Chapters The Galactic Empire of Equestria. For over forty-thousand years it has stood as a symbol of prosperity, justice and hope all thanks to the efforts of the Empress Celestia and the elements of harmony who have guided and protected it against many foes but as time passed an era of peace settled upon the land. To ensure the safety of the empire the Empress had developed the Space Marines ; A group of scientifically developed soldiers gifted with amazing powers and weapons and were among the bravest men and women of the empire.
The space marines stood as the empires strength and had fought many battles across the galaxy against numerous foes but their greatest challenge was soon to come.
Appleoosa Colonly Sector Seven
Out in a distant orchard, a farmer was hard at work harvesting apples under the blazing hot sun with not a cloud in the sky and only the shade of the trees to shield him from the scorching heat while a breeze blew in from the south. The farmer in question was Applejacks cousin Braeburn who was among the colonists of the new Appleoosa colony located in the farthest sector of the solar system. Like his cousin Braeburn was a simple farmer who made his living off of farming and trading with other colonies of the sector while keeping in touch with his family. The farmers had just brought in a fresh harvest when they noticed a squadron of space marines marching through the town as the colonists made way.
Braeburn had heard rumors of the empires super soldiers but didn't have any reason to believe the rumors until now. Each marine was heavily armored from head to toe and carried a massive bolter or blade that could reduce a normal pony to a bloody pulp, Braeburn then noticed the crest on their armor showing they were from the Celestial lions of the empresses elite guard all the way from his home planet of Terra. The marines were discussing something with sherif Silver Star who seemed distressed about something as he urged them to step inside but Braeburn knew it was none of his business and went to the tavern for a quick drink before finishing up his daily routine.
"Braeburn! Have a seat and I'll get you a drink." The barkeep shouted in a friendly manner while polishing a wine glass and as Braeburn looked around he could see the tavern was as busy as ever with most of the townsfolk dropping in to cool off and play cards with their friends while others came to watch the local news. Braeburn sat down to enjoy a cold glass of cider when an urgent news report came on.
"Alright alright! Everypony quiet down." The barkeep shouted as he turned up the volume. All could see the burning ruins of what looked like a trading station followed by the butchered remains of thousands of colonists as the reporter on the screen gave details about the gruesome event that took place hours before.
"we have just arrived in the area that was once the Manehattan trading post where a brutal massacre occurred just an hour ago!!" He shouted over the sound of gunfire and explosions that could be heard in the background.
"Local guardsmen have just mobilized and are trying to contain the threat and-OH MY GOSH!!"
All were startled as a strange quadruped with scythe like arms began charging the news crew before being shot down by two guardsmen.
"Sir. What in the name of the empress is happening he-!!" He was cut off when one of the guards pulled the camera towards him to make a quick announcement.
"Attention all Manehattan colonists.If you are seeing this report, get out now. We are calling an immiediate evacuation! I repeat! We-!!"
The news feed was cut off when several more of those creatures swarmed out of nowhere and began to feed on the crew as they screamed in horror while the guardsmen ran deeper into the city.
There was much discussion about what they had all just seen while Braeburn stared at his drink with a spaced out look before downing it in one go.
"That's the tenth one this past month..." The barkeep said while pouring Braeburn another round.
"Huh?" The farm pony asked when he was gestured to come closer so as not to arouse suspicion.
"There have been rumors that the the colonies on the outer rim were all wiped out but the empire's trying to keep it quiet but you didn't here it from me."
"Gotcha." Braeburn was prepared to pay for his drink when the barkeep smiled saying it was on the house. For the rest of the day, the farmer proceeded to cherry-o-ranch to visit his friend Cherry Jubilee who was talking with the same space marines that were in town that afternoon and from what he could tell they had been arguing over something for quite some time.
"What do you mean there's nothing you can do?!?" Cherry shouted at the marines with tears in her eyes when she noticed Braeburn running up the street to see what was going on. Under normal circumstances, Cherry was happy whenever her friend came to visit but for some reason she seemed upset and desperate.
"Jubilee what happened?"
"Little strong heart went with the boys to deliver a shipment of cherries to her kinfolk and they haven't come back! And these oversized tin cans won't do a damn thing about it!"
"I'm sorry miss bit we have no knowledge of the area so unless you have a guide who can show us the way then-!"
"I'll take you there!" Braeburn stepped up with a friendly smile.
"I've been to Little Strong Hearts village dozens of times, I know the route like the back of my hand."
"Is that so? Alright then. Men! Prepare to move out!"
"SIR!"
While Cherry was relieved that Braeburn was helping she didn't like the idea of him being alone with a bunch of soldiers that could crush his skull with one hand and gave him a shotgun she kept hidden under her office desk in case of break-ins.
"Alright. If we keep walking at night we should reach the village by-YEOW!!!"
VROOOM!!!
Braeburn was nearly deafened by the sound of several engines roaring in unison. Several jet bikes were revved up and prepared to move out, just the sight of the machines alone was enough to make Braeburns jaw drop before he was offered a seat.
"Which way?"
"Just head straight to that mountain. There's a pass there that'll lead us straight to the villAAGE!" The farmer was sent reeling back when the bikes took of at lightning fast speed while leaving a small dust trail behind and within half the days travel they had reached the villages location.
"Whew! That was one heck of a ride!" Braeburn began dusting his hat off after they had stopped. He lead the rest of the way on foot while telling the marines how friendly little strong heart and her tribe were when one of them spotted a large smoke stack on the horizon.
"Is that it up ahead?"
"Yup! That's the place! Just wait til you try their food. They got this porridge that'll knock your-!! Socks....off...." Braeburns cheerful nature was instantly shot down when they came upon the village or rather what was left of it. The bodies of buffalo warriors lay scattered on the bloodstained soil along with women and children who had tried to escape, the marines quickly fanned out with their weapons ready while they began to scout the area. Braeburn just stood in complete shock as he began to walk through the carnage of the ruined village, his blood ran cold when he saw the bodies of several children who looked like they were playing before the attack then he realized something horrible. Little Strong Heart was nowhere to be seen so with no regard for his own safety he quickly sprinted for the Chiefs tent.
"BRAEBURN STOP!! BRAEBURN!!" A marine chased right after him while keeping an eye out for signs of movement. He had come to a stop at a large tent where many buffalo warriors and among them several of the creatures from the news report.
"Little Strong Heart?!?" Braeburn shouted her name over and over as he looked around before getting choked by one of the marines who threatened to put a bullet in his head if he didn't quiet down, a feint cry was heard when the group saw movement among the corpses and an arm shot up in the air signaling them.
"There!" They worked quickly to move the bodies to find Little Strong Heart bruised and bleeding from a cut in her side and from what they could see she had been there for some time and was completely parched.
"Water! Get me some water!!!" Braeburn called out as he cradled her in his arms and was given a small cantina. Strong heart chugged down the whole thing before giving off a few gasps of air and began to cry while her friend continued to hold her.
"Easy now darlin. Easy...." Braeburn had never seen her so frightened before, her body was cold and trembling and her hands gripped him so tight it felt like his bones were at the point of breaking.
"Can you tell us what happened?"
Little strong heart was still weak from the ordeal but was able to recall every last detail.
"It was noon. We had just got back from Jubilees farm...."
The tribe was gathering for a small feast to celebrate the years harvest with their new neighbors. Chief Thunderhooves was sitting in front of the large bonfire enjoying a "Peace Pipe" with Jubilees workers while the rest of the tribe partied on and for a while things were going smoothly until one of the children let out a scream saying that there was a monster just outside village, a few of the tribes warriors went to investigate thinking it was probably nothing more than a harmless critter but upon arrival they spotted a strange creature feasting on a fresh kill and quickly readied their weapons. The beast spotted the Warriors and charged right at them after letting out a chilling shriek the men shouted and hollered battle cries swinging their weapons wildly as they swung at the beast and before they knew it dozens more came crawling out of the ground and began hacking them to pieces.
The terrified screams could be heard all the way to the village, the chief rallied his warriors and ordered the rest of the village to evacuate to Appleoosa but Little Strong Heart refused to leave and grabbed her tomahawk before joining the others but nothing could prepare them for what came next.
"Merciful ancestors...." Chief Thunderhooves voice was filled with terror. A massive swarm came rampaging towards the village with the creatures shrieking and snarling as they charged forward, the chief and his warriors fought bravely but were ultimately overwhelmed by the shear numbers before them. Little Strong Heart was badly wounded in the fighting and was beginning to black out from the loss of blood with only the frightened screams of her tribe as they were eaten alive.
A clean up crew was called in to gather up the bodies while the group returned with their report to Sheriff Silverstar, the news of the buffalo village was heartbreaking to the locals. A burial mound was erected in honor of Little Strong Hearts tribe as she offered up prayers to her ancestors while the rest of the town bowed their heads in respect but all could see the rage in the young girls eyes and knew she wanted revenge for her people.
By the next morning the town was in an uproar and were demanding to know who was responsible and all eyes were on the Celestial Lions who refused to disclose any details about the attack for fear of panic among the masses. The captain in charge declared martial law and ordered that no civilian was to leave the borders of the town followed by a strict curfew telling all civilians to be indoors by sundown while his men set up a defensive wall surrounding the area and the once peaceful colony of Appleoosa was now turned into a fortress town. A patrol of space marines were marching down the street when a group of children playing ball accidentally struck one of them, the massive soldier looked towards the children who were trembling in fright as they clinged to one another.
"I-I'm sorry sir!" A young filly squealed as the marine slowly walked towards her with some of the adults watching, expecting him to give the child some kind of punishment when to their surprise.
"No harm done little one just be more careful." The marine spoke in a gentle voice as he patted her head before handing back her ball.
"Why don't you kids go play where it's not so crowded?"
"Okay! Bye mister!"
The children ran off laughing as the colonists continued to look on in shock. These soldiers who had been engineered to be bloodthirsty, ruthless killing machines actually had a soft spot beneath all that cold hard battle armor. The rest of the day seemed to go on like normal until one of the outposts near the town spotted a massive dust cloud forming in the east.
"A sandstorm? This time of year?" He asked aloud when he enhanced the vision on his helmet to find a large swarm stampeding towards the town.
"Golden throne..."
The warning alarms suddenly began wailing across the town as the space marines scrambled to the wall followed by a squad of tanks that began rolling down the street with great haste. Braeburn and Little Strong Heart were with Miss Jubilee when the commotion started then they heard the sheriff making an urgent announcement on the loudspeaker.
"Attention. All civilians are to head to the space port for an emergency evacuation! I repeat! All civilians are to head to the space port for an emergency evacuation!! This is not a drill!!"
The trio wasted no time in gathering up what they could from the house and headed straight for town to find most of the buildings already burning followed by more corpses of the creatures and their fellow Appleoosans including Sheriff Silverstar.
"Sweet Celestia...." Jubilee stared in horror as Braeburn held Little Strong Heart, it was like her village all over again.
"GET DOWN!" The group was startled when a space marine began unloading his gun on another creature, the beast squirmed in agony as it tried to wriggle closer to the frightened ponies until the marine walked up looking as he placed his boot on top of its head.
"Damn Tyranid..." With one press he crushed the beasts skull like a grape splattering its contents on the ground.
"Thanks, you saved our lives." Braeburn offered his handshake to the soldier who continued to glare even through his helmet.
"It's not over. These little ones here are just the grunts, we need to get you to the space port." Just then an urgent message came on his communicator with the sound of gunfire and roaring.
"All squads fall back!!We have confirmed sighting on a Carnifex!! I repeat!! Carnifex sighted!!" The feed quickly faded to static when a loud roar was heard followed by the deathly screams of the marine on the other end.
"What in the hay seed is a Carnifex?" Jubilee asked when the ground began to shake. A large bipedal creature with four large scythes for arms came crashing trough the buildings while scanning the area for more prey, the group quickly ducked behind the rubble of another house as the Carnifex began sniffing the air before feeding on the corpses of the townsfolk.
"That filthy!!" Braeburn was pushed to the boiling point but knew he couldn't do a thing against a beast that size and continued to watch helplessly as it continued to feed when it's head suddenly jerked up and he began to sniff the air catching on to a scent.
"You think he smells us?!?" Jubilee whispered in fear while the marine peeked over.
"No...it's not us he smells."
The sound of roaring turbines began to roar through the sky when the Carnifex was bombarded with a barrage of missiles, a squad of pegasai guardsmen began to gang up on the beast from all sides with a certain fiery haired mare leading the ambush.
"This is captain Spitfire! All units concentrate your fire on the front, don't let that bastard escape!!" Spitfire continued the barrage as they began to corner the beast when one of her troops was struck out of the air.
"MAN DOWN!"
"I got him." A guardsmen with a rainbow tail came swooping in to get her comrade to safety, just as two rocket launchers were fired. The Carnifex was bleeding from top to bottom with holes all over its body as it reeled from side to side before crashing down with a loud thud. With the chaos subsiding the guardsmen gathered around the civilians and escorted them to the space station while passing the numerous corpses of the marines and Tyranids that now littered the streets of Appleoosa, as they neared the last shuttle one of the guardsmen removed her helmet to revealed as none other than Rainbow Dash of The Wonderbolts Elite Guard.
"Ma'am. We sweeped the area as you ordered." Rainbow saluted her commanding officer while standing at attention.
"Any more survivors?"
"No ma'am...they're the only ones." Rainbow Dash sulked her head in disappointment before being addressed by her captain.
"Chin up soldier, we did our best. Pilot! Set course for Terra, we're abandoning this sector!"
As the shuttle took off, Braeburn and the others got one last look at the burning ruins of their town and in it the swarm of creatures they now knew as Tyranids rampaging through the streets and feasting on the bodies of their dead friends. Only one question nagged at the back of their minds: Where did these creatures come from?
Once in orbit, the shuttles carrying the survivors made an immediate jump into hyperspace straight for Terra. The once peaceful colony of Appleoosa had fallen.
Author's Note
My first 40k fic. Comments are welcomed but nothing too harsh, progression of this story depends on you.
Credit to Thunderbolt Sentinel for proofreading.
My Little Pony Friendship is Magic is Property of Hasbro
Warhammer 40K is Property of Games Workshop
The ships engines roared through the icy cold of space as it made its way back to Terra with the survivors from Appleoosa. Braeburn along with Cherry Jubilee and Little Strongheart sat together sharing some rations while the ships crew went about their daily routines, all seemed well and good but no matter what they did the three of them could not block out the horrible things they had witnessed during the attack on the colony. Braeburn sat in his chair, playing with his food when he heard the pilot announce that they were going to be at the space station in a few minuets.
The survivors were ordered to assemble at the exit hatch after landing and were escorted by a squad of space marines as a precautionary measure against the media which was no doubt waiting for their arrival. The moment the ships doors opened a swarm of cameras began flashing nonstop with reporters trying to push past the security as well as the armed escort pushing them back, many of the colonists refused to talk about the incident on Appleoosa since the memories were still fresh and many were sworn to silence by order of the empires most secretive group; The Inquisition.
"Braeburn!" A farm pony amongst the crowd began pushing her way through when two marines stood in her way, for a moment things were getting tense between the three when a squad of Ultramarines came marching into the station followed by none other than Princess Twilight Sparkle herself. Twilight ordered for the photographers to disperse immediately so that the med teams at the station could treat the sick and the wounded while the mare who had been arguing with the guards was allowed to see Braeburn and the others.
"Applejack." Braeburn cried out with relief as his cousin wrapped her arms tight around him. When Applejack got a good look she could see her cousin had been through a terrible ordeal. His clothes were tattered and burnt, his face looked like he hadn't slept for days and his mane was a complete mess along with Jubile and Strong Heart who were also happy to see their friend again.
"Braeburn what in Celestia's name happened to ya?!?" Applejack looked at her cousin who seemed to just stand there frozen and unable to speak.
"it's...it's gone! All of it! The town, the farm, our friends....all gone!!" Little Strong Heart broke out in tears with Jubilee to comforting her as best she could, neither Applejack or Twilight had seen their friends so frightened before and began wondering about what happened at Appleoosa. Applejack assumed it was a band of space pirates that destroyed the town but her theory was shot down when Twilight told her of the creatures that infested the planet along with the other colonies in the sector including Manehattan, it was noon when the group was called to the royal city of Canterlot for a meeting with the empress to discuss the matter at hand. When they arrived, Twilight and Applejack noticed that security had been beefed up in the whole city with security checkpoints on every entrance and guards on every street corner.
"There some kind of event going on?"
"Not that I know of. Hold on." The Princess walked up to one of the guards and asked what all the security was for but his only response was that it was orders from the Royal council and that was all he knew. Twilight rejoined her friends on the trip to Canterlot Castle where inside was a huge gathering of nobles from all over the imperium.
"Announcing her majesty; The Empress."
When the doors opened, all stood at attention as a bright and powerful figure entered the room. There standing before the council was Empress Celestia in all her glory with a strange light that seemed to ease the tension of the council members as well as bring a smile to her subjects faces; she was like a living goddess born from the sun, as the council sat down to begin the meeting Twilight was called forth to sit next to her former mentor.
"I suppose you all know why we're here?" Celestia's tone was serious and her eyes seemed to focus on the entire room with none giving her an answer.
"The Tyranid threat must be answered!" With a wave of her hand, the empress displayed a holo map of the recently abandoned sector followed by footage of the Tyranid swarms that had been seen there.
"Twilight. If you please?" The empress stepped down as Twilight took the stand to explain the situation they were facing.
"Thank you your highness. Now I suppose you are all wondering why we are showing you footage you have already seen and I have the answer. These attacks weren't just random; they were coordinated strikes on the empire." The revelation from the princess made some of the council members burst out in laughter that was quickly silenced by a glare from the empress as Twilight went onto explaining her theory.
"The Tyranids aren't as mindless as you think, they all share a single thought; A hive mind. The ones you have seen in the footage are called Hormagaunts, they are the swarms foot soldiers and are often sent in as the first wave of an attack when invading a planet along with Termagants who specialize in ranged combat then there's the Carnifex these hulking brutes are the muscle of the swarm and are capable of ripping an imperial tank to shreds as well as breach the gate of any fortress but these are the ones we know of."
Twilight then began showing photos of other Tyranids which were being dissected by imperial scientists including herself. While some found the photos fascinating others seemed to cringe at the sight of the creatures, some even ran out of the council room after becoming sick almost instantly.
"This creature here is called a Hive Tyrant. They help command the swarms troops as well as guard the nests from which the other Tyranids dwell, the next one is a Genestealer; A type of Tyranid known to infect other beings with its DNA thus turning them into Tyranids themselves and are mostly found in abandoned ships or hive fleets."
Twilight then stepped down as the empress rose up from her throne with a firm look in her eyes.
"Summon all the chapter masters across the imperium. As of now, we are at war!"
From sector to sector the space marines gathered together and armed themselves for war, the threat of the Tyranids and the recent loss of the outer colonies had set a fire in their hearts so intense that some said they could see a fire in their eyes. While the marines prepared to move out, Twilight and the Elements of Harmony were summoned back to the castle for a special meeting.
The group was lead to a secret room deep in the castle where Luna and two of her personal guards were waiting.
"I'm glad you could come Twilight. This is something you and your friends must see."
The empress ordered for the lights to dim before a small footage was shown of the news crew that was at Manehattan during the attack. A large number of Tyranids came rampaging through the burning streets when out of the smoke she came; A mare with wings like an insect and skin which seemed to reflect the light of the fire followed by the numerous holes in her body and sinister green eyes that could bring a chill to any who dared stare at them.
"CHRYSALIS!" Twilights rage sprang up instantly when she saw the face of the one who nearly destroyed Canterlot and her brothers wedding, twilight even remembered the day she was banished from Terra many years ago.
Chrysalis was brought before the council in shackles, her body was covered in cuts and bruises from a ferocious battle and her wings had been singed off by an explosion yet despite her weakened condition a squadron of royal guards surrounded her as they marched into the throne room where the empress was prepared to deliver judgement.
"Queen Chrysalis! Last of the changelings. You are found guilty of high treason, deception and the destruction of Canterlot and have been sentenced to exile in the void. Have you any final words?"
Chrysalis broke in a hysterical laughter before staring down Celestia with a satisfied grin.
"Don't act so high and mighty Celestia. Need I remind you that I was only able to infiltrate your precious city because you failed to listen to your most trusted student who learned that one of the most important values of friendship....is trust."
Celestia felt like someone had just ripped her heart out when Chrysalis spoke those words and though they were harsh there was some truth to them. She began to recall the immense guilt she felt when she realized Twilight was right about her suspicions when Chrysalis disguised herself as her niece; Princess Cadence but she refused to listen and it had nearly cost her the entire kingdom, she also remembered how powerless she was to stop her after revealing her true form and as Chrysalis continued to laugh the empresses anger boiled over to the point where she could no longer restrain herself.
"SILENCE!!!"
Never before had the citizens of Equestria had seen her in such a rage but despite her anger the changeling queen continued to laugh even as the guards hauled her away.
"Somehow Chrysalis escaped the void and is now in full command of the Tyranid swarm."
"I understand your majesty! Me and my friends will-!"
"Not this time Twilight." Celestia cut her off before handing over a file which read Deathwatch and in it were pictures of space marines from different chapters along with their service records, as Twilight read through the file her teacher began to explain the details of how Chrysalis was captured all those years ago.
"When she was captured, an elite team of space marines brought down Chrysalis and the remaining changelings but by the time reinforcements came in the entire team was wiped out. This team was called Deathwatch, my sister Luna will explain." Celestia stepped aside as Luna presented another file that gave a more inside look into the squads operations.
"The Deathwatch operates in the shadows, you could say they're a black ops group mainly for the inquisition and as my sister explained; only the most acceptional space marines of each chapter are chosen. We need you to assemble a new team if we are to stand a chance against the Tyranids. Your first stop is Aurelia." Luna was startled when Twilight let out a rather loud gasp before grinning in anticipation.
"Aurelia? As in THE planet Aurelia; home of the Blood Ravens?"
"The very same."
"Why didn't you say so?" Twilight took off like a shot and wasted no time in packing while her friends stood there confused as to what just happened.
"Heavens sugarcube you're more excited than Rainbow dash during cider season!"
"How can I not be excite? We're going to Aurelia! EE!!" Twilight squealed as she continued to pack her bags while Rainbow Dash laid back hovering in the air.
"So what's so great about this place?" She asked while continuing to hover.
"Aurelia is not only the home world of the Blood Ravens but it also has the most vast collection of knowledge in the history of the Galaxy! Plus there's a good chance Gabriel Angelos will be there."
"Who?"
"Chapter Master Gabriel Angelos. Former captain of the Blood Ravens third company." Twilight brought out a large book from her shelf to show her friends a picture of the Blood Ravens third company and in the center was their captain.
"A long time ago, the Blood Ravens third company was betrayed by their former master; Kyrax who branded them as renegades and ordered them to be hunted down while he secretly served the powers of chaos. It was on the scorched planet of Cyrene where Gabriel and the other Blood Ravens rallied together and defeated him, it was not long after that when Gabriel was named Chapter master of the Blood Ravens and since then they have always served the empire loyally." The Princess the flipped the page to reveal the chapter master himself holding his mighty war hammer; God-Splitter yet he appeared to be more machine then equestrian with his cybernetic eye and limbs.
"The battle on Cyrene nearly cost Gabriel his life, it was a miracle that he survived." Twilight then closed the book before returning to her packing.
Hours Later
After what seemed like days of space travel, the ship carrying Twilight and her friends finally arrived on the surface of Planet Aurelia where they were greeted by a squadron of the Blood Ravens elite units and their sergeant.
Greetings princess and to your friends as well. I am Sanguine Quartz; Sergeant of the Blood Ravens Elite Guard. Welcome to Aurelia.
End.
Author's Note
Colored text will be used to identify which member of the kill team is speaking.
Thank you once again Thunderbolt Sentinel for proofreading.
Shortly after arriving, Twilight and her friends were taken to the main fortress of the Aurelian base where the main army of the Blood Ravens were gathered to begin and odd ritual as they placed their bolters on the ground and began reciting prayers after taking a knee.
"What are they doing?" Rainbow Dash asked when she was gestured to bring her voice down as the ritual continued.
"They're blessing their weapons. It's customary to do so before going into battle and we have to do it by ourselves since we lost our primarch."
"You mean Magnus the Red. I've read about him" Twilight had stopped there knowing that it was a sensitive part of the Blood Ravens history next to the betrayal of Chapter Master Kyrax. Quartz simply nodded before taking the group deeper into the fortress where they saw scores of weapons being loaded onto a fleet of thunder hawks preparing to head into space along with a fleet of tanks and several large robots leading several squads of Blood Ravens.
"Hoo wee! Those are some fancy bots ya got there." Applejack watched as they boarded the ship before noticing Quartz was standing at attention as he gave his fellow blood Ravens a farewell salute.
"Those aren't robots my friend, They are fellow space marines."
"Say what?"
"They are survivors from the battle of Cyrene who were given the honor of becoming Dreadnoughts. Even after their bodies were broken their spirits stayed strong."
"So how do I get into one of those?" Rainbow Dash asked, feeling a little envious.
"One must EARN that privilege. Come we're wasting time, Captain Diomedes will want to see you."
When Twilight heard that name her heart seemed to skip a few beats and with good reason. Aplollo Diomedes was one of the commanding officers who lead the assault against Kyrax on Cyrene and who had rescued Gabriel Angelos when he was on the very brink of death, he was also captain of the Blood Ravens honor guard and had lead many battles against the forces of chaos and claimed many victories in his service to the empire.
Diomedes was in his private chambers praying to the empress for guidance when he received word of the Tyranid invasion and the Blood Ravens being called to battle meaning many more of his brother and sister marines would perish.
"Captain Diomedes. Princess Twilight is here to see you."
The captain finished his prayers and grabbed his bolter before turning to greet Twilight and her friends.
"Welcome Princess, I'm-!"
"Captain Apollo Diomedes of the chapter honor guard." Twilight said with a smile as they sat down to discuss the recruitment for the kill team. Diomedes had presented her with a list of potential candidates who were of acceptional value, one in particular seemed to catch her attention.
"Who is this?"
"Ah you mean Socket Wrench. He was assigned hear as tech support to help improve our machines as well as maintain the base but he's no slouch on the battlefield. He once saved a whole unit by piecing scraps from a tank to form an artillery gun and one might say his creation was...Successful "
"Where can we find him?"
"He should still be in the workshop, Quartz will take you."
Later
When they arrived at the workshop the sound of a cannon firing was heard as the whole building was suddenly filled with smoke followed by the distinguished sparks from a blowtorch in use, the girls were instantly caught in the fumes before Quartz activated the ventilation system.
"Hm. He must be doing maintenance on some equipment." He said after spotting a plasma rifle which appeared to have exploded after being fired. The girls then noticed a tech marine tinkering with a suit of armor while using a strange looking harness, Twilight instantly recognized it as the special piece of gear that only the top ranking tech marines or priests were allowed to have. Quartz had begun shouting out his name but the combined noise of his tools drowned him out until Rarity flipped the switch for the lights.
"Blast it. Did I blow another fuse?" the marine asked aloud, unaware that he had company until Rarity flipped the lights back on.
"So sorry to interrupt." She apologized with a smile when he turned around to see the princess and Quartz. Socket Wrench immediately removed his helmet before bowing and apologizing for not greeting Princess Twilight properly.
"Brother. What in the name of Deus Ex Machina are you doing?"
"I was checking on the recent repairs I did on a fellow marines plasma rifle, seems the power core was still unstable." Socket scratched his head as he scanned the now destroyed weapon but found no abnormalities in its design when Pinkie pulled out the core as if removing a puzzle piece.
"Sparkly!"
"PINKIE BE CAREFUL!" Twilight scolded as her friend played around with the power core like some glow stick before snatching it back with her magic.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?" The marine inquired when Twilight began to explain the recent events involving the Tyranids and the sudden return of Queen Chrysalis, the princess then began explaining the empresses plan to reform Deathwatch in hopes of cutting the invasion off at its head and like any loyal soldier of the empire Socket Wrench gladly accepted without hesitation.
After filing the necessary paperwork, the group boarded the ship with a few of the Blood Ravens coming to see their fellow marines off as part of their tradition when Captain Diomedes saw the look on the sergeants face and it was a look he knew all too well.
"Sergeant Quartz!"
"Yes Captain?"
"I have new orders for you. You are to escort Princess Twilight and her friends in recruiting the remaining members of Deathwatch as well as bring down Queen Chrysalis." This news surprised the sergeant who began to kneel humbly before his commander.
"You honor me captain."
"Fight well brother." The captain said proudly with a salute before the ship made its departure. After breaking through the planets atmosphere,Rainbow Dash broke the silence with a question for Socket Wrench and Quartz who sat there in their armor like lifeless statues.
"Hey guys I gotta ask. What's with the whole "Brother" thing? Are you marines all related somehow?" Her question made the two of them burst into laughter while she sat their confused.
"Ah that never gets old!" Socket Wrench said as his laugh died down to a chuckle.
"The bond of a space marine is stronger than blood miss Dash, we may be from different chapters but in the end we are still family; Brothers and sisters risking their lives all for the sake of duty."
Rainbow Dash could understand the kind of bond they were talking about since it was the same kind she shared with her fellow guardsmen in The Wonderbolts.
"So Twilight whe're we headed?"
"Planet Fenris"
Both Socket Wrench and Quartz suddenly froze up before growling in disgust and the princess knew why. Fenris was the home planet of one of the most dangerous chapters in the space marines; The Space Wolves.
End.
Planet Fenris; One of the most coldest and remote planets in the entire galaxy where the days are cold and the nights even colder; Truly, a planet that was literally a frozen hell and the unfortunate destination of Twilights group, the moment they set foot on the planets surface they were instantly struck by an insanely cold wind that caused them to huddle up save for the space marines.
"Why aren't you fellas cold?" Applejack asked while Socket Wrench began checking his holo map.
"Our armor is insolated so we can fight in conditions such as these."
"That's it! First thing im doing when we get back is getting one of those armors!" Rainbow Dash whined while using her wings as a blanket along with Fluttershy and Twilight when they noticed the shadow of a large structure in the distance followed by the distinct smell of fresh smoke and smoke usually meant fire and shelter and after a short trek through the blizzard the group found themselves staring at a large refinery and a group of space marines in yellow armor waiting to greet them.
"Hail brothers! Welcome to our home and to your friends as well."
"Well met wolf brother."
Once the ship was secured, they made their way inside the refinery to find it was much larger on the inside and a lot warmer than expected. Tech marines were on one side of the refinery repairing tanks and other such war machines while smiths were on the other end hammering in unison as they began to pound away at the various blades and armor they had made for their comrades, some of them looked like they had seen real combat with their scars covering almost every part of their body with others having a mechanical limb or eye and of course the grizzled manes of the veterans who were also working in the forge.
"Hoowee! You boys look like you've seen some action." Applejack looked on as they worked before going up in a service elevator to the upper levels where they saw a huge crowd gathered around what looked like a pit and inside were two soldiers going all out in a bare knuckle brawl, the crowd was shouting out bets while cheering on the competitors one being an earth pony large as Big Mac and the other a dark coated unicorn with red eyes and a silver mane but despite the size difference between them the earth pony had seem to have taken more damage than his opponent.
"Come on finish it!" A spectator holding a huge bag of bits shouted above the crowd as the combatants came to blows once again, the larger brawler launched a straight jab to his opponents face before receiving one to his own and in no time at all it turned to an all out slug fest with neither fighter giving in until the unicorn launched a powerful uppercut to his opponents stomach that knocked the wind right out of him before finishing it with a right hook that sent him spinning to the ground and just like that the fight was over.
"WINNER!!" A referee shouted after making sure the fighter was knocked out while others began to collect their winnings. Twilight and the others were in shock of the brutality they had just witnessed while Quartz and Socket Wrench simply shook their heads.
"Space Wolves."
"Absolutely no class whatsoever."
"Are you kidding? That was Grade-A first class entertainment!" Rainbow Dash squealed when she saw the two combatants collecting their pay from the referee and all were growing concerned after witnessing the two nearly beat each other to death.
"Good work today boys, here's your cut!" The ref sounded pleased as he handed over two bags containing a fair sum of bits, while the earth pony seemed satisfied in receiving his pay the unicorn took one of the coins and proceeded to bite it before placing it back in the bag.
"Honestly Valiant, why do you do that?" The brawler asked his former opponent while tying his bag to his waist.
"Just being cautious." The unicorn replied before bidding them both farewell with a hardy handshake and proceeded to head towards the exit until Twilight poofed in front of him.
"Excuse me sir I was-EEK!!" The princesses sentence was cut short when she felt the cold touch of a blade against her neck, Quartz and Socket Wrench instantly aimed their bolters right at him along with Rainbow Dash.
"Alright pal drop the knife!" The Pegasus shouted while he slowly turned to look at her.
"You are endangering the life of Princess Twilight Sparkle! Release her at once!!" Socket was prepared to pull the trigger until.
"Apologies your grace but you should know not to sneak up on somepony. It might end up getting you killed." He said with a friendly smile before sheathing his knife. Twilight gave a nervous gulp while checking for any unseen cuts before reintroducing herself.
"Right. Ahem! Sorry to bother you but we are looking for a soldier who goes by the name of "Valiant Charge" do you know him?"
"That would be me but before we talk I need to get home. Follow if you want."
Like most of the planets populace, Valiant lived in an area known as the "Residential District" which was located a short distance away from the refinery. Like all colonies, the planet had its own train system which workers, residents and soldiers used to get around when moving from place to place.
"Oh it's...just like Manehattan." Rarity stated as they were jam packed into a train car heading to the residential district yet despite the limited space the other colonists didn't seem to mind and instantly poured out of the train as it came to a halt.
"Oh thank goodness! My wings were getting cramped." Fluttershy said as she flexed her wings while Valiant made his way towards the exit, the group followed him to a quaint little house big enough for a small family which seemed a little simple for a space marine until a feint cry of an infant was heard the moment Valiant opened the door.
"Emelyn I'm home! And I brought guests."
"Oh thank goodness! Claire just woke up and her bottles not ready yet." A frantic mare holding a crying filly came rushing down before spotting Princess Twilight and the elements of harmony at her doorstep.
"Princess! My husband didn't say you were coming."
"I was surprised as well. I'll hold Claire, you get her bottle." Valiant gently held his infant daughter who proceeded to cry until Pinkie began making funny faces and noises at her. After settling down the baby, Valiant listened to Twilights story and her request to form deathwatch in hopes of stopping Chrysalis and her swarm from spreading to the rest of the Galaxy.
"So will you help us?" Twilight was expecting a yes when.
"I'm afraid I can't help you."
"Do my ears deceive me? A space wolf turning down a chance for battle?" Socket Wrench gave a short chuckle thinking it was some kind of joke yet Valiant showed no signs of humor, only annoyance.
"Believe me brother, nothing would excite me more than a good fight but I have responsibilities here."
"Your sector needs you wolf brother and your first duty is to the empire." Quartz argued with his fellow marine, still mistaking his loyalty to his family for cowardice.
"My first duty is to my family." Valiant replied in a threatening tone as he stood up ready to give Quartz a beating, both gave a stern glare at each other when Applejack stepped in and advised everyone to calm down in which they did after Emelyn came back with Claire's bottle.
"I'd love to help your majesty really I would but I'm afraid you'll have to find another volunteer."
Before the discussion could go any further, the refineries alarm suddenly began sounding out as Claire began to cry.
"What in the name of the empress is going on?" Socket Wrench quickly looked out the window towards a large projector screen to see a swarm of hive ships landing on the planets surface and from them came an entire horde of Tyranids.
"Oh no!" Twilight watched as the swarm began closing in on the nearest settlement and began imagining the terror the colonists were starting to feel when to her surprise she saw an entire army of them all fully armed and ready to fight. The battle began when a few local guardsmen started firing upon the swarm before falling back to the village, the colonists were using their mining tools as weapons against the tyranids while the planets defense system began to activate.
"Whoa...." Rainbow Dash said in astonishment after seeing a miner beat a Tyranid to a bloody pulp with a shovel while a few others ganged up on a larger one and instantly overpowered it.
"You mess with one wolf, you mess with the pack." Valiant said aloud before grabbing a bolter pistol hidden under the table and handing it to Emelyn.
"You and Claire get to the shelter, I got bugs to squash."
"Just be careful." Emelyn replied with a goodbye kiss before rushing out the door as the first sounds of battle were heard.
"Are you mad? There are Tyranids all over this refinery!" Quartz was shocked that Valiant would let his wife and infant daughter out onto the street so casually when he saw him come back with a bolter rifle and a few grenades strapped to his waist.
"Have you met my wife?" he asked while cocking his rifle and running towards the battle with Twilight and the others following. The whole refinery was up in arms as the miners grabbed whatever tools they could find while some ran to the nearest guard station for weapons and it wasn't long before the first group of Tyranids ambushed the group, Fluttershy screamed in terror along with pinkie before Socket Wrench and Quartz unloaded their bolters and taking them out almost instantly.
"Check the perimeter..." Socket Wrench ordered Dash while keeping an eye out for enemy movement. Rainbow had done a quick sweep of the area before giving the all clear and as they ventured further into the refinery they could see the bodies of both colonists and Tyranid alike covering the ground.
"Such brutality...." Rarity looked on in sadness while Valiant and the other space marines gripped their weapons in anger before marching through the field of corpses.
"Xenos scum! They'll pay for this I swear it!"
"Quell your anger wolf brother less your judgement becomes clouded." Quartz advised him while patting his shoulder, seeming to have forgotten their previous argument and in heeding the words of his fellow marine Valiant simply nodded and proceeded to march on when Rainbow gave the signal to halt and take cover as a small squad of Hormagaunts skittered by and began sniffing the area.
"Uh...Rainbow Dash?" Fluttershy whispered in a nervous tone as she poked her friends shoulder.
"Shh! Not now Fluttershy!"
"But but Rainbow Dash!" Fluttershy seemed to grow more frantic when Rainbow finally turned around out of frustration.
"Fluttershy, what?"
"AHHHHH!!!!" The yellow Pegasus screamed at the top of her lungs before a stream of flames came rushing at them, Rainbow quickly yanked her friend out in the nick of time when she spotted what looked like another Hormagaunt only this one had a large fleshy cannon on its back.
"PYROVORE!! Get clear!!" The tech marine shouted as he and Valiant began to lay down some fire while Quartz held off the hormogaunts yet their shells seemed to bounce off the creatures hide along with Twilights magic.
"Damn! It's skin is too thick and if we get any closer we'll be barbecued!"
"I'm open to suggestions!"
Both took cover as the beast let out another blast of fire when Twilight noticed the veins around the cannon pumping a strange liquid through its body followed by a slab of concrete hanging right above it and that is when she devised a brilliant plan.
"Socket Wrench! Valiant! Aim above it!"
"What?"
"I see. Follow my lead brother!" Socket quickly pointed to the target Twilight picked out for them and without hesitation both marines unloaded their bolters, the princess then ordered Quartz to lure the hormogaunts closer as the slab came loose.
"EVERYPONY GET DOWN!!" The princess shouted just before the Tyranid was crushed by the falling debris then erupting into a fiery explosion, for a while things were quiet until Twilight explained what had just happened.
"Pyrovores have two separate liquids that create the flames they shoot from their cannons, when mixed they become highly combustible."
"As expected from the empresses student. Well brother? Will you join us now? This threat will continue to grow if we do nothing."
Quartz asked Valiant who was surveying the death and destruction caused by the swarm and only one thought entered his mind: Vengeance.
"When do we depart?"
End.
Battle of Macragge Part 1
Three members of the kill team had been assembled and now only two remained.
Twilights ship zoomed through hyperspace towards the planet Macragge where her brother; High Commander Shining Armor was stationed and also where the next member of the squad was awaiting them yet not all were pleased with the arrangement.
"Does something trouble you wolf brother?" Quartz asked Valiant who was seated with his arms crossed followed by his annoyed expression.
"When I signed up for this team I didn't know there'd be an inquisitor." He huffed while looking out the window as the ship continued to fly through the dimensional tunnel.
"I hear ya. Those inquisition guys always act like everyone's a traitor and they never tell anyone what's going on. I mean they even accused me of trying to take Spitfires place in the Wonderbolts." Rainbow Dash bitterly recalled her encounter with the inquisitors back on Terra but thankfully her friend Rarity was able to clear her name and get the true culprit kicked out of the team.
"Hold your hate, both of you! While it is true the inquisition has done some shady dealings they have also done a great amount of good for the empire." Quartz scolded just before the ship began to experience some turbulence. When the ship exited hyperspace, the crew found themselves in the middle of a massive space battle between several imperial battleships and hive fleets with fighters swarming all around.
"Fasten your seatbelts!" Dash called out as she began to hail the planets surface. Valiant and Applejack quickly mounted the ships gun turrets as Tyranid fighters began swarming in from all sides while Fluttershy and Pinkie clinged to Twilight and Rarity for comfort.
"Attention imperial vessel! This is a restricted airspace!" A soldier popped up onto the screen followed by a bit of static and the sound of gunfire and snarling.
"This is Rainbow Dash of the Wonderbolts guard squadron! I have several passengers and Princess Twilight Sparkle! Requesting emergency landing!"
"Request acknowledged. Head to the landing platform just outside the city and be ready guardsmen it's gonna be a rough landing."
The feed cut off as the ship began to break through the planets atmosphere and once it had cleared Twilight could see the once proud city of Macragge in flames with Tyranids swarming every street corner and on every rooftop followed by the massive breach in the wall surrounding the city, as she began to fear the worst a sudden explosion in one of the ships engines surprised her along with the sound of the alarm blaring out.
"Damage report!"
"We lost engine one!"
"Commence emergency landing procedures! Hang on everypony!"
Both Rainbow and Socket wrench struggled to keep the ship leveled as it began to loose altitude with the landing pad just out of reach and after much difficulty the ship grinded against the concrete of the platform before coming to a slow stop while fire crews rushed in to douse the flames covering the hull.
"Are we dead?" Fluttershy asked, still clinging to Rarity who simply patted her head like a small child.
"WOHOO! Let's do it again!" Pinkie shouted happily while the marines just stared at her in shock, Twilight immediately told them not to ask before Valiant forced the door open with one kick saying.
"Not. On your. Life!"
Guardsmen quickly escorted them out of the wreck while the kill team assembled in a straight line after noticing an Ultramarine in decorated armor marching up with his personal guard.
"Hail Captain Shining Armor!" Socket Wrench addressed his superior with respect before Twilight came running up with a smile to hug her big brother.
"Shining Armor!"
"Twily!"
The two siblings gave a quick hug before Shining told the kill team to stand down and his expression turned from joyful to serious as he walked up to Quartz demanding an explanation for nearly getting his sister and her friends killed.
"Explain yourself sergeant! I gave specific orders NOT to head to this planet!"
"My lord. I swear upon the empress, we received no such orders but I do apologize on behalf of my men." A marine checked the ships data log to reveal Quartz was telling the truth, there had been no messages sent between the time they left Fenris and arrived on Macragge.
"Hmm...strange. I thought Spike would've sent it by now." Spike was part of Shining Armors unit as a newly recruited marine who served as a scout and was always on time with his messages until now. Shining began to scratch his chin as if puzzled when one of the other scouts came running up with urgent news.
"Lord Armor! I bring news. The communication station was overruned before the attack began!" Shinings then realized the gravity of the situation as did Twilight who began to panic.
"What of the first company? What of my brother Spike?!?" Shining glared with fury as the scout backed away.
"No word sir, not since the invasion began. We fear they may have been wiped out."
Twilight clutched her chest as if her heart were ready to explode before slowly breaking down in tears with her friends trying to calm her. Spike was the closest thing she had to a little brother ever since she raised him from an egg and now to hear that he might be lying dead or devoured by the Tyranids frightened her beyond measure.
"Spike..."
"....Take my sister and her friends to a safe place, I'll lead a scouting party to find out what happened at the station."
When Twilight heard this she eagerly begged for her brother to bring her along but Shining Armor was not about to let his little sister leap into mortal danger for the umpteenth time in a row and a heated argument began, that is until.
"Brother captain. Let us go instead." Valiant suggested as the siblings bickering died down for a bit.
"I agree, this is the kind of mission the Deathwatch lives for."
Both Shining and Twilight nodded in approval before heading down to the main headquarters and along the way were hundreds of wounded civilians who managed to flee the city after the attack began yet the sight of seeing Twilight and the elements of harmony seemed to renew their spirits as they walked by with warm smiles while Shining armor and the other space marines came up with a plan to retake the station.
"Are any of you good with machines?"
"I am sir. I trained with the tech priests while in the iron hands."
"Good. Once you've recaptured the station, get our com links back online."
"I've already informed the Inquisitor of your arrival. She's just ahead."
"She?"
Shining armor lead them to the bases war room where a tall dragoness armed only with a staff was conducting battle plans to retake the city. From her appearance and armor design all could see see she was a Librarian; A soldier who specialized in using psychic abilities to read the minds of her enemies as well as destroy them and on her shoulder plate was the mark of the inquisition itself.
"Meet Inquisitor Emerald Isle."
"Charmed I'm sure." She replied in a nonchalant manner while adjusting the battle formations on the map before signing a few documents.
"Greetings princess and to your friends as well."
"Thank you. Let me introduce the kill team these are-!"
"I know who they are." The inquisitor said as she held up a holographic image of each team members file.
"Sergeant Sanguine Quartz of The Blood Ravens. Known for a rigorous training regime and an excellent strategist. Socket Wrench of The Iron Hands. One of the top graduates from the Ultramarr academy who was able to build an imperial jet bike from spare parts and finally Valiant Charge of The Space Wolves. Known assault specialist and Hunter of Xenos life forms who favors a power sword over the traditional chainsword."
"She's good." Socket whispered to Quartz who nodded in agreement as Shining briefed her on their mission to reclaim the communication station to which she replied.
"I'm afraid that's not possible, there is a large swarm of Tyranids already swarming the city and they have troops on every street and rooftop. You'd be spotted before you'd make it halfway."
"Then I say we take the fight to them and cut our way through!"
"I must say I agree. Question is how to do it?"
"I'm glad you asked." Emerald said with a grin as she displayed a holomap of the city and the areas infested by the swarm.
The plan was to divide the team according to each members skill. Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie and Valiant were assigned with leading the assault on the front lines in hopes of pushing back the enemy. Shining Armor, Twilight and Quartz would remain on base and give out commands while the battle unfolded leaving Applejack and Fluttershy to help Socket with the vehicles in need of repairs as well as help the wounded.
Front Lines
The entire chapter of the Ultramarines was assembled in a series of trenches followed by a line of siege tanks and Dreadnoughts at the rear while Valiant stood with Rainbow Dash at the front as the scoped out the large number of Tyranids coming at them.
"That's a lot of bugs."
"Indeed. You and your friends get to your positions and be ready."
With a quick salute, Rainbow Dash flew off to rejoin her friends as the ground began to rumble from the approaching swarm and like any soldier leading an army Valiant stood atop a nearby hill to give a speech to the troops.
"The enemy comes brothers and sisters! Now is the time to let these Xenos taste the full fury of the empire! They have desecrated our homes and slaughtered our people but now! THEY SHALL KNOW RETRIBUTION!!
The sound of marines cheering seemed to drown out the noise of the swarm as Valiant placed the banner of the space marines on the hill before joining them in head on collision with the enemy crying out.
"FOR THE CHAPTER!!
Bolters rang out as the armies clashed against one another while artillery bombarded the seemingly endless horde and above the battlefield was Rainbow and a few other pegasai swooping down to give support.
"Target the big ones!!" Dash shouted after sighting several Carnifex approaching the front lines while Pinkie was chucking grenades from a bolter nest just above the field and in the center was Valiant with a circle of Tyranid corpses that seemed to keep piling up as he cut them down one after the other.
"Spearheading assault!!" The space wolf cried out after clearing a large number of hormogaunts before leaping into the fray with a jump pack and firing several shots from his bolter pistol.
Back At Base
The inquisitor could hear the mixed sounds of the radio chatter as reports from all over the battlefield were flooding in while Quartz reacted to each situation along with Shining Armor.
"Artillery in position sir!"
"Good. Tell them to commence firing on the enemies rear guard." Quartz began reevaluating the troops positions and rolls as the momentum seemed to be tipping in their favor.
"The left wing is falling back sir!"
"Second battalion reinforce the left flank! Attack!" Like always, Shining Armor favored defense over offense when it came to a siege and would often drag the battle out in hopes of avoiding massive casualties.
"Excellent. If this keeps up we might just-AGH!!"
"Inquisitor!!"
All operations suddenly ceased the moment the inquisitor fell to her knees after a massive pain surged through her skull and as she rose up a look of terror appeared on her face before she quickly ordered all troops to halt their advance.
"Order all troops to pull back!"
"What? But we have them on the run!"
"You must commander armor! A Hive Tyrant is coming!!"
Back at the front lines
The marines had pushed deep into enemy lines as the Tyranids were slaughtered one after the other, then suddenly the creatures began to fall back as if driven by some unforeseen force before a chilling roar was heard followed by an aura of dread that seemed to frighten most of the troops and out of the dust came a four armed Tyranid armed with a cannon made of its own flesh and a sword which seemed to be made of bones; A Hive Tyrant but even as the troops fell back in fear Valiant stood before the beast grinning under his helmet and prepared to do battle with the creature.
"Primarch! Guide my blade!!" The space wolf shouted as the tyrant charged him head on before Valiant leaped into the air with his jump pack, crying out one name.
"RUUUUSS!!"
End of part 1
Author's Note
Emerald Isle is an OC belonging to Sweetybelleluvsu. Hope you come back soon partner.
