6th Form, The School...

"And so we can look to Siffre's cave study to assess the existence of circadian rhythms within our brains..." My psychology teacher droned on and on throughout the lesson and everyone in the class fought back the urge to sleep as boredom consumed us. Inside my bag, even the small guardsmen squad and the even smaller contingent of Eldar Rangers walked around aimlessly, hands in pockets, kicking small crumbs around. I saw one particular guardsmen lying down with his cap pulled low over his eyes, napping. Other than that, it seemed they were staying fairly civil, chatting amongst each other. It was good to see that the guardsmen and Eldar were bonding and were now comfortable around each other. It had been three days since the murder in the Eldar Sector, and I was told the investigation was going well. It seemed the guardsmen and the Eldar were cooperating and working well together, though the mysterious Fallen seemed to want to stay out of the investigation. Whether it was an admission of guilt or just them viewing it as not concerning them, I did not know. But for now, they simply watched from the sidelines. In all honesty, I didn't care. I was only focusing on where the traitorous Space Wolves could be and fighting the urge to nap in this lesson. I glanced down at my watch and looked at the time.

"Urgh... 45 minutes of the lesson left..." I sighed.

Our lessons were only 50 minutes long total...


I got home and nearly threw my bag straight on the kitchen table, as I always used to, before remembering and looking at the table first. Apparently the models that came to life do not approve of being crushed. Seeing nothing, I dropped my bag down and checked my phone. I had the usual notifications: a few Facebook updates, some YouTube notifications and a new prompt to play Colour Switch. But there was a new one too. My best friend, Chad, had dropped me a text asking if I wanted to meet up. I had nothing to do and managing a city of inch-tall models from the far future can be boring and tiring. I went upstairs, grabbed some clothes and changed into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt in the bathroom before heading out the rugby field near our school. It was about a 5 or 10 minute walk from my house and I arrived a fair while before chad did.

The field is boxed in by tall trees on all sides and when chad eventually arrived at the opening in the trees that served as an entrance to the field, he glanced around for me. As I was nowhere in sight, he got his phone out to call me and ask where I was. I chose that moment to hang upside down from a thick branch and dangle just in front of him. He jumped out of his skin in fright and I was lost in laughter for 5 minutes straight, much to his embarrassment. I eventually dropped down and we strolled on the field, just chatting and messing around. We were best friends after all, our friendship was practically based on us winding each other up. It was good to just hang out as mates again and forget all the stresses of managing advanced life forms secretly living in our homes. It was, quite literally, a breath of fresh air. For the first time in what seemed like forever, we could chat about the most random shit... video games, girls, TV... all the rubbish we used to chat about purely to waste time. We were having fun once again, until Chad reminded me of something.

"So, dude... It's your birthday tomorrow. Looking forward to it? You're gonna be 18! You can get drunk! But like, legally, now!" He laughed.

"Don't remind me..." Was all I could manage to groan.

"You sound less excited than me, mate. And I can't drink yet for another 6 months! Everything ok?"

"Yeah... Just worrying about tomorrow. I mean, we're obvious going to the pub for drinks in the night, but then who is going to be keeping an eye on the little guys?"

"Well your family is going with you to the pub, so you don't need to worry about them getting discovered while you're out."

"Its not that, dude. Its just that so much stuff seems to go on that I can't notice until someone tells me. Murders, plots, mysteriously appearing Necrons, and of course my missing Space Wolves. And those Dark Angels seem to keep appearing in bigger and bigger numbers. I'm starting to think that they're getting reinforcements from somewhere. And their armour... it seems dirtier than I'd imagine. Not like the noble Dark Angels I read about."

"Mate, they don't need babysitting. They'll be ok for a few hours. They are more than capable of looking after themselves. To be honest, maybe that the problem. Show them a bit more trust and give them some space. Let them sort their own problems out, their own way."

"Yeah... Good point, I guess." I sighed.

Elsewhere, the Farseer smirked. "Thank you for your co-operation, Chad..."

She sent a psychic message to her allies in the Eldar sector of the Underground City. "Proceed to phase 2."


The Next Day...

The next day was like another, get up, get ready for another day of stress and boredom in college, and generally just sigh sadly at every little thing. At least I only had less than 5 more months there before I would be done with school, maybe moving on to University, which brought its own set of problems. I sighed again.

"Happy Birthday!" My parents screamed as they stuck their heads in the kitchen doorway, smiles beaming. My sister though just gave me an evil look and muttered "Woo... Go you..."

From her, that was the equivalent of a Nobel Prize! I muttered a "Thanks guys" back at them before continuing to chow down on my breakfast. School/college sucked normally, but on your birthday just emphasized the bullshit of it all. The morning continued on like any other, with the exception of a few presents before we left. I got a couple of new games, a DVD and a small tub of chocolate. It wasn't much, but I was grateful. I understood. Money was always tight this time of year. I sighed again.


A few hours later...

School was done for the day, and it was a Friday, meaning that I had the freedom of the weekend to look forward to at least. There was that. Even the squad of guardsmen stowed in my bag seemed in a joyous mood that school was finished for another 2 days. We may be millennia apart, but if there is one thing people now and people of the future can agree on, its that school sucks. I went home as usual, to be greeted by my stepdad at the door, still smiling like earlier. What were these people on, Joy pills?!

"Heya, mate! How ya doing?" He grinned.

"Alright, I guess." I replied flatly.

"Fair enough. We're going to the pub to celebrate after dinner, but for now, you can try out your new games or watch your DVD!"

"Thanks dude." I groaned, trudging inside.

I went straight to my room and instead of turning my PlayStation on like normal, I just dropped my bag on the floor and slumped into my bed. For the first time in a while, I realized how exhausted I was. Maybe that's why I was so moody today. I was probably just absolutely knackered. Even with my eyes closed, I could sense the small figures on my bedside table vying for my attention. I ignored them and kept my eyes firmly shut. I could not be arsed for them right now. Before I knew it, I had drifted off to sleep.


"Governor!" A young cadet jogged to keep up with Governor Anderson's long, powerful strides as he marched through the wide hallways of Command Post Alpha.

"Report, cadet." The Governor demanded, not altering his pace for the struggling cadet. He had places to be.

"Sir, we got a report from the interrogators. Some of the Bonesingers have been very talkative, but other subjects have sadly... expired."

"And? What have we discovered?"

"The Eldar have already handed over the Space Wolf prisoner to the Fallen, in secret. They've had him for several days now. But that was as far as their knowledge went. All their stories seem to match up."

"Shit. Ok, thank you for that report. I'll begin assembling a rescue team as soon as possible. There's no telling what that prisoner knows and we cannot allow Cypher to sink his claws into him. And we have to ensure that his rescue looks like an escape. We cannot be tied to this. Tell no-one."

"Yes, sir!"


I woke not long later from my family calling me down to dinner. Like every other mundane day, it was just us eating, asking each other how each other's day was, and generally complaining about it. At least my parents were smiling as they complained today. After dinner, I went up to my room to get changed for the night out. I threw on my black ripped jeans, my Hollywood Undead t-shirt, my red hoodie and leather waistcoat. As I laced up my Converse, I gave a stern instruction to all the little people camping in my room.

"Alright guys, I'm going out for a while. I don't know when I'm coming back, but I need you all on your best behavior while I'm gone, ok?"

There was a general motion of nods coming from the legions before me.

"Good. So that means no weapons, no shooting, no fighting. The house had best be in the exact same state we left it in when we get back. Do that for me, and you can have your heavy weapons back. Understood?"

More nods. And a few wide grins and excited murmurs. Sometimes I swear that they were secretly Orks. I shivered at the thought, imagine if it had been them that I collected before all this happened!

Down on the carpet, they were still whispering amongst themselves at the prospect of getting their bigger guns back. Since the last massive battle in my room, I had proposed that the Necrons may be acting like a large army of deadly Predators. After failed explanation and a couple of watched movies, they seemed to understand. They seemed to particularly enjoy Alien vs Predator in the aptly named movie. They all chanted loudly and excitedly at that points, and I swear I saw some betting going on. If I was correct and the Necrons only attacked because we had lots of weapons, then I made them hand in all their larger weaponry and hid it away. Since then, no Necron attack, though I was worried that they'd attack again while I was out and my men would be stuck with only small arms to defend themselves. But amongst all the muttering, I failed to notice the discreet conversation between Captain Westfield and his small squad, talking only in quick whispers, constantly watching those around them nervously.


"Those damned Eldar... They did this!" Tohr whispered to the group harshly. He was Captain Westfield's squad's heavy weapons expert and he had been sour ever since the giant had seized his 'Big Bertha.'

"I agree. They are planning something." Captain Westfield nodded.

"So what are we going to do about it, sir?" Cairn asked, his arms folded.

"Not sure yet... The way I have it, there's two possible ways they are trying to strike. They could be planning on doing something here, when Tom is away, or they could be doing something to him."

"Sir, we don't have the numbers to be spread across two areas of operations." Jon, the youngest of the group put in as quietly as he could manage.

"I know... We may need some help on this one..." the captain sighed.

"Sir! I thought the first rule of fight club was that you don't talk about fight club! This squad was supposed to be a secret!" Zarn, the group's marksman stated audibly, shocked.

"Oh, don't worry. The squad I hand picked are very hush-hush on matters such as this..." Came a voice from behind them. "And might I suggest less movie nights and more time training, Mr. Zarn?" Master Odien smirked.

"Sir!" Reaper squad saluted to him, still down in his wheelchair.

"Put your hands down dammit! We're trying to be discreet here!"

"Glad you agreed to help us, Master Odien." Captain Westfield smiled. "Your scouts will be of great service to us."


And so the plan was set in motion. Master Odien's hand-picked scouts would secretly join the giant, Tom, while Reaper squad would maintain a vigilant watch back at the Underground City. All they had to do was wait. Wait for the Eldar to make their move. To commit. To make a mistake. This was a dangerous game that they were playing. Only time could tell if the risks would be worthwhile.


Meanwhile...

"So everything is going according to plan..." She smirked.

"Yes, Farseer. Exactly as you said it would."

"Perfect..." She purred. "Soon, the Mon-keigh will make their fatal mistake. They will reveal their betrayal and we shall have the opportunity to take this place for ourselves. This land expansion will be perfect for our future operations here. Everything is going to be so... perfect..."


Later...

"Are you quite certain?" Cypher's voice whispered in his ear.

"Certain, my lord." He replied.

"Hmm... This presents us with a grand opportunity. Continue with your assignment for now. I will meditate on this. This could be the perfect cover for us to use in our plans." Cypher whispered back, and the marine could feel the mysterious man's grin through the vox-piece.

"Understood, my lord." Brother Leo tapped the small ear piece and the line went silent.

Shuffling forward from his prone position, he ensured his silenced sniper rifle was still set up as he liked it. Aiming down the sights, he watched as the unknowing Reaper squad infiltrated the Eldar Sector. They all lined up against the bone white walls of an imperial building that had been modified by the Eldar to suit their purposes. As the captain peeked around the corner and they made ready to dash to the next building, an Eldar Guardian patrolled behind them. They had no idea that within seconds, they would be discovered.

Brother Leo reached into his ammo belt behind him and selected a specialist round. He help the bolt in front of him for several seconds, examining it. Satisfied, he loaded it into the sniper rifle and slammed the firing chamber shut. He peered down the sights, and took his shot.

The Eldar Guardian was seconds away from rounding the corner and discovering the humans when he was launched backwards from an unseen force. His breastplate shattered and he lay there, groaning in pain as his body started to fizz. Reaper squad pushed on further into the sector, clueless about their guardian angel. Within seconds, there was no trace that the Eldar Guardian had ever existed. Brother Leo selected another of those specialist bolts from his belt and loaded that into the sniper rifle too.

'Acid bolts.' He thought. 'Filled with Tyranid bile. Leaves no trace of the victim behind. Not even blood. Perfect for infiltration missions.'

He watched as Reaper squad continued to advance deeper into the hornet's nest until they passed out of his zone of fire. He was readying himself to move on to the next vantage point when he noticed something down his sights. Through a window, he could spy the wicked Farseer, sat down crosslegged in her room. She appeared to be talking to someone unseen. Before he moved on, conscious that Reaper squad was vulnerable without his overwatch fire, he made a decision. He checked that the acid bolt was still in the firing chamber and adjusted his sights for the range of the shot. He placed the crosshairs over the Farseer's heart.

"I could kill you right now with this shot, vile witch..." He muttered to himself. He had not forget that she had attempted to read his mind back at the council meeting where she was first introduced. "I will have my revenge..."


Captain Westfield held up his fist, signaling for Reaper squad to halt.

"Sir?" Cairn questioned, quietly.

"Something's wrong." He replied in a hushed whispered.

"I don't understand, sir."

"Listen. You hear that?"

"Hear what, sir?"

"Exactly. It completely silent. Not even a trace of activity. Where is everyone? Particularly any guards or patrols. This place is a ghost town."

"But isn't no guards a good thing?" Jon added.

"No. Its never a good thing..." Captain Westfield replied, a hint of nerves creeping into his voice. "Everyone keep your eyes up. Be on guard for anything. Something is definitely off here..."


The Pub...

For the first time in a while, I smiled genuinely. I was fairly drunk, but denying it (of course) and surrounded by friends and family. I'd gotten a few more gifts off my family, but most just opted for the easy option and bought me a drink. My family were all hanging out with each other and catching up, while me and my friends sat in the corner, chatting excitedly to each other. Chad was there, but so was Hannah, Sean, Beth, Callum, Charlee and surprisingly, my ex. Only a few of us could drink, but we bought each other rounds and bought non-alcoholic drinks for those too young. Being a fan of whiskey, my friends and family kept the little glasses coming, sometimes singles and sometimes doubles. I was still standing but there were several glasses on the table at this point, and I wasn't going to last much longer. The night was still young as it was only 10pm. But then I saw something that I blamed on the drink for several seconds before I rubbed my eyes and realized that I was seeing the real thing. Across the room, I could see little shapes making their way across the top of the bar, sliding around the bottles of alcohol.

'Great. As if these guys aren't hard enough to deal with normally. Now I have to deal with them in public! While drunk!'

I sighed again.