Cicerus slogs it out on Aethor

While the Tau consolidated their hold on Minos Inquisitor Cicerus was still fending off attacks from a rogue Ork fleet which had crashed into the planet. It seems as if the Orks got lost, and encountered the Imperial Guard under Cicerus’ command in the desert region of Aethor.

The Orks attacked furiously, causing horrific casualties, particularly to the Praetorian regiments, using their cobbled together vehicles to charge into the Imperial lines. Despite this they could not break through the Inquisitor’s defences, while the Imperial forces could not rid the world of Orks. As darkness fell on 2008.008M42 the Orks had been held off by the narrowest of margins, and the Imperial Guard readied themselves for the next onslaught.

Minos falls to Fastblade

Following successive victories on Minos the Tau under commander Fastblade had successfully consolidated their hold on the poor tribal world and had won over most of the primitive settlers to “the greater good”. Inquisitor Cicerus realised he didn’t have the forces to contest the world and fight for Aethor, so called for aid from the Adeptus Astartes. The Space Wolves, absent from the sector since their brokered peace on Hartak, headed the call.

The Tau allowed the small Space Wolf force to land and pulled their forces back to defensible positions in the small settlements which passed for towns on Minos. The Space Wolves, highly mobile in their Rhinos and Razorbacks, immediately attacked, intending to inflict serious damage on the Tau Hunter Cadres to prevent them from taking the planet.

Commander Fastblade was wise to this tactic however, and did his utmost to avoid battle with the Astartes troops, using the cover of low hills and town settlements. The Space Marines then took position in one of the larger settlements and the Tau were forced to destroy several buildings to keep the Astartes forces at bay, while minimising their own losses.

Unfortunately for the Space Wolves very few of Fastblades units were willing to put themselves at risk, except a group of crisis suits which got far to close and paid the price. Then, a well timed flanking move by stealth suits caused havoc in the Space Wolves lines, cutting down a unit of marines and inflicting punishing casualties. Hammerheads added to the destruction at range and after several hours of vicious fighting the Space Wolves realised they would be unable to inflict enough damage on the Tau to upset their hold on Minos. The Imperial forces departed the next day, on 2108.008M42, abandoning Minos to the Tau, for the time being at least.

Vastrid subsector latest

Cicerus extends hold on Aethor

++++++++++++++PRAETORIAN XXIV CONTACT REPORT
FILING OFFICER: MAJOR URDAN WRENTSON, 7th EXPEDITIONARY FORCE
OPERATIONAL STATUS: HOLDING OBJECTIVES
SUPPLY STATUS: AMBER
REPORT DETAIL BEGINS....

As ordered, we have advanced into the southern desert and siezed control of identified objectives. Having taken control of a supply drop at coordinates A432.56-O843.22 we were joined by Inquistor Lord Cicerus.

Shortly after digging in at this position to maintain our vehicles and Lord Cicerus' personal transport, scanners detected a company strength infantry force moving towards our position. This formation did not display Imperial insignia or army identification markings, and we engaged on my orders and with the assistance of the Inquisitor.

Although the enemy possessed air superiority in the region and were able to drop in reinforcements once our troops were committed, our armoured strength proved decisive, and we were able to inflict severe losses to the enemy's cavalry and infantry, as well as destroying some artillery units.

I can highly commend the actions of Lieutenant Steben Lorronce, who led a cavalry counter charge which prevented our defences from being overrun and allowed an orderly redeployment.
Sentinel pilot Jakson of the Cadian MCXII is awarded the Honorifica Valoris in recognition of his brave actions in striking at the heart of the enemy assault single-handed whilst displaying the extreme skill which allowed him to keep his machine intact.

Traitor forces have now retreated from this area, I am standing fast and awaiting further orders. Inquisitor Lord Cicerus has returned to his vessel following repairs to his armoured transport.

REPORT DETAIL ENDS.....