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Post by Melissia on Jul 10, 2009 16:50:27 GMT -5
"Hrm. It'll be risky-- damaging the fort means that we have a damaged fort to defend ourselves until the Munitorum personnel get it fixed back up again. THe Orks have, surprisingly, not actually destroyed anything, and instead have added on heretical sybmols and extra armor to the bastions and walls. It's not going to be easy to blast a hole in them."
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Post by The Refined Gentleman (M.I.A) on Jul 10, 2009 16:54:11 GMT -5
“Holy emperor!” Varlon exclaimed.
“Cor! Get over here!”
The signal was coming into clarity. At least someone up there was in a good mood today.
“This is code Whiteguard. Colonel Omian Varlon and Major Hazra Coraz. Monian 37th commandos and raiders at your service.”
Varlon felt invigorated by this sudden surge of hope.
“Who's receiving, over?”
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Post by Kaikelx on Jul 10, 2009 16:54:23 GMT -5
OOC: Can I assume Asis is in contact via voxlink?
"...Don't you worry about us tanker, we'll do fine. You want us to warm up some caff in the fortress while we wait?"
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Post by nicholasakira on Jul 10, 2009 16:55:22 GMT -5
Mhaldin shivered as the human delivered the news. Had command really considered killing them? Was their disguise unraveled already?
"We've been slugging it out with a big old ork boss that's been holed up in the fort to the west," Mhaldin explained, "he builds vehicles and stuff. We've been shooting up his parts convoys and killing his minions when they poke their big ugly heads above the wall. But he's just the small fry. Everything the beasts got round here is mostly to the south near the cities." He slouched down into the human tracked vehicle, while searching his mind, trying to find its name. He hoped he sounded like an uneducated farmer by the way he spoke. "Hey, army-boy. Can you stand me up when we reach the nest? Eyes are sleepy." He flopped down and pretended to sleep.
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Post by RedsandRoyals on Jul 10, 2009 16:56:32 GMT -5
"All we need to do is smash in the gunports they have guarding the gate. You get my tankers within range of the gate, it'll go down." He straightened up from the map. "It's brutal and destructive, sure, but it's less likely to get our entire airborne unit wiped out if something goes wrong." He shrugged. "If you're worried about holding it after we take it, well, it would be a damn sight better to meet any attack in the open, where we can maneuver, then to sit on our arses inside the walls and starve.
He stepped back next to Van Dremmond. "Your call ma'am."
-----------------------------
McVane nodded. "Sure, no problemo." As Jonson closed his eyes, McVane surveyed the vast expanse of sand as his Salamander roared along at top speed. He smiled. He was going to like the desert.
He began humming "The night I kissed my girl goodbye", and old Guard song.
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Post by Melissia on Jul 10, 2009 17:04:59 GMT -5
" Security protocols prevent me from giving out any vital information until you switch to a secure vox frequency. The Orks can listen in on this line." She was annoyed. They still were using the same frequency as before. If they weren't goign to listen, she was simply going to ignore them. Meanwhile, the Rogue Trader touched her chin. " If all we're doing is going for the gunpoirts on the gates, that's fine. For that matter, if we're just destroying a single gate, at least it creates a bottleneck for Orks where we can be sure to shoot them a few at a time instead of having them surround us.
It may be easier to engage them out in the open, soldier, but a large amount of support personnel, civilians, and supplies are with me, and will be landed as soon as we take the fort. We need to hold this fort after they arrive. after we take the factory cities and hive city, the Crusade will use this area as a staging ground to retake the entire planet, and they want this fortress to be the main command center for the entire crusade on this planet. I'm certain they could use the hive city instead, but it's still something I don't want to be yelled at for. Apparently someone up there really likes that fortress for whatever reason." Looking annoyed, she sighed. " If there isn't a reliable way we can clear the guns without destroying the fortress too heavilly, then your plan is probably best. Perhaps airburst incendiary artillery? Orks are notorious for preferring open-topped vehicles and buildings."
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Post by The Refined Gentleman (M.I.A) on Jul 10, 2009 17:08:21 GMT -5
OOC: I'm off to bed, good night.
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Post by RedsandRoyals on Jul 10, 2009 17:17:47 GMT -5
Dunbar blanched slightly at the mention of incendiaries. "Ma'am, if you're going to light the place on fire, you might as well just Lance the frakking place from orbit and be done with it. Smashing in the gunports would be best, trust me. We've been doing this for the past nine months at The Gate. We know our stuff. We'll take the fort, and be able to defend it."
After a pause, he continued "Of course, if the thought of getting a slap on the wrist with from Headquarters upsets you, you can always say I got a bit carried away, and they can talk to me."
There was no smirk, no malice, no change in expression. Van Dremmond wasn't sure if Dunbar had just insulted the woman or not.
(OOC: I'm off to work, back in a few hours)
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Post by Rolling Thunder on Jul 10, 2009 17:24:40 GMT -5
"Emperor-damn your mutant hide, Grr'aex" snarled Lucan, as he and his personal guard ambled through the encampment. Looks of disgust, outrage and pure, mind-stopping shock followed them. Well, it wasn't every day you found a vile and odious beastman, tagging behind a motley collection of bodyguard - a Penal Legionaire, two gas-masked Krieg Grenadiers and a PDF trooper carrying what could only have been the Imperium's bulkiest vox-set, led by two metres of savage, ill-tempered lunatic, blaspheming and cursing at every other step as he strode through the camp.
"Master need guard. Master not die. Grr'aex protect master" the Beastman rasped, slurring the words.
"Oh, can the 'simplistic half-animal' act, you miserable bastard" snarled Torquemada. "We all know you're cunning enough as a regiment of Catachans trying to sneak into the Soriotas encampment, and that's not counting your hideous pals. Now be quiet, or I shall have you shot. And I don't want to shoot you. I reserve that priviledge for the enemy."
Besides, I might get blood on my lovely new coat. Matte-black, with inlaid red fabric at the lining, a delicate trimming of fur at the nape of the neck, and the stitching so fine it was almost invisible in full daylight, it was the epitome of Imperial authority and comfort. The fact it had belonged to the first Commissar to serve with the 108th Company only made it all the more special. Ah, Ver Den Lockmar. You iron-nosed bastard, you loved every minute of this. Shame that bullet caught your ribs, and they had to ship you home. Thanks for this. Must get the lads to get a whip-round for some flowers and a nice token for the old swine. Killed three men, but I suppose in hindsight we realised they were pretty grubby characters at the best of times.
Still lost in his own thoughts, Lucan ambled past the guards and waiting technicians, his retinue evil and fearsome enough to remove any queries as to his purpose. The man was clearly going somewhere, he had a Captain's rank, and, most importantly, it was no longer their problems.
"Ah, Van Dremmond" he said, nodding to his fellow officer with an easygoing respect that passed for a salutation amongst his men. "You in charge here? I've landed my boys and we're setting up a resupply point with the Munitorum, but tactically One and Two platoons are available. They're just mooching about the resupply and taunting Three. God knows what Four's getting, but I'm glad I'm here, frankly. Sorry, I ramble. What can I do for you?"
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Post by Kaikelx on Jul 10, 2009 17:34:38 GMT -5
Asis thought about what she could she do.....
"Mrs. Trader ma'am. I have an idea. We've got charges with us. One toss, and boom, no more Orks in that gun port. I don't know if we could blow down a gate though.......We'll need air support for that. My men and women are good shots. We should be able to secure the first gate without taking too many casualties....
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Post by Melissia on Jul 10, 2009 17:36:09 GMT -5
"When your life depends on currying favors and ensuring that people view you in a positive light, soldier, a "slap on the wrist" can eventually end up being lethal. My family's Charter is indeed prestigious, but not everyone in the Imperium actually respects the words of the Emperor Himself." Which would be, of course, heresy. But that was something for the Inquisition to deal with. "That is how I got involved on this planet in the first place-- my ships were confiscated by the system's governor. And I will be damned sure to get them back before I leave, and if that means currying favor with a bunch of egg-heads back at HQ? So be it."
Shaking her head, she sighed. The military men are lucky to not have to deal with this, she supposed. "I'll let you do what you need to do, soldier. Just try and focus on killing Orks instead of blowing the place up. You are appointed the head of this particular mission. Groknar and Kelai are to be my liasons with the main group-- the sentinel recon group that is with me will remain in reserve as reinforcements, moving slightly behind the main group and ready to assist."
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Post by RedsandRoyals on Jul 10, 2009 23:27:55 GMT -5
Van Dremmond tossed a quick two fingered salute to Lucan. "I'm not in charge here, she is." he said, nodding at the Rogue Trader. Hearing the conversation, Dunbar glanced up. He blinked at Lucan
"Nice coat. You're Air Cav, you have that swagger. Think some of your boys could fast rope onto a fortress wall and take a Gate House if they had sharpshooters helping them?" Glancing down at the map, he raised his voice so that everyone could here. "We're looking at two prongs here. The first one will be the blunt end of the assault. We need heavy armour, heavy guns, and foot infantry that's good in close quarters.' He jabbed a finger at the front gate. "Long Guns will smash any gun towers, then we move in. I'll worry about the gate. Once it's down, the Astartes can take the gateway, and armour and infantry can move in and sweep the streets."
He indicated a barren stretch of land near the rear area of the Fortress. "Van, take your boys and clear a DZ here tonight. Drop troops can come in, secure the area, and be ready to hit the fort on my go. Air Cav, you have your hotshots on standby. Once the Drop Troops have knocked out the gun towers, you fast rope in and take the gatehouse. If you're not up to the fast rope, have your gunships blow the hell out of the gate instead. Once it's down, move in an fan out. For blocking positions for the main advance to drive the Orks into. Van, I want your boys to start stabbing the Orks in the arse the second you get inside the walls."
He paused, and glanced up at the assembled officers. "Everybody got that? If you can do what you're supposed to, great. If not, get the hell out of the way now, so we can find someone who can."
----------------------------
McVane and the civilian convoy reached the camp, pulling into the New Arnhem marshaling area. Sgt. Garth approached him as he stepped down from the Salamander.
"Hey Smiley, what's the word?" said McVane as he stepped down from his Salamander. "Word is I babysit your friends while you go tell the Chief you brought them back.' said Garth with a grin. "Sounds good." McVane tossed off a two fingered salute, and headed into the encampment.
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Post by Ignatius on Jul 11, 2009 0:10:39 GMT -5
"Oh feth its hot." observed General Madison as he swept the sweat from his forehead.
Major Constantine tugged on his uniform to try and get it into a more confortable position.
"These damn gloves arent helping eaither sir", Costantine remarked as he waited for his generals nod before he removed them.
"Why did i even agree to this?" Constantine complained before his commander to him to knock it off.
Walking up to the command table just in time to hear Dunbar's plan. Madison also noticed a smile come across his Major's face. Speaking up:
"Dunbar. General Madison here, commander of the Mordian 1st. We've got highly skilled battle hardended artillary crews. Mortars mostly. If thats not what your looking for in terms of 'heavy guns', then im sure the 5 basilisks we have will be plenty heavy for you. And im fairly curain that my men will be more than willing to be a part of that frontal assault. Close quarters are what we are best at. Mostly urban conflict. Stick us where you need us and we wont let you down."
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Post by Melissia on Jul 11, 2009 0:11:26 GMT -5
THe Ork somehow ended up behind Dunbar, despite making almost no noise at all. Yes, this Ork was indeed a Blood Axe, and they have been known to deal with humans, although somehow Groknar's relationship seemed different... one of servitude.
"Komissar Groknar Skullsplitta sir, reportin' in. Gots me a radio so ya kin keep in touch wit da boss. An' ya be sure to do that, yes? Gets scary when boss gets mad." It seemed he was doing his utmost best to be polite, but even still, a notable wave of typical Ork maliciousness and even anticipation-- no doubt wanting to get stuck in this fight as much as any-- could be heard through the facade. Certainly, he was trained well enough by the Rogue Trader.
On the other end of the camp, the mass of burgundy silks almost seemed to float over to Dremmond. "I am to be attatched to your command unit for the duration of this battle. You may refer to me as Kelai." She spoke in a strange, monotone voice that somehow had a slight, barely detectable echo. "Yes. I am a psyker. I assure you that I will be much more of an asset than a burden, although I am loathe to enter battle. Where soldiers risk their lives, I risk my very soul. So if I am hesitant to use my powers, then understand way."
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Post by RedsandRoyals on Jul 11, 2009 1:04:29 GMT -5
Dunbar gave the Ork stared the Ork in the eyes for a few seconds, then spoke. "I'll let her know when we start killing Orks, and when we stop. You can keep her filled in past that if you want." he turned back to the map.
"It doesn't look like it should be too difficult. Task Force 1 will be my guys, some of Madison's Long Guns and infantry, and the Astartes, should they deign to join us on this little adventure. Task Force 2 will be Van's guys, maybe a platoon of Drop Troops, and two or three Valks full of Air Cav's boys, with a gunship or two riding shotgun."
He stepped back from the table, holding the gaze of each of the assembled officers for a moment, then continued. "This is not an attack on a Kasr, ladies and gentlemen. This is not a siege of a Hive. We move in, kill them all, and try not to bang up the place, lest the 'Boss' be reprimanded by the pencil pushersand desk rangers. Be sensible, use your head, and don't do anything stupid that gets anyone else killed, or I'll punch your teeth out the back of your skull." He added the last part almost as an afterthought.
"Clear?"
------------------------------
Van Dremmond nodded to the Psyker, shifting subtly to me slighty further away from her. "Sounds fine to me, Ma'am. I just hope I never have to ask you to use your powers. You can sit back and watch us work, if you want."
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Post by The Refined Gentleman (M.I.A) on Jul 11, 2009 4:01:40 GMT -5
“Right.” Varlon started to try out the various functions of the vox set, trying to find the secure channel mentioned on the other end.
“Yes. Got it...”
Finding himself thrown back by a sudden burst of metal and electrical discharge was the last thing he expected.
As the monian colonel was awakened from his dazed state he saw munition impacts on the water and the shingle. Coraz could be seen returning fire with his lasgun upwards. The greenskins were firing on them from the lip of the cliff above. It was a long distance, but both monians knew that lady luck was a mercenary.
Shards of metal and wiring were scattered around the place.
“Sir! We've gotta move!!!” The major yelled above the deafening exchanges of gunfire and las beams.
Varlon leaped to his feet and grabbed his bolter, the clatter and chatter of mass reactive shells joined the gunfight. More hulking ork frames were visible now, and the weight of shots coming their way multiplied thrice fold.
“Go!!!” The colonel commanded. Coraz followed without question.
The two plunged into the lush green, orange and red of the tropical surrounding the oasis. Inhuman howls were audible in the bushes. Dammit! Orks were never this coordinated.
“Split!”
They parted as to try and divide the ork pursuers.
Coraz felt a sharp pain, like his skull being suddenly cracked as he was forced against a tree. The hellish visage of the orks face filled his vision. Dried blood painted its rancid, yellow fangs. Its eyes were a red pit of hatred, penetrating his mind. They threatened to damn him unto madness.
The monian regained his composure quickly enough to slip his longknife from the dark, leather scabbard and stick the xenos bastard. Ichor, thick as their fruit mix rations and warm seeped from the puncture in its gut.
Coraz wasted no time in making up for lost time. As they moved on the trees seemed to thin out slightly and a gap at the end of the cavern was visible. There was a blinding light at the end.
He was never so glad to have a spare demolition charge.
The timer was set and the charge tossed aside. Coraz's feet were now in full flight as he counted down, his paces growing ever more desperate as the numbers in his head grew ever closer to zero.
5 seconds... The light kept beckoning him closer... 4 seconds... Almost there... 3 seconds... 2, 1...
Great cataclysmic force ruptured the landscape. Silent rock, undisturbed for decades, centuries even. It all came tumbling on the brutes, irresistible explosive force destroyed all that nature had sought to built. But orks died and were crushed in their hundreds.
For the first time during his time on this forgotten, barren desert world, Varlon was so glad to feel hot sunlight come to bare on his skin. It was a beautiful thing. There were imperial forces out there and they had survived all the 'skins had thrown at them. Also, they had found out that there was a warboss here. If it could speak basic low gothic, emperor on earth knows what else he could be smart enough to do. They needed to get this news to command.
“Throne on earth Var, I never know what you'll get me into next.” Varlon chuckled as he reveled in this new ray of hope on them.
He glanced to the side. A group of hazy figures moved through the dunes. Coraz and Varlon snapped to attention, weapons trained on the shapes stalking through the wastes.
Then Varlon recognized one of them as Sergeant Valina.
“Falk! Major! Colonel!” She yelled as she ran faster through the dunes with the 5 man team she led, one of them armed with a flamer. “Sergeant! Crap, i've never been so glad to see you disobey orders.”
“I hate to break up this reunion.” Coraz interrupted. “But we're miles from the nearest camp and the areas probably crawling with the xenos falkers.”
Valina peaked over the majors shoulder, a broad grin stretched across her face.
“Who needs a bloody camp?” She said as she pointed at an orderly line of vehicles moving down a road just to the south...
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Post by Helmian (M.I.A) on Jul 11, 2009 10:40:24 GMT -5
Chaplain Aulus strode over to the group of commanders, his massive figure laying a shadow over the map.
''The plan is to besiege the fortress i assume? Why do not I and my brothers drop in by drop pod?''
--------------------
1st and 2nd squad had assembled at the rhinos, sergeant Armand had taken his helmet off and was looking on the guard regiments and the logistic mess they tried to solve.
''Would it not be proper to set the highest ranking guard officer to command the forces, then this rouge trader brother-sergeant?'' Brother Vitalion asked.
''Yes it would brother, but as i said to Lexhat, it is not of our concern.''
''What about the xeno ''kommissar''? I do not feel comfortable with that beast among us.'' Brother Symmachus asked.
''Neither do i brother, i should have shot it when we arrived.'' Armand answered.
''Why did you not shoot it then?''
''I do not know brother.''
Apothecary Sextus snorted.
''What is it brother apothecary?'' Brother Ceruleans asked.
''I do not like the possibilities of a xeno going on a rampage if the psyker fails at keeping it loyal. I do not like the prospect of a psyker at all. Emperor knows what will come out if her head explodes and opens a warp rift.'' He answered
''Hopefully that will not happen'' Armand said.
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Post by RedsandRoyals on Jul 11, 2009 11:18:57 GMT -5
Dunbar regarded the Chaplin with an expression of mild distaste. He'd lost far too many friends at the Cadian Gate to the Traitor Legions to hold any love for the Astartes, no matter who they pledged their loyalty to.
"Unnecessary." he said with a wave of his hand. "It would be far to difficult to coordinate with the advancing armour and infantry, and there's really no call for it. This is a sideshow. Save your Drop pod party tricks for the Hive, if we ever get there. And no, we're not besieging it. That would be incredibly stupid and totally pointless. It's a light garrison, so were going to storm it from two sides. If you want to follow my tanks into the main gate to clear it, you're welcome to."
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Post by Kaikelx on Jul 11, 2009 11:28:44 GMT -5
Asis quirked an eyebrow, although it was more of a reflex action, considering she was talking to the group via vox.
"What, you think we can't clear the gun ports by ourselves without your help? Don't you worry chaplain. Those so-called "gun ports" won't even exist after we get landfall. Besides, our pods are different from yours. Normal humans can ride in one, for one thing. For another, they won't cause the same amount of mayhem if they were to....Have a malfunction. So, when do you want us to land? Coordinates would also be appreciated. I don't wanna drop a platoon 50 klicks away from the target."
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Post by Helmian (M.I.A) on Jul 11, 2009 11:37:14 GMT -5
''Yes, your drop pods may be able to hold normal humans, but that also means you have to travel at significant slower speed. Making you a target for AA fire. Though it will be highly unlikely that the orks will hit you at all.'' Aulus answered.
Turning his attention back to Dunbar he spoke
''Very well then. We will ride in among your men. I will now go and lead my brothers in a prayer. Anybody who wishes to join in are welcome. May the Emperor protect you'' And with that he turned and left for the rhinos.
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Post by The Refined Gentleman (M.I.A) on Jul 11, 2009 11:53:59 GMT -5
The monian squad moved towards the convoy through the dunes. Heat haze was a constant irritation to the senses.
As they drew closer they realised it was imperial, the crest on the vehicles he recognised from somewhere back at imperial headquarters, 281st Armoured if he remembered correctly.
"Looks like the emperor does watch over." Coraz mentioned with obvious relief as the monians drew closer to the convoy...
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Post by Kaikelx on Jul 11, 2009 12:10:51 GMT -5
"Just because I said we could ride in them doesn't mean they're as fast as a rock. We're not dumb Chaplain. We don't fire off by ourselves. Plus, we travel as fast as possible until the- You know what? I'm going to hope you didn't mean to rib our tactics, and I'm not going to explain how we work over a vox link. We're not idiots Chaplain."
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Post by Melissia on Jul 11, 2009 12:25:43 GMT -5
The Ork nodded, enthusiastic to be able to add somthing to the planning. "Ya, dat git mek Skrumgutz doesn't know 'ow ta lead. 'es prolly off wit 'is battlewagons an' boyz fightin' some other git o'er dere.[/b]" He made a vague motion to the east. "If da boss let me, I could 'andle what's inside by meself. But boss says you're da boss o' dis fight.[/b]"
Annoyed, Kelai facepalmed. "We've gotten him to worship the Emperor, but we still haven't gotten rid of that damned Ork overconfidence... but his intelligence-- in a purely mililtary sense mind you-- is sound. He's surprisingly stealthy when he wants to be."
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Post by Rolling Thunder on Jul 11, 2009 13:07:35 GMT -5
"It's one man - one alien, amidst a great gang of aliens who are just as stupid and aggressive as he is" snapped Lucan. Beastmen were find, but he drew the line at Xenos. Well, some Xenos. Unattractive, non-humanoid Xenos, for certain. "A simple plan is best. Rocket pods and incendiary missiles will not damage the fort itself, and it is unlikely it will sustain much damage from small-arms or infantry heavy weapons. What we must take care with is our artillery and armour."
"I propose a simple, brutish plan. Initial supression carried out with with mortars and light artillery. Move or infiltrate infantry up to extreme long range and begin fire with Autocannons and Missile Launchers. The Orks will rush to engage against the infantry."
"Second wave, armour and mechanised units make an assault on the opposite flank. I'd reccomend that any Leman Russes be ordered to utilise Nova shells, for risk of damaging the fortifications. When the enemy begins to meet them with effective return fire, artillery drops a Blind Barrage in front of the enemy. At this moment, we initiate phase three - we send in the Aerial Cavalry in support of the mechanised units, swoop overhead and start clearing the orks away from the skies. Break down the gatehouse, move the infantry up to finish the assault."
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Post by Helmian (M.I.A) on Jul 11, 2009 13:58:29 GMT -5
''I never called you idiots. I regret if I have insulted you, i merely expressed my concern for you being hit by flak fire. But it seems that your drop ships hold high enough speed to avoid this problem.''
The chaplain thought about the mans plan for some minutes.
''That seems like a good plan. I believe it will work .''
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