Within the Imperium he had learned to his cost one of the basic rules of warfare: do not get attached to anything. do not get attached to your comrades, nor to your life, nor even to the enemy. A soldier must not think or get attached, he must obey, this was the basic rule in the imperium.
Gallek still remembers his first battle, vividly and often dreams about it. In those days he was still a Guardsman little more than 18 years old, still full of ideals and dreams of glory. He had been assigned to a reinforcement platoon on a farm planet besieged by orks, at a critical stage of that battle.
His platoon consisted of about 3,000 men, and their job was basically to help as a diversion to the main platoon. in short, they were to act as cannon fodder to enable the main group to win.
From what he had heard it was not the first such mission of the platoon; it was even called by the alias "Birdless Skies," because where they intervened the migratory birds had already fled synonymous with particularly bloody battles.
The scheme was simple for the battle: they would divide into several small groups (made up of about 2 dormitories of a dozen members) and separately attack from all sides starting from the trench created by the main platoon to be helped, using a kind of herd tactic. if one platoon was attacked individually, the neighboring ones would help them and call the neighboring ones accordingly. If the plan was successful they would crush the enemy from all sides.
The planet on which this battle was to take place was a planet named Epsilos-405a, composed largely of arable plains and unusually high mountains, the color and shape was similar to earth only more "extreme" in every respect.
Upon arriving on the planet immediately they were taken to the main trench, where they would form groups and in a few hours begin their mission. The trench was in a very bad state, but understandable after so long of battle: the battle on that planet had been going on continuously for almost 4 years, in the long run the imperium stopped even sending valuable resources as space marines since by then that battle with the orks had become standoffish.
In the trench there were corpses upon corpses, some even in advanced states of decomposition, piled one on top of the other. filth reigned supreme, and by this time they were not even attempting to burn the corpses by how many there were, they were not worth the waste of resources and making communal pits was out of the question, they would have wasted valuable time for hypothetical attacks or counter-offensives.
After a few hours of waiting, the platoon was finally informed and the small groups formed. They were not very well armed, but it did not matter in the end: they aimed for quantity not quality. each squad had a specific name to identify themselves, Gallek's squad name was "Bear 3"*,
*Each team identified itself by the name of a specific animal plus a number.
"Bear 3" consisted of about 20 members and like the others would attack from the sides of the enemy army, taking advantage of a mountain adjacent to the battlefield. The operation would last about 2 days, time in which their goal was to get as close as possible to the enemy without dying and in case to help other teams if they were attacked.
-You are always silent Gallek!- a man in his 20s said to the inexperienced soldier. The man was more veteran than Gallek, he was in his thirties and had several signs of past battles.
-Uhm sorry Druk...I'm just not very good at talking- replied Gallek as he continued his march with the rest of the group. The small group of 20 people had remained fairly homogeneous in their movements, and there was an almost -friendly‖ atmosphere among the various comrades that was quite strange for such a dangerous mission: as far as they knew they were marching to their deaths.
Gallek had drifted slightly away from the group when they had started chatting: he was not the sociable type and did not really appreciate those situations.
Druk Ranzboi was a well-known soldier in the platoon: he had lived through many battles on his own skin and had survived in spite of everything, but above all he had kept his sunny, radiant spirit, which often disappeared in most soldiers after the first battles.
-Brave or not, it doesn't matter! we are comrades you don't have to be afraid- replied the veteran radiantly, turning around with a broad smile. His mere presence had made the whole group more relaxed, dampening that tension that types of missions like these create.
-All right I guess...I'll try- Gallek finally replied as he approached the group, trying to smile. the group began to chat quietly as they marched at a brisk pace still unaware of their dark future.
-Hey 'umie, it's time ta work- Garkrull said loudly, tugging relatively hard at the human trying to wake him up. Gallek shook his head for a moment still numb from sleep, but seeing the del ork from so close, he almost fell off the cot in fright.
-I'm still not used to his ugly face...- thought the human as he tried to regain composure from the fright. Garkrull had not changed clothes, however, this time he was holding a spear-like tool.
-He uses it to hunt...- murmured the human in a very low voice as he began to get up from his cot. He was still weakened from the wounds he had suffered last day, but at least he could walk a little better.
Gallek took a few tentative steps to see if he walked well, always trying not to look openly at the ork, who in parallel was looking at him curiously and almost worriedly.
-Ya betta not try too hard 'umie friend, 'umiez are not as strong as us orks!‖ stated Garkrull almost worriedly, as he stood with his arms folded observing the human, who meanwhile was doing his walking tests. Gallek felt that he was able to walk better -Well at least now I am less helpless- sighed The armsman as he turned to look hard at the orks.
At the ork's assertion, Gallek clenched his fists slightly -we humans are not weak...- thought the soldier, however still too intimidated by the xeno to speak. the soldier nevertheless approached the orks, however still trying to stay at a safe distance and said timidly trying to look at the ork as much as possible -Don't...don't worry...I think I can do it...-
Garkrull huffed for a moment, but calmly began to walk the human out of the hut, walking alongside him. Gallek felt uncomfortable, but said nothing he was still too intimidated by the whole thing -The less I talk...the better is...- thought the soldier as he and his new "friend" walked out of the hut.
At last the human could check the outside of the hut and, more importantly, figure out where the heck he was more or less. The climate was warm, not much different, however, from the climate he had felt the first time he had landed on the planet. The hut was the largest building in the vicinity:
The area around the hut was a small unpaved and slightly rocky plain, around the housing building was a small rock pit and a little closer another shed, slightly smaller than the main hut. from the shape it looked like a warehouse or garage, but it was too far away to confirm a probable thesis.
Just outside the vicinity of the hut were several small hills and forests, always fractious, however, by scattered rocks like almost all the planet he had seen. he heard no particular animal noises, probably the ork had driven them out of his "territory" when he had settled there.
The ork put his hands on his hips and happily said to the human who was looking around analytically -Dis place iz ma territory, i made it myself!- stated the ork contentedly and then turned to the human -Now we are friends, so it iz also yer territory, 'umie- finally smiled the ork. Gallek was surprised for a moment, but said nothing -I had to look around...- he thought.
Garkrull began to walk into the smaller hut, standing only a few steps ahead of the soldier observing him from time to time probably ready in case to help him. -Well the forest might be a good escape route...- thought the human as he looked around -But there remains the problem of being alone...I would never survive...- thought the armsman finally as he resignedly followed the ork.
After a few seconds they finally arrived in the smaller hut: it was very simple, it was made mainly of wood but had been reinforced with iron sheets on the roof and on some parts of the wall, probably to make it stronger. inside there were several shelves and work tables, with many mechanical parts and repair tools. in the center of the shed was fixed what looked like the remains of a small ship, about the size of a reconnaissance shuttle: it was evidently at least a few centuries old, and in general most of the parts had been replaced later perhaps by the ork itself. the ship was so modified that it almost looked as if he was creating it from scratch rather than repairing it.
-We will need dis ship ta escape, yer will help me when yer are betta off wit' injuriez- stated the ork confidently, it did not sound imperative or "dictatorial," just confident. The ork succesively began to leave the hut and head for the small well at the side of the hut, followed closely by the human who, after briefly observing the ship being repaired, turned to the ork and slowly began to follow him.
Arrived the ork showed the well and its workings to the human and said as he pulled up a bucket with some water -If ya need wata take it from ere 'umie- and finally concluded by trying to be kind the xeno as he pulled down the bucket again -if yer need help gett'n it up, kall me-, gallek made only a small sign of assent.
Garkrull began to head back toward the shed, motioning for the man to wait for him not far away, the soldier simply nodded his head in assent. after a few seconds the ork returned with a simple digging shovel, handing it to the human as gently as an ork could.
The armsman took the shovel with difficulty, barely managing to hold it with two hands without falling. Garkrull said extending his large hand gently -if yer struggle ta keep it i'll br'n it ta yer, 'umie friend-.
Gallek in response turned his head to the side opposite the xeno avoiding his gaze and replied trying to show himself impassive and especially to show himself strong in front of the green -I'm not so weak...I'll carry it myself...-.
Garkrull made a slightly worried face, but then seeing the man's conviction he heaved a small sigh and began to walk ahead of him in the direction of the forest. The soldier with difficulty began to follow him, trying to carry the shovel with all his strength, letting it clatter to the ground.
About 20 minutes of walking passed, lengthened mostly by the short pauses made by the Ork in waiting for the human who with effort and determination kept carrying the shovel, periodically refusing Garkrull's help, when they finally did not arrive in a clearing slightly more lush than the rest of the planet.
The flora in this place was still a bluish color, but much more earth-like in form and life: the forest was filled with pine-like trees and ancient oaks, the two could often hear noises and footsteps of small animals in the distance, and in general the noises of nature here were much more noticeable than in the large rocky moors of Gallek's landing.
In the previous walk and also in the clearing Gallek had been able to notice remains of centuries-old buildings from the imperium: of course they were only rubble and small traces, but it was peculiar for the man to notice how they had been ruined, almost as if the environment itself had eroded and corroded them from within. he did not linger too long, however, he had to follow the ork, he did not want to risk pissing him off or making him aggressive because of his analysis of the remains.
-Dis iz where we're gunna hunt- explained the ork as he briefly showed the clearing in a radiant voice, almost excited by the impending hunt -are yer sure yer kan make it 'umie?- asked eagerly for another confirmation the ork as he readied his spear to hunt
-I already told you I can do it...we humans are not that weak!- proudly affirmed the human, in an involuntary defensive outburst that he immediately suppressed with some terror. -What the hell has gotten into me...so I risk agitating him...- began the armsman's reasoning, seriously concerned that he had enraged and destabilized the unusually peaceful ork -what if he attacks me now?...how do I escape? where do I go? how do I survive on my own? what about my wounds?- continued in an endless spiral of reasoning the human, who seemed from the outside lost in thought and fear.
Garkrull calmly approached the human, unintentionally increasing the latter''s fear, and putting a hand on his shoulder said to him, in a thundering voice and much grit -'Dat's 'da way ta talk 'umie friend! ya must have 'da grit uv a warrior!- and after giving him a few thunderous pats he began to set off into the center of the clearing waiting for him.
Gallek almost lost consciousness from the scene he had been subjected to, but tried to regain the reins immediately -That was strange...but at least he didn't quarter me- he thought as he slowly began to make his way following the ork -for now...- concluded the human despondently as he approached his new companion.
As the human arrived as well, the ork began to focus on its surroundings, emitting occasional grunts of concentration. After a few moments the ork gave a broad grin as he began to draw the weapon he had brought, observed somewhat puzzled by the human with the "heavy" shovel in his hand.
-I'm gunna hunt a large beast 'dat i heard- stated the ork firmly as he finished his preparations, -ya stay ere 'n 'da clearing, pick up wit' 'da shovel 'da vegetables dat look gud ta ya- said the ork quite seriously as he began to walk north. -I'll be back 'n a few minutes, 'umie- concluded the ork as he disappeared into the forest to the north.
Gallek was interjected for a moment by the situation, especially about the order given to him, by the ork. -I wonder what that mountain of muscle means by "vegetables that look good to me"- huffed the human as he began heading under the trees near the clearing.
The forest seemed relatively quiet and no animals of any kind seemed to be in the human's vicinity. The armsman began digging and digging up the vegetables that seemed most "edible" to him using the knowledge he had gained about agriculture and plants in childhood. After a few minutes of activity he managed to make a nice pile of vegetables: the vegetables reflected the electric blue color of the planet, and most that he had unearthed were root and tuber vegetables.
Satisfied Gallek began to group them together, taking care not to strain the still healing wounds too much. As he tidied up, the soldier began to feel a sense of calmness that he had felt few times in his life since entering the astra militarum: in the imperium you had to be on your toes at all times, responsive and alert. whoever relaxed even the slightest bit would be straightened out with ferocity by his superiors or in the worst case would end up dead on a battlefield.
However-this time he felt calm. Maybe it was the temporary absence of the ork, or maybe it was the "agricultural" environment very similar to his old home planet, but for the first time in years he almost felt a feeling of genuine happiness.
-Stop babbling such things- stated fiercely a sturdy, fit man with an invisible face clouded by memories -You are my son! and as such you will become like me, whether you like it or not...you will become a soldier- concluded firmly the man who was now stationed in front of the sad-looking child.
-But I don't like war! I don't even know why I hate those ugly aliens you're always talking about! I just want to see more things...- said the child despondently, who was almost cowering in tears
The grown man gave a bitter sigh as he looked at the child, and then concluded with seriousness as he approached the child -You are too soft and weak Gallek, you need a straightening up...- the man resignedly sentenced as he gently helped the child to his feet -And I will start from today in doing so...I will make you a strong soldier.- and finally hugged him tightly trying to comfort him -I promise!-
The soldier gave a small snort and then said to himself as he finished tidying up brooding over old childhood memories -But what am I thinking...I am a soldier! It is my duty to return to the imperium...- he concluded with a slight snort as he picked up the vegetables and returned to the center of the clearing.
It had been about 20 minutes since the departure of the xeno and still there was no sign of anyone, Gallek began to fidget slightly -If that amass of muscle is dead, I'm screwed...- the soldier thought fearfully as he nervously began to move from one side of the forest to the other, trying to calm himself.
After another 5 minutes, however, the armsman began to hear loud footsteps coming from the north. -thanks to the emperor, he's still alive- thought the human relieved, until he noticed that there were not just two-foot footsteps, but as many as 6. a few moments later a large creature being chased by the ork appeared running northward: it had mixtures of feline and reptilian forms, the reptilian forms lingering mainly on its tail and legs, again of bluish scales. the beast looked wounded, but the ork behind her also seemed to be in relatively bad shape, but in spite of this it had a smile of excitement on its face as it chased her with spear in hand.
Gallek immediately sensing the situation took to the best of his convalescent abilities the two-handed shovel and began to approach his companion, ready to help him. the beast now in the wilderness stopped running and began to examine the terrain and territory, watching the ork just a little further back to him with a hungry look.
Gallek was more or less familiar with typical animal behaviors from his childhood and immediately observing the situation said with a hint of agitation to his new companion -He is marking territory, he wants to launch an offensive using the leveled ground!- and concluded by moving the shovel downward, to in case repel -Shoot or dodge his offensive and then respond!- unintentionally letting his more tactical and soldierly side of "following orders" emerge.
Garkrull at that moment was more like the classic ork that Gallek had always encountered, straggling grunting and hissing with joy and excitement, totally ignoring his own injuries. despite everything however he still seemed to listen to the human, responding with a simple nod and preparing to parry with his arms.
The creature as was to be expected charged head-on at the ork, which, however, was parried by the ork itself with two crossed hands. Garkrull did not simply repel the beast, but managed to grab it by the skull in the moment of stun after the failed headbutt. The xenon tightened its grip forcefully, causing its muscles to contract and making the pulsation of the large veins in its body evident, and finally managed to throw the large beast down to the ground, managing to immobilize it for a few seconds.
Garkrull then, making a struggle of strength with the beast to hold its grip, shouted to the human with ferocity mixed with excitement -Hit 'er now! aim for 'da veins!-, gallek despite his post-recovery physical weakness began to charge the immobilized animal with his shovel in hand. every step was excruciatingly painful, and he felt his body could pass out from the pain at any moment -I've got to hold on… I've got to hold on!- he thought forcefully every time he felt that excruciating pain in his legs.
Once he got in front of the immobilized animal, Gallek looked briefly at the body of the lying creature in search of the main veins. -Hmm...yes there it is!- he said to himself aloud, pointing to a very prominent and pulsating vein on the left side of the creature's neck.
-It's not very sharp probably will be in a lot of pain...- thought the soldier as he began to rage the weapon into the creature's jugular. the beast began to cry out in agony with each palate. streams and streams of blood were poured over the beast, the weapon, the human and the ork with each blow delivered to the now helpless animal. After about 10 "piercing" blows, the creature finally expired under excruciating suffering amid screams, growls and more.
Gallek took a few breaths of fresh air as he slumped to the ground from the fatigue of his act, -I'm still in a bad way...in this state I couldn't even kill a skinny eldar...- thought with sadness and weariness the soldier, who now began to observe the ork still clinging to the dead beast.
Garkrull after a few moments let go of the dead beast, dropping it on the ground, and finally vented all his fighting fury in a loud, booming, single growl that spread throughout the forest. The growl was so loud that some traveling birds moved frightened from the trees to new areas, and many other small beasts seemed to have moved on after the ork act.
The armsman fearfully clutched a few blades of grass, startled by how loud the noise from the ork had been. The ork after that outburst gave a broad smile and began to approach the still shaken human.
-Ya were gud 'umie! ya were right, ya are not weak ghaha!- asserted the ork amid thunderous laughter as he helped the human up. The human felt tired and sore, he did not even have energy to refuse help or to be frightened, and as he was being carried on his shoulder by the ork he had felt a pleasant sensation: for the first time since he had landed on Haxis he did not feel uncomfortable, in fact he felt almost at ease.
Perhaps it was fatigue or perhaps being so close to death had curbed his unconscious "military" limitations, but he gave a smile as he was carried by his battle buddy. It was a small smile, almost hinted at but sincere. He knew it was wrong to fraternize with a xeno , but he was too tired to reason rationally; he simply let the feeling of the moment take over.
He had cooperated with him, he had eaten with him, but most of all he had fought with him. He knew that orks were mad beasts, but Garkrull had never hurt him since they had met and indeed now laughed with joy that they had survived together.
-Maybe...you're not so bad- said the weary armsman genuinely: he was on Garkrull's shoulder, who was meanwhile preparing the animal carcass for transport back to the hut with various thick, hard wires for dragging. Gallek obviously did not really want to say it, but exhaustion and pain had inhibited his limits in speaking.
The ork turned to look at him out of the corner of his eye, a moment confused by the words, but then gave a broad smile -Well wot did ya 'pect from 'da strongest ork on 'da whole planet haha!- stated the ork with vigor and pride as he completed his preparation for transporting the animal.
The two companions, with the rope-carried carcass in tow by making it crawl on the ground, began to return to their hut at a relatively quick pace. The ork observed the human a few times, who eventually fell asleep from too much fatigue from the confrontation.
The xeno began to carry him more gently so as not to rouse him from his sleep, and finally continued the walk at a relatively brisk pace.
sorry for the wait for the new chapter, but studies took precedence! hope the next chapter comes out regularly, see you next time!