Faithfull and the Damned; Shades of Loyalty

**Hooter Hunter** · 03-09-2007, 13:59

From the earliest beginings man has known loyalty of some form or another. Whether it began with tribal and family loyalty, or that of the first wolves that would become dogs who were loyal to that master because of the food that was thrown to them. Man learned of layalty and it became ingrained in his psyche. Through out the years and millenia that followed mankind displayed these Shades of Loyalty, whether it be to a tribal Chief, Warlord, Shogun, Caesar, General, Dictator, President, Country, or even to an Idea, man has attached his loyalty to something.

Man was still much like this when the Emperor began his rise during the Age of Strife. Men and women became loyal to their homeworlds while cut off from Holy Terra, and on Terra itself men were loyal to the Warlords who ruled them. When He rose and began to once more unite humanity mankind began to become loyal to him. The most loyal of all were his Adeptus Astartes and His Imperial Army. They marched to victory after victory on countless worlds, faced untold horrors and enemies, and they prevailed. During this time there were no Shades of Loyalty, either you were loyal to Him, or you were the enemy

Then as they began to recover His lost sons, the Primarchs, the Shades began to return. The original Astartes were loyal to Him the Imperium which He was building, and to Terra, whilst the newer Astartes were loyal to their Primarchs, their Legion, their homeworld, then to Him and the Imperium.Each saw himself as being loyal to Humanity in their own way and thought that they were justified in this loyalty, all was shattered by the event that is now known as the Horus Heresy.

The one who He trusted above all else proved to be loyal to only one, and that was himself. He tried to say that it was Humanity that he fought for but it was truly only for his own glory. There are those who say that Horus was mislead, corrupted, or even bewitched. But as has been proven with a man or woman who is drunken or high their true feelings are shown while in this stae, and thus I submit that Horus was always like this and that his true self was shown once he was corrupted by the dark Aliens that are known as Warp Kin, or mor commonly as Daemons.

During the Golden Age of the Imperium men and women followed what was then known as the Imperial Truth, that there were no Daemons, no Angels, only Xenos and man. This had been put forth by Him in his enlightenment and was spread across the universe by His armies and legions. It was known that there were Warp creatures and that the Warp could creat madness in men, and hence the reason for the Geller feilds, but it was known also that they were the native creatures of their demention just as we are in ours, He taught us this and mankind learned that while there were things we didnt understand we did not fear them, but that was lost and replaced by superstition and fear.

Ultimately it was the Shades of Loyatly that mankind has shown that tore down the foudations that He had set before us. Now more than ever these same Shades haunt us as never before. Gone is His golden enlightenment, replaced with superstition and fear of the unknown. Gone is the Imperial Truth, replaced by religion and indoctrination. Gone is the loyalty to Him and in its place is Shades of Loyalty to Chapter, General, Admiral, and Sector. Even this now is threatened by those who would replace the current system of rule with one that would be just as if not worse than what mankind suffered through in the Age of Strife, but they follow not the false Gods of what are referred to as Chaos, they follow the Same Emperor that all loyal subjects of the Imperium do, that is what makes them most dangerous.

There is a glimmer of hope however. There are those who still fight for His ideals and His original dreams and visions of a golden age of humanity. The odds are stacked against these lone crusaders and enemies abound wherever they go, yet they fight on as did the Heroes of ages forgotten. They are the 300 of Thermopolaye, the 10,000 of Xenophon, the many Lost Battalions throughout our history who have held on and taken on all comers and come out victorious. They are the light that shines in the dark and gives hope to those who are lost. They are the last of dying breed of men who put the fate of Humanity before their own ambitions and desires.

This is their story.

Lorilei reread what she had just written and smiled. She had finished her work on Hunters family tree and now she was compiling a history of the campaigns that he had taken part of. Now that she had the preface done she knew her work was only just beginning. She would research every regiment that served under him and the worlds they hailed from. She would tell the story of how so many armies from across the Imperium had come to follow her husband and how bravely they had fought as well as their victories before they served with him. Then she would compile the whole thing into a huge book that most likey would never see publication, but it would be read by those who were descended of the brave men and women who now fought, not for her husband, but for Humanity and Him on Earth.
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Hunters wedding Home, his gift to Faith

Alicia smiled as she looked over the newly finished mansion that Hunter had ordered built as a gift to his new wife Faith. It was modest as he had ordered, but Alicia couldnt help herself and had made some improvements against her husbands orders. Only the finest materials had been used and she had spared no expense on the gift that she had designed for her new "Sister" as she and Hunters other wives called themselves.

Alicia looked around the walls and saw that the Heraldry of Faiths family was flying in the strong breeze that came from Carolons fresh water ocean , only a few hundred feet away. Capping the heraldry flags were many Laurels of Victory to celebrate Hunters victory on Kaffing Prime.
******************************************
Buisness office of Jemere Hunter

Jemere looked at the tallies from may worlds. The news of Hunters victory on Kaffing Prime had done for his fortunes exactly as she had predicted. Hunters wealth had doubled.

When Hunter had given credit to Major General Drewxfu for the plan that had won the final battle in a press release Jemere had been furious thinking that it would affect the true rise of his fortunes, but it had had the opposite effect of what she had expected. With Hunters seeming humility and sharing of the victories investors that she would never had thought to court had piled in Imperial Credits for the past 24 hours selling Hunters coffers beyond belief, making her purchase of Damage Inc even easier than she had thought it would ever be. There had even been investments from Cadia upon Hunters announcement of credit to Drew.
*****************************************
Kaffing Prime

"I'll be damned," Major Feran swore as he read the message that had just arrived from off world. He then got up and poured himself a drink of real alcohol, which in private he almost never did.

"Whats wrong boss?" Wolf asked he saw that Feran drank the real stuff and he was shocked. He was more shocked when he saw him take another drink.

"Hunter now owns us," Feran whispered.

"What?" Wolf asked clearly confused.

"He just bought controlling intrest in Damage Inc," Feran said as he slumped into his overstuffed chair he had liberated from an Imperial office. "You know the folks who broker our jobs to us."

Wolfs jaw dropped open.

**Colonel Jacka** · 03-09-2007, 20:10

Though For The Day!

Every decision involves risk!

Holy Terra

He looked out of the window at the teaming cityscape laid out before him once again. The latest Squat vox report was on his desk. He new that Kaffin Prime was now in Imperial control again. Also, the latest report on the BoO had arrived. He was starting to form a picture of the BoO organization and he now knew that its key members where known by the points of the compass. He also now knew that they were starting to move on another planet, Hagra III. Before he could start the Crusade in the Jahmeal Sector he would need to move Hunter's force to that planet and clean up the situation there.

He continued to wait for his guest to arrive, his thoughts on his next actions. He heard Adjutant General Jacka open the door and walk in, “Sir, your guest has arrived and would like to talk to you.” The Lord Commander turned to look at the General.

“General, please show him in,” the Lord Commander replied. He watched Jacka summon the man. His guest smiled as he saw the Lord Militant. “It’s been a long time, Wugen, to long in fact my friend,” Imrador commenced as he moved towards the Lord Militant shaking his hand warmly.

“It is good to see you Imrador what news do you bring that would make you travel this rapidly to Terra.” he replied.

“It’s not good news I bring I’m afraid. You would have heard that the BoO were very active on Kaffin Prime. Hunter thinks that they are trying to cut of supplies to Makia. This is why they tried to take Kaffin Prime and……..” started Imrador

“And why my friend they are now causing problems on Hagra III!” continued the Lord Militant.

Imrador nodded agreeing with the comments, “But that’s not all Wugen, Angel has reappeared on the scene,” the Lord Militant looked at Imrador his expression shocked!

“When? You saw her?’ asked Wugen.

“Yes and she said that you should act quickly and order Hunters force to Hagra III. Just as soon as they can complete their regroup and refurb.” continued Imrador. “She believes that Hagra III will be the planet that the BoO will come out of the closet and show all of their cards. She said that she believed their leader would be called Daarin.”

“Daarin! Bugger me running! That bastard Daarin! And no doubt then the Vandire are involved.” Wugen did not look happy. “I will need to review my plans for Crusade in the Jahmeal Sector we may need to take a new direction”. The Lord Commander smiled, “Imrador my friend you must be thirsty. Simon!”

“Yes, Boss?” replied his Ogryn servant.

‘A brew for my friend.’

‘Yes, Boss!’ he saluted with his left hand and moved to obey the Lord Commander.

**Lord_Crull** · 03-09-2007, 20:24

Coming to the excavation site on accident, the Eagle Claws chapter had constructed a new base using scavenged materials form their old site and the old buildings surrounding the excavation site.

They interlinked it with the new fortifications, a place where they could defend properly and wait for the chapter’s reinforcements as well as the promised Guard groups that where coming to Harga III.

Deep trenches ad plasteel bunker surrounded the excavation site, Tarantula heavy bolter turrets where established to deter attackers and a makeshift airfield was being made to properly land thunderhawks.

Footfalls filled the corridors of the Eagle Claws base as the battle-brothers walking in the snow and ice, there heavy plasteel boots making subtle indentation in the hard packed snow and ice.

It was almost comforting for Artelous to know his battle brothers, veterans all of a hundred different battles, here on this Emperor-forsaken icy hell-world of Harga III, surrounded him.

Then that’s when he heard a different set of footsteps.

Whirling around he saw the golden-eyed angel, here, not in his dreams like he had come to dread and expect over the past several weeks here on Harga III. ‘’What are you doing here?’’ he asked, his tone reserved and careful.

She merely smiled and stepped out of the ammunition locker she had been hiding in. ‘’Also what are you doing in an ammunition locker? Did you disturb the bolter shells? If you are a saboteur then you are a poor one’’ he said angrily.

She gave a small amused laugh. ‘’I’m not here to sabotage you, you know my ways, my personal business with your ammunition locker, anyway I’m here to have important business with you.’’

‘’What could that be’’ Artelous questioned, She had been asking for a variety of different wants and commands lately, He did not want to know if they should move again after they just got settled in.

‘’Well first of all I am here to stay with you’’ she stated. ‘’Stay with me? Here? In the ammunition locker?’’ the last part was added with a bit of sarcasm, but to his surprise she nodded. ‘’Yes, bolter shells can make a decent cot and I can rest my head against a krak missile’’ she finished.

Ignoring Artelous’s look of disbelief she continued. ’’ I also need to see your commander, the Brother-Captain Antigonus’’ Why would she want to see him? He was not a psyker and the most vocal of his doubters.

As if reading his thought she answered. ‘’He is the leader of your forces on Harga III, the rest of the forces the chapter had sent here will be arriving soon, but I must see to him first’’

With that she moved out of the door and into he hallway. Artelous gathered his eagle-bladed force staff and followed her. ‘’Wait you just can’t go to the Brother-Captain and request and audience!’’

‘’I can do that, I’m the one who can decide the future of the Harga III and your chapter’’ she shot back ignoring the astonished looks of the other Eagle Claws marines as they looked at her and the librarian.

‘’Are you her? Really her?’’ a voice interrupted behind them, Artelous looked to see Apothecary Favian standing behind them, helmet off, ‘’Are you the one that the Brother-Librarian has been speaking too?’’

She smiled. ‘’Yes I am, now I am here to see the honored Brother-Captain’’ Favian swept past her, ‘’Then allow me to escort you to where he is, Brother-Captain Antigonus is currently in the briefing room.’’ He stated.

Artelous and the golden-eyed angel followed the Apothecary Favian through a set of twisting corridors and into a T-Junction; moving past astonished serfs and surprised marines they moved towards the briefing room.

Even as they traveled through the corridor marines and serfs began to follow them into the corridors to the briefing room in amazement, each wanting to see what dream had led them here.

Then they came across the makeshift hab that had been recently converted into a briefing room; two gold-helmeted marines with combat halberds guarded the doors to the hab, members of Antigonus’s command squad.

With a gesture of his hand Artelous mentioned then out of the way and the doors opened.

**Firstandonly14** · 03-09-2007, 23:53

The shuttle doors opened with a hydraulic hiss as the metallic doors slowly fell to the frozen ground. The usual roaring wind was silent this evening compared to the blizzards that had kicked in the past three months. The silence that had encircled the planet was shattered by the thunderous thudding of the shuttle door.

“Attention!” Captain Roschel ordered. There was a clatter of equipment moving as five hundred arms went up in crisp salutes. The black banner with the angel of death stood still in the silent breeze. Daarin and his retinue presented themselves at the very front of the army. “And bow,” Roschel and the retinue of generals, colonels, and commissars bowed deeply while Daarin however, stood tall. Six men in black carapace strode out the shuttle, each carrying a hellgun that was tightly clamped against their shoulders, waiting for orders to fire if need be. These were the Vandire owned stormtroopers, each a master of war in their own right. Their black carapace had the emblem of the Brotherhood painted on their right shoulder, and on their left, the emblem of the Vandire house. A trio of commissars descended down the ramp. These were the mistresses advisors, each clad in black overcoats, covering up the black carapace that covered their bodies. Every member of the retinue wore the insolated rebreather masks to protect themselves from the child air. The armed guard slowly fanned around the perimeter of the shuttle, clearing the path for the supreme commander.

“All clear, send her in,” one of the commissar’s commanded. His voice was muffled from the rebreather, but there was no mistaking the power behind the voice. A soft clicking sound grew louder as a shadow in an elegant black body glove slowly descended down the stairs. Every step seemed effortlessly graceful. A long pair of legs was first to appear from the shrouded blackness. Every step screamed confidence and determination. Slowly, Mordriena Vandire descended. She looked just as attractive as Daarin remembered. Her slender body was amplified by the body glove, enhancing her attractive athletic frame. Every part of her face reflected perfection. Her pale face and high cheekbones echoed her noble status. Mordriena’s crystal blue eyes and blood red lips were both elegant and intense. Her raven black hair was tied tightly in a pony tale, with little golden bells tied in. Obviously she had refused a helmet, which did not surprise Daarin. Of course, she probably had a heated suite and was able to afford the luxury of no additional warmth apparatuses. Mordriena was always determined to show her grit in front of her underlings. “Perfection at its purest,” Daarin thought as he watched her regally descended unto the snowy ground. Daarin risked taking his eyes off her to glance over at his subordinates’ reactions. He had a certain amount of satisfaction at their revered, but awestruck looks. When she reached the bottom, she elegantly marched over to him. Slowly, but fluently, Daarin bowed extravagantly to the supreme commander of the Brotherhood of Order, trying not to grin as he did so.

“Mordriena,” he said reverently. She came up to him, her hand extended. Silently, he took it and kissed it.

“Rise,” her rich voice filled the silence of the landing field. Daarin did so. Their eyes locked as he rose; he was only an inch taller than her. Simultaneously, they grabbed each other in a tight embrace. “I missed you,” Mordriena whispered avidly in his ear.

“I am humbled,” Daarin whispered back. They kissed passionately, before splitting apart. He extend his arm, and she took it. Together they marched through the honor guard, flanked by both of their retinues. Swords and rifles were raised in salute as they passed. “You took your eyes off me earlier,” Mordriena whispered to Daarin.

“Only to make sure my entourage obeyed my commands,” Daarin replied smoothly. A slight grin touched Mordriena’s lips, as she raised her head slightly. The wind began to pick up again, blowing the Brotherhood banner behind the procession.

**Captain_Ardias** · 04-09-2007, 02:08

During the first of the Jahamel crusade, Hagra III was liberated during the first offensive to retake systems occupied by Anarch Gaur and his attendant warlords as a kind of second front for his main effort in the Sabbat Worlds Crusades. The First Jahamel Crusades showed the best the imperial forces and its battlefleet in the sector could offer and at great cost to men and munitions, the sector was retaken in the name of the Emperor.

But the very nature of this victory set in motion the second uprising. During the campaign, the advancing forces and the very nature of the uprising left a tattered and destroyed government, the backstabbing and infighting that was unleashed to fill the now unoccupied positions of planetary and sector governments meant that many forward looking or self serving malcontents could infiltrate and undermine all the Imperial forces had fought so hard for.

With the end of the First Jahamel and Sabbat World Crusades, and the death of the Anarch, many chaos forces were sent into hiding or scattered, using their political skills and knowledge to blend into the fabric of the Imperium. One of the highest ranking of these was Etogaur Garthin, who took the identity of General Zephan during his infiltration of the Hagra III PDF. Rising high in the planetary structure, Garthin started gathering some of the scattered Blood Pact who still retained their desire to fight the Imperial Forces in the Jahamel Sector under his banner.

Garthin’s most powerful ally in this endeavor was a blood pact lieutenant named Seriph. Seriph, and his 88th Specialist regiment used Garthin’s connections and status to become the foremost special operations troops on Hagra III and, under Garthin’s direct command, gathered and trained drop troop regiments and special operatives for the PDF forces who had no knowledge of the greater plan in store.

When the separatist movement finally took overt action on a sector scale, fully half of the Jahamel worlds turned against the light of the Emperor. Picking sides early, Seriph’s Infiltrators were at the head of several covert operations that cleared the way for the major advances of the Separatist PDF on Hagra III. Of these operations, the most spectacular is rumored to be the infiltration of the Eagle Claws’ trench systems in the closing days of the second fall of Hagra III, where Seriph is given credit for the detonation of a major munitions dump for the marines.

In addition to his overt operations, Seriph has been given credit for coordinating many of the covens to chaos that popped up during the beginnings of the separatist movement as well as the takeover of orbital weapons facilities to drive off a renegade cruiser that, although marked by nurgle, had been causing problems to both sides on Hagra III as well as threatening to unveil the Blood Pact plots. Although speculation is ongoing about greater operations that he was a part of –Including a direct confrontation with an Imperial Inquisitor- it is suspected that much of this is unbridled rumors and scare tactics by the archenemy.

What Imperial records do show is that after the final assault on the last Imperial resistance, Seriph and Garthin put in motion their plans to make the chaos forces on Hagra III strong enough to seize control over the planetary government. As their first move, they called in every ship they could get in touch with, relying on old connections and blood pact ties to form the core of their forces. In total, over a thousand blood pact specialist troops –from siege to armored regiments- and a small fleet of heavy war vessels answered their call, creating the core of experienced troops that Garthin planned to use to train the separatist troops in many of their ways of war...

-From A Treatise on the Jahamel Crusades, v. III
Ex. “Origins of the 88th Blood Pact”

**Hooter Hunter** · 04-09-2007, 17:15

Imperial barracks, Vednikian sector

"Attention on deck!" Commisar Krieg shouted calling all the Vednikians to a rigid attention.

"Victor just because I shaved after two weeks of not being able to dont mean you have to call the lads to attention after I exit the bathroom," Colonel Dren Dark joked as he finished wiping the shave cream from his face with the hot towel that was draped around his neck. It was then that a certain odor hit him, cigar smoke. Almost in slow motion he looked up and saw Lord General Hunter in his barracks area, a halo of smoke around his head, and behind him stood Hef in full power armor, arms crossed looking menacingly at Dark, who quickly snapped to attention and gave his commander a crisp salute. "Sorry sir I didnt know you were there."

Hunters face split into a broad grin. "No worries Dren. You of all folks oughta know that I dont stand on formality to well." Hunter stepped forward and shock the Vednikians hand and slapped him on the shoulder. "Damn good work out there this campaign."

"Thank you sir," Dark replied smiling at the praise. "But I am sure you didnt come down here just to praise me."

"Naw I didnt," Hunter replied puffing his cigar. "Got anywhere we can talk in private?"

"This way sir," Dark showed Hunter to his private office that he had commandeered from the former Kaffing commander of the section of Barracks. He held the door open while Hunter entered and Hef took up a postion outside the door to ensure that there were no eaves droppers.

Hunter collapsed into a chair in front of the desk and waited for Dark to sit down opposite him. "Dren ya know this has been a rough campaign fer us all and that many have been called upon to go above and beyond the call of duty here, and have done so. Most didnt live to tell the tale, but one of yers did. In three days I am gonna have an awards ceremony and hand out a few medals to those who deserve it most. Master Sgt Rebbecca Galleron is the one against all odds made it through both Kaffing and Imperial lines at the height of battle and told me of yer plight. I intend to honor her with the Order of the Silent Aquila."

Colonel Dark nodded his head in agreement. "I cant think of anyone better."

"Good the ceremony will be in this beautiful dome that the Kaffings built here for an indoor garden," Hunter began giving Dark the details. "I am askin all commandin officers to form an honor guard fer the ceremony which will follow my visit to the infirmary where I will hand out various medals and awards to those there who aint in one peice yet. Then I will move to the indoor gardens to make a quick victory speech, after which I will hand out the other medals. I ask for a color guard from each regiment, as well as an honor guard. I aint askin fer noone to wear any dress uniforms, unless like Drew ya pack an entire wardrobe with ya everywhere ya go."

Dark laughed at Hunter comment on the Cadian Major General who had a reputation for being a little flamboyant. "I will see to it that all the troops at least wash their uniforms and polish whatever gear they have thats polishable. I'll even make sure that 'Becca brushes her teeth."

Hunter smiled at Darks joke. "How are ya troops holdin up?"

"Now that we are inside until our next patrol in eight days and gettin hot food three meals, as well as hot water for showers," Dark smiled broadly. "Morale is as high as it can get. I do have to say that after fighting in such cold conditions most of us expect that we will be heading for a desert world next. Any ideas as to where we will be off to?"

"Right now yer guess is as good as mine," Hunter answered shaking his head. Hunter then stood and began to open the door. "Sorry I cant stay longer but I am deliverin the orders of the medals to all my commanders personally and you are only the first on a damned long list. You will keep this quiet I hope?"

"Of course sir," Dark nodded affirmatively. He walked Hunter out of Vednikian barracks and then returned only to be assailed by questions of what the Lord General had talked to him about. "He wants me to select a color and honor guard for his speech in three days. Victor come with me lets see who has gotten the worst record for not following orders. "

Commisar Kreig nodded and with a grin began to point out troopers such as Cutter, Galleron, and Wilson who had made the mistake of coming in at the wrong time. A collective groan went up through the barracks.

**Tanith Ghost** · 05-09-2007, 04:25

"Oh this is just dandy!" Jen Wilson pouted. "Parade duty. You stink sir."
"A living ledgend wants us on honor guard and all you can say is 'you stink' ?"
Dren raised an eyebrow. "You're up front, so make it look good. Cutter, you're front, and so is Axon." A muffled 'doh' from the ranks pointed out where the sentinal drivers were. "Brush my teeth sir?" A small tin of mints flew at Dren, and he barely caught it. "Just for that I'm flashing the command staff when we pass them." Rebecca said, topping off her defiance with a loud raspberry.
"Be my guest. You're holding regimental colors. You try to lift your top, you'll lose your grip on the flag." Dren declared triumphantly. "Spoilsport."
Came the reply as Dark moved down the lines.

"So that's all of them then?" Commisar Krieg asked, reading the list of troopers. "Yeah. Rory would be a nice picture of soldiery, but even a stacked girl like her can't get away with scratching her caboose mid-parade."
Dren chuckled. "Have the selected names meet up for practice in the hour."

**Tsavong Lah** · 05-09-2007, 07:11

Colonel Besseau sat in a wooden field chair, reclining lazily, his disposition being deep in thought. His field uniform, only nominally different then that of the regular servicemen, was muddied and soiled with blood and soot that ruined the complex camouflage patterns. Despite the cold weather, his wore his grey greatcoat over his shoulders. He had also removed his peaked officer’s cap and, despite the cold, sat there exposed to the elements. His regiment was lounging around, numerous tents having already been erected, the men doing mindless repetitive tasks as they unwound from the days of battle readiness and high adrenaline.

Captain Amauri, Besseau had just promoted him, was busy setting up a small table a little away off from the Colonel, while the rest of his officers were loitering around a thermal heating unit trading stories of home. His Aide de Camp had just began setting out a meager meal of roasted foul, white bread, and cheese with a silver goblet of red wine to wash it all down, when the dust began to pick up all around them.

Amauri cursed as he covered up the food. Besseau smiled a little as he watched him, though only for a moment as he diverted his attention to the landing Aquila class shuttle that was descending in the midst of his camp. He stood up and, being joined by Hilaire, Lazare, and Lt Colonel Foulques, waited as Marshal Kleist, flanked by half a dozen fully armed and armored grenadiers, descended the landing ramp.

“Good morning Marshal,” said Besseau, projecting so as to be heard over the shuttle’s de-powering engines.

“To you as well, Jonathan,” said Kleist. He motioned for the Colonel to walk with him.

He waited to make sure that they were out of earshot of anyone before saying, “I was greatly impressed by your performance John. Do you mind if I call you John?”

“Of course sir,” said Besseau. “But I think the real credit goes to the 16th.”

“Don’t be modest,” said Kleist. “Men are only as victorious as their commander is brilliant. And that is a quality that you seem to have plenty of.” Besseau beamed with pride.

“But I’m not here to simply shower praise upon you,” continued Kleist. He let out a sigh as he looked around at the men of the 16th. “I am returning to Corsica.”

“Sir?” asked Besseau, looking as puzzled as he was feeling.

“Yes,” said Kleist. “Most of the men of the Seventh Army have been serving for over three years, my own Grenadiers for over nine, and since we were never officially levied for the Imperial Guard, and have been declared renegade by the Departmento Munitorium, and I think that its time to return home and perhaps retire.”

“Retire?” said Besseau, looking at his marshal inquisitively. Kleist just smiled.

“Yes but I would be remiss in leaving General Hunter alone,” said the Corsican Marshal. “Which is why you, and your regiment, will be remaining with him.”

“Sir,” said Besseau. “I must inform you that many of my units have suffered heavy casualties and it may impede our ability to fight effectively.”

“That will not be a problem,” said Kleist. “Your unit will be reinforced with volunteers from the other regiments. Also, I will be transferring several specialist companies to your command.”

“But wouldn’t that make the 16th…”

“Correct,” said Kleist, looking hard at the young Colonel. “The 16th will be the first regiment in over three hundred years to be classified as a Grand Regiment.”

Besseau felt a heavy weight fall upon him. In passed times, regiments that would be tasked with campaign that did not warrant deployment of major forces would be augmented and dubbed as a Grand Regiment. That, in and of itself, would not seem too special, except for the fact that each and every incarnation of them had won great renown fighting against overwhelming odds. The greatest men in Corsica’s history had led such units, and Besseau could now feel all of their eyes upon him.

“I would be honored sir,” he said.

**Antaeus** · 05-09-2007, 21:45

Haeric strode into the Jaegers’ barracks, his hell gun’s strap slung over his right shoulder. It was hot inside the prefabricated plasteel structure, light streaming in through windows that lacked hinges to allow the exit of heat. A couple of the other Jaegers looked up from what they were doing - some were resting, some performing kit maintenance. Phenton and Dwynan sat in the corner, talking quietly, rubbing cloths along the ammunition chambers of their snub-nosed long-lases. The lethal weapons looked strange, skeletal with their lower sections removed.

Corporal Moxiter lay on the floor, clad in his dark blue under tunic, unbuttoned at the neck. Haeric delivered his subordinate a delicate kick to the ribs.

‘Flakker with the boot better have a good flakkin’ reason…’

‘Or what?’

Moxiter pushed himself up on his elbows, squinting in the light.

‘Sarge.’

‘Mox.’

‘The boot?’

‘Testing your reflexes. You passed. Carry on, soldier.’

‘Roger to that, Lord General Warmaster Solar Actaon. Proceeding.’ Moxiter lay back down on the floor. Haeric exchanged a glance with Phenton - the sniper gave a wry shake of the head, and went back to cleaning his rifle. Haeric walked on, out of the far door and back into the sunlight. He saw Corporals Tonnme and Melkor using the bars to work on their arm muscles, the two big men pulling themselves up and lowering themselves down. They were a good team, those two: the recent recruit Melkor had taken to the Antarean demolitions expert, and had been taking instructions from him in specialised demolitions work.

The clash of steel greeted him from the other side: Sergeant Drasimene was fencing with the Makian soldier Gabrial - the veteran Sergeant seemed to have the upper hand over the lean, enthusiastic young soldier. Actaon smiled - Drasimene’s appearance belied his speed and fitness, which would have been a good example to any soldier twenty years his junior. The slim sabres sang in the air, the combatants’ faces protected by plasteel faceplates. Near them, Benedictus, Rexus and young Rory Toomes were playing cards. Toomes looked more relaxed than he had in days - Benedictus had told him that the Carolonian soldier had looked uneasy in the aftermath of the palace raid. This had concerned Actaon, but his fellow Sergeant had told him not to pursue it.

Well. Benedictus, if clumsy at times, was a good people person. An effective leader, but by inspiration rather than by exuding authority. He wandered over towards the players.

‘Boys.’

They looked up.

‘Sarge.’

‘Sir.’

‘Haeric.’ Benedictus rose, clapping Toomes on the shoulder as he did so, and wandered over towards the other Sergeant. The walked together away from the barracks.

‘How’s Toomes doing?’

‘Better. Much better. He’s slotting in to the squad well enough - ignoring a few teething troubles.’

‘You never told me what it was.’

‘I didn’t think it was that important.’

‘Ben, I’m leading a deployment force from the most elite regiment in the entire Imperial Guard. If soldiers under my command are having problems, or aren’t shaping up properly, I need to know about it.’

‘It’s nothing like that, Haeric.’ Benedictus sighed, brushing a lock of black hair away from his face. ‘He’s not that comfortable with our emm oh.’

‘What about it?’

‘No stop.’

‘It’s the way we work.’

‘I know, Haeric, I know. I think in his old unit they favoured the ‘Leave No Man Behind’ school of thought.’

‘Which disrupts the plan and leads to more deaths.’

‘Preaching to the Ecclesiarch, Haeric.’

Actaon paused, and nodded. ‘I know. Sorry, Ben.’

‘It’s ok. He’ll be fine with it, he’ll just need time. More exercises and he’ll be right as rain.’ Benedictus stooped to scratch at his ankle. ‘How’s the big guy looking?’

‘Shaping up a proper psychopath if what Dras tells me is right.’

‘Excellent. Because that’s just what we need.’

‘He’s working with Ton most of the time. He’ll be alright.’

‘Working with the man who rammed a shotgun down a man’s throat and blew most of the body parts north of his lungs into orbit?’

‘He rammed purely in self defence.’ Haeric and Benedictus had reached the perimeter gate. Two Carolonian troopers at the gate posts snapped to attention, lasguns across their chests.

A day of peace, in these times, was like a gift from the Emperor himself.

**Firstandonly14** · 06-09-2007, 00:01

“So, how is the arm?” Dutch asked as leaned back in his chair.

“Could be worse,” Colonel Commissar Joseph Merces grinned. To show his point, he shrugged with his bandaged arm. Grunting against the pain, Joseph tried to cover it up with a weak smile.

“Nice try Joseph,” Jessica nudged him in the ribs. Joseph tried to retort but Jessica took his head and kissed him soundly on the lips. Dutch laughed as Joseph’s face redden.

“I see that you two are getting along together,” Dutch commented as he scratched at his ankle, “nice place you got here by the way.” As he said this, Dutch observed the dining room that seemed to be as large as a titan’s leg. Above him, three crystal chandeliers illuminated the room in silvery light. The gigantic room was wooden floored, and had a long table with a few coaches scattered about. The ancient gothic windows had lavish red drapes pulled back to allow the sunlight to come in. The columns supporting the massive red ceiling were said to be real gold.

“It really isn’t ours Dutch,” Joseph pointed out. He took Jessica’s hand with his left hand. They smiled lovingly at each other, both grinning foolishly. Dutch could not help but grin at his friends.

Dutch eyed a bowl of grapes in front of him. “Do you mind?” he indicated to the grapes. Joseph shrugged, and immediately rubbed at his injured shoulder. Dutch happily popped a handful of grapes into his mouth.

“Try some of the wine; it really is good,” Jessica advised Dutch, who poured himself a glass.

“You missing the barracks life yet?” Dutch asked before sipping at his drink. The warm liquid was rich in flavor, just bitter sweet enough to be perfect.

Grinning, Joseph began scratching at his bandaged shoulder absently. “If you keep doing that it will never get better,” Jessica chided him.

“Yes dear,” Joseph sighed. “To answer your question Dutch, I am kind of enjoying this mansion. It was very nice of General Hunter to give Jessica and I such a nice wedding gift.”

“You mean Hoots Joseph,” Jessica grinned wickedly, “is your old age getting ahead of you old wolf?” She came over behind him and began massaging his shoulders, being extra delicate with his right shoulder.

“Funny thing is,” Dutch laughed, “you aren’t even married yet.”

“Well, that will be taken care of sooner than later,” Jessica said stubbornly, as soon as we find a decent priest.”

Joseph shuddered, “Wouldn’t it just be easier dear if we took Feran’s offer?”

“Oh, and what is that?” Dutch asked casually as he grabbed another handful of grapes.

“Feran offered to marry…” Joseph started but Jessica slapped his bad shoulder, making him howl in pain.

“We are not!” Jessica snapped, “Getting married by a mercenary captain, even if he declares any marriage he performs is totally legal is not what I have in mind. Joseph scowled and shook his head. “I don’t care how good of a friend he is Joseph, I am not doing it.”

Dutch grinned as he drank and ate to his friend’s fortune. Although they seemed to bicker at times, everything was going perfectly for the usually rigid Colonel Commissar. Joseph actually seemed happier now than ever. As he ate, a familiar smell of cigar smoke entered the room.

**Captain_Ardias** · 06-09-2007, 00:09

Seriph looked out of the separatist valkyrie, through the open doorway and past the racked heavy bolter whose operator was sitting in the fold down restraining couch beside it. Below him, on the frozen wastes and just barely visible beneath the thickening cloud cover was Tvrtko’s command Leviathan. Left by the Imperials during their hasty retreat and abandoning of the planet, the Leviathan was massive; and inside its black, armored form was Tvrtko’s entire command section. The size of a small hab parish, the crawler was slowly making its way back from the trans-ocean front to the capital hive of Polarius as requested by Henrick himself. Passing over the command crawler and its multitude of hangers-on, Seriph chuckled under his breath; even for a brilliant mind like Tvrtko, putting all your commanders and intelligence staff in one vehicle was asking for trouble and Seriph made a mental note to show the general first hand when the blood pact forces were finally capable of swaying the balance of power.

Inside his heated and sealed armor, Seriph couldn’t feel the buffeting and freezing winds that stabbed into the crew compartment. Passing his gaze over his team, the lieutenant could sense the willingness in his team to finally get back to work; from Gerard checking the cutting edge of his knife, to Arathai polishing his long-las, to his second in command, Krag, sitting in the alert and relaxed pose he was so good at; watching them, Seriph could also feel the resentment at his injuries, the lack of their leader while he healed had meant they were subjected to Garthin’s orders directly. All of that was clear in their body language and the knowledge they had gained of each other throughout the hundreds of battlefields they had fought together on. Seriph was conscious of all of this; but most of all he knew that they were getting back to work in what they did best, sowing disorder and fear in the minds of everyone.

________________________

Ten Separatist vulture attack gunships streaked over the ice wastes. Letting loose long streamers of rocket fire, the gunships cleared a landing field on the contested ground below. Surprised by this sudden attack, the troops on the ground were caught and pinned in their trenches and bunkers, unable to fire up at the twenty-five valkyrie assault carriers that settled onto the ice, assault ramps dropping and troops pouring out from inside. Thirty heavy troops, clad in black and crimson carapace armor, led hundreds of dark blue and grey separatist soldiers in heat vests and rebreather masks into the slowly increasing fire from the pinned defenders. Seriph, his powered plates whirring as he stepped off the assault ramp of his Valkyrie carrier, surveyed the growing pitched battle being performed by his troops. Seriph’s squads had been given command of two regiments, and the lieutenant had chosen two hundred of them for this first test of loyalty. Huddled in the scant cover of the wastes, his chosen warriors were fighting against what they thought were final holders on of the loyalist forces; instead they were fighting to take trenches from their brother regiments.

“Soldiers, move forward, do not let these whelps tied to their delusional beliefs delay your advance. Charge!” Seriph yelled, his voice booming out over his suit’s vox system. Around him, men in grey armor rose up from the shelter of their cover, firing their lasguns and heavy weapons into the occupied trenches. Seriph pulled out his own power sword and bolt pistol as he followed the wave of separatist guardsmen in, blowing the head off of a black armored and masked trooper who dared to raise it over the trench’s lip. In the bunkers behind the front lines, the defenders seemed to be regaining their nerve from the sudden assault; opening up their crew served weapons and heavy mounted guns, Seriph finally started to see casualties dropping from the ranks rushing forward next to him. Beside the lieutenant, a trooper in white mottled fatigues was torn in half when a heavy bolter round slammed into his torso and exploded. Barely flinching, Seriph roared an incoherent bellow as he ran forward and jumped into the trench system, landing on a sorry defender with the tip of his sword and blasting a second’s legs apart with a burst from his bolt pistol.

Raising up and pulling the sword out from his first victim, Seriph watched more of his troopers follow him into the trenches, stabbing and slicing with their bayonets, searching for the weak points in the defenders armor like the blood pact had taught them. Wading through the carnage of the trenches, Seriph cut apart another trooper and fired the last round in his clip, saving one of his soldiers from a quick jab by a defender. Dropping the spent clip and sliding in a second from his hip pouch, he noticed a white armored trooper standing over one of the dead defenders.

“Soldier, pick up your weapon and get into the fight.” Seriph said to the lone warrior.

“But, but… this trooper is from the 18th northern regiment, there’s been some kind of…” Seriph didn’t let the man finish the sentence. Firing his bolt pistol, Seriph killed the trooper before his chatter could sway any more of his squad. He knew that even the blood pact training wouldn’t stop some soldiers from refusing the orders given to them, but that could be solved fairly easily.

“Men loyal to your oaths, follow me!” Seriph yelled as he tried to rally the men around him, charging down a communications trench towards one of the rockrete bunkers keeping his air cover out of the fight. Except for a few exceptions, Seriph’s training was working remarkably well. His two regiments were carrying out their orders without hesitation and were quickly taking the trench system held by the reeling defenders.

Turning a corner into the last major trench before the bunkers, Seriph had to dive back behind the reinforced wall for cover as a heavy stubber that had been set up in the cross trench opened up on the squad following him. Watching three men in the squad get torn apart by the heavy weapon, the lieutenant called over his inter-vox to a circling vulture, leading it in to the trench. Turbine whining, the vulture peeled off of its holding pattern and powered into its attack run on the defended trench. Letting off a load of rockets and climbing out through the fireball of the exploding defender position, the vulture didn’t see the AA bunker just behind it.

Seriph saw the vulture, pounded by round after round of heavy autocannon rounds, roll over and cartwheel through the frozen ice as it died. The lieutenant decided that the bunker would be their next target. Signaling A and B platoons, Seriph made his way into the now melted trench and killed the two remaining defenders with a few, quick shots; behind him, as ordered, a dozen soldiers with meltas and flamers were forming up, ready to force their way into the AA bunker. Sending the specialist troopers in, Seriph brought up a status display on his visor hololith and looked for the icons of Krag and Gerard who were leading the platoons to his flanks. Satisfied that they were advancing at quick enough pace to protect him, the lieutenant followed the special weapons squads into the heart of the trench system and past the broken and burnt bodies of the defeated defenders.

In front of where Seriph now stood was one of the six bunkers that had been causing so many problems to their air support and reserves. Pointing at one of the melta troops standing by him, Seriph motioned at the armored door that would let them in. Pointing the weapon at the locking mechanism, the soldier pulled the trigger. A sharp stream of energized particles punched into the solid lock and almost instantly had the desired effect. Transferring most of their massive energy into the conductive atoms of the lock, the particles broke down and took the heavy gauge metal with them. Outside, the troopers around the door could see the target of the melta stream and the cherry red blotch where the metal was beginning to sag under the immense heat. Finally giving way to the dripping steel, the door buckled as the heat spread throughout the conductive metal. Seriph gave the armor plate a swift kick and tossed in flash grenades whose sharp ‘crump’ and blast of pressure disoriented the defenders long enough for Seriph to enter with a squad of combat troops.

Delivering a short burst to the chest of the first unlucky defender to enter his aim, Seriph turned on his heel, avoiding a stabbing bayonet and impaling the deliverer with his activated power sword. Pulling his sword back out of the ruined cavity that was once a defender’s chest; Seriph watched his men spread out through the rooms of the bunker, screams and yells and cries of pain echoing throughout the besieged structure. On the vox channels, reports of similar success were being passed along from teams inside the other five bunkers on this length of trench. Updating his hololithic command layout, Seriph decided that the area was finally secure.

“Peregrine Five, this is Oath two; we’ve secured the landing zone and are ready for extraction.” A curt acknowledgment followed Seriph’s request, and as the lieutenant walked back onto the ice, he could hear the Valkyries that had brought them in screaming as their engines brought them back towards the ground.

“Oath one, do we have any reports or warning on the planetary net?”

“Negative Seriph; you were perfect and the exercise went exactly to plan, bring your new men home.”

Nodding to himself, Seriph accessed his command relays and logged the operation –its icon a pale yellow of a live fire training exercise- as “successful/few casualties”, before turning and beginning the march out to the landing fields.

**Firstandonly14** · 06-09-2007, 21:40

The heavy doors opened with a hiss, reveling a dimly lit chamber. A group of purple and gold marines stood around a large holo map, arguing amongst themselves in soft voices. Faint little lights flickered around the map, indicating troop movements of all the forces around the area. As Antigonus had predicted, the remaining loyalists had flocked to the South in hopes of rallying with the Astartes. Slowly, the remaing Imperial sympathizers began building trench's in front of the marine fortification under the stern direction of Antigonus himself. Without even paying attention to the Astartes' heated words, the Angel knew exactly what they were arguing about. "Hello boys," she sang to them. In simultaneous motion, two veteran sergeants stood at combat ready, power bladed weapons whistling to strike the unwanted visitor. To their astonishment, the blades deactivated and fell to the floor at the golden eyed Angel. Antigonus looked up from his map, completely bewildered at the situation. He drew his bolt pistol, and aimed it at the golden form that had just entered the door, but lowered his aim when he saw his fellow battle brothers behind her.

"Who are you?" Antigonus asked curiously, his pistol falling limply at his side. Silently, the Angel moved past the two veterans and made her way toward the Brother Captain. Taken off guard, Antigonus stepped forward, aiming his pistol at the Angel's chest. "Are you deaf?"

"Most certainly not," she laughed. She kept advancing toward him, her pale arms at her sides. "I can hear you just fine Antigonus. The question is will you hear me?"

"I..." Antigonus faltered. This total lack of respect was grinding on his nerves. "I asked you a question, and I expect a straight answer." His anger brought a warm smile from the beautiful woman before him. Slowly, she raised her right arm and lay it on top of the bolt pistol, pushing it down so that it was aimed at the floor.

"I am the one you have been waiting for commander, the one who has answers that you have been searching for... I am your librarian's "friend," she replied dreamily. Desperately, Antigonus tried to hold her gaze, but the golden eyes seemed to taunt him, and yet care for him at the same time. He broke eye contact, and looked at the amazing creature in front of him.

The Angel was slim, her body resembling what a normal man would consider "a perfect woman." Her pale skin looked fairer than all of the nobles Antigonus had ever encountered. A vibrant white dress covered her body. Although not an expert in women's clothes, Antigonus could decipher that it was very antique, even ancient. Yet the woman in front of him looked like she could be no more than thirty on a human time line. "Who is she? How did she know my name?" Antigonus asked himself.

"I am an angel that does not need a name. I know your name because I am timeless, I have been watching you for awhile Antigonus. You have done a good job commander, but I am afraid that I am going to be making some decisions for you in the near future."

Realization hit Antigonus like a hammer blow on a nail. "You are her then... the one in the visions..." he trailed off, stunned by the sudden realization.

"Yes dear," her hand came up and patted him on the cheek fondly, "now how about you holster that pistol before someone shoots out their eye?" hurriedly Antigonus returned the pistol to its holster, his face turning red as he did so. "That's better, now I can answer the argument that you and your advisers were having there a minute ago." She tossed her golden hair in the holomap's direction. "You are staying here commander, the Hagrians can handle themselves for now. You are holding onto the most important objective..." she trailed off her smile growing larger.

"What would that be, your holiness?" Antigonus asked curiously.

"The landing zone for your reinforcements of course!" She smiled lovingly at the Astarte before taking a seat next to the holo map, ignoring the lights as they moved about the map. What was the point of looking? She knew exactly was happening.

**Captain_Ardias** · 07-09-2007, 01:45

North of Encaladus, Hagra III

Garthin was going against Seriph’s suggestions, which he didn’t often do. Sitting in an acceleration throne in the back of modified Aquila transport, Garthin’s skin was practically crawling at the sheer overt symbol of Imperial faith. The general would be glad when the time finally came to burn all of these things, but until then it would be important that he kept up every show of his loyalty that he could. His thoughts were jarred as the transport started its descent, and the pilot’s voice let him know belatedly that they were beginning landing procedures. Garthin would have to remember to have the pilot demoted for that, or at least transferred to Kresimir; he owed his fellow general one or two surprises.

The general could feel the thrusters of the Aquila transport flare and the ‘crump’ as the landing gear absorbed the remaining energy of the heavy aircraft. He rose as he unlatched the restraining webs, and nodded to his body guards as they did the same. The rear hatch of the Aquila hissed as the hydraulics dropped the heavy armored door, and Garthin stepped onto the reinforced rockrete landing pad, the blinking landing lanterns throwing him into stark relief as his cloak whipped around his solid form.

“So, where is this vaunted commander I am supposed to meet?” Garthin said, his armored gauntlets resting on his hips.

“Sir, I don’t believe he is the kind of person to show his face in the open.” Said the Traitor Astartes who had given Garthin the request for a clandestine meeting.

“Then show me to him.”

The Black armored marine walked forward and, beckoning to Garthin to follow him, walked towards the dark building in front of the landing pad. Garthin motioned to his team and strode to the door that had been opened for them and into the room waiting just beyond. Inside stood the armored form of Valdus, holding the ornate force staff of his chosen profession. Garthin reached out his mind and plucked the staff from the sorcerer and gave it to one of his attendants; the feeling he got from the black legion sorcerer would have killed him had he been a weaker man, but on the whole it merely amused him.

“Valdus, I will not have a man like you holding a weapon like that in my presence.” Garthin said, he knew that the sorcerer would take the slight on his honor seriously, but the anger would drive him and that would be useful in the future.

“General,” Valdus said with a dark tone, “My master awaits you.”

Garthin merely nodded, making his way through the final doorway to the black legion’s sanctuary and into the enveloping darkness of the room. Inside, the general could see a twinned pair of glowing green crystals and the outline of an ornate helmet peering out at him from the inky black. Scrying through the darkness with his warp vision, Garthin picked out the massive bulk of the black legion commander. Picked out in ornate gold and silver trim, the Terminator armor of the black legion was quietly powerful and anciently baroque in its construction. If not for the occupant of the ceramite and adamantine construct, Garthin would have thought the suit a long lost relic of a darker age; but in the situation, it was that occupant who was of the most interest.

“I am Etogaur Garthin, General and Commander of the Chaos forces on Hagra III, chosen of the fallen Anarch, Destroyer of Worlds, Occupier of a Dozen Systems and a Chief Warlord of the Jahamel Sector Crusade. Who might you be?”

The terminator seemed to ponder this for a moment, perhaps wondering how to respond to the unassuming looking human in front of him. The veteran of countless campaigns and strikes, he had been a marine during the times when the False Emperor still walked across his galaxy. Flexing his massive muscles and armor plate that had long since grown together to form a single, living piece of battle suit, the being in the terminator armor finally came to his decision. “Garthin, I have heard of you, but I have no need of titles. I am Heru'ur, chosen of Abaddon, and it is my forces who are assembled here. My men will do what they do best, and if you are so wedded to your secrecy they will follow that example until it is no longer useful to us. You may think you are the final word on the Chaos forces here on this world, but you will find you are sorely mistaken if you try and enforce that view on us.”

“Heru’ur, I don’t think you quite understand the situation. I am fully infiltrated into the structure of this world, if you want to attack it then I will happily send you to your grave. As the head of the blood pact and chaos cults, I just wanted to be sure that we were on the same page. If you believe yourself so superior, then so be it, but I’ll be watching.” Garthin said; he knew of the bulk standing in front of him, but turning his back, the general walked out of the conversation.

The general knew that Heru’ur would be difficult to deal with, but there was a chance that the black legion commander would be useful in the fight to come. It would take some finesse to keep him busy and out of the way until then, but Garthin was sure that he could come to some arraingement. Although not always on friendly terms, most commanders and aspiring champions of chaos know of each other and are constantly locked in their age old battle to gain a greater slice of their chosen power’s attention and rise to demonhood.

Garthin walked back into the entry room. Looking around him, only two things were out of place. Valdus still stood in the same spot, his rigid pose as stoic as when Garthin had left him. The first thing out of place was that Valdus was holding the force rod that Garthin had taken from him; the second was the dismembered bodies of Garthin’s PDF soldiers strewn around the room. Valdus turned his gilded helm to look at the general as he entered.

“It seems sir that your bodyguards are less than reliable.”

Garthin merely nodded, “So it seems, sorcerer.”

Turning his back on the bloody scene, Garthin walked out of the heavy door and into the freezing wind.

**Hooter Hunter** · 07-09-2007, 04:31

Hunter walked into the mansion that Joseph and Jessica occupied and plopped down on the sofa next to Colonel Dutch Fishborne. He quickly propped his feet up on the coffee table and lit a cigar. The three officers just looked on with grins wondering what Hunter might do next. "I'm glad I caught the three of ya together as it saves me the time and effort of running down ya individually."

"We have new orders already?" Dutch asked.

"Yes and no," Hunter replied with a grn. "Orders as to where we go next? No yer guess is as good as mine. Orders from me? Yes. In three days I'm gonna be awardin some medals to troops in a publice ceremony in the wonderful heated garden the Kaffings has been so kind to look after and keep goin."

"Its a good thing we didnt hit it in the bombing raids, or that the Delta Marines didnt trash it," Jessica said sweetly. "The troops do enjoy going there and relaxing, in there you can almost forget about winter."

"A stray hit from bombin was never a threat 'cause the Kaffings still had their void sheilds up," Hunter responded. "And I would be more concerned with some of Darks sentinel drivers than any of the Delta Marines. Now what I need from ya'll and every other outfit in the Flyin Circus is an Honor Guard and a Color Guard with yer regimental flags to be in attendance, and yes Joseph senior officers are required to be there as well." Hunter said with a grin clearly cutting off the Commisar before he could ask the question.

For his part Joseph Merces just raised his hands in mock surrender. "Yes sir."

"Dutch two of yer troops will be gettin medals at the ceremony," Hunter turned to Fishborne. "Color Sgt Kronium will get the Blue Aquila for bravery. Lt Cooper Hawkes will recieve the Medallion Crimson, I know he is still in the infirmary and I will give it to him when I tour there prior to the awards ceremony."

Dutch nodded his thanks, "Hoots I also have several posthumous awards I would like to be able to send back to Gan Haden."

"Consider it done," Hunter nodded then turned his attention to Jessica and Joseph. "I have recieved no recomendations from either of you. So that tells me that yer Makians are nearly worthless in battle or the two of ya aint had time to come up fer air in the past few days." Hunter grinned as he watched the Commisars squirm under his good natured barb. "I expect a list of those who are up fer awards on my desk by 0900."

"Dont worry you'll have it sir," Joseph said as he sat up a little straighter.

Hunter put his feet back on the floor and was about to get up when he heard Jessica whisper "should we ask him?"

"Ask me what?" Hunter looked at the couple with a raised eyebrow.

"We wondering if you would marry us?" Joseph asked almost sheepishly.

Hunter sat back down and puffed his cigar. "Really I am flattered, but Joseph yer to damned ugly, not to mention a man. Jessica on the other hand ...."

"You should run that by Faith first," Fishborne interjected cutting Hunter off.

"That too," Hunter laughed.

"Thats not what he meant and you two know it," Jessica snapped with a smile. "Now would you two play nice for once."

"Yes mam," Hunter and Fishborne chorused as one.

"Seriously we are looking for a good priest," Joseph began,"but we are having a hard time finding one who will look past our Commisarial rank and not do it out of fear but out of respect for two people who wish to be joined in His grace."

"Then I have the man fer you," Hunter nodded understanding the feeling of suspect that many in the Imperial Guard had for preachers. " I understand that my half brother Bart has attached himself to Jackas brigade. I will ask after him when I get to Matts HQ."

"Y ou think he'll do it?" Jessica asked.

"Yeah especially if I tell him I think its a bad idea," Hunter replied with a grin. He knew that few if any outside the Carolonian command knew of the troubled relationship he had with his brother. "Speakin of which I gotta get goin. I have word that my mother is out on patrol for the day and I wanna get to Matts HQ before she gets back."

Hunter stood and left leaving his officers staring at his back wondering about the last comment. All three of them wondered if he was joking or not. With Hunter one could never tell.

**Colonel Jacka** · 07-09-2007, 22:15

Thought For The Day

Victory is seen through the winners eyes only!

"Sir," Aron Jenks said handing Jacka a Data Slate, "It's from General Hunter's HQ. O'Connor's giving us a head's up that the General is on his way here!"

Jacka read the slate and smiled! Looks like Hunter and himself would be having the normal argument about Medals and Promotions again! "Tell O'Connor thanks and I will give him a couple of bottles Cadian Sav Blanc when I see him next." Jacka said, "Bill you better get the Generals Tea set out he's on his way." Jacka continued.

"Ok Boss! I'll even give it another polish before he gets here!" Bill said referring to the gift Hunter had given Bill for saving his life during the last Black Crusade.

"You keep polishing that tea set Bill and you'll wear it away!" Jenks commented trying to stir the Ogryn.

"Grrrrrrr!" Bill did not look happy.

Jenks knew Bill wasn't happy! "Arrrr, sorry Bill!" Jenks said quickly as Bill smiled at Jacka and walked of to polish his most prized possession.

"One day you will push Bill to far." Jacka said laughing at Jenk's discomfort.

Holy Terra

The Lord Militant looked at Imrador and said. “All you have said I was aware of. We have support but we need time to get ready. The BoO is moving faster then we expected. I believe that we need to defeat them on Hagra III, but I did not expect that Daarin would become involved this early.”

“Well from what I have heard from Angel they already control almost another world. I only hope that young Hunter learnt a thing or two!” replied Imrador. “He is the only one remotely in a position to stop them on Hagra III.”

“I am surprised Wugen I thought that you had this well under control!” both men turned to see the Adeptus Mechanicus Magos standing waiting for their attention. “Lord Commander, may the machine sprit bless you!” the Magos smiled and Imrador could see that he was still more man then machine. But he was a……………………….

“Yes I am Imrador and you do not need to say…….or think anything. Lets us concentrate on the real problem and what we must do. Wugen I would think we need the advice of your Adjutant General as well. Jacka has always been known for his candor in matters such as this.” The Magos smiled as he beckoned Jacka to join them. “Come sit with us Adjutant General we have much to discuss with Imrador.”

**Lord_Crull** · 07-09-2007, 22:23

Heru’er watched the Blood Pact leave in his transport; blood pooled around his feet in a crimson tide, but none ever touched the glossy ebon perfection that was his armor. His eyepieces of his help glowed for a minute and then he walked away.

‘’Unpleasant man is he?’’ he said to Vardus who twirled his staff in a fait irritation, the crimson blood still staining his armor. ‘’Agreed my lord, what shall we do next here on this icy mudball of a planet.’’ He asked.

Heru’er turned to face him. ‘’We answer only to Abbadon, remember that, we will reveal ourselves soon, but to do that we will pay tribute to the dark gods, we will need a sacrifice of this pathetic deluded rebel fools.’’ He said.

He made a gesture and the doors opened to the side. Harsh cold light crackled through briefly before a chaos marine stepped in. At the sight of him Vardus growled in irritation at the marine. ‘’Jeagerjaques’’ he spat out.

The new marine was clad in the black power armor of the Black Legion, except his right shoulder pad, arm and helmet where painted blood red and picked out with ornate gold details, his helmet was topped by brass recurve horns of the Bezerkers and his visor was shaped like a T, similar to the ancient Knight of Terra’s wars thousands of years ago.

A massive fur pelt was slug across his shoulders, partially obscuring the golden eye symbol of Horus on his left shoulder guard. A massive power axe was clutched in one hand as the marine stared curiously at Vardus.

Serus Jeagerjaques was one of the lieutenants of Heru-ur; He was one of the ancient marines who had fought as a common battle-brother in the Horus Heresy and after words had risen to become an officer in the Black Companies of Abbadon.

‘’Vardus’’ he answered, his voice cool and contemptuously detached. Although a follower of Khorne he was almost aloof and laid back when not in battle, showing his contempt of other marines. It was only when fighting when his true savagery was shown.

‘’What are you bringing him here for!’’ raged Vardus. ‘’He’s an uncontrollable bezerker and disrespectful to you my lord’’ he seethed in contempt at the silent bezerker. Heur’ur shrugged.

‘’We re to gain the favor of the four gods, the First behind the oldest and the strongest, Khorne, Serus is the most dedicated devotee of Khrone in this Black Company, we will gain the favor of the Blood God, unless you will try to please the Taker of Skulls Vardus?’’ he replied mockingly.

That silicened Vardus as Heru’ur turned to face Serus. ‘’Serus, I command you to take a force and head to Encaladus Hive, kill anything that breaths, and if by some chance you get the chance to find the Eagle Claws, bring me there captain’s head’’ he finished.

Serus nodded. ‘’Tch’’ he turned around without a word and exited the room, his fur cloak flapping behind him as he disappeared into he snowy light. Heru’ur followed him, his large terminator bulk barely squeezing through the door.

Vardus was last; nearby he knew here would be a Black Legion Thunderhawk waiting to life off and takes them to their base in preparation for the assault in Encaladus. The door shut behind him as he left.

Then a few minutes later Chaggrat entered the room. ‘’Sorry guys I got lost and…Son of a GROX!’’ he swore loudly and let out a stream of curse words as he battered the door opened with his black-armored fists.

Running out into he snowy streets he saw a black and gold-painted thunderhawk lifting off, it’s powerful lift of jets burning in the frozen air. Chaggrat franticly waved his arms around.

‘’Wait guys don’t leave me here!’’

12345

The loading bay of the Black Legion there was a flurry mess of activity as mutants and serfs ran everywhere in a blind panic trying to make a sense of things. It was full of Chaos.

Pun intended.

‘’WAKE UP!’’ shouted a mutant with a long pink tentacle for a left arm. He was bald and with a bionic eye. He looked very angry as he kicked the marine lying on the floor in front of him. The Black Legionaries in question was sleeping in the major transport area of ammunition.

With a yawn the Black Legionnaire roused himself. ‘’What is the rush’’ he complained. He was clad in black and blue armor, trimmed in silver with an ornate headrest resembling the ancient pharaohs of old Terra.

He was Aporro Aluuri; a Thousand Son sorcerers who had been kicked out of the Thousand Sons and who ha promptly defected to the Black Legion with his small force of Rubric marines.

One knew why he had left the Thousand Sons. Some said he was a follower of Ahirman who had been banished for his part in the Rubrics. Others said he was kicked out for being a lazy drunk.

Aluuri had specially requested permission from Heru’ur in the past to launch raids on Fenris, the purpose was not to take revenge for the sacking of Prospero or to gain knowledge or sacrifice captives for Tzeentch.

No he wanted their beer.

So Aluuri had joined the Black Legion for promises of alcohol.

He looked up groggily at the angry mutant overseer and got up, his gene-enhanced bulk easily towering over the smaller mutant work master. ‘’Yeah? Wadda want?’’ he said lazily.

‘’Lord Jeagerjaques is going to launch his assault soon! He wants you and your Rubrics on the Thunderhawk ready to launch the opening phase’’ the mutant man shirked and waved his pink tentacle in irritation.

‘’Fine’’ Aluuri shrugged his massive shoulders and walked over to a bunch of Black Legion rubrics, there blue and black armor shining into the dim lights of the base. ‘’Come on guys’’

There was a hollow wave of affirmation. ‘’Man Ahirman really sucks, I mean Grantz you used to me a great poker player, cut now you’re a robot!’’ he moaned as he talked to the lead Thousand Son he just stood there.

He shrugged again and turned around, picking up his force sword and a beer bottle marked with a wolf symbol. ‘’Well let’s get going, old Jabberjack wants up to put in an assault, but you don’t’ care though do you? Since you don’t have bodies and all’’ he trailed off noticing that they where ignoring him.

‘’Well fine, let’s go’’

**Hooter Hunter** · 09-09-2007, 16:01

Colonel Jackas HQ

Hunter walked in and tossed a finely made redwood presentation box to Jacka, who handled it like a hot potato and tossed it to Jenks. Jenks opened the box and saw the rank of Brigadier General in it. "This will look good on me," Jenks said with a grin. He knew the argument that was coming between Hunter and Jacka. Hunter would offer to promote the beloved leader of the Orphans and Jacka would refuse the promotion. Then they would haggle and argue for the next few hours and finally settled the matter with a drinking contest. Bot would get hammered and somehow Jacka would convince Hunter he didnt need the promotion to do his job and Hunter would agree.

"Well ya just might get t boy," Hunter growled as he eyed Jacka, "if yer hard headed commander here refuses it today."

Jacka grinned, "Hoots you have sunk to a new level. I mean really threatening to hand the Orphans over to the likes of him."

"Yeah well at least he'll take the rank," Hunter replied with a grin.

"Brew Bosses?" Bill asked as he set down the silver serving set on the table.

"Bill good to see ya back at yer duties," Hunter said as he sat down and allowed Bill to pour him a cup of his famous Brew. "You have done an amazing job takin care of this serving set." Hunter smiled as he watched Bill preen at the praise. "I am also glad to see that yer back at yer post after the ambush ya got into. Glad yer alive Bill."

"Well Boss Hunter if I died then who would make Brew?" Bill asked in what almost seemd a simple manner. Hunter and Jacka both knew the Ogryn was setting up to knock Jenks. "I guess it would be Jenks, but he cant make good brew, and I would never rest at the Emperors side knowing he was taking poor care of this serving set." Bill turned and left giving Jenks a toothy grin on his way past.

Hunter and Jacka enjoyed sharing the laugh at Jenks expense. "Now to buisness. Ya gonna take the promotion this time?"

Jacka sighed and prepared himself for the fight, and the drinking to come. He knew he would win again. Hunter may have had an advantage on him in size, but he could never hold his drinks very good. Jacka smiled as he gave his reply, "no."

"I thought yta might say that," Hunter said with a grin that put Jacka on alert. Hunter then fished out a dataslate and handed it to Jacka. "So there ya go."

"Jacka scrolled down and read the wording shaking his head in disbelief. "Hoots I..."

"Yeah I decided that this time instead of a frontal attack I would out flank ya," Hunter chuckled. "And yes that order is signed by both yer old man and Lord Militan Wujen his own self. You are here by promoted to the rank of Brigadier General and will recieve all rights, responsibilites, and the pay that goes with said rank. Now weasle outa that." Hunter sat back waiting for Jackas reply.

Jacka just slumped back into his chair and exhaled loudly as Hunter lit up a fresh cigar. Next he got up and grabbed to glasses and poured two shots of Cadian Brandy. He pushed one towards Hunter and knocked his back and refilled it. There was only one way out of this and that was to get Hunter drunk enough to recind the order.

Hunter smiled as he pushed the drink away. "Sorry Matt but I have to many folks to see today and I aint got time to have our usual argument. Now I know yer argument we have had it many times. I personally dont give a rats ass whether ya put the rank on yer jacket or not, yer still a Brigadier and have the responsibilites of one. If ya want folks to still call ya Colonel thats fine with me. Hell if ya dont wanna tell anyone about the promotion thats fine. But this is way over due. You deserve it. You've earneed it time and again and now it'll stick." Hunter rose to leave the still stunned Jacka to his thoughts and plots of revenge.

"But..." Jacka began to protest.

Hunter put up a hand to stop hime before he even got started. "Oh and one other thing, before O'Connor called to give ya a heads up that I was on the way," Hunter paused as he grinned wickedly, "he voxed yer wife, my dear mum, and told her about yer promotion."

"Hoots you are a bastard," Jacka swore knowing full well that Hunter had truly out manuvered him this time.

"Yup I am," Hunter grinned as he walked out the door.

"Well if you dont want to wear them can I?" Jenks asked with a grin as he tossed the box in the air and caught it.

"Give me that!" Jacka said as he snatched the box from Jenks.
******************************************
Holy Terra

"You wished to see me?", General Jacka said as he entered the Lord Militants office.

"Have a seat old friend, we have much to discuss and I wanted your imput on the matter," Lord Militant Wujen said motioning for the elder Jacka to have a seat. The General listened as Imrador, Wujen, and the Magos gave their tales of the strife in the Jahmael Sector and each gave their own inputs as to the solutions to it. "So what do you think?"

General Jacka the Elder consdiered his words before speaking. First he turned to the Magos, "If all the Enginseers were your kin I would think that Hunter could turn his FLying Circus around in record time and hit before the seperatists knew what was coming. Unfortunately that is not the case. How long do you think it will take Hunter to get his troops ready and move?"

"Once he gets his orders a month minimum," the Magos stroked his beard, "But as we have seen before Hunter has a way of getting things done that shouldnt be possible. Perhaps he could be ready to move sooner."

General Jacka then faced Imrador. "Do you think you could beat Hunter to Hagra III to coordinate with the Eagle Claws and the few remaining loyalists there?"

Imrador grinned before he replied. "It would mean keeping Captain Teahes ship a small while longer, but I am sure he would get over it. And the answer is yes."

General Jacka then turned to his long time friend Wujen. "You wanted my thoughst well here they are. We get word to Hunter telling him his next mission is to return Hagra III and the entire Jahmael Sectore to Imperial Compliance. We also dsipatch Imrador to Hagra III to act as liason between us, Hunter and the Eagle Claws. The smaller details we can sort out later, and as we go."

Wujen smiled, "my thoughts exactly."

**Tanith Ghost** · 10-09-2007, 00:48

Ghez Hokast was beside himself with anticipation. Word of fighting on Hagra Three had come to him by a friend of his from the old days long gone.
A Raptor champion, once called Seargent Brutus Milicius of the Luna Wolves,
had passed Arghen word. It was an invitation to come join the conflict and terrorize the imperial sheep inhabiting the planet. And now, a dark blue thunderhawk sporting lightning patterns lifted off into the Kaffing night, and up toward the void beyond. Ghend fully intended to take the offer, even if
Brutus had only made it to get more chaos bodies to that place. A fang filled grin formed on his face. "Arghen, tell that useless telepath to contact Brutus with our grattitude and acceptance of his offer. We got to Hagra to spread the dark of terror."
----------

Kaffing Prime, Vednikan Barracks
Music floated across the frosty night air, as outside, the regiment celebrated victory. Coran, one of the storm troopers, had dug out an old fiddle, and now
the unmistakable tones of 'Whiskey River' were audible even by other camps.
Troops danced, played cards, and a few of the more daring paired off to look for more private settings in various places. "Cigars, remind me to try it sometime." Dren Dark commented to Victor Krieg. "I'm just glad we're camped
all in once place. You remember what happened last time we got group billeting?" Krieg asked. "Our boys are the life of the party. Geenavallis was weeks cleaning up in the wake of the revelry our boys encouraged."
Dark laughed. "How many windows did the football hooligans break? A dozen in all? At least it's too cold for stripping." Krieg laughed too. "I just shot down
Fred's brainchild to have peepshows in the chimera troop compartments and charge other regiments to see em." "Spoilsport!" Fred Mason called from where he was cooking a rasher of bacon over a fire.

"Spin the bottle? Sure." Jen Wilson said, providing a bottle, and discretely stashing a small magnet in the top. She smirked, thinking of the metal coating in her boots. What was the point of playing a game like spin the bottle with the platoon command squad if you couldn't rig it to have some fun?

"Cutter, no!" Axon yelled, as he saw the lead sentinal stride purposefully toward the perimiter. "Cutter, what the hell are you doing?" The answer became clear when cutter shuffled the sentinal's leg through the snow.
'Cutter Sims was here' was gouged into the ground. Cutter himself hopped out of the cockpit, and then brought over a hand truck with two drums on it.
"Stand back, Axon. This will be hot." Cutter instructed, adding equal mesure of the two liquids. The chemicals began to steam. The flashed over in a rush of flame. When the flames subsided, 'Cutter Sims was here' was burnet into the ground, and in slowly cooling metalic liquid. "The Techies said it becomes
waste iron. This'll be here for years to come." Cutter crowed, showing Axon his handiwork.

**Colonel Jacka** · 10-09-2007, 10:39

Thought For The Day

Fishy, Fishy, Fishy lucky you have a Titain!

Colonel Jacka’s HQ

Jacka looked at the Redwood Box. He placed it in the draw of his field table with the other four of five boxes. No use counting how many he had at this point. Oh well I’ll just have to work out how to get busted again, Jacka thought to himself. Done it before and I can do it again I suppose.

“Bill how about a top up of my Brew and you better get one for my wife. I sure she will be along shortly.” Jacka rocked back on his chair. A smile played across his face. He knew he would have to put up with Hunter calling him General for a month or two. Then he would give up. Anyway back to work.

“Captain Jenks if you have finished thinking how much you want to be a General you might want to give me an update on how the “Orphans” replenishment is going!’ Jacka commenced, “and get me Stewart Conner on the Vox I need to find out how long before we can lift. I reckon we will be moving much sooner then later!”

Colonel Jacka went back to work.

12th Cadian Mech Regt Barracks

"100 credits says that he gets out the promotion!" Podge offered to Lt Col Stewart Conner

"Hmmmm! No think very much. I'll not take that bet." replied the Squat.

Holy Terra

"I feel we need to have a little more security with our new orders to Hunter. The redeployment orders should be sent by Squat signal and I'm sure the Magos can help us with that. Hunter and Jacka have sets. Our Astropaths cannot be trusted as the BoO seems to be able receive what is sent even by the most secure means." They all nodded in acceptance of General Jacka comments as he continued, "The only Astropath that we can trust is pro badly Ducca who is with the "Orphans". I will send the Orders to him as well. As diversion I think we need to send a false set of orders to the Astropath network. The deception may throw the BoO of track and help to identify the moles within the Astopath ranks."

"I agree Matt. We will proceed with General Jacka recommendations. General prepare the orders for Hunter and present them to me for approval. I want them sent as soon as possible. Hunters force needs to moving within a month." riped the Lord Militant.

"Once he gets his orders a month should be fine," the Magos stroked his beard, "But as I said before Hunter has a way of getting things moving!"

"Well I better get going then. I have some way-wood Eagle Claws to find you know the big blokes in the purple Armour." Imrador commenced raising a smile from the others. "And I dare say I will find Angel there somewhere to."

Wujen smiled, "my thoughts exactly again!"

**fishborne** · 11-09-2007, 02:28

Dutch Fishborne, commander of the 1st Gan-Haden 'Wildcards', walked along the bunks of his men. Some Brown coated figures played cards, others were sitting around sharing stories and scars to impress the younger troopers. But one group of soldiers caught Dutch's eye. Instead of laughing and enjoying their hard won war, they were sitting quietly, looking at the floor with Confessor Mallo Dinguu standing in the middle, his ancient wrinkled hands holding up a well worn copy of Pax Imperialis reciting a verse.

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your emperor. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you."

Dutch wandered over to the leading edge of the huddle and made the sign of the aquilla before removing his officers cap. He knew that these men, although brave, were only human. All of them had lost a friend to the fighting. Some people took to drink to forget their troubles, others such as the ones here, needed closer and a spiritual solution to the holes in their lives that their comrades had once filled.

The confessor finished his reading and made the sign of the aquilla before leaving. The soldiers began filing out, wiping tears from their eyes. One man, Lt. Kaz Takagi, noticed Fishborne and saluted. "Didnt know you were a religious man sir." he said.

"I have my moments." Dutch started. "How many men did you lose in your unit Lt.?"

"23 sir. Not a number I like."

"Niether do I. Do you have a moment?" fishborne asked.

Nodding, Kaz followed the colonel to a relatively empty part of the barracks.

"The general is putting together an awards ceremony." Dutch started, "Spare no expense type. And I am choosing a color guard. I need you to to be in that guard."

Lt. Takagi looked at fishborne oddly. "Im honored sir, but I didnt do anything worth a metal."

"Im sure you did Lt. But I need someone to go as a proxy of everyone who cant be there. I saw you in that prayer circle and knew you were the right man for the job."

With that, Kaz smiled his almond shaped eyes beginning to water up. "Yes sir."

later,
fishborne

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