Warhammer 41000

Ch 2: Filler

006.M42 Taresk Lazy Kroot Bar, Or-lan-dol

Private David Simmons and several of his comrades sat in a bar, cracking jokes and eyeing the local talent. Jones was currently telling of how he once faced down a pack of Kroot hounds with nothing but a large branch. Michells was trying, and failing, to cheat at a game of darts. He was at that moment playing against an Eldar Ranger and a Kroot. Both were superb marksmen while Michells barely got close to the mark.

Simmons' attention returned to Jones when he said "Hey David. Tell these guys I'm bein' serious."

Simmons responded by saying "I don't know. Last time you told this story, there were only three Kroot Hounds. And you had a lead pipe."

Jones immediately stammered "Yeah well…"

Simmons then said "And the first time you told it, you were up against a bull terrier. And you had a knife."

Jones searched for a good comeback, but all that came out was "Well…uh, I…that is…"

The rest of the group was busy trying to keep straight faces, and failing. Jones soon gave up trying when he saw a pair of Tau women walk by. He immediately excused himself and went off in pursuit of the two.

It was then that Miller, one of the guys, said "Hey Simmons, there's an Eldar chick sitting at the bar who's been looking at you for the past hour." He then pointed to where said Eldar was sitting.

Simmons looked at the woman for a few seconds before saying "I doubt she's looking at me."

Miller then said "I've seen her look over at you at least a dozen times. If she's not interested in you then I'll buy everyone another round."

Before Simmons could respond, another soldier said "Hey David, could you get me another drink, I'm out.

Simmons said "Sure." and got up and headed for the bar.

As he approached the bar, he suddenly found himself being steered toward the Eldar woman. Turning his head, he saw Miller walking next to him. When they reached her, Miller got her attention by saying "Excuse me, miss."

He then stepped back and gestured to Simmons while saying "Have you met David?"

The Eldar smiled and said "No, I haven't had the pleasure." She then extended her hand and said "I'm Tallia."

Simmons took her hand and shook it. He then said "Nice too meet you."

Soon the two were deep in conversation. After half an hour, Tallia got up and said she had to powder her nose. Back with Michells, the Ranger and Kroot had grown tired of beating him and had left. Michells sighed with relief as he put away the darts.

As this was happening, a group of Vespinds entered the bar. They immediately made a beeline for Michells. The biggest of the group grabbed Michells by the front of his uniform and hoisted him to his into the air. The leader then said "Times up, Human. You had better pay up or we'll have to make you."

Simmons immediately moved over to where Michells was being shaken down. He tapped the leader on the shoulder and said "Excuse me, my good…bugs, but I do believe that you're shaking down one of my friends. Now I'm sure he deserves whatever you're about to do to him, but I'm afraid that my other friend and I can't just stand by and do nothing."

As if to emphasis his point, the rest of his group came up behind him. Each one of them looked ready to start fighting. Both groups faced off for a few moments before anything happened. The Vespids were the first to strike. One of them stepped forward and hit Simmons square in the jaw. Miller and another soldier immediately tackled the Vespid. Soon fists and objects were flying through the air. Those who didn't flee from the bar joined the fight.

As things began to spiral into chaos, Simmons signaled his comrades that it was time to get out. All of them immediately disabled their opponents and made for the exit. As he was reaching the door, he bumped into Tallia. Both immediately ducked outside to escape the escalating brawl.

Once outside, Tallia asked if Simmons would like to go on a walk with her. He immediately said yes and the two headed off for a nearby park.


Battle-barge Dragon's Claw En route to Taresk

Captain Rex Altonus sat within his chambers, deep in meditation. He was of average height and build for a Space Marine. His hair was closely shaven and medium blonde. Behind him on was a simple bed where he occasionally rested. At the moment he only wore a simple tunic. His power armor was currently being looked over by his company's Techmarine.

As Rex was beginning to find some peace, there was a knock at the door. Sighing, Rex got to his feet and said "Enter."

The door opened and the aforementioned Techmarine entered followed by several Servitors and an Artificer. The Techmarine approached the Captain and said "Sir, I have finished overlooking your armor. Also, I ran into Chaplain Argius on the way here. He said that if you wanted to be on time for your scheduled prayer session then you had better hurry up. He also said that if you were late again, he would 'Use his Crozius Arcanum to ensure that you would never be late again.'"

While the Techmarine was wearing his helmet, Rex knew that he was smiling under it.

"Thank you, Brother Isaac. I had better hurry before Argius makes good of his threat."

The two Marines then burst into a fit of laughter. Once they had composed themselves, Rex allowed the Servitors to help him don his power armor. When the last piece of armor was secured, Rex and Isaac proceeded towards the ship's chapel. As they walked, they passed a group of Scout Marines who had been assigned to the Claw.

Isaac watched the young Marines pass by, then turned to Rex and said "Look at those boys. Fresh out of neophyte training. They've probably only been with the Chapter for a few years. Remember when we took the Trial?"

Rex nodded and said "How could I forget? It was one of the greatest moments of our lives."

Gython III 706.M41

Rex and Isaac stood inside a large arena in the middle of the Feirn Forest with several dozen other Aspirants. Both were currently sizing up their completion. Soon, both young men made eye contact. Rex wore the garments and armor of the Hadoric Clan, while Isaac wore that of the Mechanus Tribe. The Hadoric Clan was a nomadic clan that followed Gython's major game, the Gython Dragon, or Fire Beast as the Hadoric called them. The Mechanus on the other hand were currently in an industrial revolution.

Both groups were fierce rivals, for each had something the other wanted. A typical Hadoric raid would carry off weapons and slaves. As for the Mechanus, they would usually take the chemical sack that allowed the Gython Dragon to create fire. These raids were usually very vicious and cost both groups many lives. As such, they only occurred when necessary.

Despite their differences, the two groups had a deep respect for one another. Every year the two groups would host a series of games that were meant to test the skills of their warriors. It was during one of said festivals that the first Ash Dragons arrived on Gython. When the Hadoric and Mechanus first saw the Astartes, they thought the post-human soldiers were invading. Dozens of warriors attacked the Marines only to be shrugged off like flies.

After several dozen deaths, including a pair of Marines, the Hadoric and Mechanus leaders ordered their warriors to stand down. The Commander of the Ash Dragons, Chapter Master Tsu'dar, saw the two groups as a potential source for Aspirants, and he immediately declared Gython a recruiting world for the Ash Dragon.

Both the Hadoric and the Mechanus became major contributors to the Gython line company. More than half of the Aspirants currently taking the Trials were either Hadoric or Mechanus. The others were from many different tribes, clans and villages.

Rex extended his hand and said "I'm Rex Altonus."

Isaac took the hand and said "Isaac Steelfist."

It was then that a horn sounded, and all Aspirants looked up towards the podium where Chaplain Argius stood. In a booming voice, Argius said "Welcome, Aspirants, to the Trial of Survival. Today, you will have to survive like any other day on Gython. You will pit yourself against the forest itself. Those that make it out will be given a five day rest period. Those that don't come out, you'll be getting a much longer rest. You are each permitted only one weapon going in and coming out."

While Argius was giving his speech, Rex had moved to where several other Hadorics stood. Their plan was to kill as many of the other as possible to ensure that the Hadoric Clan had a significant force in the Ash Dragons 4th Company scout marine force. The Mechanus had the exact same plan in mind.

"We can only accept 24 Aspirants from this world." Argius boomed "I wish you all good luck." The horn then blew again and the Trial began. Immediately the Aspirants shed their extra weapons and moved to the exits.

Two days later-

Rex slammed his club down onto the head of a Saber Wolf. He then dove to the side as another leapt at him from the side. Jumping back to his feet, he drew his short sword and killed the wolf on its return trip. To his right, Isaac brought his curved sword down on the packs alpha. The rest of the pack scattered and disappeared into the forest.

Looking around, Rex did a head count of who was left. Five Aspirants were dead, leaving Rex, Isaac, an Artas named Hadrian, and half a dozen other natives. The survivors stripped the dead of all but their original weapons. Early on several other groups had joined them to survive the Trials. As Argius had said, none of the Aspirants had entered the forest with more than one weapon. They were not, however, forbidden to make their own weapons.

Graves were dug, last rites were given, and the dead were buried. That was all they could do in their current situation. They were soon on the move once again, making for the edge of the forest. Suddenly, a huge explosion shook the forest and an all too familiar roar pierced the air and sent a shiver down the groups spins. Somewhere nearby, someone was fighting a Gython Dragon.

A mixture of fear and anticipation was felt throughout the group. They all knew the power of the Fire Beasts, yet they also knew that a dead one was worth the risk. Coming to a decision, the group headed off in the direction of the action.

Exarch E'fana dove to the side as the massive beast let loose another blast of fire. Her psychic barrier flared under the heat of the flames. She and several members of the Du'fanilla Craftworld had landed on this savage planet in search of an ancient wraithbone tablet that held the location of an ancient warship. The only problem, other than the massive beast, was that the tablet was inside it. Most of the force had expected an easy fight. However, none of them had expected the ferocity of the local fauna. Or the sheer size of the beasts the Eldar faced. Now all but E'fana were dead and the monster seemed completely unscathed.

She suddenly found herself backed into a corner, with no means of escape. The beast seemed to gloat as it reared back to deliver another blast of fire. E'fana shut her eyes tight and prepared for the inevitable. Her barrier would not be able to take another sustained blast.

Suddenly, the creature let out another mighty roar, however this roar sound like one of pain. Opening her eyes, she looked up and saw the reason why. Imbedded just below the beast's eye was a primitive spear. Two more spears hit the beast's thigh. Turning to the direction of the spear throw, E'fana saw a group of Mon'kiegh locals rush out of the forest screaming at the top of their lungs. E'fana watch in shock and awe as the monster began to give ground.

Spreading out around the beast, the Mon'kiegh brandished a myriad of weapons, many of them make shift. She thought that they had to be insane to take on the creature that had killed two dozen skilled Eldar warriors. However, the leader of the group seemed to be experienced in this sort of thing. Stretching her mind outwards, E'fana saw a dozen images of similar situation the Mon'kiegh had participated in. She also saw the reason for coming to her rescue.

The "Fire Beast" was apparently a very valuable creature on this world. As she was distracted, the leader, "Rex", ran up the beast's side and sliced off one of its wings. He then attacked the neck. Another Mon'kiegh, this one a psycher, propelled "Rex" through the air. "Rex" then sank his blade into the beast's spine. It stiffened and fell, causing the Mon'kiegh to scatter. The ground shook as the beast hit the ground.

Rex and the others in his group let out a cheer as the dragon hit the ground. Everyone immediately began calling dibs on certain body parts. Rex took the main horns and canines, while Isaac took the fire sack. Everyone else took what they wanted before making a brake for the forest. Rex turned his head to see the alien slipping into the underbrush with something under her arm. Not giving it another thought, Rex rushed to catch up with the others.

Three days later-

The group under Rex's command staggered out of the forest, ragged, tired, and hungry. As per Argius's orders, none of the Aspirants left the forest with more than one weapon. Rex sighed with relief as he saw the Ash Dragons Chaplain approach him and the others.

Argius's gaze swept across the group before it came to rest on Rex. He then said "What have we here? Five days ago, you lot were just about ready to kill each other. Now you're working together. Well what have you to say for yourselves?!"

The Aspirants looked at each other for a few seconds before they all looked at Rex. In their minds he was the unofficial leader of the group. Taking a deep breath, Rex stepped forward and said "With all due respect sir, you never said we couldn't work together. And as for us being from different tribes, clans and kingdoms; none of that matters to any us. There's no group of people I'd rather put my trust in. In my eyes, their all Hadoric." The rest of the group immediately stepped forward to stand by Rex.

While they could not see his, each of the Aspirants felt the glare Argius was giving them. Suddenly there was a rumble that sounded like thunder. Several aspirants looked to the sky only to see a relatively clear day. They soon traced the source of the rumbling to Argius. They then realized that he was laughing.

After several seconds Argius regained his composure and said "You got me there boy. Now all of you go get some rest. You all have a long trip ahead of you. That is if you all still want to become Astartes."

The Aspirants straightened up and headed for a mess tent set up nearby. Argius watch as they departed before turned to watch the forest.

"This batch might actually have what it takes." He thought with a smile under his helmet.


006.M42- Dragon's Claw

As Rex and Isaac headed for the Battle-Barge's chapel, Hadrian sat in the ship's Librarium pouring over an ancient tome. Suddenly he was interrupted by a Lexicanum, who held several scrolls in his arms. He then said "Sir, I've retrieved the scrolls you asked for."

Hadrian smiled and said "Thank you, young one. And please, call me Brother Hadrian."

The Lexicanum nodded and scurried off to continue sorting a stack of charts that he had been working on earlier. Hadrian immediately returned his attention to the tome he was reading.

As he reached the end of the chapter he was reading, a voice in the back of his head began to whisper "Hadrian, why do you choose to simply sit there reading when you could be commanding this ship. Pledge your allegiance to the Lord of Change and everyone on this ship will kneel before you."

Hadrian sighed and pushed the presence out of his head. He then returned his attention to his reading.


Flames of Purity

Deep inside of the Emperor-class battleship, Inquisitor Maleck poured over every single piece of information on Taresk at the Inquisition's disposal. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door and Maleck looked up from a tome. He immediately said "Enter."

The door opened and a pair of Inquisitors entered, followed by a pair of Grey Knights. One of the Inquisitors was from the Ordo Malleus, which explained the presence of the Grey Knights. The other was of the Ordo Hereticus. The presence of this Inquisitor worried Maleck. The Malleus Inquisitor, a woman who looked to be in her early thirties, approached the table and greeted Maleck by saying "Inquisitor Maleck."

Maleck responded by saying "Inquisitor Dolonus. To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?"

She responded by saying "My friend from the Ordo Hereticus and I wish to ask you a few simple questions."

"Such as?"

The Hereticus Inquisitor stepped forward and said "For starters, I'd like to ask you about the part you played in the failed Tyranid invasion of Sub-sector Telonus. The report said that you worked with an Ork Warband to capture a Carnifex. Would you care to comment?"

Maleck replied by saying "Need I remind you Dolonus that I am of the Ordo Xenos. It is our job to study xenos to learn everything there is to know about them. As for the Orks, I needed more than one Deathwatch kill team to capture the Carnifex alive and the Warband was the best and nearest solution."

Before Dolonus or the Hereticus could say anything the door hissed open. Both Grey Knights reacted, leveling their weapons at the persons who dared enter. They relaxed slightly when they saw that it was a Deathwatch kill team.

The leading Space Marine, a Captain from the Blood Angels, strode up to Maleck and said "You summoned us, my lord."

Maleck smiled and said "Yes Captain, I was going to go over our mission once we made planet fall." He then look at the other two Inquisitors and said "Of course, I'm sure that you still have some questions for me, Inquisitors."

Both Inquisitors looked at Maleck for a few moments with contempt before the Hereticus Inquisitor stood and said "I believe we have enough information for now. However we will call upon you again at a later date. Good day, Inquisitor." The two then left the room with their escort in tow.

Still smiling, Maleck turned to his Marines and began to go over their mission.


Chapter two of my story. Didn't want to go half way through the story and then cut to a flashback involving character history. Read and review.

Warhammer 40000 Belongs to Games-Workshop.

I only own the three Inquisitors, the Taresk soldiers, the Taresk civilians, Taresk, and the Ash Dragons.