In the planets orbit - there sit setting, the sun to nightfall - its dim light, revealing partially at the world's lithospheric horizon. Where it's both serene and imperturbable. As it unravels the darkness within its orbit, calling in the native wildlife to sleep for a new tomorrow. Many nocturnal animals awake when the sun's presence have diminished.
BOOM!
Within the planets mesosphere, 30 Imperial navy forces were battling on against 25 Aeldari vessels. Commondore Hanz was in command of the orbital defense fleet, while Commondore-captain Theodus Vigilus led a strike force comprising of only 15 warships at his disposal to assault the eldar craftworld that his scouts found. Judging from the Eldar fleet's arrival, it's no surprise that he failed his mission. He hopes that he paid the price for it and that he received the emperor's mercy. Now all thats left is intercepting this abhorrent xenos species.
"Your death shall be avenge my friend..." Commondore Hanz whispered to himself as if nobody would hear.
"Sir, we've detected that several eldar aircraft are entering the stratospheric level." An officer reported.
"Send 5 lightingstrike squadrons to intercept the eldar" the commondore said stoically.
"Aye sir, ordering 5 squadrons of lightingstrikes are on the way." Another naval officer said.
"Sir! There is a cruiser heading towards our direction and are firing at the Vigilance!" Another officer reported, as his voice could be heard by everyone in the bridge.
"Immediately fire fully charge lascannons and launch a barrage of hellfury missiles!" Commondore Hanz said.
"Aye, sir! Firing away fully charge Lascannons and Hellfury missiles at the enemy vessel!" An officer said.
All the batteries from the Vigilance (Dictator class cruiser) are aiming directly at the eldar Eclipse class cruiser. All lascannons fire and hit the eldar cruiser but with no effect, its Holo-field was too strong after being bombarded with heavy lascannons. It does not matter how many we fire at it, all that matters is that its heading towards us. If it can get close to our lances then we would be able to finish it off. Face the Emperor's wrath, Xenos scum!
The lascannons cannonade never ceased fire, only briefly after it cools its barrel so it can fire once more at this abomination. As it drew closer the lances were now ready to fire. All it needs now is for the eldar ship to be close to it's firing zone, but it stopped and then unleashed a volley of high-energy lasers and direct hit to the Vigilance - it's hull along with another barrage of multiple torpedoes were flying like insects about sting the plated craft. It shook the ship so hard that it went sideways.
As it waved like a rowboat; many men were grappling to whatever they can hold as the ship gesticulate from the motion. Luckily the engines were pushed to their limits as the thrusters went full throttle. Turning the Vigilance back into balance.
When the situation went for the worst; another eldar vessel was in course to the Vigilance. Bringing with it what seems to be 2 light cruisers and 3 escorts. It seems the Left wing has been broken.
"Insufficient power, proceeding to reboot: Failed, Major Hull Damage: Repairs Failed, Oxygen Levels: 56% Empty. Warp drive: Critical Overload. Error: Systems none responsive. Rebooting:Failed" As the techpriest reported the ships damage components in his robotic voice box as if he was speaking like a machine. Hanz was left with no choice.
"Overload the Engines!" Commondore Hanz yelled to attract his subordinates attention.
"But sir! There are still many on board! Are you sure about this?" A naval officer retorted.
"No, Send them to the escape pods if they want to be shot by the eldars nightwing aircraft. I know there is no way to run from death but let it be known that we die for the Imperium!" Hanz said as each of his voice becomes more hoarse than before.
"For the Emperor!!!" Everyone in the bridge said in unison including the commondore. They knew full well that the fleet has been annihilated, there is no escape; for escape is a disgrace to any imperial soldier, sailor or any high ranking officer. It is the greatest treason to the imperial military. The only honour is die for their Emperor.
"Full speed ahead! CHARGE!!!" Commondore Hanz said as his final command. "It is up to you now, Trajan. May the Emperor guide you to your path of vengeance for us. Goodbye old friend." Hanz closed his eyes for the last time.
The Vigilance dash at the eldar cruiser who quickly maneuvered the charging warship but to no avail. The ship was already too close to escape the Vigilance direction. As the eldar cruiser failed to run away from the impending impact, the Vigilance rammed the eldar vessel. Ridding it from its abomitable existence.
For there is no room for mercy in the endless tide of war in the galaxy at large. This battle is insignificant compared to other notable battlefleet engagements. The death of thousands are nothing compared to the billions of guardsman that died for each passing day or hour. The fleet has finally broken, it is with no doubt an imperial defeat.
*****
High admiral Frakon was overseeing the battle in a window from the 'Khaine's redemption' battlecruiser (A phoenix class to be precise). He sighed at the ensuing battle, pondering whether or not it was worth the trouble. Of course negotiations would have been a better alternative compared to spilling bloodshed but the Mon'Keigh decided to attack our home without leaving room for any talks of truce. He only hopes to end this battle with the Mon'Keigh eradicated and go back to Illymef.
"Is something bothering you, Autarch?" Farseer Ylgard came to the bridge univiting.
"No, just wondering if this nonsense would end" The High-admiral remarked without turning to face the farseer.
"Do not worry High-admiral. We will end this battle as swiftly like the cut of a knife." An exarch intervene to the conversation.
"Back to your post or you'll have to be disciplined again, Galaros." Frakon warned him without flinching.
"Yes, High-admiral" He immediately withdrew and proceeded to go back to what he was doing.
"Come now my friend, it isn't his fault. I am certain this fight would end eventually. I am more concern about what is happening down below." Ylgard said as he face down to the planets horizon. "I fear it would be more fierce and bloody than up here." He added.
"Indeed, that is why our technology and tactics are superior than these savages" He barked like a growling beast about to bite its prey.
"Yes, indeed. Yes, Indeed Frakon." Ylgard said as contrition gather within his heart.
*****
Meanwhile at HQ before the imperial navy engage the eldar strike fleet. Colonel Trajan was looking at a holo map within his desktop, until an officer barged in without warning; it seems important - otherwise I would have shot him there for disturbance. I brought my amasec beverage with me that is native to my world. As I stood up and looked at the captain; who seems anxious.
"At ease, soldier. What brings you to my office at such a precarious time?" Colonel Trajan said with concern, as his eyes furrow.
"Heup! Captain Karrack, at your service!" The Captain said as he saluted to the colonel.
"Report. What urgenent news you've brought me Cpt.?" Trajan said as he sat back to his chair. Leaning comfortably as he sip from his rum glass.
"Imperial navy forces are now engaging eldar warships. We believe that commondore-captain Theodus Vigilus was not successful in his mission." The Cpt. said.
This immediately choked the colonel at his drink in surprise and puts it down at his side with a loud thud. He knew full well that there would be a possibility of attack but this premature attack fleet comprising of a small assault fleet is a huge setback. He knew an eldar invasion is imminent and that he must make preparations to counter it. The only problem is time however; how much longer will the construction be completed. Another two weeks or so? Maybe even longer, only time will tell.
"Order the techpriest and the guard to finish construction within 17 days from now." Col. Trajan said with an expression of grimace.
"Right away sir." Cpt. Karrak replied and sprinted to the doorway. Only to find another officer but this time it's a commissar.
"I have come to deliver a report to you Col. and it is not what you would call pleasant." Commissar Jenette Ironfang said.
"Give it to me, Ironfang. What seems to be the problem." Col. said as he took the report note from the commissar.
Apparently the scouts sent by her said that they have spotted an eldar scout. This took a turn for the worst, and what's even more grave is that the blockade isn't fairing too well up there. He put the pamphlet down.
"Activate the Gellar field generators now and prepare emergency drills at 01900!" He shriek.
"Yes sir!" The commissar and the cpt. said before leaving the room. The Col. was now left with his thoughts all by himself.
"Emperor help us..." He muttered and heard a loud thud when the door closed the room.
Whuff
He was now alone in the dark room with nothing but the light of the holo-map still on. His expression sour and shook his head vigorously until he made up his mind. He'll defeat the xenos here and now, but if he doesn't. Well there's always more room for revenge is there if he's alive, right? He stood up and surveyed the holo-map one last time, thinking of a strategy to purge the filth of the eldar in the Emperor's name.
*****
Castor was there in the garage where he nestled his motorbike and leaning at the side of his bike, arms crossed. Awaiting for his squadmates return and see his furious Sargeants face, he bets it's gonna be a sucker punch in the face. He was smoking a cigar in his mouth, relaxing and buying some time until they come for him. For now he should take it easy; he has been driving around at full speed, surely he deserves rest.
Right before he could open his eyes he hears the slide doors of the garage moving. Ahh, they seem to be here.
The whole crew was back until a very angry Anya was storming in with her bike parked next to his - creating a 90 degree turn to the side.
"Well, looks like I'm getting a beatin- Puuu!" Castor said but was interrupted by Sgt. Anya's Punch to the gut. Followed by a kick to groin.
"You little s*it! Disobeying orders is a fallacy punishable by death! Your lucky that the commissar wasn't there or else we would have to dig your own grave!" Sgt. Anya roared like a greenskin beast.
"Pweh! You know you could be a little more gentle Sarge. *Cough Cough* It's nothing to be worried about. I told the commissar what I saw and she said I can be promoted if the higher ups deemed me worthy. If I "could" be promoted." Castor explained and made a small smirk to Anya was still kicking him in the ground.
"What did you reported!" Sgt. Anya stopped the kicking and lifted him up the ground, clutching her fist into his shirt.
"Well its-" Before he could explain further an alarm was ringed, followed by someone from the speakers was heard.
"ATTENTION ALL PERSONNEL, YOU ARE TO IMMEDIATELY RETURN TO YOUR PLATOONS AND MOBILIZE FOR WAR. I REPEAT. IMMEDIATELY RETURN TO YOUR PLATOON AND MOBILIZE FOR WAR. ELDAR FORCES HAVE BEEN REPORTED BY MULTIPLE SCOUTS THAT THEY ARE TO STRIKE HQ. MAY THE GOD-EMPEROR BE WITH YOU. THE EMPEROR PROTECTS." The lady said in the speaker and soon the people working in the garage were now alert and focus.
"Heh. Does that explain it Sarg?" Castor said still having a smirk on his face.
She hesitantly pulled back her grip to Castor and walked towards the steel door. When she let go of him; his other squadmates flocked onto him and chatting so gibberishly that he kinda misses their shenanigans.
"Hey, hey look at here, we got ourselves a rebel." Felix said putting his arm around Castor's back.
"You know how long have we been waiting for you, pal? two hours! Two F***ing hours and we're here doing all the work while you smoke on, as if you hadn't seen a chick yet." Domitian said with a slight layer of jealousy on top of the icing.
"Come on, Domitian. It wasn't that long" Czevak remarks.
"You kidding! My @$$ has been sore from all the siting from my bike. Of course it was that long!" Domitian retorted.
"Hey, stop arguing n' stuff, we got ourselves a job to do. C'mon last on the mess hall gets shot by the commissar! Puh!" Gebris said and bumps into Commissar Janette in front of him.
"Oh~ and would you be the first to be shot, private Gebris?" Commissar Janette said with a sadistic tone of voice.
"Mmm-no commissar sir- I mean mam!" He quickly stood straight and made a salute.
"Good boy, now run along to your post before I really shoot you~" She said with a grin on her face.
"Y-yes mam!" Gebris said [btw even though he is depicted as eating a lot he isn't fat, he is the mostly muscular and strong out of the bunch. Due to him eating a lot of protein rich rations - Authors note]
"And as for the rest of your squad, well... *Cocks boltpistol*." Janette immediately turns her gaze at us.
"""Yes mam!""" the rest of the squad replied.
"Good~!" Commissar Janette said and walks away from them - meeting up with other officers of similar rank.
"Geez, Gebris. It seems like the commissar has a soft spot for you." Czevak said with a sneer on his face.
"I-its nothing. Come on lets get going..." Gebris stuttered.
"To where? My rations? Well good luck in finding them cause I hid them in a good spot where you wouldn't find them." Domitian said with a bit of pride.
"You mean the ones under your bunk-bed?" Czevak said without a second thought.
"Czevak!"Domitian yelled.
It seems like we're gonna be stuck together for a while. This has been the longest I've had with a squad compared to the others. He stares blankly at the cold night sky where the burst of light are now dissipating. Looks like the battle is finally over up there... I wonder who won.