Brothers of the Sword
Episode 1: Rise and Fall
A/N: This is a re-post of a story I've taken down earlier. It was becoming unweildly and so when I finished the last part, I decided to break the single story up into episodes, and changed a little of the content. As a side note, bear in mind that the first episode was one of the very first things I'd written for almost four years ago, and although I've edited the chapters slightly since then, I still believe my newer work is much better. If you've read this part and think it could use improvement, feel free to give advice but perhaps try Episodes 2 and 3 first. Enjoy.
A lone scout quietly snuck along in the darkness of the ruined city, the sound of gunfire and explosives carrying dully through the streets. He had his pistol out and knife unsheathed, but really had no intention of using either, as it more than likely would neither harm the necrons nor help his brethren. The scout then pulled a strange looking device from his armor and began unfolding parts of it. He pressed a button on it, and when it started glowing faintly, he set it on the ground and backed up several yards. He tapped his vox mike twice, indicating to his sergeant that he was in position and that the operation could begin when ready. A tap in his earphones confirmed that he had been heard. All that remained was to sit and wait.
Aboard the orbiting battle barge Lion's Honor, all was noise and activity. Crew and servitors went back and forth, officers shouted orders, techpreists chanted as they went about repairs, and all was busy as one would expect aboard one of the Most Holy Emperor's finest warships. All was busy, of course, except for in the teleport room of the mighty vessel. Inside, the only person that was moving was the tech adept controlling the teleporter machinery. The rest simply knelt on the floor of the ship. Not that it made them any less imposing. As they muttered their prayers under their breath, a transmission was relayed through the ship to the young master who knelt in front of his battle brothers. It consisted of three words: "Gladius, zone prepared." Though he was irritated at having his prayer interrupted-Never interrupt a man who is praying, not good for the soul-these words were all he needed to know. He rose to his feet and called to his brothers.
"We will strike!" He announced.
"With the sword of Vengeance!" They replied.
"We will fly!"
"On the wings of Retribution!"
"We will cleanse!"
"With the flames of Devastation!"
"For the Lion!"
"And the Emperor!"
"Till the sword is reforged!"
This last was yelled by Gladius along with his entire honor guard. At this, the master, Brother Gladius, pointed at the teleport operator, and with a flash of blue light reflecting off their bone-white armor and a roaring noise, they disappeared.
The lone scout saw the blue flash near the teleport homer and smiled. His most revered battle brothers had arrived. The Necrons, he thought, would soon know the power of the Deathwing.