TWENTY ONE

Fast as the wind, the Invasion has begun!

I will admit, the week was going rather nicely.

There were a surprising lack of missions*347, and I couldn't help but think of this as absolute bliss. I had Jurgen with me, and plenty of Tanna tea for all our desires…well, almost all of us. Amberley absolutely refuses to drink it and Felicia seems more interested in that "energy drink" all the juvies seem to flock too. I never cared for the stuff personally, tastes more akin to batteries for my taste. Maybe that's why Felicia likes the stuff so much. I digress, of course. It's much too bad for them, more for us. Nonetheless, it was an absolutely wonderful time. The only thing that ruined this moment was Black Canary demanding that Amberley and I attend her "psychological therapy" session. I do not care for it, but denying her sessions would only have her become insistent. I figured it would be better to rip the bandage off now*348. A shame Jurgen was not allowed to stay with me.

'How are you feeling?'Dinah asked, and despite her effort, I did notice her tensing her hands on the arm chair.

'I'm doing quite well.' I answered, taking a sip from the thermos Jurgen had thoughtfully supplied me.

'Really?' She was a tad bit skeptical, and given the circumstances, I suppose I could understand where she was coming from. After all, getting poisoned and then being in a psychic trance…well, I guess it would make one skeptical of one's sanity.

'I suppose not.' I finally said after a moment. To my surprise, she relaxed a bit. I wonder why. 'If you may allow me to elaborate?' She motioned for me to continue. If I can play up the reality of my situation just a bit more, I bet that it'll get me more points in my favour…and I can requisition more for myself!

'You must understand that being a Commissar, a political officer, is not one the average guardsman would look forward to.' I began, and with a lack of response, I continued on. 'I know I am unpopular, I would never be popular. I half expected my own troops would kill me–given the opportunity–never mind the reason.'

'And yet?' She presses on. 'You became a "Hero of the Imperium", at least according to the propaganda.'

'I would like to consider myself rather lucky more often than not.' I said, putting an air of levity to make it sound like a joke. Though, I feared I may have overplayed my hand since Dinah frowned. I backtracked. 'I apologize, where were we?'

'The poisoning and the resultant attempts to revive you and Amberley.' She said, accepting the ball on her side of the scrumball pitch. 'Now, how does it make you feel when you realize you were poisoned, let alone poisoned by one of us in the Justice League.'

'I am certain you get the idea.' I replied, hoping my tangent was enough. Fortunately, it was and she sighed.

'Yes, I do.' She answered, leaning back. 'I cannot imagine the utter stress on your life. Always looking over your shoulder and the lack of friends within your life. Let alone the utter acceptance of the fact that your "occupation" had forced you to see your own death by your own men as something so commonplace.'

'I did not lie when I said I was lucky.' I elaborated. 'I have Jurgen. He had been with me since my first deployment to the 12th Valhallan Artillery.' I couldn't help but smile fondly. 'He is the best aide and my most loyal companion that I could ever ask for.'

'From my understanding, during the Team's incursions into your mind-' She closed her eyes for a second. 'You seem to take "Jurgen's death" terribly.' Dinah leaned in. 'It must have really hurt you.. Have you ever lost anyone close to you?' It would be a lie if I were to deny it. I tried not to show it, but she caught on. 'I'm sorry if it hits particularly close to you. You do not have to answer.'

'I appreciate it.' I played up a sigh. 'I will reveal the loss of friends and some of my own students.' A vast exaggeration, but there are some that I do mourn throughout my fraudulent career, Donal being close to my mind.

'Does it bother you?' she pressed on. 'Being surrounded by death?'

'Not in-.' I started, before giving pause to my unthinking speech. 'Particular.' That was such an obvious lie. Many died for my worthless hide, never mind the fact I could rarely remember them at all. 'It does get easier. Or rather, more bearable after some time.'

'Let's change things up.' She leaned back and gave me a thin smile. 'About the psychic trance and the trauma and struggle before waking up.' I could see the unease in her eyes. 'How did that feel?"

'I'll admit, it's a first.' I sighed, leaning back. 'A nightmare really. Afterwards, nothing more than that.'

'Just a nightmare?' Dinah seemed rather incredulous.

'I rarely get nightmares.' I replied*349. 'So having one is perturbing.'

'I see.' I suspected she didn't, but the look in her eyes…she probably wants to ask another question. 'I imagine you do not have much time for sleep, let alone dreams.'

'Only during transit to the next warzone.' I admitted, waving her off. She hummed.

'Well, how about we try something different.' Oh, and that would be? 'Do you remember when you were younger?'

'Somewhat.' I blinked, not anticipating such a question. 'I fail to see how-' She pressed on.

'Tell me about it, Your home.'

'What's there to say?' I wondered, unable to hide my incredulous tone. 'I was born in a hive city. Crowded, breathing little more than recycled air, and having to navigate through the dark tunnels and sewer pipes.'

'You were a street kid?' She blinked. 'What about your parents?'

'Probably drafted as part of the Imperial tithe.' I shrugged off. 'Both died. From my understanding they were killed and eaten by the Kroots.' Whoops, probably too much information. Judging from Dinah's expression–wide eyed and mouth slackjawed–I probably played my hand for self-pity a tad too much. 'Which, afterwards, you remember that I was then inducted into the Schola Progenium.'

'Did that affect your views when you were forced into school?' She asked.

'Not in particular.' I answered, getting another shocked expression. 'I didn't know until later, and by the time I learnt what happened, well, I suppose it didn't matter in the end.' She sighed, leaning back.

'I see you already have a handle on your emotions. And this conversation did confirm a few things about you.' Wait, what?!

'I-I'm sorry?' Please be good, please be good, please be good.

'You are a good man, Ciaphas.' I can't help but feel flattered by her erroneous statement–considering I've been trying to portray myself as I did in the Imperium– and glad my image is holding. 'Possibly even the best if you let yourself see it.'

'I'm only a humble Commissar.' Strangely, she snorted as if I told a private joke. No matter, it isn't-and then I heard the base alert ring out. 'Wh-What's going on?! A drill? I haven't been informed of this! Why I oughta-'

'Ciaphas.' She snapped, and broke me out of my bout of insanity. I hope she doesn't change her report. Black Canary changed her tone to something more professional. 'It's alright. It's a mission. A big one.'

Oh bollocks.

We were brought to the briefing room. Black Canary had left my side and took centre stage–as it were–and was flanked by Aquaman and Green Arrow. I spared a glance to the Team. They seemed bewildered. I turned to Amberley, but you didn't need to be a psyker to see that she didn't know what was going on either. Strange, seeing an Inquisitor who doesn't know. Then again, I suppose I shouldn't be so quick to judge. Usually, it is Batman that

'Hello Team.' She began, hands at her hip. 'I know it is strange to see Batman not giving you the briefing, however, due to some unforeseen consequences, he has taken a leave of absence until he is ready to rejoin the League.' She held up a hand, directing it at Robin. 'Later.' He stood down. 'Now, let us get on with the briefing.'

Aquaman had opened up the holopic, and it showed a pop-up view of some random 'nations' called Qurac and Bialya. And then there was a recording being played by a civilian screaming into a microphone. She looked like she was up against sandbags, soldiers in black-and-tan rushing to and fro and dragging wounded and heavy weapons.

'It's war down here!' She screamed, absolutely panicked. 'This is the largest battle we had ever seen since World War II!' An explosion rocked the ground, followed by the screams of soldiers; earth fell on her head, the reporter quickly brushing it off her hair. 'According to our colleagues from Channel 7 News, Bialyan General Abi Al-Asad, assures us that "the Bialyan Republican Army can handle any threat made against it" and that "it is only a matter of time before Operation Victory to achieve its mission objectives." As I stand here now, in the Command Trench of the Bialyan lines, the enemy is quite literally right on top of us. The military operation only opened up five hours ago and we are getting pushed back. General Abi Al-Asad assures us that they will beat back the enemy and that we have nothing to fear but–JOHN LOOK OUT!'

She screamed, the cameraman unmoving. Must be in shock, that tends to happen more often than not. Still, that man must have been extraordinarily lucky! The sound of heavy stubber fire, followed by the inhuman scream told me reinforcements were there. 'Th-Thank you.' The reporter said, and the camera is viewing a clean-shaven man wearing a beret.

'You must get out of here.' He shouted, rushing out and the news team following close behind. 'Quickly, while there is still time!'

'Wh-What's going on?!' She shouted over the sound of mortars.

'The lines have collapsed!' He replied. I'll admit, something within me welled up in indignation. You cannot, must not, tell the civilians information like that. They'd be up in a panic and revolt! Then I regained my senses when I felt Amberley shake my shoulder. I patted her hand and continued watching. 'You must leave now.'

'What happened to Operation Victory?' She said, rather stupidly. Honestly, I don't know what was going through the General's mind when he came up with such a stupid name such as "Operation Victory". Seriously?! Are they that arrogant enough to believe they can win in one operation?

'Operation Victory my ass!' He sneered, in quite understandable anger. 'It's a bloody meatgrinder! One that we are losing! Now go! Tell the world what is happening! We need help!' The cameraman is on the back of the truck, and zoomed in on another truck coming in. One that held, what obviously is, a mutant. Followed by two others. Another is probably a psyker, followed by a white-skinned mutant…at least, I think it's a mutant. It could be a xenos.

'Good afternoon Lieutenant.' It said, smiling. 'I am Simon. We are your reinforcements.' If I were in the Lieutenant's position, I would have said frak it and screw Simon*350. What a lunatic!

'Oh joy.' He deadpanned, assisting the reporter onto the truck. 'And what are you going to do?'

'I am going to destroy the minds of these beasts with my psychic abilities.' It said, and the Lieutenant got onto the truck himself.

'Uh huh.' He said, noncommittal. "Good luck.'

'Just watch me.' And then Simon just stared at him. The Lieutenant checked his watch–which looks rather spivvy–and looked back at Simon.

'Well…I'm waiting.' The Lieutenant said, looking at the driver and giving a thumbs up. Suddenly, Simon was going absolutely bonkers mental! He was screaming, shaking, convulsing, and then drooling out of his mouth. 'Well, that's a waste of time.' Fortunately, the truck was driving off and away from the frontlines. I didn't think much of it, and I wasn't really sure how this concerns us.

'John! Are you seeing this?!' The reporter shouted, pointing at the sky. The camera shifted up, and I saw it. I blinked, rubbed my eyes, and looked again. It couldn't be. The swept wings, the trail of black smoke, the red warpaint swooping through the skies as it RAMMED into what must be the Bialyan's aeronautica aircraft. Then I saw something on the screen.

'Get down you idiots.' I hissed, ignoring the looks my way. I wished I was wrong, but the coin had long since dropped. 'It's a frakking strafing run.'

'Get down!' The Lieutenant shouted, forcing the reporter's head down. 'Hold on!' The sounds of the thumping blasts of fire from the jet was all I needed to feel dread. It only got worse when I heard the pilot of that craft shout something oh-so-familiar.

'WAAAGH!' And I paled considerably, I could see it through the reflection from the view screen. I refused to believe it, but a massive, bulked up figure of green muscle and sinew dashed all such denials. Impossible. Absolutely impossible! I wanted to ache, to whine, to moan, to tremble at the sight before me. This could not be happening. It can't! I refuse to accept it, yet there it was. To make matters worse, I had to stifle a quiver lest Amberley thinks less of me*351! It wasn't until Kaldur rested a hand on my shoulder did I realize that I had been shaking a tad. Just a tad*352. Fortunately for me, Jurgen was with me to spit out what I should have said.

'Frakking Greenskins.' He spat on the floor of Mount Justice. I noticed the visible recoil from Megan, which I thought she would get over by now. Strange. 'Here? On Terran soil?! Heresy!'

'Steady now, Jurgen.' I ordered, putting on a levelled tone to my voice. 'Steady.' I looked to Black Canary, then to Green Arrow, then to Aquaman, and then back to the holo-video. I must admit, I was only half listening to their briefing, more focused on what the bloody Orks. They have enough scrap so their flyboyz have free reign there. And how long ago was this? It must have been at least a few weeks if the military was insane enough to throw men and material at the problem.

'-And while information had been sparse, the Bialyan military had admitted that the recent alien incursion occurred around September 27th after first contact failed.' Aquaman relayed, which I thought entirely possible. The idiots must have wanted an overwhelming victory and sent everything at the greenskins. Obviously, they failed. But how? 'And due to the surprising assault by the aliens, and the subsequent invasion of Qurac, the UN is intervening. The UN Security Council voted unanimously to send a multinational "security force" to restore order and fight back against the invaders. The Justice League has volunteered to help evacuate civilians and fighting back the aliens. We are hoping to begin nego-'

'A useless gesture.' Someone said, and I couldn't help but feel sorry for the poor sod. Then I remembered how only three people in this briefing facility knows the full potential of the Orks…and everyone is looking at me. Frak. I quickly coughed into my mouth. 'If I may?' A nod from Aquaman.

'Forgive my brusqueness, but negotiations are not an option with the greenskins.' I began, ignoring yet another tremble from Megan. 'The Orks…' I paused for dramatic effect, hoping the propaganda number would get them to see reason. 'Are a savage race. They are a cruel race; warlike, crude, and a highly aggressive greenskin society is a primitive and brutal society so deeply rooted in war that peace is incomprehensible to them.' A glare from the Team and the Justice League leadership. 'But to underestimate them in any way, is a one way ticket to death.'

'A threat from your world?' Artemis asked, and I nodded.

'If I can make a recommendation?' I looked to Black Canary, and she nodded.

'I dare not presume to order the League, however, I must advise that you lift the restrictions and prohibition of killing of the Orks.' Before the Team could yell at me, Green Arrow raised a hand, quieting them. 'There can be no negotiations with the Orks. Victory or death is the only way to survive.'

'We have to give it a try.' He began. 'Listen, I get it. Those "Orks" you called them? Well, we have to at least make an effort for peace. It's what's expected of us, and the human thing to do.' Before I could protest, a thought struck me too. Of course! I had forgotten the Justice League was beholden to the governing body of the world. Of bloody course! They are effectively trapped in this terrible situation and have to go through with the plan. They know what is the right thing to do! Damnable bureaucrats, they always screw over everything*353! I should have been more considerate of their position!

'I see.' I sighed, tipping the brim of my hat forward. 'Then I must request that we are to be armed with the weapons we had when we first arrived to this world.' I smiled, hoping this would work. 'For "self-defence purposes", of course.' The trio looked at one another, debating with one another. Damn it, I need this to work. I can't go out without proper weapons! 'Now, I am certain you are also going to try to avoid sending the Team into direct battle, and civilians must be evacuated before they become slaves.' Or worse, but I left that to be implied. 'Besides, it would give us some peace-and-comfort, especially in the face of a…familiar enemy.' The three took a step backwards to converse. I hope they're convinced.

'Ciaphas, a word?' Kaldur asked. I saw no need to disagree, so I stepped aside with him, Wally, and Robin at his flanks.

'Yes?' I have a bad feeling about this.

'We are concerned about the vitriol coming from Amberley, Jurgen, Felicia…' Oh no, please don't tell me. 'And you.' Frak, I unintendedly ruined whatever reputation I had as a balanced professional before the entire Team, and thus, the League. I knew I should have toned down the propaganda number a tad, but damn it! How else was I supposed to describe the Orks*354?! Besides, what I said is all facts. Maybe I should have toned down the speech but…damn it, how am I going to salvage this?! 'Can you please explain why you feel the need to say such words?' Thank you Kaldur for giving me this opportunity to fib! I knew I liked this abhuman. I should get him something. Now, if I play my cards right…

'If I may elaborate?' And with Kaldur's permission, I gave them a practiced sigh. 'What I have said is fact. There is no propaganda inputted in my statement.' And there was no groxshit this time.

'Seriously?' Robin, the git that he was, was skeptical. Though, given the general insanity of this world, I shouldn't be so surprised. After all, they believe the xenos are friends and wouldn't turn their backs on us humans. 'Have you even talked with one, or is that what your school taught you?'

'In fact, I had interacted with one such Ork.' I remarked, remembering the time where I met a feral Ork on Frumentamunda*355. Robin seemed to be rather shocked by my admission. 'Suffice-to-say, never again.'

'What happened?' Wally asked, though it was rather obvious what he actually wanted to know. "It can't be that bad." I shook my head, and let him do what he makes of it.

'That bad?' Artemis remarked, leaning an elbow on Wally's shoulder, the latter throwing her off and the former rolling her eyes.

'You only saw the slavery portion of the Ork's capabilities.' I said, referring to that horrid holoshow*356. 'You have not seen their full destructive capabilities.'

'I just find it hard to believe. An entire race dedicated to war? It's self-destructive!' Megan said, approaching me from my right flank. 'And if you don't mind, can you stop saying "greenskin" please?' I gave her a once over, then saw her switch her skin colour to her normal shade. Yes, I could see the confusion if something were to happen. I could just picture it. "Jurgen, greenskin, five-rounds rapid" and then he proceeds to shoot Megan. It'd be disastrous! I'd have her uncle coming for my head, nevermind what he could do within.

'I'd see about limiting my use of such language.' I turned to Jurgen. 'Jurgen?'

'As the Emperor wills.' He drawled, serving a cup. 'If I can speak freely to them, sir?'

'Permission granted, Jurgen.' I replied after a long moment.

'You don't know what those frakking Orks did to my ancestors.' He growled, and catching me completely by surprise*357. 'Those bastards came to invade my homeworld when we were starving. They crash landed and ran rampant to steal whatever food we had left. The Orks pushed us back to the food vats, murdered millions of us before we could counterattack with our secret weapons. You don't know what they are capable of.' I remembered that report during the Commissar's Guide on Valhallan regiments. It's the reason why the Imperial Guard likes to use Valhallans against the greenskins.

'Well said Jurgen.' I said, tapping his shoulder and taking the forefront. I took the Team aside, giving a glance at Amberley. She handled Jurgen. 'What Jurgen is referring to is the "War of Survival". It was a brutal war, hundreds of millions lost. Please, be patient with him. Now, I know it is hard to believe but-' Before Kaldur cut me off.

'I understand.' He said, and I nodded. He's always so reliable. 'We understand.'

'I'm glad you do.' I said, sparing the Justice League leadership a glance, having broken from their deliberations. 'It would be a comfort to have our weapons on us.'

'Your request has been granted.'

It was good to have our weapons again. I tested a few practice swings from my chainsword, satisfied that everything was in working order. The League certainly took care of our weapons. Even my laspistol was up to snuff. Though, it could be some slight of hand trick from Felicia, seeing she did open it up but that hardly matters. Jurgen seemed to be satisfied with his melta on hand. It'd make burning the Orks that much easier. As for Amberley, she was hiding her weapons under the hooded cloak she likes to wear on stealth missions. Though, that did not stop me from spotting armour under her person*358, nevermind the dual autopistols on her hip*359. What else she was hiding, I wasn't keen on finding out. As for Felicia…well…I had no idea where she hid that Sulphurhound but she has one and is riding it. Strange, I thought it be taller*360. I fixed my red sash, and motioned for Amberley to take the lead.

'Oh no, I do insist.' She said, gesturing for me to leave the change room. 'Go on, Commissar.' Damn, I've no choice.

'As you wish, Inquisitor.' And I stepped out of the change room, to the shock and surprise of the Team and Justice League. I do admit, it was wonderful to have my clothes cleanly pressed, and the familiar weight of my weapons at my side.

'Damn dude.' Wally zipped, and I tried to extend a hand…until he passed me and was more content "gushing" over Felicia and her Sulphurhound. Robin laughed, and walked by me too. Connor had the decency to look apologetic and walked by, alongside the greenskin. Almost the entire Team was complimenting Felicia. So this was what it felt like from the other side.

'Do not worry, my mate.' Oh frak no! Get me out of here! 'I still wish to exchange the hands with you.' Why?! 'Let us do the quickie and we-' A few coughs came from behind, saving me from the orangeskin.

'What I think Starfire means is that you look great.' Thank you Kaldur!

'No, I do not.' I opted to ignore the orangeskin.

'I appreciate it.' I replied easily. 'Though, I must ask if it was okay to delay the deployment.'

'It's no problem.' Dinah said from behind me. Damnation, when did she get behind me? 'Besides, we were just trying to re-organize your duties. The Justice League had been handling the refugee crisis so far, as well as providing support for the UN Peacekeepers in the area.' Oh, then that means…and then the coin dropped.

'You want us to attack the xenos, don't you?' I muttered, eyes wide. 'Surely-'

'No, no.' She said, making me relax. 'Nothing like that. The Team is not killing anything or anyone.' That doesn't exactly make me feel better. 'We were thinking more along the lines of sabotage. The war machines these "Orks" have are really effective. Casualties are mounting. So, if you were to take out as many machines as possible-'

'Then, it'll give you some time.' I finished her train of thought. Strategically, it was a good idea. The Orks thrive on scrap. We ruin their scrap pile, then it'll buy us some time. Better if we kill their Meks though, but the Team is not ready for that. 'But, about those explosives.'

'Batman is cooking something up for you and the Team.' Black Canary said. 'Locate any depots, destroy their war machines, and get out. If you find any refugees, rescue them.' Ah, that could make things difficult. I do not want to have a repeat of the "March of the Liberator" again. 'Any questions?'

'Suppose we are to find slaves?' I began, fearing the inevitable. 'I highly doubt the Martian's bioship would be able to accommodate all of them.'

'Oh, that's not a problem.' The Greenskin Martian chimed, and forced me to blink. 'My Bioship can expand to accommodate anybody.' Oh, by the God Emperor.

'What of supplies?' I tried. 'Medicines? Food?'

'Yup~' She cheered, and I had to suppress a groan. The damn thing can grow! 'All there.'

'That's-' I tried to sound cheerful. 'Wonderful.' It really wasn't.' Black Canary patted my shoulder, amused.

'Better get going.' She smiled. 'I'll see you and the Team in Qurac.'

We arrived at Qurac, a nation in what the locals call, "The Middle East". Nothing middle about it, but I digress. The Bioship was allowed to land at a Quraci airstrip, and we were led towards a United Nations Mobile Headquarters. Inside, Captain Atom, Wonder Woman, and Black Canary were there waiting for us; while the UN military leadership was inside debating with the local Quraci military leadership. I took a glance at the battlefield map, and frowned. The Orks had quite an extensive area under their control. I looked at another map, and I felt my heart drop. They didn't…did they?

'The Greenskins have fuel.' I muttered, sparing Amberley a glance.

'I agree.' She whispered. 'Not good.' I removed myself from the map, just noticing Captain Atom staring at us.

'Captain.' I greeted, saluting more out of habit than any actual respect. 'We have a concerning situation before us.'

'The enemy has oil.' He grunted, arms crossed. 'We know. We can't bomb it because we have no air supremacy, and we lost contact with our commando team.' All quite terrible, but–then the coin dropped. Surely, they wouldn't–

'-And that is where the Team comes in.' Aquaman said, unfolding the map and pointing at three circled areas on the map. 'You are to sabotage the oil pump and refineries and cut off access to oil. Do that, and the war machines would be crippled.' Oh frak, they are.

'Be careful Team.' And she really meant it. 'Like the Commissar said, the Orks are brutal. Get in, get out, stay safe. If you are in trouble, then call the Commissar.' NO! 'He, Gunner, Magos, and the Inquisitor have experience.'

'We won't let that happen.' Robin stated, arms crossed.

'I hope not too.' I agreed, not interested in facing off a horde of greenskins. 'However, it is only a contingency.'

'Something we won't need.' He pressed firmly. I opted to ignore him. Must be a touchy subject for him*361. I said nothing for the time being until we were dismissed. I quietly spoke with the Justice League leadership.

'I must really protest.' I said, trying not to sound so urgent lest they think me desperate. 'Surely the Justice League can handle this delicate mission?'

'Normally, we would.' Aquaman admitted, shaking his head. 'However, the fact of the matter is, we have our hands full with the Orks.' We can't be this desperate, can we?

'It pains me to say this, but we are out of options.' Dinah sighed. 'We have a secret mission for you and your team Ciaphas.' She leaned in close. 'Protect the Team by any means necessary.'

'I am only one man.' I pointed out. 'And we can't be everywhere at once.'

'We aren't looking for miracles here.' Captain Atom jumped in. 'Just do your best to get everyone back home. They're only kids.'

'I trust Kaldur and Starfire to do the necessary.' Aquaman added. 'You can lean on them, but like Captain Atom said…do your best.' Thanks a lot. I turned to Black Canary, who gave me a piteous nod.

I suppose that if there is one thing pleasant about this bioship is its ability to turn invisible. I highly doubt the Orks have anything capable of seeing through this perfect disguise*362. The ride was smooth for the most part, sans Jurgen's bouts of air sickness of course. Beyond that, I did little more than thumb my palm and stare at the desert. It reminds me of home really*363.

'You okay Ciaphas?'

'Fair.' I replied, answering Felicia. 'Just–'

'Melancholic about Perlia?' She said, giggling a bit. 'I know, iIt reminds me of home.' Now who's looking melancholic? 'I still remembered all those years ago when you first came to my world.'

'I do too.' I stated, and it didn't quite feel like a lie, despite forgetting the names of those during my trek to find civilization. 'Always worrying about food, fuel–'

'Settling disputes amongst those you liberated.' She added. 'Recruiting scattered PDF units around the planet; fighting that Ork Warboss by yourself.' She giggled again. 'Good times.' I fail to see why she thought any of that bowl-clenching situation good.

'At least this mission is straightforward.' I remarked, leaning back on the chair.

'Oh, I'm sure it is.' Why'd she say it like that? I'm not that unlucky*364!

'Alright, we're approaching the first drop zone.' M'gann said. 'Kaldur, Robin, KF, and Inquisitor. You're up.' The three stood up and a hole opened up between them. 'Good luck.' Robin rappelled down first, followed by Kid Flash. Amberley gave me a nod, before rappelling down. Kaldur smiled at me.

'Good luck my friend.' He said, quickly rappelling down. I only barely caught myself saying "you too" before he left.

'Right, Drop Zone A is good. Heading to B.' It only took a few moments before Drop Zone B was in sight. This time, it was Starfire and Connor who were going in. Must be a small facility they were dealing with*365. I suppressed a shiver when Starfire blew a kiss, before floating down. Connor gave me a simple two-fingered salute before gripping the rappel down. Now here comes what I dreaded. 'Alright, Drop Zone C. Good luck Commissar.'

'Just make sure you and the Bioship are ready to provide air support.' I stated. 'Failing that, a quick extraction.' I stood up, along with Jurgen and Felicia. Here we go. The bioship arrived at our drop zone and I quickly rappelled down. Jurgen was by my side, as usual. Felicia, mounted on her Sulphurhound, was on my other side. 'Alright, let's see exactly what we're dealing with.' We were located on the top of a hill that was overlooking the promethium fuel facility*366. As expected, it was teaming with Orks, and they have plenty of Trukks getting refuelled. They expect the three of us to somehow sneak in and sabotage the refinery? Fat bloody chance!

'Commissar, look!' Jurgen said, pointing with his finger. I cursed when I realized what he was pointing at. Slaves. Of frakking course this happened. 'What should we do?'

'I'm not sure.' I said, trying to buy some time. 'I suppose we could just go for the slaves and liberate them.' At the very least, they'd make as much noise as possible and allow us to sabotage the refinery. Then I heard Felicia laughing. 'What?'

'Like what you did back in Prosperity Wells?' Oh frak, of course she'd think of that first.

'We could give it a go.' Jurgen remarked, much to my shock. 'I even see a few trukks too.'

'Last time, we had Alaric Tayber and his remnants.' I pointed out. 'It's just the three of us right now.' I huffed, remembering what the Justice League requested. 'At the very least, we have to blow up the refinery first. That should give us enough of a distraction to get at the slaves.' I groaned. 'But even then, we have to sneak in and place the bombs.'

'What's that?'

'What's what?' I wondered, following Felicia's finger and my mouth gaped. No, it can't be. 'Felicia, you wouldn't happened to have-'

'Already got it.' She cheered. 'Want to speak with them?' I took the vox-comm, let out a quiet breath, and took it.

'Afternoon Task Force X.' I said, trying to sound as cheerful as possible. 'Lawton, is that you?'

'Well shit. Great to hear from you again Cain.'

—FOOTNOTES—

347. For us, at least. The Team had a few missions without us. Nothing major.

348. That's not quite how I remembered. You denied her for four days before you decided to accept her session.

349. That's a lie.

350. Spelt Psimon. I don't know why.

351. Of which, I note, do not.

352. It was actually quite visible. In fact, I daresay that Dinah believed you to be furious.

353. Ironic, considering the fact you benefit from bureaucracy too when you have Jurgen run interference.

355. I thought it was rather succinct and informative. A priest would have flourished it with more flowery language.

356. See The Only Good Ork for more details.

357. Let's see here. 4.5/5 Terran Stars; 18 nominations with 3 awards for best period drama; helped boost the careers of those many actors and actresses to new heights. I'd argue it rather successful, Ciaphas Cain.

358. The saviour pod that Ciaphas picked out for us was rather spacious for its purpose. Obviously, the Captain had modified it for comfort as well as armed it heavily. I presume the Captain expected to be shot down in orbit, so wanted to have some extra…requisitioned pieces of armour and arms as a precaution. Thus, I had made use of the extra carapace armour.

359. What can I say, it fits me. I also had in my possession a few frag grenades.

360. Ciaphas was correct. It isn't so much a Sulphurhound, more like a Sulphurpup. Felicia discovered a salvage yard in Chicago when she explored the Zeta-tubes. Suffice to say, she got creative.

361. What was your first clue?

362. Not necessarily. They have something called a "Git-finda" which, as the name suggests, sniffs out for enemy "gits" to "stomp flat."

363. Not his actual home, but Perlia, which he considers it his home.

364. Doubt it.

365. We were actually leaning on Connor's invulnerability to handle anything the greenskins threw at him. And the orangeskin is just like the Orks that we figured they'd be alright on their own.

366. Or simply, a oil refinery

OMAKE

Out in the deserts of Bialya, it was clear skies and fully in Bialyan control. At least, that is what Queen Bee's propaganda propagates amongst the populace. Little would they know of the Ork named Skar Krumpa, as said Ork wearing a slouch hat leaned up against the sand hill and watched the roads with his "Git finda" on hand. It didn't take long, since his git finda was set for Humie, and he was seeing a large convoy made of Bialyan tanks and supply vehicles driving along the main road. Skar grinned as the convoy was getting within "supa sneaky krumpy" range. He turned to look down the sand hill where his "speshullie modified" trukks were waiting for him.

Sitting in the driver's seat of his trukk was Mark Da Gittish-wun, blowing a squig-ball balloon before it popped in his mouth; Jakka Mordakka carefully slapped some goggles into his face and over his eyes…successfully. Jakka tipped his Dakkagun down for his mate, Jawwhakka Teefrekka, to pull the barrel shroud off. Jawwhakka then slapped goggles onto his own face, followed with punching a helmet on his noggin. Mark Da Gittish-wun quickly removed the barrel shroud off Skar's dakkagun, popping hit kepi cap on top of his head.

Skar turned back to the humie convoy. Satisfied they were well-within range, he opens his hands and rushes for the Trukks. Jawwhakka and Jakka were off first, Jawwhakka putting the pedal to the metal and zipping off. Mark starts off slower just to collect Skar, but they too sped up and caught up with Jawwhakka. Together, the Trukks leapt through the sand dunes and bounced on the sandy floor of the desert, racing straight towards the Bialyan convoy. Only then, did they roar out, 'WWWWAAAAAAGGGGHHHHHHHH! DAKKA DAKKA DAKKA!'

The Trukks ran parallel to the vulnerable Bialyan trucks, and they peppered them with their dakkaguns, blasting, tearing, and blowing up those human trucks. The tanks and APCs broke from the convoy to try to get a bearing on the Kommando raiders, but they were far too slow. Skar guffawed, throwing stikk bombs on top of the APC rooftop, and killing the occupants inside. Meanwhile, Jakka's dakkagun blasted the tank's treads and wheels, leaving it vulnerable to his surprise, super speshul weapon…a floodlight. After all, as logik dictates: "If da humies have these small laser lights to be more akkurate, than a bigga light means I'z be supa akkurate!" and thus, Jakka turned it on, flooding the entire tank with light large enough for him to open up with tankbusta rokkits!

Just as quickly as the Ork Kommandos destroyed the convoy, they drove back into the desert awaiting the next stoopid humies. After all, they are, THE GIT PATROL!