[M] A Knife in the Dark

[Zachariah]

Storming the Market

A glint of armour, a rustle of leaves and the figure was gone. Like a ghost in passing the Adeptus Astartes scout moved through the woods. Two followed close behind. Trying to keep the blistering pace the leader kept. Unlike the Guardsmen they were bound to meet, the night posed no fear to the scouts. Their enhanced sense picked up everything. From the smallest insect to the silent flight of a bird overhead. Nothing escaped the engineered killers of the Emperor. The Imperial forces ahead could be smelt before they were even seen.

Like a shadow upon a shadow Zachariah melded into the Imperial base camp. The rest of the scouts followed close behind. A little over a hundred men hudled in the grass, awaiting orders from their commanders. None of them lit any ciggerettes or cookers as per orders. Most didn't even speak for fear of compromising the posistion. Zachariah made no sound as he moved through their groups. To him they were like infants curled upon the ground. Many looked upon him in awe in his passing. Some shyed away in fear.

The Dark Hunter scout payed no attention and instead continued to walk. His vision turned to the line of basilisks. Each one hidden under a mound of camoflague nettering. Zachariah admired the massive war machines in their glory. Each one delivering an Earthshaker round every thirty seconds and capable of levelling a block with one such shot. Although it was against Dark Hunter battle tactics to unleash such an overkill he liked the sureness the Guardsmen were alotted. They did not have to worry about using lesser forces applying themselves to defeat a larger one.

Turning away from the great machines he looked over the field of croching figures. One of them suddenly stood. With his enhanced vision the night did not take the shimmer of the officer ranks. As the rest of the Marines caught up the officer arrived at the group. It was intimdating standing up to just one member of the Astartes. But to stand up to five of the eight foot tall juggernauts was a feat few could muster. Zachariah moved aside to let the squad leader through. Kayadis moved forward and the Guardsmen commander's hands snapped up in the symbol of the Imperial Eagle splayed over his chest in respect.

[Kayadis]

Kayadis obviously larger than most of the guardsmen cowering like small mice really amused the behemoth. He had a very serious display upon his face, the scars were what made most people glance the other direction. He was appointed Squad Leader from his valiant actions against the tyrainids that were about to sprout and become a massive army. His piercing orange eyes looked to both of his comrades, this Zach looked just like how Mael was, superior of most men around him and independent. He didn't mind those type of people, but when it came to his squad, he saw problems ahead for this battle-brother.

He walked casually, he took pride in how he was massive compared to these imperials and exceeded them in strength. But those traits didn't matter upon a battlefield with forces that hid away from oneself. Kayadis crossed his arms, wondering where the officer was till he showed himself. His height dwarfed this very respectable man, but these statistics didn't really make a concern upon him. Pushing through his huge brothers, he walked up to the official and beat his chest with his right palm where the crest of the Dark Hunters was placed, it rested above the quote the librarian etched into his armor.

"I am Kayadis, Squad leader of this scout platoon. The two behind me are Zach and Mael. We were told to meet you here, fellow Imperium. We have the basic idea of what we are to do, the briefing upon our ship was quite clear. But we would like to know specifics from someone who has been down here, for you may have knowledge that is useful."

[Zachariah]

Even in the dark it was clear that the officer was uncomfortable with the whole situation. Obviously this was a man who had been involved numerous times in taking and leaving this village. The expression on his face said it all. The grim line his mouth had been set to and the dark look in his eye. Even Zachariah was able to tell when a man was dedicated to his job. This commander clearly wished to take back the town and keep it that way. But placing the fate in the hands of the Space Marines, capable as they were, was tough to stomach.

Zachariah glanced at Kayadis when he mentioned his name in a shorter form. 'Zach' wasn't something he liked to here. It made him feel childish. He would have to remind his battle-brother of that fact. Another note was the Space Marine beating his chest with one fist. A little primitive but no matter. Many Marines carried the barbaric tribal habits with them through training. Hitting their chest to state their importance and name. Zachariah shook his head slightly as he looked away from what the officer was saying and at the forest beyond. In the meantime the Officer began to speak,

"The alien threat has entrenched themselves in the town as they have before. They have filled the buildings with snipers and their regulars routinely patrol the streets. There is also a group of tanks that they keep on the south side of the town in the square. Fortunately the xeno tanks are kept inactive to save energy. We're guessing they are just the tip of a larger attack force to push further into our lines."

Zachariah measured the odds. Pity for the Tau it was going to be a bloody night. The only real problem was the tanks inside of the town. If they wre to become active it would cause a serious problem for the Marines. Scratching his chin, Zachariah glanced over at Kayadis to judge the lead scouts reaction.

[Kayadis]

The squad leader scratched at his chin, the only real problem he saw was the snipers, they would become a nuisance. His orange eyes flashed when he thought of a couple things they could do. Lifting a finger, he placed a finger onto his visor which projected a map of the entire town. The snipers were all spread into separate buildings, and the patrols were frequent and large. He stared to the snipers for a moment, then to the tanks and immediately he got an idea.

"The snipers are our only real problem, stealth is the only real way to go with this kind of mission."

Pointing out to the snipers, he also followed around to areas where the patrols circled around the marksman positions.

"The patrols aren't the problem, the only thing is they need to be cut down when the sniper isn't focusing their sights upon us. So avoiding these men is the way to go till all of these marksmen are removed."

He pressed his finger upon the visor again, this time it zoomed in closer to show small blue dots.

"They have some of our weapons captivated within these boxes, I'm thinking its sniper rifles. If we can get these, picking off the Tau patrols will be easy."

Zooming out once again, it was focused back onto the tanks.

"These need to be destroyed before we start firing the patrols below. One squad will approach these and place a detonator on every single armored vehicles' rear. Once this is done, we may begin the purging. Any questions?"

He turned to look at Zach and Mael, though Zach did seem like a trouble maker in the past, and an independant walking war machine...Kayadis was interested in him. So he wanted his opinion, and found it impacting.

"Battle-Brother Zachariah, what do you think of this sequence?"[/color]

[Zachariah]

"The snipers are our only real problem, stealth is the only real way to go with this kind of mission. The patrols aren't the problem, the only thing is they need to be cut down when the sniper isn't focusing their sights upon us."

Zachariah's jaw worked for a moment. Fully understanding the obvious, the Neophyte said nothing. Sometimes things needed to be said so that everyone was on the same train of thought. This didn't seem to phase any of the others in the party. Zachariah could see the conviction in their eyes and knew full well the risk of the mission ahead. Although it was a classic training exercise in the Chapter this was different. The xeno menace was gifted long range combatants. Able to hit a tick from a mile away.

"So avoiding these men is the way to go 'till all of these marksmen are removed. They have some of our weapons captivated within these boxes, I'm thinking its sniper rifles. If we can get these, picking off the Tau patrols will be easy. These need to be destroyed before we start firing the patrols below. One squad will approach these and place a detonator on every single armored vehicles' rear. Once this is done, we may begin the purging. Any questions?"

One squad? They were the squad! Zachariah wasn't exactly fond with the concept of everyone splitting up. If anything he was the one to go. None of them would be able to keep up anyway. It would be easier for a single soldier to get to the far side of the town and get the tanks. Shaking his head slightly Zachariah didn't believe in the 'sound' tactical knowledge they were listening to.

"Battle-Brother Zachariah, what do you think of this sequence?"

Seeking council with squad members was a rare feature in most young squad leaders. Zachariah tilted his head slightly, questioning the request t scrutinize the plan. There were flaws, yes. Particularly Kayadis' idea for retrieving the sniper rifles. Zachariah thought for a moment before offering input.

"The snipers aren't able to track the entire advance. Chances are they scope in shifts to keep their xeno allies fresh. To get passed the defences we best use the cover of the trees and slip in through the net of enemies. I will circle around the town and come in from the south, taking the tanks out myself. One man is better to take such a posistion. Squad Leader Kayadis, your time would best be served retrieving the sniper rifles with Mael. Necrid and Remus should occupy their blades with the backs of the alien Tau."

Zachariah's expression changed little during his speech. It was stricktly business to him, this mission. The Imperial Commander remained nearby, standing in awe as the Space Marines conversed.

[Kayadis]

Kayadis' visor would show the squad at the area they would enter from. The bulk of it hid behind trees while the snipers looked the other direction. Two dots, Necrid and Remus slid in the trees and pounced onto the group. Two others went to the sniper position and take it down and retrieve the snipers. While this happened, one marine slipped away from the team and headed toward the tanks alone. The squad leader wished to keep everyone in check with what was going on, some were visual learners.

Viewing the strategy once again, he nodded slowly in agreement. If only one went to the tanks, they would be able to sabotage their equipment and fire upon their enemies at an alarming rate. Crossing his arms, looking straight toward the market not too far away. Things might change when they were on enemy territory, but that was to be expected. Besides, the Space Marines could adapt to almost any bad situation.

Turning his head once again to look at Zach, he approached him; heavy steps leading the way. He placed his hand onto his right shoulder and spoke.

"Be careful, the alien are crafty; there may be traps."

Pulling his hand away, he turned and began to walk toward their destination, stopping to look back at his squad.

"Are we ready?"

There was a new found glint in the squad leader's eyes, he released his pistol from his holster and held it in his right palm. He never kept his gaze off his comrades, a good leader always waited for his team. Kayadis found that his squad's input in his plans was always a good thing, they corrected his faults, and him theirs. Shifting his glance to the commander, the marine nodded and stepped forward to battle. Orange orbs staring out into the darkness, he had a feeling it would become a very bloody night; this was a good thing.

[Zachariah]

Looking down at the hand placed on his shoulder, Zachariah felt a spark of irritation. He knew that the squad leader meant the best but it was a little strange for a Marine. Reflexively the soldier wanted to drive the blade into the unwanted contact. But it would be unwise to stab a fellow Marine. The very thought was sickening.

Kayadis had accepted the Neophyte's plan. Granted it was a good plan but to not question it was something to put the man's command into question. Zachariah didn't care either way and was happy to tackle his part of the mission. Anything to get his blade into the back of some xenos'. It was his first actual combat mission and he was eager to prove his worth in battle. There was no doubt in his skills but there was a feeling of concern in his gut.

Although the Dark Hunter were trained to handle situations where they were outnumbered. They weren't trained to attack dug in target. This particular mssion was a job for a Terminator team. To move in with such a small group was in a sense tactically possible. Escpecially since it was a group of Neohpyte Space Marines and not some Guardsmen yahoo. Had it been such the attack would have been scuicide.

Zachariah took one last look at the Space Marines around him. Wordlessly they achknowledge that this may be the last time they saw eachother. The Neophyte nodded his head slightly before dashing off into the trees.

Moving through the woods like a ghost the Space Marine leapt over fallen logs and dodged hanging vines. His movement was fluid, his scout armour making little sound. Out of the corner of his eye he could make the out the town. Silent, and dark against the inky sky. Zachariah never let the buildings leave his sight. The alien was confident enough to leave lights in the streets. Something that made the Neophyte's blood boil with disgust. Foolish xenos that they were the Tau were deadly and to light fires for cooking and the like was a sign of overconfidence.

As Kayadis was going on with his part of the mission, Zachariah made his way around the town in the cover of the forest. A thin smile curled at the lips of the Dark Hunter as his hand felt the pommel of his knife.

[Kayadis]

Kayadis sighed silently, shaking his head at the marine bursting out of sight…His anxiety for battle would be his ending one day. Looking back to his battle-brothers, he nodded once again and began to run at full speed. His brethren kept with his pace, these men could run for hours and not break a sweat…Kayadis knew it would come in handy one day. He released his pistol from its holster, cocking the back of it ahead of time to make sure the xenos wouldn’t pick up the sound. He kept to the shadows, hiding behind trees and making hand motions to go to certain areas in formations.

Finally they got to their part of the plan, and this is where the group would depart. The squad leader and Mael burst quickly through the shadows and past the lights when the snipers weren’t looking upon them. The other two separated and released their knives from their sheathes, their armor was light so it was easier to slick around and prepare for the climax of these Tau’s lives. Enclosing their handles in a strong metal grip, they sprinted behind the enemy to deliver their death blows. Remus wrapped his arm around the Xeno’s neck and attempted to thrust his dagger deep into the alien’s heart.

Necrid attempted to kick the back of the other guard’s left calf to make him kneel forward and stab at the back of the evil being’s neck to subdue him. Meanwhile, Kayadis and Mael ran up the steps behind the sniper and aimed his pistol to the annoying pest. His aim was true, the only way he would miss is if his weapon were to fail him at this very vital moment. All the while Mael aimed his pistol as well to fire upon the enemy with fine precision. Firing their guns they only used one bullet, Kayadis aimed for the back of the enemy’s head while Mael fired upon his spinal cord.

Nothing could save them from the Empire’s wrath.

(( Forgot to roll. Here it is, for Kayadis' shot: [dice=20]))[rand=567428201354453014251266472332547257897860433915057623385642627123]

[Admin]

((Don't worry, I'm still buffing the system and making it shine. There is still a lot of work to do before the site can really get on its feet. You can confirm hits done by NPCs. You don't have to say that they aimed, fired, and just sort of beat around the bush with whether the enemy died or not.))

There came a sudden sound. A whirring, humming reverb that echoed through the small village. The Fire Warriors began to scatter, their weapons becoming active and the marksmen took posistions. The discharge of multiple fire arms had awoken the sleeping hive of xenos. It appears that they were spurred into action by the invading enemies. It was only after the shots of the Space Marines faded into the dark that the tanks came into site. Their massive cannons sweeping from side-to-side and the chin-mounted rotary guns tracking any movement.

Unfortunately for the Space Marines, the firing of their weapons had alerted the Tau and now they were caught between the advance of the xenos, plus their tanks, and the Imperial Guardsmen waiting to bomb the town into dust. Tau soldiers took up firing posistions around the tower, aiming their rifles up at the captured sniper post and the other marksmen posistions took aim as well. If action wasn't taken soon, the Marines were doomed. A tank levelled its weapon at the tower, preparing to fire.

[/blockquote]

[Zachariah]

Zachariah tore through the woods. His chest pounding from the rush of adrenaline through his body. The job set before him required that he be at the southend of the village in time for the assault to begin. Unfortunately this was not to be as a great commotion started up at the other end of the village. Even from his posistion Zachariah could hear the discharge of the .75 weapons. Damned Kayadis for not using his dagger. The mission was lost now. The enemy was alerted to the attack and ready for war. From their fortified posistion the Tau could easlily defeat the Marines with little effort.

Rage filled Zachariah as he watched the town crawl with enemy forces. His face turned into a scowl as he silently watched his allies become surrounded. It was their fault, blast it. They had discharged their weapons, with a small army around them, in close quarters. Zachariah cursed the foolishness of his battle-brothers. This would certainly be the last time he worked with this 'Kayadis'. More importantly he would mention this failure to the Captain. This blatant disregard for Dark Hunters tactics would stain the banner with useless loss of several comrades in arms.

Stepping out from the trees, Zachariah slinked towards his quarry. Keeping low to the ground he moved through the tall grass in order to avoid snipers. Although most of them had their attention to the other Marines there was the odd man looking for other intruders. Zachariah was sure to keep to the shadow and in little time he made it to the edge of the village. The old architecture was made from stone and the roofs were made of tar and shingles.

Zachariah admired the cryptic slant to the buildings before inching towards the main street. With a cautious glance around the corner he spotted a number of Fire Warriors, standing guard and on full alert. There was no use in getting through here. Instead he would need to travel through the town and keep to the housing.

Moving away from the main street he found a way into a butchers shop that look out onto the main street. The shadows with in the shop stretched long and masked the Marines presence. He slipped through the dark and kept his form low. In one hand he clutched his combat knife and his other hand was closed into fist. At the other end of the butcher shop he found a door and nudged it open with his boot. Suddenly there appeared a Tau Fire Warrior, walking down the alleyway.

[dice=20]

Once the oblivious warrior passed the doorway Zachariah stepped out and with a flick of his wrist drove his back into the enemies back. The Fire Warrior spasmed once before being dragged into the butcher's shop. Zachariah's arm wrapped around the soldier's back as his massive hand enclosed around it's head. The Space Marine was massive by comparison to the tiny xeno and that amused him greatly. Removing the blade he drove it into his enemy again.

[dice=20+5]

The dirty Tau xeno tensed before falling limp and leaning against Zachariah. The Space Marine let the body dropped behind the counter before moving back out into the alleyway. Soundlessly, he moved one, the enemy one soldier weaker.

[rand=680476371387410746386238925385350659588296993085518285705237689964]