The human front in the war against the Necrons.
Edge of the Akros Sector, Aine Prime.
A small Necron fleet was engaged in battle with the Imperial Navy, the two sides locked in a fierce struggle in the void.
On the ground, the circular defensive line the Astra Militarum and Astartes had established around the city faced an overwhelming invasion of Necron Warriors.
The situation had become grim. Every time Scythe of Doom fighters streaked over the city, several towering buildings were blasted into rubble that blocked major traffic routes amid the cries of civilians.
Necron Warriors had already breached the circular defensive line and entered the city, fighting the Astartes and Astra Militarum soldiers who were covering the civilians.
Scorpion-shaped Canoptek constructs also burst from the ground from time to time, leaping into the air before hundreds of civilians. After a spinning blur, they left the ground littered with severed remains and burrowed away.
Even without reports from the other sections of the line, the Astartes Chapter Master and Astra Militarum commanders in the circular defense headquarters could tell from the sounds coming from the city that the entire line had been riddled with breaches.
Yet it still needed to remain. So long as even part of it held, the Necron Warriors stretching to the horizon, advancing alongside vast numbers of Canoptek constructs, would not make the city their primary target.
"It's time to withdraw." The Astra Militarum general looked at the Astartes beside him, clad in green armor and a scaled cloak. "This line won't hold much longer."
Tu'Shan, Chapter Master of the Salamanders, stood motionless before the tactical table. After half a second of thought, he said without changing expression, "We need to delay them a little longer. Send everyone remaining in First Company forward."
Once the