Twice, Varus has almost demoralized the entire platoon. Twice, he had almost disgraced his line with an ignoble death. Twice, he had nearly failed to redeem the blood of his line in the Eyes of the God-Emperor.



And now here the good Commissar was, cowering behind a tree from some deserter hiding in the woods. He was hiding from this lone, meaningless man, the entire platoon paralyzed by this one traitor. Varus' breath caught in his throat, his eyes watering from what he'd tell even himself was the smoke. Anger rushed through him. And then that man, that filthy beast once named Micha Haupt had the temerity to speak.



To compel his men to surrender. To try and make him look weak.



Varus bit off every word he spoke. "Any man that runs, I kill," he said, a mirthless smile flashing across his features. "And unlike Corporal Micha Haupt, I have demonstrated the ability to actually hit my target."



"Micha Haupt, perhaps you think your offer is noble, a promise to let your former comrades go whilst you strike against the officers you hate," Varus called out, his voice echoing through the forest. "But if you actually cared about them even an iota, you wouldn't stood idly by whilst they were killed and their bodies desecrated. Six men are alive today because these 'leash' came to their rescue. Four men are dead because you couldn't be bothered to help your own countrymen."



"You are a despicable coward, whose every breath insults the martyrs who bled here today. And I will break you for that insult," he turned, his eyes sweeping across the Guardsmen of the fifth platoon. "Men and women of the fifth platoon. Today, I have been honoured to fight alongside you, and see the courage and oath of Colonel Rasch exemplified in your actions here today! But now a coward and a traitor insults the deeds you have accomplished and insults your fallen comrades after leaving them to die! I will not let your glory here today be so besmirched. And if I do fall today, to some coward's sniper shot, I ask you all forgive me for my early leave and to ensure your comrades here today are avenged!"



He motioned at the platoon's officer. "Leftenant Fritz, I will draw his fire and try to flush him out, and, if I can, cut him down. As for you, I trust your judgment. Order your men as you will. Sergeant Rike?" He said, glancing at his second. He smiled, briefly. "You don't need to follow me. But if I die, make sure nobody steals my hat, yeah?



Varus turned, taking in a breath. For the Emperor, for the line of Dominus, for Velorum. And with that, he threw himself forward, rushing forward, head low, eyes toward cover. Leapfrog forward, force him to engage or move.



"The Emperor protects!"