Sorthraal was first in, followed by Vorax and Udan, and all three fired their bolters on full auto, wreaking havoc inside the expanse that was the bridge. Their bolts hammered against unyielding bulkheads and fragile control lecterns when they did not impact ceramite. Glass and armourcrys detonated, and damaged consoles spat out sparks and small flares like a deadly fireworks display. Malgadon was already setting up at a low wall when return fire belatedly barked back.

[b]"BROTHERS,"[/b] the havoc yelled, excitement bare in his modulated voice as he considered the targets bracketed in his retinal display. [b]"EVERYBODY IN THIS ROOM IS GOING TO DIE!"[/b]

Then roared his heavy bolter, sending bolt after bolt in rapid and feverish succession. Some foes in the distance, by the great hololith table, were forced back into cover by the explosive spray when one of their numbers suddenly lacked a head. The decrease in return fire allowed the rest of Fourth Claw to take aim with greater impunity. Sorthraal, at that point, had already killed two.

[b]"Damnable betrayers!"[/b] yelled one enemy legionnaire, as he raised his gladius and began to charge at Malgadon. A blur at the side of his vision halted his charge, however, and soon he was staring at Bas' unfeeling eye lenses. In the next moment, he found himself bereft of a hand. And before he could curse, he found himself deprived of his windpipe.

[b]"Blood for the blood god, skulls for the Eighth Legion!"[/b] intoned Bas, as he wrenched his chainaxe away from the dying, gurgling marine and allowed the bloody fountain to rain all over him. Then he rushed across the nave of the chamber anew and crossed axes with another legionnaire. A few swipes, punches and dodges and his foe was already spilling ichor and intestines all over the floor.

[b]"Do not kill any of the mortal crew,"[/b] Sorthraal reminded, as he fed his weapon a fresh magazine. [b]"They are too valuable to lose."[/b]

[b]"I will try,"[/b] said Vorax, as he took a farther position, his advance covered by Udan. Steadying his bolter on the breastwork as he rose, he aimed for the marine hiding near the Master of Auspex's control shrine. Firing a quick burst, he noted how its cowering operator winced against the noise. [b]"But no promises, brother."[/b]

[b]"That is not good enough. Navy personnel are not easy to replenish, fool. You will not harm these mortals, Vorax."[/b]

The youngest member of the squad conceded. [b]"Yes, sergeant."[/b]

[b]"Sorthraal,"[/b] Udan said. [b]"I intend to join Vorax. Cover me."[/b]

[b]"Affirmative. Go, brother."[/b]

In the opening stages of the firefight, Fourth Claw fought with tactical mastery that would not have been out of place in a loyalist chapter. Excepting Bas, they all moved as one and communicated where it was necessary. With the help of the rest of Arabar's flock, this was bound to be an easy victory.