Crucius System.
Inside the Darkwing-pattern Shadowwing, Balthasar Quturi, the former Chief Librarian of the Raven Guard, infused Psionic Energy into the Psyker Crystal set in his Power Sword, cleansing it while keeping an eye on the Raven Guard around him.
Most of his attention was on Nastil, the veteran sergeant calmly wiping down his Bolter.
"Our mission is to observe and evaluate the Raptors' first real combat operation."
Balthasar shifted his gaze outside, where Thunderhawks slammed down onto the surface below.
Raptor commander Branni Nafar was the first down the ramp, with thirty Raptors rapidly assembling behind him.
Branni looked toward the Word Bearers' monitoring station ahead. This was his first time fighting traitors.
Like his Raptors, he had not taken part in the fighting at Isstvan, but he felt proud to share this moment of glory with the recruits.
"Spread into standard formation. Kolen, left flank. Nal, right flank."
The two squads of Raptors quickly spread out while Branni led the third squad forward.
Three missiles streaked down from overhead and struck the ground to Branni's front left.
Breaching weapons blasted apart the concrete. "Breach successful. Third Squad, advance. Second Squad, provide fire support—"
His order abruptly stopped. Black Runes swarmed across both sides of his tactical Eyepiece.
Damn it! Branni cursed inwardly, roaring as he changed his orders.
"One o'clock! Position fifteen! Third window!"
The Third Squad had barely raised their weapons when enemies vaulted through the windows on the right flank.
Bolter fire thundered, and one Raptor rune after another rapidly vanished.
Branni strode forward, emptying both magazines of his twin-linked Bolter into the unfamiliar red-armored Word Bearers pouring through the breach.
A Bolter round struck Branni's right arm, scattering Plasteel fragments.
"Hold your positions! Draw their fire!"
Branni shouted. Under their commander's furious rebukes, the recruits