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 The End of a Cardinal - Narhekk, & CardinalBehr +++Thought for the day+++ |
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was patched up but Freddie was another matter, a gunshooter with only one arm wasn't a handy thing to have around. Looking out of his new ship he glanced across this small fleet. It was nothing to that of home. A comm came in from the captain, "The ship of Cardinal Behr has been located sire." good. Keep me posted" sir" loaded his bolters, strapped his sheathe to his back and patted his daemon sword. This strike would be fast and easy. -------------------------- turned to the few survivors of Ezaar VII, "How in the hell could you let that happen?!" marines looked at each other, wordlessley they stared back at the enraged cardinal. "Because of your incompetance we have lost Freko! Emperor only knows what they are doing to him!" sound of crackling come through the comm, "My lord! seven ships are closing fast from behind!" wh- The bounty hunter! Open fire on the vessels, repeat fire!" ship blasted back at the heretical vessels. Some minor damage was suffered. Zarak joined the captain at the bridge. "Destroy that ship Captain! Leave none alive!" sire" watched helplessly as all seven ships launched their full array of weapons. For the first wave it held surprisingly well, but a lucky hit from one torpedo caused the engines to overload, destroying it and all hands. "Target elminated sire.", Zarak smirked. Casting his mind over the wreckage he could feel a few vague life signs. It appeared two pods had ejected but had hull breaches. "Pick up those escape pods Captain." sire?" there, no there, and stop calling my sire." si- erm, right away." Peering into the pads he could see that both men had met with a grizzly end. "Right then, on to Ezaar IV, I need you to find a tech priest." Sire." did I say?" mistake." ------------------------------------ was in agony, the blast had badly injured him and it had taken all of his will power to shield him from the gaze of Zarak. He didn't know where he was headed, just so long as it had a medic he didn't really care. Priority message, Attn: Cardinal Behr Administratum wishes to know what steps you have taken to rcover the lost revenue of the Estate Imperialis. Such a planet-sized hole in the balance sheets cannot go unnoticed for long. Please locate and requisition the funds, or the Adeptus Terra shall be forced to remove you from the case, and hand over control to our collection agents and the Imperial Guard. Adminstratum Clerk Fourteeth-Class Farramus Jacques, Adeptus Administratum ++ Behr's pod hit the planet's gaseous layer, the heat became unbareable. He could feel it thundering down to the surface, the impact was almost enough to finish him, his body was battered and burnt, his career was sure to take a turn for the worst, what else could go wrong? -------------------------- landed on the surface along with Karkarass. "Where are we headed?" rasped the alien. His carapace armour splattered with blood, his eviscerator coated in enemy flesh. "We need to find a tech priest." twenty minutes the pair found the local workshop. "We need some repairs done on a friend of ours, a bionic left arm." The tech priest had a bemused look on his face "And just why do you expect that kind of service." Karkarass reached across the counter and hoisted the priest up. "Theres no need for violence my pirate friend." Zarak tossed a bag of credits onto the counter. "I think that should take care of the costs. Also can you tell me where I can find a good rune scripters?" ----------------------------- opened the pod door, stepping out he clutched at his side. Turning back he reached into the pod, grabbing out his med-skull he turned it on. The skull went to work strights away at his las wounds. ------------------------------ left the scribes with Karkarass, his new pentagrammic wards gleaming in the sun. Returning to the ship he sent work to the fleet to be ready to access the webway. All that was left was Freddies treatment. ------------------------------- accessed the pod computer files. "Computer, what is the current location?", In response the pod's computer brought up the planet and it's data. ++DOWNLOADING INFORMATION++ Current location, Ezaar VII. cursed, he had no way of communicating to Terra and was back on Ezaar, this was jsut what he needed. ++INCOMING MESSAGE++ ++Downloading++ ++Decrypting++ +Author: Zarak + +Location: Unregistered ship + +Recipitent: Monsu + +Location: Unregistered ship + dear Monsu, I thank you for both the ships and the soldiers, but I regret to inform you that you shall not be having them back. I have taken a liking to them and as such have decided to add them to my forces. Hope you don't take it personally old boy. Oh that reminds me, by the time you read this message I will be far from Ezaar VII. Feel free to try and get your ships back, but I think you will find the cost out of your price range. OF MESSAGE++ was standing at the bridge of the Gryn, an Iron Warrior ship now in his hands. He had pain stakingly spent the last few day wiping every one's memory of who their leader was, replacing it with himself. "Sir, a pod has just ejected, it is heading back through the webway." Captain, keep your heading." ---------------------- Thordan was headed back to Ezaar VII, what he had started he would finish. Thordan came out of the webway, it had been a rough ride but he was back at Ezaar VII. Directing the pod he moved into the atmosphere. An intense heat washed over the pod but he had felt much worse. Scouting the surface he looked for the port from which he had left, looking around he saw another pod on the outskirts of the city. Deciding to go in for a closer look he directed the pod onward. ------------------------- ++INCOMING MESSAGE++ ++Downloading++ ++Decrypting++ +Author: Thordan+ +Location: Pod II, Unregistered ship+ +Recipitent: Zarak+ +Location: Unregistered ship+ I have located Cardinal Behr, he is &^^>@[+#!8 &^5*. I have found him on Ezaar VII. Some how he £$&&$" landed on %£"()+^%* force $£*%)£. I'm going do74 £$"(%8)^</?|5 ++Remaining Text Lost++ OF MESSAGE++ looked at the message, disbelieving he turned to the Captain, "Turn us the hell around! We're going back to Ezaar VII, it seems Cardinal Behr survived the destruction." sir" other thing, try and get word of what happened to Inquisitor Nexus, I find it hard to collect fees from dead men..." fleet dropped from the webway. Zarak strode onto the bridge, looking more menacing then normal. His carapce shone anew, the runic wards across the chest of his suit burned from under his hevay leather jacket which drooped to the floor. The bionic eye glowed red, that single lock hanging down his forehead. The daemon sword strapped acorss his back hummed quietly as the dameon slept. "Have we arrived yet captain?" sir." good, tell nine men to suit up and meet me in launch bay three." "Right away sir." Zarak's original ship, "The Silent Wing", landed at the local port, members of the Cult of the Creeping Shadow walked round openly now, although on their robs was a new symbol. Zarak wasn't interested in a bunch of religious fanatics. Escorted by the Iron Warriors he ebgan scanning the area with his mind, looking for Cardinal Behr. "Found him! He's in a building to the east. Let's move out." ----------------------------------- ++INCOMING MESSAGE++ ++Downloading++ ++Decrypting++ +Author: Cardinal Behr+ +Location: Ezaar VII+ +Recipitent: Commanding officer+ +Location: The Eye of the Emperor, Cruiser Class ship+ is Cardinal Behr, my ship has been destroyed by a bounty hunter known as Zarak. The crew were all destroyed, I request evac and exterminatus of Ezaar VII, it is infested with an heretical cult known as the Creeping Shadow. OF MESSAGE++ ------------------------- "Sergent, we have recieved a message from the Cardinal Behr. Send a pick-up squad of 20 men, he is somewhere on Ezaar VII." "Aye-aye sir." ++INCOMING MESSAGE++ ++Downloading++ ++Decrypting++ +Author: Vice-Admiral Maximilian Locarno+ +Location: Imeprial Cruiser 'Eye of the Emperor'+ +Recipitent: Cardinal Behr+ +Location: Ezaar VII+ Authorisation has been denied by the Departmento Munitorium. Our agents report that Ezaar VII can re retaken by conventional means. Exterminatus is unnecessary. Emperor Protects. Vice-Admiral Max Locarno, Captain, Eye of the Emperor OF MESSAGE++ was sitting in The Squashed Squig, his servo skull hummed behind him, repairing a gash in the back of his neck. Outside he could hear the humming of vehicles. Sipping his bottle of Cider-root he looked out through the window. --------------------------- have found his signal sir, he's in he Squashed Squig." Colonel William's raised his eyebrow, "Ours is not the place to question a Cardinal I suppose..." Chimeras pulled into the ally, several buildings were under repair. The Cardinal stormed out, his face like thunder. "Sir your evac has arrived!" called out Colonel William's. "What? Oh... good..." "Something wrong Milord?" that my call for exterminatus was aborted, deemed excessive." "Pitty..." -------------------- vox comm crackled, "Sir, messages from the planet, a call for exterminatus was made and there is an imperial ship orbiting. Order sir?" "Hmmm, take the Iron Legion vessels and destroy the Imperial ship, send those of the Lidless eye around behind the second moon and keep it there. Once the Iron Warrior ships have destroyed the Imperial ship leave the vicinity and head for Ultima Macharia. I will give you further orders there." sir!" scanned the area, searching for the mind of Behr. "Aha! Hes in The Squashed Squig. Who'd have thought it?" take care of this." Walking ahead he saw the back of Cardinal Behr, along with many storm troopers. Speaking over the vox comm he called for the Iron Warriors. Peering with his bioscanner he could see the Cardinal dissappearing into a vehicle. "Hurry, he's called in evac." looked up, "William's what are you doing? Put down that plasma gun!" Behr dived out of the Chimera, even as several storm troopers were burned to a crisp. Looking round he saw Zarak. "No! Kill the heretic!" A volley of Las fire shot at the mercinary but he was shoved out of the way by one of the Iron Warrior. Coming out of his trance he drew his bolters, "Fire!" His Kraken rounds amde short work of the first chimera, within seconds it blew up, 4 more troopers were blasted from the wreckage, their corpses smashing into nearby walls. William's was rushing over to Behr, a flick of his wrist and Zarak sent the wreck of the chimera flying into the Colonel, crushing him against the wall. The other chimera pulled up and began firing. Throwing a plasma grenade he managed to knock off the tracks. heretics were hiding behind the shops currently under construction. Using his bolter he managed to fell one of the chaos marines. Las fire also caused another to drop, blood flowing from his torso like water. Behind him he heard the only 2 survivors of the first chimera. Pulling him into the saftey of The Squashed Squig, the bar keeper tried to prevent it but he was silenced with las fire, as were several patrons. focused his will, all his effort focused on the front wall of The Squashed Squig. Sweat dripped down his forehead, silding off the bionic eye. With a cry he brought down the front of the wall, his energy used up he slumped against the side of the shop. The marines opened fire on the troppers evacuating the second chimera, cutting down two but at the same time losing another of their number. was in shock, how could he have torn down the wall from that distance? Then he noticed it, the hood! "Sergent, you have to do something about that hood! He is channeling psychic power through it!" head was on fire, the amount of energy it took to tear down that wall was tremendous. Struggling to his feet he opened fire again. His expert aim picking off a trooper still inside the chimera. One more of the iron warriors fell to the floor, a smoking hole in his helmet. looked on to see a mere four marine still standing, and Zarak was cowaring behind the wall, how perfect. Opening fire he managed to blow the arm of one of the heretics. Somehow it continued to fire, ignoring the grievous wound. "That's not possible! Damn them!" marines fast ran out of ammo, picking up their power weapons they began charging the storm troopers. The one armed marine was struggling, a fault which cost him his life as a well placed shot from the Cardinal blew out his eye. stuck his bolter into their holsters, drawing his daemon sword he joined the fray, his eyes fiery with hatred at the sight of the Cardinal who had tried to use one of his own psychic powers against him back on Melthalore... He would make him pay with his blood. watched as Zarak charged, drawing his new power sword he swung, Zarak parrying the blow with his daemon blade. As the Iron Legion warriors battle the storm troopers the two fought, both with their blades and their minds. Zarak had lost his edge of strength since the supports were gifted to him. Speed, skill and psychic power were still on his side though. Gathering his will he flung Behr into the wall. Reaching out he picked up the chimera and began trying to smash it into Behr. The patrons of The Squashed Squig began running for their lives and a heavy down pour began. Throwing the chimera he managed to damage Behr's collar bone, not to mention crush several drunks. swung his daemon blade in a heavy over arc but the enhanced reactions of Behr raised his blade enough to stop the blow killing him, but not enough to stop it from slicing into his shoulder. Screaming out he pulled back, blood flowing freely from his wounded right side. He felt the energy being sapped out of his arm, the dameon in the blade draining him dry. A surprise attack from one of the storm troopers knocked the blade across the road, but this act of bravery cost him his life as Zarak focused his will and blew up his brain. knew this was his change "Now you die Zarak!" slicing forth he aimed at the neck of Zarak but the blade suddenly lept from across the street, flying into his hand. The two were one! Zarak was to raise his blade a little late, while the blow slide down the sword it took of his right arm, oil spilling to the ground and the electronics spitting in the rain. "Argh! My coat! This was expensive you old fool!" the blade leaping into his left hand he struck forth, running Behr through as it screeched it's protest at severing the metal plates of the carapace. Behr looked deep into the eyes of his killer, "I'll see you in the warp Zarak..." likely." kicking the Cardinal off his blade he looked round he saw the las of his marines fighting off four guardsmen, but they proved to much as they butchered him. Summoning his will he flung them all backwards, slamming them into "Toothless Joe's Remedies". Summoning his power he began slamming each of them into nearby walls, cracking ribs and skulls alike. Raising his sword he ran through the groaning men, making sure they met they're doom. ------------------------------- traitor ships came into view "Sir we have incoming vessels! Gun ports are open sir what should we-" first wave of torpedos hammered into the imperial ship, the engines went down preventing escape. After several bombardments several escape pods launched. Smaller fighters lleft the main ships and descended upon the pods, leaving none alive. Heavy las cannons mounted on the ship destroyed many fighters but a well placed shot from one of the fighter caused the enemy weapons bays to be destroyed, causing a chain reaction throught the ship. ----------------------------- "Imperial ship is down sir, we are headed to Ultima Macharius as planned." good, if you need me I can be contacted at the Cult of the Creeping Shadow." with that he left the carnage of the fight, the limp lifeless body of Cardinal Behr lay in the road, blood trickling from his mouth. Behr was with the Emperor now. was testing his new arm, with nothing better to do he walked past the ruins of The Squashed Squig, the area long having since been cleaned. Clenching his fist he broke a hole in the wall. Drawing his blade he looked at the blood soaked surface, "Why can't you be a vampyric daemon?" The blade flashed an angry red of disapproval. "I was only playing.", patting the hilt fondly he re-sheathed his sword. "Darla" "Yes?" need picking up, some little sod has stolen my ship." Laughing she turned off her communicator, Zarak mubled to himself, "I didn't see what was so funny..." landed at the port, Zarak was walking through the rain, his coat severed at the arm and his old arm replaced with a new one. "You have a nasty habbit of losing that arm Zarak, it always seem's to get chopped off doesn't it?" see your in a cheery mood." well Freddie has done nothing but complain about his lost arm." Zarak meerley shrugged, "Shoot him next time." thought you wanted him alive?" really, he only costs me money and he wasn't very useful before he lost his arm." evil smile crossed Darla's face. ship docked back with the Oval Eye. "Where to sir?" in orbit, I'm awaiting a transmission from someone." Gritted his teeth when he heard the news of the cardinals death "BLASTED HERECTICS!" he screamed as he threw his desk at the wall sending paper work every where "BLASTED HIGHLORDS!, HE WAS TO OLD FOR SERVICE!" he screamed again throwing the heavy Filing cabnet out the window on to the busy street "Blasted herectics" he mumbled as he made his way towards the door "Sir?" the servant asked from behind his desk quiviering fearful of his master rage "WHAT!" Jodl shouted making the innocent servant jump in his seat "N-n-n-nothing s-sir" be off planet for the next few months" Jodl grumbled still in rage Valmier disembarked from terra at 08:00 and headed for Ezaar VII will pay herectic, you will pay" Jodl growled as he gripped his chair ++INCOMING MESSAGE++ ++Downloading++ ++Decrypting++ +Author: Zarak+ +Location: Unregistered ship+ +Recipitent: General Croetar+ +Location: Ultima Kantaris+ is Zarak, I need you to gather the forces, eighty thousand men need to be armed and with ships. Don't ask any questions I will be there as soon as possible. OF MESSAGE++ tear rolled down Jodls face as he watched the tall men dressed in black suits carry out the coffin of Behr, it was highly decorated and was covered with the imperial flag, many people cried. the coffin came near the ship the Men stopped and the music started, a sad mellow toon started and a man took his place on the podium as the men lowered the coffin onto it's stand infront of the ship. here the preacher would read many imperial scriptures then lead the group in a prayer and load the casket onto the ship to be escorted to terra for burial, a heavily defended escort at that. "Come" Jodl Croaked as he walked away followed by Valsky and 4 Servo's i am sorry, i know how much of a father the cardinal was to you" "thank you Valsky but there is still the case of your brother" am afraid he is dead to" valsky mumbled sadly will not accept that untill i see his corpse at my feet, Freko is a good man and he is as resourcful as the Cardinal was" know sir, but. . . " will hear no more, we will find your brother freko, and tear this planet apart, after we will kill the cardinals attacker, but first a few drinks" "agreed" Valsky chuckled sadly at the valmier +++ Halie is making planet fall, there was nothing i could do, she grabbed her Rifle and pistol, knocked out me and 5 other gaurds and is on her way down as we speak" the First liut. reported shakily Jodl replied through his Vox, "well i could use her help, she is fast agile and has a hell of a shot" sir, she will be at the port in just under an hour" over heard 2 men talking about the creeping shadow cult while in the bar, he listened in for about a good half hour or so before confronting them. my friends, tell me more about this 'Creeping shadow'" Jodl grinned putting his arms around the 2 men holding them in place uhhh, i'm not to sure, just rumors i have heard" one man babbled heard it was over taken by a powerful man. . ." the man stumbled "WHO!" Jodl commanded the man "N-n-novus" i believe "novus!" Jodl Snarled, he had read about this man, Jodl also had reason to believe the bounty hunter who killed behr was working for this man. "what's left of the cult now?" Jodl inquired "i-i-i am not sure" the man answered truthfully, with that Jodl cleared the 2 mens minds and left them drinking their ale valsky" Jodl grinned as he past the counter stood on his ship reading the newly arrived message from Zarak. Lieutenant Qak (pronounced Q-ak) watched Monsu's disfigured face twist angrily into a smile. "Contact the iron warriors detachment and tell them to kill Zarak and take back our ships. NOW!" |
