//------------------------------//
// The Traitor Revealed 
// Story: PonyHammer 40,000: Magic of War II | Discord Rising 
// by Dragon Heart 
//------------------------------//

	The release of Nettor has caused the icy surface of Arctika to break apart in massive chunks and float into the atmosphere. When the Retribution arrived, Spike contacted Hammerheart and the others with information that they have been waiting for since day one.

"Commander Hammerheart, the ancient logic engine has done its work." said Spike.

He played the message from the traitor, there was still some distortion. *Use them to ambush my battle siblings like you did with the distress signal and our agreement is over!* the voice yelled. *Pegalos has us charging around the sector on the Retribution. You must get Philosophies to put a leash on Pegalos.*

The warped voice became clear. "I am not the only one who will be discovered when it comes to that, do you understand me, Boldo?" said Hoovitus's voice. "Knowledge is power, as you are all so fond of saying."

Rainbow Dash eyes grew wide. "Hoovitus!" She said before furrowing her eyebrows in anger. "Hoovitus betrayed us..."

Pinkie approached Hammerheart. "Commander, Hoovitus is no longer aboard." She said. "He has taken a drop pod and headed for the planet below."

"He seeks to escape us." said Applejack.

"He will not succeed." said Rainbow Dash.

"Commander Hammerheart." said Spike, "There is a recorded message waiting from Hoovitus."

He played the message, and everyone scowled from hearing the traitor's voice.

"I can almost hear your mewling now." said Hoovitus. "How could he betray us? Why, Hoovitus? Why?" His tone grew more angry. "Look at this planet! Look at it! That is why! The entire galaxy is the same: Broken. Shattered. Rotten to the core. Honor, brotherhood, duty; they are no more than delusions and lies. We use them to justify the death and destruction left in our wake. I cannot tolerate it any longer! I have seen the rot that runs through our Chapter's honor, and it justifies nothing." He quietened as he spoke more. "My memories are full of the screams of those I have killed. Where others see life, I see only death. We all know how this will end. We have always known. It ends in blood."

The recording ended, and Hammerheart tracked where Hoovitus landed and brought focus upon the location.

"The traitor has gone to ground, Commander Hammerheart." said Pinkie. "Hoovitus has retreated to a fortified base on Bludgent Glacier. The area is dense with enemies, but we cannot allow that to stop us. We cannot let Hoovitus escape retribution."

"What intel do we have on the enemy's forces?" said Hammerheart.

"The Dark Legion is present in large numbers." Pinkie explained. "Beyond their main stronghold, they have at least two satellite camps. Patrols stalk the area between these strong-points, ready to pounce. There may well be other defenses which we cannot detect from orbit. A direct assault is possible, but that strategy gives up our only two advantages: surprise and discipline."

"What do you suggest?" Hammerheart asked.

"The Traitor Legions lack discipline." said Pinkie. "Their patrols are more interested in something to kill than actual reconnaissance. I doubt they have any established reporting rites or patrol rotation. If we engage and destroy the patrols quickly, their absence will go unnoticed. The same is true of the satellite camps. We can move from target to target, weakening the enemy until we can strike at the main base and exact retribution."

Applejack came up to Hammerheart from behind.

"Pinkie's strategy is sound, Commander Hammerheart." She said, complimenting the Sergeant's knowledge. "Her analysis of the Traitor Legions aligns with the codex. Pinkie was not on Cronus, however. Skarsend showed himself time and time again to be supremely cunning. He knows well the weaknesses of his slaves. I cannot help but feel he will have taken steps to address them."