Blue Ruin

**Prologue – Annihilan Alpha**

Mountain View Medical School
June 14^th 2011
05:24 AM

The Laboratory was eerily still. I eased myself onto the stool and removed my gloves. That was enough contact with Annihilan for the moment.  As I took my handkerchief from my coat pocket the door slid open with a soft whoosh and in strode Lance Hyren, son of Gregory Hyren, head of the Seventh Legion research project. 

“How go the tests? Have you pinpointed the cause of the defect yet?” he asked, barely hiding his contempt for me.

“Not quite yet, but I am getting closer.” I replied.

“Closer? CLOSER? CLOSER ISNT GOOD ENOUGH CARL. CLOSER WONT GET YOU PAID. This had better get done soon, or my father will have your head. Better yet, we will use you as a test subject.” He raged, punching the desk each time as if punctuating his words. “I don’t even know why my father hired you!”

“You can’t seriously expect us to magically work this shit out in three days can you? If you didn’t notice my team isn’t even here! Maybe if you could get them over here, maybe, just maybe we would get some progress. Now if you wouldn’t mind leaving me to checking my notes, I might be able to continue fixing things.”

Lance just glared at me, and if looks could kill, boy would I be dead right now. He pushed a bunch of equipment from the desk he was standing by with the back of his hand and stomped out of the room.

 “Wonder what his dad shoved up his ass this morning...” I said under my breath as I wiped my brow. I picked up my clipboard and leafed through my notes. Anything. I was looking for anything at all to help fix the damned mess we had gotten ourselves into with Annihilan. There had to be a way to stop it turning our test subjects into... into these things. Hell, we were running out of room to store the corpses, and Christ had they begun to stink.

After several minutes of searching, I found it, and boy was it obvious. Apparently there was a minor mutation in the base chemicals. I circled this, and went over to the chemical storage cupboard to test this theory. Opening it up, I heard a dull thud at the door.

“Come in, it’s only me here. Made some breakthroughs into why the samples have been failing, you can give me a hand!” I yelled, the rooms in here were pretty well sound-proofed so I needed to make sure they heard me. Sure enough, as I grabbed a few Petri dishes, I heard the familiar sound of the door followed by some slow, almost clumsy footsteps. 

“You hadn’t better be drunk, otherwise you can jolly well go back home.” I said as I was backing out of the cupboard.

As I turned around, my heart jumped into my mouth, and I dropped the samples I had in my hands. Immediately the biohazard alarm rang out. There, slowly staggering towards me was a subject that we had disposed of early yesterday morning. How he was moving was anybody’s guess, but having him walk in the lab like that had just endangered the lives of around a hundred of the personnel here, and possibly more if the samples couldn’t be contained. I had to do something.

Sweeping the dishes to the side with my foot, I grabbed my clipboard from the desk and pulled the notes from them, and placed them into my inner pocket. Slowly, gritting my death, I walked towards the corpse and readied my weapon. Those cold, dead eyes unnerved me a little, but that didn’t stop me bringing the clipboard down on his head with a mighty thump. The corpse fell to the floor with a groan and blood pooled from its head. I swiftly dropped it and ran from the lab when the speakers crackled.

“Biohazard leak detected. Lockdown in progress. Purging in t-minus 10 minutes. All personnel are to report to the emergency exit. Please keep your ID on hand.” Came the droning automated voice.
“I repeat. Biohazard leak detected. Lockdown in progress. Purging in t-minus 10 minutes. All personnel are to report to the emergency exit. Please keep your ID on hand.”

Bugger, I thought. I had left my ID in the car. It’s not every day the facility goes into purge. Damn it! I just had to find Lance... I’m sure he could explain the situation. I ran my finger over a facility map stencilled onto the wall. Where could he possibly be... Canteen? Head Office? Was he already at the Exit? I didn’t have time to check them all, so I headed off in the direction of his Office. I rounded the corner and ran almost straight into another cadaver, so close in fact that I could smell the rancid stench coming from its flesh. I backed up and tried to loop around. No good. Two more corpses were stood huddled at the end of the corridor. Damn it all! I had to get somewhere safe, and hope it wasn’t a Class A purge, although I knew in the back of my mind it would be. I ran back to my lab as fast as I could and closed myself in the storage cupboard after moving the body from the floor and locking the lab door. This was as safe as I could get.

**Chapter One – Transit**
Highway 87, Colorado
June 14^th 2011
06:43 PM

We didn’t speak much on the way home. I had surprisingly little on my mind, considering the day ahead.  I wondered how my brother, Morgan, would react to me turning up in Longmont again. It had been almost twelve years since I had seen its streets. Twelve whole years.  My dad, Joseph, didn’t look any different. Well, not counting the greying and balding of course. Here I am, sitting in a car, with my dad, on the eve of my birthday, and I hadn’t a clue where to start, what to say. I suspect he was in the same predicament, but I couldn’t quite tell. It was him who spoke first.

“So, how was Denver?” He said slowly.

I reached down and flicked the radio off. “It’s been... Interesting. I have learnt a lot there, so much in fact that Uncle Adam recommended me to CAA! Can you believe that?”

“Wow, I take it being an Architect pays then?” He replied, clearly perked up at the sound of money.

“It will make for a decent life I suppose, yeah. How are Mom and Morgan these days?” I asked.

Your mother is stressing over her father’s death. Your brother still hates you for leaving like you did... But then he was only young back then.” He said, rather sorrowfully.

“Aye, I heard about that. I’m sorry I couldn’t make it to the funeral. Everyone loved Grandfather Cole. But Morgan’s attitude doesn’t really surprise me.” I had to fight the resentment welling inside me for my brother as I said this. I reached back down and put the radio back on. After fiddling with the knob I found the news.

“Good evening Folks! I’m Shaun Day with your nine o’clock news. The City-wide rioting that began in the early hours of this morning after the explosion at Mountain View Medical School still shows no sign of stopping. Government officials have been at the school since the incident but have sent no word since. Police have had their hands full trying to contain the fighting all day, but have ordered a full retreat due to the surge in violence several hours ago and have left the army to clear up the situation. In other news the Longmont Lions won-”  Dad flicked the radio back off.

“I can hardly believe they are STILL at it. I struggled to get out of the city this morning because of the damned hooligans. I sure hope your mom kept the door locked.” He exclaimed rather angrily.

“It must be bad if the police are giving the army free reign.” I said.

“Not much they can do on their own I would guess. They would end up being spread far too thin to be of any real help, so letting the army in and taking the backseat is the only logical thing to do really. Thankfully, when I left earlier the rioting was contained in the city centre, but anything could have happened since then.” He sighed.

I glanced out of the window and noticed we were entering the city. What I saw however, told me otherwise. There were wrecked cars, broken tollgates, hastily erected army shelters which seemed abandoned... Even the buildings further in hadn’t escaped the carnage; there were broken windows, graffiti and fire.  It seemed the whole town had gone mad. As we turned onto Lake Park Drive I noticed two figures huddled in the middle of the road.

“What on earth?” I heard my dad exclaim under his breath.

As we got closer, he slowed the car to a stop and undid his seat belt. As he did this, the figures looked over and started to shamble towards us.

“Kyle, wait here. I’ll see what the matter with these two gentlemen is.” He said.

“But dad, they look like drug addicts. I wouldn’t bother myself with them, just drive around.” I said. Something in the back of mind told me they weren't addicts, but I tried to suppress that thought.

“Well, if they are, then they obviously aren’t aware of the danger they are in. I’ll just walk them over to the sidewalk and then we will be on our way, alright?”

After several long moments, I managed to blurt out “Alright.”

My dad flung open the door and started walking towards the figures. “Hey, guys? You know you’re in the middle of the road right? It’s not safe; you might get run down by some careless driver if you don’t move.”

No reply.

“Guys, are you alright?”

Still no reply.

“Guys...?”

As he said that the pair lunged at him, knocking him to the floor and franticly clawing at him. I watched in horror for several moments before jumping out of the car and attempting to wrestle the bodies off of my dad.

“You useless junkies, leave my dad alone! He was just trying to help you!” I cried desperately.

After much effort, the left body came free. With one last push it toppled over backwards, and with a sickening crunch its head bounced off the tarmac. I looked around and noticed the other standing to face me.

“Holy fuck! You aren’t junkies, are you?! What ARE you?! Jesus Christ, what do I do?” I managed to gasp. I started backing away slowly, but my pursuer followed too.

“Kyle. Look in. The glove box. There’s no time to. Explain.” I heard my dad rasp.

Still the figure staggers toward me. I turned to the car and panicked. The door wouldn’t open. The door wouldn’t open! Instinctively I took off my jacket and punched in the passenger side window and fiddled with the glove box door. Seconds pass in what felt like slow motion. I could hear the muffled shuffling steps of the figure creeping ever closer but the door just won’t open. There! A loud click and it dropped open. On the shelf inside was a Sig P226. I scooped it out and without thinking twice I fire two shots in the direction of the figure, but they are incredibly off target. Taking a deep breath I squeeze the trigger once more. The bullet hits home, smashing through the figures left eye socket. It drops to the floor and lands in heap merely yards from where I am standing.

Shaking, I slowly make my way over to where my father is lying on the floor. “Dad, what did they do to you? Are you alright?”

“To tell the truth, I don’t quite know. They bit me a bunch of times... Opened my chest right up. I’m already numb. I highly doubt I’ll make it to a hospital.” He managed to whisper.

“Come on dad, don’t say that. I can get you there.” I said, but before I could say more my dad’s eyes widened in horror and he pointed behind me. More figures were shambling towards us from the shadows in all direction, clearly attracted by the noise.

“Who do these guys think they are?!” I said.

“Son. I won’t make it. You have to trust me. Get back to the hou-” He coughed several mouthfuls of blood before continuing. “Get to the house and make sure your mother and brother are alright. Just leave me here, I will be alright.”

I wiped away some silent tears before speaking again. “Alright. I think I remember the way. I just hope I don’t have to deal with anymore of these... things.”

With a sigh, my dad closed his eyes and led back.

“I’ll be back dad, you can count on it.” I said as I stood. Checking the clip, there were 14 bullets. Not nearly enough to deal with all of them. I had to be conservative, and keep one bullet at the very least for myself. I seriously hoped it wouldn’t come to that though.

Kingdoms End: Chapter Three - To Faxenglade

It was only a short time before Lucinda returned with several Elven soldiers, saddled on fine brown stallions.

“These are some of her ladyship’s personal guard. She sent them in good faith.” Lucinda said, hovering at the shoulder of the leading horseman. “They shall accompany you to Faxenglade on the chance that Erzoth has people looking for you. They also have supplies that should see you to your destination. Make haste adventurers, the fate of Halsdorm lies in your hands”

“You have our thanks Lucinda, but will you not come with us?” I said.

“I’m afraid I cannot. I am bound to this forest. To leave would be to sever my link with the earth. You have both my blessing and that of the earth however.” She replied in a solemn tone.

“You have my thanks also spirit, Marcus has shown me that you are deserving of my trust. I wish you take the blessing of the gods and their divine radiance in return.” David chirped in, much happier than he was several minutes before.

The horses shifted restlessly.

“You had better be going; to keep Eleanor waiting is not wise.” Lucinda said.

“You are right.” I said as I hoisted myself up onto one of the rider less horses. “You have our thanks, and that of our people. To Faxenglade!”

“To Faxenglade!” chanted the elves in reply, sounding eager to be back in their homeland.

            And so the six of us rode forth from the forest and rode south towards the Elven lands. We weaved between trees of all types, big and small, before reaching the road that would take us through the town of Greywood before descending into Stonewall Canyon. Personally, I dreaded that Canyon, it was far too easy to be ambushed there... The elves however, reassured me that it was perfectly safe. I took some comfort in that thought, for we were still a ways away from it.

“We shall take a brief rest in Greywood. We will tend the horses, you two can talk to the townsfolk, see if they have heard from any of your people.” The leading elf said.

It wasn’t long before we arrived in the town. We dismounted just shy of the main gate and left the elves with the horses. It was just after midday I estimated. The Tavern would be full. Perfect, I thought.

The town of Greywood was incredibly distinct in comparison to other towns in the region. For a start, they built their houses and shops, and anything else they could for that matter, out of the Grey Willows that grew nearby. The second most notable thing was the puzzling maze of streets that crisscrossed this way and that. I admit, the first time I came I found myself lost and walking circles for a while before I bumped into someone for directions. Directions to the very same tavern we were heading to now. I hoped that the barkeep might have seen someone from Halsdorm.

Inside, it was as I expected. Noise filled the air as men and women alike gossiped, sang and danced. There was a thick cloud of smoke in the air too, from the various pipes and hookahs dotted on the tables. I already felt a headache coming along, so I left David at the door and began pushing my way through the masses in search of the barkeep. Luckily enough, I bumped into him as he was leaving a table.

“Barkeep. My name is Marco Renan; I am a warrior of Halsdorm. I have come in search of my King and any other people of Halsdorm. Can you help me?” I asked.


“What? Sorry, I can’t hear you. Follow me.” He said, gesturing me to follow.

The rather plump man led me back towards the entrance and into a backroom. At this point, David had rejoined us. These rooms were rather dingy in comparison to the drinking hall, but the air was clean and it was quiet. I asked the barkeep the same thing as before.

“Well.” He said. “I have in fact seen some people. They passed through last eve, rather hurriedly. They stayed around just long enough for a single round of drinks before heading off to the south.” He said. 


“So, they are also heading to Faxenglade. That’s a relief. Do you remember how many they were? And was the king amongst them?” I quizzed.

“I counted six, maybe seven? I’m not sure. If he was, I couldn’t tell.” He replied.


“Thank you for the help. If any more pass through, let them know that our nation is regrouping in Faxenglade.” I said.


“You have my word Marco. God speed.” He replied, following us to the front door, before disappearing into the mass of bodies in the drinking hall once more.

As we made our way back through the twisting streets, I was suddenly aware of a... presence following us. As we walked, I checked behind myself countless times, but to no avail. My mind must have been playing tricks on me. Approaching the horses, the elves turned and drew their blades, but seeing it was only myself and David, they sheathed them just as swiftly. 

“Did you find any information in the town?” One of the elves asked.


“Yes. We know that at least half a dozen of our people passed through here last night. We also know that they were heading south, so it’s likely they are already in Faxenglade. We don’t however, know if the king himself was with them.” I recalled.


“Excellent.” The elf replied. “Then we ride swiftly and we should reach the city by morning. Mount up and we shall be on our way.”

The ride from Greywood to the canyon was in itself fairly uneventful; although I still couldn’t shake the feeling we were being followed. We passed several long abandoned watch towers and farm houses before coming to the Canyon entrance itself. The path was a sheer decline that snaked left and right, leaving the rock walls at either side jutting menacingly into space. It was frightfully cold too; the icy air was funnelled down the canyon from the twin peaks on both sides of the canyon. It was no wonder travellers opted to take the long detour around the mountains. This path was not for the faint of heart.

Carefully, we negotiated our way down to the canyon floor and advanced down the grey corridor before us. We had barely gone more than thirty horse lengths when a voice called from the cliffs above.

“Get out of the way! QUICKLY.” It called.

We all looked up in time to see a large stone pillar tumbling through the air above us. My horse bucked and ran the opposite direction in time to dodge the majority of the disaster, coming off with several cuts and scratches from the shards that flew off on impact. At least one elf hadn’t been so lucky. A hoofed leg poked out from under the rubble and the rest of the band could be heard sobbing on the other side. My path was blocked.

“David. Elves. I am alright. My way through however is not. I fear that I shall be in Faxenglade later than we had planned. Ride ahead and let Eleanor know that I am en route. In the mean time, I shall keep my eye out for any more soldiers.” I called over the rocks.


“Thank the light. I thought we had lost you Marco!” I heard David call back. “Are you sure you will be alright making your way there on your own? I could try climbing over this debris...”


“No, please, just get to Faxenglade. It is important that we regroup as quickly as possible, more so if the king is indeed there. I will be fine. Trust me friend.” I replied.


“...Alright.” He said after a short pause.


“Farewell.” I called as I turned my horse back towards Greywood. “Give my regards to Eleanor.”

That was the last I would see of David for a long time I thought. The grey corridor seemed colder than before now I was on my own. The presence was still with me though. I wonder who it was that called out. Were they friends? Were they Erzoth’s agents? I couldn’t be sure; they clearly didn’t want to show themselves again.

It wasn’t until I had reached the top of the slope and had dismounted to take a drink that they appeared. Two figures approached from the base of the mountain, both clad in black from head to toe. The smaller of the two drew back her hood and spoke.

“I’m sorry about your friend. There was nothing more we could have done. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Haze, and this is Gavel.” She said, gesturing to the other figure, who, on hearing his name, pulled back his hood. “We are both members of the Shadow Jurisdiction. Our primarch has deemed an alliance with Halsdorm to be necessary to eliminate Erzoth. We are here to help you to Faxenglade.”

Kingdoms End: Chapter Two - The Forest Spirit

“Yo, lazy ass, wake up.” Were the words accompanying the sharp prodding I felt in my ribs, waking me from possibly the worst nightmare I had in my life.

“Ugh, do you really have to poke me that hard?” I managed blurt out before yawning loudly.

“Dude, I’ve been at this for a good twenty minutes, it was like you were possessed! You were squirming and calling out for people to hold the gate and to protect the king. Are you feeling alright?” The voice said.

I rubbed my eyes and stretched. “Of course I’m alright. It was just a dream, don’t worry about it. What’s for breakfast then David?” I said as I knelt down for my blade. It didn’t pay to be unprepared in foreign lands, regardless of the ruler’s affiliation.

“If you say so, I’ll believe you.” He said with his head half in the knapsack he was rummaging in. “Well, we have some mutton and half a loaf of bread, we could probably scrounge up some eggs from the trees nearby too, what do you think?”

“Sounds good. You get the fire going and ill find us some bits.”

            The morning air was cool and relaxed me some after last night’s episode. The forest we had camped in lay to the east of the kingdom, and was partially governed by an Elven family. After the battle our forces had become scattered, and I wasn’t entirely sure that the king had made it out. Curse our stupidity. Curse MY stupidity. I had been so foolish to fall for the ploy. I was so sure it was Erzoth though! I hit the tree with the blunt edge of my blade and several small birds flew from the branches. Deftly I clambered up the trunk to reach the branches closer to the top, where the birds’ nests were. Groping around, I found four small speckled eggs; I called David over and tossed them down, before dropping to the ground myself. Then we went back to the fire and prepared breakfast.

            We were almost finished when we heard a faint laughing from nearby.

“Who goes there?” David called, mouth half full of bread.

“Oh, nothing but us shrubs” Came a whisper faintly on the wind.

“Don’t try to trick us; we are respected men of Halsdorm!” I called out.

“Oh, make no mistake, oh wise men of Halsdorm, we do not wish to trick you, merely to... test you.” Replied the whisper.

“A test? What kind of test?” David said after swallowing his bread.

“A test to simply prove you are who you say you are. If you are truly men of the elder king Halsdorm, you shall lay your weapons by your feet and utter the oath.” The whisper said.

David looked puzzled and was about to say something when I drew my blade and placed it on the floor.

“What are you doing!?” He cried. “They could be agents of Erzoth for all we know!”

“I think not my friend. If they know of the oath then they must be close to the king. Now come, place your blade down and recite with me.” I said.

Reluctantly, he did the same and we sat cross legged by the fire and recited the Kings Oath.

“Very good men of Halsdorm, you have done as I wished, and I shall now reveal myself to you.” Came the whisper once more, closer than before. With a rustle of a nearby bush, out popped a forest sprite, a friend of elves. “My name is Lucinda; I come as a messenger from my lord master Eleanor of the Southern kingdoms. She heard of the plight of your kingdom and wishes to repay the kindness you and your king showed to us in our time of need.”

“You mean to say the Elves know of what happened already, even though it happened last eve? And what has become of King Tyrule? Why is it that his daughter is leading the fair southern elves?” I quizzed.

“Of course. The elves are the first to know everything in this world. You should know this! They have eyes and ears in many places of this world. Not much can be hidden from the elves. As for your second question, King Tyrule fell sick many years ago, and his son Isemburd was slain in battle against a recently quelled second coming of the Kul’Ermayne, leaving only Eleanor to lead her people.” She replied.

“I see...” I said slowly. Me and David had much to think about.

“If you are ready and willing, I shall have transport for your journey to Faxenglade ready within the hour, brave knights of Halsdorm.” And with that, Lucinda whizzed off between the trees.

“Doesn’t seem like we have much choice in the matter.” Muttered David.

“You are right. Elves rarely like to leave things to other races. We shall just have to trust their judgement. Mayhap they found King Halsdorm, and we may be able to regroup to take the fight back to Erzoth.” I replied.

“I suppose so. Doesn’t sit well with me though, I know you have history with them, but I just can’t trust them, what with their eyes everywhere. You heard Lucinda; they could be working for Erzoth!”

“Nay, I wouldn’t think that for a minute. The Elves are worthy of your trust my friend, you have my word on this. Come, we need to get ready for our journey.”

Kingdoms End: Chapter One - An Ill Omen

Trumpets blared unexpectedly from the ramparts; heads in the great hall began turning this way and that, eyes wide with a mixture of bewilderment and later fear.  Bewilderment because not three days ago had the armies of the vile tyrant Juranza been routed in the most bloody battle of the war. The feast which had only just been interrupted was the reward our most gracious king called for. Celebrations were being held in every town and city in the kingdom. The fear came after the trumpets sounded not a second time, but a third time. This clearly wasn’t a drill.

            “Men and Women of Halsdorm. It is apparent that we are under attack. I assure you this is no combat drill. I bid you all to get ready to defend the castle, and when you return we shall continue with the festivities. I am confident that it can be no more than a splinter of Juranza’s force, one that hasn’t had the news of his death. Go now, slay them and rejoice, for tomorrow we all wake in a land free of war and bloodshed!” The king said from his throne, his voice growing louder with each word. With that came the din of chairs scraping over the cold stone floor and the loud talking of men and women fighting amongst one another to be heard by their comrades, and the rhythmic marching out of the hall. I however stalked to the side entrance, and exited through the slave’s quarters. It would be much faster to get to my room this way, and I would also be able to catch a glimpse of our attackers.

            The view afforded to me by the steep stone steps used by maids to ferry things around the castle was a disturbing one. Archers and Crossbowmen frantically fired into the massive horde outside the walls. I was amazed at how many there were down there. This was no splinter group I realised. We had been duped and I was the fool that caused it. This wasn’t the time for this though I thought, and I rushed to get suited for battle. It was just outside my room I almost ran straight into Philip Grelson, The Lion of Halsdorm. He was one of the most valiant heroes that returned from the last battle, and I considered him as my brother.

“Have you seen what we are up against?” I asked after regaining my composure.

“Aye, and it doesn’t bode well for us I fear. There are simply too many of them” He replied with a sombre tone. “I have already sent carrier pigeons to the surrounding townships but reinforcements will not arrive quick enough.”

“Not nearly quick enough from the looks of that crowd” I muttered.

“Come meet me at the north gate when you are ready, we shall compete for the most kills!” He chuckled, before disappearing down the steps, leaving his loud steel booted footsteps echoing in the passageway.

            My room was a mess. I had prohibited the servants from entering, for I liked to know where I left everything. I quickly slipped off my formal clothing and into something more practical, before donning my armour. I hated wearing it, but in a situation like this it couldn’t be helped. I moved my pillow and retrieved my sword, a gift from the Elven king in the southern mountains after we aided them in fending off a nearby band of Kul’Ermayne warriors, seeking to capture all they could in the name of Juranza. The blade, named Ashrender had been with me ever since. It wasn’t a particularly large blade, it was a couple of inches smaller than a standard long sword. But that suited my battle style. It was perfect for quick strikes and parries, and often threw opponents off guard. I sheathed it at my waist and picked my shield up from the foot of my bed, and left the castle in the direction of the north gate to join battle alongside Philip.

Legacy of the Ancients - Prologue

**Chapter One – First Encounter**
Day 1 – 22:31
Outpost Duty
Melheime
Private Etrius Leslie

Etrius shivered. Partly because of the cool, slicing wind blowing between the barn doors, and partly because he was alone. The rest of Jade Squad was in the Farmhouse, playing the latest card game to come into fashion. It was probably another new variation of poker he thought, as always. Poker didn’t interest Etrius anymore, ever since he almost lost his entire credit balance in a game against Jake Cooper back on Mars. He leaned forward and twisted a few dials on the set of radio equipment assigned to his squad, before sending a proxy ping to make sure it was working. To his surprise, he didn’t receive a reply. He adjusted them and sent another ping. This time, he got his reply instantly. He breathed a sigh of relief, stood up and rubbed his eyes. Pulling on his overcoat, he went outside and lit a cigarette. The world outside was suddenly very calm, and the wind had almost completely stopped. Standing in front of the barn Etrius scanned the landscape. What he didn’t see were the three black shapes stalking towards the buildings where Jade Squad was situated, from the tree line. Etrius sighed; it had started raining suddenly, so he stubbed out his smoke on the back of his hand before placing it behind his ear as he usually did. Turning around to step back into the barn, he was confronted by one of the three shadowy figures. Etrius shrunk back in horror, but the figure lunged forward with vicious and controlled precision – a 7 inch blade pierced through his torso forcing the breath from his lungs. The instant white hot pain shot through Etrius’ body and he fell to the ground, numb all over from shock. He was unconscious before his head struck the cobbled flagstones that led to the barn. The figure let out a soft, yet menacing laugh, before removing its blade and turning towards the farmhouse; although he knew his comrades would have dealt with the rest of them with the same care he had just showcased already. He opened the com link on his wearable and told the others to dispose of the bodies quickly, he was going to return to the drop site and await further orders.


**Chapter Two – Besieged**
Day 1 – 22:58
Outpost Duty
Melheime
Sergeant Marco Burnside

I glanced around the interior of the old church at the squad now in my command. Apart from my good friend Jeeves, and the radio operator Carlson, who were both regulars in my squad, I was in command of two ‘Green-Grass Rookies’ also. Tonight would be our first mission together as Topaz Squad. In my honest opinion, Davryk couldn’t have chosen a better place to garrison the Third UHC Battalion. Melheime was a small, outer rim colony that prided itself on being the best producer of munitions, and other items, such as rifle scopes, and other specialised weapon parts in this sector. The real perk though, was that the planet was pretty much as far from a conflict zone as you could possibly get. As far as the UHC records went, The Hand of Argus hadn’t even made it past blockade D, which was currently around 6 systems away, standing between the now Hand of Argus controlled world of Red Moon and the UHC controlled system of Veheim. I felt quite safe here, even with the scrubs. 

“Hey Marco? It’s just started to rain you know.” One of the rookies said. I took no notice. What did rain matter? We were inside a chapel, with marble walls roughly 3 foot thick, and a roof made up of intricately carved Ferro-Plates (Which were relatively new at the time this place was constructed, which would have been say… two centuries ago if my memory serves). There was no way any rain would be getting inside, any time soon. I looked over to the communication stack that Carlson was attending to, and wondered what exactly he was doing. He seemed to be staring it down. I yelled over to him and he broke his gaze for several seconds, before looking back to the stack and replying with a swift and rather snappy “What you want boss? I’m kinda busy at the minute.” I knew better than to ask, but I guessed the rest of the squad were starting to become as restless as myself too. 

“You did bring your guitar right? Go fetch it; I want to hear some more of your ‘insane shredding’. It is quite uhh... What’s the word? Inspirational! That’s the one! I’m sure the rest of the guys would enjoy it too. It’s that or we get Jeeves to do some stand up comedy, and believe me, you don’t want that.” I said. I knew that had had the impact I desired as the rest of the squad was laughing so hard that it looked as if they couldn’t breathe for their hysterics. I looked over and to my amazement; he had left the stack and was now over his pack, rummaging around briefly before pulling out his antique Fender Stratocaster – one of the only remaining to have survived since the early 21st century – and coming over to were the rest of us were seated, patiently awaiting his musical genius. The only other Fenders that I knew about were in museums, but none of them were as loved and respected as much as Carlson’s. It gleamed, and looked spectacular, for an obsolete piece of kit anyway. Carlson let off some insane metal riffs as he called them. I remember him telling me that they were popular in the 21st century, and many artists used them. If I recall, he named but one metal band – Dragonforce. He said that he admired their technique, and so he had spent the past 20 years of his life mastering it. He played a large selection of riffs, and we were all blown away. He had improved since I had last heard him play, which was always a good thing.

Before he could play anymore, a barely audible crack rang out in the distance, and where Carlson’s head had been just a moment ago, there lingered a red haze, followed several seconds later by the sound of his guitar hitting the floor and splintering into several pieces. The oak doors at the front of the church flew open and a handful of shadowy figures rushed in with automatic rifles covering pretty much every angle of the room. Instinctively, the entire squad threw themselves into cover behind the pews, before grabbing their weapons and providing suppression fire. I was quite surprised that even the greenest member of my squad could do that instantly, without an order. Training standards really have been going up I thought, before picking up my modified FN35 and taking out the figure closest to the door with a clean headshot, and ducking back into cover, just as the pew splintered above my head due to the others now concentrating on me. The fire fight continued briefly before the attackers abruptly retreated. 

Cautiously, the others and I stood and assessed the damage. We had a KIA Radio Operator, and a wrecked guitar. Jeeves immediately set himself to closing the door and stacking pews against it. The other two caught on and helped him. I went over to where Carlson’s corpse was and I swore under my breath. I carefully picked up his body and took it over to the altar where I covered him with my overcoat. I whispered more to myself than anyone else that I would avenge him. I turned back to the door to see that they had created a nicely defensible position from the pews and general objects in the room. I told Private Gregory to attempt to get an SOS signal out to HQ, and I went over to the barricade where Jeeves and the rook stood. I told them to cover Greg whilst I checked out the catacombs quickly, just in case we needed to make a quick getaway. I hoped we didn’t, but it was necessary task.


**Chapter Three – Assault**
Day 1 – 23:16
Outpost Duty
Melheime
Sergeant Marco Burnside

I took the steps down to the catacombs three at a time. Barging through the thick oak doors was probably a bad idea at that moment in time, but speed was of the essence. The shadowy goons could attack at any moment, and I didn’t like the prospect of leaving two rookies in the hands of Jeeves. I’m not saying I didn’t trust him; I just didn’t like the notion of it. I noticed almost straight away how stale the air was down there. It was warm too, which was quite odd. I couldn’t give it too much thought though, as I had to map the tunnels quickly. There were three passageways here. I took the left one at random and started down it. I glanced at the plaques on the walls that commemorated the fallen. There were so many names. I wondered how they could fit all these dead people into such a small place. My earpiece buzzed. I tapped the button and I was greeted by the sound of gunfire.

“Jeeves, what’s going on up there?” I shouted urgently.
“The bastards have started their push back in. Looks like they have some heavier gear this time too. I see combat shotguns and carbines… just get back here quickly will you?” He shouted back, barely audible over the crack of gunfire. 
I turned and sprinted back the way I came. Clumsily I tripped over an exposed root that I hadn’t seen earlier. I now had a bloody knee and a ripped trouser leg. I picked myself up and jogged the rest of the way, as fast as my leg could take me. I was now in the area at the bottom of the stairs and I could smell cordite. Someone had used some explosives, and I knew for a fact that we didn’t have any. With a greater sense of urgency now I took my FN from my back and hopped up the steps to find Jeeves and Gregory in cover on opposite sides of the room. There was no sign of the rookie anywhere. I dived behind the cover that Jeeves was occupying and asked where he was.

“Bad news I’m afraid. You see how the front most barricades are scattered now? He was standing behind it shooting his heart out. He ignored my warning to get down, and well…. They fired a rocket at him. That was when Greg and I took cover further back from the door.” He said in a solemn tone.
I nodded my head and peered over the top of the pew. There was roughly a hand full of figures there, each wearing the exact same thing. A one-piece black over suit and what looked like a speed bike helmet. All black, with nasty looking spikes. Just the sight of them made frightened me. It was like seeing something out of a nightmare I had as a child. I fired off a few bursts in their direction and drew their fire. I yelled to Greg to throw a Frag Grenade. I watched as the green orb arced towards the figures. To my horror though, one of them caught it mid flight, and tossed it over to where me and Jeeves were. I instinctively rolled behind another pew. Jeeves on the other hand wasn’t so quick. I heard the crump of the grenade and his scream ring out. I crawled back around to where he was lying. The grenade had sent splinters and white hot shrapnel flying, and most of it had hit Jeeves in the leg. I was sick a little in my mouth, as I saw how shredded it was. I took a roll of bandages from my pouch and started to patch him up. It was this moment I knew we would all be dead if we didn’t get out of here. I told Jeeves that we would fall back to the Catacombs. I yelled over to Greg to provide some suppressing fire and I carefully picked Jeeves up from the marble floor and supported him as we made our way towards the steps. My heart was pounding. At least as far as I could tell, Greg was doing a super job at suppressing them. Going down the steps was very awkward and twice we nearly fell down them. Reaching the bottom I told Jeeves to wait, I would go and cover Greg. I sped up the steps and slid into cover.

“GREG! YOU BEST GET YOUR ASS DOWN THE STEPS, NOW!” I yelled.
I stood and fired off several rounds, but I was too late. As Greg started running, one of the goons had rushed forward. To my horror, he was carrying a shotgun. A single shot rang out, before the sound of Greg being torn apart by the shrapnel. I felt sick. I threw myself down the steps. No need to stay here much longer I thought. I opened the door and helped Jeeves through, before pulling the door shut, I slid the bracing across. That wouldn’t keep them out forever, but it would give us some time at least.


**Chapter Four – The Hive**
Day 1 – 23:25
Outpost Duty
Melheime
Sergeant Marco Burnside

“Marco. I think, maybe, I could walk now.” Jeeves said slowly. I let him go and watched as he took a few steps. I read immense agony in his face, but I knew he wouldn’t say anything.
“You sure you can walk?” I asked, just to be sure. He nodded. “I suggest we take the central path. As far as I can tell, the left hand one is a dead end, and so the right hand one probably is too.” I continued. Again he nodded, so we made our way down the dimly lit passage. This passage was lined with as many names as the other one, maybe more. I took my flashlight from my pouch and flicked it on. There were cobwebs everywhere. And dust. The amount of dust was shocking, and as far as I could tell, it wasn’t just ordinary dust…

Somewhere below us, something had happened – The ground had started to shake, causing Jeeves to crumple and fall in a heap to the floor. I crouched down to pick him up, but before I could get my arm around him, the floor caved in, sending us tumbling through the air. Several moments later we landed, and from the look of it, about 30 metres below our previous location. Miraculously though, something had cushioned our fall, but due to the lighting I couldn’t distinguish what. I stood and helped Jeeves up, before noticing that our uniforms were slick with an unknown substance. It was sticky, and as far as I could tell, completely odourless. Foreboding pulled at my mind. There was no time for it though; I dismissed that as swiftly as I had dismissed everything else in the past few hours. I had this strange feeling that dismissing everything could be a big error on my part, but explaining my actions could wait I thought.

Down here, we were faced with two directions. I guessed the corridor was parallel to the one above, so we started walking in the direction we faced when we stood up. It was much better to just get moving rather than wait for the goons to find us standing at the bottom of a big hole. Sometime later we discovered ourselves in a cavernous area with a high domed roof. There was a distinct sound of dripping somewhere off in the distance. I slowed my pace and perched myself on an outcrop of rocks to the right of the entrance, and so did Jeeves. I thought now would be a good time to check over our gear.

My flashlight was beyond repair. I had 3 clips for my rifle, and checking my current clip, I noticed it was empty. I switched that for a fresh one, meaning I had even less ammo. On a brighter note, my earpiece seemed to be working. Although I didn’t really see how that would help me at the moment, because that was strictly for short range communication. I looked over at Jeeves. He had removed his bandage and was attempting to pull out the shrapnel. The wound looked infected already. I knew we would have to get to an infirmary as soon as we got out of here, lest he would need it amputating. I stood and took the small hip flask I carried with me from my pouch. It contained the finest Vodka I could find at the Marketplace on this planet. I slowly unscrewed the cap, and ripping a piece of dry cloth from my coat sleeve, I applied it to his leg. I then helped him pull the metal shards out. He whimpered the whole time, but we both knew it was better than leaving them in.

It took about 5 minutes in all to pull the majority of them out. He held his hand up for me to stop so I did. I noticed how pale he was, and imagined the pain he was in. He was losing blood fast, and that wasn’t good. I had to show him we could make it out. I held out my hand to help him up but he just shook his head. It was then I ‘snapped’ as it were, and my rank took over.

“God damn it Soldier. You’ve made it this far. Those goons could come at any time, so moving is our best course of action. Hell. I’ll even carry you if I have to. But we need to find a way out of here. There is no way I’m leaving you here. You’re the only member of my squad left. I feel it’s my sole responsibility to get you out alive.” To my relief he nodded and took my hand. He took a few steps before crumpling again. I helped him up and hefted him up on my back. He was heavy, but I walked. The running water seemed a good direction to head in, so I moved off towards it. It was then that I noticed how uneven the floor was. There were potholes, mounds of dirt, stalagmites, random rock outcrops, and even small pools of water, which were teeming with small insect life. That was quite odd I thought, but at least they weren’t giant sized. There had been many rumours flying around the barracks on Mar’Serus that on the outer rim worlds, giant, man eating insects had colonised under the surface. I was hoping that they were just rumours, as the prospect of giant man eating insects made my stomach turn with horror. Still I strode in search of the running water, as I hoped that that would lead us out of here.

Shouts rang out somewhere behind us. I looked over my shoulder and saw about a dozen silhouettes. Damn it, I thought. I moved as fast as I could into the closest opening in the cave wall and hoped it wasn’t a dead end. The sound of running water had vanished with my entry in the corridor, but safety was a main priority. I carefully made my way through the dimly lit corridor before ending up in another large cavernous room, almost an exact replica of the one that I had been in before. Except this time luminous grubs (Which I now realised were what was causing the passage to glow) covered almost every space on the walls. Great. The rumours were true then. I slowly placed Jeeves down on the floor, un-slung my FN and assumed a tactical stance, just in case. I cased the room and saw an opening on the far side. I told Jeeves to make his way there. He nodded and lifted himself painfully. He made his way so very slowly over to the other side. Suddenly though, from the other opening of the cavern several large black shiny bugs had appeared. I raised my rifle and told Jeeves to get down, before placing a bullet into each of them, causing them to explode in a shower of luminous green liquid, much like a set of fireworks. It is strangely gratifying saving someone’s life, especially when they are seconds away from being ripped to shreds by huge insects. Jeeves stood and carried on limping towards the opening. I followed a couple of steps behind. Then the grubs started to emit a high pitched screech. This startled me. I knew more of the insects would be here soon, so I ran to Jeeves and hefted him up on my back, before running for my life towards the other opening. I just had to get us out in one piece. I knew this was easier said than done, but I felt as though I was invincible. Maybe that was the animal instinct kicking in, or maybe I was going insane. Either way, I was fighting my way out of bug hell or I would die trying.

Several more Chitinoids appeared and I shouldered my way past them. I dashed down the corridor and took a left turn followed by a right before descending further into the network of passages the Chitinoids called home. Chitinoid. What a funny name I thought. Well, I couldn’t think of anything better to call them at that moment. A few more skittered around the corner and I ran past them too. I paused for a second to catch my breath before sprinting further into the labyrinth. 

Running Water! Somehow I had happened across the destination of the water from before. I set Jeeves down at the edge of the pool before kneeling down myself. I took a long drink. It rejuvenated me, but also brought back the fatigues that I had accumulated so far. I heard a barely audible hiss over the din of rushing water and turned in time to see a Chitinoid with a yellow pattern on its underside leap through the air. It pinned me to the ground knocking my Magnum from my breast holster. I could almost feel its pincers cut through my face. I struggled to keep it away from me long enough to wrench it off, but I knew that the bug had more strength than me. Shaking my head furiously to try to free myself, I saw Jeeves retrieving my Magnum from the floor. I stopped moving and allowed the bug to come between me and Jeeves. I just hoped we were thinking the same thing. Round after round pierced into the side of the mad Chitinoid’s head, sending streams of hot blood escaping into the air. Some splashed onto my face. It burnt. I recoiled with shock and dropped my face into the pool. 


**Chapter Five – Talon of Argus**
Day 1 – 23:48
Outpost Duty
Melheime
Sergeant Marco Burnside

I collected my thoughts before thanking Jeeves and reloading my assault rifle. Jeeves had stood up and was holding my Magnum out for me. I replaced it in my holster and thanked him again. He looked deathly pale now, even more so than the last time I checked. I really needed to get him to an infirmary, and pronto. I re-holstered my FN now and hefted him upon back once again, before proceeding up a narrow pathway. I hoped this was a way out, and to my surprise, it wound upwards. Things seemed to be going better for us already. I hoped I wouldn’t need my weapons again. I reached the top of the slope and saw the sun peeking over the horizon. I could see the capital city in the distance, on the other side of a large forest. 

Whispering into my ear, Jeeves said “Put me down here Marco. Please. I’ll be fine, I’m telling you. Just get back to the city and tell Davryk. Then get an ambulance crew out here. Resting is probably the best idea for me…” I grunted my approval and set him down against the exit. I removed all my extra weight – My weapons, my pouch – pretty much everything but the clothes I was wearing. There would be no need for it now I thought. I placed it all down next to Jeeves, before turning and sprinting off towards the city, even though I was exhausted – a man’s life was at stake if I didn’t get there quick enough. 

Reaching the tree line I heard muffled gunshots behind me. My stomach turned. Looking over my shoulder, but keeping my pace, I saw three black figures standing over Jeeves. I fought back a fresh wave of nausea and the tears that now streamed down my cheeks and continued running. I could feel their gaze turn to me and bullets whizzed past my head, impacting upon the dense tree trunks, sending showers of wood chip everywhere. I knew that if I didn’t keep moving between the trees, I wouldn’t get back to the city in time. A needle of white hot pain shot up through my leg, bringing me down to the floor with a crash. I ignored the pain and stood again, limping towards the city. Footsteps... I could hear the hurried footsteps getting closer... A hot breath on the back of my neck, and then blackness for what felt like hours.

Hypothermia

The relentless, icy wind buffeted his whole body as he staggered on. I had been watching him for a good ten minutes. I lowered the field glasses and turned the heater up to maximum. The remnants of my coffee had gone stale, but I downed it regardless. The wind slammed into the tower in a rhythmic fashion, but I could still hear the distinct crack and whine of the power cutters working away in the mineral caves.

            Just then, something in the distance caught my eye. I picked the glasses up once more and peered towards the disturbance. Something was stalking closer and closer to our runner. Just trying to focus the shape was making me sweat. Should I let him know something was following? The indecision blocked any rational thought like a brick wall. Then the unexpected happened. He stopped and turned toward the shape. I soon realised it was an Arctic Wolf, probably his companion. He leaned closer and frisked it briefly. After that, he carried on with his task. Seeing the man walk away, the Wolf let loose a chilling howl, causing the hair on my body to stand on end.

            What felt like a day (Although it was closer to two hours) passed by uneventfully. I had gone through another three and a half cups of coffee in that time, and there was nothing to see from the windows but the sprawling compound below, and the vast featureless Arctic Plains beyond. The wind had calmed for a while, but after the snow started falling, it picked up with such force that visibility was reduced to maybe 20 yards. I stood and shook off my limbs; I had been sitting for far too long and I was starting to go numb. I was pacing the width of tower, waiting for the snow to ease off, when a large explosion echoed through the caverns below, shaking the tower like an infant shakes a rattle. I sighed, and started to reorganise the paperwork that had fallen from the desk. Then I heard the shouting. The shouting and the gunshots. They were so loud that they were audible over the winds unending assault of the tower. Looking out over the compound I could barely see people scurrying to and fro like ants, thanks to the flood lamps cutting through the blanket of white. It wasn’t until I retrieved my field glasses that I could make out what they were carrying. People were being marched out of the mine carrying Munitions and Explosives, pushing carts full of minerals. Then I noticed the strange hooded figures entering the mine too. I realized something was afoot, so I snatched up my rifle and threw on my overcoat before hurtling down the stairs 3 at a time.

            Within 10 minutes I had descended the tower and crossed the compound without being seen. The troves of miners leaving had died down considerably, but there was an alarming amount of hooded men and women around. Something moved on the edge of my periphery vision. Turning towards it revealed a hulking Arctic Wolf, up to maybe my shoulder, leaping towards me, knocking me to the ground. The next few moments felt as if I was falling in slow-motion. I vaguely recalled a man wearing Arctic camouflage appear from the shadow, and the Wolf nudging my rifle towards him.

            “I knew there was someone up in that watchtower, but I never dreamt of it being the famed Adam Housann! What a catch I’ve made! The council will be most pleased” He said gleefully, rubbing his hands together. A small crowd of hooded people had gathered around the pair, eager to see what was happening

            “Liam Zaine... I should have known you would do something like this” I managed to whisper.

            “Oh Adam, Adam, Adam. You never change do you?  Always charging into situations without authority or backup. Always wanting to be the hero. You really think you were stationed up in that tower because of your injuries, like command told you? No. The council has eyes and ears everywhere. They have their claws in everything. The Government. The Military. Hell, even in the Industrial sector. There is absolutely nowhere you, or your godforsaken-“ A snub pistol was fired from the crowd, silencing Liam, and causing the crowd to gasp. A tall, bald man with dark skin and intricate tribal tattoos stepped out.

            “And you should learn to shut up. It is quite beneficial to one’s health.” He said down to Liam, before bringing a heavy booted foot down upon his throat, killing him instantly.
“As for you Adam, you have two choices. The first would be to join our council, being as our friend here gave up his seat. The second would be a slow and painful death. The choice shouldn’t be hard for someone with your brains, Mister Housann.”

            “You really think I would put in with your filth?” I spat

“Very well, you have brought this upon yourself.” They were the last words I heard, before a sharp pain in my temples rendered me unconscious.

I awoke sometime later. How much later is anyone’s guess. I had been stripped of everything but my undergarments. I tried to stand, but my wrists were chained to the wall, I couldn’t move.

“So, you are awake now Mister Housann? That is definitely good news!” said the man from before. “Have you reconsidered our offer?”

“Can a cheetah change its spots?” I said through gritted teeth.

“No. What relevance does that have to my question?”

“You just answered your own question with that answer.”

“Fair enough. Please, do not try to free yourself. Those chains are set to lock the door and flood the walls with liquid nitrogen, and I must say, it gets pretty chilly when that happens. We wouldn’t want the famed Adam Housann to dodge death more than thrice over, only to be killed by a freak case of Hypothermia would we?” He rapped the wall with his fist as if to reinforce that point, before cackling manically and leaving the room. Hypothermia, he said. Was that even possible? There was but one way for me to find out I thought to myself. I shuffled slightly, before wrenching on the left arm binder with all my might. It gave way with a loud pop on the third try. Nice, I thought. The fool was just trying to scare me. Then, as if to mock me, the vents shuddered into life. I sighed in resignation, laid back and let the pumps do their work. Damn my luck.