|
Post by Rallus Zenodius on Mar 13, 2009 23:25:22 GMT
Zenodius stood at the holo deployment table. No hologram floated in the air this time. It had been almost six months now since the last deployment. Rallus was restless, like all adeptus astartes he realized his destiny and place lay on the battlefields of the Emperor of Mankind. Despite his composure Captain Antonius showed anxiety at the burden placed upon him by the Chapter Master. Zenodius sympathized, he was still new to his new position as Force Commander of Alpha striketeam, the only strike team of fourth company.
That is why he had called this meeting, to bring together the squad leaders and command staff present on the ship. Captain Antonius and Chaplain Manius had retreated to discuss the future of the company. Antonius had left Rallus with the responsibility and Zenodius felt substantial despite his worries. Some had served with the 4th Company and some had been sent to aid them in their return to glory. In the past Zenodius would have not seen the glory in sitting aboard the Deliverance rebuilding the company. Now, wizened and remoulded in the crucible of war and leadership he realized that to bring true glory to Emperor one must sometimes exercise patience. Rallus already knew who was coming to the meeting, having memorised the details, much like the prelude to anything important. Such was the necessity when you lead by example.
Manius Agrippa, a grizzled veteran still two hundred years young. One of Antonius’ chosen; a hive much like himself. Ah, a life so far away it was a former life. He was a real live wire who had been slowly moulded into a more restrained individual more able to serve the emperor. The Captain had decided to let Agrippa have his chance to prove himself as a leader. Should he prove able he would no doubt receive his invitation to join the Chapter’s veterans, much like Rallus himself on Armageddon.
Julius Quintus, a stern but fair man by all accounts. He was a sergeant who had volunteered to lead the chapter’s recruits, a decision not easily done but winning him much respect from his peers. A stickler for discipline both aboard vessel and under fire, he would prove instrumental in rebuilding this company. Indeed, Quintus had served in the jungles on Armageddon, fighting with guard jungle fighters against the orks.
Apothecary Numerius Silvanus. By all accounts utterly fearless to the point of possessing little sense of self preservation. A battered veteran of the Armageddon campaign, decorated with numerous iron halos. Word had it that Silvanus had a personality more suited to a silent chaplain than an apothecary but his history spoke volumes for his abilities. Like the others, meeting him would prove interesting at the least.
All in all the rebuilding was looking promising. So Zenodius has summoned them after morning prayers and now awaited their arrival in the deployment room. Rallus nodded to himself and he strode over to the viewing panel, his eyes lost in the endless enormity of space and constant shifting colours of distant sectors as he gazed out of the large window into space.
|
|
|
Post by Manius Agrippa on Mar 17, 2009 0:15:44 GMT
Tactical-Sgt Manius Agrippa strode into the deployment room, his Bolter slung, barrel down by his Right Hip. He had removed his helmet and was carrying it tucked in the crook of his Bionic left arm as if it was the most natural thing in the world. His hair had been recently shaven and only the shadow of his steel grey hair betrayed its color.
Stopping behind Zenodius, who was gazing out of the view port, he 'crashed' to attention and saluted slamming his fist against his breast plate.
"Salve, Force Commander - I trust that you have found something for us to kill? - I fear that I am running out of ways to keep 1st Squad occupied!"
He said his voice like gravel, a slight grin on his face but not quite quite disguising the hope in his voice that they were to be granted a combat mission.
The Force Commander half turned and appraised him for a second before turning all the way around.
"We missed you and your brothers at morning prayers today"
Said the force commander - not answering the Sgts question and making his statement a question of his own
Manius nodded
"Yes Force Commander, I took a leaf from the writings of Orar and sprung a surprise inspection, penance for minor infractions was 3 times around the ship"
Zenodius nodded and turned back to the viewing port.
"I bet they enjoyed that" he said.
Manius thought for a moment before replying
"Actually I think they did - I took them through several depressurized compartments in simulated blackout conditions for part of the route" he nodded again almost to himself "They reveled in the challenge - I did stop at 0400 and carried out Morning prayer and observance in Battlefield style naturally"
Zenodius turned back to the Sgt his curiosity piqued - Marius was very well read and his choice of reading often well received.
"And the reading?" He asked
Manius grinned
"The Saga of Orar of course - Volume IV Chapter II..."
Zenodius continued "Verse V?"
Marius grinned unsurprised that Zenodius knew of it despite the Force Commanders well known ad-version to giving sermons.
Clearing his voice, Rallus continued.
"Let me see now....'And let the spirit of our brotherhood light our way in dark places and banish doubt from those dark places within us'..."
Manius nodded in affirmation.
"We were in a dark place at the time, between one of the Starboard sacrificial bulkheads and the outer hull, I thought the reading apt under the circumstances"
Force Commander Rallus allowed himself a small smile at the mental image of 10 fully equipped Battle Brothers crowding into an unlit depressurized compartment at some staggeringly cold temperature, making morning prayers and observance.
"I will commence the briefing as soon as the others arrive"
He said before turning back to the view port.
Marius nodded accepting it as a dismissal and stepped back toward the bulkhead drawing out his Personal Data slate and continuing some necessary report that was one of his duties as Squad Sgt while he waited.
|
|
|
Post by Rallus Zenodius on Mar 17, 2009 19:04:28 GMT
Zenodius was aware of Manius entering the deployment room. Indeed, his was hardly a subtle way, but then again that was the work of scouts not tactical marines. The man was keen, keen to prove himself under his new mantle of squad leader and to prove himself to Antonius. Hardly a bad thing. Force Commander his full title. It still felt strange and new to him. It was both amusing and heartening to hear the full title said. Agrippa was a heart and soul soldier, a marine that had been forged, his primal strength harnessed and moulded, such was his way.
All that said; missing morning prayers had become a far too easily forgotten duty among many companies. Silvanus, the company apothecary, normally pious, even for a space marine, had missed the morning prayers. It had been only the captain, himself and the scouts that had attended. Chaplain Perphius Manius was unable to disguise his anger and even the normally guarded Antonius looked disappointed. It reflected badly on him and it was beyond forgiveness.
However, Agrippa had been wise enough to make sure they did not forget their prayers altogether. It was not so much the prayers, it was the spiritual bonding that was present when the company prayed together that was important. Manius Agrippa continued to be a pleasant surprise, his knowledge and learning a high standard. All knew Rallus was not one for extreme piety and zeal, Chaplain Perphius had often spoken to him regarding the issue, thinking him lacking. Such was the way with the Chaplains, it was their constant piety and endless repetition of the many prayers and litanies that provided a constant foundation for the Chapter.
The Saga of Orar was a good piece, often overlooked by many for its lack of zeal. Many did not realize that his dislike for sermons did not stem from ignorance or a lack of faith.
As Manius sat and waited for the others, Zenodius continued to look out the viewing panel. Rallus did not turn as he addressed Manius.
”Brother Sergeant, in the future please ensure you and your squad are in attendance at morning prayers. It sets a poor example to the neophytes and ensures that Chaplain Perphius does not have a reason to lecture me more than usual, Emperor protect him. “ Zenodius turned and placed his hands on his hips, an imposing figure even without his power armour. The sparkle in his eyes showed his good humour at the latter half of his statement.
”In answer to your previous question, yes. We will be deploying soon. I will give the details during the briefing. Before that I must stress one thing.” Rallus paused in contemplation, leaving Manius guessing what the next words would be. Locking eyes with the older marine he spoke, breaking the silence that had engulfed the room.
“Many of the Chapter’s marines are becoming reckless, this likely stems from their ambition to receive their invitations to join our chapter’s First Company. Many of our battle brothers have seen fit to waste their lives pursuing such an ambition. Be assured, when you and your battle brothers are ready they will have their invitation to join our Chapter’s finest, perhaps one day they may even receive their Terminator Honours. I trust you will lead by example and be a model of the patience required.” With that he raised his eyebrow in anticipation of the acknowledgement by Manius.
|
|
|
Post by Manius Agrippa on Mar 17, 2009 20:32:26 GMT
Manius had known that there would be a penance for his squad missing todays morning observance but he would pay it gladly as a small part of the price he must pay in order to build the finest squad in 4th Coy. And the Force Commander was correct it was bad form to miss morning prayers - he would ensure it would not happen again when not on deployment.
But as for the Honor of joining First Company...
"Four times Brother-Captain Antonius has placed his trust in me, first he takes me from the slums of a Hive world were only an ignoble death awaited me, then he helps me prove to the training staff that I was worthy of inclusion into the brotherhood, then he selected me for the 4th Company and now.....now he promotes me Sergeant"
He put away the Data slate the report could wait.
"Four times Force Commander! I aspire only to repay the Honor he has shown me and the trust he has placed in me...1st Company can have its ambitious glory hounds!"
His face darkened and the bionic eye whirred and clicked impossible to detect but for their enhanced hearing
"You've heard what they call me and others like me- 'Antonius's Chosen' well........I was always Captain Antonius's Man...4th Company is where I will stay till I am granted the Emperors reward if needs be of that you can have no doubt"
His Grin reappeared the dark mood gone in an instant
"1st Company can wait till the mighty 4th is finished with me and not a moment sooner"
|
|
Numerius Silvanus
Scout
Apothecary
The Fallen shall forever be remembered as the Emperor's finest
Posts: 48
|
Post by Numerius Silvanus on Mar 19, 2009 0:45:00 GMT
Silvanus finally walked into the deployment room, missing what could have been an interesting conversation. During the few moments of time, Silvanus was thinking to himself how to explain missing morning prayers, not only to Chaplain Perphius, who was sure to give Silvanus a hard time about it, but to himself.
Silvanus had no real reason why he missed prayers, he could have chosen another time to examine the gland. It wasn't as if it was going anywhere soon. Yet he chose to spend his morning looking at it anyway. What was his reason?
Chaplain Perphius? The expression of a smile slowly hinted itself upon Numerius's bronzed face. Despite our arguments being tiresome, I've never felt the need to avoid our Chaplin. No that wasn't the reason.
Vermillion? A fantastic recruit, but Silvanus doubted his death was the real reason.
An Idle Mind? An Idle mind lead to heresy, and Silvanus's face curled in disgust at the very thought. Yet it was true. Silvanus had been bored of late, trying to improve on his medical skills, straying away from his other brothers socially.
Perhaps it was the lack of combat as of late? Or perhaps not...
Silvanus swore to himself, that he would make it up to his brothers in the heat of combat where they would need him.
With all eyes drawn to him, Silvanus gave the sign of the Eagle in return.
He would now have to explain everything out to his fellow brothers, or....
Silvanus looked at his brothers and spoke but a single phrase, " Emperor forgive me brothers, for my lack of being punctual, it will not happen again..." With that said, Silvanus let his arms drop to his sides waiting for a response.
|
|
|
Post by Julius Quintus on Mar 19, 2009 16:09:58 GMT
Julius strode rapidly down the corridors of the Deliverence, the servos in his armour humming quietly as he moved. The human crewmembers scattered out of the path of the grim visaged scout sgt as he headed for the command briefing which should be in progress even now.
Julius checked his chron again, knowing even as he did so that he was tardy. Lateness was a sign of indiscipline and in the sergeants view he that was the greatest sin a brother marine could commit. Yes he had been held up dealing with a firing range accident but to Julius that sounded to much like an excuse and excuses shirked duty. Another cardinal sin in the book of Quintus.
Julius stepped out of a grav-riser onto the command deck and saw Apothacary Silvanus disappearing into the briefing room ahead of him. So he wasn't the only one who was late. Another man might have taken comfort from this but Julius was far from reassured that other senior officers could show such sloppiness. As he approached the doors he heard through Silvanus through them.
'Emperor forgive me brothers, for my lack of being punctual, it will not happen again...'
At least he didn't make an excuse thought Julius as he stepped through the door behind the brother apothacary and saw the other senior officers of the 4th standing around the holo-table.
"My apologies also, Captain", He said as he stepped up to the table and gave a warriors salute, his gauntleted right fist clashing with his breastplate. "It will not happen again"
|
|
|
Post by Rallus Zenodius on Mar 20, 2009 0:08:23 GMT
GM
Zenodius nodded, Agrippa’s loyalty was steadfast, the man was the picture of what many people affectionately called ‘The Emperor’s guard dogs’. “Do not be so quick to label the First Company, they are the finest our chapter has to offer the God Emperor and to be among their number is a great honour. Nevertheless, your loyalty to this company is both well placed and admirable Brother.”
His enhanced hearing had already heard the arrival of another marine. His eyes left Manius and swept the room to fall on Apothecary Silvanus. " Emperor forgive me brothers, for my lack of being punctual, it will not happen again..."
Rallus only nodded as Julius Quintus arrived behind him and made his apologies. His hand swept the room and landed on the hologram screen, presently empty. With a few paces he crossed the gap between him and the holo projector and flicked the switch to turn on the projector. A planet sprung into life, surrounded by two moons. With that he turned and indicated the space around the projector for the others to close around. “ As you have no doubt already realized, what remains of 4th Company will be deployed within the next three days. Just as soon as we enter orbit.”
Rallus took the time to appraise the marines assembled as they gathered round the projector for a closer view.
All of them had been veterans of the Armageddon campaign, a hard fought narrow victory for the Imperium against billions of Orks. All had experienced hardship first hand and they would need that experience in the coming deployment. Part of Rallus repulsed at the idea of so few marines being deployed, part of him rejoiced. Indeed his was a chapter that deployed full battle companies or at least half strength companies to larger campaigns. Theirs was not like the Iron Snakes and other non codex chapters who often deployed single squads or sometimes individuals. Zenodius did not doubt each and every brother in his chapter, each one was a proverbial one man army, capable of taking on many times their number, whether it be xenos, heretics or mutants. Rallus cleared his throat before continuing.
“This is the world of Lirdian, located in the Euralion sector. A civilized word, technologically but not so much in decorum. It is at present in a state of civil war. Multiple factions vie for control of the planetary resources and landmarks in an ongoing turf war.” Rallus flicked a button and the holograph zoomed in to show just the planet. On the hologram you could see the urban areas and resource points. Parts of the planet were shaded with a green overlay.
“Planetary Defense Forces are tied up securing ‘green zones’ for the refugees fleeing the fighting. The few guard units planetside are preoccupied with defence of key structures and personnel. Warring factions have been careful to avoid direct conflict with Imperial forces on the surface. However, as of late an increasing number of clashes between loyalist and rebel factions are occurring.”
With that Zenodius took a breath and searched the faces about him, watching the different marines for reactions before continuing.
“Our task is to insert at checkpoint gamma here, then head north” another button pressed and the map zoomed in on a spaceport facility on the edge of the largest urban area, “and reinforce guard units from the 123rd Vandian Grenadiers in securing and holding the spaceport from hostiles. We have word that Imperial reinforcements are inbound in the form of the 84th Mordian Iron guard, 4th Konig Armoured and Urdeshi storm troops at the start of the next week. Rumours has it that an Inquisitor from the Ordo Malleus will also be arriving with the Imperial reinforcements to check for the taint of chaos. Captain Antonius and Chaplain Perphius will be dealing with co-ordinating the reinforcements from the Deliverance and will be dealing with the inquisitor if the Ordo Malleus should turn up.“With that Rallus paced round the projector, pausing in contemplation before addressing the gathered marines again.
“I will be leading the strike force. The strike force consists of tactical squad one and our scouts. In addition our Brother techmarine and apothecary will be attached to the strike force. I want the tactical squad equipped with a one heavy bolter and one anti-armour weapon. Scouts to take whatever Brother Quintus advises.“
With that Rallus made a sweeping gesture inviting comments and observations from the gathered marines.
|
|
|
Post by Manius Agrippa on Mar 20, 2009 1:08:11 GMT
"The Taint of Chaos?"
Manius looked hard at the Force Commander fighting to suppress his fury
"Is it possible that the Fallen ones might be operating on this planet, if so might I have your leave to equip my squad with a MkXII Ragefire Plasma Gun and draw some kraken rounds from the armoury?"
|
|
Numerius Silvanus
Scout
Apothecary
The Fallen shall forever be remembered as the Emperor's finest
Posts: 48
|
Post by Numerius Silvanus on Mar 20, 2009 1:43:54 GMT
123rd Vandian Grenadiers, 84th Mordian Iron guard, 4th Konig Armoured, and Urdeshi storm troops all at the same point?
Silvanus took it upon himself to ask a question that had been troubling him ever since those specifics were brought up. He slowly made a hand gesture and brought up his voice to ask , " Who will be taking command of those IG forces as a whole? As those IG regiments are of such varying background they will work together poorly, unless a proper leader is in command."
Images of great IG commanders like Lord Solar, or Commissar Yarrick came to Silvanus's mind. Yet he had hear no reports of any such character taking charge, or any Commander Militant unless...
Agrippa's outburst came in fully, "The Taint of Chaos?" "Is it possible that the Fallen ones might be operating on this planet, if so might I have your leave to equip my squad with a MkXII Ragefire Plasma Gun and draw some kraken rounds from the armoury?"
Silvanus's immediately brought up a follow up question, "Will the IG regiments be lead by the Inquisitor for the purpose of dealing with these Chaos renegades?"
Silvanus await a response from the Force Commander who seemed to be, not at all surprised by the questions asked, as almost as if he expected it.
|
|
|
Post by Julius Quintus on Mar 20, 2009 18:05:50 GMT
Julius studied the map table carefully. The spaceport was huge, one of the largest installations on the planet and, unfortunately, vital to any large scale troop deployment.
The orders said 'reinforce' the guard units but it went without saying that 4th company would be spearheading the assault and that meant that the scouts would be right on the leading edge.
"Our loadout depends on what we're expected to do sir" said Julius "Will this be a stealth approach or a dynanic assault?"
|
|
|
Post by Rallus Zenodius on Mar 22, 2009 0:22:48 GMT
" Who will be taking command of those IG forces as a whole? As those IG regiments are of such varying background they will work together poorly, unless a proper leader is in command." The voice of apothecary echoed the concerns of the marines gathered. The guard were loyal fighters and none could fault their dedication and strength of will. Indeed the guard was the backbone of the Imperium and while not individually potent fighters like the Adeptus Astartes they had their strength in a union of mass numbers and armour. Before Silvanus could finish Manius expelled an outburst that took Rallus by surprise.
” "The Taint of Chaos? Is it possible that the Fallen ones might be operating on this planet, if so might I have your leave to equip my squad with a MkXII Ragefire Plasma Gun and draw some kraken rounds from the armoury?"
Zenodius made a mental note of the request before allowing Silvanus to finish his questions. The questions were predictable and did not surprise him, yet he understood the need to ask them. It was his role to relay the relevant information and ensure that everyone was on the same page.
"Will the IG regiments be lead by the Inquisitor for the purpose of dealing with these Chaos renegades?"
Rallus nodded and paced, his eyes flicking from one marine to the next. Finally he stopped and turn on his heel, directing his gaze towards Manius.
“These are but rumours Brother Agrippa. While serious do not dwell on them. Should the taint of chaos be present and threaten the mission then we will do our duty. If the Inquisition should deem it necessary then an Inquisitor will arrive and conduct investigations. Far be it from me to second guess the Inquisition, theirs is a secretive mission at best. As for weapons, you have my leave to draw what weapons you deem necessary from the armoury. However, ensure that your squad is ready to deal with any threat. We do not as yet have a devastator squad in the company so it falls on your squad to be the backbone of the defence. “
With that he turned to the Apothecary Silvanus. His eyes swept the marine up and down, something played on this marine’s mind beyond the mission concerns.
“Captain Antonius and Chaplain Perphius will be liaising with the relevant guard commanders to ensure that the deployment goes as smoothly as is possible. Should the Inquisitor not show, then command will be transferred to either the Governor-Militant or a general staff, who will be arriving planet side once a beachhead is secured.”
Rallus turned to Julius, the scout master had a fair point. An assault would see the scouts use a mixture of close combat weapons, but their deployment as a support role would see different gear. Taking a moment to think it through Zenodius paused. The room fell silent once again as all awaited his decision. Not for the first time did he feel the burden of leadership. This would not be easy with an under strength company. He had to hope that the Guard units present proved useful, an uncertainty at best.
“Our initiates will be providing recon of the target area and supporting the assault. Once underway you will be providing suppression in both the assault and defence. I leave it to you to equip them as you see fit. Our tactical brothers will be leading the assault in light of the lack of an assault squad in the company at present. This is an assault that will require all the experiences of full battle brothers to spearhead. Surprise would be more agreeable, the longer we stay undetected the fewer losses the Imperium will take.”
|
|
|
Post by Julius Quintus on Mar 22, 2009 0:34:35 GMT
“Our initiates will be providing recon of the target area and supporting the assault. Once underway you will be providing suppression in both the assault and defence. I leave it to you to equip them as you see fit. Our tactical brothers will be leading the assault in light of the lack of an assault squad in the company at present. This is an assault that will require all the experiences of full battle brothers to spearhead. Surprise would be more agreeable, the longer we stay undetected the fewer losses the Imperium will take.”
Julius nodded. The scouts lighter armour would be an asset in getting close but in a storming action the heavier armour and greater experiance of the brothers in the tactical squad would be descisive. Despite the logic of the descision, Julius couldn't help but feel disappointed that he and his young charges wouldn't be first into the breach.
The sergeant of scouts let none of this show on his face as he replied.
"If we are to be employed in a support role then I believe a heavy bolter and extra ammunition would be in order. A couple of my lads had demonstrated some talent as marksmen so with your permission I'll have them draw sniper rifles from the armoury"
|
|
Numerius Silvanus
Scout
Apothecary
The Fallen shall forever be remembered as the Emperor's finest
Posts: 48
|
Post by Numerius Silvanus on Mar 22, 2009 7:33:07 GMT
“Captain Antonius and Chaplain Perphius will be liaising with the relevant guard commanders to ensure that the deployment goes as smoothly as is possible. Should the Inquisitor not show, then command will be transferred to either the Governor-Militant or a general staff, who will be arriving planet side once a beachhead is secured.”
Silvanus's mind was laid to rest, "at least someone will be leading them" he thought to himself. "The last thing I would want to see are the emperor's servants needlessly wasted"
Silvanus didn't believe that the other marines save the Chaplin would understand his concern for the Guardsmen safe keeping. While the safety of guardsmen was hardly a pressing concern, Silvanus still reminded himself that Guardsmen still believed in the Emperor. Much like how he was before initiation, they believe in the Emperor's godhood and embrace it. A Guardsmen was possibly more pious in a sense than a space marine. Which was baffling to think about.
Silvanus cared about Guardsmen, because they reminded him of himself, before becoming a marine. Seeing the Emperor as a god, as opposed to a father figure.
***
The color rushed back into Silvanus's face, as he realized that he was dozing off into a daydream...
He caught the last couple of sentences from his fellow scout leader brother Quintus, "If we are to be employed in a support role then I believe a heavy bolter and extra ammunition would be in order. A couple of my lads had demonstrated some talent as marksmen so with your permission I'll have them draw sniper rifles from the armory"
With Quintus done, Silvanus realized that the briefing was essentially over. With little more to say he was at a lost for words.
Until he began to stammer out to the force commander, " Sir I'll go prepare my field medicines then, and join the command squad for insertion later... unless you had anything more to tell me?"
With that said, he waited for the permission to leave and begin preparations for combat. It would also give him a small moment to look at anybody wanting a last minute health check, or to go over equipment. Which had hardly been used since his last battle.
|
|
|
Post by Rallus Zenodius on Mar 22, 2009 9:37:59 GMT
Rallus simply smiled, the fact that his sergeants were showing some thorough thinking was comforting.
"Take what you need Scout Master. I am sure that you will make the right decisions."
With that Silvanus piped up, making his excuses to be dismissed. The briefing had come to an end. More information would be readily available on the ground once the company was deployed.
"Of course Brother Apothecary." With that he turned to address the gathered marines as a whole. "That concludes our briefing. I suggest you go speak with our brothers and make sure everything is sorted before we reach orbit."
They all awaited his last words. Usually this was the company motto. He decided not to dissapoint them in this. It was important they moulded as a company as soon as possible.
"Paratus et Fidelis Brothers." He slammed to attention and crashed his fist on his chest. Awaiting the others to respons before being dismissed.
|
|
Numerius Silvanus
Scout
Apothecary
The Fallen shall forever be remembered as the Emperor's finest
Posts: 48
|
Post by Numerius Silvanus on Mar 22, 2009 19:58:49 GMT
"That concludes our briefing. I suggest you go speak with our brothers and make sure everything is sorted before we reach orbit."
and with that Silvanus took haste to exit the briefing room, back to the Medical Bay to prepare for the combat mission.
*Leaves*
|
|