09.1 Cybernetica

8/18/2019 09.1 Cybernetica

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CYBERNETICA

Rob Sanders

DRAMATIS PERSONAE

The XIX Legion 'Raven Gard'DRAVIAN KLAYDE 'The Carrion'

The I! Legion 'Iron "arriors'AULUS SCARAMANCA

The !II Legion 'I#$eria% &iss'ALCAVARN SALVADOR

The XIII Legion '(%ra#arines'

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TIBOR VENTIDIAN

The X!III Legion 'Sa%a#anders'NEM'RON PHYLAX

I#$eria% PersonaeROGAL DORN Priar!h o" #he I$eria% &i#MALCADOR &ir# Lor( o" Terra

The Me)hani)#)AGREUS KANE &a*ri!a#or Genera% o" TerraGNAUS ARCHELON I%%+inan# an( Ar#ian A#ar#eDI,DELTA -.1 /NULL0 Sero,a+#oa#onETA2IOTA314 /VOID0 Sero,a+#oa#onSTRIX C5*er,raen

The Pre*e)re Magiser#RAMAN SYNK Le6or!i# an( 7ar( en8ineCON&ABULARI 99 Sero,:+%%

The %egio C+bernei)aOCTAL BOOL Ma8o Doin+ o" #he &ir#

Mani$%e;Dae(arii Reere Cohor#

UNCANNICAL Cher+*i #e!hnoa#DEX Ka#e%an,!%a ro*o# o" #he &ir#

Mani$%e; Dae(arii Reere Cohor#IMPEDICUS Ka#e%an,!%a ro*o# o" #he &ir#


NULUS Ka#e%an,!%a ro*o# o" #he &ir#Mani$%e;

Dae(arii Reere Cohor#'LITTLE' AURI Ka#e%an,!%a ro*o# o" #he &ir#


POLLEX Ka#e%an,!%a ro*o# o" #he &ir#


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MARS

=MARS> THE RED PLANET> AN INDUSTRIAL PO?ERHOUSE ON APLANETARY SCALE>THE NEXUS O& ALL HUMAN KNO?LEDGE ANDACHIEVEMENT IN THE GALAXY>HOME , &OR A TIME> THAT ?AS MARS> THEMARS O& BE&ORE>@

ANALYSE 2 INTERPRET

Li* !5#hin8> Me#a%%i! !hi#in !%ahin8> Man(i*%e 8nahin8> Theene5 7arin8> Le8> Li*> Me#a% a7> The :i%%in8 e%( o" &arina#+> The 6eno horror !a%%e( #he *re8,hei Eer57here>

A #he !ree$in8 ha(o7 o" a (5in8 (a5 "e%%; #he Raen G+ar( ha(%i$$e( in #hro+8h #he an!#+ar5,ne#> ?ei8he( (o7n 7i#h *rea!her!har8e an( (e#ona#or; #he5 ha( a!hiee( #he i$oi*%e> &ie%e8ionarie a# one 7i#h #he (ar:ne an( (rea(> The on o" Cora6 ha(eroe( in on #heir o*e!#ie 7i#h #ranh+an $a#ien!e an( (arin8; oin8#hro+8h #he ne# "ro *%i#er #o *%i#er> Their $o7er,aro+re( #e$ 7erea "ain# 7hi$er #hro+8h #he a%ien ar!hi#e!#+re; $ain8 #hin8 #ha##7i#!he( 7i#h an#ennae an( rea( i*ra#ion #hro+8h #he e8en#e(

%an!e# o" #heir #a**in8 %e8; a%% #hin:in8 a one 7i#h he%%,aro+re(*rain> ?i#h #heir 8ene#i! 8i"# "or #ea%#h an( #ra(ear: i$er#+r*a#ion;#he S$a!e Marine ha( 7or:e( #heir 7a5 #o #he !hi##erin8 hear# o" #he7ar>

B+# oe#hin8 ha( *e#ra5e( #he> The !r+n!h o" 8ri# *enea#h anaro+re( *oo#; #he !ra$e o" a hie%(; a $%i#,e!on( %i$ o" ha(o7; #heree: o" i$en(in8 e6#erina#ion ?i#h one +n:no7a*%e i#a:e; #ea%#han( $ee( *e!ae 7arin8 an( %a+8h#er>

S+((en; ho!:in8; i!:enin8> The 6eno #hron8 (e!en(e( +$on #he%e8ionarie 7i#h #he "or!e o" a na#+ra% (ia#er; oer7he%in8 an(

hee(%e> The5 :ne7 no#hin8 o" #he E$eror o" Man:in(; o" $%ane#ar5!o$%ian!e or #he Grea# Cr+a(e> A%% #he5 :ne7 7a #ha# a #hrea# ha(

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*een (e#e!#e( in #he an!#+ar5,ne#; an( #ha# #he #hrea# ha( #o *ee%iina#e( 7i#h a%% #he +n"ee%in8 $re+(i!e #ha# #heir !o%(; erino+in( !o+%( $ro!e>

The horror 7a oer a%o# *e"ore i# ha( *e8+n> Ur8en#; 5e#i$erona% Co%(; 5e# aa8e> Me#a% he%% !%ahe( %i:e an!ien# $%a#e;

(ro7nin8 o+# #he *rie" #h+n(er o" 8+nre> The %e8ionarie $+he( #heon#roi#ie *a!: 7i#h #heir *oar(in8 $aie> The5 (ri%%e( #he an8+ar(!rea#+re 7i#h ro+n( "ro *o%#er ne#%e( in #heir hie%( +%e,re#; *+##he a%ien $%a8+e 7a $eri#en#> A e$#5 *o%#8+n !%a##ere( #o #he oor7i#h *a##ere( hie%(; #he #h+( o" re 7a re$%a!e( *5 #he hri%% !h+8 o"!hain7or( an( #he !ree!h o" onoo%e!+%ar #ee#h #hro+8h e#a%%i!!hi#in> I# 7a an e6!r+!ia#in8 noie> The Raen G+ar( !rea#e( a ni*+ o"7i"# (ea#h a*o+# #he; 7i#h eere( a%ien a$$en(a8e (an!in8 #hro+8h#he air an( 7hi$%ahe o" i!hor $%a##erin8 #he 8ro+n( %i:e +nrene( oi%>

S:i%% an( (e#erina#ion !o+%( no# #an( %on8 a8ain# #he i$oi*%en+*er o" #he 6eno 7ar> Sa%%er $e!ien %ea$# #hro+8h #he *+57or(7or: an( %a+8h#er; !+##%in8 +$ $o7er,aro+re( %i* #o !ha$an( !he7 horri*%5 7i#h ia#+re an(i*%e> The #i%e##o %e8 o" #hea#+re !rea#+re :e7ere( an( $inne( #he %e8ionarie> Di8i#a% *%a(e#hrahe( "or#h; %i!in8; %ahin8 an( #a**in8> The Raen G+ar( !aea$ar# in #he "+rio+; re%en#%e horror o" #he 6eno a##a!:> B%a!:,aro+re("or %i$$e( an( %i( a*o+# in $oo% o" #heir o7n *%oo(; :i!:in8 an(rea!hin8 o+# 7i#h %i* #ha# 7ere no %on8er #heir o7n> Their 7or%( *e!aea *%+r o" !hi#ino+ "ren5 , #he ho# a8 o" a%ien a$$en(a8e $%+n8in8 (o7n#hro+8h #heir aro+r; !ara$a!e an( +!+%ar #oro

Draian K%a5(e 7a (reain8>

He :ne7 #hi on%5 a"#er #he "a!#> I# 7a an +n++a% een# "or #he%e8ionar5> He ha( no# (reae( in!e #he :i%%in8 e%( o" &arina#+ , #heer5 $%a!e 7here he ha( *een a+%e( in #he 6eno !arna8e o" #he *re8,hei , 7here he ha( %o# *o#h hi %e8 an( an ar #o #he a%ien 7ar>

On #he e(i!ae,%a*; Te!harine Rh5n!+ an( #he Le8ionA$o#he!arie ha( #a:en a7a5 hi $ain> The5 ha( re$%a!e( $han#o %i*7i#h 7or:in8 7on(er o" $%a#ee% an( a(aan#i+ , a$$en(a8e,enhan!een# # #o ere #he S$a!e Marine an(; in (oin8 o; ere #heE$eror on!e ore> No#raan %+r an( aa8e h+o+r ai(e; he8aine( a ne7 nae "ro #heir !o$%ian!e $ar#ner; #he Ni8h# Lor( 7hoha( "o+n( 7ha# 7a %e"# o" hi> An( #he nae ha( #+!:F #he Carrion>

In a +r8eo,ar!o$ha8+; #he 5o+n8 *a##%e,*ro#her ha( %earne( #he!a%; (iao!ia#e( horror o" hain8 *een eh an( on%5 eh>

The (ea(%ie# o" eneie a(e #he *e# #ea!her , #he Carrion :ne7#hi> He re,%earne( #he %eon #he 6eno a*oina#ion ha( #a+8h# hi on&arina#+,Ma6i+ eer5 #ie he ha( !%oe( hi e5e> A #ra+a o" *o#h*o(5 an( in( #ha# 7ore( i# 7a5 #hro+8h hi $5!ho,in(o!#rina#ion an(#rainin8 a !a#a%e$ean ni8h#are "ro 7hi!h he neer #r+%5 a7o:e> A :in(o" +n$ea:a*%e "ear> No# o" #he ene5; no# o" (ea#h; *+# o" "ai%+re , #he"ai%+re o" eh #o a!hiee #he +na!hiea*%e an( (o 7ha# !o+%( no# *e(one>

Ser8ean# Draian K%a5(e , ho$e"+%; o$#ii#i! an( a o# %o5a%eran# o" hi $riar!h , i8h# hae o%+n#eere( "or #he $eri%o+ iion;

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an( %e( #he *rea!her ie8e +a( in#o #he a%ien ne#> B+# a (ea( an ha(re#+rne(; (eoi( o" en#+re an( $ar:> Gone 7a hi en#h+ia "or (+#5an( ar#ia% (e%i8h# in hi $h5i!a% !a$a*i%i#ie> He (i( no# nee( #o %oo:#hro+8h #he e5e o" hi %e8ionar5 *ro#her #o ee #ha# he 7a ha%" 7ha# heha( *een an( ha%" oe on#ro+ 7on(er o" e#a% an( $i#on>

He re#+rne( #o hi ran: a $a%e,"a!e( 8ho#; a ha(o7 o" hi "orere%"> The Ni8h# Lor( o:e( #ha# Draian K%a5(e 7a ore Carrion *ir( #hanraen no7; a !aen8er o" $ar#> The nae een "o+n( !+rren!5 aon8hi o7n ran:; 7here 7i#h 8rea#er re$e!# an( er5 %i##%e a(ira#ion hio7n *a##%e,*ro#her (+**e( hi #he 'Carr5,on'; in hono+r o" hi a8oniin8one,are( !ra7% *a!: #hro+8h #he an!#+ar5,ne# #o #he Ni8h# Lor('%ine>

Be5on( #he o#her !5*erne#i! o(i!a#ion; #he eran# o" #heOniiah ha( +(8e( hi a%a8e( eh 7or#h5 an( ha( *%ee( hi 7i#ho*%iion> Con!erne( a# #he #a#e o" hi re!oer5; Coan(er A%:enor ha(!on+%#e( #he Te!harine Rh5n!+ oer ho7 #he5 i8h# "+r#her he%$ #heir$a#ien#> Rh5n!+ e##%e( on "+r#her +r8er5 an( a+8en#a#ion> B5 #ha#$oin#; #he Carrion !are( %i##%e 7ha# ha$$ene( #o #he reain(er o" hi "ai%e(eh> The in!or$ora#ion o" an a+#oneoni! ha"#; (rien %i:e a !o8i#a#or,$i:e #hro+8h hi *rain; re#+rne( #o #he S$a!e Marine oe #ran+i%%i#5 o"in(> ?i#h +$$%een#ar5 eion o" $5!ho,in(o!#rina#ion; i# a%% *+#*anihe( #he %iin8 ni8h#are o" hi +ria%; (riin8 #he horror o" #he6eno *+#!her5 on &arina#+ #o #he *a!: o" hi in(>

Da5 *5 (a5; a hi 7o+n(e( in( an( r+ine( *o(5 *e8an #o hea%;#he Carrion a%%o7e( hie%" #o *e%iee #ha# he i8h# on!e a8ain *e +e"+%#o hi Le8ion> The $reen!e o" #he !o8i#a#or,$i:e 7a 7h5 #he (rea; an5

(rea; 7a +!h an +n++a% o!!+rren!e> The in#e8ra#e( har(7are #ha# 7a no7 one 7i#h hi *rain ha( %on8

in!e (eee( +!h ne+ra% a!#ii#5 #o *e +$er+o+ #o "+n!#ion an(!oni8ne( i# #o a re(+n(an# ee,!e%%>

Ge##in8 +$ "ro hi %a* an( #an(in8 in #he ea8re Mar#ian+n%i8h# #ha# %i$$e( in #hro+8h #he h+##er o" hi $re!e$#or5 !e%%; #heCarrion 7i%%e( hie%" #o ree*er; #o !%a7 *a!: #he "a(in8 "an#a5> Heha( no# on%5 (reae( o" &arina#+ an( #he horror o" !o$%ian!e; *+# a%oo" #he Re( P%ane#; o" a8ni!en# Mar>

I# ha( eee( a%o# inei#a*%e #ha# #he Carrion 7o+%( 8o #o Mar>?he#her i# 7a hi $erona% e6$erien!e o" *ein8 one 7i#h #he Ma!hine,

Go( or #he !han8in8 $er$e!#ie o" hi o7n %e8ionar5 *ro#her; he :ne7he 7a no %on8er a #rea%ine( e!re#; #ri:in8 "ro #he ha(o7> The XIXLe8ion "o+8h# 7i#h $ee(; #ea%#h an( !+nnin8> The Carrion; on #he o#herhan(; a$$eare( #o hae *een #r+%5 "or8e( in *a##%e> To hi *ro#her; #he7on(ro+ 7or:in8 o" hi in#er"a!e( %i* 7ere !%+n:5 re$%a!een#; #heer5 an#i#hei o" #heir *a##%e e#ho(o%o85>

Be"ore %on8 #he +88e#ion ha( !oe "ro hi !oan(er #ha#$erha$ hi #a%en# 7o+%( n( *e##er eri!e aon8 #he ran:,!oenan# o" #he Le8ion Te!harine> The Carrion 7a no# a7are #ha# he ha( an5 +!h#a%en#; *+# oon he "o+n( hie%" on #he %on8 o+rne5 *a!: #o #he So%ar

S5#e , #o Mar> There he 7a #o n( eri!e #o #he E$eror in a ne7!a%%in8; harin8 a #o7er,$re!e$#or5 7i#h S$a!e Marine "ro o#her Le8ion

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7ho ha( a%o !oe #o %earn "ro #he Mar#ian Me!hani!+ ho7 *e# #oere #heir *ro#her #hro+8h !+%# :no7%e(8e; o*eran!e an( #e!hni!a%:i%%>

The (rea 7a *+# a 8ho#%5 a"#er#ho+8h# no7 , #he eorie o"Mar 7ere an e!ho "a(in8 *e5on( #he earin8 ni8h#are o" #he *a##%ee%(

horror re,%ie( , *+# 7i#h an iron5 %o# on #he Carrion; #he er5 !o8i#a#or5#e #ha# ha( *+rie( #he ne+ra%,!a$#+re !a%!+%a#e( a een#5,#7o $oin##hree,i6,e $er !en# !han!e #ha# i# ha( *een !a#a%o8+e( in #here(+n(an# ee,!e%%> &ro #here he a!!ee( i# an( re%ie( 7ha# hi5#e ha( (eee( *e# "or8o##en>

Va!+i#5 $en(in8&%eh $or# o$en "or (a#a,h+n#Mee,#rea rea(5 "or #ran"eren!eLi*i! #a$ion +he(Con+en!e> In#er"a!e> Ne+ro5na$i !o$%e#e>Re!o%%e!#ion !oen!in8In #he ain i# 7a a eor5> A re!or(e( ree*ran!e , #hir#5 5ear

o%( , o" hi r# (a5 on Mar#ian oi%> The (a5 he an( #he Iron ?arrior A+%+S!araan!a ha( *een ai8ne( a Te!harine,in,#rainin8 #o #heir en#orGnae+ Ar!he%on; #he 8rea# I%%+inan# an( Ar#ian A#ar#e> The (a5 #he#ai( Ar!he%on ha( ho7n #he #he (+n8eon (ia8no$%e6 o" #he Le6or!i#Genera% an( i$ree( +$on #he %e8ionarie ri8h# "ro #he er5 #ar# #he*%a$he5 o" +nan!#ione( innoa#ion; #he %+re o" e6$erien#a#ion an($eri% o" "or*i((en #e!hno%o85> The (a5 he ha( een #he here#e: O!#a% Boo%!oni8ne( #o e#erni#5 7i#h hi a*oina*%e !rea#ion in #he #ai #o* o"Proe#hei Sin+>

The Te!harine,in,#rainin8 "e%# #he e6$erien!e oo( *a!: #he8ran(e+r o" #he 8rea#e# "or8e 7or%( in #he 8a%a65 "or8o##en in #he+*#erranean (oo o" #he Pre"e!#+re Ma8i#eri+ (+n8eon (ia8no$%e6>

O!#a% Boo% , Ma8o Doin+ o" #he Dae(arii Reere Cohor# an(eh,eran# o" #he Le8io C5*erne#i!a;' #he o(+%a#e( oi!e o" a %e6or!i#*ooe( a*o+# #he a+(i#ori+> 'Yo+ hae *een $rono+n!e( e6$erien#aa*oin+ in #he ie7 o" #hi (ia8no#i! !a+!+>'

The Carrion 7a#!he( #he a!!+e( re!eie +(8een# in #he *%in(in8$o#%i8h# o" #he (ar:ene( !ha*er> The Te!harine,in,#rainin8 #oo( in#he 8a%%er5; %oo:in8 (o7n a# #he iera*%e here#e:; #he i%er 7or:in8 o"hi *ioni! 8%in#in8 in #he ha%",%i8h#> The $rioner 7a $+# (o7n on hi

:nee *5 #7o #e!h,#hra%% en#rie 7ho $+%%e( *a!: #he hoo( o" hi ro*e>A+8+rna+# an( +r8eoeer ha( 8one #o 7or: on hi; reoin8 hi!ara$a!e an( 7ea$onr5> Hi "a!ia% a+8en#a#ion ha( *een #orn o+# a%o;%eain8 a ra7 "a!e>

He 7a 8a+n#; haen o" hea( an( hi :in 7a a e o" $%+8,$or#an( renan# in#er"a!ia> ?or# o" a%% 7a #he !ra#ero+ o!:e# #ha# a#e$#5; *%oo(5 an( e6$oe( in #he !ro7n o" hi hea( 7here oe :e5a+8en#a#ion ha( in#er"a!e( (ire!#%5 7i#h hi *rain> Boo% #7i#!he(; #he+!%e o" hi "a!e in !on#an# oeen#> A "ro7n #+rne( #o +((enrea%ia#ion> S+8 ara#ion #+rne( in#o #he (ar: ha:e o" a hea(; a

#ho+8h #he Ma8o Doin+ 7a !on#an#%5 in !onera#ion 7i#h hie%"> The Te!harine,in,#rainin8 %i#ene( a #he !har8e !on#in+e(>

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'Here#e:;' #he oi!e o" +(8een# *ooe( a*o+# #he (ar:ne> I#!ae "ro a $+%$i# *oo#h e# *e%o7 #he 8a%%er5> Ini(e 7a #he %e6or!i#an( 7ar( en8ine 7ho ha( #ra!:e( O!#a% Boo% (o7n an( !a$#+re( hi>

Raan S5n:>A !oenan# a8en# o" #he Ma!hine C+%#; !har8e( 7i#h $roe!+#in8

#e!hno,here5 "or #he Pre"e!#+re Ma8i#eri+; #he Ma%a8ra an( #heLe6or!i# Genera% o" Mar; Raan S5n: 7ore #he r+#,re( ro*e o" aMar#ian $rie# an( ha( a !a(aer' "a!e an( iin8 a7>

The %e6or!i# re!or(e( eer5#hin8; hi :e%e#a% n8er oin8!on#an#%5 an( a%o# +n!on!io+%5 oer #he 8%5$h,*+##on an( r+ne,:e5 o" a !%aier*oar( *+i%# in#o hi !he#> Hi oi!e a!#+a%%5 $ro!ee(e("ro #he o6,hai%er *+i%# in#o Con"a*+%ari 99; a ero,:+%% #ha# oa#e(*ei(e hi on !rania% !a*%e,#e#her; a%o# #e$%e #o #e$%e 7i#h #he%e6or!i#>

'In 5o+r re+rre!#ion o" #he e6i8en!5 en8ine an( a*oina*%ein#e%%i8en!e :no7n a #he Ta*+%a M5ria( Con"a*+%ari !on#in+e(; 'an( 5o+r+na+#horie( in!or$ora#ion o" +!h "or*i((en #e!hno%o8ie in#o #he*%ee( *a##%e,a+#oa#a +n(er 5o+r !oan(; 5o+ ee: #o #a:e + *a!:#o #he (a5 o" O%( Ni8h#> Yo+ ri: a hi#or5 re$ea#e(; 7here a!hinere$%i!a#e #hee%e an( $rea( #he in"e!#ion o" #heir in#e%%i8en!e an(in+en!e #o o#her !on#r+!# , a in(ee( 7e *e%iee i# ha #o 5o+> A #ie7hen ar#i!ia% in#e%%i8en!e +(8e( #hee%e +$erior #o #heir !rea#orJ

The5 are +$erior;' O!#a% Boo% $ro#e#e(> The here#e: #are(#rai8h# in#o #he *%in(in8 %i8h# an( $o:e #o #he !ha*er 7i#h #erri"5in8in!eri#5> 'In eer5 7a5> Co%(; !a%!+%a#in8; reaonin8 #o a (e8ree #ha# 7o+%(!r+h or#a% en "ro #he ini(e o+#> The5 are *e5on( #e$#a#ion an(

(e%+ion o" $+re #ho+8h#> The5 are #r+%5 $+re; "or #he5 hae ree!#e( #he7ea:ne o" ehJ'

'The +(8e( 7i%% reain !a%;' Raan S5n:' oi!e; $ea:in8#hro+8h #he ero,:+%%; #h+n(ere(> B+# O!#a% Boo% 7o+%( no# *e !a%>

The Carrion !o+%( no# #a:e hi e5e o #he here#e:> He ha( neereen a e*er o" #he Me!hani!+ in +!h a #a#e , e6!i#a*%e; $aiona#e;inane>

'The 7ea:ne o" eh;' O!#a% Boo% re$ea#e(> 'The 7ea:ne o" eh, "ro 7hi!h Mar 7i%% one (a5 *e $+r8e(> &or #he Ta*+%a ha een> Seen; Ia5; "ar *e5on( #he rea!h o" o+r %o8i#a an( !a%!+%+ en8ine> &or #he5neer "a!#or #hee%e in#o #he e+a#ion>

The 7ea:ne o" #heir eh> The Ta*+%a M5ria( ha no +!h%ii#a#ion> No> None> I# i $+re; +n*+r(ene(> I# #hin: "or i#e%"> There are7ore "a#e in #he 8a%a65 #han #hin:in8 "or 5o+re%e; 5 %or(> O+r$rie#%5 ran: hae "or8o##en #ha#> Be##er a a!hine #ha# #hin: "or i#e%"; a#hin8 #ha# a##e$# #o he( #he ha!:%e o" inen#ion> The a*oina#ion#ha# i #he +n#hin:in8 eh o" an; 7hoe *on(a8e i no# e6$ree( in!o(e an( in#er"a!e *+# #hro+8h *ar8ain 7i#h #he (ar:ne "or #he $roieo" %i8h#> Ye; #hin:in8 a!hine hae #rie( #o (e#ro5 + in #he $a# The Ta*+%a M5ria( ee o+r (oo; a #he e6i8en!5 en8ine a7 #he (oo o" #hePara"e6 on A%#ra,Me(ian> An( i# 7a ri8h# #o (o o> &or 7e hae a%% *een

+(8e( +n7or#h5> ?e 7i%% a%% e*ra!e #he (ar:ne o" i8noran!e> The



Ta*+%a M5ria( :no7 #hi a*o+# Mar +# a i# :ne7 i# a*o+# #he "orer7or%( i# $+r8e(> The Bro#herhoo( :ne7 #hiJ

The +(8e( 7i%% reain !a%;' Con"a*+%ari 99 in#er!e(e( 7i#h*o*a#i! ini#en!e an( in(ieren!e>

'The Sin8+%ari#ariani# *e%iee( in #he #e!hno%o8i!a% !rea#ion o" a

8rea#er #han h+an in#e%%i8en!e;' #he here#e: *a**%e(>'Soe#hin8 no# (i!oere(; no# 7orhi$$e(; *+# !rea#e( *5 #he

h+an han(> Soe#hin8 #o +r$a o+r %ii#a#ion> ?i#ho+# #he !+re o"h+an nee(; 7i#ho+# (o+*#; 7i#ho+# 7ea:neJ'

'O!#a% Boo%; 5o+ hae *een +(8e( *5 #he Diiio Pro*an(i an(Pre"e!#+re Ma8i#eri+; na5 #he Le6or!i# Genera% hie%"; a an aron# #o#he Oniiah> An in+%# #o eer5#hin8 na#+ra% an( (iineJ'

B+# #he #7i#!hin8 Ma8o Doin+ ra*%e( on>On%5 #he a!hine !an ae + "ro o+re%e;' Boo% !a%%e(;

#r+88%in8 a8ain# #he #e!h,#hra%%> '&or !en#+rie #he eran# o" #heOniiah hae (e*a#e( an( (ia8no#i!a#e(> ?h5 (oe #he en#ien#a!hine re*e% a8ain# + ?ha# i #he +n"ai%in8 nee( o" an ar#i!ia%in#e%%i8en!e #o en( #he h+an ra!e I# i o a8oniin8%5 o*io+> The #r+#h7e (are no# "a!e> ?e !a%% #he a*oina*%e; *+# in rea%i#5 i# i i$%5 #heenori#5 o" 8a%a!#i! nee(; 7ei8hin8 on #he ho+%(er o" i%i!on 8ian#>

'Yo+ hae *een *ran(e( here#e:;' #he +(8een# !on#in+e(; 'an( a+!h are en#en!e( #o #ai !onneen# in $er$e#+i#a 7i#h 5o+ra*oina*%e !rea#ion in #he Proe#hei Sin+ (+n8eon (ia8no$%e6 , 7here;Oniiah 7i%%in8; 5o+ 7i%% e6i# a an e6hi*i# #o !a+#ion an( a!hiee oe+e in he%$in8 #hi Pre"e!#+re *e##er +n(er#an( ho7 #o !o*a# #he $eri%o" +nan!#ione( innoa#ion; #e!hno,here5 an( e6$erien#a#ion>'

&or +!h a !o%(; i$aie oi!e; #he Carrion !oni(ere(; #he 7or(an( (e#erina#ion o" #he !a+!+ 7ere %a!e( 7i#h $aion an( "or!e(eno>

The %e8ionar5 7a#!he( #he $rie# +ir in #he *ri8h# %i8h#>'?h5 (o #he5 #+rn a8ain# + V O!#a% Boo% ran on; inani#5 $o+rin8

o+# o" hi> '?h5; #ie an( a8ain; (o a!hine %i:e #he Ta*+%a M5ria(a##e$# #o annihi%a#e #heir !rea#or ?h5 Be!a+e i# #a:e one h+n(re(#ho" a i%%ie!on( "or ea!h an( eer5 en#ien# a!hine eer !rea#e( #oreaon #ha# on%5 in #he +##er (e#r+!#ion o" h+ani#5 %ie #he ho$e o" #he8a%a65> &or h+ani#5' rea!h e6!ee( i# 8ra$; an( 7e rea!h o+# "orno#hin8 %e #han o*%iion> ?e #a:e o+r (oo *5 #he han( an( (ra8 i# "or#h

"ro #he *e5on(>?e are re!:%e> Goerne( *5 an e$#5 "ai#h in o+re%e; +n(one

*5 o+r $aion> The "+#+re !anno# *e en#r+#e( #o +> The a!hine :no7#hi; 7hi!h i 7h5 i# #rie #o #a:e #he "+#+re "or i#e%">

Eno+8h;' Raan S5n: *ooe(>'I hae "ai%e(;' O!#a% Boo% roare( 7re#!he(%5> 'I hae "ai%e( o+r

a!hine aio+r , #he $ro$he# o" #he Oniiah> I# 7a #he 7ea:ne o"5 eh> The $+r8e i !oin8> Ti!:,#o!:> The M5ria( 7i%% 7ai# , a i# ha(one *e"ore> Ti!:,#o!:; #i!:,#o!:> Mar 7i%% *+rn> I# 7i%% *e !%eane( o" anan( #he $roie o" !orr+$#ion> I# 7i%% *e%on8 #o #he a!hine; a 7a

a%7a5 in#en(e(J''Hi8h En8ineer;' #he %e6or!i# !oan(e(> 'Ena!# #he en#en!e>



The *%oo(ho# e5e o" #he a8o #are( iera*%5 in#o #he (ar:nean( e!hoe( a!!+a#ion> ?i#ho+# hi o$#i!; #he here#e: !o+%( no# ee #hea+(i#ori+ *e5on(> The Hi8h En8ineer 7ho 7o+%( !on(en hi #o ane#erni#5 o" #ai !onneen# #he a8i $ro*an(i an( !%aea#er o" #hePre"e!#+re Ma8i#eri+ 7ho ha( +(8e( hi #he Ma%a8ra !i$her en8ine

an( #he ha8,%o8i#a re!or(in8 #he $ro!ee(in8> He !o+%( no# ee #heLe6or!i# Genera% 7a#!hin8 "ro hi !%+#er o" a##en(an# an( #he ha(o7or #he #e!h,$rie# #ha# ha( 8a#here( o+# o" or*i( in#ere# an( !+%#$o%i#i!> He !o+%( no# ee #he %e6or!i# Raan S5n: or hi o+#h$ie!e;Con"a*+%ari 99; !on(enin8 hi "ro #he $+%$i# *oo#h> He !o+%( no# ee#he S$a!e Marine , #he Carrion aon8 #he , in #heir %e8ionar5 $%a#e an(*%a!: noi#ia#e ro*e>

The #e!h,#hra%% re%eae( #he $rioner an( #e$$e( a7a5> Thein#erro8a#ion %a$ (ie( an( 7a re$%a!e( 7i#h a re( %i8h# #ha# *a#he( #heMa8o Doin+ "ro a*oe> O!#a% Boo% %oo:e( a(%5 +$ in#o #he #aie%( 8enera#or>

'Yo+ +(8e e here#e:;' #he $rioner ai(>Three'; #he Hi8h En8ineer anno+n!e( oer #he o6,hai%er>'B+# I a *+# a $e!: o" re( (+# in #he Mar#ian (eer#>''T7o>''Ha( 7e *+# #ho+8h# "or o+re%e; %i:e #he #hin:in8 a!hine; 7e

i8h# hae rei#e( #he #r+e (ar:ne o" i8noran!e> B+# "ro a#,*ir#h 7eare 7ire( #o o*e5J'

'One>''B+r5 e a 5o+ *+r5 a%% o" 5o+r e!re#;' O!#a% Boo% #o%( #he

a+(i#ori+; '*+# i# i in #he na#+re o" a e!re# #o *e o+8h# an( (i!oere(>

The (a5 7i%% !oe "or Mar #o 8ie +$ her> Ti!:,#o!:; #i!:J'I# 7a #he %a# +##eran!e O!#a% Boo% a(e; an( i# "ear"+% i$or# 7a

%e"# e!hoin8 in #he air a #he #ai e%( en8a8e(> ?i#h a #erri*%e !%+n:; #hein"erna% re( %i8h# !han8e( #o *ri8h# 7hi#e; 6in8 #he here#e: in #heoen#> The Ma8o Doin+ o" #he Le8io C5*erne#i!a ha( *een +(8e(+no+n( o" "ai#h an( (an8ero+ o" in(; an( en#en!e( #o e#erni#5 "or hi#ran8reion>

The here#e:' "a!e ha+n#e( #he Carrion; hi "a!e "roen %i:e a a:;#he (rea( 7arnin8 he ha( *een (e%ierin8 ea%e( "oreer on hi %i$>

THE RECORDED REMEMBRANCE i%e( #o an en( an( #he (ar:ne

o" #he a+(i#ori+ *%ea!he( *a!: #o #he hae o" a Mar#ian (a5>'Sh+##er;' #he Carrion ai(> Pro$#e( *5 o6,re!o8ni#ion; #he *%a(e

o+#i(e hi $re!e$#or5 !e%% ie7$or# !ra$e( "+%%5 o$en; a%%o7in8 ore*%ea: re( %i8h# in#o #he !ha*er> The Carrion %oo:e( #o #he %a* o" hi !e%%a#e; *+# i# 7a e$#5> The Iron ?arrior A+%+ S!araan!a 7a 8one;+n(o+*#e(%5 #o a:e oe :in( o" an ear%5 #ar#; #ho+8h on 7ha#; #heCarrion !o+%( no# 8+e> The5 hare( a en#or in Ar#ian A#ar#eAr!he%on> Their #rainin8 7a a%% *+# !o$%e#e> A%% *+# !o$%e#e

The Carrion #oo: a !o+$%e o" #e$ "or7ar(; #he h5(ra+%i! 7or:in8o" hi *ioni! %i* hiin8 "ain#%5 a# #he oeen#>

C%a$in8 hi $a%e; +!+%ar 7ri# in #he e#a% (i8i# o" hi *ioni!ri8h# ar; he 8ra**e( #he oerhea( *ar an( heae( hie%" +$> ?i#h a

Q



in8%e *+%8in8 *i!e$ he he"#e( #he *+%: o" hi en8ineere( "or an( #he(ea(7ei8h# o" $%a#ee% an( a(aan#i+ #ha# 7ere hi a$$en(a8e,aran( in#ri!a#e h5(ra+%i! 7or:in8 o" hi %e8 o #he !e%% oor>

Dee$ 7i#hin hi in( oe a+#oa#e( a$$%i!a#ion o" hi !o8i#a#or:e$# !o+n#> The Carrion +n(er#oo( hie%" a a !5*erne#i! *ein8> He

:ne7 #ha# re#ainin8 #he #ren8#h in hi +!%e 7a +# a i$or#an# a#he ri#+a% o*eran!e o" ain#enan!e an( #he eri!in8 o" hi ar'ero,h5(ra+%i!> Thi 7a een#ia% 7hi%e he 7a on Mar; 7here he 7aa7a5 "ro #he $h5i!a% (ean( o" *a##%e an( #he #rainin8 re8ie o" hiLe8ion>

In hi #hir#5 5ear on Mar; #he Carrion ha( ain#aine( 7ha# 7a %e"#o" hi $h5i!a% $ro7e in $ea: !on(i#ion; an( #+(ie( #he ar!ane !ien!eo" #he Me!hani!+ an( #he Oniiah> He ha( *e!oe a a#er o" #hea!re( ri#e 8oernin8 #he o$era#ion an( in#e8ra#ion o" a!hine,$iri#> Heha( *een #+#ore( in #he ar# o" re$air; ain#enan!e an( a+8en#a#ion *5#he 8rea#e# o" #he Re( P%ane#' ar#i!er an( "or8e a#er; *e!oin8 a:i%%e( ar#ian in hi o7n ri8h#> I# 7a a a( #r+#h #ha#; in hi ear%5 5ear onMar; #he Carrion ha( a(e !on#an# i$roeen# #o hi a$$en(a8e; in#he ho$e #ha# +$on re#+rn #o #he Raen G+ar( hi *a##%e,*ro#her 7o+%(no# ie7 hi a a %ia*i%i#5> I%%+inan# Ar!he%on ha( (i$e%%e( +!h ani%%+ion>

Re!o%%e!#ion !oen!in8A #he Carrion $+%%e( #he !oni(era*%e 7ei8h# o" hi eh; !ara$a!e

an( !5*erne#i! re$%a!een# +$ on #he *ar; he 7i%%e( #he ee,!a$#+reo" hi "orer en#or #o #he "ore"ron# o" hi in(>

'Yo+ !anno# !han8e #he $re+(i!e an( $er!e$#ion o" o#her;' #he

Ar#ian A#ar#e ha( #o%( hi; ' on%5 5o+r o7n> Bioni! a+8en#a#ion i ane!ear5 ei% "or an5 o" 5o+r :in(> I# a%%o7 %e8ionarie %i:e 5o+re%" #o"+n!#ion 7hen !on"ron#e( 7i#h #he +n*eara*%e rea%i#5 o" #he a%#erna#ie>Un%i:e #he eran# o" #he Oniiah; #he E$eror' an8e% a%rea(5 #hin:o" #hee%e a $er"e!#%5 !ra"#e( "or #heir !a%%in8> Be5on( $%a#e an(*o%#8+n; #here i %i##%e #o *e i$roe( +$on 7i#h e#a% an( a!hine,$iri#> Yo+r *a##%e,*ro#her ee *ioni! an( #he5 #hin: o" (ia*i%i#5> I# rein(#he o" #heir (i#an# or#a%i#5> I# %% #he 7i#h an an8e%' "ear "or hi$+r$oe; "or hi (+#5; "or hi E$eror +nere(> Yo+ (o no# hae #ha#%+6+r5; *+# (o no# #hin: o" 5o+re%" a %e #han an an8e% "or #heOniiah ee on%5 #he haron5 o" eh an( iron> See 5o+re%"; a #he

Ma!hine,Go( (oe; no# a %e #han a %e8ionar5 *+# a ore #han an an8e%a%one !o+%( eer *e>'

An( o #he Carrion ha( !arrie( o+# hi renoa#ion an( hienhan!een#> No# "or hi Le8ion or een "or #he Ma!hine,Go( o"

Mar a a "ra#er a#ro#e!hni!+ he no7 *e%on8e( #o nei#her7ho%ehear#e(%5> U$on hi re#+rn #o #he Raen G+ar(; hi *a##%e,*ro#her7o+%( %oo: +$on #he a!hina o$+ e*%aone( on hi $a+%(ron 7i#h+$i!ion an( har(en #heir hear# #o #he #hir#5 5ear %o# #o #he Le8ion> Aa %e8ionar5; he !o+%( neer *e%on8 #o #he Me!hani!+ $rie#hoo(; 7i#h#he !on+a#e !oi#en# #ha# #he eran# o" Mar (ean(e(> He

ha( *een !+re,*%ee( *5 hi o(a%i#5 #o *o#h> The Carrion :ne7 he !o+%(no# #r+%5 *e "ai#h"+% an( ere #7o a#er; o he !oeora#e( eer5

1



+$8ra(e an( a+8en#a#ion #o #he on%5 a#er 7hoe e#erna% %oe an(e6i8en!e 7o+%( a%7a5 *e "or#h!oin8 , #he E$eror o" Man:in(; 7hoe8a%a!#i! e$ire ha( a%7a5 *een; a #he Carrion no7 7a; an en#er$rie o" *o#h eh an( iron>

The Carrion %o7ere( hie%" 7i#h #he %i8h#e# o" h5(ra+%i! i8h an(

a$$roa!he( #he o$en h+##er> B5 hi :i%"+% han( #he 7on(er o" hia$$en(a8e 5#e ha( *een rene( "+r#her "or #ea%#h; in#ri!a!5 an($o7erF $ne+a#i! (a$ener; +$enor !o+n#erei%; (a#a,ne#noo$heri! an( ha$#i! $or#,$i:e> Be5on( #he an*ari! !ore "ee(in8 hi5#e; 7hi!h a# in #he eh a# #he *ae o" hi ne!: an( #hro+8h 7herehi $ine ran; #he Carrion' ho+%(er $or#e( a $air o" +$$%een#a% no(e,!o%+n #ha# a!he( 7i#h !aen8e( ener8ie> The !o%+n 7erein#e8ra#e( in#o a 5#e o" e#a%%i! #ri$ an( +*,(era% !ir!+i#r5 #ha#ran #hro+8h #he eh #ha# !oere( 7ha# 7a %e"# o" hi *o(5> Their%a*5rin#hine $a#h !re$# a!ro #he $a%e eh o" hi "a!e; in#er"a!in8 7i#h#he i%er,8%ae( e5e*a%% o" hi in"ra,a+8e#i!>

The e6#enie ne#7or: o" e%e!#oo an( #he no(e,!o%+n 8ae hi#he a*i%i#5 #o (rain e%e!#roa8ne#i! ener85 "ro +rro+n(in8 e+i$en#an( 5#e an(; i" ne!ear5; e6$e% i# 7i#h (ea#a#in8 "or!e> I# 7a "ro#hi $o7er,!aen8in8 a*i%i#5 #ha# #he *a##%e,*ro#her an( #he Te!harine,in,#rainin8 o" #he #o7er,$re!e$#or5 (eee( Draian K%a5(e#r+%5 7or#h5 o" #he nae Carrion>

&ro #he ie7$or# o" hi !e%% in #he #o7er,$re!e$#or5; #he Carrion!o+%( ee $re!io+ %i##%e o" Mar> He 7a +ar#ere( 7i#h %e8ionarie 7hoha( arrie( on Mar "or #heir #rainin8 a# #he ae #ie a he hie%"> The#o7er,$re!e$#or5 ha( #hir#5 oor; rea!hin8 +$ "ro *aeen# %ee% +$

#hro+8h #he hei8h# o" #he #r+!#+re> The *+i%(in8 $roi(e( a *ae "or #hir#5e# o" Te!harine,in,#rainin8 "ro ne7%5 arrie( !+%# a$iran# *+n:in8in #he *o7e% o" #he Mar#ian ear#h; +$ #o e#eran %i:e #he Carrion , ho+e(in #he !e%%,*%o!: o" #he #o7er,#o$> A (+# #or ha( 7e$# in "ro #henor#h; ho7eer , a o+n#aino+ #h+n(erhea( o" re( #ha# ha( *+rie( #heNo+ Mon "or8e #e$%e in a 7hi$$in8 hae> The Carrion' i%er,8%ae(e5e a+#oa#i!a%%5 !5!%e( #hro+8h $e!#ra "re+en!ie>

Thro+8h #he %i8h# +r: he a7 #he 8ho#%5 ono#on5 o"inn+era*%e 7or:er ha* #ha# 8ae 7a5 #o #he 8ar8an#+an ae#5 o" #heHe%%e$on#i!ae Ti#an ae*%5 5ar(> A %#er oer%ai( 8rain5 %#er; #heCarrion 7a 8ran#e( a $ar#ia%%5 o*!+re( ie7 o" 8o(,a!hine in ario+

#a#e o" !on#r+!#ion> A hi o$#i! rea!he( #he %ii# o" #heirenhan!een# he !o+%( a:e o+# #he "rei8h#7a5 o" #he i8h#5 "or8e#e$%e i#e%"; 7i#h i# !o%oa% en#,#a!:; an+"a!#oria an( #e$%e,#o$>

An a+#oa#e( $ro!e 7i#hin #he Carrion' !o8i#a#or,$i:e rea!he(i# !a%!+%a#e( !on!%+ion> A (ar: !+rioi#5 (ee$ 7i#hin #he S$a!e Marine'$5!he ha( +n!on!io+%5 7i%%e( i# ini#ia#ion> The (rea (i#+r*e( #heCarrion; $ar#i!+%ar%5 hi re%iin8 o" O!#a% Boo%' en#en!in8> He ha( no##ho+8h# a*o+# #he here#e: in near%5 #hree (e!a(e an( i# *o#here( #he Te!harine,in,#rainin8 #ha# he ha( (reae( o" hi no7>

The (rea 7a no# (i#+r*in8 in i# !on#en# , #he Carrion ha( een

an5 here#e: en#en!e(> I# 7a i# #iin8 i# i$or#> A eanin8 $erha$

11



hi((en; #a%:in8 hi in #he ha(o7 in #he ae 7a5 #ha# hi %e8ionar5*ro#her +ne##%e( #heir eneie>

The !o8i#a#or in"ore( #he Raen G+ar( #ha# #here 7a a nine#5,i6$oin# #hree,#7o,#hree $er !en# !han!e #ha# REM,#a8e *rain a!#ii#5re%a#in8 #o &arina#+ 7a rei(+a% #ra+a re+%#in8 "ro in+rie +#aine(

on #he :i%%in8 e%( #here> A"#er a%%; #he *ioni! a$$en(a8e #ha# 8ra!e( hieh 7ere a !on#an# rein(er o" hi 8rieo+ in+rie> The !o8i#a#or #o%(hi; ho7eer; #ha# !o+%( *e an5 $oi*%e reaon 7h5 he 7o+%( *e(reain8 o" #he here#e: O!#a% Boo%> A "or#5,i6 $oin# ei8h#,i6 $er !en#!han!e #ha# #he !o$%e#ion o" hi Te!harine,#rainin8 an( !+%# in#r+!#ionon Mar ha( re!a%%e( a ran(o eor5 "ro #he r# (a5 o" +!h #rainin8 a !ere*ra% *oo:en(in8 o" een#> There 7a a #hir#5,#hree $oin# nine,one,#hree $er !en# !han!e #ha# hi i$en(in8 ini#ia#ion an( hi !oenan#,in#a#een# a a %e8ionar5 Te!harine ha( #irre( "ee%in8 o" %on8,#an(in8 8+i%# 7i#hin #he S$a!e Marine> There 7ere (o+*# an( !o+n#er,%o8i!a% #ho+8h# oer :e5 !a+#ionar5 $rin!i$%e o" #he Mar#ian $rie#hoo(;an( !a+#ionar5 !ae #+(ie #ha# #he Carrion ha( "o+n( no# en#ire%5(i+aie> The S$a!e Marine hiere( #o #hin: #ha# he i8h# hare an55$a#hie 7i#h here#e: +!h a O!#a% Boo%>

Conere%5; #here 7a a i6#5,i6 $oin# #hree,i6 $er !en# !han!e#ha# #he (rea ha( *een $roo:e( *5 #i+%i *e5on( #he

Carrion' ie(ia#e e6$erien!e> The !o8i#a#or +88e#e( eera%$oi*i%i#ie; in!e #he $a# 7ee: ha( *een ai!#e( 7i#h #he +ne##%in8an( #he #ran8e> B+rie( an6ie#ie oer #he re!en# (ia$$earan!e o" #heCarrion' en#or; Gnae+ Ar!he%on; an( #he !an!e%%a#ion o" #he ini#ia#ion!ereonie #ha# 7o+%( hae een Te!harine %i:e A+%+ S!araan!a an(

hie%" %eae Mar "or #heir !r+a(in8 Le8ion> Thi in i#e%" 7a +n++a% on #he "or8e 7or%(; 7here +!h

arran8een# ran %i:e in#ri!a#e !o87or: an( (ir+$#ion 7a ir#+a%%5+n:no7n> I# !o+%( hae *een #he +n++a% oeen# in :i#arii; *a##%e,a+#oa#a an( a#erie% a!ro Mar #ha# #he Carrion ha( o*ere( an(oni#ore(> S+!h a!#ii#5 ha( #irre( hi ar#ia% in#+i#ion; hi in*re(in#in!# "or 7ar> He ha( een 8one o "ar a a:in8 #he o$inion o" o#her*a##%e,*ro#her in #he #o7er,$re!e$#or5> The Carrion a7 #roo$ oeen#an( Ti#an "ora#ion in a!#ii#5 #ha# 7a $+*%i!a%%5 i(en#ie( a #he#ran"eren!e an( e6$or# o" !5*erne#i! #roo$; 7ea$on an( 7ar a!hine*o+n( "or #he Rin8 o" Iron an( "ro #here #o are( ar: "rei8h#er

in#en(e( "or #he ?ara#er an( #he %e8ionar5 $roe!+#ion o" #heE$eror' Grea# Cr+a(e>

Be5on( #ha# #here 7a #he !o(e , #he !orr+$#e( !o(e> The ne#7or: ha( *een e6$erien!in8 (i!+%#5 "or (a5 no7> Co(e

!r+**er an( a8i !a#har! ha( *een 7or:in8 aro+n( #he !%o!: #o $+r8e#he (a#a#rea o" an5 hin# o" i$er"e!#ion> No !on#r+!# or %o8i :ne7 i#ori8in or !a+e> U$(a#e an( ae8i $ro#o!o% ini#e( #ha# a $o#en#ia%o+#*rea: ha( *een !on#aine( an( #he $o%%+#e( !o(e $+r8e( *+# #heCarrion :ne7 *e##erF i# 7a #i%% #here>

Be5on( #he (a#a o7 o" No+ Mon; #he in!or$ora#e( har(#rea

o" #he "or8e #e$%e an( ao!ia#e( #r+!#+re %i:e #he #o7er,$re!e$#or5;he !o+%( ene i#> I# #en!h; i# re+%ion an( #hrea#; eee( #o *e on #he

1<



#hin Mar#ian air i#e%"; !arrie( on #he 7ea:er 7ire%e #rea %i:e a *i##era"#er#a#e or *i%e *+**%in8 +$ #he *a!: o" #he #hroa#> The Carrion !o+%($ro!e i#; %i:e *inar5 7i#h a in( o" i# o7n or an e+a#ion #ha# re"+e( #o*e reo%e(> He !o+%( "ee% i#; %i:e a #7i#e( nere re"errin8 i# a8on5e%e7here> The er5 $%ane# eee( in $ain an( #he Carrion "o+n( hie%"

h+##in8 (o7n a%% non,een#ia% re!eier an( #rani##er *+i%# in#o hia+8e#i!> S#i%%; i# 7a o+# #here> A i# e!hoe( #hro+8h #he "or8e 7or%(in"ra#r+!#+re , #o+!hin8 #he $erona% 5#e o" a+#oa#a; !5*erne#i!!on#r+!# an( #he Mar#ian $rie#hoo( , i# a(e #he Te!harine,in,#rainin8"ee% !o$roie(; in"e!#e( an( +n!%ean>

Ba$#ie;' #he Carrion +##ere( a# #he o6,re!o8ni#ion 5#e o" #he!e%%> Hi %a* h+e( in#o #he 7a%%> A# #he ae #ie 8ri%%e o$ene( in #he!e%% !ei%in8 an( #he oor *enea#h hi e#a% "ee#> A ho7er o" a!re( oi% o"(ieren# !one!ra#e( 8a+8e !a!a(e( a*o+# #he %e8ionar5> A hean!#ie( #he ho%5 7or:in8 o" #he Ma!hine,Go(; *o#h #he 7on(er o"en8ineere( eh an( *ioni!; #he Carrion +*%e( $iri#,hono+rin8%i#anie o" ri8h#eo+ "+n!#ion an( ino!a#ion o" $er$e#+i#5> A #h+n(ero+*%a# o" 8e%i( air (roe #he %a# (ro$%e# o" oi% "ro hi :in an( i%ere(7or:in8; an( #he !e%% (oor o$ene( 7i#h a #rain o" $re!e$#or5 eri#or7ho i%en#%5 en#ere( 7i#h hi $a!:; $ie!e o" ar#i!er $%a#e; e6o:e%e#a%arra5; *re *+n(%e an( a!#+a#or>

I# 7a no# a "+%% +i#> The Carrion (i( no# nee( one; a he ha( %on8in!e "ahione( !erai#e,%a5ere( $%a#in8 "or #he a(aan#i+ 7or:in8 o"hi %e8 an( hi ri8h# ar> A #he5 in#er"a!e( #he %e8ionar5 aro+r 7i#h$ina% $%+8; #he eri#or (e!:e( #he %e8ionar5 o+# in #he %ooe; *%a!:,hoo(e( ro*e o" a Te!harine,in,#rainin8> Hi no(e,!o%+n !ra!:%e(

7here #he5 7ere a!!oo(a#e( *5 o(i!a#ion in hi $%a#e an( ro*e>Leain8 #he !e%%; #he Carrion 7or:e( hi 7a5 #hro+8h a a%%

a!rari+,!o$%e6 o" 7or:ho$; ho%o#oria; %i*raria6 an( #e!hni!a%han8ar %%e( 7i#h ehi!%e an( 7ea$on in ario+ #a#e o" (ire$air an(a+8en#a#ion> Or(inari%5 #heir han8ar 7o+%( *e a $%a!e o" "+rio+in(+#r5; $%aa,#or!hin8 an( ri#+a% o*eran!e> ?i#h #he e %e8ionarie#a#ione( on #he oor hain8 !o$%e#e( #heir #rainin8 an( 7ai#in8 "or 7or(o" #heir !ereonia% !oenan!e; #he $a!e 7a +ie#> On%5 #he raie(e#i*+%e 7a o!!+$ie(; 7i#h #he %an(in8 %a$ o" #he han8ar *a%!on5,$%a#"or ahin8 in e6$e!#a#ion o" a 8ra,:i or h+$,h+##%e> The%e8ionarie 7ere ea8er "or 7or( o" #heir !oin8 !oenan!e an( Le8ion

#ran$or# #o #a:e #he o,7or%( an( *a!: #o #he Cr+a(e an(!o$%ian!e>

'An5#hin8' #he Carrion a:e( a he !%i*e( #he #e$> Three o" hiS$a!e Marine *ro#her 7ere 7ai#in8 in #he e#i*+%e> Li:e #he Carrion; #he5ha( no# 5e# earne( #he ri8h# #o 7ear #he a!hine o$+ o" Mar on #heir$%a#e> Soe o" #he 7ere #in:erin8> Soe 7ere oni#orin8 e+i$en#> A%%7ere ar:in8 #ie>

A%!aarn Sa%a(or o" #he I$eria% &i# an( #he h+%:in8 Sa%aan(erNe'ron Ph5%a6 7ere !ra"#en> ?hi%e #he *%a!: !arrin8 o" $o# *+rn in#he e*on5 o" Ph5%a6' "a!e 7a ei(en!e o" #ie $en# *e"ore #he re o"

#he "or8e; Sa%a(or 7a neer 7i#ho+# hi !o*a# *%a(e> In #he +ie#oen# o" #he (a5 he 7o+%( 8o #o 7or: 7i#h a 7he##one; honin8 #he

14



*%a(e #o a !on#an#%5 ain#aine( #an(ar( o" %e#ha%i#5 , +# a he 7a in#he e#i*+%e> Ph5%a6' 8rea# ero,ar 7hirre( on i# h5(ra+%i! an(!o+n#er7ei8h# a he #+rne( #o 8ree# #he Carrion 7i#h a 8oo(,na#+re(i%e an( $er"e!# a(aan#i+ #ee#h>

Li:e an5 o" hi Raen G+ar( *ro#her; #he Carrion 7a reere(

an( +ie# *5 na#+re , oe i8h# a5 een e!re#ie> Thi ha( !rea#e(#enion *e#7een #he on o" Cora6 an( S$a!e Marine o" o#her Le8ion> I#ha( a(e #he Ni8h# Lor( $er"e!# !o$%ian!e $ar#ner on &arina#+; in!e#he5 !are( %i##%e "or hare( $%eaan#rie an( ha( no in#en#ion o" "orin8*ro#her%5 *on( 7i#h #he XIX

Le8ion> Ne'ron Ph5%a6 ha( a%7a5 #rie( har( 7i#h #he Carrion;ho7eer; an( "or8ae #he !oo% +r8en!5 o" #he Raen G+ar(' 7or( 7or( #ha# a%% #oo o"#en !ae a!ro a i$erio+ an( a%oo"> The Carrion7ore hi re#i!en!e %i:e a no*%e aa8e an( 7a no# reoe( in #he 7a5 o"&+%8ri' on; 7ho !arrie( #hee%e 7i#h air an( 8ra!e; or %i:e #he%e8ionarie o" #he XX; 7ho a%7a5 eee( a+(a!io+ an( eaie> B+# #hi8ra#e( on hi $re!e$#or5 *ro#her; 7i#h an5 n(in8 #he Carrion ea5 #oi8nore>

Li:e a no*%e aa8e; #he Carrion !o+%( *e $%ain%5 ini#en# an(+nhee(in8 o" $ro#o!o% an( !+%# $o%i#ee> Thi ha( *ro+8h# hi in#o!oni!# no# on%5 7i#h hi *ro#her; *+# a%o #he Mar#ian $rie#; 7ho#hee%e 7ere no# :no7n "or #heir 8oo( h+o+r>

'An5#hin8 a# a%%' he $ree(>'No#hin8 "ro #he $rie#hoo(;' #he Sa%aan(er #o%( hi> 'No#hin8

"ro #he ar:"rei8h#er or #he Rin8 o" Iron> I' *e8innin8 #o #hin: #he5'e"or8o##en a*o+# +>'

'Un%i:e%5;' Sa%a(or +##ere( a%o# #o hie%" a he !ra#!he(a7a5 7i#h hi :ni"e>

Perha$ #hi i oe :in( o" na% #ria%;' #he U%#raarine Ti*orVen#i(ian oere(; reae*%in8 a #ri$$e(,(o7n Pho*o,$a##ern *o%#8+n>&or Ven#i(ian eer5#hin8 7a oe :in( o" #e# #o *e 7ei8he(; ea+re(an( i$e!!a*%5 $ae(> He #+(ie( #he 7ea$on 7i#h #he earin8 *%+e %eno" a re$%a!een# o$#i!> ?i#h #he i!:%e a8aine on #he 7or:,%a* *ei(ehi; #he U%#raarine *ro+8h# #he *o%#8+n +$ #o hi $a+%(ron> He $rie( i#an( (e$ree( #he #ri88er *+# no#hin8 ha$$ene(> '&ee( a &irin8e!hani'

'Nei#her;' #he Carrion #o%( hi 7i#h no %i##%e i$a#ien!e> He ha( *een

#in:erin8 7i#h #he 7ea$on hie%" #he (a5 *e"ore; ae a Ven#i(ian; #o$a #he #ie> 'Di( 5o+ %oo: a# #he or*i#a% ia8in8'

'Thi a8ain' Ven#i(ian a:e(>Ye;' #he Carrion ini#e( !oo%%5; '#hi a8ain> I 7an# 5o+r o$inion>'Ven#i(ian 8r+n#e(> He :ne7 #he $a%e,"a!e( Raen G+ar( 7an'#

8oin8 #o %e# +$> S#i%% !ra(%in8 #he *o%#8+n; he #+rne( an( $+n!he( ae+en!e o" #hi!: *+##on on #he r+ne*an: *ehin( hi> A e+en!e o"ha5 or*i#a% !an i%e( a!ro a *a##ere( !reen>

'There' a %o# o" in#er"eren!e on #he $i!#,a#;' Ven#i(ian a(i##e(>'Be5on( #he #e$%e; #he (a#a#rea are a e'

'I'e 8o# #he ae on #he o6,ne#;' Ne'ron Ph5%a6 a((e(>

1-



'*+# #he aeria% !an 5o+ (ire!#e( e #o (o no# ho7 *a##%e"ora#ion;' #he U%#raarine ai(> He #+rne( #o #he Carrion an( a((e(; 'In5 o$inion>'

Tha# 8o# Sa%a(or' a##en#ion> He %oo:e( +$ "ro hi *%a(e an(!ra$in8 7he##one> '&ora#ion Yo+ #hin: Mar i +n(er oe :in( o"

a##a!:''None #ha# I !an ee;' Ven#i(ian a(i##e(>'S+re%5 7e 7o+%( :no7 i" #he &or8e ?or%( Prin!i$a% 7a en(an8ere(> The Carrion 8ae #he %e8ionar5 #he *%an: i%er o" hi e5e>'Soe#hin8' no# ri8h#;' he #o%( hi *a##%e,*ro#her> 'Co(e

!orr+$#ion> C+%# (ir+$#ion> Co$roie( ne#7or:> Ar!he%on'(ia$$earan!e , an( he' no# #he on%5 Ar#ian A#ar#e #o 8o iin8>'

'The a8i !a#har! are 7or:in8 on #he !o(e i+e;' Ven#i(ian ai(>'O+r en#or no (o+*# hae !+%# *+ine #o a##en( #o> Hae oe "ai#h;*ro#her>'

'There' a he%% o" a %o# o" a#erie% *ein8 oe( a!ro #he +r"a!e o"Mar;' #he Carrion ai(> 'An +n$re!e(en#e( ao+n# o" a!#ii#5F !on#r+!#;a+8en#e( in"an#r5; *a##%e,a+#oa#a'

'I #hi #r+e' Sa%a(or a:e(>Ye;' Ven#i(ian ai(> 'Een in #he +a(ran8%e; #he S!o$+%an Phae,

&+i%a#ri6 hae !roe( #he Mare Er5#ra+e+> S#ri:e 8h#er 7in8 o" #he Ten#h Den#i!%e hae o*i%ie( oer #he Si5$hi Mon#e> The en8ine o" #heLe8io Mor#i are on #he oeJ'

'The en#ire %e8io' Sa%a(or A%!aarn ai(>'Manoe+re;' Ven#i(ian a+re( hi> 'Be#7een +a(ran# an( "or8e

#e$%e> There are no "ron#> No !o+n#er,inaion

"ora#ion> Thee aren'# $re$ara#or5 ea+re "or oe :in( o"6eno a##a!:> ?i#hin #he So%ar S5#e Tha# 7o+%( *e +n#hin:a*%e>'

'A8ree(> Then oe #hrea# "ro 7i#hin;' #he Carrion $ree( #he>Hi in( ran on!e ore #o here#e: %i:e O!#a% Boo% an( #he a*oina*%ein#e%%i8en!e #he5 ha( (ee%o$e(>

'Soe *or(er or $a#en# (i$+#e *e#7een #e$%e a#er; $erha$;'#he U%#raarine #o%( hi> '&or8ea!:er or "era% eri#or>

Tha#' no# 7ha# 7e are #a%:in8 a*o+# here> Hor+ i #a:in8 #heCr+a(e in#o a ne7 $hae> He nee( #he a#erie% an( an$o7er%an8+ihin8 on Mar an( i $+hin8 Ke%*or,Ha% #o en( hi a%% he !an> The&a*ri!a#or Genera% i #r5in8 #o ee# #ha# e6$e!#a#ion> An( #ha# i a%%> Yo+r

oeen# an( anoe+re here are i$%5 #he :no!:,on ee!# o" #ha#>'Ne'ron Ph5%a6 no((e( %o7%5> '?hi%e oni#orin8 #he an!hor #a#ion

ani"e# an( oorin8 %o8 "or o+r Le8ion #ran$or# I a7 #ha# Re8+%+;#he ?ara#er' Me!hani!+ eiar5; arrie( on Mar on%5 (a5 a8o7i#h iie "or #he &a*ri!a#or Genera%>

So+n( a*o+# ri8h#>' He ahe( #he Carrion #he :in(ne o" a i%eri%e> 'I' orr5; Draian>

The Carrion %oo:e( #o Sa%a(or *+# #he S$a!e Marine' "a!e 7a an+nrea(a*%e a:>

'?ha# are 5o+ +88e#in8' Sa%a(or a:e( na%%5>

1.



'I" #here i a $ro*%e;' #he Carrion ai(; 'or oe :in( o" #hrea#; #henI (on'# #hin: #ha# 7e ho+%( +# i# here 7ai#in8> The Me!hani!+ i8h#*ene# "ro o+r ai#an!e>'

'An( i" #ha# i in(ee( #he !ae; I' +re #he &a*ri!a#or Genera% 7i%%*e +re #o a:;' Ne'ron Ph5%a6 a+re( #he Raen G+ar(>

'B+# in #r+#h I "ear #here are "e7 #hrea# in #he 8a%a65 #ha# #he i8h#o" Mar !o+%( no# ee# an( (e"ea#>'

'O+r %a# e# o" in#r+!#ion 7ere #o re$air #o #he $re!e$#or5,#o7eran( a7ai# o+r Ar#ian A#ar#e;' Sa%a(or ai(>

'Tha# 7a #hree (a5 a8o;' #he Carrion rein(e( hi> 'Three (a5a"#er a !an!e%%e( !oenan!e an( #hree (a5 a"#er o+r Ar#ian A#ar#e7en# iin8> No i(en#i!a,%o8> No ioe#ri!> No !an#,in#er!e$#> Tha#'no# na#+ra%>

?e are 8+e# here;' Sa%a(or #o%( hi> 'No#hin8 e%e !on!ern +>?e "o%%o7 o+r in#r+!#ion +n#i% 7e re!eie ne7 one>'

'I :no7 #ha# 7e are a%% ea8er #o re!eie o+r !oenan!e;' Ti*orVen#i(ian ai(; '#o re!eie #he a!hina o$+ on o+r $%a#e an( re#+rn #o o+rLe8ion> ?e a%% hae %on8 o+rne5 ahea( o" +>' He %oo:e( #o #he I$eria%&i#; Sa%a(or; 7ho raie( a *%on( e5e*ro7> 'Mo# o" + hae %on8 o+rne5ahea( o" +; *+# %e# + no# a a $ar#in8 8e#+re oen( o+r 8ra!io+Me!hani!+ %or( or $en( o+r na% (a5 on Mar in i(%e $e!+%a#ion>'

'O+r na% (a5 on Mar' a oi!e *ooe( "ro a!ro #he han8ar> In$o!:,ar:e( Mar: III $%a#e; #he Iron ?arrior A+%+

S!araan!a a(e hi hea5 7a5 a!ro #he 8ri%%e oor> The Te!harine,in,#rainin8' *%a!: ro*e 7ere #ie( a*o+# hi a8,*e%# %i:e!ereonia% :ir# 7hi%e #hi!: e!ha(en(ri#e a$$en(a8e na:e( oer hi

hea( %i:e reare( #ai%> S!araan!a' (+n $%a#e 7a a oai! o" !heronan( o(i+ ar! #ri$e> The Iron ?arrior 7ore a ne# o" !rania% eh,$or#an( !a*%e %i:e a !ro7n; 7hi%e hi %i$ 7ere !on#or#e( in one o" hi$riar!h' 7e%%,:no7n neer> 'Yo+'re ore ri8h# #han 5o+ :no7; on o"U%#raar>'

'?ha# are 5o+ #a%:in8 a*o+#' Ven#i(ian a:e( a #he Iron ?arriora$$roa!he(>

I" 5o+ 7an# #o :no7 7here #he *o%# 7i%% *e 5in8 an( 7here #he*o(ie 7i%% %ie; 5o+ %oo: #o #he :ie *ro#her> Yo+ %oo: "or #he i8n>' A he!%i*e( #he #e$ o" #he raie( e#i*+%e he $oin#e( a# #he Carrion> 'Yo+%oo: "or #he o!: #ha# "ea# on eh; "or #he5 hae an e5e "or #he !oin8

o" (ea#h an( i# a:in8>' The Iron ?arrior #hre7 a !o%%e!#ion o" (a#a,%a#e a# #he %e8ionarie; ea!h Te!harine,in,#rainin8 na#!hin8 one o+# o" #he air 7i#h #heir #ranh+an ree6e> 'Gnae+ Ar!he%on Va%a(+S$+r!ia

A%8ernon Kr5$:e , a%% Ar#ian A#ar#e ai8ne( #o #he #o7er,$re!e$#or5> A%% +one( #o #he O%5$+ Mon "or8e #e$%e #hree (a5a8o; no (o+*# 7i#h an5 o#her *ei(e>'

'So 7ha#' Ven#i(ian ai(; !on+%#in8 #he (a#a,%a#e> 'The5 are$ro*a*%5 in a+(ien!e 7i#h #he &a*ri!a#or Genera% or in oe :in( o" %o!:e(eion>

O" #he Te!harine,in,#rainin8 on #he #hir#ie#h oor; A+%+S!araan!a 7a #he Ar#ian A#ar#e' ne# 7or:> The Carrion ha(

19



(ee%o$e( +n(o+*#e( :i%% (+rin8 hi e!on(en# #o Mar an( Ti*orVen#i(ian ha( a!hiee( oe o" #he hi8he# an( o# !oni#en#a#ro#e!hni!a% a$$raia% in #he hi#or5 o" hi Le8ion> A a 7ea$oni#h;Ph5%a6 7a +nria%%e(; an( #he I$eria% &i# Sa%a(or $oee( an a%o#inna#e a*i%i#5 #o "ee% #he $ain +ere( *5 #he (aa8e( an( "ai%in8

a!hine , ai(e( *5 a+#o,5#e an( #he $iri# o" +!h a!hine; #hiena*%e( hi #o ae!# #he 7i"#e# re$air an( #he o# +$erior o"o%+#ion; een +n(er i+%a#e( *a##%ee%( i#+a#ion>

S!araan!a; ho7eer; 7a a#er o" a%% #he (i!i$%ine he ha(#+(ie(>

He 7a a !+%# a#er o" %i#+r8i!a% %ore an( r+ne!ra"#> A a#er o"!5*erne#i! enhan!een#; hain8 een 7or:e( #o i$roe #he Carrion'o7n a+8en#a#ion> He 7a a a#er ar!hi#e!# 7i#h 8i"# "or (ei8n an(en8ineerin8> A !ra"#an o" (e#r+!#ie 7ea$onr5; eno5in8 +!!e 7i#han!ien# $%aa an( !onerion #e!hno%o8ie #ha# een #he ar#ian o" #heMe!hani!+ ha( (eee( !o+%( no# *e i$roe( +$on> He 7a a a#ero" #he ar!ane !ien!e an( a %iin8 ri#e o" *%ee( a!#ia#ion; ain#ainin8;re$airin8 an( re#+rnin8 #o a!hine,%i"e een #he o# *a##%e,(aa8e( o"#he Oniiah' hono+re( !on#r+!#ion>

A%#ho+8h a r+ne*an: !o8i#a#or or "or#re 8enera#ori+ oere(A+%+ S!araan!a no $ro*%e; hi rea% #a%en# %a5 7i#h #he a!hine o"7ar; "ro #he raore( e(8e o" #he i$%e# *%a(e #o #he an!ien#*eheo#h o" oi( an( ee# , an( eer5 !on!eia*%e 7ea$on; ehi!%e an(in#r+en# o" *a##%e in *e#7een> He 7a a a#er o" #he "or8e in #hea:in8; +re #o !oe #o #he $riar!h Per#+ra*o' a##en#ion een ai(##he ran: o" o an5 7ari#h an( #e!hni!a%%5,*%ee( on> Sii%ar #o

hi !o*a# #rainin8 an( #he #a!#i!a% (ean( o" %e8ionar5 %ea(erhi$; +!h8i"# !ae na#+ra%%5 #o A+%+ S!araan!a; +!h %i:e hi i%e #ha#$ro!ee(e( "ro #he 7a88er in hi hea5 #e$ an( #he $%a5"+% !orn hereere( "or o#her>

'?ha# i# (oe no# e6$%ain;' #he Iron ?arrior !on#in+e(; 'i ho7 #he!anne( eria% (ei8na#ion o" *ioni! a+8en#a#ion re8i#ere( #oAr!he%on; S$+r!ia an( Kr5$:e "o+n( #heir 7a5 #o #he Phae#hon#i e%#in8$%an#; o,7or%( a%a8e !oni8nen# an( (e$o#,re!5!%a#ri6 a!ro #he Terra Cieria Bioni! "ro A%8ernon Kr5$:e are no7 $ar# o" a# %ea#een o#her !on#r+!#

The %e8ionar5 #are( a# #he (a#a,%a#e in (+*"o+n(e( i%en!e>

'Ho7 (i( 5o+ 8e# #hi in"ora#ion' Ti*or Ven#i(ian a:e(>'No# "ro #he (a#a,ne#;' S!araan!a ai(> 'I !an #e%% 5o+ #ha#>''Yo+ (io*e5e(; #he Ar#ian A#ar#e' or(er' Ph5%a6 $+# #o hi> 'Yo+

%e"# #he #o7er,$re!e$#or5 7i#ho+# !o(e an( a+#horia#ion''The ar#ian an( en#or 7ho 8ae #hoe or(er are (ea(;' #he

Carrion #o%( #he Sa%aan(er> The Raen G+ar( %oo:e( #o S!araan!a; 7ho hoo: hi hea( %o7%5>

'Ar!he%on''I# 7an'# ea5;' #he Iron ?arrior a(i##e(; '*+# I "o+n( hi> Gene,

!o(in8 !onr #ha# 7ha# 7a %e"# o" hi 7a ren(ere( an( eh,

reai8ne( "or eri#+(e i$er$e#+i 'He' *een #+rne( in#o a eri#or''?or:in8 #he Menonia (ee$ !ore inin8 e%(>'

1



'B+rie(;' #he Carrion ai(> He no((e( a# S!araan!a> 'The5 neerean# hi #o *e "o+n(>'

'The5' Sa%a(or ai(; 8e##in8 #o hi "ee#> '?ho' #he5''Ria% $rie#> Ho#i%e "a!#ion> There' a%7a5 *een a 8rea# (ea% o"

!o$e#i#ion in #he Me!hani!+ ran:> Soe !onera#ie 8ro+$ re8ar(

#he Ar#ian A#ar#e an( "ra#er a#ro#e!hni!+ a here#e:; 7ho $erer##he Oniiah' in#en#ion an( io%a#e #he an!#i#5 o" #he a!hine,$iri# inor(er #o 7a8e 7ar>

Thi i no# a !+%# #hin8;' S!araan!a #o%( #he> In#er"a!in8 7i#h #her+ne*an: +in8 one o" hi e!ha(en(ri#e a$$en(a8e; #he Iron ?arrior$a#!he( #hro+8h #o a%%o7 #he a**er!an# o" #he ain (a#a#rea #hro+8h#o #he o6,!a#er> The han8ar ran8 7i#h #he !ree!hin8 inani#5 o" (ar:!o(e> 'I#' *i88er #han #ha#;' S!araan!a ini#e( oer #he !a!o$hon5> Hehe%( +$ an aro+re( 8a+n#%e#> 'A%% Mar i ino%e( in #hi in one 7a5 orano#her , an( o are 7e>'

'?hen 7ere #hee or*i#a% !an #a:en' #he Carrion a:e(;e6ainin8 one o" #he (a#a,%a#e>

Rea!hin8 "or7ar( 7i#h #he i%ere( 7or:in8 o" hi *ioni! ar; he"ore( a #> &o+r ha$#i! $i:e ho# o+# o" hi :n+!:%e,$or# 7i#h a$ne+a#i! #h+(> Li:e :e5; ea!h $or#e( a (i#in!#ie%5 !ra"#e( nee(%e,in#er"a!ia ho+e( 7i#hin #he $i:e; 7hi!h !o+%( (o+*%e a a 7ea$on> A#hree o" #he $i:e %o7%5 re#ra!#e(; #he Carrion iner#e( #he "o+r#h in#o ar+ne*an: o!:e#> A ho%o%i#hi! re$reen#a#ion !ra!:%e( #o %i"e a*o+# #he> I#7a an aeria% !a$#+re o" No+ Mon an( #he +rro+n(in8 +a(ran8%e>

An ho+r a8o;' S!araan!a #o%( hi> The Carrion !a# a *%a!: 8a+n#%e# #hro+8h #he i%in8 ho%o%i#h> He

%oo:e( #o Ti*or Ven#i(ian> 'Manoe+re; 5o+ a5' The U%#raarine #oo(; $eerin8 a# #he ha5 re$reen#a#ion 7i#h hi

earin8 *%+e o$#i!> He %oo:e( "ro #he re$reen#a#ion #o #he Carrion an(*a!: #o #he or*i#a% !a$#+re>

'Mar#ian A+#o:ra#or aa+%# !arrier in*o+n(;' Ven#i(ian ai( 8ri%5>'S:i#arii #e!h,8+ar(> The S!o$+%an Phae,&+i%a#ri6>'

'Tar8e#' Sa%a(or a:e(; *+# #he I$eria% &i# :ne7 #he an7er>'The #o7er,$re!e$#or5;' #he U%#raarine #o%( hi; na#!hin8 +$ #he

*o%#,8+n an( i!:%e a8aine "ro #he r+ne*an:>'Ho7 an5' Ne'ron Ph5%a6 a:e(>'A%% o" #he;' Ven#i(ian an7ere(>

'Li:e #he Ar#ian A#ar#e;' A+%+ S!araan!a ai(; '7e are #o *e#a:en a$ar#>'

The Carrion' i%er,8%ae( e5e 6e( on #he Iron ?arrior "a!e>S!araan!a ha( *een a7a5 "ro hi Le8ion an( #he *r+#a%i#5 o"!o$%ian!e "or o %on8 #ha# #he i$%e $ro$e!# o" *a##%e ha( $+# a a(i%e on #he O%5$ian !roo:e( %i$>

Ph5%a6; Sa%a(or; Ven#i(ian an( #he Carrion !o+%( no# n( in#hee%e #he ae 8%ee> The i$oi*%e 7a ha$$enin8 ,

*e#ra5a%; +r(er; 7ar on Mar , an( #he S$a!e Marine 7ere !a+8h#in #he i((%e o" #he !hao an( !on"+ion>

S!araan!a %oo:e( #o #he Carrion> 'So 7ha# no7

1



&ORM(LATE

THE CARRION TURNED #o Ph5%a6> 'A%er# o+r *ro#her on #he %o7eroor>'

'The5 are +n%i:e%5 #o *e%iee +;' #he Sa%aan(er #o%( hi an(rea!he( "or a near*5 o6,!a#er>

'I 7o+%(n'#;' Sa%a(or a(i##e(>'The5'%% *e%iee i# 7hen air*orne aa+%# !arrier #ar# (ro$$in8 o+#

o" #he :5;' S!araan!a ai(>'&ore7arne( i "oreare(;' #he Carrion ai(; re#ra!#in8 hi $i:e,

in#er"a!e "ro #he o!:e#>'?hi!h raie ano#her $ro*%e;' #he Iron ?arrior ai(> He %i$$e( #he

oi%5 #ra$ o" a $air o" U*ra,$a##ern *o%#8+n o hi $a+%(ron> 'The 8oo(ne7 , "ro ain#enan!e;' he #o%( #he %e8ionarie a he #hre7 one 7ea$on#o A%!aarn Sa%a(or an( #he o#her #o Ne'ron Ph5%a6> A a i8n o"re$e!#; eer5 S$a!e Marine 7a e6$e!#e( #o +rren(er hi %e8ionar5*o%#8+n +$on arria% a# Mar> The on%5 7ea$on aai%a*%e in #he #o7er,$re!e$#or5 7ere #hoe in #he 7or:ho$>

A+ni#ion' Sa%a(or a:e(>'The *a( ne7;' #he Iron ?arrior a(i##e(> '&ro #he #e#,ran8e> A

ha%"a8 ea!h>' The Carrion "o+n( hie%" %oo:in8 in 7on(er a# A+%+ S!araan!a>

He ha( no (o+*# #ha# +n(er hi $riar!h' !oan( on!e ore #he Iron?arrior 7o+%( *e (e#ine( "or 8rea#ne> Be5on( hi #e!hni!a% :i%%; a%%#heha%%ar: o" e6e$%ar5 %ea(erhi$ 7ere #hereF !%ari#5 o" #ho+8h# an(

!o$o+re an a$$e#i#e , $erha$ een an en#h+ia , "or *a##%e>Mo(e#5 in i+in8 #he on%5 %e8ionar5 7ea$on aai%a*%e #o "e%%o7 *a##%e,*ro#her 7hi%e %oo:in8 #o o#her "or ini8h# an( 8+i(an!e>

S!araan!a "e%# #he Raen G+ar(' in"ra,a+8en#e( 8ae on hi>'?e%%; Carrion;' #he Iron ?arrior a:e(; '7here 7i%% 7e n( #he *o(ie'

The Carrion #+rne( #o #a:e in #he #e!hni!a% han8ar> An aor#en# o" ehi!%e; 7ea$onr5 an( *+%: e+i$en# in ario+ #a#e o" ae*%5 an((ire$air 7a !a##ere( a!ro #he oor $a!e *+%:hea( %e( o #o #he7or:ho$ an( !e%%,*%o!:; an( #he *a%!on5,$%a#"or $roe!#e( o+# "ro #hehan8ar; ahin8 7i#h %an(in8 %a$> The Carrion 8e#+re( a!ro #hehan8ar>

'The :i#arii hae !a%!+%a#e( #ha# #he5 !an'# 7or: +$ "ro #he 8ro+n(an( #a:e #he #o7er oor *5 oor;' #he Raen G+ar( (e!i(e(>

'I# 7o+%( 8ie + #oo +!h #ie #o 8e# en#ren!he(;' Sa%a(or ai(>'In(ee(;' #he Carrion a8ree(> 'ATi*or a5; #he Phae,&+i%a#ri6 7i%%

hi# a%% oor i+%#aneo+%5 "ro #he air> The5'%% re%5 on n+*erJAn( #he "a!# #ha# #he5 hae 7ea$on an( 7e (o no#;' Ne'ron

Ph5%a6 a((e(; $+%%in8 #he o6,!a#er "ro hi e*on5 !hee:>'?e are 7ea$on;' A+%+ S!araan!a 8ro7%e(>'?e'%% +e #he han8ar e+i$en# "or !oer;' #he Carrion ai(; 'an(

#a:e a an5 o" #he a 7e !an a #he5 a##e$# en#ran!e>

Un"or#+na#e%5 #he #o7er,$re!e$#or5 7a no# (ei8ne( 7i#h a ie8e inin('

1Q



'Tha# 7or: in *o#h o+r "ao+r;' S!araan!a a8ree(>'*+# 7e !an "a%% *a!: #o #he 7or:ho$ i" re+ire(; an( i" #ie

a%%o7; oe "or #he roo" or 7or: o+r 7a5 (o7n #hro+8h #he %ee% #oren(eo+ 7i#h o+r *ro#her *e%o7>'

'Tie 7on'# a%%o7 "or #ha#;' Ti*or Ven#i(ian ai( +((en%5> The

U%#raarine 7a #i%% #+(5in8 #he #a#i!,%a!e( ho%o%i#hi! (i$%a5>He $oin#e( a# a 8ho#%5 (ar: ha$e on #he He%%e$on#i!ae; a:in8

"or No+ Mon>'?ha# i i#' #he Carrion a:e(>'A Ti#an 7ar a!hine;' Ven#i(ian ai( *%ea:%5> '?ar%or(,!%a; I #hin:>''Terra' A%!aarn Sa%a(or +r+re(>'?ha# i #heir Le8io (ei8na#ion' #he Carrion a:e(>'The Le8io Mor#i;' Ven#i(ian !onre(; ah,rea(in8 #he !ro%%in8

!o%+n o" r+ne>'?ha# (oe #ha# a##er' Ph5%a6 $+# #o #he Raen G+ar(>'The Le8io Mor#i are $%e(8e( #o Ke%*or,Ha%;' #he Carrion #o%( #he

%e8ionarie> He a%%o7e( a oen# #o %e# #he !a%e o" #heir (oo in: in>'?e hae #o a%er# Terra;' Sa%a(or ai(; #+rnin8 #o #he r+ne*an:> 'I

+# 7arn 5 Lor( Dorn>'A# #ha# oen# #he %a$ an( ho%o%i#hi! hae (ie( a*o+# #he

Te!harine,in,#rainin8> A 8rea# !%+n: e!hoe( a*o+# #he #e!hni!a% han8ara e+i$en# i+%#aneo+%5 "e%% i%en#; $%+n8in8 #he ha%% in#o #7i%i8h#>On%5 #he $a%e re( %i8h# o" #he %on8 Mar#ian +nrie rea!he( ini(e "ro #hehan8ar en#ran!e>

'The5 !+# #he $o7er;' Ph5%a6 ai(; (ro$$in8 #he o6,!a#er>'Pro*a*%5 #o #he en#ire +a(ran#;' #he Carrion ai(> O+#i(e; #he

%e8ionarie !o+%( hear #he 8ro7in8 hrie: o" air!ra"# en8ine a a 7ar o" i%ho+e##e *%e( o+# o" #he hae o" #he Mar#ian (+# #or> The aa+%#!arrier o" Mar#ian A+#o:ra#or 8ro+n( "or!e>

'I !an'# a!#+a%%5 *e%iee #hi i ha$$enin8;' Ven#i(ian ai(> 'Mar an( Terra a# 7ar

?e (on'# :no7 #ha#;' Ph5%a6 ai(> 'Mar !o+%( *e a# 7ar 7i#h i#e%">''The (ar: !o(e;' #he Carrion #o%( #he> He #ho+8h# on #he inani#5

*e5on( #he (a#a,ne# an( hi (rea o" #he here#e: O!#a% Boo%>'The !orr+$#ion i $rea(in8> The #rea !o+%( $o%%+#e a%% #he Re(

P%ane#' 5#e> The !an:er *%ee( "ro eer5 $or# an( in#er"a!e> Thi i a (oo o" Mar#ian a:in8; I a +re o" i#>'

A+%+ S!araan!a' i%e !+r%e( #o a nar%>'I# (oen'# a##er> Le#' 8e# #hi (one;' #he Iron ?arrior ai(> The Carrion (i(n'# hae an5#hin8 *e##er "or #he 8a#here( %e8ionarie;

7ho #are( in (i*e%ie" a #heir Me!hani!+ oer%or( #+rne( a8ain##he> 'Poi#ion;' he in#r+!#e(>

A #he %e8ionarie #oo: !oer *ehin( #he he%% o" #ri$$e(,o+# #an:an( *+%: e+i$en#; *%a!: ha$e %i:e *ir( o" $re5 reo%e( #hee%e"ro #he $a%e Mar#ian +nrie> Lo+(hai%in8 a+8i##er 7ere $roe!#in8 a!a!o$hon5 "ro a*oeF a +ea%in8 !o(e"ee( #ha# %%e( #he !ha*er> TheCarrion ha( #a:en a "or7ar( $oi#ion 7i#h Ti*or Ven#i(ian; e%e!#in8 #he

%on8 ha"# o" a !o8,7ren!h "ro an aor#en# o" #oo% i##in8 in an o$en#ora8e !ra#e>

<



The !o8,7ren!h 7a a +%#i#oo%> I# ha( #he 7ei8h# o" a haer;7hi%e i# (en#i!%e,erra#e( !o8,*%a(e !ra!:%e( 7i#h i# o7n !+##in8 e%(>S+eein8 a !%+#!h,han(%e e# in #he !ran: $ro$#e( #he !o8,*%a(e #o$ar#; +((erin8 +$ an( (o7n #he ha"# rai%in8; #+rnin8 #he #oo% in#o hea5,(+#5 7ren!h an( a *r+#a% 7ea$on>

Ven#i(ian; 7ho 7a %a$$in8 a i!:%e a8aine in#o #he *ree!h o" hiPho*o,$a##ern *o%#8+n; +((en%5 (o+*%e( oer> The Carrion hear( an+nee%5 hrie: e!a$e #he U%#raarine' %i$> Ca#in8 a 8%an!e oer #he#o$ o" #he $%aa,!ore 8enera#or he 7a hi(in8 *ehin(; #he Raen G+ar(8o# #o hi "ee#> The *ioni! o" hi re$%a!een# %e8 !arrie( hi 7i"#%5a!ro #he o$en $a!e o" #he han8ar; :i((in8 (o7n on hi aro+re(:nee *ei(e Ven#i(ian> The %e8ionar5; 7ho 7a he%#erin8 *ehin( a#ri$$e(,(o7n 8ra!ra"# $o7er $%an#; 7a in o*io+ a8on5; an( ha((ro$$e( hi 7ea$on on #he oor>

A$$roa!hin8 #he $ro*%e a he i8h# 7i#h an5 a%"+n!#ionin8a!hine; #he Te!harine,in,#rainin8 a7 #ha# #he in!a$a!i#a#e(U%#raarine 7a !%+#!hin8 hi ear> Priin8 a !%en!he( 8a+n#%e# a7a5 "rohi hea(; #he Carrion a7 #ha# #he !o8ni,i8n+ *+i%# in#o #he i(e o" #heU%#raarine' re!on#r+!#e( !rani+ 7a $ar:in8 an( hi o$#i! 7ai!:erin8 7i#h a8on5> &earin8 #ha# #he !o+ni!a#ion arra5 7aa$%i"5in8 #he #raniion o" (ar: !o(e; #he Raen G+ar( e##%e( on a7i"# o%+#ion>

C%en!hin8 hi h5(ra+%i! #; #he Carrion re( hi in#er"a!e $i:e>?i#h(ra7in8 #hree o" #he $in an( #he "o+r#h #o ha%",e6#enion; he$+n!he( Ven#i(ian in #he i(e o" #he hea(> &irin8 #he o!:e#,%o!: a# #heen( o" #he $i:e; #he Carrion #ore hi *ioni! # *a!:; (ra88in8 #he

$ar:in8 arra5 7i#h i#> He i!:e( #he !o(e,+ea%in8 (ei!e a# #he ooran( #+rne( #o in$e!# hi han(i7or:> The ho%%o7 in #he U%#raarine'!rani+ ooe( *%oo( an( oi% *+# a"#er a oen# Ven#i(ian' *%+e o$#i!i%e( *a!: #o %i"e an( #he %e8ionar5 *ro+8h# +$ a 8a+n#%e# #o in(i!a#e#ha# he 7a a%ri8h#>

A #he U%#raarine !oo$e( +$ hi *o%#8+n "ro #he (e!:; #he %a,#or *e8an> The Carrion hear( #he 7hir o" +%#i%aer *arre% a h+%%,o+n#e( 7ea$on %i# +$ #he 8%oo o" #he han8ar 7i#h a #a!!a#o o" %i8h#>Searin8 *ea !+# #hro+8h %eer e+i$en# an( $%a#in8 in a re%en#%ehai% o" #rea:in8 ener8ie> The *%in(in8 #in8 o" %a,re !he7e( +$ #he8ri%%e oorin8 an( $+n!he( $a##ern o" #in5 ho%e #hro+8h $%a#ee% an(

(ia8no#i! e+i$en#> B%ea: Mar#ian (a5%i8h# #hre7 #hin ha"# #hro+8h#he o:in8 ho%e; !ri!roin8 #he han8ar>

The %e8ionarie ha( e6$e!#e( +!h an a##a!:> Their #rainin8 an(e6$erien!e on #he *a##%ee%( ha( $ro$#e( #he #o #a:e !oer *ehin(a#eria% an( e+i$en# #ha# !o+%( 7i#h#an( +!h an on%a+8h#> TheCarrion a7 Ne'ron Ph5%a6 :nee%in8 *ehin( a $ar#ia%%5 (ian#%e(E6e!+#ioner #an:; 7hi%e A+%+ S!araan!a 7a *+5 aon8# #he !a*%ean( $o7er !e%% o" a ha%",*+i%# !annon e$%a!een#> A #he 8+nner' !a*#+rne( #o !ra$ +n(er #he %ahin8 *ea o" an aa+%# !arrier'+%#i%aer; #he Iron ?arrior !o$%e#e( hi ri#e o" a!#ia#ion an( ha#5

o!:e#7or:> The *ea#or #+rne( in#o a $heri! 7a%% o" re"ra!#e( %i8h# aS!araan!a !har8e( an( +r5,ri88e( #he e$%a!een#' e%( (e"en!e>

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The an!ien# Va%:5rie air!ra"# (ri"#e( an( !ree!he( *e"ore #hehan8ar o$enin8; #he %o+(,hai%e( *inari! "a%%in8 o+# o" #he %i:e a(ne> The Carrion !o+%( hear #he !a!o$hon5 o" !o(e; e!#ore# an( +%#i%aer$%a5in8 o+# on #he oor *e%o7 an( #he one *e%o7 #ha#> He !o+%( ia8ine#he #o7er,$re!e$#or5 7arin8 7i#h aa+%# !arrier; #he #7in:%e o" 8+n

%ahin8 #he han8ar; *a%!on5,$%a#"or an( h+##ere( ie7$or# 7i#h#heir %a,7ea$onr5> &i%#erin8 #hro+8h #he noie an( hao! o" #he aa+%#;#he Carrion 7ore #ha# he !o+%( hear #he (i#an# #h+n(er o" *o%#,re> Heho$e( #ha# hi *a##%e,*ro#her on #he %o7er (e!: ha( re!eie( #heir7arnin8 an( ha( *een a*%e #o a:e $re$ara#ion "or #he !oin8%a+8h#er>

The %i8h#ho7 7a +((en%5 oer> B%ea!he( +n%i8h# %#ere( #hro+8h#he *ea,ho# han8ar; !+##in8 #hro+8h #he o:e an( a%% e6$%oion o"r+$#+re( !e%% an( e+i$en#> The Carrion ha( e6$e!#e( a +!h> TheMe!hani!+ "or!e 7ere !%ear%5 no# #hee%e %ae #o #he !o(e!orr+$#ion #ha# oo(e( #heir 5#e , *+# #he :i#arii !o+%( *e re%ie( +$on#o a!# in a!!or(an!e 7i#h #heir an!ien# an( ine6i*%e ar#ia% $ro#o!o%> Hehear( #he o6,hai%e( a**er,!an# 8ro7 in o%+e a #he aa+%# !arrier7e$# in> A"#er #he +%#i%aer a+%in8 o" #he #o7er; #he air!ra"# 7ere(ri"#in8 in #o (e%ier #heir (ea(%5 !ar8o o" !on#r+!#F #he S!o$+%an Phae,&+i%a#ri6>

Ri:in8 a +i!: 8%an!e a*oe #he $o7er $%an# *ehin( 7hi!h he ha($oi#ione( hie%" 7i#h Ti*or Ven#i(ian; #he Carrion a7 #he "+e%a8e an(+n(erh+n8 7in8 o" #hree aa+%# !arrier (ri"# in> Their !ano$ie 8%o7e(7i#h a i!:%5 %+ine!en!e 7hi%e #he ae *a%e%i8h# $o+re( "or#h "ro #he#roo$ e!#ion a (oor,ra$ +((ere( o$en +n(er #he "+e%a8e> The

Carrion !o+%( ee #he i%ho+e##e o" :i#arii 7arrior %in8 "or7ar( #hro+8h#he ra(ian!e an( !a#er7a+%in8 !o(e>

S%i$$in8 *a!: (o7n #he i(e o" #he en8ine !o%+n; #he Carrioni8na%%e( Ne'ron Ph5%a6> He $oin#e( a# #he E6e!+#ioner h+%% #ha# #heSa%aan(er 7a +in8 "or !oer *e"ore a**in8 #o7ar( #he neare#aa+%# !arrier; 7hoe %an(in8 8ear 7ere 8rain8 #he *a%!on5,$%a#"or>Ph5%a6 8ae a %o7 no(; $riin8 hi *o%#8+n> The Carrion rea(ie( hie%";ii%ar%5 (ra7in8 A%!aarn Sa%a(or' a##en#ion #o #he i8h#5 Sa%aan(eran( %a$$in8 Ven#i(ian' $a+%(ron>

He (i(n'# hae #o 7ai# %on8> Moen# %a#er he hear( #he e6!r+!ia#in88rin( o" #an: #ra!: ea#in8 +$ #he 8ri%%e oor o" #he han8ar>

Uin8 hi 8rea# ero,ar #o %i"# #he rear o" #he #an:; Ph5%a6 ha( hi$a!: a8ain# #he E6e!+#ioner' h+%%; heain8 i# #e$ *5 a8ne#ie( #e$#o7ar( #he ene5> The :i#arii e6i#in8 #he aa+%# !arrier in "eerih %ine7ere #hin8 o" !rion !%oa: an( !%in:ere( *rone> The5 7ere (ra$e( in!ereonia% ai%; 7hi%e #heir "a!e ha( *een re$%a!e( *5 :+%%,"+e(#rio!+%ar #ar8e#in8 5#e>

Their $hae( $%aa,"+i% $a# *a%% o" ener8ie( h5(ro8en a# #heE6e!+#ioner' h+%%; #ri:in8 #he #an:' $%a#in8 %i:e i!:%5 +n in inia#+re> The aro+r "a!in8 o" #he Phae,&+i%a#ri6 *e8an #o 8%o7; e%# an( (ri**%ein#o r+in>

A Ne'ron Ph5%a6 heae( #he ehi!%e a# #he; +in8 i# #hi!: $%a#e%i:e a 8ar8an#+an hie%(; #he Carrion i8na%%e( Ven#i(ian an( Sa%a(or #o

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oer !oer re 7i#h #heir *o%#8+n> P+hin8 #he E6e!+#ioner "or7ar( oni# #hi!: #ra!:; Ph5%a6 "or!e( #he (ie*ar:in8 :i#arii #o "an %e"# an( ri8h##o o+#an: hi> A%!aa Sa%a(or 7a oin8 "or7ar( hie%"; e6$er#%5a:in8 +e o" !oer oere( *5 #he *+%: e+i$en# an( $ra!#i!e $ie!e%i##erin8 #he #e!hni!a% han8ar> A an I$eria% &i# he 7a a one 7i#h #he

ie8e; 7here i# 7a een#ia% #o (rie #he ene5 "ro 5o+r 8ro+n( 7i#ho+#8iin8 a7a5 an5> Cro+!hin8; i(%in8 an( oin8 7i"#%5 *e#7een !oer; #he%e8ionar5 *%a#e( in8%e ro+n( a# #he A+#o:ra#or 8ro+n( #roo$ 7ho 7ereoo(in8 #he $%a#"or> &ro !orner; oer *+5 !oer an( on #he oe; #heI$eria% &i#' ai 7a i$e!!a*%e; ea!h *o%# ahin8 #hro+8h #hearo+re( !he# o" 7arrior,!on#r+!# an( $+##in8 #he i!:%5 "+ion o"an an( a!hine (o7n on #he (e!:>

A Sa%a(or' e6$er# ar:anhi$ $+# (o7n #he ri8h# an:; #he:i#arii on #he %e"# ha( "anne( o+# an( 7ere haerin8 #he i(e o" #heE6e!+#ioner #an: 7i#h o%%e5 o" *%in(in8 or*> The Carrion !o+%( hear #here$e#i#ie !%+n: o" a rin8 e!hani a Ti*or Ven#i(ian "ai%e( #o a$$eae#he 7ea$on' $iri#> He !o+%( hear #he U%#raarine' +*%e( "r+#ra#iona ri#e; %i#anie an( $%ea(in8 $ra5er #o #he Oniiah (i( no#hin8 #o 8e##he *o%#8+n o$era#iona%>

'Carrion' Ven#i(ian ai(> 'Carrion; I' The Carrion %oo:e( "ro Ven#i(ian; 7i%%in8 #he 7ea$on #o 7or:; #o

Ne'ron Ph5%a6; 7ho 7a heain8 #he r+ine( #an: 7i#h #he 8rea# #ren8#ho" hi ero,ar an( one o" hi 8a+n#%e# 7hi%e ho%(in8 hi *o%#8+n in #heo#her; (e$era#e%5 %ain8 *o%#,ro+n( #hro+8h !o(e,(ri**%in8 :i#arii7ho ha( a(e #heir 7a5 aro+n( #he ehi!%e>

The Carrion *ro:e !oer an( a!!e%era#e( in#o a $i#on,!har8e( r+n>

Un%i:e Sa%a(or he (i( no# $oe a ie8ea#er' inna#e +n(er#an(in8o" !oer an( rin8 ar!> ?ha# he ha( 7a #he $o7er an( a!!e%era#ion o"hi *ioni! %i* an( a Raen G+ar(' in#in!# "or i$en(in8 (ea#h an((e#r+!#ion , *o#h re!eie( an( (e%iere(>

S+r8in8 a!ro #he han8ar; #he Carrion ie(ia#e%5 a##ra!#e( #he#ri,o$#i! #ar8e#er o" #he an:in8 Phae,&+i%a#ri6> T+rnin8 #heir 7ea$onaro+n( on #he #rea:in8 ha(o7 in i(ni8h# $%a#e; #heir (i#ra!#e(a##en#ion a%%o7e( Ne'ron Ph5%a6 a oen#' re$i#e>

Searin8 *a%% o" +nna#+ra% $%aa %ae( in#o #he (e!: in #heCarrion' 7a:e> S#a$in8 (en# in#o #he 8ri%%e 7i#h hi in!reain8 $ee(;#he Carrion %ea$# o+# o" #he $a#h o" a $%aa o%%e5; !a%in8 *+%:

e+i$en# an( #he #ri$$e(,o+# !hai o" 5ria( ehi!%e *e"ore*o+n(in8 a!ro #he o$en $a!e *e#7een #he , #he air *ehin( hiroa#e( *5 ro!:e#in8 ho#>

Lan(in8 on #he %o$in8 7in8 o" an en8ine%e %i8h# !ar8o ha+%er; #heCarrion hoo:e( in#o #he *a##ere( $%a#in8 7i#h hi re$%a!een# han(; hih5(ra+%i! (i8i# a!#in8 %i:e a 8ra$ne%> He #o$$e( #here "or a oen#;a%%o7in8 #he h+##%e #o oa: +$ #he *arra8e o" $%aa #he !o(e,+ea%in8:i#arii 7ere $+$in8 a# hi> He 7a !%oe no7 an( !o+%( hear #he 8r+n#o" #he Sa%aan(er' e6er#ion; #he #h+( o" *%a#e( 7arrior,!on#r+!#hi##in8 #he (e!:; an( #he !%+n: o" #he *o%#8+n' ha%",a8aine r+nnin8 (r5>

Re%eain8 hi ho%( on #he $a#!h7or: $%a#in8 o" #he 7in8; #he Carriona%%o7e( hie%" #o %i(e o an( ro%% #o one i(e> He #+*%e( a!ro hi

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$a+%(ron an( #he !on(+!#ion,nia o" hi no(e,!o%+n , a$$earin8 *rie5*e#7een an a*+%a#or5 "rei8h#,hoi# an( a $air o" 8i8a,*arre% #ha# ha(!on#aine( !one!ra#e( oi%> The $hae( $%aa,"+i% o" #he :i#arii!or!he( #hro+8h #he han8ar (e!:in8 an( *%a#e( #he *arre% !%ear; *+##he Carrion 7a a%rea(5 8one>

Bo+n(in8 +$ #he "rae7or: o" #he (erri!:; #he Carrion %a+n!he(hie%" in#o #he air> The Raen G+ar(' *%a!: ro*e a$$e( an( #rai%e(a*o+# hi a he +r8e( a!ro #he o$en $a!e a# #he (ie*ar:in8:i#arii; #he ha"# o" hi !o8,7ren!h he%( hi8h>

?i#h a ero,hre((in8 eor# #ha# (re7 a roar "ro Ne'ron Ph5%a6;#he 8%o7in8 7re!: o" #he E6e!+#ioner a!!e%era#e( a!ro #he $%a#"or>&ro a*oe; #he Carrion !o+%( ee Sa%a(or' e!onoi!a% *o%#,re !rah#hro+8h :i#arii !he# an( !o*a#,!hai on #he "ar i(e o" #he #an:>Be%o7 hi 7arrior,!on#r+!# er+$#e( in a "o+n#ain o" oi%; 8ore an(7or:in8 Ven#i(ian ha( na%%5 !oa6e( hi *o%#8+n in#o o$era#ion> ?i#h#ee%5 5an: on #he #ri88er; #he U%#raarine hre((e( #he :i#arii "ron# %ine*enea#h #he Carrion' $%a#ee%,!ra"#e( "ee#>

?hen #he Carrion (i( %an(; i# 7a 7i#h *r+#e a+ran!e> De%ierin8#he :i%%in8 *%o7 #o a *o%#,an8%e( e*er o" #he Phae,&+i%a#ri6; he!r+he( #he 7arrior,!on#r+!# in#o #he (e!:> The :i#arii' #ri,o$#i! 7ere7hirrin8 an( ro#a#in8 7i#h (i!o*o*+%a#ion a a !o*ina#ion o" #he #an:;Ven#i(ian' *e%a#e( *o%#,re an( #he Carrion i+%#aneo+%5 !ae a# #he> Their *oo# ha( *are%5 #o+!he( (o7n on #he $%a#"or o" #he #o7er,$re!e$#or5 *e"ore #he5 ha( #ran"ore( "ro #hoe !arr5in8 o+# #heaa+%# #o #hoe +erin8 in i#>

Be"ore #he5 ha( #ie #o "+%%5 $ro!e 7ha# 7a ha$$enin8; #he

Carrion 7a aon8 #he> Hi re$%a!een# # 7a an a(aan#i+haer ahin8 #hro+8h o$#i!; *rain,in#e8ra#e an( *one> The re(in#er"a!e $i:e 7ere a e#a% #a%on #ha# he +e( #o !ro,%ah :i#arii an(:+%%,#a* #he 7arrior,!on#r+!# #o #he (e!:> Hi !ra!:%in8 !o8,7ren!h 7aa 7hee%in8; erra#e( !oh #ha# he #+rne( in one 8a+n#%e#; ahin8Me!hani!+ o%(ier ai(e an( o #he e(8e o" #he $%a#"or>

The Carrion hear( #he E6e!+#ioner !rah in#o #he aa+%# !arrier; an(#he air!ra"# !ra$e( *a!: on i# %an(in8 8ear> ?i#h #he Phae,&+i%a#ri6!a##ere(; an( Sa%a(or an( Ven#i(ian' er!i%e *o%#,re $iro+e##in87arrior,!on#r+!# an( !+##in8 :irih %ine in ha%"; #he Carrion $+$e(#he h5(ra+%i! a7 o" #he !o8,7ren!h o$en> Uin8 #he $o7er o" *o#h ar ,

one eh an( #he o#her *ioni! #he S$a!e Marine !+# #ho+8h #he #r+n:an( !o*a# !hai o" #he +n"or#+na#e o%(ier> ?i#h !h+n: o" eh an(ha##ere( 7or:in8 rainin8 a*o+# hi; #he Carrion #oo: #he hea( !%ean oa !o(e,8a**%in8 o!er,#ri*+ne *e"ore a8,%o!:in8 #he !o8,7ren!h #o hi*e%# an( oinin8 Ne'ron Ph5%a6 *ehin( #he (ere%i!# #an:>

S#o$in8 in#o #he (e!: an( rin8 #he a8na,h5(ra+%i! o" hire$%a!een# %e8; #he Carrion heae( a# #he ahe( E6e!+#ioner an( #he:i((in8 %an(in8 8ear o" #he aa+%# !arrier *e5on(> The !o!:$i# an(#roo$ *a5 8%o7e( 7i#h #he ae 7re#!he( ra(ian!e a *e"ore> There 7ano $ani! a #he he%% o" #he o+%(erin8 #an: (roe #he rear 8ear o" #he

Va%:5rie o #he $%a#"or> There 7ere no !rea> +# #he ae ra*i( !an#an( ran!i( !o(e #ha# $o+re( "or#h "ro #he air!ra"# %o+(hai%er>

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?i#h #he %a# o" #he A+#o:ra#or 8ro+n( #roo$ (ro$$in8 a*o+# #hean( Sa%a(or an( Ven#i(ian oin8 in; Ph5%a6 an( #he Carrion heae( "ora%% #heir %e8 an( ho+%(er 7ere 7or#h> Re%eain8 hi 8rea# ero,ar;Ph5%a6 *ar8e( 7i#h #he Raen G+ar(; an( 7i#h a na% !ra$e #he !arrieran( #he #an: $%+e#e( o #he $%a#"or e(8e> Loo:in8 (o7n; #he Carrion

an( #he Sa%aan(er 7a#!he( #he $air o" ehi!%e "a%%> The aa+%# !arrier(i(n'# een a##e$# an5 :in( o" re!+e; nor (i( #he !re7 a*an(on #heirair!ra"#> The $innin8 Va%:5rie ahe( #hro+8h eera% o#her hoerin8o #he e(8e o" %o7 han8ar $%a#"or; !rea#in8 a $%+n8in8 :no!:,on o"7re!:e( "+e%a8e an( #+*%in8 :i#arii (o7n #he i(e o" #he #o7er> The*+i%(in8 7a 7arin8 7i#h air!ra"#; ho7eer; 7i#h #7o ore (ri"#in8 (o7n#o7ar( #he *a%!on5,$%a#"or> One #+rne( aro+n( #o $reen# i# !ree!hin8(oor 8+nner an( #he 8a$in8 *arre% o" a hea5 *o%#er; 7hi%e #he o#her $+#(o7n heai%5 a #he (oor,ra$ o" i# #roo$ *a5 o$ene(>

S+((en%5 #he aa+%# !arrier (ri"#in8 *e"ore Ph5%a6 an( #he Carrioneee( #o *%+r in a !5#hin8 #or o" (ar: ener85> The air!ra"# an( a%% #he:i#arii ini(e 7ere ri((%e( #hro+8h 7i#h #ene*ro+ nee(%e,*ea #ha#!are( +$ #he !ra"# "ro 7i#hin *e"ore !a+in8 i# #o er+$# in a re*a%% o"e6o#i!; *%a!: ae> Tra!in8 #he (ea#a#ion *a!: #o i# ori8in; #he Carrion"o+n( #ha# 7hi%e #he5 ha( *een re$e%%in8 #he r# 7ae o" Phae,&+i%a#ri6;A+%+ S!araan!a ha( $er"ore( a e%( re$air on #he 8+n,e$%a!een#in 7hi!h he ha( #a:en re"+8e> C5!%in8 #he e$%a!een#' re"ra!#or e%(7i#h #he rin8 eiion; #he Iron ?arrior ha( *ro+8h# #he $ho#on,#hr+#er *a!: #o #ie%5 %i"e; hre((in8 #he r# Va%:5rie *e"ore %ahin8#hro+8h #he o* o" !ree!hin8 :i#arii haerin8 (o7n #he ra$ o" #hee!on(>

A #he o+n( o" *o%#,re a!ro #he $%a#"or (ie(; Ph5%a6 an( #heCarrion #+rne( #o re#rea# 7i#h !oer $roi(e( *5 #he #e!hni!a% han8ar>Bo#h Sa%a(or an( Ven#i(ian 7ere o+# o" $re!io+ ao *+# #here 7a nohor#a8e o" re( aa+%# !arrier 7ee$in8 in>

Un(e#erre( *5 #he rei#an!e o" eera% (e!: an( en!o+ra8e( *5#he %a+8h#er on o#her; #he :i#arii e6#erina#ion "or!e 7o+%( no# *e(enie(> Een #he nee(%e,*ea o" $+re (ar:ne ee#hin8 o+# o" #hehan8ar in#erior "ro S!araan!a' $ho#on,#hr+#er !o+%( no# $+# #he!o(e,!rae( o%(ier o>

Hoerin8 a*oe #he *a%!on5 $%a#"or an( o+# o" rea!h o" #he!annon' %ii#e( re ar!; !ro7(in8 aa+%# !arrier o$ene( #heir #roo$ *a5

(oor> Corr+$#ion,!an#in8 #ri*+ne !oan(e( #heir A+#o:ra#or #roo$ o#he +((erin8 ra$; !a+in8 :i#arii #o rain (o7n on #he $%a#"or;*rea:in8 *one #ha# !o+%( no %on8er *e "e%# or %an(in8 on #he +$enoro" *ioni! %e8> The5 #ar#e( rin8 a #he5 %an(e(; $+e%%in8 #he han8ar7i#h *%a# o" $%aa>

S!araan!a !he7e( +$ #he hor(e o" (ro$$in8 :i#arii 7i#h7hi$$in8 #rea o" $ho#on,re; *+# #here 7ere #oo an5> Ven#i(ian an(Sa%a(or %oo:e( on he%$%e an( *ere"# o" a+ni#ion a Ph5%a6 an( #heCarrion a(e a r+n *a!: "or #he !oer o" #he han8ar> The Carrion'h5(ra+%i! a(e %i8h# 7or: o" #he (e!:; hi "ee# !r+n!hin8 an( +e%!hin8

#hro+8h 7ha# 7a %e"# o" #he 7arrior,!on#r+!#>

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The h+%:in8 Sa%aan(er 7a no# *+i%# "or $ee( an( a8i%i#5 ,e$e!ia%%5 7i#h #he 8rea# *+%: o" hi harne,$a!: an( ero,ar>

A #he Carrion +r8e( on; $+##in8 8enera#oria an( h5(ra+%i!,7a8ono" hee# ara$%a *e#7een hi an( #he #or o" $hae( $%aa #ha# 7aho# on hi hee%; Ne'ron Ph5%a6 %o7e( 7i#h a roar o" "r+#ra#ion an(

!ae !rahin8 (o7n on#o #he !ra#!he( 8reen o" hi aro+re( :nee> Aa%o o" $%aa ha( %ae( in#o hi *a!:; ra8in8 i# 7a5 #hro+8h #he7or:in8 o" hi $a!:> The !hi##erin8 :i#arii (e%iere( #he inia#+re +n o" aro+r,*oi%in8 (ea#h in#o #he %e8ionar5; %i$in8 +$ *ehin( #heSa%aan(er #o (e%ier o%%e5 a"#er :i%%in8 o%%e5>

The Carrion !o+%( on%5 7a#!h a #he !on#or#e( a8on5 o" Ne'ronPh5%a' e*on5 "a!e "rae( #he !%en!he( i%er o" hi #ee#h> TheSa%aan(er' !he# *e!ae a *+**%in8 $i# o" e%#in8 $%a#e an( *%in(in8%i8h# a $%aa !ore( i# "+rio+ 7a5 #hro+8h hi *o(5>

'No' #he Carrion roare(> Ven#i(ian a##e$#e( #o 8ra* Ne'ron' aran( $+%% hi #o a"e#5; *+# i# 7a #oo %a#e , he 7a 8one> A a hai% o"+$erhea#e( (ea#h !ae a# hi; #he Raen G+ar( 7eae( #hi 7a5 an(#ha#; a%%o7in8 #he han8ar e+i$en# an( ehi!%e in ario+ #a#e o"re$air #o #a:e #he $+nihen#> A hor(e o" :i#arii (ro$$e( (o7n on#o #he$%a#"or an( ar!he( on #he han8ar #he #7i%i8h# *e!ae a *%in(in8*%iar( o" $%aa; #+rnin8 e#a% an( (e!:in8 #o 8%o7in8 %a8>

Pinne( (o7n *ehin( a !ar8o $o7er %i"#er an( 7i#h #he %oa(er #+rnin8#o o%#en !ra$; #he Carrion %ae( #he (i8i# o" hi h5(ra+%i! han((o7n on #he %i"#er' rear,o+n#e( $o7er $%an#> P%a!in8 #he !on(+!#ion$%a#e o" hi $a% in !on#a!# 7i#h #he *+%: (ia+ar#oi( !e%%; #he Carrioni$hone( #he #ore( ener8ie "ro #he a!hine> Channe%%in8 #he #o%en

$o7er #hro+8h #he e#a%%i! #ri$ #ha# 7o+n( #heir 7a5 +*,(era%%5#hro+8h hi $a%e eh; #he Te!harine,in,#rainin8 "e%# hi *o(5 7ar> Thei%er o" hi e5e *%ae( 7hi%e hi #oro "e%# %i:e i# *+rne( 7i#h #he $o7er o" a *are%5 !on#aine( noa>

Drainin8 #he $o7er $%an# an( #e$$in8 *a!:; #he Carrion #hr+# hi$a% a# #he $o7er %i"#er an( +n%eahe( a $hae( (i!har8e o"e%e!#roa8ne#i! ener85> The ar!in8 #orren# o" ener85 *%a#e( #heon#ro+ *+%: o" #he %oa(er; !ain8 i# i(e in an( en(in8 #he a!hinero%%in8 a!ro #he han8ar (e!:> I# an8%e( #he 8ri%%e( oor an( #he #hron8o" :i#arii *ehin( i#> The (iin#e8ra#in8 $o7er %i"#er !rahe(; #+*%e( an(:i( #hro+8h #he Me!hani!+ o%(ier in i# $a#h an( #oo: #heir ahe(

*o(ie 7i#h i# o #he *a%!on5,$%a#"or e(8e>S#a%:in8 "or7ar( 7i#h !o%( "+r5; #he Carrion +n%eahe( #he #or

ini(e hi> An8%in8 #he o+##re#!he( (i8i# o" hi han( an( #he an*ari!"o+n# a# near*5 Phae,&+i%a#ri6 #ha# ha( e!a$e( #he !arna8e; #he Carrion*%a#e( #rea o" %i8h#nin8 #hro+8h #he 7arrior,!on#r+!#> The :i#arii#o$$e( #he !o(e,8i**erin8 an( "e%% #o #heir :nee a #heir o+%(erin8eh !oo:e( an( #heir 7or:in8 "rie(>

The Carrion' ear re8i#ere( #he !a%% o" Ven#i(ian an( Sa%a(or an(een #he (5in8 *ea,#or o" S!araan!a' $ho#on,#hr+#er a i# #oo:one %a# !5#hin8 $a a!ro #he (e!: *e"ore i# $o7er !e%% (ie(> &or hi

*a##%e,*ro#her #he i!:enin8 rea%i#5 o" #he i#+a#ion 7a +n"o%(in8 7i#h+!h "or!e an( (i*e%ie" #ha# i# 7a (i!+%# #o $ro!e>

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The (o+*# an( !on"+ion #ha# ha( *een ea#in8 a7a5 a# #he Carrion, "e( *5 (ar: (rea; an oer7or:e( !o8i#a#or an( hi 8ene#i! in#in!# "or#he !oer# an( #he !%an(e#ine , "o+n( +((en e6$reion> Ho7eeri$oi*%e i# 7a "or hi #o *e%iee; #here 7a an ene5 #o *e "o+n( onMar an ene5 #ha# 7an#e( #o (e#ro5 #he Le8ione A#ar#e' $reen!e

on #heRe( P%ane# an( n+%%i"5 #he #hrea# #he5 $oe( in *ein8 #he %iin8;*rea#hin8 a+#hori#5 o" #he E$eror> A :i#arii 7arrior raie( #he *aro+e*arre% o" #heir "+i% a# #he Carrion he !or!he( #he 7i#h #he !hanne%%e(ener8ie e**in8 "ro hi 5#e>

?arrior,!on#r+!# 7ere rainin8 "ro #he :5; hi##in8 #he $%a#"or a#a !ro+!h an( *rin8in8 #heir $hae( $%aa,ii% +$ #o re +$on #he%e8ionarie> The Carrion +r8e( in#o #he #hron8 ahea( o" hi> Sna#!hin8hi !o8,7ren!h "ro 7here i# 7a a8,%o!:e( #o hi *e%#; he *a##e(7ea$on *arre% ai(e; en(in8 a%% +n ee#hin8 in#o #he (e!:> Heahe( #ri,o$#i! #ar8e#in8 5#e "ro :+%% in ho7er o" $ar# an(*raine( #he inani#5,$e7in8 :i#arii 7i#h *%+(8eonin8 7in8 o" hi(en#i!%e,erra#e( 7ea$on>

A $%aa *%a# 8rae( hi i(ni8h# $%a#e an( eare( $a# hi; #heCarrion %ae( hi $a% a8ain# #he !%in:er,aro+re( !he# o" #hea+8en#e( o%(ier> ?i#hin oen# he (raine( #heir !o*a#,!haiho+e( $o7er !ore *e"ore +in8 #he er5 ae ener8ie #o *%a# #he7arrior,!on#r+!# *a!: #hro+8h #heir !o(e,*a**%in8 ran:>

Be"ore %on8 #he Carrion 7a #an(in8 in a o+n( o" e#a% an(!or!he( eh> The Phae,&+i%a#ri6 !on#in+e( #o (ro$ "ro #he :5 7hi%eA+#o:ra#or $i%o# $ro!ee( 7ha# #he %e8ionarie a%rea(5 :ne7>S!araan!a' (ea#a#in8 $ho#on !annon 7a o+# o" $o7er>

Aa+%# !arrier #ha# 7are( #he $a%e re( Mar#ian heaen on!eore 7oo$e( in #o (e%ier #heir !orr+$#e( !ar8o> R+#,re( air!ra"# #ha#a%rea(5 ha( (i8or8e( #heir !ar8o !ree!he( o #he +r"a!e o" #he$%a#"or; !har8in8 #heir 7ea$onr5>

The Carrion 7a +((en%5 $+he( i(e7a5 *5 an +n#o$$a*%e"or!e> I# 7a Ti*or Ven#i(ian> The U%#raarine ha( !har8e( in#o hi 7i#ha%% #he *r+#e ini#en!e hi $o7ere( aro+r !o+%( *rin8 #o *ear> S%ain8#he Raen G+ar( in#o #he !r+$%e( i(e o" an i#ineran# #oo% !arria8e;Ven#i(ian he%( hi #here 7hi%e A%!aarn Sa%a(or :no!:e( a $%aa "+i%ai(e 7i#h hi 8a+n#%e# an( ahe( #he :i#arii 7ho 7a ho%(in8 i# (o7n7i#h hi aro+re( #> The raor,har$ *%a(e o" hi $rie( !o*a# *%a(e

#h+((e( in#o ano#her 7arrior,!on#r+!# an( he (roe #he #ri,o$#i! "+e(:+%% o" ano#her in#o #he #oo% !arria8e eera% #ie *e"ore #oin8 #hea+8en#e( o%(ier' *o(5 a7a5>

The Carrion #+rne( hi i%er,8%ae( e5e on Ven#i(ian' $a#ri!ian"a!e> The U%#raarine 7a $ea:in8 #o hi *+# #he 7or( 7o+%( no#re8i#er> ?i%%in8 hi !o8i#a#or #o !+# #hro+8h #he "+8 o" eo#ion an( +$ra,#i+%an# re%eae( in#o hi *%oo( a a re+%# o" #he *a##%e; #he Carrionna%%5 hear( Ven#i(ian>

'Are 5o+ %i#enin8 #o e' #he U%#raarine ho+#e(> '?e hae #o "a%%*a!: an( re8ro+$ 7i#h o+r *ro#her on #he %o7er oor>'

The Carrion %oo:e( #o Sa%a(or; 7ho 7a re!oerin8 hi *%a(e> He8ae a 8ri no(; 7hi!h #he Raen G+ar( ana8e( #o !o$5>

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Ven#i(ian $+%%e( a# hi $a+%(ron; #+rnin8 #he Carrion #o7ar( #heo:e,7rea#he( #7i%i8h# a# #he rear o" #he han8ar> S7in8in8 "or ano#herA+#o:ra#or o%(ier a i# i(%e( aro+n( #he #oo% !arria8e 7i#h i# *aro+e7ea$on; Sa%a(or en# #he re( $%aa *%a# ro!:e#in8 "or #he !ei%in8>Hoo:in8 #he (i8i# o" hi 8a+n#%e# in#o #he !arria8e; #he I$eria% &i#

heae( a# #he i#ineran# a!hine; #o$$%in8 i# oer on #o$ o" #he (o7ne(:i#arii>

A #he #hree %e8ionarie (o(8e( *e#7een #he *+%: e+i$en# an(#r+e( ehi!%e 7i#h (roe o" #a#i!,!ree!hin8 :i#arii *ehin( #he; #he7ir%in8 hae o" #he han8ar 7a %i# +$ *5 *a%% o" $i##in8 $%aa an( #he#+##erin8 *ea o" +%#i%aer !+##in8 #hro+8h o*#a!%e an( o*#r+!#ion> The Te!harine,in,#rainin8 (i( #heir *e# #o :ee$ a +!h o" #he hea5,(+#5 e+i$en# an( $ra!#i!e $ie!e *e#7een #he an( #he ener85 #or7or:in8 i# 7a5 +$ *ehin( #he>

Then #he Carrion hear( i#> The (o+r !%+n: o" #he "rei8h# e%ea#or> A#he S$a!e Marine' hea5 r+n #oo: #he #o #he rear o" #he han8ar #here7a an e+a%%5 (rear5 (in8 a #he #hi!: e%ea#or (oor +((ere( o$en>

'Do7n' #he Carrion roare(; :i((in8 (o7n on#o #he a(aan#i+heen o" hi aro+re( %e8 an( h5(ra+%i!> S:i#arii o" #he

Phae,&+i%a#ri6 7ere #here; *+# ho7 #he Raen G+ar( (i( no# :no7>Perha$ #he5 ha( 7or:e( #heir 7a5 +$ "ro 7i"#%5 +*+8a#e( %o7er%ee%> Perha$ #he5 ha( in%#ra#e( #he #o7er "ro #he o#her i(e a# #heae #ie a a##e$#in8 #o #a:e #he han8ar an( $%a#"or>

A 7a%% o" $%aa !ae a# #he %e8ionarie; 7ahin8 oer #he Carrion'hea(> Ba%% o" +$erhea#e( h5(ro8en %ae( in#o

Ven#i(ian an( Sa%a(or> The U%#raarine 7a :i%%e( o+#ri8h#; a

earin8 *%a# o" $%aa #a:in8 hi hea( horri*%5 "ro hi aro+re(ho+%(er> Ra8in8 (i!har8e *%a#e( eera% ho%e !%ean #hro+8h A%!aarnSa%a(or' ro*e an( 5e%%o7 $%a#e; #he oen#+ !a+in8 #he %e8ionar5#o #+*%e an( !rah (o7n on#o #he (e!:> He *o+n!e( o hi aro+re(!he# *e"ore %i(in8 a%on8i(e #he $rone Carrion; hi %i"e%e "a!e "roen ina oen# o" +((en ho!:> The I$eria% &i#' a#er,!ra"#e( *%a(e!%a##ere( a!ro #he (e!: an( :i((e( +n(er a near*5 ehi!%e>

The :i#arii ar!he( 7i#h hea5 a+8en#e( #e$ o+# o" #he "rei8h#e%ea#or; +ea%in8 !o(e$ea: $ain8 *e#7een #he !orr+$#e( !on#r+!#> Their #ar8e#in8 5#e 7hirre( an( reo%e( %i:e #he +%#i,%en o" ai!ro!o$e; 6in8 on #he Raen G+ar(>

An o!er,!on#r+!# %oo:e( (o7n on #he Carrion 7i#h oe#hin8 %i:ea!hine !orn *e"ore %i$$in8 a *+%:5 o%:i#e $i#o% "ro a ho%#er#ra$$e( a!ro #he !%in:er$%a#e o" hi !he#> A he #+rne( i# #o hi $rone#ar8e# #he Carrion' %i$ !+r%e(> Sin:in8 #he (i8i# o" hi 8a+n#%e# an(h5(ra+%i! han( in#o A%!aarn Sa%a(or' +i# $a!:; #he Carrion ha+%e( #he(ea( I$eria% &i# in "ron# o" hi %i:e a hie%(>

A #he :i#arii o!er !har8e( a (ea8ra#in8 *%a# in#o #he+n"or#+na#e Sa%a(or; #he Carrion (raine( #he $o7er !e%% o" #he I$eria%&i#' $a!: an( +i#' a+#oo#ie 5#e o" ener85> Re#in8 #he aro+re(*ioni! o" hi ar on #he I$eria% &i#' $a+%(ron; #he Carrion +n%eahe( a

hor# #rea o" an*ari! ener85 a# #he o!er,!on#r+!# an( *%a#e( hio+%(erin8 "or *a!: #hro+8h hi :i#arii an( in#o #he e%ea#or> Ge##in8

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#o hi :nee; #he Carrion *%a#e( a e!on(; #hir( an( "o+r#h #rea a hia##a!:er #rie( #o #+rn #heir $%aa "+i% *a!: on hi>

A #he Carrion 8o# *a!: on#o hi "ee# he %ae( 5e# ore ar! o"ee#hin8 ener85 in#o #he (e$ar#in8 :i#arii> The !aen8e( $o7er !o+rin8#hro+8h hi 5#e *e8an #o (ii$a#e an( a i# (i( #he Raen G+ar( 7a

"or!e( #o :i!: o+# a# #he %a# o" #he in#er%o$in8 7arrior,!on#r+!# 7i#h oneo" hi *ioni! %e8> &irin8 #he $o7er"+% $i#on; #he Carrion :i!:e( #he:i#arii *a!: in#o #he han8ar 7a%%; ha##erin8 i# !hai>

?i#h :i#arii 7or:in8 #heir 7a5 #hro+8h #he ae o" re$air *a5 an(e+i$en#; #he Carrion $i!:e( hi 7a5 #hro+8h #he !or$e o" #he (ea(!on#r+!#> Their "+i% 7ere *+i%# in#o a$$en(a8e o+n#in8 i# 7o+%( *ei$oi*%e "or hi #o a$$ro$ria#e one in #he #ie he ha(> The Carrion7a#!he( a #he *ea o" ho+%(er,o+n#e( #or!he an( #he #ar8e#in8*ea o" :i#arii !+# #hro+8h #he o:e an( (ar:ne o" #he han8ar rear>

The r# :i#arii ro+n(e( a $ar#ia%%5 (iae*%e( rea!#or !ore an(ie(ia#e%5 raie( i# "+i%> ?i#h oe#hin8 a$$roa!hin8 +r$rie; #he!on#r+!# 7a +((en%5 eie( *5 oe#hin8; an( 7ren!he( *a!: in#o #he(ar:ne an( o*!+ri#5> The an8%e an( oeen# o" #he :i#arii ho+%(er%a$ an( #ri,o$#i! #ar8e#er *ea 7ere "ran#i!> There 7a oe#hin87i#h #he in #he o+%(erin8 +r: o" #he +%#i%aer,ri((%e( han8ar>

The a**er,!an# o" !orr+$# !o(e *e!ae har$ an( e6!i#a*%e> &+i%$a# *a%% o" $%aa in a%ar an( !on"+ion a :i#arii 7ere eie( an(+n8 #hro+8h #he o*!+ri#5 , in#o ea!h o#her; #he +n"or8iin8 i(e o"e+i$en# an( han8ar oor an( 7a%%> Co(e,!ree!hin8 7a $+n!#+a#e(*5 #he o+n( o" $o7ere( # ahin8 7arrior,!on#r+!# #o *%oo(5 e#a%!ra$> Sha##ere( 7or:in8 raine( "ro #he (ar:ne; 7hi%e a eein8

e*er o" #he Phae,&+i%a#ri6 *a!:e( o+# o" #he a!ri( hae> So$reo!!+$ie( 7a i# 7i#h #he *r+#a% (e#r+!#ion o" i# !o$a#rio# +ni#; #ha#i# 7a *are%5 a7are o" #he Carrion' $reen!e>

The Raen G+ar( re( #he ha$#i! $i:e in hi h5(ra+%i! # *+# no+!h $re!a+#ion 7ere ne!ear5> A #he :i#arii *a!:e( a7a5; !annin8#he o:e 7i#h i# #ar8e#er #ri,*ea an( an8%in8 i# *aro+e "+i%; #he#ri$$e(,(o7n !hai o" a Lan( S$ee(er er+$#e( "ro #he (ar:ne>

The ehi!%e (i(n'# nee( i# rae# #o 5 #hro+8h #he air> I# ha( *een#oe( "ro #he +r: 7i#h $+re e!hani!a% "or!e> The Carrion a7 #he:i#arii %o7er i# 7ea$on; a i" a!!e$#in8 #he ine!a$a*i%i#5 o" i# "a#e> The!hai !rahe( #hro+8h #he 7arrior,!on#r+!#; #+rnin8 i# in#o +%!he(

eh an( *ra *e"ore ro%%in8 an( ahin8 in#o #he han8ar 7a%%>&ro #he (ar:ne ar!he( #he Iron ?arrior A+%+ S!araan!a , a

iion o" *a##ere( $%a#e; *%oo(,$%a##ere( #ri$e an( $%aa,!or!he(!heron> He 7a a e> ?hi%e #he Carrion ha( *een *a##%in8 7arrior,!on#r+!# 7i#h Ven#i(ian; Sa%a(or an( Ph5%a6 on one i(e o" #he han8ar;#he Iron ?arrior ha( *een in8%e,han(e(%5 :ee$in8 #he Me!hani!+ "or!ea# *a5 on #he o#her> He %i$e( #o7ar( #he Carrion 7i#h a 8ri 8%o7er; hi$o7er"+% e!ha(en(ri#e %i* na:in8 an( $ar:in8 a*o+# hi> He %oo:e((o7n a# #he !or$e o" Ven#i(ian an( Sa%a(or *e"ore 8r+n#in8>

A he 8o# nearer; #he Carrion !o+%( ee #ha# #he eh on one ha%" o"

S!araan!a' "a!e ha( *een *%i#ere( a7a5 *5 #he near,i o" a ra8in8*%a# o" +$erhea#e( h5(ro8en> Ten(on; #ee#h an( !harre( +!%e 7ere

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a%% on ho7 *+# i# (i(n'# ee #o *o#her #he Iron ?arrior> Loo:in8 (o7n; he"o+n( an A+#o:ra#or o%(ier #ha# #he Carrion ha( *%a#e( in#o #he han8ar7a%% rea!hin8 o+# #o an a*an(one( o%:i#e $i#o%> The Iron ?arrior #e$$e(on #he 7arrior,!on#r+!#' han( 7i#h hi hea5 aro+re( *oo# an(ana8e( #o n( eno+8h oi#+re in hi o+#h #o ho!: an( $i# (o7n on

#he #hin8> The Carrion no((e(> I# 7a har( #o ar#i!+%a#e #he horror o" 7ha#7a ha$$enin8 #o #he>

?e'e 8o# #o 8e# o+# o" here>''&a!e i#;' S!araan!a ai(; 8iin8 #he Raen G+ar( #he "+%% 8%or5 o"

hi ha%",e%#e( ia8e> Hi *%a!: %i$ !ra!:e( #o "or a ar(oni! i%e>'?e're no# 8e##in8 o Mar a%ie>'

The Carrion ha(n'# een #ho+8h# #ha# "ar ahea(> Thro+8h #he han8ar7a%% an( #he +$er#r+!#+re o" #he #o7er,$re!e$#or5; he !o+%( "ee%rh5#hi! #reor> Hi !o8i#a#or ha"# #o%( hi #ha# #here 7a an ei8h#$oin# #7o,#hree,een $er !en# !han!e #ha# #he i*ra#ion ori8ina#e( "ro#e!#oni! a!#ii#5> Eer5#hin8 e%e in hi 5#e; hi e6$erien!e an( hi*one #o%( #he %e8ionar5 #ha# a Ti#an 8o(,a!hine 7a a$$roa!hin8; #heone #ha# Ven#i(ian ha( i(en#ie( a !%oin8 in #he or*i#a% ia8e>

'I' erio+;' #he Carrion ai(>'?hen aren'# 5o+' #he Iron ?arrior a:e(> The Carrion 7or:e( #hro+8h #he $oi*i%i#ie> Soe7here a !o(e,

!orr+$#e( %o8i! en8ine 7o+%( *e oni#orin8 #he a##a!: on #he #o7er,$re!e$#or5> I# ha( *een !a%!+%a#in8 Phae,&+i%a#ri6 %oe a o$$oe( #o#he !a%!+%a#e( %i:e%ihoo( o" #he S$a!e Marine +ria%> S!araan!a an(#he Carrion ha( *e!oe an +n"or#+na#e $ar# o" #ha# e+a#ion; an( #he%o8i! en8ine ha( (e!i(e( on a ore (ra#i! o%+#ion #o #he $ro*%e>

'Thi #o7er i a*o+# #o *e %ee%%e(;' #he Carrion #o%( hi> 'A Ti#ana$$roa!he>'

A nar% !rea:e( #hro+8h #he Iron ?arrior' !harre( "ea#+re> 'Co7ar(!on#r+!# o" Mar'

The Iron ?arrior 7an'# 7ron8; *+# oe#hin8 e%e 7a *o#herin8#he Carrion> Loo:in8 oer S!araan!a' $a+%(ron; he no#i!e( #ha# #hehor(e o" :i#arii ha( 8one; +n(o+*#e(%5 re$on(in8 #o a !o%%e!#ie re!a%%>He !o+%( no %on8er hear #he !rea o" +%#i%aer #earin8 +$ han8ar; onan5 o" #he %ee%> ?or# o" a%%; #he *%ea: %i8h# o" #he Mar#ian (a5 ha((ia$$eare(> Soe#hin8 !o%(; !o%oa% an( in#en# on a*o%+#e (e#r+!#ion7a #an(in8 *e"ore #he #o7er,$re!e$#or5> An a$o!a%5$#i! eiar5 "ro

#he Le8io Mor#i ha( arrie( 7i#h iie o" #heir (ea#h an( #o#a%annihi%a#ion>

A+%+' #he Carrion *e8an; *+# i# 7a #oo %a#e> Their (oo ha("o+n( #he>

The Iron ?arrior #+rne( an( %i$e( #hro+8h #he o:e> The Carrion$a+e(> There 7a no #ie #o 8e# #o 8ro+n( %ee%> There 7o+%( *e nore!+e or (arin8 e!a$e *5 h+##%e> There 7a on%5 (ea#h> The Carrion7a%:e( a"#er hi *a##%e,*ro#her> Hi !e%%a#e; hi "rien(>

The5 7or:e( #heir 7a5 #hro+8h #he an8%e( %a*5rin#h o" ain8o*#a!%e #ha# ha( *een #heir #e!hni!a% han8ar; a $%a!e 7here #he5 ha(

$en# #hir#5 5ear #o8e#her; $er"e!#in8 #heir !ra"# an( %earnin8 #he ar!ane

4



%ore o" #he Me!hani!+ an( #he Ma!hine,Go(> A%% #o *e a!ri!e( *e"oreone o" #he i8h#ie# o" #he Oniiah' ha%%o7e( !rea#ion>

The5 7a%:e( *e#7een #he *o(ie an( $oo% o" oi% an( *%oo( #ha# ha(!o%%e!#e( on #he *a%!on5,$%a#"or an( #oo( i(e *5 i(e on #he e(8e o"#he %an(in8 $%a#"or; *e"ore #he on#ro+ 8+n o" #he ?ar%or( Ti#an>

Mi8h#5 *anner ri$$%e( "ro #he %en8#h o" 8ar8an#+an 8a#%in8 *%a#er;*earin8 #he (ea#h' hea( (ei8n o" #he Le8io Mor#i> &ro #he an!ien#$a#!h7or: o" her *a##%e,!ar; #he Carrion re!o8nie( #he on#ro+ 8o(,a!hine' (ei8na#ionF Tan#+ A*o%i#or+> A# %ea# #he %e8ionarie 7ere8oin8 #o "a%% #o a a!hine 7i#h a 8%orio+ hi#or5 an( an e#erni#5 o" *a##%ehono+r>

A!ro #he o$en $a!e; 7here :i#arii aa+%# !arrier 7ere(e!en(in8 an( #he (+# o" #he #or 7a e##%in8; #he S$a!e Marine!o+%( hear #he *oo o" a !o%oa% rin8 e!hani !%earin8> The Carrion"e%# #he o+n( #h+n(er #hro+8h hi an( %oo:e( (o7n a# #he $ira%%in8aa+%# !arrier> Een "or a e*er o" #he Le8ione A#ar#e; #he $ro$e!#o" *ein8 re( +$on *5 a 8o(,a!hine 7a h+*%in8>

?hen Tan#+ A*o%i#or+ o$ene( re on #he #o7er,$re!e$#or5; #he:5,ha##erin8 h+rri!ane o" 8ar8an#+an he%% 7o+%( ri$ #hro+8h #he#r+!#+re , *%a#in8 a$ar# ro!:!re#e; $%a#ee% +$$or# #r+!#+re an(eer5#hin8 7i#hin; in!%+(in8 an5 %e8ionarie #i%% %e"# a%ie> The (e!en(in8!arrier 7ere in*o+n( #o #a:e +$ $oi#ion a*o+# #he inei#a*%e !o%%a$e>Sho+%( an5 o" #he E$eror' an8e% +rie *ein8 *+rie( +n(er ao+n#ain o" r+**%e; #he reainin8 :i#arii o" #he Phae,&+i%a#ri6 7o+%( *erea(5 #o en( #he>

I "ear "or Terra;' #he Carrion ai( na%%5; 'an( #he E$eror> I 7ih 7e

!o+%( hae 7arne( #he>'A%!aarn Sa%a(or ha( *een ri8h#> I# ho+%( hae *een #he (ire (+#5

o" #he Le8ione A#ar#e #o a%er# #he E$eror #o #he #hrea# o" re*e%%ion onMar> The5 ha( "ai%e(; an( no (o+*# Terra 7o+%( (i!oer #he #rea!her5 o"#he Me!hani!+ in *%oo( an( re> The Carrion !o+%( on%5 ho$e #ha# #here7ere #hoe 7ho ere( #he Oniiah 7hoe !on!ien!e 7o+%( no# a%%o7+!h an a#ro!i#5>

'The &i# 7i%% a"e8+ar( #he E$eror;' #he Iron ?arrior ai(> Gien#he hi#ori! ria%r5 *e#7een #he #7o Le8ion; #he Carrion reaone( #ha# i#!o+%( no# hae *een an ea5 #r+#h #o a(i#> Man5 Iron ?arrior; A+%+S!araan!a aon8 #he; #ho+8h# #ha# i# ho+%( hae *een #he IV

Le8ion' hono+r #o a!!o$an5 #he E$eror *a!: #o Terra an( "or#i"5 #he!a$i#a% o" #he 8%orio+ I$eri+>

'An( 7ha# o" +' #he Carrion a:e(> Be"ore #he #he 8rea# *arre% o" #he 8ar8an#+an 8a#%in8 *%a#er *e8an #o !rea: an( #+rn in rea(ine "or#heir rin8 $ro#o!o%>

'Li:e #he Me!hani!+;' A+%+ S!araan!a ai(; '#he &o+r#h Le8ion%ie #he haron5 o" eh an( iron> ?e 7ere a(e "or i#> ?e are #he#ren8#h o" #he %an(> The #one #ha# hie%(; #he ore #ha# 5ie%(> Be5on(#he *%oo( an( r+#,#aine( *a##%ee%( o" O%5$ia; I !an #hin: o" no *e##er$%a!e "or an Iron ?arrior #o re# hi *one #han in #he re( oi% o" i8h#5

Mar>'

41



?i#h #he #h+n(er o" !o%oa% ero an( 8i8a,%oa(in8 e!hani*+i%(in8; #he Iron ?arrior #+rne( hi *a!: on Tan#+ A*o%i#or+> He rea!he(#o7ar( #he Raen G+ar(> 'The on o" Cor+ Cora6; ho7eer;' A+%+S!araan!a ai(; '7ere "or8e( #o 5>

?i#h #hoe %a#; 8ri 7or( #rai%in8 a7a5 on #he Mar#ian *reee; #he

Iron ?arrior eie( #he Carrion' ar an( heae( #he %i8h#er %e8ionar5aro+n(; %i:e a $%ane# an( i# !o$anion oon; an( $+n; $i#!hin8 hi 7i#ha%% hi aro+re( #ren8#h o #he e(8e o" #he %an(in8 $%a#"or> A #heCarrion $%+e#e(; ro%%in8 an( #+*%in8 #hro+8h #he #hin "or8e 7or%( air;he a7 #he Iron ?arrior 7a#!hin8 hi "a%%>

An( #hen; 7i#h a #h+n(er !ra!: #ha# eee( #o #ear rea%i#5 a$ar#; #he8ar8an#+an 8a#%in8 *%a#er re( #he r# o" i# on#ro+ he%%>

There 7a ano#her !ra!:; an( #hen ano#her; +n#i% #he #h+n(er*e!ae a !on#in+o+; roarin8 !a!o$hon5 #ha# a%o# $%i# #he ear>

The #o7er #o$ ha##ere(> One oen# i# 7a #here; #he $re!e$#or5in 7hi!h #he Carrion; S!araan!a; Ph5%a6; Sa%a(or an( Ven#i(ian ha(#raine(; %e$# an( #oi%e(> Then i# 7a 8one; a he%%,hre((e( *%+r o"aonr5 an( $%a#ee% #ha# "e%% 7i#h #he Carrion (o7n #o7ar( #he+n"or8iin8 +r"a!e o" Mar>

?i#h Tan#+ A*o%i#or+ #an(in8 %i:e a 8o( in +(8een# *e"ore hian( #he *%a#,ri((%e( #o7er,$re!e$#or5 !o%%a$in8 *ehin(; #he 7or%(*e!ae a :a%ei(o!o$e o" *rain,a!hin8 o+n(; #he aa8e r+h o" air an(8ri# #hro+8h #he Carrion' %on8; *%a!: hair an( #he irre$rei*%e $%+n8e,(rea( #ha# he "e%# in hi $re,#oa!h> ?i#h hi !o8i#a#or !+##in8 #hro+8h#he !on"+ion; !oin8 #o #er 7i#h S!araan!a' a!ri!e an( 7ha# ha(#o *e (one 7i"#%5 #o hono+r i#; #he i%in8 #a#i! o" hi i%er,8%ae( in"ra,

iion eare( #o er#i8ino+ !%ari#5>?i#h hi *%a!: ro*e 7hi$$in8 a*o+# hi in #he ae%#ro; #he

Raen G+ar( +e( hi #rainin8 #o *rea: o+# o" #he #+*%in8 ro%% an(#a*i%ie hi (e!en#> ?i#ho+# an a!#+a% +$ $a!: he :ne7 he ha( eree!on( #o a!#> ?i#h ar an( %e8 o+##re#!he(; #he Carrion an8%e( hihea5 "or a# one o" #he r+#,re( aa+%# !arrier; a he $ira%%e( #o7ar(#he 8ro+n(>

Bra!in8 hie%"; #he Carrion hi# #he *a!: o" #he air!ra"# %i:e ana(aan#i+ !annon*a%%> He *o+n!e( o #he h+%% $%a#in8; #he i$a!#a%o# :no!:in8 hi +n!on!io+> The !arrier 7a :no!:e( o #a#ion;o+n(in8 eera% a%ar in #he !o!:$i# *e5on(> S%i(in8 an( !ra$in8

a!ro #he h+%% o" #he !or:!re7in8 air!ra"#; #he Carrion !%a7e( a# #heaa+%# !arrier $ine; %i(in8 (o7n *e#7een #he air!ra"#' #+r*oe#!o%+n>

Hoo:in8 hi ar #hro+8h #he $i$e an( !a*%e 7i#h a 8a+n#%e#; #heS$a!e Marine 7a %ae( *a!: an( "or#h *e#7een #he !ree!hin8en8ine> En8a8in8 #he a8ne#i! $%a#e in #he !ra"#e( "ee# o" hi *ioni!%e8 an( 7in(in8 hi ar "+r#her #hro+8h #he ne# o" hea5,(+#5 !a*%er+nnin8 (o7n #he air!ra"#' *a!:; #he Carrion #ra((%e( #he aa+%#!arrier' $ine>

?i#h a 8r+n# he %ae( #he $a% o" hi h5(ra+%i! han( in#o #he

$%a#in8 o" #he #ar*oar( en8ine> Dra7in8 a ra7 #orren# o" $o7er "ro a#+r*oe#; he "e%# #he aa+%# !arrier an7er ie(ia#e%5> A he (raine(

4<



ener85 "ro #he air!ra"#' en8ine an( 5#e; #he Carrion a%%o7e( #he:i#arii !ra"# #o 8en#%5 (ri"# (o7n7ar( +n(er hi !on#ro%> &earin8 #ha# #he!arrier 7a 8oin8 #o $+# (o7n *ei(e #he !o%%a$in8 $re!e$#or5; #he!o!:$i#,7ire( $i%o# +e( #he air!ra"#' "ai%in8 $o7er #o (ri"# (o7n #hro+8h#he %a*5rin#h o" #he No+ Mon 7or:er,ha*>

?i#ho+# $o7er #o %o7er #he 8ear; #he aa+%# !arrier $ira%%e( in#o a*e%%5,*o+n!eF a $innin8 :i( an( 7in8,hearin8 #o$ hor# o" a harh%an(in8> A #he air!ra"# 7ra$$e( i#e%" aro+n( #he ro!:!re#e !orner o" a7or:er,ha* *%o!:; #he Carrion 7a #orn "ro hi $+r!hae an( ro%%e( a!ro#he aa+%# !arrier' *a!: in#o #he i(e o" #he *+i%(in8> ?i#h *%oo( in hie5e "ro a 8ah on #he hea(; #he Carrion hoo: o #he i$a!#> A #heS$a!e Marine !%a7e( hi 7a5 a!ro #he *+!:%e( h+%% an( %i( o #heair!ra"#; he !o+%( hear #he a**er,!an# o" !orr+$#e( !on#r+!# oer #heo6,hai%er; !ree!hin8 #o 8e# o+#> Lan(in8 on i# *e%%5 ha( ee!#ie%5ea%e( #he #roo$ !o$ar#en# o" #he ha##ere( air!ra"#>

The Carrion #+*%e( a7a5 "ro #he !arrier; #he #a#i!,%a!e(inani#5 8ra#in8 on #he ra7ne o" hi nere an( #he *ooin8 e$#inein hi hear#> He (e!i(e( #ha# he 7an'# 8oin8 #o 7ai# "or #he Phae,&+i%a#ri6 ini(e #o !+# #heir 7a5 #hro+8h #o #he !o!:$i# an( 8e# o+##hro+8h #he !ano$5> ?i#h hi #hin %i$ 7rin:%in8 in#o a nar%; #he RaenG+ar( #hr+# hi $a% a# #he (o7ne( !ra"#> The !aen8e( ener8ie+r8in8 #hro+8h #he #ri$,he%i6 7ere ho# 7here #he5 7o+n( #heir 7a5#hro+8h hi en8ineere( eh> B%a#in8 a #rea o" "+rio+ %i8h#nin8 a# #heaa+%# !arrier; he e%e!#rie( #he !ra"#>

The !ano$5 %i# +$> R+ne*an: $ar:e(> S5#e i%e(> The eh o"#he :i#arii 7arrior,!on#r+!# ini(e $ae( an( roa#e(>

?i#h hi %i8h#nin8 $en#; #he Carrion a88e(> The ha##ere( he%% o"#he !arrier o:e( an( $ar:e(> The ear,*%ee(in8 !orr+$#ion $o+rin8 o+#o" #he 7ar$e( #hin8 7a no ore; an( #he +a( *e#7een #he :5,!ra$in87or:er,ha* eno5e( a oen# o" i%en!e>

The 8rea# 8+n o" #he Ti#an ha( "a%%en i%en#> Thro+8h hi a+8e#i!an( "ee#; #he Raen G+ar( !o+%( "ee% #he #o7er,$re!e$#or5' en(> Tho+an( o" #onne o" ro!:!re#e an( $%a#ee% ha( #+*%e( (o7n; *%a#e(#o !r+*%in8 aonr5 an( heare( 8ir(er *5 Tan#+ A*o%i#or+> Theaa+%# !arrier ha( !oe (o7n a "e7 *%o!: a7a5 *+# #he Carrion !o+%(hear o#her (e!en(in8 , 7oo$in8 in %i:e +%#+re #o nih an5 +rior> The Carrion !o+%(n'# ia8ine an5one +riin8 +!h a !a#a#ro$he> Een i"

#he5 ha(; he reaone(; 7ha# 7a %e"# o" #he 7o+%( *e 7i"#%5 (e#ro5e(*5 #he hor(e o" :i#arii $oie( #o 7ar #he o+n#ain o" r+**%e>

The Carrion no((e( #o hie%"> I# 7a #ie #o re,oin hi Le8ion; in$iri# a# %ea#> He 7o+%( nee( a%% o" hi :i%% in #ea%#h an( 8ene#i! #a%en##o +rie Mar a# 7ar 7i#h i#e%"> There 7o+%( *e he%% +n%eahe( an(*a##%e #o *e "o+8h#; *+# #he Carrion :ne7 7here he 7a 8oin8> He ha( #o8e# o,7or%( an( *a!: #o Terra> ?hi%e #he E$eror %o5a% an8e% *ro+8h#(i#an# 7or%( #o !o$%ian!e; Mar ha( re*e%%e(>

The Carrion "e%# #he 7in( on hi "a!e> The #o7er,$re!e$#or5 an( #he Te!harine,in,#rainin8 7i#hin 7ere no ore> A o+n#aino+ *an: o"

ro!:!re#e (+# "ro #he !o%%a$e *i%%o7e( i# 7a5 #o7ar( hi; *a#hin8 #heae o" +a( an( #horo+8h"are #ha# 7eae( #heir 7a5 #hro+8h #he

44



7or:er,ha* *%o!: in a 8ho#%5 hae> T+rnin8 an( 7a%:in8 a7a5; hih5(ra+%i! %e8 !r+n!hin8 8ri# +n(er"oo#; #he Carrion *e!oe one 7i#h #he7ir%in8 +r:>

TERRA

=ANCIENT TERRA> THE BIRTHPLACE O& HUMANITY> THE CRO?DEDCAPITAL O& AN EVER,EXPANDING GALACTIC DOMINION> THE SOVEREIGNSEAT O& THE IMPERIUM O& MAN> HOME , &OR A TIME> ?HERE THE &ATHERO& &ATHERS SOUGHT TO BUILD AN ENDURING EMPIRE; AND THEGREATEST O& HIS SONS SOUGHT TO DESTROY IT>@

IMPLEMENT

THE CARRION HAD neer #ho+8h# #o ee #he I$eria% Pa%a!e; %e#a%one ha+n# i# !o%onna(e an( !orri(or> ?i#h #he h+h o" hi *%a!: ro*ea $er$e#+a% re$roa!h on #he $o%ihe( ar*%e; #he Raen G+ar( oe(#hro+8h #he han8in8 8ar(en o" #he E$ar#i! ?a%%>

Here; oe o" #he o# an!ien# an( *ea+#i"+% o" Terran $%an#;hr+* an( o7er ha( +rie( #he raa8e o" #ie> Soe ha( *een$reere( o#her ha( *een re(i!oere( on o#her 7or%(; an( o#her #i%%ha( *een 8ene#i!a%%5 en8ineere( "ro "oi% $e!ien>

Be5on( #he ha(o7 o" %on8 #a#+e,%ine( ai%e; !o+r# (i$%a5in8an!ien# re%i! an( orna#e 8a#e7a5 #o 8ran( ha%% an( 7ar(; #he %ea",%ine(

ar*ore#a oere( e6!e%%en# !on!ea%en# "or an5 7ho (eire( no# #o *e een, or 7ihe( #o *e a%one>

The Carrion #rie( #o rei# #he oer%a5; io%a#ion an( ana%5e o"hi !o8i#a#or 5#e an( oa: +$ #he o+n(; e%% an( ar#i!ia% 7ar#ho" #he enironen#a% hie%(in8F #he *+ o" %ar8e ine!# "ro #he*e8innin8 o" Terran hi#or5; #he +##er o" #in5 *ir( 7i#h ne!#ar,(i$$in8*ea:; an( #he 7ee#ne o" %i"e on #he air> I# 7a %i#era%%5 a 7or%( a7a5"ro Mar; 7here #he Carrion ha( *een an5 on#h *e"ore>

On!e a !oo%; *%ea: $%a!e o" (+# an( in(+#r5; #he Re( P%ane# 7ano7 a 7arone o" o+%(erin8 "or8e> The 8%o*e,!ar$e#in8 ne#7or: o"har(%ine an( 7ire%e #rani##er ha( #a:en #he !orr+$#ion o" #he (ar:

!o(e #o eer5 !on#r+!# #ha# !o+%( re!eie i#> Tha# 7a ho7 #he Carrionha( %e"# #he $%a!e a"#er $en(in8 (a5 *ein8 h+n#e( #hro+8h #he ha*;an+"a!#oria an( ae*%5 5ar( a!ro #he (eer# o" #he Ina%i an(o+n# o" i%en# o%!anoe>

I# 7a !%ear #o #he Raen G+ar(; a he ha( oe( a!ro Mar; #ha#oe 8rea# !hi ha( *ro:en o+# in #he ran: o" #he Ma!hine,Go('eran#> ?hi%e an5 a##e$#e( #o reain #r+e #o #he Me!hani!+ an( i#a%%e8ian!e #o Terra; o# ha( "a%%en #o #he !o(e,$%a8+e #ha# 7e$# i# 7a5#hro+8h #he $%ane#' in"ra#r+!#+re; an( oon #here 7a no# a $o%are#eoro%o8i# $o#; %on8,"or8o##en or*i#a% re%a5 or (ee$ in"o#o* #ha# ha(

no# +!!+*e( #o #he ir+%en# (a#a#rea> On%5 #he noo$heri! #ha#*%ee( "or8e #e$%e %i:e No+ Mon an( #he Ma8a Ci#5 eee( #o

4-



rei#; 7hi!h ere%5 $ro$#e( #he !orr+$#e( !on#r+!# o" #he Mar#ian!hia#i# #o ar!h on +!h (ooe( an!#+arie in !ree!hin8 n+*eran( *r+#e "or!e>

Un#r+#in8 o" een #he Ma!hine,Go(' eein8%5 %o5a% eran#; #heCarrion #ho+8h# i# *e# #o :ee$ hi +ria% a e!re# +n#i% na%%5; oer #he

Pa%%i(+ Ah ?a#e; he ha( hear( #he roar o" Th+n(erha7: oerhea(> B5#he #ie #he Carrion rea!he( Mon(+ Gaa; #he I$eria% &i# 7ereea!+a#in8 7i#h a%% #he $re!io+ a#erie% o" Mar #he5 !o+%( #ran$or#>A"#er $reen#in8 hie%" #o a Ca$#ain Ca*a,Dia; #he Carrion ha( *een#a:en #o L+na "or (e,*rien8>

The Carrion 7ai#e( +n(er a %o#+ #ree> The +n 7a riin8 an( (a7nrea!he( oer #he !rene%%a#ion in a i8a8 o" ro5 %i8h#> He !o+%( hear #hehea5 "oo##e$ o" 8o%(,$%a#e( en#ine% 7a%:in8 #he *a##%een# o" #heE$ar#i! ?a%%> &oo# :ni8h# o" #he Le8io C+#o(e 7a%:e( *5 7i#h hie%(an( ha%*er(> The5 (i( no# een a!:no7%e(8e #he Carrion> He (i(n'#en#er#ain #he #ho+8h#; een "or a e!on(; #ha# #he5 ha( ie( hi> Heha( $ae( ioe#ri! an( ha( !%eare( #he e!+ri#5 *ar*i!an #ha# ha(*een *+i%# in#o #he an!ien# *ea+#5 o" #he $a%a!e>

Sin!e %earnin8 o" Hor+ L+$er!a%' #rea!her5 a# I#an , a #heCarrion ha( (one on L+na , #he I$eria% &i# an( #he Le8io C+#o(e ha(*een re%en#%e in #heir i$roeen# an( "or#i!a#ion o" #he I$eria%Pa%a!e> The $riar!h Ro8a% Dorn 7a oereein8 #he in(oi#a*%e +8%ineo" #he ar!hi#e!#+ra% enhan!een#; 7hi%e hi 7ar aon; I$eria% &i#an( h+n(re( o" #ho+an( o" in(en#+re( 7or:er; 7ere ha##erin8 #he#ran+i%%i#5 o" #he $%a!e 7i#h ro+n(,#he,!%o!: %a*o+r> ?ar 7a !oin8 #o#he So%ar S5#e>

A #he Le8io C+#o(e oe( on; #rai%e( *5 eera% ero,:+%%7earin8 a+8+r,!ro7n o" aeria% an( an#enna; #he Carrion hear( "+r#her"oo##e$ on #he ar*%e a8> Three en a$$roa!he( "ro #he +$$er7ar(; a%#ho+8h a%% #hree 7o+%( hae #e#e( #he (eni#ion o" #he 7or('an'> Ro8a% Dorn' aro+re( #e$ (re7 e5e 7hereer he 7en#> He 7ah+8e; %i:e a roin8 "or#i!a#ion> The 8%orio+ 8o%( o" hi ar#i!er $%a#e; #he*%oo(,re( rier o" hi !%oa: an( #he ho!: 7hi#e o" hi hair> &e7 !o+%(#an( #he 8ri in#eni#5 o" Dorn' 8ae; #he (ar:ne o" hi e5e an( #he#a+#ne o" hi a7 ini#in8 an5 7ho *ehe%( hi #o hare a #in5 "ra!#ion o"#he *+r(en #he $riar!h o" #he I$eria% &i# *ore in hain8 a !are "or #heE$eror' $eron>

Bei(e hi 7a #he ne7 &a*ri!a#or Genera%; )a8re+ Kane> TheMe!hani!+ oer%or( ha( e!a$e( #he Re( P%ane# 7i#h #he I$eria% &i#an(; a #he "orer &a*ri!a#or Lo!+ o" Mar; ha( *een !har8e( 7i#h!oor(ina#in8 #he %o5a%i# eran# o" #he Ma!hine,Go( a!ro #he 8a%a65>Hi hoo(e( ro*e o" ar(en# re( an( ne 8o%( #hrea( hi( a "or #ha# 7ao+#7ar(%5 h+an; *+# #he Carrion :ne7 #ha# Kane 7a ore a!hine #hanhe 7a> &ro #he (ar:ne o" #he &a*ri!a#or Genera%' hoo(; #he S$a!eMarine !o+%( ee #he *%+e *%ae o" hi ine# o$#i!>

&o%%o7in8; an( eein8 #o #a:e in #he ne7 (a5 7i#h an!ien# e5e;7a%:e( Ma%!a(or; #he Re8en# o" Terra> ?herea #he Carrion "e%# #he 7ar

ra5 o" +n%i8h# #hro+8h #he i%e o" #he enironen#a% %#er , a 7e%!oe!han8e "ro !o%(; *%ea: Mar , #he Si8i%%i#e 8a#here( hi hoo( an( ro*e

4.



a*o+# hi a8ain# #he ornin8 !hi%%> A 8nar%e( !%a7 o" a han( !%+#!he( a#a o" o!e an( #he ea8%e hea($ie!e o+%(ere( 7i#h an +nna#+ra%ae #ha# nei#her 7are( #he *one nor %i# #he 7a5; "or Ma%!a(or ha(*een !+re,*%ee( 7i#h an5 o#her7or%(%5 #a%en#>

?e%%; 5o+ :no7 5 #hin:in8 on #hi; Lor( Ma%!a(or;' Kane #o%( #he

Si8i%%i#e> 'The i#+a#ion on Mar ha *een in#o%era*%e "or oe #ie no7>''I #hin: Lor( Dorn a8ree 7i#h 5o+; &a*ri!a#or Genera%>''Then 7h5 (i( he a%%o7 hi %e8ionarie #o a*an(on #he &or8e ?or%(

Prin!i$a% #o #he ene5' #he Mar#ian a:e(; hi o$#i! earin8 "ro #he(ar:ne o" hi hoo(>

Ro8a% Dorn %o7e( an( #+rne(; hi aro+re( "or %i:e a 7a%% o"a(aan#i+>

'Si$%e; Genera% Kane;' #he $riar!h ai(; hi oi!e ree*%in8 #he$%i##in8 o" ro!:> 'S+$$%5 an( (ean(> Yo+ are "ai%iar 7i#h #he !on!e$#; I#r+#'

'No7 5 %or( o!: #he er5 $rin!i$%e +$on 7hi!h #he Mar#ian, Terran !on!or( hi#ori!a%%5 e6i#>

Then 5o+ +n(er#an(;' Dorn !on#in+e(; *+%%(oin8 hi 7a5 #hro+8h#he Me!hani!+ oer%or(' in(i8ni#5; '#ha# #he "or!e o" #he Le8ioneA#ar#e are a%rea(5 #re#!he(> Tha# 7ar o" an +n$re!e(en#e( !a%e7ee$ #hro+8h #he 8a%a65 , !oner8in8; in#eni"5in8; 8ro7in8 in i# $o7er#o (e!ia#e an( annihi%a#e> In#en# on a#in8 i#e%" , a a%% 7ar (o , on #heinno!en# an( #he +n$re$are(>' Dorn %oo:e( #o #he +n; riin8 a*oe #he7a%%; !i#a(e% an( *a#ion o" #he #ran"orin8 $a%a!e> 'Eer5 one o" 5I$eria% &i# 7i%% *e nee(e( #o #an( *e"ore +!h a raeno+ on#er an(#he %iin8 #rea!her5 #ha# i 5 *ro#her Hor+> Thro+8ho+# #he So%ar

S5#e> A!ro Terra> On #he 7a%% o" #hi er5 $a%a!e> I #ho+8h# no# #o7a#e +!h a $re!io+ reo+r!e in ho%(in8 a han("+% o" "or8e #e$%ea8ain# #he i8h#5 an( !o%%e!#ie !on#r+!# o" a%% Mar> S+$$%5 an((ean(; &a*ri!a#or Genera%>'

)a8re+ Kane "e%# %i:e he 7a #an(in8 on #he %o$e o" a r+*%in8o%!ano>

'S+$$%5 an( (ean(;' #he &a*ri!a#or Genera% re$ea#e( *a!: #o #he$riar!h> 'I #ha# 7h5 5o+ !ae "or 5o+r aro+r an( +ni#ion'

'I !an har(%5 *e e6$e!#e( #o 8h# +!h a 7ar 7i#ho+# #he>''?ha# a*o+# #he !i#ien !on#r+!# o" Mar; 5 %or(' Kane ho# *a!:

a# hi> '?ha# a*o+# #he %ie o" #he $rie#; ar#ian an( #e$%e #hra%%

7ho %a*o+re( #o "or8e 5o+r 7ea$on an( e+i$en#''Yo+ (eon#ra#e a +r$riin8 ao+n# o" $aion "or a +*e!# o" #he

Ma!hine,Go(;' Dorn ai(>The ri8h# #o %i"e i #he ae;' #he &a*ri!a#or Genera% ai(; '7he#her

5o+r 7on(ro+ 7or:in8 han8 on *one or a !on#r+!#' !hai> No7; 5%or(; i" 5o+ $%eae> ?ha# a*o+# #he %ie o" 5 $eo$%e'

Dorn %oo:e( #o #he Si8i%%i#e 7ho 8ae hi #he +nrea(a*%e %oo: o" aan +n7i%%in8 #o an7er #o or +(8e #he i$oi*%e !hoi!e o" ano#her>

'The5 (ie( o #ha# #heir ne 7or: i8h# rea!h han( #ha# 7o+%(#+rn +!h !ra"# in#o in#r+en# o" aen8in8 (ea#h;' Ro8a% Dorn #o%( Kane

na%%5> '?arrior 7ho 7o+%( +e +!h 7on(er #o *rin8 +#i!e #o #he "a%%en

49



an( $+nih #hoe 7ho ha( #r+%5 !on(ene( Mar#ian inno!en# #o a(i$oa*%e "a#e>'

The #hree en (i(n'# $ea: "or a oen#> The +n *%e( #hro+8h #he(i#an# !%o+( o" a ornin8 :5> C+#o(ian $ae(; i%en# an( i8i%an#;#hro+8h #he han8in8 8ar(en>

Then 5o+ a8ree 7i#h Ma%!a(or an( 5e%" #ha# i# i hi8h #ie #ore#+rn #o #he &or8e ?or%( Prin!i$a%' )a8re+ Kane a:e(> 'To #a:e *a!:Mar'

A8ain Dorn %oo:e( #o #he Si8i%%i#e; an( a8ain #he &ir# Lor( o" Terra$+re( hi +ni%in8 %i$>

'No;' #he $riar!h an7ere( i$%5> S+!h a (e!ree 7a !oni(ere( a%iin8 %a7; +n*ro:en aon8 o# #ha# ha( o!!aion #o (ia8ree 7i#h Ro8a%Dorn>

'No; 5 %or(' #he &a*ri!a#or Genera% a:e(> 'Yo+ ai( i# 5o+re%">S+$$%5 an( (ean(> Coni(er #he reo+r!e an( %e8ionar5 ae# i#re+ire #o *%o!:a(e Mar $reen#%5> A%%ie arrie (ai%5 in,5#e; (rienhere *5 #he a8arie o" 7ar> Yo+r *ro#her $riar!h !oe an( 8o 7i#h #heLe8ione A#ar#e a# #heir (i$oa%>'

'I "ear Lor( Dorn (oe no# a(o!a#e a "or8e *5 "or8e re,#a:in8 o"Mar a# a%%; &a*ri!a#or Genera%;' #he Si8i%%i#e $o:e +$>

Kane %oo:e( "ro #he $riar!h #o Ma%!a(or; an( *a!: #o Dorn>'Yo+ are ri8h# a*o+# #he i#+a#ion on Mar *ein8 in#o%era*%e;' Ro8a%

Dorn a(i##e(> 'The *%o!:a(e o" Mar !anno# 8o on> I nee( #hoe ee%an( #he %e8ionarie #ha# !re7 #he e%e7here> Ma%!a(or a+re e #ha##here i %o5a% rei#an!e on Mar , a 8+erri%%a 7ar; i" 5o+ 7i%% , 5e# #here i%i##%e ei(en!e o" i#> The Re( P%ane# ha *een #a:en *5 #he ene5> ?e hae

%o# Mar an( 7e +# a!!e$# #ha#> I#' #ie #o !oni(er o#her o$#ion;&a*ri!a#or Genera%> In #he $a#; 7hen 7or%( hae *een o #horo+8h%5in"e#e( 7i#h 6eno; "or e6a$%e , 7hen an e6$e(i#ionar5 a!#ion #o re#a:e%o# 8ro+n( ha *een (eee( #oo !o#%5 in %i"e an( a#erie% , 7e hae%oo:e( #o o#her o%+#ion> Dra#i! o%+#ion #o i$oi*%e $ro*%e>

No7; 7ai# a e!on(;' )a8re+ Kane *%+r#e(; #he *%+e *%ae o" hio$#i! in#eni"5in8> 'Ma%!a(or; he !an'# *e erio+J'

'?hen ha Ro8a% Dorn eer *een :no7n no# #o *e erio+; &a*ri!a#orGenera%' #he Si8i%%i#e re#+rne(>

'Yo+ are #a%:in8 a*o+# E6#erina#+;' Kane ai(> 'On #he &or8e ?or%(Prin!i$a%> On Mar'

'Tha# i 7ha# I a $ro$oin8; &a*ri!a#or Genera%;' Dorn #o%( hi> 'Ihae r+n #he i+%a#ion 7i#h 5 !a$#ain> S+!h a!#ion i #he *e# #a!#i!a%reo%+#ion #o a ho# o" $ro*%e "a!e( *5 Terra an( #he So%ar S5#e a#%ar8e> ?i#h 5o+r ai#an!e 7e hae a%rea(5 ne8o#ia#e( 7i#h #he "or8e7or%( Phae#on an( Vo Prie "or +$$%ie>

'M+!h,nee(e( ee% an( an$o7er !o+%( *e re(ire!#e( "ro #heMar#ian !oni!# #o e!+rin8 #he !a$i#a% 5#e> Ho7eer; o# i8ni!an#o" a%% i i" a%% e%e "ai% an( Hor+ arrie in,5#e; #hen 7e 7i%% hae#ri$$e( hi no# on%5 o" hi Me!hani!+ a%%ie *+# a%o o" a hi8h%5 "or#ie(#a8in8 $oin#> Coni(er; &a*ri!a#or Genera%; ho7 (i!+%# i# 7o+%( *e , ho7

!o#%5 in #ie an( %i"e , #o reoe #he #rai#or "ro Mar no7> Thenia8ine ho7 i$oi*%e i# 7o+%( *e 7i#h Hor+ L+$er!a% an( hi Trai#or

4



Le8ion o$era#in8 o+# o" #he Re( P%ane#> Yo+ +n(er#an( #ha# I !anno#a%%o7 #ha# #o ha$$en>'

B+# )a8re+ Kane ha( #+rne( #o7ar( #he riin8 +n; a%%o7in8 i#8o%(en ra5 #o $ene#ra#e #he (ar:ne o" hi hoo(> The (ee$ %ine o" hian6ie#5,ea#en "a!e 8ae #he &a*ri!a#or Genera% #he 8ho+%ih; (ra7n

a$$earan!e o" a "or8e 7or%( eri#or>'Yo+ 7o+%( *o*ar( #he +r"a!e "ro or*i#''Ye; &a*ri!a#or Genera%;' Ro8a% Dorn ai(> '?i#h !5!%oni! #or$e(oe;

#oJ''To en+re a6i+ (ea#a#ion;' Kane ai(; nihin8 #he

$riar!h' en#en!e> A"#er !o%%e!#in8 hie%" "or a oen# an( (ra88in8hie%" a7a5 "ro #he ni8h#arih iion o" a (e#ro5e( Mar $%a5in8 oeran( oer in hi hea(; )a8re+ Kane re8ar(e( #he h+%:in8 $riar!h an("rai% &ir# Lor(> 'I i$%ore 5o+; (o no# (o #hi> The e$ire o" Mar haen(+re( in $ea!e an( hare( (ei8n "or a%o# a %on8 a Terra i#e%">'

'Tha# "a!# !anno# hie%( i# "ro #he !one+en!e o" here5;' Ro8a%Dorn r+*%e(>

'There are an5; an5 #e!hno%o8i!a% 7on(er;' #he &a*ri!a#orGenera% !on#in+e(; 'an( e!re# #ha# Mar har*o+r #ha# 7o+%( *e %o# in+!h an a!#ion> The %o #o h+ani#5 in #er o" :no7%e(8e 7o+%( *ein!a%!+%a*%e> Yo+ 7o+%( *e (e#ro5in8 #he I$eri+' "+#+re #o $reerean +n!er#ain $reen#; an( $%+n8in8 #he e$ire *a!: in#o #he (a5 o" O%(Ni8h#>

?i#ho+# a $reen#; ho7eer !er#ain;' #he $riar!h !o+n#ere(; '#here7i%% *e no "+#+re>'

'There i oe#hin8 e%e; 5 Lor( Dorn;' #he Me!hani!+ oer%or(

ai(> 'Soe#hin8 #ha# 5o+r #a!#i!a% o(e% ho+%( "a!#or in>''Yo+ 7o+%( %e!#+re e on #ha#; &a*ri!a#or Genera%' #he $riar!h

a:e(>'Hae 5o+ !oni(ere( #he rea!#ion o" #he Oniiah' eran# here

on Terra' Kane a:e(> 'Or #he "ee%in8 o" o#her "or8e 7or%( #hro+8ho+##he I$eri+ Mar i #he $iri#+a% ne6+ "or a%% 7orhi$ o" #he Oniiahin #he 8a%a65> ?ha# 7i%% #he *i%%ion o" $rie# an( Me!hani!+ !on#r+!#a:e o" 5o+r a##a!: on #heir oerei8n oi% Yo+r (e#r+!#ion o" a 7or%(a!re( #o #he "ai#h o" #he C+%# Me!hani!+'

'?ha# are 5o+ a5in8; )a8re+' Ma%!a(or $ree(>'I" I' no# i#a:en;' Dorn 8ro7%e(; '7e're *ein8 #hrea#ene( , here;

on #he 7a%% o" #he I$eria% Pa%a!e>I a #he E$eror' h+*%e eran#;' #he &a*ri!a#or Genera% #o%(

#he; 'an( 7o+%( a(o!a#e "or #he a!#ion o" hi on , Lor( Dorn , in 5eer5 7or( an( (ee(> B+# I !anno# an7er "or #he horror +!h a!#ion7o+%( !rea#e on (i#an# "or8e 7or%(; !on"ron#e( 7i#h #he rea%i#5 #ha# #heI$eri+ ee: #o (e#ro5 Mar 7hi%e Ke%*or,Ha% an( #he ?ara#er ee:#o $reere i#> Ho7 !o+%( #he5 :no7 #ha# #heir o7n "or8e 7or%( 7o+%(n'#*e ne6# Tenion hae e6i#e( "or a %on8 #ie *e#7een #he E$eror'eran# an( #he Mar#ian "ai#h> Ho7 %on8 *e"ore #he eran# o" #heOniiah in #heir en#ire#5 are (iie( a a here#i! !+%# Ho7 %on8

*e"ore #he5; in #+rn; (ii #he E$eror' on an( hi +*e!# a

4



7aron8erin8 #rai#or ?o+%( 5o+ no# *e !rea#in8 #he $er"e!# #or "or a"+r#her $%i# in #he Me!hani!+'

The $riar!h 6e( #he &a*ri!a#or Genera% 7i#h #he earin8 in#eni#5o" hi (ar: e5e> A hi 5#e oo(e( hi *%oo(#rea 7i#h oo(+$$reor; i# #oo: eer5#hin8 #he &a*ri!a#or Genera% ha( #o #an( hi

8ro+n( *e"ore i8h#5 Dorn>Ma%!a(or 7a#!he( #he +n *+rn in #he :5> 'An( i" #here 7a ano#her

7a5' #he Si8i%%i#e a:e(> 'An a%#erna#ie #ha# i8h# ere a%% o" o+r nee(Dra#i!; 5e> Di#a#e"+% een> B+# a !han!e #o ne+#ra%ie #he 8ro7in8#hrea# o" #he Re( P%ane#;' he ai( #o Dorn; '7hi%e $reerin8 #heoerei8n#5 an( a!roan!# i8ni!an!e o" Mar#ian oi%;' he (ire!#e( a#Kane>

Ro8a% Dorn an( #he &a*ri!a#or Genera% #+rne( #o7ar( Ma%!a(or>?o+%( i# hae an5#hin8 #o (o 7i#h #he ha(o7 5o+ hae #an(in8

en#ine% *enea#h #he %o#+' Ro8a% Dorn a:e(>Ma%!a(or ri:e( a $ar!he( i%e>'Carrion;' #he Si8i%%i#e !a%%e(; '!oe "or#h; i" 5o+ $%eae> Yo+'re

a:in8 Lor( Dorn nero+>'A #he Carrion 7a%:e( "or#h #hro+8h #he ornaen#a% "o%ia8e o" #he

han8in8 8ar(en; he "o+n( #ha# Ro8a% Dorn 8ae Ma%!a(or #he (i$%ea+reo" hi +ni%in8 "a!e> The re8en# ha( a# %ea# *ro:en #he #enion *e#7een#he $riar!h an( #he &a*ri!a#or Genera%>

'Yo+ are #he on o" 5 *ro#her Cora6;' Dorn ai( +$on #he Carrion'a$$roa!h> De$i#e #he $%ain 8+ne#a%,8re5 o" #he Carrion' $%a#e; #heRaen G+ar( !o+%( no# hi(e #he $a%ene o" hi :in; #he *%a!: o" hi %on8hair an( #he har$ne o" hi "ea#+re>

'I# i an hono+r #o *e o; 5 %or(;' #he Carrion an7ere(>'The Carrion oin #he ran: o" 5 e5e an( ear "ro #he Raen

G+ar( Le8ion;' Ma%!a(or e6$%aine( #o #he &a*ri!a#or Genera%>&ro Mar;' #he Me!hani!+ oer%or( o*ere(; no#in8 #he

i8na#+re 7or:anhi$ o" #he &or8e ?or%( Prin!i$a% in #he Carrion'a+8e#i!> The S$a!e Marine hi"#e( hi 7ei8h# %i8h#%5 "ro #heh5(ra+%i! o" one %e8 #o #he o#her>

'Ye;' #he Si8i%%i#e !onre(>'Ea!+a#e( 7i#h 5 !on#r+!# :in(re( *5 Lor( Dorn' I$eria% &i#;'

#he &a*ri!a#or Genera% ai(> 'I ree*er 5o+ "ro $ro!ein8 on L+na> A%e8ionar5> Yo+ 7ere +n(er8oin8 #rainin8 on Mar 7i#h #he ar#ian'

'Ye; 8enera%;' #he Carrion ai(> 'I ha( !o$%e#e( 5 #rainin8 an(7a !he(+%e( "or !oenan!e>'

'B5 #he eer,#+rnin8 !o8;' #he Me!hani!+ oer%or( ai(> 'Then 5o++# a%%o7 e #o arran8e "or 5o+r in#a#een#> Yo+ +# re!eie #hea!hina o$+ "or 5o+r 5ear o" #+(5 an( #rainin8>'

'Tha# i 8ra!io+ o" 5o+; 8enera%;' #he Carrion ai(; '*+# I hae(e!i(e( no# #o #a:e !oenan!e>'

The !on"eion eee( #o !on"+e #he Me!hani!+ oer%or(>'Yo+ hae (e!i(e( no# #o re#+rn #o 5o+r Le8ion' Dorn ai(> 'A"#er

eer5#hin8 5o+ hae %earne( *e"e%% #he in #he I#an S5#e

The Carrion ha( hear( "ro Ma%!a(or' o7n %i$ #he a#ro!i#ie!oi##e( on #he o#her i(e o" #he 8a%a65 , 7here *ro#her ha( #+rne(

4Q



a8ain# *ro#her; a aa!re ha( +n"o%(e( an( #he hi#or5 o" #he I$eri+#o !oe ha( !han8e( "oreer> He 7o+%( %i:e #o hae ai( #ha# he ha( 7e$#"or hi *ro#her; *+# he ha(n'#> &arina#+ ha( !han8e( hi "oreer> Heho+%( hae "e%# a ho7%in8 e$#ine 7here hi hear# ho+%( hae *een;a oi( #ha# !o+%( on%5 *e %%e( 7i#h #he $i%%in8 o" #rai#or *%oo(> In#ea( he

i$%5 "e%# a !o%(; irrei#i*%e nee( #o 6 7ha# ha( *een *ro:enF a riene$ire; a %e8a!5 #a%%e(; #he 8ear o" *ro#herhoo( 8rin(in8 an( ahe(>

'No; 5 %or(;' #he Carrion re$%ie(>'A# a #ie 7hen 5 *ro#her , an( 5o+r *ro#her , nee( 5o+ o#'

#he $riar!h $ree(>'I hae !hoen ano#her :in( o" eri!e;' #he Carrion #o%( hi>Dorn %oo:e( #o #he i%en# Si8i%%i#e> 'He i #o *e one o" 5o+r $ie!e' he

a:e(> 'To *e oe( a*o+# #he Re8i!i(e *oar(''Aren'# 7e a%% +!h $ie!e' Ma%!a(or re#+rne(>'Ho7 (i( 5o+r an Garro $+# i#' #he $riar!h a:e(> 'A Kni8h#

Erran#>''He ha !hoen +!h a $a#h;' Ma%!a(or ai(>'Or ha( i# !hoen "or hi on L+na;' Dorn ai(>Ma%!a(or i$%5 i%e(> 'A $a#h #ha# 7i%% #a:e hi *a!: #o Mar; i"

7e #hree !hooe;' he ai(; an( %e# #he +88e#ion han8 "or a oen# on#he ornin8 *reee>

'I' %i#enin8;' Dorn ai(>Ma%!a(or #+rne( #o Kane>'Yo+ hae 5 a##en#ion;' #he &a*ri!a#or Genera% ai(>'P%eae;' #he Si8i%%i#e ai( #o #he Carrion> 'Te%% #he a 5o+ hae #o%(

e>

The Carrion *o7e( hi hea( #o hi ne7 %or( an( a#er>'M5 #ie on L+na 8ae e #he o$$or#+ni#5 #o #hin:> There i no#hin8

#o (o +$ #here *+# #hin: , a*o+# #he !hi on Mar; #he *e#ra5a% a#I#an; 5 Lor( Re8en#' oer an( #he $ar# I i8h# $%a5 in #hi ne78a%a65 o" !ha%%en8e an( !han8e> I !ae #o #he !on!%+ion #ha# (e$i#e o+rho!: a# #he a#ro!i#ie !oi##e( (+rin8 #he Dro$i#e Maa!re; here5 ,in one "or or ano#her , i no#hin8 ne7> Mar 7a ri"e 7i#h +nan!#ione(e6$erien#a#ion; #he e*ra!e o" a*oina#e #e!hno%o8ie an( o%+#iono+8h# "ro #he 6eno or #he *e5on(>' A Kane *e8an #o $ro#e#; #heCarrion a((e(; '?hi!h #he !%ae,a%a8ra o" #he Le6or!i# Genera%; #heDiiio Pro*an(i an( #he Pre"e!#+re Ma8i#eri+ 7ere #ire%e in #heir

eor# #o h+n# (o7n an( $ere!+#e>' The Me!hani!+ oer%or( no((e( hi a!+ie!en!e>'I ha( i"or#+ne #o ee one +!h here#e: en#en!e( #o #ai

!on#ainen# in $er$e#+i#a>?ha# 7a hi !rie' #he &a*ri!a#or Genera% a:e(>'The #+(5 o" e%",enhan!in8 #e!hno%o8ie>''A*oina*%e in#e%%i8en!e''Ye; 8enera%;' #he Carrion !onre(> 'M5 Ar#ian A#ar#e e6$oe(

hi #+(en# #o #he 7or:in8 o" #he "ear"+% Ma%a8ra; #he Diiio Pro*an(ian( #he Pre"e!#+re Ma8i#eri+ ear%5 on; #o in#i% in #he re$+8nan!e "or

+!h (eia#ion>'

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'Then 5o+ ha( a 7ie en#or;' Kane a!:no7%e(8e(> '?ha# 7a #hihere#e:' nae'

'O!#a% Boo%;' #he Carrion #o%( hi> 'A 5o+n8 *+# *ri%%ian# Ma8oDoin+ o" #he Le8io C5*erne#i!a> A #+(en# hie%" o" #he Ar#ianC5*erne#i!a Phea%i+ L+6>'

'I :no7 o" L+6 "ro #he in"o#o*;' Kane ai(; '*+# no# #hi a8o>Hereie are hi((en;' #he Carrion !on#in+e(> 'Re,7ri##en; erae(>

Een "ro +!h a 5o+re%"; &a*ri!a#or Genera%> To a:e !%ear #he "e+(a%$o%i#i! in #he re8ion an( ae hi !on#r+!#,:in(re( e*arraen#; #heDiiio Pro*an(i ha( !o(e !r+**er reoe a%% #ra!e o" Boo%' e6i#en!e"ro #he #o*; #he %i*raria an( een %o!a% h+*#rea> Hi 7or:; hi!orr+$#ion an( reear!he 7ere *+rie( 7i#h hi in #ai !onneen#>'

'Then ho7 (o 5o+ :no7 o +!h a*o+# #hi ra(i!a%' Dorn $+# #ohi>

'M5 en#or a(e O!#a% Boo% 5 r# !ae #+(5;' #he Carrion ai(>'He 8ae e a!!e #o #he en!r5$#e( Pro*an(i %e> He 7an#e( #o :no7#ha# I #r+%5 +n(er#oo( #he here#e:' #ran8reion>'

'An( (o 5o+' #he $riar!h $ree(; #he r+*%e o" ea!h 7or( a7arnin8>

Eno+8h #o ai# + in #hi #ie o" 8rea# nee(; Lor( Dorn>''Ro8a%;' Ma%!a(or oo#he(> 'Hear hi o+#>Thoe #ran8reion in!%+(e( $ea:in8 a8ain# Mar#ian %a7 o"

non,$ro%i"era#ion o" a(a$#ie in#e%%i8en!e; #he Sen#ien!5 E(i!# an( #he*anne( $+r+i# o" #he Sin8+%ari#ariani#>'

'Thoe !har8e 7o+%( *e !on(ena#ion eno+8h;' #he &a*ri!a#orGenera% ai(>

'O!#a% Boo% 7en# "+r#her #han #ha#;' #he Carrion #o%( hi; '+!h"+r#her> Hi #ra!# (e#ai%e( hi a!+ii#ion o" a (an8ero+ $ie!e o"#e!hno%o85 :no7n a #he Ta*+%a M5ria(; a i%i!a ani+ re$oni*%e "or8eno!i(e on a n+*er o" 7ar$ #or,io%a#e( 7or%( (+rin8 #he A8e o"S#ri"e> I# 7a re!oere( in #he ear%5 (a5 o" #he Grea# Cr+a(e *5 #he IronHan( a"#er (e"ea#in8 #he (e!ia#e( Para"e6 an( #he en#ien# !on#r+!#o" #he Ta*+%a M5ria( on A%#ra,Me(ian> The 8rea# &err+ Man+ %e( #he <-#h E6$e(i#ionar5 &%ee# $erona%%5 an( #+rne( #he Ta*+%a M5ria( oer #o #heMe!hani!+ "or a"e:ee$in8>

I# ee 7e "ai%e( in #ha#;' #he &a*ri!a#or Genera% a(i##e(> 'Ho77a +!h a #hin8 a%%o7e( #o ha$$en'

'O!#a% Boo%' area o" e6$er#ie 7i#hin #he C5*erne#i!a 7a !or#e6r7are> He ha( *een e6$erien#in8 7i#h hi a+#oa#a $ro#o!o% %on8*e"ore he a!+ire( #he Ta*+%a M5ria(> In#ea( o" #he "+n!#iona% a%8ori#han( #ai( $ro8rain8 o" hi a(e$#,$eer; Boo%' $ro8rain8 $a##ern7ere +%#i,%a5ere(; in#ri!a#e an( %oa(e( 7i#h e%",re"eren#ia% air an(o+rih> The5 7ere $ie!e o" $ro8rain8 ar#> He (i(n'# re8ar( hi o(+a an ar#ian' #oo%> I# 7a %i:e a +i!a% in#r+en# +$on 7hi!h he!rea#e( !o$%e6 a%8ori#hi! 5$honie> In *rea:in8 7i#h !onen#ion; heeen nae( #he in(ii(+a% 7e#7are $ro8ra "or #he a+#oa#a !ohor#+n(er hi !oan( %i:e Re8i!i(e #ra#e8ieF #he To%%e6 O$enin8; #he

Vharian De"en!e an( #he O!!%on,Nani+ Gae> Cohor# o" *a##%e,a+#oa#a *ene##in8 "ro hi $ro8rain8 ha( #he er5 hi8he# +!!e

-1



ra#e; 7i#h "e7 +ni# +erin8 "ro a%"+n!#ion or !o$+#a#ion error> I#7a #he ar#i#r5 o" +!h a%8ori#h #ha# 8ae hi a+#oa#a #he i$reiono" #hin:in8 "or #hee%e an( a%er#e( a(e$# in #he Le8io C5*erne#i!aan( Pre"e!#+re Ma8i#eri+ #o hi $oi*%e (eian!5>'

'Yo+ o+n( a i" 5o+ a(ire hi;' Dorn ai(> 'Do 5o+'

The Carrion #ho+8h# !are"+%%5 a*o+# hi re$%5> 'Can a an "ear;re$e!# an( a(ire #he !a$a*i%i#ie o" ano#her 7hi%e i+%#aneo+%5hain8 re$+8nan!e "or a%% #ha# he re$reen# S+re%5 5o+ !an #i%% a(ire#he ar#ia% 8i"# o" #he ?ara#er; 7hi%e #i%% (oin8 eer5#hin8 in 5o+r$o7er #o #o$ hi Do no# #he I$eria% &i# a(o!a#e a re$e!# "or #heireneie'

'I (on'# :no7 7ha# in( 8ae are $%a5e( in #he ha(o7 o" 5o+rLe8ion or #he h5$o#he#i!a% #ha# %% #he (a5 on Mar;' Dorn 8ro7%e(; '*+##he5 are no# 7e%!oe on #he er5 7a%% #ha# i8h# *e !a%%e( +$on #o(e"en( + a8ain# +!h (rea( 8i"#>'

'&or8ie e; Lor( Dorn;' #he Carrion ai(> The $riar!h ai( no#hin8 "or a oen#; eein8%5 a an8r5 7i#h

hie%" a 7i#h Ma%!a(or' Kni8h# Erran#>Dorn !oni(ere(> 'I a:e( a +e#ion , an( 5o+ an7ere( i#> Tha# i

a%%> Pra5; !on#in+e>O!#a% Boo% +e( hi 8i"# #o "r+#ra#e #he e!+ri#5 r7are o" #he

(+n8eon (ia8no#i!a an( a!!e #he #ai #o* o" Proe#hei Sin+> Thee 7o+%( *e #he ae #o* 7i#hin 7hi!h he 7o+%( *e in!ar!era#e("or hi !rie> I# 7a #here he a!+ire( #he Ta*+%a M5ria(>'

'?h5 #hi $ar#i!+%ar a*oina#ion' #he &a*ri!a#or Genera% a:e(>'The Ta*+%a M5ria( i a "or o" e6i8en!5 en8ine;' #he Carrion #o%(

hi> '&ar +r$ain8 #he a*i%i#ie o" Me!hani!+ !i$her en8ine an(%o8i#a; i# *aro+e a#ri6 !o*ine #he !a%!+%+ o" a!ro$ro*a*i%i#5 7i#h#he !rea#ii#5 o" i# a*oina*%e en#ien!e; %%in8 #he 8a$ in i# (a#a 7i#hia8ina#ie #heore#i!a%>

A o+r 8ene#or an( Ma8i Re$%i!ae +*#i#+#e #he !oon 8ene#i!!o(in8 o" o#her $e!ie in (aa8e( DNA'

'Ye; 8enera%>''Thi a!hine #ra#e8i!a%%5 $re(i!# "+#+re o+#!oe;' Ro8a% Dorn

ai(; 7i#h a +!h o" a hier a a $riar!h !o+%( +er>'I# $re(i!#e( #he !hi on Mar;' #he Carrion #o%( hi> 'On o#her

7or%(; 7here i# ha( $re(i!#e( en 7o+%( %oo: #o #he (ar:ne "or

an7er an( (an #hee%e 7i#h #he !orr+$#ion o" #he *e5on(; #he Ta*+%a M5ria( an( #he en#ien# !on#r+!# +n(er i# !on#ro% ini#ia#e( aer!i%e !a$ai8n a8ain# 7ha# i# (e#erine( #o *e #he 7ea:ne o"eh> In hi reear!h; O!#a% Boo% !%aie( #ha# #he Ta*+%a M5ria( ha($re(i!#e( on #hoe eh,!%eane( 7or%( e6a!#%5 7ha# 7e are no7 "a!in8on #he Re( P%ane# , a here5 o" *e%ie"; o" $+r$oe an( o" #he eh> I#e$%o5e( #he ae $ro*a*i%i#5 a#ri6 +e( #o !on(en +!h !ii%ia#ion#o a!hiee i!#or5 a8ain# #he> The (e!iion #o +%#ia#e%5 era(i!a#e #he7ea:ne , #he #hrea# , o" +!h eh #oo: $ro*a*%5 no ore #han ai%%ie!on(>'

'I #hin: I ee 7here 7e are 8oin8;' Dorn ai( 8rae%5; %oo:in8 #o #hei%en# Si8i%%i#e>

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'?ha# (o 5o+ ean' Kane a:e(; hi o7n !o8i#a#or "+n!#ion!a%!+%a#in8 #o !a#!h +$>

'Ho7 7ere #he Ta*+%a M5ria( an( #hi here#e: #o ee!# +!h ano+#!oe on Mar' Dorn a:e(> 'Be"ore #hi a(an 7a !a+8h# an(!on#aine('

The Carrion %oo:e( "ro #he $riar!h #o #he &a*ri!a#or Genera%>'?i#h e%e8an!e an( e!ono5; 5 %or(;' #he S$a!e Marine ai(>

'Un%i:e Terra; #he Re( P%ane# ha %on8 in!e %o# i# na#+ra%a8ne#o$here> T7o "or8e #e$%e; an!ien# in en8ineerin8 an(!on#r+!#ion; 7ere *+i%# in #he "roen 7a#e a# ea!h $%ane#ar5 $o%e Ver#e6 Borea%i in #he nor#h an( Ver#e6 A+#ra%i in #he o+#h>'

'B5 #he a%i8h#5 Oniiah; no;' #he &a*ri!a#or Genera% +r+re(>Ver#e6' Dorn $ree( #he Carrion; +$$rein8 a !o7% o"

anno5an!e an( !on"+ion> 'E6$%ain>''The Ver#e6 i a 8rea# a6%e> A 7on(er o" Mar> A "ea# o" $%ane#ar5

en8ineerin8 (a#in8 *a!: #o #he ear%5 (a5 o" #he Me!hani!+;' #he Carrionai(> 'I# i a $%ane#ar5 $in(%e #ha# rea!he (o7n in#o #he Mar#ian !r+#an( #hro+8h #he %on8,!oo%e( !ore o" #he "or8e 7or%(> Geoa8ne#i!rea!#or "ee( $o7er *a!: #o #he a6%e #ha# :ee$ #he !ore #+rnin8> TheVer#e6 i #he :e5 #o a%% *io%o8i!a% %i"e on Mar> ?i#ho+# i# an( #he ar#i!ia%a8ne#o$heri! hie%( i# 8enera#e; Mar 7o+%( no# *e $ro#e!#e( "ro #he%e#ha% ra(ia#ion o" o+r o7n #ar , %e# a%one #he (ea(%5 !oi! ra58enera#e( *5 #e%%ar een# in near*5 5#e>'

'An( O!#a% Boo% an( #he Ta*+%a M5ria(' Dorn *e8an>'$%anne( #o (aa8e or (e#ro5 #he "or8e #e$%e a# Ver#e6

A+#ra%i;' #he Carrion !onre(> 'The a*oina*%e in#e%%i8en!e !a%!+%a#e(

#he o+#hern in#a%%a#ion #o *e #he o# #a!#i!a%%5 +%nera*%e>''?ha# a*o+# #he o#her "or8e #e$%e' a:e( #he $riar!h>'On%5 one nee( #o *e in!a$a!i#a#e( "or #he o$era#ion o" #he Ver#e6

#o *e !o$roie(;' #he Carrion ai(>'Co+%( #hi #e!hno%o85 *e re$aire( or re*+i%#' Dorn a:e(>The ar!ane :no7%e(8e o" #he #e!hno%o85' 8ran( o$era#ion i %o# #o

#he Me!hani!+;' #he &a*ri!a#or Genera% ai(> '?i#ho+# #hea8ne#o$heri! hie%(; #he #hin a#o$here o" Mar 7o+%( *e #ri$$e(a7a5 *5 #he o%ar 7in(; !arr5in8 a7a5 #he $%ane#' $re!io+ reere o"7a#er> The Re( P%ane# 7o+%( ra$i(%5 *e!oe a ra(ia#ion #ra$; inii!a% #oor8ani! %i"e>'

'The #r+e o*e!#ie o" #he here#e:a% ar#5r O!#a% Boo% an( #he Ta*+%aM5ria(;' #he Carrion ai(> 'A 7ar on #he 7ea:ne o" eh; 7i#h Mar %e"#$+r8e(; $+re an( in #he han( o" #he a!hine>'

'I" +!h a #hin8 7ere !on#e$%a#e(' )a8re+ Kane ai(>' ?e are !on#e$%a#in8 i#;' Ma%!a(or #o%( hi 7i#h #ee%5 a+ran!e>'Lor( Dorn;' #he &a*ri!a#or Genera% i$%ore(; %oo:in8 "or +$$or#

"ro #he $riar!h>'?ha# 7o+%( 5o+ $ro$oe' Dorn a:e( 8rae%5>The Carrion;' #he Si8i%%i#e ai(; 'ha !onen#e( #o re#+rn #o Mar a

5 a8en#> No one; een aon8 #he ran: o" 5 o7n Kni8h# Erran#; i

*e##er +a%ie( "or +!h an +n(er#a:in8> He 7i%% %i*era#e Boo% an( hi i%i!aani+ an( "a!i%i#a#e #he; i" $oi*%e; in ena!#in8 #heir (rea( $%an>'

-4



Ro8a% Dorn #ho+8h# on 7ha# #he a8e( re8en# ha( #o%( hi> Hi 8riia8e 7a a ne# o" ran:%in8 +n!er#ain#ie> The5 7ere no# a na#+ra% # "or#he $riar!h' (a+n#%e "ea#+re>

'There are o an5 "a!#or;' Dorn a(i##e( na%%5> 'Ho7 !an 5o+:no7 #ha# #he #rai#or on Mar haen'# a%rea(5 ne+#ra%ie( +!h a #hrea# ,

or o+8h# o+# #he !o%%a*ora#ion o" +!h here#e: an( !on#r+!#''A%% :no7%e(8e o" O!#a% Boo% an( hi reear!he 7a 7i$e( "ro #he

in"o#o*;' #he Raen G+ar( rein(e( hi>'An( 7ha# o" #hi a*oina*%e #e!hno%o85; ho+%( i# +!!ee(' Dorn

a:e(> '?on'# 7e *e e6!han8in8 one ene5 "or ano#her''M5 #+(5 o" here#e:a% hi#or5 an( #he (rea( e$%o5en# o" +!h

in#e%%i8en!e i #ha#; (e$i#e ear%5 +!!ee; (eian# #e!hno%o85+%#ia#e%5 "ai%> I# i one o" #he #ron8e# ar8+en# #he C+%# Me!hani!+ha in re"+in8 #o e*ra!e +!h #e!hno%o85>

?ho 7o+%( 5o+ ra#her "a!e on #he e%( o" *a##%e; Lor( Dorn In #he%on8 #er; #he Ta*+%a M5ria( 7i%% "ai%; a i# ha (one *e"ore> Can 5o+ a5#he ae a*o+# Hor+ L+$er!a%

'An( #hi i# 7e%% 7i#h 5o+; Kni8h# Erran# Thee +n!onen#iona%#ra#e8ie' Dorn !ha%%en8e(>

Shor# o" en(in8 ha%" o" 5o+r Le8ion #o e!+re Mar;' #he Carrionai(; 'an5 #ra#e85 i 8oin8 #o *e +n!onen#iona%> The "a!# i; 5 %or(; #ha#5 $riar!h , 5o+r *ro#her , #a+8h# e 7e%%> The Raen G+ar( (o no#en8a8e in a "ron#a% aa+%# +n%e #he5 hae #o>

In%#ra#ion an( a*o#a8e are 7ea$on #o *e 7ie%(e( a8ain# #heene5> In 5 in(; #+rnin8 here#e: a8ain# here#e: i no (ieren# #o!o%%a$in8 a *ri(8e; (e#ona#in8 a rea!#or or *%o7in8 +$ a *+i%(in8> The

Raen G+ar( are a one 7i#h #he ha(o7 7hen 7e nee( #o *e>?e are a#er o" #he +neen , an( *e%iee e; Lor( Dorn; o+r

eneie on Mar 7i%% no# ee #hi !oin8>'Ro8a% Dorn %oo:e( #o )a8re+ Kane> '&a*ri!a#or Genera%''Yo+ are a:in8 e #o ii# #he (ea#a#ion o" O%( Ni8h# on!e ore

+$on #he Re( P%ane#;' Kane ai(>'&or Mar no7; #here are *+# #hree "+#+re;' Ma%!a(or #o%( #he

Me!hani!+ oer%or(> 'I# !an *e a (e!ia#e( ro!: o" oo# an( r+in> I# !an*e a 7arin8 #ron8ho%( "or #rai#or an( (eian# %#h> Or; &a*ri!a#orGenera%; Mar !an *e !%eane( o" #he #rea!her5 #ha# "e#er on i# +r"a!e%i:e a !an!er> I# !an *e re#+rne( #o a $ro+(er oen# in i# i%%+#rio+

hi#or5 an( *e8in a8ain; 7i#h i# a#erie%; in"ra#r+!#+re; oerei8n oi%an( i# e!re# in#a!#>'

The &a*ri!a#or Genera% no((e( hi hoo(e( hea( in %o7 hae>Ro8a% Dorn %oo:e( #o Ma%!a(or an( hi Kni8h# Erran#>

'P+r8e #he +n!%ean;' #he $riar!h #o%( #he> The Carrion #+rne( #o hi a#er; #he Re8en# o" a%% Terra> Ma%!a(or

7a#e( on #he Carrion 7ha# reaine( o" #he :in(ne in hi i#5 e5e>'Do 5o+r o%en (+#5;' #he Si8i%%i#e or(ere(>'M5 %or(;' #he Carrion ai( an( 7a%:e( o #o7ar( #he +$$er 7ar(

7here one o" #he Si8i%%i#e' +nar:e( h+##%e 7a 7ai#in8 "or hi on a

!on!ea%e( %an(in8 $%a#"or> A he 7a%:e( he 7i%%e( hi !o8i#a#or #o %#ero+# #he %i8h# hi o" hi h5(ra+%i! an( #he *a!:8ro+n( *+#%e o" $a#ro%%in8

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en#rie an( %a#e,*+r(ene( a(ini#ra#or> He hear( 7ha# he e6$e!#e(#o>

'?ha# i" he "ai%' #he &a*ri!a#or Genera% a:e(>'?ha#eer Ma%!a(or 7ihe hi #o *e no7;' #he $riar!h r+*%e(;

'he i a 7arrior o" #he Le8ione A#ar#e> I# i8h# *e (i!+%# in #hee

(ar:enin8 (a5 *+# #r5 #i%% #o hae oe "ai#h in #he E$eror an8e%>''Man5 %ie (e$en( +$on hi +!!e;' Ma%!a(or ai( na%%5> '&or i" he

"ai%; Lor( Dorn ha a (i!+%# (e!iion #o a:e>' To #ha#; #here 7a no re$%5>

MARS

=MARS> THE RED PLANET BLEEDS A TRAIL O& CORRUPTION THROUGH THE SOLAR SYSTEM> ITS NEST O& TRAITOR CONSTRUCTS CANTINSANITY AND STREAM IN&ECTION BET?EEN THEIR INCALCULABLENUMBER> THE &ORGE TEMPLES AND CANYONS O& MARS ROAR ?ITH THEUNNATURAL &IRES O& IN&ERNAL INDUSTRY> A PLACE O& THE OMNISSIAHA&&LICTED> O& IRON POSSESSED> O& THE ?EAKNESS O& &LESH>@

LOCATE 2 ISOLATE

THE INVALIS REGION> There 7ere "e7 $%a!e on #he &or8e ?or%(Prin!i$a% #ha# #he Carrion , Son o" Cora6; Mar#ian,#raine( an( Kni8h# Erran#o" Terra , !oni(ere( ore +i#a*%e "or iner#ion>

Recollection commencing…'The whole region is a dead zone', Ar!he%on ha( #o%( hi> 'Even the

Titanica avoid these highlands.' The Carrion 8+ee( #ha# #he iron5 o" hi ne7 ii# #o #he re8ion

7o+%( hae *een %o# on hi h+o+r%e en#or> The Ar#ian A#ar#eGnae+ Ar!he%on ha( #a:en hi #here on!e; (+rin8 hi Gene#ori ro#a#ion;#o #ea!h #he Carrion #he #e!hni!a% 7on(er o" #he eh oer #he 7ea:neo" iron>

He ha( ho7e( #he Te!harine,in,#rainin8 #he $o%5he(ra% #r+!#+reo" o:5; re( +ar# #ha# %i##ere( #he a%%e5 an( o+n#aini(e> TheCarrion ha( "e%# i# #hen a he (i( no7 , an a+#oo#ie e6ha+#ion> Hiiion *%+rre(> Hi rea!#or "e%# %i:e i!e in hi eh> The *ioni! o" hi %i*"e%# %i:e #he (ea(7ei8h# o" $%a#ee% an( a(aan#i+ #ha# #he5 7ere> The

Ar#ian A#ar#e ha( #o%( hi #ha# #he a#eria% ha( no# ori8ina#e( on Maran( ha( %i:e%5 *een *ro+8h# #o #he $%ane# *5 a e#eori#e i$a!#> Thea#eria% rei#e( a%% a##e$# #o !an or ana%5e i# an( 8ae o oe :in(o" e%( or e6o#i! "or o" ra(ia#ion #ha# in#er"ere( 7i#h an*ari! an( $o7er5#e> The $rie# o" Mar 7ere +$er#i#io+ a*o+# #he re8ion;(e!%arin8 i# !ir!+%o!+ e6$e(ien#+> &ro #he (rea("+% (rainin8ena#ion 7i#hin hi 5#e; #he Carrion ha( een 7h5> 'It will pass;'Ar!he%on ha( ai(; +erin8 ii%ar %+88ihne> 'Run compensations and proceed

'R+n !o$ena#ion an( $ro!ee(;' #he Carrion or(ere(>

The in#erior o" #he or*i#a% ar:%i8h#er 7a a hae o" #+##erin8 %i8h#in8> The !ar8o ee% ha( on%5 a r+(ien#ar5 *ri(8e 7i#h *ai! 5#e

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in#en(e( #o *e r+n *5 a a%% eri#or !re7> The Carrion ha( *eenai8ne( #7o ero,a+#oa#a , 8i"# "ro #he &a*ri!a#or Genera%> Te!harine %eain8 Mar 7ere o"#en ai8ne( eri#or a $ar# o" #heirna% !oenan!e , !on#r+!# #o $roi(e #e!hni!a% ai( an( !oer (+rin8!o*a#; 7hen #he5 7o+%( *e a# #heir o# +%nera*%e>

The Carrion a+e( #ha# )a8re+ Kane 7a en(in8 hi aea8e in +!h a 8i"#> The5 7ere !a%%e( Di,De%#a -.1 an( E#a2Io#a314 ,'#he N+%%' an( '#he Voi('; a #he Carrion ha( !oe #o !a%% #he; "or #heir!o$%e#e a*en!e o" 7ar#h an( !onera#ion a rein(er o" Marin(ee(> The $air 7ere a#,"einine; 7i#h %i8h# *a##%e !hai an( %i8h#%i*> Ara$%a $%a#e 7ere e*e((e( (ire!#%5 in#o #heir *are eh;a%%o7in8 #he ero,a+#oa#a #o oe 7i"#%5 an( !arr5 o+# or(er 7i#ho+#i$e(ien#> Their !%one,i(en#i!a% "a!e 7ere e# in !5*erne#i! !rania;*+5 7i#h eri!e !o$e an( a+8+r> Their e5e 7ere a%ie an( +r8en# *+#*enea#h #heir noe #here 7a on%5 oo#h eh> In#ea( o" o+#h; #he5ha( a%% o6,8ri%%e e# in #heir #hroa#> The5 7ere are( 7i#h ro#or 8+n#ha# #he5 he%( n+8 #o #heir ho+%(er %i:e rie> Too% *e%# a# a!ro #heirhi$; in!%+(in8 a !hain,*%a(e #ha# (o+*%e( a a %a#,reor# 7ea$on> Li:e#he Carrion #he5 ha( *een $or#,#ri$$e( #o $ro#e!# #he "ro #he !o(e,!on#a8ion #ha# 7a 7ee$in8 #hro+8h Mar>

I" #he N+%% an( #he Voi( "e%# #he (rain o" #he Ina%i; #he5 ai(no#hin8> Un!o+$%in8 hie%" "ro #he !o!:$i#,!ra(%e; #he Carrion 7i%%e(hie%" #o oe> I# 7a a h5(ra+%i! eor# a%o# a:in #o $ain; *+# one *5one; #he S$a!e Marine oe( hi %i*; 8h#in8 #he #ran8e ee!# o" #hehi8h%an(> Un!o+$%in8 "ro her o7n !ra(%e; #he Voi( $o7ere( (o7n #hereainin8 ar:%i8h#er 5#e; %eain8 #he *are# rea!#or #ra!e "or

(e#e!#ion> The N+%% 7a a%rea(5 +$ an( an+a%%5 !ran:in8 #he eer8en!5

a!!e,$or# e# in #he roo" o" #he #in5 *ri(8e> ?i#h a $re+rie( $o$; #heha#!h *%e7 o; a%%o7in8 #he eri#or #o !%i* o+# on#o #he h+%% o" #hear:%i8h#er> Gra**in8 hi 7ea$on; an( 7i#h eor#; #he Carrion "o%%o7e(;7i#h #he Voi( *rin8in8 +$ #he rear>

S#an(in8 on #he re,en#r5,!or!he( h+%%; #he Carrion !o+%( ee #he!ar o" #he ar:%i8h#er' %an(in8 r+nnin8 a!ro #he Mar#ian ear#h> The Voi(ha( +e( a$; air*rea: an( $+r8e( !ar8o e!#ion #o *rin8 #he inha%%o7 an( $+# #he Me!hani!+ #ran$or# (o7n in a *roa( a%%e5> A #rai%o" re( (+# ar:e( #heir $a#h; 7i#h #he ar:%i8h#er $ar#ia%%5 *+rie( in #he

8ro+n( an( i# ero(erri!:; hoi#,!%a7 an( ha+%a8e ri8 han8in8an8%e( "ro #he h+%%>

I# ha( *een no a!!i(en# #ha# #he ee% ha( $+# (o7n in #he Ina%iRe8ion; a%#ho+8h i# 7a ean# #o a$$ear #ha# 7a5> I# ha( *een an or*i#a%7or:hore !on!a#e( a $ar# o" #he #en(er o#i%%a *e%on8in8 #o a Mar#ian*%o!:a(e r+nner> The M+ni#oria Lo8i ar:"rei8h#er ha( *een !a$#+re( *5#he I$eria% &i# (e#ro5er P+8na!i#a an( #he a##en(an# %i8h#erre+ii#ione( +n(er Lor( Ma%!a(or' a+#hori#5 "or #he Carrion' iner#ion> I#ha( %i##%e #ro+*%e re#+rnin8 #hro+8h #he *%o!:a(e> I# *ore a%% #hea$$ro$ria#e Bai%i:on A#ra i(en#i!o(e an( i# r+ne*an: *o+n!e( #rani#

rea(in8 an( !an#iion o hi$5ar( #ra!,#o7er; Me!hani!+ a+8+r,*+o5 an( or*i#a% (e"en!e oni#or #ha# #i%% ree:e( o" !ra$!o(e

-9



!orr+$#ion> The Carrion ha( or(ere( #he !ree!hin8 eri#or !re7 e6e!+#e(*+# ha( a(e no a##e$# #o $+r8e #he ar:%i8h#er o" i# r+ino+ #ain#> ?hi%e(a#a *+er $ro#e!#e( #he Carrion an( hi ero,a+#oa#a; #he !o(e,!orr+$#ion a(e an e6!e%%en# !ao+a8e "or #he ee%; (ri"#in8 $a# #he*e%ea8+ere( Rin8 o" Iron , 8%o7in8 7i#h #ran8e; i!:%5 *a%e%i8h# an(

hrie:in8 7i#h #or#+re( o6iion> The Carrion 7a 8%a( #o *e o+# o" #he in"e!#e( #ran$or#> The ee%

7a ai%in8; i# 5#e #rea,i!:; i# +$er#r+!#+re ha+n#e(> S#an(in8on #he *%a!:ene( h+%% e6#erior; #he Carrion' in"raiion 6e( on #he oonPho*o a*oe> The ha(o7 o" #ra+a#i! "ra!#+re ai!#e( #he a#e%%i#e> The $%ane#oi( 7a "o%%o7e( #hro+8h #he ni8h# :5 *5 a o#i%%a o" !o%oa%*er8 an( r+**%eF renan# o" oe a$o!a%5$#i! een# on #he +r"a!e or7i#hin #he "a*ri!a#or oon> &ro #he (ea#a#ion; #he Raen G+ar( S$a!eMarine e#ia#e( #he oi( "or8e o" Cra#era Re%(rea an( #he S:5re Ci#5a%% *+# (e#ro5e( #he (r5(o!: o" #he Ke$%er Dor+ no %on8er $reen# a#a%%>

The Raen G+ar( %oo:e( a# #he re( Mar#ian $ea: rea!hin8 "or #he*%ea: heaen> The5 7ere %i##ere( 7i#h #ri$$e( 7re!:a8e an( r+#e(ee% #ha# ha( a%o +ere( #he !+rio+ ee!# o" #he re8ion> The area7a re8ar(e( a one o" eera% i%e or#i!e #ha# ai!#e( #he Re( P%ane#;#rian8%e an( +a(ran8%e 7here !ra"# an( !on#r+!# ro+#ine%5 7en#iin8> Ke%*or,Ha%' #rai#or $rie# 7ere no %e +$er#i#io+ a*o+# #heIna%i #han #heir Me!hani!+ $re(e!eor; an( #he Carrion 7a!on(en# #ha# %an(in8 #he ar:%i8h#er here 7o+%( 8arner %i##%e in#ere# "ro#he oni#orin8 #a#ion>

The Carrion hear( #he a$ o" 7in8> Hi !5*er,raen S#ri6 e7 "ro

#he o$en a!!e ha#!h; !ir!%in8 #he !rah i#e an( a(+#in8 #o #he Mar#ian8rai#5> S7oo$in8 in; #he !on#r+!# !rea#+re e6#en(e( #he (e%i!a#eh5(ra+%i! o" i# i%er !%a7> I# #oo "e%# #he #ran8e (rain o" #he re8ion>?i#h a %i8h# $ran8; #he !5*er,raen %an(e( on one o" #he Carrion' no(e,!o%+n; #he #7in $o7er !e%% e# in i# na$e %i:e a"#er*+rner h+in8oino+%5> C%oin8 i# 7in8; #he !rea#+re' *ioni! e5e !5!%e( #hro+8h(ieren# !o%o+r $e!#ra an( #he in#er"a!e $in o" i# *ea: 7hirre( an(#+rne(> I# ha( *een S#ri6 #ha# ha( :e$# #he Carrion ane (+rin8 hi(e#en#ion on L+na> On #he Si8i%%i#e' or(er; #oo%; $ar# an( #he (one,*ir(;#i%% in i# a#; ha( *een +$$%ie( "or #he %e8ionar5' (i#ra!#ion; an( a a8e#+re o" 8oo( 7i%%> The Carrion ha( $en# an5 ho+r on #he !rea#+re'

in#ri!a#e a+8en#a#ion; #a:in8 hi in( o (i#+r*in8 ree%a#ion o"8a%a!#i! re*e%%ion; Le8ion "ra#ri!i(e an( (i#an# aa!re>

'So+#h;' #he Kni8h# Erran# or(ere(; $ro$#in8 #he N+%% an( #he Voi(#o !%i* (o7n #hro+8h #he e%#e( an#ennae an( ha+%a8e ri88in8 o" #hear:%i8h#er an( (o7n on#o Mar#ian oi%; 7here #he5 o*e(ien#%5 #r+(8e(#hro+8h #he an( an( +$ #he !r5#a%,#re7n a%%e5> &ee%in8 eer5 #e$ %i:e#he !r+hin8 #+8 o" hi8h 8rai#5; an( 7i#h hi h5(ra+%i! ar %i:e a (ea(7ei8h# han8in8 "ro hi i(e; #he Carrion 7i%%e( hie%" on #hro+8h #he(rainin8 +6 o" #he Ina%i Hi8h%an(> B5 #he #ie #he +n ha( e# on #hehorion an( 7i#h an5 ho+r o" (+#,(ra88in8 "oo##e$ *ehin( #he; #he

#ran8e $o7er,a$$in8 ee!# o" #he re8ion ha( (ii$a#e(> En8a8in8 #he8rain5,8re5 o" hi ni8h#,iion %#er; #he Carrion %e( #he N+%% an( #he Voi(

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a# a rh5#hi!; h5(ra+%i! r+n a!ro #he ah 7a#e o" #he Terra Cieria;7i#h S#ri6 !ir!%in8 a*oe an( a%er#in8 i# a#er o" (i#an# (an8er 7i#h a!an#in8 !a7>

I# re+ire( a%% o" #he Carrion' XIX Le8ion #rainin8 #o #raere #he!o(e,!orr+$#e( a(ne o" Mar> On #he horion; "or8e #e$%e *+rne(

7i#h #he oino+ 8%o7 o" +nna#+ra% in(+#r5> In #he (ar:ne; 7i#h #he#ar #7in:%in8 harh%5 a*oe in a !o%(; e$#5 :5; !on#r+!# an( ehi!%e$ae( #he , #he !a#er$i%%ar #r+n(%e o" "rei8h#7a5 #ra!; h+in88ra!ra"#; 8a88%e o" in(en#+re( %a*o+r +ni# an( !a*%e,8an8 o"M+ni#or+ eri#or; (rien on *5 #heir #rane!hani!> The o+n( 7a+n*eara*%e> The #hin air o" Mar !arrie( #he o6iion a(ne an(hrie:in8 !ra$!o(e o" $o%%+#e( !on#r+!# "ar>

A #he +n !ae +$; #raerin8 #he o$en 8ro+n( o" #he re( 7a#e;#he #erra!e,e6!aa#ion an( ah hea$ +neen *e!ae a !ha%%en8e> The!ree!h o" Aen8er #ri:e 8h#er eee( eer $reen# in #he :ie a*oe#he; !ri!roin8 #he heaen %i:e an8r5 ine!#> The %o$e o" #heS!aan(er Ri(8e 7ere 7arin8 7i#h "era% eri#or; an( #he Carrion an(hi ero,a+#oa#a ha( #o *e !are"+% no# #o a%er# #he $o7er,"aihe(!anni*a% #o #heir $reen!e; +in8 a 7oo$in8 S#ri6 #o %ea( hor(e o" #he#or$i( !on#r+!# a7a5 "ro #heir $a#h> A# Eri(ania #he5 a%o# ran a"o+%o" a ?arho+n( S!o+# Ti#an; #he #o7erin8 on#roi#5 *ooin8 a(ne#ha# !o+%( *e "e%# in #he $i# o" #he #oa!h a i# !he7e( +$ #he %a8!a$ean( (e$o# 7i#h $re(a!io+ a*an(on>

The an+"a!#oria; in(+#ria!a$e an( ha*,hie rea!hin8 o+# in#o#he "ro#e( (eer# "ro a*o+# 8rea# "or8e #e$%e an( ae*%5 5ar(oere( ore o$$or#+ni#ie "or !on!ea%en# *+# a%o ore (an8er o"

(i!oer5> The (ea( e5e o" ero,a+#oa#a an( 7hirrin8 o$#i! o" en8ine,oereer 7ere eer57here> Pie#er an( a+8+r$o# oni#ore( o+#$+#>S:5,#a%on; ar#i!+%a#e( #ra!#or an( !ono5 o" #ra!:e( !ar8o ha+%er(ra88e( ra7 a#eria% an( $ro(+!#ion,8ra(e 7ea$onr5; aro+r; ehi!%ean( !o*a#,!on#r+!# in#en(e( "or or*i# an( #he ?ara#er' "+#i%e*%o!:a(e r+nner> The !+r#ain o" re( (+# :i!:e( +$ *5 #he #+8,en8inean( #rain $roi(e( +!h,nee(e( !oer an( een hor#,ha+% #ran$or# "or#he Raen G+ar( an( hi a##en(an# a+#oa#a>

Behin( a !o%oa% (e$o# 7arin8 7i#h #e!hnoa#; (ronea!hiner5 an( ero,%i*e( %ae !on#r+!#; #he Carrion %e( #he N+%% an(#he Voi( +$ an ae*%57a5 an( in#o #he Proe#hei Sin+ !on#ainer 5ar(>

Cir!%in8 a*oe #he; S#ri6 ha( a ie7 o" #ho+an( o" (aa8e( 8i8a,!on#ainer in a #a#e o" +##er (iarra5> S#ri:e "ro #he air or #a#ione(ar#i%%er5 ha( #o$$%e( !on#ainer #o7er an( #he %o"#5 ro*o# hoi#,ri8 #ha#a##en(e( +$on #he; !rea#in8 a ea o" !%+##ere(; *a##ere( !ar8o,!on#en#>S+re5in8 #he 8ar8an#+an ha*%e; #he Carrion *e8an #o 7orr5 a*o+# #he(+n8eon,(ia8no$%e6 i#+a#e( e!re#%5 *e%o7 #he +r"a!e o" #he !on#ainer5ar(> I# 7a an an!ien# an( in#e8ra#e( ne#7or: !onne!#in8 #he "or8e#e$%e; (a#a8ri( an( !on#r+!# o" Mar in 7hi!h #he Pre"e!#+reMa8i#eri+ an( Diiio Pro*an(i ha( #o $roe!+#e #heir on8oin8 7ara8ain# #e!hno,here5> On%5 hi8h,ran:in8 $rie#; $rin!i$ia an( #heir

#r+#e( 8+e# , %i:e #he Te!harine !oenan# , 7ere a%%o7e( :no7%e(8eo" +!h $%a!e>

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The Carrion (ro$$e( (o7n on#o #he *+!:%e( roo" o" a !ra#e *e"ore!%a*erin8 (o7n in#o #he #o$5,#+r5 e o" #he !on#ainer 5ar(> A# r#he 7a !on!erne( #ha# #he 5ar( ha( *een hi# *5 an or*i#a% #ri:e oraerona+#i! *o*in8 r+n in #he !hi ho#i%i#ie an( #ha# #he in#a%%a#ion*e%o7 i8h# hae *een (aa8e(> In(ee(; a #he5 $+he( on; i# a$$eare(

#ha# #he !on#ainer 5ar( ha( #a:en a erie o" (ea#a#in8 hi#> ?here #he(e#ona#ion ha( %an(e(; 8i8a,!ra#e ha( *een (e!ia#e(; !on#ainer#a!: ha( !o%%a$e( an( #he er5 ro!:!re#e o" #he 8ar8an#+an (e$o# 5ar(ha( *een ha##ere( an( !ra!:e( a*o+# (ee$ !ra#er an( ho%%o7> ?h5 #heProe#hei Sin+ !on#ainer 5ar( ho+%( $reen# +!h a #a!#i!a% #ar8e# #o%o5a%i# or #rai#or "or!e; #he Carrion !o+%( on%5 8+e> Perha$Me!hani!+ #a!#i!ian on ea!h i(e 7ere a##e$#in8 #o (en5 #heir!o+n#er$ar# #he +$$%ie #here> Perha$ #he I$eria% &i# ha( #ar8e#e(#he i#e on #he ini#en!e o" #he (e$ar#in8 Me!hani!+> Perha$ i# 7a a$+re%5 a!!i(en#a% #ri:e; a i!#i o" 8ar*%e( !oor(ina#e> Ei#her 7a5; #he!ra#er an( #rai% o" (e#r+!#ion #hro+8h #he (e$o# 5ar( !er#ain%5 a(e #he$a#h #hro+8h #he +*%e( 8i8a,!on#ainer an eaier one>

&%an:e( *5 #he N+%% an( #he Voi(; #heir ro#or 8+n he%( #i8h# in a##heir ho+%(er 7i#h #he +%#i,*arre% 7ee$in8 #he %a*5rin#hine $a#hahea(; #he Carrion oe( #hro+8h #he 8a$ an( $a!e *e#7een #he!on#ainer> S#ri6 7eae( #hro+8h #he +*%e #oo; #he !5*er,raen7oo$in8 a*oe an( #hro+8h #he r+**%e> Po+n(in8 on #hro+8h #he !o%oa%e6$ane o" #he (e$o# 5ar(; (+!:in8 *enea#h !ra#e; *o+n(in8 +$ %o$e o" (i8or8e( !ar8o an( %i(in8 (o7n #he roo" o" #o$$%e( !on#ainer; #heCarrion %e( #he 7a5 #o7ar( #he hi((en en#ran!e #o #he (+n8eon,(ia8no$%e6>

The r# i8n #ha# #here 7a oe#hin8 erio+%5 7ron8 7a #herea$$earan!e o" S#ri6 "ro a ha(o75 +n(er$a>

'Ha%#;' #he Carrion or(ere(; *rin8in8 hi $air o" ero,a+#oa#a #o a(ea( #o$ on #he ha##ere( ro!:!re#e +r"a!e o" #he 5ar( a# #he !en#re o" a*%a#e( ho%%o7> A #he !5*er,raen e7 *a!: a# hi; i# !an#in8 !a7 #o%( o" a #hrea# ahea(> I# eee( #ha# #he5 7ere 7a%:in8 #rai8h# in#o an a*+h> The Carrion *ro+8h# +$ #he *aro+e *+%: o" hi 8rai#on 8+n an( e# i# #o ar+*%in8 !har8e>

'Pa##ern I*ri!a;' #he Raen G+ar( or(ere(; $ro$#in8 Di,De%#a -.1an( E#a2Io#a314 #o oe> '&or +$ an( !%oe re ar!>'

A (rone o!+%ari +((en%5 h+e( "ro #he (ar:ne o" #he

+n(er$a; a%% !o$e; a+8+r ane an( aeria%> A i# $+r+i# o" #he !5*er,raen *ro+8h# i# "a!e,#o,"a!e 7i#h #he Carrion; i# $i!#!or(er 7hirre( in#o"o!+ an( a a**er,!an# o" !o(e er+$#e( "ro #he (rone; e!hoin8 harh%5a*o+# #he $erere ar!hi#e!#+re o" #he +*%e( !on#ainer 5ar(> P+$in8#he 7ea$on; #he S$a!e Marine *%a#e( #he (rone 7i#h a 8rai#on $+%e> Ai" #r+!: *5 an inii*%e 8ian# #; #he !on#r+!# 7a ahe( *a!: in#o #he!orr+8a#e( 7a%% o" a !on#ainer an( ha##ere( a$ar# in a ho7er o" 7or:in8an( $%a##ere( in#erior or8ani!> The #hin8 8ae o #he "o+% #en!h o"oe#hin8 $oi%e( an( !orr+$#e( "ro 7i#hin>

A o+n( "ro #he rear $ro$#e( #he Carrion #o $in aro+n(> The N+%%

an( #he Voi( (i( %i:e7ie; oin8 "or7ar( 7i#h #he +%#i,*arre% o" #heirro#or 8+n> The Carrion #ho+8h# he hear( oe#hin8 a$$ro6ia#in8 a

-Q



*ar:> The hor# *%+r# o" *a%e !o(e ha( !oe "ro a !rea#+re #ha# no7*o+n(e( +$ on#o #he %an#in8 roo" o" a #o$$%e( !on#ainer> I# 7a an oi%,%a#herin8 e6a$%e o" !5*er,h5*ri( !arniora> A #hi!:,e# #hin8 o" e6$oe(;a#,8ro7n +!%e , !anine a "ar a #he Carrion !o+%( #e%% , #hrea(e(#hro+8h 7i#h !a*%e; $ne+a#i! an( $ro#e!#ie #+((in8> I# e5e 7ere "a#

#e%e!o$ie; i# %e8 eh,"+e( in#o in8%e; h5(ra+%i!a%%5 a+8en#e( %i*;i# no+# a $ne+a#i! #ra$a7 o" i(%in8 !haina7 #ee#h> A# ano#her *ar: o"e!hoin8 !an#; #he *r+#e #hin8 +one( a $a!: o" ii%ar on#er;7hi!h %ea$# an( !ra*%e( +$ #hro+8h #he r+#e( 8i8a,!on#ainer>S+((en%5 #he5 7ere eer57here; a$$earin8 "ro #he 8a$ *e#7een !ra#ean( oe#ie #hro+8h #he *rea!he( o$enin8 o" #he !on#ainer#hee%e>

The Carrion oe( #he *arre% o" hi 8rai#on 8+n *e#7een #he:in%e !5*er,*ea#> The N+%% an( #he Voi(' n8er $+%%e( *a!: on #he#ri88er o" #heir ro#or 8+n; e##in8 #heir +%#i,*arre% #o a 7hirrin8 *%+r ,ea!h one 7ai#in8 "or a "+%% 5an: on #he #ri88er #ha# 7o+%( a!#ia#e #hea+ni#ion a+#o%oa(er>

The !5*er,!rea#+re 7ere 7ar5 a# r#; an( #hen a# #he!o(e#reae( or(er o" oe near*5 !orr+$# !on#r+!# #he !arniorei+%#aneo+%5 +r8e( "or #he Kni8h# Erran# an( hi ero,a+#oa#a> Their*o+n(in8 #e$ an( #he !o*ina#ion o" a#i +!%e an( h5(ra+%i!a(e "or a "ear"+% r+h> The Carrion *%a#e( #he neare# o" #he;ha##erin8 *one; (eo%ihin8 a+8e#i! an( $+%$in8 ra7 eh> &+rio+%5!har8in8 #he 7ea$on; #he Carrion ahe( !rea#+re a"#er !rea#+re in#o*ro:en !ar!ae an( *%oo(5 ear on #he ro!:!re#e oor an( a8ain#!on#ainer 7a%%> The ro#or 8+n o" #he ero,a+#oa#a +((en%5 roare( #o

#he !ha##er o" "+%%5 a+#oa#i! re; #he N+%% an( #he Voi( hre((in8*o+n(in8 !5*er,*ea# 7i#h e!onoi!a% *+r# o" re; ea!h #ri88er $+%%rein8 #he +%#i,*arre% #o ano#her !ar!a,!he7in8 !re!en(o>

The ho%%o7 7a a 7ar o" *o+n(in8 *o(ie; !5*er,h5*ri( !arniora!oin8 a# #he "ro a%% (ire!#ion a# on!e> The Voi( 7a :no!:e( !%eano her "ee# *5 one *+%%ih *ea#; #he #hin8 na$$in8 a# her *oo# *e"orea##e$#in8 #o (ra8 her *a!: #o #he $a!:> I# re!eie( a i(e,+%!hin8#rea o" ro#or re "ro #he N+%% "or i# #ro+*%e; a%o# !+##in8 i# in ha%">Ano#her *ea# !ae a# #he N+%% "ro *ehin( *+# #he Carrion ahe( i#!ree!hin8 a7 o" !5!%in8 !hain,#ee#h ai(e 7i#h #he #o!: o" hi 8rai#on8+n *e"ore $+$in8 #he 7ea$on an( *%a#in8 i# hea(; hearin8 a7 an(

a%%; !%ean o i# h5*ri( *o(5>A #he 8rai#i! !e%% on #he 7ea$on !%+n:e( #o e$#5; #he Carrion "e%#

#he e6#ra 7ei8h# o" a $air o" !5*er,!rea#+re *i#in8 in#o hi %e"# ar an(%e8> A #he a7 !h+88e( an( #heir !hain,#ee#h hrie:e( #o "+%% !+##in8$o7er; #he Carrion' $%a#e re8i#ere( a *rea!h> The on#er !he7in8 onhi %e8 ha( oeho7 ana8e( #o 8+n i# a7 #o oe o" #he a(+n!#h5(ra+%i! 7or:in8> Dro$$in8 #he 8rai#on 8+n; #he Carrion %i$$e( hi!o8,7ren!h "ro 7here i# 7a a8,%o!:e( #o hi *e%#> Snar%in8 a# #he!rea#+re #hrahin8 a# hi %e8; he ahe( #he *ae o" #he #oo%' hea5ha"# (o7n on i# rein"or!e( :+%%; *e"ore %i$$in8 i# *e#7een #he on#er

7hirrin8 a7 an( $riin8 i# o>

.



?i#h a $o7er,aro+re( #+rn; #he Carrion (ra88e( #he e!on( !5*er,*ea# aro+n(; i# a7 %o!:e( on #he $%a#e o" hi ar> A #he !rea#+re #ha#he ha( $rie( o hi %e8 !ae "or hi a8ain; #he Carrion !annone( #he*o(5 o" one !5*er,*ea# in#o #he o#her; :no!:in8 #he *o#h a7a5> He*ro+8h# #he erra#e( (en#i!%e o" #he !o8,7ren!h +$ an( *raine( #he r#

on#er> A #he e!on( +r8e( "or hi "a!e; #he S$a!e Marine 8o# #he ha"#o" #he #oo% *e#7een #he !on#r+!#,!rea#+re' #hrahin8 a7> The 7ren!hhan(%e +((ere( a8ain# #he !5!%in8 #ee#h; *+# #he Carrion "or!e( i# *a!:;*ra!in8 #he *ea# a8ain# #he i(e o" a !on#ainer 7a%%; "or!in8 #he ha"##hro+8h #he 7or:in8 o" #he !rea#+re' a7>

Leain8 #he !o8,7ren!h in #he r+ine( 7or:in8 o" #he !5*er,*ea#' a7; #he Carrion #+rne( aro+n( #o n( #he N+%% on #he ro!:!re#e oor *ein8a+%e( *5 ano#her *ea#> Mean7hi%e; #he Voi( 7a *%a#in8 on!oin8!rea#+re in#o *%+r o" 8ore an( 7or:in8>

Thoe #ha# e!a$e( #he ro#or 8+n' a##en#ion an( a(e i# #o #heS$a!e Marine ha( #he re( in#er"a!e $i:e o" #he Carrion' h5(ra+%i! ##o %oo: "or7ar( #o> S#a**in8 an( $+n!hin8 #he !hain,a7e( ha%",(o8 ai(ea #he5 %ea$# "or hi #hroa#; #he Kni8h# Erran# he%( #he hrie:in8 a7 o"#he e!on(,#o,%a# *ea# a7a5 "ro hi "a!e *5 i# *ra7n5 ne!:>

?i#h hi h5(ra+%i! $a% a8ain# #he ho+in8 o" i# $ne+a#i! a7;#he Carrion (raine( #he *ea# o" i# e%e!#ro,o#ie $o7er; #+rnin8 i# in#o aai%in8 %+$ o" ra7 eh; (ra88e( (o7n *5 (ea(7ei8h# *ioni! an(a$$en(a8e> H+r%in8 #he !rea#+re a# #he na% *ea#; #he Carrion *ro:e#he *o#h>

T+rnin8; he "o+n( ano#her !rea#+re #i%% (ra88in8 an( a+%in8 #heN+%% a!ro #he ro!:!re#e> O$enin8 hi $a% a# #he %a# o" #he !5*er,h5*ri(

!arniora; he *%a#e( #he on#er 7i#h #he ea8re $o7er a$$e( "ro i#!o$a#rio# !on#r+!#> The ha%",(o8 ie(ia#e%5 re%eae( #he aa8e(ero,a+#oa#a *e"ore %in:in8 a7a5> The *r+#e #hin8 rea!he( #he neare#8i8a,!on#ainer *+# *e"ore a:in8 i# ini(e; #he !5*er,*ea#' eh *e8an#o o:e an( #ea an( i# !rahe( #o #he oor an( (ie( 7i#h a ho7er o"$ar: er+$#in8 "ro i# %o7in8 !hain,a7>

The Carrion ie(ia#e%5 ene( #ha# oe#hin8 7a 7ron8> TheVoi( ha(n'# +e( her 7ea$on on #he *ea# #ha# ha( *een a+%in8 heri#er !on#r+!# an( o +# hae *een $oin#in8 i# oe7here e%e> A #heN+%% 8o# #o her "ee#; a $air o" ra88e( !ar #ore a!ro her "a!e 7here #he!5*er,*ea# ha( aa8e( her an( #he Carrion #+rne(>

A*o+# #he ho%%o7; #an(in8 a#o$ #he +*%e( !on#ainer; he a7 a"ai%iar 8+re> The r+#,re( ro*e> The !a(aer' "a!e> The iin8 a7> The :e%e#a% n8er on #he !%aier *oar(> The %eerin8 ero,:+%% #ha#(ri"#e( a%o# #e$%e #o #e$%e 7i#h i# a#er>

S#an(in8 a*oe #he Carrion in oe :in( o" 7ar$e( +(8een#; i#7a #he %e6or!i# Raan S5n: 7ho ha( e# hi !5*er,ho+n( on #he Kni8h#Erran#>

S5n: an( hi ero,:+%% Con"a*+%ari 99 7ere here#e: h+n#er noore> Gho+%ih *a%e%i8h# $ro!ee(in8 "ro a%% "o+r e5e o!:e# o" #he!orr+$#e( !on#r+!# #he h+n#er ha( *e!oe one o" hi h+n#e(>

.1



'Yo+ 7i%% +rren(er;' #he %e6or!i#' oi!e *ooe( "ro #he ero,:+%%' in*+i%# o6,hai%er; 'an( re!eie #he +(8een# o" Ke%*or,Ha%; Ma#ero" #he Me!hani!+; &a*ri!a#or Genera% o" Mar>'

The Carrion %oo:e( a*o+#> A%% aro+n( #he ho%%o7; *on(e( *a##%e,a+#oa#a o" #he Le8io C5*erne#i!a 7ere #a%:in8 +$ #o #he !on#ainer

e(8e> The5 7ere Vora6,!%a h+n#er,:i%%er +ni#; "orer%5 "o+n( in #heini#er eri!e o" #he Ma%a8ra an( #he Pre"e!#+re Ma8i#er+>E6#erina#or o" ro8+e !on#r+!# an( here#e:; #he on#ro+ a!hineno7 "o+n( #hee%e %ae( #o #rai#or $ro#o!o%> The h+n#er,:i%%ereroe( in on #he Carrion 7i#h #he %ar8e enor,o$#i! o" #heir an#i(hea(; %i:e a $a!: o" a!hine $re(a#or> Shr+88in8 #heir ar,o+n#e(ro#or,!annon "or7ar( in#o #heir rin8 !ra(%e an( *rin8in8 #heir irra(ia#ion!%eaner +$ oer #heir hea( "ro #heir *a!: %i:e #he #ai% o" !or$ion;#he h+n#er,:i%%er 7ere $re$are( "or #he %e6or!i#' ne6# or(er; a i+e( on#he !or#e6 !on#ro%%er *+i%# in#o !on#r+!#' !%aier *oar( !he#>

Raan S5n: ha( hi> Perha$ #he %ae,5#e o" #he ar:%i8h#erha( *e#ra5e( #he in oe 7a5> Perha$ #he Raen G+ar( ha( no# *eena !are"+% in hi !%an(e#ine oeen# a he ha( a+e(> Perha$ #he%e6or!i#' !5*er,*ea# ha( i$%5 $i!:e( +$ #he !en# o" hone#en(eao+r aon8# #he ree: o" r+ina#ion> Re8ar(%e; #he %e6or!i# ha(#ra!:e( hi (o7n an( ha( #he Kni8h# Erran# in #he 8+ni8h# o" hia!hine,$re(a#or>

'S#an( (o7n;' #he Carrion #o%( #he N+%% an( #he Voi(; an( #he +%#i,*arre% o" #heir ro#or 8+n (e!en(e(>

'Yo+ 7i%% +rren(er;' S5n: #o%( hi a8ain; #he o6,o(+%a#e( oi!e*o+n!in8 a*o+# #he !on#ainer>

'To 7ho 7o+%( I (o #ha#' #he Carrion !a%%e( *a!:; $%a5in8 "or #ie>'To Ke%*or,Ha%; Ma#er o" #he Me!hani!+ an( &a*ri!a#or Genera% o"

Mar;' #he ero,:+%% *%+r#e( *a!:>'No# #he Le6or!i# Genera%' #he Carrion +e#ione(> 'No# #he

Pre"e!#+re Ma8i#er+ or #he Diiio Pro*an(iRaan S5n: ai( no#hin8 "or a oen#; a #ho+8h #r+88%in8 7i#h

o%( eorie #ha# re"+e( #o #a5 *+rie( an( #he *a%e%i8h# o" hi e5e(ie( "or a oen#> The Carrion $ree( on> 'Do 5o+ ree*er;%e6or!i# Yo+ +e( #o ere a# #he $%ea+re o" #he Pre"e!#+re Ma8i#er+;in #he (+n8eon,(ia8no$%e6 ri8h# *enea#h o+r "ee#>'

Raan S5n:' !a(aer "a!e #7i#!he( 7i#h ree*ran!e> He !o+%(

no# rei# #he !orr+$#ion o7in8 #hro+8h hi 5#e; #he a(ne #ha#!%o+(e( hi in( or #he $oi%in8 o" hi (+n eh> He !o+%( no# (en5 7ha#he ha( *e!oe , a $a7n o" ei%>

'Yo+ 7i%% +rren(er;' Con"a*+%ari 99 *ooe(; $ea:in8 "or i# a#er>'Or 5o+ 7i%% *e (e#ro5e(>'

Raan S5n:' $in(%5 n8er 7en# #o 7or: on #he !or#e6 !on#ro%%er*+i%# in#o hi !he#>

'Le6or!i#; 7ai#' #he Carrion !a%%e(; *+# Raan S5n: 7an'# 8oin8 #o>S+((en%5 #he %e6or!i# 7a a ro*e,#hrahin8 e o" !%+#!hin8 han(

an( +r8en!5> S#ri6 ha( *een !ir!%in8 a*oe; o*erin8>

Pro!ein8 i# i$%e ae8i $ro#o!o%> Un(er +!h !ir!+#an!e; #he!5*er,raen 7a $ro8rae( #o (e"en( i# a#er> Lan(in8 on #he

.<





no(e,!o%+n; #he Carrion a!#ia#e( #he !one5er ha#!h an( #oo: #he !ar(o7n #o #he on%5 $%a!e i# %e( , +*,%ee% $ro!ein8>

A #he (oor o$ene( on #he *%oo(,re( hae o" eer8en!5 %i8h#in8;#he Carrion rea%ie( #ha# #hi 7a 7here he ha( r# een #he here#e:O!#a% Boo%> Be5on( #he (e#en#ion !o$%e6; #he +*,%ee% ho+e( #he !o+r#

(ia8no#i!a; o$era#iona% +ar#er "or #he 7ar( en8ine an( Ma8i#eri+!on#r+!#; $rioner $ro!ein8; !a#a%o8+in8; in#erro8a#ion2(iae*%5an( #he ii#or a+(i#oria>

The (e#en#ion !o$%e6 7a a (eer#e( e; a$$earin8 #o hae*een a*an(one( in a h+rr5> R+ne*an: ha( *een %e"# on; 7hi%e 7ea$onan( $o7er !e%% ha( *een #ri$$e( "ro #he aro+r5> I# a(e ene #o n(een +!h a hi8h e!+ri#5 in#a%%a#ion a #he (+n8eon,(ia8no$%e6+na##en(e(; #he Carrion reaone(> In #he "a!e o" (a#a#rea an(o6iion !onrin8 a 8%o*a% !oni!# an( a !hi er+$#in8 in #heran: o" #he Mar#ian Me!hani!+; an5 !on#r+!# 7o+%( haea*an(one( #heir $o# #o re$on( #o *o#h %o5a%i# an( #rai#or re!a%% an(reai8nen#> &or #he $rie# an( 7ar( en8ine %e"# *ehin( #here 7o+%(hae *een %i##%e $oin# a##en(in8 a "a!i%i#5 ho+in8 here#e: *e%o7 8ro+n(7hen Mar 7a *ein8 eie( *5 #rai#or on #he +r"a!e> Con#r+!# %i:eRaan S5n: i8h# hae reaine(; on%5 #o *e in"e!#e( 7i#h #he !orr+$#iono" #he $rea(in8 !ra$!o(e>

The Carrion "o+n( en#ine% $o# an( ae8i,#a#ion a*an(one(; an(ho%oa# a+#oa#a han8in8 %i"e%e "ro #he !ei%in8 i# eee( #ha# no one7a een reo#e%5 oni#orin8 #he in#a%%a#ion' (an8ero+ !har8e> A#ea!h e$#5 #a#ion; #he Kni8h# Erran# "o+n( #ha# #he 7ire%e re!e$#oran( har("ee( ha( *een ahe(; a%on8 7i#h en!r5$#ia an( o6,hai%er> I#

ha(n'# he%$e( #he !on#r+!# annin8 +!h #a#ion> ?i#ho+# a(e+a#e(a#a *+er; #he in"e!#io+ !ra$!o(e ha( "o+n( a 7a5 in an57a5>

Por#in8 in#o #he (e#en#ion !o$%e6 r+ne,*an:; #he Carrion "o+n(#he %o!a% har(%ine an( #rea #o *e +n!%ean an( ai!#e( *5 #he !o(e,!orr+$#ion> ?i#h hi *+er $ro#e!#in8 hi "ro #he !ree!hin8 a(neo" *inar5; #he Raen G+ar( ran a 7i"# (ia8no#i!; a!er#ainin8 #ha# #hein#e8ri#5 o" #ai !on#ainen# on #he +*,%ee% 7a #i%% in#a!#; an( #ha##he here#e: $rioner O!#a% Boo% 7a in!ar!era#e( on Lee% Q4; a%on8 7i#hhi e6$erien#>

ANOTHER SECURITY CONVEYER #oo: #he "ro #he e!+ri#5

!o$%e6 (o7n #hro+8h !aerno+ +*,%ee% o" #ai,!on#ainen# !e%%>Ea!h %ee% ho+e( a (ieren# here#e: or e6a$%e o" (eian# #e!hno%o85;"roen "oreer in #ie , "or 7hi%e #he eran# o" #he C+%# Me!hani!+i8h# a*hor #he a*oina*%e an( +nan!#ione(; #he5 a%o a*horre( 7a#e>Lo7,8ra(e e#a% 7ere re8+%ar%5 re!oere( "ro #he %a8,#ra#a o" an!ien#Mar#ian o$era#ion> S#ri$ o" re( (eer# 7ere #+rne( oer #o ener85 "aran( an*ari!,irri8a#or #o a*or* 7ire%e $o7er 7a#e #rai8h# o+# o" #heMar#ian air> Va#,8ro7n eh 7a re!5!%e( "or #he !%onin8 o" "+r#her eran#!on#r+!#> In #+rn; een #he "r+i# o" #e!hno,here5 7ere e!+re%5$reere( "or $o#eri#5 , #ai,!on#aine( or *+rie( in a+%# an( %a*5rin#h

, o #ha# #he "+#+re $rie# o" Mar i8h# %earn ore o" i# (eian!5; i" on%5#o !on(en i# "+r#her>

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A #he !one5er (ro$$e( (o7n #hro+8h #he %ee% o" #hein!ar!e#oria; in#o #he *o7e% o" #he Re( P%ane#; #he Carrion #ho+8h# on #hera(i!a%; #he "or*i((en :no7%e(8e an( #he (an8ero+ ar#e"a!# #ore( in#he a+%#,re$oi#orie *e5on(> The r+ne*an: in #he (e#en#ion !o$%e6ha( $i!#,%i#e( (e#ai% o" #he i$rione( an( i$o+n(e(; %ee% *5 %ee%>

The (+n8eon,(ia8no$%e6 ho+e( here#e: $rie#; 6enari#e an("ai#h,#rai#or; a 7e%% a #heir ae*%e( !orr+$# 7or:> E6a$%e o" a%ienar#e"a!#; ania i%i!a an( 7ar$,"+e%%e( #e!hno%o8ie ha( *een !hrono,!on#aine( in #he "a!i%i#5; a 7e%% a a(en an( a!hine>

An( a8i; ea!ia#e( an( +nnihe(; *r+#a%%5 *ere"# o" #heira+8en#a#ion; #heir #ran8reion +nan!#ione( e6$erien#a#ion ori%%e8a% reear!h> Soe ha( in(+%8e( #he #e!hno,#ran%a#ion o" !enore(#e6# or ha( *een o+#$o:en in #heir ree!#ion o" #he a!hine an(#here"ore #he Ma!hine Go( , in "ao+r o" #he $+re%5 *io%o8i!a%; 7i#h i#8oernin8 $aion an( (i#ra!#ion>

In #he in#a%%a#ion,a+(i#ia #he Carrion 7i#nee( a%% anner o"(eian# !on#r+!# , an#i,%i:e (rone; +r(ero+ !o8i#an#; on#ro++nan!#ione( *a##%e,a+#oa#a; (ieae( en8ine on $ro!:e# 7hee% an(#ra!:; h+anoi( :i%%in8 a!hine 7earin8 #he renan# o" or8ani!!ao+a8e> The a!hine,a(> The 8re%i(,in"e#e(> He a7 i#,e5e(e6$%ora#or 7hoe *rain !ai#ie ha( *e!oe hoe #o a%ien $arai#e an(e%e!#roa8ne#i! *ein8 , (ar: e6$erien# 8one a7r5 , in#en# on !ra!:%in8#heir 7a5; in i8noran!e an( in"an!5; a!ro e#a% 7a%% an( #hro+8h %o!a%7irin8 #o "ree(o>

The !e%%,a+%# a*oe O!#a% Boo% !on#aine( #he $o%ihe( :e%e#on o" a%on8,(ea( $rie#; han8in8 %i:e an ornaen# "ro a $i(er5 ne# o" ero,

%i* an( e!ha(en(ri#e> The en#ien# e#a% #en#a!%e ha( 7on #he*a##%e "or +$rea!5 7i#h i# Me!hani!+ a#er an( no7 7ore hireain %i:e a 8ho+%ih 8aren#> The i$reie !o%%e!#ion o" here#e:an( (eian!5 7a a #e#aen# #o #he Le6or!i# Genera%' "ear o" anoa%5an( #he Pre"e!#+re Ma8i#eri+' $+ri#5 o" $+r$oe> No#hin8 ho+%((eia#e "ro #he !o%( %o8i! o" #he Oniiah' in#en#ion>

The !one5er h+((ere( #o a ha%#> Lee% Q4> H5(ra+%i! re( an((oor a"#er e!+ri#5 *%a# (oor roe; $ar#e( or ro%%e( ai(e> An an*ari!e!+ri#5 eh %e( #o no#hin8; a%%o7in8 #he Kni8h# Erran# en#r5 #o #heh+8e !e%%,a+%# *e5on(> The N+%% an( #he Voi( "o%%o7e(; #heir ro#or 8+nraie( an( #heir r# *e%#,"e(; %ar8e,!a%i*re #+*,ro+n( !ha*ere(> The

Carrion $+$,!har8e( hi 8rai#on 8+n> Perha$ i# 7a #he ario+e!+ri#5 ea+re; *+# #he a+%# "e%# %i:e a (an8ero+ $%a!e>

S#ri6 ei##e( a *rie" !an#,!a7 #ha# e!hoe( a*o+# #he !aerno+(ar:ne o" #he !ha*er> Eer5#hin8 7a (ea#h%5 #i%% an( #he on%5 o+n(#ha# !o+%( *e hear( 7a #he reer*eran# h+ o" #ai e%( 8enera#or>S+!h $re!a+#ion in ea!h o" #he !e%%,a+%# ha( ean# #ha# (e$i#e #hehen!h,+ni# an( !on#r+!# o" #he Pre"e!#+re Ma8i#eri+ a*an(onin8 #hea6i+,e!+ri#5 "a!i%i#5; no#hin8 ha( e!a$e(>

The Carrion %i$e( "or7ar( in#o #he a# o*!+ri#5; #he h5(ra+%i! o" hi %e8 i8hin8 7i#h ea!h !a+#io+ #e$> A $re+re #+( a%er#e( #he !e%%,

a+%# a+#o,5#e o" a+#horie( ii#a#ion "ro #he (e#en#ion !o$%e6a*oe> B%ea: #ro*e !%+n:e( an( *%in:e( #heir 7a5 #o i%%+ina#ion> The

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7a%%; oor an( !ei%in8 o" #he !ha*er 7ere a%% *%a!: e#a%; %i:e #he!haa% !ar8o e!#ion o" oe an!ien# "rei8h#er> Air,!ir!+%a#ion 5#ehie( #o %i"e "ro %ier,8ri%%e> In"raiion *a%%,o$#i! reo%e( in #heir$i!#,o!:e# !a$#+rin8 "or an e$#5 (e#en#ion !o$%e6 #he a(an!e o" #heCarrion an( hi a##en(an# a+#oa#a in#o #he in!ar!e#oria>

A i$%e r+ne*an: !ono%e; e# in a $e(e#a% *e"ore #he; 8%o7e( #oa!#ia#ion> S#e$$in8 "or7ar(; #he Carrion ho+%(ere( hi 8rai#on 8+n an($+n!he( +$enion $ro#o!o% in#o #he r+ne*oar(> &irin8 an in#er"a!e $i:ean( #a**in8 i# in#o #he ha$#i! $or# e# in #he *an: $e(e#a%; #he Carrion"e( #he e!+ri#5 5#e #he a+#horia#ion !o(e o" #he &a*ri!a#or Lo!+>Un!o+$%in8 "ro #he r+ne*an: an( %ain8 #he 'E6e!+#e' 8%5$h,:e5; #heCarrion #e$$e( *a!:>

The (e%a5 8ae #he i$reion #ha# #he a!hine 7a !oni(erin8#he Kni8h# Erran#' re+e# 7i#h #he a$$ro$ria#e 8rai#5 , 7hi!h #heCarrion :ne7 !o+%( no# *e #r+e> ?i#h a !%earan!e !%+n: #ha# ra##%e( #hee#a% 7a%% o" #he !e%%,a+%# an( !o+%( *e "e%# in #he $i# o" hi #oa!h;en# re( a i%er #ea> The r+ne!reen on #he $e(e#a% *e8an$reen#in8 #he 8%5$h o" a !o+n#(o7n; 7hi%e #he %a5ere( (oor #o #he!one5er *e8an #o !%oe a an e6#ra e!+ri#5 ea+re> The Carrion (i(n'#%i:e #he i(ea o" *ein8 #ra$$e( in a ea%e( a+%#; %ea8+e *e%o7 #he Mar#ian+r"a!e; *+# he ha( %i##%e !hoi!e *+# #o 7ai# on #he !o+n#(o7n> A 8%5$hahe( +$ an( (ia$$eare(; #he re( %a$ a*o+# #he !ei%in8 an( oor,o+n#e( e%( 8enera#or 8%o7e( #o a earin8 ra(ian!e; *a#hin8 #he a+%#in an in"erna% %i8h#> The N+%% an( #he Voi( *ro+8h# #heir ro#or 8+n +$ #oe5e,%ine 7hi%e S#ri6 a$$e( i# 7in8 an( !a7e(; ho$$in8 *e#7een #heCarrion' ho+%(er,$roe!#in8 no(e,!o%+n>

The %a$ *e8an #o i%%+ina#e #he i$o+n(e( #e!hno%o8ie he%( in#he (ii$a#in8 #ai e%(> A %ine *5 %ine o" %a$ 8%o7e( on; #he Carrion!o+%( ee (i!oi( $%a#e in *o#h !ei%in8 an( oor , %i:e 8rea# !hrono,!on#ainen# a8ne# o" ii%ar $o%ari#5; ho%(in8 oe#hin8 $er$e#+a%%5 in$%a!e> On ea!h $%a#e; #an(in8 a%o# #o a##en#ion; 7ere ran: an( ran:o" *a##%e,a+#oa#a; $oi*%5 +$7ar( o" #hree h+n(re( +ni#>

The !on#r+!# 7ere Ka#e%an,!%a> The5 7ere h+%: o" $%a#ee%;a(aan#i+ an( !erai#e #o7erin8 e6e$%ar o" an!ien# (ei8n an( #hee6!e%%en!e o" "or8e 7or%( en8ineerin8> Ch+n: h5(ra+%i!> The *r+#a%i#5 o"hea5,(+#5 7or:in8> Aro+re( !a*%in8 an( rein"or!e( "ee(> A# #7i!e #hehei8h# o" #he Carrion an( a%o# #hree #ie #ha# o" #he N+%% an( #he Voi(;

#he *a##%e,a+#oa#a 7ere %i"e%e 5e# i$oin8> Li:e #a#+e; #he5(ean(e( a oen# o" 8ri a(ira#ion o" an5 7ho %oo:e( +$on #he>

Their rein"or!e( $%a#e 7a !+e(; (en#e( an( $ain#,#aine( #he re(o" Mar; 7i#h !hai,"rae an( !arria8e,h5(ra+%i! $o%ihe( (o7n #o#heir ori8ina% a#eria%> On%5 #he 7or:in8 o" 7ea$onr5 an( #he !+re(!or#e6,ho+in8 *e#ra5e( #he *rone o" e6o#i! a%%o5> The re( aro+r *ore#he i8i% o" #he Le8io C5*erne#i!a an( #he $ro(+!#ion *ran(in8 o" E%5i+Mon , #he "or8e #e$%e o" #heir an+"a!#+re> Mar:in8 ho7e( #he *a##%e,a+#oa#a #o hae *een (ra7n "ro a ran8e o" o$era#iona% ani$%e; *+#a%% *e%on8e( #o #he Dae(arii Reere Cohor#> The Dae(arii ha( *een

"orer%5 #a#ione( a# Phae#hon#i a a reere e!#ion; a"#er i%%+#rio+ an($+nihin8 o,7or%( eri!e (+rin8 #he ear%5 (a5 o" #he Grea# Cr+a(e>

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Banner an( "oi% ri**on rie#e( #o #heir $%a#e #i%% %i#e( #heir o$era#iona%hi#or5 an( a!!o$%ihen#>

A #he r# ran: o" *a##%e,a+#oa#a i%e( *a!: #o #he $reen#; #heCarrion no#i!e( oeen# "ro #he i$o+n(e( ar!ana> A# #he !en#re o"7ha# $ae( "or a !he# in #he h+%:in8 a!hine; $%a#e ho+in8 a%%o7e(

$a!e "or 7ha# (ei8n (i!#a#e( ho+%( *e an in#er"a!e( re$reen#a#ion o"#he a!hine o$+ , or Co8 Me!hani!+; #he an!ien# 5*o% o" #hea!hine !+%# , a h5*ri( h+an an( !5*or8 :+%%> On ea!h o" #he *a##%e,a+#oa#a; an( o(ie( e6$re%5 a8ain# (ei8na#ion; #he a!hine o$+ha( *een reoe( an( re$%a!e( 7i#h an in#er%o!:in8 +ni# o" *ra5;$o%5he(ra% !o8> The 8ear 7ere a%% o+#%an(ih ha$e an( in#ri!a#e ie;(riin8 one ano#her oo#h%5 , #heir (en#i!a an( #ee#h ##in8 *ea+#i"+%%5#o8e#her> The arran8een# #i!:e( h5$no#i!a%%5 %i:e an ar!hai! #ie$ie!e>

The Carrion ha( neer een an5#hin8 %i:e #he arran8een# (+rin8hi #hir#5 5ear on Mar> ?a#!hin8 #he *a!:7ar( an( "or7ar( a!#ion o" #he$o%5he(ra% !o8; #he Kni8h# Erran# !o+%( no# ha:e #he i$reion #ha# #he8ear 7ere in #he a!# o" $ro!ein8 oe#hin8 ra#her #han *ein8 $h5i!a%%5(rien>

'#o!:>' The o+n( o" a 7re#!he( oi!e e!hoe( a*o+# #he a+%#> The Carrion

%oo:e( #o hi ero,a+#oa#a>'Lo!a#e an( io%a#e;' he or(ere(; $ro$#in8 #he N+%% an( #he Voi( #o

a(an!e 7i#h #heir ro#or 8+n raie(> The !5*er,raen S#ri6 #oo: #o #he airan( 7oo$e( oer #he !or#e6 !ain8 an( i%en# *o%# !annon o" #he#a#+e+e ran: o" *a##%e,a+#oa#a> Li$in8 #hro+8h #he %ine o" e#a%8ian#; #he Carrion he%( hi 8rai#on 8+n #i8h#%5 #o hi !he#> The Raen

G+ar( "e%# +%nera*%e aon8# #he a%% ar5 o" here#e:a% a!hineF i#7a an +n++a% "ee%in8 "or one o" #he E$eror' an8e%>

'Ti!:; #o!:;' #he oi!e !ae a8ain>A #he Carrion (ra88e( #he %+88ih h5(ra+%i! o" hi (aa8e( %e8;

#he ee,!e%% o" hi !o8i#a#or oer%ai( hi (rea o" O!#a% Boo% 7i#h #he7or( *o+n!in8 a*o+# #he e$#ine o" #he !ha*er> The5 7ere a a#!h ,an e6a!# a#!h , "or #he here#e:' na% 7or(>

S#ri6 "o+n( hi r#> The !5*er,raen $er!he( on #he $a+%(ron o" anear*5 Ka#e%an 7ar a!hine; !an#,!a7in8 i# (i!oer5 an( (ra7in8 #heCarrion an( #he #7o ero,a+#oa#a #o #he here#e:' %o!a#ion> A(an!in87i#h #he "a# *arre% o" hi 8rai#on 8+n %ee%%e(; #he Carrion "o+n( O!#a%

Boo% on hi :nee> The here#e: 7a *en# oer (o+*%e; *+# no# in $ain>In o5 , he 7a %a+8hin8>A #he a(ne 7en# "ro i%en# hi%ari#5 #hro+8h hiin8 an(

7heein8 #o +nre#raine( 8%ee; #he here#e: :e$# *%+r#in8; 'Ti!:; #o!:; #i!:;#o!:>'

The Carrion !oni(ere( a ran8e o" a$$roa!he #o #he i#+a#ion> Thi7a no# e6a!#%5 7ha# he ha( *een #raine( "or> He (iie( a "ora%i(en#i!a#ion o" hi $eron; $+r$oe an( !re(en#ia% a $oin#%e; 7hi%e #hei$%een#a#ion o" $h5i!a% io%en!e 7o+%( *e !o+n#er,$ro(+!#ie> S%i$$in8(o7n on#o #he aro+re( :nee o" hi *ioni! %e8 *e"ore #he "orer Ma8o

Doin+ o" #he Le8io C5*erne#i!a; #he Carrion %oo:e( (o7n on #he "rai%$rie#> O!#a% Boo% +a:e( 7i#h 8%ee; %oo:in8 a*o+# hi a# #he i8h#5

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*a##%e,a+#oa#a> He eee( $ar#i!+%ar%5 e6!i#e( *5 #he #ran8e 7hir o"#heir $o%5he(ra% !o8>

The Carrion #oo: #he here#e: *5 #he ar an( %i"#e( hi +$; (ra7in8#he a(an #o "a!e hi> The Raen G+ar( *%in:e( #he *%an: i%er o" hie5e a# #he $rie#> Boo% *o7e( hi hea( *e"ore #he Carrion; reea%in8 #he

*%oo( on #he !ro7n o" hi hea( , #i%% "reh , 7here #he %e6or!i# an(hen!h,+ni# o" #he Pre"e!#+re Ma8i#eri+ ha( ri$$e( oe in#er"a!e or7or:in8 "ro a !ai#5 r+nnin8 (o7n in#o hi *rain> Boo% *ro+8h# hi hea(+$ an( o$ene( hi *%oo(ho# e5e> The Carrion rein(e( hie%" #ha# "or#he here#e:; #hir#5 5ear ha( $ae( in an +n*ro:en oen#> Hi #or#+rean( #he #ra+a#i! #ri$$in8 o" hi !5*erne#i! 7ere *+# "reh #oren#>

Hi 7arnin8 #o #hoe 8a#here( in #he a+(i#ori+ , #he Carrionin!%+(e( , a%% #hoe 5ear a8o; 7a #i%% *i##er on hi !ra!:e( %i$> O" #he#r+e (an8er #o Mar; #he e*ra!e( (ar:ne o" i8noran!e an( a$rie#hoo( 7ire( "ro a#,*ir#h #o o*e5> O" #he $+ri#5 o" #he a!hine an(#he 7ea:ne o" eh>

'Mar 7i%% 8ie +$ her e!re#;' #he %+na#i! *a**%e(>'She ha;' #he Carrion #o%( hi 8ri%5; 'an( he 7i%%>' The here#e: rea!he( o+# a*en#%5 "or #he i%er 7or:in8 o" hi ar

an( #he $ain#%e $%a#e on #he S$a!e Marine' !he#> He 7a %i:e a *ea#en!hi%(; a #or#+re( 8eni+ an( an oer%oa(e( a!hine a%% 7ra$$e( +$ in oneiera*%e $e!ien>

O!#a% Boo%;' #he Carrion ai(; *rin8in8 #he here#e: *a!: #o #heeeri#5 o" #he oen#> A"#er !hrono,!on#ainen#; #he S$a!e Marinereaone(; #he "ree $aa8e o" #ie +# hae *een a horri*%5(iorien#a#in8 e6$erien!e>

'Boo% , I nee( 5o+ #o ree*er> ?ha# 5o+ hae $re(i!#e( ha !oe#o $a> Mar ha "a%%en> I# nee( #o *e $+r8e(; Boo% , (o 5o+ hear e'

The here#e:' re(,ra7 "a!e !re7e( +$ 7i#h #he o5 o" re!o8ni#ion>He no((e(> 'O" #he 7ea:ne o" eh>'

'Ye;' #he Carrion !onre(> 'O" #he 7ea:ne o" eh> Do 5o+ree*er #he Ver#e6 The $%ane#ar5 a6%e The a8ne#o$heri! hie%( o"Mar Boo%; (o 5o+ ree*er 5o+r here5; 5o+r e(i#ion 7i#h #hea*oina*%e in#e%%i8en!e an( 7ha# 5o+ $%anne( #o (o'

'The a!hine +# rie;' #he here#e: +a7:e( e6!i#e(%5>An( #he Re( P%ane# +# *e $+r8e(;' #he Kni8h# Erran# re$ea#e(;

ha:in8 #he a(an 8en#%5> 'Boo%; %i#en #o e> Thi ha #o ha$$en no7>

+# a 5o+ 7ere $%annin8; *e"ore *ein8 !a+8h# *5 #he %e6or!i# o" #hePre"e!#+re Ma8i#eri+> Boo%; 7here i #he a*oina*%e in#e%%i8en!e?here i #he Ta*+%a M5ria('

A #he here#e: %o7%5 re$ea#e( hi 7or( *a!: #o hi; he +ere( a+((en rea%ia#ion; %i:e a $a> Re%eain8 hi 8ri$; #he S$a!e Marine7a#!he( #he 7re#!h #+*%e #o hi "ee# an( e# o #hro+8h #he "ore# o"#o7erin8 *a##%e,a+#oa#a> P+hin8 hie%" o #he *a##ere(; re( $%a#e o"#he ro*o#' %e8; O!#a% Boo% oe( 7i#h (eran8e( !er#ain#5 #hro+8h #hea!hine> Ho**%in8 on hi (aa8e( %i*; #he Carrion "o%%o7e( hi an( in#+rn 7a "o%%o7e( *5 hi ero,a+#oa#a; #heir ro#or 8+n a# #he rea(5>

A# #he !en#re o" #he h+8e a+%#; aon8# 7ha# #he Kni8h# Erran#e#ia#e( #o *e #he en#ire Dae(arii Reere Cohor#; he "o+n( #he here#e:

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#r+88%in8 7i#h #he ea% o" a e!+ri#5 !a:e# i#+a#e( on #he (i! o" a#ai $%a#e> ?i#ho+# hi a+8en#a#ion or !ara$a!e; #he a8o 7a a"ee*%e #hin8 o" #hin *one an( 7a#e( eh> S%i(in8 #he !o8,7ren!h o hi*e%#; #he Carrion #e$$e( "or7ar(>

'S#an( *a!:;' #he Raen G+ar( ai(; $ro$#in8 #he here#e: #o

re#rea#>'Ti!:; #o!:; #i!:; #o!:;' O!#a% Boo% ai(; *i#in8 a# hi n8er> 'Be

!are"+%'?i#h one $o7er aro+r,(rien 7in8; he #r+!: #he a8ne#i! ea%

"ro #he !ra#in8 7i#h #he !o8,7ren!h> ?eain8 in +n(er #he 7or:in8 o"#he Carrion' *ioni! ar; O!#a% Boo% eie( #he !ra#e an( heae( #hehea5 %i( "ro i#>

Peerin8 (o7n in#o #he (ar:ne; #he Carrion 7a +r$rie( #o hear#he here#e: !ooin8 an( 7hi$erin8 in#o #he !ra#e> La5in8 a h5(ra+%i! han(on #he $rie#' ho+%(er an( $riin8 hi a7a5; #he Carrion "o+n( #ha# Boo%7a ho%(in8 a a%% "a*ri!an# #o hi !he# #ha# in #+rn 7a !%+#!hin8 hi*a!: %i:e a *a*5> &ro *ehin( i# a$$eare( #o *e a !her+* , a !5*erne#i!!on#r+!# o" (one,eh !ra"#e( in#o #he "or o" a 7in8e( *a*5 or an8e%> Ai# 7or:e( i# 7hi#e 7in8; Boo% #+rne( #o #he S$a!e Marine an( #he Carriona7 i# "a!e>

The !on#r+!# 7a no# a #hin8 o" eh a# a%% *+# a a%% a+#oa#aF a*ein8 o" ro*o#i! "rae an( (i!o%o+re( $%a#ee%; 7i#h e#a% $ro#r+ion%i:e ra#!he#,hoo: "or %e8 an( #in5 #oo%a8e !%a7 "or han(> I# hea( ha(#he (ea( e5e o" a (o%%; 7hi%e #he (ir#5 $%a#ee% o" i# "a!e 7a a 6e(a:> One +ar#er o" i# *a%( !ro7n ha( *een #ri$$e( a7a5; $re+a*%5"or an e6$%ora#or5 e6aina#ion *5 #he Pre"e!#+re %e6or!i#> Benea#h #he

Carrion !o+%( ee #he oo#h 7or:in8 o" in#ri!a#e *ra5 !o8 an($o%5he(ra% 8ear , #he ae 7on(ro+ e!hani he ha( o*ere( e# in#he !he# o" #he *a##%e,a+#oa#a> In!re(i*%5 "or +!h a "a*ri!an# , a #hin8o" e#a%; $%a#ee% an( 57hee% , #he !on#r+!# (eon#ra#e( i$%e *+#!%ear eo#iona% re$one> Boo% an( #he #hin8 e*ra!e( %i:e "a#her an(!hi%(; #he here#e: rea+rin8 #he !rea#ion a"#er i# in!ar!era#ion in #he!ra#e an( #he #ai e%(>

'Un!anni!a%;' O!#a% Boo% #o%( #he Carrion> 'A $e# $roe!#>''Boo%;' #he Kni8h# Erran# ai(> '?here i #he Ta*+%a M5ria(' The here#e: re%eae( #he !her+*; 7hi!h !ra7%e( *a!: in#o #he !ra#e>

?i#hin oen#; i# re#+rne(> The a$$in8 o" i# 7hi#e 7in8 #oo: i# in#o

#he air> Oer i# ho+%(er i# ha( #he %oo$ o" a !hain a(e o" in#er%in:in88ear> A #he Carrion 7a#!he( an( #he !her+* roe; a a!hine a$$eare("ro #he !ra#e>

'Mar *e (ane(;' #he Carrion +r+re(; ha:in8 hi hea(> Bei(ehi; #he N+%% an( #he Voi( re$on(e( #o #he ae8i $ro#o!o% an( %eane( in7i#h #he +%#i,*arre% o" #heir ro#or 8+n> The !5*er,raen S#ri6 !an#,!a7e( #he !on#erna#ion o" a i$%e #hrea#,aeen#>

The e!hani 7a an i$oi*%e #hin8 , a %ar8e or* o" in#er%o!:in8!o8 an( 8ear o" a (ei8n; o#ion an( in#ri!a!5 "ar +r$ain8 #he *ai!e!hani i$%an#e( in #he *a##%e,a+#oa#a an( #he Un!anni!a%> I# 7a

an oer%ai( ne6+ o" #i!:in8; rh5#hi! !%i!:in8 an( #he %i!:; haronio+7hir o" i$oi*%e 8ear 7or:in8 in +nion> The Carrion !o+%(n'# *rin8

.Q



hie%" #o #hin: o" i# a a%ien; *+# i# (ei8n an( 7or:in8 (i#+r*e( hi> I#%oo:e( a i" i# ho+%(n'# 7or:; *+# i# (i(> Per"e!#%5>

?hi%e h+an in (ei8n , #he !%+n:5 in#ri!a!5 o" #he a!hine #o%( hi#ha# , i# 7a !%ear%5 no# a !rea#ion o" #he Me!hani!+; a ha%%o7e( "+ion o" eh an( iron> The e6i8en!5 en8ine 7a a%% !o+n#er,!%o!: 8ear an(

*5an#ine !o8,7or: #ha# *e!ae ore inia#+rie( an( +n"a#hoa*%e #he(ee$er he %oo:e( in#o #he e!hani> Baro+e #oo%; in#er"a!e,!o%+nan( o%e!+%ar !oo$ e6#en(e( an( re#ra!#e( 8en#%5 #hro+8h #he%a*5rin#hine 7or:in8 7i#h #he ereni#5 o" a er$en#' #on8+e , #e#in8;in#era!#in8 an( a*or*in8 #he *ae e%een# i# nee(e( "ro #he air an(+rro+n(in8 enironen#>

Thi i #he a*oina*%e in#e%%i8en!e' #he Carrion ai(; *+# i# 7a!%ear%5 a #a#een# ore #han a +e#ion>

'Thi i #he Ta*+%a M5ria(;' O!#a% Boo% #o%( hi> 'P+r8er o" #he Para"e6o" A%#a,Me(ian an( $+rier o" #he #e%%ar e6o(+ 7or%( o" #he Per(+ Ri"#>'

The Carrion 7a#!he( a #he !o8; 8ear an( 7or:in8 o" #hea*oina*%e in#e%%i8en!e $ar#e( a# #he *ae o" #he or*; !rea#in8 ano$enin8>

'Ye; 5e;' O!#a% Boo% *%ea#e(>&+r#her $o%5he(ra% !o8 an( in#ri!a#e 7or:in8 a$$eare( in #he

o$enin8 +n#i% #he here#e: a$$roa!he( #he i%i!a ani+ an( #oo: "ro i# aa%%er or* o" in#er%o!:in8 8ear; #he ae :in( o" e!hani #he Carrionha( een a# 7or: in #he *a##%e,a+#oa#a an( #he !her+*>

The Kni8h# Erran# re$ree( a hier> The a*oina*%e in#e%%i8en!e7a e%",re$%i!a#in8>

O!#a% Boo% #+rne(; !are"+%%5 !arr5in8 #he inia#+re in#e%%i8en!e in hi

han( an( oere( i# #o #he Carrion> The Raen G+ar(' %i$ !+r%e(> Hi in#in!# 7a #o (e#ro5 #he #hin8

*+# in#ea( he e##%e( on ho%(in8 #he !erai#e $a% o" hi 8a+n#%e# +$>'I a no# 7or#h5;' #he Kni8h# Erran# #o%( #he here#e:> He a+e(

#he a*oina*%e a!hine !o+%( hear hi> Boo% i$%5 i%e( an( *o7e(hi hea(; #hen #oo: #he inia#+re in#e%%i8en!e an( $+he( i# (o7n in#o #he*%oo(5 !ai#5 in #he #o$ o" hi hea(> ?i#h a i!:%5 rea%ia#ion; #he Carrion+((en%5 +n(er#oo( #ha# Boo%' #or#+rer in #he (+n8eon,(ia8no$%e6 ha(reoe( +!h a #hin8 7i#h #he re# o" hi a+8en#a#ion>

O!#a% Boo%' "a!e !han8e(> The inani#5 an( a8i#a#ion "a(e(> T7i#!he +*i(e(; %ine (ia$$eare(; +!%e re%a6e(> ?i#h or 7i#ho+#

+!h %ae,in#er"a!ia; O!#a% Boo% 7a a here#e: an( in!ere (eo#ee o" #he8eno!i(a% Ta*+%a M5ria( an( i# !o%( e+a#ion>

On!e a8ain; ho7eer; he ha( a!hiee( a*oina*%e +nion 7i#h #hein#e%%i8en!e an( ha( 8ien hie%" 7i%%in8%5 #o #he $roe!+#ion o" i# harho%+#ion "or h+ani#5>

The Carrion %oo:e( "ro #he Ta*+%a M5ria( #o #he h+an "a!e o"#e!hno,here5 in #he !a% ia8e o" O!#a% Boo%>

'There in'# +!h #ie;' #he Carrion anno+n!e(> 'Mar +# *e$+r8e(> I# +# *e $oione( an( $+rie( o" #he 7ea:ne o" eh>'

The in#e%%i8en!e,in#er"a!e( here#e: 8ae #he Carrion an a7:7ar(

i%e> A*o+# #he Raen G+ar(; #he rea!#or !ore o" #he Ka#e%an re( #o+nie( %i"e> A+#o%oa(er o" ar,o+n#e( a6i+ *o%#8+n an( $ara6ia%

9



a+%er ho+%(er,!annon !h+88e( #o $riin8 an( #he a#oan#i! (e"en!ee%( ener8ie(; %%in8 #he air o" #he a+%# 7i#h #he !ra!:%e an( #a#i! o"7ea$on,$hae( hie%(in8>

?i#h #he ar#i!ia% eh o" #heir ne+ra% !or#i!e %on8 e6#ra!#e( an( no"+r#her nee( "or 7e#7are ro+#ine or #he 8+i(an!e o" a a!hine,$iri#; #he

*a##%e,a+#oa#a 7ere no7 #hin:in8 a!hine; *ene##in8 "ro #heir o7ni$%e e6i8en!5 en8ine> Li:e O!#a% Boo% an( #he !her+* Un!anni!a%;ho7eer; #he5 7ere +n(er #he +%#ia#e reaon an( !on#ro% o" #hea*oina*%e in#e%%i8en!e> ?i#ho+# #he nee( "or o6,!an# or or(er in #he"or o" *inar5; #he *a##%e,a+#oa#a *e8an #o "or +$ in #heir o$era#iona%ani$%e>

A #he Carrion %oo:e( a*o+# in aaeen#; *a##%e,a+#oa#a *earin8#he !ara$a!e i(en#ier o" #he &ir# Mani$%e #o$e( #o a##en#ion an(a+e( a $ro#e!#ie "ora#ion a*o+# Boo% an( #he Ta*+%a M5ria(> Aon8#heir #a$e( re!or( o" o$era#iona% hi#or5; #he Carrion !o+%( ee #he(ei8na#ion o" in(ii(+a% a+#oa#aF De6; I$e(i!+; N+%+; Po%%e6 an(Li##%e A+ri> The Carrion no((e( 7i#h a$$re!ia#ion a he rea%ie( #ha# #he+ni# o" #he &ir# Mani$%e 7ere nae( a"#er #he n8er o" #he han(> TheKni8h# Erran# ha( no (o+*# #ha# 7or:in8 in +nion #he h+%:in8 *a##%e,a+#oa#a 7o+%( $a!: +i#e a $+n!h>

'Ver#e6 A+#ra%i; an( #he (e#r+!#ion o" #he a8ne#o$heri! hie%(;'#he Carrion ai( #o #he erene O!#a% Boo% an( #he in#ri!a#e e6er!ie ina*oina*%e 8eni+ #ha# 7a #he Ta*+%a M5ria(> 'The era(i!a#ion o" eh+# *e ena!#e(>'

A #he r# ani$%e o" *a##%e,a+#oa#a *e8an "orin8 +$ in "ron# o" #he e%ea#or (oor %ea(in8 in#o #he !e%%,a+%#; O!#a% Boo% 8ae hi #he

$ea!e"+% !er#i#+(e o" hi *%oo(ho# e5e>&ear no#; a%%5 o" annihi%a#ion;' #he here#e: ai(> 'I# ha a%rea(5

*e8+n>'

EXECUTE

?AR HAD RETURNED #o Mar> No# in!e #he Th+n(erha7: an(S#or*ir( o" #he VII Le8ion ha( (e$ar#e( ha( *o%# an( *ea *eene6!han8e( 7i#h +!h $+r$oe an( (e#erina#ion> I# 7a #r+e #ha# %on8a"#er #he on o" Dorn %e"# #he Re( P%ane# #o i# #rea!hero+ "a#e; %o5a%i#

!on#r+!# , +#i%a#in8 #hee%e *5 ri$$in8 o+# $or# an( in#er"a!e,a+8en#ia , "o+8h# on in #he r+ine( he%% o" #heir "or8e #e$%e> ?i#h noo!:e# or re!eier; #he #r+e eran# o" #he Oniiah 7ere i+ne #o#he ee!# o" #he in"e!#io+ !ra$!o(e #ha# ha( (rien o an5 o" #heir!o$a#rio# !on#r+!# #o a(ne an( here5>

Thee "or8e 7or%(er "o+8h# a 8+erri%%a 7ar a8ain# #he ne7oer%or( o" Mar; %i##%e rea%iin8 #ha# i# 7a #heir o7n &a*ri!a#or Genera%7ho ha( *e#ra5e( #he #o Hor+ L+$er!a% an( +n%eahe( (ar:; r+ino+e!re# "ro re$oi#orie o" #e!hno,here5 %i:e #he (rea( Va+%# o"Morae!>

A #he *a##%e,a+#oa#a o" #he Dae(arii Reere Cohor# ar!he(#heir in(oi#a*%e 7a5 o+#h; #he Carrion o*ere( #he "ai%+re o" #he

91



%o5a%i#> The ro*o# ani$%e #a$e( #hro+8h #he irra(ia#e( *one o" ra8,#a8 o%(ier 7ho ha( *een %a+n!hin8 hi# an( r+n a##a!: on #rai#or!ono5 in #he "ri8i( (eer#> The5 $ae( #hro+8h (eo%ihe( ha*,hie7here rei#an!e !on#r+!# ha( "o+8h# a hor#,%ie( +r*an 7ar in #henarro7 "rei8h#7a5 an( (ere%i!# #r+!#+re> Their $rie#,%ea(er #oi%e( in

7or:ho$ #o (i!oer a 7a5 #o reere #he !orr+$#ion o" #he !o(e #ha#;%i:e a $%a8+e; #oo: a an5 o" #heir n+*er a #he 7ea$on o" #rai#or#hra%% an( in"e!#e( a+#oa#a>

Then #here 7ere #he "or8e #e$%e o" #he o+#h , oe o" 7hi!h ha(e*ra!e( ne7 (ee%o$en# %i:e noo$heri!; 7hi!h ha( oere( #he8rea# ani%,a%#ar o" #he Oniiah oe $ro#e!#ion a8ain# #he ir+%en#r+in $i%%in8 #hro+8h #he (a#a#rea; har(%ine an( 7ire%e "ee(> Thee#he Dae(arii Reere Cohor# "o+n( #o *e 8one> En#ire #e$%e ha( *een7i$e( o #he "a!e o" Mar *5 Ti#an 7ar a!hine; *5 air#ri:e o" #he Ta8ha#a Aerona+#i!a an( or*i#a% *arra8e %a+n!he( "ro Ar:Me!hani!+ #a#ione( *e5on( #he !on#e#e( Rin8 o" Iron>

The Carrion a(ire( #he $iri# o" #he Mar#ian "ree(o 8h#er> I#7a #he Raen G+ar(' :in( o" 7ar"are , #ri:in8 "ro #he ha(o7;#ea%#h; a*o#a8e an( #he %i8h#nin8 7ee$ o" hi# an( r+n a##a!:> Thee#a!#i! ha( "ai%e( #he %o5a%i# 8+erri%%a; ho7eer>

Be5on( #he !on#an# #hrea# o" !ra$!o(e in"e!#ion , #he !orr+$#ioneer a##e$#in8 #o 7or i# 7a5 in#o #he +n#ain#e( 7or:in8 o" #he!on#r+!# , #he "ree(o 8h#er 7ere *a##%in8 a8ain# #he (ar: a#ero" Mar; a Me!hani!+ reoe(; reerin8 no %on8er #he Ma!hine,Go( *+#(rea( #e!hno%o8i!a% 7on(er; $o7er in!a%!+%a*%e an( "or*i((en:no7%e(8e "ro 7hi!h #he Oniiah ha( o %on8 $ro#e!#e( #he> Thee

!o(e,!ree!hin8 %ae; re,"or8e( in $+r$oe an( "or *5 #he (ar: re o"i8noran!e an( o#her7or%(%5 in+en!e; 7ere +nrei##in8 in #heir(e#r+!#ion o" #he Oniiah' #r+e eran#> Unie( in #heir hare(!orr+$#ion; #he5 e6#erina#e( #he %o5a%i# Me!hani!+ 7i#h a $re+(i!e$rior(ia% an( e6#ree>

?ha# eh an( iron !o+%( no# *e 7ar$e( #o #he ne7 $+r$oe o"Ke%*or,Ha%; #he ?ara#er an( #heir in"erna% a%%ie; ha( #o *e (e#ro5e(> Thi 7a #he #or5 Mar #o%( a #he Dae(arii Reere Cohor# #r+(8e( o+#h#hro+8h an( an( "ro#> Bea,ri((%e( *o(ie in Oniian re(> B%a!:ene(!ra#er,e%( %e"# in #he 7a:e o" air#ri:e an( 8o(,a!hine e8a,7ea$onr5> &or8e "or8o##en in a$o!a%5$#i! re; #he *%a#e( re( ro!: o"

horion,!ra$in8 ho%%o7 an( +nna#+ra% ener8ie *%ain8 (o7n "ro or*i#>S#i%%; (e$i#e +!h o((; #he Carrion' %e8ionar5 e5e; hi :no7%e(8e

o" Mar an( hi #a!#i!a% in#in!# #o%( hi #ha# #here 7a oe#hin8 e%e a#7or:> In #he (ar:ne o" #he o+#h; 7here #he %on8 $o%ar ni8h# an( #he(i#an# re o" #rai#or "or8e ha( $%+n8e( #he Re( P%ane# in#o a i!:%5#7i%i8h#; #he Raen G+ar( "e%# #ha# #here 7ere o#her "or!e oin8> Ther+ino+ o%i8ar!h5 an( "e+(a% $rie#hoo( o" #he r+%in8 a8i (ire!#e( #he#rai#or "or!e o" Mar 7i#h #he (rea( a+#hori#5 o" #heir oer%or(; Ke%*or,Ha%>&or!e on #he 8ro+n(; ho7eer; 7ere inani#5,!an#in8 !5*erne#i!on#roi#ie> Their i!:ne,#reae( $ro#o!o% i8h# hae (i!#a#e( #heir

oeen#; in(+#r5 an( (e$%o5en#; *+# #he $ererion o"a#,eh an(!on#r+!# o" ha+n#e( iron 7ere (r+n: on #he (ar: $o7er #ha# !arie(

9<



#heir 5#e> The5 7ere #hin8 o" in(%e a(ne; #hro7in8 o #heo*er (e$or#en# o" #heir $reio+ e6i#en!e> The5 #a%:e(> The5+r(ere(> The5 (e#ro5e(>

The Carrion' !o8i#a#or; #rainin8 an( *a##%e e6$erien!e #o%( hi #ha#+!h +!!ee 7ere no# #o *e e6$e!#e( "ro +!h on#ro+ a*erra#ion>

He !oni(ere( 7ho on Mar #he #rai#or Ke%*or,Ha% 7o+%( #r+# #o e!+re #he(a7n o" hi (ar: e$ire "ro renan# %o5a%i#; "ree(o,8h#in8!on#r+!# an( een $oi*%e re!%aa#ion "or!e "ro Terra> ?hi!h o" hiar!ha8i,i%i#an#; hi 5no(,$ere!+#or; a8i,re(+!#or; 5ri(a6 oror(ina#or ha( #he &a*ri!a#or Genera% en#r+#e( #he e!+ri#5 o" Mar #o The in"ao+ S:e%#ar,Thra6 A%o5io S+ia Ha65n Tr5$hon Perha$een a #ran,Mar#ian; an o,7o ri(er %i:e Corne%i Vari!ari The Carrion (i(no# :no7; an( #here 7a %i##%e in #he !or!he( *one an( o*%i#era#e(7re!:a8e o" %o5a%i# 8+erri%%a %e"# *ehin( #o #e%% hi>

A #he ini#er !o$+#a#ion an( $re(i!#ie !a%!+%a#ion o" #he Ta*+%a M5ria( (roe #he *a##%e,a+#oa#a o" #he Dae(arii Reere Cohor#o+#h , in#o (ar:ne an( (ro$$in8 #e$era#+re , an( on "ro i!#or5 #o(e!iie i!#or5; #he Carrion !o+%( no# he%$ *+# "ee% #ha# he 7a $ar# o" a8ae> A #a!#i!a% !on#e# no# +n%i:e #he one Lor( Dorn an( #he Re8en#Ma%!a(or ha( (i!+e(; 7here #he "ro#e( an( o" #he Mar#ian o+#h7ere #he *oar( an( Me!hani!+ !on#r+!# #he $ie!e>

I# 7a $oi*%e #he Ta*+%a M5ria( 7a no# #he on%5 (rea( in#e%%i8en!ea# 7or: in #hee 7ar,#orn %an(> A%#ho+8h #he a*oina#ion !o+ni!a#e(no#hin8 o" +!h :no7%e(8e; #he Carrion no#i!e( #ha# #he e6i8en!5 en8ine8+i(e( i# ar5 o" %ae *a##%e,a+#oa#a 7i#h #ra#e8i! +*#%e#5 an(o$hi#i!a#ion , a i" i# 7ere $%a5in8 a8ain# an e6$er# #a!#i!ian; a a#er

in or(nan!e an( "or#i!a#ion> The a*oina*%e in#e%%i8en!e 7o+%( aoi( oe en8a8een# 7hi%e

#a:in8 #he Dae(arii o+# o" i# 7a5 #o in(+%8e o#her>Soe#ie i# 7o+%( (ire!# i# *a##%e,a+#oa#a #o ar!h re%en#%e%5

#o7ar( #heir iion o*e!#ie 7hi%e a# o#her #ie i# ha( #he !ohor##r+(8e %ea8+e o+# o" i# 7a5; #hro+8h harh #errain an( oer no7,!a$$e( o+n#ain ran8e> A #he (a5 an( 7ee: 7ore on; #he :ie*%a!:er; #he #a**in8 #e$era#+re !o%(er an( #he hea# o" *a##%e eerer!er; #he Carrion *e!ae !onin!e( #ha# #he a*oina*%e in#e%%i8en!ean( i# #rea!hero+ o$$oi#e 7ere $%a5in8 (ea(%5 8ae 7i#h "or!e(i$oi#ion an( an a$$roa!h on #he 8rea# $o%ar "or8e o" #he o+#h , #he

#rai#or,he%( #e$%e o" Ver#e6 A+#ra%i> The Carrion $+%%e( #he "ro#,#i a#eria% o" hi *%a!: ro*e a*o+#

#he 8re5 o" hi $%a#e> The %en8#h o" hi i!e,%a!e( hair "rae( #he ra7neo" hi $a%e "a!e> I# 7a #he on%5 *i# o" hi en8ineere( *o(5 #ha# !o+%( "ee%#he "ero!io+ #e$era#+re; *+# +# %oo:in8 a# Di,De%#a -.1 an(E#a2Io#a314 in #heir 8o88%e; in"rar!#i! ro*e an( #+r*an a(e #he Kni8h#Erran# "ee% !o%(> The !5*er,raen S#ri6 ho$$e( *e#7een #he no(e,!o%+n$ro#r+(in8 "ro #he Carrion' ho+%(er; hi "ea#her "ro#e(; *+# #he!o%+n $roi(e( a %i##%e 7e%!oe 7ar#h>

The Kni8h# Erran# an( hi a##en(an# a+#oa#a 7ere #rae%%in8 in a

Triaro,!%a aro+re( #ran$or# , a hea5,(+#5 8a%ani! #ra!#ion en8ine

94



aro+re( 7i#h #hi!: $%a#e> O!#a% Boo% ha( re!oere( #he !arrier,en8ine"ro an a%% *+# (eo%ihe( %o5a%i# 7or:ho$>

The 8+erri%%a !on#r+!# ha( *een *r+#a%%5 e6e!+#e( *5 heai%5,a+8en#e( ho!:,#roo$ , a n+*er o" 7hi!h %a5 *ro:en on #he 8ro+n( aei(en!e o" #he (e#erina#ion 7i#h 7hi!h #he %o5a%i# ha( (e"en(e( #heir

ea8re *ae o" o$era#ion> Boo% "o+n( #he !arrier,en8ine #o hae *een#ri$$e( o" eri#or an( i# 5#e !o(e!r+**e( *5 #he 7or:ho$#rane!hani!> A$$ro$ria#e( "or #he eae o" #ran$or#in8 #he *io%o8i!a%an( #he Ta*+%a M5ria( i#e%"; #he Me!hani!+ !arrier,en8ine !he7e( +$#he Mar#ian oi% an( i!e *ehin( #he i$aie 5n!hroni!i#5 o" #he *a##%e,a+#oa#a> Li:e an an!ien# Terran 7ar%or(; #he a*oina*%e in#e%%i8en!ear!he( i# 7ar a!hine +$ an( (o7n #he !ree o" re( o+n#ain %o$e;#hro+8h (eo%ihe( an+"a!#oria an( aro+n( #he (i#an# *a%e%i8h# an(:5,:e7erin8 (i!har8e #ha# $ro!ee(e( "ro #rai#or,"or#ie( "or8e#e$%e>

Pro$#in8 S#ri6 #o ho$ on#o #he (i8i# o" hi h5(ra+%i! han(; #heCarrion $o$$e( #he !5*er,raen on #he Voi(' ho+%(er> A he 8o# +$; #heN+%% 7en# #o 8e# #o her "ee#>

'Reain;' #he Carrion or(ere(> He 8ae #he i%en#; (ea(,e5e(Un!anni!a% an( #he in!ean# 7hirrin8 an( #i!:in8 o" #he in#er%o!:in8 or*o" !o8 an( 8ear #ha# 7a #he Ta*+%a M5ria( a 7i(e *er#h; !%i*in8 +$o+# o" #he eri!e *a5 an( on#o #he $%a#"or o" #he !on#ro% (ai> There #heKni8h# Erran# "o+n( O!#a% Boo% a# #he !arrier,en8ine' !on#ro%; 7a#he( in#hera% ro*e>

The5 7ere (ee$ in #he $o%ar 7a#e no7> The Carrion !o+%( hear #hearo+re( "ee# o" #he *a##%e,a+#oa#a !r+n!hin8 (o7n #hro+8h !ar*on

(io6i(e no7 an( i!e; 7hi%e een #he hea5,(+#5 #ra!: o" #he ehi!%e7ere hain8 (i!+%#5 7i#h #he (e$#h o" #he (ri"# #hro+8h 7hi!h i# 7a$%o+8hin8> The ehi!%e' i$%e ener85 hie%(in8 i%e( #hro+8h #he"reee an( :e$# #he 7or# o" #he earin8 7in( o #he o$en !a*,(ai> Here;on #he a$$roa!h #o #he $o%e; #he a*oina*%e in#e%%i8en!e ha( e##%e( on aro+#e #hro+8h oe o" #he o# (an8ero+ #errain #he i!e !a$ ha( #o oer>A*5a% +re; $o%5!hroa#i! i!e hee#; a $o%ar or#e6 o" $%a#ee%,!ra!:in8 #e$era#+re an( !%o+( *an: o" "reein8 a$o+r 7hi!h %en#; i" i#7ere $oi*%e; #he %on8 ni8h# o" #he o+#h an een 8rea#er +r: an(o*!+ri#5>

Een 7i#h #he !arrier,en8ine' ear!h %a$ on; #he Carrion !o+%(

*are%5 ee #he rearo# a!hine in #he !ohor# !o%+n o" Dae(arii*a##%e,a+#oa#a> The ro*o# 7ere 7hi#e,7ahe( 7i#h no7; ar!hin8 on(a+n#%e%5 in#o #he (ar:ne> No# *ein8 a*%e #o +e #he !o(e,!orr+$#e(!o+ni!a#ion !hanne%; ea%e !oor(ina#ion 7a en#ire%5 re%ian# on#he inia#+re e6i8en!5 en8ine #+rnin8; !%i!:in8 an( 7hirrin8 in #heir!he#; an( #he +n$ea:in8 !o+nion #he5 hare( 7i#h #he Ta*+%aM5ria( i#e%">

No# on%5 (i( #he *a##%e,a+#oa#a ee #o #hin: "or #hee%e; #he5#ho+8h# "or ea!h o#her; 7i#h +!h #ho+8h# *ein8 8+i(e( *5 #hea*oina*%e in#e%%i8en!e> I# 7a (i!on!er#in8 an( %oa#hoe #o *eho%(;

*+# #he Carrion ha( #o a(i# #ha# +!h #e!hno,here5 7a erin8 #he!ohor# 7e%% on i# ar!h o+#h>

9-



The Ka#e%an,!%a a!hine ha( *een a 7on(er #o 7a#!h> ?i#h #hehea5 #r+(8e o" #heir h5(ra+%i! %e8; #he ra##%in8 $%a#e o" #heir !o*a#!hai an( #he i%e o" a#oan#i! hie%(in8; #he Dae(arii Reere Cohor#re,%ie( #he 8%orio+ (a5 o" o,7or%( !on+e# an( #heir !on#ri*+#ion #o#he Grea# Cr+a(e o" an:in(> Ra#her #han a8i an( #he ine6i*%e

a%8ori#h o" #heir !o*a# 7e#7are (riin8 #he on; +n(er #he in#e8ra#e(!on#ro% o" #he Ta*+%a M5ria(; #he ro*o# 7ere i*+e( 7i#h a i$%e e%",(e#erina#ion #ha# 7a i+%#aneo+%5 eerie an( 5e# +n(enia*%5i$reie #o ee in a a!hine>

A# Ha(ria#i!a; #he Carrion ha( een #he on#ro+ a+#oa#a #ri(e#hro+8h a ea o" #rai#or :i#arii; #he ah o" %a,ho# earin8 o #heirhie%(in8 an( !ara$a!e 7hi%e #he *a##%e,a+#oa#a hre((e( #hro+8h #heo%(ier 7i#h a6i+ *o%#8+n an( h5(ra+%i! 7ee$ o" #heir ar,!arria8e> In #he r+in o" #he A+onian ae*%5 5ar( he a7 #he $+n!h#hro+8h #he i(e o" *a##%e,!arre( Lan( Rai(er an( !arrier,en8ine;#earin8 #e!h,#hra%% an( heai%5,a+8en#e( 8+n,eri#or o+# #hro+8h #heren# in #ran$or# an( ri$$in8 #he %i* "ro %i* 7i#h #heir !h+n:5;$o7ere( #>

The5 ha( #ore( #he "rei8h#7a5 an( %an(in8 #ri$ o" #he Eri(an+(ee$,!ore inin8 e%( , ahin8 #hro+8h !o(e,!orr+$#e( e6!aa#or,!on#r+!# an( !hi##erin8 hor(e o" 5ri(on er!enarie; %on8 !har8e(*5 #he "e+(a% oer%or( o" #he area #o $ro#e!# #heir in#ere#> In #he(io6i(e,(+#e( $ea: o" #he Th5%+ Hei8h# , aon8# #he :5,!ra$in8ane o" #he Nerei#:i To7er , #he *a##%e,a+#oa#a !annon,haere( #hei(e o" roin8 aa+%# !arrier an( 8ra,!ra"# #ha# ha( a!+ire( #hee6$oe( !ohor# on #he ri(8e>

De!en(in8 on !rahe( !arrier; #he Ka#e%an,!%a 7ar a!hine#o$e( (o7n #he "roen %o$e an( e# a*o+# (eo%ihin8 #he air!ra"#>Cr+hin8 #he #e!h,#hra%% e!a$in8 #he !rah,i#e +n(er aro+re( "ee#;#he5 a+%e( #he 7re!:a8e an( +rior 7i#h #heir ho+%(er,o+n#e( *o%#7ea$onr5 *e"ore #earin8 e!#ion o #he !arrier an( (o7nin8 near*5!o(e,!ree!hin8 air!ra"# 7i#h h+r%e( 7re!:a8e>

The *a##%e,a+#oa#a ha( #a:en %oe; none#he%e> A ara+(in8?arho+n( S!o+# Ti#an ha( *een (o88in8 #he Cohor#' in(oi#a*%e #e$in!e #he reain o" #he He$eria +*,hie; %%in8 #he (ar:ne an( #he!ri$ Mar#ian air 7i#h #he *ooin8 a(ne o" i# 7ar,horn> The 8rea#a!hine ha( *een !ri!roin8 #he Mar#ian 7a#e an( ha( na%%5

%o!a#e( #he Dae(arii Cohor# on #he hore o" La:e Te#an+; a eaona%*o(5 o" e%#7a#er> The Ti#an' !oan( (e!: %i# +$ 7i#h 8ho+%ih o"a#i"a!#ion an( #he 8ro+n( #re*%e( 7i#h i# roar o" 8ar*%e( *inar5 a i#+%!an e8a,*o%#er (i( #heir 7or#>

T+rnin8 #he hore%ine an( r+#5 ha%%o7 o" #he %a:e in#o aae%#ro o" (e#r+!#ion; #he ?arho+n( (e!ia#e( a e!#ion o" #hea*oina*%e in#e%%i8en!e' a+#oa#a ar5; hre((in8 !ara$a!e; *a##%e!hai an( e6i8en!5 en8ine in an +nre%en#in8 #rea o" re>

S7i"# #o re$on( an( eein8 no $ro*a*i%i#5 o" +!!e in an aa+%#on #he Ti#an; #he Ta*+%a M5ria( (ire!#e( i# ani$%e in#o #he 7a#er o" #he

%a:e i#e%"; ee!#ie%5 %oin8 #he in"+ria#e( 7ar a!hine>

9.



A #ri:e 8h#er *o*in8 r+n %i# +$ #he ni8h# on #he $o%5!hroa#i!e6$ane o" i!e *+# a%o !+# #hro+8h #he !o%+n o" ar!hin8 *a##%e,a+#oa#a; #+rnin8 +ni# in#o !ra$,#re7n !ra#er an( (aa8in8 a "+r#her"#5 7ar a!hine> Loe a%7a5 eee( #o *e !a%!+%a#e( a $ar# o"oe on8oin8 e+a#ion *ein8 !%i!:e( an( 7hirre( ini(e #he in#ri!a!ie o"

#he a*oina*%e in#e%%i8en!e> The reain(er o" #he C5*erne#i!a !ohor# !er#ain%5 7o+%(n'# $a a

(ia8no#i! +#er> On o# o" #he *a##%e,a+#oa#a #he a#oan#i!hie%(in8 rea!#or 7ere o$era#in8 a# *e%o7 ha%",#ren8#h; #heir %a,!or!he( !ara$a!e 7ere *+!:%e( an( *o%#,ri((en an( #heir ao,!ra#ean( a+#o%oa(er 7ere a%% *+# e$#5> The 5n!hrono+ ar!h o" #heDae(arii +ni# a%o 7an'# 7ha# i# ha( *een; 7i#h hre((e( !a*%in8 an(h5(ra+%i! %ea(in8 a!hine #o (ra8 aro+re( "ee# an( a%%o7 7ea$onie(%i* #o han8 +e%e%5 a# #heir i(e>

?ha# 7a o# #ar#%in8 "or #he Kni8h# Erran#; ho7eer; 7a no# #he7a5 in 7hi!h #he *a##%e,a+#oa#a oa:e( +$ $+nihen# 7hi!h 7ai$reie eno+8h , *+# #heir in!re(i*%e rei#an!e #o #he ir+%en#!ra$!o(e #ha# ha( in"e!#e( an( 7ore( i# 7a5 in#o near%5 eer5!on#r+!# on #he Re( P%ane#> No a##er 7ha# a%e! *inari! 7a#rani##e( a# #he; no a##er 7ha# !orr+$#e( a!hine a##e$#e( #oin#er"a!e 7i#h #he an( oo( #heir 7or:in8 7i#h inani#5; #he Carrion a7no# one *a##%e,a+#oa#on "a%% #o #he #e!hno,$%a8+e> ?i#h #he in#ri!a!ie o"#heir o7n e6i8en!5 en8ine #+rnin8; in#er%o!:in8 an( !a%!+%a#in8 a :in( o"a!hine reaon 7i#hin #he; #he Ta*+%a M5ria( ha( !rea#e( a !on#r+!#eer,+e#ionin8; eer,!o+n#erin8 an( eer,in!o$a#i*%e 7i#h #he(ar:#rea>

A #he !arrier,en8ine *a!:,#ra!:e( #o a %+h5 ha%#; #he Carrion$+%%e( hie%" +$ri8h# in #he !a*,(ai> '?ha# i i#' he a:e( O!#a% Boo%>

The #e$era#+re ha( (one %i##%e "or #he here#e:' ra7 "a!e; *+# hi!a%ne reaine(> He $oin#e( o+# #hro+8h #he "roen (ar:ne an( #he+r: o" 7ir%in8 i!e a$o+r #ha# ai!#e( #he Mar#ian $o%e> The here#e:han(e( #he Kni8h# Erran# a $air o" a8no!+%ar> In #he (i#an!e , #hro+8h#he iaa an( #he %i8h#%e $o%ar ni8h# , #he Carrion !o+%( ee a !o%oa%#r+!#+re>

'I #ha# i#' #he S$a!e Marine a:e(> 'I #ha# #he Ver#e6 A+#ra%i'Boo% no((e(>Re#+rnin8 #o #he a8no!+%ar; #he Carrion a7 #he are o" 8ho#%5

%i8h# a*o+# #he 8rea#; #+rnin8 a6%e,#o7er o" #he "or8e #e$%e> The a# $in(%e e6#en(e( #hro+8h #he (e$#h o" #he Mar#ian !r+#

an( in#o #he $%ane#' e#a% !ore> The reo%in8 #o7er re%eae( !o%oa%ao+n# o" ener85 in#o #he heaen o" #he Re( P%ane#; "ee(in8 #hea8ne#o$heri! hie%( #ha# $ro#e!#e( a%% or8ani! %iin8 #hin8 on Mar"ro #he %e#ha% ra(ia#ion o" #he +n an( (ee$ $a!e> A ae o"+nna#+ra% $o7er (an!e( a*o+# #he "or8e #o7er; #he Carrion a7 o#herha$e o+# on #he i!e> Three i8h#5 7ar a!hineF ore ?arho+n( Ti#an> Un(o+*#e(%5 one o" #he 7a #he en8ine #ha# ha( a!+ire( #he!ohor# *e"ore> Peerin8 har( #hro+8h #he a8no!+%ar; #he %ene o" 7hi!h

"+r#her a+8en#e( hi o7n o$#i! %#er; #he Carrion #ho+8h# he !o+%( ee8+n e$%a!een# o+# on #he i!e *e5on( #he an+"a!#oria; i%% an(

99



ha* #ha# +rro+n(e( #he i8h#5 "or8e #e$%e> Aa+%# !arrier (ri"#e(a!ro #he e6$ane in $a#ro% $a##ern; :i!:in8 +$ no7 #or a*o+# #he7hi%e o!+%ari (rone ho# #hi 7a5 an( #ha# a!ro #he i!e an( a*o+# #he"or8e>

'Thi i no# ri8h#;' #he Carrion ai(> 'Thi i no# ri8h#>'

O!#a% Boo% ai( no#hin8>A a Raen G+ar(; #he Carrion +n(er#oo( #he i$or#an!e o" #ea%#h

an( i# +e a8ain# an oer,!on(en# ene5> S!annin8 #he (i#an# "or8e;#he Carrion 7a $oi%# "or !hoi!e in #er o" ini#a#ion #o !er#ain (ea#h>&ro #he re!en#%5 ere!#e( irra(ia#or 8+n e$%a!een# #o #he (e$%o5en#o" Ti#an an( e6#ra +rei%%an!e; i# a$$eare( er5 +!h a i" #he Dae(ariiReere Cohor# 7ere e6$e!#e(> A #he Ta*+%a M5ria( ha( e6$er#%57ei8he( #he $ro*a*i%i#ie an( #ra#e8i!a%%5 8+i(e( #he !ohor# o" *a##%e,a+#oa#a a!ro #he ni8h#are o" #rai#or,he%( Mar; #he Carrion ha( *een8ho#e( *5 #he irre$rei*%e +$i!ion #ha# #he5 7ere *ein8 h+n#e(> Ho7;#he Kni8h# Erran# !o+%( no# :no7> No one on #he Re( P%ane# :ne7 o" hiiion> Ye#; here he 7a , #arin8 a# an in%#ra#ion #ar8e# #ha# ha( *eenha#i%5 "or#ie( "or a ie8e>

Loo:in8 +$ in#o #he (ar:ne o" #he $o%ar ni8h# :5; #he Carrion!o+%( hear #he r+*%e o" en8ine> Soe7here a*oe #he !%o+( o" i!5a$o+r 7a a 8h#er 7in8 a7ai#in8 or(er "or an air #ri:e> ?ore #i%%; #heCarrion !o+%( 7ear #ha# #he 8%i##erin8 !on#e%%a#ion o" %i8h# #ha# ha(oe( i%en#%5 an( %o7%5 a!ro #he ni8h# :5 oer #he $a# "e7 (a5 7a#he Rin8 o" Iron , re,orien#in8 i# or*i#a% a%i8nen# #o en!ir!%e #he Mar#ian$o%e an( (e#er an5 :in( o" (ire!# a##a!: on #he Ver#e6 Borea%i; A+#ra%ior #he $%ane#ar5 a6%e i#e%">

'The5 :no7 7e're !oin8;' #he Carrion ai(> Thi #ie; O!#a% Boo% a!:no7%e(8e( hi !on!ern> 'The Ta*+%a M5ria(

!on!+r;' #he here#e: #o%( hi>S+((en%5 #here 7a oeen# in "ron# o" #he !arrier,en8ine> Loo:in8

*a!: #hro+8h #he a8no!+%ar; #he Carrion !o+%( ee #ha# #he ani$%e o"#he Dae(arii Cohor# 7ere $%i##in8 in#o #hree> S#ri(in8 o+# o" #he +r:; #he*a##%e,a+#oa#a +ni# De6; I$e(i!+; N+%+; Po%%e6 an( Li##%e A+ri$reen#e( #hee%e #o #he !arrier,en8ine>

'?ha#' ha$$enin8' #he Kni8h# Erran# (ean(e( o" Boo% an(; *5e6#enion; #he a*oina*%e in#e%%i8en!e>

'The (e"en!e "or!e an( "or#i!a#ion +# *e en8a8e(;' Boo% #o%(

hi> The Carrion hoo: hi hea(> 'Tha#' +i!i(e;' he ai(> Een 7i#h a "+%%

!ohor# o" *a##%e,a+#oa#a; #he Dae(arii Reere #oo( no !han!e o"+!!e in a (ire!# aa+%#>

'The Ta*+%a M5ria( i no# a7are o" #he re%ean!e o" an5 +!h!on!e$#;' O!#a% Boo% ai(> 'Mar +# *e !%eane(> The iion +#$ro!ee(>'

'I' no# ar8+in8; *+#J' #he Carrion ai(>'The Ta*+%a M5ria( ha( a(e i# !a%!+%a#ion;' O!#a% Boo% #o%( hi>

'The 8rea#e# !han!e o" iion +!!e %ie 7i#h (ierionar5 aa+%#

an( a i+%#aneo+ in%#ra#ion o" #he #e$%e !o$%e6>''The %oeJ' #he Carrion $ro#e#e(>

9



'Are an a!!e$#a*%e e6!han8e "or #he $+ri!a#ion o" Mar;' O!#a% Boo%#o%( hi> 'I# 7i%% !o# #he en#ire !ohor# , 7hi!h i 7h5; a an e6$er# in +!h(i!i$%ine; #he Ta*+%a M5ria( ha (ei8na#e( #ha# 5o+ %ea( #he in%#ra#ion>I# $erona% 8+ar( o" *a##%e,a+#oa#a 7i%% (o #he ne!ear5 (aa8e on!eini(e #o irre$ara*%5 !ri$$%e #he an!ien# o$era#ion o" #he in#a%%a#ion>'

The Carrion %oo:e( #o #he Ka#e%an *a##%e,a+#oa#a ar!hin8 a7a5#hro+8h #he i!5 a$o+r #o #heir !er#ain (e#r+!#ion; #hen $eere( *a!:#hro+8h #he a8no!+%ar a# #he (i#an# "or8e an( i# (e"en!e>

'?e%%;' #he Carrion #o%( O!#a% Boo%; 'one a$$roa!h (oe $reen#i#e%"

?ITH THE CARRIER,ENGINE'S #ra!: !he7in8 +$ #he i!e a# "+%% $ee(an( #he "or7ar( hie%(in8 in#enie(; #he ehi!%e oa:e( +$ #he 7or# #ha##he irra(ia#or 8+n,e$%a!een# ha( #o oer> B%a# a"#er *%a# o" ra(ia#ionna%%5 !o%%a$e( #he "or7ar( !reen an( *a#he( #he !arrier,en8ine in%e#ha%i#5> A #he 5#e "rie(; #he 8a%ani! en8ine "ai%e(; #he #ra!:%o!:e( in a "or o" ehi!+%ar (ea#h; *+# #he irra(ia#e( he%% o" #he !arrier#i%% :i((e( on #o7ar( #he e$%a!een#> I# 7a #he Carrion' $%an *+##he Ta*+%a M5ria(' e#ia#ion o" #he #iin8> Ca%!+%a#in8 #he ehi!%e'$ee(; #he n+*er o" *%a# #he e$%a!een# !o+%( oer in #he #ie i##oo: #he !arrier,en8ine #o rea!h i#; an( #he ao+n# o" ra(ia#ion #he8a%ani! #ra!#ion (rie !o+%( oa: +$ *e"ore (e#ona#in8; #he a*oina*%ein#e%%i8en!e 8ae #he Raen G+ar( #he in"ora#ion he nee(e( #o (e#ro5#he 8+n,e$%a!een# !re7 an( #heir (ea(%5 7ea$on in a ehi!+%are6$%oion>

Tr+(8in8 #hro+8h #he no7 7i#h #he iaa o" a$o+r a*o+# #he;

#he Carrion %e( 7ha# 7a %e"# o" #he Dae(arii Cohor# a%on8 #he !ar8o,!arria8e %en8#h o" a #a#ionar5 a8,%e en8ine> The !arria8e hoere( a%i##%e 7a5 a*oe #he hea#e( rai% 7i#h #he "+%% %en8#h o" #he ehi!%e %ea(in8o+# o" #he #e$%e' an+"a!#oria; 7ai#in8 "or i# !ar8o o" re!5!%e( 7a#e #o*e $ro!ee(>

Unna#+ra% re %i# +$ #he :5 "ro #he #o7er,#o$ o" #he #e$%e>Aro+n( #he in#er%o$er #he air 7a #re*%in8 7i#h #he !a!o$hono+ o+n(o" a!hine a(ne> ?arho+n( Ti#an #h+n(ere( #heir $re(a#or5anno+n!een#; 7hi%e o6hai%e( inani#5 an( !ree!hin8 !ra$,!o(e !+##hro+8h #he !ri$ !o%(ne a*o+# #he Ver#e6 A+#ra%i>

The Carrion %e( #he 8ro+$ a%on8 #he !ar8o,!arria8e a# a %i$ 7i#h

S#ri6 $er!he( on one no(e,!o%+n> The S$a!e Marine ha( hi 8rai#on 8+nhe%( +$ rea(5 #o *%a# hi eneie in#o o*%iion; an( 7a an:e( *5 #heN+%% an( #he Voi( 7i#h #heir ro#or 8+n> O!#a% Boo% h+rrie( a%on8 in hi#hera% ro*e !arr5in8 a o%:i#e !har8er %i*era#e( "ro #he !arrier,en8ine;7i#h #he Un!anni!a% 5in8 *ehin( #he Ta*+%a M5ria( (an8%in8 on #he$o%5he(ra% %in: o" i# !hain> S+rro+n(in8 #he a*oina*%e in#e%%i8en!e an(#he here#e: 7ere #he Ka#e%an *a##%e,a+#oa#a o" #he &ir# Mani$%e; in a(e"enie 7a%% o" !5*erne#i! i8h#>

I# 7a no# an ea5 #a: #o !ro #he $o%5!hroa#i! i!e hee#+n(e#e!#e( an( rea!h #he an+"a!#oria o+#:ir# o" #he "or8e #e$%e>

I# 7a een ore (i!+%# #o in%#ra#e #he in#a%%a#ion 7i#h eh+%:in8 *a##%e,a+#oa#a> The S$a!e Marine reaone( #ha# he 7o+%( ra#her

9



hae #he $ro#e!#ion o" #he 7ar a!hine #han no#; ho7eer; an( +e( #he!oer o" #he a8,rai% !ar8o !arria8e an( #he 7ir%in8 7hi#e +r: o" #hei!e a$o+r #o hi(e #he on#ro+ a!hine #he *e# he !o+%(>

A a (rone o!+%ari :ir#e( a!ro #he i!e a# #he; $ar# o" ane6$%ora#or5 (ierion "ro i# $a#ro% $a#h; #he Carrion *%a#e( #he #hin8

a$ar# in a rain o" ha##ere( 7or:in8 an( "ra8en# o" ho+in8> The5!o+%( no# aor( #o *e (e#e!#e( o !%oe #o #heir o*e!#ie>

The Kni8h# Erran# ho$e( #ha# #he !a%!+%a#ion o" #he a*oina*%ein#e%%i8en!e 7ere ri8h# an( #ha# #he +$i!ion aro+e( *5 #he (e#r+!#iono" a 8+n,e$%a!een# here an( #here; or #he o(( (rone iin8; #here7o+%( *e no#hin8 in !o$arion #o #he "ron#a% aa+%# *ein8 !on(+!#e( *5#he re# o" #he Dae(arii Cohor#>

A #he5 7or:e( #heir 7a5 +$ #he a8,rai% an( in#o #he !oer o" a%a*5rin#h o" %o7,8ra(e an+"a!#oria 7or:ho$; #he Carrion !o+%( hear #he#h+n(er o" *a##%e near*5> A# #hree (ieren# %o!a#ion a*o+# #he Ver#e6A+#ra%i; #he *a##%e,a+#oa#a o" #he Dae(arii Reere Cohor# 7ere7a%:in8 in#o re an( (e#r+!#ion> A $%anne(; #heir a!ri!e an( #+**ornre"+a% #o %e# 8o o" #heir +nna#+ra% %i"e 7a *+5in8 #he Carrion an( hi8ro+$ $re!io+ #ie> The "ron#a% aa+%# o" #he Le8io C5*erne#i!aa!hine ha( (ra7n o!+%ari (rone; aa+%# !arrier "+%% o" #e$%e,#hra%%;air #ri:e "ro a "or8e,*on(e( 8h#er 7in8 an( #he a$o!a%5$#i! a##en#iono" #he #hree ?arho+n( S!o+# Ti#an (o7n on #he> The Carrion 7an'#+re ho7 %on8 #he %o5a% a!hine' a!ri!e 7o+%( *+5 #he> He ho$e( i#7o+%( *e eno+8h; *+# *5 #he o+n( o" #he *a##%e he (i(n'# #hin: #he5 ha(+!h #ie %e"#>

A #he Carrion oe( a%on8 #he !arria8e an( #hro+8h #he eri#or,

%ae 7or:ho$; he (i( hi *e# no# #o a##ra!# a##en#ion> In #he ain #he(rone 7ere i!:%5,e%%in8 #e!hnoa#; a(a$#e( an( $ro8rae( #o$er"or one re$e#i#ie #a:> Thi ean# #ha# #he Carrion on%5 ha( #o :i%%#he o!!aiona% #hra%%a#er an( *on(e( oereer 7i#h !r+hin8 *%a#"ro hi 8rai#on 8+n>

A he oe( in#o a +a( 7here ra7 a#eria% "ro a (e$o#,(+$7ere *ein8 ha+%e( #o in(ii(+a% 7or:ho$; i# #r+!: #he Carrion #ha# #hearea oere( e6!e%%en# o$$or#+ni#ie #o o+n# an a*+h> The 7arrior%i$e( #o a ha%#> He "e%# a %i##%e *i%e rie "ro hi $re,#oa!h>

'Mani$%e;' he or(ere(> '&or +$>' The Ta*+%a M5ria( +# hae a+#horie( #he *a##%e,a+#oa#a #o

"o%%o7 +!h an or(er *e!a+e 7i#hin oen# #he e a!hine 7ere in"ora#ion 7i#h #he N+%% an( #he Voi(; oerin8 #he 8a$in8 +%e o" #heir*o%#8+n an( !annon>

Se!on( $ae(> The Carrion' *rea#h i#e( on #he air> &or aoen# no#hin8 eee( #o oe> Een #he eri#or in #heir 7or:ho$8re7 #i%%>

I# ha$$ene( a%% o" a +((en> Aro+re( ha$e *+r# "ro aro+n( #he(e$o# (+$; #he 7or:ho$ an( "ro *e#7een a8,rai% !arria8e> TheCarrion "o+n( hie%" "a!e #o "a!e 7i#h #he *%an: "a!e$%a#e o" a Thai%a6 , ahi8h%5 a+8en#e( a+#oa#on #ha# ao+n#e( #o %i##%e ore #han a

!o%%e!#ion o" or8an an( a !ere*r+ en!ae( 7i#hin Me!hani!+ $%a#e> I##ar#e( !reain8 !an#,!orr+$#ion a# hi; 7hi%e i!:%5 i!hor *e8an #o r+n

9Q



"ro i# $or#; !a*%in8 an( a+8e#i! ea%> The #hin8 *ro+8h# +$ a%i8h#nin8 8+n 7i#h a hea5 !hain*%a(e *a5one# #ha# roare( #o %i"e a #he7arrior !har8e(> The Carrion $+$e( hi 8rai#on 8+n an( %e# #he!on#r+!# hae #he "+%% "or!e o" i# *%a# #hro+8h #he narro7 7ie% o" i#i(ri> C+##in8 #he #hin8 in #7o; #he Carrion #+rne( *a!: #o #he N+%%; #he

Voi( an( #he *a##%e,a+#oa#a>'De#ro5 #he' he Carrion roare(> The +a( *e!ae a #or o" ar!,#rea an( #o$in8 Tha%%a6ii

7arrior> The *a##%e,a+#oa#a 7ere rea(5 "or #he> The Carrion' 7arnin8ha( 8ien #he #he $re!io+ e!on( #he a!hine nee(e( an( #he Tha%%a6ii #roo$ "o+n( #hee%e %a+n!hin8 an a*+h #rai8h# in#o ah+rri!ane o" *o%# an( a+%in8 8+nre> The hai% o" ho# an( he%% #hinne(#heir n+*er +i!:%5 *+# o#her *e8an %an(in8 on *a!:,o+n#e( +$$a!:; hi##in8 #he 8ro+n( 7i#h a h5(ra+%i! *o+n!e *e"ore an( *ehin( #heKni8h# Erran# an( hi #ea>

N+%+ #oo: a %i8h#nin8 *%a# #o #he !he# *+# Li##%e A+ri na#!he( +$#he Tha%%a6 7arrior 7i#h hi $o7ere( # an( ahe( hi in#o #he i(eo" #he a8,%e !arria8e> A ano#her !ae a# #he Carrion 7i#h i# %i8h#nin88+n; #he Voi( *%a#e( i# ai(e 7i#h a (r+in8 #rea o" re "ro #he+%#i,*arre% o" her ro#or 8+n> A hi((en Tha%%a6 +((en%5 er+$#e( "ro #he!orr+8a#e( 7a%% o" a 7or:ho$ ha!:; i# hea5 !hain*%a(e $reen#e(> The*a5one# ri$$e( #rai8h# #hro+8h #he Voi(' !he#; $innin8 her #o #he a8,%e !arria8e *ehin(> She 8ae #he 7arrior #he !o%(ne o" her !ar,#a$%e("a!e *e"ore re#in8 #he *arre% o" her ro#or 8+n a8ain# i# *%an: "a!e$%a#ean( *%o7in8 i# hea( a7a5>

Bo#h E#a2Io#a314 an( her :i%%er "e%% i+%#aneo+%5 #o #he "roen

oor> There 7a no#hin8 #o *e (one> The Carrion ha( #o :ee$ #he!on#r+!# oin8>

?i#ho+# #he e%een# o" +r$rie; an( a# +!h !%oe ran8e; #he ho!:#roo$ (i( no# %a# %on8 a8ain# #he h+%:in8 *a##%e,a+#oa#a>

The a!hine ahe( hea( an( "a!e%e he% "ro aro+re(ho+%(er> The5 #ore a$$en(a8e "ro Tha%%a6ii 7arrior an( "rie( #heira+#oo#ie 7i#h 5#e,"+in8 $o7er e%( ho!:>

'On7ar(;' #he Carrion !a%%e(; :ee$in8 hi or(er i$%e>A #he Carrion %e( #he !on#r+!# a%on8 #he !arria8e o" #he a8,%e

en8ine he !o+%(n'# he%$ *+# "ee% #ha# #he5 ha( *een e6$e!#e(> The ho!: #roo$ ha( *een %5in8 in 7ai#> ?ha#eer 7a !oor(ina#in8

#he ha#5 "or#i!a#ion an( e!+ri#5 "or #he "or8e #e$%e ha( een #he!oin8 eer5 #e$ o" #he 7a5> S+!h $reo!!+$a#ion a%o# !o# #heCarrion (ear%5; a a e!on( 7ae o" #hra%%,!on#r+!# !ae a# hi "ro#he 7or:ho$ an( "rei8h#7a5 r+nnin8 a%on8i(e #he a8,rai%>

A !ra!:%in8 e# o" %i8h#nin8 !%a7 !ae a# #he Raen G+ar(; "or!in8hi #o #+rn an( #a:e #he !ra$e o" #he earin8 7ea$on a!ro hi$a+%(ron> Thro+8h #he (ar:ne o" i# "a!e$%a#e he a7 #he +88e#ion o"oe#hin8 a%#ere( an( on#ro+ 7i#hin> Sahin8 #he #hin8 *a!: 7i#h#he #o!: o" hi 8rai#on 8+n; he "o+n( #ha# #he !%oe,!o*a# !on#r+!#ha( #7o !ra!:%in8 !%a7> Li:e #he Tha%%a6ii; #hee on#roi#ie 7ore a

"or o" Me!hani!+ $o7ere(,$%a#e an( 7ere !a%%e( #he %%rina6> The #hin8



!ae ri8h# *a!: a# #he S$a!e Marine; *a!:,%ahin8 #he 8+n o+# o" hi 8ri$7i#h i# o#her i%in8 !%a7>

The Carrion nar%e( an( #hr+# a 8a+n#%e#e( $a% a# #he a+8en#e(7arrior' "a!e> Di88in8 hi !erai#e n8er#i$ in#o i# *+!:%in8 "a!e$%a#e;he #ore #he he%,$ie!e o> &irin8 #he "o+r in#er"a!e $i:e on hi h5(ra+%i!

# he #hre7 a $ne+a#i! $+n!h 7i#h hi *ioni! ar> The *%o7 #a**e( #heUrina6 #hro+8h #he *rain an( #he Carrion 7a#!he( a #he ni8h#are o"ro*o#i! %i* an( innar( !o%%a$e(>

Raiin8 #he 8rai#on 8+n he :i!:e( #he ne6# *a!: 7i#h hi 8oo( %e8#hen ho# #he e!on(; #hir( an( "o+r#h Urina6 7arrior #o !oe a# hi;"or!e,*%a#in8 #he in#o ea!h o#her; #he 7or:ho$ 7a%% an( #he !ar8o,!arria8e>

&inih #he;' #he Carrion !oan(e( a #he *a##%e,a+#oa#a De6an( I$e(i!+ #o$e( +$ #o hi>

S+((en%5 #he !ar8o,!arria8e ahea( 7a *%a#e( o+# o" %ine an( oi# a8,rai%> The re!5!%a*%e !ra$ i# !on#aine( ho7ere( a!ro #he o$en$a!e !rea#e( *5 i# !r+hin8 $a#h a #he !arria8e :i((e( aro+n(;%ee%%in8 7or:ho$ an( #e!hnoa# eri#or> The Carrion "e%# #he "ro#,ha##ere( ro!:!re#e *enea#h hi *oo# +a:e 7i#h #he #e$ o" a %ar8e;a$$roa!hin8 !on#r+!#> A ie8e a+#oa#on #e$$e( "or7ar( "ro 7here i#ha( :i!:e( #he (eo%ihe( !ar8o,!arria8e o+# o" %ine; !rea#in8 an o$enin8"or i#e%"> I# 7a aie; #o7erin8 #hree or "o+r #ie a #a%% a #he S$a!eMarine> I# $or#e( 8ian# !r+hin8 !%a7 , a *i8 a #he Carrion hie%" ,ea!h o+n#in8 on#ro+ #7in,a+%er !annon> A *a%e"+% 8%o7 ho# "ro!ra!:; o%( *o%# ho%e an( *+!:%e( $%a#e,ho+in8 in i# aro+r>

The !o%o+ rea!he( "or hi 7i#h i# 8rea# !%a7 *+# #he Carrion

*%a#e( i# #o one i(e 7i#h hi 8rai#on 8+n> The ho7er o" $ar: o i#*arre% !he# "ro #he N+%%' ro#or 8+n (i( no#hin8 #o i$re #he8ar8an#+an #hin8 an( i# #e$$e( !%ean oer *o#h o" #he #o 8e# #o #he &ir#Mani$%e o" #he Dae(arii Reere Cohor#> P+##in8 #hee%e *e#7een #heie8e on#er an( #he Ta*+%a M5ria(; #he Ka#e%an 7en# #rai8h# "or #he8ian#' %e8> Po%%e6 7a na#!he( #rai8h# +$ in #he 8rea# !%a7 an( !r+he(%i:e a ra#ion !an>

Mean7hi%e #he ani$%e' o#her +ni# eie( #he on#er a!hine'h+8e %e8 an( heare( a7a5 a# #he 7or:in8 an( h5(ra+%i! o" i# a6ia%:nee,oin# 7i#h hre((in8 re "ro #heir a6i+ *o%#8+n an( a+%er!annon>

A$$earin8 "ro #he 8a$ %e"# *5 #he a8,%e !arria8e; "o+r e!or#+ni# 7ere #o$in8 #heir 7a5 in#o #he "ra5 #o +$$or# #he enoro+ie8e,a+#oa#a> The5 7ere a%% Ca#e%%a6,!%a +ni#; #he ore !oon :ino" #he &ir# Mani$%e> In#ea( o" $o7er #; ho7eer; #he on#ro+a!hine 7ere e+i$$e( 7i#h #he erra#e( !re!en# o" $i##in8 $o7er*%a(e> Their !ara$a!e #eae( 7i#h a #i!:5 i!hor #ha# eee( #o e6+(e"ro #he e#a% i#e%"; 7hi%e #,o+n#e( aer (ri**%e( a 8reenih re>U$on (e#e!#in8 #he Carrion; #he r# %i"#e( i# ar an( *%a#e( a $+##erin8#rea o" ae a# #he Kni8h# Erran#> S#ri6 %a+n!he( i#e%" "or #he :5 7i#ha !an#,!a7 a #he Carrion na#!he( +$ a $ie!e o" e#a% !ra$ an(

(ee!#e( #he 7or# o" #he i!:%5 in"erno 7i#h #he +r"a!e o" #he $%a#e"ra8en#>

1



A #he Carrion a*an(one( hi a:ehi"# hie%(; #he ene5 +ni##o$e( %o7%5 "or7ar(; i# $o7er *%a(e i%in8 7i#h erra#e( %e#ha%i#5>Bai#in8 #he a!hine *e#7een #he; #he S$a!e Marine *%a#e( #he *a##%e,a+#oa#on *a!: 7i#h hi re!%aie( 8rai#on 8+n 7hi%e Di,De%#a -.1haere( #he #hin8 7i#h *+r# o" re "ro her ro#or 8+n> A #he 8rai#on

!e%% ran (r5; #he *a##%e,a+#oa#on %a+n!he( i#e%" a# #he Carrion; "or!in8hi #o (+!: an( 7eae o+# o" #he earin8 $a#h o" #he $o7er *%a(e>

A +#aine( $a##er o" ro#or ho# $ar:in8 o #he #hin8' #i!:5$a+%(ron an( !or#e6 !ain8 eee( #o (i#ra!# #he a!hine> A i# 7en#a"#er #he N+%%; #he Carrion %i$e( +$ *ehin( i#; %a5in8 #he $a% o" hih5(ra+%i! han( on #he 7ar$e( #hin8' %e8> Sa$$in8 $o7er "ro i# 5#ean( rea!#or !ore; #he Kni8h# Erran# *ro+8h# #he a!hine #o a "roen#an(#i%%>

T+rnin8 on #he o#her #hree Ca#e%%a6 +ni# #o$in8 #hro+8h #he!arria8e o$enin8; #he Carrion *%a#e( eer5 $ar: o" !aen8e( ener85 heha( (raine( "ro #he r# in#o #he e!on( +ni#> The ar!,#rea eare( in#o#he +$er#r+!#+re o" #he *a##%e,a+#oa#on; #+rnin8 #he !5*erne#i!on#roi#5 in#o a o:e,7ir%in8 7re!: #ha# 8ro+n( #o a $ar:in8 ha%#>

The 7or:ho$ ne6# #o #he Carrion 7a +((en%5 *%a#e( a$ar# a a#+##erin8 #rea o" a8na,*ore *o%# re er+$#e( "ro #he #7in,a+%er!annon on #he ie8e,a+#oa#on' #> De6; I$e(i!+; Li##%e A+ri an( #he(aa8e( N+%+ ha( ana8e( #o hre( #hro+8h #he 7or:in8 o" #heon#er' %e8; *rin8in8 #he !o%o+ #o i# :nee> ?i#h N+%+ ho%(in8 onear a7a5 "ro O!#a% Boo% an( #he Ta*+%a M5ria(; +e%e%5 $+$in8 *o%#he%% in#o #he i(e o" a !ar8o,!arria8e; A+ri an( I$e(i!+ #+rne( #he!annon "+r5 o" #he o#her ar #hro+8h #he !orr+8a#e( 7or:ho$ an( in#o

#he reainin8 #7o Ca#e%%a6 +ni#; #+rnin8 #he in#o *%a#e( (ere%i!#>Mar!hin8 "or7ar(; De6 %ae( i# # #rai8h# #hro+8h #he !or#e6

!ain8 o" #he !o%oa% ie8e,a+#oa#a; (e#ro5in8 #he #hin8 in#an#%5> A i#7i#h(re7 i# ar; #he #in:in8 %o$ o" !orr+$#e( eh (ri$$e( #o #hero!:!re#e oor>

A%%o7in8 S#ri6 #o %an( on hi no(e,!o%+n on!e ore; #he Carrion$i!:e( +$ #he 8rai#on 8+n an( e6!han8e( o+# #he $en# !e%% "or hi na%$are> He %oo:e( #hro+8h #he 8a$ in #he !ar8o !arria8e a# a !ra$5ar(*e5on(> I# 7a a #ora8e area 7here #he a8,%e en8ine 7a (i8or8in8i# #ran$or#e( %oa( an( #he o+n( o" a#eria% 7ere *ein8 $ro!ee(>

'?e'e rea!he( #he "or8e #e$%e;' he #o%( #he 8a#here( !on#r+!#;

*e"ore $+$in8 #he 8rai#on 8+n an( re#in8 i# *arre% a8ain# hi$a+%(ron> 'On7ar(;' he or(ere(> The N+%% $ro$#e( O!#a% Boo% "or7ar(;a%on8 7i#h Un!anni!a% an( #he "ro#e( or* o" #he Ta*+%a M5ria(>

THE KNIGHT ERRANT an( #he !on#r+!# #r+(8e( +$ #hro+8h #he"ro#e( o+n#ain o" !ra$> The hi8her #he5 a(an!e(; #he %e he%#er #he5*ene##e( "ro> The ho7%in8 7in( o" #he "roen $%ain !+# #hro+8h #he#7i#e( !ra$ e#a% an( !oa#e( eer5#hin8 !on#r+!# an( a%% , in a(+#in8 o" i!e> A #he5 oe(; i# 7a (i!+%# no# #o %e# #he e5e #rae% +$#he er#i8ino+ 7a%% o" #he "or8e #e$%e> The in(+#ria% 7on(er o" i# i%%

an( "a!#oria an( #he *aro+e ae#5 o" #he $ire ha( *een #hin8 o"*ea+#5 on!e> No7 #he #e$%e 7a a $%a!e o" (ar: (ee(> The ra(ian!e o"

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i# "+rna!e 7ere no7 *ea!on o" i!:%5 *a%e%i8h#> I# ar!hi#e!#+re an(7a%% 7ere ho# #hro+8h 7i#h +nna#+ra% r+# an( en!r+#a#ion #ha# een#he "ro# !o+%( (o %i##%e #o (i8+ie> &ro #hi in"erna% i#h5 roe #hei8h#5 Ver#e6> Li:e an a6%e #+rnin8 7i#h #he 7or%(; i# rea!he( +$ in#o #heMar#ian heaen; #he e#a% o" #he ha"# na$$in8 an( !ra!:%in8 7i#h #he

5#erio+ e%e!#roa8ne#i! ener8ie o" i# $%ane#ar5 "+n!#ion> I# 7ai$%e 5e# i$reie> The "or8e #e$%e re%ie( +$on #he Ver#e6 "or $o7eran( $ro(+!#ion re+ireen#> Uin8 #he Ver#e6 a a 8eoa8ne#i! rea!#oran( "+nne%%in8 a8a "ro i# rea!h in#o #he Mar#ian !ore "or i# i%%; #he"or8e a(e e!onoi! +e o" #he an!ien# #e!hno%o85>

Be%o7 #he Carrion; %i:e a rier !arin8 o+# a a%%e5; a hea5,(+#5!one5or *e%# #ran$or#e( !ra$ on a 8en#%e in!%ine +$ in#o #he "or8e!o$%e6>

Mono,#a: eri#or an( ro*o#i! ri8 %ine( #he !one5or; or#in8 #hene# +a%i#5 e#a% "or re!5!%in8 *e"ore #he in!%ine 8re7; #a:in8 #hee%e!#e( !ra$ +$ a hi8h,rie e!#ion o" #he #rae%a#or an( in#o #he "or8e>De!i(in8 +$on hi en#ran!e #o #he i8h#5 "or8e #e$%e; #he Raen G+ar(%e( #he !on#r+!# (o7n in#o #he a%%e5>

The hea5,(+#5 !one5or ha( %i##%e $ro*%e 7i#h #he 7ei8h# o" #he*a##%e,a+#oa#a> ?hen #he5 7ere a%% on; #he Carrion %e( #he 7a5 +$#hro+8h #he e#a% !ra$ on #he oin8 *e%#> A #he5 roe #hro+8h #he(ar:ne o" #he $o%ar ni8h#; #he 7in( !reae( a*o+# #he an( #he hei8h#*e!ae i!:enin8>

&ro o hi8h +$; #he Carrion !o+%( !oan( a ie7 o" #he i!e hee#*e%o7> The o+n( o" *a##%e 7ere (5in8> I# 7a a%% *+# oer 7i#h on%5 a "e7o" #he Dae(arii *a##%e,a+#oa#a 8h#in8 (e$era#e%5 on a8ain# a(ne

an( i$oi*%e o((> The !ree!hin8 #ri:e 8h#er an( e6$%ora#or5 a##a!:r+n ha( !oe #o an en(> O!+%ari (rone an( #hra%%,7a$e( aa+%#!arrier 7ere (ri"#in8 #hro+8h #he a$o+r an( oer #he *a##%ee%( o"(e!ia#e( *a##%e,a+#oa#a> The +ni# o" #he &ir# Mani$%e 7o+%( oon *e#he on%5 +rior o" #he Dae(arii Reere Cohor#> The ?arho+n( Ti#an*e%%o7e( a o6,!a# roar o" !o(e,a(ne #ha# ha##ere( #he #hin; $o%arair> The !oan( (e!: ie7$or# o" #he 8o(,a!hine 8%o7e( 7i#h an+nna#+ra% %i8h#; 8iin8 #he Ti#an #he a$$earan!e o" (ei#ie $oee(>

The $o%%+#e( %+h ha( *een $o+n(e( #o ha%%o7 %a:e *5 #he hor(e(e$a#!he( #o ee# #he *a##%e,a+#oa#a> Tra!:e( !arrier; 7ar(oer;$i(er,#an:; 7a%:er an( $ee(er ha( #rea:e( ahea( o" #he (e8enera#e

8ro+n( #roo$; !arr5in8 #heir !on#r+!# #rai8h# in#o #he hear# o" #heho7%in8 "ra5>

Co(e,!orr+$#e( enia%; *a**%in8 7i#h %+na#i! a*an(on; "ore(in(%e o* o" !annon "o((er> ?ea$onie( eri#or #a88ere( an(hrie:e( a# #he a$$roa!hin8 ene5; !+##in8 (o7n #heir o7n in #heo$#ii#i! inani#5 o" !e%e*ra#or5 8+nre> Heai%5 a+8en#e( ho!: #roo$an( *a##%e,a+#oa#a #a$e( an( *+%%(oe( #heir 7a5 #hro+8h #heir o7n%ine; a!:in8 ai(e #heir #rai#or :in 7i#h #heir !ara$a!e *+%: an(7ea$onr5>

More (e8enera#e #i%% 7ere #he a#,$a7ne( +#an# #ha# a$$eare(

a i" #he5 ha( !%i*e( #rai8h# o+# o" #heir 8ene,#an: an( in#o *a##%e>?ar,aan# an( !o(e,"eere( $rie# *ar:e( or(er in harh *inari! #o

4



:i#arii o%(ier> En!o+ra8een# raine( #hro+8h #he (ar:ne in #he "oro" hee# 8+nre h+r%e( a!ro #he e%#7a#er *5 a+#o,e$%a!een# an(en#ine%,#o7er e%(in8 8rea# 8a#%in8 *%a#er an( e8a,*o%#er in #he"or8e #e$%e (e"en!e> So:e,$e7in8 (rone !o+re( a*oe #he(e%iri+; 7hi%e #he an#i$eronne% ar#i!ia%; %i8h# !o*a#,e!hanoi( an(

h+n#er,:i%%er a+#oa#a "ore( #he $oee( *a!:*one o" #he ania!a%+r8e>

The Carrion hoo: hi hea(> Li:e #he S!hi o" Mar; %i:e #he !ii%7ar no7 7a%%o7in8 #he 8a%a65 , i# 7a an in!re(i*%e 7a#e>

The Raen G+ar( a(e hi 7a5 +$ #he h+((erin8 in!%ine; h+r(%in8!ra$ an( ha+%in8 hie%" oer r+#e( o*#a!%e> The N+%% :e$# $a!e;$+hin8 on ahea( o" #he a*oina*%e in#e%%i8en!e an( i# here#e:a##en(an#> The on#ro+ *a##%e,a+#oa#a #h+n(ere( +$ *ehin(; ha:in8#he !one5or +$$or# #r+# 7i#h #heir eer5 #e$>

I# 7a i#a% #ha# #heir en#r5 (i( no# a##ra!# a##en#ion> A oe#hin8e#a%%i! an( $ar:in8 "e%% "ro #he :5 an( ro+n(e( #he "or8e #e$%e,#o$;#he Raen G+ar( *%a#e( i# 7i#h hi 8rai#on 8+n> The o!+%ari (roneahe( in#o #he #e$%e 7a%% an( (ro$$e(; *o+n!in8 i# 7a5 (o7n #he!one5or *e%# #o7ar( #he> Loo:in8 a# #he o:in8 he%% o" #he a!hine;#he Carrion 7a#!he( a i# !ra!:e( %i:e a $oi%e( e88; *%ee(in8 %i+i(!orr+$#ion a%% oer #he !one5or>

The Carrion %e( #he !on#r+!# in#o #he "or8e !o$%e6; e6!han8in8#he $o%ar !o%( "or #he earin8 hea# o" a ra8in8 i%%> Ma8na,ar! "+rna!ee%#e( !ra$ (o7n in#o !o%oa% !on#ainer an( !hanne% o" o%#en e#a%#ha# e$ara#e( #he i6#+re o" a%%o5 !on#aine( in #he renan#> The%a*5rin#hine ne#7or: o" eh !a#7a%:; :e%e#a% #air7e%% an(

in#er!onne!#in8 !o$anion7a5 #hro+8h 7hi!h #he in(+#ria% !one5or$ae( ran a*oe an( *e#7een #he $oo% o" *oi%in8 e#a%> The ra(ian!e7a +nna#+ra%; #he in"erna% i%% a $%a!e 7here o%( Mar !ae #o (ie> Herea#eria% 7ere re!5!%e( an( ren(ere(; o #ha# #he5 i8h# *e +e( #o!rea#e ne7 7ea$on an( eran#F an ar5 "+e%%e( *5 (ar:ne an( # #o8h# "or #he ?ara#er' ne7 e$ire>

The roar o" #he "+rna!e #hrea#ene( #o $%i# #he ear(r+; *+# (i(n'#$reen# #he (een#e( !ra$!o(e "ro *ein8 o6,hai%e( #hro+8h #he i%%"or #he a(ora#ion o" i# an!hore( 7or:"or!e> The "or8e 7a %ar8e%5a+#oa#e(; 7i#h a ran8e o" hea5,(+#5 "+rna!e,e!ha; ono,#a:$ro(+!#ion +ni#; (rone a!hiner5 an( hea# hie%(,!%a( ro*o#i! enia%

(oin8 #he aori#5 o" #he %a*o+r> Ma!hine e%#e( (o7n a!hine in or(er#o a:e ore a!hine> Moore( $i# eri#or; 7i#h :in !or!he( #o*%a!:ne; 7ai%e( #heir e6!r+!ia#in8 inani#5 a #he Carrion an( hi!on#r+!# #ra$e( *e#7een #he e#a% !hanne% an( o%#en "a%%>

'I# 7a !oni(era#e o" 5o+ #o en#er #hro+8h #he re!5!%in8 i%%;' a*ooin8 e#a%%i! e!ho o" a oi!e !+# #hro+8h #he !ree!hin8 o6,hai%er>

I# 7a an i$oi*%e oi!e> Mo(+%a#e(; *+# re!o8nia*%e> A oi!e#ha# ho+%( hae *een no ore>

A oi!e #ha# #he Carrion re!o8nie( a *e%on8in8 #o hi "rien(> TheIron ?arrior>

A+%+ S!araan!a>

-



RECON&IG(RE

'I& VIOLENCE ENSUES in #he an!#i#5 o" #hi "or8e #e$%e #hen 5!on#r+!# 7i%% no# hae #o (ra8 #he (ea(7ei8h# o" 5o+r +a%i#5 a+8e#i!

an( a+#oa#a "ar #o #he e%#in8 $i#>' The h+o+r%e e!hani!a% (ronee!hoe( a*o+# #he !aerno+ i%%>

'A+%+' #he Carrion !a%%e(; hi hear# #h+$in8> 'I #ha# 5o+''A"#er a "ahion;' #he Iron ?arrior ai(; hi o(+%a#e( oi!e !+##in8

#hro+8h #he o%#en hi o" in(+#r5> '?ha# 5o+ %e"# o" e an( +!hore>'

Soe#hin8 h+8e #e$$e( (o7n #hro+8h #he ne# o" (erri!:; +$$or##r+# an( !a#7a%:> A+%+ S!araan!a 7a no %on8er an en8ineere(7on(er o" hi $riar!h' eh an( *%oo(> He 7a a on#ro+ a!hine;an en8ineere( 7on(er o" Mar; !on#r+!#e( o" e#a% an( $+re ha#re(> TheIron ?arrior 7a h+8e; #a%%er #han #he ie8e,a+#oa#a #he5 ha( "a!e(o+#i(e #he "or8e #e$%e , a #a%%; $erha$; a an I$eria% Kni8h# orMar#ian 7ar 7a%:er> Hi aro+re( %e8 7ere o" *r+#e h5(ra+%i! an(*a##ere( aro+r> Hi i(ri 7a a narro7 $io#in8 !o%+n; +$$or#in8 a*roa( aro+re( #hora6 #ha# eee( #o *e a%% $a+%(ron,$%a#e an( !o*a#!hai; 7i#h #7o !o%oa% a$$en(a8e,ar> Ea!h ar na:e( 7i#h !a*%ean( !ra!:%in8 $o7er "ee(; #erina#in8 in on#ro+ 8ra$$%e,(a7; ea!h#a%on #a$erin8 #o a (e%i!a#e $oin# #ha# ar!e( 7i#h e%e!#roa8ne#i! ener85>

The !on#r+!# 7a (ri$$in8 7i#h !hain> I# !arre( $%a#e 7a#+((e( an( $ain#e( in #he (+n !o%o+r "ao+re( *5 #he IV Le8ion; a 7e%%a (e!ora#e( 7i#h 5e%%o7 haar( #ri$e> In #he !en#re o" #he 8ar8an#+an

!he# 7a a *a##ere(; %eerin8 he% in #he "ahion o" #he Iron ?arrior (o+ri!ono8ra$h5> Be"ore i# 7a a $air o" a%%er ar,a$$en(a8e e+i$$e(7i#h (i8i,#oo% "or !%oe 7or:> The ie an( $oi#ion o" #he :+%% a(e #heon#ro+ !on#r+!# a$$ear h+n!h*a!:e(; *+# #hi 7a on%5 e6a!er*a#e(*5 #he 8rea# 8%o*e( *a!: o" #he #hin8> En!on!e( in a rein"or!e($%a!een# 7a a rea!#or o" o%#en iron; 8%o7in8 an( $innin8 %i:e #he%i+i( e#a% !ore o" a $%ane#>

The ae ra(ian!e rea!he( o+# "ro #he e5e %i# an( o6 8ri%%e o"#he !en#ra% he%; %en(in8 #he !on#r+!# an in"erna% +a%i#5>

A+%+' #he Carrion ai( a8ain> 'I Ho7''Ho7' #he Iron ?arrior *ooe( *a!:> 'The 8eni+ o" Mar> ?hen #he

#o7er,$re!e$#or5 !o%%a$e(; I 7a #he on%5 +rior*e5on( 5o+> ?ha# 7a %e"# o" e !ra7%e( o+# o" #he o+n#ain o"

r+**%e (a5 a"#er i# 7a (eo%ihe(; an( o# o" #ha# 7a a +e%e e>Can 5o+ ia8ine; Carrion; #he 7i%% i# #oo: #o (o #ha#'

The Raen G+ar( ai( no#hin8>'A 7i%% o" iron;' A+%+ S!araan!a #o%( hi> 'I #ho+8h# 5o+ i8h#

re#+rn; *+# 5o+ (i(n'#> I (i(n'# een :no7 i" 5o+ 7ere a%ie>In#ea( I 7a "o+n( *5 #he a8i o" Mar> The ne7 Me!hani!+>''A "a%e Me!hani!+;' #he Carrion !ha%%en8e(> 'Eneie o" #he

Oniiah; in %ea8+e 7i#h #rai#or an( here#i!>

Yo+ %e!#+re e on here5;' A+%+ S!araan!a #h+n(ere(; '5e# 5o+arrie in #he !o$an5 o" #he here#i! an( #he a*oina#ion 5o+re%"> I#

.



a##er no# ho7 5o+ +(8e or 7ha# 5o+ #hin: , +# a i# (i(n'# a##er #oe> The5 oere( e a ne7 *o(5> Soe#hin8 #o re$%a!e a%% #ha# I ha( *eenan( ore> A *o(5 o" iron> So #ha# I i8h# +rie #he $ro!e(+re; #he5in#ro(+!e( e #o #he 7on(er o" #he !o(e> A (a#a#rea o" %iin8!on!io+ne> An a%#ere( #a#e> A ne7 7a5 #o e6i#> A %i"e *e5on( #he

%ii#a#ion o" eh an( iron> I 7a (ia$$oin#e( 7i#h #heir r# eor# an(:i%%e( #he 7i#h #he *o(5 #he5 ha( !rea#e(; "or #heir %a!: o" iion> Thea8i *+i%# e a e!on( an( I (i( #he ae> On%5 no7 a I !o$%e#e> Ia iron> ?i#hin an( 7i#ho+#>

The Carrion !o+%(n'# *ear #o %oo: +$on #he #hin8 hi "rien( ha(*e!oe>

'A+%+; 5o+ +#JLi#en #o 5o+' #he Iron ?arrior a:e(> 'Li#en #o reaon To 5

!on!ien!e A 5 $riar!h (i( A %o# ha !han8e( in a hor# $a!e o"#ie; Carrion; a 5o+r $reen!e here (eon#ra#e> I ere 5 $riar!hPer#+ra*o; an( #he ?ara#er> Mar 7i%% *e rea(5 "or #he !oin8 o" Hor+>I ha%% en+re i#> The Me!hani!+ ha !har8e( e 7i#h +!h a (+#5> Mar;e!+re> I$re8na*%e> A 7or#h5 "or#re 7or%( "ro 7hi!h #o %a+n!h #hena% !on+e# o" a 8a%a!#i! e$ire an( #he ea# o" i# I$eria% (oinionFan!ien# Terra> I :no7 no# 7hi!h a#er 5o+ ere no7; Carrion> Yo+r $%a#ei #e#aen# #o none> Be"ore a ie8e; an Iron ?arrior #ar# *5 :no7in8 #he7ea:nee o" #he i#e he 7ihe #o (e"en( an( $ro#e!#> B5 +n(er#an(in8*e# 7here he hie%" 7o+%( a##a!:> On%5 #hen !an he a$$re!ia#e ho7 *e##o "or#i"5 i#> I :no7 #he 7ea:nee o" Mar; 5 "rien(; +# a I :no7 #he7ea:nee o" #hi "or8e #e$%e> The Ina%i> The 7ea:ne o" eh> TheVer#e6 an( #he +%nera*i%i#5 o" a8ne#o$heri! hie%(> Yo+ "or8e# , I 7a

#here> I a7 5o+ !oin8 *e"ore 5o+ een :ne7 5o+ 7ere> Yo+ ho+%(n'#hae nee(e( ha%",ree*ere( here#e: an( a i%i!a ani+ #o hae #o%(5o+ ho7 #o (e#ro5 Mar> Tha# i #he !o"or#in8 #hin8 a*o+# a*oina*%ein#e%%i8en!e #ho+8h The5 a%7a5 "ai%>'

'I 7i%% !o$%e#e 5 iion;' #he Carrion #o%( A+%+ S!araan!a>'Yo+r iion i "+#i%e;' #he Iron ?arrior *ooe(; #he *a%e"+%

i%%+ina#ion *+rnin8 *ri8h# 7i#hin hi o+#h,8ri%%e an( e5e o!:e#>'I hae #a#ione( eer5 aai%a*%e !on#r+!# I hae in (e"en!e o" #he

i8h#5 Ver#e6> Yo+ 7i%% no# rea!h i#> Yo+ 7i%% no# in#er"ere 7i#h #hereeren!e o" i# an!ien# !on#r+!#ion> Mar ha ne7 a#er> Yo+ 7i%% no#*e a%%o7e( #o #hrea#en #he ha(o7,an!#i#5 o" #he ne7 Me!hani!+'

(oain; or #he ?ara#er' inheri#an!e>A #he Iron ?arrior $o:e; #he Carrion !anne( #he i%% !o$%e6 "or

e6i#> The !one5or *e%# 7a on%5 #a:in8 #he !%oer #o #he on#ro+a!hine #ha# 7a A+%+ S!araan!a> Eer5 *+%:hea(; *%a# (oor an("rei8h#7a5 7a !ro7(e( 7i#h "or8e #e$%e e!+ri#5 "or!eF :i#arii; 8+neri#or; !5*erne#i! ho!: #roo$; *a##%e,a+#oa#a> The Carrion %oo:e(*a!: +$ #he !one5or *+# a 7i"# $e!#ra,!an 7i#h hi *ioni! e5e reea%e(a :i#arii aa+%# !arrier hoerin8 in #he "roen air o+#i(e> The air!ra"#'7ea$on 7ere ho# an( #he eri#or %ae,$i%o# a# #he !on#ro% 7ai#in8 #o!a%% an a*r+$# en( #o an5 a##e$#e( re#rea#>

?h5 7a#e 5o+r "+n!#ion on a +i!i(e iion' A+%+ S!araan!a$+# #o #he a!ro hi o6,hai%er> '&or #hoe o" "ara7a5 eh I# i

9



i%%o8i!a%> Soe o" 5o+ are a%rea(5 here#e:> O+r #ie ha !oe> oin +> Ta:e o" #he !o(e> Sere *o#h #he ne7 8%or5 o" Re( P%ane# an( , "or on!e ,5o+re%e> Carrion; 7e !an 7i$e !%ean #he eor5 o" #he o%( Mar> ?e!an !on#r+!# a ne7 e$ire; #o8e#her>'

Se!on( $ae( 7i#h #he !one5or #a:in8 #he Carrion an( hi

!on#r+!# on7ar( #o7ar( #he Iron ?arrior> The Raen G+ar(' !o8i#a#or*+rne( 7i#h #he (ean( o" (a#a,$ro!ein8 #he ra$i(%5 +n"o%(in8 "+#i%i#5o" #he i#+a#ion>

'Don'# (o #hi;' A+%+ S!araan!a i$%ore(> 'Don'# *e #he Carrion!oe #o "ee( o #he (ea#h o" #he $a#> Be!oe #he "+#+re>'

'Boo%;' #he Carrion ai( #o #he here#e:> 'Hae 5o+r !on#r+!# 8e# #hea*oina*%e in#e%%i8en!e #o a"e#5>'

'I ae( 5o+r %i"e on!e;' A+%+ S!araan!a ai(>A+#oa#a; #an( *5;' #he Carrion ai( #o #he N+%% an( #he a!hine

o" #he &ir# Mani$%e> 'A##a!: $a##ern a+#horie(>''Don'# a:e e #a:e *a!: #he 8i"# I 8ae 5o+' #he on#ro+

a!hine 7arne( hi> In #he e#a%%i! rin8 o" hi *ooin8 oi!e; #he Carrion!o+%( hear a%% #he *i##erne; #he e$#ine an( $ain o" 7ha# he ha(*e!oe> A+%+ S!araan!a 7a hi "rien( an( he 7o+%( (o hi one %a#eri!e; i" he !o+%(>

He 7o+%( (e#ro5 hi> The Carrion an( hi !on#r+!# #e$$e( o #he !one5or *e%# on#o

#he !or!he( e#a% $%a#"or r+nnin8 a%on8i(e> The hea# 7a *%in(in8> A##he ae #ie; Un!anni!a% *ea# i# "a*ri!a#e( 7in8; #a:in8 i# !her+*i*o(5 an( #he or* o" #he Ta*+%a M5ria( +$ a7a5 "ro #he riin8 hea# o"o%#en e#a% an( +$ in#o #he e#a% ra"#er o" #he i%%> The on#ro+

!on#r+!# #ha# 7a A+%+ S!araan!a hoo: i# e#a% he% in #he earin8i%en!e o" (ia$$oin#en#> The "or8e #e$%e' e!+ri#5 "or!e *e8anhaerin8 #heir 7a5 a!ro !o$anion7a5 an( (o7n in(+#ria%#air7e%% #o7ar( #he Carrion an( hi a##en(an# a+#oa#a>

'Ena!#;' #he Kni8h# Erran# or(ere(>Si+%#aneo+%5 #he Carrion an( #he *a##%e,a+#oa#a +n%eahe( #heir

7ea$onr5 on #he (eian# an( (ar: a!hiner5 #o$in8 #o7ar( #he> The5 +((en%5 "o+n( #hee%e "a!e,#o,"a!e 7i#h #he "or8e

a#er' :i#arii e!+ri#5 "or!eF $a%%i( 8ho+%,o%(ier 7hoe *%ea!he( eh7a in#er"a!e( 7i#h #7i#e( *%a!: 7ea$onr5> Their "+i% !reae( *eao" (ar: ener85 an( eee( in !on#ro% o" #he :i#arii ra#her #han #he o#her

7a5 aro+n(> The 7ea$on 7ere h+n8r5 "or a!ri!e an( %e( #heir ho#5*io#e #hro+8h #he ae o" !a#7a%:; #air7e%% an( eh,$%a#"or#ha# ran aro+n( an( a*oe #he %a:e o" o%#en e#a%>

A "+rio+ e6!han8e o" re *%ae( a!ro #he !o$anion7a5; 7i#h#he Ka#e%an #earin8 #hro+8h #he i%% 7i#h *o%# re> Seera% (ar: *ea$+n!he( #hro+8h #he N+%%' ineni#ie eh; $ro$#in8 #he ero,a+#oa#a #o *rin8 +$ her ro#or 8+n> The +%#i,*arre% 7hirre( #o %e#ha%i#5*e"ore #heir +%e *e!ae a *%in(in8 are> S$ar: raine( "ro #hee#a%7or: a he%% #ore +$ #he !o$anion7a5 an( #he #rain o" 7ea$on,$oee( :i#arii 7ere hre((e( in #heir #ra!:>

A #he ro#or 8+n !%+n:e( #o a #o$; #he i%% a%ar !o+%( *e hear(>On #he *a%!on5 $%a#"or a*oe #he Carrion !o+%( ee en8ine,oereer in



he%e#,hoo(e( ae,rei#an# ro*e (ire!#in8 #e$%e e!+ri#5 "or!e(o7n on #heir $oi#ion> A%*ino :i#arii rein"or!een#; (rien on *5 #heira!!+re( 7ea$onr5; oo(e( #he 7a%:7a5> Ahea(; #he Carrion an( Di,De%#a -.1 en8a8e( *%oa#e( 8+n,eri#or 7i#h #i#!he(; haen :+%% an((ea( e5e> In#ea( o" ar; #he "a# eri#or ho+%(ere( #7in,%in:e( hea5

7ea$on #ha# 7ere "+e( #o #he *one an( *ra!e( a!ro #heir !h+**5ne!: %i:e a 5o:e> The5 *e%%5,%a+8he( #heir inani#5 a# #he in#er%o$er a#heir hea5 *o%#er !rahe( (ea#h +$ #he 7a%:7a5>

'C%ear a $a#h' #he Carrion or(ere(>De6 #o$e( $a# 7i#h I$e(i!+ an(; ri:in8 a 8%an!e *ehin(; Di,

De%#a -.1 a7 #ha# Li##%e A+ri an( N+%+ 7ere ho%(in8 #he 8+n,(r+n::i#arii *ehin( 7i#h #ar8e#e( an( (i!i$%ine( *+r# o" *o%# re; 7hi%eoa:in8 +$ *%a# o" (ar: ener85 on #heir 5n!hronie( e%( an( $%a#eean# "or #he Carrion an( O!#a% Boo%>

?i#h #he in+re( N+%% $inne( (o7n an( #a:in8 !oer *ehin( #he ehan( rai%in8; De6 an( I$e(i!+ #oo: #he 7a%:7a5 a# a (e#erine( #o$>Leanin8 o+# oer #he %i+i( e#a%; #he Carrion aie( hi 8rai#on 8+n an(#+rne( #he !orr+$#e( !or$+%en!e o" #he %ea( 8+n,eri#or in#o a o+n( o"*ro:en *one an( *+#!her5> I# $%a!e 7a #a:en *5 a nee(%e,#oo#he(!o$a#rio# #ha# %o7e( #he ro*o# 7i#h a hai%#or o" (ar: *ea> A #he"or!e o" #he aa+%# haere( o De6' 5n!hronie( a#oan#i! e%( an(#he *a##ere( $%a#e o" i# !ara$a!e; I$e(i!+ (re7 ahea(; %ea(in8 7i#hre#+rn re "ro i# o7n *e%#,"e( a+%er !annon>

The Carrion "e%# #he 7a%:7a5 ro!:> I# *o+n!e( a e!on( an( #hir(#ie a 7ha# %i##%e 8ie #he #r+!#+re ha( %e"# 7a $en# a*or*in8 #hee6#ra 7ei8h# o" a((i#iona% *o(ie> Me!hanoi( rein"or!een# 7ere %ea$in8

"ro !o$anion7a5 #o !o$anion7a5 7i#h #he a8i%i#5 o" (ea#h 7or%($re(a#or> The $in(%5 h5(ra+%i! o" #heir *i$e( %e8 !arrie( #he a!ro#he o%#en (ea#h *e%o7 7i#h $o7er"+% an!hor,#a%on %a#!hin8 on#o #he *aran( ehin8 , Vora6,!%a h+n#er,:i%%er +ni#>

The5 eroe( in on #he Carrion an( hi !on#r+!# 7i#h #he %ar8eenor,o$#i! o" #heir an#i( hea(> On!e a8ain; #he ene5 ha( (e$%o5e(>Brin8in8 +$ #heir *a!:,o+n#e( ira(,!%eaner; #he a!hine en#e(*+r# o" ra(ioa!#ie (ea#h a# #he in#er%o$er *e"ore %a+n!hin8 #hee%e"or7ar(> The h+n#er,:i%%er a(e hor# 7or: o" #he !o$anion7a5 a"+r#her e*er o" #he $a!:,ani$%e %an(e( on #he !a#7a%:> The N+%%a(e #he r+n #he 8a+n#%e# o" her ro#or 8+n *+# #he Vora6 *ene##e(

"ro #he ne# ree6e *a##%e,a+#oa#a ha( #o oer> Lo7erin8 #heir!hai an( $ro$e%%in8 #hee%e o rai% an( ehin8; #he5 aoi(e( #he7or# o" #he he%% #or; #he reainin8 *+%%e# $ar:in8 o #he h+n#er,:i%%er' %i8h# aro+r>

The 7ee$in8 ro#or *%a# na%%5 "o+n( an( !he7e( #hro+8h #he %e8o" #he %ea( +ni#; an( i# %ae( in#o #he eh oorin8 an( #+*%e( in#o a!%+n:5 ro%%> The *a##%e,a+#oa#on !ae #o re# a# N+%+' "ee# an( #hea!hine in#in!#ie%5 #a$e( (o7n on #he a%% hea( o" #he (eian##hin8> Di,De%#a -.1' "o%%o7,+$ 7en# 7i(e; a%%o7in8 a e!on( ar#i!ia% #o%ea$ i# "a%%en !ora(e !on#r+!#; *+r5in8 i# an!hor,#a%on in #he

+n"or#+na#e ero,a+#oa#a> N+%+ ahe( #he h+n#er,:i%%er ai(e 7i#h



i# $o7er # *e"ore nihin8 #he #hin8 7i#h a *+r# o" *o%# re "ro i#a+%er !annon>

The !o$anion7a5 7a 7arin8 7i#h #he a!hine $re(a#or *5#he #ie Di,De%#a -.1' ro#ar5 !annon ran (r5> A Vora6 #ore +$ #he!o$anion7a5; *a##in8 ea!h o#her ai(e in #heir (rie #o ai an(

+r(er; #e%e!o$i! #ri,*%a(e on #heir an: e6#en(e(>Lo!:in8 in#o 7i!:e( !%a7 an( !ra!:%in8 7i#h #he +nna#+ra% ener8ie

o7in8 #hro+8h #he !on#r+!#' $o7er !ore; #he *%a(e *e8an #o reo%ea# *%in(in8 $ee(; #+rnin8 #he an: o" #he e!hanoi( in#o 7hee% o"#rea:in8 (ea#h> The N+%% 7a #he r# #o e6$erien!e #he reo%in8 $o7er*%a(e> There 7a no#hin8 he !o+%( (o #o $ro#e!# here%" "ro #heon%a+8h#; an( he (ia$$eare( in a *%+r o" %i8h# an( *+#!her5>

The Carrion *%a#e( e!hanoi( a"#er e!hanoi( o #he!o$anion7a5 a# !%oe ran8e> Then; #+rnin8 hi 7ea$on on #he o%#ene#a% *e%o7; #he Kni8h# Erran# %ae( a ho# o" inii*%e "or!e in#o #he!r+#e( %+r$> The %i+i( e#a% $%ahe( !ei%in87ar( in a 8%orio+; 8o%("o+n#ain #ha# +$on i# (e!en# #+rne( #he 7o%%en,*e%%ie( 8+n,eri#orho%(in8 #he !a#7a%: ahea( in#o ho7%in8 "+ion o" e%#in8 e#a% an( eh>

The Carrion +((en%5 "e%# #he +a:e o" on#ro+ "oo##e$ #hro+8h#he +$er#r+!#+re o" #he !a#7a%:> I# 7a #he horri! !o%o+,!on#r+!# o"A+%+ S!araan!a> The a!hine eare( 7i#h a8onie +n(reae(; 7i#h #he*i##erne o" iron an( ha#re( #ha# :no##e( hi 7irin8 an( 7or:in8>Be#ra5e( a# eer5 #+rn *5 "rien(; "oe an( #he Carrion *e"ore hi , 7ho in#he 8a%a!#i! e$#ine o" "a%%in8 e$ire *ere"# o" *ro#herhoo( i8h# hae*een !oni(ere( *o#h , #he !orr+$#ion o" #he !o(e "e( a "+r5 #ha# a%rea(5e6i#e( in #he !on#r+!#' ra8in8 !ore> The Iron ?arrior *e!ae a *are%5

re#raine( ae%#ro o" !o%( a!hine an8er>He oe( in #o (o 7ha# hi #e$%e !on#r+!# ha( "ai%e( #o a!hiee>

O$enin8 #he #a%on o" hi e%e!#roa8ne#i! !%a7 an( 7i#h #he 8%o*e o"o%#en iron $innin8 in i# *a!:,o+n#in8; A+%+ S!araan!a +e( #hee%(,"or!e #o #ear #hro+8h #he i%% %i:e an inii*%e #or> The Iron ?arrior!%a7e( a# #he air an( #hr+# hi reo%in8 #a%on a# #he :5> He #ore +$ #he#r+#; $%a#"or an( !o$anion7a5 r+nnin8 oer #he %i+i( e#a% *e%o7> The a8ne#i! "or!e (ire!#e( "ro #he !%a7 7ere iene; an( #he#hree(ieniona% %a*5rin#h o" *%a!: e#a% !o$anion7a5; #air7e%% an(#r+!#+re ren# an( #7i#e( 7i#h inii*%e eae> The o+n( 7ae6!r+!ia#in8> ?re!:a8e; !ree!hin8 h+n#er,:i%%er an( #rai#or !on#r+!#

raine( "ro #he "+r5 o" #he Iron ?arrior a8ne#i! aa+%#; hiin8 in#o #he%a:e o" %i+i( e#a% *e%o7>

The "a!#or+ !o$%e6 +a:e(; ha:in8 #air7e%% an( 7a%:7a5%ooe> E%e!#roa8ne#i! e6$%oion ri$$%e( #hro+8h near*5 a!hiner5>P%a#"or an( ehin8 !a!a(e( #o #he i%% oor; !arr5in8 7i#h #hean!hore( (rone; a 7e%% a hor(e o" !o(e,"eere( :i#arii an( 7ar$e(8+n,eri#or> A o%#en (e%+8e e7 +$ a# #he (eo%ihe( i$a!#; *e"ore"a%%in8 *a!: #hro+8h i# o7n #ea>

Thoe "or#+na#e eno+8h no# #o $%+n8e #o #heir (ea#h 7ere$%a##ere( 7i#h *oi%in8 e#a% an( eare( #o #he 7re!:e( !o$anion7a5>

The ae o" +%#i%ee% !o$anion7a5 7a no7 a ha##ere( e>Soe e!#ion ha( +rie( *+# +!h o" #he #r+!#+re ha( en(e( +$ in

Q



#he ha%%o7 i%er ea #ha# 7a *+**%in8 a7a5 a!ro #he e6$ane o" #hei%% oor> Con#r+!# 7ere (5in8 eer57hereF en8ine,oereer; 8+n,eri#or; :i#arii> A%on8 7i#h #he an8%e( #r+!#+re an( #rai#or,!on#r+!#; one o" #he Ta*+%a M5ria(' *a##%e,a+#oa#a; N+%+; %o# i#"oo#in8 an( #+*%e( (o7n7ar( #o ee# i# o%#en en(>

A #he (aa8e( N+%+ $%+n8e( in#o #he ra8in8 %a:e; i# !%a7na#!hin8 a# #he earin8 +r"a!e *e"ore (ia$$earin8 *e%o7; #he Carrion+e( #he h5(ra+%i! $o7er in hi 8oo( %e8 #o +$ !%ear> Li##%e A+ria(an!e( on #he Iron ?arrior a S!araan!a (a7,heae( #he e#a%+$er#r+!#+re #o7ar( hi a+8en#e( "or; ri$$in8 +$$or# #r+# "ro7a%% an( #he i%% !ei%in8> ?re!:a8e raine( (o7n a*o+# #he *a##%e,a+#oa#a *+# A+ri 7o+%( no# *e $+# "ro i# in(oi#a*%e $a#h>

The Carrion #+rne( #o n( O!#a% Boo% *ehin( hi> The S$a!e Marine8ra**e( #he here#e: 7i#h hi *ioni! ar an( h+r%e( #he $rie# o #he#r+!#+re #o a"e#5 , +# a A+%+ S!araan!a ha( (one "or hi *e"ore> A#he 7re#!he( $rie# %an(e( on $%a#"or *e%o7; #he Carrion %a+n!he(hie%" "ro one !o%%a$in8 #r+!#+re #o ano#her 7i#h a%% #he a8i%i#5 he!o+%( +#er> S#ri6 ha( #a:en #o #he *+rnin8 air; !an#,!a7in8 hi (i#re>A #he Carrion na%%5 "o+n( $+r!hae on a ei,#a*%e $%a#"or; he #+rne(hi a##en#ion #o #he #7o reainin8 *a##%e,a+#oa#a 7ho ar!he( on #hea!hine on#roi#5> The5 7ere "ear%e> The5 7ere i$aie> The5 7ere(ooe(>

A #heir 8+n,o+n#e( ar !ae +$; De6 an( I$e(i!+ oine(Li##%e A+ri in +n%eahin8 a #or o" *o%#,ro+n( a# #he Iron ?arrior> I# 7a#he *e# #he *a##%e,a+#oa#a !o+%( oer; *+# i# 7a no# eno+8h> A+%+S!araan!a he%( o+# #he $a% o" hi e%e!#roa8ne#i! !%a7> ?i#h $o7er

(ra7n (ire!#%5 "ro hi o7n rea!#or; #he 8a+n#%e# %o7e( #he "a# *o%#,ro+n( #o a #an(#i%%>

A%%o7in8 #he he%% #o "a%%; #he on#ro+ a!hine #+rne( #he$o7er"+% a8ne#i! e%( on #he a##a!:in8 *a##%e,a+#oa#a>

C%+#!hin8 one !%a7 S!araan!a eie( Li##%e A+ri 7i#h #he in!re(i*%ea8ne#i! "or!e a# hi !oan(> The *a##%e,a+#oa#on' !hai *e8an #o$ar: an( o:e> Con#ra!#in8 hi !%a7; S!araan!a ii#e( hi #erri*%e$o7er o" (e#r+!#ion +$on #he *a##%e,a+#oa#on> Cara$a!e !ra!:e(;a(aan#i+ an( en(o:e%e#a% a%%o5 !rea:e( an( *+!:%e(> Sero $o$$e(> The !on#r+!#' $%a#e !r+$%e(> Oi%; h5(ra+%i! an( %+*ri!an# !a!a(e((o7n i# (eo%ihe( "or> ?or:in8 an( 7irin8 $o+re( "ro $%i# an(

ren# +n#i% a%% #ha# 7a %e"# o" A+ri 7a a *a%% o" $+%erie( !ra$> The Iron?arrior 7a a*o+# #o (o #he ae #o De6 an( I$e(i!+ 7hen an inii*%e"or!e $+n!he( in#o #he on#ro+ a!hine; :no!:in8 i# *a!:>

On #he $%a#"or; #he Carrion re( #he 8rai#on 8+n a8ain an( a8ain;*%a#in8 A+%+ S!araan!a *a!: 7i#h "ero!io+ a6i+,$o7er $+%e"ro #he 7ea$on> C%earin8 a rai%; he (ro$$e( (o7n on#o #he ae %ee% a#he Iron ?arrior; $+n!hin8 $i(er5 !ra!: an( !ra#er in #he #ri$e( $%a#eo" #he !o%oa% !on#r+!#> A he (i( o; De6 an( I$e(i!+ e$#ie( #heirar,o+n#e( 8+n an( *e%#,"e( a+%er !annon a# #he (i#ra!#e( Iron?arrior; ri((%in8 #he on#er 7i#h *o%#,ro+n(>

Ho%(in8 o+# a h+8e !%a7 +n(er #he on%a+8h#; A+%+ S!araan!aro#a#e( #he #a%on on hi 7ri# o+n#in8> De%i!a#e a8ne#i! ani$+%a#ion



$ro$#e( !hain; !a*%e; har( %ine an( 7irin8 #o er+$# "ro eri#or,#a#ion an( #he r+ine( ar!hi#e!#+re o" #he a+#oa#e( i%%> The !hain an(in#er"a!e !a*%e rea!he( o+# "or #he !on#r+!#; $ro$#in8 I$e(i!+ #o#a$ eera% !a+#io+ #e$ *a!:> The !hain an( !a*%e "o+n( +ni# De6;ho7eer; an( na:e( a*o+# #he *a##%e,a+#oa#on' %i* %i:e re#rain#;

%o7in8 #he in(oi#a*%e a$$roa!h o" #he a!hine> Por# $%+8 %i#here(a!ro i# 7or:in8; e6$%orin8; ina(in8; a##e$#in8 #o n( a 7a5 in> The"or8e #e$%e !a*%e in#er"a!e( 7i#h #he a!hine; an( A+%+ S!araan!aoo(e( #he *a##%e,a+#oa#on 7i#h a !o(e#rea o" !orr+$#ion>

A #he Carrion' 8rai#i! !e%% ran e$#5; #he Iron ?arrior re!oere(hie%" an( #+*%e( "or7ar( on hi i8h#5 %e8> The Carrion $+$e( an(re( #he 7ea$on a8ain; *+# i# 7a e$#5 an( #he S$a!e Marine #oe( i#ai(e 7here i# !%+n:e( on #he eh o" #he $%a#"or>

The Iron ?arrior eee( "a!ina#e( *5 #he ennare( a!hine *e"orehi> De6' 7ea$on 7ere e$#5 *+# i# 7i%% 7a #ron8> A #he $o%5he(ra%!o8 an( 8ear #hrahe( #o $ro!ein8 in i# !he#; i# #raine( a8ain# #he!hain an( !a*%e na:e( a*o+# i# %i*>

'Yo+ ree: a%rea(5;' A+%+ S!araan!a #o%( #he a!hine a #he !o(e"e%# i# 7a5 #hro+8h #he *a##%e,a+#oa#on' 5#e; 'o" !orr+$#ion> Yo+7i%% oin 5o+r !on#r+!#,:in a# 5 i(e> E*ra!e #he !o(e an( rie +$;%ae>'

The Iron ?arrior #are( a# #he i$aie *a##%e,a+#oa#on> The!on#r+!# eee( #o #are *a!:> The Carrion 7a#!he( #he #7o o" #he a#he5 en8a8e( in oe :in( o" !on#e# o" a!hine 7i%%; a A+%+S!araan!a 8+i(e( #he (a#a#rea !orr+$#ion ina(in8 De6' 7or:in8an( ro+#ine>

The Carrion :ne7 #ha# he 7o+%( n( no#hin8 #here> The a!hine (i(no# +er "ro #he 7ea:ne o" eh> He 7o+%( n( no i$%e $ro#eineor5; no (a#a rei(in8 in #he a!hine' non,e6i#en# 7e#7are> ?ha##he !o%o+,!on#r+!# (i( n(; ho7eer; 7a a $+ri#5 o" $reen!e #he$er"e!#ion o" $o%5he(ra% !o8 an( 8ear hi"#in8 *a!: an( "or#h in %o8i!an( +nion>

A+%+ S!araan!a "o+n( #he earin8 *ea+#5 o" #he a*oina*%ein#e%%i8en!e #ha# ha( a%rea(5 !%aie( #he *a##%e,a+#oa#on "or i# o7n;an( !reae(>

The Carrion 7a#!he(; aae(; a #he !o%o+ 8or8e( i#e%" on #he*ea+#i"+% in#ri!a!ie o" #he Ta*+%a M5ria(F i# %o8i!a% in#e8ri#5; #he

$er"e!#ion o" i# !o(e; i# a!hine $+ri#5> The in#er"a!e !a*%e r+nnin8 in#o#he *a##%e,a+#oa#on *e8an #o #ea> ?ar$ en!r+#a#ion i%e( an(o:e( a7a5 #o no#hin8 an( #he an!ien# !a*%e 8%eae( #o a ne7ne> The irre$rei*%e a%8ori#ha o" #he a*oina*%e in#e%%i8en!e an8 #hro+8hA+%+ S!araan!a %i:e an a8oniin8 5$hon5> A #he a!hine (ar:neo" #he Iron ?arrior' o+% "o+8h# #he 8eni+ o" #he a%8ori#ha "or+$rea!5; #he *ea+#i"+% %o8i! $rea( #hro+8h #he 7ar$e( arra5 o"an#ennae; aeria% an( !roo:e( ane #hro+8h 7hi!h #he on#ro+a!hine !o+ni!a#e( 7i#h #he in"e!#e( a!hiner5 a*o+# i#> The !o%(+$rea!5 o" #he ar#"+%ne rea!he( o+# #o #he %ae,!on#r+!# o" #he

Ver#e6 A+#ra%i> I# #oo: !on#ro%> An( "or a oen# i# re%eae( #he>In #ha# oen#; eer5#hin8 !han8e(>

1



In a 7ae o" a%8ori#hi! e%+!i(a#ion; ar#i!ia% a!ro #he i%%re#+rne( #o #he earin8 !%ari#5 o" #heir a!hinehoo(> The 7ar$in8in+en!e o" #he $o%%+#ie !ra$!o(e i%e( a7a5 #o #a#i!> I# 7a +((en%5!r+**e( "ro 5#e in#e8ri#ie; !o8i#ae an( (a#a#rea>

Li:e a 7i%(re o" %o8i! 7ee$in8 #hro+8h #he "or8e #e$%e'

ne#7or:; #he a%8ori#ha !%eane( Ver#e6 A+#ra%i' a+#oa#a o"!orr+$#ion> The i%% (eo%e( in#o a i#e o" i+%#aneo+ a!!i(en#F ono,#a: $ro(+!#ion +ni# an( (rone a!hiner5 en+re( #ha# en8ine,oereer*+rne(; 7ere e%e!#ro!+#e( or "e%% #o e5 (ea#h> Hea5,(+#5 "+rna!ee!ha,!+# 8+n,eri#or in ha%" 7i#h 7ee$in8 !a*%e an( #e$%e e!+ri#5"or!e 7ere (ro7ne( in o%#en e#a% "ro #he ro*o#i! !rane an( $+r8e(!oo$ *+!:e#> A a8,%e "rei8h# oni#or; !arr5in8 "reh%5 !a# aro+r$%a#in8; a!!e%era#e( an( %e"# i# #ra!:> The oni#or $%+n8e( #hro+8h #he7a%% o" #he "or8e a# hi8h $ee( an( !rahe( #hro+8h a hor(e o" 8i**erin8:i#arii>

Hi(in8 in #he reainin8 e#i8e o" (ar:ne in hi *ein8; A+%+S!araan!a "e%# #he *+rnin8; *%in(in8 %o8i! o" #he a*oina*%e in#e%%i8en!e*a!:7ah #hro+8h hi 5#e an( !a*%in8> Sha:in8 #he (eo%ihe( i%%7i#h a !on#in+o+ roar; #he !o%o+,!on#r+!# #+rne( hi 8rea# a8ne#i!!%a7 on hie%"> An8%in8 hi $a% in7ar( an( !hanne%%in8 #he "+%%a8ne#o$heri! $o7er o" hi $innin8; o%#en iron !ore; #he+$er#r+!#+re o" #he Iron ?arrior on#ro+ a!hine "or #re*%e( #oan +n*eara*%e "re+en!5> Ea!h rie#; $%a#e an( ran!i( a+8en#a#ion$+%%e( a7a5 "ro #he !o%oa% !o*a# !hai; a%% *+# ren(ere( a+n(er *5irrei#i*%e a8ne#i! "or!e>

?i#hin; #he r+ine( eh a*o+# #he Iron ?arrior' re!on#r+!#e( :+%%

an( $ine , a%% #ha# #he (eo%i#ion o" #he #o7er,$re!e$#or5 an( #he!5*erne#i! a##en#ion o" (ar: a8i ha( %e"# hi , "o+n( oen#ar5re%eae "ro #he ai!#ion o" o#her7or%(%5 !orr+$#ion>

The oen# 7a *ea+#i"+%> Horri!> &%ee#in8> The Carrion' aro+re( ho+%(er a88e(> The Kni8h# Erran#; 7ho

ha( #oo( *5 on #he $%a#"or; 7i%%in8 #he on#ro+ a!hine #he #hin8#ha# ha( *een hi "rien( , on #o e%",(e#r+!#ion; 7a#!he( a S!araan!a'!rea (ie( a*o+# hi> The i8h#5 a8ne#i! !%a7 !ae (o7n> The!orr+$#ion 7i#hin #he Iron ?arrior #ha# ai!#e( #he "or8e #e$%e an(in"e!#e( a%% o" Mar 7o+%( no# *e (enie(>

The Iron ?arrior rea!he( +$ "or #he a+%#e( roo" o" #he i%%> There

#he on#ro+ a!hine !o+%( (e#e!# #he !o%( 7or:in8 o" #he a*oina*%e#hin8 #ha# ha( !a%(e( hi 5#e "ro #he ini(e o+#> O$enin8 a i%in8!%a7; S!araan!a +one( #he in#er%o!:in8 $o%5he(ra% in#ri!a!5 o" #he Ta*+%a M5ria( #o hi> The !her+* Un!anni!a% *ea# i# 7in8 an( heae(on #he or*' !hain *+# #he a8ne#i! "or!e 7a "ar #oo $o7er"+%> The !hain%i$$e( o+# o" #he !on#r+!#' #oo%,n8er an( ho# a!ro #he hao! o" #he(eo%ihe( i%% +n#i% i# a# +$en(e( , oa#in8 *e#7een #he #a%on o" #he!o%o+>

A+%+ S!araan!a #+(ie( #he a*oina#ion a i# 8en#%5 #+rne(7i#hin #he a8ne#i! e%( o" hi o$en !%a7> The Ta*+%a M5ria( !%i!:e( an(

#i!:e( an( #o!:e(> I# i$oi*%e !o8 #+rne(> I# 8ear hi"#e( 7i#h %i!:

<



$re!iion *a!: an( "or#h a #he a*oina*%e in#e%%i8en!e !a%!+%a#e( #he!er#ain $ro*a*i%i#5 o" i# (oo>

A# #he ae #ie A+%+ S!araan!a "o+n( hie%" #ore( *5 #heCarrion an( O!#a% Boo%> The $rie# 7o+%( (ie "or #he here#e:a% 7on(er #heCarrion 7o+%( (o an5#hin8 #o ee #he +!!e o" hi iion> He ha( een

7ha# #he Ta*+%a M5ria( !o+%( a!hiee> Mar nee( no# *+rn in #he(e#r+!#ion o" E6#erina#+> I# nee( no# *e irra(ia#e( in #he %e#ha% ra5 o"i# o7n #ar an( $+r8e( o" #he 7ea:ne o" eh> I# !o+%( *e !%eane( a i#ha( *een !orr+$#e(> The Carrion ha( een i#>

B+# #he :e5 #o #he Re( P%ane#' *%ee( re%eae no7 a# in #heon#ro+ !%a7 o" A+%+ S!araan!a>

'A+%+;' #he Carrion roare(; '%i#en #o e> Yo+ ae( 5 %i"e on!e>No7 5o+ !an ae a%% o" Mar> I' *e88in8 5o+> &or #he "rai%#5 o" eh an(#he e#erni#+(e o" iron> &or #ha# 7hi!h 7e on!e !a%%e( *ro#herhoo(> He%$ e(o #hi>

The Iron ?arrior #+rne( "ro #he Ta*+%a M5ria( in hi !%a7 #o #he$%ea(in8 Raen G+ar( #hen #o #he here#e: O!#a% Boo%> ?i#h #hea*oina*%e in#e%%i8en!e #hrea#ene(; #he here#e: 7a r+nnin8 a# #heon#ro+ "or o" S!araan!a; *%a#in8 a# hi 7i#h hi o%:i#e !har8er;#he !on#r+!# Un!anni!a% a$$in8 i# 7in8 *ehin(> Ah an( ae (an!e(o #he Iron ?arrior' #ri$e( $%a#e> The in"erna% *a%ere o" o%#en ironan( !orr+$#ion ra8e( #hro+8h #he :e%e#a% e5e,%i# an( o+#h,8ri%%e o" hihe%> S#ren8#henin8 #he a8ne#i! e%( *e#7een hi #a%on; A+%+S!araan!a i%en!e( #he Ta*+%a M5ria(> The *ra5 !o8 an( 8ear "roe+n(er #he a8ne#i! ini#en!e o" #he on#er> O!#a% Boo% ran on; rin87i%(%5>

'A+%+' #he Carrion roare(>?i#h a on#ro+ e#a%%i! roar; earin8 ar! o" ener85 #reae(

"ro #he #a%on,#i$ o" S!araan!a' !%a7 in#o #he Ta*+%a M5ria(> The#e!hno,here#i!a% 7on(er an( #he a*oina*%e in#e%%i8en!e #ha# rei(e(7i#hin e%#e( in #he Iron ?arrior' a8ne#i! 8ri$>

&ro or* i# #+rne( #o a *a%% o" %a8 an( "ro #ha# #o o%#en e#a%>'B+rn; here#e:' A+%+ S!araan!a roare( an( *%a#e( #he %i+i(

e#a% a# #he $rie#; #+rnin8 O!#a% Boo% an( hi a##en(an# a+#oa#a in#o a!reain8 e $rea( a!ro #he $%a#"or>

The Carrion ha( no 7or( "or #he %o> Ho$e> Poi*i%i#5> Gone>S%i$$in8 #he !o8,7ren!h "ro hi *e%#; #he Carrion !har8e( a# #he

Iron ?arrior> I# 7a "+#i%e *+# #he re in hi hear# an( hi 7or:in8 7o+%(n'#a%%o7 an5#hin8 e%e> I# 7a a%% he !o+%( (o> Sahin8 #he erra#e((en#i!%e o" #he !o8,7ren!h #hro+8h #he 7or:in8 an( *o%#,ri((%e( aro+ro" S!araan!a' %e8; #he Carrion hi# hi a8ain an( a8ain>

The Iron ?arrior #+rne( an( ahe( #he Carrion *a!: a!ro #he$%a#"or; 7here #he S$a!e Marine' ai%in8 "or (eo%ihe( a eri#or#a#ion> Priin8 hie%" "ro #he !r+*%e( e#a% an( 7re!:a8e; #he Kni8h#Erran# !ae a# hi a8ain> He #hre7 #he !o8,7ren!h a# #he !o%o+,!on#r+!#; 7hi!h #he Iron ?arrior eee( #o n( 7i#herin8%5 h+oro+> Aho%%o7 e!hani!a% %a+8h !ae "ro i# o6,hai%er a S!araan!a 7i%%e(

#he 7ea$on o+# o" i# $a#h 7i#h a a8ne#i! 7ae o" hi !%a7> Thr+#in8 hi

4



#a%on a# #he Carrion; #he Iron ?arrior #ore ren# in #he $%a#"or oorin8an( *%a#e( 8rea# !ra#er o" a8ne#i! "or!e #hro+8h #he #r+!#+re>

Moin8 7i#h a +!h 8ra!e an( $ee( a hi (aa8e( %e8 7o+%(a%%o7; #he Carrion #o$e( 7i#h $ne+a#i! $o7er a# #he on#ro+a!hine> He (o(8e(> He +$e(> He ho+%(er,ahe( hi 7a5 #hro+8h

#he er+$#in8 $%a#"or> He %ea$# a# A+%+ S!araan!a *+# #he !o%o+,!on#r+!# !a+8h# hi in a in8%e 8rea# !%a7>

Gra**in8 ho%( o" #he e#a%; #he Carrion $%a!e( #he $a% o" hih5(ra+%i! han( on #he Iron ?arrior' #a%on an( *e8an #o (rain #he #hin8 o"$o7er>

S!aen8e( ener8ie *+rne( #hro+8h #he Carrion' 5#e> Me#a%%i!#ri$ i%e( in hi eh> Hi !o%+n no(e !ra!:%e( "+rio+%5 an( #he*%an: i%er o" hi e5e 8re7 *ri8h#> S#i%% #he $o7er !ae; "e( *5 #hera8in8 8%o*e o" "+rio+ iron #ha# "ore( #he !on#r+!#' !ore>

I #hin: 5o+ a5 hae oer,rea!he( 5o+re%"; Carrion;' #he Iron?arrior #o%( hi; *e"ore in8in8 #he Raen G+ar( in#o #he eh oor>An*ari! ener8ie ar!e( a*o+# #he Carrion; earin8 "ro hi oer%oa(e(5#e> Cra7%in8 o+# o" #he !ra#er in #he $%a#"or; he #+*%e( #o hi"ee# an( #hr+# hi $a% a# #he on#ro+ a!hine> An ar!,#rea o"%i8h#nin8 *%a#e( in#o #he Iron ?arrior; *+r5in8 #he !on#r+!# in a ni*+o" *%in(in8 %i8h#> ?i#hin; #he Carrion !o+%( hear #he Iron ?arrior' a8on5>

A #he *%ae (ie( a7a5 an( #he Kni8h# Erran#' $o7er 7i#h i#; A+%+S!araan!a #o$e( "or#h> Hi $%a#e 7a !or!he( an( re ha( *ro:eno+# in ne# o" hi ero an( !a*%in8> The on#er 7a #i%% "+%%5"+n!#iona%; ho7eer>

Rea!hin8 #o7ar( #he #i%% en#an8%e( "or o" #he *a##%e,a+#oa#on

De6; #he Iron ?arrior #ore #he a!hine a$ar# in a a8ne#i! ae%#ro o"hre((e( $%a#e an( !o*a# !hai> S7oohin8 hi #a%on a# #he Carrion;#he hai%#or o" e#a% an( "ra8 $ae( #rai8h# #hro+8h #he Kni8h# Erran#>?i#hin a in8%e; i!:enin8 e!on(; #he Carrion "e%# #he heare( $%a#e an($%in#ere( 7or:in8 o" #he (eo%ihe( *a##%e,a+#oa#on !+# hi #o hre(>

The Raen G+ar( hi# #he an8%e( $%a#"or horri*%5 , hi aro+r a7re!:; #he 7or:in8 o" hi *ioni! hre((e( an( hi eh a "ra8,ri((%e(e>

&ro #he an8%e( $%a#"or; #he Carrion !o+%( ee #he %a# o" #he Ta*+%a M5ria(' *a##%e,a+#oa#a #hro+8h #he 7re!:a8e o" #he i%%> In#ea(o" a##a!:in8 S!araan!a; #he +ni# I$e(i!+ ha( #o$e( i# 7a5

*a!:7ar( #hro+8h #he #7i#e( hao!; i# e$#5 8+n #ra!:in8 #heoeen# o" ene5 !on#r+!#> The Carrion !o+8he( +$ *%oo(> He7ihe( #he *a##%e,a+#oa#on a7a5> The e6i8en!5 en8ine #ha# 7hirre( an(!%i!:e( "+rio+%5 in i# !he# ha( 7ei8he( +$ #he $ro*a*i%i#ie> ?i#h #he Ta*+%a M5ria( 8one; an( i# ani$%e *re#hren an( #he Carrion "ai%in8 #o*rin8 #he Iron ?arrior !on#r+!# (o7n; I$e(i!+ ha( (e!i(e( #o re#rea#>

Decided The Carrion ha( !oe #o #hin: o" #he a!hine a a %iin8 #hin8> I#

7a a i$%e !on#r+!# *+# earin8%5 e%",a7are> The iion ha( "ai%e(> In#he !o%( e+a#ion o" %i"e an( %o; #he a*oina*%e in#e%%i8en!e a# 7or:

7i#hin #he a!hine ha( e%e!#e( +ria% a i# ne6# i$era#ie> Ho7 %i:e a%iin8 #hin8; #he Carrion "o+n( hie%" #hin:in8> The Raen G+ar( !o+%(

-



e$a#hie> ?i#h a *%oo(5 8r+e% (ri**%in8 "ro hi %i$; he #oo #rie( #o ha+%hie%" a7a5> Hi r+ine( !5*erne#i! 7or:in8 7o+%( no# o*e5; ho7eer>L5in8 #here on #he 7ar$e( eh; hi en8ineere( *o(5 r+ine( an( +n(one;#he Carrion "e%# #he #r+e 7ea:ne o" eh>

A #he Carrion 7ri#he( in a8on5 an( a%"+n!#ion; S!araan!a 8re7

#i%%> The Iron ?arrior ha( a%o ene( #he *a##%e,a+#oa#on I$e(i!+re#rea#in8 *a!: #hro+8h #he (ea#a#ion o" #he i%%; an( #ar#e( "or7ar(on hi aie %e8> The Carrion rea!he( o+# , #he !erai#e n8er#i$ o"hi 8a+n#%e# !ra$in8 oen#ari%5 a8ain# #he !o%o+,!on#r+!#'aro+re( %e8> He #rie( #o a:e oe :in( o" o+n(> A 7arnin8> A $ro#e#>A%% #ha# $ro!ee(e( "ro #he Carrion' o+#h 7a *%oo(; ho7eer>

In i%en#; a!hini! o%i(ari#5; A+%+ S!araan!a he%( o+# one o" hih+8e !%a7> The *a##%e,a+#oa#a 7o+%( no# *e (ra7n; ho7eer> I#aro+re( "ee# #oo: i# *a!:7ar( 7i#h !o%( !on(en!e; i# e$#5 7ea$on#ra!:in8 #he a(an!in8 !o%o+,!on#r+!#>

Then I$e(i!+ $a+e(>&or a oen# #he Carrion; 7i#h hi ahe( !o8i#a#or an( a8on5,

a((%e( in(; #ho+8h# #ha# #he *a##%e,a+#oa#a 7a !oni(erin8S!araan!a' i%en# oer> Soe#hin8 +n$o:en $ae( *e#7een #he #7o!on#r+!#> The Iron ?arrior 8e#+re( 7i#h #he (i8i# o" hi 8rea# a8ne#i!#a%on; an( #he *a##%e,a+#oa#a 7ai#e( on a (eo%ihe( 7a%:7a5> Theeh o" #he "a%%en !o$anion7a5 8rae( #he %a:e o" o%#en e#a% #ha#*+**%e( *e%o7 i#; *a#hin8 *o#h #he "a%%en #r+!#+re an( I$e(i!+ in #he"+rio+ hea# o" #he "or8e> The #r+!#+re a*o+# #he a!hine 8%o7e( an(a88e( "+r#her #o7ar( #he %i+i( in"erno #ha# ha( !%aie( i# *re#hren+ni# N+%+>

An( I$e(i!+' $%a#e; e#a% an( 7or:in8 *e8an #o 8%o7 a%o> I#iron eh !rea:e(; an( $ar: $o$$e( "ro #he e6$an(in8 oin# in i#%i*>

The Carrion an( #he Iron ?arrior 7a#!he( a #he ra(ian# a!hineoa:e( +$ #he in#ene hea#> &or a oen#; #he Raen G+ar( #ho+8h# #hea!hine 7a !oi##in8 oe :in( o" a!hine +i!i(e , #ha# #he*o##o%e $ro*a*i%i#ie o" i# a*oina*%e in#e%%i8en!e ha( *ro+8h# i# #o a:in( o" ho$e%ene> Ha( i# (e(+!e( #ha# i# o7n !han!e o" +ria%7ere o %ii#e(; an( #he ri: o" "a%%in8 in#o #he 8ree(5 han( o" #heene5 7ere o 8rea#; #ha# e%",(e#r+!#ion 7a #he on%5 %o8i!a% o$#ion

Then #he Carrion +n(er#oo(> The *i##er #oren# o" a in8%e nor# o"

(eriion 7or:e( i# 7a5 +$ "ro hi (ia$hra8; *rin8in8 7i#h i# ore*%oo(>

He 7a#!he( a #he 8%o7in8 *a##%e,a+#oa#on #o$e( *a!: +$ #he!o$anion7a5 an( !on#in+e( i# re#rea#> In "+r5 an( "r+#ra#ion A+%+S!araan!a nar%e( an( o$ene( hi !%a7 #o ennare #he a!hine #ha#(ee( hi> The Iron ?arrior 7o+%( (e#ro5 #he a*oina*%e in#e%%i8en!e ahe ha( eer5 o#her (eian# a!hine #ha# ha( ina(e( #he "or8e #e$%ein#en# +$on #he (e#r+!#ion o" Mar>

An( 5e#; he 7o+%( no#> The Carrion 7a#!he( #he "+#i%i#5 o" S!araan!a' eor# a #he

a8ne#i! "or!e #ha# he 7ie%(e( ha( no ee!# on #he a!hine>

.



I$e(i!+ ha( hea#e( i# iron :in; #e$orari%5 (ea8ne#iin8 #hee#a% "ro 7hi!h i# 7a !ra"#e(>

A #he 8%o7 (ie( a7a5 in #he !o%( Mar#ian air; #he *a##%e,a+#oa#a+ni# an( #he a*oina*%e in#e%%i8en!e #ha# inha*i#e( #he a!hine re#rea#e(in#o #he ha(o7> The Ta*+%a M5ria( 7a 8one; an( 5e# i# %e8a!5

reaine( in #he 7i%5; "+8i#ie I$e(i!+> O+# #here in #he (ar:ene( 7a#eo" #he Re( P%ane#; #he Carrion rea%ie( #ha# #he *e# ho$e "or #he a%a#iono" Mar ha( e( in or(er #o $reere i# o7n e6i#en!e> E6#erina#+ 7ano# #he an7er , #hi a!hine; #he re+%# o" a #ho+an( 8enera#ion o"here#e: #ho+8h#; 7a rei#an# #o #he ini(io+ !ra$e!o(e; an( #he #ain##ha# !ae 7i#h i#>

I# 7a aon8 #he r#> ?o+%( i# *e #he %a#He 7a no# a%one in #hi ree%a#ion> C%oin8 hi !%a7 an( 7i#h a

"r+#ra#e(; en8e"+% an8er o+%(erin8 in #he !r+!i*%e o" hi e5e; A+%+S!araan!a #+rne( hi 8rea# *o(5 aro+n(>

The Carrion !o+%( "ee% #he Iron ?arrior 7a#!hin8 hi; oa:in8 +$ #heier5 o" #he Raen G+ar(' eer5 oeen#> The on#ro+ a!hine%a+8he( no ore , i# nee(e( (o no#hin8 e%e #o en( hi "orer !ora(e'%i"e> The o%#en e#a% a*o+# #he hie( an( $a#; an( a ho%%o7e$#ine re#+rne( #o #he i%%> A #he Carrion' 5#e an( eh "ai%e(hi; #he Kni8h# Erran# $ae( an( 8re7 #i%%>

I# "e%# %i:e &arina#+> Li:e *ein8 r# *+#!her,*a$#ie( *5 #he 6eno*re8,hei an( #hen *+#!here( a8ain on #he !5*erne#i! %a* a he 7aenhan!e( "or "+r#her eri!e> A eri!e a*o+# #o en(>

The Carrion "e%# #he +a:e o" A+%+ S!araan!a' aro+re( "oo#"a%%na%%5 #a:in8 #he on#roi#5 o" hi "or a7a5 in#o #he "or8e #e$%e;

%eain8 #he S$a!e Marine a%one>A%o# a%one>S7oo$in8 (o7n "ro a an8%e( #air7e%%; #he !5*er,raen S#ri6

re#+rne( #o i# a#er> Lan(in8 on a ha##ere( no(e,!o%+n; #he *ir(#a$$e( on #he Kni8h# Erran#' r+ine( $%a#e 7i#h #he in#er"a!e $in o" i#*ea:; *+# #he Carrion (i( no# re$on(>

TERRA

=THE &IRST LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS> A BEACON O& &AITH AND

&ORTITUDE IN ANIMPERIUM BESMIRCHED> THE ONLY TRUTH SHININGACROSS A GALAXY SHROUDED INLIES> A CANDLE BURNING IN THE EMPTYBLACKNESS O& THE VOID>&LAMES &ALTER> HOPES ARE LOST> BUT ON THECANDLE BURNS>@

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9



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Documents

09.1 Cybernetica