The way a regiment celebrate a victory varies from planet to planets. Some of them spend it in deep meditation and prayers to the God-Emperor, thanking Him for their survival. Others spend it carousing the planet they just defended or conquered. The 38th Moor Overlanders were a particular mixture of the last two. They were disciplined enough to restrain themselves from looting the place they bleed to save and praise the God Emperor. But then again, they needed to relax a bit, and the preferred way to unwind was to get drunk of their asses. For an Overlander to reach that state of intoxication, he would have to be trying to drink a Space Wolf under the table.
Because the Overlanders were a mixed gender regiment, there was a particular set of problems that had to be dealt with. Celebrating victory, mixed with alcohol, and the opposite sex wasn't a good combination for Commissars to deal with. But Alexander didn't actually mind what his Overlanders did right now; he knew they could keep themselves in line.
The Overlanders were in the center of the fortress, with large tankards of alcohol and plates of food, both supplied by the Ratlings. Pipes and other traditional Moor instruments were being played with Moor tunes. Those that didn't dance were sitting down with their alcohol and food. Alexander was one of those who stood away from the dancing and was enjoying a plate of real food. He reached into his coat and pulled out a small metal salt shaker and sprinkled it over the food. He reached over to his pint of lager, brining the beverage to his lips. He only drank on certain occasions, and this was one of them.
He looked over to the other side of the table, where Zelda and Ike sat together, obviously holding hand under the table. Both Alexander and Ike had gotten out of the power suits and were back in their traditional attire. Both were missing a piece of clothing, for Ike it was his cape, and for Alexander it was his great coat. Zelda was still wearing her flak vest, but now wore the red dress he had found her in over it. Both seemed to be in brighter spirits, but still kept their weapons with in reach as he did.
Alexander also regarded Harkon and Pork Chop who sat on his side of the table. Harkon had finally finished the last patient that needed surgery and the Pages would finish up the others who needed brief stitching or bandages. Pork Chop wasn't at the table actually, he was preparing some food next to the table, occasionally stopping to see what needed to be added to the mix. Alexander chuckled, while Pork Chop loved sniping, his first true love, as it was with all Ratlings was cooking.
Zelda drank some more of the spirits from her wine glass, and gagged on the sudden reaction of the high alcohol content hitting her tongue. "That's strong, and unrefined. How old is that label?"
Pork Chop shrugged and turned the meat on the pit next to him. "Yesternight was a very good year."The table let off a light laugh and Alexander took another mouthful of his grox. Pork Chop could turn their rations into four star gourmet foods. Give him real food and watch a miracle in process. He washed the last of his meat with his pint of lager, and pulled out his last Fire Weed stick, and lights it up with a lighter. He inhaled a deep lungful of the rich smoke and exhaled it in the air, puffing a smoke ring.
Ike downed the last of his ale and looked around. "Where are the Space Marines?"
Alexander shrugged, "They have their own traditions of celebrating a victory. The Sons of the Blade would be down here with us, but they are seeing to the aid of Nathaniel. I am unaware of how the other Chapters blow some steam of from a victory."
Zelda rose from the table and dragged Ike out to the center where everyone was dancing. Alexander, and Harkon couldn't help but laugh at the spectacle, bur once they got out there they seemed to be enjoying themselves. It was a slow pace of music and they soon learned the steps to the dance and soon were in perfect sync with the others. Alexander smiled slightly and took in another lungful of smoke. He passed the stick to Harkon, who took in another breath of smoke. "So, what do you think of them?" Harkon asked Alexander.
The Commissar shrugged, "What do you mean?"
"What do you think of them as a couple?" Harkon replied Alexander's question with yet another one.
Alexander laughed, "I don't think the Emperor himself couldn't find a better match for the two then this. I haven't seen much of them actually together, but from what I seen looks pretty promising."
Pork Chop took a swig of his homemade brew and doused the meat in the liquid. Harkon and Alexander noticed that some of the Sons of the Blade had come into the center of the celebratory grounds. Alexander noticed that they were not clad in their traditional power armor, in their steed they wore a light green and red colored robe. Alexander stood up and walked over to them, his feet dragging slightly. He was afraid to ask on how Chaplain Commander Nathaniel was, how much he recovered, or even if he recovered at all.
The first Son of the Blade he met regarded Alexander, "He has survived, young Commissar, if that is what you were wishing to ask us." He replied with almost no tone to his voice. Alexander nodded and looked to them, seeing that they had some simple meals in front of them.
"Would you care for a decent meal It is the least we can do to repay you for your vital assistance at this battle." Alexander asked. He prepared himself for being rebuked.
Instead, he was answered with one of the smallest smiles he had ever seen. "Yes, a decent meal would be thanks enough. We will be practicing our sparing here, for our sake and for some entertaining bout for your men."
Alexander laughed and headed off to Pork Chop to get some food and ale prepared. The food was waiting for him when he reached Pork Chop, and with his help hauled the food over to the Space Marines. They accepted the foods with grunts of thanks and Alexander stood around two unarmored Marines who began their bouts of strengths It took Alexander's mind off the gloom and horrors that he fought for the briefest moment.
A sleek figure stood on a tall ruined hab-block, looking at the walls of the fortress that stood of in the distance. He waited and watched the fortress, and even watched the dying funeral pyres of the warriors that defended the fortress. He watched the battles unfold from a distance, and observed all those who fought, both Imperial and Chaos. He took special notice to the Commissar he fought during the battle of the forge, and could help but be astounded on his combat skills.
He heard footsteps approach him from behind and he didn't even bother to turn to see who it was , he knew already. "I see you managed to survive a portal jump."
The new figure scoffed, "I have done those before, but not from this range." The newcomer then looked at the fortress, "So it would appear that Chillingworth failed in his gambit?"
"Are you truly surprised? Our master will be, but I am not. Still, he did what was suppose to do. The two are here, and now the plans can be set in motion once again."
The second one growled, "It is a good thing, we can't afford another setback like we did almost two decades ago. They were lenient once, I don't think they will be such twice."
The first one nodded, "We best return to our base, the master will be wanting our reports."
With that, a portal of arcane energy formed behind the two. Both of them turned and walked towards the portal. They needed to make it clear, the plans could proceed as planned.
Ike and Alexander were among the loudest as they watched the Space Marines go at each other. Already, Alexander had won a months and a half pay from bets placed on the right Marine. Zelda even got into the action, and was cheering aloud, probably reminded slightly of the brawls she was taken from. The current two who were facing against each other was an Assault sergeant against a tactical marine. The Assault sergeant seemed to be the winner until the last moment when the tactical rolled him over and placed his combat knife at the neck of the pinned Assault sergeant.
"And Battle-Brother Leroy has bested Brother-Sergeant Helms! All bets are to be paid right now." Pork Chop yelled over the din in his best announcer voice he could. Alexander held out his hands and felt several trinkets he won fall into the palm of his hands. The dancing had stopped and the conscripts with the Overlanders fall into position around the brawlers.
"By popular request, we now have two Overlanders pit their strengths against one another. I will select the brawlers and I assure you that you will not be disappointed with the selection." Pork Chop paused to add dramatic effect, and pointed at both Alexander and Ike. "Alexander Aquila, our Company's own Commissar will face off against Ike Greil, warrior from wherever that singlehandedly slew a traitor marine. Please step forward into the ring."
Ike looked at Alexander, who merely shrugged and stepped into the ring. Alexander took of the last of his protective plates, leaving him with nothing on but his fatigues on. Ike id the same, and both looked at each other. Ike noticed that Alexander had more toned muscle then he originally expected and Alexander had the same thought run through his head as he looked at Ike.
"Alright, how do you boys want to go down? First blood, till yield or-"
"Till one yields." Alexander replied quickly interrupted Pork Chop before he could go on any longer. Ike nodded and tied some cloth around his hands. Alexander nodded and moved to apply a pair of leather gloves. Ike turned around and looked towards Alexander and the two charged at each other.
They met in the center of the ring and started of with Ike clothes lining Alexander, causing the former to land hard on his back. But Alexander spun up delivering a hard punch to Ike's left shoulder, giving Alexander some breathing room. Ike swung at Alexander, who easily dodged his blow. Alexander delivered a sharp snap kick, but Ike jumped back and avoided it. "Come on kid, show me your fury." Ike taunted Alexander.
"Are you kidding me? I'm just warming up." Alexander replied, a small grin forming along the edges of his lips. The two collided and began to wrestle, each one giving no quarter.
The spectators were certainly enjoying themselves. Zelda watched the battle unfold with great interest, unsure who was oing to win. Ike was a skilled hand-to-hand fighter as well as a swordsman. However, Alexander seemed to know how to use his fists effectively and how to fight when a weapon wasn't in his grasps. She leaned over to Harkon, "Alexander seems to know a lot about unarmed combat. Who trained him?"
"He had a pit fighter as the leader of his cadet commissar training squad, and Pilate was one hell of a mean drunk brawler. I know there are better men at fighting with their fists then he is, but he will give you a hell'of'a run for your money if you cross hm." Harkon replied and they both returned to focusing on the battle.
The two had stayed in their wrestling struggle for quite some time, neither one of them showing any signs of giving up. Where one seemed to be the victor, the tables instantly turned and it was that way for quite some time. Both were young, built and full of energy. Both of their stamina were about the same, so it would have to come down to a battle of skill at unarms.
Eventually Ike managed to get the upper hand and pinned Alexander down on the ground, hand clamped around his throat. "Do you yield, Alexander?" Ike asked in a victorious tone. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Zelda jumping up and down. Either she was excited that he won or she was directing hi attention to something.
Alexander chuckled slightly, "Well done, Ike. You seem to be better than I expected with your fists. But you are forgetting one key rule."
Ike cocked an eyebrow, "What's that?"
He was answered with a clump of hard dirt slamming against the side of his head, causing him to let go of Alexander. He felt a mule kick in his chest pushing him back and Alexander sprung back to his feet.
"We never yield." Alexader replied, then stuck out his hand. "I call this battle a draw."
Ike growled for a second then took the hand. "Agreed, it's a draw."
The two then left the ring with the sounds of thunderous applause all around them. The three then headed off to their tents and slept peacefully for the first time in almost a week.
Alexander finished inspecting his new Commissar's great coat in front of a mirror. He made sure that his buttons and suit were cleaned. It was time for an awards ceremony and honors. It was a time that they would recognize the prowess of those that had fallen and those whom survived.
He heard Ike struggle with his flak jacket and had Zelda help attach it to him. "I don't understand. Why do we have to wear this?" They both complained.
Alexander grunted and massaged his temple. The blow from Chillingworth and the alcohol was giving him a splitting headache. Hopefully it would subside by the time the awards started. It wouldn't if these two didn't stop their bickering and complaining. "So you don't draw attention to yourselves. The Overlanders will want to know who you are and why you are getting these awards. If you don't look the part, unnecessary attention is going to attract itself to both you and me." He said calmly, and turned to face the other two.
He tightens the strap that Ike couldn't reach and tossed him Judgement. It was time.
The three left the tent they were staying in and headed off to the Cathedral. They joined the stream of gathering Guardsmen and Space Marines heading towards the cathedral.
Late last night he had received heartening news that the Cadian Shock Troopers were sending two regiments that were inbound. The Overlander could head back to their home system and recruit from them. Alexander also received a promotion to Commissar Captain as Orwell had to take the palace of Captain Ajax. Alexander took the promotion to heart and swore he would not make his superiors regretful of giving him that promotion.
They entered the cathedral and looked around. The sunlight shined through the ten stained glass windows and illuminated the entire holdings of the cathedral. Chaplain Nathaniel stood at the front, flanked by the Captains and Chapter Masters that came to them in their time of aid.
Alexander and his crew sat down in a pew, but were gestured to come forward. They approached, feet hitting solid white marble all the while. Once they reached the front, all of them fell down on both their knees and bowed their heads momentarily in reverence to the image of the immortal God Emperor. Nathaniel opened his tome and read a victory prayer.
Our Dear and Beloved Father, in Your name as of that of Your powerful sons, I confess and believe that no weapon formed against me shall prosper, and any tongue that rises against me in judgment I shall show to be in the wrong. I believe I dwell in the secret place of the Most High. I shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty Emperor, Whose power no foe can withstand — this secret place hides me from the strife of tongues.
I believe the wisdom of God's Word dwells in me, and because it does, I realize that I am without fear or dread of evil. In all my ways I know and acknowledge God and His Word; thus, He directs and makes straight and plain my pathway. As I attend to God's Word, it is health to my nerves and sinews, and marrow and moistening to my bones.
I am strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in my inner self by the Holy Spirit Himself Who dwells in me. God is my Strength and my Refuge, and I confidently trust in Him and in His Word. I am empowered through my union with Almighty God. This gives me the superhuman, supernatural strength to walk in divine health and to live in abundance.
The Emperor Himself has said, I will never leave you without support or forsake you or let you down, my child. I will not in any degree leave you helpless or relax my hold on you...assuredly not!
I take comfort and am encouraged and confidently and boldly say, "The Emperor is my shield and armor. I will not be seized with alarm. I will not fear or be terrified, for what can man do to me?"
I confess and believe that my children are disciples taught of the Lord and obedient to God's will. Great is the peace and undisturbed composure of my children — because God Himself contends with that which contends with me and my children, and He gives them safety and eases them. God will perfect that which concerns me.
This Word of the Emperor that I have spoken is alive and full of power. It is active and operative. It energizes me, and it affects me. As I speak His Word, it is sharper than any two-edged sword, and it is penetrating into my joints and into the marrow of my bones. It is healing to my flesh. It is prosperity for me. It is the magnificent Word of Almighty God. According to His Word that I have spoken, so be it!
As the Chaplain stepped back, Captain Elijah stepped forward. "It is by the Emperor's grace that we stand undefeated on this day. We have won a victory against the great enemy, but for all of us it has come at a price. A friend, a Brother, a limb, or our image of the world around us, we all lost something. But now, we honor those whoms sill at arms had made this day possible. I have already done my awards for my Brothers away from here, so I will star twith Seargent Hawthorne."
Hawthorne stepped forward and bent on one knee. Elijah held a small gilded box in his hands, bearing the seal of Terra on it. "Your actions were critical in defeating the Daemon Prince Chillingworth, and I have spoken to Chapter Command. It is time we honor your three hundred years of service at long last."
He opened the box, and Hawthorne almost fell over. Alexander craned his head back slightly and his breath was stolen away.
The Crux Terminatus, the Terminators Cross. A badge that is said to hold a fragment of the Emperor's own power armor in the stone. Hawthorne felt the award with his bare hand, wondering if this was all still a dream. "You will report to the first company, and will receive further orders." The sounds of thunderous applause echoed across the entire cathedral.
Elijah then went through with honors and congratulations to the others of the two squads, and gave a bow to the actions of the Achilles. He the approached Ike, in his hands was something large wrapped in cloth. "Ike Greil, I have heard of your deed, and how you saved the life of Hale, as well as how he saved yours at the cost of his. I think it is altogether fitting and proper that this should happen."
He gave Ike the bundle and Ike unraveled it. In it were two large gloves, forged of ceramite and painted the blood red of the Blood of Dorn. "These are Hale's gloves, modified to fit your hands. I see that in you, our Primarch examples live on. Wear them with pride, remembering what they carry with you. You may now call yourself a Son of Dorn."
Ike felt a slight amount of wetness coming on around his eyes and nodded his thanks. Elijah gave a pure, simple smile, and then stepped back into the line. Next to step forward was Knight-Captain Desmond.
He gave his awards to his brothers and serfs, each unique and made for each one. Alexander couldn't recall all of them, but each were honoring the skills of their powerful Marines and skilled Pages. He then turned to entire assortment of the Overlanders, and closed his eyes, and prayed for the fallen.
All Powerful Emperor,
We honor today those men and women—
Our sons and daughters,
Husbands and wives,
Fathers, brothers, sisters, mothers—
Who have laid down their life for this world.
Whether weary or emboldened, quiet or defiant,
Vulnerable or ready when You called them home,
Their sacrifice is too humbling for words
except these uttered in prayer.
Loving Emperor, bless them forever in Your eternal peace.
Let the sounds of strife, the cries of battle, the wounds of war
be calmed for all eternity in Your loving and endless grace.
Let these great warriors find rest at last,
Ever reminded that we who are left behind
Cherish their spirit, honor their commitment,
send them our love,
and will never forget the service that they gave.
"You have done well and above you calling as Guardsmen that I had ever had the good fortune to witness. Barring my Battle Brothers, I could not ask for any better. I…am honored have to fight alongside you. You are truly Sons and Daughters of the Aquila. If you need the Guardians for any military campaign, you have but to ask." Desmond finished, and bowed his head and stepped back.
The Chapter Master of the Warlords was off helping his Brothers in other cities, so Nathaniel was the next to step forward. "I speak not only for the Sons of the Blade, but also Segmentum Command. I will leave the Commissar to deliver the medals and honors to you, but I have a few of mine own to make to these who are here."
He stepped in front of Zelda, "Zelda, in my three hundred and fifty years of service to the Emperor, I have never met someone as you. You work as an Angel of Mercy on the wounded and on the soul sick." He unfolded a long slender robe of pure green and white. "This was my robe as an initiate, and as I have no need for it, I have blessed it and it is now yours. It's Aquila has been stitched with thread brought before the Golden Throne on Terra. May it serve you well."
Zelda stood up and Nathaniel placed the robe over her and she turned around and embraced him in a hug. He was taken back at first, but soon returned it lightly. He then approached Alexander. "Alexander Aquila, I am here to inform you of your formal promotion to the rank of Commissar-Captain, but I have a greater award for you. I have talked to Segmentum and I have an award for you on their behalf."
He held out a large medal and Alexander's jaw almost hit the floor when he saw it. Honorifica Imperialis, one of the greatest awards he could wish to acquire in his service to the Emperor. "In conspicuous actions against the Enemies of Man, the Honorifica Imperialis is bequeathed on to thee. Wear it with pride." He then placed the medal around Alexander's neck and gestured for him to rise.
Alexander held out his data-slate, but before he could begin, one of the conscripts came forward. "Sir, may I tell you something?"
Alexander felt one of his eyebrows twitch with annoyance, but he let this slide. "Speak."
The conscript swallowed hard and began to speak. "All of the conscripts have talked, and we have decided that our homeplanet is now so unfamiliar to us, that we can no longer call it come. We now stand before the God Emperor of Man and pledge our service to the Overlanders."
Alexander laughed slightly, he hadn't expected this. "I accept this offer; you will now form into the seventh and eighth Companies." Alexander skipped any other formal introductions and began his long list of awards.
Alexander grabbed a duffel bag and made his way to the ship awaiting him. He had to recruit the new regiments and resupply his forces. Ike and Zelda were next to him. Zelda came up to him, "Where are we heading?"
Alexander thought for a moment, his mind went to the grass planes, the long highlands, and the mild climate. Where he could help Zelda and Ike get back to where they belonged. A place he could truly call…
"Home."
The end for Aquilas. The Nightmare of Moor is over for once, and they head back the Moor system. The Emblems part can now start, as a journey home begins, but things don't always go as planned, and a price must be paid for a victory.
BipolarIke: the answer to your question is that I haven't played the Fire Emblem games, but I know enough of Ike's lore just to be dangerous.
I'll try to get the Emblems out as soon as I can. I got this out in a day, so it shouldn't be to hard.
Thank You,
Flame Falcon