After the convoy passes Brother Castil goes to search the wreckage of Chimera. He searches particularly for the Mounted Storm Bolter that had harrassed him so much during the assault. He thinks to himself
Perhaps because it was mounted on the outside it could of survived the internal detonation. If not, something of it might be salvagable. Worth a look while we await orders.
Search Per 70 vs 5 DOS
The weapon has proven itself rather hardy as you find it still somewhat intact. However, it looks like it would need some modification and minor repairs before you would be able to use it.
The rest of the Chimera is little more than a twisted hulk filled with the charred husks of its crew.
Lucian regards the explosion of the rebel Chimera with a measure of grim satisfaction, before turning away in disdain. His first thought is for his Kill-Team.
Any casualties or injuries? Any shortages of ammunition?
Colonel Folken's column arrives in short order, heralded by the rumble of tracks. As his recovery teams set about their assessments and repairs, Lucian replies to the incoming vox transmission.
+++Message recieved Colonel, and I hope your advance was uneventful.+++
A hiss of static and slight delay in response heralds a vox transmission from orbit.
+++Kill-Team is fully operational, my lord. A few minor injuries I believe, although I am awaiting a full report from Brother-Apothecary Zedkiel.
We have secured the crossroads, and Colonel Folken's force has arrived. Our Thunderhawk made an emergency landing after taking anti-air fire, and Brother Leuce is working with the Colonel's recovery teams to restore some functionality, but I believe that we are now limited to advancing on foot.
We are ready for new orders, sir.+++
Brother Castil admires the durability of the storm bolter's machine spirits. After rudimentary inspection it's obvious it will need some modification and repair. Not knowing much in that area he looks for brother Leon, knowing he would be assisting in the salvaging efforts and that his skills would be needed to restore this weapon to Astartes standards.
As he approaches the Techmarine he holds the weapon up, saying:
Look what I found brother. Hard to come by these, good thing we freed it's spirits from from those traitors. Could you take a look at it and see if you can repair it.,
The Storm Bolter will need a grip and trigger modification to be used by an Astartes. There is also a problem in the ammo feed that has to be cleared. This is all doable in the field given a few minutes.
The profile for the weapon once ready is as follows:
Storm Bolter Basic 90m S/2/4 1d10+5 Pen 4 60 Full [Storm, Tearing]
+++Copy that Vartas, I am diverting your kill-team North to participate in the main drive on the Manufactorum. Shortly you will receive a set of coordinates with the location of a company of Arbites that are awaiting are forces. Link up with them and then proceed to support the Colonels assault on the facility.+++
Shortly thereafter the coordinates arrive. Comparing them to the Cartograph it looks like they will take you slightly off the main road. You estimate that it will take you less than an hour to reach the Arbites position if you maintain a good marching pace. You could even catch a ride with the convoy for most of the way if you wanted.
After the battle is over, Zedkiel returns to the abattoir of a hab to prepare the three survivors for transport. He looks them over again, and sends a report to his commander.
++Brother, we have three wounded mortals who need transport out of the hot zone. They have held onto their loyalty and faith in the Emperor throughout this ordeal, and should be commended. They also must be debriefed so we can get a greater understanding of what has happened here so we can stomp it out. This is not mere uprising against corrupt or incompetent leadership, this is true heresy. Finally, let me treat the our wounded brothers before we head out. It will not take long.++
+++Understood, sir. I would appreciate the name of their commanding officer and his vox-channel, so that we can co-ordinate our arrival.+++
Lucian then relays the new orders over the squad vox, before replying to Zedkiel's message.
The bravery and resilience of these citizens is an example to us all. I will request transport for them back to Colonel Folken's muster point, and then on to the Pious Immolation for debrief. The source of this heresy must not be allowed to fester, any information they can proffer may prove vital to our efforts here.
Commence your assessment of any wounds, and treat what you can. I hope to be moving out with the convoy as soon as possible. My own wounds are superficial, see to our other Brothers first.
Switching to Colonel Folken's vox-channel, Lucian makes his request for transport.
+++Colonel, I need some transport arranging. I have three civilians that need returning to your muster point, and then off-world to the Pious Immolation for debriefing. They are wounded and frightened, and must not stay in a combat zone for any longer than is necessary. I also request transport northwards for myself and my Battle-Brothers. We have new orders to rendezvous with a group of Arbitrators, and I would be grateful if you were able to hasten our journey.
On a more personal note, I would ask you to pass on my gratitude and commendations to Sergeant Murphy and his Hellhounds crews. They performed excellently, and the crew of Rygal's Absolution will surely find their places at the Emperor's side in reward for their heroic sacrifice.+++
The Watch-Captain gives you the name Arbitrator Vareon as well as the key to an encrypted vox channel.
+++I'll pass it along Commander. You and your team can ride with us for as long as you need. As for the others: we are leaving behind a team to secure our rear and work on recovery of the vehicles. I will ask them to care for your civilians as well.+++
Valerio looks at the device Brother Castil has brought to him. He makes a motion for his Servo-Skull to come to his side as he begins to inspect the device, using it as a small aide.
"Brother Castil, I believe I could fix this - however it is worth mentioning that this is nothing more than a standard Storm Bolter and is not of Astartes quality. I can fix the grip and trigger configuration to accommodate you if you should wish to use it, but I would think that an Astartes Bolter should be of better use than this. I would suggest that we give this to the Guardsmen, who may be able to put it to better use."
Ah, thank you brother Leon. This weapon is more deadly in close quarters, using twice the ammo, but inflicting more damage than our standard bolters. While the range is slightly less I think I will be better served by it in the coming battle. Perhaps when we return you could bring it up to full Astarte size and function. For now I'd appreciate the modifications to the grip and a blessing to ensure the machine spirits obey their new master as faithfully as we serve the Emperor.
After the repairs and modifications are done, Castil acquires the necessary ammo and clips he'll need to carry out the mission, switching his own bolter's clips and arranging safe transport of his bolter back to the ship. While most Astartes might be more attached to their bolter, Castil had never grown similar attachments to his gear. While his force sword is an extension of himself, and like the remaining flesh covering the Iron Hand's body, it too can always be upgraded and replaced. Their is no room for weakness in your body or gear. If something is better suited for the task, it would be the tool he wielded.
Finally better prepared and fueled by the last encounter, Castil searches for his commander and considers what could be the best course of action.
There is no element of surprise, they know where we are coming from and what we bring. The can not possibly hope to resist a siege. They must have a plan. This defense was to buy time, but for what?
Our presence may be unknown, is the convoy a distraction for us or something else? How can we hope to enter and cut off the head? Perhaps the commander knows more.
After some further discussion with Brother Leon, Castil decides he might need his larger bolter for more heavily armored targets. He quickly retrieves it and the ammo he had previously stored. After returning to the kill team he looks to the commander and says:
What are our orders sir? The enemy has to know we are coming. So are we going to be the distraction or is the convoy cover for the main operation, our mission? Something doesn't feel right about these traitors. There are larger forces at work, we must be prepared. We must find out who we are truly dealing with.
+++Thank you Colonel. I will await further information on our transport.+++
Switching back to the squad channel, Lucian answers Castil's questions as to their new orders.
We are to link up with a force of Arbites, and take part in the main assault on the manufactorum which is believed to be the centre of this rebellion.
Colonel Folken's armoured force is leading the assault on the rebels' main defensive lines. We will be acting in support of the primary assault. I will contact the commander of the Adeptus Arbites force to obtain further information about the current situation.
You are right Brother, this uprising feels well organised and orchestrated. We need to uncover the root of this heresy, as well as dealing with the rebels themselves, if we are to prevent it from happening again.
Lucian then attunes his vox to the command frequency for Arbitrator Vareon. A series of bleeps and chirps sound as the powerful Astartes vox-caster enters an encrypted channel.
+++Arbitrator Vareon, this is Brother Lucian Vartas, commanding the Deathwatch Kill-Team currently operating in Gunmetal City. My orders are to link with you and your troops, and support the attack on the manufactorum. We are awaiting transport north at present. What can you tell me about the current situation in the rebel headquarters?+++
You receive naught but static in response Brother Vartas. After a few more failed attempts at hailing the Arbitratior you start to wonder if something is the matter, whether it be technical issues or something else.
The lack of communication surprises Lucian, and he attempts to connect to the Arbitrator again.
He then switches to Colonel Folken's frequency.
+++Colonel, I am having trouble contacting a group of Arbitrators further ahead in the advance. Are you able to contact your forward elements? I am concerned that something has happened. Is there any word on our transport?+++
+++I haven't heard any unusual reports from up ahead commander. As for your transport: we have some spare space in a few of the Chimeras but they haven't exactly been set up for Astartes so it may be a bit cramped+++
+++Thank you Colonel, we'd be grateful for whatever help you can provide, but I'd like to get moving as soon as possible. Once Brother Zedkiel has seen to everyone's wounds, we will be ready to depart.+++
The lack of contact with the Arbitrator peturbs Lucian, and he contacts Watch-Captain Enoch.
+++My lord, I am unable to contact Arbitrator Vareon on his vox-channel. Has his unit reported in recently, and is there any evidence of fighting at his location? I am concerned that the rebels may have advanced further than previously expected. We will be moving forward with Colonel Folken's advance shortly, and I would like to contact Vareon before we arrive.+++
Commander. I noticed there was no reply to your hails. Requesting permission to recon the rendezvous point or their last known location, I will see if I can't find our Arbites. If they've been compromised then the convoy's flank is exposed and our siege of the manufactorm will be even more problematic. It's also possible that the traiterous leaders are fleeing or moving sensitive materials. Either way, we need to act quickly and get an eyes on confirmation.
Zedkiel looks over the team.
+++Negative Brother Vartas. I received that vox-channel second hand, the Arbites aren't reporting directly to myself. I'll see what I can look into on my end. Meanwhile try and head to the rendezvous point regardless. They may be suffering some sort of technical difficulties.+++
As the Black Templar Apothecary approach Brother Elays raises his hand stopping the marine. "I am well," he explains before leaving his squad mate to treat those in need. He walks to Brother Vartas and asks: "What do we know regarding the assault?"
+++Understood sir. We will proceed as planned.+++
Lucian turns to address the rest of the squad as Zedkiel made his rounds.
Our rendezvous with the Arbitrators is an hour away on foot. Colonel Folken is arranging transport with his convoy part of the way, and we will make the final approach on foot. I have been unable to contact the commander of the Arbitrators, so we will make a cautious approach to the rendezvous point when we leave the convoy.
I don't currently have any information on the assault, but I will be contacting the forward commanders during our journey to ascertain the current situation.
I'd like to thank you all for your exemplary service so far today. Not everything has gone to plan, but we have worked efficiently to rid this planet of those that would dare defy the Emperor's laws. I am proud to call you all Brothers.
"Unnecessary brother"says Castil as Brother Zedkiel moves to examine him. "Just a few scratches on the armor" Afterwards, he turns his attention back to his commander.
Sir, if I may. I believe we should approach by foot. If something has happened the enemy is on the offensive. They know the route of the convoy and will most likely be watching it and expecting possible confrontation from departing reinforcements. If we were to travel by foot and flank the rendezvous position, they are less likely to expect it or be looking our way. Perhaps getting close enough to gather intel and or taking someone alive for questioning.
If scouts see us coming or alert a larger force, then it could make things more difficult and threaten the convoy. We mustn't allow any more loss of armor before the siege begins.
"Brother, with all do respect, I believe the time for subtly and subterfuge have long passed. Although I agree that it may be possible, I find it more likely that the rebels have withdrawn and concentrated to the Manufactorum. Judging by their tactics utilized here in the Crossroads, they are not one for forward scouts and maneuverability. They are more likely to have heavily fortified expecting an attack than to have scouts and resources dedicated to preventing one.
It would be quicker to travel with the convoy rather than walk. The men are already in danger, whether we travel by foot or not, and us delaying our aide any longer only increases their danger. We may still be able to move to flank, in order to maximize the efficiency of the Assault, but I am certain walking to the battle is not going to gain us any advantages."
Nodding slowly as Brother León speaks Elyas adds: "I concur."
"The squad is ready in body, and if it is not impertinent for me to say so, more than ready in spirit, brother-commander. I am ready to bring justice to the wicked, and I await your orders."
Lucian lays a hand on Castil's shoulder, in a gesture of solidarity between Brothers.
I understand your concerns, Castil, but we cannot delay any longer. The enemy will no doubt be aware that a major advance is coming, and my inability to contact the commander of the Arbites unit may suggest that the battle is already underway.
He turns to the rest of the Kill-Team.
Colonel Folken's convoy gives us the best chance of arriving in time to make a difference. We will ride with them, and rendezvous with the Arbitrators as ordered.
+++Colonel Folken, we are ready to advance.+++
+++Copy that kill-team+++
---
Your team is crammed between three Chimeras within the convoy. The storm troopers you are travelling with seem apprehensive, though whether it is in anticipation of the coming battle or your own looming presences you can't tell.
Along the way you get a glimpse of the greater effects the riots have had on the hive. There is evidence of mass looting, arson, defacement of public property and other such crimes that go along with a disorderly populace. Many of the streets are chocked with overturned vehicles and debris but they do little to slow the advance of the vehicles equipped with reinforced rams leading the convoy. Occasionally you see figures huddled away from the light, and whether they be scavengers, rebels, or simply survivors it matter not in the face of the Emperors blessed armor. Only once does the column actually stop as you heard some sporadic gunfire coming from up ahead.
---
Finally you reach the point where you will have to continue on foot to reach the rendezvous point. You exit your transports and gather up as you prepare to set out. The rain stopped during your trip but the sun will be setting soon. In the distance you can see the mighty spires of the Manufactorum. Nearby an element of Basilisks have split off from the main group and started setting up. Those of you who were on Phyrr recognize one of the artillery platforms you had saved during the battle with the chaos forces. The name inscribed on the armor has been changed, now reading "Phyrr No More".
The journey passes quicly for Lucian, as he spends his time reviewing the limited tactical information available to him, then tending to his weapons. He remains silent, contemplating the task ahead and recalling appropriate chapters of the Codex Astartes.
When the time comes to disembark, he hefts his heavy bolter and steps out into the spreading gloom of the early evening. The co-ordinates provided by the Watch Captain flash brightly on Lucian's cartograph, and he begins to plot a route towards the agreed RV.
+++Many thanks Colonel. Good hunting, and may the grace of the Emperor guide you this day.+++
He turns to the Kill-Team.
We move on foot from here. Elyas will take point. Zedkiel, Castil and I will form the centre, and Leon will be our rearguard. Keep your spacing loose and your eyes open, there may be rebel scouts around.
As his Brothers disperse, Lucian attunes his vox-caster to Arbitrator Vareon's command frequency, hoping to be able to contact the Arbites commander now that they are closer.
+++Arbitrator Vareon, this is Brother Lucian Vartas, Deathwatch Kill-Team commander. We are making our way forward to rendezvous with you. How copy?+++
The ride passed quickly for Castil, he used the time to focus on the details of the last assault and consider what the team should do. Upon arriving he steps off the transport and opens himself up the warp, letting it flow through him, but in a controlled manner.
Slowly a veil lowers over the the librarian and the kill team giving them confidence and foresight. While Castil wasn't convinced this was the best approach, he would support his brother's and follow orders. He hoped his gut feeling would be wrong and glimpsed closely as far he could with the aid of the warp.
Valerio moves out and into position. He quickly scans the area for threats. Once visually and then once more with his Auger Array.
Zedkiel takes his position as ordered, bolter at the ready. He represses the shudder as the warp licks at him, and quietly prays an abjuration.
Castil decides to take a look around but he's too entrenched with his warp visions to focus on his environment.
Slightly frustrated again at his blindness he takes a knee and trust his brothers will have clearer vision.
Yet again you receive no response on the vox. The convoy prepares to move on its way and you too decide that it would be foolish to waste time.
It is a short walk to the rendezvous and, not surprisingly, you find it deserted. However there are definite signs of there having been people here recently: half-finished entrenchments, ration wrappers, cigarette butts, etc.
The recent rains have washed away some of the tracks and that, combined with the shear number of footprints, makes it difficult to determine which direction they may have gone. After some time though you come to the conclusion that the group that was once here has moved towards the South-West - away from the Manufactorum.
The vox silence is concerning to Lucian.
With no contact from the Arbites, making a safe rendezvous will be much more difficult.
Lucian continues to try to contact Vareon regularly, sliding up and down the vox frequencies to try to latch on to their signal. He receives no reply by the time the Kill-Team reaches the rendezvous point.
There is evidence that a large group was recently here, but they seem to have moved south-west, away from the target. Keep your eyes open Brothers, there is something very unsettling about this.
Lucian looks around for any signs of recent combat, or any other reason that may have forced the Arbitrators to desert their post.
Retuning the vox-caster, he then contacts the Watch Captain to update him.
+++My lord, I have been unable to contact Arbitrator Vareon, and we have arrived at the rendezvous to find it deserted. A group of people has clearly been here recently, and seems to have left in a southwesterly direction.
I do not feel that we can afford the time to hunt for the Arbitrators, and I would like to proceed onwards without them, in support of the main assault. Is that acceptable, sir?+++
Boarding his designated Chimera Elyas says nothing, he evaluates the current occupants and makes room for those of his fellow brothers rinding with him. As the transporter rumbles towards their destination he contemplates the approaching assault but find his thoughts turning to the Lion.
He disembarks and nods when the order to move out is giving. He leads the way as ordered and moves efficiently towards their designated waypoint. Keeping watch, he looks not for the signs at the rendezvous site, Brother Lucian's words starts a myriad of thoughts. [I]Heretics, yet anthor fall from grace. Is it always so when the soldiers of the Imperium returns? Could they have been given other orders?[/b]
You find a small journal near one of the partially finished entrenchments, it would seem that one of the Arbites left it behind by mistake. A quick look-through yields a partially written portion bearing today's date:
...We've been ordered to pack everything up even though we've just gotten here. It's a real pain in the ass, 'specially since they already made us start diggin in here. It's strange though, since we're so close to the Manufactorum and everyone was saying that we'd be taken it soon. Guess it just wasn't meant to be...
Thank for the Emperor for it really. Looks like we're heading South towards the noble sectors and that means we'll be far away from this hellhole and these damned "rebels". Might even be able to "liberate" some loot from a rich-blood while they're all mucking about.
+++Hrm, that is unfortunate but your conclusion is sound Commander. Our focus remains on the facility so we are forced now to continue on despite this setback. Regardless though, I have confidence that you and your marines will make up for the absence of a few mortals. Good luck Brother Vartas+++
+++Understood, sir. We will move towards the Manufactorum. Who is in overall command of the assault sir? It might be prudent for me to co-ordinate with them, to ensure that my Brothers and I are present where we can maximally effective.+++
Lucian then hands the diary to the rest of the Kill-Team.
What do you make of this brothers? I am concerned that there may be rebel elements in the higher command echelons here.
After glancing at the journal Castil says to his brothers, "We should inform our forces and contacts with their heading, with orders to intercept if sighted. Question the leaders and find the source of their orders. For now, it doesn't stop us from our current objective.
Do we catch up with the convoy and ride it out with them and support the assault head on? Or do we assault another point of entry and make our way towards the enemy commanders?
+++Colonel Folken is leading the assault on the ground+++
"We continue with the assault," Elyas calmly remarks. Leaving little doubt as to how he think the team should proceed.
Investigating whatever happened to the Arbites is secondary at this point, we need to link up with the main assault. I will contact Colonel Folken and ascertain where we may be of maximum impact.
+++Colonel, the Arbitrator contingent we were ordered to rendezvous with seems to have been ordered away from the line of battle. We are moving up to support the assault as ordered. Where can we be of most impact?+++
+++From here it looks like the main gate to the facility so we're stuck right now, should have expected as much. Think you can do anything about it my Lord?+++
+++Indeed we can Colonel, we're moving now. Keep me apprised of the situation at the manufactorum.+++
We're moving on without the Arbites. Form up as previously. Our target is the main gate, but I'd like to get it open without risking a frontal assault. We'll advance until we can see the gate, and we can make a plan of attack from there. Any questions?
In my experience, such facilities are well fortified and ready for a siege. It is not a self contained biome, and there's likely another way in, perhaps through a water or power source. Brother Vartas, you know the ways of Mars, do you know the pattern of the manufactorum, or where we can find an egress?
My thoughts exactly Zedkiel. I, however, know precious little about these facilities. Brother Leon may have more idea than myself, but we may be better off making our own assessment once we arrive.
Manufactorums produce a lot of by-products so there are countless sewer lines, runoff slues, and underground entryways that access the facilities. However, given that the Colonel is moving such a large body of armor he is indeed limited to entry through the main gateway to reach the inner courtyard.
The gate itself has likely been taken over by the same methods the rebels used to gain access to the complex's defenses. If that's the case you can try and reset the systems directly from a console within the gate house. Alternatively you could disable the gates power source which will forcibly reset any internal systems.
That being said, if the rebels have simply welded the door shut then your only remaining option is to get enough explosives to crack the whole thing open.
"Brothers, there are a many sewer lines, runoff slues, and entryways that we could use to enter the facilities - however Colonel Folken will not be able to move his armors through these passages. Alas, I am afraid his only option is through the main gate.
Supposing that the Rebels have managed to wrest control of the gate, much the same as the defenses, then we could bypass their controls by either a full reset of the systems from within the gatehouse, or forcibly remove their controls by disabling the power to the gatehouse which will force the machine-spirits to submit to our needs.
Both of these tasks are, at their base, very straight forward. However, if it turns out that these Rebels also straight forward, it is entirely possible that they could have just welded the gate shut. In this instance we would need to gather enough explosives to crack the gate open, and Colonel Folken will have his entrance."
Excellent Leon. The Colonel may require the front gate, but we do not. We will make our way into the gatehouse via one of the sewer lines or secondary gateways, take the control centre and open the gate from within. If we cannot open the gate, I have three demolition charges that should do the job.
Following Brother Leons guidance you make your way towards one of the Manufactorums underground passageways. On the way you pass close by your allies and see that they have indeed all taken up position along the outside of the facility and are currently trading fire with the rebels positioned along and outside of the wall.
It takes a short time to find where the drain lets out, putting you on the other side of the wall and within the inner courtyard. It would seem that your choice of entry has let you go unseen so far as you have full view the myriad of defenses, armor, and manpower that the rebels have amassed so far.
The gatehouse is nearby, about 50 meters away from your current position.