The Emperor Sent Us

The Greenskins howled their Waaagh cries as the Blood Knights plunged into their ranks like a sharp blade.

Phoros stood atop a pile of ruined stone beside the Landing Craft, issuing order after order through the short-range comms.

He had to coordinate the entire battlefield.

At the same time, he had to ensure that however many men came, that same number returned.

Not one could be missing.

If even one was lost, the lord might be saddened.

"The Lamenters will lead the charge and advance toward the pit entrance. The Blood Knights will outflank both wings and cut off the Greenskins' retreat. The Flesh Tearers will follow behind the Lamenters. Once the Lamenters tear open a gap, pour through it."

The warriors settled into their combat rhythm.

Gunfire of every kind and Greenskin screams blended into one continuous roar.

The Greenskins' guns began firing back in panic. They fought desperately, but their fire was scattered and uneven.

The bulk of the Ork warlord's forces had been drawn outside by the Ultramarines, leaving behind only the less elite troops.

Though the Ultramarines had refused to rescue the three million civilians of Slaughterhouse, they had not been idle. Outside, they were fighting the main Ork force.

In the original story, it was also because the Ultramarines had drawn away the Ork warlord's main force that the Lamenters had been given a window to rescue the civilians.

It could be said that without the Ultramarines holding back the main Ork force outside, the Lamenters' force of only three hundred men could never have successfully broken out through the warlord's sea of troops.

Though Phoros disliked the Ultramarines, he would not slander such a brave and capable Chapter because of it.

The Ultramarines truly were the standard by which Imperial Chapters were measured.