++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Despite the breathing room they had gained, the Imperial forces remained in a precarious position. While much of Jegara's population remained loyal to the Imperium due to the sterling example and grim vengeance exhibited by the Invaders, that Chapter's fall, coupled with the devastation wrought by first the Alaitoc Eldar and subsequent Xenos invaders, had done much to corrupt the remnants of the city. Occupation forces were subjected to increasingly severe acts of harassment as they pressed deeper into the city, although significant aid was also received from surviving elements of the PDF, loyal citizens, and elements of the Adeptus Arbites. Intelligence gathering, as well as evidence provided by these irregular forces, allowed Imperial commanders to at last evaluate their opponents' motivations and dispositions.
Local forces suspected that the tie between Tau and Ork raiders was more than a mercenary one. Intelligence analysts noted genuine strategic coordination between the two forces, with at least one joint operation conducted and a noticeable division of labor. While Tau forces focused on pacifying areas of the city and suborning the loyalty of the population, their Orkish compatriots were constantly on the move, acting as scouts, harassers, and equipment scavengers. Tau units also exhibited an uncharacteristic aggression in engaging hostile forces, while frontline units engaged with the Orks noted the increased quality and size of their weaponry and vehicles, presumably the result of Tau assistance.
Even more alarming was the close coordination between the Pasiphaen daemons and the Necron forces tentatively attributed to the Ogdobekh dynasty. Such coordination was unique in Imperial records at the time, and no satisfactory explanation has ever been presented. Members of the Adeptus Mechanicus and Inquisition have speculated as to how the Necrons were able to control the Daemons. The possibility of soulless machines being corrupted by the Ruinous Powers is given no credence.
Xenos cooperation was further highlighted by logistical and chain of command difficulties within the Relief Force. The Salamanders remained hobbled by a poor landing site and the damage done to their Strike Cruiser upon re-entry, while the Dark Angels remained aloof after their encounter with the Crimson Templar. The Space Wolves, after destroying a traitorous formation of the old Planetary Defense Force, apparently considered their honor and battle lust sated and departed the system. Of the Blood Angels, there was still no sign. Reaper Squadron, exhausted after weeks of constant battle, was able to do little more than hold the line, a situation common to all Imperial Guard units on the surface.
During this period, only the Crimson Templar were able to undertake significant offensive action. Once again High Marshal Thograr led his battle brothers to victory, this time against the hapless Eldar of Aile'fin. Incensed that any of these degenerates still walked soil hallowed by the sacrifice of the Invaders, Thograr and his chosen veterans led a mechanized assault on their supply lines. Although Eldar witchery nearly doomed the attack, felling Thograr's entire vanguard, the Marshal would not be stopped. Heedless of enemy fire, he continued to advance on foot while the surviving Templar suppressed the Eldar support units. Faced with the wrath of the Emperor incarnate, the Eldar broke and ran, with Farseer Mua'din escaping only by warlock trickery. Thograr alone slew twenty Dire Avengers, a down payment on the vengeance he would later reap for his fallen brethren.
On the city outskirts, the Orks and Pasiphaens once again clashed. Despite improved weaponry and numbers, the Orks were slaughtered in a spectacularly violent engagement, with only a Mek and his retinue able to escape the daemonic trap. Although they too suffered heavy losses, the tally of souls reaped by Slaanesh only served to invigorate Its warhost and tighten its grip on the area.
"Oi! I don't think iz spine is s'posed to bend like dat... or go there."
-Big Mek Krunkshafta, upon witnessing the defeat of Warboss Snappaklaw
"ABHOR THE WITCH! FOR THE EMPEROR!"
- High Marshal Thograr
No comments:
Post a Comment