NORMAN
CENTURION (CAP)
BRIMSTONE
WRATH
PREACH
TRUESHIELD
NORMAN (Narrator): Support and Logistics Profile Entry 0217. Subject handle “Centurion” also called “Cap” by his squad. Well respected, a respect that is earned and not merely through rank. He walks a fine line between the responsibility of his position and intimate camaraderie within a tight squad. Always takes the toughest assignments himself a superb soldier, tactician and commander of troops. He is well acquainted with the abilities of his individual charges, and the capabilities of their sum total.
(SFX: Fade in, many marching boots)
CAP: All right troops, give me a wedge formation, Brimstone you've got point at twelve o'clock.
BRIMSTONE: Aye that, Cap.
CAP: Preach and Wrath, you’ve got the flanks threes and nines, True and I will take the back at points five and seven. Norm, you’re slotted in the pocket.
NORMAN: Aye, Cap.
CAP: Our Objective is not too far ahead, which should mean we should be expecting resistance anytime—
WRATH: INCOMING!
CAP: --soon
WRATH: Fiery darts!
PREACH: All sides!
CAP: Shields up! Tighten proximity!
(SFX: Many darts striking upon shields, bouncing off, bring up and then continuing under)
TRUESHIELD: We’re surrounded, retreat is cut off! Three squads of Dark Legion regulars, possibly more!
WRATH: They got the drop on us, Cap. They KNEW we were coming!
CAP: Tighten up, troops, keep those shields up!
BRIMSTONE: They’re keeping their distance, cowards!
PREACH: Soon enough, Brother Brim, the packs ‘twill fall ‘pon us. They are biding they’re time. Verily, they are patient.
CAP: We can use this standoff to our advantage. YoTrue!
TRUESHIELD: Sir!
CAP: What’s the array?
TRUESHIELD: They are moving in on three sides, closer with each volley. We’re outnumbered twelve, fifteen to one. They are trying to close off a triangle around us. Then they’ll make feinting attacks at us until we’ve exhausted ourselves. Then they’ll close for the kill.
CAP: We’ve got to break their composure or we’re done for. YoNorm!
NORMAN: YoCap!
CAP: switch with me so I can get in the pocket. Take my seven. Be careful not to let your guard down!
(SFX up of darts on shields)
CAP: YoBrim! I’m going to borrow retribution
BRIMSTONE: Cap?
CAP: I’ll draw out your sword and give them your patented war cry and charge at the squad straight ahead—
BRIMSTONE: But Cap—
CAP: They’ll think I’m you and hopefully break their lines to close with me.
BRIMSTONE: No, Cap, let me do that—
CAP: WHEN THAT HAPPENS, Brim, I need you to lead the wedge right through their ranks and get everyone out here safely.
BRIMSTONE: But what about you, Cap?
CAP: You have your orders, soldier. I’m counting on you to get everyone safe. Got that? YoNorm!
NORMAN: YoCap!
CAP: You find us a safezone that’s got a lot of prayer cover and Brim is going to hoof us there. Load me the coordinates when you find it.
NORMAN: Aye that, Cap!
CAP: YoBrim!
BRIMSTONE: Cap, I really wish we’d trade places.
CAP: Brim, you’re the only one who can spearhead this wedge and break through that wall of Dark Ones. Can I count on you?
BRIMSTONE: You know you can, Cap.
CAP: I promise to bring Retribution back in one piece.
(SFX Sword pulled from scabbard)
BRIMSTONE: Just bring yourself back in one piece, Cap.
CAP: Count on it! Here we go!
(SFX: CAP warcry)
(SFX: Hue and cry of Dark Ones responding)
BRIMSTONE: Okay, squad! On my mark, we push forward with everything we’ve got. YoNorm!
NORMAN: Yo!
BRIMSTONE: You’ve got a direction for us after we break the line.
NORMAN: Got it. Transmitting to Cap, now.
BRIMSTONE: We are the 7th Elite Fighting Corps! HO!
ALL: HO!
BRIMSTONE: For Light and Honor!
ALL: For Light and Honor!
(SFX: Drawing of swords)
(SFX: Sword fighting, running, many screams, fading out)
Read more articles by David Ian or search for articles on the same topic or others.