Free Catechism Of Hate by Gav Thorpe Page B

terrain was in the favour of the defenders, as Cassius and Arka had known it would be. The rivers were impassable further west of Cordus Via, except perhaps by the harridans and gargoyles and a few of the largest constructs.
    If the mass of the tyranid swarm wanted to reach Plains Fall, it would either have to travel several hundred kilometres in a wide arc around the Ultramarines, or break through. There was little Cassius could do about the former strategy, and was determined that the latter would fail.
    The Chaplain received a communication from General Arka as he returned to the settlement along the highway access road. The Imperial Guard commander did not have good news.
    'The orbital surveys from your strike cruiser show three distinct lines of advance by the enemy,' Arka told Cassius. The general's tone was quiet and determined, though Cassius's keen ears also detected an undercurrent of tension; a strain in Arka's voice that a normal man might not hear. 'To your north, the enemy have made progress along the Altaen Gradient and Messian Highway. I have reinforced the Astcarian infantry stationed at Nexus Via with several squadrons of Leman Russ tanks and Basilisk artillery guns, but they are being hard-pressed to contain the attack and I would not expect them to hold out more than a day.
    'To the south, I have established a fortified line across the Captian Highway at Matis Via, in anticipation of the tyranids finding a way across the river at the Serenin rapids. It's fast-moving but narrow, and I would not put it past these creatures to make a bridge of their bodies if needed.'
    'In short, general, you cannot guarantee the security of either our northern or southern flanks,' said Cassius. It was a statement of fact, not an accusation, and Arka was experienced enough to take it as such.
    'That is correct, revered Chaplain,' the general said with a heavy sigh. 'There is little point in reinforcing further at Matis Via or Nexus Via; I would just be lightening the defence on the city to send more men to their deaths.'
    'I concur with your decision, general,' said Cassius.
    He had memorised the topography between the highlands and Plains Fall and could understand the general's quandary. Once the tyranids had passed the outer line of defence, the highways arrowing directly towards the city would bring them together again in one mass, capable of overwhelming whatever fortifications were put in place. Matis Via and Nexus Via did not benefit from the terrain that offered Cordus Via protection from encirclement. Any man staying there against the full brunt of the tyranid assault would be on a one-way mission. Though sometimes such sacrifices were necessary, the chances of inflicting significant casualties, or creating a delay in the tyranid advance, were minimal.
    'There is no need to endanger your troops further, general,' the Chaplain continued. 'It is clear to me that our flanks will be compromised at some point in the next twelve to fifteen hours, regardless of the efforts of your men and women. Withdraw your forward forces to the main line at Plains Fall and ensure the defence of the city is at its strongest possible.'
    'I had considered the same, Chaplain, but I would not wish to leave you without any support. I am able to redirect some of those forces to Cordus Via.'
    'That will not be necessary, general.' Cassius had reached ground level and turned towards his chapelry in the depot. Several tactical squads were reinforcing the buildings as much as they could with crates and containers from the warehouses, blocking up windows and doorways with heavy furniture taken from the administration buildings and dormitories. The depot, with its open ground and clear fields of fire, was to be the inner keep of Cordus Via's defences, and if necessary the Ultramarines would make their last stand there.
    'In that case, might I suggest a withdrawal of your forces to the position I have created at Attan Terminus, about two hundred