The Beginning

Lord General Alexander Coil looked out across the fleet that his men were stationed to for the long trip to Armageddon. “How could any enemy withstand such massed fire-power of the Imperial Guard and the Imperial Navy combined”, he mused silently to himself, “this is going to be an easy victory for sure”.

“Begging the Generals Pardon sir, Lord Commissar Errant wishes to know what your reply is to the call for assistance from Nihal Prime, sir”, the orderly asked cautiously. The Lord General stared at the orderly for a moment as he cleared visions of his glorious victories from is reveries. “Tell Lord Commissar Errant he can….” the Lord General was interrupted before he could finish the thought. Captain Stephan McHira was the one to interrupt “Lord General, the astropathic message was from the Arbite station on Nihal Prime, an Imperial world of high standing, ignoring such a call might be a poor course of action”. Coil stared hard at the Captain, “what again exactly did this message ask?” A deeply bent and aged astropath stepped forward his blind eyes wrapped in white silk, ”General, the message was garbled from an unknown reason but it was clear that the Arbite station was under siege, it referenced cult activity and general insurrection over 90% of the populace and immediate assistance was requested from any passing craft”. The astropath stepped back into the shadows of the bridge as the General stalked up and down cursing loudly. “This fleet and her cargo of men and equipment are bound for Armageddon and that is where it is going to deploy!” he stared and challenged anyone n the bridge to comment further. “Begging the Generals pardon”, Coil snapped his head around to see who had dared challenge his announcement”. Standing slightly to one side of the General was Major Al’Mortine, one of the Generals most trusted advisors. “Now here is a man that understands how this game is played”, Coil thought to himself, “speak Major I am sure that you can explain this so this rabble can understand”. The Major took a dramatic moment and the spoke, “Ignoring the call for assistance could have very poor and possibly disastrous consequences General, but we may have a solution already at hand”. “The frigate He Is Indomitable has been lagging behind for hours now, perhaps it and its cargo could be diverted to deal with this problem and that would be beneficial to all I believe”. Coil’s smile was almost predatory in nature. “Yes Major I believe that is an excellent suggestion”. Captain McHira look of confusion was clear, “Again, begging the Generals pardon, but Lord Commissar Errant and the entire Commissariat is on that frigate assisting in training the combined force doctrines”. “I am quite aware of his presence and his insistence on training soldiers on these doctrines that again I say are unneeded”, Coil’s look became that of cold steel, “Captain gather your belongings and report to the Captain of He Is Indomitable, by the time you arrive the new orders for that ship will be there. Tell the Lord Commissar that you are in charge of the expedition to Nihal”. His cold look was one that told everyone silence was their best option at this point. Captain McHira saluted and turned heading for his room to gather his kit. “By the way Captain, tell the good Commissar that your force will be called the First Nihalian Expeditionary Force, and I will be sure to mention you in our stories of glory once we return from Armageddon”, the Generals laughter echoed down the halls after Captain McHira as he walked toward his room.

Hey all, here is the opening background for my Regiment the First Nihalian Expeditionary Force. the idea is a power hungry General on his way to Armageddon dumps people that question him or irritate him in some way to what he thinks is a distraction. Captain Stephan McHira is my commanding Officer and Lord Commissar Errant is another possible HQ choice. Comment and critique eagerly awaited!!