In Service to the Imperium (IC thread)

[Hamste]

"The problem with your idea is that they might simply decide to close on you and hold the front trench allowing them to bring more people to the front and to prepare a better secondary assault. Here's a different idea built of that one though, we set up as many remote mines as possible between the front trench and secondary trench. Then we set up explosives in the front trench and fox holes slightly in front of the front line. We hide light infantry in the foxholes and then make it look like we left a hole in our defenses so that they will try to attack us. We make a show of fighting a bit before retreating to the second trench quickly. They would either try to continue the advance or stop in the front trench. If they advance, we wait until they half way to the second trench and activate half the mines and keep the other half in case we need it. This would cause general confusion in their ranks and then those in the second trench starts blasting away at what is left. They would try to retreat and when they do we activate the explosives in the front trench killing the people they left in the trench and cutting off their retreat and the people in the fox holes pop out using the cover of the holes and firing on the now confused and cut off troops. If they all stay in the trenches we just blow up the explosives and the people in the fox holes pop up and start firing while our tanks and vehicles move up to attack what is left of the front line defence. The most important part is that we keep the set up from being seen by the enemies and thus allowing us the element of surprise. If we have the siege weaponry and turrets pre-aimed we could kill even more people quickly. The only part missing from the plan is what if they had a second wave to attack us. It could be solved by having more mines placed after the foxhole that we activate after they go over which should delay them enough for us take back the first trench again and start repairs." Olov said trying to think of the angles. He wondered what was with the murder in the tent but decided it was best not to question it, seeing no one else seemed to be reacting.

[Sub Sector Protractis]

Listening to what the man said Sergeant Mabus replied "A good idea, but one that will take time and that is not a commodity that we have in ample supply. If they focused on trying to hold the first trench alone could we not just pour fire upon them and catch their second wave with at armored counter attack. I do not know of the full capabilities of this regiment but do we really want to try and rebuild our front line and take care of our wounded. What if they stagger multiple waves? How long will the mines hold the tide? How long will the men you've hidden and isolated last alone? I do however like your line of thinking It is unconventional and raises the importance of proper employment of explosives in the battle to come. I do not believe I've not yet had the please of meeting you, your name?"

Sergeant Mabus was pleased that so quickly constructive discussion was taking place. "Any one? Anything to add?"

[Bone Fort]

Demeans considered what had been said.

"What if we mount a sneak attack, under the cover of the night? We still have all the airborne in reserve, don't we? We've crippled their artillery so our lines won't be as threatened, so what if we mount a strong defense along the trenches, and use the forces still in reserve for flanking, hitting them where they're weak? And what of an airstrike, or orbital bombardment? The navy can't be that useless."

[Aelosia]

Vanhayn was getting really nervous as she resumed her seat after shooting a man in the nape of the neck. She even thought she was going to miss the shot for a moment, and didn't know if that was better or worse. The former Captain was lying in the red sand outside, and she had managed to get some drops of blood in some other officers attending the meeting. She didn't even know how a hot shot like that could had produced blood, but she imagined that...No, that was not nothing nice to think about.

She seemed to be serene in front of the other officers, but she had to take her hands under the table because she was trembling hard. Her first execution, and maybe the last, if Merrick took the act personal and sent her to join the cadian in the executioner's block. The main risk was the Commissar to go summarial on her. She knew that she could face a court martial and win. After all, she was a a superior officer of the same regiment as the cadian she had executed, and some laws extended to officers the privilege of executing subordinates in mutiny. There were several legal lagoons there that she could fill later, but right now, it was a scary thought to think Merrick would pick his weapon and make her follow the cadian.

Surprisingly, few inside the gathering seemed to be alarmed. Columbein got some blood on her and weakly protested something, but she was way more interested in keep fighting and arguing with the Commissar Amsel, who in turn was also too distracted by Columbein's continued disobeisance to keep her eyes upon Vanhayn. She swore she had seen the Blessed Astartes to raise his bolter at the leaving man as he turned tail, although the Sergeant, as all of his kind, was too fast in his movements to be followed precisely. Hess got some blood in his face, but he was also focused in the sparring between Amsel and Columbein, that seemed to be escalating quickly.

Finally, the Colonel and Merrick stayed quiet. Not even alarmed, raging, or nervous. They, however, jumped at Columbein at the same time after her last offending retort to Amsel. Merrick was the Chief Commissar here, and he was the one that could end this, and so he did. Quickly and easily. Good thing that distracted him further, but actually, he did not seem to even dissapprove of Vanhayn's actions. By the look of it, for Merrick the situation was the same that Vanhayn had thought. If the man left the tent, he was going to fire his gun. All that Vanhayn did was to shoot a second earlier and save him a rather expensive bolt from his pistol. Vanhayn could see that in his attitude.

Then something truly amazing happened. Von Ries returned, pretty much alive. Honestly, Vanhayn did not like the man, but she had to consider how tough he had to be to extract his troops back to the base. His company was made of men as hard as nails to have achieved that. She had a new respect for Von Ries. Their men, whatever he had left, for sure deserved the title of Glory Boys, in the best way.

Lividivus saluted him. For Vanhayn, the man was pretty heroic. She now had new data, that those skullers were truly superb fighters. And then came the biggest surprise of all. Lividivus turned to her and nodded, calling her name. She just nodded, waiting for a reprimand, but the Colonel, without changing his expression, simply delivered. ""As of now, you are promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, and I name you as the second in command of the 1162nd. Congratulations."

That was a surprise indeed. She wasn't expecting it, but she understood in the same second why the Colonel had taken that decision. He had communication issues, and she was a communication expert, with the best communication hardware around. He wanted her not to order people around, but to make sure his orders were heard and followed by the rest of the company commanders. It was a smart move. He already knew she was, amongst others, the commander who cared the most about the chain of command. Given so much insubordination around, he also needed a loyal and following second.

She stood with her seat, and made both the Guard and the Thermidorian salute. "Honoured, sir, I'll try to fulfill my duty, without any effort uncommitted", she answered, her eyes still open wide in surprise. Soon the PDF commander rose and delivered a speech quite accurate about several issues. Vanhayn was in agreement with the man, and realized he was not really as worthless as she thought in the beginning. The man was smart. And quickly gave her his congratulations, something that made Vanhayn just nod martially, but that gave her huge relief inside. She needed the men to fight alongside the lines drawn by the Colonel. She did not doubt for a second she should accept the promotion. Better her than most of the others, although she wouldn't had minded Hess, for example. By the look of it, as she slipped an eye towards the higaran Major, he did not mind she was the one promoted. After all, in a way, they were in the same page here.

Then the Marine spoke. His idea was sound. It was something she could expect from the writer of On Eldar Obscurum Natura. She had read the short notes written from Mabus more likely when Vanhayn was a child, and had extracted great tactical wisdom from it during her combats with the Dark Corsairs. It seemed that Mabus even lived amongst those slaver monsters. She compared his idea with her own, and the setting of the camp, and realized the plan was perfect, although there were some things to adapt to the unique nature of the 1162nd.

She decided she wanted to fully expand Mabus' idea into a full battle plan for the Colonel to consider. She took out her holoslate and started to check maps, troop numbers, dispositions, topographic data, and the few information she had on the rebel PDF. She started to open documents filled with scanned data from several strategy treatises, and started to draw something in the screen with her stylus while she also wrote down notes and numbers.

The ogryn spoke, feeling again especially verbose. There was the Ogryn, just opening his mouth as trying to explain a plan with huge bangs. They did not had the explosives available, unless they stripped their artillery from ammunition, to set the remote mines he was talking about. Also, he completely forgot how his perfect plan involved the entire destruction of the Imperial Line. If they blew their own fortifications, they won't have anything to shelter in if any other attack mounted up. And finally, they did not had time to set up such a complex system of mines and explosions before the rebels arrived. The trench works were taking time enough, and were not finished, and the ogryn was already trying to figure a plan to blow them off. Typical from a simple hunter, a bait and a bang. This situation required more tactical finesse.

Mabus spoke again, defending his original idea. He hitted the jackpot at the same time as Vanhayn! The solution to the conumdrum was an armoured counter attack. The rebels, according to the Colonel's initial briefing, were 90% made of infantry, and their armor was scarce. She had destroyed 3 SPGs in the first assignment, the Higarans 4 or 5 tanks more, and the Bangalorians took around 8 or 10 of the enemy light armor out too. They wouldn't had too much armor left. They needed to use the Higaran armor in the same way cavalry was used in prehistory.

"I...", started Vanhayn raising her hand. "I have many things to add. I couldn't help but to listen to Sergeant Mabus' idea, and I recalled the memories of Macharius about the Battle of Cennae (cookie for the reference), who suggests a similar approach. The enemy have scarce armour, but they can try infantry waves at our defenses. I support the main idea of the Sergeant Mabus, May He Who Rest gilded bless him, of letting them try our defenses, then lure them into the first lines of trenches as our own lines bend. Once they get into the fortifications, and we imagine they will have to pay a steep price for them, an armoured counterattack cuts them from the main body, while our heavy infantry counterattacks and surrounds them. I must remind you on the nature of this enemy. They are PDF, and as such, human soldiers with less morale than our Glorious Guards, or other enemies you are used to fight, like orks or tyranids", here she turned to give Demens a look that meant "no offense intended". Then she continued, checking more things in her slate. "We can encircle and then force the surrender of big pockets of them if we force them to remain surrounded. If everything comes as it should be, although it almost never does, the vanguard that assaulted the trenches might surrender as prisoners, while the counterattack from the flanks by the tanks turns into the speartip of a full night assault into the enemy. I have many details left to polish, but I think we can use Dunn's company to air assault the artillery positions left in the plateaus and take them out, as they will be unsupported when the rebels attack. Also, the Bangalore company and whatever quick, fast response units we might have can secure the passes at the same time the tanks clashes the main body of the enemy from the flanks". Vanhayn seemed as excited as a little girl with a new doll. She loved to talk about strategy and tactics. She usually saw war as a complex game of regicide with countless variables.

She looked at the Colonel with eagerness. "If anything. I do support the idea put forward by Sergeant Mabus. We need to polish it around to fit into our company's disposition, but his idea might even win us the access to the city by tomorrow afternoon". She then turned to see the ogryn, smiling softly. "Your idea is not viable. We cannot blow up our defenses. We have not the resources, not the time, or the freedom to destroy our camp. That would leave us too open for further attacks and could lay waste to an important amount of our supplies".

[Aelosia]

Vanhayn had been so concentrated on her own plan that she did not realize that Commander Demens had suggested something perfectly similar to what she was planning regarding the airborne and the artillery on top of the plateaus. She looked at the man in a new light. And she was also quite satisfied. The minds were working, and getting at the same conclusions. They seemed to be in the right place. She took the liberty of getting Demens' attention with a stare, and then nodding and smiling at him.

"All we have to do is to unite our ideas under one single plan. I think even the Ogryn's idea can be applied, as long as the explosions are limited to certain sectors. Let's write them all down, shall we?", she said smiling broadly as she set her holo slate on the table and started to project a map in the middle of it, willing to modify it with her stylus as the ideas appeared.

[Khornate Worshippers]

395th Friesden Armoured "Strongbeard's Slayers"

"Pilot, how long till we land?" asked the Captain. The lighters were as comfortable as they always were. But at least they'd been well trained for this sort of stuff.

"Almost there, captain. We're transmitting code clearances now," answered the lighter's pilot, as his copilot managed those precise actions. "Once we're clear of the base defences, we'll be landing."

"Good job. Thank you, pilot. You're a credit to your service," were Captain Malakai 'Strongbeard' Holt as he left the pilot cabin for the passenger and cargo hold. "Alright! Listen up! We're Lighter One. We've got two more coming in after us, so get your Lemans out of the cargo hold quick smart. Squadrons One, Two, and Three, are your Lemans ready?"

"SIR, YES, SIR!" resounded the reply.

The tank crews quickly prepared to disembark. Leman Russes were warmed up, positions manned, and the first third of the company prepared for a quick drop.

The lighter landed, smoothly, the door and three ranks of three Leman Russ tanks rolled out in an orderly fashion. At the head, in a Leman Russ Vanquisher, Captain Malakai Holt is sitting in the commander's position. He surveys the camp, and voxes his subordinates as the lighter lifts off. "Lieutenant Baroney, take command while I meet with the regimental commander. Find us our billets and keep the troops out of trouble."

He exited the tank, and while the tanks were rolling out, he made his way to the regimental commander's quarters.

[Sub Sector Protractis]

Mabus was very pleased at what was starting to form, the officers around him even the Ogryn were proving to be tenacious and innovative. Lt. Colonel Demeans stood up and made a superb suggestion to which Mabus believed could turn the tide of the entire campaign.

"Lt. Colonel Demeans, What if we held the drop troops in reserve until we withdraw from the first line. The enemy will most likely seek to deliver a killing blow. At which point the drop troops assault their artillery positions and use them against the enemy, they are Imperial Guns after all. Once the enemy forces are redirected to retake their guns they will have 3 separate matters to address. 1. Their own artillery needing to be retaken 2. Their troops in the first trench needing to be reinforced 3. An armored counter attack demolishing their follow on waves. When the enemy then decides to retake their gun positions lets not see if those remote mines that were mentioned earlier could be put to use. Re-task the drop troops to take the enemy anti air positions and then have the navy use Marauders and our own guns to suppress their entire line. The stragglers left behind can then be isolated and destroyed. We can also booby trap their own fortifications in the event we are forced to withdraw."

Pleased that a concrete plan was starting to form Sergeant Mabus then turned to the newly anointed Lt. Colonel Vanhayn " Lt. Colonel Vanhayn I would caution you against seeing these PDF as lacking morale. They are fighting on their, planet standing in front of their families, against what they see as a brutal oppressor. That is why from here on out we must constantly keep them under duress, we must use the vast resources of the Imperium to keep them weary and wounded. By the same token we must determine if there are any loyalist elements within their city. As even George Vander was not safe within the Imperial place when he was attacked from within."

Sergeant Mabus then looked directly ahead into the Colonel's eye and said"Colonel I would ask what you desire of me and my men? The final plan of battle still rests in your decision and I would like to remind all those here that this is not an Astartes led operation but an Imperial Guard one. As for my men I still have them in orbit and will stand with them either at the front of the trench line or next to your drop troops. Or any other place you would require my service."

[The Empire of Pretantia]

The strategies and tactics being discussed brought a feeling of confidence to Ali, knowing that he and his company were in the hands of such competent officers. A lady of war, a Cadian, and a warrior from the heavens; he trusted the aptitude of his superiors. He even respected the PDF officer for his ideas. Even the ogryn, although lacking a full understanding of what resources are at hand and (thankfully) not his superior, had unorthodox suggestions. Yet Ali was aware of the disaster that befell the company of the shamed and deceased captain of Cadia, and was wary of the possibility of friendly fire. Fortunately he had an idea of what to do about this risk.

"Endowed Colonel, if I may make a somewhat relevant suggestion," Ali stood from his seat,"I am simply a humble lieutenant, but I know of the friendly-fire incident from this morning, and I believe this disaster may repeat itself if measures are not taken. The cause of the accident, as it is in most cases, was mistaking allies for enemies. This in turn was caused partly by a company's blindness to what colors and insignia are friendly, yes; but that is one of the issues we are covering in this meeting. But while we officers may be taught what symbols can be trusted and remember them, most of our troops might forget or not be informed at all. The most obvious solution would be to wear a single unified uniform as opposed to the various different colours we currently wear, but that is completely out of the question in terms of both resources at hand and pride for one's company.

"Instead, I volunteer the materials of my Bangalores: an assortment of cloth and paint that my men have bought from various planets in their tours of duty for themselves, their wives, and their daughters. With these my men and other guardsmen who can sew may produce sashes, which may be worn with their uniforms comfortably. This serves as both identification, as we would now have an understanding of who is on our side; and as a symbol of pride, as not only may a soldier wear the pride of his own regiment but also a symbol of their time with the 1162nd. Or at least, the part of pride is in theory. If we work quickly, the materials may be down from the Aquilas Ascendentwith the next dropship, and enough sashes for both frontline infantry and armor may be finished by the next attack."

Ali had said all he had to, and so regressed into his seat.

[Khornate Worshippers]

Captain Malakai Holt made his way through the streets, in full uniform. By his side was Company Commissar, Commissar Rassimoc Telgin.

After finding direction through the military camp, they made their way to the command quarters, and presenting credentials to the guards outside, they entered, reporting for duty.

[Firstaria]

Hearing the meeting going on, Daniel entered with all the respect he was hoping to show, and said " Excuse me all, may I join this reunion since I've been transfered to this company?" He said, looking at the one that was probably the commander.

[Legital]

Hess listened carefully to all of the great plans being put forth at the meeting for the following night battle. Tactical genius not shown earlier today was finely being put to good use. Everyone's plans were solid, and obviously well thought out. Hess liked to fancy himself a good strategist, however nothing he said tonight would be worth anything as already several exceptional plans have been formed. Yet, there were several small things that were not addressed that Hess wished to put up.

Standing up from his seat as everyone quieted down, Hess opened his mouth to speak. "Every plan put fourth tonight at this meeting only shows that we have what it takes to be a proper and deadly fighting regiment when we put our heads together. Whatever plan we settle on tonight, my tanks will be ready where ever they are needed, and we will fulfill our task to the letter." He explained. "However, there are just several small things I wish to address. For one thing, the elements. Several past experiences with desert operations have brought up the issues of the decreasing temperatures at night. Whatever operation we choose tonight, the men will need to be properly dressed. Also in the decrease in temperature, although I am not sure if it applies here, but wind speed sometimes increases, causing shifts in the sand dunes. The ground here is relatively flat, but earlier today I had spotted several dunes that may have moved or no longer exist. Such a thing may confuse our past knowledge of the battle field."

"Also, I wish to add, is that the enemy knows this land better than us. Yes, they saw out blunder today, but I do not think they will be so quick to jump on the wounded deer, one could say. I think it is a brilliant idea to let them test our lines and fall back to bait them, but they saw our forces today, and they know we have quite an amount of units. Why would we appear so ill defended amongst our front line if we were not hiding something? We seem to be preparing for a battle that will go our way, which I surely hope does, however I am worried about our flanks and rear as well. While they attack us from the front, for all we know, it could be a feint. Perhaps under the cover of darkness we underestimate our foes, and they have brought up more artillery, or armor, or infantry. I simply wish to advise caution to wherever we commit our forces."

Hess was always the more safe than sorry fellow, so it did not surprise him that he was the one to bring up the issues that he did. He knew the others had similar thoughts, but he felt the need to voice them. Secretly, he was always more of a pessimist. He hated it, but it always worked that way. Better to be prepared to be disappointed than to prepare and feel the full wrath of disappointment.
Then the Lieutenant spoke up, and Hess simply nodded his agreement for such a thing.

Then, by the Throne all the surprises today, two more men entered the tent, asking permission to attend as they were both transferred to this regiment. Hess was beginning to wonder how many companies they had under this regiment.

[Armageddon Steel Legion]

"So, the plan is decided. A night-attack. Aright, I'll go get my regiment ready. With permission from Sir." She added as Commissar Liara then left while Alexis waited for the colonel's reply. Private Hans Sabo wiped his gas-mask as he then peered out into the darkness, no enemy movements so far. He thought before he seen three shadows, enemy? Friendly? He walked up to the tent and walked in."Sorry Frau and Herr's, but I have found three shadows out in ze horizon, moving very fast. Could be enemy scouts."

[Bone Fort]

Into the tent came a creature of the night, silently creeping upon light feet. Dark googles covered his eyes, almost obscured under the brim of his helmet. His lips were parted in a smile, one that only showed teeth. Sharp, pointy teeth.

"Gentlemen," said Captain Johansen.

IGNORE

[The Empire of Pretantia]

It seemed many interesting things happened during the major's absence. Significant reinforcements, two dead captains, Kolumbein talking back to a commissar, an ogryn talking clearly, Vanhayn's promotion, the arrival of a space marine, and a Lieutenant fainting. Now the coming battle hinged on the trenches dug by sappers, and the artillery of the Maidens. Von Ries thought back to three days ago on the Gorgon."siege guns do not win wars. Mines do not win wars. Tanks and men seize fortresses and conquer worlds." He told that to Vanhayn, then a major. Oh, how ironic it is that the war now hinged on specialists such as her. The cold and dead Rieska could not help but chuckle warmly.

[Crinitus Malum]

Major Victor Von Brugge,
Planet Evisor.

As the Valkyrie screamed through the sky Victor grimaced at the thought of interacting with most of the commanders from the Gorgon. During the trip to Evisor he had been wary about them. They had different customs and ways they went about their business.
But as the transport landed he sighed wistfully.
'I guess I should put that behind us, seeing as we'll need to work together to get this done.' he thought to himself and walked into the camp.

Looking around he saw that there had been high casualties already and by the nervous looks on the NCO's faces he assumed that the differences between the companies were clashing.

He walked silently into the HQ tent and stayed near the back as he listened to a major lay out a plan of attack. It was a good plan too, a good chance of derailment, but we could win one of a few victories at least.

Stepping forward speaking up.
"I agree with..." he racked his brain for the major's name, it was something starting with a V he knew that much "...the Major." he finished.
"My men are ready to volunteer for either the airborne assault or to secure the passes, I leave that to the Colonel to decide."

Victor waited as some of the other officers looked at him in one form or another.
"Major Von Brugge, cheers." he said and gave a small salute.

[Segmentia]

Lividivus wanted the sigh. And strangle whatever idiot decided to throw this regiment together. Even as the plans for the night were being discussed, several more officers entered the tent, their companies having been transferred over. By the Throne on Terra, someone must have wanted him dead. Commissar Merrick was with him for now, but the slightest wrong action could have him relieved of command, either by being forced to step down, or by being shot. But now was not the time to worry about such things, he had things to do.

"Well, don't bloody stand there." He said to two men who had entered, but neglected to introduce themselves. "Names and unit." Arktheleon demanded, and quickly turned to the other officer. Another bloody major.

"Major Von Brugge, unit?" He asked.

------

As the Imperials sorted out the mess they had been in earlier, the rebel PDF and militia had been able to gather their strength, and split into groups, so that they could attack from multiple directions. The Imperials had dug in, so an attack would most likely be costly, but the rebels were determined to expel the Imperial invaders. From the north, the direction in which the Imperial Guard had tried to advance earlier, only a medium sized group of attackers would come from, more as a distraction then anything. By the dismal display earlier that day, this Guard regiment didn't think very highly of the rebels and their fighting capabilities.

The rebel commanders hoped to draw a significant amount of enemy attention to the north, hoping the Guard commander would think that was the direction of the main attack. Large concentrations of infantry and light vehicles would attack from the east and west, and from the south, the main bulk of the armor, with almost a third of the rebels Leman Russ tanks, 30 in total.

If either attack could break through, the Imperials would no doubt be done for. Each attack would have some sort of artillery, most the remaining Basilisks would be firing from the north, again trying to trick the Imperials. The attacks from the East and West would mostly have access to mortars, and the armored attack from the south would have a few mobile Basilisks, but other then that and some infantry, they didn't have much support.

Of course this was not an 'all or nothing' attack, and the rebel commanders had reserves stationed both in the prime city, and in the fortress, so that if the attack failed, the rebels could continue to fight on.

[Khornate Worshippers]

"Captain Malakai Holt, 395th Friesden Armoured," stated the captain, keeping his voice level as suited the circumstances. This situation seemed a little...tense, to say the least. And the corpse drying on the floor seemed to be a result. "Assigned to your regiment, Colonel."

[Crinitus Malum]

When Von Brugge got the Colonel's attention he stood up strait and gave a stiff salute.
"Major Von Brugge of the Crinnian 62nd reporting for duty, sir." he replied staring straight ahead.

[Firstaria]

Daniel noticed that the message was maybe directed to him too, and so he presented himself.
" Captain Daniel Mercury, 24th Heavy Infantry Oblivion, sir"

[Aelosia]

Vanhayn listened quietly as Mabus spoke again about improving the airborne assault upon the artillery positions in top of the plateau. She lowered her gaze as Mabus told her to not understimate the moral of the PDF troops. She did not want to label them as cowards, or easy to break, but the fact remained that they could be broken, isolated, and forced to surrender. Rebel PDF was one of the few enemies of the Emperor that could be forced to do that. Others enemies, as orks, tyranids, aliens, allies of the Great Enemy, or eldar, would give no quarter nor expect none. She realized that MAbus had a great idea about trying to find loyalist cells inside the enemy, but they would need prisoners for that. She made a mental note to herself to try to capture as many PDF prisoners possible during the incoming attack, if the imperial forces survived it, of course.

The young Lieutenant in charge of the Bangalores spoke next. He was worried about further friendly fire incidents, as Vanhayn was, and for a good reason. This time friendly fire would be strongly limited, as repulsing an attack from fixed positions usually just meant to fire at anything moving in front of your trench and not inside your own trench, or behind you. She knew the solution that Ali had placed forward was simple, and not really good enough as to hinder future friendly fire incidents. But the guy had a point about the pride and honor. Anything that could give this regiment a common identity was welcomed. Regarding the friendly fire, well, gunners almost never saw the enemy, or the friendlies', colors and insignia. They fired at green dots or red dots in a screen. She already had her own solutions in mind for that, but she liked the boy, and decided to give him a boost. The identity part of his plan was brilliant. "I'll want one of those sashes, of course", she said in a light tone, smiling honestly at Ali. "And one for each of my gunners too. Some of my daughters can help with that, provided there is time, after tonight's over".

Hess was the next to speak. He complimented everyone, something to be expected from his educated profile, and then addressed the issue of temperature. Of course Vanhayn had not thought of that. Her ladies fought their battles mostly buttoned up inside their vehicles, with regulated temperature that however tended to side into the hot zone. She had not thought about the infantry men who would likely fight in the open in freezing conditions. She was now the Lieutenant Colonel of a mixed regiment, so she better started to think with a broader sight regarding tactical matters. The fact that Hess managed to see that fact even although he was a tanker like Vanhayn spoke a lot about his tactical sharpness.

He was cautious too, and was advising for caution. This was the enemy's backyard indeed, but Vanhayn was pretty sure they would plan a major offenssive. The performance of the regiment earlier this day had provoked them to do so, before the imperial lines could be completely drawn. Yet, it was true that the rebels could try to completely encircle the imperial camp.

Then another two commanders entered the tent. That did not make the Colonel happy. The man almost grunted, by the looks of it. More incoming forces. The good part was that the regiment was being reinforced and getting new troops every hour. The bad part was that it sacrificed order and battleplans. Having to integrate a new company each hour was tough, and could lead to more disasters like the one from earlier. This is my responsability now, thought Vanhayn. I must keep these men ordered and integrated. She almost visibly sighed at the task, but managed to keep a straight face.

She rose her hand as the others spoke, getting data and writing things in her holoslate with her stylus. Finally, she rose her hand and asked permission from the Colonel to speak. When she got up, she seemed to be in a hurry, but still checking things in her holopad.

She looked at the Colonel, then at every commander in turn. "I must assign Company numbers to each of our commanders, sire, if I may, and also give them special vox channels to each, both secured from the enemy and open to other commanders to check in", that said, she looked at the Colonel. "You remain the first, Colonel Sire, your code is X345/Y672/Z195, with Authority as your code name".

"Airborne remains the Second Company. Code X691/Y204/Z592, with Preybird as code name", added Vanhayn with a short look at Dunn.

"Skavakor is 3th Company. Code X912/Y704/Z386, with Skull as code name", she told to Von Ries, holding her gaze for a moment before returning it to her holoslate.

"Higaran Armoured is 4th. Code X578/Y219/Z935, with Moustache as code name". She managed to smile here, and although Hess already had that code from their gathering prior to deployment, the code name was a novelty. The "moustache" thing had developed amongst the thermidorians as an affective nicname for the higarans, and so far Vanhayn found it both accurate and fondly accurate. She was pretty sure Hess could got the idea this was more of a flirty thing that an attempt to ridiculize him, in any case.

"5th Uber-Reich Siege Company. Code is X716/Y198/Z900, with callsign Turbulent", added Vanhayn looking at Kolumbein. For sure she liked the callsign, as she was always in the verge of mutiny.

"6th Mechanized Artilllery. Code X913/Y107/Z075, with callsign Mistress", she mechanically passed through, although she did not even liked her own callsign.

"7th Sappers company. Code X682/Y108/Z911, with callsign Shovel", she kept adding names more akin to logic. This regiment had so many companies!, she told to herself before returning to the assigment of codes.

"8th Botun Infantry. Code X472/Y199/Z145, with callsign Lasgun", Vanhayn continued, knowing that her creativity was going to end up soon.

"9th is Cuculus Nidis Home Guard. Code X666/Y696/Z969, with callsign Asylum", she said, smirking at Demens for a second.

"10th is Bangalore Light Infantry. Code X701/Y824/Z011, with callsign Sashes", she added, giving a wamr smile to Ali before keeping forwards.

"11th is Betalis Artic infantry. Code X681/Y556/Z992, with callsign...Icebreaker", she had hesiatted there, as this one was a company she had not even heard of. At least she got all the data inside her holoslate. from now on, all the companies were almost unknown.

"12th is Hydraphur Centuria infantry. Code X774/Y924/Z110, with callsign Astartes", she kept on, knowing this was Mabus' company.

"13th is Ogryn Infantry. Code X556/Y240/Z117, with callsign Lard", she mechanically kept reading.

"14th is Crinnian infantry. Code X800/Y285/Z755, with callsign...Oh, here it is, Venom", she said, reading more info from the holoslate.

"15th is Friesden Armoured. Code X783/Y111/Z355, with callsign Beard". She hoped the irony of this was not lost in both the armoured commanders.

"16th is Macharia Heavy Infantry. Code X722/Y699/Z004, with callsign Oblivion". That was the last one, at least. Sixteen companies no less! The 1162nd was such a big and varied regiment it was already becoming a nightmare to organize.

"Use only those channels to interact with the other companies, including the code to interact with authority. Keep your receiving end open because only with those can our automating targetting devices recognize you as friendly. Like sashes, but electronic ones. I'll send those codes to your vox operators. Or well, honestly, my vox officer will. If you turn off your transponder, you might be recognized as an enemy, so keep in mind to keep in touch", she added smiling at Ali again. Vanhyan knew the transponders were a good idea. It meant the men had to leave a channel open to be supervised by the higher authorities, and that meant the Colonel, Merrick and her. If they turned it off, they could be labeled as enemy and fired upon, so excusing themselves with vox problems meant a risk, too.

She finally rose her face and saw the rest of the commanders. "One more thing, and this one the most important. The rebels are massing for an attack with significant force, according to OrbCom". She had checked in her holoslate the last information shared by the navy in orbit. "Good news is that we know their disposition, more or less. Bad news is that they mean business this time. I don't think it will take them too long to reach our lines, and we can expect them soon after dusk", she said that looking at the Colonel, as she knew the man was getting the same information as she did at the same time. "If I may, Sire, Orbital says the enemy armor, or at least a significant group of it, is turning around to attack the camp from the south. I would like to take my first platoon, alongside the armor elements of the 5th Uber-Reich, the 4th Higaran and the 15th Friesden companies with me outside the camp and intercept them in open field, while our tank formations can make the difference by flexing our tank muscle. Once we destroy that front, we will be back to camp to encircle the encircling enemies in turn, but I want to know your point of view, Sire", Vanhayn knew that the time for discussing strategy was sadly over, and that she needed the Colonel to take decisions now. "You will have more time to coordinate the infantry defenses until they reach the camp, but unless we want to dig in in our vehicles, we have an hour at best to prepare our counterattack and leave the camp to intercept their armoured column on its way here from the south".

Vanhayn knew it was a rash decision, but there was no time for any other thing. If they did not leave now, they would have to dig almost one hundred tanks in the trenches and sacrifice their mobility. She kept looking at the Colonel, Kolumbein, Hess, and the new commander in turn.

[Khornate Worshippers]

Captain Malakai Holt nodded at the Lieutenant Colonel's words, but remained waiting for the Colonel to confirm their orders. It wouldn't do to be in-subordinate to their new commanding officer.

He thought idly as to how they'd engage the enemy tanks. It would depend on the enemy formation, of course...

[Sub Sector Protractis]

Mabus agreed with the Lt. Colonel that the window of opportunity was closing, he spoke to the group " Ladies and Gentlemen, If you deem the situation dire enough I can ask my Cohort commander Centurion Leandros if he will consider sending my squad down. It is unlikely due to the fact that this operation is of relativity low importance, but if you all wish and with the Colonel's blessing I will ask. No matter what the answer is, I need to know ware my men are needed as they still await in orbit."

[Legital]

Major Hess, for the time being, ignored all the newcomers. He gave them a glance over, hearing their name and unit and decided that was all that was needed for the moment. He simply could not understand who and why they had so many companies in this one regiment. Higaran tank regiments, when new, tallied at one hundred and twenty tanks. That was a lot compared to some, and little when held next to others. Yet he had never seen such a mixed and large regiment as the one he called his own.
And, another thing he found interesting, was that he liked most of the people in the regiment. Typically he resented many commanders because of how stuck up and hard they were. Here, everyone was more or less formal, but with a...friendly air to things. However, there were some on his list that he wished to see on a casualty list, despite how horrible that was. Like the siege regiment commander. She and her Commissar seemed to hold little respect for others, his own commissar for example, and they simply rushed large amounts of troops onto the battle earlier that day. The Guard needed competent commanders.

As things carried on, Vanhayn began to announce company code names and vox codes. Hess nodded to his second, Cain, and the two men searched their pockets for something to write with. And, just as Vanhayn began speaking, Hess and Cain were both ready to write away each companies credentials, each one with their own copies, later to be backed up by their adjutants.
Hess was never one for codenames, but he found them fitting enough, especially when his companies code name came to be announced.
He could not help but grin widely, and Cain himself tried to stifle his rousing chuckle. Even Amsel, simmering down by now, had the Higaran glint of humor in his eyes. Mustache, Hess mused in thought, the men will get a good kick out of that.
The two men continued writing down the information, which would typically be left with their adjutants, but they were not present. Hess simply skimmed down the list, shaking his head. Sixteen companies! He knew they had many men, but sixteen companies? If everyone was at full strength, then he figured they could take on anything. Well, almost anything.
Cain stuffed the list into his breast pocket, and Hess did the same as well. Until they were copied, they needed to keep them safe and legible.

And then, the most dire matter came to hand at the meeting. The rebels. The heretics. The traitors to the Emperors light.
As it seemed, they were back, and in greater numbers too. Nothing too surprising. The Imperials were well dug in, but not quite in position. If what Vanhayn said was true, then they had time to requisition troops and armor to needed areas of the encampment.
If the Colonel agreed to Vanhayns plans, then the Higarans and other armor units would be attacking the armor in the south. Hess had no problem with that, however he did not like the idea of other armor units besides his own. As the saying goes, if you want something done, do it yourself. However it was not just that, there was the matter that it was the majority of the Imperial armor on the rebel armor. The Higarans had fifty-four tanks. More than enough to handle the enemy armor. Anymore and it would be a clusterfrak. Again.
Not to mention Hess did not like the idea that all the armor was consolidated in one area. Armor was mostly infantry support. The other tanks should be assisting the Imperial infantry.
Yet Hess held his tongue for the moment, watching as things played out.

[Segmentia]

Lividivus looked over the map quickly, and the company list.

"Vanhayn, your company will be here, in the center of the base, along with my company, the Ogryns, and the 15th company, Friesden Armored. We will make up the reserves, and plug any holes that may be formed in the line. Your guns will no doubt be firing non-stop, Vanhayn." He said, starting to put the defense together in his mind.

"Uber-Reich Siege Company and Skavakor 3rd gets to cover the north approach. I expect a light attack from the north, so have your troops be prepared to move at a moments notice to shore up the other fronts."

"7th Sappers, 8th Botun, and 10th Bangalore get the west."

"9th Cuculus Nidis, and 11th Betalis get the east."

"The south will be covered by the 14th Crinnian, 16th Macharia Heavy, and Major Hess and his tanks. I expect the rebels to bring their armor in from there, because it's what I would do with such limited armor units available." Lividivus handed out everyone's positions.

"As for the second company, and your troops, Sgt Mabus, I would like them to remain on stand-by for the time being. If we can pinpoint the rebel artillery, we can send them in to take care of it, robbing the rebels of their artillery, not only for this battle, but for the coming ones as well. If we can't pinpoint their artillery, then the two companies can swoop in and cut off any possible retreat the rebels may undertake." Lividivus nodded to himself.

"Questions?" He asked.

[Firstaria]

Lividivus looked over the map quickly, and the company list.

"Vanhayn, your company will be here, in the center of the base, along with my company, the Ogryns, and the 15th company, Friesden Armored. We will make up the reserves, and plug any holes that may be formed in the line. Your guns will no doubt be firing non-stop, Vanhayn." He said, starting to put the defense together in his mind.

"Uber-Reich Siege Company and Skavakor 3rd gets to cover the north approach. I expect a light attack from the north, so have your troops be prepared to move at a moments notice to shore up the other fronts."

"7th Sappers, 8th Botun, and 10th Bangalore get the west."

"9th Cuculus Nidis, and 11th Betalis get the east."

"The south will be covered by the 14th Crinnian, 16th Macharia Heavy, and Major Hess and his tanks. I expect the rebels to bring their armor in from there, because it's what I would do with such limited armor units available." Lividivus handed out everyone's positions.

"As for the second company, and your troops, Sgt Mabus, I would like them to remain on stand-by for the time being. If we can pinpoint the rebel artillery, we can send them in to take care of it, robbing the rebels of their artillery, not only for this battle, but for the coming ones as well. If we can't pinpoint their artillery, then the two companies can swoop in and cut off any possible retreat the rebels may undertake." Lividivus nodded to himself.

"Questions?" He asked.

" Not from here, it seems fine since we seem to not have any news about the rebel composition for now. " Daniel said memorizing the data on the map. " Me and my man will cover the south and blast everything that will come from there, have no problem calling us if you need support on another side. Just let's try to not charge forward, It would suck if they sneak in the chaos and backstab us. "