On Corticant, general Veers knew he had to retake the device chamber, at any cost. If he failed, the Ynnari would almost certainly deactivate the necron artefact, leading to the collapse of the Foramen Interdictum with disastrous consequences for the imperial campaign in the Imperium Nihilis. With all haste, the Blood Angels launched a direct strike against the excavation site, hoping that the might of the astartes would break the Ynnari defences long enough for Imperial Guard forces to follow up and drive the xenos back north.
The plan fell apart almost immediately. As the Blood Angels closed with their enemy, their own standard bearer was taken out by the xenos forces, shattering the astartes morale. The elite forces of the venerable space marine chapter seemed to become paralysed by indecision, an the Ynarri force simply tore them apart. This disaster at the excavation site was swiftly followed by a similar disaster as the guard, expecting their enemy to have their hands full dealing with the Blood Angels, sent in their attack unaware that the astartes attack had been a failure.
The result was predictable and horrific. What became known as the Massacre of Arid Plateau saw an entire astra militarum regiment simply wiped out. Veers was said to have wept at the news, as his army was forced onto the defensive to protect Lochford and Arenhal Junction. Any chance to retake the device chamber had now been lost, and Veers could only watch as events unfolded beyond his control.
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