Your game plays off.
The enemy hastes off a shot, but in the hurry aims a little too high and misses you entirely...
Time for red stuff!
Felix sighs as she digs out some extra ammo from the clutches of the corpse. Then she approaches the start of the western strike time.
Sir, I'm going to run out of sniper ammo real fast takin' out low value targets here. Think I'd be of more use helping take the cannon.
Very well. Wave 2 and two squads from 1st wave will start out soon.
"And if everyone do their part, we shall indeed be victorious."
The Commissar says with conviction, possibly having been inspired a little by his own speech.
Lynn does a little sing-song as her sight rests on the enemy wannabe sniper
"Aaaaand noooow it iiiis muuuurdeeer tiiime"
Well, hopefully the troops were encouraged, i feel that making a second speech right after the first would spoil the effect and be somewhat...crass.
Ludicus pulls out his chain sword and begins to inspect the edge. Soon enough he would no doubt be needing to use it.
Fortunately, the teeth were in good repair, and it looked "the business" as the soldiers might say.
Just as the command comes back to the waiting squad to form up and prepare for the attack, a camo-cloaked someone drops into the trench - coming from the direction you came from.
It soo turns out to be a female trooper shouldering one beast of a rifle, the likes of which some of you may have seen in use back on your homeworld to hunt big game.
She looks quite battered, with a scorched burnhole in the chest armor and a blood encrusted leg, but seems to be grinning and even humming happily to herself.
The helpful Trooper is waving you off with a quick Aquila formed accros his chest.
"Stay alive lads and give'em hell, yeah.
See you on top of that blasted hill, alright?"
And he winks at Felix at his last sentence.
Archibald checks his gleaming, polished pistol, still fully loaded and somehow untouched by the mud, and nods with satisfaction.
If anyone has any questions, now is the time. If no, I'll give the order. Sergeants?
The trooper with the big gun gets to work refilling it - ejecting 2 oversized casings and inserting 2 fresh, equally oversized, bullets.
She stops humming for a moment to ask.
"Aye. Question here. what are we doing? Just got back from shooting heads and getting shot you see."
There is a lascannon position west of here and we have rapid response troops incoming in a hour. If we don't clear our trenches and take that cannon those troops could be in for a nasty surprise and won't be much help in taking the second line. 1st wave is going to attack the east and north west trenches to draw off the bulk of the enemy and we're going south and west. We'll clear any remaining forces and take the lascannon, or, failing that, destroy it.
Lugga here is available to be on point. He pats the side of a massive ogryn who seems to be following him around and is carrying a scary number of mortar rounds.
I leave the rest of it to Sargent Walkover as that is his duty and his specialty. Sargent, at your leisure.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
The troopers eyes light up at that plan. And she starts bouncing up and down a litlte.
"Weeeee. Can I shoot the cannon gunner? Can I? Can I? Can I? Honey here waaaants to kill. The heavier the gun they carry the better!"
She clicks the guns barrel back into place and craddles the big and heavy gun in a loving embrace, rubbing her cheek against it.
Archibald grins. If you get a shot, be my guest.
Ludicus approaches Lynn and looks her over for a minute, his black eyes scanning her intently.
"Trooper, for the time being, by order of the Commissariat, you are hereby ordered to join this squad to serve in your assigned role."
Turning to Archibald, the Commissar gives a short nod.
"This will makes things easier for the after reports, commissariat authority and all that."
"Yay! Honey gets to shoot the big gun AND gets to join the red one." Lynn grins, then points to her combead. "Can I get into your talkey group then? I still hear everyone whining about so much to shoot at. Instead of just shooting everything."
belatedly she realizes just WHO the red guy is and snaps to a salute
"Oh right. Forgot that part: AYE SIR!"
Ludicus allows his lips to twitch for just a moment, amused despite himself.
"Fall in trooper..."
Archibald doesn't even try to hide his approval and gives her the comm codes. Good to have you trooper...?
She hesitates for a moment, unsure on whether to she should do the drilled in parade ground answer or just the regular one. Seeing the far too many rank insignias on Archibalds uniform though she decides to go with... both.
"Trooper Lynn Edward, under Sergeant... wait that doesn't matter anymore I think my guys are part of that red soup back there... Anyway the guys used to call me Nutjob. Not sure why thought. I don't like nuts. I like honey here." and she pats her beloved gun.
She then sits down cross legged, resting her gun on her lap while she pulls down the combead, trying to retune it.
"Ummm.... I don't have any buttons on it. How do I change it?"
Well I do like being on top Felix says giving Lynn a side-eye. Her former foxholemate was certainly enthusiastic.
"Very well then Trooper Edward, Trooper Tark. As long as you have the ammunition for it, you are now assigned to this squad in your capacity as sharp shooters.
I've already seen enough demonstrations of your skills to feel assured you shall perform your duty beyond the norm.
A well placed shot can turn the tide of any battle.
Now, let us make sure the enemy is taught an important lesson today.
The emperor protects!"
She hesitates for a moment, unsure on whether to she should do the drilled in parade ground answer or just the regular one. Seeing the far too many rank insignias on Archibalds uniform though she decides to go with... both.
"Trooper Lynn Edward, under Sergeant... wait that doesn't matter anymore I think my guys are part of that red soup back there... Anyway the guys used to call me Nutjob. Not sure why thought. I don't like nuts. I like honey here." and she pats her beloved gun.
She then sits down cross legged, resting her gun on her lap while she pulls down the combead, trying to retune it.
"Ummm.... I don't have any buttons on it. How do I change it?"
Stay close to someone in the squad. I know it's not ideal, but we don't have extra beads right now. If anyone has a better idea, I'm open, but tell me in the way. Let's move.
Lynn scratches cheek, then puts her Combead back on. "Aye Sir. Not really what sharp shooters do but I'll figure something out. I had the back of red one earlier too with that stubber and that seems to have worked out."
She gets up and tightens the strap on 'Honey', cradling it close to her with her left arm while drawing a las pistol with the right.
"Alrighty, all ready now. Sorry for the delay."
The remainder of the second wave forms up around the Sergeant and Commissar, both of which whipping up everyone to a fighting frenzy with their speeches.
There is Felix, looking quite dangerous with her shotgun and the bloody armor.
There is the newcomer with her oversized rifle, standing a few steps apart from everyone and caressing the gun in a quite disconcerting manner.
There is the towering Ogryn with the rented shield full of impact craters and a bandolier of mortar grenades strapped around the barrel like chest.
The there is the Lieutenant with his polished gun, dirty (for once!) boots and the fancy uniform towards the back
Then there are Martha and Plip - tankers by heart and appearance. Their lasguns at the ready and their looks a strange mix of excitement and fear.
Behind them are Fred and Jones, the two only survivors of the Chimera 'Selena' which was hit by the very lascannon you are now tasked to capture. They look very determined although they only have their sidearms left - having had no chance to recover their rifles from their burning vehicle in time.
And there is Syna, a young medic-in-training who somehow has made it to the trenches despite getting lost in the smoke screen during the charge, after her goggle were hit by a stray round. She is also down to her sidearm but has kept her iron grip on the small field medikit.
Eleven all told.
Ready to pierce the fog of war.
Ready to go where no yellow-and-black had managed to go before.
Hoping to strike a decisive blow to the enemy and allow reinforcements to arrive save and sound.
As you hurry south and west, several troopers cross you on their way in the opposite direction. Some seem on the verge of challenging you, presumably to ask you why you are heading "the wrong way" - but the presence of a Commissar shuts everyone's mouth up in time.
You cross the mortar position, where Jeeves and Leonard are just done setting up their heavy weapon and wish you good hunting.
Then you reach a T-crossing where some helpful soul has marked the walls just short of the crossing with red chalk, a diamond with a question mark in the center, warning everyone of possible enemy contacts ahead.
From what you remember of the map at Lt. Henriks impromptu desk, this side trench does lead right into the midst of the enemy trench system.
If you head on ahead, you will reach the frontmost line of the trench system which you could then follow further behind enemy lines.
The first option is likely the shorter route but much closer to the distraction than the second option.
If he is looked to for advice, Archibald signals - ahead with all the confidence in the world.
By the Emperor I hope that was right...
Kersin pauses at the intersection of the trenches and speaks calmly over the combead to the entire squad. He faces the newcomer so she will hear him directly, The enemy is entrenched ahead of us in both directions. They are closer stright ahead, but that is close to our distraction and will therefore draw more enemy troops as the first wave tries to create a hole for us. This other branch will take us a little longer to reach the enemy lines, but that will give us time for the distraction to have its effect.
Kersin pauses for a moment, wincing a little in pain, then turns to face each of the troopers in turn as he continues, "They are entrenched. They have already killed many of our fellows. They are expecting us. And all of their preparation will add up to nothing because we fight for Him on the Golden Throne of Terra. We, and our brothers and sisters coming behind us, will wipe these foul traitors from the face of His galaxy."
He raises his voice a little as he continues, "Some of us will die in this duty; the enemy is as treacherous as they are foul. But we WILL do our Duty this day. We WILL capture that heavy weapon. And we WILL. NOT. FAIL. And at the end of it, come what may, I am honored to lead you all in service to Him." Kersin pauses for a heartbeat for dramatic effect, "Quickly now, and quietly as we can. Forward my brothers and sisters! Forward for Serenus! Forward for Terra! Forward for the Emperor!"
Kersin nods in a brief salute to the Commissar and the Lieutenant and turns quickly toward the longer route, leading the others down it with only a slight hitch in his motions to betray the pain he is feeling. He turns quickly enough that he could probably have simply missed the LT's gesture. Possibly.
Felix sighs as she looks at the very poorly armed Fred and Jones, she hands the closest one her lasgun and 4 charge packs.
You give these back to me after we get that cannon, right? she says.
Too right. Forward! she echoes Kersin, taking the place in the order that she's pointed to. Probably closer to the front than the back.
Archibald falls in with his stub pistol in one hand and rangefinder in the other. He also lends his Lasgun to a nearby guardsman. No use in having the weapon go unused. Anyone with an unused weapon that could be better employed in the hands of another, lend it. I hereby order anyone using a borrowed weapon to return it upon mission completion or be liable to the Munitorum for it's replacement.
The tankers nod thankfully as they are offered the lasguns and take them on, checking the charge packs and strap in.
That dealt with and the decision of direction decided, the group passes the side trench, opting for the longer route.
Or they intent to, but the moment Sgt. Kersin walks past the sidewalk, the unmistakable sound of an autogun report sounds up, followed by the whining sound of a bullet zipping past at close proximity!
Someone has set up an overwatch along the side corridor and is shooting at everyone moving along the main trench!
Archibald sighs and runs up to the front. Let me see.
He readies his rangefinder and tries to get a bead on the emplacement.
*Beng*
This time the bullet hits the side of the trench, just below the Lieutenant's feet!
The shooter is crouching low and hugging the wall of the trench on the opposite end of the side trench!
Barely 20 meter out.
"This is your Que sharpshooters.
As soon as the enemy is spotted, hole it."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Archibald turns to Lugga and says, Just a skippity skip, Lugga, Thata way upper over.
Lugga nods and squints in the direction of the gunner. He takes out a frag mortar round, hits the butt against the spike on his forehead to arm it, then chucks the thing up and in the direction of the gunner!
"Shootey time! Lemme past!"
Lynn holsters the las pistol again and uses her elbows to get through to the front. She scratches her chin for a second, thinking before she lies down next to the corner leading into the side trench, lines up her hunting rifle and drapes her camocloak over both the rifle and her front.
Camoflaged like that she only shifts her heavy gun and her torso a little to the side into view of the side trench, hopefully only exposing her gun and maybe a little of her right arm, barely being visible. And even less so thanks to the camo cloak.
After spotting the gun Archibald quickly returns to his place in the lineup to make way for the sharpshooters.
The mortar round travels the short distance in a high arc and lands just at the edge of the trench corner the shooter uses for cover.
The detonation of the explosive over such a short distance is deafening and judging from the zipping sound of shrapnel richocheting off the trench walls all over the side corridor very, very nearly too close for comfort.
Obviously the enemy gunner had the worse deal and there is not much left of him as you take a second look.
A two by two meter section of the trench has collapsed and burried the remains of the man (?) under explosively excavated volcanic rock and debris.
That danger dealt with, you hurry onwards, following the trench towards the foremost line.
Another helpful chalk sign warns you, that you are about to enter hostile territory.
This trench is one of the longest, straight trench you have yet seen in this criss-crossing defensive system, with at least a hundred meter of sight in both direction.
To your left it is the secured area, but to the right is all enemy terrain.
Clearly a vicious battle has been fought hear with no clear winner, judging from the many corpses lying all over the area and hastily erected defensive positions all over the area.
Gunpowder smoke still wavers over the area and small patches of fire still burn where flamers where used.
There! Movement!
Maybe 30 meters out.
Probably now behind a hastily piled up improvised cover made from ammunition crates and a couple sandbags.
And a light reflection from further back - might very well be from a sniper's scope or from someone using a binocular!
As he's not in the front, Archibald doesn't get the first look, but he does spot the movement being the sandbags 30 meters down the trench.
Enemy presence, 30 meters he informs the rest.
Though he sees nothing, Kersin pauses at the Lieutenant's words.
What do you think, Sarge? Try to snipe them or assault? Both?
Felix promptly dives for cover and braces her longlas on the lip of a sandbag. Behind the movement sir, there's a glint, sniper maybe.
"Has the distraction assault started yet, Sir? It will not help us to let them know we are serious about this approach if the distraction has yet to kick off."
Command channel crackles:
<< Distraction and push-east under way.
Good fortune, Beta-Team.
The Emperor protects! >>
Lynn takes a quick peak
"Can't see anyting. Neither does Honey. Lemme get ready but I'll have to wait until they fire or give themselves away."
Lynn once again lies down still in cover and drapes the camo cloak over herself and the gun.
This time she does not yet move into the line of sight.
"Alrighty. I'll shoot some heads once you start pushing in."
Emperor burn it all Sarge, I lost the glint. I know it's out there but I don't have a target. Goin' into Overwatch here too.
"As we cannot remain here overlong, we may have little choice but to push an assault under covering fire.
Troopers, you need to all slot bayonets, the enemy might be around any corner and be too close for anything else, best be prepared."
Looking over to the sergeant, the lieutenant and most obviously Lugga, Ludicus motions for them to join him.
"With his shield, Lugga should lead the charge, with the three of us following.
While we charge, the troopers should lay down a lasgun fusillade and our sharpshooters be ready to counter snipe.
Well?"
Lacking any other direction from the saergent, Archibald nods. As you say, Commissar. Lugga! Point.
Rest of you, make it happen.
Lugga takes point as ordered and rounds the corner shield first once all is ready. His shield takes up a good portion of the trench and his long strides cover the ground very quickly. In his other hand a crude but doubtlessly effective warhammer threatens painful death with every step.
40+10+10+10-30+30=70
With the Ogryn at the front, the squad quickly fans out and finds nearby cover.
The massive frame of the Ogryn and his shield fills out the trench and makes it pretty hard to see anything and you start to wonder how exactly you should provide covering fire without hitting the big guy in the back...
Martha is probably having the same problems and quickly climbs up on the firing step to better cover the advance party from there...
... but quickly jumps back down screaming, when a bullet misses her head by mere inches!
"FRAKFRAKFRAK!!"
There is the bugger!
Shooting through a tiny hole between a man-high stack of crates.
This is going to be very tricky, as the rent is barely large enough to squeeze the rifle barrel through.
The forward team makes decent speed through the cluttered trench due to the amazing strength of the Ogryn pushing obstacles out of the way.
The first trouble comes in the form of a "corpse" turning out to not be so dead after all.
A bloodied man jumps up right after the Ogryn has narrowly passed him and strikes a surprise attack against the Commissar with a combat knife!
But the strike is hasty and easy to side-step.
Two more "corpses" rise around the forward group, similarly armed.
"Scum! Taste the fury of the righteous!"
The commissars whirling chainblade lashes out, teeth whirling in a cacophony of death.
Lynn had moved into the line of fire when the others started moving so she is already braced and basically on overwatch. Except she would not waste bullets at something like an instinctive quick shot.
"Ohhhh looky the guy in red is going to mulch that one! Lets do just a little bit of murder on one of the other two!"
She takes a moment to aim on the next closest 'not corpse' to the Commissar. She does not restrict herself to a single extremity and instead picks the first stable point to fire at that the target gives her.
"Pop goes the cultist! Good work Honey!"
With a direct thrust to the midriff, the Commissar disembowels his enemy just as Lynn's shot searches, finds and subsequently removes the heart of another, who is thrown against the back of the Ogryn with enough force for him to actually notice.