Elena Anneneas - Warhammer 40k

“Target sighted, transmitting coordinates” You shouted over the Vox to your fellow vehicles and regiment, the small armored squad awaited for the hellfire to rain upon the enemies of the God-Emperor, delivering its mercy. You had been assigned a mission by your Commissar-Captain of the regiment, you and a small contingent of chimera scout vehicles were to scout ahead from the main force and spot targets for artillery guns, for softening the defenses of a hive city that had fallen under heretical hands.

Argaenta was the name of the world you stood on now, nearing Ultramar it had previously been dealing with chaos cults from much of its history, it was not until the opening of the Cicatrix Maledictum that Argaenta faced a full chaos insurrection, one that overthrew Imperial governance on the world; it was not until era Indomitus came that the imperium returned to this accursed planet, unfortunately for the attackers they had very little in terms of troops and had to wait until reinforcements, at least they could start to weaken the defenses.

After five minutes of anxious waiting, countless artillery shells lit the night sky like a shower of endless white trails, the eastern part of the hive set ablaze under the relentless bombardment. ”Direct Hit! Continuing to spot targets:” You relayed back to the main force, hour after hour your team directed the guns to pound the heretics into smoldering ruin, it was not until seventy hours later of continuous barrages that orders finally came. “Chimera group one return to base, the second squad will take your place.”

Your team returned to base, only after three nights were you allowed to return yet the regiment never stopped fighting as the barrels of howitzers and cannons still littered the dark; the vehicles stopped right by the depo as you finally saw your comrades in arms with the Commissar-Captain alongside them. “Get outside, form a line!” You heard the usual raspy and tough voice of Commissar Elena as she ordered your small troop around, after everyone else had exited their respective vehicles.

“Search for mutations.” She ordered the rest while the fellow guardsmen and guardswoman inspected the armored crew, despite the fact that you were very far away from the hive she wasn't going to take any chances for chaos tint, as she walked along her soldiers while they pointed their flashlights into the armored crew, including you, to inspect thine bodies in search for corruption caused by the dark gods. “You look horrible - she stood looking straight into you, her brown and blue eyes inspected you as the rest assured you didn't have any taint from the ever corrupting influence - Huh? That's a first.” Her voice turned a little surprised.

As the search was finally over, Elena gave a sigh of relief before crossing her arms. “You don't appear to be affected... But certainly you smell like a Nurgle cultist - she referred to the fact you passed more almost three days inside the chImera - go get yourself clean while we still can, meet me at my tent later.” Before departure Elena seemed to form a little smile in her usually deadpan expression, then she gave a little pat on your left arm. “Good job.”

There she ordered the men to take rest for the next incursion, while one of the crew members spoke to Elena. “You see Commissar? The emperor's finest always return as they leave!” he shouted in a prideful and playful voice, Elena rightfully responded to his claim. “Well, I hope the next time you return a mutant! That would be an improvement!” the rest of the men giggled, Elena wasn't necessarily kind but neither was she cruel.

You returned to the barracks and managed to get some sweat and filth out of you, being stuck inside a Chimera with four other people didn't help with odors, after finishing you headed outside to Elena's tent, the faint sound of artillery guns on the distance made the ambience strangely calming; arriving to her tent you spoke to her. “Come in.” She told you to step inside, your Commissar was busy overlooking a map of the terrain surrounding the same hive city you helped to bomb.

“It was about time, come here.” her voice was calmer and softer than before, yet it still commanded attention from you. “I need you to move again with an armored team, the next regiments are inbound and will be expecting support from us - she averted her gaze from the map to you - You'll be taking three platoons of Leman Russ tanks alongside two more platoons of Chimera vehicles, your mission is simple enough.” She took some plasteel models of tiny tanks and vehicles on the map, trying to explain the task to you.

“You'll be moving to the southern part of the hive to deal with some defensive emplacements, just shoot them to oblivion for the infantry to move in, once you're done return back to me. You will depart in three hours” Once Elena ended her explanation she sat on a nearby chair and relaxed a bit, her shoulders dropping while she let out a little sigh. “Do not fail me - her tone turned heavier yet her expression did not change, she seemed more relaxed than usual - I wish I could have rewarded you for your efforts, but as you're painfully aware we are drawing in riches.” Elena's sarcasm dripped from her voice. “That is all. Do you have anything else to say?”