Catechism Of Hate Read Online Free PDF Page A

pleasure that I learned the Ultramarines had heeded the call to arms,' said Arka. 'When I learned that it was the revered Chaplain Cassius in command, I thanked the Emperor profusely.'
    'I was surprised that you are still on the Eastern Fringe, general,' said Cassius, releasing Arka's hand. 'Pleasantly surprised.'
    'Thank you,' said Arka, nodding in acceptance of this rare praise. 'As we just missed out on the fighting at Ichar IV, I decided we should look for another war. This is our third encounter with the tyranids so far. I do not expect it to be our last.'
    'I see that you have your strategy well in order, general.' Cassius waved a hand towards the briefing area. 'Do you have any request to make of me?'
    'I do, I do,' said Arka. He gestured to Colonel Taulin, who had briefly conversed with the lexmechanic and his liaison officers. Cassius noticed that the general's knuckles were red and swollen, the skin thin over his fingers. Many a man in his position would have undergone anti-agapic therapy or other rejuvenat processes, but Arka was clearly determined to grow old and die within his natural span. As long as this had no effect on his mental faculties, Cassius was content to accept this foible without comment.
    'It seems our early predictions were correct, general,' said Taulin, handing a schematic to his commander. 'Storm trooper and Sentinel patrols have confirmed significant tyranid infestation in the sixth quadrant of the highlands. Vanguard organisms have been seen moving eastwards towards the city in the last two days.
    'The closest was fifteen hundred kilometres, moving along the main highway.'
    'I would like you and your warriors to take the forepoint position at the heart of the predicted line of attack, Chaplain,' said Arka. He handed the schematic to Cassius. 'Three rivers and the highway intersect at a staging post called Cordus Via, some seven hundred kilometres west of here. The topography will force the bulk of any attacking force to convene. If Cordus Via can hold for a few days, it will allow us to finish the defensive perimeter closer to the city. It will be the hardest fighting, I expect. How strong is your force?'
    'I have a complement of one hundred Ultramarines,' said Cassius. 'I concur with your plan. We will hold the lynchpin at Cordus Via to stall any advance on the city.'
    'You'll not be alone,' said Taulin. 'The Warlord Titans Victorix and Dominatus Rex are to be stationed in that quadrant too.'
    'Even better,' said Cassius. 'I will have my warriors drop directly to Cordus Via and will meet them there. We will have the position secure within five hours.'
    'Are you sure you want to land so soon?' asked Taulin. 'It will take the Titans at least twelve hours to reach their positions.'
    'Then it is even more important that someone is ready to guard the crossing,' said Cassius. 'Unless your reports are woefully inaccurate, we should not expect any significant enemy force to arrive before the Titans. I know that General Arka prides himself on the quality of his intelligence, and so I expect to meet only minimal resistance, if any. We are quite capable of dealing with any tyranid advance until the Legio Fortitudis reach the line.'
    'Are you sure you do not want any extra assistance?' said Arka. 'I could spare some storm troopers. Maybe move up some of the Astcarian self-propelled guns?'
    'That will not be necessary, general,' said Cassius. 'We operate best when we have full autonomy. Having to guard your forces will only present extra complications.'
    Taulin laughed at this, but his humour quickly wilted under the stare of Cassius.
    'I shall provide you with all of the relevant logistical data, Chaplain,' said the colonel, looking away. 'Comm net frequencies, contact protocols and such.'
    'Thank you, colonel.' Cassius gave a nod to Arka and Taulin. 'If I require anything else, I shall let you know.'
    'The Emperor protects,' said Arka. 'May He watch over you, Chaplain.'
    'You should have no fears in