The voice wasn't going anywhere. The man's eyes catch the fleeting glimpse of the city bellow. What remained of the once great city was largely undamaged from the nuclear detonation. 365Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvWQoy7vaD
He tries to play it off, but even he realized no one would buy such a terrible performance. "I'm fine. Really, I am."365Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9alMGvJqM
The marine takes off his helmet and tucks it under his arm. The marine was young, at least by space marine standards. He would guess the man is in his 40's. He had corpse pale skin, gaunt cheek bones, narrow jaw and a recessive angular chin. The features of a dead man. Suddenly it was clear what the skull meant. "We're dealing in life and death. Your head has to be in the game. You've been putting off a medical checkup for five campaigns. Hell, you could have faked the one before that." The man has to be high ranking to have access to that information.
Franz couldn't meet his battle brother's disheartening gaze. Not to mention look at the marine's ghastly appearance. Yet he had to look at the man, even if he couldn't meet the man's gaze or look him in the eye. He was being shown such respect. Honor demanded it. The man deserves to be look upon with his eyes, his real eyes. He removes his helmet leaving himself feeling naked, like his emotions were on display for everyone to see. It did his chapter a disservice.
After look at him, he turns his eyes towards the ancient city. It was quiet in the Thunderhawk. Nothing but the sound of the engines and the surrounding marines. In quiet hush voice, nearly a whisper, he says. "I'll be OK." He kicks himself for not being able to put up a better defense.365Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wYPqlUEfx
"It's a fitting name. May I ask what happen?"
"Yeah," Ghastly says with a huff. "Every body always ask me that. I get sick of talking about it. But my body rejected the Geneseed. It nearly kill me."
"I meant no disrespect. In fact I think it works out for the best. The unkillable marine."
The marine shakes his head with look of disgust across his face. "No," he say spittle flying from his lips. "It makes me seem like a follower of choas."
The marine's emotional outburst causes him to smile. "Then your not alone. People believe I've been tainted. Best, I've lost my mind. But I'm neither. Some of us are not so fortunate. 1'st of the Raven's Guard," Franz replies out of politeness. "Why was I extracted before the rest of my battle brothers."
"Because your a very lucky man. Chapter master specifically requested you. Your going to be the highest rank on this next op."( short for operation.)
"I don't deserve to command men." How could he protects a entire company if he couldn't save one brother. Save his friend.
"You don't even know if he's dead. Coms are a mess, external communication is down. Hold out hope, least for a little while. If you need a reason to stand and the Emperor and all of the imperium isn't enough; at least stand for vengeance. We will bleed the enemies that took him from us."
Something got through to him because he rose to his feet. Before he could join the crowed of marines on the disembarkation deck, the man hands him a new helmet saying, "You can't go out without one of these." He nodded. "Emperor protect."
The two of them are swallowed by the crowed of barrel chested marine fighting to get off the transport. Outside wasn't any better. Marines were talking with one another or wandering about looking for the commanding officer, which was him.
His voice booms and echoes across the chasm and throughout the city. The group fell silent and looks at him. The veteran Franz, points his rifle in the direction of the bunker. "Records show the bunker is buried, the surface entrance has collapsed. Maps recovered from that time period show that there is a network of utility passageway underneath the city. They run right pass the bunker. We'll proceed down through the buried hive-city; specifically through one of the spires to the sub-basement. There is an entrance to the utility passageway through there." He gives a nod. "It was fine commanding," he says pretending to be speaking out loud.
