Post by Deliverance on Mar 8, 2009 14:12:58 GMT
Brother Captain Eulaus Antonius knelt in the cruiser’s chapel. Among the decorations and various epitaphs to the god emperor he felt strangely inadequate. An immense sight even without his power armour in the small chapel. The thoughts had been weighing heavily on him these past few months. Rebuilding the company was slow, as it always would be, and the burden of the 4th company and its honour in the chapter rested solely on his shoulders. He spent more and more time in here these days, searching for guidance.
They had only recently boarded The Deliverance, waiting for their battle brothers to arrive. The company had been slowly decimated in the third war for Armageddon. After brother Captain Fastius had been killed in the assault on facility 12 the responsibility of leading the company had been placed on his shoulders. An honour but also a heavy burden. The Chapter Master had decided that instead of reinforcing the 4th company from one of the reserve companies the Chapter would initiate rebuilding protocols and deploy a reserve company until such time as the 4th Company is fighting strength.
Making the sign of the Aquila he incanted the final words of his prayer “Praise be, Emperor, Lord.” As he stood and turned to head to his quarters he saw Chaplain Manius, the Chaplain had been watching him this whole time. The man’s voice boomed across the small chapel, Perphius Manius had a loud voice, even for a space marine. Indeed, Eulaus had fought many battles with the Chaplain, his litanies and encouragement booming above the maelstrom of battle.
”The Emperor knows, the Emperor is watching.“
” I know old friend, of that there is no doubt. If only he would guide my hand. I mourn the passing of our brothers and the burden of this company’s future weighs heavily on me. I will not see this company failed by me.”
”It shall not be so. Brother, you were chosen because you are strong enough to carry the burden. There is none more experienced and able than you.”
”Let us hope so.” Antonius shook his head to dispel the doubt that threatened to nest there. With a smile and a nod he took a seat in the pews. ” Perphius, I would welcome your counsel on our company’s leaders. Chaplain Manius nodded and started to pace, a habit he has had since his indoctrination into the Chaplaincy centuries ago. With a sharp grunt he cleared his throat and once again his deep voice echoed around the chapel.
”Commander Zenodius. You know of him from his fighting on Armageddon, where he was honoured with his invitation to the first company. Instead he chose to remain with what remains of our company. One of Captain Fastius’ favourites, personally picked by the Captain. Promoted to the rank of sergeant at the start of our Chapter’s Armageddon campaign. Following your promotion to Captain he would take up your old mantle.
”I know of his service record old friend. What do you make of him?"
Chaplain Manius waved his arm as if to dismiss the comment before continuing, “Rallus is a good leader, leading by example and with knowledge that belies his years. You must trust him, he will be instrumental in the rebuilding of this company to its former glory.
Antonius simply nodded. Manius was right, Brother Zenodius was young to be a force commander but showed much promise and had never disappointed before. The man was also respected among his peers and demanded a high discipline, a Chapter trait.
”What of our new Scout Sergeant, Brother Quintus?”
Manius nodded to himself before stopping his pacing. After a moment of silent contemplation he resumed his pacing. ”Ah yes, Julius, a near flawless specimen of our gene seed. Straight and to the point, a hard teacher but a fair one it seems. He is not distracted by the frivolities of youth evident in many of our Chapter. Not yet honoured with his invitation to join the first company. It says much about a brother who is willing to serve by being a teacher to our new brothers. Quintus will not disappoint, a fine addition to our company. It was prudent for our Master to send him to us.”
Antonius nodded, letting the advice sink in before standing. Placing a hand on his old friend’s shoulder he smiled, ”my thanks Perphius, your counsel is as always without flaw.”
Manius simply nodded and turned towards the altar. ”Now, I must tend to his holy shrine of the Emperor.”
”Of course. With that Antonius turned and strode towards the exit, his feet sending deep reverberations around the chapel. As he was about to step through the bulkhead into the corridor Manius called after him, his front still turned towards the altar.
”Eulaus. A mind without purpose will wander in dark places. Focus on your duty to your Brothers and the Emperor and you will find what you seek.”
With that Antonius stepped into the corridor.
They had only recently boarded The Deliverance, waiting for their battle brothers to arrive. The company had been slowly decimated in the third war for Armageddon. After brother Captain Fastius had been killed in the assault on facility 12 the responsibility of leading the company had been placed on his shoulders. An honour but also a heavy burden. The Chapter Master had decided that instead of reinforcing the 4th company from one of the reserve companies the Chapter would initiate rebuilding protocols and deploy a reserve company until such time as the 4th Company is fighting strength.
Making the sign of the Aquila he incanted the final words of his prayer “Praise be, Emperor, Lord.” As he stood and turned to head to his quarters he saw Chaplain Manius, the Chaplain had been watching him this whole time. The man’s voice boomed across the small chapel, Perphius Manius had a loud voice, even for a space marine. Indeed, Eulaus had fought many battles with the Chaplain, his litanies and encouragement booming above the maelstrom of battle.
”The Emperor knows, the Emperor is watching.“
” I know old friend, of that there is no doubt. If only he would guide my hand. I mourn the passing of our brothers and the burden of this company’s future weighs heavily on me. I will not see this company failed by me.”
”It shall not be so. Brother, you were chosen because you are strong enough to carry the burden. There is none more experienced and able than you.”
”Let us hope so.” Antonius shook his head to dispel the doubt that threatened to nest there. With a smile and a nod he took a seat in the pews. ” Perphius, I would welcome your counsel on our company’s leaders. Chaplain Manius nodded and started to pace, a habit he has had since his indoctrination into the Chaplaincy centuries ago. With a sharp grunt he cleared his throat and once again his deep voice echoed around the chapel.
”Commander Zenodius. You know of him from his fighting on Armageddon, where he was honoured with his invitation to the first company. Instead he chose to remain with what remains of our company. One of Captain Fastius’ favourites, personally picked by the Captain. Promoted to the rank of sergeant at the start of our Chapter’s Armageddon campaign. Following your promotion to Captain he would take up your old mantle.
”I know of his service record old friend. What do you make of him?"
Chaplain Manius waved his arm as if to dismiss the comment before continuing, “Rallus is a good leader, leading by example and with knowledge that belies his years. You must trust him, he will be instrumental in the rebuilding of this company to its former glory.
Antonius simply nodded. Manius was right, Brother Zenodius was young to be a force commander but showed much promise and had never disappointed before. The man was also respected among his peers and demanded a high discipline, a Chapter trait.
”What of our new Scout Sergeant, Brother Quintus?”
Manius nodded to himself before stopping his pacing. After a moment of silent contemplation he resumed his pacing. ”Ah yes, Julius, a near flawless specimen of our gene seed. Straight and to the point, a hard teacher but a fair one it seems. He is not distracted by the frivolities of youth evident in many of our Chapter. Not yet honoured with his invitation to join the first company. It says much about a brother who is willing to serve by being a teacher to our new brothers. Quintus will not disappoint, a fine addition to our company. It was prudent for our Master to send him to us.”
Antonius nodded, letting the advice sink in before standing. Placing a hand on his old friend’s shoulder he smiled, ”my thanks Perphius, your counsel is as always without flaw.”
Manius simply nodded and turned towards the altar. ”Now, I must tend to his holy shrine of the Emperor.”
”Of course. With that Antonius turned and strode towards the exit, his feet sending deep reverberations around the chapel. As he was about to step through the bulkhead into the corridor Manius called after him, his front still turned towards the altar.
”Eulaus. A mind without purpose will wander in dark places. Focus on your duty to your Brothers and the Emperor and you will find what you seek.”
With that Antonius stepped into the corridor.
