Chapter 2: Luther

Luther Russ. I look at the name signed on the small parchment on the desk in front of me. Customary thing after a death is reported. Walking while out on patrol the other day in the slums of the city, some kid was using a makeshift knife to stab a man of at least twice his age. I tried to step in only to be pushed away with the remark, "Fuck off you Imperial slave."

The boy showed no love for our eternal savoir the God Emperor, an offense punishable by death. One that I carried out swiftly. I have no regrets about killing the lad, although he was young, he was un-pure. A tapping on the desk wakes me up from my day dreaming, I look up to see the officer standing in front of me, clearly wanting me to leave. So I do, I salute, turn on my heels and leave.

Out into the dreary blackness of night accompanied by the rain. It hasn't stopped pouring down for at least three days now, difficult to tell, the days and nights are all the same with the mass amount of clouds over head. The only thing to say it is actually night right now is the fact that many of the troops aren't around, the few that are drink whilst discussing their old tales from years long gone past.

A few of them notice me and simply nod, paying no attention to me. I walk rather quickly to the barracks, to get out of the rain. I enter the barracks and quickly head to the third floor, paying no attention to any I pass on the way. I reach my allocated floor, surpisingly empty, only one person there and he is sleeping; Carnius Cattladge. I good friend of mine, we joined the regiment at the same time and have served together since then. I like him, he's a good, loyal man. I stop myself from staring too long and walk towards my locker and hang my greatcoat over the door.

I proceed to sit on the edge of my cot, to think for a bit before I go to sleep. Firstly, where's everyone else? I doubt they are all deployed right now, perhaps they are using their off duty time to go see some of the local girls. I chcuckle slightly under my breath, it does sound like something they would do.

Although, I do wonder how long until we are redoplyed, we have been here long enough surely. And besides, we aren't suited to a defensive role, we have always played on the offensive, attacking when the enemy is distracted. At Thora we waited until the Orks were distracted with the "fun" prey of the Adeptus Mechanicus Skitarii. When they were distracted we launched our bombarments from across the canyon, after nearly two weeks worth of using our Baslisks the Adeptus Mechanicus were able to send in their elite and kill of the stragglers.

That was a good fight, and it was over quickly, well we were moved out of it quickly. Apparently Orks release spores when they die making it nearly impossible to rid a planet of them. Though I'm sure the Mechanicum have a way of dealing with them.

I hear someonw alking up the stairs and look over, trying to guess who may be walking up them. It's Harlen, our platoon Luitenent. I quickly stand up and slaute him.

"No need Luther, this isn't anything formal."

"Yes sir." I say as I relax a bit, though I wonder why Harlen is here, he never comes to the common barracks.

"I came to speak to you Luther. Part of the 15th will be heading out tomorrow to Wrison. You will be serving in my command squad."

I'm rather shocked at this news, not only will I be in the command squad, but he said part of the 15th, not all. "Sir, I'm rather confused at this. May I ask some questions."

"You may, but I will only answer the questions that you need to know about."

"Thank you sir, firstly, is the entire platoon not going?"

Harlen walks over to the window and looks out and replies without looking back. "No, only a select few, roughly thirty. This is sort of a training exercise, to see how the platoon works while not together."

I nod and proceed with my other questions, "Then, why am I in the command squad, would you not rather take those who you have worked with before?"

"I have my own reasons for that, they do not concern you."

I'm about to askanother when Harlen seems to notice something outside the window and quickly runs downstairs. I walk over to the window to see what it was, Gabriel Strab,a veteran amongst the regiment. He must be coming as well.

I'm still looking out the window when I hear a voice behing me, "What was that 'bout?"

"You know, you heard everything. How long have you been awake, Carnius?"

"Since you arrived."

I turn around and see Carnius sitting up in his cot, leaning against the wall. His grey undershirt clings tightly to his chest, and he's looking at me with a sly smile.

"What are you smiling at?"

"Nothing."

"Well I'm going to sleep now, probably won't speak to you for a few days."

I can feel Carnius staring at me as I walk past him.

"Are you going to say something?" I ask him as I simply continue my walking.

"No, I was just thinking."

"About?"

"About Harlen. He's been jumpy lately."

As I sit on the edge of my cot I look over at Carnius, "You think so? Perhaps he's getting bored of Athion."

"I dunno about that, he doesn't complain about orders or where he's sationed usually. Back on Bagon III he didn't care at all that it was his platoon that was stationed in the deep snow."

"Then what do you think is bothering him?"

Carnius simply smiles, "No idea mate, all I know is that he isn't usually like this. Well, I'll let you get your sleep."

I smile and nod before lying down and closing my eyes.

Carnius Cattladge, my closest friend, and perhaps something more.