Editing Republican Commando (section)

===(17) The Fourth Column===

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The Blade is on track to arrive at Ravenforge soon. Reports brought by servo-automata indicate the Navy assets in system have been mobilized. The Black Caste remants will soon be swept away in Tempestus Solaris. While Cyril tries to enjoy a celebratory drink with the Squats, Brynjol inevitably drags him back to the medicae deck for tests and rebuilding his chest cavity. 

"Stop trying to leave, or I swear to the Allfather I will open your chest cavity and play the drums with your black carapace!" an exasperated Brynjol yells.
"I only left once!" Cyril admits, "To shoot Tau!"

Since Cyril is in criticals, he is tossed in a resuscatrix chamber and set on spin-cycle for the week.  Some of the squats set up some tables near the large resuscatrix chambers. Squattish Amasec is fed into the tank as he spins around. The Amasec introduced into the healing chemicals stings a bit, but nothing that would bother a spess mareen. Cyril tries to hum litanies from within the chamber, but the song is indistinguishable from the bubbles he is producing.

"Lads," Rockfist enters, saluting the Aquila, "Given that we prioritized the Ravenforge Crusade for last, we may run into complications on the way to the combat zone."
"Burble burble burble?" Cyril burbles. [What kind of complications?]
"He says 'What kind of complications?'" Brynjol repeats, "I concur!"
"Well, we'll be substituting for one of the Knight Houses that failed to show up," Rockfist says, "And each House in attendance has either enlisted the Navy for support or used their own supporting fleets."
Rockfist folds out an old set of starmaps.
"Given that one House has failed to arrive, it seems that will be a strongpoint of Chaos resistance that may need to be punched through," Rockfist explains, "I can't say how many enemies we'll find, but I can almost guarantee their presence."
"We're substituting for a Knight House?" Brynjol asks, "Sounds like they're expecting a lot of firepower."

"Burble burble. Burble burble burble burble?" Cyril burbles. [I see. Are we expecting ship-to-ship combat, then?]
"He says 'Are we expecting git to git wombats then?'" Brynjol repeats, staring at Cyril, "I don't understand him either. But do they have a significant space presence?"
Cyril twitches a lot.
"I...don't think we'll have to deal with wombats," Rockfist says, "But I would be surprised if there wasn't a fleet waitin' there ta greet us."
"We'll have to decide whether boarding actions or ship-to-ship combat is best when we survey the opposition," Brunjol declares.
"The Blade's fully repaired in any case," Rockfist states, "Had the throngs working overtime. Remember, lad, the Blade's weapons are strongest to the sides and front. Don't let anything get behind. Split fire if you see an easy kill, and don't forget the Arc Reactor."
Cyril nods, "Burble."
"In any case, we'll be breaking Warp within a few days," Rockfist says as he walks off, "The toaster's made sure all weapons are ready, so there shouldn't be any issue."

Cortain arrives at the medicae deck delivering Cyril's re-re-restored breastplate, with a sticky not lecturing on taking care of this suit. Cyril twitches in impotent rage, lamenting how he keeps getting shot in the chest. 

The days move along in relative peace. Cyril has been brought up to a minimum of combat effectiveness, and Cortain has finished responding to some letters for his "Ask the Commandos" column of his ledger, just in time for Warp transition procedures to start enacting. Thexus, Rockfist, and Rose stand by as Cyril is decanted.

"Not exactly the best solution, but it's ideal for everyone to be ready when we enter the system," Rockfist sighs.
"I am fine," Cyril declares, "When do we arrive?"
"Are you sure?" Rose asks.
"I had my chest and armour ventilated by plasma," Cyril explains, "It will take more to put down one of the Emperor's Angels of Death."
"Space marines are remarkably resilient," Cortain adds, "If you would like a better explanation, I am sure Bryn can help."
"LEGIONARIES ARE OF TOUGHER STOCK," Thexus affirms, "WE WILL BE ENTERING THE RAVENFORGE SYSTEM MOMENTARILY. WE SHALL REPORT TO THE COMMAND BRIDGE AND AWAIT YOUR ORDERS."
"This time, make sure we stop turtling," Cortain advises, remembering the previous ill-fated space combat, "It offends the wrath of Mars."

The Blade rumbles all over as it begins Materium translation. The rumbling is worse than normal, no doubt due to the active Warpstorm that is in this subsector. Transitioning into the Materium, the Squats offering the customary prayers to the Ancestors, there are no immediate complications. However, Rockfist's concerns are realized, as a number of Chaos vessels lay on approach headings, the poisoned purple clouds of Ravenforge swirling in the background.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOQrDRLoxa8

Cyril takes command this time, ordering Brynjol to the Sensoria, Cortain to the Arc Reactor cogitators, and Temur to the gunnery stations. Approaching the Blade are a pair of Infidel Raiders to each side, and a Hades Heavy Cruiser and a Slaughter Cruiser burning ahead front. The Blade weathers macrocannon and torpedo fire, before turning to address the raiders first. The Blade attempts to ram the starboard Infidel, though it barely misses. The port Infidel is not so lucky, as it absorbs sunsear fire to weaken its shields, and then eats a full salvo from the Accelerator Cannon, gutting it.

"Good job, lads," Rockfist laughs, "We didn't need ta wait four hours for something ta die this time."
Cortain has ominous feelings again, while Cyril merely mutters under his breath.

The Blade survives the missile and lance broadside from the Hades and Slaughter, while the remaining Infidel tries to get into a better position.

"Continue moving starboard and circle the cruisers! Arc charge the Accelerator Cannon and penetrate the cruisers' port sides, then broadside the Raider with ours," Cyril commands, "Torpedo any surviving cruisers!"
"Lad, a Heavy Cruiser of Chaos is akin to a Battlecruiser for the Imperium. They're quite dangerous," Rockfist advises, adjusting his armor, "Cruisers remain the same, though their offensive output or survivability is only slightly less than a Battle or Heavy Cruiser."

The Blade advances, aligning itself broadsides with the Hades and Slaughter. Regrettably the vessels are spread out, so the Accelerator Cannon can't get multiple. However, the Hades is in clear unobstructed sight as requested. Brynjol locks on, and Temur takes the Accelerator Cannon controls. The Accelerator Cannon splits into three prongs, and the titanic energy within is fired in a single heavy beam. The Commandos hear a "thud" echo across the winds of spess as the Hades crumples under its own weight and the force of the Nuclear Fusion blast.

"Ha ha! See lad? THAT'S how it's done!" Rockfist pats Temur on the back, "Cannon's coolin' down, so you won't be able to arc charge it again for a while."

The Infidel aligns itself as bait, allowing the Slaughter Cruiser to reach the Blade's rear arc and hammer away with lance weapons. Deciding to focus the Cruiser, Cortain arc charges the cortex core, allowing for an additional weapon to be fired. Cyril fires torpedoes at the Infidel, damaging it, while everyone else unloads into the Slaughter. Cortex-commanded sunsears bring down the Slaugter's shields while a full burst from the Accelerator Cannon and Lance set the vessel aflame, disabling its void shields.

The Blade survives torpedo and macrocannon return fire from the Chaos vessels, before angling to face the Slaughter and Infidel. Battery fire immolates the Infidel, while the Slaughter survives the Commandos' ire due to everyone missing. As the Slaughter turns to refocus its guns, it finds itself in the direct path of the Blade. Ordering a charge forward, all guns firing, the Blade rams the corrupted cruiser, breaking it in half with an armored prow.

"Nice job, lad, quick and efficient," Rockfist says, "Ya did good."

Charging through the wreckage of the Slaughter cruiser, the Commandos suddenly get a vox hail.
"Unidentified vessel, in the Name of the Immortal God Emperor, please identify."
"Apologies for the delay," Cortain states, "The Deathwatch is here."
"To shine the light of the Emperor on this forsaken planet!" Cyril adds.
"Deathwa...yes, my Lieges!" the vox replies, "Honor and glory to you. The Crusade thanks you for your assistance. With you here, we may be able to break this stalemate."
"Honor and glory to the Imperium," Cyril nods, "What is the situation?"
"Our forces on the ground are pushing through against the Heretic filth, but with only three fronts they always have reinforcements," the vox replies, "The Knight Houses of Askari, Kshatra, and Excelsus are below, each taking a front. But we need a fourth column to truly cut off the Heretics."

"Then we shall be your fourth," Cyril declares, "What forces are the heretics fielding?"
"They are operating off a number of supply bastions in the rear, which in turn are covering a launch facility to strike at Navy assets in orbit," the vox states, "We've determined the heavy presence of Chaos aircraft and fixed ground defenses."
"Sounds like the job for us," Cortain nods.
"How have they kept the Knights at bay?" Cyril asks.
"The launch facility also houses numerous vortex missile batteries. When the knights approach the Bastions, they are fired upon," the vox replies, "But, with a fourth column, we can overload their ability to prioritize targets, and strike the heretics down."
"Sounds like the plan is to destroy the missiles," Cortain confirms.
"Destroying the launch zone will stop both heretic supply transports AND disable the missiles," the vox agrees, "We'll relay to the knights to press the attack on your command."
"Normally, a handful of Space Marines would be unable to provide a column of superheavy support like you seek..." Cyril explains, before cracking a smile, "But I believe we can oblige."
"Thank you, my lords," the vox says, "Crusade Command Castellum out."

"Brothers, it is time to suit up," Cyril declares.
"Indeed it is, lad," Rockfist says, "Care to guess what we just finished repairing?"

Rockfist guides everyone to the hangars.
"All right, lad," Rockfist hefts a missile, "You just tell us what you want equipped, and we'll load up your VF/SS."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rB70RShH2OA

Each of the VF/SS have the upgrades everyone bought applied to them so far. Thexus receives a set of waypoint locations, no doubt the targets, and transfers the locations to the Commandos. 

Brynjol loads up with QAAMs and XLAAs, all missiles that offer rerolls against specific targets. Cortain and Temur choose Kraken Penetrators and QAAMs, while Cyril selects LASMs and XLAAs for maximum versatility. 

"Lad! A word of advice!" Rockfist says as the launch bay is cleared, "Most standard turrets prioritize air units. Turrets will have a harder time tracking ground targets, but that would also make you vulnerable to enemy aircraft. Watch yourselves out there!""

The launch bay is cleared, and the Squats and Automata head into the ship proper. Brynjol grumbles, slinging his axe on his belt, while Cyril  climbs into his ship, sighing in relief as the machine encases him. Cortain makes his litanies as he preps his striker for launch, while Temur refamiliarizes himself with the transforming fighters.

Launch rails send each VF/SS out with a mighty roar. On each VF/SS hololithic display, the Commandos are shown the intelligence from the Crusade forces already deployed. In formation, the VF/SS are launched out into the void. Objective markers appear on each Commando's HUD.

OBJECTIVE 1: Destroy the two Bastions in the combat zone. Destroy enemy defenses as appropriate.
OBJECTIVE 2: Locate and Destroy the Supply Launchpad and the Launchpad Control Center. Destroy enemy defenses as appropriate.

"We carve a bloody path to the primary objective!" Cyril declares, starting an Oath of Glory, "Blade, what can the sensorium detect of enemy launches?"
"None yet, lad," Rockfist says, "I don't think bombardments will start until you give the order to attack."
"Well, I doubt they'll have time to use it to ship in reinforcements in time to be relevant to a single battle," Cyril shrugs, "We will continue for the first objective, then."
"Um, I'll review the sensors," Rose says, "I'll try to alert you to objectives and attacks."

Breaking through the clouds, the Commandos finally reach the arid, blasted plains of Ravenforge.
"At your current heading, you should reach the bastion defense ring within a minute or so..." Rose begins, "Oh! Enemy fighters on sensors!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3tZVBGwF0k

Flying in perfect formation, the Commandos note a wing of 3 enemy fighters approaching at 500m. Organizing into formation, the Commandos focus their weapons. Brynjol's Phased Plasma Autocannons and missiles impacting a Chaos Swiftdeath fighter and downing it, much to his bemusement. Cortain and Temur also open up with autocannon and missile, damaging the fighters. However, it is Cyril that executes the killing blow on the two remaining Swiftdeaths with a swarm of XLAA missiles.

Cortain quietly fistpumps as the planes go down.
"No more targets..." Rose says, "I think your missile got him!"
"Yes, Rose, I noticed," Cyril sighs, "What can you tell us about the situation planetside?"
"Rockfist says the Bastions are mobilizing," she says, "Better hurry!"

Flying forward, the Commandos come up to the two bastions. They're 200m from each other, each defended by turrets, which begin to track the Commandos, though impressive skill at in-flight dodging and lucky Ion Shield rolls prevent the lascannons from doing much damage. A further wing of Swiftdeaths approaching means further evasive maneuvers, and the Commandos resume the offensive.

Brynjol fires missiles at the swiftdeaths, but only manages superficial damage. Temur tries to autocannon down a swiftdeath, but it deftly dodges, so he contents himself with firing a Kraken at the Bastion. Cortain too tries to shoot down a Swiftdeath, but their frontal armor tanks his shots. Cyril also manages to whiff a swiftdeath, but fires more missiles at the Bastions. Surviving counter-fire from automated turrets, the Commandos decide on an alternate plan of action. 

"Lads, those bastions have heavy slabs of armor. You may need something strong to get through them. Those turrets also only seem to be able to fire on air targets with any competency," Rockfist says, "Anyway, the other three columns are engaging their bastions as well. Just an update."

Brynjol is the first to decide that it is now time to punch things. Shifting to Strike Mode, Brynjol couches his Plasma Lance, a glowing sheath of energy surrounding his arm, and charges the bastion. His Plasma Lance carries him through, annihilating the damaged bastion. As Brynjol twirls around, readying for the next attack, he notes the bastion turret nearby fall silent. Two other bastion turrets begin to track him, but as he lands on the ground, they stop, and focus on the rest of the Commandos, ignoring Brynjol.

Cortain and Temur try Brynjol's tactic with much less luck, though Cortain manages to damage the Bastion. Cyril alone remains in Pursuit Mode, to mop up the two Swiftdeaths.  Bastion turrets on the ground track Cyril, but the Ion shield holds, deflecting the lascannon shots harmlessly. Brynjol hefts his Plasma Lance once more, and barrels through without issue, violently assaulting the Bastion. It collapses as he cannonballs through it.

Brynjol can be heard chortling through the vox, as the Commandos shift back to Pursuit Mode and move on to the next objective.
"Good job, the second bastion is down!" Rose says, "The way to the launch pad is clear!"
"Haha, perfect!" Cyril declares, "Forward, FOR THE EMPEROR!"

In a wide plain ahead, a missile is launching into the sky from a central launch zone, a large building nearby burning with heretical sigils. The Commandos have reached the launch pads.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XosfLDk95E

Vengeance Batteries on station fire at the Commandos, and Cyril is grazed with a lascannon shot, taking heavy damage. More Swiftdeaths arrive on station, firing their own plasma weapons and missiles, though Temur takes a missile and suffers damage as well.

The Commandos face the Control Center, the Launch pad, two Fighters, four turrets, and a large missile heading into the sky from the launch pad.

"MISSILE!" Cyril points out, "Bring it down!"
"How likely do you think it is to demolish the missile?" Cortain asks.
"How likely what is to demolish it?" Cyril asks.
"Anything," Cortain clarifies, "Mainly Krakens."
"Those should do the trick nicely," Cyril nods, "Aerial missiles should also suffice. And failing that, it is well within effective range of our repeater cannons, and I doubt its ability to dodge."

The Commandos prioritize the Swiftdeaths in the immediate area. Temur fires guns and missiles at the planes, eating their dodges, and leaving an opening for Cortain to shift to Strike Mode and down the two planes with Plasma Autocannons and Heavy Swarm Missiles. The planes careen into the ground, followed by a veritable massacre of missiles launched from Cortain's VF/SS. Moving to get the missile in their sights, the Commandos hesitate when Brynjol charges forward.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7BjEKv3GWE

Brynjol charges forth, clamping onto the side of the immense missile launching into the sky. he holds on a moment, as the missile breaks atmosphere for its eventual fall onto a target. Pushing his VF/SS to the maximum, Brynjol grapples the missile into a new flight path - directly back at the heretic control center. The missile flies true, much to the shock and horror of the heretics. The missile hits with the full force of the warp, sucking it to Emperor knows where. Brynjol chortles mightily as he witnesses the carnage.

"I NEED A CATCHPHRASE OR SOMETHING AFTER THAT!" Brynjol yells ecstatically.

Though Rose tries to give everyone updates, most of the Commandos have muted her, as she is having great difficulty keeping up with the battle, and her reports are getting increasingly muddled. With only the Launch Center left, Cyril strafes the launch tower, collapsing it in a great pile of wreckage.

"Keep your heresy, filthy traitors," Cyril states, "The Imperium does not want it, or you."
"The Remains are blasted," Cortain observes, "Let no heretical brick stand."
"Nice!" Rose says, "All objectives complete!"

The Commandos then hear a shrill screech, and another wave of Swiftdeaths begin their approach. However, a series of missiles strike against them.
"Ah...Republican Commandos!" a voice says over the vox. A number of allied knights make their way forward.
"It is a pleasure to see you in action again," the Knight Paladin says.
"...again?" Cyril asks.
Brynjol nods, the motion exaggerated by his strikesuit.
The Commandos take a moment to identify the knights. One they recognize - they are of House Askari. Another bears much stylized heraldry of the Emperor and other symbols. Beneath the many scrolls, tapestries, and icons of the Acheron is a Knight of House Kshatra.

"This is the first time for me," the Kshatra knight says, "However, your names are known to us."
"It is an honour to fight properly alongside the Faris of House Askari," Cyril explains, circling down and entering Strike mode for socializing, "As it is a pleasure to meet the rest of you."
"It was thanks to your support that we were able to provide support here," the Faris says, "In this, we were proud to provide you with support."
"Glad to fight side by side again, Knights of Askari," Cortain states.
"Perhaps we too will fight side by side again," the Bhattara of House Kshatra states, "From what my brethren in House Askari say, you are as skilled outside the Throne as you are upon it."
"The magnificent machine does much of the work for us in these mighty suits. On foot, things are more... challenging," Cyril admits, "Both are fitting ways to bring the Emperor's fury where it must be."
"Indeed," the Faris agrees, "One must train body and mind to be a true knight."
"Ah, we should have brought you the remains of the other Tau we killed!" Cortain says, "I am sure you ould be humored by it!"
"There were more?" the Faris asks, "It is no matter. The insidious xenos stands no chance against Mankind."
"As if they ever did," Cortain agrees.

"They are persistent in blowing themselves up before we can claim trophies more personal than their weapons," Cyril adds, "Though I do find it peculiar that they voluntarily enter close combat... it is unusal for their debased kind."
"When one believes they know everything, then that is when they have the most to learn," the Bhattara bows, "As the thousand Aspects of the Emperor guide us in our daily lives, perhaps these Tau merely had an Aspect they had...kept hidden?"
"Perhaps a discussion for another time," Cortain states, "Come, we have a planet to conquer!"
"Regardless, Commandos, thanks to you, the Crusade can press on," the Bhattara says, "You have opened the way for us. The Crusade, and our Houses, thank you."
"Though, I cannot help but wonder what happened to House Pyrus..." the Faris notes, as he and the other knight wander back to the rest of the crusade.
"Emperor guide your mighty tread," Cortain intones.
"By the Emperor's will, the sector will be wiped clean of their presence before they can fully realize it..." Cyril promises, "But for now the Euphalion Crusade takes priority. Emperor guide your weapons, noble Knights,"
"Mission complete. Nice job, lads," Rockfist voxes, "We'll prepare the landing bays for your return."

Returning to the Blade, most of the Squats stand ready to move the VF/SS to repairs. While the tone is more or less jubilant, Rose is excited and Thexus is his normal loud self, Rockfist is somewhat sour as he signals landings.
"What news, Rockfist?" Cyril asks.
"Aye, lad..." Rockfist sighs, "The holomap updated. We got a new request..."
"Dare I ask whom?" Cortain hesitantly begins.
"...It's from Korst'la."
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