expert from one of my short stories blog - sgtwebby

Seventh Company, Second Battalion, Fifth Attack Brigade, attached to the First Imperial Marine Division, stood at attention on the landing pad. Behind them were four assault transports, one for each of the three platoons and one for the command staff. Reynolds stood in front of the company. His men all wore defiant faces, they were ready for battle. The companies guide on was fluttering slightly in the wind. Reynolds let out a breath of air and began his battle speech:
"This company has stood and defied countless xenos and traitors alike. We have stood our ground when all others fled. We have carried the Emperors banner into battle when no others would. We have truly earned the countless battle honors bestowed upon us. Once more though, I ask you to do what no others would. I ask you to go into a battle with almost certain death. I will not lie to you. This battle will cause numerous casualties. Many of you will not return alive or able to fight again. But unlike any other company within this Attack Brigade, you will defy the odds. You will win and you will all return alive." He paused to let his last sentence sink in. Reynolds looked over several of his Sergeants who were nodding in approval. "We all joined knowing that one day we would not come back. But let it be known that we will postpone that day, until the devil himself will have to come and drag us to his fortress.
The task set before us is not an easy one. We must provide a distraction and draw out a mass number of enemy xeno. If we are successful, it would allow a team to get to the anti-air batteries unnoticed and destroy them. We will do what we do best; we will smite the xeno with the Emperors wrath. For we march to battle..."
"...and we shall know no fear." The company echoed back. The platoon leaders dismissed their men, who were quickly filed onto the transports by the Sergeants. Reynolds entered the last one. He was joined by his First Sergeant, XO, and other command personal. He went to the last seat on the left, secured his rifle in the rack above him, and strapped himself in. it took two minutes for the transports to get clearance to take off. Reynolds transport was last to leave. It shook heavily as it gained enough momentum to lift itself off the ground. But once it got itself moving it smoothed out. The trip was estimated to take thirty minutes. Once the transport had gained safe altitude, a green light went on above the door to the cockpit. It was now safe to move about the transport. Reynolds unstrapped himself and went to the cockpit door, opening it and entering.
The two pilots sat side by side, their heads not visible as they wore flight helmets. Reynolds was not interested in them. He went to the small alcove in the cockpit containing a communications terminal. He activated it, connecting to the Imperial Command frequency. Once he had typed in his codes, it took only a minuite for the face of General Mason to appear.
"We are en route sir. My company is ready to do battle. We will give your team as much as a chance as possible."
"My regards on accepting the assignment Captain, we will be awaiting your go signal. May the Emperor be with you, for you march to battle..."
"...and I shall know no fear." Reynolds finished, as tradition stated. The transmission cut off. Reynolds left the cockpit and went back to his seat, strapping himself in. He looked at his watch. Only ten minutes had passed, still twenty to go.
The transport began to shake as it began descent. Reynolds woke up and dazily looked at his First Sergeant.
"Were two minutes into the landing zone. All platoons report battle ready status. I ordered a standard sweep formation as they disembark."
Reynolds nodded his approval and shifted in his seat to wake up. Reynolds bowed his head and began to mutter a few words:
"Dear Emperor. May you shield us in this coming battle. May your hand guide us and your fury empowers us. We are only your servants, servants who wish to live, so that we may fight in your name another day. Grant us your protection. In your name do I ask this." He raised his head and was now ready for battle. The transport touched ground thirty seconds later.