Best not to mix the past with the present. The present paints the past with gold. The past paints the present with lead."- Henry Rollins
Orange river outpost sat at the cross-flow of the Orange river itself and one of its larger tributary's. Reflecting on the sickly orange coloring of the water Fenria sat throwing small pebbles into the slightly viscous liquid. Speaking with some of the locals revealed that the unusual color was caused by some kind of algae that settled along the bottom. Throwing yet another pebble into the river she watched as it plopped in, leaving a small indentation for a matter of seconds, before the liquid filled in the disruption.
Looking up from the temporary distraction she gazed out at the wall of green just beyond the clearing of the outpost. The outpost itself was populated by more people like their guide Aerith, eking out a living as guides, and hunters. It was easy to compare them to Corporal Jessmuck in a way, not quite as adept as he seemed, but nonetheless very skilled and resilient.
As if to prove her thoughts the outpost itself was rather skillfully carved out of the green ocean. Cut and burned to allow respite from the ever present trees, and the dangers hiding behind the curtain of foliage. There was a perimeter fence made from local ironwood, and the buildings likewise were crafted from the same material.
Though far from being the primitive structures she expected they were well furnished, and had the look of proper fabricated structures about them. Within they held a surprising amount of technology, from a few cogitators to keep and share records, to vid viewers for entertainment. Apparently the forest folk sourced their technology through contracts with the main corporations.
They'd arrived the night before, pausing to sleep for a solid eight hours, more sleep than she was used to at this point. Dauntless had been adamant that they be well rested before pushing on. The morning was scheduled for resupply, packing food and water, and even some spare ammunition, all bought from the outpost's sole trading post. How these people managed to get Imperial grade munitions out here wasn't too surprising, after all they seemed to get just about everything else.
Closing her eyes she breathed in deeply, even through her masks filters she could smell the difference of the air.
It was something she had been aware of for a while now, different worlds had different air. It sounded silly if she were to ever say it out loud, but it was the truth. Tartarius, heavily filtered and slightly stale, Endurholdgun was fresh, tinted with sweetness, and now Headstone, earthy, heady with a smattering of decay. All of these different smells, different worlds, she couldn't remember what Surris smelled like. Supposing she ever made it back, something she knew wouldn't be happening, but supposing she did, she wondered if it would smell differently, would it be comforting?
Tours of the Emperors multitude of worlds were so taxing on the psyche. Always wondering what differences would be present from what you'd seen before, the enemy you'd be fighting, the people you'd be losing. Despite the best efforts of their training, Fenria had to start admitting that other than Jericus, she was starting to care about the people around her. It had been gradual, something she hadn't really wanted, her squad, Xavier and his, Raltia.
Now it was her new comrades, specifically Virtanen, a woman Fenria knew she wouldn't have considered a friend back when she'd had civilian sensibilities. But through combat, and training sessions together on the Ipsum she and the Scintillian had formed a strange, but strong bond. Would she call it a friendship? No, not quite yet anyway, but it felt as though it could become one. Schmidt and Gunther were as amiable as possible with just about anyone. Wore their hearts on their sleeves as it were, strange considering their origins as penal legionnaires. Troublemakers though, there was no denying that.
Another pebble, another plop, it was amusing, she'd never lived around any body of water before. The rest of the retinue were alright, Kaede was a bit rigid, expected of a former Arbite. Aryn, he was very simple, very loyal, Fenria would've sworn he was a kid if she didn't know better. Sothy unnerved her, even after the interrogation the woman had been distant, and even passively hostile toward her and Jericus.
Kerelia, well she was quite odd for a member of the mechanicus, working in manufactories Fenria had met many of her kind. Most had been pleasant enough, though a bit too logical and detached from their baseline workers. This techpriestess though, well what else could Fenria say, she was simply Kerelia, more than half machine, but all human. She had plenty of contact with the red robed woman too, she liked to talk to Jericus and get updates on how her old augmetics were integrating, even making minor tweaks for him based upon feedback. And then there was the fact that whenever B-63 was near the cyborg wasn't far behind.
Dauntless, well he was a leader, even more so than B-63 or B-52 had been. Charismatic sure, but Fenria got the distinct impression that he was completely detached from them all, sure maybe he cared about their well being. But, it was a sure thing, if it came down to it they were all expendable to the man, at least Fenria felt confident he'd at least be doing it purely for the good of mankind. The sour note it left in her mind was lessened by her training luckily enough.
"You get the extra hotshot packs you needed?" Jericus' voice came from beside her, she hadn't heard his approach, too caught up in her thoughts.
"Yeah, the shop had them, grabbed a good dozen. Gonna be heavy, but the extra firepower should come in handy, especially if we run into anymore local animals." She tossed another pebble into the water, plop.
"Could carry some of it for you, my kit's gonna be on the light side, so a little extra weight won't be any trouble," he offered.
"No, it's okay, I'd rather have them on me ready when I might need them, we're not always close to each other."
"True enough," there was a smile in his tone, that tone always made her happy. "The Watchmaster wants us to check in with him for a gear inspection before we head out."
She nodded her head absently, throwing the last pebble she had into the water, plop.
"Do you...remember what Surris smelled like?"
Turning to actually face him she watched as his stance and silence gave off his pensiveness, and curiosity.
"Feeling homesick suddenly?"
"Just, can't remember it. Thinking about all of the worlds we've been to so far, I can remember their smells, it's strange I know, but please humor me." Her tone of voice betrayed her as the sadness leaked through, closing off, and keeping up the Korps stoic facade was becoming more difficult lately.
"Well, it was crisp, with that hint of smoke from the manufactories. The wind from the plains would cut through and bring the smell of fresh ice though." He spoke as though he were having a tough time recalling. "I feel like I'm missing something, but that's about the essence of it I think."
"Hm," her response was eloquent.
"Was that not what you wanted to hear?" It was spoken quietly, regretfully. Fenria knew he didn't like to disappoint her, though he never had, not really.
"No, it was fine. I've just been too thoughtful lately, thinking about the future, you know, dangerous thoughts," she laughed slightly, even though she was telling the truth. It wasn't a good idea to think about the future, especially for them. Things just seemed to be speeding up lately, accelerating beyond their ability to stop, Fenria got the distinct feeling that soon they'd be at some point of no return.
"Only dangerous if you set yourself up for it. We've been doing pretty well so far, pretty sure that whatever comes next we'll be ready," he replied assuredly. "I mean look at who's around us, we're a lot better off now than we were with the 82nd,"
"Okay," she breathed out. Standing up she grabbed her longlas where it had been lying on the ground and turned fully to her best friend. Frowning skull greeted her gaze. "Let's go meet up with B-63, he'll probably appreciate it if we don't dally."
"True," his dulcet tone spoke of his agreement. Turning he began to lead the way for them, not that Fenria had needed him to, their rendezvous area had been decided upon hours ago when they had woke. Departure from the outpost was via boat, a local riverman Aerith trusted would be taking them along the next leg of their journey. Where they made landfall would be where Jessmuck could hopefully pick up the trail Dauntless so desperately wanted him to find.
They walked in step—as had become habit—through the small outpost town. As much an oddity as they ever were to the locals. Forest folk looked them up and down warily as they passed, any who had children around pulled them away as the grim skull-faced figures went by them. Used to it by now Fenria hardly paid them any mind, Jericus was much the same, just something they had grown numb to.
Trifles such as what random people thought of them were long beyond concern. Other things though, like the smell of her homeworld were things to worry about. They soon made it to their rally point by the creaky docks where riverboats moored. Their squad was waiting, B-63, S-548, and S-360. First of Dauntless' retinue to be ready to travel, there was a slight swell of pride in her at that. It would certainly smart Virtanen a little, the woman was funny when she was upset, Fenria could almost comprehend why Gunther and Schmidt antagonized her so much.
Arriving they didn't bother to give B-63 a proper korps salute, throwing him the more low key, slightly sloppy one he preferred instead. Their small sign of respect didn't go unnoticed by the Watchmaster, who had looked ready to comment on their being the last to arrive. Instead he got to the meat of things.
"You two ready for this journey," B-63 adjusted his webbing as they gave affirmative nods. "Good, present wargear troopers."
They got into line, numerical order, and stood at attention before their Watchmaster. Bearing weapons, allowing him to inspect their load-outs, and awaiting his thoughts.
"Grabbed those extra tube-charges I told you to I see S-548. Good on the anesthetics too S-360. Hellguns seem to be in proper shape, lenses changed out, unguents applied." He pulled at their webbing and straps as he looked them over, making sure all was secure and not rattling. He nodded with approval as he noticed they had applied camo-paint to themselves as instructed for better concealment.
"S-1050, good to see you stocked up on extra hotshot. Not too heavy is it?" B-63 posed his question, genuine concern in his tone.
"No Watchmaster, nothing I haven't carried before," her reply was equally honest.
"The extra firepower will be appreciated I'm sure," he nodded before moving onto and checking her webbing. "Have that Hoarfell cloak I see, that'll be useful I reckon."
Fenria stared straight as B-63 began to inspect Jericus, the usual motions as he looked him over. There was little said, Jericus being the light weapons specialist wasn't meant to carry much, other than the basics. Though Fenria did know B-63 had him get a few extra krak-grenades, just in case the tube-charges S-548 had weren't enough. They didn't even know if they'd be needing something to penetrate armor, or demolish a structure. B-63 had wanted them all prepared though, as well as they could be.
Finished B-63 stepped back, nodding approvingly at his subordinates. "I'd say we're well prepared for whatever might be waiting for us. I can't give any of you advice I'm afraid, never fought Eldar before. Heard the stories though, best I can say is watch each others backs, from what I know they like to flank and maneuver about faster than the eye can see. S-1049, I expect you to be putting that augmetic to use for us." Standing before them, just as prepared and with the same purpose, their Watchmaster fixed them with his confident stare, even through his rictus mask they could sense it.
"We'll all be coming back from this one." He saluted them, with proper Korps aplomb. A rarity for the usually inconspicuous B-63, it almost took them all a moment to return the gesture. Luckily Korps trained instincts kicked in, and with a click of heels, and razor straight hands they returned. B-63 seemed very pleased as he relieved them just as quickly, throwing his hand out theatrically. They did so right back at their Watchmaster.
"I see our erstwhile Korpsmen have beaten us to the docks." Dauntless' confident tones cut through the air. Looking to him Fenria could see Virtanen, Sothy, Kerelia, and Aerith accompanying the Inquisitor. The three storm-troopers were farther behind, keeping a respectful distance it seemed. Walking with equal parts swagger and dignity Dauntless strode right up to B-63.
"You and yours continue to impress Watchmaster. Though it was wholly unnecessary for you to have turned out so early, we're not set to depart for another half an hour. Probably later if the Corporal's tendencies as well as Gunther and Schmidt's own take hold." Chuckling knowingly the Inquisitor continued. "Why they've probably dragged poor Aryn and the Brontians into their shenanigans, Kaede will be hard pressed to wrangle the troublemakers in time. Though such is her lot given her former occupation!"
"I'm sure we'll be along within proper time Inquisitor, if need be I can provide my troopers to help gather our comrades." B-63 stated, tacking on the second bit helpfully.
Fenria could see Virtanen's displeasure on her face throughout the whole of the conversation. Whether at their earlier arrival, or the lateness of her peers she was uncertain. Still it made her smirk slightly, yes she could see why Schmidt and Gunther poked at her so much.
"Sounds like a wonderful idea, I'd be surprised if they weren't all at the local watering hole." Dauntless agreed as he accepted B-63's offer. "Probably orchestrating some game of chance or another, to swindle the outposts denizens out of their thrones," he finished, an almost paternal smile on his face.
"S-1050, S-1049 you heard the Inquisitor, go round up the troublemakers," B-63 ordered.
Fenria sighed internally, it would be their task to go and fetch the others. Probably for fact that Jericus held some respect with Jessmuck, ever since beating the man in contest. It was just as well, they were sure to run into an interesting sight. Besides, from what Dauntless had said Kaede would probably be there already, trying to corral the men.
Both giving affirmative nods they departed toward Dauntless' suggestion. The outpost's sole bar, it luckily wasn't to far of a walk. Following the dirt roads that wound about the buildings they quickly found their way. Built proudly in the outpost center, 'The Brave Nut' pub seemed to be crowded. It made Fenria wonder how many bars Jessmuck had a hand in trashing, considering the knocked out pile of men outside, with another being dragged out by fellow hunters, she guessed a lot.
As they drew closer they could here the calls of a crowd within. Curses, cheers, and even over all this the meaty thwack as men came to blows. It was small wonder then that when they finally entered, they saw Jessmuck in the middle of a makeshift ring, he knocked out his sixth victim. If she had counted the unconscious outside properly.
"And our offworld jungle fighter has done it again. Ladies an' gentlemen come'n collect yer winnings, if'n you got any." Gunther was calling loudly over the din, set up on a stage in the pub, whose use was probably for amateur singers. Schmidt was handing out meager winnings next to him, to upset looking faces. Meanwhile the two legionnaires had Aryn at their backs, a not so subtle deterrent, spelling out to the hardy jungle folk not to try anything.
She saw Kaede in her full Arbite carapace trying patiently to get Aryn to listen to her. The ogryn seemed to unfortunately deffer to Schmidt and Gunther, who both seemed to be all too eager to stay. A large mess-pail held their current collection of bets.
"Next up! Who wants ta challenge the offworlder? Aye, you sir! No? Then maybe you!" Gunther was getting the crowd riled up even more, meanwhile Jessmuck was chugging back some local beer, waiting and talking to his three Brontian friends. They seemed to be speaking excitedly on the fights done, and those to be had. There seemed to be no more takers, even as Gunther tried to whip up some excitement. Fenria figured it would be the perfect time to get through to the men.
Leading she and Jericus walked through the crowd to get to them. Just starting to overhear Kaede as she tried her own hand at convincing her comrades.
"Now you've had your fun, it's time we get to Dauntless. You two know well we're due for departure soon," Kaede had stopped trying to convince Aryn, going instead to the two masterminds.
"Aye Kaede, but look a' all the thrones there are ta be had. An' I get the feelin' this crowd's got more ta give, jus' need'a little push is all. Maybe a change of fighter, Jessmuck's been givin' em all a right thrashing all morning." Schmidt spoke in his smooth way, grinning even as Kaede frowned.
"Schmidt, the Inquisitor has sent us to get you all. He's very insistent on our leaving," Fenria cut in, embellishing the truth a bit, Dauntless hadn't seemed all that rushed. Schmidt gave a double take as he turned to the sound of her voice.
"Ah, Angel, and Axeman. Jus' in time fer the show, Dauntless that sorely wantin' ta go ya say?" He elbowed Gunther playfully. "Well me an' Gunther here are sure he'd appreciate the extra thrones we've gotten for 'im. Though perhaps we'd be willing ta go after jus' one more fight."
Fenria made a show of looking around at all of the loud, talking, now disinterested locals. "I don't think your patrons are particularly excited anymore, maybe it's time to stop while you're ahead." She noticed Jericus nodding in agreement at her side. Fond as she had become of the former legionnaires, sometimes their antics got to her.
"I got a better idea!" Gunther spoke loudly, and before Fenria could stop him he was shouting. "Ladies an' gentlemen! We've got a new contender." He boldly proclaimed, all heads turned back to him as he stepped in front of Fenria.
"Hailin' from the far off world of Surris, we present ta ya a Death Korps grenadier. Axeman!" He had pulled Jericus' natural arm up before he knew what was going on. Fenria watched on in aggravation, and tried to intervene. Unfortunately Gunther bawled over her protestations, and Jericus seemed unwilling to resist the man, despite his annoyed posture.
"Look at 'im folks, hardy despite his size, tempered through war. He's sure ta be a sight ta behold, any brave takers, he's aching ta fight a strong local!" Gunther seemed to be parading Jericus about, all watched on, even Jessmuck who had effectively been passed over. Fenria could see the Catachan giving a feral grin.
There went a murmur through the crowd, the jungle folk deliberating among themselves. Until one stepped forward, a large man, bigger than Jessmuck's imposing frame even. He walked forward, sizing Jericus up as he approached, not a hairsbreadth away face to mask with Jericus he seemed to decide.
"I'll have the fight, disarm your man, and you've got your bout." He addressed Gunther directly, stepping back to his starting corner to let proceedings fall as they may.
"Ladies an' gentlemen looks like we've got'a bout!" There was a drunken cheer, the locals interests seemingly reinvigorated. Probably due to the major size difference of the combatants, local pride wanting one of their own to triumph against the offworlder.
"Come place yer bets!" Gunther crowed excitedly, a tide of hands holding thrones besetting him. Most if not all betting against Jericus. Fenria watched seething, though she didn't interrupt, with as many drunk people as there were, it would not be wise to antagonize them. Instead she watched as Schmidt took hold of an equally miffed looking Jericus, leading him back and beginning to strip him of his weapons and carapace.
"After this ends we go, no more, or you'll be finding out how well I can fight too Schmidt." She hissed at the man, even as he went about his work.
"Aye Angel we'll be going, jus' let yer boy here do his thing and net us some more thrones. Done rickety tick, don' you worry now." He promised, handing Aryn Jericus' kit for safe keeping. The large ogryn placed everything in a large pack at his feet rather gently. Shouldering it once Schmidt was done. Jericus now stood clad in nothing but the fatigues worn under his trenchcoat, as well as his mask. Really it looked comical, without the rest of the uniform he looked a joke.
Fenria realized that without the added bulk of the clothing and armor he was rather small, all Surrins were as matter of fact, but it was seldom so apparent.
"Aright now my man, jus' give these folks a good showin' an' we'll be on our way." Schmidt told him as he lead Jericus to his starting corner.
"I said no armor!" the Headstone giant shouted as he saw Jericus still masked.
"Now, now the man has terrible scars, ya wouldn't begrudge him the mask if'n ya saw 'em. Just one little caveat my fellow, wha' do ya say? The rest is all soft, as requested." The man squinted, making a show of his slight anger. Schmidt just smiled his conman's smile, until finally, the Headstone fighter relented.
"Alright, fine." He groused before going about pre-fight warm-ups. With a happy clout on Jericus' shoulder Schmidt left him to the fighting ring, made up of stools to denote the boundaries. Fenria glowered at him as he approached, walking past to get in one last word with Jericus.
"Make this quick Jericus," she asked lowly so as not to be heard. Despite his opponent's size she had faith he would be able to win quickly enough. He looked to her and nodded, she turned to leave quickly after. Watching she saw as the giant across from him finished up his pre-fight rituals, cracking enormous knuckles. Jericus just stood his ground, loose and relaxed.
"Alright, bets are placed, time fer the bout!" Gunther cried out. Fenria looked around, Kaede had stopped to observe, apparently hoping the proceedings would end things. Jessmuck and the Brontians looked on with excited attention, meanwhile Schmidt and Gunther were absorbed in their machinations, Aryn looked simply transfixed by the events.
"On the bell fighters will get ta work. No low blows, gouging, biting, or other shenanigans. Fight clean gentlemen!" With that last announcement Aryn took his enormous mess tray, and whacked it with his eating spork three times, upon Schmidt's instruction.
Crowd jeering and cheering in equal amounts they watched the first moments in obvious anticipation. Awaiting what they were sure would finally be a local triumph over the offworlders.
The large man walked forward, Jericus walked forward. Stepping forward with impressive grace the Headstone man held his fighting stance, Jericus merely stayed loosely guarded as he approached. Making the first move the man swung a well made punch, and watched as Jericus stepped quickly out of its arc and to his side.
And then almost faster than any could see Jericus had struck him across the temple with his augmetic right arm. The hard metal limb, propelled with proper twist of hips and shoulders impacted with a crunch. Jericus stepped back as the man tottered for a few moments, his body seeming to move with a puppets jerking motions, before finally crumpling to the pub's wooden floorboards.
The sound of voices stopped, all motionless and quiet at the sudden victory. Fenria watched as Jessmuck and the Brontians finished their drinks and excused themselves quickly from the scene. Schmidt and Gunther promptly walked into the ring to stand by Jericus, Fenria right behind.
"Throne damn it ya were supposed ta play with 'im fer a bit, not knock 'im flat on his arse in two seconds." Gunther hissed lowly at Jericus, who stood completely nonplussed. Schmidt was crouched checking on the man as they talked.
"There it's done, now let's be going," Fenria put in.
"Tha' migh' be a righ' good suggestion she has there," he added in low tones.
"An' why's tha?" Gunther asked frustrated, looking at the Headstone man. Realization dawned in his eyes as he looked at the caved in skull, and the bleeding scalp, barely perceived from his angle. "Oh, now tha's a spot of bad luck," he muttered quietly.
There was the unmistakable sound of weapons being drawn. The four looked up to see the pub full of inebriated and vengeful locals. It seemed all had machetes, knives, clubs, or anything the bar had handy ready to go. They had finally seemed to notice the blood, and the offworlders standing around the still body of their kin.
"I think it's time to go..." Jericus said warily.
"Aryn, Kaede leg it!" Gunther shouted, which set in motion pent up action. The locals seemed to move all at once. One came at Jericus immediately, club raised high. Fenria delivered a kick to the man's lowers, followed with a blow across his head from her lasgun stock. Meanwhile she heard the sound of bodies being bowled over, turning she caught sight of Aryn charging his way to the exit, heedless in his heavy armor of any weapon that struck him, Kaede was at his heels.
They cleared the way for the rest of them, and soon they were running through the doors, a few dozen angry jungle folk on their tail. It was a mad dash through the town back to the dock. Fenria heard the shouting behind them as they went, Jericus was to her side, Schmidt and Gunther quicker and at the front. They hopped over uneven parts of the dirt road, and dashed around confused outpost denizens.
Their boat came into view soon enough, sitting in the river beside the docks. Dauntless with the rest of the retinue aboard, ready to go, and waiting for them, though they hadn't noticed them yet.
"Dauntless! Start the boat, git the Emperor blasted thing ready!" Gunther shouted, his voice reaching the Inquisitor. Fenria could have sworn that even from the distance, she saw Dauntless' eyes widen comically. On the boat deck she also saw Jessmuck, Kerchack, Walton, and Len watch on with smirks. Meanwhile Aryn and Kaede barreled on ahead, having gained an impressive lead. They made it safely onto the boat, the motors started up at Dauntless' commands to the captain. The storm-troopers cutting the moorings for speedy retreat as he did so.
Now mere meters away they all picked up the pace, knives, hatchets, beer bottles, and even a small rodent thrown past them as the locals sought retribution. Reaching the end of the dock they all jumped and landed in a heap on the deck of the boat, not a moment later the engines roared and they were off.
"I expect extra for that!" The boat captain shouted. "After all I have to go back to the mess you've caused!"
"And you'll get it," Dauntless replied calmly despite circumstances. Looking back as she got to her feet Fenria could see the crowd of pub patrons gathered on the dock, shouting after them. Luckily none of them had firearms to shoot at them as they sped away. As the distance grew the boat slowed, until they were coasting along at a sedate pace. Dauntless shot Schmidt and Gunther a look of bemused ire.
"Do I even have to ask?" His quiet voice betrayed his amused thoughts.
"Lookit wha' we got Dauntless," Gunther offered the mess-pail full of monies with a hopeful grin. Dauntless looked at the rather large amount of thrones with a blank face, and then took it from the legionnaire's hands, leaving the man with a confused look.
"Will this do for extra payment?" Dauntless offered the thrones to the boat captain. The man looked into the pail, eyes widening at the amount, before a grin took hold.
"Ah, yes, yes I think that'll do nicely," his pleased tone was palpable. He took the offered payment and stashed it in a small storage compartment near the boats controls. Schmidt and Gunther looked a bit crestfallen, though neither dared to voice complaint. Probably counting their lucky star Dauntless was such an understanding boss Fenria thought.
"Seems you two ran into the hornets nest," B-63's voice calmly droned from behind them, clearly adressing her and Jericus. "S-1049, where in the Emperors name is your kit?"
Aryn ambled forward at that and placed his pack down at Jericus' feet, a happy grin on his large craggy features. "Kept it safe fer ya skully-man, jus' like Schmidt an' Gunther asked me ta," he spoke with pride, probably not even understanding his fault in the events beforehand.
"Thank you Aryn," Jericus quickly began to rearm and re-armor himself.
"Well, so long as you didn't lose anything. Some of that kit is very valuable, be a shame to have it out of the hands of the Emperors servants." B-63 at least sounded alright with the turn of events. "So, what happened exactly, the Corporal and Brontians have been stubbornly mum on the subject."
Fenria glanced to Schmidt and Gunther, each answering to Dauntless, who had taken them a ways off seemingly to chastise the men judging by his stern stance and look. Turning back to her Watchmaster she took a breath.
"Regretfully we were drawn in by Schmidt and Gunther's plans. They had a betting ring going on bar fights, S-1049 got drawn into it..." She began stopping short of saying what triggered the riot.
"My fault Watchmaster, I tried to finish the fight quickly, so we could be on our way…I miscalculated the strength of my strike, and, well my opponent died..." At least he had the sense to sound sheepish. It honestly sounded ridiculous to Fenria too, and she had been there.
"You have to be careful manhandling baselines S-1049," Kerelia tutted as she walked up beside B-63. "Sounds like someone still needs to get fine control over his augmetics."
B-63 sighed, he seemed to be mostly alright with things thankfully. "Given that you were trying to do the right thing, I'm going to ignore this, just take Kerelia's advice. You're not supposed to be fighting civilians anyway, it's severely in breach of regulations. Though we're not officially apart of the Guard anymore, so I'm willing to give leeway."
"It was one warp of a punch though Watchmaster. You'd have been proud of your boy if you'd seen it," Jessmuck called from his place at the stern.
"I'm sure that would be the case Corporal," B-63 drawled out. He seemed a bit put off by the Catachan, or so Fenria had noticed, though he was to professional to let it show through much. It was really a wonder why Kerelia seemed to be so interested in the man. Jessmuck for his part just shot a feral grin right at the Watchmaster, going back to his friends as they started up some card game or another.
"Anyway," B-63 sighed rubbing his helmet out of old habit. "Just be ready for when we make landfall down-river. The storm-troopers have decided to keep watch themselves, so try and relax for the trip. Dauntless is sure there will be plenty of trouble once the Corporal actually starts the tracking." He turned from them walking off to the mid-deck, Kerelia on his heels starting to jabber on about something or other.
"Well, that could have gone worse," Jericus voice came from her right, looking over she noticed he had just finished redressing. Everything back in its place, he looked the part of a korpsman once more, the armor did add quite a bit of bulk to him.
"It certainly could have," she sighed back in agreement. "We should rest a little more, maybe dip into our rations, the ride isn't going to be too long. Better to be energized for the hiking."
They walked over to the starboard side of the boat, benches were set up there for passengers to lounge. Sitting down they went through their packs, each pulling out a single tube. The ubiquitous nutrient paste tasted like grox meat, various spices thrown in to improve flavor. Despite recent better living, and meals, the paste went down easily enough. Fenria even found herself becoming nostalgic, it reminded her of their training period on Surris, nothing but paste and bars for food.
Deciding to save their other provisions for later, these actually being full meals, it had been through unspoken agreement they ate the paste first.
"What did you get?" Jericus asked as he finished his own paste.
"Grox meat, I think, you," Fenria finished her own with one final slurp, she discarded the crumpled tube into her kit bag right after.
"Couldn't say, it was really salty though, whatever it was." He unfortunately didn't sound satisfied with his own meal.
"We always have the fresh provisions from the outpost to look forward to." She tried, hoping to bring a silver lining to light.
He 'hmm'ed,' quietly going into one of his introspective moods. She wasn't offended by it, rather sometimes the silence was a good thing. After all when you trusted someone so much what was there to really talk about? Hardly anything mundane like the weather. No, nothing ordinary, not anymore at least. She took his silence as an opportunity to sight see, it was still something, all that green around them.
Boat meandering down the river as it was, things were peaceful, sure there was the background noise of the retinue around them. Each little group talking about something or another, but the noise of the river flowing, and the wildlife in the jungle around them was still prevalent. Orange water shimmering as ripples made by the boats engines emanated outward. It was strangely hypnotizing as they rocked slowly along on their journey.
Fenria found herself starting to doze off, the rhythmic motions and waters working to make her eyes finally close. Drifting off she thought that maybe, just maybe, she did remember what Surris smelled like.
A/N: So happy new year to you all my fine readers. Sorry about the lateness, and the shortness, overall this chapter is somewhat meh, in my opinion. Another bar fight, some exposition, but it is moving things forward, and I hope to be including more soon. As always please let me know what you think, kindly review and such.
Shout-outs:
SgBriggs- Thank you for the kind words, hope things are still up to par, I fear I pass over trifling details much too easily at times.
JohnDoeSIGMA1- Thank you for the review, hope this chapter was enjoyable. I realize there's not much action, or progression, but I felt like taking a sort of breather for the moment.
Spyrechild- Glad to have you as a reader, anyone who would binge over a 100,000 words in about a week is someone I like. Glad to hear your input, as is I hope the story will be progressing in an interesting fashion. I've got the end in sight now, I just have to get this beast there. I hope it'll be worth it for you in the end, hope to hear from you again.
Imperial Servant- It was good to be back, now back again, hopefully back sooner. Sincerely sorry about that, but a heartfelt thank you for your review, and compliments on the quotes. I do try.
Lastly I thank all the new favorite/alerts, it really is appreciated and motivating. Until next time, hopefully soon...
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