Catechism Of Hate Read Online Free PDF Page B

second-in-command throughout the deployment, and the sergeant's assessment of the position and his disposition of the Ultramarines force had been faultless, guided by the teachings of the Codex Astartes. While Dacia directed the devastators to their place in the defensive cordon, the two Thunderhawks lifted off; one to return to orbit for refuelling, the other to begin air patrols around Cordus Via. Dust and vapour billowed across the roadway from the plasma jets of the departing gunships, momentarily obscuring Cassius's vision. The autosenses of his armour switched to a thermal scan, the vents of the Space Marines' power packs flaring brightly against a backdrop of reds and blues.
    'Heletis and a combat squad are performing patrol two kilometres west,' Dacia reported as the cloud dissipated. Cassius joined the sergeant as his view reverted to a normal-spectrum image. Dacia turned towards the buildings of Cordus Via and pointed to each Ultramarines placement as he continued. 'From the roof of the dormitory building, two of the devastator squads cover the western and northern approaches. This third one will be at the fuel storage tanks of the waystation, providing support fire to the south. We have Corilinus's assault squad in mobile reserve at the power plant, and a full-strength cordon of tactical brethren patrolling in combat squads. There are three subterranean chambers located beneath the warehouses to the north, with gate access from the garage complex beside the highway off-ramp. I've had all but two sealed and set with plasma charges. The others we can use as sally ports if necessary, to encircle any tyranids that breach the inner compound.'
    'Vehicle pool in the garage?' said Cassius. The two of them began to walk down the highway slip road, which turned a lazy circle down to the tightly-packed buildings.
    'No,' said Dacia. 'Too difficult to defend, with the highway passing directly overhead. I have the Razorbacks at the roadway intersections to provide point support. The Rhinos are laagered two hundred metres south, should we require a withdrawal.'
    'There will be no withdrawal, sergeant,' said Cassius. 'We will hold Cordus Via.'
    The sergeant hesitated in his stride for a moment before continuing on towards the waystation.
    'It was my understanding that we are to delay the tyranid attack only. I have read the Imperial Guard reports. The tyranids have landed in strength on this world. We do not have the resources to halt any advance completely.'
    'Nevertheless, we will not be surrendering Cordus Via to the enemy. That is my command.'
    'As you say, Brother-Chaplain,' said Dacia. 'We stand ready to lay down our lives in the defence of this place.'
    Before Cassius could say anything further, a sharp noise echoed up from the buildings. It was the unmistakable crack of a bolter being fired, followed by several more shots.
    'Brother Liades is down!' Sergeant Augustin barked over the comm. 'Tyranid infiltration organism in warehouse six, southwest corner. Pursuing.'
    More firing erupted dully from the outskirt of the settlement as Dacia and Cassius broke into a run.
    'All squads in south-west sector to converge on Augustin's position,' snapped Cassius. 'South and west patrols increase perimeter to overlap with established routes of displacing squads.'
    Affirmatives drifted back over the comm net. There were no more bolter shots until Cassius and Dacia had linked up with the sergeant's squad, who had been stationed where the slip road met the ferrocrete apron of the refuelling facility. This time the firing came from Cassius's left, to the north; the sound of several bolters being fired in unison.
    'Another lictor here!' came the report from Sergeant Octanus. 'We discovered it before it had been able to hide. Enemy destroyed. No casualties. Continuing patrol.'
    'I'll start a second sweep to the north,' said Dacia, signalling to his squad to move out.
    'Yes, sergeant,' said Cassius. 'I will join the southern perimeter. I want