Warp Rift

The Battlefleet Gothic Netzine

Issue 24 Horizon
 From the Nexus Publishing House
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+++ Submissions +++ +++ Warp Rift Publication Team +++

All types of article are desperately needed, to keep this publication alive. In some cases, Roy (Horizon) Amkreutz Void Stalker II
submission includes inclusion on the web site at: [Link], or through www.
[Link]. Please include a note with your submission if you would like this Iain (Cybershadow) Watcher in the Dark
clariied. Submission via e-mail implies approval for publication. Ray Bell Admirality
Reg Steiner Tyranid War Veteran
Send your submissions to: Davide ‘Kratz’ Ferrari Warmaster
horizon@[Link] Jack Watling Magician

or

warprit@[Link] Credits:
Cover Picture Jack Watling

Send your battle reports to: Additional Graphics & Pictures: Phoenix-06, Egptoid-blogspot, Jack
Watling, Roy Amkreutz, Mechmaster, Lord Chronos
Davide@[Link]

Warp Rift • Issue TwentyFour • May / June 2009

 + Opening a Tomb + +++ Warp Rift Blog +++ Issue twentyfour – Content:
You can check out our blog at the following
Welcome, location: Encyclopedia Gothica
Necron essay 4
And inally I can announce the new location of [Link] WoT - for standard games 6
Specialist Games: view_blog.php?blogId=10 Heavy escorts 8
[Link]

And the forum: Showcase

+++ Warp Rift Forum +++
[Link]
Editorial

Battleleet Limante 9
Check out the Warp Rift forum at:
Hopefully we will see an access to the old data
very soon but that seems to be a real problem. [Link] High Admir ality
cgi?act=SF;f=89 Torpedoes 13
With Warp Rit I can bring you another host of
great articles. he High Admirality gives us a view
on torpedoes while Reg Steiner tries to clarify Tactical Command
some points on his simultanuous movement and +++ GothiComp 2009 +++
A: Simultanuous movement 14
combat system.
Warp Rit staf members Reg and Ray are GothiComp 2009 is up an running. You have untill july
responsible for the Encyclopedia section, talking 31 to enter your submissions to this online painting
competition. Officer’s Mess
about Necrons, WoT and escorts. A Tyranid War Chapter 10 pt.1 15
Here is the email adress for your submissions:
In the Void Stalker section we have the hidden
scenario from the Project Distant Darkness - comps@[Link] Void Stalker
revival - ruleset. I felt it a good time to publish Falling Down 32
as the irst supplement to the Project, called ‘he Looking forward to see all the glorious entries! For a
Art of Command’ is being geared towards a late full article on GothiComp check out Warp Rift 23.
summer release. The Forge
Horizon Ordnance markers pt.1 34
And a special thanks to Rodrigo Barbera
(GothiComp 2005 conversion winner) for making
the wonderful markers in the Forge available. The CLOSING PAGE
Next issue even more markers! Fire Everything 38
[Link]
at your service,
Horizon
Encyclopaedia Gothica
Necrons in BFG
By Reg Steiner

Answering the question: “What do you think with ‘layers’ of critical hit damage from swarms on Nova cannon numbers, and the ‘oicial’
about … “ is a walk in a mineield for everybody. of hit and run attacks, added a most unwelcome alternative to guessing ranges. Also, no restrictions
However, having been asked, I will try to eventually dimension to the games. Who wants to take part on ‘carriers’ in play. Arguments about ‘arms
make a point. First, some background, as I build in games where one player has no chance at all? races’ lost out to the idea that empires adapt or
around my ideas. We were all back to our Eldar, Ork, Imperial, and die. Meaning that whatever was necessary would
Chaos leets very soon. he Necron models we be sent to battle such a dangerous enemy as the
Starting with the Battle Fleet Gothic magazine built never let the box. Necron proved to be.
#2, everyone including myself wanted to try this
alien leet for size. Everyone wants a tough as nails When the Armada book came out, we quickly Ater several games between those two (I had to
force to game with, whatever game. he Necrons found where some weapons had been dropped from referee - my ‘luck’ with Nova cannons cursed me.),
looked nasty, as introduced. But our group was Necron ships, and a couple of other minor changes. the results were as predicted. A lot more Imperial
unable to get our hands on models. Local stores Speed, of escorts, was unchanged. At 50cm move irepower had to be brought in, for the Imperial
had no interest in an unknown product to attempt each phase, they had no fear of Imperial ordinance, player to gain a victory over the Necron. he ability
to sell, having been ‘stuck’ with unpopular new which plods along at a mere 30cm per phase. to pile on the critical hits with impunity, from hit
releases before this. We decided to build our own. Necron Escorts just ‘buzz around’ any assault boats and run attacks, remained a game spoiler.
I had written some iction, describing rather more that might eliminate them. So layers of critical hits
simplistic ship designs, that our gang wanted to use still pile on any Necron opponents. With all the In another essay, I told of this group’s piratical
as a ‘test medium’ for Necron leets. he ‘same as’ debate about “too powerful” Nova Cannon, and desire to board and take possession or enemy ships.
rule can cover a lot of options we had to consider. the resulting attempts to restrict Nova cannon he boarding actions versus hit and run rules, I
use, and other ordinance use as well, what means drew up, grew out of collective dissatisfaction with
he Necron leets were speedily built of balsa wood is there to counter Necron abilities? A Necron the very concept of hit and run attacks, as outlined
and Styrofoam, with an eye toward making cruiser escort that conducts hit and run attacks has a clear in BFG.
sized vessels near the size of Imperial cruisers, and ield. he Necron vessels in the Armada book still he last straw was the disengagement rules.
battleships nearly the same as Imperial battleships, ‘turned of’ players in our group. You could bring Everyone else faces destruction. he Necron
and so on. he ‘battle stations’ we created were Necrons to a game session, and everyone would merely sail away, unimpeded.
unlike anything in any source material from GW. admire the paint work, but nobody is going give a he inal judgment of out group was that the Necron
hey did help to amplify the resulting situation, Necron player a game. leet was not worth purchasing. Too powerful, as
however. written. We did not wish to waste hard to come
Very shortly, no one wished to contend against Too many negatives added up. Alternating turns by cash for a leet other players refuse to compete
Necron ships or leets. Even without the ampliied the disparity, with no way to respond to against.
too-powerful battle stations included. he the damage heaped onto one’s forces, because it
combination of weapons, defense, and speed could isn’t your turn yet. So there is the problem. Even I see no use in playing
not be overcome. Psychic attacks, cutting Necron I did talk two fellows into a game or two, using against a Necron leet. he chance of success is too
opponent’s chances of return attacks, coupled unmodiied rules. hat is, no Imperial restrictions slim for any enjoyment.

4
Encyclopaedia Gothica return ire, and still have a Necron ‘victory’. he
scenario conditions need be met, not just victory
points from an early hit, and disengagement to win
games. Of course not all scenarios can be won this
way, but an interesting number of Necron players
know which ones to play. Make the disengagement
rule costlier for the sake of the over-all game
community.

With these changes, the nuts and bolts of using the

Necron leet will be easier for everyone to digest
and use. And game against.
I have to re-state again that the Nova cannon and
carriers of ordinance need to have the artiicial
restrictions removed altogether. If a Necron leet
All this leads to the question: “How would I bring remaining. player wants to actually achieve some goal other
the Necron vessels into the game?” than shooting up the enemy leet, then the gauntlet
Assuming that the original rules are used, without hird, ‘Psychic’ attacks. With all the ‘psychic’ of some early hits must be run, and without
house rules governing Nova guns and ordinance, attacks and defenses all over the 40k gaming ‘disengaging’ with the irst damage sufered.
some re-design of the Necron leet is needed. I landscape, why is this one indefensible? he Eldar and Dark Eldar players already have the
hesitate to get into re-design, but to get the Necron command check part is insuicient. he reference means to give a good ight, and with the above
ships ‘out of the box’ and into games, things can’t to all ordinance being destroyed is interpreted changes, even a better chance of crushing some
be let as is. to be all the time, even if the sepulcher is in use Necron pyramids. With irepower repaired and
against another ship. I would drop the reference restored to the Imperial players, and so a greater
First, top speed for Necron escorts should be 40cm. to the sepulcher, altogether. Or design a defense chance in most scenarios, hesitation to take on
Personally, I feel this is too fast still, but making ships can bring to the battle. Every race has Necron leets should fade. Ork players may even
a race ‘distinct’, and not just re-hashed, reworded psychic attack ability. Some attempts to use Ork refrain from ram attacks only, and try other ways
Imperial weapon types and ship types, requires weird boys in BFG failed the test of playability, as to ‘lay the guns on’ Necron ships. Could happen.
stretching playability just a little. well. Easier to drop the whole ‘psychic attack’ idea
from BFG, says I. I stayed away from tinkering with the ‘weapons
Second, drop the ‘Hit-and-Run’ ability for an attacks’ parts of the Necron leets, because the
escort class ship. If ighting for possession of the Fourth, make ‘Disengaging’ more costly for Necron above changes should remove the most irritants
ship is beyond BFG gamer’s willingness, then give players. If it is a ‘last resort’ because of penalties, from Necron games, and dealing with a lot of
this escort a nasty torpedo style mass-driver attack. careful planning and escape at just the right deadly irepower is supposed to be part of the
Or drop this type altogether. moment will not win games for the Necron gamer. challenge.
he “portal” attack from the largest Necron ship A real battle with real losses from destruction must
should remain, but make a “Boarding Action”, be risked. A careful study of the victory points Or let the Necron fade back to sleep for another
not a whole series of ‘hit-and-run’ attacks (5 ?!?). and conditions will show how current players of million years.
his “Boarding Action” would still be restricted Necron leets can get in the irst turn of damage on Reg.
to attacks on enemy ships with less than 6 points the enemy, and ‘fade out’ before any opponent can

5
Encyclopaedia Gothica
WoT’s this gotta to do with...
By Ray Bell

Hello, it’s been a while since I’ve graced these pdf scenarios where the irst turn gives a designed Boarding (for use with the additional shooting
pages, mainly due to my quite healthy gaming advantage and so may not be suitable for use in phase)
activities taking up my ‘invention’ time. this circumstance. Also ships that have Locked-on
become really tempting targets to force a brace. he Declaring a Boarding Action
I would consider myself quite experienced in queerness of no penalty to shooting for a ship that Either player may declare boarding at the end of the
the world of table top gaming whilst owning a is boarded is solved. he Eldar Move Shoot Move movement phase with a target in base contact. To
staggering amount of diferent games. Over the rules actually become bearable with these rules but use boarding dice you must have declared boarding.
last couple years I’ve actually been playing said they are too fragile (or just plain hard to use). No ships that have declared boarding may ire in the
games in the hopes of inspiration for my ever shooting phase but they may launch ordnance. It is
distant Warrant of Trade (WoT) side project. WoT Extended Ordnance Phase possible not to use boarding dice while being boarded
is a more complicated version of BFG primarily by not declaring a retaliatory boarding action so
designed for small engagements of only a hand In addition to the normal rules you may launch that you may still shoot in the shooting phase. he
full of ships in an RPG style similar to Inquisitor your ordnance in your part of the enemies ordnance Boarding action takes place at the beginning of the
or Warhammer Quest. Sadly my tinkering hasn’t phase. Note: you may still only reload in the End Phase before any other actions.
presented itself as a fully leshed out rule set yet beginning of your turn.
as the rules became far too cluttered and took far Turrets
too long to play with. However many house rules his is just a simple extension of the additional Before you have rolled any ofensive boarding dice
can be stolen from the WoT formulae to be used shooting phase rule set. his works well when a defending player can use his turrets. Roll a D6
in standard BFG, including an additional shooting saving your torpedoes or attack crat for a close for each turret committed to the boarding action,
and ordnance phase and embarrassingly complex range shot, hopefully ater your opponent has each 4+ removes an enemy boarding dice (before
boarding rules. expended his ighters (or just hasn’t launched it’s rolled). Note: you can only use massed turrets if
any). Sneaking in a bomber wave then reloading the ship ofering this bonus is also in this boarding
Right introduction out of the way, onto the good and doing it again before the ship has even moved action and has at least one of his turrets dedicated
stuf! (Rules are in italics). might seem broken but it’s still very similar to how to the boarding action.
you can play your ordnance now, so in terms of
Additional Shooting Phase point value I wouldn’t fret over it. Boarding Dice
Although extremely unlikely it is possible to Both players may attack with boarding dice of up to
At the end of each shooting phase the other player ly through torpedoes you’ve just launched, for half their remaining hits rounding up. Simply roll
has an additional shooting phase. All weapon instance some cobras went on AAF ater launching these dice, each 4+ you have rolled causes damage
strengths are halved rounding up in your turn and in the last ordnance phase, in this circumstance which may be saved by defensive boarding dice. For
rounding down in your opponents. allow the torpedoes to miss you. each successful roll, even if saved, roll a D6 on a roll
of a 6 you have caused a Hit and Run attack.
his house rule basically takes the edge of the
person who took the irst turn. his does unbalance You may use your boarding dice defensively to save

6
Encyclopaedia Gothica against damage. Roll for each of your defensive
boarding dice, on a 4+ a hit is saved. he player who
per hit e.g. Chaos get 1 boarding dice for every 3
hits and Imperial get 1 for every 4 hits.
including defensive rolls. You may use more than
one assault boat on one dice. Note: If you didn’t need
initiated the boarding action declares how many to use assault boats in the boarding action they will
boarding dice he is using ofensively irst and in the Additional Boarding Rules still be removed from play ater the boarding action
case of a multiple boarding action which ships to is resolved.
attack. Shooting Torpedoes (Including boarding torpedoes) act as
Shooting at ships in a boarding action is only possible normal and may not be shot at by turrets unless the
Boarding modiiers ater a successful leadership test on 3D6. Treat the defending player wishes to forgo using them in the
Double boarding value only allows you to re-roll target as ordnance for purposes of gunnery weapons boarding action. he Boarding player may of course
your boarding dice. Also half boarding value means (far right column) and lances (hitting on a 6+). his shoot at the torpedoes if he wishes.
you must re-roll successful boarding dice. may seem almost pointless but the addition of a
Blast Marker changes the efectiveness of a boarding Teleporter attacks
Fleet speciic boarding modiiers are still applicable, action and may destroy ordnance. he iring player Teleporter attacks may be used as normal, or against
e.g. +1 modiier for being chaos will mean you attack may choose where on the base the blast marker is the vessel being boarded even if it has more hits and
or defend on a 3+. placed so it doesn’t have to be contact with both even if its’ shields are up! Just like assault boats you
As a reminder these are the Fleet speciic boarding ships. can use a teleporter attack to add 1 to any boarding
modiiers: dice roll ater they have been rolled. You can use a
Chaos: +1 Ordnance teleporter attack and an assault boat on the same
Chaos Space Marines: +2 Ordnance may attack any ship or ordnance marker dice.
Dark Eldar: +1 in a boarding action as normal, or may be used to
Orks: +1 assist in the boarding action as follows: I’ve separated these rules from the ‘basic’ boarding
Space Marines: +2 Fighters can be used to suppress turrets when rules as although not complicated they really
Tau must re-roll successful boarding dice because of boarding. Simply reduce the turret value by as many clutter the rules for casual players.
their half boarding value. ighter markers the boarding player has committed,
*Tyranids get a +2 Boarding modiier and re-rolls removing them ater the action. he defender can
because of their double boarding value. remove one enemy boarding dice for each of his
ighter markers in the boarding action. Roll a D6 as
All special orders except Brace for Impact cause a -1 usual to see if the defeated boarding attempt results
modiier. in a loss of a hit on a 6.
Brace for impact ofers no save in boarding but no Bombers may attack as normal and may not be shot
modiier, so it can be advantageous to switch to BFI at by turrets unless the defending player wishes to
if already on another special order. You may attempt forgo using them in the boarding action. Note: the
this at the beginning of a boarding action. bombers attack runs will still be afected by the
If a ship has blast markers in contact it sufers from turrets.
a -1 modiier. Assault Boats may be used as normal and just
If a ship is crippled it sufers from a -1 modiier. like bombers may not be shot at by turrets unless
the defending player wishes to forgo using them
hese rules are basically a translation from WoT in the boarding action. Assault boats may instead
except that in WoT there are no leet based modiiers be used in a more meaningful way by adding 1 to
you simply get a diferent number of boarding dice any boarding dice roll ater they have been rolled

7
Encyclopaedia Gothica
Rules For Heavy Escorts
By Reg Steiner

Introduction: then making every model in a game “Heavy” Rule Four: Players must discuss using Heavy
During gaming, our group found that those races automatically. Players still have options for normal Escort rules, before choosing ships for a scenario.
that could have large numbers of assault boats or heavy, or a mix, with diferent classes. We also All Escort types made Heavy, must be identiied
forced everyone else away from using escorts. Why know how easy confusion sets in during a “hot” to opponents before ship placement begins, at the
bother? Every assault boat launched could “take game. Even the owner of the forces could/would start of a game. hey have bigger energy signatures,
out” a much more expensive escort, during its get confused, if some Sword class are “Heavy” and ater all.
attack, except when a “1” was rolled. Any critical others on the table were not.
hit destroys an escort, remember. Adding another Rule Five: Heavy Escorts are treated in every
turret to an escort tilted game balance the other Rule Two: All types of frigates can be so modiied, other way, like every other escort. Moves, turns,
way, we felt, ater a couple of tries. but not destroyer types. hese remain one point squadrons, combat, and etc. are not changed.
Enter the Smotherman Formula. I calculated that of damage vessels. A bigger destroyer would just
the real reason a ship designer would want a bigger be a frigate, still with one hull point. We feel that Conclusion: Our gaming group liked this option,
vessel, would be because more guns were wanted. the destroyer type vessel is just to small to add two for Heavy Escorts, right from the start. Assault
So. I calculated that eight (8) points, added to WB’s, even with more structure added. Several boats full of suicide minded warriors were only
an escort‘s cost, would add one point of hull (Hit races have types that do not lend themselves to annoying again, and not so powerful that a “…city
Points now = 2), and two more weapons batteries. becoming Heavy Escorts. However, all races have sized warship…” could be destroyed so easily.
(Example: Sword Escort now = 6 WB’s). one or more types of escort that beneit greatly. Also, we have found that a screen of escorts is
A 40 point escort now costing 48 points, as useful again. Each heavy escort iring on a wave
an example, also makes for more careful force Rule hree: Heavy Escorts are not cruisers! Heavy of incoming ordinance, increases the chances of a
selections. Escorts reduced to zero hit points merely leave two whole wave, or waves, being destroyed. Our group
Our game group discovered that an escort could blast markers behind. Explosive Critical Hits only likes gunnery games, not ordinance dominated
now be attacked by assault boats, and only remove the Heavy Escort, again placing two blast games of waves of bombers and assault boats,
damaged, not destroyed automatically. Bombers markers, with the only efects being normal blast deciding every game outcome. We all still employ
were suddenly useful again. To use Heavy Escorts, marker efects. Other Critical Hits play the same, Carriers, but as just one more tool in the box of
we made these rules. except: Frigate type vessels normally have “all tactics, not as the only tactic. We have all played in
around” Weapons Batteries, even Heavy Escorts. other groups where house rules limited the number
Rule One: All escorts of a given type, must be So. Any critical hit that afects Weapons Batteries of Carriers. But we decided that self-limiting,
the same. Example: Sword class escorts are made - Front, Side, or Dorsal - afects all Heavy Escort because Carrier efectiveness was reduced, not
Heavy Escorts. All Sword class escorts on the WB’s. eliminated, is a better way to go.
table, or in the game, can only be of the heavy Players could, by common agreement, try using Try this idea of “Heavy Escorts” in some games.
type, and paid for as such. Firestorm class escorts cruiser explosive criticals, but we ind the games You will ind that escorts don’t have to be let in
were not made heavy, and so remain as given in the get bogged down too much, with no real beneit to the box, anymore. Have Fun !! May the molten
rulebook. anyone. fragments of your enemies ill the sky !!
Our group decided that this option was easier Reg

8
 Battlefleet Limante
Some vessels of the Imperial Navy in the Limante sector by Bryan McMahon
Showcase

9
 Showcase
10
 Showcase
11
 Showcase
12
 High Admirality : Torpedoes
In the forums some questions arose about torpedoes. Mainly about some things which are not adressed in the rulebook. Here is the view from Ray Bell and Bob
Hendrson.
High Admirality

Launching torpedoes can be quite a clumsy afair and

embarrassingly is not covered in enough detail in the
rule book. So in the absence of printed rules let me
give you a quick rule addendum.

When launching torpedoes the marker must end its

movement in which ever arc it was launched from
and its furthermost edge at the limit of its speed from
the ships stem.
For ease of play I would move the marker its full
distance to begin with to ensure its inal position and
then use an identical marker to conirm its targets. It
is possible to attack targets out of arc due to ordnance
attacking when it hits a base rather than a stem and
the fact that some of the marker may be overlaping I would also like to advise the use of str4 wide markers
for some of its move which canny players will exploit. with dice marking the strength. his makes the use On the smaller torpedo marker idea: a while ago
here is also a weird moment where the torpedo of torpedoes far less hassle. I tried using the two small infantry bases from
marker could touch an enemy in base contact but - Ray Bell warhammer, these work pretty well (having a square
in the opposite arc, in the spirit of the game you base also helps when turning). But I guess if it were
shouldn’t allow this attack. I agree with Ray on most of his torpedo ideas save up to Bob only the smaller 2cm base would be a
the use of a strength 4 marker. I distinctly remember worthwhile prospect...? I would deinitely encourage
Here are some more torpedo related clariications: Andy Chambers saying that if he had it all to do over, others to use the infantry bases as torp markers even
he’d use a strength 2 marker and simply indicate the if just the 2cm one.
• When reducing a torpedo marker the centre must strength with dice. Given the relative scale and the - Ray Bell
always be in the same point. distortion the markers create, I think strength 2 (or 3
• When turning torpedoes turn from the centre of at the most) is the way to go.
the marker. If you notice a bugging rule issue which cannot
• You cannot split torpedoes. I would also stress the measurement is from stem be clariied or players simply not agree upon the
• When launching a combined salvo from a squadron outwards, not base edge. hat old chestnut keeps explanation of a rule you can mail Warp Rit at
the salvo must be in ALL of the ships appropriate popping up and it makes large base ships essentially Horizon@[Link] and we will try to catch you
iring arcs and its furthermost edge at the limit of have longer range torps. an almost oicial answer.
its speed from the furthest ships stem. - Bob Henderson
13
 Some answers on Simultaneous Movement
TACTICAL COMMAND
By Reg Steiner

In Warp Rit 19 we presented you some alternative goal is to split the move in two, and importantly, damage ater each combat step is completed.
rules to play Battleleet Gothic: Simultaneous also give the attacked vessels a chance at defending
Movement and Combat. themselves with main gun systems. With that goal he placement of the ire order is to allow capitol
in mind, the Simultaneous Move/Combat Rules ships to ire on incoming torpedoes and other
In the community various players adapted these were meant to incorporate all forms of weapons attackers, as well as still allow the newly launched
changes to the rules and appreciating them very systems as near to the original rules as possible. ordinance a chance at interception. In alternating
much. he rules are intended to take away the efect turns, this is what occurs when new ordinance is
of who goes irst and/or who shoots irst. Making he problem in the current version of the launched, and then previously launched ordinance
movement happening at the same time and combat Simultaneous Rules (in Warp Rit 19) is the was allowed to move ater.
resolved at the same time, creating a more luif, placement of the second move of ordinance on the
intiutive and realistic game low. order of play. An extremely abbreviated turn step My initial attempts at organizing the steps in
outline should clear this up. the Warp Rit article caused the confusion. For
Ofcourse, sincre these rules where new some which I apologize. Our actual play was far enough
questions sprang forth. Reg Steiner hopes to deal Each Player: removed from my writing the article, that I mixed
with them in the following article. In the near future up the sequence. his should take care of what is
we hope to present an article on how the Eldar work A. Place orders, roll for special orders. intended, and actual play.
within these rules. B. Move ships as per orders
C. Combat hanks to everyone for writing, and trying the
Simultaneous Rules.
1. Fire at any ordinance in range (Launched in
previous turns) with any main weapons chosen Reg.
to do so. Apply damage now.
2. Fire on any enemy ships with any remaining
unired main weapons. Apply damage.
3. Launch any new ordinance. Resolve any resulting
attacks new ordinance moves into. Apply
damage.
4. Move any ordinance still in play, launched
1. Moving Ordinance. previously (second and subsequent moves), and
resolve any attacks, and damage is applied now.
he goal of the rules was to have two moves, making D. End Phase
ordinance a separate and unique weapon system.
Move once, but 60cm, in a turn just made the *** Remember, both players ire guns and resolve
ordinance another kind of gun, in reality. So the ordinance attacks together, and both players apply

14
 A Tyranid War
Chapter 10 - Part 1 of 2

Old and New Enemies

By Reg Steiner
Officer’s Mess

of some long ago battle against ship designs Pen did not recognize. he door split
I.______ along an invisible seam, and parted to either side soundlessly.
Pen leaned over to see better. Her seat in the engineer’s position, behind he way was lined on the right with marines in mottled green armor,
the pilot’s seat, didn’t have as good a view out the shuttle’s front view port, as did and on the let with more of the white and platinum armored marines like those
the pilot, but Pen was only a passenger on this Imperial shuttle. She had been escorting Pen. here must be a hundred of each, Pen thought. As Pen walked
summoned from her work with the Misits, as the Empire called the brotherhood between the rows of marines, she saw to either side groups and little knots of
of warriors, in this remote Northern section of the galaxy. quite a few people. Naval oicers, marine oicers, Imperial infantry oicers, and
It had been thirteen years since Pen had last seen one of the enormous a mix of government big shots from diferent administrative oices. Nearly all
dreadnaughts of Earth’s First Fleet. Pen relected that a lot had happened in stopped whatever they were doing and stared at Pen pass by. Ahead, a dark blue
thirteen years. Pen had risen to a position of leadership in the hierarchy of Misit curtain hung just beyond the end of the rows of marines. It appeared to wall in
military afairs. Not just because of her connections with a powerful family, a fairly large box shaped space in the middle of this anteroom full of dignitaries.
through Althor and Ulthor, but because the Misits are, by necessity, a warrior he same dark blue material formed a pyramidal canopy that made the structure
people, and hold the highest esteem for proven capable ighters and leaders. over twenty feet high.
Ater so many years, Pen had thought that the Empire had forgotten her, and to he crewman escort reached the curtain and began to motion for Pen to
some degree, the Misit legions. Not so. he shuttle was just now entering the enter here. here was a gap where two curtains overlapped, just wide enough to
cavernous landing bay of the dreadnaught, to deliver Pen to an Imperial First make a passage one person wide between the walls of blue. Pen turned into the
Fleet Admiral. narrow lane between walls of blue, and ater a few paces, turned into the muted
Years ago, Pen would have been frightened at the prospect. Now she was light of the enclosure. And stopped in her tracks.
curious, a little concerned, and even a little annoyed. No one knew what this Lynx? Lynx! Standing in the middle of the enclosure, with her hands on
meeting was all about. hey only knew that the admiral wanted Imperial agent her hips, frowning right at Pen!
Pendragon brought to his ship right now! “I seem to recall you were frequently tardy returning from a planet.”
Pen followed the agitated crewman down the ramp to the waiting squad Lynx stated in a mildly severe tone of voice.
of marine escorts. he entire squad fell in behind Pen, and her two bodyguards, “Lynx? What is this? I thought we had been banished. Now here you
and the crewman messenger who clearly desired to run the whole way. While in are, acting as if I just returned from one of your errands.” Pen managed to blurt
the lit to the upper levels, Pen felt the familiar vibrations. he vessel was getting out, with not too much of a frown of her own.
under way. Pen set her jaw. Was she to be torn from the life she had built over “Ah. Yes. hat.” Lynx began. “We have been recalled. Or more
the last thirteen years so callously? As the assembly quick stepped down the accurately, you have been.”
broad hall, behind the hurrying crewman, Pen felt the ire rise and build with Lynx turned a little to one side and drew Pen’s attention to the assembly
each step. lanking Lynx.
A great blast door at last blocked their way. Decorated with a depiction “hese people desire very much to meet with you, on a matter of great urgency.”
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 Lynx almost sounded amused. “Should I brief my former associate, or would a inger at the humans on their knees. “You! Pushy human with purty buttons!
you prefer to begin the proceedings?” What now?” he captain raised his head and said “Push the one that’s glowing
A short, rather round, older man stepped between two of the people who red to end the message” With a growl, Longtooth made a motion and the holo
had been in front of him. vanished.
“I wish to get right to the matter that has gathered us all together, Lynx had edged her way closer to Pen while Longtooth ranted at the
therefore I shall begin. Additional background information can be brought room full of people.
to light ater that.” he older man’s voice was strong and deep, his appearance “How about I pick up on the trail so far?” Lynx asked, looking at Foss.
notwithstanding. Pen noticed the older man’s eyes were gray with lecks of gold, Foss responded with a nod, and folded his arms over his middle. he look of
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and made Pen feel as if there was iron of will behind those eyes. impatience on all the other faces was unmistakable.
“Inquisitor Foss, this is my former aide and agent, whom I called Pen.” Lynx turned to Pen. “It is widely known through out the sectors of the
Lynx added formally. “Pen, these Inquisitors, staf and military leaders require galaxy, where the Ork called Longtooth Bloodfang operated, humans were to
your help. No one else will do. Please note that you cannot be ordered to take on give Ork forces a wide margin. Most commanders knew why. hat an Inquisitor
this mission, whatever they may wish to say to the contrary. “ Lynx had goaded these Orks into war with the Tyranid invaders. Human leets
“Yes, yes. We know your feelings on this matter Lynx.” Foss said, the encountered by these Orks were even ignored, to the surprise of all concerned.
same semi-severe, all business tone in his voice as Lynx nearly always had. “Agent Longtooth’s leets grew ever larger, as more and more greenskins from all
… Pen, is it? Please take note of this recording.” Foss gestured toward an aide by corners of the galaxy converged, to swell Longtooth’s armies beyond anything
the comm console Pen recognized so well. seen by humans before. Longtooth went looking for trouble. Any Ork spy that
Above everyone’s head, an enormous ball of light appeared, as the holo encountered Tyranid bio-constructs, or spies, or major Tyranid elements, called
was full of static. Followed by a moment of utter black, then a swirl of light as the to Longtooth. Longtooth found plenty of trouble. Since these huge armies and
image at last stabilized on the frequency. leets were moving below the galactic core, and ever deeper into the galactic core,
Pen gasped. here was Longtooth. Frowning and growling as he Imperial interest was marginal. Imperial interests in the lower galactic core have
obviously struggled with the controls for the communication gear. Behind him long been lost to the rampages of barbarians, corsairs, pirates, and maniacal
were several humans in naval jumpers, and a man in a Captain’s uniform, all on armies of Orks. And, of course, the Tyranid invaders. Imperial monitoring of
their knees, and watched over by more Orks holding big axes with sparks on the the deep galactic core is nearly nonexistent. Longtooth went beyond Imperial
edges. Longtooth suddenly peered straight out of the holo at the assembly, his abilities to track him, lost in the energy swept galactic center. Most of humanity
large, ugly, green face showing more scars, and his chin has metal plates riveted said good riddance. But. A short while ago, Ork leets came boiling out of
around it, but it is no doubt Longtooth. those regions, scattered, and acting fearful of some pursuit. Intercepts of Ork
“Arr - Huh! Got you!” Longtooth barked out of the holo projection. messages were more garbled than ever. hen Longtooth burst out of non-space
“Now you human things gotta listen Longtooth. Longtooth git lotsa tired ask’en. with a very large leet, but many were damaged badly enough that they became a
Now I tell ya. Human she. Agent for Em-per. Made deal with Longtooth lotsa second leet, following Longtooth, but unable to keep up. hat’s when Longtooth
twisting moons ago. Longtooth help. Kill redbugs and blue-teeth buggers. began calling for “human she”, which was thought to be me. I was brought out
Longtooth make war. Lotsa twisting moons of war. Ho-Kay! Har! Now of retirement. We tried to contact Longtooth, but he took one look at me and
Longtooth Bloodfang take many battles, many stars now Orky! Redbugs and howled, growled, and inally made it understood that I was not the human he
friends see Orky Longtooth, see Redbugs run! Good war! Har! Har! Not good wanted.” Lynx stopped speaking long enough to scan the faces of the assembled
part now. Orky ind old stars, old planets, old walls and high pillars blinking important people. “None of these people know what you went through, years
like stars. Strange dark’n ships from nowhere. Not funny toys blink urr.. Orky ago, while dealing with those green mad things we call Orks.”
burnt. Ships burnt. Strong Orky towers burnt. All Orks burnt! Arr.. Huh! Now “Even so, agent … Pen, is the person for the job” Foss said, impatiently.
human she meet Longtooth. Come soon, ur Longtooth go look-en and smash-en “Whatever unpleasantness may have been necessary then, is not required now.
till human she agent see Longtooth. You know Longtooth keep word before, now We…”
keep what say now! Git she. Git now!” Longtooth turned his back, and pointed Pen suddenly stepped up to Inquisitor Foss, her complexion dark, her

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 angry eyes narrowed. “Agreed.” Lynx answered.
“Unpleasantness?” Pen snapped. “Orks deal from treachery, lies, insults, Foss turned to the leaders of humanity’s military forces gathered around
and attempted murder of their hosts and other negotiators attempting to deal with him. “I think we should plan for the worst. Assemble the leets we discussed, at
them. his is how they deal with each other, and any other race that attempts to the place we decided. Something tells me none of this is going to be easy.”
treat with them. he Empire has had fewer successful negations with Orks than Almost immediately, it became quite noisy, as a dozen people pulled out
I have ingers on one hand, in centuries!” Pen’s voice had lowered in register small comm sets, or stepped up to one of the larger sending units, and voiced
and volume until she was nearly growling. “Because I was successful once, you instructions to his or her subordinates to get their forces moving.
think you can just snap your ingers and I’ll just jump in again?” Everyone could Foss stood a little back from the row of equipment and busy people. He
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see Pen was tight as a coiled spring. he hair on the neck of Foss stood up, as he was watching Lynx and Pen talk to a lat monitor screen he could not see. Ater
leaned slightly back, instinctively tensing against the expected blow. a few minutes, Pen and Lynx walked up to Inquisitor Foss, followed by the others
“Listen to me Pen,” Lynx said, lightly placing a hand on Pen’s right wrist. who had also inished relaying instructions.
“No one is snapping their ingers. I said you cannot be made to take up this task, Pen started in irst. “I have assured the leadership of the brotherhood
but we have to ask.” that I am in no immediate danger, and that I will be in frequent contact to allay
“Excuse the interruption, Inquisitor Foss,” An aide from near a console any concerns about my status.”
said, “but this message is very important about agent Pendragon.” “It would seem,” Lynx added, “that my former aide has proven to be a
Foss made a motion, and the aide came forward and handed a small warrior and leader among those people. And so won a role in their government.
display unit to Foss. It would be well if we all would remember my former aide is now the equivalent
“Hmm..” Foss said ater a moment. “It seems that the Misit military is of a Fleet Admiral, and a Sector Governor, simultaneously.”
mobilizing in its entirety. Would seem that our agent here is also a very important Foss looked unimpressed, but others looked at each other and back at Pen,
person in the military and government for those people we have been calling startled at having so misjudged the little human female in plain space armor.
Misits. hey are saying that we are kidnapping this important person, since we “I don’t want to be bothered with titles,” Pen said irmly, “only address
are trying to leave this system without any attempt to announce our intentions. me as Pen.” Pen stopped to turn her head and look at the people around her, then
And a total military response is how kidnappings have always been dealt with.” continued. “It is time to come out of the dark, put this whole matter in the open
Foss stopped, and added his stare to everyone else’s looking at Pen. A wicked for all to understand what the situation really is. I suggest we continue this over
look was on Pen’s face, as was the look on the faces of the two bodyguards now a meal, I have missed two meals already, because of this summons. Let’s all be
closely lanking Pen. Anyone would think a ireight would erupt any second. clear headed and not distracted by missed meals.”
“Let me have a word or two with the Misit leadership.” Lynx said a little “hat is a most worthy suggestion.” Lynx broke in, while Foss’s mouth
too loudly. “I think they’ll remember dealing with me in the past. hey should hung open. “here is a lot to catch up on. And if I know anything about Inquisitor
be favorable memories.” Foss, he always has a well stocked larder, as well as a cabinet full of strong drink
“I should join you,” Pen said, coldly. “there may be some question as to that rivals an Imperial palace.”
my safety.” “Yes, let’s calm things down a bit over a meal.” Foss added, his ists on his
“We can’t stop or turn back now,” Foss said irmly, “half the galaxy is in hips.
danger of widespread war because of this Ork Longtooth.” he collection of people began to exit the enclosure, and make their way
“Longtooth is only making demonstrations, at the moment,” Lynx toward a large blast door in the direction of the ship’s bow.
answered just as irmly, “he has not sacked any human worlds yet. He even let “What’s the idea of the tent?” Pen asked Lynx, in low tones, while
that cruiser and its crew go ater he got of that message. he last thing I told following the rest of the people following Foss.
Longtooth was that I would bring Pen, or at least get her on a comm set with “Well, Inquisitor Foss had a diferent idea of how the proceedings would
him.” go.” Lynx replied, also in low tones. “He was expecting an Imperial Navy ensign.
Pen turned to Lynx. “We need to get word to the Misit leadership, and Not a hard ighting warrior leader that would back him up a step in front of
then I need the details on what is going on.” everyone assembled. Foss is not known for thorough homework, and of course,

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 the Empire has a very small ile concerning the inner workings of the Misits.” galaxy suddenly shited, and the observation point rapidly lew into the galactic
“Small wonder.” Pen nodded, “he Imperial bureaucracy elitism has center, causing the clouds of stars to ly out of the view, until a single binary star,
everyone believing that those poor misguided, lost, miss-it, human souls in and attendant planets were centered in the view. “In the Yamaguchi star cluster,
these sectors of the galaxy are beneath notice. he barbarous outer reaches hold is Suragao three. he stars in this cluster, and in Suragao three, are very old. he
more interest.” Pen paused a moment, put a hand on Lynx’s lower arm. “Lynx, planets around that binary system have long since stopped being geologically
what of you? I have a lot of questions about how you have fared, as well as how active. Almost dead stars surrounded by dead planets. Yet Mayamoto was here
you came to be here.” to investigate strange happenings. hings like trade ships, warships, and scout
“We’re almost to the banquet hall,” Lynx replied, still speaking in ships from several diferent races disappearing, or being found reduced to scrap
Officer’s Mess

low volume. “A more full story will have to come later. So I’ll inish your irst around this place. One of the planets with a breathable atmosphere has enormous,
question. Foss likes the muted efects from being surrounded by thick tapestries, blockish neoliths and pillars so old that any other sign of civilization has long
and likes his comforts. He also likes to use only portable vid gear. He can set up decayed into oblivion. If ever any civilization was present.” A view of a planet’s
and tear down very quickly, and be somewhere else with all his communication surface suddenly illed the air over everyone’s head. Large, dark shapes illed
gear, while some people would still be packing up their kit. Foss prefers to let a gray sky. “Mayamoto made a series of recordings that weren’t destroyed. On
his agents do the front line stuf, but when urgent, dangerous matters threaten one of these, a ship appeared of unfamiliar design.” Foss stopped speaking as a
worlds, or even the greater Empire, he is an Inquisitor. To underestimate him view of a planet’s rim illed the bottom of the holo projection. Everyone watched
would be most unwise.” as ragged edged streaks of energy rose from the planet, intersected, creating a
“I would never judge any Inquisitor to be anything but an Inquisitor” fantastic glare that illed the projection, and made Pen hold her hand in front
Pen said, seriously. of her eyes for a moment. he glare vanished, and there was a ship. Big, even
he group around inquisitor Foss entered and spread out around a half without other crat around to measure against. Angular, chunky, an elongated
circle of tables, facing yet more comm gear and holographic display equipment. dark shape like nothing ever reported to the Empire. Suddenly, the rear fourth
he rest of the dining facilities had all been cleared back to make room. Pen of the vessel glowed blue and quickly spread over the entire silhouette, becoming
noted as she sat next to Lynx, that marines followed them in, and sets of four a pale hue of green, but remaining blue on the back portion. his served to
went to each exit. Two marines went through, and two more turned and stood highlight the angles and shapes of the blocky thing as it began to move. Pen saw
with their back to the now closed exits. No one will be coming in or going out, it that this seemed to be how the enormous black thing was propelled. he ship
seems. turned toward, and rocketed at, the monitor probe taking the video. In only a
Foss stood at the center of the half circle of tables. moment, the black shape grew huge until it blotted out the view, then.. Bzzt! No
“I have ordered foodstufs brought in,” Foss said, loudly enough to be more video.
heard over the commotion of people seating themselves. “and we have wasted “hat ship purposefully ‘stepped on’ the probe,” Foss began again, “but
enough time. I will require you all to pay close attention. In particular, agent Pen Mayamoto had the presence of mind to have dormant backup probes nearby.
and Inquisitor Lynx.” Watch.”
A huge holograph of the galaxy, seen edge on, winked into existence he video was back, above everyone’s head, illing the room this time.
above everyone’s head. “I got called into an investigation of strange happenings he black shape became a moving streak of pale blue-green hurtling toward
near the galactic center.” Foss began, his voice being ampliied with a strange the twin red suns. Pen guessed that the video was being played back at a high
resonance, “I was to take the place of Inquisitor Mayamato, who had been speed, because the ship arrived over one of the suns in only moments. he view
reported killed, along with everyone else, at his base. he attacker was an switched to a diferent perspective, and then zoomed closer. Pen and Lynx both
unidentiied ship, of a coniguration never reported before. When I arrived, the gasped in unison with a sudden rumble of confused voices. he ugly black thing
investigation of the destroyed base had been completed. he conclusions that was now wreathed in swirls of lame. he pale green energy around the ship had
resulted from that investigation were that the Eldar race had been responsible. become a green hollow tube of energy extending to the red sun close below, and
he fact that the moon the observation base had been sited upon was nearly cut illed with lame from the sun, was being pulled to the black vessel. he swirls
in two, made that conclusion obvious.” Foss stopped speaking as the holo of the of lame around the ship appeared to be drawn into the blackness that was the

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 vessel’s outer shell, as if the thing was crated out of a black hole, swallowing even But how?” Pen did not hazard an answer, but looked back at the holo. Orks
the light. A bright streak of green suddenly swung toward the view, and the holo were descending ramped openings, at the base of a couple of the largest stepped
went black. pyramids, to disappear wholesale. he holo must be coming from one of the
“Please!” Foss called over the rising voices, “his is only the irst part, landing crat, because the view did not follow the green skinned host down. he
and the rest is every bit as important as what has shocked you! Please hold your whole room suddenly became much brighter as the holo skewed over and up to
comments and questions!” a view of a giant pillar, the top of which had started glowing. he brightness
A new view appeared, and the room fell quiet. Once again the room increased until a pale green crack of lightning split of into space. he holo view
was illed with the galaxy of stars, and rapidly zoomed toward the center of the skewed yet again back to watching the large openings that had swallowed up
Officer’s Mess

galactic cluster. his time a large number of moving specs of light illed the center the Ork warriors a little before. he view settled and focused just in time to see
of the view, and for a while that’s all they were, as the source of the view kept pace Orks spilling back out of the dark openings, to run at frantic pace back toward
with the moving lights. the waiting landing crat. Now everyone in the room leaned forward, and even
Pen noticed shadows moving among the shadows that made up the lower Pen muttered, “What in hell..?” Silvery metallic forms, carrying rods that glowed
half of the room. A shadow moved toward her, and a large platter of seasoned sickly green, followed the last of the Orks leeing the pyramids. Whoever was
rice appeared on the table in front of Pen. Followed by a shallow urn of steaming operating the spy probe, zoomed in on the still emerging silvery forms. Pen
gravy. Standard Navy fare. Rice grew well in the water tanks. A supplement of thought they looked like some parody of Eldar warriors. Like a metal skeleton of
vegetable and animal protein in a sauce was the normal fare aboard ships. Pen Eldar. he skull shaped heads of the things particularly made Pen think so. here
discovered that her mouth was watering in anticipation. Pen glanced up to see was even a faintly human look to the skeleton forms of the advancing things.
that there was little change in the view, and quickly spooned a lump of rice and As they advanced rapidly ater the Orks, all the people in the room could see
a ladle of gravy into the bowl in front of her, and looked up again just in time that these newcomers were holding formation, and even point and ire the rod
to see the view was changing rapidly. he sudden onset of many voices in an things, in unison. he streaks of green light that struck an Ork caused that Ork
unintelligible murmur coincided with the view focusing on an enhanced tactical to evaporate in a cloud of steam or smoke. Even the armor on the Ork dissolved
display. Pen quickly glanced at Lynx, who merely sat, cross-armed and steel- into a swirl of vapor. he advancing lines of metal things seldom missed when
eyed, and then back up at the tactical view. Not more of sickly green tinted, black they pointed their rods. Some Orks turned and ired diferent kinds of weapons
ships, but an Ork war leet! back at their tormentors. Most just caused faint green sparks to appear where
“Yes, that’s right,” Foss’s enhanced voice cut above the noise, “these lasers and projectiles struck the shiny devils. Pen did notice that if several lasers
matters are related, as you will soon see. Because of the non-violent contact or projectiles struck one of the things at the same time, it fell, only to evaporate
between certain Ork vessels and Imperial agents, we have managed to get spy into a wisp of smoke and sparks.
probes attached to some Ork ships. I sometimes think the Orks know the probes he mad dash for the landing crat carried many of the Orks into the
are there, but don’t care. Some of the data views will go by quickly, having been presumed safety of armored hulls. Landing crat, and smaller warships, lited
edited, but if you watch closely, much of why we are here will be made clear.” of. Pen noted that not all the surviving Orks had made it aboard a vessel, before
Pen watched as the war leet moved faster than it should have into all the vessels bolted up toward space. In only moments, every last greenskin on
orbit around a rather large, dead looking world. Sure enough, the spy probe the planet was ‘evaporated’. he view in the holo was directed back toward the
sensors displayed on the view that the world was an old dead rock. Except. An planet, as the Ork war crat led. A pair of bolts of light lashed past the view. he
energy source on the planet. he harmonics emanating from that source were holo blinked as another probe took over. Now a large part of the Ork leet was
confusing. Even a star did not generate those kinds of radiation. he video in the view, with the planet along the bottom of the projection. A pair of bright,
blinked to a new perspective as Ork landing crat gouged blazing trails toward green tinted, streaks cut into the assembled Ork ships, and a pair of Ork cruisers
the surface below. In moments the holo blinked again, so that now all could lew apart, as if they had been glass and struck by a hammer. Pen heard Lynx
see groups of Ork warriors pouring out of their vessels and toward distant dark mutter something about shields, but couldn’t take her eyes away from the scene
shapes of gargantuan pillars and angular ziggurats. Pen sensed Lynx moving, of carnage unfolding.
and yes, Lynx was leaning forward, and whispering, “hey’re gaining entrance? he Ork crat were plainly burning full engines, and trying to scatter, as

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 well as ire their own weapons back toward the planet. Pen could see the impacts one, the beams from the Ork battle cruisers cutting into the slab sides of the
on the planet’s surface all around, as well as dead on, the source of the green black ship. More beams from the battleship searing the bow sections. Impacts
beams. Only Ork battleships survived a hit from the surface, smaller crat simply from invisible projectiles creating great lares along the entire black hull. he
lew apart. A hit on a battleship caused a spectacular light show, but did not seem scintillating green energy that wrapped these strange vessels seemed to absorb all
to slow the mighty crat, or slow the weapons iring. Pen guessed that some kind this punishment. And worse, to Pen’s mind, where damage could be seen on the
of damage must be resulting, but the mighty size and armor of the big warships hull, it quickly appeared to be blending and smoothing away the damage until
masked the real harm done. only smooth black slabs remained. Pen had seen Tyranid ships heal injuries, but
Very rapidly the scene pulled away from the planet, as the scattering Ork not so fast. Tyranid ships were known to be living things, but Pen felt down in
Officer’s Mess

war ships opened the distance. he view on the holo was still back toward the her bones that there was nothing alive about these things, they felt like great cold
planet. he green bolts from the planet below ceased, only to be replaced by three engines of destruction, in Pen’s heart of hearts, and Pen had learned to trust her
steady pillars of light that suddenly fanned apart and somehow created a swirling feelings. he Ork cruisers continued to accelerate at the black ship, which neither
maelstrom of gray light and sparks between them. Ater only a moment of waiting, turned or changed speed. It did ire more of the green blasts at the Ork battleship,
a great black shape, edged with scintillating pale green energy, emerged from the which caused pieces to ly of, and the atmosphere within to ignite, venting lames
maelstrom between the beams of light. hen another and another. While Pen through the holes made, into space. he battleship was large enough that such
and the other assembled leaders of humanity’s war machine watched, stunned, damage was not critical, but much more of the same would be.
ship ater ship emerged until a leet of almost thirty ships were pursuing the he Ork ships poured a continuous stream of shells into their enemy,
retreating Ork vessels. At least twenty were smaller vessels, but like the big ones, who only ired at the battleship, until the Ork battle cruisers were very close to
they were oddly angular and chunky looking. Not sleek, with curves pleasing to the black ship. Now the really huge, short range guns the Orks were famous for,
the eye, but more like lying ziggurats, assembled out of giant blocks, all angles volleyed and thundered point blank into the black bulk, wreathing it in gouts and
and straight lines. he only other object of notice was the pillars. One, or two, or swirls of ire and smoke. Not satisied, the Ork cruisers continued to accelerate
three of these pillars extended from the front of the smaller odd looking ships, at toward their opponent, and smashed full on into the black hulk, obscuring all
right angles, so that they looked like some kind of big antenna. Except that each in further great swirls of ire and smoke. Pen watched as the great black thing
had a globe of brightly polished metal at the end, which sparked with pale sickly was the only thing to emerge from the destruction. Only now there were great
green sparks. he largest vessels had rather more of these shats sticking out at gashes along the sides of the lying ziggurat, that radiated a bright pale green light
right angles along the length of the crat, but how many was hard to tell, since from within. he gashes did not seem to be closing up. And the big black thing
they were attached all around the ship, and so some were hidden from view. turned. Back toward the planet.
he thirty black ships fanned out in a swath shaped like a scythe. New he holo view pulled back, to show a wider view of the happenings. Most
bolts of green energy streaked ater the Ork ships trying to get away. Only now Ork ships were either destroyed, or had hazarded the jump into non-space while
these were lashes of green energy coming from each of the globes of metal, still close to a gravity well. Pen could see that only the one black ship had been
from each ship. Very many more than two beams of destruction lashed out turned back. he Ork ship that had the spy probe must have initiated non-space,
and splashed in a pyrotechnic display against the shields and hulls of Ork space because the holo blurred and then vanished.
vessels. Pen took note that these weapons must not be as powerful as the planet “here is still more information to bring to light,” Foss stated into the
defenses had been. A single hit did not shatter a targeted ship. Rather, a single hit quiet room, “but let us eat and drink, and let some of what we’ve seen sink in.”
appeared to play havoc with a ship’s power, or other systems. But since multiple he room became quite noisy as everyone began to talk at once. he lights around
hits were nearly always scored on a targeted Ork ship, Pen knew that best guesses the room brightened.
were likely to be wrong. “Pen, why aren’t you eating?” Lynx asked, having noticed Pen staring
hen, three large Ork battle cruisers turned as one and targeted the down at the food in front of her. “I thought you were hungry.”
largest of the pursuing black ships. his black ship was not ater them, but was “I waited too long,” Pen replied sadly, “this has grown cold, and does not
chasing one of the largest Ork battleships, which also turned just enough to expose look very appetizing. Also, all this is stealing my appetite. Just like every other
the great turrets down the length of the battleship. All four Ork ships ired as dealings I’ve had with Inquisitors, information is heaped on me very fast about

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 events I know nothing about. My irst question is still unanswered. Lynx, can some, and continued. “Well, all these trivial encounters with dead megaliths
you tell me what is going on here? his video from spy probes did not help.” on dead worlds did not stir any interest until about a hundred years ago. More
“I’ll start with what I know,” Lynx started, sounding somewhat grim, encounters were reported with these black ziggurats, only now energy emissions
“and I know that this is not the irst time that those metal horrors have shown up. were detected. Expeditions to known locations of other megaliths found that
Elsewhere in the galaxy there have been encounters with them. Why Inquisitor these too were generating energy emissions, where they had been totally lifeless
Foss is making like these things are new to the Empire is a puzzle to me.” and without a trace of energy output, before. Several research teams were sent
“I have never seen or heard about these things.” Pen interjected. “Is all out to try to determine what was going on. One team tried to force entry into
this for my beneit? one of the biggest ziggurats with weapons. he only survivors were the crew of
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“his meeting is for your beneit, but the brieing is not.” Lynx replied. a frigate that had been escorting the research ship. hey only survived because
“here is a lot of concern that the Orks may be about to explode across the galaxy, they had been reconnoitering the outer edges of the star system. hey did bring
with humanity as the target.” back a record of what happened. hese metal apparitions suddenly appeared and
“I picked up on that early on,” Pen replied, motioning to a steward to vaporized every soul. A hole in space appeared, and lying ziggurats popped out
bring more food. “I also picked up on the, uh, androids?, being behind a lot of the and disintegrated the Imperial ships in orbit. he little frigate was either too far
concern. Whatever those metal things are.” away or was too small, or both. he lying ziggurats turned and disappeared back
“hose metal things are called by some; Necro’s, by planetary infantry; into the hole in space. Incidentally, the hole did not read like our jumps into non-
NecMecs, and Orks call them; Skinny Bits, along with the usual strings of space, or warp space, or like anything anyone has seen before. Indications were
unlattering insults. here is a rumor going around that the Necro’s weapons of tremendous energy that was primordial in makeup.” Lynx paused and looked
steal your soul, your life-force, life-energy, or whatever you want to call it, and into Pen’s eyes. Pen had not eaten a bite or moved while Lynx spoke, only stared
imprison it within one of those android things. An unholy blending of machine into Lynx’s face, with a blank expression on Pen’s face.
spirit and the spirit from living things in a metal monstrosity. Yet one more “I remember something,” Pen said weakly, “I was still a junior lieutenant,
nightmare the galaxy throws at us. Humph!” before I was called to your service. We found a black pyramid on a rogue moon
“You do not sound as if you believe what you say.” Pen said into the near the galactic center. he moon was orbiting a ruined cinder of a planet,
moment of silence, “What am I to believe?” around a pale star. he astro-expert we had said the star had the characteristics
“Years ago, a lot of years ago, an Imperial survey team found some huge of having had more planets, not just the one blackened chunk that remained. A
monoliths.” Lynx began again, “What was diferent this time was that one of the mystery that was never answered. What had happened here? Why was the moon
team leaders remembered reviewing records of similar inds. Since no way could largely untouched by whatever had ruined the planets around that sun? I never
be found into the enormous ziggurats, and no energy emissions were detected, thought about those things until now.” Pen Looked at Lynx quizzically, “And
they gave up in frustration. All except one. hat fellow went back and started to you’ve known about these things for many years?”
dig through mountains of ancient records. Ater years of work, his suspicions were “Almost since I became an emissary for the Emperor.” Lynx answered
turned to facts. here had been many of these indings, all over the galaxy. hat seriously, “hese creatures have been regarded as living machines, even their
decades and centuries passed between these indings helped to bury any interest ships are thought to have a living intelligence within the machinery. You should
from the Imperial administration. Oh, and the fact that all these indings were know that they were never regarded as a threat to the Empire, before. hose
on remote, barren, dead worlds orbiting dying suns kept interest minimal as well. strange vessels would disappear faster than they appeared, and stay gone for long
hat excellent fellow that did all that research did one more excellent thing. He enough that they would be thought of as mythical.” Lynx stopped long enough to
mapped all the indings from past centuries, as well as the present, onto a single slowly turn her head each way and make sure they were not being scrutinized by
map of the galaxy. Because humanity has had little interest in the galaxy’s core, all anyone, then continued in a very low voice. “Only now they are not leaving. here
the best real estate being in the spiral arms, almost nothing is known about that are leets of these dark star killers assembling at diferent parts of the galaxy. One
vast region of eternal chaos. One or more worlds in the galaxy’s core having more such gathering, near the lower edge of the galaxy’s core, is our destination. I would
of these megaliths is no surprise to me. Well..” Lynx paused as a steward passed say about nine ship day’s travel. he same area as your friend, Longtooth.”
by, leaving a small glass urn illed with a pale red liquid. Lynx poured herself “I heard Inquisitor Foss say that we were to meet other units.” Pen said,

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 leaning toward Lynx and speaking sotly, “What kind of operation is this? Are remainder is assembling to follow?” Pen stopped reading and looked at Lynx.
we launching a military campaign, or a recon mission? Where do the Orks it in, “hat would be my fault.” Lynx said, leaning back. “I think that those
and where do I it in for that matter?” forces waiting for you will give you a stronger hand to play. I know how the
“You it in with the Orks,” Lynx responded, almost whispering, “and Empire sometimes likes to bully people to get what it wants. I used to myself.
they are the irst leg of this operation. he Empire is gathering for war against he Empire will do more asking, less telling, if you have a navy backing you up.
a new enemy. What with so many Tyranid forces ighting each other, they seem I have also seen to it that Nova Marines will bring all available forces to support
contained for now. Quite a few Imperial ships are being assembled at diferent the Centurion Marines.”
places, to oppose any star killer leets that may move against Imperial holdings. “hose two brotherhoods, with their supporting leets, make up quite a
Officer’s Mess

Your mission will be to turn the Orks away from raiding Imperial space. As for force,” Pen said, looking hard at Lynx. “and I suppose the Misit leets are expected
me, I believe I am to be returned to the care of the Centurion marines.” to help you?”
“Don’t they know how much help you can be in this?” Pen asked quietly, “Not me.” Lynx answered, rather quietly again, “I am not an Inquisitor.
“I have heard of some of the things you and those marines have done.” I had the Misit leets sent to the meeting place to support you, Pen. I have no
“hen you have kept better track of the Empire, then the Empire has of expectations beyond that. If you want to board a Misit ship and leave as soon as
you.” Lynx said, somewhat louder, “I had no idea that you had worked your way we arrive, so be it. I might ask to go with you.”
into a leadership position.” “You do not support this operation? Why?” Pen asked.
“Well, you already knew that the Misit’s society was built around war Just then Foss stood up, also holding a message pad. “We have to make a
ighting, and the regard they held for warriors.” Pen said, “My association with side trip.” he announced, holding up the message pad, “he Emperor has ordered
Althor and Ulthor didn’t hurt, either. My successes against the enemies of me to a near system, which is, according to my navigators, already behind us. We
the Empire, and the Misits, vaulted me to near the top of the Misit military will all go from here to our assigned action stations. his ship will come about
hierarchy, and so, near the top of their government as well. I have you to thank and fall back into normal space in less than an hour.” Foss motioned to Lynx
for that. he training and experience I had as your servant made it all possible.” and Pen, “You two will please follow me.” Inquisitor Foss turned and started to
“Your abilities made it possible.” Lynx said seriously, “I believe you would leave.
have been able to go far in any service you found yourself in. I just got to you “I will tell you more, Pen. But later.” Lynx said, barely above a whisper.
irst.” Pen only nodded. he two women were having to scramble to catch Foss.
“In any case, thank you.” Pen said. He was deinitely in a hurry, so much so that the two had not caught up with Foss
Lynx just looked at Pen for a moment, then proceeded to eat, looking lost when he took a lit. Lynx led the way to another lit car, apparently knowing
in thought. Pen followed Lynx’s example and started in eating, but continued to where Foss was headed. Not to his comm gear station, was all that Pen knew.
watch all around her. here was quite a lot going on around Foss. Some of the Shortly the two women were again within sight of Foss, as he rounded a half open
military oicers were speaking in rather heated and animated fashion to each blast door. Pen knew where she was now. Imperial ship designs were pretty much
other and Foss. Apparently there was still some debate as to what to do. Foss the same, when it came to designing a ighting bridge from which to command a
was just leaned back, not speaking, but listening to the debating oicers. Pen ighting ship. Pen entered to see that Foss had a separate room, to the rear of the
decided to eat rather quickly, seeing that stewards were already clearing away the main bridge, and slightly above the command deck, but open enough to see and
other tables. his ship had a schedule to keep. Pen put her full attention into her hear all that went on throughout the bridge section. Pen and Lynx joined Foss
meal. just as he was seating himself and strapping in. Pen and Lynx hurried to take a
Pen had just inished, when she became aware of someone standing pair of otherwise unused seats, and followed Foss’s lead by strapping in.
behind her. Pen turned to see a young lieutenant holding out a message pad. Pen None to soon. he entire ship groaned, as the ship twisted around inside
took it and nodded. Without a word, the young woman turned and headed for non-space. Energy ields around the ship tried to compensate for the momentum
an exit door. Pen clicked on the screen and read. Her eyes widened as she read. and resulting “G” forces the change in direction created, however, some of those
“What in laming galaxies is this?” Pen asked, none too sotly. “Half the forces always leaked through. Pen felt the weight increase as the momentum
available Misit leet is assembled and en route to the coordinates? And half the pulled at her, while the ship’s engines strained to change the direction of travel.

22
Foss announced that everyone should stay strapped in, this ship would be within a planet’s atmosphere, not out among the stars. Pen caught movement out
decelerating back to normal space velocities very soon. of the corner of her eye, and looked up at the edge of the projection. More Eldar
Pen felt as if she was once again an observer. She had no status aboard ships arriving! hey still had an Eldar look about them, but they were of diferent
this ship, whatever she may have been among the brotherhood of survivors called conigurations. his could only mean that another segment of the Eldar race had
“Misits”. Pen could see that Lynx was fully absorbed with watching and listening, joined whatever operation was brewing. he Eldar race had divided itself into
since she had no apparent status either. many segments, some were family or clan oriented, others based on what world
Big tactical holo projections began clicking on, normal space was only or worlds they came from, and some were loose associations that barely it the
moments away it seemed. Pen felt a small anger growing in her again. Anytime description of buccaneer. And of course, there were the rigidly deined paths of
an Inquisitor was involved, things happen in a hurry. Deceleration pulled at Pen, the warriors. Pen’s eyes narrowed as she realized that in the distance there were
even as each of the previously empty displays came to life with data and displays. already two other groups represented, on top of the one just arriving, and the one
Pen noted that they were back in normal space in far less than an hour. that surrounded the human warship. Pen had no doubt in her mind now. he
Inquisitor Foss put up a gigantic display. Pen felt as if she were standing entire Eldar race was mustering for war. Pen found herself remembering when
in front of a great window, looking out into space. Pen also felt as if she were a Eldar had fought Tyranid those many years ago, and the terrible weapons Pen
new lieutenant again, in awe of everything she sees. here, in the window onto had seen used then. A cold chill suddenly raced through Pen.
space, was a great leet of ships. Many of them seemed giant copies of the toy “I think you must be thinking the same as I.” Lynx said, in a voice so low
sized vessels surrounding them. Pen knew what Eldar ships looked like, these that Pen barely heard her.
were indeed Eldar vessels, but never had Pen seen the great battleships now illing “I was just wondering,” Pen replied, equally sotly, “how many facets this
the view. Or so many of any kind. here were dozens of every type assembled new war has.”
here. A lot of irepower. Aimed at who? Pen wondered. Pen did notice that “Maybe you are thinking something else. Go on.” Lynx asked.
several of the smaller warships turned toward, and moved to intercept, the big “A lot of pieces of this puzzle are itting together already.” Pen near
human warship that had so suddenly appeared among them. whispered, “Humans, Orks, and now various factions of the Eldar are gathering
Now something bothered Pen. he big view continued to hold on a view their war-leets. hose horrid Tyranid creatures did not generate so much force
of the Eldar leet, but many of the smaller displays around the bridge showed mobilization, this quickly. An intelligence brieing I had some days ago spelled
Eldar faces. Pen could only hear faint pieces of whatever was being said, back and out how large Ork forces were gathering out here, as well as Imperial naval forces
forth. As if in answer, text began scrolling across the bottom of the big display gathering opposite them. Now I ind most of the Misit leets are being assembled,
above Pen. Pen leaned back. How very diferent Foss was from Lynx. Lynx would and very nearby there are Eldar forces gathering, the like of which humanity has
be right in the forefront of any negotiations, or any matter needing attention never seen.” Pen leaned closer to Lynx, “I haven’t seen the enemy forces all of this
with other races. But, here was Foss, leaning back, watching and listening, and is to battle, have I?”
apparently speaking into a small voice transmitter only rarely. he text on the “Yes. You have.” Lynx really was whispering now, “hose star killers are
screen told Pen that a very important Eldar was coming aboard to speak with what has set things in motion. You, and maybe I, are just a side matter. You,
the human Inquisitor on matters of grave urgency. Pen did hear Foss say that because some in the Empire believe you can once again turn the Ork called
this important person was to join Foss on the bridge of this ship. Pen knew that Longtooth away from attacking human worlds. I, because of my association with
Foss continued to look at Lynx and Pen from time to time, but otherwise the two you, and the Centurion marines.”
women might just as well be invisible, no one else even took notice of the two “You said ‘star killers’ again when you spoke of the enemy.” Pen said,
women. “Why?”
Pen decided now was the time to look over the Eldar vessels a little more “Because they are the killer of stars.” Lynx replied. “heir ships somehow
closely. he graceful lines of each curve were quite pleasing to the eye, even when park very near a star and siphon of the energy and charged particles that make
those curves were interrupted by the many bulges that contained weapons mounts. up the surface of a star, somehow.”
he great wings that gathered the energy of the sun, even at great distances, made “A star is a very big place,” Pen said, still in a guarded whisper, “it loses a
the vessels look as if they should be some great swimming thing, or lying thing, lot of energy and charged particles into space every moment it exists. How does

23
losing a little more kill a star?” the power to set them on another path.”
“hey take away a lot of energy,” Lynx sounded very serious, “and, some Yamul turned to Foss. “Inquisitor Foss. Forgive me. I am not excluding
think, they have been doing it for millions of years.” you from what I have brought. But we need to see my gits, there is much I would
“Oh.” Pen whispered, as she turned her head to see what was causing the have these two women be part of.”
sudden activity on the command bridge. Even Foss was up and walking across “Please forgive the intrusion,” Pen said in a small voice, “I have never
the bridge toward an entrance Pen could not see. seen, or heard of your art. Is there time for me to learn of this?” Pen had stood,
Foss was not quite out of sight, when he was met. A very old looking and was just behind Lynx’s right shoulder.
Eldar male came into view, and held up both hands, palms out at mid-chest, in Lynx turned to Pen with a smile. But before she could answer, Yamul’s
the traditional greeting for humans, Pen knew. Pen also knew that there was a voice rose. “My heart is wounded, that you have been kept from the knowledge
separate greeting for others of their own race, and some races were not greeted of my skills.” Yamul was smiling. “I must demonstrate my art in answer to your
at all. he long war between Orks and Eldar was well known, to even low rank missing knowledge.”
servitors among the human worlds. Foss groaned out loud, then spoke, “I must wonder if we have so much
Pen also saw that there were four more Eldar, quietly keeping back. time, that so many questions can be answered.”
None were wearing any kind of warrior gear. Pen tried to look the ive visitors “he universe is moving.” Yamul replied, “And soon we must all be
over more closely, she had never seen any Eldar dressed in lowing, loose itting, caught in the tide and currents of those movements. Across this galaxy the
multicolored robes before. various peoples gather their might for war. Both against each other and to oppose
“I have only seen Eldar of this art once before.” Lynx said quietly. Once the threat that these ‘star killers’ have brought.” As Yamul said ‘star killers’, he
again answering Pen’s question before it could be asked. “hey are the most gestured an open hand toward Lynx. “My apology also, but your mind is so vivid
treasured of all their race.” that we couldn’t help but know the name you have given this ancient enemy.”
he old one turned suddenly, and stared up at the women. Yamul said. “But please. We must away. Your Emperor diverted you here so that
“Ah! Here you are!” he old one’s voice was carefully modulated, as he my journey to ind you would be less.” With a sweep of his arm and slight bow,
approached the two women in their side room. Foss did not follow, but did look Yamul let no choice, the women stepped down and made for the exit door.
vexed. “I was just telling Mister Foss there that I was looking for a particular he four other Eldar, that had remained stoic the whole time, came
human representative. And here you are! he very two I have heard so much forward to make an avenue for the women, and Foss, to follow. Pen caught a
about.” Two paces from the women, he stopped and bowed with a lourish of his glimpse, through the swirl of cloaks, that these others did indeed wear armor.
right hand. “I am known, to the few humans who know me, as Yamul. And I he metal mesh that both emitted a powerful ield and would delect a metal
have been looking for you.” blade became visible for only an instant, but long enough for Pen to recognize
he two women looked at each other, and back to Yamul. “Whom do you it.
seek?” Lynx asked. Pen and Lynx were met as the door opened by four more Eldar, who
“Why both of you.” Yamul replied. “Very many of our people are very wore their armor and ighting masks. hese led the little procession down the
much in your debt, and so I was sent to ind you both, if possible, and repay some hallway.
of that debt.” “Yamul is a Bard.” Lynx whispered to Pen. “More than a Bard as well,
“If you are referring to the help the Empire brought to your people a he is a living history of his people. Yamul is also known to be the leader of
dozen years ago,” Lynx stood as she spoke, “there is no debt. Your people’s the Harlequins, the Wardancers, as well as leader of the all those that make
warriors have assisted the Imperium many times these past years, against several information, and entertainment their art. He is also one of a very few that can
of our enemies. Many of our people owe their lives to the help of the Eldar.” command any faction of the Eldar, at any time.”
“What you say is partly true.” Yamul said very seriously, “However, the Yamul’s voice came from behind the two women. “How succinctly you
books of the Eldar are not yet balanced, and may never be.” overstate my importance. I am not a leader of my people, like your Emperor. But
“How will one of your art repay a debt of warriors?” Foss broke in, knowledge is power, and I have much knowledge.”
“hose two women have been given tasks by the Emperor, himself. I don’t have Lynx only turned her head and smiled a little smile back at Yamul.

24
 “Here we are,” Yamul said simply, as the group rounded a corner, “this must ind this source of trouble, and eliminate it. his galaxy is populated with
is set for us to travel to my ship.” A gray shimmer, bordered with little sparks, many creatures, races of thinking things. If all the creatures took to hunting
exactly illed the corridor. he Eldar at the lead stepped to one side, and turned Tyranids, instead of ighting, and weakening, each other, then the many little
to lank the ‘entrance’. parts that had once been the great Tyranid invasion leet, would be driven out,
“A beamer?” Pen asked, not moving toward the strange portal. or destroyed. he Hive Mind sensed there was a guiding presence out here,
“A gateway.” Yamul replied. “Nothing like what the green ones use. It is somewhere.
quite safe.” But how could that strong psychic guiding presence be here?
Lynx sighed, sounding almost impatient, and stepped into the grayness, he further into the galactic bulge the Hive leet traveled, the more
and disappeared. Pen hesitated a moment, turning to look at Foss and Yamul, perplexing.
then walked between the lanking Eldar and into the gray nothing. Chaos. Too much chaos. he hive encountered worlds that had been
cast of, with no life giving sun to orbit. Creatures from the hive leet tried to ind
II._____ frozen life under ice, preserved from when this world had a sun. But no. hese
he cold darkness of space. Home. he Hive mind of the Tyranids had planets had been scorched, seared, and blasted before hurled into its destiny as
long memories of the endless dark. he bottomless cold. Long slumber between a rogue. If ever there had been life at all. he Hive Mind watched, through the
clusters of star systems, or between galaxies. All the little parts that make up the sensory facilities of the millions of minions that made up the Mind. Chaos.
Hive Mind are sensory input for the Mind. All the mindless little creatures, the Worlds were smashed. Worlds still being born were torn asunder by
big Tyranid warriors, and even the great vessels that ply the ways between stars, rogue suns tearing through the planetary systems. he lotsam and jetsam let
carrying the lesser creatures, all are parts of the Mind. behind unerringly found any worlds still orbiting the sun system, and obliterated
But now. any chance for life on the young worlds not irst torn apart.
All the sensory inputs are too much. he great leet of living vessels, Suns were smashed. Rogue suns would streak into a system and be
that make up the greater part of the oldest Hive Mind, large and small, are being drawn into that star. Bigger or smaller made no diference. Any planets that
staggered by this new part of the galaxy. might have orbited at the right distance for life to take hold, did not survive, even
he Hive Mind walked many pathways of relection, all the while if the parent sun did.
analyzing the here and now, seeking the best route to new conquests, and methods And here also suns died. Some exploded into great clouds. And with so
needed for the hive to feed. much chaos, those remnants were soon gathered up by other suns. Some of the
his part of the Tyranid race was the original invader. his part of the stars here did not blow up, but should have. Here the Hive found where suns had
Tyranid invasion was not so large, as when it irst arrived in this part of the galaxy. withered in a strange way. hese dark suns were the worst rogues. here were
But, the memories of long, long ago were still intact. he Mind recalled very many, apparently. And many of these were the ones to cause so much harm
as far back as its awakening, but it was not there. here were no memories of to surrounding star systems. heir gravity spoke of having been once huge stars,
encountering the center bulge of a galaxy before. Rival Tyranid nests had kept but the nuclear reactions that are a star had all but stopped. And now this great
this particular swarm of Tyranids away. his Hive mind remembered being heavy mass would tear through star systems, yanking planets out of orbit. Or
driven farther and farther out toward the edge of the old galaxy of its birth, and crash into star systems, gobbling up planets on its dark journey to crash into the
inally out altogether, out into the emptiness between galaxies were the hive was young star. All these things, and other forms of destruction, were happening all
supposed to die. But it lived. And remembered. around the hive as it tried to journey toward the galactic core.
But this was very strange. A very strong psychic presence would briely To learn of these terrible events, the hive was paying a price. Hive
originate somewhere near this central bulge of this galaxy. And, with no rival ships were dying. Radiation bursts, collisions with objects too fast to avoid,
Tyranid nests guarding this place, this time, this swarm of Tyranids wanted to and sacriicing the small slaves to investigate if life was on any worlds, was all
ind that presence. his strong psychic source might be one of, or the one, strong adding up to a risk greater than the hive could aford. Especially the background
force of will organizing enemy forces. Enemy forces that are trying to push the radiation. his part of the galaxy was thick, compared to the rest of the galaxy,
Tyranids back into the empty deepness between galaxies. he Hive mind knew it with gas and dust and rocky bits of destroyed, or partially formed, worlds. And

25
light. It was never dark here. Even on the darkest side of some rock of a planet, sun, as she was sure she should have been. As Pen stared, it occurred to Pen that
it was as if a bright moon was relecting light brightly, there are so many stars, so the star seemed to be getting dimmer, but of course, that is impossible.
close. “his is the irst record of my people, and their irst meeting with
he Hive mind had learned enough. his was no place for any living those you called ‘star killers’ a moment ago.” Yamul said solemnly. “his was a
biomass to survive for long. And things only became worse as the center of the prosperous world where our people had been at peace for many years.”
galactic bulge came nearer. Whatever strong force of psychic will emanated from A strange, piercing note carried on the air from the largest collection of
here, it had found a way to survive where nothing else could. spires. All the Eldar visible, warriors and not, ran headlong toward the sound.
he Hive Mind turned its many minions around, toward the shortest An alarm Pen guessed. Even though Pen had not moved a step, the shadow of
distance away from all this radiation and chaos. herself stayed with the armored Eldar she had appeared within. Pen would see
All the creatures that make up the hive leet turned, and hurried toward through an Eldar’s eyes, whatever it was that Yamul wanted to show them.
the feeding grounds known to be waiting out beyond. hat was when the psychic “My art is storyteller, entertainer, dancer, historian, and keeper of
beacon again hit the myriad creatures who could sense it. knowledge possessed by my race over the ages.” Yamul began again, “he
his time the Hive Mind was able to precisely ix on a course to follow. population of this world has just learned there is a danger. Most believe it must
Not closer to the center, but back the way they were now heading. he Hive be some sort of attack on their world.”
Mind knew it had only to follow this new heading and they would surely ind this he eyes through which Pen was seeing rapidly crossed the open ground.
beacon of psychic power, no matter that it switched on and of. he Hive would Descended a spiral ramp into a vast cavern, supported by high columns shaped
be there when next that power showed itself. like Eldar heroes. here before Pen’s eyes was a row of Eldar vessels. Warships.
Pen had never seen the energy collecting sails folded before. Even so. Pen had
III.____ never seen such large warships below ground before, either. he Eldar Pen was
Pen looked around in disbelief. She was standing on a planet’s surface, with stepped on a white disc, brought up his (her?) wrist, and with a few det inger
not on the deck of an Eldar ship. hen she noticed the shadows. Lynx was movements on the wrist control, the disc lew toward the largest ship, carrying
standing in front of Pen, but only as a shadow, somehow merging as a shadow the warrior. In moments, Pen was high above the largest ship, and zipping down
within a tall Eldar in ornate battle armor. Pen looked down toward her middle, toward the bow. he disc landed next to a large bulge on the upper bow. An
and yes she was a shadow too. opening appeared and the warrior entered. A weapons turret. An opaque image
“Please forgive my incomplete description of our destination.” Yamul appeared above some controls, as other Eldar took positions around the control
said from behind Pen. “We are inside the events that I wish to narrate for you.” room. As Pen watched, the symbols around the controls blurred and became
Pen scanned her surroundings more thoroughly. Blue sky. Clouds. Great symbols that Pen understood. More magic, Pen thought.
tall, twisted green and brown trunks that merged together and twisted away “Each of you have been sharing the perspective of one of my people of
again as they reached into the sky, ending in a green and yellow canopy. hose long ago. I chose what perspective you would have based on what I knew of
‘trees’ looked very much like the bean plants grown in ship’s gardens for food. each of you.” Yamul said. “hese images are from a time before humans were
But. hree hundred foot tall stalks. hen there was the lowers. Everywhere. among the stars, before the green ur-huh, Orks plagued the stars. Races gone and
And Pen could smell them. forgotten, vied with the Eldar for mastery of the stars. My people were at their
“How is this done?” Pen said, barely above a whisper. “How can a holo greatest. Very many of my people on very many worlds. Our race feared nothing
smell?” that could be found among the stars.”
“An artist cannot give away trade secrets.” Yamul said simply. While Yamul talked, the elegant war vessel lited, turned, and hurtled
Pen’s mind began to focus, now that shock was wearing of. Details and out of the cavern, out into the sky. By the time Yamul inished speaking, stars
impressions looded her mind. hey were on some kind of carefully tended lawn, were illing Pen’s view screen. Pen watched as the Eldar adjusted the view back
surrounded by the low domes and tall spires of the Eldar town. And. A lot of toward the planet they were leaving in such a hurry. Little glowing specks were
Eldar. All of which were looking up, up toward the sun. Pen noted that Lynx was streaking away from the planet, following ater the warship Pen was on. he view
also looking up at this planet’s star. Pen looked up, and was not blinded by the zoomed closer. A lot of Eldar war-crat of many descriptions were organizing

26
themselves, even as they chased ater this lead ship. he view spun around. it appeared chunks were broken of the black thing. Cracks appeared in it and
he planet’s sun. leaked pale green light. A spider web of cracks appeared all over the ziggurat,
“Perhaps all of you cannot see, as yet, where this ship of war is taking and in a maelstrom of swirling pale green sparks of energy and black chunks, it
you.” Yamul’s voice sounded far away, echoing, as if from the cavern they had just came apart. It looked to Pen as if the green sparks ate the black chunks because
let. “Ahead of us is the sun that nurtures the worlds around it. Look close, and in a moment there were no fragments to mark the destruction.
you will see what awaits my people.” he Eldar ships swept on.
Pen looked hard at her view of the star Yamul wished them to see. From around the noticeably dimmer star, hundreds, maybe thousands of
hankfully, the Eldar whose eyes Pen was sharing, wanted to see too, and the the blocky shaped black things gathered. Between the sun and the approaching
view suddenly illed with the rim of a sun. Of course. hey were there. Little leet of elegant Eldar vessels, the ziggurats formed into lines, each new line behind
spirals of lame. More than a hundred in this view of about a tenth of the sun’s and above the line of vessels ahead. Until a rectangular column was formed.
surface. And there, black specs, undersides glowing redly. Pen knew what they hen the black things rapidly closed the distance, and tore into the Eldar leet.
were. Pen felt the breath catch in her throat. he Eldar ired irst. But, since
“You humans are about to dare the insane.” Yamul sounded even further each ired at its opposite ship, there was no concentration of weapons against
away. “You would do well to see how we fared, so long ago, when we dared to one enemy, as against the irst black ship. Pen saw no result. Eldar weapons
challenge those who would kill the light.” were still skipping of the polished black things. When each of the squared and
he projection Pen was watching shited quickly, irst let, then right. blocky things sent green beams, or crimson bolts at the Eldar, small Eldar ships
Hundreds of Eldar ships were on station on either side, all hurtling toward the exploded, and smoke poured out of holes made in large Eldar vessels. Line ater
sun. line of the black ships sent crimson lightning at the Eldar leet, and then the
“We called to them.” Yamul’s voice was positively weak. “We tried every column of ziggurats plowed through what was let of the Eldar ships.
form of energy transmission, every form of visible codes of lashing lights, we he few Eldar ships to survive, did so by not being targeted. he ship
even tried to ire a star canon near one of the black vessels. All we got was this in that held Pen’s shadow self had not been hit. Pen was momentarily curious why
reply.” this weapon mount Pen was with had never ired. Other weapons from this ship
Pen watched as one of the black ziggurats, for such they were, turned had ired. No matter, very much was happening. Pen saw the view was now a
suddenly and rocketed toward the approaching Eldar. What looked like crimson panoramic that took in the column of dark ships, as well as many of the scattered
lightning, arced toward one of the smaller Eldar ships. Pen again had the Eldar. Already, many of the survivors were reforming, but some Eldar ships
impression that the little ship in the displays was made of glass, and suddenly pursued the dark ones. Pen’s ship was one of the pursuers. In a short time it was
struck with a hammer. he Eldar ship exploded in jagged fragments and plain to Pen that the black ships were pulling away, that the Eldar were unable to
sparks. catch their enemy. Pen looked around. here was no way the few Eldar ships in
“he remaining events will pass more quickly.” Yamul was saying, his pursuit could hope to even damage their enemy, much less destroy them.
voice stronger now, “hese events are one of many stories that we tell of long ago. he dark vessels went straight to the world that the Eldar had come
Ah. Yet, Inquisitor Foss has no time for stories. So. You will not experience the from.
hours, the days, passing with these events, so perhaps these things will transpire Imagery came very quick now.
too quickly. We will see.” he column of black ships began to fan out. Somehow, a pale green
From her vantage point in a weapons mount on the bows of a big warship, incandescence appeared in front of, and below, the fan of black ziggurats, rapidly
Pen could see both the projection that the Eldar was using to guide their weapons, surrounding the planet. A black shape, bigger than the biggest of the enemy
and watch the reality out a view port. And yes, things began to transpire very leet appeared out of the green glow. While Pen watched, the thing changed
quickly. shape. Becoming, what was later described to Pen as a stepped pyramid, and
he Eldar reacted very quickly to the loss of one of their number. A storm descending to the planet’s surface. he remaining black ships made Pen think
of energy weapons, particle weapons, and missiles smothered the lone ziggurat. she was seeing things that only mad people see in their dreams. A number of the
Pen thought that the energy weapons seemed to do nothing at all, but even so, largest ships also change shape into stepped pyramids, while others changed into

27
what should be a black tower, or actual ziggurat building, while still in space, and battle. No bodies. No discarded weapons. No broken things. Only a scorched
not attached to the ground. As if in answer to Pen’s disbelief, these ‘buildings’ emptiness. Barren.
began to descend through the atmosphere, ‘foundation’ irst. he many glows Now something else came into view, as the ighter crat lew on. Military
and streaks of descending black things let no doubt that every part of the planet looking formations. Tanks. Atmosphere lyers. Weapons platforms hovering
was to be visited by these things. just of the ground. And rank ater rank of infantry. Elegant Eldar armor shone
Pen’s view was suddenly narrowed. he Eldar warrior igure her ‘shadow’ in the light of the wan and pale sun. Pendants and banners luttered from a
had become part of, suddenly departed the weapons control room Pen had been forest of lances that sparked with gold sparks. Pen recalled those lances. When
using, to watch unfolding events. In almost a blur, the Eldar warrior passed the Tyranids had attacked Eldar strong points, they ran up against these lances.
through halls, rooms, and passages. Ending up in a launch bay. Obviously so One touch to a limb and the Tyranid warrior, or other slave creature, would
because of the small ighter and ighter-bomber crat Pen recognized as similar to jerk violently away. hrust into the middle of a warrior, and it would twitch
those she’s seen before. Pen wondered for a moment at the fact that she recognized and shudder, and be suddenly lung backward into the faces of other advancing
designs that must be thousands of years old, and still in use by the Eldar. Tyranids. he energy coursing through those lances was powerful and deadly.
he warrior, followed by another, quickly entered a ighter crat, and Pen thought that the whole population of the town behind them must be formed
seated within the control module. up into ranks, out here.
Pen’s view of outside events was restored. he ighter quickly entered the Pen’s view once again swung around as the space ighter circled over the
planet’s atmosphere, along with more than thirty other crat launched from the Eldar regiments below. he metal abominations were forming into squares and
battleship. rectangles of military formations now as well. Pen recognized the signs of a single
As the surface of the planet came into view, the familiar face of war that will, a single malevolent mind, in the way these things suddenly bent themselves
Pen knew so well, was spreading across the land. to the new task. Pen could see other Eldar lying crat gathering about the ighter
From each of the now landed black pyramids and ziggurats, a pale green crat she was watching from. Some of the metal insect looking things appeared
glow marked an opening in the base, from which an unending stream of silvery to be quite able to ly, but were ignoring the Eldar lyers that passed. Pen’s ighter
forms emerged. he view magniied until Pen could make out individual igures hovered over the Eldar formations, somewhat behind the leading formations. A
better. Pen thought they looked like machines. Some had two arms and legs, good view.
with a death mask for a head. Others looked like impossible bugs. Still others Shells and missiles, pulses and streaks, of heavy artillery, and heavy energy
looked like a blending of the irst two. All types had a single commonality - canon, lew from the Eldar toward the invader of their world. he formations of
they destroyed every living thing. Grass. Flowers. Small winged things in the dull silvery forms stood, not advancing. hen, the air over the enemy formations
air. And every Eldar, whether leeing of ighting. Targeted and destroyed so illed with a crisscrossing web of pale green streaks of weapons ire. Almost all
thoroughly that not even ashes were let. Only blasted and blackened ground. the shells and missiles were intercepted over the enemy’s ranks. he few that got
Where these machine creatures stepped, everything withered and was gone. through were nearly insigniicant, the damage was so small to the enemy. Many
Whatever the pale green incandescent blasts struck, even earth and stone lew of the energy blasts seemed to skip of the metal things, impotent.
into fragments, and disappeared in a green spray of sparks. Living things were he Eldar were arrayed in a long, shallow ‘U’ line, with the various types
shredded in obvious agony, not leaving even ashes to mark their passing. of infantry, tanks, and war-walkers alternating down the line. he outer ends of
he horror had Pen mesmerized, as the little ighter she was seeing from, the battle line were forward of the center formation, and made up of those light,
lew closer. he silvery death things were spreading out from the bases of the fast warriors most keen to grapple their enemies. On some signal, the entire
black pyramids and ziggurats. But not in any kind of military formation. Just Eldar mass of war machines and warriors advanced, still iring every weapon that
spreading out. To pursue individual things to kill. could.
Some Eldar fought back. Not all the warriors had gone into space. he Necro warriors were formed up into a great, long, ‘H’ shape. he
Sometimes the weapons the Eldar used made a telling hit on the machine things. long sides being made up of the silvery mockeries of the Eldar infantry, all facing
It would fall, and in a moment, evaporate in a gray mist. Pen could see that as the advancing Eldar host. he short bar in the center of the ‘H’, Pen could see
the silvery things advanced, there was none of the lotsam and jetsam usual to a that it was entirely a column of what could only be called tanks, all facing the

28
incoming storm of weapons ire. Pen noted that this column divided the long silvery death faced infantry and their black ziggurats remained on scorched,
lines of infantry into four segments, and that each of these segments had a small barren ground, advancing toward the city in the distance.
ziggurat at the end, just barely suspended above the ground. A truly huge black ziggurat appeared, slowly lowering through the
Pen had no time to wonder at the usefulness of the enemy’s formation, the pallid smoke and gloom. Before Pen’s eyes, the enormous blocky shaped thing
Eldar were advancing rapidly, iring steadily. he Necro enemy were unmoving, stopped in mid-air, and changed. Great rectangular sections slid inwards, as
stoically taking hits and not iring in return. Holes in the front formation showed the monstrous thing hovered. Large segments changed shape, becoming larger,
were a few of the metal abominations had evaporated. he Eldar formation as the whole thing twisted, until the now much larger base was parallel to the
stretched as the two outer ends curved around to take their enemies in the ground. he incredible thing settled to the ground, even as it settled into it’s inal
lanks. shape. here, before the eyes of all, a great stepped pyramid sat. A long opening,
Pen felt her hand cover her mouth. Just before the now charging mass looded with green light, disgorged hundreds more silvery death machines from
of Eldar crashed into the Necro ranks, a web of pale green bursts crisscrossed the base of the thing. It looked to Pen as if the thing was pulling in the very air,
the space between them, the metal things at last opened ire. Pen saw that the the way the mists and smokes seemed drawn into the peak. Where the metal
Necros ired their weapons to let or right, rather then straight ahead, taking their things advanced, in a growing circle, there were more green lames keeping pace,
opponents from the sides. his had the efect of negating whatever armor, or and leaving only dead rock and sand behind. Nothing organic remained.
other protection, the Eldar warriors had. And, the charging Eldar warriors did Pen was momentarily struck by vertigo, as the surrounding view suddenly
not see what was being ired at them. Many Eldar fell, thrashing and screaming, retreated back and up into a view of the planet from space. From up in space the
as green lames consumed them, leaving not even empty armor or discarded blues, and greens, and browns that were the planet’s biosphere could be seen to
weapons behind. War-walkers and hover-tanks shattered like broken glass, with be replaced by the gray and black of dead rock, in rapidly expanding patches all
more green ire eating at the fragment’s edges. around the planet.
Pen tried to blink the tears from her eyes, and fought the urge to look Again, the holo changed, now into a swirling mist of colors.
away. Pen had never experienced a holo projection where she could hear, see, feel, “And so our racial agony began,” Yamul was speaking again, “and
and smell before. he awfulness of what she was experiencing was squeezing at continued for many, many of what humans call years.”
her chest like a vice. A montage of images appeared, to be replaced ater only moments by
More horror appeared to torment Pen. more images, to bombard Pen’s senses. Even smells of acrid smoke, or ionized
Hidden behind the Necro lines, lyers like insects rose up, then fell in air, or even fresh, hot blood, accompanied each of the terrible images.
among the Eldar. he Necro ranks advanced iring steadily. he Eldar charge Burning cities, blasts still raining down from space. Close views of
had stopped just short of their enemies, as warriors fought for their lives. horrible metal faces of death. Twisted and shattered hulks of smashed space
Scintillating blades appeared on the tips of the Necro riles, just as the horrible vessels, spiraling away, lifeless. All distinctly Eldar. And still more horrors
metal things reached the Eldar, still ighting the metal insect things. Attacked lashed around Pen’s shadowy form. As Pen turned to follow a scene, she saw
from all sides by stabbing energy weapons, metal insect proboscis, and bursts that the shadowy forms of Foss and Lynx were just behind Pen, the three back to
of green destructive energy, the Eldar formations disappeared, as if swallowed back, in a little circle.
by the very earth. Red lightning lashed from the smallish ziggurats to smash “As accomplished as we were,” Yamul continued, “as advanced in sciences,
the armored ighting machines of the Eldar, and ignite whatever grew on the space travel and more, we discovered we were unready for such an enemy. hese
plains into yet more sickening green lames. Pen saw one of the last of the Eldar deadly machines set about sterilizing every world upon which the Eldar had even
infantry fall, wounded. As the armored igure tried to crawl away from the the smallest presence. Nothing. Nothing remained, however small a grain of
battle, it was surrounded by three of the silvery Necro things, who promptly shot life, was spared destruction. Until only a dead rock of a world remained, with
the struggling Eldar in the back. Green lames ate away even the brightly colored perhaps a black pyramid or two jutting from the ashen ruin of that world.”
armor. he scenes came faster and faster, horror on horror, ire and death, until
Armored tanks, and fast lyers, were each, one ater another, likewise each scene was replaced by another scene, in only a blink. hen utter blackness.
consumed by sickly green lames. Even the smashed wreckage. Until only the From which Yamul’s voice echoed once more.

29
 “We were very advanced, back then.” Yamul’s voice had a sad timber, white light glared into Pen’s eyes. And in a blink, Pen, Lynx, and Foss found
along with the slow pace of his words now. “But our intelligence, our guile, and themselves suspended in the middle of a silvery sphere, with Yamul looking up at
our desperate search for escape, if not victory, failed us. We did not learn for them from the polished loor below. A wave of Yamul’s hand, and the loor came
many years, many defeats, a simple truth. You see,” Yamul’s voice sounded as up to meet them. Another gesture of Yamul’s other hand, and a round opening
if it was getting further away, as he spoke, “the enemy never quite killed us all, beckoned opposite Yamul.
never quite destroyed every space vessel. Some survivors always escaped to tell of “We are not like other races,” Yamul’s voice echoed of the polished
the death of another world. What we could not, would not, believe was that our sphere, no longer sad. “we each felt the loss of each soul. As we had each been
ships could be tracked through the void of the energy dimension. But, somehow great, before the war, so were we each diminished from the loss of so many of
we could be tracked. And more of those dread black ships would appear over our brethren. he survivors turned inward, became so self absorbed that we
another world, and suck the life from even the sun, while sterilizing another lost the connection to our kindred. As such, many of us believe that there are
world.” undiscovered Eldar populations scattered among the stars, somewhere. his idea
he black void around Pen became a scene of space, again as seen through is why the Eldar slowly, tentatively went back out to the stars. he fear that those
someone’s eyes. A wedge of black ships approaching a string of elegant Eldar hated machines would discover us again, so haunted many of my race, that a kind
warships. Pen was again in some kind of weapons control blister, looking out of madness infected my people. he Eldar race is splintered now, some groups
from a view screen. his time, however, a weapon was ired from this control are so diferent that we barely recognize our own kin. As the Seers say, we are on
center. Pen had seen this only once before. Years ago. During the desperate diferent paths, to diferent destinations.”
defense against the Tyranid invader. Yamul motioned them toward the opening, and Pen saw that it was
A thread of brilliant white reached out. All around this thread, space another portal, not a door. Foss went through irst, followed by Lynx. Pen
twisted sickeningly. Even through the vertigo and headache Pen felt yet again, stopped in front of Yamul.
Pen could see that the black enemy vessels were torn asunder in a lare and burst “To bare your soul like this,” Pen said, barely above a whisper, “I mean,
of destruction. Again and again, the thread of white light reached out. And when to someone not of your people, must be a hard thing.”
space stopped wrenching and twisting around, and no more threads yanked at “To relive the harm done my race is far harder.” Yamul replied. “And I
reality, the last black form of a ship had vanished, sucked into that tear in reality, fear a very hard thing awaits us.”
that appeared as a thread of brilliant white light. All that remained was nebulous Pen followed Yamul’s outstretched arm, and stepped into the brilliance
swirls of red, where the very fabric of space and been heated red hot. And then of the portal.
even that faded. Pen turned completely around, her jaw hanging open. She was in Lynx’s
“A terrible weapon.” Yamul again. “Even the ships from whence this quarters, with Lynx, surrounded by Lynx’s rows of communication gear. From a
weapon is ired, are in peril of being ripped to atoms, and drawn into the tear in screen in the middle, Yamul’s voice, and face.
space an atom at a time.” “he ancient enemy has returned to the hunt.” Yamul was saying,
For the irst time, the silhouette of Yamul appeared next to the other “Although at present the enemy only hunts the green ones, beware. Any race
three shadowy shapes, all four suspended in the middle of slowly wheeling ields that the machine of death inds, will be hunted to extinction. Beware. Our forces
of stars. gather for war. We have other ancient engines of destruction, but we fear that
“Before we met those terrible machines,” Yamul sounded sad again, “we this time they will not be enough. If you must ight these forces of darkness,
numbered ourselves more than the uncounted stars above. With those terrible remember, let not one of the enemy live, or let not one of your people live to lee.
weapons, the war ended. We discovered that our enemies no longer pursued us, hey will follow. he very stars will die, where those machines of death follow.”
because we no longer led to, and led our enemies to, other worlds. he surviving he comm screen with Yamul’s face went dark.
Eldar only inhabited a quarter of the galaxy, where once we called all the galaxy Pen turned to look at Lynx, where she stood, her ists on her hips.
home. Our race never recovered.” “his is all too much, too fast.” Pen said to Lynx “Where is Inquisitor
he wheeling stars around the four shadow forms quickly expanded into Foss? And for that matter, what ship am I on now?”
great blurs of light, which merged with other growing starlight blurs, until only “Yamul, along with a lot of the other Eldar leadership, and along with

30
most everyone in any leadership position in the Imperial administration, wants to Pen looked to her let and right.
pair up the two women that were responsible for so many successes so long ago.” “You will ind private quarters waiting just where you remember them
Lynx said. Pen saw that Lynx was not smiling. Lynx went on, “You are on my fast to be.” Lynx said, a small smile on her face. “I can get you lodgings more itting
attack cruiser, a Centurion Marine leet asset. And this ship is part of a leet of your station, a little later. You look as though you could use some rest.”
Centurion warships just arrived outside the star system the Eldar have chosen as “You have read my mind again,” Pen replied, a weary little smile on her
an assembly point. Further, we are all about to jump into non-space, to join a lot own face, “and don’t bother with other quarters for me, I think I want to stay near
of other Imperial Fleet and Marine Fleet ships assembling nearer to the galactic so much equipment that will bring me information.” Pen started to walk toward
center.” Lynx turned to point up at an orbital display above her. “Inquisitor Foss the entrance to the rooms Lynx had alluded to. “I am tired. My mind is numb,
is on a big battlewagon, um, just there.” Lynx turned back toward Pen. “And you, and my limbs feel like lead. Ater I rest there will be many things for us to do, I
Special Representative of the people we have called Misits, you are invited to join fear.”
me. Or, you can board that little fast frigate waiting close aboard, and leave us. I Lynx smiled a bigger smile toward the entrance Pen had just disappeared
have heard that you now have a family. I wouldn’t be surprised if you wished to into. Lynx said quietly into an empty room, “Yes Pen, I’m pleased to see you
go back to them.” again, as well.” Lynx then went through the other door, to her own quarters. he
“I wish it very much.” Pen said slowly, “But you and the others have chance to rest might not come again for some time.
succeeded in impressing me with the dangerous matters at hand. I will stay.” ...to be continued

31
 Falling DOwn
By Zhai Morenn

In the vast depths of an Imperium star system, Empire. He had given very precise coordinates Nua’ta for his part hid his growing sense of pride
four ships approached their targets. heir to a Demiurg tradesman who in turn delivered well. It was a satisfying personal indulgence
quarry was to be a lightly defended convoy. It the message to Tau command. he Tau force but had no place on this ship when actively
Void Stalker

would seem that the Gue’la Empire’s resources would subdue the convoy escorts and force the serving the Tau’va, the Greater Good. Ater a
were stretched thin in this area and defenses surrender of any Gue’la merchant ships that few moments he turned to his bridge crew.
were lacking. Upon learning this, Tau leet would willingly accompany them back to Tau
command had ordered that the Commerce space. he rest were to be destroyed. he three ‘Time to targets?’ He asked. he ship’s AI
Protection Fleet conduct a series of raids smaller Tau ships would enter the asteroid responded in it’s mellow but mechanical voice.
against lightly defended targets to help disrupt ield and maintain their position within the ‘Targets approaching sensor range. Two decs
and weaken Gue’la holdings in the area. Upon gravity well of the planet. Ater the convoy had to intercept.’
the bridge of one of the new Il’Porrui class light passed, Nua’ta would approach them directly, ‘And our comrades?’
cruisers, Kor’vre Nua’ta sat at his command presenting his prow delectors and irepower ‘Our escorts will be in position in .5 decs.’
station and conveyed the inal aspects of his to the convoy escorts and when they moved ‘Excellent.’ Nua’ta replied before turning to his
plan to the three Kir’shasvre commanders that to engage, the Kir’shasvres would attack from various oicers. ‘Status?’
accompanied his vessel. behind and cut of any retreat for the merchant ‘Weapons charged and ready, missiles loaded
ships themselves. and awaiting targeting data. Defenses online.’
‘You know your role then. Await my signal to came the response from his tactical oicer.
begin your attack runs.’ Nua’ta concluded. ‘You have devised a most cunning plan, Kor’vre.’ ‘Communications silence is being maintained.
‘Airmative, for the Tau’va!’ came the response Came the calming voice of the Ethereal, Aun’el No Gue’la comm signals detected.’ came the
from both of the commanders before Nua’ta Sha’kires. Nua’ta had found himself growing response from his communications oicer.
terminated the hololithic communication link. quite fond of the Aun, for her wisdom and
reassuring presence. By the time the rest of his bridge crew had
he plan was relatively simple. he Gue’la ‘Only cunning if it works el’Kires. Otherwise it inished reporting their respective statuses,
convoy was bound for a so called ‘warp gate’ will be a foolish plan.’ He replied in the familiar Nua’ta knew they were ready for battle. With
and the most efecient route from their point shortened name form. ‘It will work if we are up a nod from the Aun, he gave the order to
of origin would take them past an asteroid ield to the task of acting and moving as one.’ engage.
and a gas giant. While this was not the switest ‘Your humility does you credit, vre’Nua’ta, but
route, it was the one most likely to shield them you and I both know that you and our comrades
from hostile sensors. Unfortunately for them, are easily up to the task. You have always been
one of the commerce ship captains in the convoy a cunning hunter.’ she replied.
was a well trusted Gue’vesa in service of the Tau
32
 SCENARIO Replace the swords and a single transport and fast ships were now bearing down upon his
Prior to being a member of the Distant with Corsair class escorts. he heavy transport forces.
Darkness Revival project, Nua’ta had served is replaced by a light cruiser with a proile as
as the commander of a light cruiser. His inal follows: he Dark Eldar successfully executed their
mission before his disappearance was a strike ambush against the Tau. No Tau ships escaped
against an Imperial convoy as part of a series Hits: 4 / Speed: 40cm / Turns: 90 ° / Shields: and only one Corsair was destroyed. It was
of raids aimed at unbalancing Imperial forces Shadoield / Armour: 5+ / Turrets: 0 presumed that all hands were lost with the Tau
in the region. vessels. he horrifying truth was that many of
Weaponry: the crew of Nua’tas Emissary, including Kor’vre
Void Stalker

FORCES Prow Weapon Batteries - 30cm - strength 6 - F Nua’ta and Aun’el Sha’Kires were captured and
Tau: Prow Phantom Lance - 30cm - strength 2 - F taken to a place beyond logical description
1x Emissary Class Light Cruiser (Taros where the only constants were pain, fear, and
Pattern), commanded by Nua’ta, Ld8. VICTORY CONDITIONS anguish. By unknown means, Nua’ta was
3x Castellans Class Escorts (Taros Pattern) Conduct the battle as a skirmish. VPs as normal, either released or managed to escape ater 3
except that Nua’tas Emissary counts for double years and was eventually returned to the Tau
Imperial: vps if it is hulked in a boarding action. his by a Demiurg tradesman who found him.
1x Heavy Transport represents the DE boarding and capturing or
3x transports slaughtering everyone they encounter. No ships
2x Swords Class Escorts are allowed to disengage except by moving of
of a table edge.
SET UP
Battleield: Set up a large gas giant with a 30cm he two transports which do not turn out to
long asteroid ield in it’s gravity well. he Tau Fleet
be Corsairs do not have a victory point value
convoy must pass between the asteroid ield and and Convoy
and are not an objective of any form once the
deployment zone
the planet. Nua’ta will deploy from the opposite Dark Eldar are revealed. his is to show that
side of the table as the convoy and must be in they have already been plundered of crew and
position by the time they arrive at the ield. he Tyranid
cargo andForce 1
are merely on autopilot.
3 Castellans Nua’ta has are to attack from the
asteroid ield ater the convoy has passed. he HISTORICAL 120cm
Planet
Imperial escorts may not break formation or Kor’vre Nua’ta frowned as the Gue’la engine
take ofensive action until the convoy reaches signatures became unstable and began to
the asteroid ield. distort.
20cmHe could not believe they would
rather self-destruct than be captured by a race
SPECIAL RULES Tyranidthe
as benevolent as the Tau. Quite suddenly Escape
Edge
Upon reaching the asteroid ield, the Imperial signatures stabalized, but resembled nothing
convoy is revealed to be a Dark Eldar trap. like he had ever seen before. Sleek, predatory,

33
The Forge - Tau
The Forge - Space Wolves
The Forge - Craftworld Eldar
The Forge - Dark Eldar