Post by Soleman on Jan 22, 2008 21:30:12 GMT -5
“What is your report Quintas?”
“Commander, a large force of Tyranids are a few days to the west, while the Orks are gathering a Waggh to the South, nothing we can’t handle, but certainly worth noting. To the North, my scouts have reported sightings of Daemons of all sorts.”
“By the blood of the Emperor! It’s as if all the foul things have gathered in one place. Perhaps a strategic retreat is in order sir?” offered a young officer.
“Speak out of turn and with such words again, Hektor, and I’ll see your tongue cut out for heresy!” bellowed the Commander. “Retreat is not an option. Our orders are to hold this position until reinforcements arrive, and we will live and die with honour doing just that!”
***
Back in his tents, Alexio Deodatus reflected on his past.
“Quintas, we’ve known each other a very long time, fought in many battles together, brutally slaying the enemies of the Imperium. Countless times I’ve hurtled headlong into battle without a single thought of the danger or fear of death. I’ve always been more than happy to lay down my life for the Emperor, may He live forever.”
“Since my recent honour of being titled, ‘Master’, much has changed. I’m no longer simply risking my life and the life of a small tactical squad. Now I’m responsible for the lives of the entire company. Am I worthy?”
“Permission to speak freely sir? As long as I’ve known you, the Codex Astartes has been the only way of life, and to die fighting to maintain that way of life was a mere pittance for you to pay for all it stands for.”
“Throughout these long years, you’ve always told me that it is one’s piety, along with his cunning, bravery and strict adherence to the Codex that makes it possible to prevail. But beyond all that, it has always been your leadership as much as anything that has given us the will and determination to survive against all odds.”
“This is your chance to truly serve the Emperor, may He live forever and show your full potential as a leader in the chapter. You have gathered a well-balanced force that, while containing the experience of our veteran squad and the wisdom of the venerable one, also contains the youth and optimism of fresh recruits. This will be your biggest challenge thus far. Are you ready to again put yourself in the face of the enemy, to live or die protecting the honour of the chapter?”
Again, feeling the confidence he always exudes, Deodatus has only to rouse his troops. “Gather the men!”
***
“You have all trained hard, and proved your mettle to me! Today shall be the biggest test of all. It will test your bravery, your skill, and most of all your faith in the Emperor, may He live forever! This planet is foul and in need of purification! Today we face many foes, from many worlds! Some will say we cannot prevail! Heresy I say! All of our training, all of our accomplishments have brought us to this point today.
We will do what must be done to protect the Codex Astartes! We shall do as we must, to honour the Imperium! Live or die, histories will be written of the ferocity of this battle! For millennia to come they shall speak of the honour and bravery of our company! This day is the day that we make our legacy among the stars!"
“Courage and Honour!”
“Commander, a large force of Tyranids are a few days to the west, while the Orks are gathering a Waggh to the South, nothing we can’t handle, but certainly worth noting. To the North, my scouts have reported sightings of Daemons of all sorts.”
“By the blood of the Emperor! It’s as if all the foul things have gathered in one place. Perhaps a strategic retreat is in order sir?” offered a young officer.
“Speak out of turn and with such words again, Hektor, and I’ll see your tongue cut out for heresy!” bellowed the Commander. “Retreat is not an option. Our orders are to hold this position until reinforcements arrive, and we will live and die with honour doing just that!”
***
Back in his tents, Alexio Deodatus reflected on his past.
“Quintas, we’ve known each other a very long time, fought in many battles together, brutally slaying the enemies of the Imperium. Countless times I’ve hurtled headlong into battle without a single thought of the danger or fear of death. I’ve always been more than happy to lay down my life for the Emperor, may He live forever.”
“Since my recent honour of being titled, ‘Master’, much has changed. I’m no longer simply risking my life and the life of a small tactical squad. Now I’m responsible for the lives of the entire company. Am I worthy?”
“Permission to speak freely sir? As long as I’ve known you, the Codex Astartes has been the only way of life, and to die fighting to maintain that way of life was a mere pittance for you to pay for all it stands for.”
“Throughout these long years, you’ve always told me that it is one’s piety, along with his cunning, bravery and strict adherence to the Codex that makes it possible to prevail. But beyond all that, it has always been your leadership as much as anything that has given us the will and determination to survive against all odds.”
“This is your chance to truly serve the Emperor, may He live forever and show your full potential as a leader in the chapter. You have gathered a well-balanced force that, while containing the experience of our veteran squad and the wisdom of the venerable one, also contains the youth and optimism of fresh recruits. This will be your biggest challenge thus far. Are you ready to again put yourself in the face of the enemy, to live or die protecting the honour of the chapter?”
Again, feeling the confidence he always exudes, Deodatus has only to rouse his troops. “Gather the men!”
***
“You have all trained hard, and proved your mettle to me! Today shall be the biggest test of all. It will test your bravery, your skill, and most of all your faith in the Emperor, may He live forever! This planet is foul and in need of purification! Today we face many foes, from many worlds! Some will say we cannot prevail! Heresy I say! All of our training, all of our accomplishments have brought us to this point today.
We will do what must be done to protect the Codex Astartes! We shall do as we must, to honour the Imperium! Live or die, histories will be written of the ferocity of this battle! For millennia to come they shall speak of the honour and bravery of our company! This day is the day that we make our legacy among the stars!"
“Courage and Honour!”
