DEATHWATCH
Mission VII: Changes
(From The Eyes Of The Salamander)
My journey from Vulkan to the Jericho Reach was a long one but of great importance. The Salamanders are known for hunting relics, yet some items are too powerful even for us to keep. So, I return once more to the Deathwatch, bringing along a most unusual item.
After delivering the peculiar piece and unloading my gear in my cell, I made my way to the great room for food and some time for reflection. Watch Station Erioch is the home of the Deathwatch, however it is unlikely that I will see very many of my Battle Brothers, seeing as this is on the outskirts of the Jericho Reach, meaning most leave for missions and stay gone for long periods.
To my surprise, I see two familiar faces already eating at one of the large tables. Ulrec, a Space Wolf Librarian, or Wolf Priest as his Chapter recognizes him. A calculating man, which made him all the more dangerous. Both a challenge for any foe at range or in close quarters combat.
Next to him is Renshaw, a Assault Marine hailing from the Raven Claws. This man was always scornful, even in battle, but his prowess in melee combat was unmatched. Naturally, he always deployed with dual Lightning Claws, as is his Chapters specialty, and was a magnificent terror when wielding them.
"By the Emperor! Look what the Fenrisian Wolf dragged in!" Ulrec said, greeting me warmly, in his way. "We have not laid eyes upon you since our battle on Bashara." Renshaw scoffed at the topic, reminding me well of how the mission played out. "Still upset that I killed the Warboss?" I replied, agitating the Assault Marine further. "I had it under control," he stated, slamming his fist down and startling the hooded serfs catering to us. "Now, now," Ulrec broke in, trying to calm Renshaw. "I believe Renshaw knows his overzealousness gave the Warboss the advantage...so what he means to say is 'Thank you." We laughed together as the Raven sneered at our comments, trying to ignore us.
One of the shrouded servants approached, his eyes never looking upon us. "Yes?" Ulrec asked, curious as to the important of this interruption. "My lords have been summoned to the Battle Theatre," the hooded man replied, still facing the floor. "Very well, you are dismissed," Ulrec relieved the serf while rising from the table. "It seems our reunion is a blessing. Let us go and see where we are needed."
Erioch was a labyrinth to those unfamiliar with its long, unending halls, but we knew them well. It took us only half an hour to reach that part of the Station, plenty of time to ready ourselves for what may lay ahead.
Watch Captain Baelor stood quietly in the war room, reading over many data slates. We entered quietly, each placing ourselves around the table displaying the Jericho Reach. "Troubling news, Brothers." Baelor said, his Armour showing no signs of a Chapter, leading me to believe he has given himself fully to the Long Watch. "The Grand Cruiser Vepres has gone silent. Our last communications with the ship was not alarming but there was something peculiar hidden in the message that only someone attuned with the Warp would hear. One word: Vileheart. We know nothing of this name nor do we know whereabouts of the vessel. This is a high priority mission, and it warrants you higher authority until this mystery is solved. Your mission is to find the Vepres and reclaim a relic inside of its hull. It is a unique item, one that must be safeguarded by the Deathwatch. If the Cruiser is under enemy control or infested, then it must be destroyed. I pray to the Emperor we are wrong, but knowing the malicious manner of the Reach, it is probably worse than we know. You each have fifty requisition, considering the severity of this mission. Additionally, you have the command to recruit any Astartes you should find valuable in finding and securing the ship. Ulrec, you are in charge. Your psychic gifts should allow you to pinpoint the ship easier than the others. There is a warship awaiting you when you are ready. May the Emperor protect."
Under the Oath of the Serpent, we choose our war gear, each selecting his preferred weapon of choice. Renshaw always chose the same items, and he did not disappoint. A jump pack and a pair of lightning class. He also acquired some teleport homers, in case the machine spirit in his pack fools with him, again.
I, being a Salamander, have a pension for fire. However, after our previous battles, I have altered my preference slightly. With my power fist, I pick up the Heavy Multi-Melta gun, ensuring that no armour or hull can withstand our advance.
Ulrec requires little other than his force staff, adorned in runes and symbols from his home world of Fenris. Still, he decides to take a storm bolter, just in case something tries to resist his powers.
With our gear collected, we boarded the Warship. There was minimal crew aboard this vessel, and could only take on maybe a total of ten space marines. It was plenty for what was necessary. This missing ship is a serious situation, but the Jericho Reach is under many threats, and this one is actually quite small compared to that of the Tyranid invasion or the rapidly festering spread of Chaos. I entered the coordinates for the last known location of the Vepres, just outside of the planet Eleusis. Ulrec took to the cabin and began meditating, allowing himself to see things unseen by the normal eye. With the warship and his mind ready, our search begins.
After a week of travel, we arrive at the space around Eleusis. Not a single speck of debris could be mustered, nor could Ulrec feel its presence in the Warp. We seemed already at a major disadvantage, especially considering the amount of time that has passed since its reported disappearance. I began inputting the coordinates to the Vepres previous location but was stopped by a distress call flashing on my screen. It is from a downed Thunderhawk on the planet surface, with no more details other than a general signal or aid. "Sir!" I address Ulrec in a higher regard, acknowledging his command pertaining to our team. "There is a downed Thunderhawk requesting support on the planet below. It could be from the Vepres." The Librarians brow furrows, the weight of the decision plainly showing on his face. "The three of us will teleport down to the planet," he replied, grabbing his helmet and holding it under his arm. "We can always return quickly if it does not seem relevant to the mission at hand."
The Warp envelops us, then fades away, leaving us standing in the middle of a town square. The surrounding buildings very much compliment the designation of a feudal world, being of stone and mortar design. Looming over us, mightier than any of the other structures, stands a great cathedral, decorated in Space Marine statues and stained glass depicting battles with Orcs and Tyranid. The Thunderhawk had crashed directly into the side of the building, lodging itself firmly. Before we could make a move, bolter shots shattered the calm stillness of the area, echoing from inside of the cathedral. Ulrec immediately respond by signaling us to move up, Renshaw and I taking point.
The large door was already partially open, enough for us to enter without making too much noise. I enter first, my large melta gun ready to punch through any obstacle or enemy. We walked together in a tight formation, sweeping down the center of the building, walking directly between the pews and heading towards the main podium. Suddenly, a Deathwatch member rose up from behind the speaking post, firing a barrage of rounds at the Thunderhawk before hunkering back down into cover.
"Do not let it live!" a voice shouted from behind the podium, our eyes and weapons already trained on the location. "It will deceive you! Kill it quickly!" More bolter shots ring through the vast cathedral, this time being fired from the Thunderhawk itself, the triggerman hastily retreating back inside of its confines. "Do not listen to his poisonous words, Brothers!" a new voice yells, resonating from inside of the hanging wreckage above. "He has had me pinned in here for days, after he sabotaged the ship and stranding us here. The Vepres no longer answers my signals, is there a problem!?" Ulrec motions for us to wait, passing between Renshaw and I and moving towards the podium. "Do not listen to him!" the voice behind the speakers place yells out, standing up from behind its cover. "I have not fired upon you. You have no reason to fear me." I can see the Wolf Priest grasping his staff now in both hands, placing it before him. It seems as if time now slows, all of us waiting to see what horrors or marvels the Librarian will conjure forth. "Show me your true face," Ulrec yells, slamming the staff down upon the ground and reaching out towards the unknown Space Marine before him. The stranger just stands there, unmoving for a few moments, but soon begins to stir. "Your Emperor is dead," he says, seething with foul hatred. "And soon, you will be too!" The corrupted Space Marine fires his bolter full auto, Ulrec dodging out of the barrage quickly, leaving my path unobstructed. Already braced and focused, I pull the trigger, incinerating the air and everything in front of me for sixty meters. As the air clears, I can see that the podium, and the wall behind, are completely melted. To my surprise, the maniac somehow dodged the blast, unleashing another wave of bolter rounds my direction. I stood firm and readied another shots, his rounds spraying and exploding around me wildly. Before I can make my next shot, Renshaw dives down from the air, unobstructed by the gigantic buildings ceiling. To my surprise, Renshaw missed, the heretic dodging another fatal blow. With Renshaw so close, I cannot risk another shot, so I bide my time and wait for an opening, slowly advancing. Lightning claws slash furiously around the corrupted soul but none landed. With a surprise kick, the villain knocks Renshaw back, catching him off guard and opening him up for an attack. Before I could fire my shot, Ulrec outstretches his hand once more, commanding the monster to drop his weapon. By the Emperor, the tainted Space Marine did just that, tossing his weapon down the steps up to the speakers position. Seeing Renshaw ready a claw, I wait to fire my weapon, allowing my teammate to fell the poisonous creature. With one cleave, the torso is cut in half, the upper part falling back, lifeless and dead.
After the brief skirmish, we turn our attention to the other voice, another Space Marine bearing the armour of the Deathwatch, as well as one pauldron from the Imperial Fists. He climbs down slowly, then drops a portion of the distance, crushing the pews below him. Before the man has a chance to explain himself, Ulrec reaches out and uses the command power once more. "Show me your true face!" The Imperial Fist loses no momentum, now face to face with the Space Wolf. "I am the right hand of the Emperor," he replies, stern and unwaivering. "I walk in His light, and banish the shadows." Impressed, I await Ulrecs response. "We are glad to see you alive, Brother," the Librarian replies, putting his hand on the shoulder of our fellow Watch Brother. "You may have the answers we seek," Ulrec tells him, leading us outside of the damaged catherdral and into the town square again. "What do you know about the Grand Cruiser Vepres?"
He told us what he knew, and the answers were not favorable. Apparently, a Kill Team had been deployed to recon a disabled Relay Tower on this planet, and all contact had been lost with them. Fearing the worst, Watch Captain Magnus took a Thunderhawk down to the surface. His pilot sabotaged the descent, causing the crash and stranding him here for a number of days. Worse yet, he has had no more contact with the original team or the Vepres itself. Now, we travel away from the town, through treacherous and windy canyons, towards the communication tower. Ulrec had not liked the detour but agreed, knowing that he could not abandon his Watch Brothers, regardless of the mission at hand. Besides, we have no new information, and we could use all the help we can get if we are going to find this missing ship.
Magnus spotted a Carnifex before he entered the canyons, causing us to pick up our pace. This is enemy territory, and a great monster creeps not far away from our chosen path. Once again, I take point, Magnus walking beside me, with Ulrec behind, and Renshaw at the flank. We have been traveling for about two hours, and so far no sign of any enemies. But, just as I lead us around a rock, Ulrec stops us, quietly. "I sense enemies behind that boulder ahead," he tells me over the vox, allowing us to talk without alerting the enemies. "Punch through the rock and give us the advantage." I nod in acceptance, bracing myself and sighting the large rock about thirty meters in front of me. I pull the trigger, melting the rock in a flash, the enemy scattering into view frantically. Still awaiting the smoke to dissipate, I catch a glimpse of a Genestealer moving about in the cloud of debris. As usual, Renshaw blasts off, smashing into the creature and crushing it violently. Two more tyranid troops emerge, dashing straight for me. A spray of bolter fire from my left tears one apart explosively, while the one on my right is blaster apart, smote by Ulrecs awesome power. As the smoke clears, Renshaw dispatches two more Genestealers, decapitating one, and splitting the other from gullet to groin.
We continue on, now more vigilant about our surroundings. Many crags and crevices spotted the gorge walls, hiding anything from dust to death. Screeching out from high up, a massive swarm of Rippers funneled out of a large hole, flooding down the rock wall and into our path. "Grenades!" Magnus yelled, hurling a frag into the mess of small tyranid bodies, blasting a lot of them apart. Still, the swarm pressed on, nearly in overwhelming range. Renshaw and I followed the Imperial Fists example, hurling a grenade each into the whirling mass of death, gibbing more of the little monsters. I suddenly feel an uncomfortable sense of doom hanging over me, and I turn my head to the source. Swirling with energy, Ulrec grips his staff tightly, then smashes it upon the ground. A great, mighty fireball unleashes from him, passing between Magnus and I. In the shape of a wolf, the fire consumes and tears at the flesh of the tyranid swarm, its burning hungry greater than that of the Rippers. Within a seconds, the enemy horde is destroyed, clearing the path for us once more.
Winding through the canyons, we still make our way towards the Station. Being on point means I do not look back, so I could not see what Ulrec and Renshaw did. A pair of Genestealers has been following us, and I had only a word over the vox to alert me to their presence. "Renshaw!" Ulrec uttered, suddenly realizing the danger behind. Lightning fast, the Raven Claw dashed towards the pair. One of them managed to dodge, while the other lost an arm, clawing furiously in pain at Renshaw. The unscathed Genestealer, leapt onto the Assault Marines back, clawing and tearing with a passion. I cannot fire, but Magnus and Ulrec were able to fire a few shots and knock the wiry enemy off of Renshaw, allowing him to impale both creatures with a claw of his own.
With the two sneaky beasts slain, I turn to take point once more. Something shimmers before me but I cannot fixate on what the cause may be. "No!" I hear Renshaw scream over the vox, the sound of his assault pack startling me even more. Then, the shimmer stops, revealing what I had not seen previously, Lictors. The ambush creatures had surrounded us when we turned our attention towards the two obvious threats trailing us. Very clever, especially since now they had us confined to close quarters combat, hindering Magnus and I greatly. However, I brought my power fist for more than just tearing armour open, it's also great at crushing enemies. With my large gauntleted left hand, I grab forward, trying to snatch up the lithe monster. It was far faster than I, dodging my attack and striking in return, glancing my armour and piercing it easily, pinning my left pauldron. Renshaw smashes into the one on my right, tumbling with it a few meters before being jumped on by another. Magnus slashes the one on my left with a knife, cutting a few tendrils from its alien face. It returns the favor by the stabbing through his armour and into his torso, lifting him up and shaking him torturously. As I grappled with my adversary, dodging its other sharp appendages, I see Ulrec strike at one and miss, but swiftly turning the miss into a surprise attack, landing a hard blow in the beasts chest. Only winged for a moment, the creature leaps back at the Librarian, Ulrec blocking two scything talons overhead yet catching the other across his torso. Still struggling, I finally overpower the Lictor, throwing it aside, but paying no more attention knowing that Renshaw is outnumbered. I brace my weapon and aim, lining up a shot but I am tackled suddenly, not knocking me over but causing me to lose balance and stumble around momentarily. The Lictor is upon me again, this time tearing through my left arms armour, taking some flesh with the attack. Wincing in pain, I strike out with the damaged arm, the power of my oversized gauntlet pinning the monster to the ground. I only have enough strength to hold the beast but not crush it entirely. Looking up, I see Renshaw uppercut a lightning claw through the head of one of the Lictors, its headless body slumping to the ground. However, the attack exposed his flank, the other Lictor delivering a piercing blow through the back of his left leg. Renshaw and the stalker now wrestled and struck intensely. A bright flash caught my eye as I see the Lictor battling Ulrec explode, obliterating the creature with a psychic powered strike from his staff. Quickly, he darted my way, driving the staff full force into the chest of the pinned Lictor, its arms and tendrils flailing frantically as its vile life ended. Without hesitation, I turned and overhand grabbed the one assaulting Magnus, who was being thrashed by the foul beast. I caught it just right, grasping its head and closing my grip hard, squeezing the Lictors head until its body fell limp, dropping Magnus on the ground. Tossing the mangled enemy aside, I lift up Magnus, ignoring the wound in my arm. Standing together, we see Ulrec hit the last Lictor with his staff, causing it to lose focus and allowing Renshaw to stab straight through its stomach, severing its spine and piercing its organs. Ulrec pulls Renshaw to his feet, moving him over to the canyon wall and sitting him down. I do the same for Magnus, allowing each of us to patch ourselves up and repair our armour.
"How much further?" Ulrec asks Magnus, helping him apply the repair cement to his chest piece. "Less than a kilometer," Magnus replied, wincing slightly in pain but rising to his feet. "We cannot leave without knowing they are alive or dead. " I nod at Magnus' determination while patching up Renshaws armour as best I can. "I can walk," Renshaw stated with irritation, leaning on me only partially as he stood. "I will take point with Roc." Ulrec did not argue, knowing that Renshaw was agitated and would not take the criticism lightly. Together, we rose and set off back down the path, our pace slower now, both leery and painful.
We see it now, the ruins of the Relay Tower, laying sprawled about. A great blast has devastated this place, yet this is not the work of the Tyranid. Atop the rubble, digging and clawing about, are two Genestealers. "Tyranid do not hang around unless there is something to find or protect," Magnus said over the vox, his words ringing with the truth of a veteran. "The other Kill Team must be below that rubble, " Ulrec voiced over his vox, watching the enemies carefully. "Roc?" Ulrec asked, focusing my attention on him. "Take a long shot, and try and take them out before they can scurry off for reinforcements." I nod, stepping out from behind our perch. Taking aim, I target the one on the left. I pull the trigger, unleashing a superheated blast, melting both foes in place and opening up the collapsed chamber below. A screech startles all of us, now seeing four more Genestealers racing towards the revealed chasm. I fire another shot, miss. I fire another, miss. On the third shot, I blasted one of the advancing units but they were now almost upon the chamber. Without warning, Renshaw ignited his jump pack, careening high up in the air, then crashing down in front of the tyranid foot soldiers, cutting them off from reaching the crevice. The three enemies, in full charge, slammed into Renshaw, knocking him down and attacking without delay."Quickly!" Ulrec yelled, sprinting out to aid his Watch Brother. Magnus and I pursued, trying to reach Renshaw before death did. With a powerful swipe, the Librarian felled one of the assailing beasts. Magnus leapt upon another, stabbing it in the chest and throat until it ceased to thrash. The last night one is snatched up by my power fist, and crushed in my vice-like grip, tossing it aside to reveal the bloody Renshaw. "Go," the Raven Claw barked, motioning to the hole. "We do not have much time." Magnus stays with Renshaw, as Ulrec and I enter the chamber in the rubble.
Not very far inside, we find a room full of slaughtered Space Marines, all from the Deathwatch, as well as the workers and servants stationed here. To our surprise though, we find three unconscious Watch Brothers. One hails from the Space Wolves, one from the Black Templars, and the other from the Stormwardens. With few teleport homers, we know the evacuation is limited. Ulrec orders me to stay and I agree, seeing as I am the least wounded. The three return to the ship via teleport homer, where Ulrec then returns with Renshaw and Magnus' teleporters. We place theirs, and mine, one the three Space Marines in suspended animation. Ulrec teleports up with them, leaving me alone briefly on the planet. Standing atop the rubble, I peer out over the horizon, my red eyes gazing upon the lone Carnifex wandering about the empty wasteland. I grip my heavy melta gun, my hate for that creature swelling inside of me. Not today, but the next time I see that monstrosity, I will destroy it. Ulrec lays his hand on my shoulder and hands me the teleport homer. Together, we return to the warship, curious as to what information the other Kill Team may have for us, should they awake.
Mission VII: Changes
(From The Eyes Of The Salamander)
My journey from Vulkan to the Jericho Reach was a long one but of great importance. The Salamanders are known for hunting relics, yet some items are too powerful even for us to keep. So, I return once more to the Deathwatch, bringing along a most unusual item.
After delivering the peculiar piece and unloading my gear in my cell, I made my way to the great room for food and some time for reflection. Watch Station Erioch is the home of the Deathwatch, however it is unlikely that I will see very many of my Battle Brothers, seeing as this is on the outskirts of the Jericho Reach, meaning most leave for missions and stay gone for long periods.
To my surprise, I see two familiar faces already eating at one of the large tables. Ulrec, a Space Wolf Librarian, or Wolf Priest as his Chapter recognizes him. A calculating man, which made him all the more dangerous. Both a challenge for any foe at range or in close quarters combat.
Next to him is Renshaw, a Assault Marine hailing from the Raven Claws. This man was always scornful, even in battle, but his prowess in melee combat was unmatched. Naturally, he always deployed with dual Lightning Claws, as is his Chapters specialty, and was a magnificent terror when wielding them.
"By the Emperor! Look what the Fenrisian Wolf dragged in!" Ulrec said, greeting me warmly, in his way. "We have not laid eyes upon you since our battle on Bashara." Renshaw scoffed at the topic, reminding me well of how the mission played out. "Still upset that I killed the Warboss?" I replied, agitating the Assault Marine further. "I had it under control," he stated, slamming his fist down and startling the hooded serfs catering to us. "Now, now," Ulrec broke in, trying to calm Renshaw. "I believe Renshaw knows his overzealousness gave the Warboss the advantage...so what he means to say is 'Thank you." We laughed together as the Raven sneered at our comments, trying to ignore us.
One of the shrouded servants approached, his eyes never looking upon us. "Yes?" Ulrec asked, curious as to the important of this interruption. "My lords have been summoned to the Battle Theatre," the hooded man replied, still facing the floor. "Very well, you are dismissed," Ulrec relieved the serf while rising from the table. "It seems our reunion is a blessing. Let us go and see where we are needed."
Erioch was a labyrinth to those unfamiliar with its long, unending halls, but we knew them well. It took us only half an hour to reach that part of the Station, plenty of time to ready ourselves for what may lay ahead.
Watch Captain Baelor stood quietly in the war room, reading over many data slates. We entered quietly, each placing ourselves around the table displaying the Jericho Reach. "Troubling news, Brothers." Baelor said, his Armour showing no signs of a Chapter, leading me to believe he has given himself fully to the Long Watch. "The Grand Cruiser Vepres has gone silent. Our last communications with the ship was not alarming but there was something peculiar hidden in the message that only someone attuned with the Warp would hear. One word: Vileheart. We know nothing of this name nor do we know whereabouts of the vessel. This is a high priority mission, and it warrants you higher authority until this mystery is solved. Your mission is to find the Vepres and reclaim a relic inside of its hull. It is a unique item, one that must be safeguarded by the Deathwatch. If the Cruiser is under enemy control or infested, then it must be destroyed. I pray to the Emperor we are wrong, but knowing the malicious manner of the Reach, it is probably worse than we know. You each have fifty requisition, considering the severity of this mission. Additionally, you have the command to recruit any Astartes you should find valuable in finding and securing the ship. Ulrec, you are in charge. Your psychic gifts should allow you to pinpoint the ship easier than the others. There is a warship awaiting you when you are ready. May the Emperor protect."
Under the Oath of the Serpent, we choose our war gear, each selecting his preferred weapon of choice. Renshaw always chose the same items, and he did not disappoint. A jump pack and a pair of lightning class. He also acquired some teleport homers, in case the machine spirit in his pack fools with him, again.
I, being a Salamander, have a pension for fire. However, after our previous battles, I have altered my preference slightly. With my power fist, I pick up the Heavy Multi-Melta gun, ensuring that no armour or hull can withstand our advance.
Ulrec requires little other than his force staff, adorned in runes and symbols from his home world of Fenris. Still, he decides to take a storm bolter, just in case something tries to resist his powers.
With our gear collected, we boarded the Warship. There was minimal crew aboard this vessel, and could only take on maybe a total of ten space marines. It was plenty for what was necessary. This missing ship is a serious situation, but the Jericho Reach is under many threats, and this one is actually quite small compared to that of the Tyranid invasion or the rapidly festering spread of Chaos. I entered the coordinates for the last known location of the Vepres, just outside of the planet Eleusis. Ulrec took to the cabin and began meditating, allowing himself to see things unseen by the normal eye. With the warship and his mind ready, our search begins.
After a week of travel, we arrive at the space around Eleusis. Not a single speck of debris could be mustered, nor could Ulrec feel its presence in the Warp. We seemed already at a major disadvantage, especially considering the amount of time that has passed since its reported disappearance. I began inputting the coordinates to the Vepres previous location but was stopped by a distress call flashing on my screen. It is from a downed Thunderhawk on the planet surface, with no more details other than a general signal or aid. "Sir!" I address Ulrec in a higher regard, acknowledging his command pertaining to our team. "There is a downed Thunderhawk requesting support on the planet below. It could be from the Vepres." The Librarians brow furrows, the weight of the decision plainly showing on his face. "The three of us will teleport down to the planet," he replied, grabbing his helmet and holding it under his arm. "We can always return quickly if it does not seem relevant to the mission at hand."
The Warp envelops us, then fades away, leaving us standing in the middle of a town square. The surrounding buildings very much compliment the designation of a feudal world, being of stone and mortar design. Looming over us, mightier than any of the other structures, stands a great cathedral, decorated in Space Marine statues and stained glass depicting battles with Orcs and Tyranid. The Thunderhawk had crashed directly into the side of the building, lodging itself firmly. Before we could make a move, bolter shots shattered the calm stillness of the area, echoing from inside of the cathedral. Ulrec immediately respond by signaling us to move up, Renshaw and I taking point.
The large door was already partially open, enough for us to enter without making too much noise. I enter first, my large melta gun ready to punch through any obstacle or enemy. We walked together in a tight formation, sweeping down the center of the building, walking directly between the pews and heading towards the main podium. Suddenly, a Deathwatch member rose up from behind the speaking post, firing a barrage of rounds at the Thunderhawk before hunkering back down into cover.
"Do not let it live!" a voice shouted from behind the podium, our eyes and weapons already trained on the location. "It will deceive you! Kill it quickly!" More bolter shots ring through the vast cathedral, this time being fired from the Thunderhawk itself, the triggerman hastily retreating back inside of its confines. "Do not listen to his poisonous words, Brothers!" a new voice yells, resonating from inside of the hanging wreckage above. "He has had me pinned in here for days, after he sabotaged the ship and stranding us here. The Vepres no longer answers my signals, is there a problem!?" Ulrec motions for us to wait, passing between Renshaw and I and moving towards the podium. "Do not listen to him!" the voice behind the speakers place yells out, standing up from behind its cover. "I have not fired upon you. You have no reason to fear me." I can see the Wolf Priest grasping his staff now in both hands, placing it before him. It seems as if time now slows, all of us waiting to see what horrors or marvels the Librarian will conjure forth. "Show me your true face," Ulrec yells, slamming the staff down upon the ground and reaching out towards the unknown Space Marine before him. The stranger just stands there, unmoving for a few moments, but soon begins to stir. "Your Emperor is dead," he says, seething with foul hatred. "And soon, you will be too!" The corrupted Space Marine fires his bolter full auto, Ulrec dodging out of the barrage quickly, leaving my path unobstructed. Already braced and focused, I pull the trigger, incinerating the air and everything in front of me for sixty meters. As the air clears, I can see that the podium, and the wall behind, are completely melted. To my surprise, the maniac somehow dodged the blast, unleashing another wave of bolter rounds my direction. I stood firm and readied another shots, his rounds spraying and exploding around me wildly. Before I can make my next shot, Renshaw dives down from the air, unobstructed by the gigantic buildings ceiling. To my surprise, Renshaw missed, the heretic dodging another fatal blow. With Renshaw so close, I cannot risk another shot, so I bide my time and wait for an opening, slowly advancing. Lightning claws slash furiously around the corrupted soul but none landed. With a surprise kick, the villain knocks Renshaw back, catching him off guard and opening him up for an attack. Before I could fire my shot, Ulrec outstretches his hand once more, commanding the monster to drop his weapon. By the Emperor, the tainted Space Marine did just that, tossing his weapon down the steps up to the speakers position. Seeing Renshaw ready a claw, I wait to fire my weapon, allowing my teammate to fell the poisonous creature. With one cleave, the torso is cut in half, the upper part falling back, lifeless and dead.
After the brief skirmish, we turn our attention to the other voice, another Space Marine bearing the armour of the Deathwatch, as well as one pauldron from the Imperial Fists. He climbs down slowly, then drops a portion of the distance, crushing the pews below him. Before the man has a chance to explain himself, Ulrec reaches out and uses the command power once more. "Show me your true face!" The Imperial Fist loses no momentum, now face to face with the Space Wolf. "I am the right hand of the Emperor," he replies, stern and unwaivering. "I walk in His light, and banish the shadows." Impressed, I await Ulrecs response. "We are glad to see you alive, Brother," the Librarian replies, putting his hand on the shoulder of our fellow Watch Brother. "You may have the answers we seek," Ulrec tells him, leading us outside of the damaged catherdral and into the town square again. "What do you know about the Grand Cruiser Vepres?"
He told us what he knew, and the answers were not favorable. Apparently, a Kill Team had been deployed to recon a disabled Relay Tower on this planet, and all contact had been lost with them. Fearing the worst, Watch Captain Magnus took a Thunderhawk down to the surface. His pilot sabotaged the descent, causing the crash and stranding him here for a number of days. Worse yet, he has had no more contact with the original team or the Vepres itself. Now, we travel away from the town, through treacherous and windy canyons, towards the communication tower. Ulrec had not liked the detour but agreed, knowing that he could not abandon his Watch Brothers, regardless of the mission at hand. Besides, we have no new information, and we could use all the help we can get if we are going to find this missing ship.
Magnus spotted a Carnifex before he entered the canyons, causing us to pick up our pace. This is enemy territory, and a great monster creeps not far away from our chosen path. Once again, I take point, Magnus walking beside me, with Ulrec behind, and Renshaw at the flank. We have been traveling for about two hours, and so far no sign of any enemies. But, just as I lead us around a rock, Ulrec stops us, quietly. "I sense enemies behind that boulder ahead," he tells me over the vox, allowing us to talk without alerting the enemies. "Punch through the rock and give us the advantage." I nod in acceptance, bracing myself and sighting the large rock about thirty meters in front of me. I pull the trigger, melting the rock in a flash, the enemy scattering into view frantically. Still awaiting the smoke to dissipate, I catch a glimpse of a Genestealer moving about in the cloud of debris. As usual, Renshaw blasts off, smashing into the creature and crushing it violently. Two more tyranid troops emerge, dashing straight for me. A spray of bolter fire from my left tears one apart explosively, while the one on my right is blaster apart, smote by Ulrecs awesome power. As the smoke clears, Renshaw dispatches two more Genestealers, decapitating one, and splitting the other from gullet to groin.
We continue on, now more vigilant about our surroundings. Many crags and crevices spotted the gorge walls, hiding anything from dust to death. Screeching out from high up, a massive swarm of Rippers funneled out of a large hole, flooding down the rock wall and into our path. "Grenades!" Magnus yelled, hurling a frag into the mess of small tyranid bodies, blasting a lot of them apart. Still, the swarm pressed on, nearly in overwhelming range. Renshaw and I followed the Imperial Fists example, hurling a grenade each into the whirling mass of death, gibbing more of the little monsters. I suddenly feel an uncomfortable sense of doom hanging over me, and I turn my head to the source. Swirling with energy, Ulrec grips his staff tightly, then smashes it upon the ground. A great, mighty fireball unleashes from him, passing between Magnus and I. In the shape of a wolf, the fire consumes and tears at the flesh of the tyranid swarm, its burning hungry greater than that of the Rippers. Within a seconds, the enemy horde is destroyed, clearing the path for us once more.
Winding through the canyons, we still make our way towards the Station. Being on point means I do not look back, so I could not see what Ulrec and Renshaw did. A pair of Genestealers has been following us, and I had only a word over the vox to alert me to their presence. "Renshaw!" Ulrec uttered, suddenly realizing the danger behind. Lightning fast, the Raven Claw dashed towards the pair. One of them managed to dodge, while the other lost an arm, clawing furiously in pain at Renshaw. The unscathed Genestealer, leapt onto the Assault Marines back, clawing and tearing with a passion. I cannot fire, but Magnus and Ulrec were able to fire a few shots and knock the wiry enemy off of Renshaw, allowing him to impale both creatures with a claw of his own.
With the two sneaky beasts slain, I turn to take point once more. Something shimmers before me but I cannot fixate on what the cause may be. "No!" I hear Renshaw scream over the vox, the sound of his assault pack startling me even more. Then, the shimmer stops, revealing what I had not seen previously, Lictors. The ambush creatures had surrounded us when we turned our attention towards the two obvious threats trailing us. Very clever, especially since now they had us confined to close quarters combat, hindering Magnus and I greatly. However, I brought my power fist for more than just tearing armour open, it's also great at crushing enemies. With my large gauntleted left hand, I grab forward, trying to snatch up the lithe monster. It was far faster than I, dodging my attack and striking in return, glancing my armour and piercing it easily, pinning my left pauldron. Renshaw smashes into the one on my right, tumbling with it a few meters before being jumped on by another. Magnus slashes the one on my left with a knife, cutting a few tendrils from its alien face. It returns the favor by the stabbing through his armour and into his torso, lifting him up and shaking him torturously. As I grappled with my adversary, dodging its other sharp appendages, I see Ulrec strike at one and miss, but swiftly turning the miss into a surprise attack, landing a hard blow in the beasts chest. Only winged for a moment, the creature leaps back at the Librarian, Ulrec blocking two scything talons overhead yet catching the other across his torso. Still struggling, I finally overpower the Lictor, throwing it aside, but paying no more attention knowing that Renshaw is outnumbered. I brace my weapon and aim, lining up a shot but I am tackled suddenly, not knocking me over but causing me to lose balance and stumble around momentarily. The Lictor is upon me again, this time tearing through my left arms armour, taking some flesh with the attack. Wincing in pain, I strike out with the damaged arm, the power of my oversized gauntlet pinning the monster to the ground. I only have enough strength to hold the beast but not crush it entirely. Looking up, I see Renshaw uppercut a lightning claw through the head of one of the Lictors, its headless body slumping to the ground. However, the attack exposed his flank, the other Lictor delivering a piercing blow through the back of his left leg. Renshaw and the stalker now wrestled and struck intensely. A bright flash caught my eye as I see the Lictor battling Ulrec explode, obliterating the creature with a psychic powered strike from his staff. Quickly, he darted my way, driving the staff full force into the chest of the pinned Lictor, its arms and tendrils flailing frantically as its vile life ended. Without hesitation, I turned and overhand grabbed the one assaulting Magnus, who was being thrashed by the foul beast. I caught it just right, grasping its head and closing my grip hard, squeezing the Lictors head until its body fell limp, dropping Magnus on the ground. Tossing the mangled enemy aside, I lift up Magnus, ignoring the wound in my arm. Standing together, we see Ulrec hit the last Lictor with his staff, causing it to lose focus and allowing Renshaw to stab straight through its stomach, severing its spine and piercing its organs. Ulrec pulls Renshaw to his feet, moving him over to the canyon wall and sitting him down. I do the same for Magnus, allowing each of us to patch ourselves up and repair our armour.
"How much further?" Ulrec asks Magnus, helping him apply the repair cement to his chest piece. "Less than a kilometer," Magnus replied, wincing slightly in pain but rising to his feet. "We cannot leave without knowing they are alive or dead. " I nod at Magnus' determination while patching up Renshaws armour as best I can. "I can walk," Renshaw stated with irritation, leaning on me only partially as he stood. "I will take point with Roc." Ulrec did not argue, knowing that Renshaw was agitated and would not take the criticism lightly. Together, we rose and set off back down the path, our pace slower now, both leery and painful.
We see it now, the ruins of the Relay Tower, laying sprawled about. A great blast has devastated this place, yet this is not the work of the Tyranid. Atop the rubble, digging and clawing about, are two Genestealers. "Tyranid do not hang around unless there is something to find or protect," Magnus said over the vox, his words ringing with the truth of a veteran. "The other Kill Team must be below that rubble, " Ulrec voiced over his vox, watching the enemies carefully. "Roc?" Ulrec asked, focusing my attention on him. "Take a long shot, and try and take them out before they can scurry off for reinforcements." I nod, stepping out from behind our perch. Taking aim, I target the one on the left. I pull the trigger, unleashing a superheated blast, melting both foes in place and opening up the collapsed chamber below. A screech startles all of us, now seeing four more Genestealers racing towards the revealed chasm. I fire another shot, miss. I fire another, miss. On the third shot, I blasted one of the advancing units but they were now almost upon the chamber. Without warning, Renshaw ignited his jump pack, careening high up in the air, then crashing down in front of the tyranid foot soldiers, cutting them off from reaching the crevice. The three enemies, in full charge, slammed into Renshaw, knocking him down and attacking without delay."Quickly!" Ulrec yelled, sprinting out to aid his Watch Brother. Magnus and I pursued, trying to reach Renshaw before death did. With a powerful swipe, the Librarian felled one of the assailing beasts. Magnus leapt upon another, stabbing it in the chest and throat until it ceased to thrash. The last night one is snatched up by my power fist, and crushed in my vice-like grip, tossing it aside to reveal the bloody Renshaw. "Go," the Raven Claw barked, motioning to the hole. "We do not have much time." Magnus stays with Renshaw, as Ulrec and I enter the chamber in the rubble.
Not very far inside, we find a room full of slaughtered Space Marines, all from the Deathwatch, as well as the workers and servants stationed here. To our surprise though, we find three unconscious Watch Brothers. One hails from the Space Wolves, one from the Black Templars, and the other from the Stormwardens. With few teleport homers, we know the evacuation is limited. Ulrec orders me to stay and I agree, seeing as I am the least wounded. The three return to the ship via teleport homer, where Ulrec then returns with Renshaw and Magnus' teleporters. We place theirs, and mine, one the three Space Marines in suspended animation. Ulrec teleports up with them, leaving me alone briefly on the planet. Standing atop the rubble, I peer out over the horizon, my red eyes gazing upon the lone Carnifex wandering about the empty wasteland. I grip my heavy melta gun, my hate for that creature swelling inside of me. Not today, but the next time I see that monstrosity, I will destroy it. Ulrec lays his hand on my shoulder and hands me the teleport homer. Together, we return to the warship, curious as to what information the other Kill Team may have for us, should they awake.