Prologue.

In the freezing darkness of deep space, the strike cruiser Pride of Caliban continued on its plotted course.

Inside the massive spacecraft, in the inner sanctum of the Strategium Room, a lone robed figure stood hunched over a massive ebony table. Spread out across it star charts lay, carefully penned documents, which were as beautiful as they were old. Behind the figure the doors slid open with a hiss of hydraulics operating. “My Lord” the newcomer spoke, “I bring news”. Straightening and turning round, Master Ciaphas regarded his oldest ally close. Interrogator-Chaplain Boreaus, clad in his immaculate black power armour presented an impressive sight, and briefly Ciaphas wondered if he ever took the armour off, knowing full well that Boreaus hated being out off his blessed armour. “Speak, friend, what news do you bring?” Stepping up to the table, Boraeus handed his commander a data-transcript, who read it quickly. Nodding, Ciaphas turned back to the maps and pointed. “This is excellent news, Boreaus. “Task Force Resolution” has deployed to the Lesser Amicus cluster…here” Moving his finger across the map, Ciaphas continued, his finger resting on an Imperial planet “Chaplain Dominikus of the 1^st Company has struck here, no doubt he will prove more than equal to the local defences” Boreaus regarded the pattern being traced across the map by Ciaphas’ finger, and thought of the commander’s combat history…

Master Ciaphas had been promoted to the rank of Master and given his own independent command, code-named “Vendetta” just prior to the 13^th Black Crusade. Though the entire Chapter had been deployed to the Eye, Ciaphas, as the youngest master, had been relegated to securing the Chapters flank and this had led to him being far removed from the forces of the Despoiler. Instead, Strike Force Vendetta had been engaged in a series of actions against the opportunistic Tau, who had sought to expand their xeno empire whilst the forces of Mankind were engaged in the defence of the Cadian Gate. Though inflicting heavy losses on the Tau, the lack of support from the Imperial Guard had inevitably forced a strategic withdrawal from the general area. Since then, Ciaphas had borne a grudge against the Tau, and their leader in that area, one Shas’o Mal’cao. Undoubtedly, the Black Crusade had tempered Ciaphas, and produced a formidable strategist. It was now clear to all why Grand Master Belial had pushed Ciaphas forward for promotion, and the decision had proved a wise one.     

The Interrogator-Chaplain fixed his gaze on Ciaphas, who looked straight back at him. “The different task forces are now in position. The Fallen cannot have missed that they are being hunted more actively than ever before. With Master Alacanon and Chaplain Dominikus in position, it is time for us to move our forces. “Task Force Deathangel” are providing a valuable holding action in the relevant sectors, and so we set a course for Demaron Secundus. Have Brother-Sergeant Raziel ready his squad, and make ready the Ravenwing. We go to hunt…”

The darkness of space was suddenly illuminated as the Pride of Caliban opened a warp gate and slipped into the immaterium.