Chapter 10: The Great Weakening

First Claw drank in the void through his two real eyes and the two artificial ones drilled into his forehead. The doors had had to be annihilated, using the precious few Demiurge charges the Hive had acquired in the Grendl Star systems. Now the past lay before him, a vast cavern in the heart of one of Sekot's first Hive Cities.

Behind him his warriors stood in silence. They were striplings in comparison to himself and had only seen this place at the height of it's power through sleep-cycle brain enhancing as they slept as children. The Makers, visionaries of the Kroot, had insisted that the former glory of their Empire never be a story but a memory despite the generations that had past since the Orks had brought ruin to them.

But First Claw remembered. Cycles may pass into the darkness, but First Claw remembered standing naked, just as he was now armored, with the other children of Seko looking down on the majesty of the great intelligence that had been their parent.

"There must be light." One of the as-yet named warriors stepped forward eagerly and ignited a flare. White hot flame shot out it's end and the immediate cavern, in fact a massive chamber, dully revealed intestine like cables and dead computer terminals tracing every wall and sloping upward and downward into the dark.

"There is light." The warrior murmured.

"There is a bottom." The warrior nodded and let the flare fall down into the chasm. It was like dropping a candle into a mineshaft. An orb of illumination revealed sunken platforms, forests of sensor antenna and the steeples of lesser towers as they crawled, like parasitic coral, up the sides of the hive.

First Claw could see it though. Deep, far below in the heart of the mountain, was the dead heart of the Seko Hive City.

"No. Not dead. Merely waiting for the Strong to return." Without needing to command, First Claw flung himself off the cliff edge, followed without fear by the Warriors of the Hive.

*

Vel'ar scanned the jungles. It was hard, the biomass signs were enormous and anything up to an Ork, which he had been told had ample population on Seko, could hide. He kept moving, jetting from the front column sections to the rear effortlessly, using the advantages of the XV to ensure the rest of the Tau, and their new Kroot guide, weren't walking into a trap.

Ejrak did not speak Tau'sia nor the human tongues and soon Vel'ar realized that the Kroot had never left his home planet. This meant that Ghel'uun kept up with them and formed the vanguard with Sia't acting as translator. Cubor and N'uul minded Fy'nal, who spent most of her time casually explaining topography and the various krootforms that had evolved on Seko. Kro'le and Ali'yan made up the rear.

"I don't like this, sir." Sia't said through his earpiece. "Following a rattled Kroot that's insisting he just killed his grandsire isn't my idea of a good plan."

"You don't trust my judgment, Shas'Ui?"

There was a pause. "You've earned my respect, Shas'El, I just don't like where this is heading."

"You'd rather be on board the Strident?"

Sia't chuckled, "No, sir. Firewarrior's have no business serving the greater good in space. But I do wonder how they're doing."

Vel'ar did too. He changed the subject. "The Kroot said that he killed one where that Bentu'sin charge was."

"I've been thinking about that. I think the Past Walker's don't want us looking at their tech-"

"Or their bodies, if they are Kroot after all." Fy'nal's voice was conversational as she interrupted.

"Fio'La! Just because you can break into the military channels does not mean you should!" Vel'ar stopped walking forward and spun the entire XV suit to look down on the Earth Caste scientist. She rolled her eyes and touched something on her arm mount. A gasp of interference and she was off the channel.

"The soil-searcher has a point, sir. If they are in fact Kroot then they probably don't want us knowing about it."

Vel'ar continued walking forward, heavy claws gouging into the soft earth. "It would be a massive disgrace to the Shaper council. The Shas'Ar'Tol has always heard rumors of Kroot warbands serving in the greater galaxy but they've never engaged against the Empire. These Past Walkers massacred one Tau colony that we know about and seem to even hate their own kind. Either way, Ejrak say's the Shaper's will know what to do. He also says that they're marshelling for war, we may be able to arrive in time to help them."

"You might with that thruster pack, we're dealing with one civilian and unknown territory. Have you thought about striking on ahead?"

He hadn't. He didn't like the idea of leaving the unsupported Firewarriors. Sia't continued, "Might be time you put Fy'nal's XV to the test, we'll be fine and we can have Nuu'l fix a homing signature on you."


CHOICE

Should Vel'ar head to the Shaper Council ahead of the Firewarriors? They will be unsupported in the even of a feral Ork attack, or something worse, but Vel'ar will be able to converse with the leadership of Seko.

ps: Thanks for the insane compliments Shadow Kat, Vash'ka. I've been looking over some entries and I'm sorry for some of the grammar. promise I'll fix this in the edit and make this into a full online-book experience when I'm done!

pps: I have always wanted to write the Tau codex. Almost did one of those fan ones once after the work me and Khanaris did during the Medusa campaign. I love the Tau, always have, and I hope that when they revamp them they go the original codex route. The Tau can be plenty grim dark and we don't need snarky meddlesome pheromones to give us the dirt we need to be bad guys.

My vote goes to Going ahead to speak with the shaper council.

P.S. Don't worry, Shadowkat. I think we're all in that line!

This has really been one of my favorite 40K stories to date, so please keep making more!

As for the choice....

The team is better equipped to fight the Past Walkers then they were before, so it's not like they're defenseless. And having the Shaper Council on their side (and basically every native Kroot) would provide them with tons of back up and intelligence. But it does leave the team exposed. However, the Past Walkers seem tied up with their plans in the caves... so the only real threat is feral Orks (NOT to be underestimated!). And we also have to remember that Ejrak is a native and can do a lot to keep the team out of harms way. Vel'ar could be jumping into a trap!

But while it is risky, I have to agree that getting some support from the Council is a priority. The team is experienced and well equipped, so they can handle themselves for now. Okay, +1 for Vel'ar bouncing off toward the Council.

This is from Shas'Saal PhraktalKaur: 

Feral Orcs are not the only danger... Third Claw and the eleven warriors that dropped with him from the cliff are out there. They have been tasked with killing the shapers AND the Tau. A dozen of the Past Walkers seem capable of overwhelming our band of warriors, even more so if we split the XV off! I agree we should get to the shapers ASAP, but am very uncomfortable dividing our forces.


I agree, it makes me uncomfortable too. -Wolfs16

Hmm... tough one.

I agree, there are plenty of things that could seriously inconvenience our small squad, even if they can probably handle a small number of feral Orks by themselves. Having the XV around for trailblazing and fire-support could be the difference between leaving the team to die and giving them the backup they need to survive. A Shas'El should really do everything possible to keep every Tau under his command safe, unless there's absolutely no other choice.

However, it seems like the Greater Good would be better served by alerting the Shaper Council, even if that means the sacrifice of a small Fire Warrior team. Against the possibility of ensuring ultimate victory and thereby saving Aun-knows-how-many other lives, the lives of a small squad must take second place. A Shas'El knows he has to make uncomfortable choices for the Greater Good.

A Shas'El with such a weight on his shoulders only has one option, doesn't he?

+1 for using the capabilities of the XV to get to the Shapers ASAP.

The upper canopy of Seko's endless jungle flashed beneath Vel'ar. His rear thruster pack and attitude thrusters glowed blue-white with power as he through everything into speed. He would not be able to survive another Past Walker interceptor attack and he wouldn't risk the ground and the Orks that lurked there. Ejrak had said the Shaper council had fled the massacre before the Past Walker attack and were, if any had survived, regrouped with at least one Kindred. Vel'ar was also worried about Pavol and the condition of the Strident. With the shuttles comm array destroyed the Firewarriors were cut off from the ship and it's fate. He would have to trust in Pavol's skill and the vessel's integrity.

His forward sensors suddenly chimed with a recognition ping. He glanced at the lower section of the HUD and opened the highlighted data stream. A low-level pulse was echoing in the most primitive levels of the Battle net.

"This is Shas'El Vel'ar of the Tau Empire, please respond." Nothing, the pulse continued but grew stronger as he flew closer. Altering his trajectory he angled where the signal grew stronger, the ping becoming a gentle static, rising with proximity.

"I repeat, this is Shas'El Vior'la Vel'ar of the Fire Caste-"

"This is Shaper Ongka Ylk, son of Vior'la. We have been waiting for you." A Kroot voice grumbled into his ear, the accent was a thick Sacean.

Vel'ar took a breath, throwing navigation to the internal AI and letting it pilot for him. "Shaper Ongka Ylk, it is my honor to speak with you."

"You arrive on a day of unimaginable hardship, Shas'El. My people have lost their leaders today. Kindreds will not now how to adapt, evolve. I remain with only two of my fellow Shapers. A day of extinction my world faces."

"The Empire will do what we can, but I have learned that it is not some alien force that has brought us low... But your brothers."

There was a pause on the comm, then Ongka's voice, grim and suddenly very tired, whispered to Vel'ar. "Much has been learned, more must be said. Our people rally at these coordinates. We prepare for war."

The AI hummed as it received the new coordinates and a yellow overlay appeared on his HUD. The Kroot were less than ten kilometers away. Vel'ar took manual control again and fed more energy into his speed, threatening to overload his primary generator...

The Kindred of the Third Canopy had amassed about the crest of a massive stone that broke through the jungle like a snaggle tooth. Sixty, all told, the adults both male and female armed with the twin bladed rifle of the Kroot. Hatchlings, wiry and wide eyed, were kept at the center of the troupe between two massive kroot-forms Vel'ar knew colloquially as 'Krootoxen'.

He could tell that many of them had never seen a Tau before, especially not one in full XV armor. The adults stood proud, clawed fingers hovering over the crescent triggers of their weapons, but he sensed their confusion at his presence. With a though, Vel'ar unhinged the chasis hatch and revealed himself to them.

A trio of Kroot, taller and broader than the others, stepped forward. The first, presumably Ongka Ylk, was adorned with a cloak of colorful feathers pinned in place by a large orkoid canine. A long, polished sword hung loosely at his side and a leather face mask had been strapped over his eyes and forehead. On the side of his head was an antiquated Tau headset which he had contacted Vel'ar on. The other two were similarly garbed, a scarred female wrapped in tanned ork hide wrapped about her wile the other glared out from behind the hollowed ork skull.

"You are Ongka Ylk?" Vel'ar spoke in jikita'sia.

"And you are Shas'El Vel'ar." Ongka bowed quickly, mirroring Vel'ars answer in Tau'sia. "I have served with Vior'lans before. You're Sept is strong and worthy."

"And I have served with the Kindreds of Pech, the Kroot are savage and noble. I have come for answers." Vel'ar said, switching to a more formal T'au syntax. "My warriors have fought these Past Walkers and came here at great peril at the command of the Ethereals when one of your own told us of Seko."

"We serve the greater good, Shas'El. My people have been indebted to the Empire as it will always be. But there were those," He turned his great quilled head to the Shaper to either side of him and to the Kindred, "There are those who kept to the old ways... The Lost Way. That is way we call them Past Walker."

Vel'ar nodded, "And now they have returned. Why?"

"This I do not know, Firewarrior. They are a shame to all the children of Pech. Generations ago, when my people were not so different from yours, many adopted the way of making. Instead of passing on the spoils of victory to the next generation, the victory that runs in our bodies and blood as we survive and best our enemies, the Maker's sought to improve the bodies of Kroot with cold metal and steel." The Shaper sighed. "When our worlds began to die and the greenskin brought ruin to the Old Ways the Great Shaper Anghor Prok called to the Makers for aide. They refused, believing us weak and deserving of our fate. Those Kindreds that had adopted their ways were forgotten and, believed by the Shaper Councils, perished in the Great Wheel beyond."

"Why have they attacked Tau colonies, then, if their conflict is with you, Shaper Ongka?"

"Because they hate you. Because of the Empire the Kroot homeworlds survived. They believe that you denied the way of evolution, the only sin my people have."

"And now they seek to reclaim your world?"

"Seko is old. One of the first. The bones of our former glory still rise from it's jungles. I believe that the Past Walker's masters seek some ancient relic of those times."

Vel'ar understood it now. He did not need to ask why the Kroot had kept this secret. The Past Walkers were, as the Shaper had said, a shame on their people. Far flung technophiles that had rejected the call to aid even as their former homes burned. A lingering question echoed in his mind and he dared to say it. The Ethereal's, his own master Aun'O D'teylioc, had seemed to know of such a threat and yet they, too, had kept it secret. Why? It would be something to ponder later.

"Then we must stop them, Ongka."

"I intend to, Shas'El. Days ago, after me and my brethren escaped, we sent word to the other Kindreds. Even now they hurry here, desperate to avenge their murdered."

"And you go?"

"To the Hjjiki Mountain, the first city of Old Seko."

"My warriors are still half a days journey from here, they can assist. I must bring word back to my leaders of what has transpired here for the safety of the Empire."

"Then I will send two of my own to bring word to them. But we ourselves must hurry." Vel'ar nodded, closing the hatch to his suit. The Kroot Shapers called out in rapid jikita'sia and the Kindred, as one, began to race back into the jungles. Vel'ar turned the XV upward and sprang into the sky with a blast of his thrusters.

***

Third Claw watched silently, a single augmented claw that had once been his left foot clung to the side of a tree. His active camo was on on full and not even his outline would be seen as long as he remained still. His right arm, from the elbow down another augmetic, was pointed at the Tau commander. High range sensors allowed him to listen to the conversation as though he had been standing next to the Shaper and his pathetic council even though Third Claw was almost half a kilometer away.

The Shas'El had not known of the Past Walkers, Third Claw reflected. Strange, but not unexpected. The Past Walkers were few now, only the single Warsphere, the Hive, that orbited above Seko was left of the armada that had once existed. Third Claw had been raised on the Hive and had only known it's hallowed chambers. His creche master had spoken of an era when the Past Walkers, the Strong, had plied to the furtherest star constellations and reaved the civilizations hiding there. They had brought down human worlds, Astartes fortresses and harvested whole planets, ever improving with the guiding hand of the Makers. They had even breached the curve of the Galaxy into the distant unknown, a feat no other race had accomplished and survived.

But they had found something terrible in the darkness, something greater and more powerful than anything imaginable. It had been then that the great Hive Master and the remaining Makers turned those who had survived back to Pech, to recover the great weapons that had been forgotten to face this new enemy. Third Claw, even now, felt the sting of his forefather's defeat at this phantom enemy and yearned to bring forth his own wrath and prove himself. Second Claw had promised that Seko would hold such a means. Some of the Past Walkers had been eager to see the Kroot homeworlds. Many, like Third Claw himself, descended from worlds like Seko and he had always wondered what it would be like to set foot on the world of his bloodlines birth. It felt good.

As the Hive crept into the Perdus Rift, the Hive Master called out to old allies. Races that had hired the Past Walkers provided information of the changed galaxy and of the rising Empire of the Tau. The Past Walkers had cursed them and now looked on the Kroot that had survived the Ork invasions as weaklings. Then the Hive Master had made new allies, those that knew of the coming storm that would consume the galaxy whole. They had been gifted weapons of war and the means to conceal themselves as they gathered strength. Third Claw knew that the Hive Master even intended to extend a hand to the remnants of the Kroot Empire and offer them the path of the Strong. Those that joined would be remade, as he had, and those that chose weakness and the way of the savage would be left to die before the onslaught of the tide.

Third Claw watched as the two Kroot that had been ordered back to the Tau warriors ran, pell-mell, away form the disappearing Kindred.

"What do we do?" A Nameless clicked from below Third Claw's perch. Second Claw looked down, disdainfully, hissing static laced information at the lesser warrior.

-The Kroot advance to Second Claw-

-Our mission was to kill the Tau and what remains of the Shapers-

-Tau are the worthier foe. The Shapers are three left and frightened. We will take from them honor and then life-

-Attack the Tau at nightfall-

-Affirmed, once they are dead we will show the savages their slaughtered allies, show the Tau leader his folly-

-Their blood will be ours-

-What of the Tau leader-

-Second Claw will have the relic-

-Then his fate and the Shaper's are concluded-

Third Claw released and fell silently to the ground. Around him, the other warriors whispered into existence.

He whispered in his true voice, a rasp of unused vocal cords. "Run." The Past Walkers sprang out into the jungle, swiftly pursuing the unknowing Kroot messengers.

As always, I'm loving the development of this story, Calmsword. You're truly a talented witer.
I'm particularly liking the way that you're demonstrating the Past Walkers' dialogue. It gives them just that additional alien feel. I can't recall whether you specified this earlier, but are they speaking through telekinesis or some other similar method? That's the vibe that I'm getting from the way that they converse with one another.

I had mentioned a while back that they use a kind of computer language, more akin to the Adeptus Mechanicus. Think of it as low level 'AOL' style dialup. The Past Walkers have divorced themselves from biological necessity in almost every way. I'm glad you like the update, I've started outlining book 2- but these last chapters are VERY important in terms of the decisions you make and will have direct consequences as we go forward with the Empire series.

I had also hoped the unusual manner of their speech to reflect the 'savage' Kroot a little more, I'm hoping the device worked.

I actually really like the way they speak. It is so alien, which honestly is something you don't see to much in alien stories.

I've really liked all the updates so far. The plot has been rolling out nicely and you've created quite an intriguing hook. Things are mysterious, but not in the LOST sense where mysteries get presented just for the sake of mystery.

I'm looking forward to more!

it most certainly worked. Im loving your depiction of the kroot. The kroot as a race never appealed to me much before, but i have to admit that I am warming to them as a whole thanks to your portrayal. the idea of the "noble savage" (as Verl'ar aptly put it) is very effective

Sia't lifted the upper half of her helmet and sucked in air. Even with the climate regulation in her armor she was sweating and the air filters were overloading on moisture and pollen.

"Makes you wish the Fio'Ui had brought XV's for all of us." Ghel'uun said, wiping off his face with a corner of his sleeve. Siat's team, Fyn'al lead by Ejrak had stopped in a small clearing where fresh water bubbled from an aquifer. Everyone had been wary of the water until Ghel'uun had translated from Ejrak that it was clean. Sia't reckoned Vel'ar had probably leapt over this mountain in a matter of minutes. Even though they were on the way down it had taken the rest of the day.

"How far?" She asked over her shoulder. Nuu'l began opening his tech glove. Fyn'al beat him to it.

"I didn't bring extra XV's because the mission didn't warrant it. How can a covert mission be covert if everyone's bustling about in Crisis armor? We're sixty 'klicks from Shas'El Vel'ar's last signal ping." She gave a curt nod to Nuu'l who scowled at her before fitting his helmet back onto his face. "He's slowed considerably, probably met up with the Kroot." Ejrak heard his people's name and turned from drinking. He must have realized they were ready because he stood up and started walking off down the hill. If it hadn't been for the Kroot Sia't knew they would have lost the way.

Cubor tapped Sia't on her shoulder brace. She turned. He hadn't taken his own armor off, somehow he was the only Tau handling the heat. "Time we started moving." He murmured to her.

Sia't nodded. "Right, let's go Shas'La!" She pulled her helmet back on, hefted her carbine and began walking down the mountain. "Cubor, up with me on point, Kro'le take the vanguard." She didn't like that Ejrak had refused her side arm. He only had several small skinning knives after showing that his weapon had been demolished next to the hole that had been the Past Walker he'd attacked. Sia't also didn't like that the other Past Walkers had obliterated the corpse of their fallen, preventing her from getting any real idea as to how to deal with the tech toting Kroot.

Cubor must have picked up on her thoughts because he interrupted them, "Why are we here now that we know the Past Walkers are Kroot?"

Sia't turned, surprised, Cubor rarely spoke so brazenly. "They attacked and wiped out a Tau colony and now they're attacking our allies."

"Yes. But I don't think we have the right to determine who's right and who's wrong in a civil conflict."

"So, what, we let the Kroot fight a civil war on their own?" Nuu'l said from behind them.

Cubor shook his head, "No, but I don't see Death Sworn or Galgs coming into Sept space determining our own ideological problems."

"Problems? What are you talking about?" Ali'yan said this over the mic because of her placement near Kro'le.

Sia't didn't like where this was going but she let the conversation go. Ghel'uun answered Ali'yan's question, "Cubor's bringing up the recent Farsight issue. A couple of Commander's have started saying we shouldn't deal with humans anymore since half of them turn on us even after we save them. It's an old argument but Farsight brings a measure of celebrity to the argument. And confusion."

"Exactly." Cubor said, lifting a massive arm to bend a branch aside so Sia't could pass unhindered.

"But, we're not killing each other, Cubor."

"I know and we won't, the Tau aren't like the other races of the Galaxy, culturally it would be impossible." Fyn'al said as she scanned the jungle. "But, Shas'La Cubor has a point. Empire policy dictates we avoid a conflict like this. The Past Walkers want to return to a technologically advanced culture while the rest don't. We're supposed to wait until the dust settles then renegotiate, if need be."

Cubor continued, "I just don't see how this serves a greater good. We've already lost a border world, hundreds are dead. Why keep interfering with matters we probably won't ever understand."

"Cubor's right, in a way," Nuu'l agreed. "How many brushfire wars have we been in since the Dal'yth Treaty? Their Damocles Crusade wouldn't have been launched had we avoided coaxing Imperial border worlds into trade agreements when we knew they were xenophobes."

The argument hung in the air, thick with jungle sounds. Finally, Sia't spoke up, "You're both right. But, we're not the Tau Empire, Shas'La, we're multiple cultures that struggles to hold onto an ideal. If we just did what was convenient, or, what was easy then there would be more living today than dead." Sia't sighed. "But we do what we must so that individuals, not their entire race, are offered a choice to either survive and live together with the other species of the galaxy or to remain alone. It's easy to write off the Kroot or the Humans and demand they deal with their own issues. But many of them joined us and that makes them our equal."

She stopped walking, stopping the column in turn, they all looked at her.

"Yes, it would be easy if we stuck to our own business and let the other races figure out what they want to become. But that would only lead to more conflict and weaken the whole of us even more. If Por'O Kiv'rai had not aided the Kroot against the Orks we would have witnessed a genocide coupled with a strong enemy on our border that would have made the Perdus Rift as volatile as the Lithesh Sector turned out to be. We have to stand together, and that means making the hard choice to pick a side. We know the Past Walkers are wrong because they pillage and harm the innocent, staying on the side lines doesn't help anyone in the long run and while it may go against the edicts of the Empire to refrain from declaring what is right and wrong remember that we serve a higher calling; The Greater Good."

Her words hung in the air as each Firewarrior considered the information. Sia't nodded, satisfied with the results; "Now, keep moving-"

"Hjaack Secko!" Ejrak called. He had not stopped walking and now appeared next to Sia't. Ghel'uun stepped forward.

"He says two brothers are ahead of us coming in fast."

Sia't looked at her scanner on the HUD, nothing was there. "I'm not reading anything." But she didn't want to chance it. "Lock and load! Kau'yon deployment!"

The Firewarriors instantly primed their weapons and stepped into position. Kro'le vanished into a tree, taking advantage with his newly painted rail rifle. The rest broke up into two 'wings' in a inverted crescent pattern. Ali'yan, Nuu'l and Ghel'uun on one side. Cubor and Sia't on the other.

Fyn'al had no formal training so Sia't ordered Ghel'uun to cover the Fio'Ui. Sia't checked her scanner again and sure enough, two life signatures wavered into existence.

"How does he know they're friendlies?" Sia't shouted, kneeling next to a tree that would provide a modicum of cover.

"How can he tell what our sensors can't pick up?" Ghel'uun retorted, pulling Fyn'al back behind him. Ejrak had refused to follow suit and now walked openly toward the direction of his supposed kin.

"What is he doing!?" Sia't commanded.

Ghel'uun squawked a question, fumbling with the alien words. Ejrak cawed back. "Say's he won't hide from warriors of the, um, some kind of spinning or sailing knife. I think it's a tribe."

Sia't looked at Cubor, the previous conversation coming to the fore. "Some kind of tribe animosity." Ghel'uun concluded. Cubor shrugged.

"Shtlk." Sia't swore.

CHOICE: Let Ejrak approach the supposed fellow Kroot OR fire a warning shot into the trees.

Ejrak does seem to know what he's doing. On top of that, this seems to be an issue of cultural honour. I don't think that it's the place of the Fire Warriors to interfere if Ejrak doesn't wish to hide.
For those reasons, my vote is to Let Ejrak approach the supposed fellow Kroot.

I agree with Aun Tier. The Kroot are going to be valuable allies in this fight and the last thing the Tau need is to spark some rivalry. +1 for letting Ejrak approach the supposed fellow Kroot.

Oooh, a nice little decision point, especially after the reminder of the team's duty...

I definitely agree that the team shouldn't interfere, but... I don't know. Given the situation, perhaps a bit more caution or suspicion is warranted?

If it's an option, I'd have the team disappear as completely as possible, rather than just setting up a fire-support position - if things go badly, this might give them more options than just "Open fire!" It could also be excused as letting Ejrak handle the matter on his own, if there's an honour issue involved, without the implied threat of the Firewarriors on his side.

That said, having eyes on the encounter is just as important - can the team hide their presence but get one of their number forward a bit to keep an eye on things?

In any case, +1 for letting Ejrak deal with the assumed Kroot by himself, regardless of whether the team alter their own deployment or not.

Vash'ka

@Vash'ka

It actually makes more sense for them to be out in the open in this case. Why?

1) For one, judging from Erjaks ability to detect the other kroot approaching, hiding wouldn't do anything anyways. From the facts that this is their favored terrain, familiar territory, they clearly have senses capable of detecting other life forms, etc etc, a group of tau "hiding" in the brush is the equivalent of a 3 year old "hiding" behind a chair. Not going to do much. If a jungle savvy stealth ninja style kroot can detect other jungle savvy stealth ninja kroot from beyond advanced sensor range, then a pair of jungle savvy stealth ninja style kroot are going to notice a dozen or so bulky tau fumbling behind some leaves.

2) Their presence might actually be a help to Erjak. Honor system or not, their presence, or more probably, their weapons presence, will be a good deterrent should these kroot from another tribe try anything shady or dishonorable(in the jungle where no one can see). It's kinda like two guys about to jump one guy only to find out that their are twelve cops with him. "Sure guys, go ahead and resolve this, but I'll shoot the first mf who gets too feisty". That sort of thing.

3) Calmsword rolled for a carnivorous jungle on his terrain roll, so trying to hide too well in the undergrowth could result in a few missing squad members after the honor duel..... -_-

All good points, J'Kaara, especially the third one

Having thought about it, I agree you're probably right; a couple of things to consider though (and that I'd like your, or anyone else's, feedback on):

Looking at it purely from the FW's angle, how certain are they that there is nothing else out there? In that sort of situation, what would their training indicate? It might be that taking cover is not going to help them, but do they know that yet?

As I say, I'm not disagreeing or trying to pick holes; I just want to see if there's anything else that I haven't considered (mainly, I'll be honest, for the benefit of my own embryonic story / cadre background). If you've got a lot of thoughts on the subject, does this need to go to PM's or a new thread in the Upper Concourse to keep this thread on track?

For the purposes of this thread, though - and apologies to all concerned for the slight detour! - my (slightly amended) general opinion is that the team shouldn't actively interfere at this point, but should work on the assumption that things could turn bad at any moment; perhaps trying to actually hide is a non-starter, but I definitely think they should be assuming there could be a firefight, and preparing accordingly, rather than just sitting tight and waiting to see what happens.

Vash'Ka.

Cubor began to rise in Ejrak's direction, began to break formation and jeapordize the hastily created line of fire. Sia't made her choice. She turned toward Cubor and slashed two fingers across her throat with an open palm down. He instantly fell back, crouching into overhanging foliage. She gave a quick look to the rest of her team, flexing her vision into the blacksun filter and seeing them all as ready as they would ever be, then turned back to the Kroot.

"Shtlk'an aliens." Was all she said to herself and no one else.

Ejrak was stock still, his blades in their sheaths and his posture erect, like a dualist surveying an opponent. He was on the edge of where the jungle began to thicken, his feet making slight impressions in the still damp soil receding from the stream they had been drinking from. Sia't was not one for being able to decipher Kroot expressions, but to her it seemed that Ejrak was completely at ease.

*

Ejrak had smelled the two Kroot as they advanced. They were sweating heavily and they had gone to extreme levels of exertion judging by their careless advance. The wind was behind them and told Ejrak everything he needed to know about them.

They were two warriors from the Singing Knife Kindred, a minor group that had run across his own Kindred in his father's time. They were scavengers who waited until a Kindred had fallen prey to rampaging Orks. Then they would rush in, kill those warriors still strong and take the baggage trains before retreating into the jungles. Many Kindreds on Seko hated the Singing Knife, Ejrak's was no different.

They emerged from cover without a sound after observing Ejrak, knowing they had already been discovered.

"A child of the Seventh Spear." The first said, puffing his chest up as he lead with a freshly crafted rifle. He couldn't have been a year older than Ejrak.

"A mongrel of the Singing Knife."

"You are far from home."

"You have none. Shadows hide you."

The first Kroot snapped his beak and made to lunge before a larger, second male, stepped forward and put a gloved claw on the youths shoulder. His own rifle was adorned with intricate carvings, a thick ork skin cloak hung about him. Ejrak tilted his head back ever so slightly, revealing his vulnerable neck before the elder warrior. It was custom, despite Ejrak's distrust.

"The Tau hide."

"They are not of Seko."

"The Past Walkers have returned."

"I have fought."

"The Shapers survived."

Ejrak breathed, closing his eyes. The lives lost had not been in vain then. "My thanks for this."

"The Kindreds march against the forbidden places. The Past Walkers search for old heresies."

"The Tau."

"Their leader gives us strength."

"His warriors as well."

The older warrior nodded. He shook his quills and visibly contorted his throat muscles. Sia't watched the whole thing, her eyes suddenly widening as the Kroot spoke Tau'sia, he looked right at her.

"Tau from beyond Seko, I am Vka and this my brother's son, Eisew. We have been sent by our master to escort you to where we will fight the Past Walkers." He looked about the jungle at every position a Tau hid. "We are not your enemies! We will be your guides."

Sia't tensed, then stepped out of clearly useless cover, "And what of Ejrak?" She called out.

Vka shook his head, the quills rattling. His throat relaxed and he returned speaking in Kroot to Ejrak.

"The Seventh Spear killed my sister and kin of my father."

"The Singing Knife stole the baggage train and starved my people in the dark seasons."

Vka snorted, handing his rifle to Eisew who clicked with amusement. Ejrak held his breath and waited as Vka took off the rest of his garments. Vka removed a long, human made, knife the length of his forearm. Ejrak pulled off his excess clothing and equipment, withdrawing a shorter, curved knife.

"What's going on here!" Sia't bellowed, taking a step forward. The three Kroot ignored her. Ejrak and Vka began to circle one another.

"We don't have time for this!" She raised her carbine, her aim drifting between both Vka and Ejrak. Then Vka pounded.

The two Kroot collided with one another like rabid canines. Claws and limbs coiled and twisted, the struggle was without form and savage. Vka was bigger and veteran, his body instantly rebounding from every one of Ejrak's attacks. His human blade snaked out, ringing against Ejrak's own as he raised his knife at the last moment. But too fast Vka stabbed out again and again, both blades locking so that he stooped over Ejrak. Ejrak fell back, Vka over him.

Vka was slowing down, he'd been running the better part of two days and both Ejrak and he knew it. Ejrak tensed and pushed Vka off. Not waiting he lept forward, all out, blade forward. Vka let him, kneeling and spinning about, blade edge outward as Ejrak let his own momentum doom him.

Ejrak slowed, looking down at his thigh. A neat, thin line of crimson was forming. He hissed.

"Stop!" Sia't fired a round between the two. The Kroot looked at her confused, then to one another.

"The Tau interferes." Eisew snapped.

"It is over."

"I return to my Kindred. The Tau follow you." Ejrak turned to watch Vka give him a smug look as his nephew offered him his rifle. Vka coughed and tensed his throat again.

"My Tau friends, you will follow me and Eisew to your leader."

Sia't shook her head, "What was that?"

"An old score that does not concern you. It is settled, Ejrak has bled first, we go now to destroy the Past Walkers-" As the final syllable left Vka's beak his chest cavity exploded outward, showering the area with broken bone and entrails. Ejrak and Eisew's heads snapped upward and back where the two Kroot had come from. A stream of acid spat out from the jungle, narrowly missing Ejrak. A second stream hit Eisew's legs, melting the flesh to the bone. Eisew screamed, firing wildly as he died.

Sia't didn't wait, "Fire!"

The Tau fired almost at the same time. The nearby trees and plant life was cut in half instantly, clearing a meter deep swath directly in front of the Tau. Sia't stepped backward, scanning for enemies. She loaded a photon grenade and fired it into the treeline. The thump of it's explosion echoed with a squeal of pain. She grinned taking a moment to issue orders.

"Keep firing, Shas'La! Cubor, throw a couple more-"

Cubor was standing, firing at full auto with a tree trunk behind him. But the trunk was, wrong. The lines of the tree did not properly align as it should have.

"Cubor, get down!" He obeyed, throwing himself forward as she opened up on the tree. Three pulse rounds hit the phantom shape, instantly overloading the Past Walker's cloak. It spun to the ground, charred and dead.

"They're in the trees!"

Nuu'l turned, too slow, at the new threat. He was standing next to Ali'yan when a cloaked hand shot out, and caved the front part of his chest plate. He gasped, his voice suddenly entering every Firewarrior's helmet as he lost control over his tech glove.

Rich, blue, blood exploded outward, weakening the cloak field around the four taloned claw of a Past Walker that slowly appeared.

"No!" Ali'yan turned her rifle and fired, point blank, into the Past Walker blowing it's head off. It collapsed, blades still deep inside Nuu'l.

Another Past Walker leapt at her, uncloaking mid leap as he fell atop her. She raised a hand up defensively just as a rail round from Kro'le disappeared it's face. The impact of the round arrested the Past Walkers momentum completely and tossed it like a ragdoll across the jungle.

The Past Walkers must have taken the time to get around the Tau positions as everyone watched the sudden honor duel. They were all around Sia't team, dropping from the canopy in two's and three's. Their line was completely overwhelmed.

"Fall back! Fall back, now!" Sia't fired another photon grenade, this time behind their position. The after flash outlined three figures closing around Ghel'uun and Fyn'al. Cubor and her quickly drove them back with concentrated fire.

"It hurts. Oh, no, it hurts, make it stop. Please..." Nuu'l's voice came over the comm again. Sia't bared her teeth and shut his channel off.

"Ghel'uun, take the Fio and the rest and run. Kro'le, disappear." She sidestepped as a blade flashed out of the shadows and imbedded itself in her shoulder pad.

Two more Past Walkers, decloaked, were climbing a tree. One of them fell, a hole cleanly through it and it's armor. Sia't could see Kro'le struggling to recharge to hit the other. A rush of sound beside her caused her to shout in alarm as Ejrak launched himself through the air, a blade in each hand.

Ejrak hit the Past Walker with the full force of his enormous leap, knives hooking in and dragging his enemy back down to the jungle floor.

"Yes, Shas'Ui." Ghel'uun grabbed Fyn'al who suddenly shoved Ghel'uun away.

"You will obey, Fio'Ui!" Sia't shouted, blasting another Past Walker as it ran forward.

"I know what this is, Shas'Ui-"

"This is a direct order!" Ali'yan had got to her hooves. A splash of acid drenched her. She ignored it, the new ablative coat protecting her but not her rifle. The acid instantly reduced the weapon to slag and she let it go. Instead she yanked out Jeth's machete and made it back to Ghel'uun to help drag Fyn'al away. The Fio'Ui fought both of them, then raised her gauntlet.

"Watch!" The glove suddenly flashed, blinding every being within line of site. The Firewarrior's recovered first, their helmet's darkening to compensate the brilliant light show Fyn'al had set off.

Standing before them were no less than nine Past Walkers, their cloaks digitizing and fluctuating before failing altogether. For a moment they looked at their Tau adversaries, confused as the Tau who looked back at them. Perhaps the Past Walker's thought the Tau could still not see them, but Firewarrior's are trained at birth to take advantage of opportunity before they can rationalize their good fortune, at least in a fire fight.

The Past Walkers were riddled, each of them, with dozens of blue white energy bolts, all of them dying in a flash of violence...

If another has fallen...
There will be vengeance.

... and yet again your writing takes my breath away, Calmsword... bravo!