How things change, the war is over, a long time ago yet none could forget nor forgive. Everyone lost something, the pain a lingering ghost to the people of Terra. I could see the cities, how much that has been rebuilt, pieces of the original forever lost into naught but memory. For a time, it was good, the end of the unification wars had established Britannia as the sole sovereign of Earth as it was known. Diseases were slowly eradicated, new cures being made available to ll the people of Terra. Crime was down, life expectancy rose and the people prospered.
Centuries of Bloodshed had finally come to an end, borders were erased, people united. A new beginning, a new era. Old conflicts waned; new bonds forged. Diseases slowly extinguished; regions that were once filled with strive were now prosperous. Africa, the old battleground between Europa United and the Empire of Britannia, were one of the many who were transformed, the cradle of humanity prospered.
New Mombasa a testament to the new regime, the shining jewel of Africa and it all burned. The war may end yet the scar remains. Suffering it may have been, the only path available was forward and as the old died, the new was born. Britannia as a polity is dead, now in its ashes remains the Imperium, a nation wronged, of butchered people, the time will come when vengeance is attained, and the dead avenged.
For those who came by the sword shall perish and a new enemy, foolish in their assumptions will die. The first of many in the Imperium's war to come. It began with special anomaly, one that is unnoticed by the Imperium. Blood shall be shed, and war never changes. For all their atrocities, the xenos have given us a world without borders and cemented our Imperium. Humanities greatest strength was unity. A house divided cannot stand alone.
Now we are united and pity to any who stand in our way.
-Excerpt of Major Vaseline Komarov, Commander of the 3rd Battalion of the 27th Ursa Brigade
Moscow Command Centre, European Administration Zone
The compound thundered, alarms blazing, soldiers rushing towards stations. The nature of the special distortion is strange, not in the likes of the great enemy yet still a distortion. Analysis of the phenomenon could conclude that the distortion could be akin to a gateway and that could only mean one thing, an invasion.
What abominations that'll come forth is something that I could care less, a hostile enemy is still an enemy, whatever that comes out even if it was some eldritch horror or a physical yet grotesque species, if they're hostile just shoot. If only things were that simple, I certainly hope so.
Flashing my ident card. Major Vaseline Komarov of the 27th Ursa Brigade. The many to have survived in the war. Rushing past a mass of humanity, I came to my command position. Consoles blinking, real time information displayed. The anomaly began to form, in the shape of a gate of all things.
I blinked, rechecking the image. It remained unchanged. Fast response units were already in site. New 10th gen frames, behemoths compared to their ancestors. Accompanied by armored siege tanks supported by mechanised infantry encased in new exo-power armour. Shifting left, I implored "Give me a sit-rep on the ground, are containment procedures enacted?"
The man paused, I can see the hesitation, I gestured him to answer "Stable, ground forces are in defensive positions, anomaly is shifting, SRAs and aether disruptors have been deployed around the site, civilians on site have been evacuated, those nearby will take time" He paused again, eyes widening "Sir, anomaly has taken the form of a gate, it's stabile for now, will require on site investigation for further information on nature of the 'gate'." He reported, eyes shifting between the console and me.
"Good, continue observations on this 'gate', designate special anomaly as 'gate' until its nature is known." He was right this anomaly was a literal gate. Crafted in a time where men clashed with bronze, specifically that of ancient Rome. It took the form of an old construct from a time gone by, yet it was anything but old.
It stood a shining beacon, light glistened as it is reflected. He couldn't see the exact details, looking from afar in the eyes of observational drone construct. It is beautiful, an artist would surely appreciate it. He remained cautious as were the others in the command room.
Eyes unblinking, concentration given fully. Looking upon the entire room, no one was slacking off. Commands were relayed, information tossed back and forth, directives given, and unnecessary chatter cut, there can be no mistake. The consequences of failure too high. Never again, would they let the enemy cut deep, too many lives were at stake.
Moscow, located in the newly formed European Administrative Zone. One of the first to be rebuilt, its factories supplying Europe and the nearby zones such as Eurasia with much needed supplies, be it in reconstruction material or armaments for the next war. For that it was designated as the capital of the EAZ. A nexus of industry and logistics, its railways refined and upgraded to post war standards, allowing the transportation of hundreds of thousands of tons in resources across the continent.
Much of the railways were deep underground, alongside the cradles that lie beneath each city. A safety precaution in case of surface bombardment. He counted on the network to bring reinforcements into the city or in the event the worst as come to pass, evacuate the civilians to designated evacuation sites.
Besides being a major manufacturing site, military presence in the region was just as high. The Imperium cannot have the industrial heartland of West Russia to be easily decapitated. He could see the forces arrayed under his command, many were manned and many others autonomous in nature. The previous war's cost Terra dearly on its population, automation therefore is the preferred solution. Menial roles were quickly filled with robots and other specialist occupation were not replaced, merely enhanced in terms of efficiency.
Automation is an issue that many found concerning, loss of jobs, possibility of being replaced sparked numerous fears and concerns, the possibility of losing one's livelihood a too dangerous, a familiar concept.
'As if there were any to replace' He thought bitterly.
He shook his head, now was not the time for past resentments and melancholy. The present demanded his attention.
His hand shifted the console, the hologram changed, it showed Terran forces arrayed in circular containment layer, facing the gate were machines of Legion, robotic infantry fortifying the lines supported by Antler spiders, armed with dual 50mm autocannons on the left and right of its body which stood on 4 legs, atop lay a MLMS, launching guided short-range missiles for both ground and aerial targets.
Behind them were manned units, consisting of forces from the 209th, 27th, 51st and 167th Brigades with 10th generation Knightmares that were almost as tall as the gate.
The Knightmares were the reserves, the machines placed upfront to reduce human casualties and to flood the gate with as much lead as possible. The enemy only had a single route, if enough firepower were to be concentrated, and aimed directly into the gate. Then any advancing force would be turned to red paste.
He hoped that it would be enough.
Presently he had a few dozen squadrons of Vincent Asellus and a few companies worth of Antlers, alongside 8247 infantry robots and human included. Artillery wise he had 208 Hammer Siege Tanks, placed further back on the lines, to shell the area surrounding the gate guided by recon drone swarms for maximum precision.
It was the fastest force that he and his compatriots had managed to gather since the warning OSI had sent in advance. It would have to do. Everything was in place, his subordinates were ready, eyes focused anticipating the enemy that had yet to come. He trusted them, they knew the job, known the stakes even if some were new, they all know of the consequences of failure.
"Sir! Something's coming out of the gate" yelled one of the officers in the command room. He turned his gaze and saw Lieutenant Spartak, a good soldier if new, the trials ahead will surely test him, and all of us together.
"So it begins, prepare for immediate contact, open fire upon the slightest hint of hostility."
Hill of Rubicon, Province of Italica
Centurion Seneca Vinicius anticipated this day, the gate would finally open and soon the lands that would dwell on it. A glorious achievement for the Empire, he could see the lands conquered, slaves collected, and plunder gathered. It would be bloody but there was no force that could resist the Saderan Empire, even if he doubted it.
The preparations for this campaign are immense, 5 Legions and it's accompanying auxiliaries both human and demi-human alike. The supplies required for such a campaign are astronomical, entire months were spent collecting supplies, organizing forces, preparing distribution and so on and forth.
He looked upon the camp, soldiers laughing and cheering, waiting for their chance at glory. The men drank, cooked, and bonded as soldiers should. Others were training refining their skills for the upcoming campaign. Meanwhile supply officers continued their meticulous work, counting each blade, sack of grain and whatever an army needed to fight.
The supply caravans already stretched for leagues. Oxen's and horses pulling hundreds of wagons, guided by the meticulous Legionnaires. They were not alone, detachments of the Legions calvary escorted them. Whilst the land that the gate was close to the heartland of the empire.
It's distance to the frontiers are not that far either. The closest city that exists is the city of Italica, currently acting as the Legions nearest supply point and hub of logistics. Its ruler Count Formal is attending this expeditionary force alongside many other of the nobility.
Italica's importance cannot be overstated, its trade routes are what connect the frontiers of the empire to the imperial heartland. The imperial garrison acted as a stabilizing force, deterring banditry, and eliminating any nests of monsters that prey on villagers.
"Attention, soldiers of the empire, today the gods have blessed us. Upon this gate lays a new land, lands ripe for conquest! Plunder, slaves, and treasures beyond imagination await you. These lands will be filled by barbarians! But they stand no chance against our Glorious Empire. Your Emperor demands you of this, go forth and conquer, bring glory to our people, Hail Sadera! Ave Imperator!"
"Hail Sadera, Ave Imperator!" the legionnaires yelled as they cheered on the words of Legatus Augustus Flavius. The general of 12th Legion, a man of broad shoulders, imposing upon the normal rank and fire. His face was lined with scars, a veteran of previous wars. A good leader but arrogant.
He remained cautious, rumors of his aggressive and direct attitude to his method of command were the gossip of soldiers. Whilst many would find it encouraging, to the point of boasting and open support. He could not like that, a gut feeling that's tingling. His skin crawled, if anything he could trust were his gut instincts and something told him it was wrong.
A brief shine of light interrupted his thoughts, he straightened, the gate has opened. Men gathered in ranks, the legate pushing forward. Demi human auxiliaries behind him.
"March onward!" the legate yelled, legionnaires cheered, the beasts unleashing howls of war in their own language.
He guided his century forward, archers marching in concert, ready to hail volleys of arrows as the beasts mutilated whatever opposition that came before them. The trolls and beast man acted as shock troops; their savagery perfect for their role in mauling the enemies first line of defense whilst the legions followed.
He could not help but wonder about the other gate, the legions stationed here were meant to push through the gate of Rubicon. Whilst the other gate located on the holy hill of Alnus, dozens of leagues east of this hill. He mused as he walked upon the dark hallways of the gate.
He could not help but wonder the work of the gods, to create such a thing as this. The light is getting closer, what wonders will he see? Will it be paradise or a whole world of nightmares. The answer was close and as the light shined, he was stunned.
Structures reaching to the highest peaks of heaven, buildings made of glass, the street wide enough to fit an entire legion. The light did not come from the sun for they arrived in the night. Small balls of suns illuminated the streets and those that oppose them.
He froze internally, he saw giant insects with strange tubes. Their purpose unknown surrounded by golems, nay demons. Eyes red, skeletal bodies made of metal wielding sticks that were pointed toward him. The legate began to speak, he barely heard, being at the back of the column before he hit the ground with haste.
His instincts warned him, he was right and a moment later all hell broke loose.
Streets of Moscow
Unit-72654A spotted a figure. Optics focusing to get a clear picture. Figure appears to be a human, equipped with ancient armor. Data from collective networks indicate 98.6% similarity with ancient Roman legionaries. Mounted on top of a horse wielding a sword, threat assessment minimal.
It shouted, language identified to closely resemble bastardized Latin, translating. "Attention barbarians these lands are now claimed to the Saderan Empire! Surrender now or ...", the unit repositioned, leg bracing, and a shot fired, the enemy fell dead. Precise shot to the head, its body pulverized by 50mm cannon fire.
Information transmitted to Command, unknown's hostile, engaging termination protocols. A millisecond after firing, Legion began its fusillade. The line flashed in a cascade of fire, autocannon, rifle, and hadron rays firing into the dark hallways of the gate.
Screams bellowed out, monster and human screams as many charged hoping to close the distance, rushing pass streets choked with blood and guts, watched on by uncaring machines, it's only directives to eliminate hostile contacts. More waves of the enemy came this time these were xeno beasts.
They were larger than their counterparts, muscled and green skilled wielding primitive clubs. Its roar cut short as it was pulverized by the cascade of fire. Unit-72654A did not feel fear, it was not sapient in the first place, it was made to kill, and it did its job well. Already hundreds of xeno beasts designated 'trolls' died.
Acoustics picked up a howling scream, wavelength, and pitch different from previous xeno beasts, switching to infrared and motion sensors. Unit-72654A identified it as a flying xeno beast, immediately identified as 'wyvern' from collective databanks. Target locked; missiles flew.
Just as the beast crossed the gate, its body was pulverized, the rider failing down to his death. The remaining beasts following them soon fell dead, more missiles from other units as synchronized firing missions were directed and launched in less than a second. More kept coming from the gate, it did not, all hostile units will be eliminated.
A flash of light and fire raced through the streets, it burned Unit-72654A carapace, it's body unharmed from this incendiary attack, spotting the figure as columns of infantry advanced with shields. Assessment of threat high, immediately identifying them as enemy psyker's. The shields held even as a torrent of fire came upon them.
Squadron 7A began moving back, artillery fire scorching throughout the sky. The area surrounding the gate were bathed in a sea of plasma fire. Annihilating whatever that hostiles that were not shielded. The shields broke, unable to withstand the barrage. Friendly units began discharging hadron lance fire and deploying aetheric disruptor.
The shields fell, the disruptor, created from improvements to the Geiss cancellers was designed to cancel and remove aetheric actions and prevent any form of psionic abilities, its effectiveness is determined by the capability of the psyker. A strong enough psyker equipped with enhancers and the right equipment could overcome the effects of these fields.
The enemy had no such thing, and thus the slaughter began. Antlers pushed forward as Revenants rushed to tear the enemy apart. The Scorpions provided overarch, pushing through, zig zagging as they cut a dance of death while other fired from range.
Hadron fired indicated the Vincent's had joined the fray, they remained still. Orders from command for machine units to advance. Manned units will be in reverse, watching, while providing fire support to the best of their abilities.
It did not matter, orders were absolute, the risk of loses on machines are easily replaced. Squadron 7A was disposable and just as deadly. Panic struck the enemy began to run; it did not matter. They were cut down, either by blade or fire. Nothing will remain.
New orders from command, capture enemy units for intel gathering. Prioritise capture of high ranked units. Any who lay down their arms or is unarmed will be given mercy as prisoners. Execute any who resist.
Even in the dim darkness of the gate, surrounded by distorted space, bent in a hallway. No light shines here, except from those that came from the end. It would have been beautiful, yet the path was lit.
Red eyes glistening like the demons of old, blades slashing, heads and bodies dismembered, crushed by legs, or pulverised by range fire. The path now filled with brief flashes of light and a sea of corpses spilling a never-ending stream of blood. Unit-72654A noted the downed enemy units, nearby Revenants knocking them out, preparing them for incoming collection by further Legion reinforcements.
A legionnaire attempted to thrust his sword, the revenant unit dodged, inhuman speed guiding its movements. Blood sprayed; molecular blade jutted through the neck as the enemy died. Followed by many more as the revenant cut down any upon immediate contact, many more were gunned with precision fire, computatipnal capabilities ensuring maximum lethality, skulls, bodies exploded, others torn limb from limb. The light began to shine brighter, distance between hostile base is closing. The enemy continued to run, even as they were cut down.
A loud noise emerged, most likely from a horn. Hostiles indicate mounted horse units. Reorganising combat formation, the scorpions charged, suddenly accelerating. The enemy had little time to react, a mass of steel crushing any that came into contact. Any that remained were stunned, Figures of high status, indicated with different clothing were separated and brought back by revenant units. The rank and file stunned to the ground, ready to be collected later.
The light shook and Unit-72654A saw a whole new world and a mass of enemies.
Moscow Command Centre, European Administrative Zone.
He couldn't believe what he was seeing. The enemy wielded swords and bows, primitive he concluded. It just couldn't be, there is no possible way the enemy is this weak. The brief announcement of what he saw as the enemy officer indicated they were hostile and thus they were swiftly cut down.
He didn't need to give the order, Legion already understood, primitive or not, hostilities are inevitable. It's better that they fired first. The men and women of the command staff shook their slight confusion, discipline reigning in as they coordinated forces on the theatre of operations.
Scorpions were sent, the line continued to buckle, the Antlers roaring in fury, auto-cannon fire raced to the gate as scores of hostile units were cut down. The only threat that occurred during the fighting were the enemy psionics, their barriers surprisingly strong. His men gazed disbelievingly, eyes slightly widening before he cut in.
"Order Fire missions on positions surrounding the gate, deploy aether disruptors and deploy further units."
His order shut their bewilderment, eyes focusing once again. "Affirmative, deploying units and fire mission eta-2 minutes" Spartak reported, a slight nervousness to him, slowly disappearing as the situation stabilises.
"Sir, friendly psionic units requesting authorisation to approach, Captain Izumi and her units moving to support" another intoned. Turning his gaze he considered his words, everything was in place, quiet anticipation awaited them, some of them slightly fearful but disciplined enough to not break ranks. He knew the risks of deploying psykers, an entire issue of itself but decided otherwise.
"Granted, tell the captain to support Legion but do not enter the gate, let legion sweep and clear the remaining opposition, if things come to worse scuttle the gate" He clarified, whatever unknowns that are in there, they were still weak, sending manned units is a risk of itself, the anomaly could collapse this instance.
Sending autonomous units were less risky, whilst the possible lost may be stinging to his Brigade. Lives could not be replaced but machines can.
"Order them to push forward and self-destruct if the spatial bridge collapses, collect prisoners, prioritise the higher-ranking ones for maximum intel collection. ROE is the same, terminate with extreme prejudice but ignore those who are knocked out, they'll be useful later on." They nodded; quickly carrying out his commands executed, within a second they out. He couldn't help but marvel at the efficiency of his men and that of his autonomous units.
Legion is efficient whilst its autonomous deep battle network is not yet functional for wider strategic use, preventing it from enacting campaigns on its own. Command and control can still be done from afar, the drones carrying the tasks on their own whilst command guided them to their operational objectives. Any objective within their immediate vicinity can be calculated and compiled by the drones.
Their cognitive abilities an improvement from previous generations, unfortunately his command staff are still required to guide them, strategic operations still require human hands, unless the new generation AI is implemented.
The machines advanced, aether disruptors cancelling enemy psionic abilities within certain ranges, several of the robotic units marched in synch, in spindle formation to cover the units carrying these disruptors. They didn't move too far nor to close, maximising carnage whilst staying within radius of the disruptors.
The units made it to the other side, beginning their carnage throughout the enemy camp. They passed through camp followers and soldiers alike. They were immediately separated, as Legion continued its massacre of enemy units.
Terran forces flooded the area, every sector, be it land, or air were swiftly cut. Enemy casualties increased. As morale broke and the enemy began to route. Some still maintained formation, even if they are nearing breaking point.
"Transmit surrender orders to the enemy, refusal to comply means immediate execution." His voiced relayed to all machines in the area of operations. His command crew beginning to reroute his voice as his announcement was heard. Shouts of indignation and fear were prevalent, the air stank of death, they were swiftly silenced, adding more to the tally.
"You have one more chance, refuse and you shall die, we promise mercy to any who lay down their arms within this moment" He reiterated again, the machines transforming his voice to a scrawling metallic symphony.
This had a far more immediate effect, swords were dropped, many stopped running, kneeling to the floor as armor came into the contact with the ground. The air of despair prevalent, any slightest hint of hesitation swiftly eliminated.
High value targets were rounded up and separated for the office to deal with. For now, the immediate aftermath of a battle must be concluded. Soldiers and Officers need to be cataloged and they separated from the civilians, who are then divided by those with or without chains. Slavery in the era of Rome is common, judging by the state of their equipment, slaves are likely to exist.
It is necessary to handle those with care. Aside from that he sent the overall results of the battle up the chain of command. The results clear, a flawless victory. The newer recruits cheered, air filled with the cries of success, for many their first victorious battle. Hands clapping, many yelling in cries of victory as some hugged each other in shows of celebration.
He smiled even as he remained silent, turning his gaze to others like him, the ones that fought in the previous war. For all they knew the war has just begun and the horrors that await it. Spartak noticed his situation.
"We may have won but do not let this fool you, these lands may hide unknown horrors, ones we are may not be ready for but that does not mean that you cannot celebrate, temper your joy with caution, this war has just began and I want all of you to remain focused" His words cut the air of the mood, many began contemplating as veterans nodded in approval.
"Begin compiling an after-action report and sort the prisoners, keep the manned units within our side of the gate, His Majesty will surely hear of this, and I expect the best from all of you when he hears of this."
The air turned cold, the operation room continuing with much further haste and caution. Unnecessary chatter was cut, discipline came back with an iron grip. Many knew the consequences of failure, and none wanted to taste it.
"Sir, a-re you sur-e his Majesty will give his attention to this" He asked uncertainly, the earlier nervousness returned with greater force.
"Of course, Lieutenant, we repelled an extra-dimensional invasion with our counterattack establishing a foothold into an unknown world, it is obvious he will turn his gaze here. For whilst that world may lurk with danger, it also presents an opportunity, one that I am certain His Majesty will exploit" An invasion of this nature cannot go unanswered.
Whatever judgement that shall pass, he did not know but what is certain, that he and his men knew is that the enemy will pay, every step closer to achieve vengeance no matter the cost. For a moment he felt pity for the fools who dared to invite the wrath of Terra.
It was gone in a thought; they made this mistake, and they will pay the price. The first of many to come.
AN
This is a new project that I've had in mind, it's a continuation of His Britannia by Imperator Slaves who has kindly given me permission to begin my work. I'm a complete newbie though so expect mistakes and I would like critics of my work that are constructive. I'm doing this for fun and to improve my writing, any suggestions for improvements will gladly be appreciated. I'm not sure if I can maintain an update schedule. My writing is heavily depended on the mood at any given point.
Will probably need a codex to describe the new autonomous machines, and all the other equipment alongside all the shifting in politics. A lot has changed from the epilogue of His Britannia, and I intend to extrapolate that given time.
Hope you enjoy reading! Will appreciate any suggestions that'll help make the writing better. Thanks and goodbye.