Vol I | Chapter X

◹][◸ ~ Astra Militarum ~◹][◸

Knock Knock…

As the door creaked open, and the guest entered through, the korpsmen have stood at attention – awaiting orders, or perhaps just the reflexes to make the stance. "Good morning" Lieutenant Sandra greeted shortly, a sign that the soldier was somewhat grumpy at being awake at such hours. "We will be departing at exactly 0300 hours. Dismissed." The woman briefed, before a yawn involuntarily escapes. "Meet up is by the car, by the garage."

'I hate mornings' Lieutenant Sandra complained as she took her leave.

◹][◸ ~ Astra Militarum ~◹][◸

"Nick! I need coffee!" Her voice oozed of annoyance, as it did suggest her demands be met, all as she slumped over the white marble desk once she had taken a seat. But as she hopes to drift to sleep, hoping to return to slumber – the white beaming light in the cafeteria was just too bright to find any solace to rest her eyes.

The lieutenant received no response

"I swear, if you are just there – sitting with a shitty grin on your face – I will drive a 7inch wrench up your ass!"

At such threatening comment, followed soon after was the sound of boots scurrying away. 'Coffee, coffee, coffee…' the lieutenant began to recite.

Until moments later, a cup of warm coffee hit her nostril as it was laid. Producing a small weakling groan, she gave her thanks to Nick. "Should Nick be the one you're thanking?"

'W-wait?!'

Rising her head at a ridiculous speed, it may have cause her a headache, but when she saw who she suspected the voice to belong; she was right at her guess – D.E.O Director Alex Danvers.

"Good morning to you" Danvers greeted in a smile, almost as it seemed amusing to the Director at how flushed the lieutenant seemed to appear. "You should start preparation. It is nearly 0300 hours."

And with that she left, leaving only a blushing woman.

◹][◸ ~ Astra Militarum ~◹][◸

As the skies remained endowed by the blanket of night, as up among the stars and the moonlit shines above, a woman leaned heavily against her beloved. 'I am not Russian, I am American!' the lieutenant complaint as she stood freezing and shivering, even as she began to tuck her icy hands underneath her underarm.

"Look at you! Like a kitten's time of being bathe – all shivering and trembling." Nick mocked aloud through the quiet night. "Shh!" She shushed, only to receive a response that further irritated her as he laughed.

'Urgh! How could I act like a barbarian in front of the – Alex Danvers'

The tormenting memories continued to haunt the lieutenant as she kept idle. "Mind giving a hand, and perhaps opening the trunk?" Nick's hoarse voice seemed to had pull her from sinking into an endless depth of overthinking the situation.

But how could she not, when the one she acted so savagely was the woman she had a crush on.

"Yeah sure, just let me pop the trunk open."

◹][◸ ~ Astra Militarum ~◹][◸

Observant as he was, Nick could interpret that the lieutenant had 'something' running wild that has kept the mitten idle and absent minded since he had arrived – and he intends on finding out.

"That would be the last one." He huffs as he settled the bags in. "Huh?" "Goodness me, I don't know what it is about. But for it to render you this immobile and act like a half-brain – It seriously must be something."

"Piss off, Nick."

"Then on que is the anger, as expected, oh I know you to the bones you can't escape my prying eyes." He teasingly said, as he gloated at her appearance.

"So, what is it?" he offered a simple question, to which only incited a deep sigh as she said "Lay off on this one, Nick?" her defeated voice signed it final – to which Nick understandingly backed off and resumed to do other tedious things.

But before he could leave, Sandra had made sure to thank him. "Nick?"

"Yeah?"

"Thanks for checking up on me, it means a lot to me."

Almost as she had said that, her friend had a smug knowing look. "I know. I mean what would you do without me, eh?!" as he walked off.

Leaving her smiling

◹][◸ ~ Astra Militarum ~◹][◸

'Now where did I put my jacket?'

Nick scrambled in search for his warm piece, as to wear it in layering to survive the chances outside at the cold whirlwind night and mountain. Through his mindful digging, he found it "Aha!" to which in no hurry he began to wear it. 'Damn is it cold-'

As he had exited the room and started on journeying back to the armored car, in hopes that Sandra had begun in starting the heaters, he was soon met by the encounter of the marching korpsmen.

The Lieutenant looks in jealousy as he eyed their great overcoat, perhaps their helmet, gloves and maybe even mask and boots as it appears to deter any sense of cold – or that the wearers were just unbothered by the weather. 'Those overcoats look so warm! I want them!'

Drowned in his jealousy, he had not been able to notice the korpsmen approach him, until they had come to a stopped and whipped a salute to him. In a habit, he returned the same vigor. "Lieutenant Sandra is waiting. We should hurry."

"Understood." The Watchmaster replied

◹][◸ ~ Astra Militarum ~◹][◸

On the rough traversing tracks to the mountains, the armored vehicle produced no trouble or signs of hardship in its journey. As for a few bumps, the ride went smoothly until lo and presented was a sight to behold. 'That looks larger compared to when I saw it on the television!' Sandra and Nick were in a shocking state of awe and admiration at its size.

Meanwhile, Supergirl who had been hovering was reacting non differently than the ones who bore witnessed to it.

As the armored vehicle came into a grounding halt, as its passenger began to disembark its seat – then the consecutive closing of each door – outside stood as the audience of the ruined cathedral, were five subjects to the majestic view.

At the presence of the sacred place of worship, the Watchmaster and Grenadier fell to their knees – to the God-Emperor.

It was quiet except for the howling breeze that occasionally moans as it passes. In an immediate common understanding between the three, there would be no disturbing those in prayers. As their eyes took in the images of the soldiers who portrayed a devout follower, and warriors to their God.

◹][◸ ~ Astra Militarum ~◹][◸

While the korpsmen had been focused in reciting their daily prayers, and sought forgiveness for their grievous sins. Supergirl have taken the initiative in ordering the D.E.O agents in securing the outer perimeter, as she takes on supervising the korpsmen.

"In life, war. In death, peace. In life, shame. In death, atonement.

In the Emperor's service, our death be payment, and to the Imperium success.

Heal the ail that corrupts, and may my death serve to cleanse its roots.

Ave Imperator"

Undisturbed and uninterrupted, the korpsmen stood to their feet. Their motivation and objectives – once clearer and more guided by the Emperor's Will – as though there had been a slight shift to their demeanor.

As it had all been watched and intently listened to by the supervising Superhero that have been tasked, she wondered and speculated the speech, the gesture and its purpose – all in the intent to understand.

However, unlike Earth and though cases of suicidal cult still persist. Supergirl just have a gut-wrenching feeling that the Death Korps were people that have been brainwashed. Though she assumed, Kara can't seem to erase that sense. But overall, in the end she resisted the urge in concluding her baseless thoughts and remained observing instead.

"So, mind telling who the 'Emperor' is?"

◹][◸ ~ Astra Militarum ~◹][◸