Chapter 14: Prospect II

A tall, twig-thin, bone-white creature jerked forward, lasrifle bolts slamming into it as it lurched into the wingspan of a nearby Omega. The creature let out a horrible shriek and drove its spear-like arms into the Omega's gut, piercing the Union Armor and lifted the soldier above its head, blood staining it's white and utterly gaunt frame, coating it like paint on canvas. More lasrifle bolts rang out and finally the creature was felled, but this was yet another dead Omega. These were not val-shek.

Whatever these creatures were they were extremely dangerous, durable beyond that of most any threat the Republic had yet encountered. Hayden snapped his rifle to another and joined his brothers in a volley of green fire, felling the creature before it could add to the pile of dead. Losses were heavy, truly disturbing to Hayden. The only time he had seen so many dead Omega were when the Omega were taken by utter surprise. But here, here the Omega struck first. These creatures simply stood steadfast against them.

A creature dove at some advancing Omega from the strange, purple foliage that covered most of this planet's surface. Driving one spear of an arm into the throat of one and                    slashing the other. More lasrifle shots rang out as the creature's macabre shish kabob acted as a near natural shield. It roared, throwing back its eyeless head as its incredibly large mouth opened wide, boring down on the slashed marine and attempting to engulf him within. Luckily, the lasrifle fire eventually felled the beast, falling back into the muddy ground below and releasing the soldier injured, but alive. Hayden had seen that these creatures were capable of consuming an entire Omega, their teeth as strong as their arms.

Anders found his ability with the force sword quite useful, it was at least able to deflect the creature's blades. He urged the men around him to employ their use, but worried that the lack of skill in some would lead to their demise. But the screams of pain and flare of lasers drowned out most thoughts he could have. This wasn't a battle, this was utter chaos. Gone were the fierce ranks of the Omega, replaced by a scattered and desperate warband of furious fighters. Anders thanked democracy that these men were so well trained or they certainly would be routed.

These creatures did not bleed, they would simply shatter with enough focused lasfire as if they were marble, fracturing like the very bones they shared their color with. What made it worse is that they were near silent in their stalking approach. The thick, violet foliage of the landscape could create nigh impenetrable screens for the creatures to silently slither behind, striking like a sinister serpent at a moment's notice.

Surging from the nearby brush, several of the monsters rushed forward, their shrieks filling the air as lasrifle shots soon followed, the yin and yang of combat on this planet's surface. The men the creatures descended on drew their force swords to meet their reckless rush forward. Their blades clashed, sparks flying as the emaciated titans wildly slashed. Hayden found it difficult to get shots off in such a close quarters and fast moving fight, steadying himself for the perfect moment. One of the Omega ducked under a stab of the creature's arm, slashing through it's barbed leg and causing the creature to topple. He easily drove his sword back down into the creature's face as it opened its mouth to release the final screech it would ever make. Another Omega was far less lucky, his blade glanced off a creature's natural blade causing his arm to jerk back. The creature took quick advantage, driving  his left arm deep into the soldier's gut, jerking its head forward and bearing its fangs. As the creature took a bloody chunk of crushed metal and flesh out of the Omega, Hayden unleashed all of his fire. He took down the creature, but it was far too late for the battle brother.

The planet itself also seemed to reject the Omega's presence. A thick layer of mud covered most of the planet, causing the Omega's advance to slow to a crawl. As they trudged forward it was more than a handful of times a brother would be stuck in the mud, forcing the soldiers to spend precious time pulling him forth. Like a viscous slime, threatening to consume all who dared transgress on this oppressive and forbidden planet. Except, the strange creatures which dwelled on this hostile planet felt not the horrific, suctioning slime of the mud. They were able to nearly glide across the surface, only leaving the slightest of imprints on the muck below as if they were weightless. But the fact is, they were far from it.

As the men advanced through the horror of the inhospitable planet, Hayden couldn't help but feel his anger toward Farrus Diene grow. Once again had the man chosen to send his unit along with Orden Wyrn on whatever secretive mission their Consul benefactor had sent them on. Not only that, but it was Farrus and IV Brigade in charge of the planetary readings prior to the invasion force being deployed. Hayden was sure Farrus and Ordyn had something to do with such a miscalculation, all reports failed to include the brutal conditions of the world and only registered a small amount of life readings below. This planet should have been mostly empty, and Hayden doubted the accuracy of those readings. He was sure now that Farrus and Ordyn had faked them in order to get planetside with as little witnesses as possible, though he was not sure why. What he was sure of was how much death had resulted because of it, the Eagle's Wing was being slaughtered.

A swarm of seven insidious creatures surged forth from the nearby trees. The men immediately opened fire, catching two of them and cracking their stony bodies and felling them as they rushed so recklessly forward. However, the beasts would reach the frontline of the soldiers. One's mouth stretched wide, snapping down on the nearest Omega with the ferocity of his powerful maw. When he straightened himself the soldier fell, his head crunching within the teeth of the beast. Other slashed through the troops, blood spraying forth like a fountain as the men desperately tried to deflect their blows to no avail. Several more fell. Luckily for the men of the Eagle's Wing, they found their shots soon after the initial battle. A rain of fire and fury fell upon the fiends, reducing them to nothing but piles of rubble in response to their bloody transgressions.

Hayden examined his men, and the men of the IV Battalion, to take full inventory of what troubled them. Many had already been lost, Hayden estimated hundreds of casualties. Worse still was the fact that there was but a handful of men who were uninjured. Their slow expanse had been a source of near constant combat with intervals of navigating the treacherous planet between. Hayden himself caught a deep gash on his right hand, the creature's bony spear piercing his gauntlet. Anders stood with a laceration in his right leg, hastily burnt closed and covered with several wraps to avoid infection from the mud below. Olin had lost an eye, and was lucky to have not lost his entire head as the tip of the enemy's natural weapon narrowly did not pierce through his entire skull. Maddux was missing the right side of his chest plate, and his men fared little better.

As the men pushed past the trees, they found the most unusual sight they had yet to see, finding themselves in the tall shadow it cast. A building, one impressively built, loomed in front of them. Hayden noted how the architecture reminded him of something the Dominion might have built, a church or a cathedral to the one they call The Prophet. How foolish it was to have faith, but it still was an indication of critical thinking. Did these creatures think? So far they had not seemed to possess such ability, they simply lurched forward and attempted to kill any Omega they saw with nary a strategy in place. So far, Hayden had thought of them as little more than extremely durable wild animals. Something truly unsettled Hayden when he thought these creatures might have some sort of plan.

"Hayden, I believe it might be time to call an audible of sorts," Maddux began, taking position to the right of Hayden as Fang flanked his left "We are ill equipped to advance further. We need to set up a defensive position and call for reinforcements."

"I concur," Fang nodded, several cuts lead down his ride side and his ear had a large chunk bitten off the bottom of it. Hayden witnessed the latter injury, a creature had bitten him as the two engaged in melee. Hayden was impressed with how little it seemed to faze Fang, only serving to guide his blade through the monster's throat. "My company has suffered many losses. Intelligence has failed us. Dux Varne must be informed, we need more Omega planetside. We need heavy vehicles capable of travelling across this damned mud, or avoiding it all together."

Hayden nodded in response, realizing the validity of his compatriots observations. "You are right brothers. We need to secure this building, then set up a defensive position and, especially, an infirmary."

"Indeed brother, this mud only serves to infect our wounds. Whoever has failed us so should be executed for negligence. Democracy damn them." Fang agreed, spitting on the ground near him to emphasize his point.

"My men have suffered less casualties than yours Fang, allow us to set up the perimeter, you focus on getting us somewhere clean and safe to address these wounds." Maddux stated and Fang did not seem to disagree in the least.

"While I agree with you, battle brothers, I believe we should not be focusing on logistical failures, it will only serve to cloud your minds." Sarkur Prate added as he joined his fellow Centurions. "My men will join yours Maddux, these beasts are formidable. You will need as many men as possible to ensure we are safe here."

"A good point. I don't know what the fuck these things are brother, but I believe we should make sure they are entirely extinct before we leave." Maddux sighed, the men solemnly nodding.

"Hahahaha," laughed a gravelly voice from behind, belonging to none other than Jacques Dumaine. He approached them saturated in blood, as if wearing a sanguine cloak of crimson. "Extinct they will be! You men are giving up so soon? Just because we've lost some? Pathetic! We march on brothers, we are Omega! Glory to Ultramart! Glory to the Republic! Glory to Mankind!" he shouted, his voice carrying over the air.

"Don't be an idiot Jacques," Sarkur snapped back, always unafraid to speak his mind "If you have a death wish I advise leaving your men behind and moving on alone. We have decided this is where we regroup and recover. You are alone."

"Pathetic! But very well. Though I refuse to stand aside. I assume you are all far too frightened to go into this measly little building so I will lead my men in to clear it out." Jacques snorted, the man was brave but beyond brutish, his desire for glory often clouding his mind.

"Not a bad idea Jacques, but you can't go alone. My men can assist." Hayden interjected, getting a nod of respect from the savage Centurion.

"Finally, someone who is not so pathetic. Let us go battle brother, do not lag too far behind."

Hayden nodded, saluting his fellow Centurion and moving to inform his men. As they shouted the customary "Glory to Ultramart, glory to the Republic, glory to Mankind" in response he headed back toward Jacques and his men to link up. Fang was radioing in the grim news from his Mindcaster. Apparently the situation was as grim elsewhere, I, VI, and VIII Battalion had to link up and formed a landing zone deemed Bastion Alpha, already coming to the same conclusion as IV Battalion had. V Battalion had lost their Legate, Tristan Kaden, and were currently under the command of Centurion Marcus Agrippa. They were battered and reported themselves as completely combat ineffective and in need of extraction. To make matters worse, the Mindcaster communications were being made limited through the dense thickets of the planet somehow. Communication  with IV Battalion was only just established as the men reached this clearing, communication with II, III, and VII Battalions were still unable to be found. Dux Varne had realized this invasion quickly turned into a disaster, and the Dusk Marshall and Steel Titan Divisions were already being deployed to reinforce Bastion Alpha.

Unfortunately, as IV Battalion only was just able to establish communications, reinforcements would take some time to reach them. V Battalion was a priority, and Fang realized as much as he confirmed they were still combat effective enough to hold out. Still, he was worried for their rate of survival as he could hear the distinct sounds of lasrifle beams and the screams of pain ring out from the perimeter before fading with Sarkur Prate's voice confirming they were still holding. They would not be combat effective for too long, he could only hope the men in V were rescued before the men in IV were lost. He looked back at the impressive structure that sat behind him. Fang was more well-read than many Omega, and he recognized something he preferred to keep to himself. This building was almost certainly man-made.

Anders hung close to Hayden's flank. As his most trusted Optio he often found himself close to the Centurion. He had always respected Hayden's leadership, his bravery may not have been as boisterous as Jacques, but he was more brave than most men in the Battalion, just as much as the wild warrior. But at this moment, Anders could feel doubt setting in on Hayden. He was anxious, and Anders realized he likely needed his Optio more than he had for some time. "Olin, stay close brother." he ordered through his Mindcaster "Keep close to our Centurion"

Hayden was feeling anxious indeed, it was rare that the Omega Divisions suffered even a semblance of defeat, let alone the shattering of an entire Battalion, if not more. These creatures were a far stronger new race than any the Republic had encountered in quite some time. He had hoped this would not be numerous, another dire enemy of the Republic. He glanced over at Jacques, his power fists humming as he looked eager for a fight, and felt a little jealous at how the man was able to completely block anything but the love for glory. This was a man who was not plagued by thoughts of things greater than themselves. Lucky bastard.

"Look sir, dead." Anders whispered, pointing out the pile of pure white rubble that the men had grown to recognize as one of the dead creatures. They were indeed dead, but what had killed them?

"Good! Maybe there's even greater enemies within! The true masters of this damned planet! I'll crush them under my power fists first, you can tell the others to remember my name!" Jacques laughed, smacking his fists together, the loud clanging echoing in the hall of the structure they delved deeper within. An enemy great enough to survive let alone dominate a planet with monstrosities as great as these living upon it, a thought that made Hayden shudder.

Suddenly, something clamored ahead of them. Something had been knocked over. The super-soldiers readied their weapons and slowed their advance. Hayden's heart pounded in anticipation, Jacques licking his lips.

"There! Fire" Screamed Hayden as he spotted these new masters, a humanoid figure in the shadows. The blasts rang out, a wave of green bolts of energy flooding the chamber and drowning anything within in fiery death. Jacques roared with fury, storming forth as his fists  thrummed to life. But something had happened, as the smoke from the blasts cleared Hayden could see a large sphere of blue-green energy had cloaked the humanoids within.

"Psychic ability! Shit!" Anders shouted, the men began to activate their Reality Stabilizers, the only defense against overwhelming psychic energy. Though it could not protect them from the physical manifestations of the enemy, it did shield their minds from horrible abilities.

"Stop! Brothers stop! We are Legion! Torchbearers! Please, I beg you!" shouted a voice from within the bubble. Star Legion? There was no Star Legion deployed here. But they specified Torchbearer. How would these beasts have such information? But as the smoke cleared and the humanoids stepped forth from the shadow, all could clearly see. These were Star Legion indeed.

Jacques burst through the sphere of psychic energy and approached the speaker. Towering over him, his eyes casting flames down onto the Torchbearer "You will explain yourself! Now!" he demanded, spit falling from his maw.

"I can! I swear it! We were on Prospect I!" the man shouted.

"Then how are you here?" Hayden inquired, now both nervous and quite interested.

"It is a long story." the legionnaire sighed.

"Start at the beginning. What is your name? If you are psychic then why are you with the Star Legion and not a Prime Legion" Hayden asked the psychic.

"Of course, I will explain." the legionnaire began, dropping his protective force barrier as the Omega gathered round. "My name is Varus Demalius sir, Torchbearer of the Flamestrike Company. This is Zeta 6-8, my squad. Our squad leader is dead, I was entrusted with command. But I guess it started on Prospect I. You see, right as our Turtle Dove opened, we were engulfed with the flames of the val-shek."