Mindless Bugs
A Warhammer: 40,000 short story by Omegaspectre.
It was a quiet night and the stars were shining brightly, beacons of light amongst the dark sky. Dave stared out into the wilderness for a while, thinking about the assault that was planned for the next day. Tonight was a chance to relax for the common grunts. Dave turned around and walked over to his tent. He shared his tent with two of his squadmates, Steve and Bruce. As Dave approached he noticed they were playing cards around the fire.
Dave set himself down on the ground next to Bruce and grabbed a drink. Steve looked up at Dave and said:
“Are you alright mate? You don’t seem yourself.”
“I’m ok, just thinking about the assault.” Dave replied.
“Ah don’t worry about it, we’ll be fine as long as we stick together,” Steve grinned, “Just remember to keep your head down.”
“Yeah, we make a good team. I might turn in now, not feeling that good.”
“Ok, me and Bruce are getting up a while before the assault tomorrow, gives us more time to prepare.”
“Get me up as well, see you tomorrow guys.” And with that, Dave stood up and walked inside the tent, closing the flap behind him. He sat down on his bunk and fell into a deep sleep. Early the next day, Dave awoke to find Steve shaking him.
“Finally, he awakes!” Steve said with a grin on his face.
“Haha, thanks for waking me” Dave replied. He rose to his feet and left the tent, heading towards the wash facilities. He had a shave, showered and decided to eat now, rather than straight before the assault.
A delicious smell was emanating from the mess hall. Dave queued behind the counter and grabbed a plate. When it was his turn the chef behind the counter took his plate and served the food onto it: Steak, chips and peas. One of Dave’s favourites. Dave took his plate and sat down next to a couple of guys he knew from another squad, Bill and Terry.
“Morning Dave, you ok?” Said Terry.
“Eh, could be better.” Dave replied as he started to tuck into his meal.
“You all prepared for the assault?” Bill asked.
“Not yet, still need to collect my gear.”
“Well good luck, hopefully we’ll see you after.” Terry said, a smile on his face.
“It’s you guys who need the luck, I mean you are the close combat guys! I get it lucky having to stick back and shoot!” Dave said, laughing and almost choking on a mouthful of steak.
“Haha, well we’re invincible anyway! No-one can touch us!” Bill replied, he was laughing as well. Still laughing slightly, Dave stood up, his appetite gone, and left the mess hall. As he was walking to the armoury, he saw the Commander.
Commander Nikolai Vladimir was as tough as hell and towered over everyone else. He was a legendary commander, and had led many to victory. Dave walked past Commander Vladimir, who was busy speaking to a couple of the officers.
When Dave reached the armoury he collected his routine weapon and ammo. Whilst he was there he grabbed a rag and wiped his weapon over, then took some spare ammo clips and left. Not long after Dave had returned to his tent, the whole camp was summoned to the main courtyard. When everyone had arrived and was settled down, Commander Vladimir started to speak.
“Men of Leviathan! Today we will taste victory and wipe those Space Marines from this world! This is their last base, their last defence, their last stand! All of them shall fall before our might as we crush them like the scum they are! Remember though, we must keep up our act, as does every Tyranid force. We are mindless bugs who have no intelligence and do what the Hive Mind wishes! Remember to act like you can’t think for yourself! Because we’ve been fooling our enemies to think we’re unintelligent they don’t care much for us! If they found out we could think then they’d be trying to capture us and find out our secrets!”
“Remember your names! 1st and 2nd companies are Hormagaunts! 3rd and 4th companies are Termagants! Our mighty friends in the 5th Company are Carnifexes and Trygons! Do not refer to anyone by their regular names! Maintain radio silence, the foolish marines might hear. Also, air support will be provided by the so called “Gargoyles” of the 6th Company. Alright Tyranids, DISMISSED!!”
And with that, Commander Vladimir, or “Hive Tyrant” as he was known, raised his bonesword high and a mighty cheer rose. Dave looked across and saw Bill and Terry raising their scything talons and cheering. Dave raised his own fleshborer and started to cheer as well. Just another day as a mindless bug.
The end.
Can you imagine if Tyranids were actually like this? lmao
Opinions wanted please, this is the first story I've written about
40k.
