Rangdan Xenocides Pt. 7

The 5 brothers converged on the bridge of the Invictus with the Legion Masters and Magi of the Mechanicum present as well. They were all gathered above the ruins of the last planet in the Rangda System besides Rangda Prime. Most of their fleets had moved to create a blockade around the final planet while the commanders gathered to form the invasion plan. 

"This campaign is almost over but we have reached the final hurdle," Baldur spoke up, giving the officers and Mechanicum members some relief, though his fellow Primarchs and Astartes almost looked disappointed when they heard that this mighty enemy was about to be killed. "I've gathered everyone here to discuss our invasion plan."

"What need is there to discuss, Warmaster?" Leman questioned Baldur right out the gate

"Careful, Leman. Until this is over, my words are law and I will not tolerate disrespect," Baldur swiftly corrected his brother. He could not let Leman trample on his authority and disrespect him in front of so many others. 

Leman was about to say something when he felt a hand on each of his shoulders. He turned to his right to see Horus shaking his head before turning to the left and seeing Ferrus glare at him. The 6th Primarch grunted before keeping quiet. 

Baldur nodded toward Ferrus and Horus before activating the hologram that showed Rangda Prime and 5 red dots. 

"These 5 dots are where we have detected the largest amount of energy and heat signatures. My Sorcerers and Witches projected their astral forms to scout the locations and we have confirmed that each of these locations is city the size of a medium-sized country. Each one contains one of the shield generators that protect the planet from orbital bombardment. 

The 6 fleets will be divided into 5 armies where they will each lead an invasion against one of these locations."

Fulgrim clenched his fist when he heard this. He had been fighting with Horus for 6 years and he figured that he had enough experienced to lead his own army at that point.

'Surely, he will give me my own army to command, Fulgrim thought to himself.

5 blue dots appeared on the hologram before dotted lines that ended with arrows extended from each of them. 

"The 5 armies will land in these locations that have been deemed as safe LZs before moving toward the enemy cities and launching sieges against them."

Numbers appeared above each of the dots, matching the color of the army and the enemy city. 

"Ferrus will lead the first army against Location 1. This location is heavily fortified so he will take the majority of the Titans and Mechanicum with him as well as the Dragon Warriors. You are the expert here so I will leave the overall strategy up to you. 

Leman will lead the second army against Location 2 with The Horde. The enemy city seems to be the most average of them all and is in the most central location. I am expecting for you to be able to conquer it the fastest and assist the army that needs the most help afterward. 

Horus will take over the third army and go to Location 3. The Emperor's Children will provide you support. The city is constructed in the mountains and might be the most difficult to take. Lots of anti-air defenses, terrain that is difficult for Titans, and plenty of locations for ambushes. We will send more Imperium soldiers with you since this will mostly be a battle of attrition. Do not push too fast. I want you to progress slow and steady. 

Azalach will lead the 4th army to attack Location 4. You will get The First and War Hounds to support you. This city is surrounded by water on 3 sides which means you really only have one way of attacking. Focus on artillery fire from a distance to break their walls until you believe you have an opening that you can take advantage of. 

I'll lead the fifth army and bring the Thousand Sons with me to Location 5. This is the smallest location and barely larger than a normal city but something was wrong here. There was a psychic presence here and a powerful one. It was so powerful that my men were unable to breach it without fear of alerting the whatever was there.

Any questions?"

The 4 who were put in command nodded while Fulgrim frowned at being overlooked once again. 

"Warmaster," he spoke up when he saw Baldur open his lips and ready to dismiss them. "Why was I not put in command of an army?"

"Because this operation is too important to be a test of Horus's teaching abilities," Baldur dismissed him immediately, not even bothering to feign another reason. He had learned from his previous mistake with Fulgrim. 

His words caused Horus to frown now. At first, he was planning on just letting Fulgrim be denied but with his name brought up, he had to speak up for his 3rd brother.

"Fulgrim has fought by my side for 6 years and his even led skirmishes and smaller battles on his own. In my opinion, he would do well in leading an army of his own."

"Your opinion is noted but my orders stand. Fulgrim will assist you while Azalach commands the 4th army. If both of you would like to be placed under Ferrus or Russ, please let me know now so I can reorganize the armies," Baldur glared at his brother and unleashed his full Primarch aura on him, daring him to speak up again

Horus felt his brother's aura and did not take it lying down. He released an aura of his own, striking back against his brother. 

The other Primarchs and Azalach felt some slight pressure from the two auras colliding but nothing like what the Legion Masters, Mechanicum members, and officers on the bridge were feeling. Each of them felt like two sets of gravity were crushing them from different angles. 

Baldur saw that Horus had not given up so he added some of his Psychic powers to his aura, forcing Horus to kneel on the ground, even if it was only one knee. The latter glared at Baldur before looking down at the ground, his eyes filled with hatred. 

"Since there is nothing else, you all are dismissed. Except for Azalach. Stay behind," Baldur stopped releasing his aura and sent everyone away, keeping only the captain-general in the bridge. 

"What do you have to say to me, Warmaster?" Azalach asked, not affected by the battle between the two brothers that he had just witnessed. He just made sure to note it down and inform Valdor and the Emperor of it later. 

"There was a powerful void in Psychic energy at Location 4. That along with other appearances of them, I believe that this is where the Slaugth that are supporting the Rangda are located," Baldur told him the reason that he had him stay behind. Slaugth were not to be underestimated, as their resilience was at a level that surpassed even Astartes. All of them also possess the Pariah Gene or something similar that made them voids in Warp and drove many that saw them insane. 

Although this wouldn't affect the Astartes too much, it might cause issues with the Imperium Soldiers that went along with the army. 

"I see. I'll keep note of that," Azalach nodded along. "Why didn't you inform me in front of the other Primarchs?"

"They would make mistakes if I did," Baldur told him honestly. "Leman would rush looking for a good fight, Horus and Fulgrim would want to glory, and Ferrus would be interested in their technology. Although I am the least worried about Ferrus, I must still be careful."

Azalach did not disagree with him there. He had seen how Horus was starting to act around Baldur. The Primarch was displaying jealousy that he had never exhibited before and it was worrying. Fulgrim and Leman were even worse. 

Fulgrim was constantly striving to prove himself while Leman simply disagreed with everything Baldur did. Azalach honestly wasn't sure if there would be a civil war between the brothers if they had to stay in the system much longer. 

"I'll be careful, Warmaster. I hope you shall do the same."