After the Plague Wars no one wanted to fight
The mines were rich with ore
The planet a bountiful land full of second chances
It was a terrible day to be a recruiter
-SGT. Sage D.
"Give me the numbers"
"We have 200 volunteers sir"
"A week ago we barely scraped a dozen together" Darius looked at Robert in the eyes and stopped. His tone was bland as if reciting a holy verse.
"Captain Klein has implemented a relaxation of the physical standard for volunteers. Idiots and weaklings are allowed in now" Robert swore before ripping off his beret and stuffing it into his right cargo pocket. They entered into the mess hall and quickly grabbed a tray before going down the line receiving his meal.
"What's the projected numbers?"
"500 more shit heads maybe enough for a thousand recruits over a few months... People are running away from recruiters. Word is they're going to downsize recruitment to 20 people." Robert winced at the mystery meat bouncing like Jell-O as it slammed into his tray.
"What's our size right now... 250?" Darius gave an uncommitted nod as his attention was focused on which unripe fruit he should take. His brow started to glisten under the stress of making such a decision. Robert just grabbed one at random before trying to decide if he wanted the mashed goo or the burnt grains for his side.
"When are we getting a cycle to train?" Darius settled for the green fruit and mashed goo and snagged the last baked good from Robert's hand before shrugging as he ate the desert.
"Last ones Alpha took the heaviest losses so we get the last cycle." Robert kicked the table they were walking past causing a loud clang to ring out as the walked to the half dozen survivors from the plague war. All who didn't even flinch. Then again most lost their sense of hearing from the screams and other such noises throughout that war.
"So we get the sloppy seconds... The weakest of the crop" Darius took a seat before scarfing down his food as if he no longer had taste buds, Probably an over exaggeration or maybe not.
"Worse 'en 'that we're getting the teenagers who have girls to impress" at that the whole table laughed including those who were still in their teens. Raken even cracked a grin which on itself was enough to cause the others to laugh harder in hopes to lighten the mood for the troubled youth.
"I would love to get my hands on some of those Rivians" the table quieted down as all of those at the table saw the heroic last stands of the PDF holding an inch of ground with blood and sweat. The RTO's said that after the guard had left there were very small pockets of resistance hiding in rubble before they too were killed.
"Real patriots and not afraid of death. They held the wall when most would run." the table paused in remembrance of those who died.
"It's weird" Raken spoke up his voice quivered as if he was about to cry. "They fought and died never giving an inch, yet people of Tarth don't care. They celebrate when the Drake Lord speaks and blame us for their dead sons... What were we supposed to do?"
"We're soldiers we die so others can eat, sleep and fuck. We just pray that someone speaks up for us on the home front... 'sides we got a whole cycle of Tarthians to mess with" Darius nudged Raken in the shoulder trying to get the younger out of his dark thoughts. The whole table understood and tried to laugh or crack more jokes away from the dreaded topic.
"How long you think it'll take them to find out Jodi is out taking care of their girls?" Robert mused with a small grin on his face. Darius tried to keep a straight face as he took a bite out of a green fruit.
"When they notice it's not their girl taking plenty of visitors from her back door" to much of the mess halls staffs confusion the whole table erupted in laughter with men wiping away tears or writhing in pain from their abdomen. After a minute the soldiers settled down heaving in breath before Robert looked at his plate. All he saw was his mystery meat and burnt grains. His cookie and fruit gone with his right hand man Darius head bowed making a beeline to the trash can and his way out. Robert wasn't a genius but he knew enough to figure out what happened.
"Get back here ass hat!"
Creating soldiers out of the Tarth population was hard
Many joined out of desperation and not out of purpose
We had to mold these soldiers
We had a field day dealing with these boys
-The Historian
"Get back here ass hat!" Robert spoke with a slight increase to his voice. It wasn't yelling truly but for the recruit he might as well have. He honestly couldn't tell how loud he was as his head was still raging from a drink too many. Robert was officially getting old unable to even drink four mugs at a relaxed pace without getting a hangover. A young pimpled faced kid with no hair that reminded Robert of a mouse that cooked in a country that was known for their inability to fight was the first thought in Robert's mind.
"What the heck was that? What did you even... How did you? Hold up" "Sergeant Darius!" As swift as the wind Darius was by Roberts side inspecting the waste of humanity's genetic material.
"Did you see this shit?"
"I saw a recruit attempt to dance on his rack naked sir"
"Where are we sergeant? I don't remember authorizing a gentleman's club in my barracks? Did I authorize one sergeant?"
"No sir... Midnight snack here just wanted to express himself sir" Robert almost choked on his spit from laughter at Darius' comment who had his arms crossed head lowered to hide the grin brewing on his face. Robert turned and saw the 80 odd recruits staring mortified that their battle buddy was caught in the middle of his joke. Robert couldn't help but notice the recruit was drawn on so his... Nether region resembled a nose. The face itself looked vaguely like Darius. God Robert was going to have a field day after this.
"By all means... White chocolate express yourself" the recruit looked dumbfounded before realizing Robert was referring to him.
"Yes sir..." He searched for his battle buddies for help but all of them found it either too amusing or scared shitless to help. Robert then saw a flash of courage in the recruits eye. Robert instantly knew Darius was going to have a very good excuse to punch the recruit in the face.
"Recruits atten-shun" the recruit hollered in a perfect impersonation of Darius. In a crude display all was shown and moved. Darius did have a broad nose and as the face moved out the corner of Roberts eye he saw Darius' hand twitch as if to touch his own nose. The next thing Robert noticed was as the young lad went on Darius got red which on itself was impossible in Robert's mind as Darius was dark enough to normally hide any anger or embarrassment.
"Shut up recruit! Everyone we're going on a run right now!"
"What about me sergeant!" The naked recruit screamed in fear. Robert almost broke character with Darius reply.
"You'll get to show everyone your little Drill Sergeant routine" with that Robert saw 80 soldiers in shorts and one pasty white ass run in the market square in the middle of the day.
The recruits wore mismatched PT uniforms. While Tarth received food, lasguns, flak armor and other fine goods. What Robert was mad about or... frustrated about was the fact uniforms were overlooked and only the Helikian officers seemed to be worried about it. While Robert and the Helikian wore camouflaged uniforms with a mix match of dark green, brown and black. The other soldiers wore pants and shirts of various colors. The only way to tell they were soldiers was the ever present flak jackets and helmets.
The current uniform for the recruits or the PT uniform was just black shorts with a black shirt. Darius bought a black shirt with a giant aquilla covering his chest. Robert liked it, but he couldn't find anywhere in the city a place capable of creating such uniforms for PT or Helikian patterned uniforms in the quantity to supply the guard. He barely was able to get enough for his Helikian survivors and Alpha company. He would bring this up at the next board meeting, but the undisciplined Tarth officers probably wouldn't care. Surprisingly, Hilko was a big supporter on this topic.
Robert wasn't enjoying the fact that his soldiers had 7 different shades of black for shorts and the shirts themselves were made of completely different fabric and sizes. Robert was definitely going to bring this up to the next board meeting. Until then, Robert had a job to do. "Hey weekend warrior why the hell is your shirt different?" Robert was definitely going to need a good drink after this.
It was a turning point in history
Helik and Tarth walking hand and hand
That's what the books say
It was a moment of weakness
-The Historian
"Raken!" Robert had been yelling for his cousin all over the Alpha Company complex. He spent at least five minutes looking for the guy. Robert took off his beret and ran his fingers through his freshly cut hair scanning the area for Raken. He needed Raken to sign another paper he missed for his official discharge from the guard. Darius rounded the corner of the med bay in his hand was a green object casually being tosses in the air in between bites. He was on break Sergeant Sage was on duty today for a 16 kilometer ruck march.
"Rob! You told Raken to go get the chapter master last night"
"I don't remember that"
"Well either way you're going to be late if you spend the morning looking for Raken"
Robert waved off Darius as he turned to walk to the 1st battalion HQ. Darius followed quickly behind with the same ease.
"How's Raken taking his demotion?" the unasked question about his discharged left in the hanging waiting to be asked.
"How do you think? He could be a sergeant right now. He's back down to a recruit before he gets kicked out." Darius shrugged as he deftly caught his fruit before tearing a huge chunk out of it leaving only the core before shrugging once again and finishing the core off in another bite.
"He's a good soldier he'll understand"
"Well because of his... demotion you're standing next to me... I can't even talk to my own cousin now or I'll lose command."
"That's only if Captain Klein survives his lasgun wounds"
"What are you trying to say we're in this together" Darius looked around searching for any civilians but only spotted the three Helikian officers ahead.
"Sir... I didn't shoot Klein... I ran out of charge before then. When I got a reload Klein was already on the ground with the medics swarming him. If it wasn't for the fact I had eyewitnesses say I hadn't shot for half the battle I would be in the brig." Robert stopped walking turning to Darius seeing his other half casually smiling. This wasn't good.
"Who would've shot him?"
"Not any Helikians or a Tarth boy. I just want to tell you that."
"Were the injuries the same as the other officers?"
"Yes sir all brass and ammo accounted for all the same rounds. The only soldiers with any ammo were our 'allies'" Robert raised a brow at Darius' terrible attempt to hide what he was trying to say before they walked up to the Helikian officers.
1st Lieutenant Shinn 1st Battalion Delta Company "The Vipers", 2nd lieutenant Fell 1st Battalion Foxtrot Company "Warriors" and 2nd Lieutenant Corr 1st Battalion Theta Company "Dread Guard" were waiting. We created about half of 1st battalions numbers but after this week. Those who wished to return to civilian life would leave us in charge of a good portion of the battalion. Granted, a few companies no longer existed.
"Group attention! Good morning sir" a sharp salute was rendered to Robert by the trio. Robert was technically a second lieutenant and should've saluted to Shinn the one who ordered those to attention, but reality was every soldier from Helik or was trained by a Helikian rendered Robert full honors despite rank. That meant Robert had a very weak hold of the Tarth guard currently... Well after those who wished to leave left Robert and the Helikians would have a little more breathing room to reinstate the Helikian standard. Robert returned the salute back.
"Morning, Shinn you take care of the numbers?" Shinn nodded before speak for the three.
"The other officers won't be able to argue the stats. I didn't even need to change too much we're barely surviving as an effective battalion as it is. Fell took care of the NCO corps for our battalion, and Corr took care of the pay problems. Only Helikian run groups are up to speed." Robert nodded. All five Helikians were sweating under the Tarth heat. Shinn was a tower of a man and seemed to be taking the brunt of the sun. His shadow did little to cool the other's from the heat.
"Corr any information on Klein?" the shorter of the two rubbed his bald scalp as he squinted up to look into Robert's eyes.
"There were complications with his surgery. I doubt he'll be able to visit any time soon. He will survive unless a las shot hit him in the face." Robert took off his beret to wipe away sweat and run a hand through his hair before continuing.
"Fell what about the officers inside?" The soldier was busy looking at his new tattoo on his right arm as he spoke.
"They are... what you would call new? All promoted by Klein. The only ones with experience is Hiccup." Robert didn't bother to grin at Hilko's new nickname running the scenario in his mind.
"Do any of the new guys have experience at all?"
"I know that three of their new officers were newly promoted NCOs. I pinned their stripes on myself" was Darius' bitter response. He no doubt wished he was an officer too. I would've gladly done so if he could read low gothic instead of Helikian runes.
"Are there any Helikians in leadership positions in 2nd Bat?"
"No all of them got demoted, Corr and I picked them up before Hiccup could do anything else to us." was all Shinn's solemn response.
A general fuck was the consensus of all the other Helikians. They were essentially isolated with one battalion ruled by the Tarthians with feudal enlistees. The Helikians controlled the other battalion who were losing all their enlistees to Captain Klein through clever politicking and unknown to others outside the guard, but offering a incentive to join 1st battalion with another officer who pushed the paperwork.
"We need to convince them to let Helikian boots on the ground." everyone agreed if we failed to do so we would all be placed on bullshit duties and possibly kicked out with the current tensions.
"They'll be fools not to" Darius spoke out as he nudged his head to the incoming waves of Tarth officers. The officers got the meaning as they walked into the HQ building into the meeting room.
The officers found their way into the room and took their seats with Hilko standing as the fill in for Captain Klein.
"Alright gentlemen, I have gone over the report and Captain Klein and I are... Worried over units in regards to available soldiers" Robert ignored the murmurs and Hilko trying his best to present himself as a lion among sheep as he tried to subtlety brag his soldiers were at half strength and ready for combat.
"Sir if I can?" Shinn spoke up with Hilko's permission.
"I have a solution to our manpower issue" Hilko's eyes lit up as he listened in to Shinn no doubt seeking to find the golden round to solving this huge issue and staying in Captain Klein's favor. "Go on Lieutenant Shinn."
"As you know the navy doesn't do much in between... Well in all practicality wars. They need to train as bad as us. I say we send them back to the warp to gather soldiers around the sector that aren't uneducated feudal knights." Hilko shook his head violently at that suggestion.
"Where would they go? and it would leave this planet defenseless. The warp is a fickle thing"
"What you think a frakking black crusade is going to come for our asses? A strike cruiser can't do crap against an invasion with a real enemy." Fell bluntly spoke out all the while digging dirt out of his nails. Robert needed to get the damn mustanger* a lesson in tact.
"I say we send that ship back to Rivia for some of those stonewalls and bring some real soldiers into war instead of these farmers" a collection of agreements followed Fell's statement. Despite his bluntness, he was well liked by all officers for being a good officer when the call arose. He was mostly well liked for buying rounds at the officers club if Robert was going to be honest with himself.
"Rivia?! No they still need to be cleansed and I doubt they'd agree" they'd being the Chapter Master and his counsel.
"What about Helikia?" a silent pause was created as Corr voiced his thoughts.
"Helikia doesn't exist. Toujin, the planet isn't united much less an empire" a voice rang out. Robert identified it as a officer in second battalion. Robert needed to know who the hell that was. He wasn't a Helikian and had no idea how an outsider knew about the age old tale.
"It matters not. We need soldiers and Helikia would gladly supply the soldiers to fight. I don't recall spending hours in class learning how to fight for no reason at all." Corr's heated tone carried out. Helikian schools taught formations before the alphabet Robert flinched remembering the priest that slapped him repeatedly as he wasn't able to form up in an adequate time.
Robert came back to the world of the living when he saw every Tarth officer shake their head or rolled their eyes at Corr. Who was known as the largest pusher for Helikian reinforcements. Surprisingly, Hilko had a glint in his eyes and quickly agreed with Corr. This was no doubt going to be an interesting day for those involved.
"Listen! We don't have the numbers. We can barely gather enough to have our battalions at half strength and that's after we disbanded third battalion. We need help! What do you think Moonsun?" Hilko said turning to Robert. Despite his distaste towards Hilko he wasn't going to squander this chance all because Hilko spoke too early.
"A Helikian soldier will have three war games of experience, better equipment and a sustainable pool to recruit from. What do you think the people or Tarth are going to join the guard?"
"Yes they will!" the same voice that challenged Corr spoke up. Robert turned and spat out on the metal floor.
"They won't. All they care about is worshiping the Chapter Master. Hundreds of them are artists the rest are miners. Those from the feudal planet are those desperate for food that's the reason why they join. Every Tarth volunteer join because they don't have another option. In Helik it's an honor to join and leave behind what you know. That's what divides Helik from Tarth. We live to serve the planet not ourselves. Hell, we lost the war!"
"Sir, we won the war. We defeated the sick horde that would consume the planet if we had not intervened."
"Say that to the fathers and mothers outside this building. We win the war if everyone returns in good spirits and battle honors being sung in our name. We lost a whole Battalion. Two after this week is out and those soldiers we desperately need go to their civilian lives due to the Drake Lord's policy. We have lost any chance of propaganda to draw soldiers in aside from the bottom of the scrap heap." without realizing it Robert found himself pacing the room as he spoke. All the Tarth officers sat annoyed or insulted by what Robert said.
The room shook briefly before the chapter master walked in. In all of his glory weapons on him power armor as tall as the door frame. He had to shift to the side and bend his head a little to enter although he was probably so used to it. It was probably just a habit no longer thought of or remembered. My breath hitched for a second expecting to be killed for speaking what could be seen or constructed as heresy for doubting the Drake Lord's own planet and its military prowess.
"You asked for me."The giant spoke. Memories returned of telling Raken to get the Drake Lord. I was drunk or inebriated at that time and now instantly regretted ordering my cousin.
"Yes my lord I did… er we did" Robert gestured to the few surviving officers. The room was void of further discussion as the officers tried to stealthily decide who was to be the spokesperson for the cadre. A few violent jabs towards Robert quickly overruled by Hilko who stood up with an air of confidence.
"Sir… That is milord. After the last… skirmish we foresee a future problem in… The recruitment of soldiers and keeping those in the guard."
"What we would like to propose" Robert cut in. "Is the recruitment of men from Helik, give me a ship and your permission, and I will raise a unit stronger than anything we can train now. I will give you 3,000 Helikian soldiers. Survivors of wars and battles. I will fill the ranks of our broken army and forge it in the blood of Helik. Lord I give you my word one day all will fear the news that a Helikian unit is on their way." Robert used every ounce of his vocabulary he learned and eloquence he listened nobles speak when they gave long winded speeches. He prayed to the god emperor he spoke well enough to not get killed for such a blunt way of speaking. All Robert was a long quiet stare that lasted hours in his mind's eye.
"Would these men prove loyal? Would they lay down their lives for a planet not of their own?" the loud baritone voice questioned. Is this what his recruits felt like? Robert had long forgotten what it was like to be a recruit. Only now really thinking about it because of his orders for the open season on trainees.
"Lord no Helikian would dare think about betraying the Emperor. What difference is laying down our lives for Tarth if it's also to lay it down for Helik?" Robert's reward for brown nosing was just a slight nod
"Very well, I will allow this, recruitment, to occur." The chapter master's red lens seemed to search into Robert's soul as he spoke.
"But you will be held responsible for them, at all times. Their actions on and off the field of battle will rest on your head. If they run in the face of the enemy, you will pay the price."
"Milord Helikians are of a hardier stock than your typical guardsman." A hint of pride entering Robert's voice. "I will personally insure the discipline of the guard not only the Helikians er… that is Milord." a note of fear crept into his voice.
"You would oversee the discipline of the guard?" Robert straightened out a little bit as if shocked into attention. He ran a hand through his hair before responding. There was no way he was going to be the commander of wide eyed recruits for the rest of his life, or ending it early by this Drake Lord.
"Of course, I would insure the standards and discipline of any command position I am given."Robert watched the Drake Lord scan the room. He no doubt saw that most agreed with Robert's logic and now that the Chapter Master was appearing to be on board it swayed the popular opinion. Only a few hard line Tarth officers still didn't agree or were jealous of Robert's 'relationship' with the Adeptus Astarte.
"Come with me." The Robert nodded before quickly grabbing his beret from the table and placing it on his head. The space marine strode to the door, opening it and walking out, slowing its pace for Robert to catch up.
"What rank do you think you deserve in my army?" This was going to be a really political interview isn't it Robert thought.
"Whatever rank that would best serve Tarth" Robert's eyes darted from underneath his beret searching for a reaction. The marine said nothing as they kept walking, outside the compound, into the streets of the city.
"Many ranking members of the guards perished in our last battle, and there are many roles to fill. Two captains died on Rivia, with one in critical care, too injured to risk moving from his place in the medical wing of the ship." There was a quiet pause as they passed a block with flowers besides it. There were still red stains in the wooden structure. A memorial to those fallen in the raid.
"What is your, opinion, on the current guardsmen we train."
"Permission to speak freely on the current state of the guard?" Robert didn't even notice the nod as he launched into his own complaints of the Tarth Guard.
"The current training and discipline of the Tarth guard is disappointing to say the least. They only receive a few months of training before being ready for duty. I would like to extend training and maybe even get better weapons?" Robert paused unsure if to share the uniform issues.
"You have more to say?" The Robert nodded deciding the uniforms could wait what needed to be talked about was the tactical flexibility of the guard.
"We are lacking in air support, and the ability to react to many threats. We were lucky to fight such a mindless foe. If they could create strategies and attack us with haste we would have been destroyed by a thousand wounds. I would like to see the creation of various groups to cover our blind spots. I would also like to take an active role in creating a better guard."
"What kinds of, units?"
"In Helik we had units called rangers to act as recon, spotters and a quick mobile force to react to any problems that are…. Outside the normal capabilities of the average soldier. Highly trained and well equipped a thousand rangers would've changed the odds a little we faced on Rivia. If I could get enough time, equipment and your personal endorsement I could easily get the backing of Helik and train what few people that want to join the guard a fighting chance in the next war."
The iron giant once again gave no visible sign of being on Robert's side or against it only the cool silence as they walked. They came to a stop or rather the Drake Lord while Robert awkwardly stepped in front of the Astarte and tried to casually make it look like his intention.
"I will give you what you will need as you will fulfill your obligations to myself, Captain" A silence overcame us. For myself, it was the relief of plans coming together. A reflective moment realizing this was a turning point.
Not one sign looked familiar, but everything looked relatively new. Letting out a breath of air that would sound like a whine to an outside viewer, Robert swore despite smiling. He was going back to Helik to get some real soldiers.
Helik is the name of the planet itself
Helikia symbolized something else
It was still the planet
Yet it represented a time of honor and prestige
A golden age to a war torn people
-The Historian
With the Drake Lord's backing Robert quickly left Tarth entrusting his fellow Helikian born officers to take care of any problems that would eventually arise. He took Darius and four other soldiers with him as an honor guard. Despite the Tarth recommendation, Robert didn't wear the bright medals and fancy dress uniform they had created for such a time. Instead, he went for the traditional Helikian standard. Berets done to perfection yet deliberately misplaced on the head at an angle. The sleeves rolled up with uniforms that still held signs of the plague wars. The whole point was to show cockiness. That they were the best at conducting whatever style of warfare they were the masters of. The only sign of lineage to Tarth was the symbol of Tarth on the left shoulder and on the right held the patch of Rivea's Plague wars to show how experienced the soldier was. Robert of course as the officer in charge had his one hundred patch on his right shoulder with the only difference being the words "Drake Lord" embroiled around the patch.
The travel to Helik was a month of boredom. While it was much faster than normal from what the psyker claimed Robert was still antsy to see home. Darius had picked the other four soldiers and were unfortunately not Helikian so only Darius could relate.
Alexander the officer in charge was on the ship, but he was occupied with office work. That's what he was told at least. The crew was still friendly to Robert as he fought to keep the deck safe during the infection, and he for previously living on the ship for awhile before the chapter master came. Still time flew and Robert along with his entourage were walking down the streets to the central hub. Darius of course was creating small talk in an attempt to hide his own anxiety at being at Helix the capital of Helik.
"Any chance you know Raken's clan?"
"He doesn't really say but considering his build and personality probably a Soujin or a Syce" Robert quickly looked back remembering Raken's build excellent for climbing and finding the perfect spot to take cover.
"Soujin? That's like saying he's related to the whole damn tribe!" Darius chuckled waving his hands in expression.
"Well you're right, he really does remind me of the Syce Clan." Robert began to gently scratch at the stubble growing on his chin. He needed to shave he didn't realize it had gotten this bad.
"No shit like the assassin family or the Royal Syce family?"
"They're one in the same from what private Soujin told me. You notice he treats Raken like a noble?"
"Yeah I noticed. I didn't realize Raken had such a... Facet-nation background" Darius tried to sound out one of those words the officers used when they grilled him.
"It's pronounce fashion-acing bud. That's what I thought too. Private Soujin then went on to explain the Syce family got wiped out. All that's left are the servant part that just has the name."
"-so this is how the nobles are assassins?"
"From the sounds of it, anyways he's got the build. short, nimble, broad shoulders, good endurance shitty runner."
"What you're saying is in Toujin terms a perfect hunter"
"We both know that's bullshit any soldier from the city could easily out fight a Toujin" Darius held his hands up defensively.
"I'm just saying from their point of view"
"Yeah yeah... He could also be a Minh"
"A fucking farmer?" Robert didn't even need to turn and see Darius trying to hold in his laughter."you're telling me one of our best soldier isn't even from a war clan?"
"Fuck off the Minh's are worthy warriors... I think?"
"Trust me bud a Minh is only useful for taking lasblasts trust me." Robert ignored Darius as he could say the same to just about any last name in the guard. Last names like iron heart couldn't even change the jokes that would surely come. Moonsuns were made fun of for dying too easily in the darkness of space. Soujin for dying at the wrong times, and the funniest in Roberts opinion as he lived with it. Flynn's were always the first to die.
"Well here we are." Like everything else in the spire cities all the buildings looked the same in design. Blocky, a window here and there, minimal conventional entry points and everything close together to an exacting measurement. It felt great being home. Robert knew the city was created to be a death trap, but he never was able to read so he more or less never understood anything apart from kill boxes, demolition and urban warfare. He could only imagine how it all worked citizens of course we're told to arm themselves in such an event, but Robert heard citizens were just going to be used as a meat wall for the most part.
"I fucking hate the city" Robert snapped his head towards Darius who was gently rubbing the back of his neck as he glared at the office building in front of them. Robert was at a loss. He loved the city from the muggings to the dealers. He also loved the food and the bars. Here his second in command just took a crap on what Robert saw as a golden jewel in his mind. He decided he needed to defend his beliefs in a well articulated argument.
"Well your opinion doesn't matter!?"
"Yeah I know I hate the lif- wait what?"
"Shut up sergeant"
"Sir?"
"Do push ups" with a huff Robert left with Darius jogging to catch up.
In a few tense minutes Robert had found his way into the central hub and onto the way to see the Arch Helios. It didn't take long to find his way into the parade room that held a single desk with dozens of flags all about the room each representing major providers to the Helikian military. Whether it be arms, soldiers or the common workers. The six soldiers created a wedge with Robert in front and Darius in the back.
The Arch Helios stood up disregarding whatever he was reading. Robert snapped a salute which was quickly returned. The wedge stopped two precise meters in front of the desk in sync. The Arch Helios was taller than Robert and a thin lanky build. His own uniform seemed to swallow him up.
It was tradition for the Helios to be bred to be perfect at their jobs. They held no political ties aside from unflinching loyalty to Helik. They were in charge of all logistics on the planet and abroad. While they were inferior in any way aside from the intellectual realm. They were widely respected for holding the planet together doing tasks beyond the normal intellectual capabilities of the guard. Thus, they gained an unofficial rank on the planet and ironically gained political ties due to their ability to prioritize where equipment and men went. They were structured in a hierarchal ranking structure meaning the Arch Helios at the top really didn't need to do anything unless it involved a change in the whole entire planet's logistical focus.
"You are…" the elder flipped through a data slate before looking back up. "Robert Moonsun. Sergeant officer promotable, but failed four times in the officer course. An option 4 selectee before flunking out during death week. Served since the age of 16" the elderly man nodded as it was a unique soldier in front of him. Option 4 as a 16 year old was a feat on itself. Some would even argue it should garner the attention for Astarte recruitment.
"Now it's also telling me you disavowed us. You're a Captain for the Tarth Guard and have already served in one war for them. What does a deserter want?"
Robert removed his beret and stood at parade rest looking straight forward. "The Drake Lord of the Iron Drakes requests regular tribute to the Tarth guard in manpower and advisors to guide the development of his new guard units." Robert then pulled a paper showing full rights and privileges of the Chapter Master. Proof, he had a Astarte's backing.
"I can't say I ever heard of an Astarte leading a guard unit…. Then again Helik doesn't have a rich history with any legion after the Legion left us here to garrison the planet. Tell me about Tarth it must be glorious if it has the patronage of this Drake Lord"
"It's a newer colony. We got a few thousand colonists and two thousand on active guard duty with two thousand strong militia force.-"
"Your lord wants an army, but I hear you only have ten thousand people on the planet. How will you feed my warriors?"
"We receive grain shipments and-"
"-and the warp is fickle and has pirates. What if you don't get a shipment for a year? Will they starve like we did when we didn't receive additional grain for five years because of a simple misprint? How will you equip them? Will they need to create their own uniforms and weapons? I cannot give you soldiers when all you can provide is an empty planet." Robert stood there stiffly as such concerns had never occurred to him. The Arch Helios now was at his full height and started to pace around the soldiers.
"This…. Astarte I believe understands little on how to run an army. He is no doubt a great warrior, leader and scholar. He is not a general of the guard or experienced the difficulties running one for years. This is a risky venture. I could easily lose thousands to starvation and disease as I am to lose them to war… or should I say in a desperate charge without tactics and a battle plan? I heard of your foray onto Rivea, and your losses. The inquisitor frequently recruits from our option four candidates after all."
"What of it? The risk is so great then why do I have the chance to see you?" the Arch Helios just gave out a dry chuckle as if amused at Robert's lesser thinking.
"Simple, we make a deal like your lord did to all those other planets."
"We have nothing to trade only future promises. Ones I don't think I can commit to."
"I believe so. You see Tarth has plenty of room to settle. I want to freely send our own colonists to construct our own cities. Under the planet's guidelines of course. We will send fresh recruits regularly with Option 2 advisors. I'll even throw in enough autoguns and munitions to supply the training of all Helikian units."
"That's what I should be asking you for what's the catch?"
"We want to be under official Tarth control and the ability to bring the burning stars under the Tarth banner if they please."
"Why?"
"I would think that you would understand I hold all the cards in my hand."
"What do you have to lose in such a venture? A few thousand, and a planet in your debt?" was all Robert could think to argue. He lacked the subtle edge required as he was used to orders and requests instead of the fine art of politics and persuasion.
"I have everything to lose boy. You see we are not owned by the inquisition, but that is not to say we don't enjoy a long standing tradition of giving them soldiers to fight their wars. In fact, one recently came by to collect 200,000 battle hardened soldiers only to find Rivea already defended. I heard he would hurt anyone that would help that Astarte who ruined his crowning moment. Well, he said so in a much more aggressive manner, and a little more subtly if you can understand such a word guardsman." Robert ignored the jab at his intellect. While he wasn't the top student under his uncle's teachings, he was a hell of a lot smarter than a damn paper pusher.
"Then why even consider the Drake Lord's offer? If you hold all the cards then why does the inquisition still own us like they did a thousand years ago or am I unable to understand history."
" You forget yourself soldier. An ant doesn't question the motives of a king does it? Don't waste your delicate mind on such concerns. Be a good soldier and tell your lord tell him to… message me once he has an answer. As a sign of good faith I'll give you a battalions worth of men… insure they don't get wasted by the Tarthian leadership… I would hate to see such good soldiers wasted in another pointless charge. After all I heard your battalion is all but in name after the enlistees left under your leader's protection" with that the elderly man went back to reading ignoring the presence of the soldiers. Walking away, Robert cursed. Once again a better educated individual played him and treated him as if he was an idiot. If the Chapter Master didn't agree Robert's own plans would fall apart.
On the way out an officer handed Robert a data slate with a seal on a paper. While Helik had a rich history in providing the guard with manpower, it had just as strong of a history selling the services of… militarized companies.
"That's the 'official deed' to 800 freshly trained Helikian soldiers. Fresh out of Option One training. They haven't even been assigned line companies. They're already your ship by now if not you can catch a ride with them at the spaceport."
"And why do I need this deed?" the officer raised a brow.
"Because we never gave them to you"
"You just did the Arch Helios jus-" Robert didn't even finish as the Helikian officer rolled his eyes as if Robert didn't understand anything before walking away his job already done. Frustrated, Robert just rolled his eyes before voxing his pilot to pick him up. At least he got more troops.
We were called The Walking Dead
Not because we were awe inspiring warriors
Because we had no life
We were undead souls force to be alive
As the wars had yet to take us
We were called The Walking Dead
Because everyone expected us to die
In Alpha Company's gathering area screaming and hollering could be heard throughout the town. It was an odd sight as civilians would just walk right by the building without a thought or a flock of younger men would rush to see the noise already knowing what was going on. It was the midweek fights for Alpha. Many Tarth residents not from the local districts or in a district not run by a Helikian officer saw this as a barbaric display of violence.
Every week a tournament would be done with three events. An all out brawl with two fighters beating one another into submission. A fight with blunted wooden knives with the almost impossible goal to get first blood from a myriad of ways. Lastly the finisher of the day, unloaded lasguns a fight until the one of the soldiers or contestants surrendered.
One could easily figure out only a few soldiers were either dumb enough or desperate enough to join these fights. This was also one of the few days the barracks was open to all civilians allowing family to see their sons while they were 'on duty'. It was a day in which all to enjoy as a few of the wiser shop keepers would bring food and other refreshments.
That is to say Robert wasn't dull enough to let it be a free endeavor. He extorted a fair price of 5% of their sales or a agreement with the vendor to get his soldiers free food or a flat fee to buy his soldiers better gear with a few of the quartermasters. While this was less than smiled upon the guard had turned a blind eye as the Tarth government was struggling to gather the funds to maintain the guard despite the down size.
Robert wasn't worried as he believed he'd be long dead before he decided to rest his bones. A few seconds later the tell tale black hair of Raken appeared. "Raken over here!" The short Touijin gave an awkward wave before walking to Robert.
"How's it on the civilian side of things?"
"Oh you know… Its well yeah"
"Very descriptive… Have you at least asked the waitress her name?"
"What are you talking about!" Raken squealed as his eyes quickly darted to a girl working near a cart. Robert rolled his eyes before shoving his cousin.
"Go start a family-"
"Shut up! Besides what would I say? Hey honey I got a dishonorable discharge and cant get a job? I live in a shelter eating at a soup kitchen when I can't scrape afford your food? Or I haven't showered in days because I can't afford the cost? I can't tell which one would work better?" Robert put a hand on Raken's shoulder before it was swatted away his cousin's eyes focused on the fight. Robert didn't dare offer anything to Raken. Despite being adopted, Raken still had the stubborn pride of every Toujin, and Robert clearly saw how thin Raken was. He probably didn't even go to the soup kitchens like he claimed.
"Raken if you need it. I can get you a new identity. You could reenlist or-"
"- and what? Dishonor myself?"
"Survive you can't just live off one meal a day."
"You know what you're right thanks Robert I really needed that" with a huff Raken left. Robert just sat there at a loss. He was a front line soldier. Pep talks before a battle were easier than making sure someone was okay emotionally. Looking up, Robert saw Raken walk into the ring with Private Soujin. It didn't register in Robert's mind until Raken ran towards Soujin and tackled the private to the ground at a surprising speed.
That's what Raken was here for not to see old friends but get some money in the fighting pits. Raken quickly unwrapped his arms around his opponent and tried to get in the dominate position. It wasn't hard as he was already in between Soujin's legs. Soujin in response desperately wrapped his legs around Raken's midriff trying to crush the air out of Raken's lungs by increasing pressure on his diaphragm. Soujin also sent a flurry of unaimed punched at Raken's face. Raken quickly dodge throwing his chest up backwards. Robert swore. Raken should've weathered the storm. Now Soujin's leg bind had effectively pressed a lot of the air out of Raken's lungs as Raken was unable to flex against the pressure.
Raken didn't just sit there as he sent his own flurry of punches at Soujin's face which were easily blocked with his arms, but each punch landed. The last one was caught by Soujin a hand on Raken's wrist the other at the bend of the elbow. He flung his right leg out flat on the floor both hands in a death grip on Raken's left arm ignoring Raken's right arm devastating his face.
Soujin grunted with effort as he moved to reposition his body and Raken punched with an increased urgency realizing what was happening but lacking the energy to act out. With a final yell Soujin had used his right leg as a platform to push off against the floor and press down with his left leg shoving Raken to the ground face first. It wasn't a proper take down and only worked because Raken was low on energy. It was also done in a quick aggressive way as Robert winced as he heard the echo of a bone cracking and the refs going into get Raken and proclaim Private Soujin the winner.
Robert groaned as he saw the crowd cheer as the fight lasted only 30 seconds and resulted in an injury. Robert noticed the noodle girl take two awkward steps towards the ring before going back to her cart. Darius was on the top of someone's shoulders screaming as he won his bet. Robert rubbed his brow and ran a hand through his hair. He just remembered he had to give the Chapter Master a tour and learn if they were going back to Helik. While his battalion had received all of the Helikian soldiers, and second battalion had been replenished by Tarth volunteers. Third battalion was still non-existent and with only 2,000 in reserves if another war was to happen Tarth was screwed. Their current forces were enough to survive 30 days of sustained operations before running out of soldiers, or a single operation such as taking a ridge line. After that the battalion would lack the fighting power to hold and take another objective. Robert had ran them through the tech priests congintators and done the war games. 4,000 men wouldn't even last a single battle with orcs especially with the lackluster training the reservists and second battalion had. The Chapter Master didn't realize at best they could act as a garrison against the natives at worse flak armored corpses. Tomorrow Robert would reinforce the need for Helikian soldiers.
Robert never got to ask the Chapter Master his thoughts on the Arch Helios' deal. He was oddly silent and that's what worried the captain. Normally, the Chapter Master was a man of action and would quickly take action and make a decision. All Robert knew was that a return trip was rumored to be planned. With or without him, Robert had no idea.
"Hurry!" loud bangs followed. Soldiers were running through the Death Run as it was called. They were at the halfway point as they crawled through mud, blood and various bits of animal parts specifically the innards. Option 2 advisors and NCOs walked besides the barbwire lanes as soldiers crawled firing all around the trainees. They walked only a few feet away from the trainees and were purposely aiming in front of the trainees a foot in front of them. They fired autoguns specifically for the noise they produce and the flashes. Another set of NCOs were tossing grenades in nearby holes to simulate a battle. Robert wanted to use flamers to fire also, but those had sensitive ammo and a chance to kill the user, so he decided safety would be exercised.
Robert had Darius as the soldier to follow as he slowly walked besides the Astarte showing off the training of the soldiers. "The Combat Readiness Run also uses real life situations to help steel their blood once the fighting will happen in the future. The autoguns are used for noise and to toss bits of dirt here and there." The advisor over Darius had reloaded and chucked the empty clip onto Darius' head.
Darius finished the crawl quickly and ran over to the top of the dirt hill at a ways from the crawl. It was a sheer drop into the water for a 40 meter swim. "We also got that for basic confidence. It adds to the stress and shows the soldiers they can swim after the brief lessons we give them or shows them if they need more work." Robert winced as he saw a soldier drowning before an adviser jumped in and saved his life. Robert really didn't need to deal with another pile of paperwork.
"And that one?" the Astarte's gruff voice rang clear across the field.
"The kill house runners reach here receive a rifle and clear the house. Live munitions of course low powered rifles" Robert prayed the Astarte didn't actually inspect and see the lasguns were anything but low powered. "To simulate clearing houses after being exhausted. We can go on and-" The Drake Lord held a hand up no doubt seeing enough.
"I've seen enough and from what I've seen tell me what do they excel at? It's becoming increasingly hard to justify giving your men fuel and time from the thunderhawk pilots to just train your men while Captain Klein is on the line already sorely needing those supplies."
"Oh yes, every soldier here is taught to fight quickly and effectively by being inserted by Thunderhawks."
"How does this differ from Captain Klein's second battalion? They use the very same idea to reinforce outposts and get to the fight."
"You don't understand. Our battalion's battle plans revolve around the thunderhawk. You see we have scouts find the targets and with specialized thunderhawks they destroy hardened targets as 1st, 2nd and 3rd who are on standby quickly get off of thunderhawks and start the first surge. After the first surge which lasts a few hours the other 700 soldiers will be enroute all on rest. They land at the perimeter that is created before creating a second surge to create a safe haven for the other units to use as a base of operations. We can take and reinforce vital areas within the time it'll take second battalion off the front lines to respond."
"Like drop troopers?"
"No nothing like them we don't have grav chutes, so we lack the range they can strike. We rely on the thunderhawks safe operational range and for further supplies. Once all of first battalion is together we won't have anything besides what the thunderhawks bring into help us."
"And that's why you need more men and supplies? Captain Klein is doing just fine without your excessive spending"
"Lord while Captain Klein's soldiers are capable they wouldn't last in the deep forest like my boys."
"I will take this training demonstration into consideration Captain. Captain Klein has informed me he has effectively created a bubble around the city for ten miles. I find his work is quite effective. I haven't heard of any miners, supplies or any other form of a successful attack on civilian traffic." Robert bristled at that. The civilians were still being raided and the only reason why the attacks had decreased in frequency was because of Robert's head hunters.
"Lord, my mission is pursued with great care. I believe my strategy is the best way to go about it. We shouldn't let the natives gather and fight us when they want to. Lord allow one hundred of my men to create and garrison an area and get access to the pilots and thunderhawks. We could practice this…. Air assault strategy and destroy the natives where they hide." Robert was referring to the small air pad and barracks area where soldiers were stationed as a punishment for long durations. It had small walls to dissuade the local fauna from invading and supplies for a few weeks. It was perfect for a hunter group of soldiers to creep into the forests to hunt natives while the rest of the battalion could be on standby with thunderhawks at the ready.
"That's an… interesting proposal as you know Captain Klein already has a small garrison of a few dozen guardsmen over there. Why shouldn't I just expand his mission parameters and give him the lion share of supplies."
"Give my unit three months to show our worth. That the months training were well used. If we fail to meet the standard, I'll revoke my battle plan and return to the 'tried and proved method' Lord"
"You have one month. I've already briefed David there's a thunderhawk waiting outside the eastern gate. A hundred of your soldiers are already at the one of the staging grounds with three rhinos and full provisions. Don't disappoint me, I have miners that would love it if the natives stopped raiding their camps." Robert quickly thought it out. He didn't want to, but he could use the head hunters. They were undisciplined brutes of soldiers. No doubt the reason why the Arch Helios gave them away so freely. Either way, the head hunter units were great their jobs. He could send them in teams of fours or fives to hunt down the natives. A clear voice brought Robert back to reality.
"Why does Helik need the burning star region?" the Astarte said after a pause. Robert paused to consider the question. It was well known Helik used to be the de facto protector of the 6 systems able to supply large armies in exchange for necessary supplies. It was also true that those planets had strong Helikian ties. Their ruling families could trace Helikian blood at one point in their history.
"Helik is dying. The Inquisition has caused problems for our previous agreements with the region. Hives are slowly being crushed by the weight of the tithe and increase of cannibals in the lower levels. We're in massive debt paying for services that we protect and defend, but they don't belong to us. We need the burning star region to survive." the warrior nodded.
"I hope Helik can rise to its former glory as I hope to start a long standing relationship with them. You will return with a diplomat to create a deal with your homeland" with that Robert was left alone to his thoughts as the continued to watch on briefly, Robert's shoulders sagged in relief. It wasn't unknown to the Helikians that in a few more decades life in the hives would be too expensive to survive in. Robert felt a flicker of hope. Others won't end up like him losing their family to the pressure of surviving everyday. A green object with red splotches came into view.
A bloodied mess of a soldier came jogging over from the east. He no doubt came from the landing pads that were located over there. He was one of mine I noticed as he was helmetless a standard I placed on all my men, so we could better hunt the natives. It was hard to kill someone if you couldn't hear them.
He quickly reached myself and the chapter master before huffing out. "Outpost four is under attack" his eyes darted to my own and I swore under my breath. Outpost Four technically didn't exist on any Tarthian maps due to its unique location. I felt the Chapter Master turn to look at me. I had some explaining to do.
A/N
Long story short on the late update. Austan123 and I needed to take a step back to insure we don't conflict and bounce ideas off of each other. Anyways reviews are appreciated and until next one.
-SITH