Editing The Cleansing

The clan meeting completed, the clans returned to their respective convoys, but not to leave. Tavin gathered up his scavenging parties.

“Return to the wrecked Chimera we saw, strip it of anything of value.” The teams yelled in joy, grabbing one of the empty cargo haulers in the convoy to set off. He turned to the rest of his clan.

“Mechanics, get to work. Everyone else, get some rest.” The night was a flurry of activity. Clans were taking advantage of the stockpiles of scrap metal to repair their vehicles. The smallest breach patched up, the smallest leak plugged. Everything had to be in perfect condition for The Cleansing tomorrow. Well, as perfect as they could get them anyway. Tavin’s mechanics worked through the night on the captured Chimera, repairing the damage done and adding as much extra armor as they could. The salvage crews returned with a haul of spare parts, ammo, and thankfully, pieces to restore the main laser cannon of the beast. With its teeth restored, the vehicle would be invaluable. As the job was finished one of the mechanics returned to Tavin.

“The Chimera is ready, chief. The main cannon is online and we have enough power cells to keep it powered for tomorrow.”

“Good, but it is not enough to be powerful. The beast must strike fear into the hearts of both our enemies and our targets. Maybe then The Emperor will turn them from this path. Affix the dozer blade in the scrap yard to the front, and we will add ornamentation.”

“Yes, chief.” Satisfied, Tavin returned to his vehicle for some rest.

The night passed and the sounds of vehicle work ceased, to give way for the rumbling of engines in the pre-dawn light. The dozer blades gave the Chimera a fearsome appearance, and the body that now hung on it would surely terrify those who stood against it. The beak of the mask was smashed in two, and the guardsman’s armor was tattered from weapons fire, but it only served to grant a more macabre look. Tavin smiled under his mask, but it only gave him a brief moment of respite before his solemn attitude returned. Today was not a day for rejoicing. Footsteps crunched behind him. He turned. The leader of the clans stood before Tavin.

“Tavin. Is Clan Kelscius ready?” His normally cheerful demeanor was replaced with a grim one; nobody relished what they must do today.

“Yes, Lord.”

“Tavin, you can use my name. Emperor knows you’ve earned that right at least.”

“Yes, Jarus. The Chimera is ready, and my men are too. Who will you be joining this time?”

“Your group. Your clan has distinguished itself this year, even more than Clan Vayler with their successful rail heist.”

“I’m honored.”

“Well, let us board and get this day over with.”

They entered the beast and the engine started up with a deafening roar. The ramp closed with a bang. The drive to the hunting grounds was quiet, everyone meditating on what was to come. The Chimera rolled to a stop and opened the ramp. Tavin went to the troop compartment.

“Three men are needed to ride the hull. Who will volunteer?”

“Chief, why not use the gun?”

“A waste, it is needed for defense. Three men are needed. Who will volunteer?” Two men reluctantly raised their hands, their faces set with grim determination.

“One more. Who will volunteer?” Silence. Then, a voice from the cockpit. Jarus Vayler walked forward.

“I will go, Tavin. A burden I must bear.” Tavin nodded silently. He knew Jarus couldn’t be dissuaded.

“Emperor bless you all.” The three left, picking up lasguns from the weapon racks. The ramp closed and bangs could be heard as the men climbed atop the Chimera. The vehicle set out again, slower so the riders would not fall. Tavin returned to the cockpit and monitored the sensors. Their first target came into view. A boy, his arm bloody and hanging at his side, ran across the desert with a flower cupped in his arm. Tavin felt tears at his eyes. He opened the vox channel to Jarus.

“First target, dead ahead.”

“Roger.” A delay, then a beam of red light stabbed out, blowing a gap in the child’s neck. He collapsed. There would be many more. A tear fell.

Half his crew gone and the Chimera beaten from countless retaliatory attacks, but they kept up their duty. A score of children saved from their fate. It was worth it. The vehicle raced out of a shallow ravine into a salt flat stretching as far as the eye could see, with only the mountain where the false dogs of The Emperor resided to break the scene. The scanners beeped and Tavin looked down. A group of three, aiding each other. Such a waste of the Emperor’s subjects. Tavin switched to the upper camera. Jarus and the two men were taking aim. Then, Jarus’s head exploded in a shower of bone and brain. Tavin jerked back, and loud thuds sounded against the hull. Tavin turned the camera. He snarled. One of those pretenders! Anger clouded his thoughts as he pushed the driver out of the way. He jerked the Chimera around and gunned the engine. The men still on top were ripped away as the beast turned around. The marine was running towards the vehicle, bolter firing.

“Gunnery crew, kill him.” A pause.

“Chief, we’re out of power. Gun’s useless.” Tavin raged and jerked the vehicle forward, his eyes focused on the advancing marine. He grew closer and closer, the thuds on the hull growing louder as armor shattered. Then, impact. The dozer blades impaled the marine and the Chimera smashed into the wall of the ravine. Tavin jerked forward in his seat from the force, but bounced back. Revenge. He wanted revenge. He grabbed a lasgun from the rack and hit the ramp release. It went down with a hiss and he stalked out, climbing onto the vehicle. He approached the still-living marine and smashed his helmet.

“You killed him! You killed my friend!”

“And I would kill a thousand more, heretic!”

“You call me heretic?! You who take these children from The Emperor?! We deny you their souls! They will serve The Emperor on death, rather than you in life! You die for nothing!”

“Then you have failed. By my death, the three aspirants do reach safety. Three more initiates to serve in The Emperor’s name. Three more to keep the people of Icelus safe. Three more.denied to you. There is no greater death.” Any last remarks remained unsaid as Tavin blasted the marine, emptying the power pack. His head was a smoking ruin. Tavin stalked back into the Chimera.

“We have done The Emperor’s will. Let us return, this day is soured enough already.”