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| COMMIT TO: Inquisition
Record 153 310-2001
CROSS FILE: Inquisition of the Vindicators INPUT DATE: 3746916.M36 |
AUTHOR: Inquisitor
Ryjak
TRANSMITTER: Astropath Secundus Ariel RECEIVER: Astropath Prime Joshua |
| SUBJECT: Battle Report | THOUGHT: Overconfidence leads to failure |
<+++ Cross examine Greyhammer report +++>
"Constable, we have spotted the enemy. They're making way from the forest to the ruins. We see two squads and an APC. One squad's on overwatch from some craters."
"Thank you, Novice. Brother Titus, Brother Laramus, form on me, Gamma pattern. When we reach the summit, we'll split 'em in half and then take out their Rhino." These Grayhammers were fools for exposing themselves. If only this were a real battle, instead of ritual combat, our fighters would pin them. Even so, it was bold to come into the open against a more mobile foe.
"Don't be so confident, Constable. These Unredeemed are lead by an experienced officer, and he might teach us a thing or two."
"Thank you Instructor. I'll take that under advisement."
The armored column tore through the grass, cresting the hill and bringing the maroon soldiers into view. They were strung out across the plain, with nowhere to hide. "Brother Titus, take out the exposed squad. We'll handle the Rhino."
Brother Titus's Destructor slid to a halt in the mud, guns coming to life. Energy and shells poured out, forcing the Greyhammers to dive into the grass. One hapless fool just stood there, and was struck down. Even so, the return fire was prompt; one shot noisily hitting the command vehicle. "No damage, sir, but it threw off our aim."
"Adjust and proceed on intercept course." He watched as the gunner sent a shot right on target, but nothing happened. The maroon Rhino's top hatch popped open.
The Destructor continued its barrage, depressing its guns. The ground was torn up by the solid slugs, forcing those marines to retreat. With the enemy split, they'd be easy to eliminate. Brother Titus was about to order them to reposition, when suddenly everything went dark.
"Constable, Brother Titus registered as killed." Damn. At least he accomplished his mission. If only we could take out that Rhino...
An explosion tore through the Razorback's crew compartment. Without thinking, Laramus's squad bailed out admits light bolter fire. "Brother Laramus, hold position and suppress!" Both Vindicator squads launched rockets at the maroon Rhino not even 100 yards away. It reared up on impact, belching smoke from it's front engines. Laramus's squad fired their bolters, taking several Greyhammers down. The survivors charged his remaining Rhino.
A serpentine hiss cut through the drumming of bolters. Marcus found two marines flanking his Rhino, a heat shimmer enveloping one of them. "Take out those bastards skylined on the ridge!" Laramus's squad adjusted their aim, and promptly dropped the two maroon figures.
"Laramus! We're being overrun!" Looking back, Marcus watched as the black figured fired plasma into his Rhino's treads. The APC ground to a halt. The disabled Rhino was enveloped by the remaining Greyhammers. The black one tackled two brothers emerging from the side hatch, and delivered a devastating chop to one's leg.
"Hold on, Constable!" As one, Laramus's squad rose from the ground and charged towards their beleaguered brothers.
Marcus's squad fought the Greyhammers, both sides equally matched. "You see, Constable? They are indeed a worthy foe."
"Worthy? Damn lucky is more like it!" The black-clad figure struck down another brother. "I'll tear him apart!" Marcus thumbed his Constable's sword on, but it only emitted a dull crackle. "Damned ritual combat!"
Marcus crashed into a Grayhammer that had his gun leveled right at him, sending them both to the ground. Marcus raised his sword to finish him, but he stopped. There was a hole in his head already, and blood slowly trickled out. "Sorry sir, I got him fi..." Instructor Tholmas was interrupted as an ax-wielding Greyhammer attempted to decapitate Marcus. Tholmas caught the ax-handle with his chainsword, while simultaneously blasting another Greyhammer assailing Marcus. Brother Laramus tackled the ax-man, pulling him away from Tholmas. Laramus was hit on the back of the head by the black-clad warrior.
Back-to-back, Marcus and Tholmas fought on. There were few combatants left, but neither side could honorably give up. Tholmas grimly faced the Chaplain. Parrying with his sword, he deflected a killing blow into his armored shoulder. Pain shot through his arm as he dropped his pistol. Summoning his strength, he swung at the Chaplain's head. Too late, he realized he'd overextended, and was rewarded with a crushing blow to his abdomen, forcing a small grunt from his lips.
"Tholmas?" Marcus turned as Tholmas fell past him and came face-to-face with the Chaplain. Crouching low, he thrust with his whole body, focusing his power into his sword's point. But his opponent had expected that, and brought his Crozius into Marcus's sword arm. The sword fell. Cursing, his arm broken, Marcus fell as well.
"EXCERCISE COMPLETE. HOLD AND WAIT FOR INSTRUCTIONS," blared over the common HQ channel set up for the day's exercise.
The Chaplain clasped his gauntlet across his chest plate in the proper salute, "Well met, sir, well met." Still swearing to himself, Marcus refused to turn on his audio speaker as the Chaplain knelt down next to him. "You may want to consider not leading with your right."
"RECOVER THE DAMAGED AND DECEASED FOR THE APOTHECARIES, PREPARE FOR TRANSPORT RECOVERY" Grudgingly, Marcus saluted with his broken arm, the Chaplain returning it smartly. Still fuming, Marcus barely registered that the Greyhammer sergeant was offering advice on his swordmanship.
Tholmas's voice cut through the haze. "Let it go. It is over." Taking a deep breath, Marcus closed his eyes, and concentrated. He placed the days events in his memory. He focused on the pain in his arm, understood it, and cast it away. He focused on the pain in his soul, and realizing there was no real shame, he cast it away. Marcus opened his eyes. Seeing the Greyhammer above him, waiting, Marcus offered his hand. Pulled up, he thanked the sergeant for the advice and the day's exercise. Next time...