Armoured Column on Dirtball

The armoured column rolled forward. Baneblade after Baneblade grinding slowly across the blasted landscape. On the distant horizon their goal. The largest industrial complex on the planet and its associated towns located in a river valley area and given the tactical name Zone Zero, or double Zed to the Belisimar Chem Dogs.
Alfus and his squad rolled comfortably across the blasted heath and scrubland in a Chimera. The second landings had been successful and after the failed Tau counter attack resistance seemed to have crumbled.

Hammerhand sat in the command chimera as it followed the Leman Russ squadrons behind the Baneblades. Assault Marshall Vikrumm and his command team sat around the planning table. As Inquisitor Hawk’s representative on the Dirtball as they were calling the planet Hammerhand was de-facto part of the team.

“The enemy seem to be mainly the Xenos Tau. The locals seem human which should be expected as this world was part of the Imperium before the Heresy.”
Commissar Goldengoth was speaking.
“Once we have occupied Zone Zero I do not expect further resistance. The remaining Xenos will probably surrender in the hope of prisoner exchange.”
Vikrumm grunted his assent.

Staff Officer Russ cleared his throat, “I have the draft orders for the establishment of a base and the organisation of pacification and Imperialisation of the planet, my Lord Assault Marshall.”
Vikrumm indicated that the documents were to be placed on the table. He looked at Hammerhand.
“The glory of reincorporating this lost world will be yours, my Lord Assault Marshall,” continued Russ.
“Indeed,” responded Vikrumm with satisfaction. The glory of the deed would be the seal to his career. He turned to Hammerhand.
“How long in your estimation will it take for the Inquisition to eradicate taints of Xenos and deviation? We need to know to start assessing the logistics for this operation.”

“With respect Sir,” responded Hammerhand, “I believe the the High Lord Inquisitor Hawk does not consider this fine battle group as a force to be blunted by the tedium of occupation. He has not shared his intentions for the end of local resistance. I recommend that we immediately re-establish communications with Captain Admiral Pilgrim of the fleet and through him contact the Inquisitor.”
In other words phone home before Hawk decides to kick your fat immobile backside, thought Hammerhand.

“In any case it may take decades before the Inquisition can be confident that the isolated population on this world are able to be reincorporated."

"It will depend on how long they have been associating with the Xenos and what other deviations have taken root here during its isolation.”
And undoubtedly there are some strange goings on as I discovered through poor Zakalwe and his levels considered Hammerhand.