Among the broken ruins lies the army of humans which marches in great number. Armed with thin plates of body armor and simplistic stubber, they march forward into the battlefield. Their home has been invaded by the intergalactic entity called the ‘Imperium’ which previously demanded their submission. Failed to demanded such audacious demand, the Imperium has unleashed its wrath into dozens of planets. This is one of those planetary invasions which are unlike others, rumor has spread about the deployment of giants. But it doesn’t matter, the hive city is partially being conquered by the invaders. What needs to be done now is too repulsed them away from the hive. As the army marching into the lines, the giants stalked among the broken ruins. Its bodies are covered in ceramite armor and draped with fresh skins and skulls. One of their shoulder pauldrons carries the iconography of a skull with wings of an ancient terran animals known as bats.
The defenders are charging the line once more, another counterattack has been committed but the result will be the same. The invader lines soon filled with projectiles and any sort of explosive. While the defenders attack the invader with their primitive stubber, the invader replied back with their las guns and bolters round. The defender technically outnumbered the invader, using human mass wave as their best method to drive the invader off from the hive. The battle would’ve been a prolonged firefight by the current situation, however the ‘giants’ are planning interfere and altered the outcome. From the broken buildings surrounding it, the Night Lords has been waiting for this sort of attack. With a minimal signal, Morrix jump pack ignited and jumped far away from the building which is followed by the rest of his and other squads.
In less than a minute he landed among the defender army, the momentum of his landing itself is enough to kill any mortal nears it. Three already dead by the crash while they were covering with loud wet cracks from their fragile bodies. As he swung his chain sword to the left another three lose their head into gory masses. At the same time, he uses his bolt pistol and paved a path of red mist in front of him, the sound is already muffled as the rest of his squad does the same. Some the squad however carrying different load out, as a result the attacker shared death with different horrific fate. The battlefield soon turned into a massacre as the defenders are struggling to survive the onslaught, but it’s simply prolonged their suffering. Morrix then do what’ve he done before, killing the leader of the assault. Searching for the head is rather simple since it wears a slightly brighter uniform compared to the foot soldier. As soon as he spotted it, he shot it with his pistol which then it was pulverized into red mist, and soon panic and collapse is brought once again. Another attack has been repelled again, and yet it become obvious how futile the effort was, if that was the purpose of the attempt.
Behind his squad, las shots and heavy bolter can be heard but they are meant for the enemy which is now trapped on the kill zone. It took a moment before the counterattack being shattered once again. The attacker may have been driven off again by their assault at their position, for now since more will come again. Morrix is somewhat impressed the Imperial Army that supported them at least seems to be function properly. After all, this regiment was formed recently where their world had also been liberated by the Night Lords in a decade ago. Whisper often speaks of this regiment hatred to the legion is still strong, and yet it isn’t obvious which might be restrained either by discipline or the traumatic fear that Night Lords had done before.
Although it has been only a week since they have successfully landed, unfortunately the expectation didn’t meet. Rather than having a sort fights and end in surrender, the planetary forces shows an endless resistance. This brought Morix of the Night Lords to repelling countless counterattacks such as these. It was not an ideal situation as an assault marine on the defense; it doesn’t suit their legion skills. Nevertheless, the opponent he is facing is nothing than being resilient in getting killed. Raid has been conducted and yet the result is less significant than hoped, the situation is almost the same. As he finished the butchering, the imperial army tries to find survivor for interrogation. He sighted, wondering if interrogate these fodders would be any use since previous attempt bore nothing.
“Sergeant, how’s the hunting?” Morrix recognize that voice, its Captain Nifalus, “These people are nothing but a cannon fodder, just look how abundant the bodies are,” as he talked to the captain and he pointed at the battlefield. He knew the captain have watched him during the battle and assumes he has the sight to witness the massacre. Bodies were scattered everywhere if they could be identified, but it was absence of from the legion or the imperial army. The enemies share distinct ‘uniform’, which they are all barely equipped to be considered as lethal combatant. Some of them don’t even have full equipment’s like body armor or heavier caliber guns. In fact, their less advanced equipment’s seem that they were meant for lesser purpose, a cannon fodder. Perhaps they could give meaningful damage to the Imperial army if they actually under more competent leadership.
“We should have expected that the enemy has been preparing for such warfare,” as he spotted at the Captain from the defense perimeter and waited for his response, but the captain seemed uninterested to respond. Before he could say anything, Captain Nifalus says, “Follow me to the command room, there’s something I need to show you.” Morrix annoyed with the captain lack of response, which behavior projected to the rest of the company. Some said it was arrogance for meeting and fighting together with their primarch. Another one said it’s due to his birth nobility for coming from the bottom of Terra prisons complex. Other rumors suggest that what happens in the past conquest of the legion has changed him. But whatever really happens didn’t concerned Morrix, he just annoyed with the captain lack of behavior.
With a hand gesture He told his squad to scour the perimeter for survivor while he headed to the imperial army headquarter. As he headed there, he saw just how busy the Imperial soldiers and engine seers in improving the line. Along the way he decided to take off his helmet so he can smell the fresh carnage and ease his sense than being confined in the helmet. For mortals they would probably cover their nose to shield them from the horrific smells. But Morrix has enhanced sense compare to them and yet more welcome to immersive in his handiwork. It took him a moment to finally reach the HQ, the new HQ is based on one of the existing building. Based on the statues and pictures hanging around all the rooms, it was once a museum or some sort. As he climb to the higher chamber he somewhat amazed that these building is more spacious and obviously better care than the surrounding. As he finally arrived, he saw Captain Nifalus as the only astartes present other than while the rest are nothing but army staffs and tech priest tending the machines. These army staffs are busy doing their role, either coordinating some sort of raids or other that’s not his concern. With a hand gesture he salutes the captain and asks, “Is there something we need to discuss?” The captain simply nodded back with his expression hidden by his helmet.
The pic images show something that surprises Morrix, massive advanced canon guns from the grav train being uncovered by the Night Lords or the army. Based on the caliber, a single shot is capable in creating a sizable hole for the defense perimeter. “This is one of many raids have been conducted across the sector, it’s obvious the constant failed attack is nothing to tied us down,” Nifalus explains as the army listen to him closely. One of the staff then speaks, “As you can see my lord in total we have at least found and destroy around one hundred and five of them. But we believe they have more and planning to muster it and aimed it at out location.” “And we could just keep terrorizing them till they surrender or submit which turning their weapon useless,” Morrix shot back at the captain and the staff.
“Sergeant, the real reason I’m calling you is to show you this,” with a gesture one of the staff immediately turned on the hive city schematic. From the schematic, it shows runic dots across the hive city. One of the dots was recognized by Morrix. It was one of the public speakers he destroyed for being a nuisance. The staff then shows them the enemy vox channel, to be exact it’s the public speaker’s broadcast. “These foreign invaders shall not prevail by the Great Leader decree!” The rest of the vox is nothing but abuzz, wondering if they having a primitive communication or simply enacted it poorly. “As you can see, all of these vox com is meant more for both the inhabitant and their forces morale,” Nifalus pointed out and then he continues, “Based on the simplicity of the message it’s obvious that the inhabitant needs to send the same message from ourselves that is not abstruse.” “Didn’t we always send a simple message Captain,” Morrix replies, wondering what he means since they always send a simple message of terror and fear to their enemies’ heart. “What I meant is the simplicity and efficiency we need to conduct, and self-indulgent is not one of them.”
“Is it wrong to enjoy your duty as the emperor enforcer captain, after all this we’ve done all the time?” All of the mortals kept their professionalism and continues their duty, but some already glance at Morrix or Nifalus. They hide their emotional traumatic past so these astartes doesn’t notice, but some mask it less subtle. However, with a slight gesture from Nifalus head they all continue their duty while feeling weary. “What we do is the Emperor will, but it’s our father who decided on how we will deliver it.” Nifalus decided to take off his helmet, a cold and stoic expression is finally being exposed to everyone in the chamber to see.
“It happens to most worlds we face, surely you already know that end result,” the Captain replied with his cold expression. Morix is vexed with the captain reply but before he could say anything the captain instead show a pic schematic and says, “However, this is not the only reason why I’m calling you Sergeant.” The captain continues, “How’s your time scouring the surrounding sergeant?” “Bunch of strangler although surprisingly they’re less noisy when I killed them,” Morrix tries to put up a smile just as he remember the encounter. Nifalus instead looked disappointed, “Then you didn’t realize the equipment they have is completely different or perhaps you didn’t want to tell me about the damage at your shoulder?” He pointed it at Morrix damage left shoulder just so Morrix paying attention and replies, “It’s nothing, just their weapon primitive lucky shots.” Nifalus coldly smiled, “Shots that proves that the resistance provides you and your squad with more fights than a mundane slaughter. Thankfully, you’re not the only one having this encounter, commander.”
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An officer then started to add new data at the console, the projector changed from their position landscape into a train. “While you’ve been busy in repelling their counterattack, I’ve led a dozen strike force and conducting raids across the sectors,” Nifalus then continues, “More dangerous encounter has been recorded which means to one thing.” The pics maps then shows enemy movements, armies across the region are converging into their position. Nifalus then says, “That isn’t the only movement sergeant, reports from the admiral suggest that the enemy navy also being moved here. Intelligence suggests massive reinforcement is highly coming, which means we need to break this planet as soon as possible. These bring us back to the vox com tower, Sergeant.”
“Based on our attempt to relocate the frequency, we or should I say the army has finally found its source.” As he showed the city schematic, a red rune appears and blinking in one of the buildings it shows. The building was the most obvious one if there any since it shown to be the tallest of all. Morrix might have seen it before although he didn’t pay too much attention to it due to its unremarkable and very bland design.
The officer than explain, “Based on the account of the prisoner that…”
“Survivor from previous counter attack,” Morrix immediately interject.
“Survivor we interrogate, he said that the ‘party’ is the truth no matter what they say. An obvious indication of indoctrination to the point of insanity,” Niffalus replied.
Niffalus then says, “It is why that we can exploit this com tower and using it to turn the planet into submission.” Morrix puzzled and asked, “And the reason you brief me about this because I’ll attack the tower?” Niffalus notice faint of smile from Morrix face and then he replies, “The plan is that the imperial army will conduct massive raid across the sector to confuse the enemy of out true movement. Our grand company will also commit the raid except their target will be aimed for more important objectives like the enemy massive batteries. You and your squad will accompany me to the tower for the great work our father wishes at night. Reinforcement will soon follow by the designated units who joined the feigned raids.”
As he looked through the improvise window, he could see the suns sinking, it was a perfect opportunity. “Our father wanted us to wage war in the way of Night Lords, sergeant,” he gazes back at Morix. With a smile he says, “Be prepared, your squad will accompany me and my squad into this target and maintain restraint, do you understand?” Morix simply reply, “Understood, when we will start the operation?”
For the past hour Morix and his assault squad has been sneaking across the hive city and avoiding any passerby. Some did spot them, but a dead body can’t tell anything even if most part is still intact. While Morrix enjoyed the silent killing, captain Nifalus seemed to be more restrained. “Don’t waste your talent on the scraps sergeant, we have bigger prey at sight,” says the captain through the fox. Morrix could simply reply in boredom, “We have infiltrated quite deep behind the enemy line. A little blood is all we need captain.” Most of them are already stained with bloods, Nifalus on the other hand is somewhat less bloodied than the rest. Morrix wonder if the captain indeed restrained himself or simply too afraid indulging on their prey fear and terror. And yet Morrix can feels the captain bloodlust every time he gets close enough and its pressure can be felt more bigger intense.
Sneaking across the hive city is somewhat mundane since he already accustomed its similar environment in Nostramo. As they approach the source, Morix could see it with his own eye just how big is the structure. The structure is quite tall and yet thin from the distance, it is designed and meant for the planet to receive its transmission. Based on the look, the base is for the human crew while the top are nothing but communication antenna. Size wise, it took 500 meters for its width and the depth of the structure doubled. Cearly the structure is for planetary level or even for the sector needs. Then again, it’s located on the upper hive which carries its importance. Unlike others structure, it’s surrounded with open space functioning as its courtyard.
Morrix see that the guards and patrol is lesser than expected, but they seem to be armed better than most of his previous engagement. Nifalus says through the vox, “I want you to take the squad to the other side and on my signal, we’ll started the infiltration.” Morrix replies, “My squad will block any attempt to escape, while your squad begins to use the com tower.” “Yes, just like the plan, but remember Morrix. You will need to ensure that no one can get in or out, otherwise the plan could fail,” Nifalus then gestured with his hand to the other side of the building.
“It seems the rest of our battle brothers have gathered, should we commence?” Morrix ask the captain. Nifalus looked at the map within his helmet, he notices that a couple of squads is converging to their position. From the runic lights he recognized those, a special unit for his plan with the tower. These squads soon arrived and Morrix is somewhat amused with their composition. “Do you think they are suited for taking over the building?” Morrix asked, wondering the captain judgment since these are nothing but apothecaries and tech marines grouped together. “The way of the night lords is needed to be learned by everyone within the legion,” Nifalus replies back. “Get to your position now so we can begin the operation,” as soon as Nifalus barked Morrix and his squad immediately redeployed.
Morrix and the rest has been itching for a bloodbath, unfortunately this is not what he expected. Using the pillars and the windows around, his squads and the others are now fending the defender again. The environment around to the tower is rather wide giving advantage for him. Unfortunately, the enemy carries more and advanced firepower to accommodate the environment. He wished that the imperial army comes sooner than reportedly stuck facing another engagement on their route. Unlike the past engagement, this one is completely different than those meat shields near the base. These forces move with more discipline and better equipment, in fact fear seems barely visible. “It seems their ballistic and laser weapons are more accurate and might even be able to harm us, brother,” Morrix announced fox it to his squad and other squads. “It seems they are trying to tie us down,” one of his squads reported.
” Squad V, you better neutralize the artillery!” Morrix barked.
“We’re neutralizing it, it’s going to take a while,” squad V replied as Morrix heard couple of explosions.
Another wave has been repulsed by his battle brothers, squad K is located at the center of the perimeter. Their heavy weapons have given a valuable moment for Morrix and his squad in finishing the suppressed forces. And yet another wave, followed by flanking maneuver has keeping him and his forces in tight spot. These army is clearly showing the lack of fear or hesitation, showing their quality. But the grand companies need to hold and wait for the Imperial army reach their position. Based on the vox frequency however, they also facing the same opponents and won’t arrive anytime soon.
On the other hands, the vox frequency from the building was silent. Most of the vox channel is filled by the captain order and some instruction, but he couldn’t be sure what it is. But the mortal inside the building is seems to be filled with terror based on the constant screaming. And sometimes the voices can be heard originated from outside the building. He ignored it, something that mundane or trivial shouldn’t be given any attention. Should he asked Nifalus about the purpose of the operation or is it matter? As far as he can know that they are simply committing another raid deep within the enemy territory, reminding the enemy that the night lords are the darkness.
As dawn started to set, the communication traffics slowly but surely becoming more disorganized. Morrix started to notice as the assault itself beginning to falter, he could’ve noticed it. He and his forces are too busy in counterattacking these mortals, finally drenching themselves with the enemy fears. But he can’t be ignored as he keeps seeing the face of terror to any of these mortals after looking at the tower. Curiosity started to grow and then he finally decided to look at the tower, he is suprised.
The massive antenna tower can be seen by every living being surrounding it, including the command center of the imperial army if they try. They all can see that the tower has been covered by bodies hold by a makeshift acanthoid as if the tower itself grows it. All of them are skinless and they are like fruits from a steel tree. Sounds of these poor souls can be heard, especially since the vox that being positioned nears these unfortunate victims has been turned on. Now, the entire hive city or even the planets hears the screaming and moaning of these slabs of flesh. Such atrocity started to show its effect, Morrix can heard that the vox traffic filled by fear. On the other hand, he could hear report where the defender across the planet started to went on confusion, as the fear sips in. It took less than few minutes that panic can be heard in the traffic, he wonders if the same thing happens with the imperial army on route to the tower.
Soon he notices a call from his captain to meet him at top of the building, alone. In short time he reached the captain at the designated location, both of them are alone. Morrix looked at the captain and it was rather less mundane, his helmet is dangling on his waist and his entire body armor is covered by blood and gore. Nifalus smiled as he looks at Morix, “This is the true terror and fear! Once it’s made, it will radiate and soon seeps into human and the result will…. listen the vox.” Morix check the vox channel and he hears screams and panic at most channels. Everything has escalated rather quickly from the last time he checked few minutes ago. The enemy combatants and enforcer are sounded either trying in keeping order or went insane by the sounds, and they all filled with terror in their voices. “Can you feel it, the fear is contagious, and once people carry it, others whose is in their reach will slowly or immediately infected by it.”
Morix moved closer and then took off his helmet, he’s smiling. It’s a wonder work of art, the handiwork is being shared across the sector to enjoy as the Imperium fleet has been ordered to strengthen the signal. Nifalus then explains, “We are the fear for the galaxy who opposes the Imperium, our very name is terror itself. I suggest you learn it all as fast as you can, sergeant.” He pointed at the horizon, “we’re going for another raid deep, prepare your men for the next phase.” Morrix decided to ask despite of everything that has happened, “The objective for the next phase would be cutting deep at their high command?” Nifalus smiles even wider, “We are going to spread the planet in fear and the truth of their defiance even further, ave dominus nox.”