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This is a Warhammer 40,000 Imperial Guad Fan-Fiction I've been doing. Here we go....

Introduction
Harten, the third world in the Hoden System, the human population is small, but thriving in the few hospitable areas. The climate is ice cold everywhere but a few small valleys, which only number six in total. This being considered, the valleys are heavily bulwarked from invasion. In last years of the forty-first millennium, Harten has seen some of the terrible conflicts that threaten the Imperium of Man. The battles for Harten were waged across the icy plateaus, a Dark Eldar invasion in an attempt to take the world for further use. The 71st Cahorn Tank Company and 5th Cahorn Regiment halted their grotesque ways from entering the planet. However, the war did not stop there. Five years after their first raid, the Dark Eldar came again, this time in larger numbers. The 71st Tank Company had left for the Sabbot Worlds Crusade, and only a quarter of the 5th Cahorn remained, the rest with the 71st. So began the second war for Harten.

Chapter I: Vacation in a Winter Wonderland

Lieutenant James Hogan strode out onto the balcony that overlooked the mess hall. There, scattered throughout the tables eating their breakfast rations, was his platoon. As the commanding officer of the platoon, he was solely responsible for anything and everything that the force did. James took his role with pride, anyone would. Holding the name of Lieutenant and having the ability to boss around fifty-four men was an honor to any man.

His eyes took in the entire room, evaluating every trooper that would serve under him. They were the usual lot a Lieutenant could expect. They sat with their closest comrades, eating, and laughing at jokes. Their fatigues were in snow camouflage, white, grey and black, when put into their carapace armor and once into the ice cold out of the valley, they would blend in perfectly with their surroundings.

“Ahh-ten-shun!” The men jumped to their feet, years of training had ensured that the voice of an officer was obeyed in seconds.

“Reports have come in with news of another xenos invasion. Each platoon of the sixth company is to send a squad to form a scouting platoon. I have selected Sergeant O’Tara and his squad for the new force. Sergeant!” A single man stepping forth met the shout. His features were ones of a veteran, hard and scarred.

“Yes sir!” The sergeant saluted and stood at attention stance.

“Report to the briefing room with your squad.” the Lieutenant gave his orders and then set the soldiers at ease. The eating resumed, short ten men that felt they had drawn the short straw.

The briefing room was a large space with benches facing a screen and a small stage where an officer would stand for his speech. Lieutenant Hogan watched the ten men file into the room. They were fresh and he admired their silence. Most men were muttering or cursing when they were assigned the new company order. Yet, these troopers kept their tongues still.

“Good morning, gentlemen.” The Lieutenant greeted, his reply was the stony stares of the men.

“I know what you’re thinking. You think you’ve drawn the short stick and now have to pay in hell for it. However, in this time there is no room for complaints.”

With a touch of a button, a picture came up on the screen. One was taken through binoculars; sleek sinister craft were flying overhead, from what he could, Edmund O’Tara figured Dark Eldar from the first war.

“This is the Dark Eldar sighting from the first war.” The Lieutenant confirmed Edmund’s theory.

“The news of another invasion is tragic; we are less than two thousand strong, spread throughout the valley. If the Dark Eldar do attack, they would be able to take over with only a little resistance. We are too thin to fight in our full numbers. Even then if the bloody aliens are in large enough numbers…” His voice trailed off; there was no need to say the rest of the sentence. Each of the gathered Guardsmen knew what he meant: To be outnumbered by a fast fighting force was instant defeat.

“That is why you have been chosen. Gather your belongings and report to the Court Center by three hundred hours.

“Yes sir!” The troopers filed out and headed for the locker room. Once safely inside, they closed the door and began to pack. There was little to pack, only some family photographs, spare clothes for parades, camouflage paint, lasgun ammunition, and combat knives. In five minutes, each man was loaded and ready. Only two of the guardsmen carried an Autocannon between them, the heavy weapon of the squad that could knock out any armored figure. Michael, the melta-gun carrier, looked up from his weapon check to the Sergeant.

“Hey Sarge?”

“What?” Edmund turned to face the trooper.

“What do ya remember ‘bout the Dark Eldah?”

Edmund was silent for a minute, his mind was filled with the bloody memories of the trench warfare as the Raiders raced overhead, their weapons blazing as soldiers fell like wheat to a sickle.

“Not much…” His quiet tone seemed to satisfy the soldiers’ inquires. The tone alone could tell how horrible the war had been.

The squad walked out of the barracks and into the light. The sun shone warmly in the valley, the high mountains kept the wind and snow out for most of the seasons. Only in the winter season did the snow come, due to the rotation of Harten. On the landing pad a Chimera waited for the squad, the driver was standing outside, his helmet under one arm. Light brown, straight hair topped his round face, two green eyes shone from under his small eyebrows.

“’ello, mates.” His accent was funny, somewhat jumpy and happy. “My name’s Franklin Smith, I’ll be ya drivah ‘til ya wit da new platoon.”

“Sergeant Edmund, fifth squad, third platoon, sixth company.” The two saluted each other, then the Franklin entered the front of the transport and stared the engine. The squad hopped in and sat about as the Chimera sped off towards the center of the city. The two gunners, Hanks with the heavy bolter, and Chris with the multi-laser, remained silent throughout the trip.

The drive was unhindered and uneventful. The pulled up to the Court Safely and the squad dismounted the vehicle. As they informal saluted to the driver, they noticed an officer marching towards them. As one, the squad saluted.

“Good afternoon, gentlemen.” The officer’s badge indicated a Junior Officer, a lieutenant probably.

“Sir!” The squad answered in unison.

“Follow men.” the squad marched after the officer.

The Court Center was, as its name said, the center of the valley. At that place, the ruling powers sat, they managed how the city worked, and when to wage war. The Imperial Guard Regiments that sent troops to assist Harten were temporary, only there until Harten could pull a better standing military, since their last one was wiped out in the First War for Harten.

The interior of the Court Center, nicknamed by the troopers as CC, was impressive. The grandeur of it made the sightseer feel small and helpless. As Guardsmen, the soldiers were unaffected by the sight, on the Holy Terra, and other developed systems such sights were common. Paintings of the Emperor were everywhere, each with his holy Space Marines, the great warriors of his might.

Turning another corner, Edmund was met with the sight of four other squads of Guardsmen, each with the same Regiment and Company marking on their shoulder pads. At the other end of where the troopers sat was a squad of Officers, the commanders and advisors of the Sixth Company. One strode forward towards the edge of the stage; his voice rang throughout the spacious room as Edmund’s squad sat down.

“Soldiers of the Imperium of Man!” The voice was powerful and commanding. “You know that I am the commanding officer of this company, what you don’t know is why you were chosen to form a new platoon.

“The reason is simple, the accursed Dark Eldar have been raiding our outposts, this was at first ignorable until we realized what they were after. From what our scouts and scans can tell, they seem to be on the verge of invasion, holding back due to their last defeat from the first war. They want to use a more deceptive way to take us out.

“Though they hold number, they do not hold the true victory key. They need to cut off our communications for reinforcements between valleys. This is more difficult than you would think. Your mission is to secure the pass of Hoklar, the passage that connects the First and Sixth Companies. The Dark Eldar have successfully taken out the Pass between the First and Second Companies, but they have other ways of reaching one another. We are a circle with one broken link, but we are not separated!

“Do not fail! This is critical that the First Company survives, they have the communications to the rest of the Imperium, so we must not let the pass fall, so that they can send the equipment to us. You have one hour to meet the rest o the platoon. Thank you.”

No applause followed the commander as he walked off the stage, the rest of the command squad walked away after him. Left alone the squads greeted one another, it is best to know whom you were going to die with in battle. A Lieutenant took the stage and called for attention.

“I am Lieutenant John Peters; I will be your commanding officer during our lovely vacation.”

Some laughter was his response, but mostly silence.

“Alright, an hour’s up, form ranks, the Chimeras are waiting outside.”

Lining up by squads, two squads per row, the platoon marched behind Peters’ squad.

Dusk came as the Chimeras left the city, heading up the mountain slopes. Edmund’s squad had been pleased to learn that their driver was Franklin Smith. Though there was little talk, the crew was happy, as ever, at least there had been no news of an actual Eldar threat. They would just stay until the equipment was through, and then be replaced by the First Company’s force.

Hoklar Pass was one mile wide and ten miles long. In the center was a small barracks, big enough for one platoon. Positions for heavy bolters, autocannons, missile launchers, and lascannons were all over it, just without the actual weapons. Edmund watched as the squad’s autocannon was mounted unto the position above his squad’s quarters.

“This should be interesting.” Edmund glanced at the speaker, Philips, a Guardsman of his squad, with a raised eyebrow.

“Freezing weather, hardly any sun, and with Dark Eldar on the loose this makes it the best vacation we’ve had in a while.” the private continued.

With a rare chuckle, Edmund patted Philips on the back and walked back to the quarters. As he entered, he watched as the Michael managed to turn the heater on, with a shiver he sat near him and held his hands out to warm them.

“Sarge?” the special weapon carrier still stared into the heater as he spoke.

“What is it, son?” Edmund, too, stared into the glowing red bars.

“Why do you never talk about the first war?”

“Why do you ask?” the sergeant looked at the private.

“’Cos we might all be dead soon.” Michael looked into the brown eyes of his sergeant. The saying went that when you looked into someone’s eyes you could see their soul. What Michael saw was bloodied veteran that barely survived.

“Point taken.” the sergeant sighed and then made himself more comfortable as he began his tale.

“Five years ago, a Dark Eldar raiding force hit my outpost, just five clicks east of this place. They were dressed in dark royal blue armor; their weapons were long and black. They scared the crap out of me as I saw their craft approach. Their transports, called Raiders, strafed our position until they finally came down to finish the job. Three others and I tried to make a stand, but we failed.” Edmund paused, he seemed far away, and Michael waited for him to go on.

“However, we didn’t go down just then. I managed to throw a krak grenade into the Raider and it blew up nicely, flame and smoke everywhere. Yet, out of the smoke like a daemon came one of the xenos. His helmet was gone but he was holding some kind of blade. He managed to say that he would enjoy this from a bloody throat. He raised his knife and drove it into my shoulder. I would have died because he raised it to hit my throat; I was tired and bloody and couldn’t move out of fear. Then he fell over dead as a Guardsman fired into his back.

“But that wasn’t the end of the Dark Eldar, the war started shortly after, and I found myself in a trench with only four of my squad mates, I was a private still. The Eldar overran the position. I was stuck behind the lines, trying to avoid getting’ hit by poisoned blades. I thought I was dead until the cavalry arrived. The seventy-first tank company smashed the Eldar back, the war carried on. But I was taken off the fronts with many other soldiers, like them I had been poisoned, but the docs knew how to cure us. However, the treatment took a year to get over and regain use of my right leg. Now, I’m immune to their poison, or at least that’s what the doctors say.”

Michael just stared at his sergeant. “How didcha get promoted to sarge?”

“That was because I survived and saved a lieutenant from a Dark Eldar Witch.”

“When was that?”

“During my redeployment on the front lines, the last battle to drive the Eldar off world.”

Silence fell. Edmund looked behind him and jumped up as he saw his entire squad sitting in chairs, all with the same faces of respect towards him.

“How did-?”

“We couldn’t resist, sir.” Philips interrupted from his spot and stood.

“I never knew we were led by a hero.” Johnson muttered, as he stood beside Philips. The entire squad followed suit and nodded to Edmund as they left to go back onto duty.

Michael looked at his watch, “Time for my shift.” He nodded to Edmund as he left. “Later, Sarge.”

Edmund sat on his bunk side, his mind drifting in and out of consciousness. Thoughts of the first war flooded his thinking. The same old fear of death crept up on him.

“Sergeant?” Edmund rolled off the bunk and whirled, autopistol drawn at the figure that entered. Philips raised his hands.

“Steady, sarge, steady…” his voice was relaxing. Edmund lowered the pistol.

“Sorry, I wasn-“

“It’s okay. Thinkin’ ‘bout da firs’ war?”

“Yeah…” Edmund stared out the window, his gaze off into space.

A day passed without any action, the men mostly sat at their positions, watching the skies for any craft. News came that the master-vox equipment would be moved through the pass in two days. Edmund and his squad cheered up a little at the news, at least they would not be stuck in the below temperature for long.

It was on the day that the vox would pass through that everything happened. Lieutenant Peters was out on his nightly walk, he checked his watch, zero hundred hours, midnight. His breath showed white in the lights of the barracks. The only noise that was detectable was the crunch of his boots through the ankle-deep snow. Heaving a sigh, John walked over to one of the sentry’s; he was smoking a Lho-leaf.

“Lovely time, eh?” The sentry just blew another puff of smoke. Peters glanced at him; his left hand was already on the handle of his laspistol. Walking back into the light he called out, “Stand forward, soldier!”

The sentry, still smoking, walked into the light he seemed relaxed, too relaxed.

“Emperor protects…” The lieutenant murmured, as the guardsmen fell face forward, and an armored figure raised a long weapon.

“Alarm, al-uck!” Peters collapsed with fourteen blasts in his chest.

His call was not unheeded, the entire platoon was up and running, lasguns, meltaguns, plasma rifles, and everything else, ready and aiming at the dark figures that were attacking the barracks. Dark, sleek craft filled the air, dark lances poured weird alien shots everywhere. One trooper fell, he screamed for mercy as a Dark Eldar ran over towards him to grab him. Sergeant Edmund saw him and raised his laspistol.

“For the Emperor!” His shout resounded throughout the pass; the Guardsmen took up the call and engaged the xenos in combat. Lasers, shuirken, plasma, and melta-waves flew through the air. Edmund found himself with his squad alone and outnumbered. The autocannon was blasting away; a Raider flew past and received five rounds before it went careening off, its passengers howling for revenge.

Edmund fired shot after shot; Michael was dead, as was Philips, and Teri. The vox was still up, but no one had communications to the valleys. They were alone. One of Edmund’s troopers, a young man named Christopher Toelkes, fixed his bayonet and aimed down the sight of his lasgun, in the dark he could barely make out any shapes. White smoke from the heavy weapons and breathing clouded his vision. With an oath to the Emperor, he fired six shots. All met success as two Eldar fells dead. However, their companions took notice of who killed their comrades.

With a piercing scream, the rest of the Dark Eldars’ squad rushed Christopher, he yelled for help as he fired blindly four more times before his bayonet had found the exposed neck of an alien. Just as he pulled his knife free he felt his stomach, looking down, he saw blood dripping from his uniform. The contrast of light and dark, red and white seemed amazing, if not for the terrible war going on around them. Something grabbed his shirt and he was thrown onto a Raider. Two xenos strapped him to the deck with barbed chains. He screamed in pain, but to no avail. He heard others joining in; he could hear the death going on all around him. He felt empty, his wounds blinding him, and then everything went black.

Sergeant Edmund had been walking backwards when he heard Christopher’s yell for help, he had tried to beat the Dark Eldar back, but he could not cut through so many of them. He watched in horror as the private was taken away. With a cry of anger, Edmund fell upon the aliens with a new fury. He would not die; he would not let them have victory. His chainsword coughed smoke as its chain was clogged with blood and guts of the Eldar that fell dead about its owner. An autocannon kept up a steady thunder of shells against the flanking aliens that surrounded their sergeant. What was left of the squad joined in the frenzy of their leader, bayonets flashed, blood flew and screams filled the air.

The Eldar suddenly disappeared, just as fast as they had come. Edmund watched the Raiders soar out of view. With a cry of agony, he fell to his knees. Then darkness consumed him…

When he came to, Edmund saw he was lying in a bed. Private Greg, a member of his squad sat beside him on a chair.

“’Bout time ya came to, sir.” Edmund groaned and tried to sit up. A wave of pain from his side forced him back down Greg eased him down into bed. “Steady, sir, ya’ve got a nasty hole in yer side from the fightin’.”

“Where…” Edmund gasped in another breath. “What happened?”

“Lieutenant’s dead, only nineteen out of da fifty-something survived the skirmish. You’re the highest ranking, so you’re now the commandin’ officer.”

“What?”

“I’m jus’ sayin’ the rules, sir. Anywho, the aliens took twenty-four prisoners, only seven dead. Most of the men are wounded. We’re dead meat, sir.”

“Why didn’t they take the chance then? They had us outnumbered! They could have killed us all!”

“I dunno, sir, they could’ve, but they didnit, ‘n I say we be happy they didn’t.”

“Yes, whatever. What news from the valleys?”

“Vox made it through alrigh’, we leave ‘n two hours.”

“Good, I don’t want another ambush…”

“Yeah…” With that, Greg stood up and walked out, Edmund heard him talking to the other troopers. Lieutenant… It was amazing he was promoted, but saddening too, Peters had died to ensure they were not massacred. With a sigh, he fell asleep.

It was sometime later he awoke. He was in a bed, his side feeling much better, standing up and donning his uniform, he found an officer’s peaked cap, as well as his armor had been decorated with an officer’s badge. With a grim smile, he walked out into the parade grounds of the barracks. What was left of the platoon stood at attention when he came outside. The platoon was only twenty men strong, due to a spare soldier being thrown into the force. From what an aide told him, Edmund had slept through the ride home. Now their mission was various ‘chores’ for the company, including patrols and some scouting missions. Turning to the men, Edmund spoke,

“I know you’re tired from the fight in the pass. However, we are not excused from battle, now you will be training for our next fight while I attend a meeting with the high command. Quick march!”

The snap of rifles being shouldered and the click of boots meeting as the trumping of the footsteps of the march to the training rooms filled the air as Edmund ran to his Chimera.

Like how most of the trips had been, the drive over to the Court Center was uneventful. As the transport pulled up the lieutenant jumped out and began walking up the steps.

His mind to busy to take notice of the grand art, Edmund almost ran to the meeting room. Smaller and at a small round table, the officers of the Sixth Company sat waiting for him. Edmund saluted and sat down.

“Now that the new Lieutenant has come, to business.” The commander nodded to Edmund and stood up to show a map of the valleys.

“When reports came in of the fight at the pass, we were shocked at the aliens retreat. However, after some extensive research, we learned a little more of our opponent. They never take over planets; they only come to gather prisoners to torture on their home world.”

“That still does not explain why they are being this hostile; such actions are taking tolls on their forces. Besides, why not just raid outposts? Why major positions?”
It was another Lieutenant that spoke up; his shoulder pad had the second platoon’s markings on it.

“We are still hunting for those answers too.” The commander shook his head sadly. “Alas! We cannot figure why they would be on such a hunt! We know that they may strike at critical positions, which is all we need until we find out more. The sixth platoon.” he gestured towards Edmund. “Will be on a patrol near the new location for the vox, up on mount Jokl.”

“Yes sir.” Edmund accepted his new task with annoyance; his platoon would now be seeing the Dark Eldar everywhere. This would be pleasant news to the squads.

The commander stood and saluted to the officers.

“Good day, gentlemen.” That was it, called here just to hear how they were to die.

When Edmund finally returned to the barracks, he found the platoon in the training room on close combat exercises. In sleeveless shirts, they were practicing fixing bayonets the fastest they could and rushing dummies that had posters of weak points.

“Ahh-ten-shun!” Edmund shouted as he walked into the room. Everyone stopped and stood feet together and hands to their sides.

“Gather round. No need to be so formal, we’re as good as dead.” Edmund gestured to them to relax, the soldiers either sat or leaned on dummies or walls. All eyes were fixed on him.

“Command says they don’t know why the Dark Eldar didn’t take the victory, but we know they won’t make a base here either. They just want prisoners for later. Being the survivors of the ambush, we are being sent to the master-vox communicator’s location. From there, we will see if the aliens strike, if they do, they want the planet; if they don’t, they are just hunting for prisoners… Carry on with your drills; you’ll need ‘em.”

The soldiers walked back to their training sessions, they fought with ferocity, but not with a lot of heart. Hearing that they would be sitting on another freezing mountain waiting to be attacked did not please them.

The day passed with nothing to care about. Edmund sat on the edge of the balcony that oversaw the barracks’ parade grounds. The sun, now an orange sphere, descended from its heavenly position to the horizon, the clouds above were streaked with pink, purple, and orange. The night sky was a deep blue; and silence was all one could hear.

“Lieutenant?” Edmund looked behind him, Sergeant Jacobs saluted, but Edmund waved him over.

“Stop with the formality, Jacobs.”

“It’s protocol, sir.”

“Yeah.” Edmund patted Jacobs on the back as he sat down beside him. “But protocol doesn’t say what to do when your about to die.”

“True.” Jacobs was a tall man, his face was scarred from the ambush, a long gash from his right eyebrow to his left side of his chin, covered his face. His two hazel eyes glowed in the fading sunlight; the sun had almost gone behind the mountains.

“Whadda ya think will happ’n to the others?” Jacobs glanced at the sky, as if expecting Raiders to come soaring down upon them.

“I dunno.” Edmund replied truthfully. He glanced at the sky as well, ever since the pass, the sixth platoon’s men had the habit of looking up and around, always ready for an unexpected attack.

Night fell; the barracks were silent as usually. Edmund went on his nightly rounds, somehow he felt odd. This was exactly how Lieutenant Peters had died, walking around, checking the guards on duty. With a shiver, Edmund threw away the thought and continued on his route. He passed several guardsmen, all of the same company, none from his platoon. Each said goodnight with a sir and saluted before returning to their posts. Edmund smiled at each soldier and returned the salute, watching him or her walk back to his or her stations.

Dawn came over the mountains and with the sound of twenty-one feet against cement. Two Chimeras sat waiting for the platoon. The loading was fast and easy, men in snow camouflage uniforms entered the grey transports. Edmund sat in the leading one, who was driven by Franklin Smith. Their drives were completely uneventful, like all of their ones before. The city was a blur as the Chimeras raced towards the mountains. Dusk fell as they came to the vox outpost. Ten soldiers were on duty once the sixth platoon exited their transports and stood about. A single man from the guards came forward.

“Sergeant Johnson, sir!” He saluted the Lieutenant, who returned it and said,

“At ease.” The defending squad stood with their legs one shoulder-width apart. “What company?”

“Third company, reserves, sir.” Johnson replied.

“I see. You are to join our platoon?”

“Yes sir.”

“Hmmm...” Edmund paused and then set the men on shifts, one squad on, two squads off. Once this was done, he lay down on his bunk and stared at the ceiling.

The night came, and with it the fear of another attack. Each man doubled his search, and double-checked everything they did. Constant reports were made to the sergeants, who reported to the lieutenant. This ensured that nothing happened without the lieutenant’s knowing. It was midnight when it all happened. Private Jenkins, part of the third company’s squad, noticed something in the distance. Some part of him knew what it was, and another part said to look closer. Not wanting to end up like the others did at the pass, Jenkins called the sergeant.

“Sir!” Jenkins yelled. Four guardsmen came to his call, led by the lieutenant.

“What is it, trooper?”

“There!” Jenkins pointed into the dark. Edmund strained his eyes, but he could see nothing. He looked at Jenkins, who was chest fallen.

“You’re sure?”

“Yes sir.” The reply was fast and almost defeated.

“Call Sergeant Jacobs’s squad onto duty, search for anything out of the ordinary!” The lieutenant turned back to the private as the orders were relayed to the squads. Jenkins tried to smile, but he feared an insignificant punishment for it.

The next hour was spent hunting for signs of intruders. A spotter used his infrared goggles to scan the surrounding area. Nothing was in sight. The search ended, but the guard was doubled. Dawn came shortly, the entire platoon relaxed; though the Dark Eldar could strike anytime, the night was far worse to fight in than the light.

The afternoon came, and with it the warm sunlight from above. The grey clouds parted and let the light warm the men on duty. Edmund walked outside to enjoy the warmth.

“Incoming!” The cry did not belong here. Edmund opened his eyes and drew his laspistol. An autocannon began to fire, its explosions creating a throbbing throughout the air.

Boom, boom, boom…

Dark shapes were on the horizon, and Edmund could see the projectiles coming at the base.

“Take cover!” His voice was heeded. Explosions rocked the base as Dark lances pounded the positions of the guardsmen. The rest of the platoon emerged, grenade launchers, plasma guns, and meltaguns fired at the targets. The battle had begun.

Another blast scorched the earth at Edmund’s feet; he threw himself into a pile of snow as more blasts filled the air. The snow was freezing against his face; Edmund emerged and shook off the substance.

Boom, boom, boom…

Still the thunder clapped as another Raider made a strafing pass. Shivering in spite of all his clothing, Edmund raised his laspistol and autopistol. With the rapid fire of both weapons, he managed to score hits on three Dark Eldar troopers that were disembarking their transport. He walked backwards, firing as more and more of the accursed aliens rushed him from all angles.

“For the Emperor!” The cry resounded throughout the mountains. The platoon, having suffered four fatalities and six casualties, stood from their positions to aid their lieutenant. Lasers, plasma, grenades, and melta waves filled the air as the guardsmen made their counter attack. A harsh, coarse scream made the men cover their ears. Two Raiders were spiraling with smoke trailing out of their hulls as they slammed into the mountainsides.

A cheer went up from the base, and Edmund saw the missile launcher crew had managed to hit both of the Raiders, while the autocannon and heavy bolter had forced the gunners of both transports off their weapons, whether dead or alive.

A howl went up from the aliens that were left without escape, and the fight came down to close combat. Edmund watched as his world shrunk to one where bodies were pressed together, the heat of the breath of your opponent was in your face and their blood was in your face. With a cry to the Emperor and vengeance, the lieutenant hacked at his enemy. The chainsword coughed and smoked as it was clogged with the blood of too many enemies. The guardsmen were faring well against such a tough enemy, but they had something these creatures did not. They had the hope of life, the hope to win, the will to win. This drove them on, harder and harder they fought. With every stab of the bayonet, the sword came to counter. The fatalities and casualties of both sides were drastic, from being in two score number, the Dark Eldar found themselves reduced to a mere eleven.

With screeches of anger, they fled in the last Raider that appeared from a gully in the mountains. Then there was peace.

The silence lingered for a few moments before the guardsmen shook themselves from their stupor. The dead were counted and buried; those who were wounded were taken inside the bunker for medical attention.

Edmund sat on a rock outside, waiting to hear the report, a crunching made him turn his head towards the creator of the noise. It was Sergeant Jacobs.

“Eleven dead, five wounded, but they’ll live.” The sergeant informally saluted his superior officer.

“Wonderful…” The lieutenant muttered sarcastically. “Now we are short a squad. Did you muster the survivors into new ones?”

“Yup.” The relationship between the non-commissioned officer and the lieutenant was growing fast; already the sergeant could speak to him like an equal.

“The squads have been re-assigned and from what I can tell it is going to be difficult.”

“Why so?” Edmund stood and the pair walked towards the mess hall.

“Because every time we meet those accursed aliens we lose a squad!” The sergeant spat, Edmund watched the drop freeze and the droplet of ice disappear into the snow. “If this keeps up there won’t be any resistance for the Eldar to face when they git around to invadin’ the cities!”

White clouds formed around Jacobs face from his breathing. His face was red with anger, Edmund did not blame for being upset. The Eldar were waging an odd war, one that the company was not ready to fight.

“We’ll report back to high command and see what they say.” Edmund patted his comrade on the back and entered the mess hall to join the platoon in a nice hot meal.

The report did not please the commanding staff. The attack meant that the Dark Eldar were trying to actually take the planet, but that defied their agenda. The sixth platoon was summoned back to the city and a new one was sent to guard the post. Though being summoned back to the city seemed like a joyous thing to the men of the platoon, they would find that this was only the tip of the iceberg.

End of Chapter One...

Looks great, nice fast paced action, with some slower moments for more storyline. Also, great working out of the characters, nice in-depth look. Keep it up, waiting to read more!

Thanks, here's Chap. 2:

Chapter II: You won a Battle, but not the War

Edmund sat dumbfounded in his seat. The high command of the sixth company had been called together for serious news.

“What?” The lieutenant exclaimed. “How is that possibly? The outpost was well checked last night!”

“I am telling you the facts, lieutenant. Another raid, only three survivors, ambushed the outpost. The raiders destroyed the vox-communicator and we have lost contact with the other companies. As you all well know this is drastic news for us. Without communications any of the valleys could fall and the others would not know of it!”

With a sigh, the commander sat down again, from his pacing.

“Gentlemen,” he said softly, this time with a sadden look. “We managed to receive conformation of existence through scouts after the outpost’s fall. Only the First Company did not respond. We need a platoon to check out what has happen-“

“We’re ready, sir.” Edmund interrupted the commander. “We are the best suited, I only require that those survivors be attached to my platoon; I could use a few more men.”

“Very well.” the commander smiled and shook Edmund’s hand. “May the Emperor protect you.”

“Thank you, sir.” Edmund smiled, though without spirit. He knew that this would be his final mission.

The three soldiers were from the second platoon. Two men were pulled from the original squad of Edmund’s and the three finished the squad. The other ten, Jayson and Moore, were given chainswords and laspistols and were the first two to form the sixth platoon’s commanding squad.

Three Chimeras arrived to take the squads to the first valley. The drive, like all their drives was uneventful as they left the valley. Then came the pass. Each man available went to the six lasguns that lined the compartments; every gunner was ready and waiting. Fear tingled inside the squad that had survived their first mission at that pass. Edmund sat in the lead Chimera, battling dreams of that fateful night. The Dark Eldar appearing out of shadows, the screams of the prisoners, the cries of the dying flooded his mind. With a moan, he threw them off, and began a battle song he had learned in the military training academy.

“Another day nearer the battle,
So drink up my lads and look brave,
'Cos every day nearer the battle.
Is another day nearer the grave.”

This murmur was taken up in every transport until the entire platoon was singing the song. Then it happened.

“Incoming hostiles!” The song stopped as they heard the cry from the lead Chimera’s multi-laser turret gunner.

Edmund looked at his window, though snow and ice covered most of the porthole he could make out the dark shapes that hovered above the ground.

“No quarter!” He shouted and the order was relayed to the other transports. The multi-laser started to fire, as did the three gunners on the left side. Something fired back and the transport rocked with the explosion.

The fight was an unfair one; the platoon was trapped inside with less than half of their armory firing in retaliation to the attacks. Edmund considered unloading, but he knew that would only lead to more losses.

“Full speed!” he yelled at the pilot, who acknowledged his request by maximizing the Chimera’s speed. The other Chimeras sped after them, the Raiders, four in total. Just herded the transports.

“Why ain’t dey killed us?” One private was breathing hard, his voice panicked.

“So they can force us out into the open and git som priznors.” Replied another.

“Shut up!” Edmund yelled at the squad, “We don’t have time to here on hoe we’re gonna die, we’ll just thank the Emperor we aren’t little pieces. Yet…”

The chase went on, the Chimeras on full speed slowing losing the Raiders, which were devoting power to guns. Meter by meter the Chimeras pulled ahead. Then it was silent. The Chimeras reached the end of the pass as the Raiders flew off.

“Go! Go! Go!” The Chimeras’ drivers and passengers stopped looking at the retreating shapes and turned to the valley. The ride down took an hour and a low fog covered the city.

Silence was all that met the platoon’s ears as the men disembarked the Chimeras.

“Why’d we stop?” Jacobs turned to Edmund.

“Over’eat.” A driver walked up to the commanding officers. “Da engin’s can’t take that type of speed for long. Ya’ll hav ta foo’ it da res’ o’da way.”

“Alright. Try to have the transports ready when we come back. I have a feeling we’ll want to leave quickly.”

“Rightio, sah.”

The platoon turned to go, when Edmund held up his hand.

“Sergeant Jacobs!”

“Yes, sir?”

“Stay with the transports and heavy weapons, we need to stay light.”

“Yes sir!”

“And Jacobs?”

“Yes, sir?”

“I prefer the heavy weapons, pilots, and gunners to the transports.”

“Yes sir.” Jacobs smiled and saluted. The heavy weapon teams relaxed and started to set up a triangle shape around the transports. The fog was thickening now, and the camouflage of the guardsmen helped them disappear into it.

Silence fell, the fog allowed the men to see each other for several feet. Edmund took the lead; the town was only half-a-click away. The platoon covered the distance in no time. Like all Hive Cities, Hive Carag was a block of tall buildings. Due to the fog, the towers were covered and the town was barely visible. The entrance was open and unguarded.

“Hell-o!” Edmund yelled as they reached the entrance. “Hello!”

Silence; the men glanced around warily, this was not good.

“Steady, lads.” Edmund half-whispered to them. He, too, was uneasy; there should have been soldiers everywhere. The First Company was one of the strongest; the fact that nothing was here meant something big was up.

“Sir?” Private Michael spoke up.

“Yes, Michael?”

“Should we go back and report the company missing?”

“No, the Hive is big, which means that there could be a battle, or mourning a dead officer on the other end for all we know.”

“Right, sir; we with ya the whole way.”

The squad moved silently into the Hive City. Nothing moved saved for them, and the only noise that could be heard was that of their own breathing. Edmund took lead; his men moved like ghosts, each in their winter fatigues made them all the more specter-like. A drip from the left made five laspistols, twelve lasguns, a grenade launcher, and a melta-gun point at a water pipe that hung out from a wall.

“At ease…” Edmund released a tense breath and then moved on. The squads moved carefully after him. Then they all heard it: a low thunder in the distance.

“Move, move, move!” Edmund half-whispered to his troops. The soldiers crept forward. With each meter they traveled, the noise grew louder. The thunder rang in their ears now, Edmund slipped on his helmet like the sergeants and troopers. The thunder was lessened through the flak-armored headgear. A scream pierced the air, sending chills through everyone that heard it. It was inhuman and wild, something that no man was meant to hear. Quivering back the troops tried to step but the thought of whatever made the scream held them back. O’Tara looked at his troops.

“Men!” he shouted, disregarding whatever the thing was. “We are soldiers of the Imperium! Our duty is to the Emperor, and his will is that we find the First Company, whether dead or alive.” He paused and met each of their eyes in turn; as he did so, the troopers calmed down and stood ready for his commands.

“Forward for glory! For the Emperor!” he cry rang out, he activated his chainsword, and the two sergeants, and command-squad soldiers did likewise. The soldiers took up the cry and rushed forward, running hard after their charging leader. Edmund yelled as he ran forward, the cry was redoubling across the empty hive city, creating a sound of hundreds of charging men.

They reached the center of the city as the fog lifted; they were still ready for battle and hyperactive.

“In the name of the Emperor, whosoever is still standing under his banner step forth. If ye be traitors depart from this world!” Edmund’s yell rebounded in the city. Few minutes nothing happened, and then something came forth. It was a guardsman, his uniform was tattered and torn, his face covered in cuts and bruises, and his exposed limbs were cut deeply.

“I-I, st-stand f-for hi-his gl-glory, s-sir…” He stammered the sentence and fell face forward unconscious. Two soldiers glanced at Edmund for confirmation to aid the trooper.

“Revive him, and see what we can learn.” Edmund gestured for the platoon to enter the Medicae Centre. The center was still powered and the medic cleaned up the man. Edmund walked over to the bed as the troopers formed a perimeter in the building.

“Can he speak?” Edmund glanced at the medic, who nodded in reply.

“Trooper?” Edmund looked into the man’s opening eyes. “What is your name and rank?”

The soldier struggled to stand but Edmund held him down.

“Private Hogans, sir. Fourth squad, second platoon, first company, sir.”

“What happened to the company, Hogans?” Edmund asked.

“Well… It started three days ago, sir. After the vox-caster fell, we found ourselves stranded. So we were about to send a scout squad to report when, they came. Chaos Space Marines. They took us by surprise they did, the battle was fierce, but unaided the company fell. Dis side of da city is standing on this side ‘cos the battle was on da odder side.”

“If the battle was on the other side,” Edmund asked in the soldier. “how did you get over here?”

“I walked, sir. I managed to git the thought that someone needed to know ‘bout the invasion. Lucky I found you lot…”

“Yes…” Edmund thought the information over; the platoon was in a pickle. The Chaos Marines could have followed the trooper and now be waiting to ambush them as soon as they exit the building. He turned back to the trooper.

“Can you stand?” He asked.

“Yes sir!” The trooper slid out of the bed and stood, right before he collapsed against the medic.

“Fine, get something to carry him in; we need every man we can get.” The lieutenant recalled all the men into the lobby in front of the doors. A gurney had been brought for the wounded soldier.

“Men, we’re leaving, but there is a slight complication: Chaos has arrived. This means they could be outside waiting to kill us all. I ask you to stand your ground and come with me through whatever happens.”

“To ‘ell and back!” A private yelled and the platoon repeated it with a cheer.

The platoon moved out in single file, watching warily for anything that moved. The air was tenser than when they first passed through, for now they knew that Chaos Space Marines were in the area. The silence was deadly, each man heard but his own breathing, their eyes watching the fading fog and shadows. Something would move and the armory of the platoon would point at it, only to see a rat or some other small creature running from the boots of the troopers.

“Contact!” the yell made every soldier jump, lasguns and heavy weapons pointed everywhere, hunting for a target.

“Behind us! Behind!” another yell had the weapons aim as one. There, coming up the road, was a dark figure. It was massive compared to a normal man, and the feeling it seemed to radiate caused the guardsmen back away.

“Soldiers of the Imperium of Man! Worshippers of a false god! Potentially aids to the warriors of Chaos! Hear me now! The end is near, join the power of Chaos and know no death, no pain, and no suffering…”

“Run!” the figure hesitated at this answer, and the hesitation was all the guardsmen needed to run away from him. With a roar of fury, the Chaos Space Marine drew a bolter and was joined by more Space Marines. Edmund ran as fast as he could, hearing bolter shots explode all around him. A yell came from a trooper that was clipped by the large bullets and two guardsmen stopped to pick him up. They kept up with the main group was three soldiers kept the rear by firing at the heretics behind them.

The gate was up ahead, light streaming from it. Edmund was screaming into the vox for the Chimeras to be ready for departure, the replied that they needed more time.

“We don’t have more time! Chaos soldiers behind us. Git those transports ready now!!”

Jacobs responded that they would try. He shut off the link and ordered the heavy weapon teams to be ready to cover the platoon.

Edmund yelled as they cleared the gate, he glanced back to see traitorous guardsmen, their uniforms changed to match their new allies, and Chaos Space Marines emerging behind them. With a shout, the platoon ran faster, almost at the end of their strength. Then the heavy weapons found range.

Explosions ripped the ground behind the squads, an autocannon, a missile launcher, and a heavy bolter fired at full speed, blasting the oncoming heretics away. Edmund could hear the screams and curses of the traitors as the squad reached the transports. More and more soldiers of Chaos appeared, firing at the retreating platoon.

“She’s goo’ ta go!” the drive yelled at Edmund who ordered that everything be loaded onboard. The squads hurried as bolter shells and lasers cutting the dirt around them. The final team managed to enter the transport as the squad sped away, fear and adrenaline pounding in their blood.

“Emperor be praised…” Edmund managed to say before he fell semi-conscious on the seat.

The convoy stopped at the entrance to the pass, it was then that Lieutenant Edmund awoke. Walking out into the snow he looked about, a cloud now blanketed the pass, making everything hidden. Jacobs came up from behind him.

“Deadly, ain’t it?” he asked quietly.

“Indeed.” replied the lieutenant. The two stood their, stomping their feet to prevent frostbite.

“Better than facing those Chaos Marines.” the lieutenant turned and entered the lead Chimera.

“Let’s go.” the officer ordered the pilot who pushed down the pedal.

Silence fell over the three Chimeras; no one spoke out of fear of the Dark Eldar. The journey seemed to drag on for days to Edmund’s mind, but he watched the clock, only twenty minutes had passed. They were almost out of the pass now. Then they reached the end. Dark rain clouds hung over the hive city in the valley, but these were nothing for the guardsmen. A cheer rose over the vox as the men celebrated their escape from both the Dark Eldar and the Chaos legion.

“Quiet!” the lieutenant snapped as he exited the Chimera and looked down on the city.

“Move!” he shouted, the men unloaded in twp minutes and hurried after their lieutenant, the drivers, armed with laspistols, followed. The Chimeras were left behind and this brought doubt to the soldiers’ minds. A driver ran forward and stopped the lieutenant; they had left the beaten path and were running through the small patches of trees that lined the road.

“Sah, why did we leave the vehicles behin’?” he tapped the lieutenant’s shoulder.

“Look ahead.” the officer stepped aside as the platoon peered out into the sprinkling rain. A barricade had been built, and several bodies of Imperial Guardsmen lay against it.

“By the Emperor…” a soldier muttered. Edmund walked forward, laspistol drawn and ready, Jacobs moved after him. The pair inspected the bodies; both had bolter wounds in the chest and heads.

“How did they-?” Jacobs started.

“They were already in position when we left.” The graveness of the situation was carved on Edmund’s face. “They knew that we had gone to find out the fate of the First Company, they jumped the others while we were gone…”

The platoon had come out of hiding now and looked at the dead bodies. They looked at Edmund for orders, who coughed and said,

“Our duty is to the Emperor and the Regiment. We’ll see what has become of our brothers and then try to alert the rest of the Regiment.”

The platoon checked their rifles and followed their leader down the road. The rain pitter-pattered against their bodies; their snow camouflage would now be useless in their fight unless the Emperor provided a fog for them. Edmund grimly looked at each side of the road; every now and then, they would see bodies of guardsmen, desperate squads that had tried to stop the chaotic advance. As they neared the city the rain fell harder, the road now became solid brick, the soldiers moved faster, knowing that the Company’s fate might rest on their timely arrival. The gates were blown down, wreckage and bodies everywhere. Edmund was about to call a retreat when he heard the sounds of battle: Screams, war cries, prayers, orders being shouted, and weapons firing.

“Forward!” he shouted instead, and the Sixth Platoon of the Sixth Company of the Fifth Cahorn Regiment ran onward into the mouth of hell.

The battle was already at the loss for the Sixth Company, with more than half of their force dead and a fifth wounded they were barely holding. Leman Russ Battle Tank wrecks, Chaos Rhinos, Chimeras, Predator Tanks, and bodies of both sides covered the road. These were no obstacle for the stout soldiers of the Imperium of Man. their cries for blood resounded off the walls, and they were met with battle.

The Chaos forces had their backs turned to the Sixth Platoon, but turned as a lasgun volley cut down several Marines. They met the platoon with little worry, yet the tide turned as this little group forced them to re-focus on a new target. The Sixth Company advanced, hoping that they could save the platoon. The streets were small and Edmund’s group met the fierce power of the Iron Warriors. Their black armor was darkened as the lasguns found the weak points in their armor.

“For glory! For death! For the Emperor!” The cry came from Edmund’s mouth as he rushed forward, the platoon followed, heavy weapons covering them. The pilots fired in unison to kill several more Space Marines, as did their Guardsmen companions who took many more down. However, the kills that the platoon was dealing were not enough. The death toll on the platoon was high; two and a half squads had fallen dead as they broke through the Iron Warriors ranks. With this daring force among them, the forces of Chaos could not properly organize their attack. This daring had re-inspired the company to fight back with a grimness that burned in their souls. Fires from broken tanks and weapons firing lit the battle area, all else was dark and unknown as the battle turned into a melee.

A single chainsword sliced through another Chaos Marine, its bearer, Lieutenant Edmund, looked about him; the two forces were fighting in close combat. Bayonets and chainswords engaged one another. He looked around for his platoon and saw Jacobs, dead, on the ground beside him.

“Good bye...” he whispered and heard a crunching behind him. Slowly turned his saw three Iron Warriors, all armed with chain swords. They paused as he leapt at them with a scream for vengeance and managed to slay one. The duel was ferocious, but short. The great lieutenant, who had defied death for so long was driven against the wall. The two Iron Warriors revved their weapons when two of Edmund’s privates jumped them, saving their leader.

“Jacobs?” one asked his voice half-heartened.

“KIA.” Edmund struggled to speak that word, the three letters felt like cannon balls coming out of his mouth. “We need to move, fast. How many left alive?”

“Pilots are dead, two and half squads got nailed too. There’s myself, him,” the guardsmen gestured to his companion, who was watching out for any more heretics. “and five others, two of ‘em being your lads.”

“Damn.” Edmund muttered and began pacing. “Rally what’s left and git over to the Company’s lines. Hurry!”

“Yes sir!” the trooper moved off with his friend and the pair disappeared into the smoke and fire. Edmund ran into the direction of guardsmen shouts, and sure enough, there was a command squad in a bunker. He ran around and reached the door. It was locked. He pounded on it.

“In the name of the Emperor, open up!” a small peephole opened and a guardsman looked at Edmund, his eyes widened as he recognized the lieutenant.

“This way, sir.” he said and opened the door, the pair walked into the battle room. There a holographic image of the battle, around it was the High command of the Sixth Company. They glanced up at the sound of feet.

“Lieutenant Edmund O’Tara, Sixth Platoon, reporting for duty, sir!” Edmund clicked his heels and snapped a salute.

“Welcome, lieutenant.” the commander saluted back and gestured for Edmund to be at ease. “What strength is your platoon?”

“Only eight men, sir.”

“Very daring move you made early, I congratulate your success.”

“Thank you, sir.” the commander nodded and then swept his hand over the holographic table. It showed the guardsmen’s advance over the last hour, the Chaos forces were being pushed back, but the cost had been dear.

“We have reached he point where our snipers are taking out the survivors, but the cost has been dear to the company.”
Edmund saw the tired man that the commander really was; he smiled wearily as he stared at the table.

“If the Chaos counter-attack should come, we are doomed. You had something to report, lieutenant?” Edmund glanced up in surprise; the entire squad was looking at him.

“Yes, sir.” he said, and recounted their tale since they had left the company.

“Hmmm…” the commander mused over the information. “It would seem that the Dark Eldar were sent to weaken our force and eliminate our communications so that the Iron Warriors could finish us off more quickly. What fools we have been.” he said the last sentence with disgust, Edmund saw how badly they had fallen for the trap of Chaos, the Dark Eldar made them focus on their own problems and made them forget to converse with the other Companies.

“Perhaps there is still time to correct our mistake,” Commissar Venkor stepped forward. “the war may be lost here, but if we could gather enough strength…”

“What are you suggesting, commissar?” the commander had turned to face him now.

“I suggest we take one of the other companies and fight back. If the war must be lost, then so be it. But we will not go down without a fight!” his fist came down on the table with a thump. “What say you?” he whispered to the squad, they stood silent, the commissar’s words slowly sinking into their minds full of doubt.

“My platoon is with you.” Edmund said as he stepped forth.

“The company is with you.” the commander said and turned to the mater-vox communicator.

“Tell what platoons are left to gather at the command bunker. What’s left of our army needs to be reorganized.” the communicator nodded and started relaying the message to all the squads’ vox casters.

It took an hour before the force stood before them. Squads had been merged, and platoons reassigned. The Sixth Company had started out with three hundred and thirty men, now only one hundred and sixty five reported for duty.

“There are only three lieutenants, but enough sergeants for ten squads, sir.” the aide stood beside the commander. Five men were his personal squad, and that would be the command squad for the five squads that would be under it. Three Leman Russ Battle Tanks had been readied, that with a Leman Russ Demolisher Tank, two Hellhounds, and a Sentinel Squad, made up the entire tank part of the Sixth Company. A message had been sent to the Fifth Company, who had received it and responded that they would assist in the upcoming fight for the first valley.

“Guardsmen!” the company fell silent as the commander stood before them. “We have won a battle, but not the war. We have reminded the enemy that we are fierce and will not back down. The planet has long been under the control of the Imperium. We are not about to let the scum and villainy of Chaos take it now! All that stands between them and the rest of the valleys is the Fifth Company and ourselves. I ask only two things of you for our next fight: Let not your life pass without taking the enemy with you, and stand your ground, no matter what the enemy throws at us. For the Emperor!”

“For the Emperor!” the shout, carried by one hundred and sixty five voices echoed in the valley as it was followed by the thunder of boots in a march, a march to their deaths.

The Fifth Company met the company and the two marched through the pass with no fear. The Dark Eldar had left, having been paid by their employers for their work.

Edmund walked at the head of the Sixth Platoon, the Third and First marching ahead of him. He walked along when a tune came to his head. His voice carried forward as the entire platoon, which soon both companies sung along, joined in.

“Another day nearer the battle,
So drink up my lads and look brave,
'Cos every day nearer the battle.
Is another day nearer the grave.
We sing this song with honor
Our minds are clear and brave.
We have fought in several battles,
And now we’re nearer our graves.
We do not fear the battle,
For we are strong and brave,
And when we go to the battle,
We’re nearer to our graves.”

This song carried throughout the pass. The Chaos Space Marines on duty heard it and called for the defenses to be readied. The companies knew this, but did not care, they would fight to the very last, and they would go with a cheer in their hearts. The forces of the Fifth Cahorn left the pass and lined the long field that would be the battlefield. Trenches were dug as the forces of Chaos left the city.

End of Chapter II....

wow . impressed

<----Speechless

Great stuff! You obviously put alot of effort into it!