Warhammer: Dark Knights

The hangar was alive with action, a symphony of preparation and urgency. Servitors moved around, carrying ammunition and equipment, while deck crews prepared the Caestus Assault Rams for launch. The massive boarding craft sat at the center of the chaos, its armored hull gleaming under the harsh lights. Its twin magna-meltas and assault drills were primed, designed to breach the toughest of hulls and deliver their deadly cargo directly into the heart of the enemy.

Sevran strode into the hangar, his heavy steps echoing as he approached his company. The Astartes of the 5th company stood near their assigned ram, ready to board it. Each of them carried a mix of bolters, power weapons, and other specialized equipment for boarding action.

Sevran didn't say anything but kept going towards his rams. Seeing their Grand Master, they bowed their head slightly, showing respect. Then, they boarded their rams without needing any words, as if they had already been doing this for countless times.

When Sevran arrived, his honor guards were already secured inside the rams, each wearing Indomitus Pattern Terminator Armors. Five of them armed with thunder hammers and a storm shield, while the last four of them armed with power fists and ranged weapons, two with storm bolters and two with assault cannons.

Sevran stepped aboard the ram and proceeded to his assigned areas. As the inertia suppression clamps lock Sevran in place with a mechanical click, the ramp also sealed with a loud hiss. With the engine roared to life, Sevran could feel a slight vibration as the ram started lifting off the ground.

Outside the ram, not only the Caestus Assault Rams are preparing to exit the hangar. Alongside them, numerous Fury Interceptors could be seen roaring out of the hangar. Their mission was clear, clear a path through the Ork defenses and escort the rams to the Kill Kroozer.

As the rams charged toward their target, Sevran felt the steady vibration of the craft beneath his feet. The assault ram shook with each evasive maneuver, its engines roaring as it weaved through the storm of Ork fire. Explosions erupted around them, the void lit by the chaotic exchange of weapons fire from both sides.

Sevran glanced towards the screen that displayed the statues of all the Caestus Assault Rams. Among the eleven rams that exited Iron Oath, there are already two rams that have been destroyed, meaning Sevran lost two full squads without even touching the target, an expected casualty in such a high-risk assault.

As Sevran pondered the situation, the lights in the ram turned crimson, casting a warning glow across the interior. The sudden change signaled that the assault ram was closing in on its target and would soon make contact. The rhythmic vibrations grew stronger, the hum of the engines rising as the ram increased its speed, building momentum for the impending breach.

Before long, Sevran felt a massive jolt, the entire ram shuddering violently as a deafening screech of tearing metal echoed through the hull. The Caestus Assault Ram had made contact, its magna-meltas and assault drills tearing into the Kill Kroozer's thick armor with brutal efficiency. The sound of grinding steel and the hiss of superheated air filled the cabin as the boarding craft carved its way inside.

As the ramp dropped with a resounding clang, Sevran's honor guards sprang into action. The first wave, armed with storm shields and thunder hammers, stormed out of the ram, forming a protective wall. Their shields absorbed incoming fire, deflecting crude Ork projectiles while their hammers smashed into the nearest greenskins with devastating force.

Behind them, the honor guards armed with ranged weapons stepped into position. Storm bolters barked out rapid bursts of fire, and the whirring assault cannons unleashed a storm of high-caliber rounds, cutting down Orks further down the corridor before they could reach the group.

When Sevran walked out the ram, the Orks were already all killed by the honor guards. Sevran quickly activated the signal beacon that he built into the modified Mk VIII power armor, enabling the rest of the 5th company to know exactly where Sevran's location is. Other than the beacon, Sevran also upgraded the vox system in the power armor, enabling long-range communication.

While Sevran is trying to understand the situation of the squads, the 2nd, 5th, 6th, and 10th squads have successfully regrouped with Sevran. After a couple of minutes, Sevran has gained the confirmation that the rest of the company can't regroup with them as they are still battling the Orks or didn't board the vessel on their designated points, meaning they needed more time to arrive.

With this, Sevran decided to march towards the bridge to face the Warboss with the current force and order the rest of the company to also march towards the Warboss. Raising his power sword and pointing towards the main hallway, where the Orks reinforcements keep coming to repel them, the formation changes with the honor guards forming the vanguard and marching into the hallway, where the screams of the Orks can be heard and are becoming louder.

With the metallic thud from the boots echoing through the hallway, the crackling from thunder hammers and storm shields can be heard the moment the group comes in contact with the Orks. The sound of explosive impacts filled the air as the honor guards collided with the greenskin tide. The thunder hammers discharged their energy with deafening cracks, smashing Orks into bloody smears against the walls and floor. The storm shields deflected incoming attacks, making sure that no harm could be done to the Astarte at the back.

Behind the shield wall, bolter fire erupted in rapid succession, clearing much of the Orks before they could overwhelm the vanguard. Each shot from the bolters found its mark, shredding them through their crude armor and tearing into their flesh. The bolter rounds detonated on impact, sending chunks of greenskin flying through the air in a shower of gore. Resulting in the air being filled with the acrid stench of burning flesh and the sharp, metallic scent of blood.

The Orks, despite their numbers, were unable to withstand the precision and power of the Astartes' fire. Especially when the Nobz leading the charge have been killed by Sevran. The power sword cleaved through the Nobz armor cleanly, the glowing edge cutting through the thick plating like butter. The sound of crunching metal and the sickening splatter of greenskin blood filled the air as the power sword sliced through the Nobz body with brutal efficiency. The massive Nobz cleaved into two the moment Sevran had the perfect opportunity.

With the death of their leader, the Ork wave immediately shifted course, their frantic charge turning into a hasty retreat into the depths of the vessel. The once roiling tide of greenskins now scattered in all directions, their fear palpable as they abandoned their failed assault.

A few larger Boyz, desperate to salvage some semblance of order, attempted to rally the remaining Orks. They bellowed and gestured, trying to summon the courage of their brethren, but it was too late. The Astartes took advantage of the chaos. Bolter shots rang out, each one finding its mark with deadly accuracy, dropping the would-be leaders before they could gather any momentum.

The Ork horde descends into further chaos as Sevran's honor guards charge into the horde with their thunder hammers swinging. The thunderous crack of their hammers echoed through the hall as they swung with devastating power, each blow obliterating anything in its path. The thunder hammers, crackling with energy, smashed through Ork armor and bone alike, leaving behind nothing but shattered bodies and wreckage.

"Forward! Crush them all together!" Sevran shouted while marching to the front, advancing with his honor guards. "Press forward to the bridge with this momentum!" Sevran's eyes fixed on the path ahead. He swung his power sword in a wide arc, cleaving through multiple Orks in a single, fluid motion. The blade hummed with energy, glowing bright as it cut through the crude greenskin armor and sent bodies dropping on the floor.

With Sevran leading at the front, the morale of the 5th company surged. They march forward with renewed vigor. Their advance speed quickened as if the presence of Sevran alone had given them a boost of energy.

After cutting through countless greenskins and dispatching numerous Nobz, Sevran and his forces finally arrived at a massive chamber at the heart of the vessel. The chamber served as a crossroads, with wide, jagged corridors branching out in multiple directions, all leading deeper into the vessel, with the largest corridor leading straight to the Warboss.

With the importance of the chamber, the Warboss already reinforced the chamber with four Nobz and their respective mobz. The only lucky thing that Sevran is relieved about is that they are all the normal Nobz that lead normal mobz. While it might take some time, Sevran is confident that they can destroy all of them with minimal or no losses.

Raising his combi-plasma, Sevran fired a precise shot, incinerating the closest Ork in a burst of superheated plasma. Without hesitation, he charged straight into the mob, his power sword glowing with energy as it sliced through greenskin bodies.

His honor guards followed close behind, their thunder hammers crackling with raw power as they smashed into the Ork ranks. Each swing sent a spray of blood and chunks of flesh flying, scattering the greenskins in a brutal display of force. The thunderous impacts echoed through the chamber, leaving broken bodies in their path.

With bolter fire tearing through the air, many Orks fell before they could even react to the sudden attack. The combination of Sevran's relentless assault and the coordinated strikes of his honor guard left the enemy struggling to mount any meaningful resistance.

Still, the sheer numbers of the Orks mean that they have enough numbers to keep Sevran and his men occupied. The Nobz, seizing the opportunity, began barking guttural orders, rallying their mobz amidst the chaos. Using their brute strength and crude cunning, they managed to rally the mobz, preparing a new charge at the Astarte.

Just before the charge happens, bolter fires can be heard in the corridors at the left and right sides of the chambers. While the sounds of battle had drowned out most of the commotion, a few Orks near the side passages turned their heads, glancing into the dark corridors that were briefly illuminated by the flashes of gunfire.

"Charge the beakies and' krump 'em good, or the boss'll krump us instead!"

Sevran suddenly hears one of the Nobz shout even when he is occupied. With the new wave of Orks joining in, 10th squad, which serves as one of the assault elements of the 5th company, is being overwhelmed, with Sevran seeing that already two Astartes have fallen with the first wave, and their sergeant has also taken a direct hit. Despite his desperate desire to assist the 10th squad, Sevran knew that he couldn't afford to divide his attention. The four Nobz had finally arrived, and they were charging forward with brutal force, their weapons raised high.

In response to the Nobz, Sevran and two honor guards are the only force that can meet the Nobz. As the rest of the honor guards arm with thunder hammers, they need to stay at their position to deny the Orks the possibility to harm the Astarte arm with ranged weapons. Charging forward with their weapons swinging, Sevran and the honor guards come face-to-face with the Nobz. While each honor guard deals with one Nobz, Sevran himself needs to face two Nobz at the same time.

Buying time, Sevran kept himself on the defensive to hold off the two Nobz while waiting for an opening to kill one Nobz in one swift move, or until one of the honor guards could finish their own opponent and come to his aid.

Sevran moves around swiftly, evading the Nobz attack while also picking off any Orks that try to kill him. His power sword danced in precise arcs, slicing through greenskins and deflecting incoming blows, while his combi-plasma unleashed alternating bursts of bolt rounds and searing plasma. Each shot tore through the Ork ranks, thinning their numbers and giving Sevran the breathing room he needed to maneuver.

As the battle raged on, two deafening explosions suddenly erupted at the Ork flanks. The concussive blasts sent greenskins flying, creating chaos among their ranks. Moments later, the unmistakable roar of bolter fire and the grinding snarl of chainswords echoed through the chamber.

Just as Sevran sidestepped a brutal axe swing from one of the Nobz and deflected a jagged sword aimed at his head with his power sword, Sevran heard crackle from the vox, and not long after, two voices can be heard.

"Grand Master, we arrived as fast as we can." One voice declared firmly.

"Kill all of them! Protect the Grand Master at all costs!" Another voice commanded with fierce determination.

Sevran immediately recognized the voices; they belonged to the sergeants of the 1st and 4th squads. Their timely arrival brought a surge of relief to him, knowing the rest of the company had finally arrived.

Despite the loss of the 3rd and 9th squads, who perished when their Caestus Assault Rams were destroyed in the void, the Orks now faced the overwhelming strength of the 5th Company. Though they had already sustained casualties, the 1st, 4th, 7th, and 8th squads still pressed forward with relentless precision.

As the battle raged on, all the Nobz had finally been killed when the rest of the honor guards were freed from their previous position and came to aid Sevran and the other two honor guards. With the death of all the Nobz, the Orks suffer a massive morale drop, and all of them scatter into the jagged corridors. With the chamber finally clear of Orks, Sevran took a moment to survey the aftermath. The floor was littered with the mangled bodies of orcs, their crude weapons strewn about amidst pools of blood. But among the sea of green bodies, there are also exceptions, the fallen Astarte of the 5th company.

Beside them are the two apothecaries that join the boarding; both of them are kneeling beside the fallen Astarte and extracting their gene-seeds. While the loss of Astarte was always an important matter, the preservation of their gene-seed would serve the Chapter's future and honor their legacy.

After completing the extraction, they turn their attention to the wounded Astarte. Working with quick and precise movements, they stabilized their injuries, administering combat stims and sealing wounds with medicae gel. The faint hiss of their tools mixed with the occasional groan of pain from the injured, but no complaints were uttered.

With the final injuries being patched up, one apothecary approaches Sevran, his armor stained with the blood of both friend and foe, to report the overall status of the company. According to the report, of the 49 Astartes Sevran had led into the chamber, 26 had sustained minor injuries, 5 bore medium injuries but retained combat capability, and 2 were gravely injured. The Apothecary's early assessment indicated that the survival of the heavily wounded required interment within a Dreadnought, the only means to preserve their lives and allow them to continue their service to the Chapter. Lastly, the report confirmed that 14 Astartes had fallen.

The other squads, while also suffering casualties, fared somewhat better. Most sustained only minor injuries, with 12 Astartes bearing medium injuries but remaining fit to fight. Though the losses weighed heavily, the company still had the capabilities to face the Warboss.

Before Sevran orders the final attack, he orders all the Astarte that bear medium injuries and the two apothecaries to stay in this chamber. Protecting the 2 gravely injured Astarte and also preventing the Orks from pincer attacking them when they are fighting the Warboss.

After helping the group fortify their position, satisfied with the preparations, Sevran turned to his honor guard and the remaining combat-ready Astartes. Raising his power sword, he pointed to the main corridor, and without any order, they all moved into a formation. With the honor guards forming the vanguard and assisted by the 4th assault squad, the rest of the Astartes fell into formation behind them, readying their weapons for the battle.

The group advanced at high speed, punching through the Orks that tried to stop them. Once again, leaving behind mangled bodies of Orks. The sheer power of thunder hammers destroys any Orks that stand in front of the group, with the 4th squad killing off any Orks that dared to flank or ambush the advancing formation.

As the group pushed forward, their relentless advance brought them to a massive, heavily reinforced door at the end of the corridor. Standing in front of the door were 20 Nobz, their massive bodies clad in crude but heavily plated armor, each wielding different crude weapons.

When the Nobz saw Sevran's group, the Nobz roar in unison, a guttural battle cry that echoed through the corridor. Around them, smaller Orks surged forward, forming a protective wall for the Nobz and the door, their crude weapons raised high as they screamed their own war cries.

Sevran raised his power sword, its edge crackle as the disruptive energy field is activated. "Show no mercy!" He bellowed. "Crush them all!"

With the crackling of thunder hammers, the deafening roar of bolters, and the guttural bellows of Orks, the corridor erupted into a maelstrom of violence.