fleur	The guardsmen once more find them in their impregnable redoubt, assailed from all sides by dire news of imminent invasion. They stand amidst the darkened, trash-filled corridors, trading hesitant words of low confidence, lho sticks and crude sexual humour.
	fleur	In the above-ground entrance tunnel, the engineseer works at his task, his las-cutter throwing a shower of bright, molten sparks against the near-black dimness of the middle-hive.
	fleur	In the basements, a now-open door reveals a veritable treasure trove, outlined fuzzily against the formless black.
	Kelik	The newly appointed Sergeant still stands guard outside the now opened armoury, his lasgun at the ready, though he is visibly irritated that once again he finds himself underground while the rest of the force fights above.
	Lt_Ray	is on his way towards the armory once more, having just observed the horde of mutants above, and what impressive force they brought with them. He greets the sergeant on his way in as he glances over the equipment the armory holds.
	Fumbles	stands at his post, fingers tapping a rapid beat on the barrel of his lasgun as he waits for the inevitable assault.
	Kelik	salutes Ray as he passes by. "Quite a stash we've got, sir."
	fleur	Strewn across a set of racks, tables, lockers and stands, you spot varieties of armaments and personal protection outnumbering the stars in the sky. If you could see the sky, at least. You can't count those, at the moment.
	Lt_Ray	++Bater, HQ never sent us any word on the heavy weapons team, have they?++
	fleur	++No word, sir. Someone's running interference.++
	fleur	++I don't know how, but they're jamming Company frequencies.++
	Lt_Ray	hangs up his lasgun and all the chargepacks that came with it somewhere in the armory, replacing it with one of the bolters and a similar number of magazines.
	Lt_Ray	++Anything more you can tell us?++
	fleur	++No, sir.++
	Kelik	hears the exchanging of weapons behind him, "Are you cleared for the use of that class of weapon sir? I hear they kick like an angry grox if you don't know what to expect."
	Lt_Ray	calls back to him "No, but if i expect my arms to fly off, I'll be fine, i hope."
	Kelik	"Understood, sir."
	Kelik	looks longingly at one of the Grenade Launchers.
	Lt_Ray	"You want one? take one and a handful of the launcher grenades, I hope you know how which end points to the guy you want gone. That's all the qualification you'll need.
	Fumbles	"Sir, I can hear something down in the sub-basement. Sounds like a Thrasian pub brawl"
	Kelik	"Well, back in the archives, me and the other young scriveners use to make cannons from pneumatic message tube machines."
	Kelik	"Well, when the Master Archivist wasn't looking." He grins and grabs one of the launchers, "Probably work the same. Arc fire, right?" He starts grabbing some ammo too.
	Lt_Ray	++Engineseer, do you have any estimate of time?++ he said, chuckling at Kelik's words
	Kelik	turns to look at the medicae, "Downstairs? I can't even hear it with all the racket above." He looks at Ray, "Orders?"
	Lt_Ray	"Do we have anyone down there? "
	fleur	As you recall there's a squad there that's supposed to be holding down the tunnel.
	Lt_Ray	"Kelik, grab the 'medic' and a few others, and take a look. expect a fight"
	Lt_Ray	++anyone down there, at the tunnel underground?++
	fleur	++I will perhaps be able to work faster without constant interruptions.++
	Kelik	"Yes, sir. Medicae, with me." He takes point after loading the launcher and looks for some men to grab.
	fleur	There is no response from the tunnel.
	Fumbles	follows Kelik's lead "Got your back sir."
	Lt_Ray	"Have a grenade in your spare hand, there's no response"
	fleur	Four men are present around the armoury.
	fleur	They are ready to serve.
	Kelik	"I need three of you with me. One of you stay behind to guard the armoury."
	Lt_Ray	takes this time to change out of his guardsman flak armor and replace it with one of the arbite carapace suits
	fleur	Ray begins donning the light carapace...
	Kelik	leads the three men downstairs, he is careful and alert, but he takes point, leading from the front.
	Kelik	"Medicae, center formation, one man behind me, two behind the medicae."
	Kelik	"Guardsman behind me, prep a grenade. The boys downstairs went quite a few minutes ago."
	Kelik	[ *quiet ]
	Fumbles	moves into formation, keeping as silent as possible.
	Kelik	makes less sound than a vapour rat crawling through its natural habitat.
	fleur	Kelik creeps into the sub-basement, where a thick, acidic fog has set in. A group of mutants set themselves upon the four surviving guardsmen. The sergeant is sprawled on the ground, his gas mask raised, a lho stick hanging limply from the corner of his mouth.
[2011-07-26 19:10:37] =-= fleur has changed the topic to ``Init: Kelik, Guardsmen, Fumbles, Mutants''
[2011-07-26 19:10:58] <fleur> Kelik, your go.
[2011-07-26 19:11:19] <Kelik> [Describe the scene to me. I don't want to open fire with a grenade launcher if it means killing the men too.]
[2011-07-26 19:11:34] * Lt_Ray meanwhile spends his time figuring out a way to also affix his symbols of rank upon one of the shoulders of the carapace, while pondering more of what to do with this equipment
[2011-07-26 19:12:29] <fleur> A group of mutants and guardsmen are engaged in close combat near the mouth of the tunnel. The guardsmen are outnumbered 2 to 1, fighting with knives and mounted bayonets. The mutants are equipped with clubs, swords, shotguns and autoguns.
[2011-07-26 19:12:48] <fleur> Their faces are wrapped only in rags, though they seem unharmed by the poison gas.
[2011-07-26 19:13:14] <Kelik> [Are the ones armed with ranged weapons further away from the ones engaged in CLose Combat?]
[2011-07-26 19:13:32] <fleur> ++Lieutenant, I am being fired upon. Assign some more men to the entrance tunnel.++ Comes the engineseer's monotone.
[2011-07-26 19:13:49] <fleur> They're all engaged in a sprawling melee.
[2011-07-26 19:14:19] * Kelik waves at the squad behind him. He murmurs, "Affix bayonets. Move up behind the Mutants and engage quietly."
[2011-07-26 19:15:12] * Kelik moves forwards to do just that, switching his grenade launcher for the lasgun.
[2011-07-26 19:15:25] <fleur> There is no way to move behind them.
[2011-07-26 19:15:28] <Lt_Ray> ++ Sergeant (redshirt), Get some more men to protect the enginseer in his work, and set more men to entrance tunnel, I'm on my way out++
[2011-07-26 19:15:33] <Kelik> [Well, shoot.]
[2011-07-26 19:15:36] * Fumbles attaches his bayonet and readies himself for the charge.
[2011-07-26 19:15:41] <Kelik> [Ignore what I said then.]
[2011-07-26 19:15:47] <fleur> The only option in this case is an assault from the front.
[2011-07-26 19:16:04] <Kelik> "Guadsman, advance! Support our men and reinforce their ranks!"
[2011-07-26 19:18:21] * Kelik leads the charge into the ranks of the outnumbered guardsmen.
[2011-07-26 19:18:42] <fleur> Kelik advances into the melee, his guardsmen behind him.
[2011-07-26 19:19:18] <fleur> The charge is largely ineffective - only one guardsman manages to sink his bayonet into mutant flesh.
[2011-07-26 19:19:30] <fleur> And said mutant is largely unharmed by the effort.
[2011-07-26 19:20:08] * Fumbles follows the Sergeant thrusting high and low by just out maneuvered by his opponent.
[2011-07-26 19:20:55] <fleur> ++Fourth infantry, your support is here. What's the situation?++
[2011-07-26 19:22:03] <fleur> The mutants begin their counterattack, holding their own against most of the guardsmen, and killing one.
[2011-07-26 19:23:40] <Lt_Ray> ++We have a massive assault with over a hundred mutants surrounding us at the Arbite outpost, they also have armored vehicles++
[2011-07-26 19:23:58] <Lt_Ray> ++We seem to now also be taking assaults from underground aswell, through a tunnel system++
[2011-07-26 19:24:50] <Lt_Ray> ++We have an engineser working to allow us access into the motorpool, the arbite armory is unlocked, though most of us ahve not taken from it yet"
[2011-07-26 19:25:06] <fleur> Kelik seems to be on the cusp of severe internal hemorrhage - but he toughens up and ignores it, attending to his duty.
[2011-07-26 19:27:45] <fleur> ++What sort of armour do they have? Tanks, APCs?++
[2011-07-26 19:29:27] <Lt_Ray> ++Some sort of tank, the details aren't clear,++
[2011-07-26 19:29:50] <Lt_Ray> ++I can only assume it's stolen++
[2011-07-26 19:31:04] * Kelik swings, but misses, he prefers a defensive fighting style.
[2011-07-26 19:31:17] <fleur> Kelik flails at one of the mutant infiltrators, attacking with hesitation as he seeks to avoid more damage.
[2011-07-26 19:33:17] <fleur> The guardsmen continue their desperate hold-out, attacking the mutants with their mounted blades. Three are killed, foul pus-ridden blood gushing from their newly created orifices.
[2011-07-26 19:33:30] <fleur> ++Confirm the repressor is captured.++
[2011-07-26 19:34:46] <Lt_Ray> ++Sir, can you repeat? I do not know of a 'repressor'. If you are referring to the fortress, it is captured and under siege.++
[2011-07-26 19:37:46] <fleur> ++Don't worry son, I got this under control.++
[2011-07-26 19:38:57] * Fumbles continues to hold his ground, unable to gain an advantage over the mutants.
[2011-07-26 19:39:24] <fleur> The mutants strike back.
[2011-07-26 19:39:57] <fleur> In their furious assault, another of the guardsmen is cut down.
[2011-07-26 19:40:02] <fleur> Thankfully, it's no-one you know.
[2011-07-26 19:41:14] * Lt_Ray facepalms for a moment, before reaffixing the gasmask onto his helmet. He's just realised he made himself look stupid over the vox.
[2011-07-26 19:41:52] <fleur> Ray finishes donning his new armour.
[2011-07-26 19:42:52] * Kelik stabs one of the Mutants in the gut with his bayonet, hissing, "Choke on it."
[2011-07-26 19:44:15] <fleur> The wounded mutant falls limp, sliding from Kelik's knife with a dull thump. The battle is still not won, however...
[2011-07-26 19:45:18] <fleur> Until the rest of the guardsman follow their sergeant's example, cold-bloodedly executing the remaining mutant infiltrators.
[2011-07-26 19:45:51] * Fumbles exhales heavily after the sudden desperate fight, "Who is hurt?"
[2011-07-26 19:46:05] <fleur> ++I would warn you that there are mutant belligerents almost in the process of disrupting my work.++
[2011-07-26 19:48:08] * Kelik looks dazed, staggering around to look for anyone wounded, "We have a few here, medicae. If anyone here is unharmed, carry the wounded back upstairs."
[2011-07-26 19:48:32] * Kelik looks for a man who is not standing, but is still alive.
[2011-07-26 19:48:53] * Fumbles motions towards the mutants, "More for the pyre eh Sir?"
[2011-07-26 19:49:18] <Lt_Ray> ++Isn't the sergeant I called there with men?++ Ray asks annoyed to the enginseer, before taking it upon himself to head to there himself
[2011-07-26 19:49:51] <Kelik> "I'm half tempted to just cave in this tunnel for all the trouble it's caused us. Let their bodies be the mortar for the new foundation."
[2011-07-26 19:49:58] <fleur> Ray arrives in time to find a group of mutants just outside the gate being cut down by rapid las-fire.
[2011-07-26 19:50:19] <fleur> The guardsmen entrenched within look surprised but relieved.
[2011-07-26 19:50:36] <fleur> A tank sails past his position, into the streets to the left.
[2011-07-26 19:51:00] * Kelik picks up a wounded man and starts moving back up the staircase, "Grab a wounded man, bring him to the room outside the armory. We should requisition another medicae to help you out."
[2011-07-26 19:51:45] <Kelik> ++Lieutenant, Sergeant Kelik reporting in. We held the line downstairs.++
[2011-07-26 19:52:20] * Fumbles grabs a downed man, hauling him upstairs. "Sounds good Sarge."
[2011-07-26 19:53:42] <fleur> Ray sees another wave of mutants approaching the entrance tunnel...
[2011-07-26 19:54:02] <Kelik> "I'll make certain to - " A bad cough interrupts his speech, but he continues again, " - Ask the Lieutenant about it when this is over."
[2011-07-26 19:54:07] =-= fleur has changed the topic to ``Init: Kelik, Guardsmen, Fumbles, Mutants, Ray''
[2011-07-26 19:54:32] <fleur> The guardsmen take their shots, attempting to repel the invaders...
[2011-07-26 19:55:08] <fleur> The mutants open fire on the defenders.
[2011-07-26 19:56:46] <fleur> SP fire rakes the defenders, including ray, but his new armour defends hm from lasting harm.
[2011-07-26 19:58:34] <fleur> ++4th Infantry, you're about to get a gate breech. I'll see what I can do.++
[2011-07-26 19:59:10] <Kelik> "Medicae, take the unwounded and go upstairs. Help the Lieutenant."
[2011-07-26 19:59:35] <Kelik> "I need one man to stay behind to guard the armoury."
[2011-07-26 20:00:44] <fleur> The mutants withdraw under another withering barrage of lasfire, leaving Ray alone in the gate.
[2011-07-26 20:00:45] * Lt_Ray takes the hint from his armor to get behind some cover, which he does as quickly as possible
[2011-07-26 20:00:49] * Fumbles lowers the man he was carrying and motions for the spare men to follow him, "Yes Sir, come on boys lets go."
[2011-07-26 20:01:18] -->| Tauron (ALT-F4@blood.for.the.blood.god.skulls.for.the.throne.of.Khorne.org) has joined #thrasianguard
[2011-07-26 20:01:21] <fleur> Kelik had already left someone to guard the armoury.
[2011-07-26 20:02:01] =-= fleur has changed the topic to ``Init: Tauron, Kelik, Guardsmen, Fumbles, Mutants, Ray''
[2011-07-26 20:02:26] =-= fleur has changed the topic to ``Init: Tauron, Mutant Tank, Kelik, Guardsmen, Fumbles, Mutants, Ray''
[2011-07-26 20:02:37] * Kelik turns and only just then notices the man who had remained. He approaches the man, "Guardsman, can you remember two names? In the event something happens to me, you need to deliver the names to Ray."
[2011-07-26 20:02:43] <Kelik> "The Leftenant."
[2011-07-26 20:04:03] <fleur> "Uh, yes sir."
[2011-07-26 20:05:10] * Lt_Ray is glad the cover was so close, and levels his boltgun to the mutants while holding it at arms length, expecting a powerful kick as he shoot it at full auto
[2011-07-26 20:06:19] <fleur> Ray is un-used to the massive recoil of the boltgun, and sprays mass-reactive rounds all around the now-retreating mutants.
[2011-07-26 20:06:38] <fleur> Tauron - you see the repressor bearing down on you.
[2011-07-26 20:07:36] * Kelik leaves the armoury. He emerges on the surface and looks at the battle around him.
[2011-07-26 20:08:03] * Tauron grimaces. ++Fourth infantry, do you have any anti-armour?++
[2011-07-26 20:08:29] <fleur> From the entrance tunnel, it all seems deceptively calm. You would not be able to tell you were under attack if not for the lasfire from above and the SP fire coming from the mutant horde.
[2011-07-26 20:09:44] * Tauron doesn't wait long for an answer, instead piloting the sentinel out on a run while keeping suppressive fire on the horde.
[2011-07-26 20:10:22] <fleur> Tauron bursts from cover, moving towards the tank...
[2011-07-26 20:10:23] <Kelik> ++Leftenant, did the Engineseer need support?++
[2011-07-26 20:10:43] <fleur> The tank, in response, levels its bolter at the sentinel and opens fire.
[2011-07-26 20:11:46] <Lt_Ray> ++Go check on him if you wish, but his request should have been seen to++
[2011-07-26 20:12:04] <Kelik> +Understood, sir.++
[2011-07-26 20:12:28] * Kelik moves to the Engineseer's location. He does not disturb the tech priest, but instead watches the area surrounding his work zone.
[2011-07-26 20:12:57] <fleur> The rounds strike the sentinel's chassis. Only one comes close to penetrating its armour.
[2011-07-26 20:13:16] <fleur> Kelik finds the engineseer a short distance behind Ray, working diligently at cutting open the motorpool door.
[2011-07-26 20:13:50] <fleur> Lasfire from above holds the mutants back.
[2011-07-26 20:15:02] * Kelik salutes the Lieutenant, then turns his head as he scans the area. He listens for lasfire and moves to the frontlines.
[2011-07-26 20:15:21] * Kelik readies his grenade launcher as he approaches.
[2011-07-26 20:16:18] * Kelik climbs the ramparts to get a spot on the wall. There he will find a decent place to fire his launcher from.
[2011-07-26 20:16:37] <Tauron> ++Fourth infantry, respond.++
[2011-07-26 20:16:39] <fleur> Kelik and Fumbles move to the parapets - they see the mutant horde occupying the bridge, the tank directly below them, and the sentinel and infantrymen coming in from the left.
[2011-07-26 20:17:21] <fleur> A few mutants move behind the tank. One fires his RPG into the parapets.
[2011-07-26 20:18:54] <fleur> Kelik and Fumbles dive out of the way as the frag warhead turns a number of slats to chunks of rock and dust.
[2011-07-26 20:20:19] <fleur> Ray spots a group of mutants sheltering themselves behind the Repressor. They're in plain view of those in the entrance tunnel.
[2011-07-26 20:22:08] <fleur> Ray's bolter expends a few rounds before jamming.
[2011-07-26 20:22:21] * Lt_Ray aims to fire yet more, but now aimed at the one with the rpg, but is dismayed when it jams
[2011-07-26 20:24:46] <fleur> Tauron maneuvers his sentinel between the horde and the tank.. He's got a good shot at its rear, now.
[2011-07-26 20:26:20] <fleur> As if in response, the tank opens its rear hatch, depositing a hulking creature of misshapen muscle and horny hide, bearing a club made from a stop sign ripped from the ground, together with the chunk of rockcrete that once held it in place.
[2011-07-26 20:26:39] <Tauron> "Wonderful, open up for me."
[2011-07-26 20:26:59] <Tauron> "You'll never forget what I'm about to fill you with."
[2011-07-26 20:27:25] =-= fleur has changed the topic to ``Init: Tauron, Mutant Tank, Kelik, Guardsmen, Fumbles, Big Mutant, Mutants, Ray''
[2011-07-26 20:29:44] <fleur> Kelik fires onto the mutant with the RPG. It goes wide.
[2011-07-26 20:30:04] <Kelik> The launcher makes a satisfying 'THUMP' at least.
[2011-07-26 20:30:06] <fleur> The guardsmen assist him in this task - only one hits.
[2011-07-26 20:34:15] <fleur> Meanwhile, the frag round lands right on top of the repressor's vulnerable top armour, damaging it somewhat!
[2011-07-26 20:34:56] <Kelik> "Medicae. You may wish to duck. I think that might anger the tank."
[2011-07-26 20:35:48] <fleur> Fumbles misses the big mutant's fat head.
[2011-07-26 20:35:59] <fleur> In response, it charges the sentinel.
[2011-07-26 20:36:35] <fleur> It swings its crude rockcrete club at the walker's knee - thankfully, it glances off.
[2011-07-26 20:36:52] <fleur> The mutants take aim at the sentinel.
[2011-07-26 20:37:23] <fleur> Despite the large target, they are in far too much of a panick to inflict any hits.
[2011-07-26 20:38:06] * Tauron spits in the mutant's face, or tries to. "You want a piece of this!? Huh? Huh!?" He aims a sentinel stomp at the mutant.
[2011-07-26 20:39:34] <Kelik> ++Leftenant - let me and the Medicae handle the RPG, get your squad to focus fire on the mutant engaging our sentinel.++
[2011-07-26 20:41:30] <Lt_Ray> ++you heard the sergeant, focus fire onto the large mutant with the traffic sign,++ Ray orders as he unjams his bolter, before stapping a bolt off in its direction
[2011-07-26 20:42:10] <fleur> Ray is still not familliar enough with this weapon to use it in any effective manner.
[2011-07-26 20:42:16] <Lt_Ray> The bolt ofcourse, misses.
[2011-07-26 20:43:34] <fleur> Tauron attempts to kick off the big mutant, but he has difficulty manipulating the bulky pneumatic legs for any purpose other than conveyance.
[2011-07-26 20:43:58] <fleur> The tank spins around and advances a little bit, aiming its bolter into the entrance corridor.
[2011-07-26 20:49:28] <fleur> The round explodes harmlessly below the parapets.
[2011-07-26 20:49:51] <fleur> Lupus opens fire on the mutants outside.
[2011-07-26 20:50:03] * Lt_Ray was previously standing tall, bolter aimed at the mutant. soon after however as the 3 bolts pierced through his cover and his carapace armory, he was knocked against the ground. To many it might appear he's dead, since he isn't moving.
[2011-07-26 20:50:04] <fleur> He fires.
[2011-07-26 20:50:09] <fleur> And misses.
[2011-07-26 20:50:27] <fleur> Markios unleashes his own bit of heavy stubber fire from the tower.
[2011-07-26 20:50:30] <fleur> 1d100
[2011-07-26 20:50:43] <fleur> That too, hits nothing.
[2011-07-26 20:51:01] <fleur> The guardsmen in the parapets assist kelik in attempting to take down the RPG-bearing mutant behind the tank.
[2011-07-26 20:51:26] <fleur> For the largest part, their fire is ineffective.
[2011-07-26 20:53:36] * Fumbles sends a quick burst at the RPG wielding mutant.
[2011-07-26 20:53:43] <fleur> Fumbles takes him down!
[2011-07-26 20:53:52] <fleur> The big mutant attacks the sentinel, swining his club in a wide arc.
[2011-07-26 20:54:08] <fleur> Tauron quickly hops out of the way.
[2011-07-26 20:54:23] <fleur> One of the other mutants takes up the RPG and fires it at the parapets.
[2011-07-26 20:55:40] <fleur> The rocket strikes the reinforced wall below and to the right of the defenders on the parapets.
[2011-07-26 20:56:12] <fleur> Ray is stunned...
[2011-07-26 20:57:20] * Tauron aims another stomp at the mutant.
[2011-07-26 20:57:23] * Lt_Ray remains motionless
[2011-07-26 20:58:02] <fleur> Tauron kicks the mutant in the gut. The attack is completely ineffective.
[2011-07-26 20:58:10] <fleur> From what you can tell, at least.
[2011-07-26 20:58:28] <fleur> The mutant tank continues pouring fire into the entrance corridor.
[2011-07-26 20:58:44] <fleur> It doesn't manage to inflict any more casualties.
[2011-07-26 21:04:11] <Kelik> The Lieutenant finds himself, once again, in Steel's shadow. He remembers the first time he saw the man, and the first command he heard the previous Sergeant shout.
[2011-07-26 21:04:17] <Kelik> It is in this moment that he mirror's his predecessor.
[2011-07-26 21:04:19] <Kelik> He rips off his gas mask and bellows, "ALL SQUADS: SUPPORT FIRE ON OUR SENTINEL!"
[2011-07-26 21:05:16] <fleur> The guardsmen stop for the barest moment, looking at each other, confused.
[2011-07-26 21:05:35] <fleur> They then fire at the big mutant, assuming that was what the sergeant meant.
[2011-07-26 21:06:15] <fleur> One of the shots makes it through the mutant's hide. Barely.
[2011-07-26 21:06:34] <fleur> Mutants rush forward into the entry tunnel.
[2011-07-26 21:06:51] <fleur> They make their way around the engaged sentinel, closing the breach.
[2011-07-26 21:07:34] <fleur> Ray finds that there's mutants in the tunnels, now. He's on the ground, clutching a wound in his belly, where his new armour was torn to shreds by a bolter shell.
[2011-07-26 21:11:14] <fleur> The grenade falls in the midst of the mutant onslaught. There, it remains.
[2011-07-26 21:13:47] * Lt_Ray now expects his life to come to a quick end, now that they are aware he isn't actually dead
[2011-07-26 21:14:02] * Tauron delivers another swift kick into the mutant.
[2011-07-26 21:14:23] <fleur> The kick is, for once, effective, crushing the big mutant's head like a grape. It falls to the ground, lifeless.
[2011-07-26 21:14:30] =-= fleur has changed the topic to ``Init: Tauron, Mutant Tank, Kelik, Guardsmen, Fumbles, Mutants, Ray''
[2011-07-26 21:14:48] <fleur> The tank rotates its turret to attack Tauron, now that it cannot safely fire into the entrance tunnel.
[2011-07-26 21:16:05] <fleur> Though his walker's armour holds, Tauron takes 12 damage pen 4 from a stray round.
[2011-07-26 21:16:21] <fleur> Before he manages to duck out of the way.
[2011-07-26 21:28:15] * Kelik watches the chaos reign below, "Medicae. Come with me." He turns to the twenty men on the parapets and points to six of them each in turn, "YOU, YOU, YOU, YOU, YOU, AND YOU. WITH ME AND REINFORCE THE LIEUTENANT'S POSITION! GO GO GO GO. The rest of you, SUPPRESSIVE FIRE ON THE MUTANTS MOVING ONTO THE BRIDGE!" He turns and runs down to Ray's position.
[2011-07-26 21:29:15] <fleur> Kelik comes face to face with the mutants' forlorn hope, streaming into the tunnel with blades, autoguns and firebombs.
[2011-07-26 21:29:28] <fleur> The guardsmen counter-charge.
[2011-07-26 21:30:31] <fleur> It's not very effective, but they are now in hand-to-hand combat with the mutants.
[2011-07-26 21:31:22] <fleur> ++This is Major Konstantin. Imperial Navy Close Air Support is en-route. Get any men you have still outside into cover.++
[2011-07-26 21:31:52] <fleur> Fumbles bayonets a mutant in the gut, killing the creature.
[2011-07-26 21:32:36] <Kelik> ++Sergeant Ilidan Kelik on the line. Our Leftenant went dark a few moments ago. Are you gents coming in to bomb that tank?++
[2011-07-26 21:33:01] <fleur> Behind you, the engineseer has finished cutting through the door. He inserts his manipulator into the small space in the middle of the gate and begins forcing the two halves apart.
[2011-07-26 21:33:20] <Tauron> ++Roger that, Major.  You might tell the bombers to not hit the sentinel, I'd thank you kindly."
[2011-07-26 21:33:20] <fleur> ++The Navy is going to bomb everything outside the fortress. You are going to mop up the remnants.++
[2011-07-26 21:33:22] <Tauron> ++
[2011-07-26 21:33:43] <fleur> ++That's not an option. Get to cover. If you cannot, your sacrifice will be well-remembered.++
[2011-07-26 21:34:27] <Kelik> ++ What's your ETA, Air support?++
[2011-07-26 21:34:39] <Tauron> ++How much of a deadline do I have?++
[2011-07-26 21:35:01] <fleur> ++Uncertain. Get out of open ground as fast as you can.++
[2011-07-26 21:36:10] * Lt_Ray stands up, bolter in hand, and asseses the situation before continueing
[2011-07-26 21:37:58] <Kelik> "Good to see you up, Leftenant! Might I suggest diving for cover into the fortress? Immediately?"
[2011-07-26 21:38:18] * Kelik is standing back aways from the melee going on. He helps the Leftenant up.
[2011-07-26 21:39:59] * Tauron glances briefly into the sky, his expression betraying nothing, as he moves behind the repressor and opens fire on the rear armour.
[2011-07-26 21:40:13] * Lt_Ray backs up, and finds another piece of cover to hide behind, readying his boltgun at its top
[2011-07-26 21:42:19] <fleur> One of Tauron's shots hits the tank's rear armour. It's not enough, however, to damage it in any meaningful way.
[2011-07-26 21:42:37] <Kelik> ++...Why is that Sentinel still firing? Pilot, are you on the line?++
[2011-07-26 21:42:54] <Tauron> ++There is a repressor in my way.++
[2011-07-26 21:43:41] <Tauron> ++So nice of you to notice finally.  I did try to contact you several times.++
[2011-07-26 21:44:24] <Kelik> ++Well, the Leftenant got shot in the chest with a bolter shell. This is Sergeant Kelik. I'm going to have to kindly order you to make your way across the street away from the tank.++
[2011-07-26 21:44:38] <Kelik> +There's an underground parking lot for you to find cover from the air support that's coming.++
[2011-07-26 21:44:59] <Kelik> ++The tank won't be a problem after that. Understood?++
[2011-07-26 21:45:13] <Tauron> ++Think you can handle the repressor all by your lonesome, Sergeant?  Looks like it's driving into the tunnel too.++
[2011-07-26 21:45:39] <fleur> There are mutants in the way, however. It hasn't been keen on firing or tank shocking its own.
[2011-07-26 21:46:02] <Kelik> ++They don't know what's coming. We do. If you think you can squeeze off one more round at it, do so, but aim for the treads.++
[2011-07-26 21:46:24] <Kelik> ++Otherwise, get the feth out of here and observe radio silence until after the bombing run.++
[2011-07-26 21:47:30] <Tauron> "Ja ja, sergeant."
[2011-07-26 21:47:41] <fleur> The tank opens fire on Tauron once more.
[2011-07-26 21:48:17] * Lt_Ray hasn't spoken up yet, perhaps feigning an inibility to do so, as he observed the sergeant taking his role
[2011-07-26 21:48:47] <fleur> The bolter shells mar the sentienl's armour, but do no harm to its agile pilot.
[2011-07-26 21:52:55] <Kelik> The Sergeant looks down at Ray for a moment, mistaking him for being catatonic. He immediately moves in to support the apothecary, "Medicae, disengage and go help the Leftenant. I've got your position." He says as he charges in.
[2011-07-26 21:53:49] <fleur> Kelik rushes forward, but is unable to score a hit.
[2011-07-26 21:54:43] <fleur> One mutant falls in the melee - at the cost of two guardsmen.
[2011-07-26 21:55:19] <fleur> The engineseer finishes opening the door. He attaches one of his technical servitors to an access panel just beyond, and the entrance gate begins to close, at last.
[2011-07-26 21:55:43] * Fumbles disengages and pulls back as Kelik takes his place, falling back to the platoon's officer. "Gotchya Sarge."
[2011-07-26 21:56:45] * Lt_Ray holds his bolter to his eye longer still, waiting for a slightly better shot
[2011-07-26 21:58:02] <Tauron> Tauron's eyes flicker between the closing gate and the repressor, then disengages and heads for the parking garage.
[2011-07-26 21:59:13] <fleur> The tank rakes the parapets.
[2011-07-26 21:59:46] <fleur> Cries of pain ring from above.
[2011-07-26 22:00:41] <fleur> As the gate closes, bursts of fire rise from the streets beyond the tunnel.
[2011-07-26 22:01:55] <fleur> Flesh and dust rise in equal amounts from among the horde as rapid-firing autocannons leave their marks.
[2011-07-26 22:02:17] <fleur> The roar of engines sounds as aircraft complete their strafing runs.
[2011-07-26 22:02:36] <fleur> Kelik
[2011-07-26 22:03:41] <fleur> The tank explodes, rent asunder by heavy bombs. Those guardsmen on the ground are now unable to hear - their vision dimmed by sudden bursts of light. Outside is a mess of broken flesh and rent metal. There are, however, still mutants in and around the tunnel.
[2011-07-26 22:03:52] * Kelik steps back, feeling exhaustion slowly overtake him, "Hold the line, men! Hold the line! We'll see them off!"
[2011-07-26 22:04:40] <fleur> Two more mutants fall.
[2011-07-26 22:04:46] <fleur> The remaining few break off.
[2011-07-26 22:05:33] <fleur> The guardsmen destroy the routed abominations.
[2011-07-26 22:06:49] <Tauron> Safe inside the parking garage, Tauron takes a small piece of candy from his pocket, and holds it under his nose before taking a long smell.  Smiling, he carefully unwraps it and puts it in his mouth, savoring the flavor.
[2011-07-26 22:07:31] <Kelik> The Sergeant's tactful disengagement turns into a stagger and he collapses into a crater neighboring the one where Ray is sitting, "Good. We held. Throne of Terra."
[2011-07-26 22:07:39] <fleur> ++Still alive? Navy fliers tell us you're safe for the time being. Tend to your wounded, the rest of the reinforcements should arrive soon.++
[2011-07-26 22:08:07] <Kelik> ++Thank you for lighting the sky for us, command. We held.++
[2011-07-26 22:08:22] * Kelik sounds exhausted as he speaks, but he makes no complaint.
[2011-07-26 22:08:46] * Fumbles looks around at the mewling wounded and the dead, readying his medpack once more to attempt to save as many lives as possible.
[2011-07-26 22:08:51] * Lt_Ray drops his bolter to the side, and clasps Kelik's hand, hefting him up
[2011-07-26 22:09:21] <Lt_Ray> "Come on, Let's get you with the rest of the wounded.." Ray spoke for the first time
[2011-07-26 22:09:21] <Kelik> ++Sentinel Pilot, are you still there?++ The vox is interrupted by coughing as he is lifted by the Lieutenant, ++The front door is open for you.++
[2011-07-26 22:10:26] <Kelik> He staggers along, "With all due respect, sir. I'm not the one who's bleeding. We should be getting /you/ with the rest of the wounded." He grins sheepishly.
[2011-07-26 22:11:12] <Tauron> ++Stand by, sergeant.++  Tauron continues to savor the candy, letting it slowly melt in his mouth, waiting for it to be done before he answers.
[2011-07-26 22:11:15] <Lt_Ray> "I'm fine, I faked most of it, knocked the wind out of me!" Ray asnwered before laughing out loud
[2011-07-26 22:11:35] <Lt_Ray> "Sure, I look bad, but I can keep going,'
[2011-07-26 22:11:50] =-= Fumbles is now known as Sergeant_Steel
[2011-07-26 22:12:23] <Kelik> "Alright, sir. Oh, er. We have a Sentinel Pilot on the line. I managed to direct him somewhere safe before the bombs dropped."
[2011-07-26 22:12:55] <fleur> The Apothecary saves a single guardsman. The death toll after the short-lived siege is 12 guardsmen.
[2011-07-26 22:13:29] <Lt_Ray> "We'll go see him now then, unless you can't keep walking on your two feet,"
[2011-07-26 22:13:34] * Tauron sighs when he finishes the candy. "Mmm, bliss." He then activates his vox. ++All right, sergeant, what can I do for you now?++
[2011-07-26 22:13:57] <Lt_Ray> A new voice answers ++Whose this?"++
[2011-07-26 22:14:37] <Kelik> Kelik laughs and shrugs the Lieutenant off jocularly, "I'll be alright sir. Just...ugh. I think I may need to lie down." He goes down to the armoury to find an empty cot.
[2011-07-26 22:15:07] * Lt_Ray heads to the garage after seeing Kelik to the armory
[2011-07-26 22:15:22] <Tauron> ++Corporal Tauros, fourth mechanized.  Who's this?++
[2011-07-26 22:15:41] * Lt_Ray have the enginseer a small bow and word of thanks as he enters
[2011-07-26 22:16:27] <Kelik> Kelik dropped face down into the cot with a small groan.
[2011-07-26 22:16:35] <fleur> A column of guardsmen make their way to the gate. A bearded man in a peaked cap at their front. He looks around for someone in charge.
[2011-07-26 22:16:41] <Lt_Ray> ++Lieutenant Ray, I'm heading to the garage now++
[2011-07-26 22:16:57] <fleur> The garage contains but a meagre two repressors.
[2011-07-26 22:18:09] <Tauron> ++Hmm, I was close.  By your voice I had you figured for a Dan.  What are your orders, lieutenant?++
[2011-07-26 22:18:17] <fleur> He waits there, impatiently, and orders his men into the fortress.
[2011-07-26 22:18:45] <fleur> Eventually, he comes upon the lieutenant, in the garage.
[2011-07-26 22:18:49] <fleur> "Are you in charge here?"
[2011-07-26 22:19:03] <Lt_Ray> ++None, i see someone wishes to see me, we'll hold that off till then.++ he said as he was about to turn to meet him, seeing him behind him
[2011-07-26 22:19:21] * Lt_Ray instantly got into a more proper stance and looked for a sign of his rank
[2011-07-26 22:19:34] <fleur> He appears to be a lieutenant.
[2011-07-26 22:20:35] * Lt_Ray salutes him "Yes, I'm in charge here,"
[2011-07-26 22:20:43] <Lt_Ray> "Lieutenant Ray,"
[2011-07-26 22:21:05] <fleur> He salutes in return. "Lieutenant Himmur. I am to reinforce this position."
[2011-07-26 22:21:46] <Kelik> ++Corporal Tauros?++ Kelik asks as he turns over in his caught so his voice isn't muffled by the pathetic excuse for a pillow that is assigned to the bedding.
[2011-07-26 22:22:07] * Tauron rubs his nose, staring at the vox. "Who's there? Oh it's me. Oh hi! What you want me to do? Oh, nothing, someone else is talking to me." Tauron makes his hands talk to each other, making mock of the conversation he just had.
[2011-07-26 22:22:35] * Sergeant_Steel shuffles out of the fortress into the courtyard. Obviously he had hauled himself up and had been trying to get into the fight but the airstrike had dashed his chance to help hold the line.
[2011-07-26 22:22:38] <Lt_Ray> "Good, we certainly needed that. Do you have a heavy weapons team and medic as I requested?"
[2011-07-26 22:22:52] <Lt_Ray> [redact medic]
[2011-07-26 22:23:28] <fleur> "Additional reinforcements are en-route, as far as I've been told. I daresay this level of the hive has been pacified."
[2011-07-26 22:23:57] <Kelik> [ *Tauron ]
[2011-07-26 22:24:40] <Tauron> ++Live and ready for action.++
[2011-07-26 22:25:51] <Kelik> ++The way is clear, sir. Our front door is open to you. I would offer you a ration of Amasec but I have none to give.++ The laughter that punctuates the statement is hoarse.
[2011-07-26 22:26:18] <Kelik> It is immediately interrupted by a nasty cough that is obviously the result of gas poisoning.
[2011-07-26 22:26:59] <Tauron> ++I'll let you owe me then.++  He takes the walker back out, and into the other compound.
[2011-07-26 22:27:50] <Kelik> ++Consider it done, next time amasec rations are handed out. I never was much of a drinker.++
[2011-07-26 22:29:17] <Kelik> ++Oh, and Leftenant, if I may interrupt you for a moment. May I suggest we make a mental note to requisition a proper combat medic?++
[2011-07-26 22:29:45] <Lt_Ray> ++ Operator Bater's over next to the armory with the rest of the wounded, tell him that,++
[2011-07-26 22:29:52] <fleur> Over the next few days the fortress is reinforced - portable lavatories are installed in the courtyard, a hospitaller mission is installed in the infirmary, the tunnel is sealed and the surrounding buildings are fortified. Arms are brought by the crateload, and ever more guardsmen are shipped in. The fort's population increases tenfold, and there is soon a small city of tents in the...
[2011-07-26 22:29:52] <fleur> ...courtyard. Chimeras and Leman Russes are airdropped and stored in the motorpool, brought out here and now for patrols.
[2011-07-26 22:31:22] <fleur> The Sisters Hospitaller attend to the Guardsmen's wounds - healing them completely.
[2011-07-26 22:32:59] <fleur> It is, altogether, quiet. Only a few skirmishes erupt at odd times, but the fighters seem broken and unready.
[2011-07-26 22:33:50] <fleur> ++"Sir, Batar here. Company voxed ahead, said we have a special visitor en-route."++
[2011-07-26 22:34:45] * Kelik is making his rounds around the camps, seeing to the men in various ways, whether that be disciplinary reprehension or casual talk. He does not spend much time amongst the officer's mess.