warp rift 25

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Warp Rift

Issue 25 Horizon

The Battlefleet Gothic Netzine

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F h Nx Phg H

Warp Rt s no endorsed, nor does endorse, Games Workshop, and s no an oical publcaon of Games Workshop. Any words, phrases or mages areused whou permsson and no challenge s nended as a resul of such a usage, ncludng he use of hese words, phrases and mages whou he appropraesymbols of copyrgh. Addonally, hese pages – ncludng conen, desgn and mages – are copyrgh (excep where copyrgh should nfrnge oher suchrghs). Lcensed names, mages and logos are copyrgh her respecve companes or auhors. No par of hese pages may be ‘borrowed’ or reproduced, and noarcles or rules should be consdered ‘oical n any way.

P g h .Dw h w , :

www.40..k/gg/

D Tk W R h wg :

W R F

R h W R Bg w x h:

W R Bg

W R • I TwFv • Ag 2009

+++ Submissions +++

A ypes of arce are desperaey needed, o keep s pubcaon ave. In some cases,

submsson ncudes ncuson on e web se a: www.epc40k.co.uk, or roug www.

accawargames.ne. Pease ncude a noe w your submsson f you woud ke s

cared. Submsson va e-ma mpes approva for pubcaon.

Send your submissions to:

[email protected]

or

[email protected]

S :

[email protected]

+++ Warp Rift Publication Team +++

Roy (Horzon) Amkreuz Vod Saker II

Ian (Cybersadow) Wacer n e Dark

Ray Be Admray

Reg Sener Tyrand War Veeran

Davde ‘Kraz’ Ferrar Warmaser

Jack Wang Magcan

Credits:

Cover Pcure Jack Wang

Addona Grapcs & Pcures: Kr00za, Jonaan H (Darkenng

Tecnoogy & Nava Upgrades), Cronces, Jason Cuen

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+++ W R Bg +++

You can ceck ou our bog a e foowngocaon:

p://www.payers.accawargames.ne/k-

vew_bog.pp?bogId=10

+++ W R F +++

Check out the Warp Rift forum at:

http://www.tacticalwargames.net/forums/index.

cgi?act=SF;f=89

+++ G M +++

Heo,

Maybe a e ae s me bu wen you movefurer owards e Sowcase secon you wsee wy. A pcure of a 23 enres no e leecaegory of GoComp 2009. I ope you’ enjoy em!he submssons for e snge sp caegory cansoon/aready be seen a e osng se.More nformaon abou GoComp you canread on s very page.

Surroundng e Sowcase s Warp Rt, ssue25, feaures anoer essay by Reg Sener, s mefocussng on Orks. Reg as aso wren e rues

and a scenaro for s Darkenng Tecnoogy.Very neresng I mus say, On op of a Regas aso found some me o gve s vew on eEdar for s desgned Smuaneous movemen &comba sysem.

Davde wroe some upgrade for e ImperaNavy ater seeng e Hun for e Red Ocober.A e back of s ssue we ave anoer se of markers by Rodrgo Barbera.Wn e Ocer’s Mess caper 10 of e ong

runnng seres A Tyrand War w come oan end. In e fuure we w aso be ured nocapers 11 and 12.

To round a we ave an excusve nervew wMaverck abou s projec: Baelee Goc:Cronces.

enjoy,Horzon

I wFv – C:

Encyclopedia Gothica

Orks! Terror of e Spaceanes 4

Nava Upgrades 7BFG: Cronces - nervew 8Darkenng Tecnoogy 10

Showcase

GoComp 2009 - Fees! 13

Tactical Command

Smua nuous movemen - Edar 16

Officer’s Mess

A Tyrand War Caper 10 p.2 17

The Forge

Ordnance markers p.2 35

The CLOSING PAGE

Vesse of e Impera Navy 38Jason Cuen

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+++ GhC 2009 +++

The deadline for submissions has passed. We are

immensly pleased to see all the great entries this year.

The gallery for 2009 will soon/already be available at

the following page:

http://www.epic40k.co.uk/pics/gothic01.html

The voting heats will soon/already be available in the

following subforum:

http://www.tacticalwargames.net/forums/index.cgi?act=SF;f=38

Remember: you must be a member of Tactical

Command to vote.

The voting for round one will end on august 31.

Horizon

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aOk! T h S!By Reg Steiner

Inroducion:I ave been asked o wre abou e Ork lees n

Bae Fee Goc. I sared w em as soonas e game was reeased, so I cerany ave anopnon or wo. Mos peope wo conend w menk e Ork lee s oo oug, n mos games. Ido no agree. I see oer gamers w Ork leesge swep away. I even ear a e Ork lee s ooweak o boer w. Bo vews are wrong.Bae Fee Goc was desgned w very dferen races n mnd. A o o games ave cooookng sp desgns or eac race. Bu Bae FeeGoc desgners waned eac race o ave dsncabes. hey managed . No one w e me aCaos lees pay e same as Impera lees, andcerany no Dark Edar or Edar can be vewed as jus more copes o eac oer, or any oer race.Were we ave o ook, s ow eac gamer useseac lee. Orks ave obvous weaknesses. Busome neresng srengs, oo. We jus ave opay no ose srengs.

Firs: In e 40k unverse, Orks ig n groups.Ork lees mus do e same. Pu sps n squadrons- aways. I don’ mean a a K Kroozers mus

be pared w more K z. Tack on a Terror sp, a w beer serve e goa n a game. JusTerror sps and Ram sps or a lee may soundker, bu uge numbers o opons are os, wene oer ypes o vesses are gnored. I you ony wan o pay ournamens, ine. Bu you’ mss ao o reay wd games.I usuay gue escors no squadrons o ke ypes,Savages w Savages, and Ram w Ram sps.

Bu a s jus a irs. Concenrang e abeso eac ype s wa makes eac ype o Ork escor

dangerous. Jus one Ravager w a Ram sp and aSavage n a squadron s ony good as a arge. Eacone jus can’ ard enoug, and worse, eacaack s counered dfereny. Lkey reducng eaack o a snge on an enemy, a. Bu puour Savages n squadron, and od em back une woe damn Ork lee s n among e enemy,and ook ou! A ose sor-ranged doube-guns run someone’s day!

he pon s: Squadrons . Two Ba esps orCrusers n eac squadron. hree or our usuay

means e sps on one end o e ne ose gunsreng o range. Bu ree, our, or even sx- escor cass Ork sps n a squadron, a esame desgn o concenrae power - srke earn woever ey are poned a! Bu a s jusa e acc. Aso keep as muc o an Ork leeogeer as possbe. Some scenaros sar payersof scaered a over, and even of e abe orsevera urns. Woever manages o recombneer orce irs, neary aways wns e scenaro.Remember: Keep sps n squadrons, and keep

squadrons ogeer n a muuay supporng lee.Deacng a squadron o crusers o swng a rounda lank s s desrabe a mes. Bu ryng o sendsome sps et, some more rg, and spng emdde aack no wo separae russ - wrong!Don’ ry o do everyng a once, or domnaee woe ba eied a once. Your opponen wconcenrae superor irepower on a your epeces o a lee, and bye-bye Orks!

Second: Know eac sp. No jus ow many guns and seds. A payer mus know ow eac

combnaon can work, a bes and wors. WenOrk Ram sps made e scene, and proved very damagng o enemy capo sps, my opponenswoud srve o wpe ou Ram sps as soon as coudbe. I used s ear. Ram sps ave a ron armoro 6, so eac s ard o w weapons baeres,and ances are used - we, mos lees ave arewer ances an weapons baeres. Wase someon e Ram sps, pease! My oer sps geess aenon, and en my Ork sps are nex oyours, basng away w ose sor range doubedamage cannons agan! I use e rammng accrarey. Even w Ram sps. Even oug Orkscan ram enemes easer an enemes can ramOrks. W Ram sps eadng my lee n, a o geburned away. Leavng my Ork capo sps war ess damage wen I ge nex o e enemy. KKroozers and Terror sps are a er wors (ore enemy!), nex o e enemy. Even auncngordnance rom 15cm or coser as a magniedefec. Snce auncng comes ater man guns,oten e exra s rom ordnance aunced socose, inses wa e man guns sared: he

desrucon o e enemy.

Onsaugs and Ravager escors proved ess useuor mos o my purposes. Too oten e varabeorpedo sreng came up a ‘one’ or ‘wo’. And erues do no e Ravagers combne orpedoes wenn a squadron. We, I s use Ravagers, bu mosoten as enemy escor kers. Ge o ess an 30cmand aunc, and e ordnance ’s e momen

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a s ired. Snce escors ony ave one urre(usuay), en a e aacked escors soudno save emseves w urre deenses. Wenwe nroduced wo pon escors, suddeny boe Onsaug and Ravager escors became very vauabe ndeed. Two more weapons baeres oneac eavy escor mean a a squadron o esecoud do some damage! he exra eg pons

cos or e exra pon, and wo exra weaponsbaeres s barey noced. I never ave ony eavy escors. Insead, I ave a squadron or wo o eavy escors, a oers beng norma escors. Savageswoud no proi uness more Bg Gunz coud beadded, and a woud jus unbaance e gameexcessvey. Ram sps do no need exra upons, bu e exra baeres woud prove useu.S, Ram sps are et a one pon. hey doer job ine as s.

I won’ gve away a my accs, bu Ork leegamers need o ry ngs ou. So wa e lank aack dd no work - s me. Maybe a squadronor wo o escors w e wo crusers woud avepped e baance, so ry a lank aack agan, wescors. he Ravagers jus don’ seem o ever anyng. hen e em ead e lee no e jawso e enemy guns - w e Ram sps comngup bend em. Your enemy w no make every aemp o redrec ire rom e coses enemy sp, and Ravagers ave armor 6 bows, as we. I any do survve, we ire ose orpedoes cose n,

and your enemy w no make every urre deenseagans e iger-bombers and orpedoes - somew ge roug. ha knd o adapaby s wae Ork lee s good or. I someng does nowork, ry someng ese, you ave e abes nyour sps.

hird: A gamer as o be adapabe, and w Ork sps, a o o adapaons are open o e Warord

n carge. An exampe: I ad a rea nemess n eorm o a very capabe payer, and s Caos lee.Luck a coosng scenaros and se up posonsavored my nemess n game ater game. He evensuggesed a Ork sps jus were no ougenoug o ge a Caos sps, and wn. We, I eyou, a commen w no go uncaenged.

Hammer or wo. Used e as pons on escors,and snce e ceapes s e Ram sp, I ad exrao ose o go w e Savages.

Wou recounng e woe bae, s me my sps go up nex o s, w my Kroozers irngpor, sarboard, and bow weapons a a once. Eaco s crusers and baesp was on a sdes,

repeaed y. In one urn o cose comba, oowedby boardng acons a ook possesson o severao s crpped sps, I ad emnaed enougo my enemy’s irepower, a e ad no ope o ng back w anywere near e power e oncead. he survvors dsengaged and led. Ater aI sad a ose Caos sps coud no sand upo deermned Ork aacks. Seems a Caos andOrk lees began a perod o cooperaon agans eEdar and Impera lees. here were s smaerconess beween Caos and Ork lees, over somemnor goa, bu a eay respec sowed or Ork sps was apparen.

Agan o e pon: Adap. Cange e woeconcep o your orce sze and aack pan. WOrk sps avng so many dferen possbecombnaons o weapons and means o aack, I jus ave o ry em a!

You may ear peope n your group muer abouose Orks beng oo ceap and numerous, and/or jus pan oo oug. Lke me, you may aso

dscover a some o ose accs you red irsw Ork lees, aso work w your Impera lee.Your Ork lee w key s ose some games,ryng ou new deas or orce make-up and aack meods. Bu wen reay maers, you w avea ready pan a w work or you, avng reinedow eac sp w bes work or you.

Four: he eavy sps n your Ork lee need

I made a pan. he nex lee engagemen - u szedbae, no a rad - I woud ave a major surprse ormy nemess. Sure enoug, wo weeks aer, I gomy cance. A sand up lee bae a came up a3250 pons (we ad a sdng pons scae were ebgger games we preerred were more key, up o

5000 pons.). Now a s me we a were aowedo use sps a ad survved prevous baes,and ad added upgrades o crew and sps. Evenoug we were no engaged n a orma campagn.hose upgrades s added ex ra pons cos a spupgraded, so some crusers rvaed baesps orcos! hs me I et of a upgrades, ook no one.Took e ceapes Warord. I waned numbers o sps. Nce ceep K and Terror Kroozers, and a

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some aenon oo. Baesps, as presened by e rues, et us a cod. he ony ype avaabeor e onges me coud ony be used “onedeep”. ha s, ony one o a lee, because o e“unqueness” o eac baesp. Wa!?! We,no suc resrcons were orced on us abouHammer cass bae-crusers, ankuy. And“Gorbag’s Revenge” baesp as ose nce bg

‘organ ppes’ ou ron. Perec or e Hammercass, snce no mode (oer an my scracbu) was avaabe. You may ind a ree orour Hammer cass bae-kroozers work jusine, wou baesps a a. We a ad eundersandng a wc ever was e cass usedor a game, was decared a e sar. And nomxng. I wo modes were presen, bo wereHammers, or baesps. Because baesps are jus bu up K or Terror sps, anyway, we madesome e addons, and s used baesps nsquadrons, oo.A o o your enemes w nk ey need ogo ater your baesp(s) irs ng. We eem. I ave won ar more games w Terrorand K Kroozers geng n e eng s, anw baesps. hose bg brusers absorb a oo s, and comng n rg bend Ram sps,opponens can seem raer pancked. Wonderwy?

Some Las Bis: I ave o add a e abou eSmuaneous Move/Comba rues. Rammng

w e Smuaneous rues n efec s downrgoug. Ram sps spread ou a 10cm or even15cm abeam eac oer ave a probaby o one, or wo, ng e arge sp. No ke waernang moves. I ca n keep Rams coser ogeerand cause more damage o e enemy sp. Wao do? A. Beore we even oug o ryngsmuaneous pay, we ad deermned a ly nga srag course dd no mean measured w a

srag edge and capers. We were a unappy wexcessve arpng on e rue and wa s s rag.

I se ou a rue a a sp s wn a aera d sanceo 10% o e oa dsance moved, consder e spas no makng a urn.Exampe: My escor moved 25cm. I, a e end o e move, my sp was wn 2.5cm o were a

srag course woud ave ended, say o e et o a spo, and w e nose o e sp n e samedrecon - a s a ega “srag” move. And wedd no measure a w a mcromeer eer. Nowany sp o any race can ‘sp’ a e, and no jus oaemp o ram. No everyone kes rammng aacks,bu o make boardng aemps a payer as o ave away o ‘make conac’ w e enemy. Bendng edea o ‘srag’ a e, eps make boardng aackspossbe.Gamers usng Orks need o be abe o ake osses.Sp osses. I ave seen payers ‘gve up’ wen a przedcruser or baesp s rased rom a par o Novacannon s. Take e osses and press on. Orksare ceaper sps because ey do no ave a Novacannon, or Lances. Even e one Ork sp w Lancesony as wo, and s no a ceap sp, eer. Takeadvanage o superor numbers. I e enemy s unabeo smas any o your sps, en e s n bg roube! Irarey rerea a crpped sp. Yes, a ew more s and:Boom! Bu e more e enemy dvdes s ire, emore survvors you ave o ammer m. I consdersoong a a crppe wased sos. Ye even a crpped

sp can add ire o an aack rom s squadron,maybe jus a e b exra s enoug o make aenemy sp go: Boom! Keep your wounded spsn e bae, you compcae your enemy’s decsonmakng. He, you jus mg wn e game.

Ork payers need o be rea oug. Brace or mpacony wen so muc man armamens s a rgeed on asp, jus e rangng asers are meng armor! Reay.

Don’ Brace or Impac. I was a common acc obrng ire on a e opponen’s sps, jus enoug omake e md payer Brace, w e dea o orcnga e sps o ave ony a er gun power on erurn. Barey any damage, ye a e weapons work.Lose game. Smpe acc - or e oer guy. Our guysa sopped Bracng, sory ater conac w my Ork lees. Some games I dd no brace once. A coupe

o mes coud ave eped save a sp. Bu oosedom o make a dference. Havng a my weaponsbecause e enemy aed o crppe my sp(s) meanmy Ork sps back ard. And e enemy Bracedeveryng o cu damage - ine. Now e can ony back w a e weapons, or no a a w someweapons. And I am coser w a my weapons irng.Some eows swear by Bracng. Saved er bus. Iind oerwse. Even Braced, sps ake damage. Andmy Orks are ere or e ong au. Fa o Brace wenose doube damned doube damage Ork cannonscan , and someone’s uck as run ou. Be an Ork!Save e Bracng markers or e oer guy o use.

Even oug Orks canno wn every game. I payed eAmbus scenaro our mes n a row, as e deendera our mes. (We were usng random scenaroseecon - Tru!) Ony won e scenaro once.ha wn was because e enemy coud no ge a my sps un I ad a my boys ired up, and sendnga o wecome! he pon s a some scenaros aregong o be exra oug o wn. Bu osng a game,or our, does no make your lee nvad. Take new

approaces o e probem. Add some new sps oyour lee make-up. Or bo. I cargng sraga e enemy ddn’ work, ang back a e we.Consodae. Concenrae. Bud up some crcngswarms o iger-bombers. he enemy may nk you are md, and carge you, guns bazng. Now.Ge n cose and ammer away w eavy Gunz romyour squadrons, and every ng ese as we.

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a Nv UgBy Davide Ferrari

Wacng “he un o Red Ocober”, I’ve awaysbeen ascnaed rom e devces ey use o evade/

purse/aack e enemy lees.Payng BFG, I noced a e command pases oo muc smped and I sared wrng abou some enancemens a sps can buy o ep worders.

Rules:Ony cruser can ave ese upgrades. No escorscan use em because oo muc power/resourcesare needed o gan s upgrades. A snge sp canave no more en 3 upgrades.

Naval Upgrades:

• Evadng Dsposves +5 Pons• Eecronc Couner Measures +5 Pons• Deep Scannng Probe +5 Pons• Fas Response Teams +5 Pons• Proxmy Sensors +5 Pons• Senced Moors +10 Pons• Advanced Targeng Mar x +15 Pons• Improved Impac Procedures +20 Pons

Descripion:

Evading DisposiivesMagnec srapne and ea dsposas are rew ouas exreme souon o bypass orpedo’s rackngsysems. Wen your sp s by orpedo savos,ro a Leadersp es. On a successfu ro, youcan ry o evade e savo. You can ro a 6+ forevery orpedo and emnae .urres and oersandard counermeasures w work as usua.

Elecronic Couner MeasuresECM s used o avod enemy negence capurng

e rado ransmsson.Ro a dce a e sar of every enemy urn. On a ro of 5+,you deny ebonus for +1 Command ceck o e enemy.ForEvery ECM you go,you ncrease e Ro of 1.

Deep Scanning ProbeWen casng an enemy lee,commanders canuse DSP o ncrease ey’re possby o capureenemy ransmons.Every sp a decare usngDSP ,can’ ire,board or ram and gan a +1 o eCommand Cecks un s nex urn.

Proximiy SensorsEvery sp can nsa on ’s urres a proxmy sensor.Every sensor ncrease e urres range o20cm.Even e range s ncreased , e accuracy sn’ enanced . We ir ng n s meod ,urress ony on a 5+.Turres oow norma rues wensuppors aack e sp w Proxmy S ensors.

Fas Response TeamsTraned eams are ready o emnae enemy nvaders durng assaus. We deendng yoursp, you can add a +1 o your board bonuses.

Silenced MoorsSenced moors can be used o reac a beerposon beore bae wou warnng e enemy vesses. Beore e game sar , a vesse w sencedmoors can move 4D6cm.

Advanced Targeing Marix Ony ew sps go e opporuny o use eseadvanced argeng sysems, bu e efec veness sundscussed wen apped o e arery baeres.Ony a sp every 750 lee pons can ave anATM.ha sp can gnore one st coumn per urn.

Improved Impac ProceduresCrew s raned o mpac procedures abovesandard eve. Doors are seaed, iremen are ready o exngus ires and everyone know exacy wa o do.I e vesse pass e command ceck o “prepare or Impac”, you can re-ro aedsaves, bu s me a 5+.

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a BATTLEFLEET GOTHIC: CHRONICLESBy Maverick / Warp Rift

WHERE TO NOW?

Snce Games-Worksop announced a ey were no onger deveopng specas games, fansave snce wondered ow ong Baelee Goccan as. W peope ge bored wou anyngnew, wou any new modes and wou sory deveopmen? he answer, muc o our ree s, no.he Baelee Goc communy ave kep egame ave by reeasng er own pubcaons andupdaes ke s magazne and ke he Book o Nemess. Projecs ke s are wa umaey keepe game gong so, wen we eard o a new projec

n e ppene, we were anxous o ge an nsgno wa s projec w brng o e game.

We nervewed Aaron Heaps, e Projec Drecoro Baelee Goc: Cronces o earn exacy wa e and s eam are up o. he projec saredn December 2008 and as been osed on e seBFGprojec.norme.com. houg ere s a pubcarea o e orum and a worksop, e majory

o e projec s bend cosed doors so wen eopporuny o reay ind ou wa Cronces sa abou came up, we eap on .

WARP RIFT: So Aaron, o sar w e bascs,wa s Baelee Goc: Cronces?AARON: Baelee Goc: Cronces s an a new

an creaed suppemen or Baelee Goc amed a revasng neres n e game, w be reeased n Engs, Frenc, German and Spans versonsand w be ree or payers o downoad.

WARP RI FT: Wen can we ex pec e suppemen

o be unveed/reeased?AARON: he suppemen w be reeased n reeedons, eac edon coverng a dferen era.he rs edon, ‘Dark Mennum’, w cover evens o e 41s mennum and w be reeased n ae 2010. Subsequen edons cover e Age o Imperum and e Horus Heresy respecvey and w be reeased some me ater Dark Mennum,bu obvousy we can’ gve any daes on a.

WARP RIFT: Wa makes Baelee Goc:Cronces unque?

AARON: Baelee Goc: Cronces oows ne same spr as Baelee Goc and Baelee Goc Armada. Jus as Armada rased e bar sooo w Cronces. We am o radcay broadene scope o e game, us aowng payers o payamos any lee, anywere n e gaaxy - no jus e Goc or Armageddon secors. We w asonroduce an a new rues paorm aowng payerso nk games o Baelee Goc o Warammer 40,000, wc s grea consderng e recen reeaseo Pane-Srke and e up-commng reease o Paneary Empres.

WARP RIFT: Can we expec any new speces orlees n Cronces?AARON: We w be nroducng a new specescaed e Keyr. here w be a o o goodes nsore or Impera and Caos payers and a surprseor wo or Ork and Dark Edar payers. I won’ evenmenon wa we ave n sore or e Necron’yr...

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WARP RI FT: Wa are e Keyr?AARON: he Keyr (pronouncer “cear”) are a

enod speces aed o e Tau Empre. hey areque aggressve and adapabe warrors. Un eaer sages o e Tau’s Four Spere Expanson,

e Keyr were consdered a mnor rea o eImperum bu aemps o ocae and que em wereaways unsuccessu. Wen a number o panes ne Keyr Consorum were nvaded or desroyed bye Imperum o Man, e Keyr ormed a poweru covenan w e Tau Empre.

WARP RI FT: Does e suppemen ave any oicaes or capacy?AARON: he suppemen s compeey unoica and s no endorsed by Games Worksop. ha sad

owever, e suppemen w very cosey oowe canon o Games Worksop’s own pubcaons,so ans ave no ear o dsapponmen ere. Aso,because e suppemen s unoica, aows uso source new sps rom non-Games Worksopsuppers, wc s necessary as Games Worksops no onger producng new sps or Baelee Goc.

WARP RIFT: Games Worksopas aways kep o desperaonand doom and goomemacay. Receny, we

ave seen suppemens aknga dferen ook on ngs keProjec Dsan Darkness. WCronces be keepng o e odscoo or s ere a ws n esory?AARON: Baelee Goc:Cronces w reay ake a sepback and aow payers o decde

or emseves. here s bound o be a b o e od Doom and Goom sde bu ere w be a o o newsuf oo, especay as w cover curren and some

uure evens. We ope o gve new drecon o edferen acons, no jus nevabe grow or sowdemse.

We, a a sounds prey acon packed and I

don’ know abou you bu I can’ wa or s reease.Jus be careu w ese new sps, you makee lees oo good, my bank ba ance w ae you.hank you very muc or akng e me o sarew us some o e secres o Baelee Goc:

Cronces, we ope oear more rom you ne uure.

Baelee: Cronces

2010.

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Dkg Thg By Reg Steiner

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Inroducon: In con I ave wren, I nroduced ceran weapons sysems and deense sysems. I ave

kewse kned ogeer a ew ouse rues or esame ngs. Here s anoer one rom my con.

In e sory ne, space vesses movng roug spacegave of ceran energy emssons and armoncs o radaed energy. Sensors pck ese up, and powere e vesse soud be, as moves. Even a espeed o g, wa you are wacng s severaundred ousand komeers away, or mons,severa seconds or mnues pass we e energy reaces sensors. So e arge vesse s severaseconds, or mnues, urer aong s course an

a sensor woud sow. Durng a bae were ony a ew komeers separae anagonss, e deay sunnoceabe o any excep compuers. So. We canrack sps n space by vsbe, and oer, means.Now mary mnds wan some way o dsappearrom enemy rackng devces.

Darkening Tecnology . To de a a space vesse’s emssons and vsbe releced g, a oo dferen ecnooges woud be needed. Specasedng o sop a radaed energes, and speca

coangs o sop releced g, a over e sp. Adferen ype o sedng or eac ype o energy.Wa bocks or absorbs vsbe g as e orno efec on nrared or x-rays, or exampe. Or aScence Fcon eap: A radaed ied a cancesou oer orms o radaon, as we as se, woudmask approacng sps rom passve sensors, a ndeven radar.Now o make i no games.

Using Darkening as Seal: Frs, ony Baesps,Grand Crusers, and Heavy/Bae Cruser szed

sps may ave Darkenng Tecnoogy, ordnary crusers are oo sma or e power needs.However, e sed exends ar enoug away rom e ownng vesse, a oers may use by ‘lyng cose ormaon’ w e baesp. heres anoer m. he ied ‘cances ou’ oer ormso radaon, as we as s own energy, bu s noperec.Deense seds canno be used a a, we usngDarkenng, as e energy rom e seds s many mes a o e Darkenng energy.Addonay, “dng’ anoer vesse or vesses

cose by ncreases e a moun o energy emssonsneedng o be canceed. hereore, ony one oercapo sp, smaer an a Baesp or GrandCruser, or a maxmum o 4 escors, can ‘ly cose’.

To pu s on e game abe, e en ranguarmarkers are used. he marker represens “energy eakage” and oer observabe sgns, as we as asereadngs. So a payer w eg sps o depoy wanso ry brngng n e woe lee under Darkenng.Four markers woud be needed. A maxmum o

one ase couner can be used or every wo acuamarkers. A ese markers mus be 10cm apar,or more. Smaer vesses accompanyng Darkenngsps can be no urer an 7cm away rom eDarkenng equpped sp. Markers move a 15cmper urn.he payer usng e Darkenng mus draw a mapo sow no ony were eac marker s o be paced,bu aso were eac sp(s) s acuay ocaed

around e numbered markers.Exampe:

he our markers represen a baesp, and reeHeavy/Bae Crusers usng Darkenng ieds.Near eac s a g cruser, jus 7cm ‘dead aead’.Or eac g cruser coud be 45 degrees aeadand o por a 7cm. he numbers on e markersare o deny eac mn-lee, and s a asemarker.

A sps under Darkenng ieds are a mnmumenergy sgnaure. To engage seds, and powerup energy weapons, ec, or even o make acange o drecon, (order a urn) removes e

Darkenng proecon. Modes are paced on eabe mmedaey. Oer nearby markers are ony afeced ey oo reurn o u operang power.

Deecing Darkened Sips: Ony e markersener e abe rom e opponen’s abe edge. Oncee markers are 60cm away rom a n enemy caposp, a sp can ro agans s eadersp, bu aa -2. ha s, a eadersp 9 woud need a 7 or esso deec someng. One aemp per urn s madeo deec darkened sps. he aemp a deecng

uses e comba pase o a deecng sp, sono weapons ire s possbe. he scannng sp canbe e coses, and e bes Leadersp, wn60cm, or purposes o deecng Darkened sps.I successu, randomy ro or wc couner sdeeced (1 - 4 on a D6, usng e above exampe.)I no a ase marker, e Darkened sp and any accompanyng sps w are reveaed. he oermarkers can jus carry on, or eec o “power up”.

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Any acve defender’s sp, no e sca nnng sp,can make norma comba aacks w any and aweapons. Any sps no acve can become acvew a successfu Leadersp ro.

Darkened sps are auomacay deeced wn30cm, by any escor or capo sp a s acve.Sps ‘a res’ ke n e ambus scenaro, canno

deec a a. Fgers and bombers need o ge own 10cm, because e sma crat canno carry e sensors needed o deec roug e Darkenngieds.

Darkened Sips and Comba: A sps awere runnng under mnmum energy, ncudngescors, can ‘power up’ on any o er urns. BuComba s med o auncng ordnance andweapons baeres ony. No Nova cannon or anceype weapons ire possbe, un e oowngcomba pase. On e nex urn a weapons are

used normay, no resrcons.I aernang payer urns s n use, e successudeecng o Darkened sps aows a deendngsps o aack, acve, and o become acve wsuccessu Leadersp cecks. he aackng payer(e one usng Darkenng) ad aready compeeds urn, and mus wa un s nex urn o ireweapons, w e above resrcons. (No energy weapons ye) I Smuaneous Move/Comba ruesare n use, a aackng sps can ire, as we asacve deender vesses, bu e aacker’s sps

are resrced o e weapons above, un e nexcomba urn. hen a weaponry s used normay.

Eldar uses of Darkening : Edar sps aso aveDarkenng, bu ave a dferen meod o use.Specazed escor cass vesses acuay ransme ied, no capo sps. Every above descrpono use s aso used ere, excep a e capo spsare escored by e specay desgned rgae cass

sp. Once e Darkenng as served s purpose,e escors so equpped urn away and escape. hey are oo rare and vauabe o use n comba. heres a m o sx suc Darkenng equpped rgaesaowed n a game.So a max mum o sx capo sps, or a mx ncudngoer ypes o escor cass sps, s possbe. Any more an a and e sma energy ea ks become

oo grea, and dscovery s auomac. he m sone capo sp per escorng Darkenng escor,or a maxmum o 4 escors wn e ied o anescorng Darkenng equpped rgae.

Don’ orge: Even Hooieds cance Darkenngaemps!Ork warsips using Darkening : Orks seaany ecnoogy, and muck abou un ey ge workng e way e Orks wan. hs ransaeso Orks aso usng Darkenng, bu aemps adeecng are ony a a -1 rom e eadersp o ascannng sp, nsead o e usua -2.

Design uses: he purpose bend ese rue’sdesgn, was o aemp dupcang submarnesaby o nirae arbors, and e n wa orenemy sps o pass near.

hs dea was en expanded o ncude owlees woud manage o cose on enemy sps andnsaaons so cosey beore comba occurred nBae Fee Goc games. he evouon o e deabecame e rues above. hs meod o aacks sno mean o be e norma course o evens, or an

aacker o approac an enemy ed sar sysem.

hese rues are mean as an aernave means o aempng an ambus, or sneak aack. Aso as away o keep nroducng new and neresng w sson scenaros we aready know we. I bo payersdo no agree o use Darkenng ecnoogy n anupcomng game, en e ecnoogy s no used.here are severa ways o adap s Darkenngdea o scenaros. Try some deas ou and see a e ws on ose scenaros makes or new

caenges.

On e oowng page we ave a scenaro orwo payers or soo pay usng s DarkenngTecnoogy.

Reg

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*** To preven conuson, use a rgae cassescor a s unused n e upcomng operaon.Exampe: Acone cass rgaes escor a lee no

bae, usng Darkenng ieds. Once e Edar lee“powers up”, or e Edar are deeced, e Aconergaes w Darkenng ied equpmen break of and speed away. No Acone rgaes are par o eEdar lee remanng on e abe. A oer escorypes are aowed.Nex game a dferen rgae ype, suc asHemock, can be cosen as e Darkenng escorype, aowng Acone rgaes o reman n pay.

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V o i d

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Inroducon: hs dea was se ou as an ex ampeo a game usng Darkenng ecnoogy o cover eaack orce. he suaon or s scenaro s anaack on a rear sagng area. Sar Sysems “ousde” o e mmedae war-zone end o be more reaxed concernng secury. A ra a senen races sare.Some erms n o wo payer use, soud a opon be cosen.

Aacker Mission: Desroy enemy suppy and re-enforcemen vesses. Cause as muc damage oenemy nsaaons as possbe wou excessversk o own sps.

Defending Force: Ro random Leadersp vaueso assgn eac warsp.1 Lg Cruser , or f unavaabe, a un of 3Desroyer cass escors.4 Frgae cass escors, ‘parked’ 20cm from epane, 15cm from e ‘parked’ cargo sps.

4 Cargo sps, n orb around e pane, spacedfary eveny 10cm from e pane. A ave Ld.6.4 Cargo sps, n “saon keepng” 20cm from epane, mdway beween e pane and e moon,formed up n a ‘box’ formaon, 5cm apar. Aave Ld.6.2 Areds on e pane , for a oa of 4 uns(markers) maxmum per urn, of eer bombers origers, or a mx. No assau boas. Uns auncedrom e pane arieds are paced on e panecener, endng e irs ordnance pase. Nex

pase, e ordnance markers are paced on epane’s edge, and on oowng ordnance pasese markers move away rom e pane movngnormay. In oer words, akes 2 ordnancepases o eave e pane. he arieds can ony aunc 3 mes (12 oa markers/uns), en areou o warcrat o aunc, or e res o e game.No ‘reoadng ordnance’ needed or e arieds.

Aacking Force: Ro random Leadersp vaueso assgn eac vesse.1 Bae Cruser, or equvaen, w iger andbomber aunc aby (no assau boas).1 Lg Cruser, or 4 Frgae cass escors a L.Cruser s unavaabe.

Seup: Pace a medum pane drecy n e cener

o a 4 x 6 abe, w a sma moon 40cm rom epane, drecy beween e pane and e cenero a ong abe edge. (Wc edge s unmporan)No oer abe ‘dressng’ s needed, or desrabe.Pace e sps or e deender as sed above.he aacker orce s paced 60cm rom e paneedge, w e L. Cruser w n 7cm o e BaeCruser, bu no coser an 60cm o e pane.hs soud poson e aacker orce mdway beween e pane, and one sor abe edge. heaacker cooses wc abe edge. No ordnance sye aunced, bo sps are “runnng sen” w

no urns possbe, no seds, no energy weaponscarged; o preven dscovery.he deendng L Cruser s parong 30cm rome pane. Because e rear areas are more reaxedabou secury, e orb o e Lg Cruser spredcabe. Meanng a e deendng LgCruser s paced drecy oppose e aackerorce, on e oer sde o e pane, w s bowacng one ong abe edge. I s n a 30cm ou orb,and s movng a 15cm per urn. Un combabegns, s parong vesse ends eac movemen

a 30cm rom e pane edge.

Begin e game: he aemp o ocae eapproacng aacker s made once per urn. hepane s e ony cose enoug ‘nsaaon’ o beabe o make e aemp. Use Leadersp vaue“8” or e pane. hs s s modied by eDarkenng rues, don’ orge. Success means ae parong L. cruser breaks orb, and eads

drecy a e aacker orce. Oer warsps canmmedaey ro agans er Leadersp vaueo “acvae”, and w move and ig normay sarng e urn ater ey acvae. he aackerorce w know ey are deeced, once successu,and can speed up o maxmum, desred, andbegn comba, desred. I e urn e aackers dscovered does no begn comba, e nex

aacker urn a weapons are a u sreng. heresrcon on energy weapons s ony or e irscomba pase ater “sea” s dropped.

Scoring : he aacker orce mus ex e baeaong e sor abe edge, oppose o e soredge used o ener e bae. 50 pons or eacdesroyed cargo cass sp, and norma ponsor desroyed enemy warsps. Any os aacker vesses subrac er pons cos rom e oa.Beng a rad, any number o desroyed enemy spss a vcory. I s ony a arger, or smaer, vcory

judged agans aacker osses and enemy osses.

Two Player Version: I anoer payer wses ory s scenaro, remember a marker us used ore aacker orce, un deeced. Aso, e ‘bp’marker soud sar on a sor abe edge, raeran 60cm rom e pane, o gve anoer payera beer cance a deecon. he scenaro pays ounormay once e Darkenng ecnoogy s perced,w e marker repaced w e proper sps, ae dsances ad ou n e Darkenng Tec. rues.

I an enemy lee s subsued or ranspors andcargo crat, adapng one o e ambus scenarosrom e ruebooks soud prove a beer coceor orce coces and ayou. Fee ree o adaps scenaro or arger rads, w arger aackerorces. Jus remember e m on e ecnoogy.he weak energy ‘beed-roug’ prevens argeorces rom aempng s sea approac.

Have Fun! Reg. Sener

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GhC 2009 - FThe 2009 submissions into the new fleet category

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Showcase

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So, ere you ave em a. he 2009 submissionsino e lee caegory for e GoiComp painingcompeiion.

As soon as e eas for voing are opened youwi read e announcemen on one of e variousforums.

he lees are sown in order of apabeica order,ey give no indiciaion in wic ea ey arepaced.

Good uck o a wo paricipaed and success wi voing!

Warp Rit / Tacica Command

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S Mv & C: E

T A C T

I C A L C

O M M A

N D By Reg Steiner

Inroducon: he mers o e Smuaneous meod o pay reay sow emseves n e more ‘sandard’

lees.he Edar ave been a probem, because o e speca move aby ey ave. Summarzng, e Edar spmoves no range, res weapons, en moves somedsance - a beore e opponen as s urn. hene opponen aemps o ge cose enoug o ope our e Edar durng e opponen’s urn.In e Smuaneous sysem, e Edar ose a aby.Comba occurs ogeer, a ter bo paries avemoved sips - Oops! Now e Eldar are really close oan enemy sip, and wiou sields and weaker ull designs - equals smoking wreckage.No wa is inended. Ater exploring several ideas, issoluion seems bes, for bo Eldar and e opponen’s

perspecive.

Special Eldar Rule:

• 1. Pacng orders and speca orders s uncanged.• 2. Frs Edar move s uncanged - poson of e

Sun s governng movemen speeds.• 3. Comba.

A. Special Iniiaive:he woe poin of Edar ooieds s sea. Beoreany comba s begun, e Edar opponen ros aganss sp’s Leadersp score -1.hs represens e aemp a geng a “argengsouon” w wc o ire a e Edar.Faure o pass e es means a e Edar w irea weapons abe o do so - hen make e secondmove a e approprae speed.

Any damage rom Edar weapons s apped, ene opponen may ire a e Edar sp, a e newdsance, abe.Soud e Leadersp es be passed, e Edaropponen ires weapons a e same me as e Edarsp, and appes damage.

In oer words, ke any oer comba usng eSmuaneous sysem rues. Ater a damage srecorded o bo payer’s vesses, e Edar sp(s)now make er second move. Ater Edar secondmove s compee, aunc new ordnance, and makee second move or prevousy aunced ordnanceater a.

• 4. End Pase asks are now compeed.

Applying e Rule:Edar lee owners can see a ere s a rsk o eenemy penerang er ‘sea’ and dong moredamage, an Edar sps were urer away. A rsk s no e same as ‘aways’ geng ur. he ooiedsaves w ony be negaed e Edar make a majormscacuaon, and end up ess an 15cm away ande opponen vesse passes a es. Oerwse ooied

saves s reduce damage probabes consderaby.Because any Edar gamer res o jus ge nsdeweapon’s range o ire, en move away, s rueaows or e possby o geng ou o enemy range beore enemy weapons can ind er arge.Even e enemy does acqure and ire - e sp’sdeensve desgn s nac.

In acua pay, e aby o e enemy o ‘ge pas’ e

sea, based on ow g e eadersp vaue o e enemy sp acuay s (Experence!), makes orsome payer excemen.Soud an enemy succeed requeny, and so damagee Edar vesses more oten - a w be an occasonong ed up as ‘superor gamesmansp’ n braggngsessons o come.

In game pay erms, e Edar sps are s ougcusomers, w s aby o open e range - aeas some o e me.W Smuaneous Movemen and Comba rues,e Edar desgn jus canno sand up o cose npunsmen every urn, wc s wa appens w

Smuaneous rues, wou s Speca Edar Rue.Ye e Edar are s vunerabe o some damage,usng s speca rue.

To be baanced, e Edar sps canno aways geammered, and canno aways escape a damage.I beeve s rue resores e caenge or bopayers, we usng Smuaneous Move and CombaRues.

Jus remember: Bo sdes movng ogeer means

sps ge cose as!

Reg

A small Horizon noe:wen using e simulaneous rules anoer opion iso use e Eldar MMS fanmade rules. hese will akeaway issues e original Eldar ave under simulaneousmove and comba rules.

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“No s me.” Lynx broke n, “A maer more pressng an reunngrends mus come rs.”

“I woud ke o ear ow you found me so fas, aer.” Pen sad, as seenered roug e openng door. hecommandcener.Penscannedecurvedwaaead.Fromereeveryparoespwasmonored.Fromerecameedecsonsonowogesp.Penadbeennecommandceneroascrusersbeore.Manymes.Bunonewereeveradoukes.Lynx’snuence,andnssence,adwrougobvouscanges.hsceneradargeaccadspays,nojusoargedaaandrendyoroedencaon,buasoveryargescreenssowngspaceaaround.Eacvessearoundscruserwasdepcednedspayasareedmensonascaeversonose,nojusasaponogsurroundedbynumbersandcodes.Lynxadawaysbeorenssedonvsuanearperecon,bu,aeassoar,Penadnobeenabeosme,andee,wasecoudsee.AterwaPenadexperencedwYamu,sewasankuumanyadnoadvancedsoar. “Wereareeoers?”Lynxaskedromeceneroeroom.Seadnosoppedoookaround.Penquckycameoersde. “heyjumpedaeadous.”heCapanoevessereped.“AndeEdarwenwem.” “Andwe arewang or..?” Lynxasked, a noe o mpaence no

mssedbyanyone. “heassquadronsoudarrveanymomen.”hecapansad,“heFeeAdmrawansyouoopenacannewm,emomenyouarrvedonedeck.” “A.hene’sbegn.”Lynxsadmoreoeroomanoanyone. hecenerporonoecurvedwawassuddenyaAdmra.Peerngdownaeveryoneromabovewpercngbrgeyes. “A.Youareready?”heAdmra’svocewasnoasargeassvsage,esoundedmdeven.

A T W

Ch 10 - P 2 2

O Nw EBy Reg Steiner

IV._____ hegreaHveMndoeTyrandscounedecos.ArogueceoTyrandsadbeenambused.heedgngHveMndadbeenre-absorbednoeparenve.Noaebomassadbeenrereved,bueorgnavewasbggernow.hewanderngeeovngspacevessesawaseHve,andcomponensoeHveMnd,wassrongernow.NoweHvemndesrongenougoeadoraargecuserosarsnearecoreosgaaxy.hemonsocreauresawaseHvewoudeed.herungerwasasoeMnd’sunger.Yes.Tmeomakewaronecreauresosgaaxyagan.War.AndmorevngmassoeedeungerngHve.

V.______ LynxandPenexedetcarogeer.Humansoveoaveasorpassagesconnecosepurposebusegmenscaedrooms,Penreeced.Howmucmewaswased,avngoraverseongpassages,raeranaveetopendrecyonenendeddesnaon?PenougeImperabureaucracymgcoapse,soudaquesoneverbeanswered.PenandLynxurnedacorner. here,aead,woguresnbaearmorsoodankngabasdoor. “Booyouookresed.”heeuenansadoewowomen.“Youarecearedogorgn.”

“Iwoudsayesameoyouwo.”Penreped.“IougIwasrdoyouwobodyguardsbackonInqusorFoss’sbaesp.” “WewereassgnedoyoubyeEmperor.”heSergeanresponded.“Weaveadoearnobecever,esemanyyears,ateraemesyouaveeeneedoeudeus.” “Me?”Penasked,egnngsurprse.“Iwoudneverexpecoaveanyprvaemomens,sowoudnevereeeneedoeudemycoserends.” heLeuenanookedaeSergean.“Youadogeersared?Nowsewnobeappyunse…”

O

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“Yes. Pease begn any and a operaons no ye mpemened.” Lynxsad ormay.

“heonyorceremanngssone.”heAdmraddnowsoundasorma.“Aowmeobrngyouupoecurrensuaon.”Lynxnodded,andeAdmraconnued,busacewasrepacedbyaccascreens. “herearenowwoMarneees,wImperaeesuppor,andwoMsMarneees, wsupporng vesses, a eadng ors sar cuserbeow,andNoroegaacccener.Weaveasorecevedconormaon

aaMarsLegonsnroueoesameassembyarea.Oureewjumponeour,oresspossbe,aterearrvaoeegascrusersassgnedomyee.” Lynxnodded as eac screen dspayggedeprogresso enameduns,andevenuadesnaonsargroupng.hensespokeup.“Verygood,Admra.Ddconormaoncomebackyeconcernngeacsp’ssoresandweaponsoads? “Noye.Onyabouaoereporsareback,”heAdmrareped,“buareporssoarconrmuysuppedsoresandweapons.” “Waavewegooneconvoys?”Lynxaskedurer. “Foursurroundngsecorsaregaerngre-suppyconvoys,wcareexpecedobeassembedandreadyaerassgnedassembypons,beoreany

aconsbegunbyourorces.”heFeeAdmra’sacewasback,andookngsgyconcerned. “heres anewreporromdesroyersscoungeargesarsysems.” “Yes?”Lynxasked,suspconnervoce.Peneodd,asacoddratadjusbrusederrombend. “heyarereporngadvanceunsoeTyrandnvaderareedferensysemsneargecuser.”heAdmrawasookngdown,readng,soaPencoudnoreadsace. “Tyrands.Now.”Lynxsadsoty.Lynxappearedobeookngrougebukead.“So.Asonow,ereareupwardsoveumanees,aeaswoEdarees,anunknownnumberoOrkeesandremnansoees,agongo

meeanunknownnumberoandrod,orwaevereyare,enemyorces.NowaddeTyrandsnoemx. Verywe.Admra.”Lynxsoundedveryrm,borderngonangry.“AseaccaadvsororsTaskGroup,IverysrongyrecommendaaumanorcesberedrecedoeeebaseaRookour.ha’senearesbaseoeargesarcuser,andasorjumpromanEdarorbngbase.Weneedmorenormaon,beoreweareorcedodvdeourresourcesagansnewreas.” “heresmore.”heAdmraappearedoaveabadasensmou,“LargeOrkorcesavemovednoaadozensarsysems,ourowcave

raermporanImperaodngs.heresnoreporogngye,buegreensknsavemovednoaserodbes,movedonounoccupedmoonsandpanes, and arerapdy oryng ese ocaons. Secorcommanders andpanearygovernorsarescreamngorre-enorcemens,andoseasdee‘nosoongonsg’commandorOrks.” “heyarerguyworredaoseocaonscanbeusedagansus,sooneroraer”Pensad,romjusbendLynx. “We,egreensknunacsare,asmomen,engagednaraer

argeee acon weEdar,jus now.”heAdmra wasreadng romascreenoonesde,bueookodsasewassevden. “Admra,”Lynxsoundedassewasnaurryogosomewere,“youoowmyrecommendaon,InkyousoudryoconaceEdar,Yamupossbe,andsrongysuggeseygaeraeycanaeEdarorbaImenonedearer.InkourrsjobsosoroueOrkprobem,enwecanseeweneedodeawosemurderousmacnes,orevenessoanoerbugnesaon.” “Iconcurwyourevauaon.”heAdmrasad,sookngoonesde,“Fromabase,wecansrkeounseveradrecons,aaonce,oroneaame.Andasyousay,weneedmeoorganzeandevauaeenewreas.AndmorememeansIcanpunmoreGuardnanrydvsons,asweas

moreeeassesoep.” “Nooomucme,”Lynxadded,“becauseeverywordeTyrandsconsumemupesareamanymes.Come,Pen.herearesomengsIneedodscusswyou.”

VI._____ heHvemndookedbackwundredsounbnkngeyes.heHveadorerea,agan,neaceoosewdgreenanmasaeHvekeepsencounerng.hosewdgreenanmasavemacnesoakeemnospace,andmacnesoepemgonapane.Evenwoumacnes,ewdgngcreaures runeadongnoa gwemessengersoeHve.

Manywordsegreenanmasnabjusdonoaveenougboogcmassowarranaproracedsegeorourgassau.Wundredsoeyes,eHveMndookedbackaesarsysemeywereeavng.heHvecoudseeaeanmasnermacneswerenooowng.heHvecoudsseeesmased,andwsed,andbrokenremansovesses.Drtng.Burnng.SomewereoncevngparsoeHve.Oerswerebrokenmacnesuodeadgreenanmas.heHvepuedbackbecauseerewasnoenougoodoreve,owevererceegreenonesougeywere. heHveookedaeadnow.heresereewordsaeHvewas

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aready movng on. Fu o overlowng w boogc mass o feed e mons of servans of e Hve. heHveMndadcomeoexpecsucwordswoudaveobeougor.Somucobeganed,enargenumbersoevesaves,osoenernoowar,coudbeof-sebysomucgan.DeepneougsoeHveMnd,apeasaneengarose.Acaengeromosepaesknnedanmas, and maybea srong gudng mnd encounered beore, coudbesrangeypeasan.hecanceodeeaagudngmndoepaeones,gaveeancenHveMndreasonoookorwardoegameows,anderskobae.ManyparsoegreaerHvewerereurnng.Fed.Sronger.Fromouyngsars,oenewrskobaewepaeonesandermacnes.heHveesrongeranadoraongme.heHveMndwascerananosauncdeensecoudurneHveawayromsucrcwords.No.

VII.____ Pensanesecondcommandcaronegngbrdgeoeascruser.Taccadspayssurroundederandecruser’sCapan.Iwasasgoreezeebood.AaroundesowymaneuverngImperacruser,PenwacedeOrkwarspsgdepaservew.hesewereaenewdesgnPenadeardabou.Large,medum,andsma,eyareaseekerookng,andabuwaseeooedgrnandangryeyesoneronoeacsp.

Andbrsngwweapons, ocourse. hesenewdesgns aso spored newweapons.hebgcannoneOrkssoovearespresennprouson,bunowanewenergyweaponasbeenaddedomosoebggerOrkcrusersandbaewagons. Penopedsewoudnoaveanyrsandexperenceswenewweapon. AewImperaspsadbeensruckbyenewweapon,andvedoeabou.Apparenyenewweaponddnocauseexensvedamage,keoerrace’senergyweapons,oasp’ssrucure,buraerddsmadamageoeparoesp.herearoubewasoweenergyromeweaponraveedabouesp.Gengnoeecrcacrcus,usngmeaparsand

gears,andevensomeowmagnezngoddmeabs.heresuansp’ssysemsaurescoudcompeeydsabeavesse,eavngadrtng,epessargeordesrucon,orcapure.Evenewoespwasnocrpped,veryotenkeyeemensoespweredsabed.Nocapanwansobenagwaesp’sabesknockedou.PencoudacuayseeesrangeookngweaponmounonsomeoeOrkspssewaspassng. A oseOrk sps, seemng o gnoreepresence o an Imperawarsp,onyservedomakeecrusercapanmorenervous. “YousadasOrkwarordwasexpecngus.”heCapansado

Pen.“BuIsrememberowOrkswotendsobeyerbgboss,acanceoburndownanyngImperapresensse.” “NosWarord.”Penanswered,“AnyOrkadsobeysLongoospubcydsonoredanddsgraced,andetaveoaceasame.Orksdonoeardea,buosufererdcueooerOrkssworseenanyormenoees.heywooworders.Myworryswaoseordersmaybe.” “WcmakesmenkadozenOrkbroadsdesaresnmymmedaeuure.”heCapansadoverssouder,oPen.“Tooseoneoeee’snewescrusers,nsway,swaseuandmakesmeangry.” ‘I’domybesnoooseoneoeEmpre’snes.”Pensadback,awckedookonerace. “Youdoa,SpecaAmbassador.”heCapanadawckedsmeosown. “here! Do youseeabaespa’smosy red?”Pensuddenyasked,“ha’sssp.” “Yes,Isee.We’puupnexosauncbays,soyoucanaveyourmeengere,wereewaned.”heCapanurnedoacePen,“IsnksdangerousbeyondreasonoryouogoaboardaOrksp.” “YearsagoIacedabgbrue,wnoweaponsandnoarmor,andsurvved.”Penddn’eeeneedoaddowseadbeenangngromwres,

wangode.“InkImgsurvvesvs,aswe” “I’eyourescorogeready.Aeasyouwaveougescor,anyoemovererewanopay.”heCapansad,aercesmeerasngeworrynesonsace.“We’bereadyoo.” “Iavespecansrucons or you, Capan.”Pensadwdsncormay,odngouanpascsee,noasbgasepamoerand,eembeddedgodsquarenscenercacngeg. “O?”heCapanasked,rownngsgy,“FromeImperum,orromyou,SpecaAmbassador?” “Isjuss,”Pensadveryquey,eanngorwardoandovereesee,“heresaaskorceonswayere.Icoudn’keepemaway.

heyaremyresponsby.WaIneedoyou,sayouakeyourspoubyesecondmoon.Onscpsecodesyouneedoreaymynsruconsoem.heywarrvedden,andobeermaskagansanyenergyeaks,eywbebendabgdeserpanejusbeyondsone.” “Hdden?”heCapanaskednaowvoce,“Canyouemeowbgaorce?” “hreebaesps,egcrusers, andaarge numbero rgaesanddesroyers, I’m nosure owmanygo backrom oermssons beore sbuncseou.”Penqueysad.

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“hs muc repower s your responsby?”heCapan soundedncreduous. “Iamecommanderoaaskgroup.”Pensaeday,“Becauseomyamyconnecons,andmypasaccompsmens,Iamrequredoead.heyarenoamyamy’sodngs,orresponsbes.” “Isee,”he Capansadserousy,eanngback,“Iadmomenaryorgoenowyourpeopeareorganzeddfereny.IaveneverbeenbreedoneaccadocrnesaesocaedMssuse.Regardessoaa,aaskgroupsoosmaogsomanyoesenewOrkwarsps.” “Iamsureasnoernenon.”Penanswered.“Evenso,eymusgeesensrucons.Youmusbesureobroadcasaemesndcaed,eywnoacknowedge.” “Iwbedone.Inkwearenoranneresngme.”heCapansrownwasamosgone. “Le’snomakeooneresng.Hmm?”Penreped.

VIII.___ Lynxookedonasesue/bomberetecruserandmadeswayoeOrkwarsp’sauncbays.heecratsoondsappearednsdeegarsyredpanedOrksp.PenwasonceagancommedbeyondLynx’s

abyoep.Lynxurnedbackooermonors,oerspyprobes.hepeceswere comng ogeervery rapdy now. Somanysps. Somanydferenagendas.Lynxasspecazedasago-beweenoreCenuronMarnesandeoerracesoreveneoerpanearygovernors,amgbesuspec,orrequredoprovdeogscs,orossodeas.LynxandedmanydeassoaWamddnoaveo. Lynxswcedascreenoanewvew. LynxwanedoseeowegaerngmgoeCenuronswasprogressng.Jusasseoug,eeewasareadysaredowardejumppon.LynxknewaepoweroeMarneswasdvdedamongemanywarsps.heoowngsupporcratadmorean jusrepacemen suppes. Hundredso nanrywereaboard

manyoosesps,anadvancedranng,andareadywenoegenecmodcaonsomakeemMarnes.Wamexpecedmanyosses. Aewe,andLynxwasrouggaerngeaesdeveopmens.Movemencaugereye.hebgredOrkbaespwasmovng,oowedbyaeoerOrksps.Warcratoeveryszewereurryngromepanebeow,ojonwedeparngsps.Waeesgongon?PensoneWarord’seadsp,waappenedomakeemeave.heyweresupposedosay.Lynxsaredobarknsruconsnosomecommgear.hecareugaerngoorcesadjusgoneoe,andLynxwassureasegongooow.

hecruser assgned oPen was no oowng, and no answerng repeaedaempsondouwanamngsarssappenng. Lynxookedaeacoeoermonors,assereayednewnsruconsoeacoeeemensorerpannedaack.Seorderedeaceemenoumany’s orceso waa erassgnedassemby areas,erewas nongeseobedoneunsnewdeveopmencoudbeworkedbacknoepan.Lynxadasnkngeengaosewakngmeadeamacnesweregongoaconooerremnansooerraces,ncudngumans,andpursueemoexncon.Lynxknewaeaackpanadomoveorwardsoon,beorescoudappen.AndeTyrandswereonemoveagan.Morewordsweregongode,weeracesosgaaxyweredsracedbysnewrea.Lynxgoananswerbackaseexpeced.heEdarwerenogongowa,eyaregongaeadwerownpan.Lynxsncereyopedeywoudsucceed,despeerearsaoomanyEdarwoudbedesroyedrs. Lynxseerequpmenonauo-record,andeadedorecommandbrdge.Iwaswepasmeorsascruseroearnspay,andoowespcarryngPen,owerevermusbegong.

IX._____ Pensoodneandngbay,wang.Fankedbyeroyabodyguards,

andwosquadsoOgrewarrors,earrayoOrkswerepenyagaed,budarednoapproac.Longoowasonswaydownoebay,buakngwayoong,Penoug. he sudden jerk, makng everyone sway, oowed mmedaey byacceeraonandengoedeck,announcedoudandcearaeOrkbaespwaseadngou.Penkeperee,despeebeseforsoesp’spooroweveryoneoedeck.AeOrks,excepaeweavyarmedandarmoredones,scaeredowaeveraskeyweresupposedobedong.Ateracoupemoreseconds,ewarspseednoaseadyacceeraon,puncuaedbyoccasonagroansandsqueasromebukeads.AnOrk,raerargerenaeoers,approacedewangumans.

“Longoosayesecome…u…cenerg…um..onysedoescome.”WaebgOrkwavedaandowardedreconeexpecedPenogo,urnedsbackandeadedofowardendcaedbasdoor.Pensruggedandurnedoerpeope. “Youaadbeerwaonesue,Idon’keoweOgresookkeey’reabouosarbasng.”Pensad,andurnedoooweOrk. “Bumusbearap!”Onebodyguardyeedaterer. “Ocourse!”Penyeedoverersouder. Penwasgraeuorebaearmorsewore,oneoeamospere

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readous kep lasng red a mes. Pen ad never been aboard a Ork vessebefore, and red o ake n everyng as se urred aterebgeadngOrk.hemess,andwacoudonybecaeddsrepar,baledPen.Howcoudesespsbesodangerousnbaeeveryngookedobeangapar?BasdoorsceranyworkedPennoed,andsoddet,evenPencoudseeesatwassdngpas.PenasosawaeveryOrk,owaeversze,daredouoeaorpassageasseapproaced,oenurnandsareaterer,onceseadpassed.Penwsedsecoudurndownsomeoeoeras,orsopandnvesgaesomeoeroomssepassed.BuerbggudesauneredbyooquckyorPenoseeverymuc,eveneroom’sbasdoorwasopen.SoonerenPenwoudaveked-wawereaeseamppesor?-anexraargebasdoornronsdopen,grndngnosybuas,andPenoundersenecombaceneroeOrkbaesp. Pensoodandsared.Aaround,bgascreenssoweddferenacca vewsousdeesp,projecedcourses,nsdespsauses,andevenavewooweoerOrkwarspswereormngupbendswarsp.BuwaadPen’seadspnnngwasebgscreensasowedesquadronsandeesoeImperanavy,compeewumnaedcarssowngoseumanee’sprogressandcourse.Buow?hevewsonosebgscreensookedasanOrkspwasamongeImperasps.Penookaewsepsorward.Nowsecoud

beerseeascreenaadbeenedgeon,anksocurvedwas.hsscreenpcuredeprogressoeEdarees,buddnoaveavewasamongeEdar. “Har!Har!Hump! Le sebreakneck ookng ‘roundso as!”Longoo’svoceboomedou.“Here!BeerewLongoo!Ha!”Longoogesuredwabgand,oaspobesdem. “Nosoas,Longoo!”Pensouedback,“Wereweofo?Wesaposedowaere!” “A!Longooeader.Goagooewar.MoreGreensknscaep,Longoogoago!”Longooanswered,asPenmovedcoserom.PennocedaanyOrkneway,movedouoewayasdodgngabow.

“Longoo!Weeavemypeopenoknow-was,”Penbegan. “Soonknow-wa,”Longoosadwadsmssvewaveosand,“Le se-umanwarg,bugg,spg,now saewfa Longoo!”LongooookeddownaPen,nownearssde.“Se-umannoneedpurysuan’ameamask.Longooknowsereaace.Ya.Hump.” “Orkynocaresweakar,”Pensadaeessoud,“buIneedssrongerar,anpreysukeepmesrong,wsrongar!” “Ho-kay!”Longooanswered,eneoubeowsosownanguageoramomen.Orksaeponedajumpedopungevers,orurnngbrass

wees,ordongsomengPencoudnoseerougerbacks.“Nowarsronger!Lesecanunpumeaace.”LongoogrnneddownaPen,andenurnedsbackasemovedaroundasrucureeadbeenresngsarmon.Pensawwassomesoroseaorcarramednron,anddecoraedwLongoo’sbaeropes.Aneckaceoongee,aparoOrkskusposedbrg,abenkne,andaparogaunes-onewonyourngers-weredrapedornaedwerePencoudseeem. “Um..Longoo,”Penbeganenavey.HowcoudsesayasecoudnobeareodorosomanyOrks,aseaedupnsrusy,o,yngbomb? “Erenow!”Longoobeowed,andaganauncednoasreamosownanguage,aewewavngsarms,andpuncuangswordswumpsonsces,orasaposoreead,ordrvngasnosoerand. PenurnedoookawaeoerOrksarounderoomweredong.heywereamovngnaurryoacvy,urnngknobs,pungeversandrowngswces. SomewerespeakngnoroundoesbeowsmascreenswugyOrkacespeerngou.Penwasabouoaskemeanngoas,wen suddeny a wave o dsorenaon, aong w a eeng se ad beenauncedouawndow,amosmadePenaoedeck.Ateramomen,Pen’s

vsonreurnedonorma,andseookedupaebgronvdeodspay. Penougookedkesspwasyngdownaunne.Araggededgedoe,nemddeoescreen,ramedanenargedvewoapane.Lesparksoredbrokeofeedgesoeoe,andseemedodrtbackowardPenaongebackoesurroundngunneonescreen.heyadjumpednonon-space.Penadbeenkdnappedasecondme. hswasadferenoPen.Ieasegravycompensaorsadbeensuof.Judgngbyegrowngmageoepaneoneronscreen,eywerenogongobeouonormaspaceorong.hesparksandsmokeandnosesromesurroundngequpmenmadePennkeywereabouobowuprs.

“Har!Har!”Longoobeowedoncemore,“Lookdsanknow-was!”Wa,Longooebackonoswangroncar. “Lookwa?”Penasked,movngupbesdeLongoo. “DswyesewLongoo.Ha!”Longooponedaemddescreen.hepaneneceneroevewgonobgger,bueraggedoegobggerrapdy,un’sraggededgeswdenedrgofescreen. Agan,Peneasseadbeenungnoear,andeeavyonoeree,evenougseadnomoved.WenPen’svsoncamebacknoocus,seookedoeersde.hesdeandrearscreensaadbeenbackand

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empy, now sowed lankng and foowng squadrons of Ork sps. No ony were ey back n norma space, bu oer forces ad arrved Pen ad no seenbefore. herewasabaeaboveegreen,brownandbueoepane.Redarcsoenergy,aongwsverysreaks,crsscrossededarkness. Penredoesmaeedsance.hsOrk ee admanagedo ener norma spacebeweeneorbsopanes,nseadoreurnngonormaspaceweawayromepossbyogravywes,sucasweaboveeorbaepcoasar’spanes.Penrownednsdeereme.Lookngabouer,sespoedaaccavdeowssysem’spanes,andyes,gravywesacoudavebeennearoeseOrkvesses,werenseadoneoersdeoesun.HowddeOrknavgaorsknow?Humannavgaorsddnoevenryoguesswereapanemgben’sorb.Jusoaveedaaonowmanypanesasarad,andwaangeepanesorbed-reaveoegaaccpane,wasmoredaaannavgaorscoudopeocompeandanayze.HenceeendencyoaImperaspacevessesore-enernormaspacesoarromasar.Upunnow,Orkspsddesameng.hankuygvngumanouposs,coones,anduyseedwordsmeoreac,ordeenseorevacuaonneeded.Pen’sunverseadjuscanged.Andnoorebeer. PenmovedaenronoLongoo.“Longoo.WyOrkyno‘rad

bumprockswengeere?”Seponedaescreenwpane’sposons. “Um?Err…”LongoournedseadromwacngeronscreenowerePenponed.“AHump!herenobgorepacenearus.Wyno?Har!” “Ho-kay.HowOrkyknowbgandepacesnonOrkyway,wenOrkygeere?”PensawoerOrksurnngowacPenandLongoo. “O?Har!Har!”Longoo’sugy,scarredacebrokenoawdegrn.Pennvounarysudderednsdeerarmor.“Orkyooksrs.Noseeanybgrocksoroersuf,um-kay,Orkyandsere.Nobgardngwedoes.Hump!”Longooookedaround,grumbedsomengnOrk,andaeoersurnedbackoerasksqucky.

“Yes,buesekeseeowOrkysee.”Penaskedveryquey.Seknewowmporansnewdeveopmenwas,andwassureLongooddaswe,soPenreayddn’expecobesown.Buseadoask. “Har!Har!LesekeOrkynewoys?”Longooeanedback,andconnued,“MaybeEm-pernosmarkeOrky?Hump!Ha!henknowwas,ese.” Suddenasaunderbo,dawnedonPenaLongoowasnobengnsung,andaekdnappngmgnoavebeenreacery.AsnkngeengcameoverPen,sewasonnew,unamarground.hsOrkwasno

acngasesoud,andPenwasnowunsurewawoudberue,andwawoudbereacery. “Longoonoabeanswer more ese askng soon,”Longooconnued,wavngabgandaeronscreen,“sonomoreaskng.hnks.Longooavenewrendsnow.Nowavenewwaroys. SomeLongoo’srendsnowanOrkybud‘enonerpace.SogveLongoonewoys‘nsayaway.LesegveLongoonewrends.Redbugswannaeaumanpaces,Orkypaces,everyone,everywere.NewrendskeOrkysopRedbugs.Evennasyrebeumansnoke’nEm-pergveOrkynewoys.Orkywnsgs,pcksupoysosernoneed-ennomore.Orkypuanewoysogeer,gsepromoerrends,pusmoreoysogeerbeer.”Longoosaerecandtedsarmsnabgarc,andgoouder. “Orkygosbeersps,beerguns,gowerewans,aseranaser.Har!Har!”Longoodroppedsarms,grppedecararms,andeanedcoseoPen’semeace,asryngoooknsdeeeyeenses.“NowTn-boydeadngsrunOrkyun.Smassps,smasOrkysrongpaces,oow-unOrkyeverywere.DeadTnngs‘nugyspsneverend,awaysmore.Hump!” “AndnowLongooaackugysps?”Penaskedraeroudy,“Wygonrunaway?” “Err..NewesoysnowonosaOrkybgguns‘nkroozers.”Longoo

answered soemny, “We gonna ry new oys. Bus up ugy Tn-boys, ugykroozers.” “Okay. Wywanme?” Pen nay asked wa sewanedo knowmos. “Longoosaysnomoreaskng.”Longoournedoookascenerscreen.“Orkyg‘nnow.Askngater,cansanswers.” Penurnedoo.Sureenoug,aparosquadronsomddeszedOrkspswererngaebackbockysapedngs.AparocrmsongngbosasedouromewoNecrosps,andwoOrkcrusersadersedsareandencoapse,andewoOrkcruserswereonre,endoend.Penquckypayedescenebackromeremerecorder,andsowedepayback

down.Seadbeenrg,eboognngwasnoasngesreakoenergy,buasreamoeredburssasomeowswredaroundacommoncourseoearge.PenwacedcoserasesurvvngreeOrkcrusersneacsquadron,gocoser,basngawaywerusuacannons.JusaseNecrospsred,soddeOrkcrusers.EacOrkcruserredaparobue-webos,aseemedsoweranenergybass.hecrmsonsreakseaccaugawebo,bodsappearngnaare.heremanngwebossruckome.EacoewoNecrospsadveweareseangoesnem.hebackmea,orwaeverwas,wasdssovng.Werngssoonsurroundedoes

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a gowed w sck green g, and e we rngs connued o grow, eangaway a e sp.

Longoo sared yeng commands. I became cear o Pen a ey oo, were makng a run a e Necro sps. Pen red o ake n everyng a once.Coser vews around e pane bnked on and of. Pen saw a a eas our oerOrk sps ad been based no run beore ese res orces arrved. A coupeo cose up vews o e pane sowed were Necro nanry were advancng, bue screens lased o dferen vews oo qucky. Wa e Orks operang econros were ookng or, Pen ad no dea. A e we, Longoo connuedsoung, un a our bg screens seed back on an enanced acca vew oron, lanks, and rear. Ony jus n me. Longoo’s bg warsp began rngs many cannons. Pen ad never been on an Ork warsp before, cerany nowe n bae. hencredbenoseandcommoonnecommandcenerwasmndnumbng.Wyencredbeboomsorngcannoncoudbeeardaa,wasousdePen’sexperence.OnImperasps,esudderandvbraonerougewasanddeckeoweaponsre.Buere,eOrkweaponsrewasdeaenng.And,Pensaw,weacvoeyredeOrksowedandceered.heoudnosewaskesomekndodrugoeOrks,adrugeycoudnogeenougo.Penopenedaepaneononewrs,andappedacoupeobuons.Hersoundreceporswouderoueerrcgunrenoses,bus

evocerequencesroug.Pencoudn’sopedrummngoenoseonerarmor. Pen’saenonwasnowbackoneoomngbackNecrovesses.Neerwasssowngsgnsoeearerdamage.Eveneurupuresedwgreengwereagone.Reparedsomeow.Crmsonarcsoenergyasedouoncemore,asPenederbrea.Buewoasesoenergypassedby.Aquckookoverersouderaerearscreen,andPensawboredbasssrkeomeonebaespoowngLongoo’ssp.Aare,andsurgeowacoudonybeames,payedovereronoebaesp.Andweregone.heorcesedsedbackebass.AnoeroLongoo’snewoys?Penwondered.

hecannonsaceasederbarrage,quesuddeny.Awe-ouoeronscreenwasoowedbyaparowesreaksreacngouoreNecrosps.Acrmsonazeappearedaroundeugybacksps,jusbeoreempacsoewebosromLongoo’ssp,asweasromnearyadozenoerOrksps.Quckasabnk,ewearesoempacsoneredazedancedaongeengobodarkvesses.Aoeneredazewasbreycreaedbyeacmpac,andonywereasubsequenwebogorougsucagap,ddanydamageoeuappear.Ouoeweny-oddmpacsoneenemyseds,onyreeorourgorougoeacsp.Buwasenoug.

Gousopecuargreenameserupedromedamagedus,asweasmoreeruponsocrmsongnngsrkngounseveradrecons.OneredboevensruckLongoo’ssp,causngsmoresparksoy romsomeoeequpmenaroundPen,buseemedoavenooerefec. Despee nose, sparks,andsmoke, Pen wacedecenerscreenneny.Longoo’sspadsowedomacespeedoeNecros,andwas jonedbyaadozenoercrusersandbaesps,arrayedabove,beow,andbendLongoo.Eacsppeedewoundedenemyspswemoreamarcannonsandasers,andecosenbowswereengnow.CunkswereayedromeNecrospsasugesesdeonaedagansem.Someng vawas,asrsone,enamomenaereoer,Necrospdsappearednabndngareopaegreenradance.MoresparksewaroundPennecommandcener,buoerwseeOrk’sorceedsseemedodeecebas. Pen wasjus abouo brea asgoree,wen Longoo yeed,ponngaeetscreen. “Look!Ur!MoreTn-Headugysps!”Longooenyeedevenouder,“Wabgugesdo-unnow?” PensawaeasegNecrobacksps,ounedbyacrmsonazeagansesars.BeorePencoudanswer,eazearoundeenemyspsstedopaegreen,andespsvsbyacceeraedonaperpendcuarcourse.

“Leav ng.”Pensadsmpy. Frsoneboxoourbackvesses,eneoerboxoourvesses,smmeredkeanmagereecednwaer,anddsappearednabreckerog.ToPen’ssurprse,argecaberOrksesexpodedonyannsanbendeasenemysp’sdsappearance.PenmadeamenanoeasomeOrkspswereabeoockonargesaseranbeore. LongoosoodandurnedoacePen. “Legoveroosoon.LesegowLongoo.Mucaskngnow,mm.Har!”Longoo’sargegnaryandwrappedaroundPen’sarm,probabysqueezngearmorard,andpuedPenaongwm. “Longooavenewoys,”Pensadmpaeny,“andosasooy.So

waLongoogoaavesese?” “Losaaskng,bunoeng,ar-ar,”Longoosad,queeranesoud,“noengye.”LongooconnuedpungPenaong,noedarkbeyoswarsp.

X.______ Lynxooked a emessageagan, nowanng o mss anyddenmeanngorconsequence.Nogood.IwasasbadasLynxwanednoobeeve.SeswcedacommunosoweCapanoscruser.

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“Capan, I beeve you ave revewed e same message as I.” Lynx sada e screen. “Pease gve me your apprasa o new deveopmens.”

“Very we,” he Capan reped very ormay, “I see no recourseoer an your mmedae deparure. I beeve deveopmens need urernvesgaon,ereorewesoudnore-depoyeorceswearegaerng,buraer,proceedonourown.” “We?”Lynxasked,oneeyebrowrased. “Ocourse.Myspsareadyayourdsposa.”heCapanreped,“hscrusersoneoeasesandmoseavyarmedneservce.Sucamssonswawearedesgnedor.And,ocourse,youareadyknowas.”AnysmeuggedaecornersoeCapan’sace.“IwenerneogaIvouneeredsvesse,ocourse.” “Ocourse.henIsuggeswedeparassoonasweareabe. Awarawasus,andwesoudnobeae.”Lynxsad,enadded,“OandpeaseaskeAdmrasowaaeassembypons.Wewsendwordassoonasweareabe.” “Aye”heCapansad,andswcedof. Lynxconnuedookngaedarkscreenoramomen.heyadaskedoreronervene.TwoaesoeImperumweregngeacoer,nseadoercommonenemy.Lynxeaeenreeebender,woudmake

ereebeer,buwoudprobabyonymakemaersworse.ApparenyeCapaneesameway.Bosdeswoudgadyargeer,normay.Bueyadaskedorerocome.Deepdownnsde,Lynxeaerewasmoreosenanyonewaseng.Lynxurnedandwenoerocker,seadocecksomengsobeready.

XI._____ WereverPenadbeened,Orksadsoppedwaeyweredong,evenakng,osareaPen.Perapseyadneverseenaveumanupcosebeore.Penbreywondered.Moremporan,PenwasgengagudedournsdeanOrkwarsp.Onceagan,Penwasgadsesadonereme,as

weasspacearmor.Adferenmeseemperaurewasoenougomakeeran,anksoyemoreseameaks,orcodenougaPenwonderedsareawasopenospace.Noomenonenergyeaks,cemcaumes,andoerazards.Penwasmospuoubyoneazardnparcuar.Aoosmagreensknswereurryngabou,gengnoeveryng,everywere.Andunderoo.Tryassemg,Pencoudnoavodseppngonegreenee,orknockngdowneegreensknsabumpednoer.henPensawaLongoowasacuayryngosepon,kck,orswaeepess,andeywereskuydodgngandduckng,andnobengaa. Pensared

swngng er ree armandkckng ae smaOrks,and sure enoug,secoudn’aone.Onceagan,Penremndederse,Orkcuurewascompeeyopposeerownumanexperence.Humanswoudneverryobudozeeeversonsoemseves,bueOrksadoavodebgbrusersromebegnnngoerexsence.PenasosawoerOrksconsanypummengeacoer,nomaerwaaskeyweresupposedobedong.HowanynggoaccompsedwasbeyondPen’sundersandng. heoerperpexngacsPencoudn’workouwaseayouoesp’sneror.hebascayouseemedvagueyamar,evensmar,oImperadesgns.However,waedesp’sspaceswasenreyOrk.Nosgnocrewquarerswereobeseen.IOrkseversep,eneymusbeeapedoneuponeoernoneoeemperdecksareas.Penddpassrougonedeck,wereeremusaveoncebeenegreengrowngngsaspsadorarceanngandoodproducs.Bu,sareawasnowwdandovergrown.Aroogreenandbrownvnes,andeayngs,aookedmpenerabebeyondepaLongooookogeroug.Penwassureseeardgrowsandsses,asweaseruseooage. AasLongoosoppedsoroaparocosedbasdoors,neareowesdecksoesp,asbesasPencoudcacuae.Wawenoseoegeneraorssurroundngspace,Pendoubedsecoudaveeardan

exposon. LongooreeasedPen’sarm aas,andmasedonebggreenknobbesdeedoor.LongoosovedPenrougedoorway,andoowedqucky.hedoubedoorssammedogeer,andnearsenceenveopedembo. Pensaredsragaeadbrey,enquckyookedetandrg.hebgbaysrecedoubeorePen,wgceng,andmosmporan,cean,cooar.heumanoccupanssaredbackaPen.Wawsandapu,Penookeremeof,andedangeromoneand. “Ha!Longoosayosrendserr..HepngLongoonowbesoysorOrkywar.Har!”Longoo’svocerombendPensareder.AroomencameowardsPenandLongoo.“Longooawayskeepprom-ss’s,”Pen

urnedoseeLongoowasnospeakngoer,andurnedbackoaceeapproacngmen.“Evenosnoymanbranworm‘nead‘nsmarmou!Hu!”Longoonsed. “A!YoumusbeeImperamessengerweaveeardsomucabou.”hemancosesoPensadeveny.Snceareeworeonyasmpecovera,Pencoudnodscernanysaonorrankoreree.“Isupposewesoudaankyou,orourpresensuaon.”hemanspeakngadravenbackar,eoerwoadbrownar,aseronydference. “IknownongoanyumansbengaboardOrksps!”Penreped.

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Scenes o burnng and based Ork vesses were lasng unbdden roug ermnd. heorroroyemorennocenumansburnngoneaeroOrkwar,wasamosmpossbeokeepouoervoce. “Longoo’ssmarespeak‘nese,an’Longoogoseewas!Hump!”Longoogrowedouasewakedpaseegroup,andsoondsappearedamongsemacnesaaboueroom. “Waareyoupeopedongere?Wasas?”Penspokerapdy,buqueassecoud. “Yourreaywm.”Ravenarjerkedaumboverssouderasespoke.“IsupposeIsoudeyouIamSauraun.Iamerepresenaveomypeope.” “Arg,Sauraun,en.BeoreabgOrkgesback,owabousomeanswers.”Pensadsoty,buurgeny. “AsIsad.YourreaywaOrkWarordsesaup.”Sauraunsad,soundngaeexasperaed.“Isupposeyouwansomedeas.Verywe.ha bgOrk Longooasbeena around s paroegaaxy,oferng‘deas’oenabansoaoopanes.Incudngours.Oursarsysemasseveranababewordsaspecazenagrcuure,orndusry,ormnng.Myomesmosyndusra.WenaveryargeOrkeesowedupnoursysem,anddemandedaparey,weadnococe.hesmaamounodeenses

aroundourwordscoudnoopeobemoreengexercseorsomanyenemes.Weaccepedparey,andoundouabouereay.Inreurnornosackngourcesandoongourwords,weadogveupourndusry’sproducon,andprovdeoreree’sneeds.Weearedewors,buenanewreaappeared.ATyrandeeappearedandbeganannvasonoeouermosoouragr-panes.heOrksprompyassauedenvader,bonspaceandonepane,anddesroyedordroveofenvaders.hsappenedaoersarsysemsaswe.heImperanavywasooaraway,andobusyoepoure,ouoeway,backwaerwords.heOrksoferedproeconnexcangeorndenuredservude.Manywordscosesurvva,asddours.WeearedaysOrk,Longoo,des,buweeves,noOrkdaresdsobey

Longoo.Lesnoooard,andourcesarenooccupedbyOrkgarrsons,esesaysomedsanceaway.” “SoasnewecnoogyaOrkbragsaboucameromyou?”Penasked. “Noa.Somengseycameupwemseves.OerngscameromoersourcesaIaveonyeardrumorso.SomesayaevenEdarecsnowneandsoeseOrks.”Sauraunsad. “IneverougIwoudndumanswngaesoOrks.”Pensad,ervocersng.

“Iagunedoyoureadswng,enI guessweare.”Sauraunsad. “Wagun?”Penasked. “Isadourcesweren’occuped,bueyaresedosage.Iwea sor nproducon, or saboageeven e smaes ng,enOrkspsorbngourpaneswburnandbascesasaesson.Weaveaeardosucngs,evenbeorewebecame‘aes’oOrks.”Sauraunsoundedasberassvocecoudmakem. “Isupposewasaardcoceomake.”Penrespondedquey. “Asmanracongesyourweorcdsenoeoundres,oryougesenocrewaweaponsurreunyoude.”Adferenmancppedn. “Enoug!”Sauraunbroken,“Aousandexampeswproveordsprovenong.Ayouwdosmakeyourseandoersangryandoos.” “Yes,enoug.”Penagreed,“Insead,beoreLongooreurns,emewayoucanabounewOrkecnoogy.” “heneresnomucme,ndeed.”Sauraunqupped,enaddedmoreserousy,“heOrksaoowLongooavebeersps.Noonycaneybrngerspsrougamospere,bunowespsareaserandmoremaneuverabe,nspaceandamospere.Addoa,espsavemprovedweaponry,someowcssadoberomEdarsps.Howmuc,andeven

oweOrksgoany,Idon’know.Lasy,Orksaveawaysadorceedec,bunoweyavemoreandbeerorceedsorsedngspsandevengrounduns,andorcaons.heOrksarenowamoredeadyreaenever.” “Asuccnc apprasa.”Pensad, “Wawere youbeoreyou were aosageoOrkgoodw?” “I am responsbe or my peope, “ Sauraun sad, soundng a endgnan,“IwasbengranedasaservanoepeopebeoreeOrkscame.” “Tmessor.”Pensadqucky,“IearLongooreurnng.Teme.BoyouandLongooavesadasbecauseomeaweareaerenow.HowamIsupposedoberesponsbeoras?Iavebeennexeor

moreanadozenyears.” “Nevereess,yourreaybeweeneEmpreandaOrkasbeene oundaon upon wc muc s bu.” Sauraun acuay sounded sad.“BecauseeEmpresgngonsomanyrons,eresonysomuceNavycando.hevasarmesoeGuardcanonygowereeNavyakesem.BecauseeOrksnoongerwanedogumans,we,eseOrksanyway,wenoweEmprecanconcenraemorespsesewere.Imperaadmnsraonmadecearanouman,warrororczen,wasojeopardzeareay.Orkswereetaone.Orksetumansaone.Aeasopeny.ha

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oo smar Ork, Longoo, as used e peace o wayay sma, ou o e way,uman popuaons, and orce em o do s bddng. Res assured. herewbenoumansurvvorscomngorwardoeoOrkaroces.”Sauraunurnedandmoonedoeoerwobendmogo,wceydd.“Now,onemoreng.”Sauraunconnued,“HumansandOrksavebousedereayoerownends.SomeumansaveganedproandpowerdeangweOrks.Iaveeardasomeumangovernorsaveevenrepacederpersonaguard,earmy,andpeaceparoswOrkwarrors.Iaewumansaveroug,we,eysoudavesayedouoeway.Hmm?” “Iavenoeardoesengsbeore.Wereareepanesaarereangumanskes?”Penasked,evenasserasedereme,Longoowasapproacng. “A aongs par o egaacc cener, ere areuman wordsdomnaedbyOrks.hsnewdarkenemyseemsbenonexermnangae,nojusOrks,werevereynd.WeI avebeenorcedoserveonssp,Iaveseenpanesrenderedncapabeosuppornganye.Onybackpyramdsreman.” Sauraun sounded essrega, even sad. “Idon’know owanyonecangebackoardsIaveseen.” Pensnappederemenopace,enasked,“Qucknow.HowmanyOrkspsaveumansaboard?”

“Veryew.” Sauraun reped, “MosOrks wannong o dowumans,excepassavesorworse.” Longoocameupnongsrdes,grumbng. “Hurrr…Ha!Newmacnesorsedsnodone!Sneakyumane-wormsayyouwy,ump!”Longoopokedaong,ugyngeraSauraun’sace,andconnuedsran.“Saynogoosbs‘nparswasnsengnes.Ar-u!Forgesyou‘saburno?Sedsodsnasesou!Fx‘nyes?” “Wewakeparsouobrokemacnes,”Sauraunrepedeveny.Forsomereason,eseemedunaradoLongoo.“newmacneswworksoon.Yes.”AndbodasanyPenasseen,SauraunurnedsbackonLongooandwakedaway.

“Err..Aumansopusy.Nogoodmakework.Nogoodmea.”Longooamosmuered.“Nowese‘nLongoogo.” “No!”Penpanederee,andpuerssonerps,“I’mnogong‘Longoosayswa’s!Ired‘ngoeregoere.NowemewyLongooneedonyme!” Longooookedaeeorm,andsmed.Evennspacearmor,sumanwassmaeranmos,andaosmaeranLongoo.BuOrksrespecgers,andLongooadseenseumang. “Hump!Now,u?Err..Teebreak‘nbadbeErr..”Longooad

nobeensowoakbeore,bunowsvocewasow(orLongoo),andeveneexpecednsusweremssng.“Look.Lesesmarbran.Smarak‘nsneakywordy‘nUrr…Humanwarkngseeseak.NoeLongooakumanwarkngs.Urr..Leseep‘nLongoo?” herewas. LongooexpecedPenoepwsomeumanwareaders.Longoowasevenaskng,ateraason,raerendemandng.Penwanedoereadonebukeads,unaoswenaway.FrsLynx,enFoss,andnowLongooexpecedsomekndoepromer,andwerewngokdnaperunseagreed!Penonyaowederseamomenosepy,andLongoowasgrowngandsqunngbyemePenspoke. “Wakndoep?heseoerumansaveodmesomeoowyougeep.”Penasked,ryngokeepervoceneura.SeearedseareadyknewwaecageyOrkwoudask. “Longoow’moreOrkymakewars.Makeosarendswumansouere.Urr..Arr..Bu,”Longoopausedandookedaround,“beerpaceesemakesneakywa’sw’Longoo.Snoyumanserewmp‘bouardOrksonese’sey’sas‘n,buLongoo’membersoweseakeaLongooknocks,andsnoakoOrky’bouwa’sLongoogoaknows.Humanese’saard.Longoonkssmarbrans’nary’nrcksy.Sogoncesp,goodea’n.Hmp!”

“Verywe.LesegoweresLongoo.Bunoar.Leseredrcksere‘nere.OnyepOrkywenLongoogvegoodak,‘nnorckyorwen’s.Yes?”Penearedervocesoundedmean,buryngopraseanyngnbrokenImperaSandardwasnoeasy. “Yes.Foow.”WasaLongoosad.Heurnedandpassedrougebasdoorsnaurry.Penounderseavngorunokeepupweong,assrdesoLongoo.Penwassureaseadaverybaduureaeadoer.Probabybeburnedocndersbyoneoerownsps,wesuckonssmey,sreamng,ugyOrksp.Penbreywonderedweresecoudndsomengsaeoeaanddrnk.Probabydeorsandungerrs,enbebasedoaoms,seoderse.

XII.____ Lynxcoudseeebaeonerscreens.heEdarwereavngaougme.BuLynxwasnoreaywacng.Hermndwasryngoxoneeengsekepavng,sncesearrvedbacknreaspace,abovessarsysem.FneperspraoncoveredLynx,andsecoudeeecodknosawereernsdes,genevenmoreasseconcenraedarder.Tmewasousdeerreerence,seddnoknowmnuesordayspassed.Yes.here,aas.heancenmndseadmadewaragansorsoong.Hdngsebeeresedays.BuLynx

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knew were a ve nvader was now. No oo cose. Peraps severa days. hemnd,andereoremonsocreaures,ddnoseemobeadvancngveryas,nokebeore.S,Lynxwassure.heTyrandswerecomngsway.

XIII.___ he Hve Mnd o e Tyrands ad ound a more eicen way ondngwordsuoeboogcsufneeded.Spes.Manycareuycratedcreaures,acoudmoveamongeracesaredoressecomngoeTyrands.EnsmorecreauresacoudbeswayednoepngeMnd,romoseareadynabngewordsryngoressecomngoeMnd.Inraeemassesooseaencreauresandseupaneworkospesonspes.Uneasenewes,smaesoesavesoeMnd,amongsemassesoosewords. Smaeyes,ddeneverywere,owac.WeneHveddcomeamongsenewwords,oeed,weenerewoudbeverymanyecreauresoepdvdeedeense.Aackedromwn,andromwou,byemanycreauresoyaoeveareadyamongsedeenders,eHvesoudsweepoverescaeredandnefecvedeense. hemanywaysaeHveasoocaeandabsorbwordsareabengsenomoonnow.Somewereouere,nearemassosarsamakeupegaacccener,eresanenormousmndawork.heHvecan‘ee’.

Dferen.Srong.Frsere,enere,somemesarromsrsappearance,somemesveryneareasappearance.Awaysaroundesameseconoeoeoweraoegaacccener.heHvemusndrvasrongpsyccmnds,andemnaeem.NogreaerreaexssanoneacoudnerereweHveMndconroosmnons.NowaeHveadgrown,romasuccessonosuccessueedngs,moreargeexporaorygroupscoudbesenou.Fvearge,andvesma,eesoTyrandswereeadngnowardeparoegaaccceneraedegreaespromseoocangervasrongmnd.hebukoowedcosebendeseendrs.heuwegoeTyrandHvewoudberownaganssrva,onceocaed.Largegroupsaadbeeneedngesewere,avebeencaedback.Toeedecoeced

bo-massoemanHve,andoaddmanymoresodersoecomngbae.heHveMndnoongereuned,ordeeaed.heHvewasonceaganeuner,epredaor,weenregaaxysmea.

XIV.____ Lynxookedcoseyaewo-dmensonadspay.heresadenepaern.heNecrospssowup,andeOrkseyarepursungscaer.heNecrovessesdvdeupasnecessaryopursueeacoeescapngOrkvesses,orgroupsovesses.hen,usuayneareouerreacesoasar’ssysem,eOrks

bengpursuedreurnonormaspace,oyoowedbyNecrovesses.ExcepnoweresasoaargegroupomoreOrkwarspswang.heaccdoesnoawayswork.EveryNecrovessesnoawaysdesroyed,beoremanymoreNecrovessesarrve.BueneOrksscaeragan,ryngodrawsmaereemensoeenemyaterem,obedesroyednyeanoerrap. hawasnoLynx’smanconcern.heacaeOrksweresayngneverysysemwereeywonaganseNecrosps,wasabgconcern.heoerbgconcernwasoweTyrandenemywasapparenyonemoveagan.heackodeaedreporswasargeydueoeackoanImperapresencesdeepnegaacccore.Lynxookedovereskecydeaswsomedsgus.Properaconscoudnobeakenwsoesodnormaon.Onedeaaddsandou,wasowwrongseadbeen.Lkeeveryoneese,Lynxadougaerewereveryew,any,ababewordssoneareswrnggaacccener.Tomucradaon.Tomanyswrngsarsyankngwordsswayandawggravy.Tomucoeveryng.Aeasaadbeeneacceped‘ac’wneEmpreoraveryongme.Noweseragmensorepors,ransmssons,andnercepedmessages,aponoaoonababe,andnabedpaces.Someevenadumancoones.OuoconacweImpera admnsraonor woknowsow ong, osecooneso umansprosperedordedenreyonerown.LynxcoudseeeEmprewasgongo

aveanneresngme,brngngsareanoeImperaod.Lynx’smosmmedaeconcernwasrgbender. “We?Wadoyousay?”InqusorFosswascearympaen,“Canyouemeanyngye?” “Yes,buI’morcedoworkwveryncompeenormaon.”Lynxsoodsdeways,soeInqusor,andervsor,coudseewasewasponngo.“IbeeveImperaorcessoudakeupposonsnssecor,andIbeeveeEdarwbemovngnosarea.”Lynxponedoadjacensecors,oneaboveeoer. “Anneresngobservaon.”Yamusad,weponngaanareawosecorsaway.“AndwywoudeEdareesnowanosrkeere?”

“Is your purpose o srke a Orkand uman orces?” Lynx askedguardedy,“heargeOrkorcesnaareaaveakenoveranumberoumannabedwords,bunosackedem.AnormaoncomngouoeresayaumansavebeencoercednoworkngwOrks,bueumancoonesremannac.” “Isneresngoeyouak,”Yamusadbandy,“somucsetunsad,yeemeanngserenoneeess.” “IaveawaysworkedobeerourreaonsweEdarpeopes.”Fossbroken,“SoInkwesoudabepanandsragorwardwour

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nenons.” Foss was neary garng a Lynx.“Pany en.” Yamu connued, unazed. “heOrks averasede

boodmoonbanneroveresewords.”Yamu’sngerracedagcurveoverseverasarsonedspay.“hasacaengewewnognore.hesgnoeredmoonodsgreameanngomypeope.heOrksknows,andsodareusocaengeerodonosewords.” “EvendverngoosewordseaveseNecroandTyrandreeodevourerayourorcesareadyere?”Lynxaskedseverey,ponngoesamesecorseadoferedoeEdarearer. “As yousay,”Yamu answered jus as severey,“your normaonsncompee.hewordsawemusodareoreEdaraoneonab.Wewnosuferanyoerraceoakeodonepacesweavebuoreuureoourrace!” “WeavenoakenanypacesaarecamedbyeEdar!”Fossookedsocked. “Hadyouoranyoerumanredobudyourouseonsucaword,youwoudavebeenremovedbyorce,beorenow.AroundosesarsarepacesoreEdaraoneood.”Yamuponedaesarseadareadyouned. “Isee.”Lynxsadmoresowy.“hejeopardyoourcombnedpeopesmuswa.Aoycausemuscomers,waeverprcemusbepad.hsbegs

oneasqueson,nmymnd.” “Iavemoreanonequesonoask.”Fosssadquey. “Iyourecevenoanswer,aoosananswer.”Yamumuereday. “SoudI,we,”LynxmpcaedFosswawaveoeand,“removeoseofendngeormsromyoursacredground,weEdarsayecourseagansesemosdangerousenemes?”LynxnsedesweepoerandbeoreeparoemapseopedwoudsoonodeEdarees. “Iwbeconsdered.”Yamuansweredwouexpresson.

XV._____ Pen swced oeroer gun. hecursed ngscanakeaoo

punsmen,seremndederse.Jumpngup,Penranacrosserubbeoacornerowobrokenwas.Pusngersegnoecorner,secancedapeekovereseamngrunoawa.SecoudnoseeLongoo,oranyoerOrk,anyweresecoudseerougesmokeanddus.Moreworryngs,erbodyguardsandeoermarnesseadbeenwwerekewsemssng.Penduckeddownagan.Moreeavympacsaaround,bunooonear.Penmenaykckederse.Everyonewasrunnngbackoe oredposons,buno,Penadosopandry someongrangesosaerpursuers.By emePenadnoedeefec,oracko,andurnedbackogengee

ouoeway,everyonewasgone.Penwasjuswndngerseuporanoerdas,wensesaw.Acured,mssapenseeomea.Andundera,eedgeoacosedenrancedowno..Were?Pencrouced,enroedonersdeunderemeasee.Underesadow,Pencoudseeaewaynwasbroken.Agapajusmger,armoranda,andeerspdownandouosg.Warasporubbeundererbackarmor,Pensd,ene,noenarrowopenng.Wacaerandaump,Pensddowneewsepsonerback,andcameoasoponereadandsouders.Waws,andsove,Penrgederseandcroucedbackwardsnoedarkescorner. Penookedaround,andmenayooksockoersuaon.Penkedocarryexrangswer,n case o somengunexpeced. Se awayscarredexraweapons,exraammunon,andoeroddbssemgneed.Herbodyguardseasederrequeny,snceeypreerredoraveg.NowPenwsedseadoundsomewayocarrymore.Aseadetwasaewexrareoads,andnongese.Everyngeseadbeenbasedawaywenerbackpackooka.Someowercomm.equpmenwasnoworkngeer.Seeveryaone. AwaveoorornsepyswepoverPen.Seadonyagreedocomeospaneunderduress.heOrkswereryngopuupsomekndodeense,aoversparospace.hepursungNecroorces,or‘TnHeads’,asLongoo

somemescaedem,seemedbenonexermnangaeeyencounered. hen,eEdaradsownuparoundseveraprevousyunnabedpanes,okewseburnawayeveryngandanyoneeyound.OrksandEdaraveaongsoryoconc.Bosdesseemeageropckagaanyme,andneeroneweesmaescaengepassun-oug.Penadseenerecordngsogroupsoumanssaugered,evenaseyredosurrender.hsparmadenosense.ExceporeonerenegadeaconoeEdarrace,Edarddnonormaymurdereepess.LongooadbrougPennoas,neopeasecoudnegoaeweEdaroreOrks.Longooadexpanedamanyosnew‘rends’,oraes,woudabandonLongooeEdargonvoved.Penadoundenougevdenceoconrm

ersuspcon,arenegadeumanorcesweresuppyngeOrkswweapons,andmaybeevenwarsps.Pencoudn’epbuwonderwyrenegadeenemesoeEmprewoudepOrksawerenogngeEmpre. Aesebecamemooponsnannsan.Penadbeenoneroooaower,senngoLongoobragabousdeenses,weneskyup.Wnowarnngaa,aseeoamedescendedromaboveecouds,rgdownoegroundonyaewkomeersawayromPen.heseeoameadbroadenednoagarngwa,andvansed.Reveangaugebackpyramd. hepyramdwasnoqueoucngeground,wenabroad,greeny

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openng was reveaed. From s openng poured ousands o mea parodeso e. Two egged ‘Tn Heads’ were accompaned by mu-egged spder kemacnes o severa szes, and above were swarms o e lers Pen ad seen before.As ese forces poured ou of e pyramd and spread ou, e pyramd appearedo be rereang away from e Ork cy. Jus before Pen foowed Longoo frome ower, Pen saw e pyramd see amd a swr of dus. hrougasLongooadbeensoungunceasngynoameabox eadbeen carryngons be. Orders os orces,no doub. hebombardmenadbegunbeoreLongooandPenadmadeeboomoeower.LongooandPenmeupwerrespecveescors,andbeganorunowardeedgeoecywereesueswereparked.Dumeaenemese romabove,amongsesrucures oeOrkown. Were esewereauncedromwasobscuredbyecouds.BunoweownwaspepperedwsmagroupsoNecrowarrors.Everycornercoudbe,otenwas,anambus. PenwasquckoearnarckromLongooandeoerOrkswm.Beoreenernganynersecon,orbroaddoorway,amaydeanenemy,eOrkswoudsopjussorandrowasmauzzyngnronrs.heengwoudsqueaandryorun,buanyNecrowarrorswoudbaseebeas.heNecrocoudnoeevenesmaesngve.Weeenemywassodsraced,eOrkscoudjumparoundecorner,rngeveryngey

ad.PenwasgadmoreOrkskepjonngLongoo,becauseevenwarck,Orksweresgengsreddedbyeenemyweapons.hesr,percngsreksomeoeOrksncedonPen’sears,aseyded,secoednPen’smnd.NeveradPeneardsucasoundoagonyromanyvngngbeore.heunnervngsoundwasampeexpanaonorerereaoanyngvng,wenaackedbyevngdead,sverymeae-ngs. Pen ooked bend er,down ebroadwayeyadbeenrunnngdown. Ranks oemeamonsers compeeyed e wdo e roadbendem.Longooedemaroundasarpcorner,beoresarngorunquckerowardsgoa.Penooksopporunyoryosoweenemyadvanceae.Sepuedamsseromaegcomparmen,cppedoe

ronraoerweapon,sddownomakeconaconerngsud,quckyrasedeweapon,amedandauncedemsse.Impacedjusetoceneroneronrankowaookedkewakngmeacorpses.Averysasyngareoreeasedpasmamomenaryobscurede resusoeromPen.Penwassocked.heranksomeaobscenescameonwouavngmssedasep.hreeoeenemyweremssngromeronrank,weresead.Evenumansnbaearmor,woudaveosmoreoernumberromsuca,Penoderse.Pendupcaedemaneuverwerasmsse,enurnedorunaterLongoo.ha’swensedscoveredaeyadaet

er.Asseranatereresoerpary,sewassruckrombend.Knockedoeground,seroedandquckyreganederee,andranoeendoesree.Nosgnoanyoneoeetorrg.Penranasordsancedownergurn,andsoppedoakecover.Jusnme.Exposonsbossomedaaround.MoreoebombardmenPenadbeenearngaaong.Twooemeaormsappearedouoesmokeanddus,crouced,andeadedrgorPen,rngaseycame.Penredaseadysreamaeadvancngenemy,knockngbooverbackwards.Neermoved,raereydssovednoagraysmoke,andweregone.hawaswenPenadrereaednosdarkoe.Penwasnowaone.Seadnopockeuoebeassoreveaenemydngpaces. Penonyaowederseacoupeomnuesomenaykckerse.Seremndederseasewoudsureybedead,esuesaetbeoresegoere.Penrskedanyg.Fromeopposewa,sarsdown.Penadaunc.Rsngqucky,Penwendownnoedark. Sureenoug,anoerroomateraewseps.And,anoera,raernarrowdoor.Pengrabbedeacandeandyankededooropen.Smagreensknswererunnngbynaconnuoussream,kepacksoras.Someadanarrayowerdookngoos,orweapons,bumoswereempyanded,andawererunnngbynapanc,nogvngPeneeasnoce.Penurnednoe

oworunnngeOrks,andranaong,amongem.heyspadnoeedoeargerormrunnngamongem,aougseddnoceaeywere verygoodagengouoerway.Penwassureesecreauresknewwereeyweregong,Penwasopngawoudbenearesues. AternearyenmnuesorunnngamongseeOrks,Penemergednaargeroundroom,waddersgongupaegdferenpaces.heeOrkswereswarmngupereeaddersopposewereeyada enered.Penranupoeceneradderandookedup,andcoudjusseegpaseebodesscrambngupeadder.SomeoeecreauressaredocmbupPen’sback,assesoodoramomen,ookng,beorecmbng.Ignorngegraspngcreaures,Pengrabbedamearung,andsaredoauerseupas

asassecoud.Someoweengsscurredaeadoerevenaser,soasecauguponoevenone,beoreereademergednoeg. Andnose.SomeoeeOrksadweaponsatera,andwerebasngawaynseveradrecons.BuawasnowacaugPen’seye.Onyaewmeersaway,anOrkgcruserwaswarmngupsengnesproroakeof.Peneoprungonerun,andranasasassewasabeowardeonyporasopenoneOrksp.SandngnedoorwasaargeOrkwarror,ookngoraewordascounngeegreensknsrunnngpasm.hebgOrksawPenrunnngowardm,andardaswasorPenobeeve,

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waved a er o come on. Pen rew erse no e openng n a crouc, even ase Ork sammed e ac cosed bend er. herumbeoeengnesgengouder,andtngesp,nearydrownedoueOrk’swords. “He,a!Nearymsseddaboadnnaya?”heOrksadaroundsgrn.Pensawaeadsandoneeaosweapon,owever.“Com’non.Cap’nwannaseeya,sure.” “Longoo‘ereen?”Pengasped,cacngerbrea. “Ar-a!Is rue den! Youumansemuc ak’n‘bou!” heOrksoundedevenmore gruf. Bu connued eadng Penrouge as andpassages.Penddnoceaepasdownwcsewasedwereawuysrag,andceanerenseexpeced.MosunsengwasowempyoOrksepaswere.Longoo’sbaespadbeenover-runweveryszeOrk. “Ereyagoesup.”heOrkponedoasquarepaorm,guardedbywo verybgOrksncrudepaesoarmor,odngqueamargnngspears.Penookedup.hepaormwascarreduponasngerack.hetookedbgenougoodveorsxbgOrks,buadnorangsokeeponeromangof.hetwoudgorougaoenecengnodarkness.Wawasuperecoudonybeguesseda.Penseppedup,andmovedoecener.Herbggudeddnooow. W a suddenness a burred Pen’s vson, e paorm rockeed

upwards.Foorsodferenevespassednabur.heacceeraonsowed,andenepaormsoppedwasuddennessamadePennkersomacwassrmypressedaganserowerjaw.Inamomenervsonsoppedwsngngs,andseookedaround. “Youmaysepdownandjonmenow.”hevocecameromasuoOrkeavyarmor,uybockngadoorwayoPen’srg.“IdonoknowwaIavedoneobesoucky.However,youareassaeasmaybe,erewme.”hearmoredguretedsarmsandpuedofeOrksookngeme.Peneerbreaeavenass.Auman!InOrkarmor! “Soyou’reuman,”Penansweredevey,“andworkngorOrks.hasnogongomakemeeeanysaer,waeveryousay.”

“Icommandere.”heansmeoneyoungman’sacemadePenwonderwakndoroubeseadmadeorerse.Seadaougamaybese’dbeenbeerofbackonepane. “hssyoursp?haasobesomesory.AumancommandnganOrkwarsp.”Peneesarcasmcomerougnervoce. “heresnomeorbaner,aougIwoudoveowageawarowordswyou.Orksovedrecnsus,drecacon.Subeyandsarcasmareosonem.Wemusmakemeaer.Bunowweareabouoenerspace.Foowmeoecombacener,bumndyourse.Myguardsarequckandsuspcous.”

Hensed,urnedandrepacedseadpecejusasevansedromsgbeyondedoorway. Penquckyoowed,andaskedsback,“Woareyou?”jusbeoreeywenrougaseconddoornoacrcuarroom.Averyamarumansyeconroroom. “IamOord,anAdmraoasquadronoasraders,asweasCapanosvesse.Imusnowgmysp.Youmaysandere,orsoverere.”Oordwavedaandaeposonesecondncommandwoudnormaybe,parcuaryabouoenerbae. “Weresyoursecond?”Penaskedrombesdeeveryumansyedcommandposon. “Hesdead.heykedm.”Oordansweredemoonessy. Pen ooked wereOord was ponng. heargespyramdseadye seenjusung eren space. hegasy pae greengowsurroundng, separaedouedeas any. Jusn ron owasarrayednce, neaormaonsoeveryszeNecrosp.Pensaeavynecommandcar.Iadbeenmeanoraargerspecmenener,bueresransoneregsandowerorsowoudsoderdurnganywdmaneuvers. ScreenscameupaaroundPen.Assewsedaroundoookaeacscreen,Penwassaredbyanoerreveaon.hecommandbrdgecrewwere

noaOrks!Somengverysrangewasaworkere.herewereOrks,arg.Aso a easen umans (maybe) n space armor, ormore accuraey, SpaceMarnearmor.heacaEdar,andaeasworacesPenddnorecognzeedoueresoebrdgecrew,andaoemwearngsomeormocombaarmor,edPenooneconcuson. “You’rePraes?”Penasked,eanngorwardsomeobeerseeOord’sacemask.OordadakeneCapan’scarwePenwasookngaround,andwaspuggngaparocabesnoporsonsetg.Drecdaaeeds.Nooneesenecombacenerwoudearwawenouonoseeeds. “Mercenares.”Oordanswereday.“IIwereaprae,Iwoudoveoaveyouasmygues.heransomwoudbeveryandsomendeed.”

“Capan,erearesmoreoebackspscomngrougsomesorogae.”Oneoeecncansbroken,urgencynsvoce. Penookedup,enaroundaeoerscreensagan.heNecroorcewasaeasourmeseszeoeOrkorces,andsgrowng.Buwawereeywangor?Penadanaggngeengsesoudknow.Asuddendea jumpednoPen’sead. “Aren’yougongoryorunor?”PenaskedoOord,nongasemewasmovngnsucawayaPenguessedOordwasspeakngwsomeone.

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“Wa a b and see.” Oord reped, s me s voce was no emooness,bu ed a n o amos payuness.

“You’re ba or a rap, aren’ you?” Pen asked accusngy, “A oseOrk sps mng abou, nsead o runnng, aren’ ere because o Longoo’scommands. No Ork gves a sou n e or commands, ey nk ey’ gescraced or nong.”

“hey are no a Ork sps, some are mne.” Oord reped agan.Payunessagan.“Iyou’regongosnacar,youcoudmakeyourseuseu.” “WowouddoanyngIsay?”Penaskedsowy.heremaybearapere. “O,Iavebeenengeveryoneabouyou.Howyoujumpedonomyspnyoururryogebacknospace.heresnoanOrkorMercenary vesseanywereadoesnoknowyou’renacar.Iyouspeak,youwbeeard.”Oordssoundedpayu.Penougsadobesomekndorap. “Hearme,okay.BuI’mopayabengyoursecond,wadoyounkwoudbeuseu?”Penaskedascareuyassecoudmanage,swearngaemeacangedervoce. “Inbaemysecondoicerwoudakecargeogunnery.Hewoudaso

wacmyback,aswere,soaI’mnopreoccupedwonemaer,andmsssomengese.”Oordsoundedesspayu,moreserous,buPenswonderedwawasreaygongonnamercenary’smnd. “Iepngmedoesnoswewyou,”Oordwenon,“juskeepnmndayou’reepngyoursesayave.Benengmeandmycrewsenreyanaccdenaconsequence.Hmm?Decdequcky.heenemysmovng.” “Perapssacrcngmyseoberdoekesoyouswor.Hmm?”Pensoundedaunngnow,“Bu,I’workwyouoraeb.PerapsI’earnsomengabouyourenegades.” “Sobe,en.hoseTn-eadsarespeednguponerg,ey’resendngnersmasufrs.”Oordwasoudernow,“IeOrksaregongo

sandandg,ene’sgesgsared!” Penquckyscannedemonorsoeersdeoer.Morecruserswereangnbendandbesdesone,weawaveosmadesroyersroaredpasoakeeead.Pencoudmakeouemxovessesorwaeywere,umanrenegademercenaresandOrkwarsps.Penwassuresewoudearnsomengsday.

XVI.____ Lynxookedardaedaaseeaadjusbeenrusnoerand.

So.Penadsomeowbeenseparaedromerwarsp,andenseparaedromaOrkwndbagawassupposedobeguaraneengPen’ssaey.NowPenwasaboardamercenary’swarsp,jusaseNecroorcesaack.LynxbreywsedaseadkepPenaersde. heresoereporwasjusasceeru.heMseeaPenwassupposedocommandadetnormaspace.Lynxcoudguesswaeywereupo.heresoeMsorceswerescommedosacon,buadgvennoceapanneduureoperaonswerenowneedngrevew.FancyanguageasaysmosoLynx’sandFoss’spanswerenowscrapped.FrseEdarbreakaway,andnoweumaneesarescaerngodferenobjecves.Lynxeeneedoravacaon.Bunonow. Lynxswcedodferenooscreens.FosswasweNovaMarnesps.heywerecomnguponerg.heremanngMsspswerespreadaongeet,andabove,eImperaee.heCenuronwarspsookupreserveposonsbeowandbendeImperaormaon.Upaead,eenemyeewasscaerng,spreadngoasdesoecenragroupngoImperawarsps.Enemywarspsweres gaerngromarounde sysem. Lynxwoudkeoerwse,buaeenemywoudbegaeredarounderrespecvewarords.heseOrkswarordsandcetansadbrokenwLongoo,wawedeeasaeandsoeNecroorces.Noweywereoongand

conquernganyseemenseyndnssecor.IncudngaeasoneEdarsarsysemaeEdarsoudavebeendeendng,buwereabsenanksoosesameNecroorces.NowLynxandFosswereereosecuresareaospace.Ormorepany,kckOrkbu.heneave.Asked,nosopoey,oremoveaumanpresenceromssysem.We,LynxknewaeseOrkswerenongburoube,nowaeywerenoongerparoereaywLongoo.Haveodeawemsooneroraer,e’sjusakecareomaersnow. Lynxwacedestngorcescosey.headozengroupsoOrk vessesadseednoasowadvance.Lynxcoudseeadangeraready.hewayeImperacenerorcewasouaead,andpungureraead,oe

oersupporngorces,eOrkeescoudeank,andworse,erearoeImperasps.Lynx’sandsmovedrapdyoverekeys.LynxsuggesedoeeOrksryoecener,enoncecommedoeaack,erangImperasupporeemenscoudcoseaganseOrk’sanksandrear.Lynxwassockedaerepy.FossankedLynx,bueNovaeeadoerpans.OneoeOrkeemensscommandedbyanOrkwarordwanespecayevsory.InepaseNovamarnes,andewordsundererproecon,adsuferedgrevousyromaOrk’sorces.heNovamarnesadabooddebosee,andwoudappyerusrengoendngaOrk’sdays.

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heMssadasmarrepy.heargesgroupoenemysps,eoneangngbackromvegroupssrecedounron,wasenreymadeupoorceseMssaddrvenouromerspace.Beoreeyet,eseOrksad‘posonedewe’byeavngbendargeamounso radoacvedebrs.Ar,and,andwaerwerebeyondredemponoramenna.Pans,anmas,andanypeopeerearenowaorrors.Muaed,sckened,anddrvenmad.NoonespoacanoOrkscanbepermedove. LynxcacuaedaeEmpre’sorceswereounumberedbyreeowoneavysps,andwooonensmaerrgaesanddesroyers.AndmoreenaoeImperaspswereabouoauncno‘prvae’baes.InkIsoudsarmyvacaonnow,Lynxoderse. Lynxkeyedno eordersaeImperaAdmraadssuedsuns.heImperaspswereabouore-depoy.heywoudormupnonesobae,webaespsormngecenerwones,ecrusersormngwonesaboveandbeowebaesps.Awerbroadsdeweaponsexposed. Casscdeense. Leeenemycosenoyoursrongesrepower,opeuyparngeenemydownaobeoreaeenemy’sweaponscanbebrougobear.Iasoetenaveweenemy.heymaynopaybyerues,andcargesragnoeguns,andeImperaswaveaardmecounerngamosanyoermoveeenemymakes.Lynxonceaganooked

overedeveopngpcure.Tobeones,Lynxoderse,secoudnonkoanyngeseodo,wawsomanyoesupporngeescommedondvduaacons.LynxcoudocoursesuggesaeImperaeejonnaeadongrusnoeOrkguns,buLynxknewasAdmrawasnooneorowawayspseEmprewneedaer. Lynxsged.Inaewmnueseaconwoudsar,andaLynxcouddowaswac.LynxconsderedakngasuebackoeCenuronsps.heywereakngupposonsoguardebacksoeImperabaenes.AsoeCenuronspswereeonyonesacoudrespondoproeceNovaandMseeeemens,eyweren’ooaraead.Lynxdecdedosayandwac,busenamessageoaCenurondesroyerocoseysadows

Imperawarsp.Semayaveneedoedesroyer,verysoon. Lynxengaged someswces, sesomedas. heroom ng 3DprojeconswrednoexsencebendLynx.Sepckedupasyusandurnednoemddeoeroom.heswarmsospswereeacny,busaserprojeconadsucnedea,andvduaspdesgnscoudberecognzed.heNovaeewasgongobers.heNovabaespsseounasragne,onebendeoer,obecomeaspearrussragrougeearoeenemyormaon.heNovacrusersnedupaongergankoebaesps,arenougawayaenemyspscoudbecaugbeweenenes

andbeammeredrombodrecons.AnoerneogcrusersandeedesroyersookupposonsaboveeNovacrusersandbaesps,andaboveemLynxsawgersandbombersnascoreo‘V’ormaons.Sreaksog jerkedLynx’saenonbackowaeOrksweredong. MoresreaksogcuapaowardeNovabaesps.heOrkeewascomngonwsbesooorward,aswe.Aoorepowersbuonearge‘eads’eOrksbudonervesses.Usuayeongesrangedweaponsaswe.Orksovebggunsago“BOOM”,andsoamakesupnearyaaOrksmounonasp.Somemesorpedoes,and,veryrarey,onekndobeamweaponoranoer.However,eseOrksarerngaoobeamweaponsromernewessps,evencrusers.EacOrkcruserandbaespadpuedupevenweoerspsaround,soaeOrkormaonresembedawaooncomngspsoLynx.Lynxcoudseenoogcnoweywerearrayednawa,owever.Crusersandbaespsweremxedsoaabaespmgbesurroundedbyonycrusers,orabaesporwo.BendsmxcameamngswarmoOrkescorszedvessesoeveryype.Lynxookersyusandpckedouawedgeoesespecks.SuddenyenargednronoLynx,eescorypewas knownoer. Hung underer bey,wngs,andmounednporsoneescor’sead,orpedoescoudpanybeseen.Excepaesewerenojusongubesapes,eseadsarpwngs

jungromeacone.Newdesgn.Lynxervenyopedandngouwasnewypeorpedoscapabeo,woudnocomeaoogaprce. NoweNovabaespswererngaswe. LynxadnoseenanyOrkbeamsdoanydamageoeNovaMarnesps.Nowerewasaoossowngonbosde’svesses.heNovaandOrkspscosedoneacoeraerrcspeeds.Neersdeaerederormaon,exceponegapwereaspeouoormaon,onre,wexposonscausngeerepresenaonsnronoLynxownke.Tnygsosowedeasomany.Areadyerewereaoospsangback,burnng.LynxougaenesoNovaspswoudspeedrougeOrkormaon,juskespearruss,buenbeouoebaeoraongmeaseyaborousyurned

backaround. heOrksmusaveougsooo,eyconnuedopressorwardaopspeed.Frsbowpasesedarkbuewarsps,engeamongeImperaeevessesbeoreeresoeOrkormaons.Moregory. Novawarspsdon’paybyerues.Inseadoaspearrus,enesoNovaspssuddenyresembedabombburs,aseyscaeredamongeOrkormaon.EaccruserandbaesprsangedowardanassgnedparoeOrkboxormaon,enurnedgynedreconeOrkspswereyng,aewerngeverygunandaserandorpedoneverydrecon.

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Lynx coud see a even e orward rusers were garng a max burn, o epe Nova warsps urn.

Lynx cenced er jaw, as se waced e Ork reacon. Severa Ork crusers, o e oder ype, jus bored srag n, and rammed waever Novasp was n ron o . Lynx ad seen s beore, wen an Ork sp was so bady damaged a coud no srke back w guns. Bu s was done by sps awere nac, or neary so. Lynx ook er syus agan and ouced e brgy p o e ny orms o sps n ron o er. Eac expanded no a somewaarger sape, w e readous o a sp’s saus. Yes. Eac o e rammedcrusers and ba esps were damaged severey, or were drtng,burnngwrecks.LynxoucedenysapesoeOrkspsadderammng.Abureeoeseweresmasednowreckage,andosereewoudnoposemucreaanymore. Lynxpressedoneoesmasudsonesyusande,resorngeprojeconbackosorgnasze.NowLynxcoudakenewoepcure,asebaeunoded.Lynxsuddenymadeadecson.Secoudn’ods,and juswac.FosswanedLynxonanImperawarspawasnogongopayesgeseedoer‘gues’.FosseeadobeonaNovaeewarsp,becauseeearedeNovaMarneeaderspadbeenooong‘nuenced’byLynx.

Ocourse,eCenuronMarneswerecorrupedromsemosern,atersoonganexposureoLynx’swes,Fossadabusadso.Lynxdecdedonvokesomeoerbackdoormeods. Frs Lynx sen a gy encryped command o a Cenuron eedesroyer.Iwoudangback,noengageeenemy.hrougadesroyer,andouroerCenurondreadnaug’scommgear,Lynxseupsecuremessagenksoeverysp,excepeoneInqusorFosswason.Lynxadnonenonoryngocommandeseees,bu,seasoadnonenonoengngs jusdeveopoerownmomenum.Lynxwoudmakesureanomsguded judgmens,ormsdrecedaenonswoudgouncaenged.Lkenow. WeLynxadbeensenguperbackdooroecommandne,ao

oOrkspsseemedobegengnoaenonaa.heOrkescordesroyersandrgaes,escoredbyaoogerbombers,aadbeenaccompanyngenow engagedOrkeavy warsps,were a swngng around underneaegngeaves.Letaone,eseOrkswoudoveoaonerearoanImperaormaon.Lynxwoudnoaowa.WenLynxnsedakng,severagcrusersandsomesquadronsorgaes,wereaseoengageeOrkescors,assoonaseybeganeraackapproac.LynxnexgudedaNovaeavycruser,aadjusresoredmaneuverngpower,oproecerearoaNovabaespawasnjeopardy.

Lynxremndedersewysewasave.Toepnanywaysecan,anyweresecan,evenaerskoanInqusor’swra. Nowebg3Doogramwasreaybusy.Amosarenougawayobeaseparaeacon,eMseeadsucceedednerbdoswngaroundemanOrkgroupngs,andgeereenoeargeOrkormaon.heOrk eaveswerenoso asas eMssps aackngem, bueOrkspsadeverybasmucrepower.Lynxncreasedemagncaon.Nowarger,andwmoredeas,Lynx’sacebecamegrm,awacngedeasoousands. heOrks erewere nobeavng, eer. Groups o ree orourbaesps,orcrusers,oramxoeaves,wererngasone,urnngasone,anddspayngaeveocooperaonaLynxadneverseenbeore.Inresponse,eMsscangederaccs.InseadoremanngngroupngssmaroeOrks,eMsspsdspersed.LynxguredaeMsswereopngocauseeOrkwarspsodvdeerrepoweragan,acedwreasromasdes.LynxadmredespeedawcoseMsswereabeocangeaccsnmd-g.LynxnoedaeMseavywarspsweresworkngasaeam,asnasquadron.LynxdoubedanyImperawarspswoudbeabeocoordnaeeraacks,wesowdeydspersed. Despeaeaempsaorganzaon,egwasbreakngdown

noameeeveryrapdy.Lynxcoudseenowayoep.heconusngmessosomanyspswsng,rng,anddyngnames,LynxknewaeonyepawoudmaernowwasogemorewarspsoverereoepeMsee.Bunonow hesoweradvancngmangroupngsoeOrkeesadeneredrangeoeveryone’sbgguns.hswoudbewereedecdngbowse,emajoryoeacsdewascommedoebaenecener.LynxookoneasookaeMsandNovaacons.heyweremxedupowerewoudbeupoeacsp,owweougandmaneuvered,asowosurvved.LynxcoudsendeCenuronspsoeponegroup,oreoer,nobo.LynxmgevenneedobosereImperacener,eywereseavyounumbered. Lynx

coudonywa. hedeckpaesunderLynx’seesudderedandvbraed.hespsewasonwasbosoongandacceerang.LynxocusederbgoooebaeoneImperaee.Ceneredaseeewasneooed,Lynxadabeergraspoecompexmaneuverng,andedsancesbeweenenowspupImperaorces. heongrangerng was noavng muc efecon eOrkees.SomeoebggesgunseImperaswererngwereonymakngoesnempyspace.MosoebggesImperaspswereswngngaroundjusnow,

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presenng er bows o e enemy. As soon as e sps were acng srag ona e Orks, swarms o orpedoes sreaked oward e Orks. Lynx groaned. heOrksadprovennepasobeabeodeawwavesoorpedoes.Parcuarywen aunceda emromongdsance. Sureenoug, eImperaspsurnedbacknone,broadsdeoeOrks.AndjusasLynxkneweywoud,eOrkswpedoueoncomngorpedoesweordeoger-bombersareadyswarmngaroundebggesOrksps. heOrkswerecomngasernow.Bransatsosveryenergyorerougspace,rommanyOrkwarsps.Targeedononyreeoearges

Imperabaesps,eproecveenergysedsonareeweremomenaryoverwemed.Weo,andevenvoeo,gougesappearednarmor.Lynxexpandedevewonoseree,andyes,edamagewasbad.Somebggunswoudnorenow.Lynxrownedevendeeper.Orkssoudnoavesucpowerubeamweapons.Lynxspokeagannoerpersonaogrecorder.Serecordedaremnderoryandbackrack,andryoocaeweresucweaponswerecomngrom.AImperaspswereurnngnoeonrusngOrksnow.Moskeygongoauncmoreorpedoesandsorrangemsses,prorocargngamongseenemy.LynxwonderedepersoncommandngseeadonyjusgraduaedromNavaAcademy. AarmswenofaoverLynx’sconsoeandscreens.

Lynxquckybackedofevew,oakenmoreosurroundngspace.JusbeyondemosorwardspsoeNovaandMsmeees,moreOrkspsoeveryype,juscomngnoreaspace.heywereno,owever,ponedergwayocoseoneImperaees.Aso,curousy,eywerenoreayormedupnoanyrecognzabeormaons.herdcurosywasaey juskepgong. Anden,Lynxwasverysurprsed.heoerOrkspsbrokeoferaacks,andpueveryaomopoweroerengnes.heyookofneverydrecon,werever eyad beenponedwen snewesgroupappeared.Lynxquckycaedupeemergencyrequency,andorderedeveryImperasponopursue,buraerormup.AerrbeougadoccurredoLynx.

Lynxwacederdspayaseeespuedbackogeer. Everyonewasnoqueready,wensuddenywasooae. hree back pyramds o ncredbesze appeared n edark spacenoarromwereeOrksadrecenyappeared.A ngreenuzzogsurroundedeac,umnangesepdesgnandoerdeasoebocksngs.Veryqucky,spsappeared.Bgones,ensmaones,andenmorebgones.Augybackbocksapes,pourngouoereegreapyramds. LynxcaedupFoss,noanswer.Seennvokedecommandne,broadespossbecoverageoeveryImperarequency.Run.Lynxcommanded

everyAdmraandCapanournawayandjumpnonon-spaceasquckascoudbemanaged.Woundedspswerenoobeetbend. Jumpswereobeopenedoranysp a coudno, and ake me orecover gersandbombers.LynxcoudseeaeNecrospswere,oremomen,scasngOrksps. AmosurgenmessagewasbnknganndcaoronLynx’sconsoe.Seappedmoreesudsonersyus,andgoeaceoanAdmra.Inerseanguage,LynxwasnormedaInqusorFosswasnjured,bady,andwoudbe,orsomeme,unabeoakeurerparnesemaers.Lynxasked

ImperaCommanderswoudnowoowerpans,ercommands.Seddnowaveryongaa.AImperaspsaccepederofer,excepeMss.heMssrepedaeyweregongonderkdnappedoicer,nameyPen. Lynx wacede Impera spsaunc no non-space n squadronorder. Lynx’s screens sowed eNecrowarspswere s no payng esmaesaenonoedeparngImperavesses.heMseejumpednonon-spaceasone.herppenspacecausedLynx’ssporocksgy.Lynxadaskedssp’scapanowaunas,ojumpouoere.Inmomens,Lynxwasaone,ecapanaskngoeaveaso.Lynxsoodwacngebgoograp.Orkspswereasojumpngnonon-space,aoveresky.Noaweregengaway.

Noascreensweremonorngecarnage.hreescreensdspayeddrecves.Eacoereedrecvesedconcngagendas,andeacedLynxasboundbyoseconrarycommands.heacadferenraceswerebendareecommuncaons,setLynxwnomeansodsregardanyoem.Seknewwaadobedone,neaccase,buowogedone,wmorenererenceanep,wasereapuzze. Lynxaskedersp’scapanopeasejumpnow.Wourepy,onyanodromecapan,espacceeraes,enauncesnonon-space.

he End of Caper Ten. Wac ese pages in fuure Warp Rits for moreTyranids and oer enemies of Lynx. O

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Hell BladesThe Forge - Chaos

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warp rift 25

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