This was no time for remembering the past. Her mind had to be clear and focused. She was ready to lead her Sisters into battle; her flamer was filled with promethium and her bolt pistol stood at the ready.
Apphia walked down the ramp with her sisters following. The Guardsmen were nervous with their lasguns at the ready; she saw no purpose for their presence other than for the planetary governor trying to impress them. She could see their fear and they would have ran at the first sign of trouble had it not been for her presence. They had heard the stories of the fanatical daughters of the Emperor who would slay all those who would threaten him. Apphia decided, they could be used as bait, as she left the ramp.
The engines whirred back to full power and the Valkyries rose off. They would return if needed. She pressed the rune of activation on her auspex. There was odd activity ahead. She advanced into the swamp. The filthy water was befouling her clean armor. She would stay dry, but it pained her to see it in this state.
Her auspex started to encounter interference. It was as if some unholy force was nearby, clasping it back on her belt. She strode forward with weapons drawn.
A rustling of the trees put her on alert. She was a veteran, serving for many years. In battle, she was without peer among her many sisters. Apphia knew in a couple of years that once she advanced to the proper age, she would become an honored older Sister and hold ever-greater authority. But, more importantly, she would hold access to all but the deepest dungeons; but now was not time for self-indulgence.