Hrærek's pack moved down the corridor at full speed, taking up defensive positions as they neared the massive blast door at the end.
"Open it!" Hrærek barked and Karsi moved to the control panel. He punched in the code and the door slid open just wide enough for each member to squeeze through.
They took up formation around Karsi and gazed through the dark hangar bay.
"Where's the bloody landing craft?" Thengir spat.
"I don't know, it should be here, it should be right here." Karsi frantically checked his screens.
"Incoming lads, seems we're not alone." Hrærek growled as his pistol rose to meet his enemy.
The darkness around them seemed to rithe into life as it rushed forward. Chitinous claws, razor sharp fangs and spear tipped tails lashed at them from all sides.
Snorri was the first to fall, a black arrow shaped tail ripping through his armour and erupting from his chest. The tail withdrew and Snorri fell to the floor, it's owner crawling through the gap in the door, maintaining its spider-like grip.
"We'll never hold them here. Push forward, we can still reach the lift!" Hrærek ordered.
As one the pack moved into the dark. Each turning and firing in controlled bursts as they move forward.
Arngeir reloading and turning to fire over Thengir's shoulder.
Thengir stopping briefly to fire forward into the fanged maw leaping for Hrærek.
Hrærek's face, illuminated by the muzzle flash of his bolt pistol as he shoulders through the faceless dark before him.
Karsi pulling open the lift gates as the pack rushes to provide covering fire.
With the gates open Arngeir and Thengir rush inside. Hrærek shoves Karsi in behind them before leaping in and slamming the gates shut again. Karsi punches the controls and the lift begins moving upwards.
The pack exchange glances, catching their breath as the lift climbs. Arngeir drops his spent bolter to the floor and draws his pistol. Hrærek gives him an extra pistol magazine and reloads his bolter.
"The only ship left planet-side is that inquisitors landing craft." Karsi informs them.
A thump and a hiss from the ceiling of the lift draws their attention upwards.
"Lads," Hrærek whispers, "we're not going to get off this rock".
Another thump and more hissing interrupts the pack leader.
"Nor can we stop our foe. The inquisitor won't jeopardize his investigation by calling for aid."
Another thump, this time followed by the sound of claws ripping into metal. Hrærek stops the lift.
"Thengir, do you know what that means?"
Another thump, then two more.
"This planet falls unless i get to that ship and send a signal for aid."
Hrærek grins and pulls open the lift gate and Thengir dashes into the corridor beyond disappearing around a corner. He slams the gate closed again.
The ceiling peels open like the maw of some great beast and pouring forth like a waterfall of night the beasts rush into the lift.
Thengir hears the distant rapport of bolterfire grow fainter and falling silent before a massive explosion roars behind him. He utters a prayer to Russ and pushes on.
Edited by Wulf Vengis, 09 March 2021 - 01:46 AM.