Trials of a Casual Wargamer Short Stories

Bridge "Admiral, 2 minutes to jump completion. " A voice rang out across the bridge . Thorpe acknowledged the information .  "All squadrons prepare for launch on jump completion "  The bridge was tense for those last couple of minutes, the crew all watching the countdown ready to start their jobs as soon as the ships left jump space.  Thorpe felt a swell of pride as he surveyed the sailors. They were proud and second to none even though the ATC higher ups looked down on his older  battle carrier compared to the newer battle carriers.  Lasten 4 The emptiness of space was broken up with pinpricks of light forming like tiny stars almost bubbling and then a fleet of ships appeared in a flash.  As the Exeter and her escorts jumped into the system, the destroyers spread out to form a circle around the Exeter. Smaller craft started launching from Exeter's 2 launch rails. Each fighter or bomber being magnetically accelerated before being spat out into space. To an ...

 Bridge  The bridge had a quiet hum to it on the early watch Thorpe thought as he entered the room. Banks of monitors were set up in various groups all giving off the same eerie green glow which was reflected in the faces of the sailors working at those stations. As he walked by the sailors saluted him before looking back at their various displays. They looked calm, bored maybe Thorpe thought. He couldn't blame them it had been a quiet tour. They had been sent pirate hunting and it had been an almost fruitless search.  "Admiral on deck" a voice broke Thorpe's wandering thoughts. The watch officer stood up from the command chair and saluted, Thorpe returned the salute and sat in the command chair. "Report?” Thorpe asked,  the deck officer took a data pad and quickly reviewed it. "Sir, no incidents reported on late watch. Fighter sweeps of the area brought up nothing but some small debris" "Very well, more debris you say? How many small pockets of de...

 Arkhan grabbed his back pack and made sure he had everything he needed and that Sgt Helius has told him and Luvall. Spare power pack bandolier, field dressings, ration bars, knife etc. He checked his pouches and armour and was satisfied. Arkhan looked around  his squad, second squad of Marauder platoon were all checking and re checking bits of armour, straps and pockets. Their khaki green and black Camouflage armour looked very menacing, Arkhan hoped he to looked reasonably menacing as well. Some of his squad were applying war paint. Red lines along their cheeks. 2 lines for second squad.  A tall blond haired ranger walked over to Arkhan. "You ready Ranger? “ he asked, he was called Elias Adrernarn but everyone called him Eli. " I think so everything secured and within easy reach" Eli nodded, he tugged a few straps on Arkhans to double check. "Good. No fighting any big guys in this battle OK? That's not how we work, team work makes the dream work OK? “ Arkhan l...

  Arkhan had a restless nights sleep. Dreams of Captain Vanden falling and Orks swarming over walls and defences. Plus nerves about the next chapter on his life. At least Dax was with him  Arkhan thought, the ward was quiet as it was super early in the morning. A few orderlies were moving around quietly. Arkhan looked around and saw a pile of clothes on the table next to his bed. He didn't recognise them and assumed his clothes had been destroyed beyond repair. He climbed out of bed and got dressed. Green combat trousers, a black t shirt and  boots. Arkhan suddenly stopped and looked at his cybernetic arm. He hadn't thought about it at all, how quick had his body got used to the arm? He was amazed, his body still felt a bit weak but he stood up. No dizziness which made Arkhan happy. An orderly noticed he was up and brought over some hot caffeine drink. He thanked the man, sipped it and it felt glorious. He hoped Dax would be early so they could head off. Arkhan sat back...

Arkhans world was dark and he felt like he was drifting. Where was the emperors light? Is this it.... The afterlife. He realised his eyes were closed. He tried to open them but his body felt so tired. He eventually did a light overwhelmed his vision. Everything was blurry but he could make out shapes moving. His hearing was also distorted but he started to pick voices out. Maybe he wasn't dead. His eyes were to tired he decided to settle on hearing for now. He closed his eyes and willed his ears to hear. As he lay there he started to hear much better. Sounded like he was in a hospital, he could hear medical staff and other patients. What had happened.... Oh yeah the massive orc. His shoulder and arm! His left side felt numb and cold. Well that can't be good. Sleep over took him as he listened to his surroundings. "Arkhan lad wake up" a voice said, "Come on you sleep like a grox I swear and snore like one to" Arkhan peeled open his eyes   his vision was muc...

  Arkhan finished his drink put the mug down next to the heavy bolter. He ran through the working bits he recognised on the weapon. He'd seen one or two in the underhive carried by the heavies. A bit of him looked forward to firing it just maybe not in this ork infested situation. Dax stirred, "Another day then Arkhan" he sat up and stretched his arms. His face showed all his years, Arkhan had no idea how many winters Dax had seen but admired him greatly the way he just kept going no matter what. His faith seemed unshakable it seemed. They would need that the next few days.. If they last that long. Dax scanned the ground in front of the outpost. The sky was clear and air crisp despite the clouds of smoke lingering in the air. Dax moved back to the heavy bolter and checked over a few things, "They'll come in force today Arkhan. They don't seem to have made great strides at the Hive so some will get bored and looking for easier action and that will most likely ...