New Tiber: A Tale of Blood Stripe Company

By: RJ Lopez

Smashwords Edition 1

Copyright 2010 RJ Lopez

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~~~~Acknowledgements~~~~

I’d like to thank my friends and family for all their support during the writing process. Without their support I’d never be able to write my shorts and create the tales of the Blood Stripes. I look forward to creating more adventures of the soldiers in this story and hope their tales inspire the reader for adventures of their own.

~~~~New Tiber~~~~

0151872.M30 0200 ---Fortress Redemption, Duccat World---

Looking across the cold rock chamber Brother-Captain Davis tried to gauge the mood of his men. Only hours earlier the men under his command had silently watched the city of New Tiber fall to the heretic hordes. The fall of the city marked the destruction of their comrades in Testament Company, a full unit of two hundred marines and their support staff of another sixty men had perished under the tide of rebels. His men watched helplessly from across the river as the hordes continued to mass attack after attack, the fires of the battle coming progressively closer until finally the gunfire turned sporadic and stopped. The only men who survived were a unit of scouts on reconnaissance beyond the main encampment when it finally was overwhelmed.

His men murmur quietly to each other in small circles in the massive stone chamber. Despite his men standing fully suited in their hulking armor and there being almost a full two hundred men present the chamber still seemed massive. The smell of smoke has drifted across the river and serves as a constant reminder to the marines of their task in the coming hours.

“Brother-Captain Davis,” a uniformed figure appears to his side from the doorway “the company is assembled.”

Turning to the speaker, Davis nods to his aide and captain of his bodyguard Sergeant Kingston “Is this being broadcasted to the men on patrol?”

Quickly glancing at the data pad in his hand Kingston nods as information streams across the screen, “Anyone who can’t physically attend the assembly is receiving a live feed of the transmission.”

Nodding in approval Davis turns to face the assembled men as they wait to be addressed, “Brothers in arms and faith, hours ago we witnessed the destruction of Testament Company and the fall of New Tiber to the godless hordes of rebels. This rabble dares to rise against the will of the High Council and to spill the blood of their loyal soldiers.” Pausing he turned to the screen behind him and points to the map hanging behind him, “This is the continent we landed on. There are nine cities deemed to be critical to maintaining control and the heretics now control three. Blood Stripe Company has been assigned the task of recapturing New Tiber before the heretics have a chance to dig in and to avenge our fallen brethren.”

Seeing a hand rise from the crowd he pauses, “Yes brother, what is your question?”

Moving forward to speak the marine points toward the window where the smoking fires of New Tiber still rage, “Brother-Captain, we know no survivors have made it back from the city, but do we have any idea yet of what we will face? Do we know how the hordes were able to obliterate an entire company of marines?”

Davis presses a button on the screen and the image shifts to a picture of ten men standing in a circle facing outward. “These men are what we believe destroyed the Testaments. These men are the founders of the heretic religion and are believed to have strong psychic abilities that were obviously too much for their company Guardian to nullify.” Pressing the button again the image becomes a close up of each mans face. “These pictures were taken by the four scouts who survived before they returned to Redemption. These men are priority targets and dealing with them will be essential for our operations success.”

Raising his hand again the same marine begins to speak without waiting for acknowledgement, “Do we know where the ten will be at the beginning of the engagement? Or do we have to pray to the spirits that we find them before they come find us.”

A figure emerges from the doorway to the chamber ”We know where they are likely to be and will deploy a unit of infiltrators to dispatch them prior to the beginning of the main engagement. They will die for what they’ve done.”

Startled by the unfamiliar voice the marine takes a step back and resumed rank as the entire company of marines salutes the figure as he walks onto the stage. “Inquisitor…if I-if I had known of your presence…” the marine stammers off as the Inquisitor stares at him coldly.

“You worry about the lives of your brothers marine, but I will join the assault on New Tiber and reclaim it from the heretic leaders in the name of the Glorious Alliance. There need not be any worry about the ten, they will suffer for what the have done.”

With that statement the company breaks out in cheers and prayers until Davis steps forward with his arms raised for silence. “Brothers, prepare to serve. We muster to depart the fortress in one hour, and soon after our departure we will enter New Tiber to engage the enemy. We will save the innocents of the city from the damnation of rule under the ten. The armor you each wear will be put to good use today as we liberate New Tiber.” Walking off the stage he strides next to the inquisitor as they walk towards the captain’s chamber.

The two men walk through the stone corridors in silence and the sound of their armor and heavy boots booms through the halls. Entering the room the captain motions to the inquisitor to be seated at the table. He pulls out a bottle of water and pours into fresh glasses. The inquisitor takes the glass and raises it in thanks as Davis sits opposite him, “Do you plan on speaking or will we sit here in silence?”

Sipping his water Davis eyes him carefully before shaking his head slowly, “What are you doing here Daniel Ithil. Don’t even say you’re here for the Alliance or some other nonsense. Why are you here?”

Shaking his head as he finishes his glass of water Ithil shakes his head in amusement, “Why does it matter why I’m here. Regardless of the reason I am here, and you have a mission to complete.”

Davis puts his glass down and looks in Ithil’s eyes with a cold fury, “These heretics have killed a full company of our brothers. Men we trained with when we were of age to serve. Men who shouldn’t have fallen to rabble like them. Your presence only confirms there’s something going on. Something that puts my men in very serious danger.”

Raising his hand Ithil shrugs, “There was need of an inquisitor. A decorated guardian and a very effective company have died. The psychics are obviously very gifted and an inquisitors presence was deemed necessary.”

Slamming his hand on the table Davis angrily points his finger at Ithil, “But why are you here Daniel. Amongst the inquisitors you only answer to Strom. Why not send an underling to do this low ranking mission. These ten can’t be anything special. I want to know why one of the most powerful men in the Alliance is on a mission with my men.”

Taking another slow sip of Ithil pensively looks at Davis before putting the glass down. He sighs deeply and looks at Davis tiredly, “The Guardian Nevin shouldn’t have been overpowered by the ten. We gauged them by initial reports and satellite feeds. He shouldn’t have been and he couldn’t have been.”

Puzzled Davis lowers gaze away from Ithil, “Then what happened to him?”

“There weren’t four survivors from the city Jonathan. There were five. The scouts on patrol weren’t there, but one of the medics attached to the command squad survived. Apparently the ten were in their outward facing circle when Nevin went to engage them; but when he reached them they turned inward and he strode to the center of the circle.”

Looking startled Davis immediately slams his fist on the table again “No. Nevin would never betray his brothers. Let alone with heretics as weak as these.”

Sighing deeply Ithil shrugs “He had a recording of the attack. The medics like to keep track of what happens in the field and use it to review after. Nevin walked out weapons ready but then became the focus of their energy. It was him who did it”

“What do you mean he did it?”

“I mean he was the center of it all. They channeled their energy through him. He was the weapon that destroyed the Testaments.”

“I can’t believe this. He was raised with those men. Trained alongside us. There’s no way.”

“I’m sorry Jonathan, but it’s true. I’m here to handle Nevin while you’re men deal with the rest of the heretics. I will not let his betrayal continue any longer than today. I will not stand for it.”

An announcement over the P.A. system interrupts their conversation “Attention Blood Strip Company, report to vehicle bay to commence Operation Deliverance.”

The two men stand and Davis turns toward Ithil with his hand out stretched, “Strength and Honor Daniel.”

Shaking the outstretched hand Ithil nods solemnly, “Strength and Honor Jonathan.”

The two reach the vehicle bay and salute the assembled men. A communications office approaches the two and offers a message to Ithil. “Inquisitor this message was just received.”

Taking the message Ithil moves away as he and the officer converse. Davis moves closer to the waiting marines and raises his hands for the assembled men’s silence. “Marines we launch Operation Deliverance in moments. Arm your selves appropriately and report to your designated transport.”

Ithil walks forward to Davis and taps his shoulder quickly, “Change in plans Jonathan. My team of assassins have already infiltrated the city and located the psychics. They’re in position to eliminate them all so long as they come to engage our main force.”

Sergeant Kingston steps forward and immediately begins to bark orders to the marines. “You heard the inquisitor you bunch of eavesdropping marines!!! Pack those light weapons we’re going in heavy from the start and getting all the attention we can get. Mechanics!!! Get those dreadnaughts re-equipped with heavy rounds and that repeating cannon. No I don’t care if that’s for the base commander’s speeder, we’re getting it on that dreadnaught now!”

Smiling at the efficiency of his company Davis walks alongside Ithil as they survey the scene. The marines scramble to grab additional sacks of ammunition and attacking extra grenades to the exterior of their shining armor. “Well it seems as if my men get skip the fussy part and get right to the fun.”

Nodding slowly Ithil turns to face him, “The assassination team changes everything Jonathan. The infiltration would have cut down on initial casualties, but eliminating the ten immediately is worth the long-term risk. There’s no sense in beating their army today and returning in a year after they’ve risen another.”

Glancing around cautiously Davis leans forward, “And Nevin? With the ten?”

“No. Satellites have him tracked outside the city reorganizing the heretic army.”

Reaching his person vehicle Davis motions for his command squad to embark into it, “You coming or you have your own?”

“As long as you don’t mind me tagging along then this works for me.”

Davis looks around the bay being sure the final marines are loading and entering their own transports. He nods in approval and turns to Kingston waiting at the hatch, “Lock it down and move out.”

The sergeant nods and waves his arm in the air and the sound of engines igniting and hatches slamming shut fills the vehicle bay. Davis switches his comm unit to the company bandwidth as he sits in his seat; “Men when the transports stop and the hatch lights go green we disembark and advance immediately in loose formation. Expect immediate hostilities and heavy artillery fire. Chaplain Craig, if you’d please.”

A new voice appears over the radio as the men in their transports bow their heads. “Men are but shadows and dust; and though we exist for but a moment, we honor and serve the Glorious Alliance in everything that we do. We march forward through the valley of death and despair guided and protected by the shining light of the spirits. Protect us Lords, for we wish to serve you beyond this day and into eternity.”

The chaplain stops speaking as the tanks begin to slow to a stop. The hatch light flashes green and sergeant Kingston flings it open before charging out, gun at the ready. Gunfire immediately fills the air as the marines pile out behind their transports as the transports guns roar a return volley. Davis motions to Kingston who speaks into the comm. “Squads in.”

Davis hears all his units repot in with no losses and motions forward “Center on Kent’s squad, don’t get bogged down. Continue to advance into the city and fire at will. On my mark. 3-2-1-Mark.”

The view from the rebel embankment was as if the transports had sprung leaks and a silver wave rippled from the transports as the armored marines charged forward and raining destruction on the rebels as they ran. The blasts from their weapons fill the air and mixes with the missiles and cannon blasts coming from their vehicles. The chaplain’s voice can be heard over the hail of fire over the radio “For the Alliance! Strength and Honor!!”

The company surges forward through the rebel’s initial defenses, slaughtering the perimeter guards are the pass through the city outskirt. Shells rip through the columns of marines are they advance in formation but the tide does not stop. A heavy artillery piece continues to pour shells on the column as the transport crews finish deploying their heavy weapons and begin to pour fire on it. The artillery piece ignites in a huge fireball as a round sets off its cache and sparks cheers from the marines.

The advance continues toward the city center as Davis points at a market compound “Marines, defensive positions in that compound. Dreadnaughts to the rear and tanks withdraw to our flank. Scouts grab the wounded and secure out entrance point with the tanks. Hold that street!”

Turning to Ithil as the company races to fulfill Davis’ orders he yells out “How long till the psychics are gone and we can advance again?”

Ducking from a round impacting on the rubble near his head Ithil glances back over at Davis, “I’ll get a message when it’s done. Until then we need to make noise here and get them out.”

Davis lays covering fire for the scouts as units of heretics arrive at the street and try to follow them. “And if they fail?”

Ithil begins to fire on the new arrivals as well and yells over the blasts from his gun, “Then we pray for deliverance.” He surveys the marine bunkering down in the compound and points at a building farther down the street with new shadows filling it. “Got anything to deal with that mortar squad?”

Turning to Kingston, Davis points at the rebel squad as a loud explosion rocks the ground behind them. Turning back to see the smoldering remains of a rebel land speeder Davis points at the building with the mortar crew, “Sergeant. Get the assault squad on the roofs above that mortar. Have them dispatch it and then hold their position. Order them to not engage the enemy again except under my order.”

Kingston turns to his commander and begins to flick his communication unit on his wrist to appropriate channel before he pauses, “Out of sight sir?”

The high-pitched scream of an incoming mortar round causes the men to duck for cover again as Davis begins to reload his rifle. “You heard my order Sergeant. Now do it.”

The roar of jump packs can be heard almost immediately after Kingston relays the order over his comm unit, and the marines glance from behind their cover to see the company’s assault squad dart onto the rooftops behind the mortar squad and rain down fire from above. The crackle Kingston’s comm unit confirms what the marines had just watched occur, “Assault Sergeant Penn. Target Neutralized. Awaiting clarification of further instructions. Over”

Letting out a volley of fire at small squads of rebel soldiers approaching Davis flicks his own comm unit to Penn’s frequency “What is it Sergeant Penn?”

“Sir, I want to know why you ordered my squad out of the fight.”

“Sergeant Penn this morning in the briefing I let you question me freely with disregard to protocol because I gave you some leeway for having just been promoted and seen a unit of comrades killed. However, I have given you a direct order in a combat situation and I will not be questioned. Do you understand this Sergeant, or do I have to elect a new leader for my assault squad?”

Penn’s voice was now filled with barely controlled anger that resonated through the crackling communication device, “I understand sir. My unit will hold until further orders are received. Over.”

The light firefight continues on with the number of attacks gradually lessening as the time between them increases.

“Jonathan, from when we first entered the city till now how many vehicles and tanks have we taken out? How many have we even encountered?”

Looking at the now rubble filled street before glancing at the inquisitor, Davis thinks for a moment, “The heavy artillery battery of three pieces, half dozen troop transports, and a few converted assault speeders along the way. Why?”

Leaning back against the battered wall Ithil sighs deeply, “I had hoped this would be easier. The rebels have conquered three major cities and have obviously used heavy weapons and tanks to do so. After breaching their perimeter and establishing a foothold we’ve seen almost nothing. That doesn’t strike you as odd?”

“They’re rebels did you expect a well orchestrated defense? Regardless of if they’re planning any counterstrokes I’ve taken measures of my own. We’ll be fine for when they finally make their move so long as your team does their job.”

“Don’t worry about that Jonathan everything will be handled on their end as expected. They’re very good at what they do. Strom himself keeps trying to steal them from me but I always find a way to keep them.”

A loud explosion booms through the air, resonating from deep within the city. Ithil stands from his position against the wall and can see deep plumes of smoke billowing from the city center.

“It’s done. I was just relayed the message that all ten are confirmed kills. Nevin wasn’t with them though. He’s advancing from the far side of the city with the troops he had been with earlier.”

“Did your team make it out?”

“Yeah. They haven’t checked in yet since their strike but the observation satellite that confirmed the kills spotted them moving out from their position. They’ll head back toward us soon.”

Kingston races back to the two leaders tapping his data pad rapidly, “Sir scouts and satellites are reporting a large enemy force approaching us. Enemy armor coming in at high speeds as well that will arrive before the infantry. And…”

“What is it Sergeant? We don’t have time for games, speak up.”

“Sir satellite images that were forwarded to me showed a troop transport at the head of the infantry formation. There was…I mean there appeared to be…an armored marine onboard the transport. And he didn’t seem like he was a prisoner…”

Turning back to face the approaching sound of enemy armor and small units of rebel infantry Ithil holds his hand out for the pad. He quickly glances down at the image on the screen. He tosses it to Davis who glances at it before handing it back Kingston. “Captain Davis, an enemy force is approaching rapidly to engage your men. I suggest you address your men to the makeup of that force.”

Nodding in agreement Davis flips his comm unit to a new channel, “Marines. It’s time you know why the mission profile was changed before we left the fortress. I don’t need to get into all the details, but what you men need to know is that there is a marine among the rebel ranks. The Guardian Nevin betrayed out brothers, he betrayed us all and is a part of this rebellion. Avoid engaging him when possible and allow the Inquisitor to deal with him. The traitor will be dead soon.”

The rebel force finally comes fully into view and the marines can see the vast amount of strength arrayed against them. Rather than charging in the initial tanks had waited for additional units to arrive and now dozens of ramshackle rebel platoons were taking positions around the tanks and in nearby buildings.

Troop transports disembark more rebels, clad in hastily put together uniforms who are chanting dark prayers to their perverted gods as they ready their weapons. Finally a marine in dark stained armor comes into sight. His armor resembles the other marines in make only, as his bear no signs of Alliance or his previous service as a marine. The one ornament on the dark armor is a blood red crown painted onto the center of his chest plate. He stands towering over the horde of lackeys that surrounds him and he raises one hand to signal the advance.

Lifting his own rifle as he kneels behind rubble Davis turns to face the men surrounding him, “Send them straight to hell marines!!!”

The roar of the marines was deafening as they let out a vicious war cry that mixed with the hail of fire they launched at the rebels. The rounds reached the initial ranks of advancing rebels and their bodies crumpled to the ground as the marines poured their fire against the approaching dark tide. Despite the heavy fire the rebels continue to march forward, stepping on their own wounded as they began to charge with their own weapons blazing.

The air was filled with rounds of the two armies’ weapons as the tanks began shell the marines bunkered in the rubble. The rebel tanks roll to a stop in the street as their main weapons rotate into better positions to rain down destruction on the marines. Without warning two of the tanks suddenly explode in the middle of the tank formation. The marines cheer as they see their own tanks roll through side alleys unleashing volleys on the outflanked enemy formation.

The turrets of the tanks swivel again to counter the new armored threat, when a green flare shoots through the air. The tank crews inside the rebel armor pause for a split second as they peek through the hatches to see the flare when a new roar fills the air above the sounds of the battle. The roar suddenly cut off and heavy clangs were heard outside the tank hatches that prompted the occupants to again attempt to catch a glimpse of the battle raging around them.

The tank occupants have a look of horror on their faces as the hatches pop open to reveal the marine assault squad milling around the hatches of the rebel tanks. The marines open fire and toss grenades into open hatches as they butcher the tank operators before the crews have a chance to react or close the hatches again. The tanks burst into flame from the onslaught and the remaining tanks that didn’t open their hatches take heavy fire from the Alliance tanks that ignore the rebels already under assault. The rebel squads around the tanks try to open fire on the assault marines only to be caught in their own crossfire and inflicting heavy casualties on themselves.

The sudden change of strength shakes the morale of the rebels as squads realize what is happening. Units begin to break rank and attempt to fall back from the heavy onslaught o the marines but quickly stop when they see the darkly armored figure suddenly appear in their ranks and strike down two men with his own sword. Nevin stands with his sword still drawn, fresh blood dripping down off the tip as he screams at the men around him, “Fight you fools, or I’ll kill you myself!”

The rebel squads cease their retreat as they judge their situation, cowering behind rubble from the fire of the marines and Nevin’s blade. The sudden decapitation of the two rebels closest to Nevin quickly forces the rebels to make a decision, and they begin to advance back toward the marine position. Almost immediately the rebel soldiers are cut down by a pair of shells fired from two marine tanks, prompting Nevin to snarl in rage. He turns to a cowering aide hiding behind the wreckage of vehicles strewn across the street, “MORE! Collapse the perimeter. All units to advance now!”

The marines slowly fall back deeper into the market compound as their numbers begin to dwindle as the onslaught continues. The rebel soldiers continue to be cut down quickly by the marines as they approach, but the sheer numbers of the horde is slowly grinding the marines own from all sides. The most zealous of the rebels assault with explosives strapped to their chests as they charge the marine lines. Half the zealots are killed while still in the rebel formations, but even despite the holes blown into the advancing horde more rebels poured in to fill the gaps.

Ithil turns to the marines by him and watches as they try to bring their wounded along with them. The roar of jets brings his attention to the assault marines landing next to him. Sergeant Penn jogs over to the two leaders as his squad lays down covering fire for the final marine stragglers. Penn quickly salutes the two leaders as he ducks behind a column next to them, “Sir, my squad’s position couldn’t be held any longer. We booby trapped some of the remaining vehicles as we withdrew, but couldn’t get them all.”

Davis nods thoughtfully at Penn as he points toward the line of rebels surrounding the marine position, “Their main push will begin soon. Detonate the charges you set up on my command. Don’t engage Nevin, but his bodyguard and retinue needs to be held.”

Looking at his marines huddled behind what rubble they could find, Davis turns to Ithil as he draws his power sword, “We can’t let them finish organizing. We end this now.”

“Killing Nevin will end this quickly, but do you think he’s foolish enough to have stayed?”

“He’s going to be there. He wouldn’t miss this opportunity.”

Despite the sound of rounds glancing against his armor, Davis stands from behind his cover and with his sword pointed toward the rebel line, “We’re finishing this marines! Charge!”

Immediately the surviving marines emerge from behind their cover with their weapons blazing. The only sound to be heard was the roar of their weapons being fired as the rebels dived behind their cover. Almost immediately cries could be heard from the rebel line as Nevin and his bodyguard begin to cut their own bloody swathe through the rebels toward the charging marines. The clang of close combat weapons begins to mix with the blasts of gunfire as the two forces move into close quarters. Battle cries become replaced by screams as the marines armored fists and weapons begin to unleash even more damage than their guns had done. Metal clanged on metal as weapons clashed in the brutal battle for survival.

The assault marines rush to engage Nevin’s bodyguard as they stride into range. The rebel bodyguards are dressed in black combat armor, stained to match their master who calmly strides through the center of the formation. The two units engage each other in a bitter melee battle with each side ignoring the battle broiling around them as they fight. The bodyguard captain and Penn lock in a fierce struggle matching each other blow for blow as they attempt to gain an advantage over the other.

Nevin stands calmly striking down friend and foe alike as he watches his bodyguard engage the assault marines before striding away from the combat. He smiles as he sees the armored figure he’s been searching for, and suddenly an unnatural dark glow begins to pulse from his gauntlet before he raises it toward the armored figure. The dark energy pulses from his hand and hurls through the air toward the figure until an unwitting rebel stumbles forward into the energy’s path and becomes enveloped by it. The rebel crumples to the ground as the armored figure turns to Nevin and the dying man.

“Ready to die inquisitor?”

Bringing his sword to guard Ithil nods, “Ready to die, but today is not that die traitor.”

The two charge at each other with their swords dancing through the air. The fierce melee battle surrounding them seems to only fuel the two men on even more in a frenzied battle. The two lock swords again and again as they test and probe each other for a weakness or sign of weariness. Breaking contact from Ithil, Horus stands back and laughs, “Is that your best inquisitor?”

Rage overcomes Ithil as he charges, hacking viciously with his sword at Nevin. His sword lands blow after blow, only to be blocked each time by Nevin’s blade. Finally Nevin’s blocks become counters, and Ithil begins to lose ground, moving backward as the powerful strokes knock him off balance. Slashing at Ithil as he falls, Nevin’s sword slices through the air, inflicting a deep wound in his side. Screaming in agony Ithil forces his sword to rise again in a final stab at Nevin, only to be inches short. Laughing as Ithil’s sword falls back to the ground uselessly, Nevin raises his sword to lay the deathblow on the inquisitor. As the blade falls toward Ithil, it encounters another blade mere inches from Ithil’s body.

Nevin looks up to see where the impediment is coming from only to have his soulless gaze met by the gloved fist of Davis. Staggering back from the blow Nevin’s eyes met Davis’ calm glare, “You die now betrayer.”

Raising his blade again, Nevin points at the prone body of Ithil on the ground, “Your inquisitor fell easily to me already, you’ll be no more difficult Davis.”

Davis and Horus begin to circle each other with their weapons at the ready, “I may fall today, but I can guarantee you won’t be walking away either Nevin.”

Sneering at Davis, Nevin brings his blade down to point at the body of a nearby fallen marine, “Die like he did for his glorious gods? Die while blindly serving a useless alliance? There’s nothing to be gained from living a life like that. I’ll just do you the favor of ending it.”

Moving forward with his blade raised, Davis shakes his head, “Only someone who lost their way would speak like you do. You were a guardian for the gods, you were blessed and you throw it all away.”

Stepping forward Nevin and Davis slash at each other with brutal strokes, trying to end the fight through pure strength. The two blades lock against each other as they grapple for supremacy over the other. The two combatants circle each other with their blades swinging through the air tirelessly. The sound of their swords clanging against each other rises above the sounds of the battle still raging around them as the two engage in their battle of wills. The two men feed off the energy of the combat around them neither can gain an advantage over the other.

A tank shell lands close to the two leaders, and Davis stumbles to backward from the shockwave. Nevin quickly uses the distraction to stride forward and push Davis to the ground. Davis uses his sword to fend off the impending death strike with one hand as he tries to back away onto his feet. Another shell lands next to the two, and Nevin stumbles backward from Davis. Using the moment’s reprieve Davis screams into his comm unit, “Now Penn!”

A series of explosions rocks through the area as the booby-trapped tanks erupt in massive blasts as their own shells ignite. Nevin falls to the ground from the shockwave and Davis leaps forward from the ground onto him.

The two lock into a vicious struggle, attempting to beat the other into submission as they wrestle on the bloodstained ground. Dark energy pulses around Nevin’s fists as he gains an advantage over Davis as he rolls on top of him. A deranged smile begins to grow on his face while the energy begins to pulse faster around him, He looks down on the struggling marine captain as his pulsing fists move closer to Davis’ face, “I’ve learned so much they didn’t tell us Davis. The universe is not what we thought. You’ll see soon when you die everything they hid from you.”

Nevin’s fists move perilously close to Davis’ face, the dark glow mere inches away when two cracks pierce the sound of the battle. Nevin’s face turns to a look of confusion as another loud retort cuts through the air, and the dark glow fades instantly from around his fists. Dark blood begins to slowly gush from a wound in neck, and Davis pushes the slackening body off him onto the ground. Looking up, Davis spots two shadowy forms on a building across the street moving to new positions with their sniper rifles.

The rebel platoons watch as the blood runs freely from their leader into a small pool at Davis’ feet. Letting out a cheer, the surviving marines redoubled their efforts to wipe out the remaining rebels. Leaderless and devastated by the fierce combat, the heretics attempt to fall back from the bloody melee. The retreat is unorganized and unsuccessful as soldiers trample one another to escape the whirlwind fury of the pursuing marines. Without mercy the marines advance after the rebels, cutting down the fleeing rebels and their wounded.

Grimacing as he moves to the fallen Ithil, Davis calls out for a medic to quickly come assist the inquisitor. Groaning in pain as he props himself against rubble, Ithil glances at the fallen body of Nevin, “Told you they were the best.”

Nodding Davis sits on the ground as the medic begins to tend to Ithil, “It’s a good thing, because neither of us were really up to it after all.”

The medic and Davis help Ithil rise to his feet with a thick bandage placed over his wound as Sergeant Kingston approaches the three men. Quickly saluting the men, he points at the force of marines walking back to the marketplace, “Scouts report the inquisitors snipers and our surviving marines allowed no survivors from the engagement. Rebel forces in the area who weren’t engaged have already begun their retreat toward their pre-invasion stronghold. New Tiber is yours Brother-Captain.”

Ithil waves a hand dismissively at Kingston as he points toward his approaching transport, “Raise Redeemer’s base commander on the line now Sergeant.”

Davis and Ithil hobble into the transport and sit as Kingston barks into the communcation equipment. Davis offers a puzzled look at Ithil as he opens a canteen, “What are you doing Jonathan?”

Ignoring Davis’ question Ithil reaches for the headset offered by Kingston, “Commander Ghent? This is Inquisitor Ithil. The Blood Stripes have retaken New Tiber. I am ordering you to send reinforcements to the city ensure no enemy counterattack can retake the city. Also patch me through my dreadnaught in orbit.”

“Daniel…”

Raising his hand to stop him Ithil shakes his head, “This is not your concern Jonathan.”

His gaze shifts away from Davis as his ship’s captain comes onto the line, “Captain Hane. I am ordering you and the planetary defense fleet to complete the Exterminatus on the cities of Haven and Joinville under my authority…That is correct, confine the order to the cities and a ten mile radius around the city limit…Land the additional two marines companies during the orbital bombardment and have them destroy any survivors who flee. I’ll be returning shortly. Over.”

Davis shakes his head sadly as he looks at Ithil, “Both cities?”

“Brother-Captain Davis, the Inquisition appreciates the fine performance of your men today during this operation, however it is not your place marine to question the methods or orders of the inquisitors. Do you understand this Captain?”

Standing up and looking down coldly at Ithil salutes, “Yes Inquisitor I understand. My apologies. If you’ll excuse me sir, I have troops to inspect.”

Returning the salute Ithil takes off the headset and tosses it onto the seat vacated by Davis, “The Blood Stripes performed extremely well today. Brothers from your company have fallen today, but they fell in service to a greater good. Be ready to march to the capital building in five minutes to secure the area.”

Davis exists the transport and surveys his assembled marines with Kingston at his side. The marines busy themselves re-readying weapons and moving the wounded into transports destined for Redeemer, while others take on the somber task of gathering the dead for burial detail. Kingston offers Davis a data pad as they walk through the busy compound, “Casualty report sir.”

“Not now Kingston. I’ll look it over after we secure the capital building.”

The men return to their waiting transport and watch the other marines embark into their transports before closing their own hatch. The transport engines groans as the treads rumble through the wreckage of the city toward the capital building. Through the viewports the marines can see the destruction rained down by the rebels on the city. Civilian bodies hang mutilated and on display as dark offerings to the heretic gods, and fires rage from the razed buildings. The devastation can be seen in the faces of the survivors peeking through the ruined buildings at the force of marines driving through the city.

“They did quite the number on the city considering how short a time they were in control of it.”

“The heretic infestation ran deep and they were brutal in their actions Jonathan. That’s why the other cities have to be cleansed completely, this city is scarred enough but I think your action here has cut the rot from it. It’s good you and your men are effective at this considering your next assignment.”

“Which is?”

“Permanent assignment to the service of the Inquisition.”

“What…”

“I’ve arranged for your company to become attached to my dreadnaught. The Order of the Rays will be granted an act of expansion and a new company will be raised to replace yours being placed on assignment to me. You will be replenished by recruits who completed their training under the Rays and prove themselves worthy of life alongside the Inquisitors.”

“I guess life in my company just got a great bit more interesting then. I’m sure our life expectancy just dropped equally as much.”

“Don’t be such an optimist. There are perks that come with the assignment. You’ll see as soon as we finish with this assignment.”

The transport rumbles to a stop, and the marines pile out in front of a battered but still stately stone building. The ornamental statues are desecrated, and the flags are still smoldering, but the gleam of the battered dome still shines brightly. Taking the battle standard fro his standard bearer, Davis walks to the top of the stone steps and turns to face his assembled marines. Raising the standard triumphantly elicits cheers from his company as Davis surveys the battered but cheery men before him.

A slow chant begins as the chaplain makes his way up the stairs to stand next to the captain and inquisitor. The chanting fades to silence as the chaplain raises his arms in praise while the marines kneel down at their captain’s example.

Davis looks up while kneeling during the prayer to watch the setting sun’s rays dance across his men’s armor as the sound of devastating blasts cuts through the air. The marines raise their voices as they pray, competing for volume with the blasts as Davis watches the red blasts from the ships in orbit cutting through the sky on the cities in the distance. The blasts add a red strike to the dying rays of the sun, appropriately adding a red stripe of light on the armor of his men as the bombardment begins to slow.

He looks over at Ithil whose eyes are closed but his lips do not move in prayer with the other soldiers. Glancing back at the solemn faces of his men still deeply engrossed by their prayer he glances back again Ithil whose eyes are now open and watching the final blasts rain down from his ship. He shakes his head slowly as the capital building’s lights flicker on as the final rays of light disappear into nothingness, “Strength and honor...”