The Arrakian Accord. Pt 2.

Segmentum Tempestus 999.M41

Harkonnen IV System; Planet Arrakia
Days on planet: 9

Situation: Nominal



From the diary of Major Carpenter: We set off early this morning, before the sun could even come up. I could swear that half of our expidition was falling asleep while we loaded up the convoy, so I authorised the troops to sleep in the chimeras in shifts. That should at least make sure in the event of attack that we're all well rested. The Inquisitor gave me a complete copy of Peach's Dossier. I breifly looked it over before my duties got the best of me. Field Marshall AlausPeach. Cadian by birth huh, then what's he doing out here? This is hundreds of lightyears away from the Cadian gate. Graduated the Kasr Derth Military Academy top of his class. Made captain only two years later. Damn, it took me four years to get out of the leuitenant ranks. Fought beside Creed at Tyrok Fields, and was a potential candidate for Lord Castellan until he stepped down. Frak, how could he let a small chaos incursion overrun the entire planet's garrison?

Major Carpenter stood upon the high cupola of the Leman Russ Von Sica. Normally Commisar Rio would be in the same place, but he had moved further down the convoy to ensure that no Guardsmen were acting out of line. He could really appreciate the strength of the leman russ. Even now as he was only in the cupola, the roars and vibrations of the mighty engine made him feel unstoppable. "Sir, I just took a look at the nav-data. There might be a problem." Carpenter turned to see that Rielly had ran up to the tank and mounted one of the track guards. "Problem, Sergeant?" Rielly glanced at the datapad he was holding and nodded with a sombre look on his face. "Yes sir. This current direction is both leading us several Kilometres off course, and also in the direction of a pretty fierce sandstorm." Carpenter turned and activated the cupola's vox. "Inquisitor, Are you aware that your acotyles are leading us off course and into a sandstorm?" The reply was almost instantanious. "Yes Major, I do. We are stopping about a Kilometre from here and chaining the vehicles together. Our speed will not exceed 20kph. Do not question my methods, lest you find yourself wanting." The vox cut out and Carpenter swore to himself aloud. "What's the word, Major?" Rielly asked. "Have the vehicle crews get ready to chain us all together. Any troopers that opted to ride atop the tanks or chimeras, have them inside within the next half hour. The good Inquisitor I'm sure will order this shortly, but I want everyone to be ready beforehand. Hop to it." Rielly saluted quickly then dropped off the tread guard and began running down the convoy line relaying orders. He dropped inside the turret of the Russ, and closed the hatch.

Days on planet: 11

Situation: Delayed



From the diary of Major Carpenter: We've been in the storm for about two days now. As of last night, we halted the convoy in order to wait for the storm to pass so we can get our bearings. I can hear the sands whipping against the hull of the tank, sounds like hell out there. The tank crew have donned their earplugs and are all fast asleep, as per my orders. No sense in staying awake for days at a time through this. Accoring to what sattelite reports we managed to recieve before the storm cut us off, this stom is cross-continent. It won't let up for a while. Why would anyone want to live here? Between the storm and the Sand Wyrms that keep pounding against the hull trying to get to the meal inside, this place is a death world! There were reports from our preliminary patrols that there are beasts that dwell under the sand. Some are supposedly as large as a baneblade, and they dig these massive trapdoors that when prey goes over, the spring up and could easily pull something as big as a Leman Russ down to it's death. And Peach had been Assigned here. Someone wanted him gone. I looked into the record more as well. If what I read is correct, he would have to be older than Yarrick! Some time before Tyrok Fields, his Regiment was deployed to Golgotha with Yarrick. He was unable to go due to an injury sustained during warp travel. We all know what happened on that planet. What would that be like, having the whole regiment wiped out except you. It changed him. According to Medicae reports he became more reclusive and yet also more impulsive. No one blamed him for not being with his men, but I'm willing to bet that he considers it the geatest dishonour he has ever done. I'm cutting off the recorder for now. Spending another hour on shift, then waking up the acting sergeant to take over. Major Carpenter signing off.