The Last Stand - the Torrok War (part III)

[Hubernator]

The Last Stand - Torrok I

This is the final part of my story - the defence of Torrok I.

The day had arrived. Every single Phantom marine was busy on their designated vessels checking, rechecking and re-rechecking weapons; shields; ammunition; everything that was of major significance for this battle. Captain Jarrok sighed as he gazed out through the bridge windows to the galaxy beyond. Everything they worked upon; everything they planned; everything that happened already; they all had led to this. One massive all-out war that will see one side win. One Side. Those two words echoed in his head again and again. One Side. One side will stand triumphant, the other will either retreat or be destroyed. He lifted his head. He had to think straight. Time was of the essence. When given the signal, he will strike - strike with the heart of the fleet. He only hoped that the plan would work.

Captain Damakk was pacing in the office in The Defender. He had never led a fleet before. What if I fail? No. I shall not fail. But what would happen if I did? Would we all die? He slumped in the large chair behind the ornately-carved solid oak desk. His head was abuzz with conflict. He couldn't get rid of them. Try as he might he just couldn't. Just hours before he had left The Silent Strike along with Captain Jarrok discussing the battle ahead.
"Do you think we'll win?" he had asked.
And Jarrok had given him one of those smiles that offers no answer but somehow makes you feel more reassured. "Of course we will Damakk," he had replied, "we are Space Marines. We are Phantoms. We always win" he had winked at that point, then left for his own ship, The Shadow Blade. Now Damakk was all alone, and he really needed someone to clear his head. Just then a knock came at the door.
"Enter" said Damakk. A thin robed man with a long thick pole edged the door open and slowly made his way into the office. The man was slightly taller than his fellow marines, his armour glimmered underneath his vast black cloak. His hood shadowed his face, although a rounded nose and rather pale skin could be seen in what glimpses Damaak had. As the man stopped his black cloak slowly parted showing more glimpses of his armour. He withdrew his hood to reveal short black hair and stunning yellow eyes. The man smiled and bowed before Damakk.
Damakk raised an eyebrow. "...And you might be?" he asked.
The man bowed again. "Forget my manners. I am Librarian Nathan. I was assigned to this vessel along with you" he swiftly replied.
Damakk relaxed and nodded. "Ahhh. Very well then. I'm assuming you have news for me?"
Nathan nodded and reached into his robe. He took out a datadisk. "This is for you" he said as he handed over the datadisk.
"...Thank you" replied Damakk as he took the disk and placed it on the desk. He looked up expecting the Librarian to be making his exit, but instead the man was still standing there. "Anything else, Librarian?"
The man stood rigid as stone. Then he finally moved and said "Be glad for being on this ship, for it will save your life." He bowed then left. Damakk was alone again. Except this time his head was relatively clear. Why, he didn't know. What he also didn't know was what the great Librarian had said. "Be glad for being on this ship, for it will save your life". It made no sense.
His thoughts were put on hold when the warning lights began to flash. "It is time" he muttered as he got up and strode from the office.

Captain Geriko cleaned his Storm Bolter again. Other Astartes around him were setting up makeshift walls and checking their weapons of war. Geriko finished and he moved on to his trusted power sword. He had had this sword ever since his initiation. And soon it will see battle again, he thought. He gave it a good rub-down before placing it in it's sheath. He looked across the plains that he like many others had been placed. All around were hills and cliffs but they were in the distance. The only mountain backed directly onto the Fortress that they now stood upon. He turned and gazed upon it's glory. The Fortress was used for grand meetings, for celebrations, for times of joy. And now it was a sanctuary for them all, he thought. He turned away as Captain Gerrard made his way over. Geriko slowly faced Gerrard.
"Ahh, Brother Gerrard. What brings you here?" inquired Geriko.
"Just came to see how well you were defending this area", replied Gerrard, "we all know you ahve the biggest job of us all."
"Indeed I do" said Geriko. He had specifically demanded the centre part of the Fortress as he felt he could do the best job.
"We'll just have to see whether your cockiness pays off" joked Gerrard. Geriko swung a punch but barely missed as Gerrard flung backwards to dodge the friendly attack. "It's a shame Captain Rico isn't here" he sighed. Geriko nodded yet he understood why. Rico was very good in battles but someone needed to control Brother Damakk if he failed. So it had to be done.
Geriko took hold of Gerrard's shoulder. "Good luck Brother, and may the Emperor be with you."
Gerrard smiled. "And to you Geriko" he replied. He then took off back over the various walls to where his outpost was. Geriko smiled. He hoped that the young marine would live to fight another day.

Captain Letalis looked over his men. The finest of the fine. He couldn't ask for more. He could tell they were all ready for this. They had been prepared for it. Trained again and again for it in breif exercises. Armed with the most devastating yet most manoeuvrable weapons they had. Only time would tell whether these honorary Astartes would be able to cope with this almighty task that he himself decided to act upon. He knew that if this attack failed then the defence will surely crumble from the might of the Tau. And that he promised will not happen. As he gazed upon his men he noticed a familiar face sitting on the floor checking and rechecking everything he had was in order. Letalis wandered over and slipped to one knee before the man and smiled.
"Viktor my friend" he said.
Viktor raised his head and gave a smile. "Letalis" he replied. His face seemed to have gotten older - the stress of waiting was slowly getting to him.
"So Viktor, are you ready?" asked Letalis.
Viktor nodded. "Indeed I am Letalis. Soon it will be time..."
Letalis nodded in return once, then rose and made his way to the front of the Astartes. They were all assembled in the main hanger of the vessel. When the time came, they would rush into one of the large hallways where drop-pods awaited them. Letalis jumped onto a platform that overlooked the hanger. He glared down at his mighty marines as they soon raised their heads to acknowledge him. He raised his voice.
"The time has come, my Brothers. This is the day we finally achieve what we set out for. Today we shall cleanse this system and eliminate this retched Xeno foe! Today We Shall Be VICTORIOUS!!" he roared. The whole Company that was under his command roared in unison. Letalis smiled. Indeed, it would soon be time...

---

Captain Jarrok continued to gaze out of the Bridge window. He was still waiting, just like the rest of them. Then he noticed the Tau fleet beginning to make it's way to the planet's orbit. His heartbeat began to increase. It was time.
He dashed to the control panel and quickly set the frequency he needed.
"Jarrok to Geriko. Copy"
KER This is Geriko. Is it time? KER
"Almost my Brother. ETA 5 Terran minutes before we attack. Get ready, and may the Khan watch over you."
KER And to you Jarrok. Out KER
Jarrok then switched frequencies.
"Jarrok to fleet. Mobilise towards the Tau fleet"
KER Yes sir KER
"Jarrok to Damakk, copy"

On The Defender Damakk was pacing the Bridge. Captain Rico had joined him at this point and was watching over him. Then the Vox burst into life.
KER Jarrok to Damakk, copy KER
Damakk ran over to the Vox.
"This is Damakk"
KER Damakk, prepare the jump. When we engage the Tau fleet engage the Warp Jump KER
"Roger, over and out"
The Vox went quiet. Damakk looked towards Rico. Rico was smiling. Damakk knew that look; he was going to enjoy this fight.

Upon hearing the news, Captain Geriko had rushed to the main outpost where the other Captains were waiting. As soon as he arrived they all looked at him.
"It...is...time..." Geriko wheezed as he tried to gain his breath. The other Captains looked at each other in surprise and excitement. Geriko began to smile as he rushed to the edge of the outpost
"Men!!" he shouted across the Fortress. All the astartes below and around him stared at him. "War is almost upon us!! Get ready to do Battle!!!" A mass of cheers went up as they scattered and prepared for the attack that they knew was inevitable.Geriko turned and stared at the Captains.
"Well? What are you waiting for? GET MOVING!!" The other Captains shifted off and made to their designated positions. Geriko looked out towards the horizon. Soon they will come. Soon they will come to die.

Captain Jarrok and his fleet made contact bang on time. The Tau fleet had begun unloading it's dropships filled with masses of Tau personnel. The Phantoms' fleet struck right into the Tau fleet. Ships were already beginning to scatter. Soon the fighters came out and began the counter-attack.
"Launch the fighters!" Jarrok ordered.
"Yes sir" replied the pilot. In a matter of minutes the Thunderhawks were launched and set upon the Tau fighters. Some of the tau vessels were finishing releasing it's craft and setting themselves up for their turrets to open fire.
"Shields to max! Open fire!" Jarrok ordered.
"Yes sir" came the reply.
Jarrok heard the massive engines power up the shields and the gun batteries fire again and again. A very large Tau vessel had squared up The Defender and was counter-firing with everything it had. There was no way Jarrok was going to let this mighty Battlebarge fall, not after what it's been through.
"INCREASE FIRE!! AIM FOR THE BRIDGE!!" he yelled above the racket to the pilot.
"YES SIR!" came the loud reply. Explosions were everywhere across the area. Every Tau vessel was engaged with every Phantoms ship present. Jarrok noticed the other tau vessels finishing unloading their craft and turning their attention to the Phantoms fleet. He knew that it was only a matter of time before the Tau fleet overwhelmed them. He only had to hold out for a little longer...

Captain Damakk was shaking where he stood. He knew from training that he should never let his feelings get the better of him, and yet he was still shaking. He couldn't get rid of his fears. He looked out the bridge window and noticed the explosions in the far distance. He knew what that meant. The two fleets were engaged. Captain Rico came up next to Damakk.
"Captain Rico, I think it is time we made our move" he stated.
"Not yet Rico, we have to wait until we get the order to" replied Damakk.
Rico was about to voice his reasoning but the Vox burst into life.
KER DAMAKK!! GET YOUR ASS OVER HERE RIGHT NOW!! KER
Damakk quickly turned on the Vox.
"Copy that Jarrok. On our way" Damakk replied. He looked towards Rico, who ahd his smile back on his face. Rico nodded. Damakk switched the Vox frequencies.
"Members of the 9th and 10th fleet group. Prepare for warp jump in 10 seconds"
KER Yes sir! KER came the swift reply. The pilot looked over towards the two Captains.
"Does that include us sirs?" he asked.
"Indeed it does" replied Rico.
"Roger" answered the pilot. "Engaging warp jump in 10..9..8..7..6..5..4..3..2..1..NOW!"
Groups 9 and 10 jumped through the Warp and exited right behind the Tau fleet.
Damakk turned on the Vox again. "Full speed to that fleet!! Open fire!!" he shouted. The groups began moving forward at pace. The gun batteries began to launch their barrage of ammo at the enemy. The Tau were completely caught off-guard. Many tried to turn and face the new enemy but many began to take heavy damage. Some began to explode as their engines ignited from the mass of gunshots. Others ripped apart from the sheer power of the vessels. Damakk began to smile.

Jarrok saw the rest of the fleet arrive. He smiled and flicked the Vox into life again.
"All vessels, attack with all your might!! Silent Strike has been initiated!! For the Emperor!!" Jarrok turned the Vox off and sat down in the giant chair that dominated the great vessel. As he did so the great Battlebarge edged forward at pace, still firing all its batteries as if they would never stop. The Tau fleet was beginning to break up. Already a few of their retched vessels had either exploded or were converted to space shrapnel. The larger vessels of the Tau fleet were still getting their sides and rear pounded upon by the Phantoms ships. As Jarrok watched one burst into flames before spontaneously exploding, taking out more vessels around it. Another was completing a full turn which it had made and was beginning a counter-attack.
"Shields holding. Front hull is receiving minor damage. Weapons still at maximum power" chipped in the pilot.
"Keep it steady. Increase power to front shields. Keep the batteries firing at all costs" ordered Jarrok. There was no way the Tau were going to win this space battle. Not if Jarrok had anything to say about it. His thoughts were interrupted by the Vox bursting into life.
KER Damakk to Jarrok. Copy KER
Jarrok engaged the Vox. "Jarrok recieving"
KER Good to hear you're still there. We've made headlong progress. I don't think you can see mind you KER
Jarrok chuckled. "We can see alright. Keep firing. Make sure you concertrate on the larger vessels, they are the prime targets."
KER No problem. Out KER
The Vox went quiet again. Jarrok settled. The Vox then burst into life again.
KER This is Captain Geriko to the Defender, over KER
Jarrok engaged the Vox again. "This is Jarrok on the Defender".
KER Status report on the fleet and the Tau forces KER
"The Tau fleet is taking a hammering. We should be done up here soon". Just as he finished another large Tau vessel went up in flames before exploding, sent shrapnel everywhere. "Might be sooner than I thought."
KER Good to hear. Now what about the ground forces KER
"Checking..." Jarrok signalled to the pilot. The pilot ran a swift check on radar, then turned around to face Jarrok.
"Approx 8 clicks from your current location Captain. ETA is around 10 Terran minutes" he called.
"Hope you heard that loud and clear Geriko" replied Jarrok.
KER Got it all. Roger on that. Geriko out KER
The Vox went quiet again. Jarrok stared out the bridge window. It was chaos outside. Shards of vessels littered the battlefield, fighters darted in and out trying to get the edge, while the great beasts of space lined up to attack once more. Jarrok stood up.
"Status report" he ordered.
"Shields are holding well Captain," came the reply, "batteries are still at max. Damage percentage is very low. Other readings show that only two of our vessels have been destroyed. The Tau fleet is taking heavy damage."
Jarrok smiled. He sensed victory.

The space battled raged overhead. Geriko could hear it as clear as day. Occasionally shrapnel from exploding vessels would descend through the thin atmosphere and burn up or crash into the ground below. Geriko turned his attention to the horizon. Minutes passed. The whole Fortress was silent. No-one dared make a sound as if their life depended on it. They were all waiting. Agonizingly waiting. Waiting for the Tau to arrive, just like on Torrok II. More minutes passed. Then they all heard the sound they were expecting - the sound of Tau vehicle engines and the screeching of Kroot. Geriko tensed. The final battle had come.
---

Silence fell across the Fortress. Every marine on the ground tensed. This was it. As each man stared ahead at the growing enemy, they could all hear the unmistakable sounds of humming engines at the Hammerheads advanced at pace. They could make out the skittish and savage swarms of Kroot buzzing with life as they rushed ahead. Within minutes of spying the Tau forces advancing over the horizon scout squads came rushing back, out of breath and barely able to stand. One such squad reported directly to Captain Geriko.
"Sir" breathed the squad leader, "there's... hundreds of them... maybe thousands... we might... not hold up..."
"Nonsense", interrupted Geriko, shaking his head, "we are here to fight. So we shall stay and fight until we can't fight. Now return to your post"
The weary squad leader saluted and jogged away. Geriko shook his head again before gazing out again. The forces were closing in, no doubt about it. He just hoped they would hold long enough for the 1st Company to arrive.

Captain Letalis paced the decks. He had recieved no word of what was going on. The last comms he got was from Jarrok and that seemed like ages ago. What was going on? He moved to one of the large windows and stared out. In the far distance he could make out The Defender rampaging through what appeared to be small lumps of metal. He could make out the tiny explosions made by the gun batteries. And he could see the violent explosions of the Tau vessels as eash one was shot to pieces. A sergeant walked up to Letalis and stood beside him.
"It seems we're winning the battle Sir" he muttered. Letalis didn't move for a minute or so, before finally nodding and letting out a deep sigh.
"Sergeant, what do you think the outcome would be of this war?" he asked.
"Well Sir, I believe that..."
"No, not what you believe. What you think. Tell me what you think."
"...I think that we will win" smiled the Sergeant.
"Thank you Sergeant" replied Letalis. The Sergeant nodded before returning to the others. Letalis hoped that he would be spared. He hoped they would all be spared, but he knew that wasn't possible.

Captain Geriko stood at the top of the great stairs that led into the Fortress. He gazed upon the Phantoms; the men that would willingly die in the name of the Emperor. Over the last few minutes the Tau forces had gotten ever closer. They were so close that Geriko could literally smell the smoke from the gun barrels of the Hammerheads. He raised his hand and every Astartes looked at him.
"Men, the time has arrived. You may have been told this before, but now it is serious. Today we make our stand. Today we show the Tau that the Phantoms are a force to be reckoned with!!" he roared. A wild cheer went up as the Phantoms returned their attention to the army ahead. In a matter of seconds the army stopped it's advancement and the two great forces stood facing each other. Space Marines VS Tau.

Then the order came.

A shot rang out from the lead Hammerhead. At once this spurred a mass flurry of fire from the Tau army and a giant counter-fire from the Phantoms. Each side were locked in a dead heat. Neither side refused to give ground. Men and xenos alike died at the hands of their opposition's creation. Tau exploded from bolt rounds to the head and chest. Some lost limbs. Others merely were thrown back from the blast. Space Marines were equally under pressure. Many were being wounded either by Hammerhead fire or by the Battlesuits unleashing their xeno fury. One by one they all began to fall, but neither side easing off, neither giving in.
"RELEASE THE BIKE ATTACK!" yelled Geriko as he rushed to the front lines. At once biker squads from behind the Fortress rushed out at speed and began unloading bolter rounds into any unfortunate in their way. Some gunships became immobile while others simply turned and fired, ripping holes in the floor and sending bikes and their riders flying. However it was becoming apparent that the attack was working. Most of the gunships had either exploded or become immobile. Tau warriors were beginning to force their way forward through the wreckage. The remainder of the bike squads returned and the drivers dismounted, before joining their brethren on the battlefield.
"Time for phase two" he muttered. He raised his voice before calling "HEAVY WEAPONS SQUADS!! OPEN FIRE!!" A shower of heavy bolter rounds, las-shots and missiles began to pour down upon the Tau warriors. Many were killed instantly from the explosions, the rest were thrown back onto burning remains of Hammerheads and the occasional Devilfish. More rained down, effectively forcing the Tau to retreat and fire from long-range. As they did the Hammerheads let rip and lasshots brust through the mass of shell-fire to penetrate walls and cause havoc.
"CEASE FIRE!!" Geriko cried. He knew that wasn't going to help now. The army would be too cautious. They'll have to be drawn in again.

Captain Damakk continued his nervous gaze out the bridge window. Captain Rico stood beside him, quiet as usual. He never spoke unless he had to. Damakk gripped the railings that ringed the edge of the bridge. The stress was getting to him, even though he tried not to think about it. Another vast rumble shook the vessel as the Tau ship ahead blasted into it's side. Damakk almost fell over from the rumbling; he was so nervous he was on edge. Rico shifted his position slightly.
"Return fire pilot. Maximum power. Direct it towards their command bridge" he ordered.
"Yes sir" replied the young pilot. Both Captains heard the great batteries turn on their pivot points, charge up, then let loose their fury on the Tau vessel ahead. The vessel began to lurch and vear off to the left as it took the blast. It shook violently as Damakk recovered and stared at it. The Tau vessel began to explode as the gun batteries changed position and aimed for the engines. Within moments the ship exploded in a great fireball of Tau shrapnel. Rico let out a little smile before resuming his position. Damakk meanwhile couldn't bear the thoughts of war anymore - it was too much, especially for a young Captain like him. He fled from the bridge and retreated to the haven of the main office. He slumped in the great chair behind the large ornate desk and fell asleep.
Rico's eyes followed Damakk until he left the bridge.
"Such a young lad" he sighed as he shook his head. "Pilot, begin fire on the next closest Tau vessel."
"Yes sir" came the reply from the pilot. He looked at the radar to his side, selected the closest Tau ship and steered the Phantoms vessel towards it. "Engaging fire" he called as the gun batteries burst into life again. Rico nodded. Almost there, he thought.

Captain Jarrok was still reeling. The Defender had come under intense fire from a very large Tau ship to its left side and the ship was turning as fast as it could to meet up with it.
"Open fire!!" he cried at the pilot.
"Yes sir!!" he replied. The gun batteries began their attack on the Tau ship's hull, inflicting more damage. Around both ships the carnage was still ensuing. Many ships had gone up in flames, more were taking damage by the second. It was only a matter of time before they all burned up. Jarrok kept the orders flowing. The ship itself was on high alert and had been ever since the start. Everyone was making sure all the weapons and shields and various other key components were in working order. When a fault occurred, the brilliant minds of the Techmarines would see to it that the problem is fixed as soon as possible. Jarrok knew he could trust the techmarines. They always knew what to do. Another rumble shook The Defender, sending some marines flying. Jarrok had to steady himself. The Tau vessel ahead was attacking much harder than previously thought.
"Engage the Vox" ordered Jarrok.
"Vox engaged" replied the pilot.
"This is Jarrok to fighters. Engage in the Tau vessel. Destroy all gun batteries. Fast." Jarrok nodded towards the pilot, who disengaged the Vox.
"Send all power to front and side shields!! Keep the gun batteries trained on the command bridge of that xeno ship!!" Jarrok ordered. The pilot nodded swiftly and re-routed the power. Jarrok watched as his fighters danced around the Tau ship, occasionally letting out a blast of gunfire to eliminate a turret. Within minutes a message came through on the Vox:
KER Squad delta to the Defender. We have eliminated the turrets on the front and sides. Your clear to destroy KER
Jarrok smiled.
"All batteries open fire!!" he ordered. The pilot nodded and the batteries burst into life once more. The Tau vessel clearly began to suffer from the new onslaught. It began to turn away, only adding to it's misery. Soon it ignited and exploded violently before The Defender and it's occupants. Jarrok grinned.

After that ship exploded the battle began to turn.

All three Captains of the Phantoms fleet noticed it immediately The Tau fleet was reduced to little more than 6 vessels. And each one was turning around. Captain Damakk ran into the bridge of the vessel he was commanding and was greeted with the biggest smile he had every seen from a stern Captain. Captain Rico was grinning from ear to ear.
"Is it true? Are they leaving?" Damakk asked. Rico nodded and pointed out the bridge window. Rico stared out for a minute. Then began to rejoice. He rushed to the nearest Vox unit and switched it on.
"ATTENTION ALL SHIPS!! THEY'RE RETREATING!! WE'VE DONE IT!! VICTORY IS OURS!!" he cried. Aboard all the other ships from groups 9 and 10 began to celebrate. Meanwhile on board The Defender Captain Jarrok sighed with relief. The space battle was finally over. Now it was up to the ground forces to finish the mission. He turned the Vox on.
"Jarrok to the fleet. Aerial mission accomplished. Well done men". Over hte Vox he could here various cries of joy and celebration as they celebrated their achievement. Jarrok then flicked signals.
KER Jarrok to Geriko KER
Geriko heard the call and rushed over to answer.
"Geriko here"
KER Geriko, we are triumphant. It's up to you now KER
Geriko's heartbeat raced. One win down, one to go. He stood proud and cried "The fleet are victorious!! Now let's show them that we can be too!!" With that the Phantoms cheered and fought back harder. Up until now they had been on the back foot. The Tau had multiplied after the heavy weapons assault the Phantoms had launched. Within minutes their reinforcements outnumbered their dead and was still increasing. Now that the Phantoms had heard of the defeat of the Tau fleet they saw hope in the fight. The bolter fire increased, the battlecries escalated. The Captains were beginning to think they might win this on their own. But then their hopes were dashed. The Tau had also got word that the fleet were backing off and the Ethereal in charge knew that they couldn't lose now. The forces began to charge forward, the Hammerheads and Devilfish unleashed all they had onto the Fortress. Holes appeared quickly in the Fortress defence walls and the everywhere else. The Kroot began to swarm at the front lines. Astartes began to fall. Defences began to fall. Hope was becoming thin. So was their chances of winning. Geriko ran from the front lines to the command post. He flicked the Vox on.
"LETALIS!!" he cried, "LETALIS!! WE NEED YOU NOW!!"

On board The Silent Strike Captain Letalis was standing firm, waiting for the call. Then it came over the Voi
KER LETALIS!! LETALIS!! WE NEED YOU NOW!! KER came the message. Letalis sprung from his position.
"Boys!! Time to do our job!! Now move out!!" he ordered. The Company before him raised their weapons into the air and cheered. They all then ran to the corridor where the Drop-pods awaited.
"Ten to a pod!" Letalis ordered as Viktor made his way past. "Viktor, your with me" he said as he grabbed his shoulder. Viktor turned and nodded, then got in the Drop-pod with Letalis. WIthin seconds all of the sealed up and released from the great Battlebarge to the planet below.

Captain Geriko was really panicking. The Tau forces had swarmed the front lines and were now making their way through to the mid-part. If Letalis didn't arrive soon the battle would be lost and they all would be dead. The Kroot came swarming up. Him with 3 of the other Captains were fighting them back. The Phantoms were suffering.

Then their hopes were fulfilled.

What at first appeared to be a shower of shrapnel quickly became Drop-pods descended upon the back of the battlefield. Once in view Captain Geriko along with the rest of the Phantoms cheered as their saviours arrived. Those highest up could see them darting out of the Drop-pods and begin a mass slaughter of the enemy. Nothing stood in their way.

Once the Drop-pods landed Captain Letalis fled out of them at pace. As they did Letalis stood proud as he shouted: "For The Khan and the Emperor!! CHAAAAAAAAARGE!!!" The Company surged out of the Drop-pods intent on destruction. They got to work immediately. Tau warriors fell. Devilfish began to unload but their loads were cut down. Hammerheads went up in flames as the only Dreadnoughts in the Chapter took out their revenge on the retched xenos. It seemed nothing was going to slow them down.Within minutes they had mowed hacked and shot their way to the centre of the battle. The Tau at the front began to turn around and head back to take out this new menace in it's midst but they were mowed down as well. Vehicles, warriors, Kroot, nothing stood a chance. And Captain Letalis was leading them, making sure the job was done. He was slicing through the unlucky victims of his wrath, making it look easy. Viktor was by his side, doing his part, blasting and punching his way through the masses. They were all doing their part. Captain Geriko meanwhile was watching. He knew he should be doing something, but what? Then it became obvious. He grabbed his power sword, thrust it into the air and yelled "For our Emperor ATTAAAAAAAACK!!!!" to which the rest of the Phantoms in the Fortress followed suit and charged the Tau closest.It was now becoming a bloodbath. Bodies were strewn everywhere and yet the Tau refused to give. All the Captains on the field were leading their troops into battle. Nothing could stop them now.

At the peak of the battle, the worst happened.

A Hammerhead shot rang out through two sides, hitting no-one and yet homing in on it's target. Byt the time he saw it, it was too late. Captain Letalis turned to meet the shot and took it full on in the chest. A hole opened up as blood spewed backwards. He crumpled before falling to the ground. VIktor seeing this ran over.
"CAPTAIN!" he cried.
"It's....too late....Viktor" murmured Letalis, "they... got me"
"You're going to be fine" moaned Viktor.
"My dearest friend... it is time... for me... to leave.... You know... what... to..." murmured Letalis. Then he finally stopped breathing, and his head fell. The Phantoms were stunned beyond belief. Their Chapter Master, their leader, had fallen in battle and was dead. The Tau took advantage of this and began a new attack on the Phantoms which caught them by surprise. The Phantoms were forced back fast, and immediately they became desperate. Viktor meanwhile was still mourning his friend. All those years, wasted by one shot. A wave of pure fury swept over him. He rose from his position and stared out. He flung himself at some Tau, crushing them with his powerfist. He turned to the mass of Tau and yelled at the top of voice:
"FOR LETALIS, JAGHATAI AND THE Emperor!!!!!!!"
With that the battle fell deathly silent for a few seconds. Then as one the Phantoms from both ends charged. The Tau never stood a chance. Although the shots rang out and they fought on, they were still doomed. The wrath of the Phantoms would get them all.

---

After many hours the last Tau warrior, their commander, was held under gunpoint in front of the Chapter. Viktor, still full of rage, seized the commander's head, ripped it off his shoulders, before crushing it with his powerfist. The Captains were huddled at the base of the Fortress that they had defended so hard. Some Astartes were opening the doors and letting the people concealed inside out. A few squads had begun a sweep of the planet. The rest were either celebrating or cleaning their weapons. Viktor made his way to the Captains.
"So," he began, "who's in charge now?"
The Captains looked at each other then at Viktor. A few of them shrugged their shoulders, the others shook their heads. It was clear they had no idea. None of them were expecting the choice so soon. Viktor walked away and leaped on to a wreck of a Hammerhead that still had it's driver hanging out from the side. The Chapter turned it's attention to him as he stood and faced them.

"One man made a vow to protect this world and this system from the Tau menace. Today, we fulfilled that promise, but that man is not here to witness it. Today marks a day in our history - a mark of sadness and joy, of victory and loss. We shall hold our heads high. Know this Brothers, our great Chapter Master is watching us all. We shall not disappoint! We shall claim victory against this menace that took our great leader! We shall gain his vengeance!! From this point onwards, WE SHALL ERADICATE THIS FOUL FORCE FROM THE FACE OF THE UNIVERSE!!!"

When Viktor stopped the planet fell silent. One by one each Astartes began to applaud. Soon they all did, chanting his name. Viktor smiled. He punched his fist into the air and cried:

"WE!! SHALL!! BE!! VIIICTOOOOORRIIOOOUUUS!!!"

---

Hope you enjoyed the story!! :)

[Hubernator]

Just finished it. Thoughts?

[the jimster]

wow this is my favourite part and although it nevers states it and i dont know if you intended it or not but viktor would be a cool chapter master and i can just see a field of astartes kneeling before Viktor, sttod upon the wreckage of a burnt out hammerhead with his fist in the air with a mix of blood sweat and drit dripping down his face after the hard battle.. God thats a good image ;)

 

jim

[Hubernator]

Thank you very much Jim ;) I spent ages righting this part up, and as you can see it's much longer :P

 

And that's a good image you've portrayed. I was kinda going for that as well :P

[TyrantKaiser]

Nice. I like how you put in a bit of fleet-to-fleet combat, as that is something many writers don't bother with, and something I myself fear. ;)

 

At least you finished your story. Which is more than I can say for myself. I've never finished a single story in my life...

[Hubernator]

Ta very much :) The space battle was kinda mandatory, otherwise half my story would be pointless. I didn't like the idea of missing out loads and at one point Captain Geriko saying "the fleet has won! attaaaaack!!"

[Hubernator]

Heh, changed the last line so it isn't so corny lol