Across the desolate rubble, a command squad made its way. Wraps in clocks baring blotches of paint, similar in colour to the surrounding area. Dust yet to settle filled the air; threatening to choke any unprotected throat. And across the rubble lay bodies. All of the planets guard, and a few sister. Only a thin stroke of respect for the dead had them chart a small diversion around them. Progress was slow.
A more distant group moved to intercept them - twice as large – but held much the same. The air held a deep green aura, expelled by the Xenos invaders. Large stone structures as black as the void were seen on each horizon, their purpose as alien as their builders. Both groups knew of the others presence, but no weapons were drawn; nor anything to admit knowledge of the other. Only the slow crawl.
Eventually they reached their destination. One of the only structures still standing – of you could say that – that once might have processed natural gas to promethium. The larger group to shelter in shadows and waited for the arrival of the other. Both moved over the smaller bits of masonry from hard earned experience. And the two “leaders” meet at the centre of what was left of the control room.
The man from the larger group saluted the other and began, “Sorry to report, but all of the companies Scions have been K.I.A. sir,” a low chuckle might be heard by those closest. “Except for us of course”.
“Ten is better than none,” the other replied, “It triples our size.”
A mutual understanding in the group took over. Both had revived messages from their Vox networks. Both had been removed from reserves. Both had only just survived an attack on a garrisoned outpost. One held the superior rank, the other superior numbers and weapons. On this unstable ground. Where all order had gone to the fields of corpses, they were equal. With a thin veil of respect for the other prevented and past grudges resurfacing.
“Just like on the campaigns Ey?” The commander asked
“Not dead yet Ey?” the other respond.
The others had nothing needed to do, nor would there be until sunset tomorrow they thought as the first cracks of light could be seen. All hunkered down and traded rations. Some gambled, others slept in the most obscure placed. Waiting for the nightmare to reach them.
