344.M41

Corporal Castor Lorr from the 2nd company of the Hadrian 46th regiment was tending to his lasrifle as if it was but his infant child. The weather was terrible; clouds covering the sky all week long, making a gloomy saturated hue of yellow. The wind was as cold as the freezing world of valhalla and howled like the streamy river current. Rain poured down with sometimes heavy bombardment or light drops that barely touch the skin.

Welcome to the world of Achilles Primus from the Achilles system. Where a mechanicus explorator fleet just recently discovered and is a habitable world for imperial standards. We've just landed two weeks ago and are setting up a heavily defendant outpost in the far reaches of the Segmentum Pacificus. It is stated with 6 lascannons, a standard well fortified bunker system meant to hold off any enemy force for a long period of time and 2 void shield generators. Which are a form of gravitic energy shield meant to protect large imperial heavy vehicles like titans or warships from range weapons by distorting the space and time.

The defense complemented a strong force of 30 imperial warships, a Skitarii force, a full regiment and lastly 1 imperial knights from house Callion. The only world supplying Achilles Primus is the nearby hive world 57 light years away from the outpost, It would take at least 5 months for supplies to be sent to Achilles Primus depending if there aren't warpstorms interfering with imperial ships that would hinder their travel.

There are several units that garrisoned this outpost; from the cadian shock troops to the catachan jungle fighters; all of whom are expertly bred warriors. My unit is only a regular band of your typical guardsman except that we taught ourselves a few tricks from the catachans. Everyone in my tent were chatting and playing a sort of card game for gambling to pass the time before our next drill was initiated.

"Alright boys, quit your yapping and get up were going out on patrol." Sargeant Anya came in the room uninvitingly checks every men to see if their tip-top shape.

"Aww... is it from the commissar again, Sarg?" Czevak said. Another imperial guard such as myself but of lower rank.

"Wanna ask her yourself? Her bolt pistol is more eager to see you." Sgt. Anya said nonchalantly.

"Uhh... I'd like to see your- HUF!" Before Czevak could finish, he was interrupted by a boot in the face thrown from Anya who twitched her lips with sarcasm.

"C'mon, we leave in 10 mins." Sgt. Anya reaffirmed.

My squad left the encampment to go on our patrol; it was twenty-three miles away from the encampment where the outpost was still under construction. It was within a open, flat grassy ground with steep hills and littles bits rocks that the feet could feel from your boots. We took five motorbikes; enough for the five of us.

With Czevak being the one sentinel pilot to further cover more ground. The clouds still looking as the atmosphere in the surrounding area. We then split into two teams; Sgt. Anya, Private Gebris and Domitian. While the other is Czevak, Felix and finally Me, so we can scan for any would be attacks or anything strange in general and report it back to HQ.

"So where are going? Are we hiking to the tallest mountain?!" Domitian said eagerly.

"No, we will only scout unexplored areas where we haven't covered yet. It won't be too far but it will take few days to finish given if you don't slack around and eat all your rations. Don't even think about it Gebris." Sgt. Anya said in her vox comm.

"Hey, I only eat when we aren't fighting!" Gebris protested.

"Heh! yeah, as if you would think to consider stealing my rations when we weren't foighting back at the mess hall." Felix Colmeo said in amusement.

"I'd like to mess you up sarg." Czevak muttered without realizing that his vox comm. was on

"What was that private, Czevak?" She replied and looked up at him. She was wearing a visor with a mouth mask but he knew she was there with flames behind those eyes.

"Duahh... NOTHING! Let's get going! We're burning daylight here!" Czevak quickly stuttered and drove his sentinel at the wrong direction.

"Where are you heading? Are you finding a cave to hide or searching for the Sarg's garments?" Felix said, still keeping that jocose personality. He must have been a new recruit and this is most likely his first campaign. I pitied this young man's naivety, I pray to the God Emperor he will not lose his sanity and commit suicide after a few battles.

"I'll be going alone" Castor said with an apathetic and militaristic tone.

"Aww... always the mopey one, aren'tcha Lorr?" Gebris said looking worried.

"Corporal Lorr, as your sargeant. I am fully obligated to know the intention as to why your going by yourself." Sgt. Anya said facing Castor.

"You don't need to be concerned about me, I am fully capable of handling a simple scout mission." Castor said asserting his sentiment stoically.

"Then we'll rondavoo here; where HQ is nearer." Sgt. Anya orders the Castor and the rest of the squad to meet in the plains where its more open and visible.

"Roger" Castor replied with a nod.

"Then moved out, we meet until sundown." Sgt Anya said

"Geh... Don't die on me!" Czevak snorted and walks to where he and Felix were heading with a steady speed.

I drove at full speed heading west to the where Czevak and Felix were heading north while the rest of the squad headed eastward. I was the only veteran in my squad; newly promoted to the rank corporal after 5 years of servitude to the imperium and the Emperor. As if luck would have it - if you even call it that - was seemingly on my side.

I never knew why but it is thanks to the God-Emperor that I have survived this far in my guardsman career. My only hope now is keep fighting for the emperor and see if I can retire at the age of 60 so I can finally leave this horrendous profession. To finally live in peace - leaving behind my miserable past.

*****

In the darkest corners of Achilles space there lie the craftworld of Illymef - several seer's and exarch warriors of the highest rank - there was also the autarch and farseer. All of the eldar's most highest ranking officials are gathering a summit to discuss matters regarding their Mon'Keigh "friends" stationed dangerously close to they're craftworld and standing right on an necron tombworld.

High admiral and autarch Frakon was contemplating how he should approach this nuisance. They needed to stop the Mon'Keigh from alerting their oldest enemy (the necrons). If the necrons were to be awakened then they would have to eliminate their long awaited nemisis.

"I say we should attack them where they're most vulnerable! The Mon'Keigh are too busy consolidating their forces, we should strike this instant!" An exarch exclaimed

"And what would that bring us? More ruin to what our ancestors fetch from their hedonistic ways!" A seer intervene and retorted the exarch.

"I suggest we negotiate with the Mon'Keigh, surely they're barbaric minds will be more reasonable to make a truce. After all, this will only be a slaughter between both parties." Another seer said with pride.

"How preposterous! They are too simple minded that the only thing they would ever think is 'KILL KILL and KILL! I am with the exarch's proposal." Another exarch warrior sided with the latter.

"That is quite enough bickering for each one of us. Though I disrelish this species, I reluctantly admit that negotiations would be a better option. It would minimize the loss of eldar forces for we are in no position to fight anyone at the moment." Farseer Ylgard remarks.

"But Ylgard, my farseer... what if the Mon'Keigh never listen to our plea? what then would we do? The only alternative is to strafe them with our shuriken cannons and a large number of brightlances. Followed by a volley of pulse lasers and scatter lasers." An exarch exclaimed he's strategy.

"Bombarding the enemy from afar? I think fighting them head-on would be the best course of action. After all, what can a puny lasrifle from the Mon'Keigh could do to our warriors? We are far more superior than they're average footman." Another exarch from the room spoke proudly.

As the eldar were disputing whether it is the bright idea to attack the enemy with absurd tactics or settle for a peace treaty. Both are equally as bad as the other. Why would these Mon'Keigh decide they would set a permanent stronghold within our territory? These savages are more stupid to think they could station a base of operations so close to our craftworld.

As Autarch Frakon was thinking profoundly, they were hit by a message from one of their rangers reported that the Mon'Keigh fleet was approaching our position at a faster rate. It seems a fight is eminent; there won't be any room for negotiating with the brutes. He went to Belemon, an experience exarch - to prepare a strike force within 20 days. The decision is already made, they will fight to the bitter end.

Meanwhile in a nearby shrine temple within one of the complexes of Illymef. An eldar banshee was practicing her moves and blade. She was honing her skills as a banshee until her companion interrupted her tranquil serenity.

"Aemylth, we have orders from our exarch that we are to mobilize within 20 days from now." Elris said as she walk with an elegant grace.

"Elris, my friend, why have you come to disturb my time practicing the art of war." Aemylth said ignoring her friend who stood in front of her.

"My apologies my comrade in arms, like I said the exarch is in need of our services" Elris replied with hum.

"What business that she needs from us that he would disturb me from my schooling" Aemylth remarked.

"War calls us and we are fighting the Mon'Keigh" Elris said with a change of tone.

Aemylth stopped and stood there, as if she was a statue who so graceful look makes her silk fabric she wore, flop in the wind. "Then I shall heed the call" said Aemylth as she finally moved and turned to Elris with a grimace face.

*****

Within the forest, a moving object was fast approaching its proximity. Castor was driving his motorbike around the forest not wanting to enter its plantations until he finish surveying his area. The motor clank its pistons, creating a burst of noises at the distance that ever so increases by the minute.

He stops at the tip of the forest - Taking off his visor for better visualization - it was beautiful. The sound of the wildlife was so serene; chirping was heard, leaves were fluttering in the voice of the wind. It was a song to behold, a majestic and soothing sound; for a minute he found peace but he soon withdrew his thoughts. There was no time to be relax, he had a duty to carry out. It wasn't necessary to indulge in such matters like contentment.

We are at war, and war never cease to oppose the lives of others. Whenever he looks up in the sky; the rain finally subsided and he can see the blue-sky he was yearning to see. Yet he always wondered if he'll ever find peace but such a thing would be impossible if he dies. Heh who am I kidding, I can't find any glee in what I'm doing. I've seen too many horrors to know such a thing doesn't exist in this uncaring galaxy.

I disembark the bike, grabbing my lasrifle in at my back and march to the greenwood trees. If he can't find happiness then he has nothing to live for. The imperium doesn't give a damn about me if I die here or not; so long as I obeyed what they commanded me by any means. His pacing was but a rhythmic march, one step at a time. He face his lasrifle downwards, safety so is to not shoot his foot into crisp. The sun was beginning to set as the rays of orange shade of light emanating from the horizon.

He walked slowly into the depths of the forest not venturing far for fear he'll might get lost; until he saw a flickering light in the distance. A campfire? No its still daybreak. I quickly bent down at knee level, hoping I won't be spotted while taking cover if they have any weapons on them. I quickly went to my vox comm. attach to my shirt.

"Sargeant, Anya, report." He whispered so he wouldn't be found.

Sgt. Anya replied with a surprise ring "Report Cpl. Lorr, what did you find?"

"I've encountered what appears to be the natives in this planet." I said what I could observe.

"Noted, you are to disengage immediately, return to the rondavoo point" Sgt. Anya replied

"Negative, I see something illuminating from afar; approximately 19 metres away. I am to investigate further." I denied the sargeants words.

"What?! Cpl. Lorr, you are to disengage at once. You are alone and we can't make in time to help you." Sgt. Anya again give me another instruction as she growled at the vox comm. but I ignored it.

"Sorry but if they are perhaps native xenos then I would have the right to apprehend them." I said without a second thought.

"Cpl. Lorr get your ass back here now!" Anya screamed but it did not convince Castor to withdraw his decision to investigate what this flickering light was. His curiosity and bound by duty got the better of him.

"I'll be seeing you guys at the rondavoo point at 18:00, catch ya then" before Sgt. Anya made a retort, Castor grabbed his vox comm. and dropped it from the ground.

"Cpl. Castor I order to disengage now-" Castor smashed with his boot before she could even finish a sentence. He can finally do what he wants now.

As he crouch closer to the light source that ever so twinkled in the bushes of the forest. The trees were not very familiar to him, as expected from an alien world he knows little to. He was now nearer and nearer until he reached the end of it, meters away; so close to his position. Safety off, arms at the ready to shoot, feet stuck at the ground then moved as if he was a walking like a machine putting pressure in the ground while staying silent. He drew closer, leaves rustling below his feet.

Crouched behind a bush that he could barely see the light within the leafs. Creating small gaps to see. Until he hears a someone speaking. He was confused to what they were saying - they speak of a language he couldn't comprehend and their voice... its as if... they were echoing in the distance. He halts upon realizing it must have been xenos he hadn't met before until he sought refuge behind a big tree that his upper body torso can fit. He went ahead and took a peak at the 2 tall figures behind what little he can cover until he saw their helms. His eyes were widen and shock to see what he saw.

"Eldar?..." He whispered to himself so his cover wouldn't be blown. He then lean closer to get a better view at what they were doing; still surprise eldar were here. What little he could see from his pupils; they were wearing some sort of slender armor, not as bulky and protective as the space marines and it certainly match their physique. Craftworld eldar...

Which confuses him even more. What were the craftworld eldar doing here? What is their purpose? Hellbent on finding the answers and pondering what their intentions were. A twitch sound was heard. It was loud enough for the two eldar to notice it - they stopped talking their archaic vocals and search around what that sound was; one of them looked at his direction.

Castor immediately withdrew his gaze and stood still, hoping they didn't notice him, but he was all so wrong. He hears footsteps coming closer in his position. The sound of dead leaves crush by its footsteps made his gulp; he was sweating constantly - as a single droplet came to the tip of his nose. His heart throbbing anxiously and would send him to a state of shock if the eldar grabbed him. He waits, staying perfectly still, like a statue.

Until a hand reached the ground next to him. A jolt of panic struck Castor, he was shaking uncontrollably; his fingers barely holding the trigger of his lasrifle. This is it... this is the end of my guardsman career. If he didn't disobeyed orders and just listen to his Sgt. he would still be there playing cards with everyone.

I'm sorry Czevak... looks like I'll be dying here. Accepting his inevitable death. He was about to raised his lasrifle until a miracle happened that the God-Emperor bestowed upon him. His companion called up to him indicating that they should leave. The eldar that put his hand on the ground withdrew and followed his friend.

He didn't know the purpose of them leaving but he didn't care to know the reason. He was just relieved that they left without noticing Castor behind the tree. They left with a strange mount, it was hovering in the hair and it can carry two people. He didn't know why it was doing that; it only surprised him that it floated from the ground.

As they descend upon the tinted sky. They left without even double-checking the perimeter. Seeing the two Eldar leave brought a huge sigh in him, it was the most intense hide n' seek he had since he was a child. When I was a child?

Suddenly remembering what he was not supposed to recall. He shook his head vigorously; not wanting to see his past again would bring bad memories back to his miserable life. He dropped from the ground, legs tired from standing still to what appears to be minutes, felt like an eternity of torment. After a few minutes catching his breath; he stood up, turned around and raise lasrifle to see if there would be any eldar left behind. Nothing...

"All clear." He search around, alternating from left to right and to his back after a few paces.

"I'd better head back to the randavoo point and meet up with my squad but what excuse do I have for disobeying orders? Gotcha" He said, thinking of an excuse he could come out with in a whim. Until he saw a shiny blade at a tree bark. It was a shuriken crystal and he knows it, he fought eldar before and maybe this time he can fight them again. The only questions that came to his mind was "what were they scouting?" "what are they doing here if the fleet is blockading the world?" So many questions that he was uncertain, but disregarded it entirely. He had all the proof he needs to show his superiors, maybe he can elevate to the rank of sargeant if they were generous. The thought brought Castor an impish glee.

He rushed towards his bike; where he left it at the forest outskirts, putting his lasrifle in his back and left without slowing down. He had to send some very important news to HQ. Racing to meet his squadmates in the rondavoo point; until he saw lights erupting in the sky.

"Don't tell me..." Castor exclaim and change his course to HQ. He knew very well what those outburst of light were. They were imperial ships engaging eldar vessels.

He pulled the gas to max speed - driving as fast as he could to get to HQ.