A Monster in Hell: A 40K Story

Chapter-4

Angeline was brought to our room. Her face was set in resignation, and I did not love that. She looked so beautiful wearing that face, but I did not like the past behind it. I had long stopped being dumbfounded at the beauty standards in the 41st Millennium. This was likely due to the results of evolution and countless genetic tinkering during the Age of Technology, the Iron War, the Age of Strife, the Great Crusade and the Ten Thousand Years of War. Her hair (which had been cropped to elbow-length) was neatly secured in a bun at the base of her neck. Her clothing was loose and conservative. How months of abuse could change someone. This was not okay. Her air was subdued, quiet and her steps short and ladylike instead of the confident strides from before. Now that I saw her up closer... her face had a few faint bruises, and her neck, slightly visible, showed prominent scarring. Her eyes looked the most haunting: it was similar to what I had done to some of the animals that had bitten me. Wait, why the fuck am I regretting it? They tried to maul me and paid for it!

"Umm... perhaps we should introduce ourselves. We have attempted to make this room a second home to those who need it," Brutus began, his largely talkative and cheerful aura shining through, "You are Recruit Angeline Storm, no? You like conversation, no?"

Angeline flinched.

Just then--- I seemed to be pulled out of reality. 

I seemed to be in a room, where Angeline was entering. It was similar to ours, but not ours. I froze when I saw Roman.

"Angeline? You like conversation, no?" asked Roman, striding forward to the girl. Angeline smiled, nodding, only for the smile to falter as Roman grabbed her hips with one hand and her jaw with the other. "Let us talk, then." Angeline made a noise of protest, only to be silenced as Roman's lips forcibly connected with hers, before carrying her to his bed and laying her down---

Reality swam back into focus. I made out Iden vaguely saying something... judging by his tone, introducing himself. 

What did I just see? What just happened?

How did I have a vision? Was it a violation of Angeline's mind? An intervention by the Banker? Did my soul somehow rewind time or reality? Did the Empress do something? Was it Chaos? Did I have powers?

"Will you not introduce yourself?" Claudia spoke from beside me. She was looking between myself and Angeline expectantly.

"Why, yes, of course..." I absent-mindedly said, before turning back to the newcomer with a smile, "The name is Hades, nice to meet you. You are welcome in this place for not just the duration of our training, but a longer time. Remember this: all of us will become a team. When we head into the vast, unforgiving zones of war, a single soldier by themselves cannot make an impact." Somehow, I was giving a speech: "It will take a team to break through and survive. Welcome to the team."

I held out my hand for her to shake, hoping she did not fear physical contact.

"Yo, man!" Brutus called. "You just gave an inspirational speech! You should have told us you had a thing with words!"

"What can I say... stealing from rich people with flowery words, and inspirational speeches of war during our training left a positive impact!"

"NOOOOOO! You are turning into a nerd!" Brutus screamed in mock-horror.

"Hey! I am a nerd, and proud of it!" Iden exclaimed in mock-anger. "What do you mean I am uncool?"

They all stopped as Angeline hesitantly shook my hand.