Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

Good catch Panda.

Captain Razzik assisted Zaduga into the webbing on the wall of the cargo hold. He strapped him in and whispered some words of encouragement. The marines leg had been severed just above the knee in addition to a handful of bullet wounds. The bleeding had stopped within seconds of the leg injury and it was already scabbing over. Razzik knew the marine was heavily drugged but as long as he needed he would be able to count on the marine.

“Just a little longer brother, stay with me,” Razzik whispered through his vox. Zaduga gave a single nod before beginning a meditation to help him focus. As helpful as these traders have been they were still working with xenos and can’t be trusted.

A few spots down Shar-Takazz was secured on his section of the bench. He stared across the room over a floating cargo drone at the humans that were accompanying them. Razzik took a few steps over to the sergeant of Squad Rimsin.

The marine had a nasty wound in his side. His breath was raspy. It sounded like a lung was collapsed. Several armored plates on his arms were heavily damaged or missing. His helmet was smashed in and one eye lens was cracked. Despite all of those injuries Shar-Takazz was still signaling full combat readiness.

With a side glance Razzik looked across the cargo hold to the crew that Shar-Takazz stared down. There were twenty two humans all together spread around the room. Nearly all of them looked like grizzled veterans yet Razzik could sense their trepidation. They hadn’t seen a real space marine before and he could sense their fear.

With a sharp clap the cargo drone ceased moving and sank partially into the cargo hold floor. An aged human with massive fore arms and silver hair got up from his kneeling position.

“There we go,” he said to himself as he pushed aside a silver lock of hair from his face. He checked several straps that were holding the bodies of the injured marines in place before taking his own seat a few places down from Shar-Takazz.

Captain Razzik studied this man closely, Boolosh, was what Captain Quip had introduced him as and he was the only human in the room that showed no fear. In fact, the elderly human seemed intrigued by the super humans and their gear.

“We’re about to take off sir, you may want to take your seat,” Boolosh said to Razzik who was still standing between Shar-Takazz and Zaduga. Razzik stepped over to the palate of unconscious marines, ignoring the words of Boolosh.

Without further warning the cargo ship slowly rose from its position and took off from Elsy’vesith towards their ship. Razzik had no trouble keeping his balance on the rumbling floor as the ship moved from one gravity center into space.

During their short trip Razzik closely examined each marine that lay before him. Nillahfin was deep in his healing coma, but he was struggling. He had many injuries and several wounds didn’t close properly. Razzik knelt closer and smelled one of his chest wounds. The stench of Dark Eldar poison was detected from his suits enhanced systems. Razzik gave a short prayer before he stepped over to Nefas.

The Sinner marine had taken several stomach wounds along with a blade to the base of his neck. Upon closer inspection they looked worse then they really were. Yet Nefas was deep in his coma. He wondered if he had suffered additional unseen wounds or was the victim to yet another unknown Dark Eldar weapon.

Next was Brother Barru who was deep into his trance. He needed medical attention as soon as he could get it or he wouldn’t last. With another prayer he stepped over to the still body of Shu-Takii. “You would have been an excellent tech marine,” Razzik said in the native tongue of Shattermantle. Razzik rested a hand on the marine’s chest as he thought about the pivotal role Shu-Takii had played in their escape. While he was reminiscing, the icon in his HUD for Shu-Takii shifted into a yellow transitional icon.

A smile crossed his face as an encrypted message appeared in a side queue.

What was the message!!!!

Ending on cliff hangers and intrigue, you cunning S.O.B keeping me hooked as per usual.

“How’s our new med bay coming?” Fybblywhyp asked as he paced back and forth on his bridge. People were hustling all around the crowded collection of rooms that made up the bridge.

After several seconds Vard reported back, “Hygeia stated that it’ll be ready in ten minutes, they are having trouble reactivating some of the older machines.”

Fybblywhyp looked at the cargo ship icon lumbering along its path towards his ship; ten minutes would be cutting it close. He had taken his much faster transport to get things ready for their newest “cargo”. On the screen around the lumbering cargo ship, he could see other vessels were speeding back with there own typical cargo. His crew was handling the sudden change of plans quiet admirably. At least that’s how it looked on the screens. He admired their quick responses but couldn’t help but notice the unease around him on the bridge. He had seen them in many sticky situations but this one was different.

With a deep sigh he resumed his pacing as he ran through his plan once again. He had already plotted their course. Once everyone had returned and the fueling ships were completed they would be on their way. He hated to leave with such haste but the thought of keeping space marines on his vessel any longer then needed continued to unnerve him.

He opened up a private channel to his ships chief Engineseer. “Are we sure the doors will open Rekk?”

“YES! How many times must I tell you? The last repairs I did personally. They will open if you need them too.” Rekk closed the line with disgust.

Fybblywhyp had learned to trust in Rekk’s capabilities but he had a tendency to be forgetful about important aspects of repairs. On more then one occasion plans had taken unexpected twists because of malfunctions that Rekk had claimed to personally see too.

Captain Quip prayed that there wasn’t going to be a need to open those doors, but he didn’t see any other alternative. How else would he be able to kill a squad of space marines?

Unknown messages, thing hidden behind doors, It's like I have no idea what is going on in this story anymore

Excellent, confusion amongst the ranks!

Hey Ice! Sorry for not commenting. Been limited to reading mostly from my phone which makes typing difficult. Write on good man, write on!

Hmm.. I like this... the ice angels can get "Iced" Yeaahhhhhhh *sun glasses*(if the doors to space work)

PUT THEM IN THE VACUUM AND END THIS STORY. I dare yee!!!

oh den follow the captain around space.. Wooo!

Damn your message. Damn your ability to keep a sub plot. Lets see what happens.

That would be sudden wouldn't it. Ice Angels in space - THE END! lol

Git, I understand completely. I probably check dakka a couple times a day but only from my computer once.

 IceAngel wrote:
That would be sudden wouldn't it. Ice Angels in space - THE END! lol

Git, I understand completely. I probably check dakka a couple times a day but only from my computer once.

it wouldn't be sudden it would be cool.. yeaahhhhhh *sun glasses*

We will see what you do.

“Captain,” Shar-Takazz quietly said through the vox.

Razzik opened his eyes from his meditative trance. He looked over to the door to the medical bay where Shar-Takazz was on watch. The space marines exchanged hand gestures. Someone was approaching. Razzik smoothly got up from his seated position and headed over to the door.

It had been 31 hours since their arrival on the Benevolent Aberration. The wounded had all been tended to and they were now resting and recovering. He was greatly concerned for Nillahfin and his grave wounds but he was still hanging on for the time being. Nefas also concerned him, his wounds seemed minor yet he struggled even more so then the others.

After the medical staff had been ushered out of the room the space marines had begun their watch. Razzik expected Captain Quip to visit them but an entire day had passed and they hadn’t been disturbed except when food and drink were delivered to them.

The quiet hours had given Razzik plenty of time to replay the past few days in his thoughts. In chronological order the battles played through his mind. His commands and plans were analyzed and critiqued so he could react faster and more efficient next time.

As he ran through the mental exercise he reread all of the reports he had received before he passed through the first black curtain. He prayed to the Emperor that the remnants of Ruusa’s second company escaped the planet.

“Captain Ruusa, what would you have done?” Razzik asked himself. Captain Ruusa had been an Ice Angel Captain for over a hundred years and he had been elevated all the way through the ranks to second captain. Razzik had been the eleventh captain for less then a year and he may have already destroyed all that Ruusa had created in the second company.

That thought, that burden, weighed heavy on Razzik’s genetically altered physique. “Emperor, what else could I have done?” he repeatedly asked himself. He thought about speaking with Shar-Takazz but the sergeant of squad Rimsin was the very embodiment of cold efficiency. Small talk probably wasn’t tolerated within his unit.

As Razzik reached the smooth silver doors, a trio of knocks sounded from the other side.

“Enter,” Razzik requested.

The doors hissed open and the weathered form of Boolosh stood before them. He was alone and unafraid of the two towering space marines.

“Captain Quip wishes to speak with you, sir,” Boolosh stated.

A moment of silence hung in the hair between them all. Finally Razzik nodded and stepped through the door. Shar-Takazz closed the door behind him. Boolosh motioned with one thick arm which direction to head and he took quick steps to keep up with Razzik’s large strides.

They walked for several minutes without speaking before Boolosh cleared his throat. Razzik slowed his strides to look at the human.

“I hope your men are recovering well,” he hesitantly began the conversation.

“Most of them, yes. Thank you,” Razzik said absentmindedly. His concentration was on the ship they walked through. He hadn’t seen it from the outside and it was proving to be substantially larger then he had first anticipated. It had an Imperial feel to it, but the lay out was heavily altered from any standard patterned ship he knew of. They had also passed quite a few crew men who all stood far off down the side halls. Razzik noticed several of the crew weren’t human. His teeth clenched at the thought of spending time with any xenos.

“Boolosh, tell me about this ship,” Razzik asked

Boolosh gave a short chuckle, “I won’t tell you anything about m’lady without you answering a few of my own questions.”

Razzik stopped and turned on the thick armed human. He looked down upon him. Typically a normal human, even those in the military would flinch or give in at the close proximity to a marine. Boolosh simply grinned up at him and crossed his arms.

“An answer for an answer,” he said.

For a moment the two of them stared at one another, Boolosh grinning with his yellow teeth and Razzik looking down at him like a mountain ready to crush a shrubbery.

The thought of wringing the information out of Boolosh did cross his mind, but given the fact that armed personal were most likely not far away and he was on an unfamiliar vessel he decided against it.

“Very well Boolosh,” Razzik’s deep voice boomed, “me first.”

“Not until you at least give me your name, sir,” Boolosh said with a slight head tilt.

With a sigh Razzik turned back and resumed walking, “I am Razzik, Eleventh Captain of the Ice Angel Chapter.” Boolosh scampered after him.

He grunted with satisfaction as Razzik gave in to his inquiry. It was clear that Boolosh was beginning to enjoy himself.

“My turn Boolosh, tell me about your ship?” Razzik quickly asked.

“That isn’t much of a question Razzif,” Boolosh retorted.

“It’s RazziK,” he sighed, “what class is this vessel?”

“I have no idea,” Boolosh responded.

Razzik spun on his heels to look at Boolosh once again, Boolosh shrugged his shoulders, but under Razzik’s stare he finally sighed and began to cough up at least some information, “Captain Quip found the remains of some derelict Imperial vessels years back and he then spent a lot of time and money rebuilding them into this fine vessel.” He began to raise he hands and shake his head, “I don’t know, we’ll say it’s large. Yes, large class. Not huge or gigantic, but large.”

A group of humans rounded the corner ahead of them and upon seeing the space marine, they turned and fled through the nearest door leaving behind most of the things they were carrying. Boolosh ignored them.

“What exactly do you do on this ship Boolosh?” Razzik asked.

“Whoa, it’s not your turn.” Boolosh glared,” How many Tormentors were on the other side of that doorway thing you came through?”

Razzik smiled in his helmet before speaking, “Countless,” he spat. “What do you do on this ship Boolosh?” he asked again.

“I am a bit of a hoarder, I guess you can say, but I primarily collect relics and then sell things plus I do a bit of cooking and a lot of tinkering,” Boolosh rambled.

They turned into a tall archway into a larger hall. At one end a large group of armed men and women stood along with a handful of Kroot. Each stiffened at the sight of Razzik. He paused in the entry way next to Boolosh.

“This is it?” Razzik asked.

“It’s not your turn Razzif,” Boolosh interjected. He then took quick steps to get in front of Razzik. “Are you going to hurt my Captain?” he asked. The yellow grin had disappeared from his face; an aura of seriousness replaced his previous silly demeanor.

Without tilting his head Razzik looked down, “that depends if I can get what I want,” he honestly responded. He found himself surprised with his own response, “What does your Captain plan for my men and me?”

Boolosh paused and considered the question. He looked over his shoulder at the waiting armed men and women before returning his gaze to the armored giant before him. “Only the Captain and the Emperor know that,” He paused once again before looking past Razzik as if he could see right through him. “What I do know is that the Captain is a good man. He’s been the best boss I’ve ever known and I’ve known many. He treats us right, like family.” Boolosh then focused on the purple lens of Razzik’s helm. “He cares about his crew, just as you care about yours.”

“When the Captain asked me to escort you to the m’lady here, I almost shat in my pants from fear.” Boolosh reached out and tapped Razzik’s armored stomach with his middle finger, “but after I saw you look over your wounded, I couldn’t help but think about all the stories about the Armored Angels of Death and Destruction.” He paused and chuckled, “you don’t seem like any harbinger of doom to me.”

The last phrase lingered between them for a moment. Boolosh seemed satisfied with his response. A sense of disappointment hovered around Razzik yet the fact that Boolosh mentioned the Emperor in that way slightly changed his opinion of the man before him.

“Clearly, I’ll have to work harder to maintain our image,” Razzik said with a slight head nod.

After that Captain Razzik strode past Boolosh towards the ornate double doors at the other end of the hall.

Interesting exchange, I got the impression Boolosh hasn't seen a spacemarine killing, if he had, I believe he may have taken a different route. That is unless he knows his fate and has accepted it. That fate being killed by one of the marines so he's goading him

“The Vezda System! I don’t even know where that is,” Fybblywhyp exclaimed as he scrolled around on his holographic tablet. He could name every system in the spiral arm that he had spent a life time traveling and trading.

Captain Razzik was about to explain where it was when Kavu spoke up, “here it is.”

The hovering image of the spiral arm in which they were currently located panned out and over to reveal that the Vezda system was in the next spiral arm of the known universe. It was further then anyone in the room had traveled, except for of course Razzik.

Fybblywhyp Quip glanced around the room in shock. The absurdity of Captain Razzik’s request was mind boggling. After it finally set in Captain Quip leaned forward. Across from the very large table sat Razzik, twelve feet away. “Do you have any idea how long it would take for us to get there?”

The cold stare from the massive figure didn’t flinch or waiver. He held up the small map before him. “If this time table is correct, then you’d be able to get me there faster then any Imperial vessel that I’d have to wait for at the border colony you proposed to dump me on.”

“There is no way I’m going to,” Fybblywhyp began with a pointed finger.
“How much?” Razzik interrupted.

There it was. The one question all rogue traders and border captains love and hate. To Captain Razzik money was something he never dealt in, he much preferred to intimidate and kill. It proved to be a quicker solution most of the time. He didn’t know what to offer Fybblywhyp so instead of waiting for the conversation to make its way around to this inevitable conclusion he cut straight to the chase.

Fybblywhyp’s brain worked over time. The scale of the trip there and back was longer then anything he had ever worked with and on top of that he would have to deal with the space marines that much longer. He would also be loosing out on countless other opportunities for his crew. “Damn it, I was supposed to retire,” Fybblywhyp thought to himself.

The silence was stifling in the wide conference room. Captain Razzik had already threat assessed everyone in the room. He had created seven scenarios in which he could dispatch everyone with minimal time from start to finish. Every scenario depended on who acted first. He kept his stare on Fybblywhyp but he often found himself listening for movement from the black armored Kroot that paced by the door behind him. The small woman in the far corner also intrigued him. She looked lethal, it was something in her stare. She appeared unarmed but some inner part of him knew she was the most dangerous target in the room.

In the opposite corner another woman stood. She wore a flight suit and carried several pistols. Her red hair was tight behind her head. Razzik put her low on his priority list but at a second glance he noticed a resemblance to the Captain Quip.

Slowly he shifted his gaze over to her. He could see her stiffen at the simple movement. The pacing behind him stopped. The sound of tightening hands on leather tickled his inner ear. Across from him Fybblywhyp glanced over his shoulder at the woman. The tension in the room seemed to grow.

“Captain Quip,” he slowly began, “I’ve already explained the importance of me getting back to the Vezda System.” He slowly stood up. His intimidating form dwarfed everyone in the room. Even the twelve foot wide table looked ridiculous beneath him. “I need to get there as fast as possible, by any means necessary.”

Several crew members scooted back from the table trying to get away from the marine. The one named Kavu spilled his drink onto his lap and his jaw went slack. The smell of urine wafted in the conference room.

Fybblywhyp found himself beginning to relive a nightmare before his words returned to him, “I’ll work up a travel promissory note,” he stammered.

“Excellent,” Razzik stated as he relaxed and casually lifted his hands from the table, “please keep me informed of our progress. I’ll stay with my men during the duration of the trip.”

With that he turned for the door. The black armored kroot eyed him closely as he past.

Very nice. I like the interaction between marines and "civilians" while not in combat.

Thanks Knightley and Gitsplitta. You would be correct in guessing that Boolosh hadn't seen a marine in action, Knightley.

“Your work here is done.”

The words rang in the distant reaches of his thoughts. He wanted to look for the speaker but he felt like he was submersed in thick mud breathing through a tiny straw. He couldn’t move. He couldn’t see. The only thing he could hear was the echo of the sentence in the distance.

“Excellent work clearing out the engine room,” the speaker said again, this time closer.

He struggled and strained to move, to make even the slightest sound. He tried to open his eyes but only darkness was given to him to see.

“The land train will be under our control shortly,” the speaker went on. The monotone voice suddenly sparked an image in his mind. The Tech marine, yes. He knew that voice. The Ice Angel tech marine was nearby. If only he could get to him?

“May the Emperor protect you,” the monotone voice said before the sound of footfalls drifted away from him.

“NO!” he screamed to himself. “You will not leave me like this.”

With renewed strength he stretched every sense to the max. He tried to move every muscle in his body, willing each corded gene altered fiber into action. Slowly, like the beginning of an avalanche, parts began to move. He felt his fingers begin to twitch. They were touching a warm smooth fabric. His left heel slowly slid back as his knee moved and he felt the same smooth fabric. As more and more muscles began to react he felt organs in his chest spasm, his lungs suddenly expanded as he gasped for air. The reaction sent shards of sharp pain piercing his mid section. Through the pain he gritted his teeth and let out a growl.

His ears finally registered the noise and with it a slowly growing collection of hums, whirrs, and beeps.

As the pain subsided and his senses began to return to him he found the voice of his mentor, Darius Stone, returning to him. “Calm yourself neophyte. You must learn to master your emotions. The Mantidae patiently wait for the precise moment to act. Do not forget your anger or your hate, instead control it. Use it. Only when you have mastered this, will you be a true Mantis Warrior.”

Repeating those early lessons, Inushi began to remember. He remembered the fighting. He remembered the orks. He remembered the smoke and the heat. He remembered the words of the tech marine before he walked away and left him.

Slowly, after a long deep breath, he opened his eyes. The smell of incense wafted through the med chamber. Without moving his head he looked to his right. He could see several servitors standing perfect still. One was right next to his bed, tubes and wires exited the servitors body and into his own. His vision trailed to the foot of the bed. A few feet away on the opposite wall a small shrine was built into an alcove in the gray metal of the wall. A handful of melted candles were on its edge. Behind them he saw his sheathed katana leaning in the corner.

To his left by a large open arch way, the cold dark form of a contemptor dreadnought stood. It was gray and unpainted. It had no arms and had no iconography. It was completely inert.

At the sight of the dreadnought he clenched his fists, the pain in his chest momentarily flared up. “Was that suit meant for him?” Dreadnoughts were honored by every chapter. True veterans of countless battles would be interred in them to continue fighting for centuries to come, but no astartes ever hoped for that fate.

As he loosened his grip on the sheets he looked down at himself. He realized he still had both arms and hands, he even felt his legs. He could feel aches from all the limbs he was created with.

The sudden realization that there was way too much of him left to be placed into a dreadnought sat in. He lifted his head to take another look at the dreadnought. “If that’s not for me. Is someone in there?” Inushi thought to himself.

In response the head of the dreadnought looked up from the floor to meet his gaze. The smooth helmet of the dreadnought had yellow tinted eye lenses. After a brief silent exchange it then tilted to look back at the floor.

“I will take your silence to mean that you do not recognize me?”

The familiar voice sent a wave of grief and shock through Inushi’s system. He opened his mouth to speak but paused to think on his words. The transition from able bodied marine to dreadnought has not been known to be easy.

With a forced smile he laid his head back down on the contoured head rest of his bed, “Gray does not suite you, but I do agree on your choice of eye lenses.” His smile turned genuine as he watched the dreadnought lift its head to once again meet his gaze.

“These Ice Angels don’t have anything in pink,” the dreadnought responded.

Inushi smiled again, “it is good to see you Aquilum.”

He waited for a witty response but the dreadnought, Aquilum, only gave a short grunt.

Ooh are you going to paint a pink contemptor dreadnaught?

A good passage Ice, I'm a bit lost. I got the impression Inushi is in a tech bay and not the med bay. I re-read it again and yep hes in a med bay In my mind a contemptor dreadnaught is about 3-4 times the size of a spacemarine, which lead me think he was in a tech bay.

It's all good I just need to not speed read and take it all in

A mercy mini-chapter for Gits.... Thanks Ice. Much as the romping battle scenes and high conflict sections are fun to read. I think I like these quiet, humanizing sections best (Inushi non-withstanding).

Nicely done.

Thanks guys. I'm glad you liked it. Sorry if there was any confusion Knightley. I may do some tweaking of that passage to prevent further confusion for my readers.

You had me convinced Inushi was already entombed in the dreadnought till the very end there. Very nice twist with Aquillian.

The room was cold, just like the rest of the Frozen Rage, but the somber sight before them gave the room an even colder feel then usual. Seven ornate coffins lined the center of the storage room. Close and locked chests accompanied several coffins. Every chest and coffin was in its own right, a master piece. The handles were hand carved bone. The sides of each container were etched steel with wooden inserts or elaborate stone work. Each cover was decorated with the motif that best described the marine that lay within. It was obvious they were crafted by true artists.

Despite several of the coffins being empty, the symbolism still hung heavy in the room. A few steps from the wide doorway, two marines stood solemnly admiring and remembering the fallen. Jaska was in a dark red robe, a lone green braded rope held the robe close around his waist. Next to him Inushi stood head down in prayer. The Mantis Warrior was in the green robes of his chapter. It was the first time he had been out of the med bay since his return to the Frozen Rage several months ago. He still ached and moved slowly but he wanted to pay his respects as soon as he was able. The pain reminded him that the Emperor still had things for him to do, while the tasks for the others were complete.

For several minutes Inushi prayed, when he finished he looked up with heavy eyes. He slowly went to each coffin to admire the craftsman ship and think upon the marines that lay within.

“We’ll be back in the Vezda system soon Inushi, do you recall what the Inquisitor asked of us?” Jaska quietly asked.

The question seemed out of place to Inushi. It almost perturbed him how the marine would pollute this moment with a question such as that.

“Of course I remember, I swore to her, same as you,” Inushi eventually responded.

Jaska went down the line and casually looked at each coffin, “I have written up a full report in regards to the Ice Angels and their actions. I also included information in regards to the fallen marines here in this room. I however, did not witness the fall of several of these marines. You were there when Pyrox and Reven fell on the ork transport. Were you near when Brother Desai was sent to the Emperor’s side?”

Inushi tried to hide his surprise at the direct question, the images of the tormented Sky Warden flooded back to him before he could muster an honest response. His regrown heart was still tender from the replacement surgery and the wounds inflicted by Desai had already left their scars. “Yes, he fought with unmatched skill and ferocity before falling amongst the worms and denizens of that cursed planet.” Inushi did not look over at Jaska while he spoke. He kept his gaze on the white and light blue coffin of Desai. Aches in his chest flared up as he spoke. He took several deep breaths to calm himself.

The memory of his last encounter with Desai lingered in his thoughts. He vividly remembered what had transpired. That confused brief moment where Desai turned on him, left him wanting to speak out, but he knew better. Cyaxeres had said enough with very few words. The sense of confusion and the image of Cyaxeres looking down at him brought him back to the present.

Jaska stood on the opposite side of Desai’s coffin. “It will be up to you and I to determine the fate of the Ice Angels.” Inushi finally met the gaze of the Marine Chrysemys. Unanswered questions hung in the air between them, “Nefas is lost to us along with Inigo. Aquilum is going through the traumatic conversion to a dreadnought. I doubt the Inquisitor will accept his words. That only leaves you and I.” Jaska explained.

For a moment Inushi stood and pondered Jaska’s words. “How do you know what the Inquisitor will or will not accept Jaska? And why do you seem so concerned with my part in this. You’ve seen how the Ice Angels fight and act. I’m honored to have fought with them and witnessed their methods. Few could have done what they did and returned with as much. I see no cause for concern with the Ice Angels. I will not brand them heretic or anything but faithful to the Emperor and I don’t see how anyone could say otherwise.”

It was then Jaska’s turn to consider the words spoken between them. He stepped down to the first coffin. It was dark green with a sword wielding robed angel adorning its cover. Brother Evrard was etched into a silver band below the angels flowing robes.

“They hide much from us Mantis,” Jaska whispered. “They have many secrets and…….”

Inushi rolled his eyes and scoffed, “every chapter has its secrets Jaska. Our responses to our Inquisitor should be based around what we’ve seen not the dark unknown that the Inquisitors like to dwell upon.”

“It sounds like you don’t agree with the Inquisitors and their methods?” Jaska retorted.

“We are space marines,” Inushi began, “we fight with bolter and blade. They fight with words and shadows. I do not agree or disagree with their methods. I merely wish to avoid them entirely.”

The finality of his words made Jaska lean back, he took a final look at Brother Evrards coffin before turning for the exit. “Very well Inushi,” Jaska stepped through the door before giving a final look back, “do not forget all that we’ve lost and what we still stand to loose.”

Inushi watched the dark skinned marine depart and leave his line of sight. For several minutes he continued to stare at the open door way. His last statement puzzled him. Jaska and Inushi hadn’t spoken much during their time together with the Ice Angels but he seemed off to him. With a heavy sigh he looked back down at the coffins.

“Evrard of the Dark Angels, Reven of the Blood Angels, Walters of the Red Talons, Sergeant Pyrox of the Fire Angels, Desai of the Sky Wardens, Kvothe of the Shadow Sanctus, and Commander Vetov of the Emperor’s Tears,” Inushi paused after he recited each name, “may the Emperor guide you. You will not be forgotten.”

With a final respectful bow he turned and departed the room, the door servitor turned off the lights and quietly closed the wide doors behind him.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

That confused brief moment where Desai turned on him, left him wanting to speak out, but he knew better. Cyaxeres had said enough with very few words.

I find this sentence very confusing myself and oddly out-of-place in the narrative. It's referring to an earlier action, but there's nothing to set it up or explain it.


Nice segment otherwise Ice.

Ice! I must say I've spent the past two weeks reading this your story and I have to admit... I'm hooked! I can't wait for more!

I honestly don't know if i'll be able to handle having to wait as I've been able to read the entirety of your story in a single session (More or less)

Your ice angels have an epic character and I can't wait to see if Captain Whathisface manages too hold his shtuff together long enough or if Razzik will have to re-arrange his anatomy in an attempt to persaude him.

Can't wait!

Thanks Gitsplitta, I'll revisit that section and see if I can clarify a bit more.

Master Azalle, welcome to my fluff! Thanks for taking the time and reading through my epic story. Unfortunately now that you've caught up you'll have to wait with the rest of us for posts to occur. In the meantime please comment and let me know what you think or what I can do to improve.

Okay Gitsplitta, how about now?

*much better* Sorry, when the installments are spaced out over time I think you need to be a bit more descriptive than if you were actually writing something people will read in one go. You need to remind folks what happened earlier on.

HA! You're telling me. I often go back and reread my own stuff so I make sure I've referred to earlier events correctly.

@Gits I agree, a recap or preface - kinda like what they did at the begining of the night lords novels books 2 and 3 but not soo indepth would be great, something like:

- Captain Rizzak and the survivors of the incursion into the dark eldar webway have been traveling with whatshisface for x amount of time
- After recovering from his wounds from the battle with the orks and surving the attack from Desai Inushi has spent the great part of his recovery relieving the events of his time with the Ice and Angels and contemplating fate with the now entombed Emperors Fool.

Sorry I'm really rusty at writing fluff, been a while since I made back ground (let say 5 years since I made my own 40K / BFG / D20 D&Desk game *WHICH WAS AWESOME *)

Point being I think you can easily recap a situation without having to re-write a chapter very effectively, especially with how greatly your writing improved from start to now (Which inhind sight I am sure you knew).

And don't worry Ice I am firmly in the Fan Boy Club

Welcome to the club Azalle. I'll keep the recapping in mind. I may have to do that more so in this blog format then I would in a book format.

“Let me know if you need anything else Razzif,” with that Boolosh departed the room. The door closed behind him with a quiet hiss.

Razzik noticed Shar-Takazz’s annoyance at the incorrect pronunciation of his name. The ignoring of proper protocol also agitated Shar-Takazz along with nearly every other aspect of Boolosh. Razzik, on the other hand, had begun to enjoy Boolosh. He was an unusual human that prayed to the Emperor with a bizarre outlook. He found a strange sense of camaraderie with the man.

“Heretic, traitor,” Razzik could already hear the phrases that would brand Boolosh if he were in Imperial Space.

Shar-Takazz glanced at the stack of tools and food Boolosh had deposited. He then turned and checked again on Nillahfin. The wounded marine was having trouble breathing and had continued to worsen. They didn’t have the means to save him and the chances of him making it the entire trip seemed highly unlikely. It angered Shar-Takazz and saddened Razzik. Slowly suffering is not the way any one wanted a brother to go.

Zaduga, with one leg, had woken a few days ago along with Barru. Both began cleaning weapons and repairing gear using the items Boolosh had brought. They had already completed some battlefield repairs but needed additional items to fully restore the ancient weapons they had looted from the xenos museum, at least the ones they knew how to restore.

Behind them Nefas was still unconscious. His wounds had mostly healed but he still would not wake. Next to him the form of Shu-Takii was on a table against a wall. He was fully armored and laying on his side. His back pack was plugged into a converter which was plugged into the wall. A lone cord came out of his chest into an auspex.

Razzik assisted separating some of the tools and handing them to Zaduga. A needle rifle was disassembled next to him. The task of cleaning and repairing the weapons had given the marine a needed focus. The loss of a limb was common among marines and Zaduga had not once complained but Razzik could see how aggravated he was at being less efficient for the time being.

Shar-Takazz walked over to the wheeled cart that held various containers of food and drink. He removed his gauntlet and helmet. He took a small portion of everything to test for poisons. Methodically we went about checking the ingredients and then closely examining the cart along with the containers with an auspex. It was difficult to poison or drug an astartes but Shar-Takazz was ever suspicious.

As everyone took about their tasks Captain Razzik stepped over to the collection of items they had retrieved and taken with them. There were several cloaks, a half dozen blades, pistols, rifles, the volkite cannons Shu-Takii had used, a glaive, and a bag full of books and trinkets Shar-Takazz had filled.

The bag had been emptied and its contents were organized next to the tough maroon cloth of the bag. The trinkets varied in sizes and shapes, many were situation in the “unknown” pile. Next to the trinkets the books were stacked on top of one another. Razzik read the binding of each, but only understood a couple of them. Most were in languages he didn’t understand or recognize. After a brief examination of the ones he understood he opened one book written in low gothic, it was a diary of some sort.

Razzik turned to step away when a shimmer of gold caught his attention from within the maroon sack. He set down the diary and carefully opened up the bag. The mundane sack was made up of a tough material that showed no sign of damage or age. As he looked inside he saw intricate gold inlays, almost as if the interior of the bag was a wired device of some sort.

At the bottom of the bag was a black metal bound book. It had a wired design that almost matched the interior of the sack.

“Is something wrong with this last book?” Razzik asked.

“What book?” Shar-Takazz responded.

“The book that’s still in the bag,” he added.

“I emptied the bag Captain,” Shar-Takazz retorted without looking up from his work.

Razzik reached in and pulled out the book. It was very heavy and warm. He held it out for Shar-Takazz to see. “This book.” He added.

The sergeant of squad Rimsin looked up and gave a perplexed look. “I don’t know how I could have missed….”

His sentence was suddenly interrupted by the sharp intake of air from Nefas. Everyone in the room snapped to attention to see Nefas contorting on his table. His arms were wide and his head was tilted back as far as his neck would allow. The gaunt space marine was gasping for air and his limbs trembled. His eyes were wide and solid red. Razzik was the first to act. He leapt over a table and pushed equipment out of the way to get to Nefas’s side.

In the few seconds it took him to cross the room the violent spasm from the marine ceased. He crashed back down onto metal surface and then rolled to his side right off the table. Razzik slid and caught the marine’s upper torso before he could hit the hard metallic floor.

Razzik looked down at the face of the Sinner. His eyes were still solid orbs of red, blood trickled from his mouth and nose. His breathing was still frantic but his red eyes stared up at him with a commanding intensity.

For several seconds they stared at one another, the crumpled form of Nefas looking up at the solid armored Ice Angel Captain. The other marines in the room were motionless. Each had reached for the nearest weapon but they all waited. Indecision gripped the room, even Razzik was quiet. He wanted to speak. Hundreds of question flittered in his mind, but those red orbs kept him from speaking.

After a long blink Nefas looked back at Razzik, the red orbs had returned to the normal dark grey Razzik had first expected.

Slowly Nefas reached for the edge of the table and pulled himself up. Captain Razzik assisted him and took a small step back. The other marines in the room watched closely, not one had taken their hands from their weapons.

“Are you okay Nefas? We were unable to revive you.” Captain Razzik slowly spoke, watching Nefas’ reaction. The Sinner appeared very weak. He leaned on the table for support.

As Razzik studied Nefas he watched the gaunt marine return his gaze before beginning to look around, examining his surroundings. “That was not how I expected you to waken?” Razzik added.

Nefas returned his gaze back to Razzik. “That was not how I wanted to awaken,” he bowed his head as if in apology. For a brief moment Razzik thought he saw a glimpse of gratitude, but before the marine spoke again his face hardened and he tightened his jaw. His dark grey eyes were void of all emotions, only the calm calculating look Nefas usually had.

“Captain, you have proven to be very useful.” Nefas stated. “I think it is time I answered a few of your questions.”

The thought of getting some answers pleased Razzik but the tone in which Nefas stated bothered him. “proven to be useful” He thought on those words, something felt very out of place.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *