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Post by nicholasakira on Jul 14, 2009 20:51:33 GMT -5
"Seventy-three!" shouted Mhaldin. He and Jara'naxifus were close. Orkish targets were growing fewer now. The humans were now well inside the fort. Inferno leapt up, turning night to day and shadow to sunlight. He could see the glow in the beast's eyes as he took their green heads from their skulls with his shots.
"I see few targets in my area of sight," Jara'naxifus reported. "Shall we move closer to the tower? Perhaps risk a storm onto the walls?" Mhaldin wasn't sure and turned around to look at Fenera. The farseer was sitting cross-legged behind them, eyes shut, brow frowning.
"Sister?" he asked her, nervous to what she might say.
"I sense..." Fenera's voice was soft, "Iyanden's bane. There are some around, somewhere."
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Post by RedsandRoyals on Jul 14, 2009 20:53:23 GMT -5
"Just making friends with the locals, Royals, nothing to worry about." said Van Dremmond into his commbead. He nodded to the Psyker
"Let's get the Hell out of here before the Creepy Crawlies come back for another go. The Astartes or Sisters can deal with them later." He nodded to the Adorean Sergeant. "Time to leave, Ma'am."
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"Eagle Eye to support elements, the Fortress is considered clear, although we have a minor bug infestation in the basement. Recommend you detail someone for exterminator duties, over."
Reds
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Post by The Envoy (AWOL) on Jul 14, 2009 20:56:04 GMT -5
Addalia nodded in agreement.
"Well boys and girls, looks like playtime's over, we're moving to the surface again," she says, turning to her troops, "and Trooper Cree, don't be an idiot with your flamer again."
With that she filed the survivors into the elevator, and waited for the Arnhemites to follow.
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Post by Melissia on Jul 14, 2009 20:59:08 GMT -5
"What's... going on? Why ...."
"Shutup twit, the only reason you're with us is because the psyker couldn't stand to look at your ugly face!"
Telena wasted no time, slamming the butt of her lasrifle into the cheek of the man who insulted her. "SHUTUP! At least I was fighting those mutants! You were too busy hiding behind your wife's skirt to bother putting your own life at risk, you cowardly [bleep]!" Nearly incapacitated, the man fell backwards, caught by his wife, as everyone now shied away from the teen, who trembled from the adrenaline rushing through her blood. She then sat down, a Guard infantryman on either side of her, just outside the elevator, and sighed, wondering what the hell is going on.
As the elevator was sent back down, landing with a light thud, the psyker nodded. "You will not hear any objection from me..."
But her thoughts were elsewhere, panicking over facing down and explaining to the blank what exactly was going on, and forcing the blank to come with her to the rogue trader so that Melissia could figure out what to do with her...
[ooc: Need a color for the blank...]
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Post by Kaikelx on Jul 14, 2009 20:59:58 GMT -5
"Roger that. Want us to stay on the gate still? And no can do on the clean duty. We ain't exactly equipped for it."
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Post by The Envoy (AWOL) on Jul 14, 2009 21:05:20 GMT -5
On the blank's left side sat Trooper Tauron. Looking at the girl, he gave her a reassuring smile and said, "Nice one. I've seen seasoned Guardsmen who can't hit like that." He looked back out at the elevator and leaned up against the wall.
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Post by Melissia on Jul 14, 2009 21:12:45 GMT -5
[ooc: Testing new color... tell me if you prefer this over grey.]
"Uh... thanks... I'm Telena Elukai... pleased to meet you, sir." She seemed to respect Guardsmen at least, but there was something... wrong about her. It was impossible for a non-psyker to put their finger on it, it was as if something wasn't there that should be, which gives anyone who isn't used to her presence an uncomfortable feeling. "I've had practice... I had to knock out one of those mutants before he could infect my sister... she... didn't live, but at least she wasn't infected..." She shivered, remembering the loss.
Then the Psyker and remaining guardsmen came up. " Leave us... I... wish... to talk to her in private...." It was as if she had to fight to say that she really wanted to be alone in the blank's presence.
Telena waved, and went off to a room with the psyker... wondering what's going on...
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Post by The Envoy (AWOL) on Jul 14, 2009 21:19:57 GMT -5
(Much much easier to read.)
Tauron smiled a bit as he gave the girl a quick wave. She fought off a Genestealer with the butt of a lasgun, pretty impressive for a teenager, he thought. Shouldering his weapon, he exited the elevator with the rest of the Vets and came up beside Addalia, "What's up with the Psyker?" he asked.
"Beats me," sniffed his sergeant, "they've always got their agenda's and the like. Can't trust 'em as far as you can throw 'em."
Titus laughed a bit, "Too true, too damn true..."
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Post by RedsandRoyals on Jul 14, 2009 21:24:25 GMT -5
Van Dremmond regarded the remaining survivors. "Alright, listen up." They continued to talk and argue among themselves. "I said listen up!" he said, his voice raised to almost a shout. They continued to ignore him.
He sighed, and fired his Ventro into the ceiling.
They shut up. All eyes were on him.
"Thank you." He lit a Lho, and took a drag, his Ventro still in his hand. "Now that I've have you attention, I have several announcements to make. I'm Captain Van Dremmond, and I'm apparently in charge of this place now. The Orks here are dead, and the Bugs down stairs will be joining them shortly. We're here as part of a Crusade to liberate this planet, and this system from the Orks."
"Now, any questions?" He said with a gentle smile.
Reds
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Post by Melissia on Jul 14, 2009 21:37:15 GMT -5
One Guardsman raised his hand. "Only one sir. where can we sign up? This is our home, and I for one can't stand the thought of it having one more living Ork on it than zero."
The mood of the crowd shifted, as they started to murmur in approval.
"About time you gave my ships back to me! They were mine by right to begin with, granted to me by the Emperor Himself! no, sir, I'm not abandoning the planet. I'll help you with shipping and transport, but I'm staying off this desert hole. Yes, Lord General, this means I'm handing overall command of the situation to you. I thought you'd like that."
Sighing, the woman rubbed her forehead. "About time... Groknar, Kelai, come with me. We're going to get off this rock. Don't worry Groknar, I'll find you a place to fight soon enough. They still have problems with Orks on Shibara II, and I like that planet's weather better anyway..."
Shifting her vox to a secure command frequency, she stated to all commanders: "This is Rogue Trader Melissia. Reinforcements and supplies will be landing in the base soon, and you will form up to become the vanguard for retaking this world. Command is being handed over to Lord General Grigori. Good luck, and Emperor-speed."
"Alright. Let's get the hell out of here."
The yellow-armoured Sororitas awaited in two ranks of ten near the elevator, heads bowed in prayer. Saluting to the Guard personnel, the Palatine stated simply and cirsply: "As soon as the Astartes arrive we will head down to cleanse the mutants. Not a single square milimeter will go uncleansed, just to be certain."
The Psyker saluted to Dremmond, as she walked up to him, Telena in tow. "I am heading off planet soon. But, I have found someone who will be of use to you... you are likely smart enough to know why I reacted in such a way... why I still feel such a reaction, and so I need not explain to you what she is. Best keep it a secret for now... but remember to keep her around and safe, as her ability disrupts the communication of genestealers-- if you run into any more, having her with you will make them disorganized and confused, allowing you to deal with them that much easier. I provided her with my refractor shield, but you may wish to give her some flak armor as well." As she turned to leave, she bowed. "I am in a hurry, and so I apologize if I seem rude. May the Emperor always watch over you."
And with that she simply vanished, with the sound of air rushign to meet where she once was. She is powerful indeed to be able to reliably teleport, and given her reluctance to use her powers, she also was most assuredly in a hurry-- probably trying to get away from the Blank as much as anything.
Speaking of whom, the woman blinked a few times, as confused with the situation as could be expected. "... Uh... Hello. Sorry, just... so much at once..."
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Post by The Envoy (AWOL) on Jul 14, 2009 21:45:53 GMT -5
Kerth walked up to Van Dremmond, his coat flapping in the desert wind, the power sword strapped to his hip moving as if it was its own entity.
"Well, now the question is, where do we go from here Captain?" asked Kerth. As he did Addalia and Titus walked up behind their Captain.
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Post by nicholasakira on Jul 14, 2009 22:16:20 GMT -5
Fenera looked out of the window of her vehicle. Every one of them who had not gone with the waveserpent to investigate the farseer's vision were packed into their trucks and were coming up on the fortress' gates. The guns had died down, the explosions had ceased, and the orks were as they should be: slain and rotting.
"We're coming up on the fortress now," the driver shouted back to them.
"Remember," Fenera reminded them, "we're militia. The first human to stop us, Mhaldin talks to."
"Why are we doing this?" Lynx asked.
"There are questions that must be answered," Fenera said, "and we must be more familiar with the human warriors." Tyranids? she was worried.
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Post by RedsandRoyals on Jul 14, 2009 22:31:22 GMT -5
Van Dremmond pinched the bridge of his nose. Disappearing Psykers, Blanks, Genestealers, Orks...
He was begining to understand why Lord Generals and Planetary Governors simply waved thier hands and said "Make it so". Looking around at the group of Sororitas, Guardsmen, and Civilians, he guessed that wasn't an option. His eyes fell on the girl in front of him.
And yet, she has it worse...
His head snapped up. "Captain, leave a detail to guard the Elevator until the Sisters say it's clear. No one but them and the Astartes goes up or down. The rest of your men can pull picket duties on the side gates."
He turned to the Sorotitas "That place is covered with bugs, so I'm leaving it to you. Call me if you need any help. We could probably get a Chimera or three down there if you really needed it." He made the sign of the Aquila, and touched his commbead. "Garth, get in here. I want you looking after these civvies. Get them medical treatment, food, water, anything. Treat them right or I'll put my boot so far up your...umm...." His voiced trailed off as he glanced at the Battle Sister next to him. "Just get it done."
He turned to the girl in front of him, and offered her a tired, weak smile. "Welcome to the Imperial Guard, Ma'am. What's your name?"
Reds
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Post by Melissia on Jul 14, 2009 22:43:54 GMT -5
Chuckling, the Palatine shook her head. "Fear not, officer. We do not get in the way of the Guard, so long as they are doing their duty then that is enough for us." Though it could not be seen under her helmet, it was almsot certain that she was smiling. She obviously had a lot of respect for the Guardsmen, common men and women willing to put their lives on the line for the Imperium. To this Palatine, all Guardsmen who died fighting the Emperor's enemies were martyrs to be given the same respect as those whom are publicly declared saints, no matter how brave or scared they were in their final moments-- and it showed in the respect in her voice.
Attempting a salute (and falling somewhat short of regulation, but an admirable job for a civilian), the teenager responded "Telena Alukai, sir. I uh... I know how to fight. I won't be a burden..." Despite the sense of false confidence she injected into her voice, her lasgun's bayonet certainly attested to the fact that she has been in combat, as it's still coated i dried genestealer blood. That she not only survived close combat with a genestealer, but emerged without serious injury, tells an experienced soldier that there certainly is more to her than meets the eye.
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Post by Kaikelx on Jul 14, 2009 22:55:01 GMT -5
Asis examined the vehicle in front of the gate.
"Who the hell is it?"
"I don't know ma'am checking it now." replied Saler.
Asis briefly wondered how Firca was doing managing 1st coy...Ah, she'll do fine. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saler approached the vehicle, shotgun held in a semi-ready state.
"State your name, rank, and purpose."
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Post by nicholasakira on Jul 14, 2009 23:18:36 GMT -5
Opening the door, Mhaldin stepped out, pulling back the rags around his face to show his eyes a little more clearly so the human might easier think him to be a person and not a walking pile of rags.
"Jonson's the name. I's not with no damned unit, sir. Me and my friends are militia. We're in the trucks now, but we were sniper-shooting orks off the ramparts during the attack. Got countless kills up there ta prove it and all. Check them orks yourself, see hows many gots one of our shots in em. Yes sir, bloody good job on the fort and all we did. We's here to link up wit the army-boys."
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Post by The Envoy (AWOL) on Jul 15, 2009 0:01:32 GMT -5
With a light rumble across the dunes, a line of trucks appeared outside the gate of the keep. The Cargo 8's engines vibrated the frames of the transport trucks as they sat outside the gate, and out of the back dropped Lt. Colonel Callidon, "Permission to enter," he says.
Behind the formation, four Russes rolled up. A short barreled vehicle turned its turret left and right, the name "Malleus" stenciled on the side. Next to it appeared what could have been its sister tank, "Andromeda" was stenciled on its side when it came into view.
Slightly further behind the two Eradicator's came two long barreled Vanquisher pattern Russes, their massive guns ready to blast through any enemy armor. One was painted completely black, the name "Bane of Tyrants" stenciled on its side. The other was painted like the other Adorean armor, except that the paint seemed to have worn off the edge of the barrel from much use. The name "Knight Errant" was stenciled above a painting of an ancient knight, his spear thrust into the throat of a dragon's head, as the beast's body snaked it's way around the tank's barrel, the tip of its tail reaching almost to the end of the weapon itself.
Split evenly on the sides of the battle tanks were four Armored Sentinels, two had the distinguishing barrels of Lascannons, and the other two had large, but powerful, plasma cannons.
Coming in just behind these forces was the whine of motorcycle engines and the clop of horse hooves on the sand. 50 men crested the hill, their hodgepodge of mounts seemingly odd with their long explosive tipped lances.
The remainder of the Adorean forces had arrived at the keep, and were ready for battle.
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Post by RedsandRoyals on Jul 15, 2009 0:32:18 GMT -5
Van Dremmond put a hand on Telena's shoulder. Fighting down the sudden wave of unease, he grinned "Welcome to the New Arnhem 281st Combat Group. Let's get you some Flak." With a nod to the Adoreans and a salute to the Sororitas, Van Dremmond and his squad left the room, Telena in tow.
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"This is Linebacker, all armour in the fort is refueled, rearmed, and rallying up now."
The five Leman Russes trundled out of the fort, leading a pair of Cargo 8's hauling fuel and ammo. They headed east to link up with Dunbar.
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"Smoke on the horizon." said Miras. "Copy that, lead. Think it's burning wrecks?" "Nah, doesn't look right for that. Let's go check it out."
Fox Troop clanked off toward the smoke plumes on the horizon.
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Post by Melissia on Jul 15, 2009 0:40:52 GMT -5
"Y-yes sir!" Was about all she could manage. The huscle and bustle of so many Guard companies around her was overwhelming for someone inexperienced in it. It was easy to get lost in the strange efficiency of the units involved.
In the open areas of the fortress, soldiers began to create landing zones with luminators for the transport shuttles to land upon, so that noone would risk getting crushed-- everyone knew to steer clear of the red luminators, where the shuttles would land. More soldiers and equipment was loaded off there, including the Lord General himself, an aging and highly decorated general accompanied by a sizeable command retinue, whom headed directly into the keep and to the now cleared out command bunker on the second floor of the keep. With a crisp and clean voice known to few other than politicians and extremely experienced generals, he spoke into the vox: "This is Lord General Grigori. All company commanders are being issued my command frequency. This is a secured line, which will get you in contact with my staff. Urgent requests for reinforcements and support are to go through this overwatch channel. As soon as the detected threat is dealt with, all company commanders are to report to me for briefing on their duties as vanguard of this crusade.[/b]"
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Post by RedsandRoyals on Jul 15, 2009 1:22:45 GMT -5
Dunbar rolled his eyes as he heard the Lord General's broadcast.
Oh, great, the Brass is here...
His thoughts snapped back to the moment as Miras's voice squawked over the Vox. "Lifeguard, this is Fox. We have eyes on Ork Armour headed our way. Looks like about Forty Transports and Forty looted tanks. They're packing two Super Heavies as well. We managed to slip away before they saw us.
Dunbar sat back in his seat abruptly. "Roger that, Fox. hold on a second." He closed his eyes for a few moments. Slowly, a malicious smile creased his face. He opened his eyes. "Fox, keep an eye on them for now. When I give you the go, bait them back toward the fort."
He switched vox channels...
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"There we go! Looks like a good fit to me." Sgt. Rhett stepped back from Telena, trying not to laugh. The girl was now draped in the Flak Vest of the late Pvt. Selter, the only casualty of the assault on the fortress. A ricochet had struck him in the face. Selter had been short, but the armour was still too big for the girl.
After a bitter struggle with himself, Van Dremmond managed to not burst out laughing. "It...needs work, I think..." His commbead crackled.
"Lifeguard to all units. Ork Armour spotted approaching the Fort, estimated strength of 80, as well as 2 Super Heavies. Grendel, Alpha Wolf, Badger, rally up on my position. Royals, attach your Snipers to Grendel, and have the rest of your forces sit tight. Thunder, recommend you load out for Tank Busting. Now, please" Dunbar's voice was cool and collected, but firm.
"Frak! That'll have to do for now for armour, we need to move!" Van Dremmond touched his commbead. "Grendel, mount up, mount up, we're moving!" He waved a hand at Telena. "You too, let's go!" They sprinted for the Chimeras.
As they arrived at the New Arnhem deployment zone, a worried looking officer in a Shiraban uniform approached Van Dremmond, who almost knocked the man over by accident.
"Umm, sir, I'm Lt. Ketterman. I've been left in command of the 731st Recon, and I was told to report to you. What do you..."
"Get your arse in your vehicle and follow us!" shouted Van Dremmond, ducking into his Chimera.
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Post by nicholasakira on Jul 15, 2009 10:02:45 GMT -5
"I can see ninety-two vehicles on my sensors," Jara'naxifus whispered into his ear-piece to Fenera. "Your sight has not failed you, farseer. It is as you sensed." Jara'naxifus weaved and slithered the waveserpent through the sand dunes, one of three crew members currently aboard. "Two of them are reading as...quite large. Farseer, I will try to knock out a straggler." Far away, Fenera cursed.
"We are occupied with the humans right now. If you are endangered, we cannot reach you."
"The dunes and rocks are tall and many. With them, I cannot be seen." Jara'naxifus peeked the waveserpent out at the orkish force. He caught a look at the rears of a fleet of ramshackle jalopies mixed with wheeled and tracked abominations built like giant, smoking beasts, all rolling noisily alongside a few examples of human vehicles: wrecked and restored by the orks. He only managed a glimpse at some big landlocked colossus of bolted iron. He withdrew quickly.
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Post by Kaikelx on Jul 15, 2009 10:24:34 GMT -5
Saler moved back a bit, and opened up a channel to Asis.
"Ma'am, they're saying they're here to link up with the 'Army-Boys'."
"Who? Dremmond? Dunbar? The Lord General himself? We can't just let them in because they're saying that they're supposed to meet someone...Or someones...Stand by, I'll ask around."
"This is Royals, we've got some civie militia at the gate, say they're here to talk to some 'Army Boys'. Grendal, you've got command of my sniper units....That's...uh....Hang on...1, 2, 3......7 snipers in all." -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saler walked back up to Mhaldin.
"Sorry sir, but you're going to have to be more specific. I don't mean to delay you, but we just can't let every civ-er...Militiaman in just because they say they have to meet someone...We're working on it though, you won't have to wait long sir."
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Post by Melissia on Jul 15, 2009 10:28:11 GMT -5
Holding her new combat shotgun in one hand, Telena ran to follow Dremmond, and was lightly panting for breath as she got into the chimera. Though Telena was not generously endowed like most action heroines from the pictoslates (who generally had bosoms that would make pornoslate actresses jealous), she was at least average, causing her chest to be compressed by the armor which was designed to fit a flat male chest. Still, due to the armor being somewhat oversized, it wasn't too bad of an effect.
"It's good to feel the warmth of the sun again after so damned long." She muttered. Her skin was somewhat tanned still, despite being under only artificial light for so long, and this along with her dark brown hair made her definitely look like the rest of the locals-- although the vividly green eyes she had only added to the disturbing look. Or maybe that was her Blank aura, as while unusual, such eyes weren't unheard of on humans...
"So, does this make me a conscript, or should I not fear being executed for an arbitrary and completely random reason?"
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Post by Rolling Thunder on Jul 15, 2009 10:33:34 GMT -5
OOC: And once again, we come to the problem that American gamers are the only ones who can play this RP. While I slept and worked, this damn thing sprouted over a page of dialogue and actions, none of which I could participate in. If the One-Post-Per-Day policy were in use, this would not be a problem, but as it isn't, we have the issue that I am coming in from work, logging on and having to slog through a page of commentary without being able to do bugger-all. In essence, this is becoming ridiculous.
IC:
With an intemperate growl, Captain Torquemads Lucan hopped from the side of his Valkyrie, and, storm coat trailing behind him in the ferocious jetwash of the carrier's passage, even as the remainder of his company circled high above.
"Losses?" he asked his sister.
"Three wounded, and Marisia - Rians gunner - took shrapnel in her face. She can fight, but she's a mess, and Rian's pretty upset about it."
"Why?" growled Torquemada. "She's going to live, isn't she?"
"Yes Torq, but they were...errr...you know" his sister trailed off, blushing.
"I know - what!?" he snapped, pinching the bridge of his nose and cursing the day he'd let 3 Platoon lead an attack. Their self-congratulatory chatter over the vox-net was both immensely irriating, and unpleasantly similar to his own reactions some years ago. In short, he was in a foul, foul temper. Jail's mild blush faded, and she looked up at her brother, giving him a long, slow look that just irritated him further until-
"Oh!" he exclaimed, gaping. "They are-"
"Yes" she said, rolling her eyes at her brother's typical blindness to everything around him that he couldn't shoot at, set fire to or terrorise.
"Wait, Rian told me she had a husband and kids back on Cadia-"
"She does."
After a moment, Torquemada let out a long, exhausted sigh, covering his eyes with his gauntleted hand.
"I must be the only Guard commander in the Galaxy with troops who exist in so insubordinate and absurd libertinage. Jail, find Rian, drag her away from Marisa's bedside and tell her unless she gets back in her Vulture in ten minutes I will personally inform every Guardsman in the encampment of her 'activities', in great and specific detail over the vox-net. I don't have time for all this goddamn weakness!" he cried, even as he strode away to reorganise his company.
- - - - - - - -
"Damnit Van Dremmond, I've barely had time to get every Valkyrie on the ground, and now you want me to retrofit the lot of them?! I can manage to mount lascannons and hellstrikes on the Valkyries, and the Vendettas have already used all their Hellfuries so I can mount them up, but it's going to take a good few hours to take the Punishers off the Vultures. I'll lead one and two platoon out. Three and four will follow. Lucan out."
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Post by RedsandRoyals on Jul 15, 2009 10:42:29 GMT -5
Van Dremmond snapped a fresh drum mag into his Ventro. "You're a trooper now, and as long as you follow three orders, you'll do fine. First order is not to die. Second order is to stick close to me. Third is to shoot the hell out of the enemy when I say so. Got it?"
He touched his commbead "Royals, we're headed your way. Once the we get to the gate, have your Snipers mount up with us. The militia can follow us too, if they want."
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Dunbar walked among the line of tanks, shouting orders. "Dig in to the reverse slope of these duns, staggered line. Make sure you have a clear line of fire over the crest. Roll out those tarps and hook 'em on. I don't want to Orks to see us until it's too late."
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"Here I am, you frakkers, come and get me..." Miras loosed off a quick salvo from his Autocannon into the Ork column. It fell short, but it got their attention. "Alright guys, time to move!" Fox Troop clanked off toward the fort, staying just out of range of the rockets and streams of tracers the Orks were sending after them.
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"We have Infantry covered, Thunder, so you can leave them behind. What we need is air power. Do whatever you can. You might as well keep the Punisher Cannons on your birds, in case we need them all of a sudden. Grendel out."
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