when the Imperial flight still tasked to supporting TF2 moves to engage they exchange a few shots inconclusively and then break off.
On Day Three, the Scyllan garrison moves out to the south while Harakoni troopers begin basic preparation to upgrade the landing field to become a full spaceport. There is only so much they can do without naval engineers and technology, but the seasoned troopers have seen enough of them that they are able to mark out a fairly useful perimeter and begin removing obstructions and levelling the ground within it. Other troopers do basic garrison and refitting duties within the city, recognizing the valuable role a loyal city in the north east would pay in the days ahead. Corporal Prescott has managed to establish the grounds for a major medicae facility in the empty shell of the Arbites building; still structurally intact and attached to substantial power reserves with a little repair work. At present the greatest need the Medical personnel have is more powered equipment. They believe they can handle the Harakoni wounded, although if this is going to become a major medical facility for the army they will need more of everything, most particularly personnel and space. The locals welcome the Harakoni aid in rebuilding their town, and some of them are even growing cautiously friendly though others are resolute in their insistence that the legions of Lord Davias will drive you from this world. The risk of armed resistance appears to be dropping the longer this world is preserved within the Emperor's Light however.
Indomitus Jubatus - Firmianus, Yorke - Communication Good
Adjunct Nyall presents the assembled intelligence reports from the reconnaissance patrols Marshal Yorke requested; a low-flying Thunderbolt patrol over Torton returned confused reports of the 9th Culara heavily engaged in the eastern parts of the town in urban fighting against enemies attacking from both east and west. There are also indications of enemy forces approaching Torton from the south, although these were unconfirmed. Aerial flyby on Port Pirale drew substantial anti-aircraft fire, but showed no significant military presence within the city. However there are a number of large wet-navy vessels moving through the straits north of Port Pirale, heading toward Hive Yclept. Vox-frequency scans can no longer discern the headquarters previously detected in the Prime-Nehele or Celchu areas, and scan focuses from high orbit are unable to identify any substantial formations in that area. This being said, Analysis reports only a minimal confidence that its scans would be able to identify any formations that weren't fifty-thousand plus in number.
The Commissariat and regimental commanders are at odds regarding the level of information to be shared with their men. Most regimental commanders feel that the more information the better prepared their men will be for their eventual deployment (with the exception of the Colonels commanding the Penal Legions and the 16th Lanbat Rifles), while the Commissariat feels that any unnecessary information may interfere with pre-battle propaganda and are especially reluctant to extend even a whisper of the apparent betrayal taking place in Torton. Lord General Domitian is asked to give a ruling, and he requests a recommendation from the Marshal and Arch Magos still present on the fleet. What is to be done?
The marshal looks over the reports with dismay. "I suppose we should have expected this..." he mutters, before looking over at the Lord General. "To inform our troopers about their brothers' apparent betrayal would be devastating... but not informing them would weaken our forces just as much. Inform the men instead that the Cularans were caught in an ambush by enemy forces, and while loyal Cularans do remain, local enemy forces have started looting our dead to try and disguise themselves to get close to us. Double perimeter securities and question everyone, but do not immediately fire on the Cularans until their loyalty is proven or disproven. I would suggest additional commissariat forces to be sent down if at all possible."
Looking over the reports of wet-navy assets moving on the shores, Yorke continues to grimace. "We need to eliminate those ships immediately... Can we have a set of bombers target those ships to cut them off, or at least limit their numbers? I'll inform the others of what's incoming."
Switching on the general's frequency, Yorke called up Arvitus and O'Hern. "All units in Maxarpa area, be advised. Wet navy assets are approaching from the coastline, prepare for counter-bombardment and denial. Possible beach assault is coming your way!"
Jene's second in command radioed her about the betrayal, effectively one battalion... traitors. Throwing in their lot with the local traitor militia of Torton.
Saving her own hide would come later, first she needed to communicate. Her last transmission from HQ.
Open Channel, broadcast, unencrypted: 9th Cularan Rifles, one battalion traitors, five remain loyal. Colonel Ventura remains loyal. I am in the wind, solo. Send Penal 820th. Rodriguez, out!
Grabbing her go-bag and rifle, she exited the temporary structure. Open Comm, 9th Cularan Rifles: My people! I leave not by choice. I won't be too far. Looks like you got some housekeeping, though. No mercy. Colonel Ventura remains loyal, he has the comm and is instructed to engage with extreme prejudice. Treason, betrayal of brothers and sisters in arms is intolerable.
She could see Ventura, penned in. He had a fifty/fifty chance of getting out. She didn't like that much. So, taking cover behind and ambulance sled, she activated her sniper rifle's red-dot scope. And the head of the closest traitor to Ventura burst like a melon under a sledge hammer. And again, and again, and again. Killing her own men nearly turned her stomach. But, they weren't really hers, were they.
It gave Ventura time to reload and rally several dozen units. Eventually, Ventura's head turned to look at her and salute curtly. He had it from here. But, she'd already drawn fire as the enemy figured the snipers location. Autoguns and rifle strafed her position, hitting the vehicle panels. It was all she could do to slip into the pilot's seat, as she caught a bullet... but she still managed to speed off into the nearest thicket.
It could have been worse. They shouldn't be completely surprised and she was certain the loyal men and women had their suspicions regarding the traitors. That's why she had warned them, the day before planetfall. It wasn't grandstanding as many may have thought. She was merely opening the eyes of those under her charge. It was tactical, like everything she did...
Jene wrapped the sterile auto-compression bandage around her thigh. High velocity round clipped her, luckily it was a through and through missing major blood vessels and bone. She owed some scum-sucking turncoat a bullet.
She'd field sutured the twin wounds, nothing pretty, but effective. The auto-comp sterilized the application area and when she pulled the zip cord... The bandage ribs inflated, applying pressure, nano syringes injected pain killer and synthskin coagulant where they sensed blood.
Stim tabs and water, she didn't want to go into shock and the stimulant would increase blood flow, letting her body jumpstart the healing process. Supplies were low on the sled, but it was something.
She reloaded her rifle, fresh clip. Lasgun, auto pistol. She'd need a place to hunker down and his the sled.
All the while she scanned for intel. She wanted to know how her people were doing. She was a few kilometers out of Torton, when she stopped and scanned the sled for tracking devices.
"Apparently there may be some hostiles moving in from the West, using, if you can believe it, wet-water ships. So I want a screen of sentinels deployed to the west, stay in vox range but far enough to give some warning of enemy movements. Especially I want some stationed on the beaches to our South west in case they move to try and land there," Kimes told the upper command staff present at the meeting. "I'm going to try and talk the Admiral into spending a day sending down equipment, engineers and the like. The focus will be on everything needed for the spaceport, but if there is any room for medical equipment make sure it's sent to our new building."
"I also want a full count of the wounded from the 19th," James continued, "We got hit pretty hard out there and want at least estimates of how long till you guys are ready for another drop. Hopefully we'll be able to use this city as your deployment base, rather than having to ship you back up to orbit. But that will likely depend on when the starport is finished... Any questions?"
O'Hern begins to have a back ache, a bad feeling, this war was going to take millions not some couple of hundred thousand men, or maybe its just a rough start. What ever it might be something is wrong.
Yoke communication comes in moments later.
"Oi knew it, by de Emperor somethin' smelled fishy raun 'ere, an' such be me luk it wus." O'hern is fuming and takes his luck with a pinch of salt.
O'Hern speaks to his command staff "Gentlemen, break de bars ter de men ter bunker down, taking a posishun far away from de stran', let's limit de damage they can chucker wi' indirect fire ter our men."
O'Hern greets General Arvitus speaking slow more "understandable" low gothic.
"General!" draws the aquila in the air and salutes him proper "'Av you heard the news? We must get cover in the forest behind our lines or push through the forest and deny them it's protection."