Across the battlefield, the Goliath crew was finally getting back on their feet from the bombardment. The targeting sequence was being input into their systems when a screeching sound could be heard from above. Fighters strafed the crew and forced them back to the ground. Then yet another set of flyers appeared. These were coming in slower and the crew supervisor knew something was wrong. The powerful razor lances fired deep into the left-most Goliath gun, the shell inside detonated and ripped it apart. The ground shook and the crew scattered. The nearby Raiders sniped at the broken Demiurg as they fled the battlefield in deep fear.
The Legate finally was able to get a hold of his Prince. "The plan, Sire?"
The Prince answered back, albeit winded, "Split your fire between the support craft and the Incubi who have fallen. Scouts have reported back that they believe it is their Commander. I want his head!"
"And the mining sites?"
"Yes, of course, move two Iron Breaker Leagues to secure it. Their support will only push the Dark Ones back further."
And it did. The closest Syndicate fell back behind a nearby mountain, leaving their comrades behind to face the fire alone. The second Syndicate did not fare as well and was virtually wiped out.
The Vessels of Pain targeted the Colossus yet again, and the giant tracked vehicle finally was struck. The damage, although superficial, bolstered the Dark Kin's cause as they fell back behind the mountain as well.
The Executor gunners took advantage of the confusion in the Colossus crew and fired as the pilot retreated. The parting blow ripped the side off the machine, forcing it back to their rear lines. It was not destroyed, but soon enough it would be.
With the lines more clearly drawn, the Prince was able to rally his forces and drive them onwards. His cause was simple, destroy the putrid Dark Eldar. To the Archon, things were falling apart around him. The communication between he and his forces were faltering amidst the technologically advanced jamming signals of the Demiurg and the continual losses that he took.
The Razorwing pilots were not answering their calls for the strike on the Colossus. The Archon was sure that if it fell, the army would fall with it. Still, he had already dispatched to have the Mandrakes make a stand to cover his own retreat while the flight of Scourges he enlisted took the mining equipment to the enemy's far right.
The Kashnarak bounded ever closer to it's prey. The stunty little bipeds frustrated the beast by just staying out of its reach. It finally took interest in the giant multi-car vehicle in front of it. The light emanating from the gun barrel twinkled, almost mesmerizing the beast.
The flames engulfed the Kashnarak, driving the beast into a horrible frenzy as it danced, collapsed, and twitched in a death throe.
_________________ author of Syncing Forward and other stories...It's a dog-eat-dog world, and I've got my Milkbone underwear on.
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