Macharius looks out towards the sound of battle. Permission to lead a rescue mission denied, Mistress Shanx.

He speaks into the vox, his voice resounding and authoritative. Men of Absalom! You will hold the line! By the will of the God-Emperor, you will not falter! Reinforcements are incoming. Until we arrive, you will hold the line, whatever may come. Your life is the Emperor's, and He sees to his own. You will not fear. You will not retreat. And you will not fail. For the Imperium and Absalom!

He turns back to Hannabel and draws his new power sword. The gold inlay shimmers and refracts light as crackling blue energy springs up around it. You may, however, accompany your Lord-Captain into glorious battle against the foes of Mankind. They mock our divine right to this planet by assaulting our men. We shall show them the error of their ways.

He turns and strides out, drawing his plasma pistol in the other hand. Murphy! Fire for suppression. Almagor! Precise shots. The Praetorians follow, Murphy unslinging his autogun while Almagor draws the hellgun.