TALE - The Second Son (Rough Draft)

[simison]

Chapter 3: First Strike

 

Alexandros preferred to call it a meditation chair.

 

Yes, it was located in the center of the bridge, while the captain’s throne was seated closer to the fore. But that was because of how the bridge was arranged. When viewed from above, one could see that the bridge was shaped like a lotus flower with each petal corresponding to a different area of operations. The central pedal held navigation and weapon systems and the captain’s throne. The left pedal was their communications hub, while the right hub handled engineering. At the point where the three pedals overlapped was Alex’s chair.

 

Yes, it looked more like a throne than it did a chair, especially since it was larger than the captain’s throne. Yet, no decorations adorned beyond a single golden gem above where Alex’s head would be. Some said it looked like an apple, but its actual purpose was a focusing tool for Alexandros’ powers. So long as he sat there, he could see and hear farther and further.

 

However, because it did look like a command throne, Alex avoided it, knowing he would only sit upon it when it was time to call upon his powers. Until then, he situated himself next to the captain’s throne. The man granted the honor of being the Elpis’ first captain had distinguished himself in the Campaign against the Sultanate.

 

Hierax had been serving aboard the Jutland Spear as a lieutenant. His captain died during an ambush early in the Sultanate campaign, during one of the first pushes into the asteroid field protecting the Sultanate. Despite the terrible first blow done to them, Hierax quickly assumed command of both his ship and the squadron, rallying them to counter-attack. Although his squadron lost a frigate, they were able to deal twice the damage done to the enemy and paved the way for the V^th legion to invade Asteroid M4-78. 

 

Since then, Hierax has had a long career of exemplary service, promoted into steadily larger warships. While the Elpis was under construction, he was serving as XO on a battle barge, the Hammer of Albyon. After reviewing his record, Alexandros believed him to be the perfect commander for his personal warship. 

[simison]

The man could've been considered handsome by conventional standards were it not for the plasma burn covering his right cheek and the cybernetic arm that replaced his burned one. A leftover reminder from his fifth battle on the Albyon. Thanks to his injury, he wore no facial hair but allowed a brown fuzz to cover his head as his amber eyes flitted through reports. He glanced up at the window that formed a quarter dome over the bridge, allowing everyone to peer into space.

 

He addressed his primarch, "My lord, we've confirmed the intelligence reports. The portal is located on the fourth planet, IG-88, at the bottom of a large canyon in the southern hemisphere. We can have it secured in three hours."

 

Alexandros shook his head before scratching his red beard. "No. If we do that, then we'll never destroy the Kabal. Xenevo always sends a scouting party first before moving out in full force. Hide the fleet behind the moon. Our best chance at ending this threat is to lure them from the Webway before destroying the gate. Once that is accomplished, we can slay them at our leisure."

 

"You already have a plan, my lord?"

 

"I do," the Primarch admitted. "I've already alerted logistics of my requirements. All I'm waiting on is the list of volunteers. We're going to have a small detachment of the Imperial Army act as though they are surveying the planet for the Imperium with a detachment of Riders hidden amongst them. Xenevo will discover them and won't be able to resist the easy slaughter. The moment the last xeno is clear of the Webway portal, you are are to destroy it from orbit. Once done, the rest of the Storm Riders will deploy from the fleet, protecting the remaining Imperial Army units, and finish off the Miasma." 

[bluntblade]

You know one thing I'd like to see - Alex naming a planet. I get the feeling he'd get annoyed by constant IH-98s and all that. Plus it's a bugbear of mine - I've always thought the astronomers should just use every pantheon going

[simison]

"My lord," a new voice said. Alexandros turned around and looked down as a Lieutenant saluted him. "Sub-Commander Wilhelm reports his unit roster is completed. They will be ready to deploy in a few hours, at your convenience, my lord."

 

"Excellent," Alexandros replied. He glanced back at Hierax. "Captain, in thirty minutes, a full tactical plan will arrive to debrief you on both the ground engagement and how the fleet's role in the upcoming battle. If you notice any deviations, you have my permission to address them as you see fit. And please alert Captain Ricksher that I won't him and his company staff to report to Briefing Room 16B in forty minutes."

 

"Aye, my lord," Hierax answered with a nod, as much as one as his implants would allow.

 

Alexandros gestured to the Lieutenant, "Mr.Bowditch, if you would lead the way?"

 

Lieutenant Bowditch twitched in a uniform that had never seen battle, much like its owner. "My lord?"

 

"I wish to meet the men and women who will be accompanying me to battle. Please, lead on," the Primarch explained with a small, mischievous smile.

 

"Of course, my lord!" Bowditch said before doing an about-face and marching to where his new unit was.

 

While armouries could provide the room for squads and other small elements to conduct unit maintenance and mission review, for anything larger, they simply lacked the appropriate space. During his studies and interviews, Alexandros had learned that space marines often held their assemblies in hangar bays, their strong vocal chords and enhanced hearing able to counter the typical bedlam. While Alex agreed it was possible, he preferred such meetings were held in areas with fewer distractions and had commanded the Elpis host a number of mustering halls. It was in Hall 26C, he found Wilhelm and his volunteer unit.

 

Five hundred Solar Auxilia filled a fraction of the hall as they were engaged in a myriad of activities. Most were involved in equipment inspections, while several tercios were finishing up roll calls. Taking a deep breath, the sandy-haired Bowditch put an end to all of that as he shouted, "ATTENTION ON DECK!" With a speed and discipline that would've earned a grudging nod from an astartes sergeant, the entire unit dropped what they were doing and all came to the position of attention.

 

"At ease!" Alexandros replied. "Carry on with what you were doing."

 

An order apparently hard to carry out as many of the infantrymen couldn't avoid stealing glances at the towering primarch. Alexandros mentally snickered as he noticed one female trooper who was absentmindedly putting her rifle barrel in backwards. Sub-Commander Wilhelm, a dark-skinned man who was as new to his rank as Bowditch was, and two Troop Masters promptly marched up, flashing salutes. "My lord, I wasn't aware you would be inspecting my unit. I apologize for its current state."

 

Alexandros waved it off. "No apology needed, Sub-Commander. I'm here to personally debrief you and your unit on our upcoming deployment."

[simison]

Wilhelm offered a deep but confused nod. "As you will, my lord. When do you wish to carry out the debriefing?"

 

A pause lingered as Darshan briefly consulted with the future. "In twenty minutes. In fifteen, have your auxilia finish whatever current task they are on and have them in formation."

 

"It will be done, my lord."

 

"Until then, I will be taking a stroll through your unit. If you'll excuse me," Alexandros finished with a nod. Wilhelm affirmed before he returned to his duties. Holding his hands languidly behind his back, the primarch meandered around the room. Up to this point, the only interaction Alexandros had with the famed Solar Auxilia was a few meetings with high-ranking personnel. While he was aware of their purpose and their reputation, nothing could replicate the knowledge obtained from seeing them up close, and he figured this was a small but golden opportunity.

 

He stopped by a lasrifle section that had finished roll call. With their duties squared away, the Void Sergeant was shouting some basic advice to his troopers. "I don't care what part of Terra you bunch of idiots came from or how many kills you made in your last unit! As of now, you fight under my command! When I say 'breach', the melta charges will be primed and ready to be set! When I say 'fire', every lasrifle will open fire! When I say 'hold', you will hold, even it's motherfrackin' Icarion comin' at you!"

 

At this point, one auxilia's discipline momentarily broke as he couldn't help but glance at Alexandros standing behind the Sergeant.

 

"WHAT IN THE VOID ARE YOU LOOKING AT, TROOPER?!" The Void Sergeant frothed as he charged up to the trooper.

 

With an amused smile, Alexandros spared the poor auxiliary from his superior. "I believe I share some of the blame."

 

The Void Sergeant whirled around, mouth wide open to deliver another deluge. Then froze as he realized who he was about to rant at.

Edited October 19, 2016 by simison

[simison]

"It's a challenge to create a cohesive unit from some many different elements," Alexandros offered, preventing an awkward pause. "Especially given such short amount of time. However, it looks like you've made significant progress. Or am I mistaken, Sergeant?" 

 

Given enough time to recover, the Void Sergeant puffed out his chest. "No, my lord! We are Solar Auxilia! Give the order and my section will assault the very madness of the Warp! Isn't that right troopers?" 

 

"YES, VOID SERGEANT!" They shouted, filling the entire hall with a din, earning looks from all around. 

 

Alexandros stepped past the sergeant up to the trooper who had acknowledged him. "What's your name, auxiliary?" 

 

The mortal craned his head upward to meet the Primarch's eyes. "Ruland Holt, my lord."

 

It fascinated Alexandros to watch the unseen struggle within Holt. Half of him was very uncomfortable and surprised that one of the Emperor's own sons would speak with him, aware of the magnitude of Alex's physical and martial power. The other half was filled with pride and a vague sense of relief, the latter being influenced by Alex's aura. "What unit do you hail from?"

 

"The 67^th Solar Auxilia Cohort, my lord.

 

Alexandros paused as he accessed his eidectic memory. "It's only been a couple of months since the Karyon Campaign. Bloody work, it was. Yet, you've volunteered for another dangerous assignment. Why?"

 

Shifting uncomfortably, Ruland answered simply. "I want to serve the Emperor to the best of my ability, my lord."

 

No deceit, no flattery, just honest resolve. With a respectful nod, Alexandros declared, "And that's why I wanted volunteers instead of just handing out assignments. Make no mistake, this will be a hard battle, but a worthwhile one. I need auxiliaries I can trust, and you've demonstrated that, Trooper Holt." He addressed the section as a whole. "The Emperor is fortunate to have such dedicated soldiers serving his Imperium. You honor me by accompanying to this battle. I will do everything I can to be worthy of that honor."

 

There was some truth to the ancient sayings of colors corresponding to emotions. Green with envy. Red with rage. To be blue. Before Alexandros' eyes, a wave of gold spread from Holt through the section as pride swelled within them.

[simison]

Alexandros glanced at their superior. "Carry on, Void Sergeant."

 

"Yes, my lord!"

 

Time had passed during his little pep rally. Although he wanted to speak to more of the auxilia, he made his way back to the front of the room. As he walked, he reached out with his mind. Gaius.

 

His son answered. Yes, my lord?

 

Please come to Hall 26C in 6.3 minutes with your brothers. I want to introduce you to the soldiers.

 

It will be done, my lord, Gaius replied.

 

With a nod, Alexandros broke the telepathic link. By the end of the brief conversation, he had reached the front of the room. The call to formation rang out through the hall. Auxilia scrambled as they assembled into neat ranks separated by tercios. Wilhelm and his strategos took their place near the Primarch at the front.

 

"Sub-Commander, as soon as you're ready, I will begin the briefing," Alexandros said.

 

Wilhelm affirmed as the new unit, which would be dubbed the 102^nd Solar Auxilia Cohort, finished falling in. With a quick order, the Sub-Commander handed the floor over to the Emperor's son.

 

Alexandros scanned the unit before beginning. "102^nd, your first assignment will be to eliminate a corrupted Eldar army known as the Miasma. On IG-88, there is a known Webway portal, which the Miasma operates for its raids. In nineteen hours, the Miasma will be sallying forth from the portal to commit another raid. Instead, they will find the 102^nd on a recon mission and establishing a foothold several kilometers south of the portal. Only a single Imperial warship will be in plain sight, orbiting directly above the landing zone. It is imperative that the presence of the Storm Riders be hidden for the first stage of this battle. Only if the 102^nd appears to be alone, will the enemy commander, an Archon called Xenevo, launch a full attack and be vulnerable to annihilation. Once the last fallen Eldar is far enough away from the portal, the Storm Riders will attack, both destroying the portal and reinforcing the Auxilia's position."

 

While a high-level professionalism was exhibited, both Alexandros' enhanced senses and sharp eyes caught disquiet amid the ranks. No one relished being the distraction. "While deception is key, you will not be alone. The landing zone will be located at the center of a valley that leads directly toward the Webway portal. On the heights around the valley, Captain Ricksher and his company of recon marines will be in position and armed with sniper rifles and other long-range ballistics to support you."

 

"Most importantly," Alexandros continued with a pause. "I will be with you." 

[simison]

That caught his audience off-guard. A few auxiliaries actually dropped their jaws before re-asserting their discipline. "As commander, it is my duty to place myself at the most critical point to ensure success, and that is with the 102^nd. For this operation to succeed, it will require a great deal of trust."

 

Now, my sons. 

 

Gaius and eleven grey-armored space marines marched into the hall to take their place behind their gene-sire. The presence of several staves and other force weapons revealed their psyker nature to the Solar Auxilia. Many in the room became guarded and wary, a legacy of the Storm Riders' 'curse'. Another enemy that Darshan sought to defeat. "I understand I am requiring much of all of you. However, give me this ounce of faith, and I will see it return ten-fold," he said, willing his innate aura to wash through them. The seed of doubt lingered in much of the cohort but was diminished. Ideally, it would have been gone entirely before Darshan's next step, but this was as close as he would get. 

 

In battle, this is how I will communicate to most of you. Many of you have heard rumors about the extent of my powers. I will confirm a few. I can peer into the future. I can hear the thoughts of men when I choose. Armed with both, I can stop ambushes before they begin, forewarn you of the round that would extinguish your life, and guide your aim to lethal accuracy. So, hear and know my other 'voice'. Do not be afraid. For I am a son of the Emperor, and I will lead you to victory.

 

A mirror image of Darshan's first Delian battlefield command played out before him. The initial panic of hearing another's thoughts in one's mind. The slow transition from panic to suspicion. To the limit of progress he could earn in a few moments: reluctant trust. It would do, Alex knew. 

 

He spared them any more telepathy as he physically spoke. "Your individual assignments and other mission details will be passed down the chain of command." He glanced at Wilhelm. "Sub-Commander, attend to what duties you must, but be at Briefing Room 16B in ten minutes." The two saluted each other as Alexandros returned the unit back to Wilhelm. 

"My sons," he prompted before the transhumans filed out of the hall. 

"Father, I'm surprised you didn't give a proper speech," Gaius said as they moved to the next meeting. 

"Speeches should be reserved for the battlefield or the politicians. To alight the heart at the right moment. Do it too often, and you'll only create embers instead of bonfires." 

[simison]

While the assemblies were designed to house hundreds of soldiers at a time, briefing rooms were limited to a few dozen personnel. Captain Ricksher and his lieutenants all looked up as Alexandros and his impromptu retinue entered, while a servitor continued to input data into the holographic display. "My lord," Ricksher said as they saluted. "We were finishing up." The image of IG-88 lit the room as the hologram display came online. "We'll  have a detailed map of the operations area in a few more minutes."

 

"Excellent," Alexandros replied as he walked up to the display. A cursory glance reassured the Primarch his visions were still accurate. "Are your marines properly equipped for the task ahead, Captain?"

 

"Two hundred marines, all with functioning cameleoline cloaks and sniper rifles," Ricksher answered as he glanced at a datapad. "I can set up troop positions, establish fire lanes, and have my men completely prepared as soon as Fleet finishes their scans." 

 

The display answered him as it zoomed onto the planet's surface, focusing on a five kilometer area. In another moment, the a digital representation of the Webway gate appeared. "Is that portal large enough to allow their fleet to travel through?" one of the lieutenants asked.

 

Though the question was aimed at Ricksher, Alexandros answered, "It isn't. The kabal and their fleet are almost separate political entities and require two different portals. It's a system put in place due to the trust between Xenevo and their fleetmaster, or lack of trust. It gives their fleetmaster a sense of empowerment and a chance to do some raiding during their travel to this system. Xenevo uses the time to his own advantage as he purges his kabal of 'weaknesses' away from their home station. Their fleet's portal is in a nearby system."

 

Ricksher's blue eyes looked up from the datapad. "You're very familiar with the enemy commander, my lord. Have you fought him?"

 

With a shake of his head, Alexandros explained, "No, all my information on Xenevo was gleaned from reading the minds of his warriors. Otherwise, I would not have allowed him to escape alive from Delos. That's also why I know little about their fleetmaster. None of the minds I read cared to know his name, and my battles with the Miasma were limited to ground combats. Once we've annihilated the kabal and their allies, we can prepare for their fleet, though I have less hope of surprising them."

 

He paused as he reached out with his thoughts. Father, you've been quiet for a while. 

 

There has been little need for my voice. You've learned well, and your methods are thorough. Continue to do so.

 

Alexandros couldn't stop the burst of pride at the compliment and didn't want to. He reveled in it for a moment before he returned to the task at hand. The door opened as Wilhelm, Bowditch, and several strategoi entered. "We can begin now." 

[simison]

The Primarch moved toward the hologram's emitter and began to input information. Next to the 3D display of the valley, images and archived tactical information of their enemy appeared. "Our enemy is a small army of six thousand warriors with each infantry unit equipped with their own transport. For the first part of the battle, survival is the primary objective. We need only hold out long enough for the last xeno to be far enough away from the gate to destroy it. The moment that happens, the rest of the Storm Riders in-system will deploy via all means to surround and eliminate the Miasma. The 102^nd will take the initial brunt of the attack, but our deception doesn't require the auxiliaries to be deployed out in the open. Wilhelm, once the 102^nd enters the operational area, your first priority is to establish a forward operating base. You will have fifteen hours to construct whatever defences you are able to. The scouting elements of the Miasma will exit the gate an hour before dawn. It will provide the perfect excuse to have the 102^nd concentrated at the base. The moment we've identified the Miasma, bring 102^nd to full battle readiness. The only lure the Miasma will need is to know how small the cohort is, and that it is alone."

 

As he spoke, the holographic map of the valley added the 102^nd, along with possible fortification layouts. 

 

"The enemy commander is Xenevo, an Archon. He is responsible for raiding my homeworld for the last thirty-four years," he continued, enlarging an image of said Eldar, taken from Delian battle recordings. Sickly green and blight-filled grey spiked armor distinguished the xeno male. The Archon glared contemptuously at them. Alexandros looked forward to breaking that arrogance. "Like his kind, he is a depraved individual yet cunning. He has an alliance with a Haemonculous Coven, so expect to face against these creatures." With another prompt, Xenevo shrunk as grotesquely-shaped and mal-formed beings took center stage. "Thankfully, there will be few of them. Xenevo fields common warriors as the bulk of his forces since he is currently in a declining state with his race's politics and has been deprived of more elite forces because of it." 

 

With the overall concepts established, the briefing moved onto the gritty details. What was the optimal fortification set-up? Which tercios would have the honor (or ill fortune) to be stationed closest to the Dark Eldar initial attack? Weapon loud-outs, firing lanes, psyker support, and so on. With the change of focus, Alexandros moved from primary actor to adviser. Unlike some commanders, he refused to give in to micro-management, despite his powers of intellect and foresight. He listened as the space marine captain and the sub-commander offered tactical plans, speaking only to approve them or to suggest recommendations. 

 

They were completing the final details when an interruption occurred that Alexandros half-expected, even without his talents. The door opened as Irvin Ruel marched in. Alexandros nodded to his second-in-command. "Chapter Master. To what do we owe the pleasure?"

 

With a quick salute and a disapproving edge to his voice, Ruel answered, "My lord, I have been informed of the overall strategy for this upcoming battle and that you intend to place yourself in the most dangerous assignment."

 

"There's no intention at all," Alexandros said with a small smile that quickly faded. "It's an order. I will be fighting with the 102^nd."

 

To the other officers, the slight inflection transformed the Primarch from a friendly father-figure to one of the undisputed lords of the Imperium. Irvin felt the full force of it and forced himself not to kneel. "My lord," he began again, the disapproval removed from his tone. "May I offer a suggestion?"

 

"You may," Alexandros allowed, "So long as you do not suggest that I be placed with a different unit."

 

After a pause, Irvin said, "With the current deployment, my lord will be placed in a great deal of danger. Is there not a way to mitigate the threat to your well-being?"

 

"I am open to suggestions, as I've said Chapter Master."

[simison]

Irvin glanced at the holo-display, which featured the 102^nd's, Ricksher's, and the most likely disposition of the Miasma forces. "My lord, while the Solar Auxilia will be fighting in entrenched positions, Ricksher's 74^th will be exposed once the fighting has begun. I recommend at least a second company of assault marines to prevent the 74^th from being overwhelmed, should the Miasma swarm them. Although they have few dedicated assault units, if they concentrate their forces on half of the company at a time, they will be eliminated." 

 

"And leave themselves open to devastating volleys from the 102^nd," Alexandros pointed out. "However, that is not not answering the crux of the issue. How will you hide another company of space marines? The energy used by power armor will make them visible to the Miasma sensors." 

 

The Chapter Master began an explanation on how to modify the power armor's energy signature, but Darshan already knew it was futile. While the energy footprint could be shrunk, it would not be enough to hide it from enemy sensors. Instead, he reached out his thoughts again. Father, it is time.

 

I have two archaeotech field generators that can render your Chapter Master's forces invisible for a span of three hours. After that point, their energy reserves will be exhausted. The fields will be large enough to hide two hundred marines, however they must remain immobile until the field deactivates. 

 

Thank you, Father. Irvin will be pleased. 

 

As you saw in your visions, a day ago.

 

Irvin needed a reminder that I am his commanding officer.

 

I know, my son, and I agree.

 

The smile wouldn't stay hidden as Alexandros interrupted Irvin's doomed theory. "It's not possible, Ruel, and you are wasting time suggesting it. The Emperor, however, has a solution for you."

 

Irvin froze. "The Emperor is aware of my plea?"

 

"He is," Alexandros said with a nod before he explained the two relics that Irvin would be trusted with. 

 

Turning back to the holo-emitter, Alexandros added the new units. Behind the halves of the recon company, two elements of a larger company generated. "I already know you will assemble the detachment out of assault marines and that will work seamlessly with our current battle plan, Ruel." With another button, data copied onto a spare datapad. He handed it to Ruel. "This contains the likely capabilities of our enemy. Review them then assemble your detachment. I leave personnel choices and weapon layouts to your decision. Your marines must be ready to deploy in twelve hours. Understood, Lord Commander?"

Irvin accepted the datapad before saluting. "They will be ready in ten hours, my lord." Moving with a new purpose, he left the briefing room. 

As Alexandros turned his attention back to the other officers. Bowditch hesitantly said, "My lord, will his unit be ready to deploy so soon? It took us almost two days to create the 102^nd."

With a grin, Alex answered, "It will actually take him ten hours and seventeen minutes. But don't tell him I told you that. Now, we were nearing the end of the briefing before the interruption. Are there any more questions regarding the battle? Captain?"

Ricksher shook his head. "I'll have my company ready on the launch deck in an hour."

"Sub-Commander?"

"None at this time, my lord."

"Very good." Alexandros turned off the hologram. "Dismissed." 

Edited October 26, 2016 by simison

[bluntblade]

Just "the Ricksher's" wants correcting

[simison]

As the officers filed out of the briefing room, the Emperor spoke. And what of my assignment?

 

Alexandros froze. When the fleet was a day away from the system, he had placed himself deep into meditation as he surveyed the tides of the future. He had learned many things, how to trap his enemy, who would fight beside him, and more. Yet, nothing in his visions had forewarned him of this conversation. The idea of the Emperor being under his command felt like a jest. How could anyone presume to command the Emperor? 

 

Alexandros, the Emperor prodded. The hint of amusement at the edge of the thought was unmistakable. 

 

Yes, Father. After an instantaneous review of the battle plan, he replied. I want you to lead the second wave after we've confirmed the Miasma has completely committed to the fight. If, for any reason, my trap fails, I want you to intervene as you deem fit...my lord.

 

Very well, Lord VonSalim. It will be done as you order. The arachaeotech fields are already enroute to the Elpis. 

 

Thank you, Father. Alexandros finished as he exited the room. 

[Nomus Sardauk]

Hahaha, I love the Emperor actually putting himself under Alexandros' command for the operation, I can't help but picture him with a trollish grin as he springs that on Alex.

All hail the Troll-Emperor of Mankind!

[simison]

Chapter 4: Beams of Light against Tendrils of Dark

 

One of the fringe benefits of being a Primarch was how little sleep one needed. It was a genetic triumph how much sleep his sons needed, only a few hours a day. And, if they pushed themselves, the space marines could go weeks without sleep. Yet, that paled in comparison to Alexandros' own needs. Half an hour was more than enough to get him by on a daily basis. For the sake of experimenting, he once tried to sleep as much as he could. Since he was essentially immune to sleeping pills, he had to do it naturally. His longest record was one hour and twenty-two minutes. Experimenting in reverse, he was able to stay awake for over a year without any kind of repercussion. Even then, he only felt a light drowsiness that he could banish with his warp-based skills. He suspected if he did master the art of biomancy, he could theoretically be free of sleep indefinitely. An amusing thought, but one that did not hold his attention.

 

He took advantage of his Primarch physiology and continued his early morning stroll through the new base. With only an hour left before the Miasma's arrival, base construction had been wrapped up and now only the auxiliaries on guard duty for the hour were awake. He used his free time by visiting the various guards. Speaking long enough to hear who they were, how were they, and to reassure them that victory would be theirs, time passed quickly as Alexandros completed his circuit.

 

To his eyes, one of the most entertaining displays of auras belonged to an army at sleep. As they slumbered, their dreams and thoughts experienced freedom, leading to low canopy of chaotic yet vibrant colors over the camp. Colors not even imagined by Man danced next to the Primarch, speaking of unspoken thoughts and desires. 

 

The base itself featured a simple design. Aegis defense walls formed a rectangle around them with the elongated side facing toward the distant portal. Two gates at the center of the short sides were the main entrances. Six bastion towers watched over them; one at each corner and two in the center of the long sides. In between the towers were additional weapon batteries and ammo caches. Wilhelm had feared the base was too well defended, but Alexandros had stymied his fears. So long as they looked like they were alone, the Miasma would fall for the trap. That was why it was okay that the weapon platforms on the far side of the camp happened to feature weapons with greater ranges. 

 

Alexandros activated a private vox channel as he glanced at the hills on either side of the valley. "Irvin, what's your status?"

 

"We're finishing one last inspection before we take our position. I have every assurance that the invisible fields can be activated in a moment's notice, Alex."

 

"Excellent, keep me informed." Alexandros switched channels. "Ricksher, are your marines, ready?" 

 

"Father, all you have to do is give the word, and the Miasma's leadership will fall," Ricksher replied. 

 

"That's why I gave your company the entire list of Eldar leaders. How large is the betting pool on who kills Xenevo?"

 

There was a sheepish pause before Ricksher answered. "It's roughly two hundred thrones, my lord." It was true that no marine really needed money, but that didn't stop a few marines from gambling for entertainment amongst their brothers.

 

With a chuckle, Alexandros said as he finished his tour around the base, "Very well, I'll refrain from adding to the pool myself. Keep your men ready. The time is almost upon us."

Edited October 27, 2016 by simison

[simison]

"Father."

 

Alexandros turned as Gaius walked up to him. "Yes, son?" 

 

"My brothers and I are finishing with preparations. We need only a few minutes more."

 

"Excellent," Alexandros said. A pause stood for a moment as the Primarch couldn't help but notice the dark ball of doubt at the center of Gaius' aura. "What troubles you, Gaius?"

 

"You already know what's wrong," Gaius pointed out.

 

Alex nodded. "True, but some would rather be given the chance to speak of it before I would. If you insist on otherwise, you are worried about the upcoming battle. Specifically, you are worried that you will be lost again."

 

"All eight of us were lost," Gaius explained. "None of us have been in combat since. What happens if we lose control again? Our honor is already spoiled, but what of yours? I don't doubt your ability to claim victory, even if we are afflicted with mania, but how could you save face in such a scenario?"

 

"Gaius," Alex began as he laid a hand on his son's shoulder, the palm covering the entire width of the shoulder. "I won't lie to you. There is a chance that madness will seek another hold upon you and your brothers. However, don't worry. I will protect all of you from that pit. I will prove to you and the Imperium that this malignant tumor will not haunt our legion name. I swear upon the Emperor it will be so."

 

The ball of doubt shrunk before vanishing entirely. Gaius nodded. "I believe you, Father." 

 

"After today, you will not need faith. It will be fact." Alexandros glanced down the valley. "They're five minutes away. It's time." 

 

As Gaius hurried to his post, Alexandros spread his consciousness. The auxiliaries on duty were wary as they had been warned of the appointed hour. In a moment, Gaius was at his spot along the aegis line, the last psyker to take his place. Now, my sons. Manipulating the Warp and the eyes of men, Alexandros and his eight sons vanished from sight. Over the vox, another announcement came.

 

"Activating stealth fields," Irvin said. "Fields activated. Captain Ricksher, confirm."

 

"Confirmed. No visual and no reading on the scanners. You've gone dark."

 

"Beginning countdown. Remaining time: two hours, fifty-eight minutes, and forty-nine seconds."

 

They're here.

 

Alexandros focused his mind's eye at the portal entrance. Two minds as black as Old Night hovered near the gate.

 

They were quickly joined by another half dozen. Within their own minds echoed the sounds of wind and speed. Jetbikes. The scouting party waited for the last two members before the group took off at full speed. It was not long before Alexandros could physically see them. The fallen Eldar paused as they noted the new base in their valley. They split in two as the groups circle around the base on the valley walls. Their thoughts were amused with a sick hope for slaughter. 

 

Alarms sounded within the base as the 102^nd became alerted to the enemy. Auxiliaries rushed from their tents, throwing on gear as they reported to their designated zones. Instead of fearing the loss of the advantage of surprise, the reavers laughed, confident that this small force would be easy prey for the Miasma. They reached the farthest point in their encirclement. Behind them, Alexandros could see the auras of the recon marines as the reavers reached the closest point to them. 

 

Time paused as one Eldar gazed onto the plateau. 

 

Then he turned away as the jetbikes headed back to the portal, eager to bring news of their discovery back to Xenevo. 

 

"Did it work?" Wilhelm asked over the vox.

 

"For this party," Alexandros assured him. "Xenevo will send one more. Larger and with more dedicated sensors. That will be the true test."

 

[simison]

Not long after the jetbikes returned to the portal, a large hover-ship comes out of the Webway. The raider traveled to the halfway point between the two camps as more Miasma forces spilled out of the portal. It sat there as it began its scans. Alexandros kept diligent watch over the minds of the Raider as they reviewed the incoming information. He thought of the marines atop of the ridges around them. His mind snapped into focus as one of the Eldar noticed a discrepancy, which just happened to be where Captain Ricksher's position was located. Can't allow that. 

 

Alexandros reached.

 

Before the Eldar could comment on it, Alexandros was in its mind. A filthy place that he hated visiting, but work was to be done. He implanted a single thought. Better double-check. The fallen Eldar closed his mouth as he re-read the data. A simple illusion hid the anomaly. It read the paper a third time, confused. The illusion remained, saying that all was expected. Alexandros tugged at its bloodlust. It wanted a release, and why should it be denied because it read it wrong? Sated, the Eldar voiced the all-clear in its tongue, while putting away its findings. 

 

With a triumphant smile, Alexandros returned his focus back to his body. He contacted Wilhelm. "They've taken the bait. Prepare for full-frontal assault."

 

For the next half an hour, the advance elements of the Miasma guarded the gate as the rest of their forces steadily exited. This left the 102^nd in the unenviable position of waiting for the enemy as they gathered their strength. Reports were sent to Wilhelm and Alexandros every ten minutes from the ship in orbit as they scanned the enemy forces. So far, Alexandros estimates had held true, which offered some relief to the mortal commander. However, as the minutes dragged by, Alexandros wasn't blind to the rising tensions of the troopers. A fog of dark grey seeped into the unit's aura as they waited. But they were Solar Auxilia. Any complaints made were only whispered as discipline held them to their posts. 

 

Consulting his internal clock, Alexandros knew that they wouldn't have to wait longer for action. "Commander, five minutes before the first wave mobilizes." 

 

"Yes, my lord."

 

One of the nearby junior officers hesitantly glanced in Alexandros' direction. "My lord? Will they really waste a tenth of their forces in a futile attack?"

 

"Yes. Recently, Xenevo discovered one of his lieutenants conspiring against him and has given the 'honor' of striking first with his detachment. Xenevo is hoping they'll be wiped out, while reducing our defenses."

 

Not a moment after the Primarch had finish speaking, a portion of the Miasma organized themselves into an attack formation. Grav tanks bristling with warriors established a strong center, while jetbikes and Hellions filled the flanks. 

 

Alexandros opened a vox channel. "Remember Captain Ricksher, you and your company are not to engage, until the last Miasma element is away from the portal."

 

A reluctant affirmative answered. 

Edited October 29, 2016 by simison

[bluntblade]

That first sentence is in the present tense.

 

I always like that "you can have the honour of the first wave" twist of the knife.

[simison]

That first sentence is in the present tense.

 

I always like that "you can have the honour of the first wave" twist of the knife.

 

Fixed. 

 

I'm now imaging a Khornate or Slaaneshi Chaos Marine whose insanity causes him go around battlefields giving out 'gifts of honour'. 

 

"You! You good sir are in need of some honour! I have a new knife! Let you be the honourable first ever to feel it sliding into your eye socket!"

[Nomus Sardauk]

 

 

That first sentence is in the present tense.

 

I always like that "you can have the honour of the first wave" twist of the knife.

Fixed.

 

I'm now imaging a Khornate or Slaaneshi Chaos Marine whose insanity causes him go around battlefields giving out 'gifts of honour'.

 

"You! You good sir are in need of some honour! I have a new knife! Let you be the honourable first ever to feel it sliding into your eye socket!"

Please. Please write a short story about this character, canon or not, I need to read about this jolly champion jubilantly bestowing stabby "honours" upon his foes. :lol:

[bluntblade]

"Rejoice, for you shall be a note in the symphony of torment!"

 

That's going to be integrated into my Conductor of the Choir of Death guy. I did also have a mad idea for a gospel Noise Marine; see BrotherJim's Shattered Heart thread for that.

[simison]

If it doesn't work out, I have a couple of ideas to bring this guy to life.

[Kelborn]

That guy reminds me of Khal Ryddek, my attempt to create a NL deadpool-ish character for my Phantom Blades chapter, mixed with a bit of Ledgers Joker. ^^

[simison]

The first wave resembled a large V-formation when they finally began to move across the valley. Although odds of survival were the low, Xenevo's lieutenant was intent on maximizing his chances. Alexandros spotted his mind at the rear of the entire formation. Making a soft sound of disgust, he scoured the warrior's mind without disturbing it. He learned that his best warriors had been assigned to his right flank. "Sub-Commander Wilhelm. The strongest blow will fall on our left."

 

"Affirmative, my lord." Over the vox, Alexandros listened as Wilhelm deployed one of the reserve Nemean battle tanks to the proper flank. When designing battle plans, enough space existed between tercios to allow re-deployment of their small vehicle fleet, if necessary. A Nemean Exterminator rumbled forward between infantry as it bolstered their defenses. 

 

As the enemy force reached the halfway point between the camp and the webway gate, engines screamed as the entire force moved all out. One of the lieutenants on a tower reported, "Less than thirty seconds until enemy reaches weapon range."

 

Alexandros took a deep breath. His consciousness split into several hundred pieces as his mind expanded and enveloped the soldiers closest to him. Hundreds of futures played out in front of him. My sons. Following their father's example, the Storm Rider psykers opened their minds to the Warp as they sought to boost their allies. One shard of Alexandros stood next to the auxilia operating one of the quad guns. In ten seconds, that grav tank is going to attempt to 'hop' over your first volley, he warned as he highlighted the Raider in the man's mind. Thanks to Alex's initial briefing, the trooper only twitched before nodding his head. Show it its folly of attacking Humanity and bring it down.

 

Yes, my lord. The trooper, Bru, answered. 

 

The seconds ticked.

 

"Enemy has reached weapons range!"

 

Thunder roared down the line as quad guns, autocannons, and other heavy weapons opened fire.

 

True to his vision, the pilot of the raider briefly boosted his grav's strength, and it went into the air. Into the waiting fire of Bru's shots. The heavy-caliber rounds tore through the tanks weak armor, and the vehicle exploded. Alexandros could see half of the warriors aboard be consumed by fire and shrapnel. The survivors stumbled away from the wreck. Alexandros smiled.

 

First blood.

 

The raider wasn't the only one to explode as other unlucky grav tanks were hit at critical locations. Nor did they occupy the 102^nd's full attention. Hellions and Reavers were shredded by ballistics raining through them. The only vehicles to avoid the wrath of the Imperium were the Venoms as they weaved and ducked behind the larger raiders. 

 

Cowards, Alexandros thought to himself as he directed Gru to fire on one as it slipped out from a raider. It did not die in fire, but a hit against the engines brought it to a halt where it could safely be destroyed later. If there was one thing Alex was thankful for the Dark Eldar was there short-ranged weapons. Unfortunately, this one-sided fight couldn't last much longer. Even from here, his augmented sight could see disintegrator cannons and splinter weapons lock onto targets as they reached their firing range. 

 

Ten seconds before the counter-fire arrived, Alexandros asked, "Wilhelm, estimated enemy casualties?"

 

The Auxilia commander was prompt. "Estimated 18-22%, my lord."

Edited November 5, 2016 by simison

[simison]

It'll do, Alexandros thought to himself as the main shard of his mind returned to its body.

 

Five seconds passed.

 

The small army of Darshans shifted their attention from offense to defense. To a void sergeant seven meters off to his left, Darshan warned him that a crystal of a splinter rifle would embed itself in his cheek, if he didn't drop to his knees in two seconds. Along the wall, another Darshan urged one of the quad gunners to shove himself against the aegis wall, lest a distingerator ray destroy him and his gun. A dozen examples followed as Darshan did all he could to shield his charges from harm. 

 

The enemy entered into range.

 

A storm of poisoned crystals crashed into the Imperial defenses. Despite Darshan's efforts, auxiliaries screamed as crystals cut through their chests. More followed as men who were only nicked became overcome by the vile poisons coursing through their bodies. To Darshan, intense colors of red rage, dark agony exploded before the human lights faded out into death. 

 

Although invisible, a stray round could've pierced his enormous physical form. Hence, why the main shard of his mind returned to its home. Moving only when necessary, the Aegis intercepted all incoming fire. And perhaps a few shots directed at the men behind him. In the chaos of battle, Alexandros knew no corrupted Eldar was going to notice a few shots stopping mid-air. As the distance between the two armies closed, the cacophony reached new heights when the Auxilia added their lasguns to the fray. Unable to harm the grav tanks, the Hellions and Reavers felt the full force of the lasgun volleys. The squads too eager to hide behind the raiders were slaughtered to a xeno. As the last easy kill crashed to the ground, the battle intensified as targets reached maximum effective range of infantry weapons . More Solar Auxilia fell to the foul xeno weapons as field medics did all they could to save any, but the Eldar suffered worse as the first transports reached Imperial lines. 

Squads of warriors leaped off Raiders and Venoms, firing, as they sprinted towards the camp's perimeter. Darshan twitched as he felt one of his son's choler rising, along with his bolter. Not yet, Vitz. The Storm Rider answered with a chastened, I obey, Father. During the exchange, the 102^nd proved its discipline. The few tercios being charged went fell auto, trading accuracy for weight of fire. The lasgun rounds reaped ranks of xeno warriors, dropping entire squads at a time.