Indomitable Dark Fortress
Astartes Record:
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OVER THE last few months extensive re-fortifying of our outpost here has been undertaken by the aid of Adeptus Mechanicus fortification specialist Tech-Priest Engineer Morania and Dark Angel Techmarine Kaelen using mostly conscripted civilian labour, under the watchful gaze of our Master of the Keep, Honorary Castellan Eth.
:: Report begins ::
This upgrading of defences has been in direct response to the nature and force of the assaults that have come our way — including the sustained attacks by renegade units of the Ash Legion PDF — but more as a response to the likely planetfall attack by an unknown (assumed) Chaos Legion currently using the Black Pyramid and other Red Shroud sites [Bulletin 8] rumoured to be marshalling their forces in the southern equatorial continents where our current reach is severely restricted.
We have requested more Ravenwing Squadrons to back us up in these longer ranged patrols (inserted by Thunderhawks of the 7th flight), yet still we are relying too much on the loyal elements of the Ash Legion backed by Tactical squads and Assault squads of the Fourth Battle Company to do much of this prolonged patrolling. This has resulted in these squads being constant readiness for deployment, a feat of great endurance and heroism that has been duly noted by Interrogator-Chaplain Zuriel.
With regards the Dark Fortress itself, physical enhancements include a second circuit of trench systems with unmanned auto turrets placed every 100 paces of its length; better targeting and comms relays to safeguard against a catastrophic loss of the main central command structure; the improvement of ammunition storage and distribution now overseen by newly arrived Techmarine Vraniel; and the re-consecrating and commissioning of landing pad 17, previously thought irreparable due to severe Machine Spirit problems.
Major fortress additions consist of completely new bunker systems for perimeter sections 2 and 7, and a reinforcement of the main tower's structure from floor three upwards.
Auto-weapon test firing revealed several flaws in the targeting matrixes that could result in friendly units being shot at in some circumstances. This has been adjusted, using updated identifiers. The added volume of suppressive fire has been very welcome. Missile silo testing has been very successful against target drones in the higher atmosphere, and was especially effective in hitting fast moving drone drop pods. The biggest worry from this is in falling wreckage — a drop pod retro-burn motor caused serious damage to a Rhino in the transport bay for instance, while a plummeting Mechanicus void drone demolished several yards of trench embrasures.
On other matters, we have thankfully seen little of Inquisitor Rodemstev [Bulletin 16] — he has been temporarily redeployed with an accompanying Grey Knight Terminator squad to an extensive Temple region in subsector 4111, though we know not his mission details. The longer he leaves us alone to our own tasks the better.
:: Report ends ::
Further observations on the effectiveness of these new defensive facilities will follow.
Until the Sword is reforged.
Imperium Approved: Honoro Legio Dark Angels.
Chronicler Isiah, the 4th Battle Company, Dark Angels.
