Timeless Winter: To Arms

Timeless Winter: The Saga Continues

“Success is measured in blood; yours or your enemy‘s”

To Arms

“You carry the Emperor's will as your torch, with it destroy the shadows.”

    After encountering a very resilient guard regiment and flanked by Space Wolves shortly after, Shas’o Strongwill decided it was time to make a tactical retreat in order to regroup and strategize. He had a plan that would hopefully turn the tide of the next battle in his favor. The Ch’arr Sept would be the aggressor, which would hopefully throw his opponent off guard since it was typically out of character. Quick thinking and an iron will had him map out the battlefield in an instant. The plan was simple…engage the enemy long enough for the rest of the Cadre to withdraw. The Commander was willing to lay his own life on the line to ensure the success of the mission.

“Advance, Guardians of Good! We are not dead yet!”

    The Shas’la slowly advanced on the Imperial Stronghold with their pulse rifles ready. As the snowy mist began to clear, the skies crackled to life with terrifying blasts upon the terrain.  The 81st was used to the psychotic weather  of this planet. They weren’t even phased by the promise of combat Strongwill threatened. They responded to this open display of war with dozens of krak missiles.  They may be mere mortals, but they have combat experience against Tau now. Almost simultaneously with the blasts from the sky, one could hear the collision of missiles with Crisis suits. They evaporated almost instantaneously. armour.

“Though our tanks and artillery are mighty, it is the vast ranks of Imperial Guardsmen that shall trample the enemy to dust - let them come.”

     The Crisis team and Fire Warrior squad that chose to march right up the midfield proved to be nothing but a diversion. The savage Kroot Carnivore squad showed some tactical prowess by using the distraction to outflank the main generator assembly for the base while Remora drones fighters and Barracudas zoomed into the fray full force. The 81st Asgardian Regiment had planted to massive blobs of infantry at the front gates to discourage a ground attack, but they weren’t prepared for an aerial assault.

“As the Emperor protects, so must we.”

    While the guardsman’s eyes were averted toward the multiple flyers overhead, the Kroot capitalized and felled a few guardsman. Once in range the automated Heavy Bolter turrets installed throughout the perimeter began to fire at the flyers to no avail. They simply couldn’t track their targets efficiently. Despite their lack of success in disabling the flyers, it was more than enough to help the 81st focus. They immediately resumed focus on the targets on their doorstep. Another salvo of missiles impacted the rest of the Crisis team, but they weren’t good enough to fell the old veteran himself. While he fired his jetpack to dodge the incoming fire and find temporary shelter, the Kroot were almost all mowed down.

“And the bounties of the Emperor shall go to those who have worked hard in his service.”

    Not to be outdone by Commander Strongwill’s fancy footwork, the Remora Squadron and two Barracudas circled the late arriving Vendetta like a deep sea predator stalking its prey…almost toying with it. The lone Vendetta pilot proved his worth by remaining alive and avoiding their advance. Before he could pat himself on the back, he was had.  It was merely a diversion. One of the Barracudas broke formation and unleash a vicious payload of ionic weaponry at the generator. Though armored, it didn’t stand a chance from the superior firepower Tau are known for. Upon it’s complete annihilation, all but one insanely heroic Kroot and a handful of guardsman from the nearest platoon were wiped off the face of Asgard.

 “Beat your thoughts to the mould of your will.”

    With red mist intermingling with the snow drifts and the crash of lightning threatening all without prejudice, the 81st Company Commander was the only one with the sense of self preservation to retreat. He felt he would be much better suited barking orders from within the fortress. While he regrouped, he left his squad behind. Almost as a result of his cowardice, they were struck dead by mother nature. With numbers dwindling on both sides, it was hard to tell if Strongwill’s plan was going according to plan or not.

“A friend of death, a brother of luck and a son of a bitch!“

    With the generator inoperable and the battlefield in shambles, it seemed like all was lost. From the darkness the remaining dogfighters continued their skirmish with furious intent. As the squadron of Remoras narrowed their approach to the main gate, it would appear the Emperor does protect. The Vendetta managed to team up with mother nature on the final assault. They each destroyed one of the two remaining drones.

“I hate last stands, there's never time to practice them.”

    Meanwhile, across the battlefield, Strongwill was nowhere to be found. All that remained were black and red smudges on the pure white canvas slowly being erased into nonexistence. It’s safe to say they will see him again. Strongwill is an appropriate name, for he is the most stubborn foe the Asgardians have tested their mettle against. The 81st needs to make time to replenish their supplies as well as ranks before the Ch’arr forces reengage. Who will strike first? And where?