Rise of a Chapter
Althoria Prime, the sole planet in the Althorian solar system. The planet was barely habitable, being close to the star. The sun was relentless, making the equatorial region a large band of desert that circled the globe and the rest of the planet a dense jungle, stifled by oppressive heat and humidity. The only bodies of water were at the poles of the hot planet. The only humanoid life on the planet were those implanted by the Imperium. A military training facility had been erected, where the Emperor�s finest were trained prior to assignment amongst the many chapters of the Space Marines.
The commander looked on from the observation booth as his soldiers trained in a large holographic battle simulator. His courageous battle brothers were currently undergoing training versus one of their most fearsome opponents, the Necrons. His men were doing well thus far. They had sustained a few casualties and there would be more by simulation�s end, but he had seen groups do far worse.
The door to the observation booth opened revealing a soldier in training. The soldier saluted and said �Someone to see you, sir.�
�I left explicit orders not to be disturbed, soldier,� the commander stated.
The soldier stepped aside, still at attention, as a robed figure stepped into observation room.
�Inquisitor Rakinir!� the commander stammered and sharply saluted.
The Inquisitor stepped inside the room and glanced at the soldier by the door, who promptly closed the door.
�At ease, Commander Nexus,� the Inquisitor stated.
Nexus relaxed, if only barely. �It is an honour to have you here on Althoria Prime, your grace. Might I inquire as to the purpose of your visit?�
Vladimir Rakinir walked over to the window that looked into the simulation chamber. �They are a magnificent sight, aren�t they?�
Nexus walked over to the Inquisitor�s side, looking into the training room as a soldier, Paul Mitchell, single handedly finished off the Necron Lord, causing the Necron troops to waver as the Marines advanced.
�They are sir.�
�I must convey to you, Commander, how grateful the Emperor is to have a soldier such as yourself grooming our elite forces. Several distinguished officers have come from your efforts.�
�You�re very kind, Inquisitor.�
�Are these ones ready for assignment?�
Nexus looked into the training room at his victorious men. Only 25% casualties. Very well done.
�I believe many of them are.�
�The Emperor requires their services for a matter of utmost importance.�
�How many will his Holiness require?�
�Any you can spare.�
Nexus looked at the Inquisitor with surprise. He had at least a full chapter worth of trainees on the planet.
�Has a tragedy befallen one of our chapters, your grace?�
Inquisitor Rakinir smirked. �Our Marines are the chosen warriors by the All-Wise Emperor. They couldn�t be exterminated so easily.�
�If I may be so bold, why a whole chapter worth of soldiers?�
Rakinir smiled. �We have had a plan for Althoria Prime for a while now.�
�What do you mean?�
�Over the past several years we�ve been increasing your load of trainees to the level they are at now. A path through the warp that had been obscured was sensed opening not long ago. We ordered a garrison of Imperial Guard to enter the system and reclaim what had once belonged to the Emperor. The Kineprion sector has been ravaged by the Dark Eldar in our absence and is causing problems for our infantry.�
�I�ve never heard of the Kineprion sector.�
�Few remember it. It hasn�t been accessible to our Great Emperor for many generations. Many of the colonies that we had set up should have flourished in His love, but a twisted Kabal has seized the system and has plundered it. With a Kabal attacking our guardsmen, we require a chapter of our finest to show these pirates who are the dominant race.�
�My soldiers will always be willing to serve his Holiness. Who requires my men? The Dark Angles?�
�You do, Commander.�
�I�m not sure I follow, your grace.�
�Our most renowned chapters are involved on many fronts, liberating systems all across our galaxy from the various scourge that test His might. The Kineprion sector has only been accessible to the Dark Eldar due to their allegiance to the dark energies of the universe. The sector must be purged of these vermin. By order of the Immortal Emperor, the Althorian Legion is returned to active duty and you, Commander Nexus, shall lead them.�
Nexus saluted the Inquisitor. �I am deeply honoured! I will not fail the Emperor.�
�I have full confidence in your ability to reclaim the sector from a race like the Dark Eldar. The Imperium may have further use of your men after completion of your task.�
�When do we depart for the Kineprion sector?�
�You leave soon, Commander. A transport is already en route to this planet to take you into the sector. The Imperial Guard has set up a beachhead on a few planets but will not hold them without your intervention. The sooner you arrive the sooner you can exterminate those who oppose the Emperor�s will.�
�Guided by his Holiness, we cannot fail.�
�A briefing on the star system will await you upon your arrival. May His grace guide you.�
Inquisitor Rakinir turned and walked away, leaving Nexus to his preparations.
Smiling, Nexus pressed the intercom to broadcast into the training room. �You fought well, men. The local Inquisitor has witnessed your valiant fight and has deemed us prepared. We are to be transported to a distant sector of space called the Kineprion sector, where we will exact His will on the Dark Eldar. Prepare yourself, for soon we go to war.�
The Marines cheered as the training chamber door opened and they filed out to gather their gear. The simulation was over. It was time to prove who would rule the galaxy.