"Transit Node Gamma-II." The audio capture device clearly fed the footsteps coming from beneath the suspended steel corridor into the semi-mechanical implants, while the thermal imaging equipment clearly relayed the movements of the clan army below to the Ranger Cavalry. Alpha-Bronze 5 accurately captured everything every soldier in the Ranger Cavalry tactical squad heard and saw, transmitting it up the chain of command for review. "Mutant organisms: twelve. Threat level: deep blue. Mutation category: Centaur Clan. Radiation scan: no signs of radiation. Psionic scan: no signs of psionic activity. Weapon analysis: Plasma Weapons and Laser Weapons. Enemy trajectory: heading toward Transit Node Gamma-III. Temporary designation: B-12."
"GR-19-5 acknowledged," the transceiver replied.
The hunters patiently waited as the footsteps drew closer, their noisy, restless pounding echoing through the silent passageway.
In the darkness, several pairs of electronic eyes covered by ruby lenses stared intently at the mutant formation passing slowly below. For the Type 19's first live combat deployment, Gronov Rutov followed the campaign orders and remained silent. The Type 19 Gene-modded Warriors accompanying him had likewise painted their Power Armor a non-reflective black, reduced its output to the minimum, and sealed the vents to avoid detection by the enemy's heat-tracking and infrared devices—the Type 19 had been developed in secret. Other than the Emperor and the Sacred Guard, no one knew that these Gene-modded Warriors publicly designated Type 3 actually came from Type 19. Gronov Rutov's withdrawn personality also made them seem incompatible with the other Type 3 Gene-modded Warriors operating alongside them, providing an excuse for the Emperor to let them act independently and conduct armed reconnaissance.
When the heavy, massive Power Armor stepped onto the old steel suspension bridge corridor overhead, the giants made no sound at all. Even the servos in their armor joints operated in utter