The Strike Cruiser Praetorian of Caliban drops out of the warp and into the Lesser Amicus cluster. A few seconds later the two escorting frigates drop in next to the cruiser. Task force Resolution quickly formed up and stood waiting for orders.

Brother-Master Alacanon strides onto the battle bridge as the final checks are completed. Captain Martin turns to him and speaks. “The system is clear and all ships have reported, Brother-Master Alacanon. We have stood down from general alert and await your orders?”

“Proceed to the fourth planet. We will rendezvous with the ships there.” He turns and leaves the bridge to complete his own preparations. As he moves down the small corridor to the chapel his mind relaxes. This planet may offer us the opportunity for some rest and training, he thinks to himself.

As one the ships move forward. The frigates assume lead and trailing positions with an ease speaking of many years of training. In a few hours the fourth planet is in sight. The call is given to assemble the senior staff in the wardroom

Brother-Master Alacanon, Epistolary Claudius and the remainder of the command staff gather in the wardroom of the ship. The mood is relaxed as these men had served together many years on this current mission and knew what to expect. As was customary Alacanon speak first, “Praise be to the Emperor for our safe passage through the warp.”

The gathered Battle Brothers intone the reply “He is ever vigilant and watches over his chosen”.

Claudius stood to speak next. “We have come to Amicus to meet supply ships sent from our brothers on the Rock. We shall take on replacements as well, and spend a few months here to train them to our standards. We have chosen this planet due to the remote location of this cluster. The population is small and we are free to use most of the planet for our needs.”

Alacanon spoke again. “You know your duties. Go with the blessings of the Eternal Emperor and the Lion.”

The assembled brothers leave, all but Claudius and Alacanon. Claudius breaks the silence between them first. “There is something not right here Brother. I feel the population is uneasy, and there is something else, something in the background that slips through my attempts to bring it into focus. It is as if my efforts are being actively countered.”

Alacanon tilts his head slightly and answers “I too have felt as we were drawn here, as if the Emperors will directs us. I shall send a small party down to the planet first. They can reconnoiter the area and report anything they find. Send for Brother-Sergeant Nathan.”

Sergeant Nathan, the commander of the scout force, reports to the wardroom at once. Alacanon tells Nathan “Gather a reconnaissance team. You are going down to the planet ahead of the rest of the command. Maintain a low profile. Assemble in the flight deck in thirty minutes. Nathan merely nods and moves to gather his men.