Catechism Of Hate by Gav Thorpe Page B

Taulin answered the communications request. The officer sounded tired, his voice a husky whisper.
    'Yes, revered Chaplain, how can we help you?'
    'I need to speak with the general now, Colonel Taulin,' said Cassius. He crossed under the Gradient and in the background heard Dacia issuing orders over the tactical frequency. 'It is imperative that I speak to Arka personally.'
    'The general is not at headquarters at the moment, Chaplain. He is doing his rounds at the defence line. Is it urgent?'
    'Of course it is urgent, colonel! Twelve Ultramarines have died in defence of this world so far, and unless I can speak to General Arka, their sacrifice and those to come will be in vain.'
    'I understand. I will try to reach the general for you, Chaplain.'
    The vox buzzed for some time as Cassius returned to his shrine room and began packing away his relics. Touching them brought a sense of purpose and peace to the Chaplain's troubled thoughts, reminding him that the Ultramarines had faced countless perils and still they had endured for ten millennia. To be connected with that history, to be part of the legend of Macragge, was comforting. In turn, he picked up each relic and spoke words of devotion to his Chapter and primarch, and then he wrapped each in soft cloth and placed them in their metal containers, lining up the boxes against one wall.
    Arka had still not contacted him by the time he had finished, so Cassius switched vox channels to check on Dacia's progress.
    'All transports are mobile, brother. I have arranged a collapsing cordon, devastators first, tactical squads second and the assault squad last, to fall back on the Rhinos and Razorbacks. If you would inform the Titans of our withdrawal, they will be able to cover us from the west. There is no sign of enemy to the east, if we are swift we will reach Attan Terminus without encountering any foe.'
    'You misunderstand my intent, brother-sergeant. Make ready to head westwards.'
    'Westwards, Brother-Chaplain? That is towards the enemy landing sites.' As a Space Marine, Dacia could not feel fear but his voice betrayed confusion and consternation.
    'I am aware of that, as you know, sergeant. We will not be withdrawing from Cordus Via. We will be attacking.'
     

CHAPTER VII
     
    THE TWO WARLORD Titans had moved back towards Cordus Via, overlooking the highway with their immense guns and rocket launchers. True to their oaths of obedience, the Ultramarines did not question their Chaplain's command, but made an orderly withdrawal to their transports. A drizzling rain had started around midnight, droplets of water rattling from the hulls of the transports, reflected in the light of the Titan lamps. It pattered on Cassius's armour as he left his sanctuary to join his warriors at the accessway.
    As Cassius's force readied to embark on the Rhinos and Razorbacks, Apothecary Valion appeared, accompanied by Sergeant Acheon.
    'Brother-Chaplain, may I speak with you?' asked the Apothecary. Receiving a nod in reply, he continued. 'There are twelve wounded in my infirmary, brother. Though they cannot fight on here, if given proper attention they will make a full recovery and return to the Chapter whole.'
    'You may take one Rhino, brother,' said Cassius, anticipating Valion's request.
    'Brother-Chaplain, a Thunderhawk would be more suited,' said Acheon, who had obviously been brought along to lend weight to Valion's appeal. 'The road between here and Attan Terminus may be in enemy possession. Brother Caphon is fit enough to pilot if necessary, and a lift to orbit would not require any able-bodied brethren to provide protection.'
    'You also misunderstand my personal intent, brother,' added Valion. 'The brethren have been stabilised and I can induce their sus-an membranes to keep them secure until they reach Fidelis. I will be accompanying the attack, brother. I am sure you will need me.'
    Considering his options, Cassius concluded that the Apothecary and sergeant were correct. The Thunderhawks were