This is my first Warhammer 40k story and though I am new to the franchise, I want to do this universe as much justice as I can, despite taking some story writing liberties. Expect this story to be mostly Space Marine action and combat and not a whole lot of politics. Enjoy!
In the grim darkness of the future…there is only war. Humanity struggles to survive as the forces of chaos surround us; threatening our very existence. In his wisdom, the Emperor of the Imperium of Man sends his angels to be both humanity's sword and shield, fighting back against the enemy and the heretic. However, victory is not always guaranteed…
The planet Cordax III
The camera shows a smoke covered, war torn camp. Bodies of armored Space Marines lay everywhere, most still holding various weapons or equipment. Scorch marks from artillery lined the tents and vehicles; evidence that the camp had been ambushed, and no survivors were left…or so it seemed.
The stillness of the dead camp is broken as a pile of debris is suddenly moved aside as a lone Marine digs himself out. His armor is scorched and dented, but it retains the dark green color that showed his allegiance to the chapter known as the Dark Angels. He still gripped a bolter in his hand. The Marine's name was Matthias.
Matthias looked around, amazed at the amount of destruction that had occurred. It seemed as if the entire camp had been wiped out; however, if he survived, then surely there were others. He decided to look around, and walked as silently as he could, his bolter still raised in case any of the mystery assailants had stayed behind to finish any stragglers. After a few minutes, it seemed as if he truly was the only survivor, when suddenly, he heard the sound of someone grunting in a mixture of pain and frustration. Matthias immediately ran over to the source, and found another marine struggling to get his legs out from under of a pile of dead marines. Matthias knelt down to help.
"Brother" he whispered "are you alright."
The Marine turned to face him "I'm fine, but I'm a little pinned as of the moment."
The Marine's armor was green, but it was a lighter shade of green, meaning he was from the Salamanders.
"Let me help" Matthias offered, pushing the bodies off and helping the Salamander stand up.
"Thank you, brother" the Marine said, "What is your name?"
"I am Matthias of the Dark Angels. I assume you are from the Salamanders."
The other Marine nodded, "My name is Infernus. Until you arrived, I thought I was the only survivor."
"I thought the same thing as well." Matthias said, "But if the two of us survived, then surely there must be others."
Infernus nodded in agreement, then walked over to a fallen Marine's body and pushed it out of the way with his foot, gabbing the flamer buried underneath.
"Let's go" he said to Matthias, and the two continued making their way through the smoke covered camp. As they walked they looked around at the mass of their fallen brothers.
"I don't understand" Infernus said, "What could possibly have done this?"
"I do not have an answer, brother" Matthias replied, "but I do know that whatever did will pay dearly in blood."
Suddenly, they heard different voices coming from one of the damaged tents, and decided to risk a peek inside. It appeared the tent was an armory as weapons of every shape and size could be seen hanging on racks throughout the interior. The risk also proved to pay off as the two saw four other Space Marines already inside talking amongst themselves. The first was a member of the Blood Angles who held an auspex scanner and had a bolter slung over his shoulder. The second was an Imperial Fist, a heavy bolter in his hands. The third was a Space Wolf, twirling a combat knife in his hands. The fourth was an Ultramarine, with decorations on his armor indicating his rank as a sergeant; he held a chainsword in his hand.
Matthias and Infernus looked at each other and nodded before entering the tent, immediately catching the attention of the four inside. The Imperial Fist immediately whipped around; his heavy bolter raised.
Matthias shot his hands forward to stop him "Easy, brother!"
"Brother Grimm" the Ultramarine commanded, "stand down!"
Grimm remained still for a few tense moments before lowering his weapon and walked back to the other three.
The Ultramarine then spoke to Matthias and Infernus "I apologize; we meant no real harm."
"Understood, brother." Matthias reassured, "I am Matthias of the Dark Angels. Infernus here is of the Salamanders; he and I were looking for any survivors when we came across you four."
"My name is Cassius of the Ultramarines" the sergeant then gestured to the others as he introduced them as Gabriel of the Blood Angels, Grimm if the Imperial Fists, and Frostclaw of the Space Wolves.
"It is a pleasure to meet you all" Matthias said, "But can any of you explain what happened here?"
"We were just speaking of that before you arrived" Gabriel answered, "I was one of the few on the forefront of the attack, and I saw a mass of enemies, but the odd thing was that, and I swear this by the Emperor, there were multiple factions involved."
"That's impossible" Infernus said, "The enemy factions never work together."
"Well, I saw something similar" Cassius interceded, "I was at the front of the defense, and vividly remember fighting the Necrons as well as the Tau. I didn't question it earlier, but I'm now beginning to see something was up."
Frostclaw scoffed "But how can we be sure?"
Suddenly Gabriel's Auspex scanner began beeping frantically.
"Take cover!" Gabriel shouted, and the other Marines dove for cover, hiding behind whatever they could find, and none too soon as a group of Necron warriors appeared outside, no doubt scanning for survivors.
Matthias risked a glance at the enemies and raised his eyes in surprise, the Necrons were also joined by a trio of Tau soldiers as well. Cassius was right! Matthias then immediately ducked back as one of the Tau approached the tent and peeked inside looking around to see if anyone was inside. After a few moments, he was satisfied and left the tent, waving for the patrol to move on.
Once the Marine were absolutely sure they were gone, they risked the chance to talk amongst themselves.
"That was too close." Grimm said.
"Looks like you were right, Cassius" Matthias said, "The Necrons and Tau ARE working together."
Cassius grunted "One of the few times I hate being right."
"But this doesn't make sense" Frostclaw said, now thoroughly convinced, "why would they join forces now?"
"I'm not sure" Cassius replied, "what I do know is that this place is no longer safe for us. We must get out of here and find a place where we can discuss our next course of action in secret."
"I might know of such a place" Frostclaw said, "It's not far outside the cam; I can get us there."
Matthias nodded in agreement "I agree, but we should first stock up on whatever weapons and supplies we can."
"Agreed." Infernus said.
Cassius nodded "Then take what you can carry, but hurry; the patrol might be back."
The Marines wasted no time in wandering around the armory, grabbing as much ammo and other wargear as possible. Grimm and Gabriel also picked up combat knives, Frostclaw grabbed a stocker bolter, and Matthias and Infernus each grabbed a chainsword. Finally, they were ready and met at the tent's exit.
Cassius took the lead and, sheathing his chainsword, brought out a bolter pistol.
"Alright, brothers" he said, "Let's move out!"
Let me know what you think so far!