"Quiet! I can't hear the Machine Spirit's whispers anymore!" Only when Holva, the most respected enginseer in the tank, began roaring in anger did the chatter over the vox finally cease.
Thank the Emperor.
Benedict let out a sigh of relief. This saved him quite a bit of trouble. He then turned his attention to the interior of the Doomblade super-heavy tank, examining every detail.
The Doomblade was an enormous war machine that required ten crew members to function properly. There was little delicate, compact equipment within the mighty beast, which further compressed the interior space. By comparison, only Benedict's area was relatively spacious.
Behind and to the right of his command chair was Lieutenant Terry's communications station, a position of considerable importance in battle. Lieutenant Terry had to use the sensors to identify roads, traps, friendlies and enemies, primary and secondary targets, while ensuring the tank remained in contact with other Imperial forces. Thus, those assigned to this position were usually quick-witted and strong-willed.
Opposite the communications station was the fire-control station for the secondary weapons. It was managed by third gunner Dori and third loader Vaski, who also controlled the two lascannon turrets and three twin-linked heavy bolters mounted on the Cadian Hardstone.
Enginseer Holva was on the lower level beneath the command deck, accessible by a narrow spiraling stairway leading down. There was one such staircase at the front and another at the rear.
Then there were first gunner Leit and first loader Niss, who were responsible for the main turret's mega-cannon. The two were close to Benedict, so they could hear his orders as long as he shouted loudly enough.
Finally, at the very bottom was the driver, Shom. Taming the Doomblade's outrageous weight and inertia was no easy task, making this an exceptionally demanding job