This story is an unofficial story based, without permission, on the Warhammer/Warhammer 40,000 intellectual property owned by Games Workshop Ltd.
Lord-General Julian Montego winced as he stepped over the dead body of a young man in a Kazarkanian uniform. The bandages wrapping his wounds were stiff and uncomfortable, but he tried his best not to show it. His storm coat hung around him, wrinkled and dirty. He pulled his officer's cap over his rumpled hair, to effect a more professional appearance. He looked up into the sky and sighed, sad and relieved at the same time. Streaks of fire passed across it.
Troop carriers of the Imperial Navy, he knew. Two and a half weeks ago, the 49th Ellysian and 23rd Trardorian drop troopers had appeared on the planet, seemingly just as they were about to fall. With two divisions of Guard infantry added to the mix, they had quickly seized the initiative, and began to take back large swathes of the hive. One week ago, the crusade had begun to arrive in force. Many more Guard divisions, space marines of the Adeptus Astartes, and the female warrior monks of the Sisters of Battle had all arrived. The Orks were on the run now, being driven back across continents by the might of the Imperium. Montego had been informed that agents of the Ordo Xenos would be arriving soon, with Deathwatch kill-teams at their backs. Titan legions also. Titans.
The Orks were beaten. Most of their fleet had managed to escape back into warp space, but those that were still on the surface of the world had no hope of victory. Mankind had prevailed yet again.
Montego lit a cigar. So sweet, the taste. The scent of the rich smoke helped block out the stench of death that surrounded him. Years later, the Adeptus Terra would conclude that over one hundred million men, women, and childen, had given their lives to stop Hargon from falling into the hands of the foul xenos.
But that wasn't now. For now, there was to be a Crusade. The Imperium planned on retaking the Gulf of Kappa from the small Ork empire that had carved out territory there. The 207th Kazarkanians were coming along.
Montego rolled his cigar around in his mouth, and sighed. He would have to put off that visit to his wife and children a bit longer.
Around him, men were carting goods around, cleaning up bodies, administering medical aid and passing out food to civilians. A young junior preacher in a purple robe, who looked really quite pleased with himself about something or other, was lecturing a group of children about angels.
Montego was proud of his men. They had dealt with xenos, cowards, traitors, and everything the enemies of the Imperium could throw at them, and they had held out long enough for reinforcements to arrive. They had held out long enough for the war to be won.
Montego gazed into the distance for a while. Then, out of the smoke, emerged a soldier he recognized well.
Corporal Michael Callus stood before him. The pretty young girl with brown hair he had been with before was with him, and so was the large man he had called Ox. Montego smiled. It was good to seem them alive. He approached.
"Good to see you made it through, General," Callus said, grinning.
"Same to you, soldier."
"So, we really won. I find it almost impossible to believe."
"We really won, soldier. I hope you're ready for more though. We're Crusading into the Kappa Gulf."
Callus groaned, but the General could tell his spirits were still quite high.
"All in day's work."
"All in a day's work, soldier. But you know, before we go crusading, this division is going to need some serious reorganization. I'm in need of a new commander for B battalion, second regiment. What do you say...Commander Callus?"
The young corporal balked.
"I...well, General, I really..."
"Come on, I'll even let you pick your own officer corps." Montego said, slapping Callus on the shoulder in a fatherly manner.
"Well, I don't see why not," Callus replied, a wide grin taking over his face. Daniella squealed and hugged him, and Ox even broke his normally stoic manner to laugh happily.
Montego produced his last cigar, and handed it to the new Commander.
"Congratulations, Commander. The finest from the fields of Havanar VI."
Callus looked to Ox. They both laughed again.
Montego slapped the young officer on the shoulder one more time, before turning and walking back into the smoke that still hung around the spire.
Somewhere, the Emperor smiled.
Hive World Terra