Lost Legion- Perdition's Flames, page 2
part #1 of The Infinite Black Series
"Ahh," said the Legatus, smiling broadly. "I see where this is going. You wish to lead the landing operations, personally."
"With your permission, of course," replied Aurelius.
"Leading from the front, Marcus?" chided the Legatus. "You are indeed your father's son. It was quite clever of you to mention my blade saving his life. It was during one such drop mission that we were surrounded and alone. The circumstances were nearly identical as well. Most of our troops were fresh from training and were not prepared for the reality of battle. Your father and I were the only survivors that day."
"Indeed," said Aurelius nodding, allowing himself a small victorious smile.
Aurelius already knew that piece of information but allowed the Legatus to make the connection on his own. Had it come down to it, Aurelius would have pointed it out as an additional argument for allowing him to drop with the Cohorts. Fortunately, Legatus Cyprianus remembered the battle without needing a reminder. Little did he know that the Legatus knew what was on his mind the moment he had entered the office.
"Fine, Marcus," said the Legatus, standing up and reaching across the desk. "Have it your way. Go get your own Legion Medal of Honor, just like your father did."
"Thank you, sir," replied Aurelius, taking the extended hand and exchanging a warrior's embrace by grasping forearms.
"I only require one thing, as payment," said the Legatus, not releasing the embrace.
"Name it, sir," replied Aurelius. “As always, I am yours to command.”
The two men locked eyes for a moment before the Legatus released his grip and reached into the display case behind him. Removing a beautifully crafted Gladius sword from the case, he held it reverently for a moment before handing it gently to Aurelius. The hilt was crafted in the shape of an eagle, with the Legion motto engraved on the pommel.
It read, "Aut vincere, aut mori."
Either conquer or die.
"This sword was presented to me by your father upon the death of my son," replied the Legatus, emotion causing his voice to crack slightly. "It was still gripped in my son's hand where he fell in battle on Jaxxus. I ask that you win your Legion of Honor and remember my son. Plant this sword in victory."
"I will," replied Aurelius, awe touching his voice. "I am deeply honored. I will not let it fall."
"I know you won't," replied the Legatus, his voice trembling. "Now go. You have much work to do before we deploy in the morning. Go get some rest and take us to victory."
"Strength and honor, sir," said Aurelius.
"Strength and honor, Marcus" replied the Legatus.
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Aurelius found himself on the bridge of the Agamemnon the next morning. Agamemnon was the lead carrier and the entire fleet would be controlled from this room. Harvester operations were run by corporate officials aboard one of the massive harvester ships, but during transport it was the military that remained in control. It would be the job of the Praetorian in command of the fleet to coordinate movement and ensure security until harvesting operations began.
The Praetorian was a middle-aged man with the beginnings of a paunch around his midsection. It was obvious to Aurelius that he had served his career in the space fleet because no Legionnaire would allow himself to grow so soft. The Praetorian also wore a full grey beard, which was not allowed in the Legion. Despite all of that, he carried himself like a military man, and that impressed Aurelius.
Aurelius stood beside Legatus Cyprianus, near the back of the bridge. As Legatus of the Lead Cohort, it was Cyprianus' duty to be there. Aurelius was greatly honored that the Legatus had requested that he join him. It was rare that one so young reached the rank of Praefect, much less commanded the Lead Cohort. Aurelius was on the fast track to high command. Success on Haakon would ensure that.
Aurelius stood at rigid attention, wearing his new Hastati Battle Armor. The black and gold of the armor shined brightly with the eagle of the Iron Legion emblazed upon his shoulder pauldrons. The Gladius adorned his right hip with the blade locked into the leg scabbard to prevent loss during atmospheric freefall. His helmet bore the crest of a Praefect with the age-old plumes replaced with cold, hard steel. The traditional blue color still identified him as a Praefect, but the edge was no longer plumed. It had been replaced with a razor-sharp blade. He held the helmet carefully beneath his left arm.
"Signal all ships to stand by for departure," called the Praetorian.
"All ships standing by," repeated the attractive young Sub-Centurion at the communications board.
Her long golden hair was pulled back in a thick pony-tail, ending with a steel braid-cap that was etched with the emblem of a soaring eagle. Her tailored uniform accentuated the curves of her body. She stood nearly five feet ten inches, in boots. Aurelius found himself wondering if she knew exactly the effect that she was having on him. Beautiful was not good enough to describe how he saw her. To him, it was as if Venus herself had joined the Legion.
She glanced up and her emerald eyes caught the young Praefect admiring her. Aurelius was unflinching and kept his gaze on her without any outward sign of embarrassment. They locked eyes briefly and she flashed the barest hint of a smile at him before turning back to her duty station. Her fingers absentmindedly brushed an invisible strand of hair back behind her left ear. Aurelius felt a lump in his throat just watching her.
"Scanner," called the Praetorian.
The suddenness of the Praetorian's voice snapped Aurelius back to the action unfolding before him. He was sorry to take his attention away from the beautiful young Sub-Centurion, but he was also grateful for the distraction. Strange, but he found that it was difficult to focus on his duty around her.
"All clear," replied the Sensor Operator.
He was a rather piggish looking man of about fifty with the look of a career space officer. Aurelius briefly wondered if the man had ever breathed planetary air or had spent his entire life on ships and space stations. He lacked the hardened edge of the warriors under his command. Aurelius had to remind himself that although these men and women were part of the Legion, they were not Legionnaires.
"Contact Garrison Control and indicate we are ready to depart," ordered the Praetorian.
"Garrison Control," repeated the young woman. "Harvester Fleet Septimus Decius stands ready to depart."
The response was immediate as Garrison Control's signal boomed over the bridge speakers.
"Garrison Control acknowledges, Septimus Decius," was the response. "You are clear to depart. Clear skies[1]."
"Clear all moorings and engage forward thrusters at five percent," ordered the Praetorian.
"All moorings showing clear,” replied the Helmsman. “Fleet advancing at five percent thrusters."
The Helmsman was a proud looking young man with an aristocratic nose. He looked confident and sure as his fingers flew over the control indicators. The deck-plates instantly began to thrum with life beneath their feet. The almost inaudible rumble of the engines began to increase slightly as the ship accelerated to five percent thrusters. There was an aloof smugness to the way he smiled as he worked. For reasons he could not fully explain, Aurelius instinctively did not like him.
"We are clear of all moorings and free to navigate," called the Helmsman.
"Garrison Control indicates we are clear, and all ships have green lights," said the young woman with another quick glance at Aurelius.
"She is a fine choice," whispered Legatus Cyprianus. "She comes from a good family and will make a fine match for you."
Aurelius didn’t want to tell the Legatus that he was already well acquainted with her. Although forbidden by their code of conduct, they had been meeting in secret for quite some time. They had developed strong feelings for each other but could not admit it in public. That would require the formal process of courtship and permission from her family. However, to do what they had already done many times would require marriage, or a duel with her father. In space, things were rarely so easily handled, but they both wanted to stop hiding. They wanted to be together.
"Indeed," replied Aurelius. "I would like to meet her to discuss courtship."
"That can be arranged," replied Cyprianus. "Once we have Haakon Prime secure, I will arrange it personally. From the way she keeps glancing at you, I think you have already caught her eye. Young warriors in their armor always turn the heads of young women."
Aurelius only nodded, then returned his focus to the tableau unfolding before him. It was quite the sight to see. He had never witnessed the launch of an entire fleet from the bridge of the flagship. Aurelius could not help but hope it would not be the last. When he reached Legatus rank, he would be here every time they launched.
"Signal all ships to prepare for gravitic drive activation," called the Praetorian. "Stand by to synchronize systems for coordinated jump."
The young woman began speaking softly into the communications console, relaying orders to the fleet. The Helmsman began running his fingers along a different set of controls, checking drive status and synchronization controls. To Aurelius, the young helmsman seemed arrogant even when performing such a routine task.
"This should be interesting, Marcus," whispered Legatus Cyprianus. "This new gravitic drive allows all ships to jump simultaneously. This will be the first time such a large fleet has attempted it. Although I was told that it performed flawlessly during the trials."
Aurelius sighed inwardly. It was not uncommon for the corporation to test their newest technology on the Legions. Catastrophic failures of equipment had resulted in the deaths of entire crews more than once. Aurelius kept his thoughts to himself, but mentally hoped that the engineers had been doing their jobs correctly when these new systems were installed.
"All ships showing ready and awaiting your command," chimed the young woman.
"All drives are synchronized and ready," added the Helmsman, the satisfied smirk playing at the corners of his lips.
For some reason, Aurelius suddenly had the vivid image of punching the arrogant helmsman in the face repeatedly with his gauntleted fist. It was enough to bring a soft smile to the young Praefect's lips.
"It is a breathtaking sight, is it not?" asked Legatus Cyprianus, not suspecting what Aurelius' smile was really for.
"Indeed," replied Aurelius, still smiling.
The Praetorian began studying his consoles and double-checking indicator lights, making certain that everything was in order.
"Her name is Cassia Decima Gratiana," whispered Legatus Cyprianus. "She is the daughter of a Proconsul."
Aurelius only nodded. He knew all this information already. Instead, all he could think of was the smell of her hair and the feel of her lips against his. Biting his lip, he forced himself to think about the task at hand. There would be time to think of more pleasurable things when they were alone.
"Scanner," called the Praetorian, "Verify Thumper activation."
Aurelius smiled at the command. The Thumper was a beacon that was set by the Legionnaires who had already secured the planet. They were called a Hammer-Strike Fleet. If the signal was there, the planet was ready to be harvested. If there was no signal, then there was trouble and they would not commit the Harvester Fleet to the mission until either the signal was found, or the Hammer-Strike Fleet was contacted.
"Scanning," replied the Sensor Operator. "Thumper signal is strong and clear. Thumper is verified."
"Good," replied the Praetorian.
Legatus Cyprianus casually reached over and placed his hands firmly on the railing, preparing for the jump to the gravitic drive. Aurelius chose to remain at attention, knowing that the display of strength would only increase his standing in Cassia's eyes.
"Engage the drive," called the Praetorian.
Without a moment's hesitation, Aurelius felt his stomach lurch as the ship suddenly exploded into slipstream space and gravitic drive went to full power. The young Helmsman's fingers flew constantly over the controls, watching for any sign of danger. The helmsman performed his job flawlessly, which caused Aurelius to despise him even more.
Aurelius felt the surge of pressure as the gravitic drive field settled into place and the deck plates rumbled beneath his feet. Although the acceleration had been more intense than he had expected, it was still nothing compared to the sudden lurch he felt when the dropships inserted them into the upper atmosphere and the reentry freefall sequence began. He could handle the acceleration with only a slight compensation.
From the looks on the faces of the other bridge crew members, it had been far more acceleration than they were expecting. Aurelius could see the looks of concern on the faces of a few junior officers, including Cassia. This didn't worry Aurelius in the slightest until he saw the same concern on the face of the Praetorian.
"Engineering," bellowed the Praetorian. "Engine status?"
"Engines operating within design parameters," answered the Lead Engineer. "Gravity field is a little high, but nothing to be concerned about."
"Good," snapped the Praetorian. "See to it that it stays that way."
The Praetorian cut the channel before the Engineer could reply.
"ETA to the Haakon Sector?" he called.
"Sixteen hours, twelve minutes at current speed," replied the Helmsman without looking up.
"Maintain course and speed," replied the Praetorian. "Signal all ships that we are clear from acceleration."
Aurelius had seen enough. Nodding to the Legatus, he started to turn and head for the bridge doors that led to the main corridor when something caught his attention. It was a sudden, persistent beeping coming from the Helm.
"Gravitic imbalance in Engines Three and Seven," called the Helmsman, the surprise and concern registering clearly in his voice.
"Can we maintain speed without them?" asked the Praetorian, standing up and turning towards the helm.
"Affirmative," replied the Helmsman.
"Shut them both down and have Engineering do a complete check of the systems," snapped the Praetorian. "I want everything at one hundred percent when we reach Haakon."
With that, the Helmsman's fingers began to glide over the controls. There was a minute change in the hum of the deck plates, but nothing significant.
"Engines Three and Seven are now offline," called the Helmsman. "Remaining engines are stable and power curves are holding."
"Good," called the Praetorian.
Moments later, the bridge doors hissed open revealing Chief Engineer Gaius Marianus and two of his assistants. Instead of reporting to the Praetorian, they all headed for the bridge engineering console and began running tests. They talked amongst themselves in hushed tones, double checking displays and readouts before Marianus shook his head in resignation and headed for the Praetorian.
"Praetorian," he said, snapping to attention in front of the command chair.
"Speak," said the Praetorian impatiently.
"We have run systems diagnostics on all the engines and their control systems," said Marianus nervously.
"And what have you found?" demanded the Praetorian, his temper beginning to rise.
"Nothing, sir," replied the engineer. "All systems are running within design parameters."
"Then run the accursed tests, again!" bellowed the Praetorian, leaping to his feet. "Clearly there is a problem. We have two engines offline!"
"Of course, Praetorian," replied Marianus, obediently.
Aurelius chose that moment to head for the lift.
"Let's get out of here and let them work," whispered Legatus Cyprianus as he fell in beside Aurelius.
*****************************************
Sixteen hours later, Aurelius felt the deck plates shudder as they decelerated out of slipstream. He was already standing by with the crew of his dropship. They were in armor and loaded with their entire payload of heavy ordinance. Although the planet should have already been pacified by the second wave, it wasn't uncommon for the Hammer-Strike teams to occasionally miss something.
There was one time on a planet called Kestrel where the Hammer-Strike teams activated a Thumper and were almost immediately attacked by a large force of the indigenous people. Later it was discovered that they had been hiding in a network of caves. By the time the Harvester Fleet had arrived, the planet had been liberated by the locals and had to be completely pacified before harvesting could begin. It had set the operation back by months and was still considered a black mark on the Felix Legion's honor.
"Fratres[2]," called Aurelius to the assembled Cohorts, his voice booming across the hanger deck. "We stand here today, ready to fight and die for the Legion. Not for profit, not for the Corporations, but for the Honor of the Iron Legion!"
The assembled men and women of the Cohorts bellowed their approval and beat their armored fists against each other's shoulder plates. The booming of the armor filled the hanger deck with the powerful rhythm.
"Brothers!" bellowed Aurelius.
The room instantly fell quiet as the clanging of armor ceased, each ear straining to hear his next words.
"Follow my beacon and stay with me," he called. "If we encounter resistance, we stick to the plan and engage until they have fallen, or we have. Amat victoria curam!"
"Victory favors the prepared!" called back the Cohorts in unison.
"Brothers!" bellowed Aurelius. " Aut vincere, aut mori."
"Either conquer or die!" bellowed the Legion.
"Board the dropships!" called Aurelius.
With that, Centurions and Sub-Centurions began barking orders to the Cohorts as they entered their ships. Aurelius marveled at the precision of the Legion’s discipline. They moved with almost machine-like synchronicity as they filed into their designated dropships. Aurelius couldn't help but feel pride at such a glorious command. Over fifty thousand men and women of the Iron Legion had all sworn to live and die by his command.
The Iron Legion consisted of twenty dropships plus another sixteen dropships that were held in reserve. Each dropship held one Cohort of one thousand men and was commanded by a Senior Centurion. Cohorts consisted of ten Centuria. Each Centuria, or platoon, was commanded by a Centurion and consisted of ten Contubernium. A Contubernium, or squad, consisted of ten men each. Each Contubernium was commanded by an officer called an Optio. Senior Centurions commanded all the Cohorts from one dropship and Aurelius commanded them all.
