"Should we pull it out?" "I don't think that would be a good idea." "What do you think Nethanial?" "He's no good to us with his liver in a rocket launcher." Okay then, on three, we pull it out and tie it off." "One, Two.... THREE." "Grandfather? Are we starting for the great winter already?" "The village, what, Don't look." "Hey, where did Michael go? I'm going to look for him." "No, wait comeback here!" "See you at the village Grandpa!" Gideon woke with a jerk, biting his lip. The familiar taste of blood seeped into it. His head ached, and he couldn't feel his stomach. He tried to sit up, but a wave of nausea forced him back down. He closed his eyes and fell back into a dreamless sleep. When he opened his eyes again, a finger was sticking into his gut. Gideon cried out, then clenched his jaw. Asmond was standing over him, a scowl on his face. "This is why you follow orders." His voice was low, but angry. " I said go to topside, NOT, to the Arming Bay." Asmond relaxed and sighed. "But you did save three marines, and a techmarine. So, I am only going to give you one extra month scout duty." He has an amazing way of showing pride Gideon thought to himself. "Yes sir." He whispered, still in pain from the finger in his gut. "Take the rest of the day, then head to command for evacuation. Were done with the field training, and the Emperor's worst are going to take over the garrison." As he left Asmond turned his head. "By the way, Nice work with the missile launcher. Next time try not to land on it." With that, The instructor walked out of the room. Land on it? Gideon thought, reaching down and searched around his stomach. He hit a sensitive area and doubled over in pain. Yeah, he thought, next time I'll stick to the Bolter. Gideon looked through the flat screen display unit at the firebase. As the Thunderhawk speed towards the sky, he could see small figures trying to repair the blast doors of the arming deck. One of the gigantic doors lay on the ground, a large crater in the side of the building. The open area in front of the bunker could have been mistaken as a burial ground. Bodies of guardsmen lay in rows where they where in one piece. Body parts occupied craters and alien corpses dotted the landscape. Switching off the monitor, Gideon stepped in line with Michael. "How bad is it?" Michael asked. Gideon tightened his gloves. "Pretty bad, might take a while to repair." "If you keep going against orders, you will never get out of the Tenth Company." Gideon knew he would say something like that. Michael was always the one to follow orders to the bone. That is, until he is in combat. When he is fighting he becomes almost oblivious to anything going on around him. Well, Gideon thought, at least we can trust that he will never give up. As Gideon was thinking to himself, the marines in power armor started gathering equipment that was strewn about the floor. One looked towards the initiates and touched the side of his helmet. A mechanical sounding voice filled the room. "Were docking in five minutes, get your gear in order." Picking up his sparring equipment, Gideon turned so he could speak with Malachai. "What was it that your where going to say earlier?" Asked Gideon. "The old Techmarine pulled off his helmet. Gray hair was matted to his forehead, and sweat ran down across his scars. "You will know in time, Gideon. If you live long enough that is." "I guess that will have to suffice for now." Replied Gideon. Great he thought. Can anyone here give a straight answer about anything? Probably not. It seemed like most of them knew about as much as he did. There was something more about the Sergeants though. They seemed zealous, even when they didn't need to be. It was like they were trying their hardest just to get a drink of water. But it was inspiring. Gideon couldn't put his finger on it, there was an aura about them that put victory into your mind and soul just by walking around them. Of course, it was most likely just himself. The hall was dank, cold air blew through the tunnel, rustling the initiates' robes. Gideon was kneeling, resting the palm of his hand on his monofilament sword. Metallic footsteps carried a tall figure towards them. A smaller figure with a robe walking closely beside him holding a sword. A black glistening blade seated into a shining ivory handle. Wings of gold formed its wrist guard, and a round pommel almost dragging on the floor. Gideon knew who it was though it hardly seemed possible. Supreme Grand Master Azrael stood before them, the Sword of Secrets held by one of the most loyal watchers. Gideon had been told that Azrael was more laid back any other member of the inner circle. Right now, all Gideon could see on Azrael face was anger. "Young Brothers, I have made a grave decision upon your behalf." Gideon flashed a look at Michael. He knew it couldn't be good. "Yesterday, two tactical squads from the ninth company where annihilated fighting the alien abominations on Cratshu." Azrael paused for a moment, apparently thinking about what to say next. "This leaves them at less than half strength. That includes assault companies and heavy weapon specialists." A second Watcher appeared and gave Azrael a small glowing pad. Azrael looked into it, and continued his announcement. "The following initiates are hereby noticed to have finished training, and will progress immediately to their new company, as novice marine. Brother Asmond and Brother Tyralius will take you to your respective sections." Asmond and Tyralius took positions in front of the kneeling marines. "Stand, and listen for you name, if it is called, present yourself, then go to Barracks Command for your new living quarters." Asmond was the first to call out. "Beremalus, Assault." "Seracova, Devastator." Yelled Tyralius. "Gideon, Assault." "Marphaleous, Tactical." "Terphyli, Assault." "Normadus, Devastator." "Demitri, Assault" "Michael, Assault." "Ninth Company assault, completed." Gideon stepped out, and followed the crowd through the dark hallway. In all the ships, in all the Imperium, he was stuck with the only one without windows he thought to himself. In the background Gideon could hear Tyralius still naming off initiates that would serve in tactical squads. His voice rang down through the hall, audible even when Asmond called out for double time. Ignoring his gut feeling about how quickly he actually became a full marine, Gideon started jogging, keeping pace with the rest of the new assault squad. |
OUTSIDE INFLUENCE VOLUME I By Brother Gideon |
TOMES OF VALOUR |
This story has been reproduced with permission from the author. Many terms used in this story (such as Space Marine, Eldar, and others) are Trademarks of Games Workshop, Inc. Their use here is not intended as a challenge to said trademarks. |
