Hi all, firstly this fanfic will have no upload schedule, as i am far too lazy to write regularly whilst working atm.
Further, I do not own 40k, Darktide or the All guardsmen party. Being the world it's set in and the fiction that inspired me to make my own version of it all. If you do want something like this, that is much longer, I do really recommend going to read The all Guardsmen Party, they have their own website and it's fantastic.
And finally, please follow and favourite and leave some reviews! They mean the world to me..
And to the others that are wondering why i'm writing this and not updating "To Climb atop the wild" :PPP Shhhh
Chapter I: The Beginning
Esteemed Inquisitor,
I am writing to report on the Aurelian system, a sector located in the Pacificus Segmentum, and in particular, Aurelia IV, which I have personally visited and studied. Aurelia IV is a world of unique value, offering a diverse range of resources and exceptional individuals for the benefit of the Imperium.
"Portia's Landing" is the main population centre of Aurelia IV, situated on the north-west coast of the primary continent. Its imposing architecture is a marvel of Imperial engineering, with large walls and watchtowers to ensure its security. The city houses a population of nearly five million people, primarily consisting of hard-working artisans, traders and labourers.
The city is also home to renowned mercenaries, known as the Ironclad Legion, who are highly respected throughout the sector for their unwavering loyalty and exceptional skill in battle. Known for the heavy metal armour, and prowess within melee combat, they are highly sought after bodyguards and agents. Although few Ironclads are trained each year, they contribute their rightful share to the imperial tithe.
Their weapons craftsmen are among the finest in the Imperium, and are responsible for creating the exceptional weapons that the Ironclad Legion wield with such deadly proficiency.
Furthermore, the Aurelian system has been noted for its unexplored and mysterious ruins that are scattered throughout its numerous worlds. As of yet, only a handful of these ruins have been investigated and it is believed that these areas could be of significant value to the Imperium, either for archaeological or military purposes.
Portia's Landing is said to be built upon such a ruin. Although I found no evidence to support such rumours.
I hope that this brief report provides some insight into the value and potential of Aurelia IV, and that it may be of interest to you in your service to the Emperor.
I have attached relevant documents about Aurelia, if you so wish for more detail
Emperor Protects.
Noted. - Inquisitor Seriphina Morrigan
Acolytes, we have been tasked with a grave mission of the utmost importance. We are to conduct a thorough search of Portia's Landing. To purge any and all forms of heretics, mutants, and the unclean, that may be festering within its walls. This is a crucial undertaking, for we must ensure that the Emperor's light shines brightly upon this world, and that his holy laws are upheld at all times.
We shall not falter in our duty, nor shall we be swayed by any heretical whispers or foul temptations that may seek to ensnare us. We are the Emperor's chosen, and we shall be his instruments of judgement and wrath.
Our investigations shall be conducted with the utmost diligence, and no stone shall be left unturned in our search for the truth. We shall leave no shadow unexplored, and no whisper unheard, until we have rooted out all that threatens the sanctity of this world.
May the Emperor guide our path, and may his fury rain down upon those who dare to defy his holy will. For the Imperium, for the Emperor, and for the glory of humanity!
- Interrogator Vespera.
8 hours earlier
The five of them stood, waiting within the mustering hall upon the training ship they were uprooted to. Although training, no matter how intense, is better than the frontlines, a true guardsman finds a way to complain.
The group had spent the last 4 months, being retrained as inquisitorial acolytes. It wasn't easy, and there was far too much "theory" for their tastes.
The training Interrogator Talard put them through was hellish. Even just hearing that name made their legs hurt. Last week, they were told to be ready for 'selection and the first of their trials.'. At least it gave them some time to recover.
At first, the mustering Hall was filled with all kinds of folk, with 'esteemed Interrogators' coming in, and taking groups of 'acolytes'. Which, they realised, they are Acolytes too now. If you asked them however, they would always reply saying 'Guardsman'.
Whilst at first the hall was almost full, now it was near empty. Many Interrogators or existing acolytes have already collected their new or replacement squads. It almost felt like hours for the five, standing and waiting made each second take twice as long.
After an extended period, just the five guardsmen remained. Having watched everyone else leave almost an hour earlier, they were starting to feel nobody was going to collect them.
Eventually however, a small slender woman slinked into the hall. Although the group could see her, she made no noise.
As she drew closer, their eyes widened with surprise and curiosity. A hushed murmur passed through their ranks, momentarily breaking their stoic boredom.
Her short black hair and piercing green eyes exuded an air of quiet confidence and mystery. The Guardsmen couldn't help but be captivated by her presence. Her black body glove and strategically placed carapace armour marked her as a covert operator, one who embraced the shadows and excelled in the art of stealth.
Whispers spread among the remaining Guardsmen, each sharing their own theories and speculation about the enigmatic Acolyte. Exchanging nervous glances, unsure of what to make of this mysterious figure who seemed to materialise from the darkness.
For now, her face remained uncovered, allowing them to catch glimpses of her determined expression. The Guardsmen couldn't help but feel a mix of awe and trepidation, wondering what secrets and abilities this stealthy Acolyte held.
"Listen up, soldiers," she began, her voice laced with a condescending tone. "You have been chosen for a mission that even the feeblest of minds could handle. The Inquisition requires a team that can stumble through the simplest of tasks and face the mildest of threats. We are to embark on a journey where mediocrity reigns supreme."
She paused, her words hanging in the air like a mocking jest, before continuing. "I suppose I see some potential in each of you, in the way a toddler may stumble upon a broken toy. You may be rough around the edges, but that's hardly a concern. I still demand maximum effort, loyalty, and your entire commitment to this mission. Together, we will face dangers that even a snivelling underling, such as you lot, can handle. Trust in your basic training, and rely on each other as much as one can rely on a pack of half-witted fools. Failure would be a laughable expectation."
Her gaze swept across the group, her expression one of barely contained amusement. "This is your chance to showcase your meagre abilities, to slightly outperform ordinary Guardsmen. You will become part of a team that stands against the darkness. Embrace this opportunity with your limited capabilities, and we may emerge without any major embarrassments."
With those backhanded words, she conveyed her insincere expectations, instilling a false sense of purpose and a flicker of determination within the Guardsmen. They could feel the
weight of patronising superiority settling upon their shoulders, and a mix of frustration and determination flickered within their eyes. Together, they would face an easy mission, though their interactions with their condescending leader promised to be an ongoing challenge.
She turned, and marched out of the mustering hall. It took a few seconds for the guardsmen to realise, eventually stumbling after her. They paced through the twisting corridors of the training ship, into a hangar, where they were loaded onto a shuttle, and brought to a new ship. Not a single word was spoken between the guard, the trepidation was too great.
As the small group of Guardsmen and the Acolyte boarded the shuttle, a hushed silence enveloped the tight confines of the spacecraft. Their steps were measured and purposeful as they found their seats, each taking a moment to secure their gear and settle in. The atmosphere was charged with a mix of determination and apprehension, their expressions reflecting the weight of their impending journey.
Inside the shuttle, the silence pressed upon them, broken only by the distant hum of the engines and the occasional clink of equipment being stowed. The Guardsmen cast brief glances at one another, their eyes conveying a shared understanding and camaraderie. It was a small, tight-knit group, their bond forged through their battles and shared hardships.
Nervous anticipation radiated through the air, heightening their senses as they awaited departure. The absence of words did not dampen their resolve; instead, it served as a testament to their seasoned professionalism and the gravity of their mission. Each Guardsman knew their role, their responsibilities ingrained through rigorous training and countless hours of service to the Imperium.
As the shuttle's ramp sealed shut, the silence grew more profound, intensifying the sense of isolation and purpose. The dim lighting within the craft cast deep shadows, adding to the solemn atmosphere. The Guardsmen tightened their grips on their weapons, finding solace in the familiar weight and familiarity of their chosen tools of war.
The hum of the engines filled the cabin, growing louder with each passing moment. The shuttle began its ascent, defying the artificial gravity and propelling them towards the awaiting spaceship. The Guardsmen, alongside the steadfast Acolyte, shared a quiet determination, their eyes fixed ahead, minds focused on the mission that lay before them.
In the absence of spoken words, a silent understanding passed between them, an unspoken bond of trust and reliance. Each Guardsman knew that their actions would be instrumental in the success of their mission, the safety of their comrades, and the preservation of the Imperium. Together, they braced themselves for the unknown that awaited them beyond the confines of the shuttle, ready to face whatever challenges and perils lay in their path.
In this compact vessel, the fate of their mission rested in the hands of this small group of Guardsmen and their stalwart Acolyte, bound together by duty and the unyielding spirit of the Imperium.
The transport vessel gracefully docked with the massive frigate, its docking bay doors opening to reveal the expanse of the interior. As the team of Guardsmen, alongside their acolyte, disembarked from the shuttle, they stepped onto the metal gangway that connected
the vessels. The hum of machinery and the faint glow of artificial lighting greeted their senses, marking their arrival in the heart of the massive spacecraft.
As the doors opened, the guardsmen stepped out behind the acolyte that collected them. She marched forward and took her place with the three other imposing figures, covered in regalia of the Inquisition. They made for a terrifying sight.
In the centre, a clear figure of authority. Her long trench coat was covered in armour plating, and the symbols of the Inquisition. Her necklace signified her as the Interrogator. Her brown hair was in a tight bun, and her brown eyes had an insatiable anger in them. Beneath the coat, rudimentary powered armour could be seen below. Attributing to her extra height.
"I believe some introductions are in order." The tallest of the group stepped forward. "I am Interrogator Vespera Blackwood. To you that is, Interrogator or Ma'am. Got it?" She glared out.
"Yes Ma'am!" The five guardsmen snapped to attention, the authority in their new Interrogators voice reminding them of the 4 months of training prior.
The Interrogator pulled out a data-slate, and read the information on it. "Right, let's check we've got what we ordered." She murmured out. "Sergeant Felix Rodriguez?"
"Here, Ma'am." Felix stepped forward and saluted. He was a tall imposing figure, his head covered in scars, even onto his bald scalp. His thick beard was dark with speckles of grey. He was old for a guardsman. His profile marked him as a steadfast leader for this squad, and was filled with successful operations and a long list of surviving battles and campaigns. A valuable agent.
"Good. Your operator name is Razor, remember it. Now, Corporal Amelia Rivera"
"Yes, Ma'am" she stepped forward, saluting too. A small woman stepped forward, with a bewildering smile. She seemed far too happy. Her profile highlighted her as a new guardsmen, only having been on one front before being pulled here with her squad. That will change with some time. Her capabilities in close-quarters combat was highlighted both on her profile and her person. Wearing her standard uniform and gear, Amelia also wore a chainsword on her backpack, almost the length of her small frame. Both sides of her hips were decorated with a guard standard bayonet, and her boots both with visible handles sticking out. Her potential is yet to be seen.
"Quit smiling guardsmen. Your operator name is Siren. Now, Jack Smith?"
"Here, Lord Interrogator." Jack stepped forward, and saluted after pushing his glasses back to his eyes. He was tall, and lanky to say the least. However, his short list of combat missions and kill count counteracted his underwhelming appearance. The longlas on his back fit him well. He would be of use.
"Thank you. Your operator name is Ghost. Maria Hernandez?"
"Yes Interrogator." A small woman with short curly brown hair stepped forward and saluted. She was the squad's medic. It was rare for a squad to have a qualified medic. They were lucky. It was noted on her record that she was reluctant to use her armaments.
"Your operator name is Doc. You will not let your reluctance in combat risk our missions, or I'll execute you myself. Got it ?"
"Y-yes Interrogator"
"Good, make sure of it. Finally, Marcus Johnson?" She looked towards the last of the group.
"Aye, Ma'am." He saluted lazily, holding his heavy stubber in one hand as he did so. He was a grizzly stout man, shorter than both other men in his squad, but bigger in every other dimension.
"It seems we got what we wanted. I believe you ahead all met Lucia Martinez. Designation 'whisper'. She is a stealth operator. To my right is Jacob Bishop, designation 'Bishop'" she pointed to him, and he waved. The squad did not miss the expensive gear he wore, and his young face. A plasma pistol and ornate powered sword on hips. Despite his young appearance, his frame was well muscled.
"And past him is Emily Browne, designation 'Silent', she is our tech expert." The small woman waved with her mechanical hand.
"Good, now take them to their barracks. Your mission details will be sent through later."
Back to the present
Amelia was reading through the details of their new accomodation and job. "Hey, we get payed A LOT more!"
"There's a reason for that Amelia…" Jack stated. "I mean we have to buy our own ammunition and gear…. The only stuff we get free is food and accomodation"
"Oh" Amelia huffed out
Marcus glanced down to his heavy stubber, the realisation of how much that would cost him dawning on him. "You lot better help pay for this things munitions, or you're not getting any covering fire." He stated.
"Oh fucks sake.." Amelia said
"Do you have the mission details on there yet?" Rodriguez enquired, stopping the coming argument before it started.
"Explore the city ? What the fuck kind of mission is that!" Amelia blurted out, staring at their shared data sheet.
"Give it here." Marcus said, snatching the data sheet from her hands.
"That's enough. Don't complain about an easy mission Amelia. I'd rather be bored than dead." Sergeant Rodriguez said. "We will be leaving in the morning. So it's best we all sleep, I doubt Interrogator Blackwood would be happy if we were late to the shuttle."
"Yes sarge" the others muttered.
As the squad of acolytes gathered in a secluded corner of the briefing room, a subtle tension filled the air. Acolyte Lucia "Whisper" Martinez, clad in her covert attire, exchanged a knowing glance with Acolyte Jacob "Bishop" Bishop, while Acolyte Emily "Silent" Browne adjusted her glasses and observed the room with a keen eye. The weight of their shared knowledge hung silently between them.
Lucia leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper, "This seems like a straightforward mission, but there's something off about it. We've been called in for reinforcements, yet the briefing barely scratched the surface of what we're truly facing."
Bishop crossed his arms, his gaze fixed on the mission brief laid out on the table. "Aye, Whisper. I can feel it in my gut. This ain't gonna be as easy as they make it out to be. It's like they're dancing around the real danger."
Silent nodded in agreement, her fingers absently tapping on the edge of the table. "I've been sifting through the intel, and there are subtle hints, encrypted messages, and whispers among higher-ranking officers. It's as if they're intentionally obscuring the true nature of this mission."
The trio fell into a hushed silence, their thoughts intertwining as they contemplated the hidden challenges that lay ahead. Interrogator Vespera Blackwood, an enigmatic figure known for her uncanny ability to unravel mysteries, had deliberately chosen them for this assignment. Their training and skills were not to be wasted on a mere routine task.
Lucia broke the silence, her voice carrying a note of caution. "We must be prepared for the unexpected. Our skills will be put to the test, and the guardsmen... they're about to face something they couldn't have anticipated. It falls upon us to guide them, to protect them from the horrors that await."
Bishop nodded solemnly, his expression resolute. "Aye, Whisper. We can't let them face it alone. We'll watch their backs, even if it means facing the darkest depths of this mission. That's what Blackwood expects from us."
Silent's gaze shifted to the guardsmen assembled across the room, their laughter and camaraderie a stark contrast to the unspoken danger that loomed. "We're their unseen shield, their guiding light amidst the shadows. Together, we'll weather this storm and emerge stronger."
With a shared understanding, the acolytes knew their roles had expanded beyond their initial assignment. They were the unseen hands that would shape the fate of the guardsmen, forging a bond amidst the chaos that awaited. United in purpose, they would navigate the
treacherous path ahead, guided by their own resolve and the steady presence of Interrogator Blackwood.
As the acolytes continued their hushed conversation, Acolyte Jacob "Bishop" Bishop couldn't help but let a mischievous grin creep onto his face. With a playful glint in his eyes, he leaned in closer to Whisper and Silent. "So, let's put our skills of prediction to the test, shall we? What are the odds that these guardsmen will make it out of this alive?"
Lucia raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a wry smile. "Oh, come on, Bishop. We're not here to gamble on the lives of our comrades. Besides, survival in the face of danger is what they've been trained for."
Silent, ever the pragmatic one, chimed in, her voice tinged with caution. "Let's not underestimate the threats that await us. While they may be brave and skilled, there are forces at play that even they may not be prepared for."
Before Bishop could continue his playful banter, a stern voice cut through the air. "Enough of that, Bishop," Interrogator Vespera Blackwood's voice carried a clear warning. "We are here to ensure the success of this mission and the safety of all involved. Speculating on their survival is neither productive nor respectful."
Bishop's mischievous expression quickly faded, replaced by a more somber demeanor. "Apologies, Interrogator. I meant no disrespect. I understand the gravity of our task."
Vespera's gaze softened, her tone gentle yet firm. "Good. We must remember that we are a team, and our duty is to support and protect one another. We will face unknown dangers together, and it is our combined strength that will see us through."
The acolytes nodded in unison, their previous moment of levity fading into the background. They understood the importance of their mission and the responsibility they bore. The lives of the guardsmen, their own lives, and the fate of the Imperium itself hung in the balance.
From that point forward, the acolytes focused their energies on preparing for the challenges ahead, embracing the gravity of their roles as guardians and guides. While Bishop's playful spirit was momentarily curbed, a silent understanding passed between the acolytes. They would stand united, ready to face the horrors that awaited them, and ensure the guardsmen's survival against all odds.
In the shadows of the briefing room, their resolve grew stronger. The acolytes, under the watchful eye of Interrogator Blackwood, were determined to protect and guide the guardsmen through the impending trials, holding true to their purpose as the unseen shield against the terrors that lurked within the mission's depths.
End of Chapter
The world is OC and so are all the characters as far as I know :p
Hope this interests some of you
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See you in the next one -Monarch