The Gildar Rift (Space Marine Battles) by Sarah Cawkwell

Author:Sarah Cawkwell [Cawkwell, Sarah]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Black Library
Published: 2011-08-15T00:00:00+00:00

ELEVEN

OBSTACLES

They were surrounded. But as long as they drew breath, they would never give up the fight. Porteus and his squad had already held the communications tower long enough to disable the jamming signal that the Red Corsairs had been sending. The moment that had been successfully overridden, they had successfully transmitted to the Dread Argent. His captain had ordered him to hold his position and that was exactly what he and the squad would continue do.

The rain was coming down harder now, drumming against the roof of the tower relentlessly, providing a pounding, accompanying beat to the fight that was taking place. For now, the Silver Skulls were still maintaining control of the situation, but their grip was tenuous at best and fragile at worst. Their advantage was being lost with every passing second. As soon as the first shot had been discharged, the Red Corsairs had come running.

This location was strategically vital to both sides and although it would be a hindrance, its destruction would do great damage to the enemy’s cause. Porteus was largely counting on the Red Corsairs appreciating such a fine point and forcing himself to focus on the hope that they would not attempt to destroy it. But the traitors were such a confused mass of different Chapters, a melting pot of vastly different backgrounds with a complete lack of ethics or sense that there was no predicting what they might do.

From outside, the sound of orders being shouted could be heard; some came from human voices, others were issued in deeper tones that were evidently those of the Red Corsairs. Glancing briefly at his squad, Porteus checked the magazine in his bolt pistol and mag-clamped it to his thigh. He took his flamer from across his shoulders and hefted its weight easily, shifting his stance so he was standing firm.

‘We hold here,’ he informed the others. ‘For as long as we are able.’ Without question, the entire group took up positions near the door.

The vox noise from the six warriors engaged in fighting outside was intense and difficult to properly filter. At least Porteus was able to monitor their personal readings through the information feed in his helmet’s visor. Data scrolled constantly across his retinas and his expression darkened as at least three of the runes glowed between healthy white and a deep, unfriendly red. Three of his squad were incapacitated – although not dead. Not yet, at least. The three Silver Skulls still standing outside the tower were still fighting. They wouldn’t stop fighting until they were told, or until they breathed their last.

‘Keyle, Ignus, on me.’ Porteus turned. ‘You two remain here. Hold this array for as long as you possibly can.’ Porteus led the way down the creaking staircase, his flamer held close to his chest. They would provide whatever extra support was required and with the Emperor’s will, would keep the Red Corsairs from entering the facility.

An ululating battle-cry sounded from somewhere just outside the building and the report of firearms was unleashed once again.

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