And we all fall down....

[Aqui]

I've been mulling over a lot of the comments made about my last attempt at doing my own IA about the Steel Wings and decided to abandon the last one entirely. I haven't worked out all of the details yet, nor have I got anything typed yet, but I had a rare period where writers block disappeared and started typing this last night. Not very much at the moment, but I intend to add more here as I do it.

 

It may make things easier for me to work out with regards to who the Steel Wings are, their history etc.

 

C+C's welcome Brothers! ^_^

 

The capital of Planet PtX-44972: Northern Hemisphere. Day 366 of 472 in the local calendar. Imperial date: 997484.M41.

 

The Space Marine force had come too late to be of much use to the Planet’s Self Defence Force – they had been wiped out. The Green skins, as is their want, had stopped killing when there was nothing else left to kill and had, for fun started attacking each other. That had made it easy for the Marines to find a suitable landing point. The Capital of the planet was not conducive for fighting, was no longer fortifiable and more importantly, no good for the races they favoured with the ramshackle vehicles they used. Debris had smashed the roads and made even the most suicidal Ork driver think twice. For an Imperial Land Raider however, it presented no problem.

 

Brother-Captain Hubros of the Steel Wings Chapter turned to the Driver of this puissant machine.

“Haven’t the scanners found anything?”

“No, Brother-Captain”, responded the driver, “Nothing”.

“Stop the Land Raider by those rocks over there. I want to see for myself”

 

The Land Raider slowed and opened its rear hatch to allow the squad to disembark.

“Brother-Sergeant. Take your squad north. Standard Perimeter formation. I wish to know what the green scum are doing, and where.”

With a curt nod the squad Sergeant set off up the road. Looking around him, he could not see very much, even with the enhanced eyesight and helmet sensors of a Marine. The fog that had settled was cold and had much of the dust mixed in it. The Capital was beyond even the most dedicated Mechanicus’ help now. The best thing they could do was to employ their huge machines and bulldoze the area flat and start again. Turning, he caught Chaplain Ricktus holding something tiny in his hands. A doll, its head and left arm was missing. With something approaching reverence, the Chaplain replaced it where he found it.

 

“Even for Greenskins, this was a ferocious assault”, Ricktus mused. “I’ve never seen such devastation wrought in such a short time.”

 

The distress call was received by the Steel Wings a week ago. It took five days to get to the Planet and another two to get past the escort vessels left in the planetary system. That was unusual too. In all of the times he had encountered them, Orks always assaulted a Planet en mass. They never left reserves. The Planet which didn’t have a name, but was simply referred to as “PtX-44972” had a very effective defense system. It had to, as the mining operations there attracted a lot of unwanted attention. Steel, various crystals used for power management systems and even the Humans themselves were a valuable resource. However, scans of the planet revealed that typically, the Orks were more than content with picking off the scraps of war, than the raw materials the Planet had to offer.

 

The Vox chimed. Brother-Sergeant had called in on time.

 

“Brother-Captain, no Green skins are near this location. However, there is a bunker here. The computation systems are beyond my ken, but still seem to function. There may be information that we can use.”

 

“Understood. Brother Ricktus, we shall take the Land Raider to the location. Have Brother Caveat join us at those co-ordinates. His expertise will be required.”

 

The bunker was cramped even for the humans that had built it. It was originally a control centre for guiding the massive transports entering and leaving the Mining sector, but when the fighting started was hastily retrofitted to act as a way of co-ordinating the fight back. Brother Caveat with his servitors was already at work when Hubros arrived. The computation equipment stripped of their housing was a mass of wires and circuit boards, some of which was plugged directly into his specialised Techmarine Power Armour.

 

“Most of the information is garbled Brother-Captain”, he reported. The technicians were competent enough, however when they started to encryption process they must have had a power failure as I cannot make head nor tail of a lot of it. I am retrieving it all so that I can work on it on the move. Do you wish to see it?”

 

Hubros nodded. One of the Servitors stepped forward. A Hologram emitter built into it’s arm buzzed and produced an image of a man, staining the room in a green hue. Disconcertingly, the Servitor spoke the audio part itself than produce the sound via speaker.

 

“To whomever receives this information. It is imperative that it be delivered into the hands of the Space Marine Chapter known as the Steel Wings. I am one of the technicians whom transmitted the signal for their aid. The Orks have already destroyed most of the Planetary batteries and are currently attacking the Governors Palace. We know that the Steel Wings will not get here in time, and we are generally resigned to that....” The man in the image turns away to something or someone outside of the image, points and hisses something untranslatable. A gun shot is followed. The man turns back again.

 

“We have tried to stop the Orks by luring as many of them to this spot, to give one final push of resistance back. It was not as successful as we’d hoped. Most of the Orks were too busy fighting in the southern hemisphere to be attracted by the bait. The Capital fell for nothing.

 

“We have done all that we can and have now set the few remaining missiles we have left for the biggest concentration of Orks in the Southern Hemisphere. Hopefully, by the grace of the God-Emperor, when the Steel Wings arrive they will have a better chance of fighting them—“

 

The transmission ended abruptly.

 

“That is all the uncorrupted data” Caveat stated. “Everything else is currently beyond repair. I have both of my Servitors computing ways of recovering the information. It’s mainly an attachment file, probably data on the location of the Orks they tried to dispatch.”

 

“Hurry with it, Caveat. These people fought with the conviction that they were going to die before we got here, and still did their duty” said Hubros

 

“It was their duty anyway,” Ricktus snorted.

 

“It was” agreed Hubros, “But, still I find their courage uplifting. They will not have died in vain.”

 

Any C+C's? All constructive stuff welcome :D

Edited May 5, 2010 by Aquilanus

[Ufthak]

BRILLIANT!

 

Very, very good! And one of the few short stories with virtually no mistakes (a very rare thing!). Keep it up, please do keep writing! :)

 

P.S.: Only crit: in the last sentence, "they will not die in vain" makes no sense. Considering they're all dead already anyway, "they will not have died in vain" may sound better.

[Aqui]

Oops! You're right :lol: Amended.

 

Thanks for the input. I'll be putting more on soon :tu:

[Ufthak]

No continuation? :cuss

[Aqui]

No continuation? ;)

 

Sorry :( Have been very busy at work lately, so not had a chance to do much. Have tomorrow off though, so hopefully will be able to do some even it's just a little :ermm:

[Ufthak]

looking forward to more, so keep it up! ;)

[Aqui]

Apologies for how short it is, but I had a bit of an epiphany and had to get it down quick as I have a problem remembering things sometimes ;)

 

I also apologise for the fact it follows the "present time leading to a time in the past because the protagonist is reminded of something" scenario. I'll try to keep them to a minimum :)

 

The Thunderhawk didn’t shudder in the turbulence as such, more list slightly, the mighty machine shrugging off the atmospherics with ease. Hubros was in the cockpit eyeing the sensor readouts, desperate for any indication of what was to be expected below. All the information they had previously collected indicated that the Orks had gathered in the Southern continent, for what reason was as yet unknown. It was mainly wasteland according to official reports and who was he to doubt it. However, experience showed Hubros that the best strategy was to expect the unexpected. A little heads-up would make things a little easier however....

 

The Thunderhawk pilot, a veteran of many previous campaigns, calm, collected and possessed of a steely resolve. He was now privately wishing his commander would respectfully get the hell out of his cockpit.

 

“Anything?” Hubros asked again.

 

“No, Brother-Captain” He replied. “The pollution caused by the last attempt by the locals to be rid of the Greenskins has rendered long range scans null and void. I will contact you immediately when this changes”.

 

Hubros took the hint. He was letting impatience impede his ability to lead. After a cursory acknowledgement, he returned to the hold to rejoin his men. Squads Verpatik and Vahnisle stood to attention. In the gloom three hulking figures were attended by Techmarines and Servitors. The Triumveriate, resplendent in their lovingly artificed armour. The lead Dreadnought, Nishrai, was once Chapter Master, but after being caught in an explosion some 150 years ago was interred within the mobile tomb. The second, Zahilm was a Devastator Sergeant who was in his time, the best shot of all. He never missed a target, and his cool head under fire won many accolades. The third, Bayadom was a former Assault Marine who had once charged a Chaos Space Marine rhino armed with nothing more than a chainsword and a Krak grenade. No one knows how he was able to restrain himself enough to survive another 90 years afterwards before becoming a Dreadnought.

 

The collective name was an honourific, an almost forgotten word used to describe a time when an ancient Empire was ruled by three men. On the battlefield it seemed fitting to all who witnessed them.

 

“Honoured brothers” said Hubros as he approached. “I trust that you are fit for battle?”

 

Nishrai’s torso stooped forward slightly to look at Hubros. It was an unnecessary act as his sensor suite had at least one hundred and eighty degree forward vision, but it was a very human act and therefore one very hard to stop doing.

 

“We are as always ready to serve the Chapter, young one”, Nishrai’s electronic vox stated. “However, I can see you are not at ease...”

 

“Much has befallen you, Brother-Captain” added Bayadom.

 

“Yes,” replied Hubros. “Much has happened. I take it you know the full details?”

 

“Affirmative,” said Zahilm, “But we wish to hear it from you. A report for the Chapter Master, no matter how detailed will occasionally leave out the subtlest details.”

 

Seeing Hubros’ reaction, Nishrai continued “We merely wish to understand what happened from you Brother-Captain. The report and the additional notes from the Chapter Master leave no blame with you. Tell us, of that day. The day we all fell down.....”

[Ufthak]

As you said, a bit short, but very good! :P I have no problem with flashbacks, so looking forward to it Edited May 14, 2010 by Ufthak

[Aqui]

Another very short passage - I don't seem to have much time to be able to write a fat lot lately. However, a little is better than non at all I suppose....

 

Imperial date: 997450.M41. Planet Jakart

 

The Battle Barge Absentis Preteritus approached the Planet known as Jakart, slowing to ensure that the whole system was scanned for possible traps. As is the wont of the Steel Wing Chapter, nothing is left to chance. Everything seemed to fit the intelligence gathered months before, but old habits die hard and fresh scans were committed. Nothing, not even an echo of warp travel. Aboard the Bridge of this pitted and ancient ship, the Captain let out a brief sigh of relief, before reporting to the Huge figure shrouded in shadow in the corner.

 

"I take it everything seems to be as we expected?"

 

The ship Captain caught the inflection instinctively. He'd been waiting for it. For many centuries, the Battle-Captains of the Second Company were by even Chapter standards cautious. Brother-Captain Hubros was more so. An honourable man, known for solid tactics and rigid adherence to the Holy Codex, Hubros had been the Commander of the Second for two hundred years. The Second Company, was by dint of the tragedy that befell them Millennia ago The Flag bearers of the Chapter. Indeed, there was still a First Company, but was not up to full strength. Even more tragic was that most of the wondrous Tactical Dreadnought Armour had been destroyed, meaning that the First were more Custodians of the Chapter and an extended Honour guard to the Chapter Master. The weight of responsibility bore down on Hubros, but he carried it staunchly.

 

Conscious of the pause, the ship Captain quickly replied "We are within two days travel of Jakart at minimal velocity, Brother-Captain as ordered. We have made another scan of the area. There is nothing else in the sector".

 

Hubros nodded and the Ship captain knew that he was still expecting a surprise attack. Judging from the look on his face, it seemed that Hubros was disappointed.

 

"Make the standard ship announcement. Also ensure that all of the Captains and Squad Sergeants report to the Main hall at 08.00 for briefing"

 

"It shall be done Brother-Captain".

 

++++++

 

“Brothers, it would seem that we have an opportunity within our grasp. The Planet of Jakart, a stronghold of the Greenskins has, of late been in turmoil. The previous leader of these barbaric creatures was killed recently by a Cousinly Chapter and there is a power vacuum as a result. We should be Planet side within two standard days. This briefing will give details on deployment and our objectives.”

 

A murmur of chatter amongst those gathered and Brother-Captain Hubros waited to continue.

 

Pointing to a red marker on the Holgraphic display Hubros continued, “Due to our limited numbers, we will strike here. It is the highest concentration of Orks planet side. I know brothers, it seems madness to strike there, but this ship will bombard the area first. Once we have established a Beach head we will begin our objectives.”

 

“Begin? Isn’t destroying the Greenskins not our task?” asked Brother-sergeant Escrima “What else is there that could be so important?”

 

Hubros paused. He’d been rehearsing this in his mind for days and still wasn’t happy about what to say. However.....

 

“Our true objective is to locate something.... something that could finally tell us our history, our past.....” and was drowned out by the sheer scale of vocalised emotion by all in the room.

 

“Brothers!” Hubros shouted. “I emphasis the word could. This is by no means definite. There have been rumours about a former Fortress located on the Planet for many centuries. But as you know the Orks have held that Planet and previously it was impossible to get within any distance of it. But because of Our Brothers of the Fringe Crusaders Chapter we have one chance, one to regain our history.”

 

“How has such information found itself on this Planet?” asked Brother-Sergeant Escrima, “Even with little known about ourselves, we know that we have never been to that Planet.”

 

“We do not known anything for certain brother” Hubros replied, “Just as we don not know for certain that there is any information there. But it is our best lead. The first that we have ever come across. I know that we are meticulous in our execution of battle. That we check and check again to be certain. But would any of you walk away from this? To be so close to finding out who we are. Where we are from? Well, would you?”

 

There was silence, as each Marine contemplated those words. Bitter words to be sure. But honest ones never the less.

 

“As I see it,” Brother-Sergeant Escrima said, “We cannot lose. If we find what we are looking for, we will be blessed indeed. If we don’t find anything..... we will take our due from the Orks and retake that planet for the God Emperor!”

 

The collective roar that followed could be heard on the main Bridge.

Edited August 20, 2010 by Aquilanus

[Skirax]

These all show real potential, but there's a few mistakes here and there, such as the Land Raiders 'Rear' hatch, should be the front hatch.

[Aqui]

These all show real potential, but there's a few mistakes here and there, such as the Land Raiders 'Rear' hatch, should be the front hatch.

 

D'oh! I knew that "modern" Landraiders have front hatches, but I could have sworn the old ones had them at the back (I'm still in the past regarding some things :cry: )

 

Thanks for commenting though ^_^

[Aqui]

Imperial date: 997450.M41. Planet Jakart: Standard Planetary orbit.

 

The Absentis Preteritus was in Geo-stationary orbit around the target Planet. In the time it took to get there, the Company Captains of the fourth and fifth companies were ready to disembark via Drop pod to their designated targets. Company two under the command of Brother-Captain Hubros were to use a Thunderhawk the Diluculo Redemptio, a proud veteran of many battles to hit the epicentre of the Greenskins command structure. A successful hit there would be enough to make the remnants disorganised enough to finish off. On the bridge, Hubros turned to the Ship-Captain, and asked for an update.

 

"The planet surface is as we expected it to be. The vast concentration of the Orks is centred near the Fortress we wish to examine."

 

"Understood. We execute the plan in 5 minutes. Be sure that the targets receive your full attention."

 

The Ship-Captain mentally winced. Although Hubros was diplomatic not to mention it, he knew that the last time an orbital bombardment was required, the results were less than satisfactory. A minor computation error resulted in a group of Land Raiders being bombarded instead of a group of Traitorous Imperial Guard.

 

The Ship-Captain turned to the Gunner. "Have you checked the co-ordinates?"

The Gunner, gulped and reported that he had. Four times. That response got an inperceptable nod of satisfaction from Hubros. "You may fire when ready Crewman", Hubros commanded.

 

Although being dozens of decks above the Gunnery deck, the Crew could feel the parcels of death being ejected from the Ship to the Planet below.

 

"Crewman, display."

 

The crewman complied, and the Holscreen showed the Bombardment. Whole areas of the land below shook with fury, erupting in fire. Orks in their thousands, burned, shouting their defiance to their despicable Gods. Their Gods won't help them.

 

"Enough. Brother-Captain Vohcyker, Brother-Captain Mahshiinde. Your Companies may proceed. For the Emperor. For the Founding Fathers."

Both Captains acknowledged, the Marine vox channel, now buzzing with commands from the various Sergeants.

 

"Captain Vorhaas, I leave the ship in your command. I will leave in the Diluculo Redemptio when I am sure that all is ready."

The ship Captain was shocked at the use of his name, but tried not to show it. "The ship will be in no danger."

 

"No," said Hubros, "It won't"

 

++++++

 

"All Marines report ready, Brother-Captain," Sergeant Escrima told Hubros as he entered the holding area for the Thunderhawks.

"Good," acknowledged Hubros. He looked up at the Thunderhawk, with almost brotherly affection, careful to show nothing on his face. The Diluculo Redemptio had proven herself in so many battles, that if it was possible, should be given the highest honours the Chapter could give. However, as always she was ready. Scanning her surface for the newer scars from previous missions, Hubros noticed that the cockpit was buckled when the ship wasn't able to avoid a building due to the flight surfaces being damaged. Many had petitioned for her to be repaired, to be brought back to her glory. Hubros and the Second company refused. Not that didn't she deserve it. Quite the reverse. But Hubros had a feeling that should she be able to speak, would prefer to remain as she is and wear her scars with pride. Preceeding to the cockpit, he signaled the pilot to leave. With a thunderous roar, the Pride of the Second Company left to tear out the throat of the Greenskin menace below.

 

The atmosphere was rough, even with the deliberately shallow re-entry curve. From what little was known of the Planet, the weather was never very good, having a rainy season with accompanying Hurricanes for a lot of the year. Pondering on what value the Orks had on such a Planet, Hubros almost missed a display read-out on the main console.

 

"Report"

 

"Brother-Captain Vohcyker and Brother-Captain Mahshiinde both report that they have landed at their designated points. Heavy resistance as expected. No casualties thus far, although Venerable Brother Genmehy's assault cannon was damaged during his drop. Brother Caveat is assisting him in repairs."

 

"Patch me through. Brother-Captain Vohcyker, it is imperative that yours and Brother-Captain Mahshiinde draw the Orks to you. And Brother-Captain Vohcyker. The Chapter Master has asked that you try to avoid any unneccesary grandstanding. It is unbecoming behaviour."

"Understood Brother-Captain. The Emperor protects."

 

So much rests on this mission, thought Hubros. We must find what we are looking for.

 

Once again short :( However, I'm starting to get a feel for things now, so once I finally some time to myself :huh: , I'll be really going for it ^_^

[Aqui]

Imperial date: 997450.M41. Planet Jakart: Battlefield Alpha, Northern Continent 00.00 hours, Planet time.

 

Brother-Captain Vohcyker led his Company across a stretch of valley towards the burning debris in the distance. The bombardment had been on target, and thrown the Greenskins into confusion. He checked his suits's systems to ensure his battle readiness. All was in order. The powerful engines that made up his jump pack idled and he briefly wished to attack now, but he suppressed it. Brother-Captain Hubros was correct. His predilection for throwing himself into battle with little thought for the consequences was well known, and had no intention of letting the Chapter down. Too much was at stake. The past could finally be restored, but only if he played his part. Turning to his Sergeant, he pointed to a pinprick of light half a mile away.

 

"Have you identified what they are deploying?"

 

"Negative, Brother-Captain. The cover they are using is too effective. It is possible that they are only infantry, the pass is not conducive for their buggies. However, it could be that they have their dreadnoughts there....."

 

"Understood. Have three squads make ready to jump ahead with me. The rest shall follow behind. Contact Brother-Captain Mahshiinde and tell him that we are ready to proceed."

 

The sergeant nooded and turned to transmit orders. Vohcyker looked back again. The light seemed to be getting closer.

 

"Sergeant, belay orders. All Marines make ready to attack! Forward!"

 

The lights intensified, and the noise of crude engines grew louder. The shadows were recognisable now, as was the Chant. It was three words, repeated over and over.

 

"'Ere we go, 'Ere we go, 'Ere we go!"

 

Deffkoptas, and the Assault Company were all in plain sight.

 

Just thought I'd post this whilst I work on a bit more today.....

 

C+C welcome as ever :)

[Ufthak]

"'Ere we go, 'ere we go, 'ere we go..." HAHAHA laughed my head off over that one, simply brilliant :D

[Aqui]

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

An explosion ripped up the ground in front of Hubros, forcing him to jump the resultant crater. Chainsword swinging round, it caught an Ork nob in the face tearing half of its mouth open. The Ork, enraged, tried to grab his shoulders to push him back, but Hubros ducked. With the Chainsword still in the Ork's mouth Hubros pushed up, the tip coming out of the back of it's skull blood and gore blooming like a flower in sunlight. Looking at the body briefly, he saw that the Ork was of a Klan called the Evil Sunz He'd heard about that Klan before, especially the Kult of Speed. Thinking no more of it, Hubros ran towards another body of Greenskins. Three Orks, large even for their race. The way they held their position, indicated to Hubros that they were up to something. Too late, Hubros realised that behind him a Killer Kan was taking aim. Clanking, it's movements arthritic, the Kan had trained it's rokkit launcha on his position. It fired, sparks flying with a gust of smoke and gunpowder. However, the pilot of the Kan was a terrible shot, the missile flying past Hubros hitting the Ork trio. Realising it's mistake, the Kan paused. Hubros seized the initiative, Chainsword at the ready. The Kan's claw swung down, to swat him away, but met with difficulty as the arms' Hydraulics burst open, the mechanism unable to cope with the pressure. Hacking at the Kan's knee, it's lack of equilibrium made it fall backwards. From inside the torso, a childish squealing and thrashing. Leaving the Kan behind, Hubros could see the objective. The Fortress, now laid low by the abuse leveled upon it was ahead. To the left, he could see his Company's Marines regrouping. Joining them, Hubros issued orders.

 

"We enter the building, we stop for nothing. Brother Caveat and his Servitors are on route. The building will be searched floor by floor. Venerable Brother Malander will guard this route entrance to allow us time to get this task done. The Emperor protects."

 

As one, the Marines responded "He is our shield and protector!"

 

Okay, not a fat lot done, but small progress is better than none at all..... :D