Iron Descends
The Iron Wrath Fleet had reached the forge world Graia.
Shattered remnants of the planet's loyal defense flotilla — rusting Mechanicus frigates and void-scored cruisers — limped toward the fleet's vanguard, their machine-spirits barely responsive. They were received without ceremony, quickly integrated into the fleet's defense screen.
The Gloria Dona, still battle-worn and scorched, pulled in close to the shadow of the mighty Battle Barge Emperor's Grasp. Like a dying wolf curling beside its pack leader, the cruiser trembled with barely-contained plasma energy.
On the order of Alexander, all non-essential crew were evacuated from the Dona, ferried across by Stormtalon gunships and grav-skiffs. Only the minimal bridge crew remained — the damned few, who would ride the Dona all the way down into the atmosphere.
Within the armored belly of the cruiser, Catalin and his company of Iron Wrath made final preparations. Four armored tanks, munitions crates, breacher servitors, and Mechanicus augur-jamming pylons were loaded aboard. The Dona became a blunt spear, packed with iron and fire.
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Aboard the Dona, Bridge Level
Catalin's boots clanged across the deck plating as he stepped onto the forward bridge. The command dais glowed dimly — cracked from earlier impacts. Around him, servitors chanted binharic prayers. He spoke briefly with the ranking Techmarine, confirming power levels and reentry calibration.
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🚀 In High Orbit — Formation of Iron
Beyond the ship's void-shielded windows, the full weight of the Iron Wrath Fleet began to align. A vast line formation stretched across the stars — six Astartes battleships, four ancient Gloriana-class vessels, and the Emperor's Grasp at the center, its titanic form turning like a wrathful god of iron.
The Dona began to drift forward — flames licking from its aft engines, its battered hull groaning under the stress.
Two destroyer escorts flanked her, their lances ready, watching for sudden threats.
The rest of the fleet moved in sync, entering low planetary orbit, edging closer and closer to the upper range of Graia's atmosphere.
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🎙️ Bridge of Emperor's Grasp — Vox-Channel Live
> Fleet Officer: "Sir, Ork formations detected. Wave three is in ascent. Rocks launched from the surface. Multiple contacts… they're coming."
> Alexander: "Good. Let them."
> Fleet Officer: "Macro-cannon fire incoming — Graia's surface batteries have been reactivated! Targeting our main line!"
> Alexander: "They're focusing on us. That means they've taken the bait."
He turned toward the hololithic display, where data-streams bled red warnings across the screen. Impact markers flared as incoming macro-flak hit their shielding.
> "All ships — continue forward. Do not break formation. Maintain void shields. Rotate forward banks every thirty seconds. Stop only above Graia's forge vault."
> "Once in position — signal Dona. She breaks from escort and begins descent."
> "Monitor battleship shield integrity. If any read below sixty percent — pull them back for rotation."
A brief pause. Then:
> "Begin Operation Iron Coffin."
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☄️ The Descent Begins
The Emperor's Grasp was the first to enter the atmosphere's edge — its massive void shields flaring like a second sun. Macro-cannon salvos thundered from its prow, pounding Ork asteroid-rocks and void platforms into debris. The six battleships followed suit, drawing fire, unleashing lance and nova cannon volleys in controlled patterns.
The void above Graia turned into a crucible of war — flame, rock, and light colliding in a brutal ballet.
And from the shadow of the barge, the Gloria Dona broke free.
Like a wounded beast lunging toward its prey, the Dona fired her engines full, splitting from her escorts. Flames gouted from her sides as armor plates began to peel from the pressure. Her descent vector locked in — targeting Forge Theta-5 on the southern hemisphere.
Catalin stood unmoved on the command deck.
His helm locked in place.