501st Shock Troops: Reckoning

*Disclaimer*: I do not own any pictures, media, or franchises used in the making of this story, unless explicitly stated otherwise, and all credit goes to the original creators.

Cover art by Azlaar on X/Twitter and Instagram
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"Super Earth. Our home. Prosperity, liberty, and democracy -- our way of life. But freedom doesn't come free: it is every man, woman, and child's duty to protect our home, our culture, and our families. Why not make the most important decision of your life; make the safety of your family a personal responsibility, and prove that you have the strength and the courage to be free?

Join the HELLDIVERS! Travel the galaxy, visit the capitals, meet unusual people and represent the federation. Secure the resources we need to preserve our way of life and create a future for Super Earth. Spread managed democracy throughout the galaxy.

Become more than you are. Become a Hero. Become, a legend. Become . . .

A HELLDIVER!"

What a load of sh*t.

This is what we were told when we signed up. We were promised glory. We were promised the safety of those we hold dear.

But with the onset of the second galactic war?

It couldn't be further from the truth.

Setback after setback. Planet after planet, lost or crippled. Friend and foe alike drowned in oceans of blood or oil.

From the Creek to Hellmire. From Meridia to Mantes. From Calypso . . .

To Super Earth itself.

We're losing. Badly.

But we will make them pay for every inch in blood. Not because high command says so, not because of the general's orders! -- No! Because we've given up too much to surrender now.

This is Michael "Primarch" Lumine, Star Marshall, Viper Commando, Senior Commanding Officer and major of the 501st Shock Troops under the 148th Super Templars Helldiver Division.

And this? This is our story.