Emperor's Will be done Pt31a

The screams of pain coming from the troopers behind us started to dwindle as well as their energy shots slamming into the broken wall I propped myself up to. It wasn’t a relief when the screams and shots had been slowly getting replaced by Ork Waaaghs and crude ballistic shots.  The greenskin mob had overtaken the troopers with their numbers.  I am sure that I couldn’t either.   It didn’t help that the Orks wanted the same unknown prey that the troopers hunted………ME!!! Not for any other reason than to kill another pink-skin for the fun of it.  Heck, there could be more pink-skins in my direction.  Did Orks have any other reason?

I shook my head.  This was no time to panic now.

I am what the Tau on this planet needs right now.

I am the pillar of strength that Xin’Vauk needs me to be.

I am the warrior that my brother could have been.

I am going to bring these plant samples safely off this planet if it kills me.

Looking back at Xin, I noticed her resolve had been fortified while I did the same.  This is going to work.  This is what she needs. The pain in her face became calm, and she looked so beautiful…..a flower blooming in the fires of the warp, not caring about anything but its own purpose. I began to wonder if this is what the leaders of Tau do when they are linked to an entire army of warriors.  With calming fortitude, entire Tau forces flow within a zen like state of mind fighting with exact purpose and lethal efficiency…….amazing to think about.

I was up and covering the distance between us before I even thought about it. I was clipped again on my left side by a ballistic round.  This had better be a flesh wound. I had no time to think of the pain. If I panicked for a second, Xin’s courage would crack, and she doesn’t need this.

I made it to them, but didn’t stop.  Xin’Vauk knew I was here to help with Kai’Faan. I pulled up Kai’Faan up to his feet, and began to run, pulling the injured scientist with me while Xin’Vauk (thank goodness, she got a head start) took off towards the cloaked ship. The satchel with the plant samples was tightly gripped in his right hand.  Xin had her Tau rifle in hand and took some shots behind us while we ran.  I told her not to slow down for us.  She can get to the ship and get to cover.

40 meters away.

The transport fired up its engines and could tell it was uncloaking. Must be routing all power to engines. I dared a look back.  With the tall buildings directly behind us, I was hoping the sniper didn’t get a good bead on us. But this didn’t get to stop the Orks. The chase seemed to have excited them.  The Tau transport uncloaking in front of them only made them joyous of a new toy to destroy.  I noticed the last tau transport was not returning fire.  Must not have defensive weapons.  From all the powerful things this xeno race can accomplish, things like excessive firepower that the Empire favors, the Tau don’t have the foresight to place guns on this ship.

30 meters away.

There was a wet sound, like throwing a rock into a mud pile. Kai’Faan’s body went limp, and fell into a heap. The satchel dropped from his hand. I quickly turned back, and noticed a gaping hole in his head. Normally, I would have said some sort of prayer, but from what I know the Xeno culture only worship a concept….the Greater Good. Not a God or gods. It would have been pointless.  Seconds seemed like hours.  I didn’t hesitate and grabbed the satchel. Kai’Faan, you had done what you needed to do. Your mission is complete, and I hope your name will be remembered forever…..IF WE CAN GET THE DATA OFF THIS PLANET!!!!!!

Looking forward again, I noticed Xin’Vauk was much closer to the ship than I was.  I think she will make it.