Imperium of Man Terra Aeterna Season 01: Rise of Humanity's War Machin

Chapter 7: Chapter 007 – Reuel & Jill Valentine



"Red Queen, connect my communication to the outside team," Reuel ordered.

"Yes, Brother," Red Queen responded. The people around him looked confused, not understanding what Reuel was doing.

"Connection established, Brother," Red Queen added.

Reuel grabbed a communication headset from the system chamber and put it on. A few seconds of static, then a heavy, dry voice filled with reverence came through the channel.

"Kasrkin Squad-Delta calling the Eternal Light. We bow to Your will, oh Light of Terra. Command us, and we shall carry it out."

"I hear you, my children. Have you secured the villa perimeter?"

"With the flame of faith and holy weapons, we have descended. Your enemies shall be laid low. Your will shall burn as purification. Your command shall become blood."

"Hold position. Your faith is your shield. Your actions are the cleansing flame. Await my signal."

"For You, we breathe. For You, we spill blood. For You, we will burn this galaxy if we must."

The communication cut off. Reuel cursed silently.

Shit… why is my speech starting to sound like that old bastard on the golden toilet…

"Reuel," Jill Valentine's voice broke the silence. She sat beside him, looking at him with curiosity. "Are you military? Why did you call them 'my children'?"

Reuel turned to her casually, answering without hesitation, "NO."

"I'm not part of the military, not part of any government. I'm... only yours," he said with a shameless smile.

Jill raised an eyebrow. "Bastard. And what about Alice?"

Reuel answered instantly, "Ahem. Right now I'm yours. And in the future... I'll belong to both of you."

"Shameless. Fucking bastard," Jill muttered, but the amused smile on her face couldn't be hidden.

At that moment, the hum of the engine slowed. The train began to stop.

Everyone got ready. Weapons raised. Breaths held.

The final battle outside the Hive was now on the horizon.

"Watch your own safety. This is the final battle we must face," said Reuel, standing in front of the group. "I've deployed support teams outside. I want all of you to make it out of this place alive."

This was the final mobilization before confrontation.

Reuel walked toward the exit first. Jill Valentine and Alice followed behind him, and the others joined in. At the gate, Reuel called out to Red Queen.

"Red Queen, order Kasrkin Squad-Delta to begin the assault."

Moments later, the sound of gunfire exploded in the distance. The first shots marked the start of the attack.

Reuel and the others charged out of the villa with weapons raised. Without hesitation, Reuel opened fire on the Umbrella personnel in the courtyard. Blam! Blam! Bullets shattered the silence and hit their marks. The sudden assault threw the enemy into chaos—many dropped immediately.

Rain, the "tiger bitch," swept a wide area with her machine gun, even gunning down a few unarmed scientists trying to flee.

Alice and Jill didn't hold back either—dancing through the battlefield with weapons in hand. Every movement was deadly and... almost mesmerizing. An elegant symphony of death.

The battle was brief but brutal. Bodies fell. The enemy was wiped out before they could form a defense.

That's when Reuel saw them: Kasrkin Squad-Delta.

Ten figures in gray steel armor walked forward. Each wore heavy Carapace Armour with fully enclosed helmets—marked with a twin-headed eagle on the forehead. Some of their visors glowed faint red, like embers in the fog. No faces were visible. Not one of them spoke.

They advanced in perfect formation. Hot-shot lasguns locked and loaded, energy cables connected to power packs on their backs. Among them were flamers, plasma guns, volley guns—mass destruction weapons from another age.

"These are elite troops…" James muttered in disbelief. "Their gear is way beyond anything we have."

The rest of the team nodded in agreement.

"We enter this battlefield in Your name, O Light of Terra. Your will shall be fulfilled with fire and blood!"

Their unified roar thundered. Right fists struck left chests—a gesture of absolute devotion to Reuel.

Reuel returned the salute with a calm nod.

"Sergeant Darek Thorne. Take your team. Secure the perimeter."

"Command received, Eternal Light. In Your light, we move."

Reuel then turned to his own group.

"Let's get the hell out of this place."

They moved. As they walked, Reuel spoke to Red Queen.

"Red Queen, can you locate a safe place large enough? We've got twenty people."

"Brother, I've found one. Three villas in the Butte Mountain Villa area—one main villa and two secondary units. The owner is a senior Umbrella researcher, but he is currently out of Raccoon City. Only four security guards are on site."

"How far from here?"

"Less than ten kilometers."

"Good. That's our destination."

"System, deploy two Chimera Armored Transports and five Taurox Primes from the edge of the forest, to the front."

"Confirmed, Host."

"Hurry up—our rides are waiting," Reuel told the others. They picked up the pace.

A few minutes later, everyone boarded the vehicles. Reuel, Alice, and Jill sat together in one unit, while the rest spread out across the other six.

"Sergeant Darek Thorne, proceed according to the route from Red Queen. There are six guards to handle."

"Command received, Eternal Light. In Your light, we move."

After nearly twenty minutes of travel, they arrived at the site. Reuel immediately led Jill and Alice into the main villa. Kasrkin Squad-Delta was stationed at the left villa. James and the rest moved into the right one.

"It's midnight. Get some rest. We'll discuss the rest tomorrow," Reuel said.

"Sergeant Darek Thorne, organize guard rotation."

"Command received, Eternal Light. In Your light, we move."

Once everything was settled, Reuel stepped into the villa. He passed Jill and Alice without a word and dropped himself onto the couch.

Silence.

The night cooled.

Reuel's thoughts began retracing everything that had happened.

Before this whole time-travel thing, I was just an ordinary person.

But now?

My first time holding a gun.

My first time killing a zombie.

My first time killing... a human.

And more than that—I saw characters who once only existed on the screens of my favorite movies and games.

Warhammer.

Those who were once just fictional legends now walk beside me.

I fight alongside them.

I speak to them.

People I once admired… or despised… are now real.

All of this feels so absurd. Not even in my wildest dreams did I imagine this.

Reuel picked up a bottle of wine from the table, poured it into a crystal glass, and took a slow sip.

He sat alone in the villa's living room, his thoughts drifting far and wide.

Too much had happened today.

One glass. Two. Three.

More than half the bottle was gone, but his awareness remained sharp. He let out a small scoff.

My body's getting stronger… higher endurance. Even getting drunk is hard now.

A soft voice broke the silence.

"Reuel, what are you thinking about?"

Jill Valentine, just out of the shower, now sat beside him. Her hair was still wet, and the thin pajamas clung closely to her skin.

Reuel smiled, pulled her into a side hug, and kissed her shampoo-scented hair.

"I was thinking about you. Even when I don't see you for just a moment… I miss you."

Jill raised an eyebrow but didn't pull away from his embrace.

"Come on, we barely know each other."

"But you feel so familiar, like… a part of my life that's been on pause."

"By the way, where's Alice?" Reuel asked, looking into Jill's eyes with mischief—but also sincerity.

"I just got out of the shower, and you're already thinking about another woman?"

"I'm thinking about you right now," Reuel replied, his hand gently brushing her leg.

Jill gave a small smile, but her voice softened into something more serious.

"Reuel… do you think we can survive in the future?"

Reuel looked at her intently.

"Of course. We can live together—husband and wife, if you want."

But Jill lowered her gaze slightly, worry starting to cloud her expression.

"After everything that happened today… and the virus still spreading… I have a bad feeling about what's coming."

Reuel sighed. He knew her fear wasn't unfounded. But he also knew there were things he couldn't explain—at least, not yet.

He held Jill's hand tightly.

"Jill, don't worry. Whatever comes next, I'll face it. We'll face it—together."

He couldn't promise the world would be fine.

But he could promise one thing: he wouldn't leave.

Not Jill.

Not anyone who had put their trust in him.

Jill gave a quiet nod and buried her face in Reuel's chest. In his arms, she felt... warm. Safe.

"Tired. Let's rest."

Reuel gave a small smile, then—without another word—lifted Jill Valentine into his arms.

He walked calmly up the stairs to the second floor, moving down a dark hallway until he found an empty room that seemed untouched by anyone else.

With a gentle motion, he opened the door, stepped inside, and laid Jill down on the bed.

The soft, dim light fell across her peaceful face, as if all the exhaustion she had carried finally found a place to rest.

Reuel sat at the edge of the bed, watching her for a moment.

Then he lay down beside her, wrapped his arms around her in silence, and kissed her lips—softly—

What happened next…

Well, you can imagine it yourselves.

---

Umbrella Corporation — Raccoon City

"Dr. Isaacs, our operation has failed. All personnel dispatched to the villa are dead."

Thomas, the Security Director of the Raccoon City branch, stood stiffly before the communication screen, reporting to Dr. Isaacs—the executive head who held de facto power in this region.

"Was there a third party involved?"

"We haven't found direct evidence yet, but I sent in additional teams. They disappeared as well. The Hive… is out of control," Thomas replied, tension visible on his face.

Isaacs narrowed his eyes, then gave a crooked smile. "Someone went in… and came out alive. Mobilize the entire security force. Find them."

"Orders received, Doctor. What about The Hive?"

"Open access. No more holding back. A new age is almost upon us," Isaacs chuckled. His laughter echoed through the room—mad and full of conviction. "We're going to rule the world."

---

Raccoon City Police Department

Night crept in slowly, but the police station was in chaos. Reports of assaults were skyrocketing, and the holding cells were packed with anxious detainees.

In one of the cells, an old man was handcuffed to a metal chair. His body trembled, his breathing was labored. Suddenly, he let out a feral scream—

"HRRRGHHHHHH–KRAAAHHHH!"

His voice was deep, hoarse—like a wounded, starving animal.

The inmate beside him turned with disgust. "Hey, old man. What the fuck's your problem? You a junkie or something?"

The old man kept convulsing. His eyes had lost all trace of humanity. His body tensed unnaturally. The metal chains binding his wrists began to creak—krek, krek—as his muscles swelled.

"Fuck this, if you don't stop, I'm gonna slap you down!" the other inmate snapped.

But before he could finish the sentence, the old man turned suddenly—and bit into his neck.

"AAARGH! FUCK! GET HIM OFF ME!"

"He bit me! Holy shit, he actually bit me! Somebody help!"

Guards rushed in. "What the hell's going on?!"

"Those two! Re-lock them, separate now!" one of the officers shouted.

They locked the inmates back down, but that wasn't the only incident that night. Outside the cells, reports of violence, biting, and bizarre behavior began to pour in from every corner of the city.

But none of them realized yet…

Death was on its way.

Maybe tomorrow, maybe the day after.

But one thing was certain—it would come.

---

Taurox Prime

Taurox Prime – The Iron Fist of the Militarum Tempestus

The Taurox Prime is a specialized variant of the standard Taurox armored personnel carrier (APC) fielded by the Astra Militarum. Engineered specifically for the elite Militarum Tempestus forces, the Taurox Prime merges mechanical efficiency with battlefield flexibility, making it a superior platform for both mobility and combat in extreme conditions.

Unlike its standard counterpart, the Taurox Prime's chassis is constructed with arcane technologies that allow it to sustain Tempestus Scions even in the most lethal environments—including the vacuum of space. Its systems can be fully pressurized and come equipped with vital life-support protocols, ensuring Scions remain battle-ready wherever they are deployed.

Its technological superiority does not end there. Through a union of sacred machinery and ritual invocation of the Machine Spirit, the Taurox Prime is capable of manipulating magnetic forces within its tread systems. This grants the vehicle the ability to cling to vertical surfaces and operate in zero-gravity conditions—a priceless advantage in void warfare.

When it comes to firepower, the Taurox Prime is no less deadly. It can be outfitted with a lightweight Taurox Battle Cannon for anti-vehicle roles, a Gatling Cannon for mowing down infantry, or a Taurox Missile Launcher for versatile combat scenarios. Secondary hull-mounted weapons range from twin-linked Hot-Shot Volley Guns and Autocannons to pintle-mounted Storm Bolters or Heavy Stubbers. Additional equipment such as Dozer Blades, Smoke Launchers, Extra Armor Plating, and Augur Arrays provide the Taurox Prime with exceptional durability and tactical sophistication on any battlefield.

The Battle of Scarus Sector: Strategy Amid Snow and Death

The Taurox Prime's versatility was tested to its limits in the Scarus Sector, when a Schola Progenium facility came under siege by the Death Guard. The 68th Deltic Lions regiment, veterans of multiple engagements against the followers of Nurgle, were rapidly deployed to contain the outbreak of Chaos corruption.

Rather than locking horns in attritional warfare—an approach that would undoubtedly favor the resilient Plague Marines—the Deltic Lions' commander implemented a campaign of coordinated guerrilla tactics. Using their fleet of Taurox Primes, the Scions launched rapid strikes against weak points in the enemy lines. Blitz attacks on the outer flanks forced the slow-moving Death Guard to reposition, only for the Scions to vanish once more into the battlefield's shadows before retaliation could be mustered.

Through a series of feints and ambushes, the Deltic Lions herded the Chaos forces into a frozen ravine, where sub-zero temperatures and heavy snowfall hindered their advance. As the Heretic Astartes became trapped, Taurox Primes took position atop cliffs flanking both sides of the chasm—then hell descended.

Hot-Shot Lasguns seared rotting flesh, Taurox Gatling Cannons shredded their ranks, and Missile Launchers broke apart bloated formations in gory waves of filth and blood.

Famous Taurox Primes of the Battlefield

Several Taurox Prime units have become living legends within the annals of Imperial warfare:

Iron Talon – Assigned to the 55th Kappic Eagles, Iron Talon held the bridge at Frostjaw Crevasse for over one solar hour against the Crimson Slaughter, holding the line until reinforcements arrived and forced the Chaos retreat.

Noble Blade – A vehicle of the 32nd Thetoid Eagles, deployed in the assault on Orbital Station Valaheim, where Scions launched from the station's outer hull to breach Ork defenses from within.

Unmerciful – A Taurox Prime of the 22nd Thetoid Gryphonnes, it holds the highest confirmed kill record in its regiment, having exterminated Orks, Termagants, and Chaos cultists alike with mechanical precision.

The Huntsman – The pride of the 9th Iotan Gorgonnes, The Huntsman spearheaded the ambush campaign on the toxic world of Gaur-Ix, tearing through Death Guard forces amid the choking fog in a matter of weeks.

---

Chimera – Armored Personnel Carrier

Chimera – Armored Personnel Carrier of the Astra Militarum

The Chimera is the standard armored personnel carrier (APC) of the Astra Militarum, and its chassis serves as the foundation for numerous other Imperial vehicles, including the Basilisk artillery platform and the Salamander Scout vehicle. The base Chimera variant comes armed with a Multi-Laser but can be reconfigured to carry heavier weapons such as twin Heavy Bolters, an Autocannon, or a Heavy Flamer.

The Chimera is also fitted with a hull-mounted Heavy Bolter or Heavy Flamer, and features six integrated lasguns along its side compartments—operable directly by embarked infantry. With the capacity to carry up to 12 Guardsmen, 6 heavy weapons teams, or 4 Ogryns, the Chimera offers unparalleled battlefield flexibility. One of its standout features is its amphibious capability—allowing it to ford rivers, swamps, and other aquatic obstacles during cross-terrain or amphibious assaults.

For millennia, the Chimera has proven its reliability across countless warzones, operating in the harshest environments the galaxy has to offer. Its tread system allows it to traverse nearly any terrain—from scorched desert wastes to shattered urban ruins.

It is not uncommon for the enemy to be caught off guard, believing their flank secure—only to see squads of Imperial Guardsmen disembark from an unexpected direction, backed by the deadly anti-personnel firepower of their Chimera. These sudden strikes often shatter enemy cohesion and tear holes through fortified lines.

"Armoured Fist" Infantry Units

Infantry units of the Astra Militarum deployed with Chimeras are known as Armoured Fist squads—elite formations that bring speed and flexibility to an otherwise slow and regimented Imperial force. Due to the high cost and logistical complexity of acquiring Mechanicum-supplied vehicles, not all infantry regiments are equipped with mechanised elements. As a result, many Astra Militarum commanders assign non-mechanised units alongside Armoured Fist formations from other regiments to enhance mobility and offensive punch.

These troops are especially effective at reacting to sudden threats, spearheading initial assaults on enemy lines, and securing key objectives until reinforcements arrive. Their attacks often begin with suppressive fire from the Chimera's heavy weapons, followed by infantry rapidly disembarking via the rear ramp to clear targets in brutal close combat.

Their reputation for "getting the job done" makes them a favorite tool of frontline commanders—though this effectiveness comes at a price. Armoured Fist formations typically suffer higher casualty rates than standard foot infantry units.

Variants, Armament, and Auxiliary Equipment

The most common pattern, the Mars Pattern Chimera, typically features:

A turret-mounted Multi-Laser

A hull-mounted Heavy Bolter

Six integrated lasgun ports, fireable from within

Alternate configurations include:

Heavy Flamers in both turret and hull roles—ideal for close-quarters urban engagements

Autocannons, enabling the Chimera to function in a light anti-vehicle capacity

Forge World Gryphonne IV manufactures a unique variant equipped with twin turret-mounted Heavy Bolters—less effective against armored vehicles, but devastatingly efficient at mowing down massed infantry such as Orks or Tyranids.

Additional equipment options include:

Camouflage Netting

Extra Armor Plating

Hunter-Killer Missile Launcher

Pintle-mounted Storm Bolter or Heavy Stubber

Enhanced Vox-Communications Arrays

Searchlights, Smoke Launchers, Dozer Blades, and Auspex Scanners

Special Formation: Emperor's Wrath Artillery Company

One of the most iconic Chimera-deployed formations is the Emperor's Wrath Artillery Company. These units begin engagements with crushing artillery barrages from Basilisks or Colossus siege guns, obliterating enemy positions and reducing terrain to blasted craters and rubble. Such bombardments may last for hours, days, or even weeks.

Each artillery battery generally consists of three artillery vehicles and one Chimera command vehicle—serving as a mobile and resilient coordination hub behind the lines.


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