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Dante Gabriel Rossetti licked his lips, they were unusually dry. He looked out through the gloom of the drop pod at the men of his squad. As a sergeant he felt responsible for the lives of those around him. Of Bill Hunt, the operator of the squad’s autocannon, of Moxon Tennyson the spotter, John Millais with his grenade launcher and the other six men in their squad. Though he couldn’t see them, their faces were imprinted in his mind, such as trooper Ruskin’s cheek scar twisting as he talked excitedly about getting to kill some blues.

“T minus fifteen seconds”

Rossetti checked his straps, this was the bit he hated, worse than the fighting, was the feeling of falling and the jarring landing of a drop pod assault. He knew that not many Imperial Guard forces drop podded, indeed the 9th Meridians weren’t a drop podding army, but had been pushed into it by those higher up. Originally they had been a force that existed only to slow enemy advance before the armoured companies of Meridia arrived to destroy any threat, but due to their resilience and tenacity, they had been made into a full regiment, and posted far away through many campaigns.

Rossetti had been a sergeant for five years, and hadn’t seen Meridia in fifteen. He was hoping for further promotion as, unlike other forces, every soldier in the 9th Meridian started as a trooper, even Lord Silon, commander of the forces. Above, he could hear the strong tones of Lieutenant Mills above, preaching to his platoon.

“Fear not the Xenos, we are to fight the forces of the Tau, these slit-heads are like a Necromundan hooker. They look fearsome from afar, but once you get close you see the cracks and wrinkles!”

Some of the younger guardsmen laughed nervously, the pod fired towards the planet below. Rossetti looked out of the window to watch the wonderful colours of the atmosphere burn upon entry. Rossetti watched the ground defences open fire from the raining agri world, burst cannons, fusion blasters and missiles. Horror enveloped his features as the pod nearest them burst into flames and exploded, though he knew it was his imagination, he was sure that he saw bodies falling.

All of a sudden there was a resounding thud, and everything went dark for a second. They had landed. Rossetti released his harness and shouted to his men,

“Come on men, let’s go go go!” he ran to the door hatch and released the locking mechanism. The door flew open and he ran out with his men, firing his laspistol in the general direction of the enemy. The ground was slippery and wet, Rossetti ran to the small ditch immediately to his front, along with his men.

“Hunt! Moxon! Get the autocannon set up! We need suppressing fire!”

Rossetti saw a man leaving the drop pod get his arm blown off by enemy fire, the first death of the campaign he had witnessed, but not the last. Mills landed next to him, and breathlessly told him that they needed to advance on the enemy.

“They may be Xenos scum Rossetti, but they have us outmatched in a firefight, we must take the fight to them!”

“But sir,” implored Rossetti, “We have no armour! Where is our fire support?!”

“Emperor knows sergeant, but we’re getting slaughtered out here!”

Like that, Mills moved on. Rossetti told his men to fix bayonets, and to ready for the charge. The autocannon was packed up and Rossetti took a deep breath.

“Men..”

They charged forward into the maelstrom of fire.

Dear Mr and Mrs Ruskin

I regret to inform you of the death of your son John. He died a hero, fighting for the Emperor, and for his friends, who consider themselves blessed to have known him. He was an integral part of our unit and we are truly sorry at his passing. He went into battle with a prayer on his lips, single handedly defeating an enemy position, allowing us to advance without any further casualties. He died of his injuries sustained then, but it was quick and merciful, he did not suffer.

I have recommended John for the Honorifica Imperialis in light of his actions, if successful, this will be sent to you. Without his outstanding sacrifice, we would not be here. I have enclosed a letter that he wished to be sent in the event of his death.

The Emperor protects,

Dante Gabriel Rossetti.
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Dear parents,

As I write to you now I am aboard a mighty vessel preparing for battle. I may not tell you where due to censorship, strangely I am not frightened even though this is my first proper action. Funny though, many believe me to be a veteran because of my scar, no matter how many times I tell the story of that malfunctioning thresher! We have been promised leave after this tour, I would like very much to see you again, leaving already feels a lifetime away.

I do not wish to be serious, but when you get this it is because I am dead, as such, I hope you never have to read these words. You were right ma, I should never have volunteered, it was nothing like how the recruiters described. I am happy with my fellow troopers though, everyone is friendly and I couldn’t have made it through training without them. Jonas managed to get into the sentinel corps, he always did get lucky. Sergeant Rossetti has promised to get us all through this, and I can’t help but believe him.

Give my love to Sally, I should have proposed when I had the chance, wonderful girl. Remember me as I was, full of life and energy, always looking for the next adventure.

Goodbye my parents, may the Emperor guide and protect you,

All my love, your son, John.
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OOC: Any tips/feedback?