Chapter 2 - A Rocky Start
He crawled unable to feel or use his legs, he felt his head pulsing in pain. His stomach was charred and bruised, he couldn't feel the usual joy and happiness he used to. He heard them, they spoke amongst themselves in almost hushed voices.
He heard the sound of blades being thrust into pounds of flesh and withdrawn, footsteps echoed through the dead battlefield. He was abandoned, he was left for dead by everyone. But he would survive just as always, he would return like the tales of the heroes and rise to his rightful place in service of the dark gods.
" We have no word or sighting of the Captain and we are cut off from high command" He heard someone say, he stopped briefly thinking that bringing in useful info would greatly help his rise.
" What were our objectives? " One of them asked, he couldn't honestly tell them apart. They all sounded hushed and muffled to him.
" Last orders were to establish a forward base in preparation for future advance and to establish a defense line " A reply came.
" How long have you served? " A question came from a new different voice, Stanley could immediately spot the difference with this one. Sounded much younger.
" I believe this is our first deployment "
" That is true, we are replacements for the depleted 268th Regiment. Its survivors are all in its first company or leading one "
" I suggest that each platoon leader be promoted and used to form a new command for the platoon. Promote other guardsmen to command positions and resume on our objectives"
" I agree "
"I agree "
" Good, I will assume command of the company. Assemble the troops for a new debriefing, I want a status report "
" Right away Sir "
Stanley was happy, if he told his commander of this info that the enemy was without true leadership then he would surely be rewarded for his efforts. He would definitely be seen as the one chosen by the gods and gifted power befitting someone of his standing.
He would get bionics to replace his weak limbs once he got back, then he would come back with his new legion numbering in the thousands for a big mighty attack on this place. Then he will crush them and sacrifice their souls to the dark gods for even more power, soon the whole world will be his.
Just then, he heard the steps of death. He turned very slowly to look at the thing standing before him, it looked down with seeming disinterest as he raised his weapon. Stanley wasn't scared for he was invisible, he was chosen.
" The dark gods will claim your soull-eurgh " He began only to get the tip of a bayonet straight into his neck, it tore nerves and meat, causing him to choke from the lack of air and the increasing rush of blood to his mouth. Soon, he laid still, his soul waiting to be claimed for the warp.
53897-7119-01 pulled his bayonet from the dead cultist and moved on to the next body. He made a mental note to pray and re-read the imperial manual to wash his mind from the constant screaming of cultists calling the demons of hell and saying heretical things.
He stabbed the next body to see if there would be any reaction, none whatsoever and so he moved to the next body. He continued for a while more before he heard the voice of someone recalling all soldiers for a debriefing.
He removed his bayonet attached to his rifle, swinging it to remove what blood he could before a thorough cleaning and stuffed it away. Then he swung his rifle along his shoulder and walked towards what seemed to be the gathering away where a reasonable amount of soldiers were already waiting.
He silently joined their ranks and awaited further commands, within a few short minutes. The 6th Company of the 268th Regiment of the Death Korps of Krieg had assembled…the survivors at least. A roll call was made to make note of the number of soldiers they had available. Out of the original 600 soldiers, 320 had survived including injured and specialists.
Quickly they were reorganised with 4 platoons ready for combat, the rest of the soldiers would be assigned to other supporting roles within the devastated company. Their next order of business was now constructing a trench line which they immediately started. They began with the outermost layer, through the day and past the nights.
As that was done, Quartermasters were tasked with scavenging what gear they could from the fallen within the ship and if possible, retrieving the body of the former captain. They were given limited bodies for this task as all others were assigned to the securement and movements of the more valuable assets still in works like artillery, heavy weapons and limited supplies.
Captain Anel, the replacement of Captain Lena, was fully aware that they were on a tight schedule. Their failure to report back to high command would most likely mean that they were written off as a destroyed unit which meant no reinforcement and resupplies until high command deemed it so to send another unit to complete their objective.
Each Corpsman was given a week's full ration supplies as dictated by the Astra Militarum regulations, considering the ratio of the dead to living and they could squeeze out another week or so for food supplies. Their supply deck was greatly damaged and the ships dedicated to the delivery of supplies meant for trench warfare never arrived due to the ambush. So all they had left was those on the ship.
He had to secure their objective and re-establish contact with high command or this mission would be a complete failure which he refused to accept.
[_[]_]~Changing Tides~[_[]_]
Commander Tuna had managed to establish a strong defense line and HQ for his planned assault on this sector, originally he planned for the deployment of their base to be much farther but the sudden arrival of Imperium soldiers after so long was unexpected.
Consequently, he would now have to deal with a section of that force tasked with deployment into his sector. At most they would have a few hundred troops alive in that old wreck, attacking with his full force would mean crushing them quickly but the delay would serve as a suitable warning to the traitors.
The attack on the ship could be attributed to independent forces within their side, but a concentrated attack on the surviving forces would mean warning them of an invasion force. As much as it pained him to do so, he would have to allocate the securement of that place to those lost souls who think dying a vain death would serve the dark gods better.
But he could use this much to his advantage, he would place the damned psyker Arkriel in charge of the assault along with the mad soldiers. He will not place his well trained disciplined men under such an unworthy person, it would end only in waste.
This should curb that disgusting ambition of his, always daydreaming of rising through their ranks. He thinks his actions in creating a sect of disgusting Psykers like himself would go unnoticed, that he would simply be allowed to grow his own private army. This battle would set him as a commander in this campaign and with time, would keep losing both men and face to the higher ups.
Once his use is up, then he would dispose of him and begin investing in increasing his own forces to better establish himself in the order to come. He would show those groveling men what true strength is and strike down those false lords from their thrones for Iron is the only true way all are equal.
" Has the 1st honor brigade been reformed? " he asked, referring to the designation he had given to the undisciplined chaos forces/militia within his ranks.
He's aid, a similarly masked soldier with armor and a las weapon turned to face a holo screen. He scrolled for a few seconds before facing his commander and giving an affirmative nod.
" There are many, eager to join the ranks, they see the sacrifice as a way to please the….gods " he said, finishing in a silent uncomfortable whisper. His commander seemed to not take notice of this and simply continued.
" Order the 1st to 4th honor brigade to fall under the command of Arkriel, give Azmon the 5th - 6th brigade along with a company of the 51st Regiment to act as a reserve force to them. " He ordered, choosing to play it safe and assign one of his trusted lieutenants along with a company of his men to make sure the objective was taken.
" Understood, " he replied.
Commander Tuna planned to simply go around this small force and attack his main objectives, leaving them to the workings of the Psyker which also served the purpose of getting rid of him for a while, hopefully permanently due to some fortunate circumstances.
[_[]_]~Changing Tides~[_[]_]
[BANG] [BANG]
The sound of artillery crashing against the solid grounds and leaving scars from their landing echoed all around the area of deployment for the 6th Company of the 268th Krieg Regiment. Within hours of the first failed assault of the traitors, they had come under enemy artillery fire which caused significant casualties for their forces.
They could not however slow down on their progress and chose to keep building amidst the barrage of attacks, at the very least. They needed to establish their own artillery positions to launch a counterattack and suppress them so this would serve as a good diversion while they moved them into place.
Their defense plan consisted of two main things, a forward exposed line and a back hidden line planned to cover the whole ship to serve as their reserve place for supplies and important assets. The forward units digging the much needed defense line were reduced to only a skeletal crew so as to mitigate unnecessary losses and prepare for the inevitable attack of the traitor forces.
The attack however allowed them to divert manpower resources into quickly going through the ship far quicker than expected but the body of Captain Lena was yet to be found or any significant person of her retinue. The first day of their landing on the planet would be coming to an end soon.
[_[]_]~Changing Tides~[_[]_]
Arkriel tried to look at his new position in the plus side, yes he now has a much more substantial force under his command as he deserved but now he knew that his commander was beginning to suspect something as one of his lieutenants was assigned in no doubt to watch him.
Still, he could use this opportunity to showcase the brilliance of himself though he would have loved to test his hidden immortal force that he was building but he couldn't risk their discovery so early yet but with this opportunity presented to him, he would have his chance.
No doubt those up high had recognised him since he was assigned such a large force to command, he would show them who he was and sweep past these worms that dare to stand in his way. Maybe he could offer a sacrifice to the prince of pleasure for some blessings if there are any survivors, he'd like to have some extra fun himself.
" Comm-commander, we are ready for the assault " A cultist said with fear as he approached Arkriel.
" Good, order the artillery bombardment to stop and call the men here. I would like to address them " He said, savouring in the emotions he could feel from the scared man. This was what he wanted, what he was meant to have. So much yet to claim for him, but in the end they would all come to him.
Within minutes, he found a large gathering of hundreds of cultists waiting to be addressed by him. He walked, taking his sweet time to bask in the looks of them all. He took a deep breath as he stood before them and began.
" My brethren, for so long we have been held back from serving our gods. For so long, we have been kept caged for masters who do not see our value. But know this, that I see your value and the gods do as well. I have been tasked by them to deliver to you their words, to go out there and sow chaos. To crush any who would dare stand against them like the fools that they are- break them, spill their blood, sully their flesh and give their souls to the DARK GODS "
He began, earning the war cries and maddened fervor of the men and women below him. He chose to add the dramatic effect of having lighting danced through his hands and around his body just as he speech came to his end.
He felt glorious and powerful, oh how he so longed to unleash his power until the foolish masses. They were nothing but pawns in his game for power, their souls would serve as a suitable payment to the dark gods for a rise in his power.
" Go now and execute my will! " He ordered.
The earlier artillery barrage must have taken the traitors by surprise and dealt untold damage to them, they should be in fear and cowering before his mighty force. The little influx of souls meant that there were too few of them to matter and so this would be an easy win for him.
He even forgot to tell them to leave some prisoners for him so he could use them for his sacrifice, then again he could just use some of the cultists themselves for it. They would be grateful to see their worthless lives given meaning by someone like him, he was sure they would smile and welcome the gift he would give them for he was Arkriel.
Smoke dust and dirt plagued the air as the forces of chaos moved through the field of death as they called it themselves. A place where they had obliterated the enemy of their gods and had shown them their will, a place where they marched forward with glee at the prospect of finishing off any survivors and serving them up to the dark gods.
They were the first brigade, once a mob of workers serving the corpse emperor in delusion. Now they had been uplifted by chaos and empowered by it to achieve freedom and glory. They now lived to serve the dark gods and they did so with great joy.
As they came closer and closer, they saw no signs of the enemy. Some got restless, wanting to spill blood and death. A few even began attacking the dead body or looting them for their gear. What they had compared to them was much much greater but chaos provides for all just as it now provided for them.
Then there was a whistling sound through the air, far away that most thought it was something like a bird or a plane from one of theirs. But those who had been closer to artillery fire were soon reminded just how they recognised that sound.
Within seconds, artillery rained upon them with fury and pain. Their mass gathering of men allowed for the maximum amount of damage inflicted upon their lines, it was a brutal massacre with limbs and bodies flying everywhere they could.
Their lack of training meant they had no trained reaction to this apart from fear and panic, but they got their nerves together when a few brave souls screamed glory for the dark gods and charged into and past the artillery barrage. Soon most followed and were running for the enemy lines…except they were already past it.
Beneath the grounds of their feet lay pre dug explosives which would serve as a force multiplier for the regiment of krieg, it was activated and the mob of chaos forces were engulfed in a ball of flame and pain. From trenches formed within hours, heads of death korps soldiers propped up and an organized line of fire was released into the mob.
" There!, they are over there. Kill them! " A cultist screamed, pointing at a distance from which the lasfire had come through.
They ran towards, running towards the surprising white air around the trenches. Las beams tore through it, killing the cultist by the dozens. The first set entered it and soon found it hard to breathe, their momentum cut short as they gasped for air.
Phosphorus smoke grenades served not just as a smokescreen for the men of Krieg but also as poison to their enemies but for those who adorned the solid blank mask they see as a second face. They were unaffected by it and performed their duties with a calm cold determination.
The second set more determinedly charged through the smoke, crushing and pushing aside the weaklings that had charged in first. They fell and died, those too weak succumbed to the discomfort of having to breathe the air that burned their insides. Soon more and more of them pushed in, all they had to do was reach their lines and the enemies of the dark gods would fall like the weaklings they are.
They could see it, they could see the end to this pain of theirs. They could feel the skin upon their flesh tearing from the sharpened blades of a thousand barbed wires. They charged into a line of pain and misery, revealing a clear target for the Imperium forces to hit. Stuck upon the blades and the smoke of pain, they knew it was now that they must believe even more.
They used their hands to push apart the wired fencing and push their bodies through it, some simply jumped over and into it as they thought it easier than waiting to be killed. The imperium forces numbered a few dozen and they numbered in the hundreds, all they had to do was charge and believe in their gods for they would be victorious.
" For the dark gods, for chaos! " a man screamed expecting the roars and cheers of a hundred others but he was met with silence and the cold look of men simply staring at him.
He turned and saw bodies laying all over the floor, cold and forgotten. So lost in his dream that he hadn't realised that their numbers of hundreds were now numbers of a few dozen most of whom were either injured or just too weak to push forward.
The forces of the imperium charged forward, coming off from the trenches. Their bayonets fixed and as they descended like a horde upon him, he stared in complete shock and fear. Unable to move his body as death approached him yet it never came as rather than kill him, two of them tackled him down and knocked him out. They were going to take him prisoner.
[_[]_]~Changing Tides~[_[]_]
Gasping through the rebreather, clawing for what little breath there was. Fighting with a broken weapon, an arm torn from the inside out. Laughing through the halls of death, a will standing unbroken. A clang here and there, a shine of the blade reflecting into one's eyes.
The screaming had stopped for some while, the resistance forgotten long ago. The Xeno had hunted them down through the ship, bleeding them slowly….toying with them. She was injured, she had become a liability, needing the aid of another to keep walking.
"Stop " She rasped through her broken throat, the guardsmen with her stopped and quickly took guard position. The guardsman holding her let her down, she rested upon the smooth wall of the ship.
" We…will not live past this " She said aloud, struggling through the pain and breathing. The guardsman who had aided her simply looked and nodded, he turned to the right, surveying the path he had just come through.
They had learned to not send any one to scout or patrol too far, most never returned and the rare few that did came back…different. They had rallied a few guardsmen on their way out, and hadn't seen any big groups as of yet.
" The thing must die here " She said, her voice a mix of complete apathy and hate. The thing had slaughtered its way past and into them, slowed them down and now made the completion of their objective nigh impossible with their losses.
She could hear the constant fighting outside, what few of her forces remained still held but for how long, she didn't know. At the very least, their deaths must have an impact in some way. Killing that thing here would mean sparing the potential losses future Krieg forces would lose to it, killing it here would avenge the loss of her objective.
" Time to keep moving " She said, causing the guardsman to pick her up and resume their walk. It followed them closely, stalking and waiting until it could see a ripe opportunity.
They walked in the direction of the watchmaster, she led them through a series of halls and paths. They soon found themselves in a room of thick walls, mostly intact except a few cracks here and there. She smiled under her mask, if they were all going to die then they would all die.
His blade was drenched in blood, a slight shiver went through his body as the screams and emotions of these soldiers were just so…rich. So pure and compressed, full of hate and will, a delight he loved but he disliked just how short it was. He hadn't broken them yet, hadn't explored any of it yet.
If only he had time, he would take as many of them as he could back into commorragh where he would take his time and enjoy every single bit of it. For now, he was content in finishing this but he would be back for more.
The body of the guardsman dropped, the body lay bleeding and broken. His skin missing, peeled with extreme accuracy to reveal a mush of red flesh that squashed and oozed with blood when dropped. His limbs dissected with such precision and purpose, one would think it was done to teach about the parts of his body.
The Xeno smiled at his fine work, glancing around to look at other pieces of his 'art' around the room. All different and special to him but he had given those toys enough time to recuperate, now he would continue the hunt and claim his bounty. Who knew Mercenaries got to enjoy this much?.
As he walked, there was a subtle movement from one of the bodies on the floor. Unrecognizable from when he still had skin, there were slight twitches from what seemed to be its mouth. It was saying something, muttering it repeatedly with a slight madness. Its eyes laid still, staring into the depths of its mind.
" In life war, in death peace. In life shame, in death atonement. Emperor forgive our sins " It muttered a single time, a dozen and soon hundreds.
Captain Lena and the remaining 6 men waited quietly in a brightly lit room, they had found a light pack to use and kept it in the middle of the room. They stared at the single entryway into the room, the single place by which that thing would come through.
Like a sick premonition made physical, the voice of the thing that had hunted them echoed from out the hall. Its blades scraped against the floor by which they were dragged, its steps were loud and slow. Taking its time to meet them, it got closer and closer by each passing second then it stopped. It stopped just as it sounded like he was at the door, the soldiers aimed their weapon and waited.
"Ah~~ I see you've gotten a little brave, do you think it'll grant you a quick death " It spat with disgust.
" A quick death is a luxury you will never have, your Emperor has abandoned your souls. You are mine now " It said sadistically
He smiled, happy at the words that came out of his. He imagined it as a play in his mind where he, the star, was telling the poor side characters of their end to come. Telling them that their faith and belief had failed them just for the characters to answer back with a last will of conviction in hopes of fighting to the last.
He smiled at that thought, smiled at the picture of it and saw himself cutting through them. Sowing terror, pain and utter fear into the minds. He would break them over and over and over again without ever stopping, he would do so until there was nothing left of them. Yet, nothing ever came…no response and no voice of conviction. Only silence.