Introducing the Tau

Archon Shaka didn't feel so bad, because after all it was just a recon and the Kabal had never so much as seen the Tau before. Nevertheless, he did not like to lose. At least the necessary information was gathered though. He would have to explain his losses to the now larger group of leaders in the board room, as the Liquid Sword was now an officially viable Kabal. It was good, because in due time, they would be able to contend with the Kabal of the Black Heart in his opinion. It was also bad because he could afford to make less and less mistakes and face the public. Of course, he answered to no one, save the Jade Emperor, but he hoped that Marilith would not get any bright ideas about acquiring more "responsibility."

J.E.: So, what are they like?

Shaka: They appear to be Mechanical Warriors, depending on technology not as an enhancement, but as a way to make up for their lack of physical prowess. They are technologically advanced, even by Eldar standards. It is rumored that they are so advanced that they have plasma weapons that don't overheat. Osiris briefed us on what he gathered about the Tau. But experience is always the greatest teacher, as we Dark Eldar know. However, he told us that their weapons are very well ranged, which gives them a tactical advantage just off of general principle. However, they are no space nazis, so at first I thought it was a good idea to utilize our speed. But then I heard about the Kroot, who appeared literally out of the swamp, and I mean out of the swamp, on planet Jiir.

J.E.: What were the Kroot like?

Shaka: Ugly, to say the very least. For your pleasure, we have managed to catch a Kroot hound alive. They apparently lack ballistical skill and make up for it in close combat. That is why the Tau tend to cling to them. It suggested that the Tau themselves are no good with 'hand skills'. The late Edea reported that the Obsidian Knights were just out of range of these Kroot hounds in the beginning. The Emerald Knights destroyed their Hammerhead tank right off the break. We thought that would strike fear in them, but it appeared to piss them off. The Cobalt Knights missed their first target.

Xhosha: Yeah, well, that's why they are the 3rd order of troops. They aren't as nice with theirs as we are. <smiles> <Masai glares at Xhosha but says nothing>

Shaka: Heh. Anyway, The Kroot moved in toward the south and managed to shoot an Obsidian Knight down. One of their Crisis Suits shot at my unit and killed Smakahoe. Then their Broadsides got into the fray and went after the Obsidian Knights. The Obsidian Knights maintained, even though they were intimidated. This allowed the Leopard Squad to land on target and unload. They need more practice with that first wave of shots after they land. The Obsidian Knights shot down 2 Kroot and 2 Kroot hounds in retaliation. After this, the Cobalt Knights destroyed one of the Broadside shields.

J.E.: Excuse me?

Shaka: The Tau have these...shield things that are not only protect their vehicles and battlesuits, but are also automated so they can switch within the middle of a battle. They must be destroyed before you can target whatever it is protecting.

J.E.: ...Interesting. Proceed.

Shaka: The Emerald Knights continue to fire into the Kroot troops, who closed in on the Leopard Squad. However, the Leopard Squad was completed obliterated by the Tau troops, and the Kroot turned their attention on the Obsidian Knights. The Emerald Knights took fire from the Battlesuits, but avoided everyone else. I was also shot around this time, but I'm okay. The Horns also came out to play, but these shield drones maintained. The Emerald Knights finally took the Battlesuits out and the Zulu Knights were assaulted. It just wasn't my day. I was unfamiliar with their fighting styles and as such they got lucky. Jedi, also confused, unwisely pumped up on too much drugs and overdosed. I told him before to use the drugs sparingly. How is he?

Imhotep: He'll be okay.

Shaka: Good, he can be punished properly.

Nebula: You aren't blaming Jedi for your failure are you?

Shaka: How dare you even imply such a thing? Don't think that I won't hesitate to duel you in a heartbeat.

Nebula: Just an observation. It appeared that you used Jedi as a medium to cover up the fact that you were just as ineffective in close combat as he was. But don't think for a second that you can actually beat me. Such a thought is absurd.

J.E.: Actually, I think I'd like to see that. Meeting adjourned; I'll make arrangements with the Arena.