Ancra Mortis Chapter 2
The Drop pod bay was filled with noise, the grinding of hoists and chugging fuel pumps competing with the chanting of serf-clerics and the blaring of Binaric liturgies. Sweating men in short shirts strained in teams of a hundred to haul drop pods into position while a grumble of caterpiller treads heralded approaching servitor trains carrying delicate data-wafers, to instill course directions into the machine spirits. All was noise, but in the clamour lay purpose.
Among them the Storm Herald's Sixth Company knelt in prayer. Led by a stern chaplain they renewed their vows and pledged fealty to the Emperor anew. Their solemnity was not disturbed by the bedlam, used to living in the raw heat of combat this was no challenge. Vigils completed they rose and filed into the waiting pods, prepared for action at a moment's notice.
Toran could not fault their dedication, but the same could not be said for their Captain. Erathor preened over the assembly, a cold smile on his lips. The Sixth Captain would lead the charge personally, as behove a commander of the Adeptus Astartes, but Toran found it hard to think well of the Marine. Erathor made no attempt to hide his disdain for Toran, and his odd scratch company. Toran's appointment was atypical and did not fit into the Codex Astartes, born of calamity and field-promotion, rather than sanctified tradition. Toran also suspected it was because he was a lowly island boy, while Erathor had been born into the nobility of Lujan II, conditioned to succeed since his first breath.
"You are sure this Mandas can be counted on?" Erathor asked.
"Certain, he is a stalwart friend and does not flinch in the face of danger," Toran replied icily.
"My impression of him was less than shining."
"Do not be deceived by his lack of spit and polish. Mandas is sound, I trust my life to it."
"I dislike depending on the Navy," Erathor sniffed.
"That was Chapter Master Gorgall's command," Toran pointed out.
Erathor eyed him vexedly, "Do not remonstrate me on our orders. I have led a Company longer than you have worn the spiral and starburst. I have waged wars you cannot imagine. Your feeble victories do not stack against mine. You do not even have a numbered company. You are here to learn from me, not the other way around."
Toran's ire was stoked, "Truly I am humbled, how I wish you could have been there to lead us in the defence of our Fortress-Monastery. Surely Vorshaan would have fallen in a day."
Erathor glared, "Are you cheeking me?!"
Toran bit back a retort and carefully said, "I wish only to serve the Chapter and the Emperor."
Erathor's eyes narrowed and Toran berated himself. He should know better than to goad a senior Captain. Sadly Erathor seemed to push all his buttons and Toran found umbrage in every word. The young Captain resolved to watch his tongue, lest he give cause for an Honour Duel. Despite his grating attitude, Erathor was a decorated Captain, the rank demanded respect, if not the marine.
"Let me be clear, your orders are to get my Company dirtside," Erathor uttered, "All other considerations are secondary."
"At any cost?" Toran asked warily.
"Any cost," Erathor uttered, "The Imperial Navy is here to soak up the brunt of the Ork's firepower. If they die, they die."
"But should the battle turn ill," Toran gulped.
"Then leave them behind," Erathor commanded, "You are being shown a measure of trust, commanding a Battlebarge, you must prove yourself worthy of it. Oh, and try not to get blown up after you deploy us, the Chapter needs this ship. Don't fail me."
Toran could only nod as the Captain turned and entered a Drop pod. The armoured doors rose to seal the tear-drop hatches, leaving Toran alone. He turned and strode from the bay, already preparing his strategies for the coming invasion. A fierce battle awaited and would demand his full attention, so why did his thoughts keep returning to how aggravating he found Erathor? He told himself he had to get past this dislike, that he didn't have to enjoy someone's conversation to fight alongside them. It was harder to swallow than he cared to admit, but he resolved to try. Toran had enough enemies without adding another.