Ficlets

With the 12th decimated, 11th heavy support opened up in earnest. Their distracting fire signaled the charge.
“It’s simple”, thought Anders.
“Death would cease my problems.”
“Success would elevate me of this Penal battalion, restoring my rank and unit.”
“Pain, is a mere inconvenience.”
With nervous resolve, he pointed towards the action and yelled the unit’s motto, “Nil Homini Certum Est!” The suicidal charge began.
They closed the distance to Psyker 1.
Aided by sonic equipment, a trooper breached its inner defence and slapped a mine upon its side. With an E.M.P. mine armed and set, Anders reflexively set his weapon’s selector from lazer to cartridge.”BAM!” The Psyker left its hover for the ground, in a veil of smoke and spark. For a moment it lay vulnerable, converting to manual systems. That moment, considering the 11th’s incessant fire, must have seemed an hour. It proved too much; smoke began to curl from its vents.
Slowly, a hatch opened, glistening tentacles around its edge.