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The thick, rough underbrush rustled as the men of tactical squad Dacius waded through the

seemingly impenetrable choking brush of Ghavnors jungle. Despite the multitude of tangled, barbed

vines and massive web-like plantlife, the bright yellow of squad Dacius armor gleaned brightly, denoting

them as brothers of the Imperial Fists. Dacius, part of a task force under the command of Captain Ixiom

Casteus, had been sent ahead of the task force for reconnaissance. Intelligence from the battle barge

Glorious Ascension had located an old Manufactorum upon the surface of Ghavnor that pre-dated the

Horus Heresy. The strategic location of the Manufactorum and the possibility of rediscovering ancient

technology and STCs marked the Manufactorum as a high-priority objective, and within a few days

Imperial forces had been mobilized to secure the objective.

Seargent Dacius trudged through the jungle with caution. Ghavnor was known to harbor pockets

of Eldar guerillas, which had never been truly scoured from Ghavnors surface. Local legends told of

ghosts-like apparitions who struck when least expected. Reports from units of Imperial Guardsmen

often described swift ambushes, striking multiple points of the force before any could react, and when a

suitable counter-attack was prepared the attackers had disappeared into the shadows, like eldritch

ghosts. Dacius made it a priority to ensure that the perfidious Eldar would not catch the sons of Dornoff-guard, and he frequently stayed in contact with other members of his squad. As he pushed through a

group of reeds, he found himself in a clearing which lead to the Manufactorum. The building was

dilapidated at best; its once strong ceramite walls were clearly ruined and aged. The walls were riddled

with holes, sections of the walls had been broken down, and much of the adamantium pipes were

covered in rust. There were clear signs that the building was no stranger to the conflicts of the 41st

Milennium, and Dacius hoped that the secrets that lay within had remained intact.

Dacius, ever cautious, raised the vox. Dacius here. Weve reached the ruins brothers,

requesting assistance before moving in. Before Dacius had even finished, Captain Casteus voice rang

through the vox. Dacius, as ever, your wisdom manifests itself. Squad Gaius will regroup to providesupport. As the vox chatter ceased, however, Dacius swore that something was moving through the

brush. Immediately, he ordered his squad on alert. However, even as his battle brothers moved into

position, shots rang out from the trees. Instantly, Brother Alexia was down, a shuriken round flying

cleanly through his head. Take defensive positions inside! Dacius cried, heading into the ruins

surrounding the Manufactorum. As he scanned the terrain, he saw the silhouettes of the Eldar forces

moving about. Enemy fire teams were positioning themselves to pin the marines in the ruins, whilst

other units advanced into plain sight. Requesting support, Dacius said on the vox, Xenos sighted and

currently engaging. Before he could get a response, Dacius began giving orders to pour bolter fire into

the oncoming ranks of the Eldar.

Ixiom Casteus knew he had little time. Squad Dacius was under assault, and the rest of the task

force was still a good distance away; The second he had heard Dacius over the vox, he ordered the crew

of the Ironcladto zero in on Dacius postion. The Ironclad, a razorback with a good century of reliable

service, trundled through the brush, knocking much of the brush and mud aside with its dozer blade.

However, the Ironcladwas making relatively slow progress, and Casteus urged the Ironclads crew

onwards. Soon, the distinct sounds and smells of bolter fire filled the air, and from the clamor of battle

Casteus knew he was close. As the Ironcladreached the Manufactorum, Casteus realized just how heavy

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the opposition Dacius had been facing. Already, four battle brothers had fallen in the fight and the rest

were holed up in a small ruin near the Manufactorum. Immediately, Ixiom disembarked from the

Ironcladwith combat squad Gaius. He ordered the Ironcladto provide support for squad Dacius, whilst

he and Gaius moved onwards. Ixiom immediately discerned the positions of the attacking Eldar and

began to set up a perimeter around the Manufactorum, determined to capture it at all costs.

Meanwhile, the Ironcladroared as its assault cannon tore through xeno and underbrush alike, riddling

both with bullets.

Once inside, Ixiom approached sergeant Dacius. Dacius was crouched low, returning fire with his

bolt pistol whilst brother Thycleus provided what medical support he could for the wounded marines.

Thycleus was doing the best he could, for there were many wounds upon his battle brothers. Brother

Alexia had already died, and next to him brother Julianus was a bruised, bloody mess; his armor dented

in several places and a hole clean through his chest. Ixiom caught the scent of congealed gore, and

forced himself to focus on the mission. Already, the Eldar had outwitted them, and Ixiom feared that the

cunning xenos had yet more ploys. Throne, they fight as if possessed he thought, and why are they

here?. Dacius! Ixiom shouted, his voice barely audible over the sound of bolter fire and shuriken

rounds, Hold them off as best you can brother! Reinforcements are en route. Dacius gave Ixiom a

quick nod, and hurled a frag grenade towards the oncoming Eldar warriors.

Chaos rang out across the battlefield. Bolts flew everywhere and shurikens retorted