Chapter Two

The next few months Kill Team Striker trained and fought alongside one another, as Raphael predicted it was far from an easy

adjustment particularly amongst Re-Shan and Cyiren. In fact at times the team got so disfunctional Raphael was tempted to

bash his head into a wall. However Raphael admired their skills in combat and he trusted them all. More importantly the

seemed to respect him in turn.

Re-Shan was an expert in melee combat, managing to equal Marines far more experienced than himself. As a Salamander he also had a

firm understanding of flame based weaponry. The resulting combat style was invaluable in urban combat simulations. Raphael

noticed that Re-Shan tended to be the teams moral compass of sorts but had a tendancy to be offended easily.

Cyiren was difficult to deal with but Raphael had never seen a Marine operate heavy weapons with the skill Cyiren did,

he often second guessed Raphael's judgement freqently which while irritating also reminded him that he did ask for

opinions when needed. Strangely the Marine he worked alongside best turned out to be Re-Shan as the pairs skill set

overlapped perfectly.

Damascus proved reliable however, so much so that Raphael believed he would make an excellent leader for Striker. An

expert sabotour and warrior if there was one but Raphael saw great rage in him which concerned him greatly. He knew he

would have to deal with it one day but he hoped not for a while.

Varkas was the reconnisance expert of the team and possibly one of the greatest shots with a Stalker pattern bolter he

had seen in his life, every shot landing precisely where he wanted it too even while running and being shot at. He did however

have a reckless streak and as a result tactical missteps were not unheard of. Raphael knew they would have to turn this to

the teams advantage somehow but was unsure how.

His team had its flaws but Raphael was proud of them none the less. All of them.

Mess Hall

"What do you mean your Chapter didn't have the time to save those people?" asked Re-Shan angrily. His red eyes were

ablaze with fury while Cyiren sat back smirking.

"It means what it means, we were surrounded by Orks at the time in case you forgotten. If those soldiers of Armageddon

were as potent of warriors as they claimed maybe they wouldnt need saving" retorted Cyiren.

Re-Shan grinded his teeth "That still doesnt excuse it". Raphael then spoke "If I remember correctly brothers Armageddon

was saved at great cost to all of us, my own chapter included. We should not fight over their graves the Orks put them in".

The pair took the hint and fell silent. Raphael simmered with irritation "What next?" he thought.

"On the note of Orks I heard you killed a Warboss by yourself Raphael, is that true?" asked Damascus before resuming his

meal. Raphael sighed "Yes it is" the group nodded and grinned in approval at this "But" Raphael continued "the Warboss was

already wounded by Watch Master Lexus, I make no boasts on my victories brothers and neither should any of you".

Varkas looked confused but said nothing, "Quiet one that man" thought Raphael. "Well I dont know about you but I think

we know why you are even here in that case" said Cyiren. Raphael looked at him "and what do you think it is brother?"

Cyiren ignored the honourific and continued "Apparently Lexus is playing favourites because Raphael saved his life

and he is obviously..."

Raphael interrupted him "First off it is Watch Master Lexus because as far as I know he hasnt been demoted in the last ten

minutes and secondly I highly doubt he plays favourites Cyiren, not in an organisation like the Deathwatch".

Re-Shan grinned "Maybe you would have been given command if your callousness wasn't the size of a battleship Cyiren"

Cyiren tried to strike him from across the table but was forced down by Damascus's hand on his shoulder.

"I can speak for myself Re-Shan" said Raphael "Nice catch Damascus" nodding at him as he said so and standing even as

Damascus nodded back. He then heard Damascus start to berate the pair for being foolish. He smiled to himself as he walked,

never a dull moment when Marines from different chapters came together.

Raphael strode off, his mind filled with potential strategies for the next bout of training when he was interrupted by

a chapter serf calling his name. The serf bowed and then spoke in a raspy voice "Your presence has been requested by

Watch Master Lexus my lord" before bowing again and rushing away before Raphael could thank him. He then set off at full

pace not wanting to keep Lexus waiting.

Watch Master Lexus's Office

Raphael knocked on the door and Lexus answered. Raphael saluted but Lexus simply responded with "Inside" and sitting down.

A strange man was with him, his robe, equipment and insignia marked him as a member of the Ordo Xenos of the Inquisiton.

He was very thin and had a large scar on his neck made by some kind of blade. His face was similarly maimed but his eyes

were filled with cruel intelligence.

The man spoke "This is the team leader of Striker then?" Raphael bowed "Yes Lord Inquisitor" The man smiled "Respect, good".

but immediately frowned when he saw the chapter symbol on Raphaels right shoulder. He turned to Lexus "You would have a

Space Marine of a cursed foundation in lead of a Kill Team!?" he shouted. "Have you forgotten Talons insubordination

due to similar circumstances!?"

"So much for a good introduction" thought Raphael to himself. Yet another man who simply saw the white dragon on his

shoulder and instantly jumped to conclusions. "But Team Leader? What did he mean by that" he wondered.

"Inquisitor Thorn please calm yourself, he is one of our best recruits. Those who do serve better than him have at

least fifty years more than Brother Raphael here". Raphael smiled at the compliment but said nothing.

Inquisitor Thorn then rounded on him, his anger very obvious. "Remove your helmet, now!". Raphael did as he was bid, the

Occuobe implants in his eyes made the glare of the window behind him irritating.

Thorn pointed to the slight bone outgrowths on his head "You see? Tainted!" He then pointed to his arms "These blades of his

and everything about him is an abomination and you expect me, an Inquisitor to rely on such a... thing!?"

Raphael managed to mask his anger at these insults but only barely, luckily Lexus stepped in. "Thorn, would I give this

Marine a place in the Deathwatch, in command of a squad no less if I didnt have a good reason?" He turned to the window

and pointed skywards, "The enemies at our doorstep are out there, not in this room".

Thorn frowned "Very well, but if this goes wrong it will be on your head". He then walked to the door, his coat flapping

in his wake. He then turned to Raphael "Be on my ship in an hour, bring your team with you".

Lexus rolled his eyes but a smile was on his face "Sorry about that brother, and again for placing you in his command". He

then motioned to the opposite seat.

Raphael wasnt impressed but sat down anyway. "Sir, why in the entirety of the Ordo Xenos am I assigned to a man like that?"

Lexus frowned "I didn't take you for one who who would complain". Raphael answered before he could stop himself "Begging

your parden sir but I serve loyally and you would see me assist an Inquisitor who would see my chapter burn for such!"

Lexus's eyes were drilling into Raphael's head at this but his voice remained steady. "Do not forget Marine you are here

because I asked for you. Do not mistake my intent as your assignment as well as that of your team was out of my hands".

Raphael breathed out "I know Watch Master, I am sorry for my loss of composure". He meant it, Lexus was not to blame for

the situation.

Lexus nodded "I know you are". He then stood up and looked out his window, he then looked over his shoulder and continued

"I have appointed you Acting Sargeant, should you do well consider the rank yours in full". Raphael was surprised at that

"Thank you sir" he said bowing his head as he did so. The Watch Master narrowed his eyes "Do you disapprove of my choice?"

Raphael took a moment to answer "Sir, is Cyiren right? Am I here because of my actions on Caradus?"

Lexus smiled "Yes and no Brother. I choose you for the Deathwatch because you made a choice that led to a Warbosses death

at your hands". Raphael breathed out, he hated that his fellows seemed so obsessed with that action "And the rank Sir?"

Lexus leaned back in his chair "Because I know you won't let us down, dismissed Sargeant Raphael".