Editing Republican Commando (section)

===(31) Brutal Cunning===
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
Crusader Invictus has been moved back for repairs and refits, while the support crew stands by the Sector Hololith map. It seems there are four new alerts, and two notifications. New supplies have been transferred to the Blade, and the Medicae serfs continue to watch the ded Farseer carefully. Temur proceeds to inspect the updated hololith. There are four immediate alerts he notes, reviewing each in turn. 

1) Reports at Mining Site 0298 detail the miners have uncovered some sort of tomb, bearing heraldry of the Legiones Astartes. Thexus has cross-referenced this location with the Fire Raptor Cogitators, and has confirmed Legionary presence that would have stood as honor guards for a great hero of the Legions. Legionary designate unknown. Make landfall and recover anything of note quickly - Thexus believes the planetary governor, Blobert F. Cankleton, lacks the care and ability to properly maintain anything found after the world's astropathic relay suffered recent and sudden complications...

2) Inquisitor Shady had a sudden idea one day - what if everyone went forward in time, learned how to defeat the Hellstar, secured said methods and techniques, and brought them back to the present to defeat the Hellstar? Shady has thus requested the Commandos accompany him, into the future, to put his flawless and master plan into action. Surely nothing can go wrong.

3) A Mechanicum outpost on the isolated world of Mithras has gone dark. Automated standard savior beacons have begun broadcasting the standard low-level emergency request for assistance. No information exists on this outpost otherwise. The Commandos are dispatched to recover the facility and the surrounding forge-fane for the Mechanicum, despite the local Synods insisting no installations exist there.

4) It's time for the event of the half-century - the Rechner Redline! Pitting all sorts of famed and skilled racers across the sector against each other, only one team can claim victory in the death-defying Rechner Redline. Survive the environment, errant defense forces, and fellow racers to reach first place, with all the rewards and renown that entails. The Commandos have been entered as representatives of the sector's Inquisition, and the Inquisitors expect victory.

In addition, there are two notes. One appears to be from Deepthroat, stating that he is reasonably sure that O'Res'Nan is now within the sector, and he will issue the alert when he finds him. The other is unaddressed, but is sent with highest security blessings of the Mechanicum - "Star Bomb 80% Complete."

Cortain decides to take the moment and search the automata production facilities, which are running full swing. Under careful watch of esteemed members of the Squat Engineer's Guild, new automata are forged and the bioplastic cortexes engraved with sigils of protection. He see common ones like Castellax and Vorax the most, as well as rarer types like Thanatars and Arlatax.

"How can we assist, Forge Lord?" an armored Squat says, waddling up and signing the Aquila.
"I seek an automaton for long term usage," Cortain states.
The Squat engineer nods, "Sure thing, m'lord, did ya have a specific model in mind?"
"Thanatar. Calix-class," Cortain declares.
The squat nods, signalling to the other engineers. A pair of further engineers flank a Thanatar Calix, controlling it until it reaches Cortex range.
"Right, lad, if it gets smashed up, jus' bring it back an' we'll repair or replace it for ya," the squat says, "No questions asked."
Cortain turns to the Thanatar, sizing the enormous construct up. Twice the size of a Dreadnought, the Sollex Lascannon as long as a Rhino, the Siege Automata is a masterful icon of the Omnissiah's fury.
"From henceforth, I ordain thee as my adjutant/weapons platform, Omega-Rho 10"

Heading to the Blade's firing ranges to test his automata out, the squats at the firing range regard Cortain, before pausing at the Thanatar. They then resume their training. As always, a number of Servo-automata float idly around as targets, tentacles trailing as they go. Though he gives it his best efforts, the strain of controlling a Siege Automata directly is tough, and he has issue hitting the targets with the Sollex Lascannon. The Boltcannon, however, is much easier to deal with, popping a servo-automata to giblets. Cyril nods a greeting to Cortain and his new toy, then goes back to laying open servosquids with a Darkfire Cannon.

Cyril sighs. It must be nice having a Cortex Controller.

At the Holomap, the support crew are all discussing the missions, at least in theory. In reality. they are trying to calm Thexus's angry robot noises. O'Malley merely snorts in derision.
"So, lads," Rockfist voxes to everyone, and speaking directly to Temur, "What should our priority be?"

"The mining site seems...curious," Cortain suggests.
"Indeed, that outpost intrigues me, but a potential Legion site is worth investigating as soon as possible," Cyril agrees, "I would also like to see Shady again, but he may have to wait."
"Give the man time," Cortain advises, "Hopefully he might realize that he might have a terrible idea."
"I HAVE COMPARED LOCATION DATA TO THE FIRE RAPTOR COGITATORS, CONSUL," Thexus yells, "THIS WAS THE INTERNMENT SITE OF A HERO OF THE LEGIONS. LEGIONARY DESIGNATE UNABLE TO BE EXTRACTED."
"I am loathe to leave security and care of a potential relic site in the hands of an incompetent," Temur declares.
"I AM IN AGREEMENT, CONSUL. ON YOUR ORDER, THE HELOTS SHALL BE MOBILIZED."
"What say you, brothers?" Temur asks, "These sites have always been of importance, and with O'res'nan in sector, I feel it would be wise to investigate it while other concerns are less pressing."
"Aye, why not," Brynjol shrugs, "The relic it is."
Rockfist nods, and signs the order, and the Blade begins travel, on its way to the Mining World.
"While I do not think it is particularly urgent, it should yield great rewards worth postponing more time-sensitive missions," Cyril concludes.

Cortain decides to look up the mining site while readjusting Omega Rho 10, or in simple gothic, Ordeci. Mining Site 0298 is a dreary world of dust and rock, where silicate windstorms blow across the hinterlands, as more and more planetary land is subsumed by mining equipment. Its imperial contribution is rare minerals and rocky compounds.  The planet is administrated by a Planetary Governor-Administrator named Blobert F. Cankleton. It is said the miners have a peculiar culture, but Cortain can't seem to find anything about it in his cursory search. Cyril attempts to aid him, but to no avail.

"Brother, I have a question," Cyril asks, "A question about tech-heresy."
Cortain nods, listening intently.
"Are there any particular guidelines concerning who or what may control combat automata?" Cyril asks.
"Cortex controllers require several other mechanical implants to work that are generally issued to Mechanicus," Cortain explains.
Cyril coughs. "And... if one were to have those implants, there would be no... protocols dictating that they were unworthy?"
"That is a matter determined by the magi and synods," Cortain notes.
Cyril nods pensively. "So if I get a note of permission from a Magos, no one can complain if I implant Notomok with a Cortex Controller?"
"There are further cranial implants you will need," Cortain points out, "And for him...there is the question of his intelligence."
Cortain considers that, normally, clearing someone for cybernetica controls requires years of study and training. While he qualifies by virtue of Techmarine training, there probably is no Magos that would certify a yeti.

In the meantime, Brynjol, orders the Farseer corpse unstasis'd, for careful study.  The Serfs bring out the Farseer, and Brynjol immediately gets to work. He notes the immediate cause of death was neural shock from being removed from the Wraithship. However, with 5 DoS on his Medicae test, he realizes that the Eldar had numerous critical injuries beforehand, not caused by him or his brothers. It had received them elsewhere. With every cut, Brynjol can smell the taint of psykery. With 5 DoS, it was clear the Farseer was psychically healing itself as it was connected to the wraithship. He estimates that, at time of death, it needed only a few more hours before it fully healed and recovered. Brynjol completes his autopsy, noting a number of things for his own reference, such as dense muscle-analogues surrounding vertebrae, fused-wing "ribs," lack of chemical and digestive enzymes, and numerous nerve-endings in ears. He pauses, before deleting that last bit.

The Blade finally bursts back into the Materium, a prayer to the Emperor and Ancestors emanating from every Squat. Over the day, the dusty world grows larger and larger, great windstorms blowing across the surface. Cyril strolls onto the bridge as the ship recovers into the materium. The Blade makes holding position over the world.

"Vox the governor," Cyril commands, "Notify him that the Angels of Death have arrived to take charge of the site."
"Attention Mining Site 0298," Cortain voxes down, "Effective immediately, you will permit the Deathwatch to investigate your site."
Cyril stands helmless in front of a photoreceptor linked to the broadcast, smiling as affably as he knows how. There's a bit of a delay, before the Commandos get a response.
"The Deathwatch?" a tech-adept says, "The Deathwatch returns! We welcome and honor you, in our renewed faith, in the name of the Saints!"
"Very well," Cortain states, "We will depart forthwith."

Almost immediately, the Commandos are sent the location of one of the larger settlements.
"Hmm...take care, beardlings," O'Malley says, rubbing his head, "Somethin' seems a bit off."
"Yeah, something definitely feels wrong," Rose says, closing her eyes and popping an aspirinatus.
Rockfist stares pensively, before turning, "Regardless, lad, when yer ready, jus' say so."

"Can you put a feeling on the type of 'wrong'?" Temur asks, "Perhaps similar to a feeling you've had before?"
"'s a headache," O'Malley sighs, "A tough'un."
"If our psykers sense something amiss, perhaps one of us should bring Witchbolts, or Sanctified ammunition?" Cyril suggests.

The Commandos gear up. Cyril selects a winged Jump Pack, a Chronophore from the Ordo Chronos vaults, and a Vorax maniple with biocorrosive armaments. Cortain selects a Chronophore as well, with a Siege Auspex and new Breaching Augur. Temur implants himself with an MIU, and reqs his suspensor as always. Brynjol sanctifies his crozius, and selects his normal Valkyris Jump Pack. A Thunderhawk is readied, the Urist Brothers at the pilot seats, and the order to launch is given. 

The winds of the world buffet the craft as the Urist Brothers take the Thunderhawk down, but there is little danger. As the winds give way to rocky outcrops, a sprawling mess of mining installations dot the ground. The Commandos, on the way down, take a moment to think - it seems the inhabitants of this world are eager to welcome the "Return" of the Deathwatch, whatever that means. The Thunderhawk lands, as a couple of large, burly miners stand outside, waiting. The miners are nodding, quite impressed as the Thanatar pops out and deploys.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJy1Y_yBOQg

"Welcome once again, Deathwatch!" one miner says, as a small group begins to collect, "We have honored the teachings you had left us, and in our hearts, dedicated our hearts to the God Emperor and the Saints!"
"Always good," Brynjol nods.
"The Chaplains you left, they inspired us over these many years," the other muscled miner says, "We have never forgotten what you did for us, and we are ready to repay any kindness you may deem necessary."
Cyril raises an eyebrow and mutters into his commbead, "Rockfist, scan the planet for living Astartes signatures other than us."
The manly miners kneel, "How can our humble world assist you?"
"We have heard word of some curious discoveries from your crews," Cortain explains.
"Ahh...yes, we discovered strange chambers bearing the mark of the Astartes, or at least that is what our Chaplains told us," a miner says, "But we could not acquire more information after our Astropaths all...died."
"We shall take you to Administrator Blobert Cankleton," the second miner says, "He can no doubt tell you more."
Cortain nods and points for the underlings to lead on.

The Miners escort the Commandos through the immediate area. Most of the buildings are prefabricated Phaeton pattern, with larger patterns used for habs. Things like the local bar and armorium are easily observable. Dust blows through the streets and alleys, but eventually the mines in the rocky outcoppings become apparent.
"We'll find the Administrator for you momentarily, my Lords...HEY, BLOBERT!" a miner yells down one shaft, "The Deathwatch have returned!"
Cyril dons his helm and speaks into teamvox. "Dead astropaths? The last time that happened on a world we deployed to..."
"Bollocks, you're right," Brynjol mutters.
"Time would be of the essence then, efore we find ourselves swarmed with potential Daemon Engines."
"Indeed," Cyril nods, "I am glad I brought psybolts, but I am curious to see what a Chronophore would do to a traitor Marine."

A few moments pass by, as a man marches out. Tall for a human (but nothing on an Astartes) and built like a well-muscled brick shithouse, the man tosses down an ore shard as large as he is.
"Greetings, Administrator," Cyril states.
Governor-Administrator Blobert F. Cankleton is soon followed by a child. She follows him closely, holding tools for him, and she is missing her two front teeth. Cortain finds the name "Blobert" to be a serious misnomer.
"Deathwatch!" the man yells, gripping Cyril in a massive bearhug, "Welcome! Welcome back to my world! It is an honor to host you!"
"Those aren't just any Deathwatch, dad," the child points out, "They're really famous. They're the Republican Commandos."
"And an honor to be here," Cyril says hurriedly, "Tell us, where did your mining teams find Astartes markings, and when did your Astropaths die?"
"Thank you, Violet," he says, "Well then, Commandos, straight to the point! That's good! In the name of the Saints, there shall be no secrets between us, especially after you helped improve us all."
The Commandos stare at each other. 
Blobert looks around, "Here though, is not the place, let's talk in town. It's louder there so we won't be heard as easily."
"Very well," Cyril nods, as the Commandos take defensive position around the Governor-Administrator.

Walking with the Planetary Governor, he begins, "Well, first you asked about relics. We don't know about relics, but we did see ruins in one of the mine shafts with Space Marine scripts all over it. The Chaplains said it would be the noble Astartes, so we haven't been back since."
"Another curious observation: You said 'Welcome back,'" Cortain observes.
"You were visited by the legendary kill-team of a century past, we take it?" Cyril asks.
"Yes, how did you know?" Cankleton asks, "It was they who delivered us from a most terrible crisis of faith and apathy, and they left behind their Chaplains to safeguard our spirits, so the Emperor would accept us, and their Saints, to ready our bodies. Ever since, we have righteously performed our duties, and built up our strength physical and spiritual."
"And these Chaplains have remained since?" Cyril asks.
"Dad met them," Violet adds, "He said he used to be a useless fat lump until the Deathwatch kicked him into shape!"
Cortain jerks at such a...blunt observation.
"Yes, their Chaplains," he nods, patting Violet's head, "They are all on holiday right now, so I wouldn't expect to see them around. I wouldn't worry about them, they'll come back eventually."
"Why would we worry about them at all, if they are true Chaplains of the Astartes?" Brynjol asks, "Is there something you think we should be concerned with?"
He snorts derisively.
"And true Astartes do not take holidays."

"They like to fight!" Violet yells, putting up her fists, "The Chaplains say that when we train together, we all become harder and stronger! Dad likes to fight them a lot! Sometimes he even wins!"
"Whoever these Chaplains are, they are not Astartes or we would know of their presence here," Cyril whispers over teamvox, "And they would have been redeployed to other combat zones in any case. Resolving the issue may be best left to other teams, though; we should investigate the ruins and prepare a missive to the Inquisition."
"He... wins?" Brynjol asks, "Against Astartes."
"They must have been feeling generous," Cortain suggests.
"Or pity," Temur mutters.
"My dad's really strong!" she says proudly, "He can beat up anything!"
"Quite," Brynjol says dismissively, before kneeling in close, "Tell me, your Chaplains... are they tall like me?"
"They are! Their armor's kind of ramshackle, but it's still really strong," Violet continues, "They say I gotta train harder to punch through it like Dad can!"
Cortain blanches, "Their neglect of their armor is insulting."
Brynjol has a thought. "What colour is their skin?" he asks, "Pale, like me?"
The Commandos stop and stare at him.
"INNOCENT QUESTION!" he retorts.
"I dunno," Violet shrugs, "They NEVER take off their armor."
"Hmmm, do these Chaplains of yours have any markings on the armor?" Temur asks, "And if they do could you describe them?"
Violet takes a moment to think, but can't seem to remember anything specific.
"They are not Astartes, and they parade as Chaplains," Cyril states on teamvox, "They clearly do not mind heresies. But this is not the time, brothers, we have a task here."

"Now now, Violet," Cankleton says quietly, "But for your second question, Commandos, our Astropathic relay, they were lost a few weeks back. Their heads...exploded. And they were screaming a lot beforehand. The Saints say to, in the Emperor's name, beat down whatever threatens you, but I'm not sure what's going on here."
"Hm. Cranial explosion of Astropaths means something is amiss in the Warp, though it could conceivably be a fluke," Cyril offers, "Can you give us coordinates to the shaft with Astartes script?"

The Administrator-Governor takes a moment to pause in front of a streetside shrine, two large and imposing muscled humans raising mighty axes, one high, one low. He intones a silent prayer, before entering what appears to be a common pub.
"Of course I will, honored Commandos," Cankleton says, "But first, I humbly request your help."
"Proceed," Cortain insists, leaving Omega Rho Decima to be a doorbot. 

The Governor-Administrator takes a seat at an empty table, "Whatever killed our Astropaths needs to be drawn out, and destroyed. It could threaten all the people on my world."
"On that we are in agreement. Do you have a proposal as to how to accomplish step one?" Cyril asks, "Once that is done, we are quite skilled at destruction."
"I do!" Cankleton states eagerly, "I have created a great plan to lure our enemies to us!"
"My dad's really smart!" Violet says proudly.
"Lets hear it," Temur commands.
"You see, now that we are in one place..." the Governor-Administrator says, "Our enemies will no doubt come to us! We must now be vigilant!"

Cortain stares at this. This is not a plan. This is not even a step.
Violet pulls his sleeve, pointing at the six-armed, purpleish-red genestealer that infiltrated to the chair on his right.
The Governor-Adminstrator turns to his right, then to his left, towards the Commandos.
"You see, Imperial Saint Morkus teaches us cunning..." Cankleton says as he grabs a chair, swinging it over his head upon the Genestealer, "And Imperial Saint Gorkus teaches us to be brutal about it! The plan worked! Let us purge the enemies of the Immortal God Emperor!"
"Huh. Tyranids," Cyril says, "OKAY!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cN9jTnxv0RU

As Genestealers suddenly burst from the very walls of the bar, the miners stand up, ready to fight as well.
"Defend the Governor..." yells one miner, "and defend the amasec!"

A big mess of ten genestealers burst through the wall. Further Genestealers are behind them, but the Miners begin fighting as well, punching out Genestealers and opening a way for the Commandos. A Broodlord itself bursts through the ceiling, and roars a Challenge, which Temur fully intends to accept. The Vorax begin with an opening salvo, pulping two Genestealers with corrosive ammunition. Cyril adds to the fire with storm and chronophore shots, barely grazing a super-agile genestealer. Calling in a Furious Charge Squad Mode, Cyril rushes into Melee, but the genestealer dodges his Photonic Blade. Cortain rushes in to finish a genestealer, swinging his Gladius Invictus and decapitating the genestealer. Temur, however, demands the Broodlord. Drawing his paragon blade, he charges at the creature, laying into it with all the fury he can muster. With a pair of strikes, Temur cleaves through the Broodlord, molten giblets flying about. With a final charge, Cyril's Yeti, Notomok, charges into a pair of genestealers. Regrettably, not only does the yeti miss all his attacks, he is knocked down by a failed strength test.

The Genestealers attack in a flurry of claws and jaws. While attacks bounce off the shields of Cyril, the Genestealers dig into Notomok the Yeti. Temur, however, takes defensive position, parrying and destroying a genestealer. Cortain's shield holds for most of the attacks, but one does get through, and the magma claws of the Nidhoggr Genestealers begin their work of melting through Cortain's armor. Ordeci the Thanatar also takes a number of hits, although the robot's incredible toughness prevents most of the damage.

The Governor picks up his daughter, placing her on his shoulder, and marches at a nearby Genestealer. While throttling the genestealer, Violet cheering all the way, he turns to the Commandos, "So what are these things, anyway? You'll have to forgive me, we don't get out of the mines much."
"They are Genestealers!" Cortain yells back, "Perhaps these are he Astropath's assailants? Perhaps there was some strain that has been laying dormant or...is this some new coming of Nidhoggr?"
"Well, there was an odd meteor storm some time back..." the Governor muses.
"Nidhoggr strain, judging by the damage to Cortain's artificer plate," Cyril points out.
"This all happened after we uncovered that sanctum," the Governor says, "I'll take you to see it once we clear everything out here!"

Temur continues on the offensive, smashing another genestealer, while Cortain and Ordeci work to hold their own. Cyril orders his vorax to take down the Stealer engaging him with corrosive ammo, and orders another furious charge to assist his yeti. Temur walks out of melee to furious charge as well, smashing the stealer engaging Cortain. Now out of melee himself, Cortain furious charges into combat to cover Ordeci, stabbing another Genestealer.

The Genestealers continue the offensive, their numbers greatly reduced. Cortain manages to shield three hits, while Cyril shields some hits as well, blinding a genestealer with a flash of light. The Governor-Administrator moves to call in some support, while the miners all about fight off their own Genestealers. Temur eliminates the Genestealer attacking Ordeci with his Paragon Blade, opening the way for Cortain to order Ordeci to clear the remaining Genestealers near Cyril and Notomok with a Mauler boltcannon barrage. The miners cheer as the Genestealers are killed.

"Well, that was a workout!" Cankleton yells, "But I'm getting a report from the mines, there's more of those beasts out there. Big ones. Real huge heads."
"Our destination is clear, then," Cyril announces.
"Commandos, I will show you the way," Cankleton says, "Do you have a transport of some sort on standby?"
"Affirmative," Cyril nods, "Let us go crack the larger bioforms."
"Nothing not airborne," Cortain notes.
"Works for me," Cankleton says, as a Valkyrie lands outside for him, "It's this way."

The Urist Brothers are soon in town, landing close enough for the yeti to be loaded on and all assets to embark. The Valkyrie is soon away, the Thunderhawk following. The Commandos can see Cankleton wave out the open back. Then, he points down as the aerial convoy heads into the rocky hinterlands. The Commandos can see a veritable swarm of smaller bugs erupting from one of the mines. Well-Muscled miners are attempting to hold the lines, punching the hordes as the transports come in close. The Commandos, however, can see what the Governor meant.  One creature with a large, elongated head, and another, even larger, with face tentacles and a long thin tail.

Cyril hollers over the engines, "GOVERNOR! DO YOU HAVE A MEDICAE WHO CAN TEND MY YETI'S WOUNDS?" Cyril yells over vox.
"I can check once we've repelled everything!" he says, "For now, it looks like the biggest fight is coming to us!"
The Urist Brothers pull the Thunderhawk in close for disembarkation, while Blobert leaps out of the Valkyrie, aiming for a Tyranid to cushion his fall.
"All right, Commandos!" the Governor yells excitedly, leaping from the Valkyrie swooping in, "Let's get stuck into the fight!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIBTg7q9oNc

The Commandos assess the situation - out of the mine network, there is a great swarm of gaunts rushing out, as well as a Zoanthrope and a Malanthrope behind it. The Vorax deploy out first, spraying at the Malanthrope, getting some hits and doing a fair amount of damage through corrosive effects. Cyril aims his Storm Bolter, and begins cutting through the Horde ahead of him. The Malanthrope advances, manifesting Nidhoggr psychic powers and dropping a burning meteor on the Thunderhawk that Cyril commanded remain nearby, damaging it. Temur draws his Paragon Blade, and realizing he is in charge range of the Malanthrope, declares it his hunt-quarry. Blasting forward and calling Furious Charge, Temur brings about his paragon blade. Much to the surprise of all, the PR65 shield fails all but two hits, meaning Temur hits like a truck full of trucks. With four paragon hits severely devastating the Malanthrope, and the Champion's toxic ability further sapping it, the Malanthrope falls prey to the Instant Death quality of the Consul Champion. In its last moments, it laments that Shadow in the Warp no longer grants Eternal Warrior to those in synapse range.

Cortain moves to assist, ordering Ordeci to blast the horde with Mauler Boltcannons, while targeting the Zoanthrope with Sollex Lascannons. Unfortunately, the Zoanthrope's Warp Field bounces the blast. It then moves to return fire at the Temur, along with the remnants of the Gaunt horde. While Temur's shield holds, it does end up burning out, to his annoyance. The Vorax move in closer, firing Rotor Cannons to thin out the horde of gaunts while Lightning Guns fire at the Zoanthrope, knocking a good number of wounds off it. Cyril finishes off the horde with his storm bolter, and turns his Chronophore at the Zoanthrope. While the Zoanthrope shields a chronomantic shot and manages to somehow dodge another, the last one hits, impacting the Zoanthrope, which disappears in a flash of light.

Where it's gone? One would be asking the wrong question.

The miners are mopping up some gaunts as well, punching them out and waving to you guys.
"Remind me to write a memo thanking Shady for the weapons," Cortain says.
"They seem to have come from that mineshaft, Commandos," the Governor-Administrator says, "The same one we found the ruins in."
"Peculiar. Tyranids did not arrive in the galaxy until long after the Great Crusade..." Cyril muses, "Well, the Hive Fleets did not, at least."
"THAT IS A MATTER FOR DEBATE, CONSUL," Thexus blasts, "THE LEGIONS AND TAGHMATAS FOUGHT NUMEROUS CREATURES THAT BORE RESEMBLANCE TO WHAT YOU NOW KNOW AS TYRANID XENOFORMS."

Cyril and Cortain take a moment to consider. It's hard to say for certain when the Tyranids first appeared - their vanguard organisms usually predate them a long time. This infestation, however, seems recent based on size. And Nidhoggr is known for subterranean attacks. Given how there's no hive ships in orbit, there must be a newly erected spawning pool.

Temur wipes the bits of tyranid off his sword, smiling to himself before stowing it. "Onward then, let us cut the heart from this infestation."

Entering the shaft, it seems it branches off - one path leads lower, and one path leads higher. Cortain detects extreme heat and corrosive chemicals coming from below.

"There must be a spawning pool below there," Cyril notes, "Come on then; this will be little different from the trip to Hylios, save that we can excise the wretched thing before it grows anything too much larger."
"Good," Cortain states, "Hopefully this time we keep it locked down further so we can avoid having to rebuild Doggfather's heart - AGAIN."
"Indeed. We will purge it all," Cyril confirms, before breaking off, "I wonder if I can outfit Hunter-Killer maniples with cryoguns in place of ther irad cleansers for less damage when clearing Imperial soil..."

The Commandos descend into the shafts, and can see it - a wide spawning pool. Already new xenoforms begin to gestate within.

"If we bundle our grenades together and drop them in, we might at least rend apart the forming xenos before they can be spawned and buy time to field larger ordnance," Cyril suggests.
"We will need some maniples here," Cortain states, "Outfitted with as many flame or volkite weapons as possible."
"Flame will be of little use against Nidhoggr, but cryothium should be interesting," Cyril offers,  "Radiation ought to serve well, but we still need to investigate the site."
"Agreed, Thexus will have this in hand in short order," Temur states, "Let us continue."
"ACKNOWLEDGED, CONSUL," Thexus replies, "WE ARE DEPLOYING."

Dropping the collected grenades into the wide spawning pool, the shrapnel begins to shred the nascent xenoforms. Already new ones begin to form, but the cleanup crews will arrive with time to spare. Deciding that this area bears watching but is "under control" for now, the Commandos move on, Temur now leading the way through the tunnels of the top branch. Heading up, the cavern expands, and the Commandos can see where the miners breached something. Some sort of wall. The battle cant of the Legiones Astartes is written all about, but what catches Temur's eye is the ragged banner fluttering in the air current.

It bears the lightning bolt of the V Legion.

Cortain opens the way, feeling the need to finish the puzzle, but going no further.
"I had not thought the brotherhoods came to this sector..." Temur muses. He proceeds inside, looking around the chamber that was breached.
"Their speed might have belied notice by archivists and remembrancers," Cyril considers, "We will wait here."
"Understood, thank you brothers, I will return shortly," Temur says quietly.

Temur can see the remains of long-burnt out torches, as autosenses begin to adjust for the lack of light. Within the isolated chamber, he can see the ancient scripts of Mundus Planus, of Chogoris engraved along the walls.

"Those who are skilled in the arts of war do not allow anger to rule them; those who have faith in their prowess are not guided by fear. Thus the wise have won before they fight, and only the fool must fight to win."

Ahead, however, is a Legionary of the White Scars, long dead, in the repose of death. It seems this was some sort of honored tomb. Temur smiles as he recognizes the meaning of the words, still taught in the brotherhoods today. then moves forward reverently to inspect the dead legionary. He briefly wonders why such a Legionary was not returned to Chogoris or so. Perhaps the demands of the Crusade merited a stopgap measure? Regardless, he appears to be clutching something in his hands, some sort of rod.

Temur checks the Legionary for rank markings, wondering if that might prove a clue to his fate or manner of burial, before carefully moving aside the Legionary's hands to pick up and inspect the rod with his left hand. The Legionary's armor is ornate, so he must have been highly ranked, but the ranks of the Legions were different, so it is hard to tell. Picking up the rod, Temur notes the surroundings begin to fade as his vision fills with light -

20:50, 1 October 2016 (UTC)20:50, 1 October 2016 (UTC)20:50, 1 October 2016 (UTC)~

Standing on the outskirts of a great voidship, Temur is surrounded by his fellow Legionaries.  The shattered glass world of Prospero floats ahead, the dust storms overtaking the ruins. In the distance, the white and green vessels of the Death Guard float.

"We must go!" a Legionary says, "The Swordstorm, our Flagship, is ahead! We must retake it from the bastard sons of the Warrior Lodges!"
"Master Qin Xa seeks the Khan below," another Legionary states, "We must be the Vanguard! The Kalijan will approach close, we must make our time count! Lead us, Consul!"
"We must," Temur nods, "I will not allow anyone other than the great Khan to dictate my loyalties to me... with me brothers!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=el93MIxAf-c

The Kalijan, the Battle Barge Temur and the Legionaries are standing on, begins approaching the Swordstorm. The Legionaries all around are running forward down the ship's hull. The Swordstorm grows ever closer.
"Look! They come!" a Legionary yells, as the void is filled with crossfire.
Temur begins to move forward with the other legionaries, looking for an opening to commence the assault. Looking up, he can see warriors of the White Scars, V Legion, their heraldry debased with the Eye of Horus, upon armored Sojutsu Voidbikes. Temur can barely see the hateful reflections of their eyes through the thin, narrow cockpits of the Voidbikes. And then the rod in his hand begins to pulse. It begins to shake and shudder his entire arm, as the Voidbikes approach ever closer. Temur holds up the rod to the sky.

"To arms, brothers!" Temur yells, "Let none live to stain our honor!"

Holding the rod up, the rod begins to spin, then expand. Folding outward and back, a cord of energy connecting the ends, the Parthinian Serpent unfurls, the bow glowing. Temur's right hand glows with energy as well. He can see the lead voidbike, the pilot's mouth spitting hateful curses. Temur thinks...he KNOWS he can hit him. It will be a difficult called shot, but he gets a sense that this bow will not miss, if he takes the time to aim. Temur takes the bow stance still taught to initiates of the Scars, making a drawing motion and aiming carefully, knowing this shot will count.

Raising the bow up, the energy in his hand forms into an arrow of energy. Temur takes a deep breath, focusing on what little he can see of the enemy. And then he can finally see it. The perfect shot. A Called Shot, the Flyer moving fast, a hard target, his unstable footing, the miniscule opening, none of it matters.

The arrow the Parthinian Serpent manifests flies true. As it flies, Temur can see it shift. A trail of flame first, before morphing into a great trailing bolt. Finally, it assumes the form of an impossibly bright lance of pure light, striking the traitor White Scar perfectly in the head, even scoring a Righteous Fury. The Sojutsu Jetbike surges out of control as the White Scars to Temur's side begin the assault against the Swordstorm, his vision going bright once more.

Temur feels somewhat drained as he stands amongst an almost bright, white fog. He feels as if he is being watched. Temur turns around slowly, ready to draw again if needed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcKh-dGYGVQ

The White Scars Legionary ahead of Temur regards him. Though Temur cannot see his face, he feel like he...understands. The Parthinian Serpent pulses in his hand. The Legionary looks at it for a moment, bowing a deep bow, before turning away, into the mists. Temur smiles as the legionary departs, somewhat shaken by the experience, knowing now how close the Scars came to the worst of fates, as his vision goes white once more - 

20:50, 1 October 2016 (UTC)20:50, 1 October 2016 (UTC)20:50, 1 October 2016 (UTC)[[Special:Contributions/24.205.112.238|24.205.112.238]] 20:50, 1 October 2016 (UTC)

Temur is alone in the burial sanctum. The Parthinian Serpent retracts, for when he calls upon it once more. Temur proceeds back to the breach.

"Brothers, this was a tomb for a champion of the legion," Temur says quietly, "I will need assistance so that he may be returned safely to Chogoris, and to a proper rest rather than a forgotten tomb."
"I will have an automata cover the job," Cortain offers, summoning some servo-automata.
"No," Cyril says, waving the automata away, "The Astartes bear their own."

The Commandos all move to assist Temur, carrying the long-dead Legionary out. They pass Thexus and Rockfist, who have arrived to begin cleansing.
"CONSUL, WE HAVE ARRIVED. WE SHALL HANDLE XENOFORM ERADICATION," Thexus yells, "WE SHALL REJOIN YOU WHEN EXTERMINATION IS COMPLETE."

The Commandos and their assets board the waiting Thunderhawk, as the Miners stand by to flex their muscles in gratitude.

"Thank you once more, Deathwatch Republican Commandos!" Governor Cankleton states, "We shall always keep your teachings close to us!"
"Bye!" Violet waves as the Thunderhawk loads up assets and heads to the Blade.
Cortain would have liked to ask more about these "Chaplains", but it seems clear that they might be hiding.

Returning to the Blade, with a potential problem nipped in the bud and a relic secured, the Commandos take pride in the day's successes.

</div>
</div>
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="100%">