- prologue - 

Since the chapter's ill-fated assault on the Spawn of Execration the incidence of space hulk
sightings has increased substantially, and by the early years of the 74th decade an average of one
hulk per year was being detected. None of these ships were large enough to pose any real threat to
the Imperium. The smallest were blown up, and larger hulks were boarded and searched before being
destroyed, but none proved particularly valuable. 

The question everyone was asking themselves was not as easy to handle. Why had so many Space
Hulks appeared in such a short timespan? Were the space continuom collapsing or bending in
a way that directed these towards Earth, or even worse, that this was the work of some
unknown force. Something that sent these monsters and that this was only the beginning
of an even larger invasion.

In the year 736, a strange disturbance in the warp/real space interface heralded the arrival of a
monstrous space hulk, fully half as big again as the 'Spawn on Execration'. It emerged on the
eastern edge of the Ultima Segmentum, and immediately turned west, apparently heading straight
for the heart of the Imperium. Lann Koren, commander of the nearby Imperial navy base Kar Duniash,
sent out a call to the nearest Space Marine Chapter.

The newly discovered hulk was given the name 'Harbinger of Despair' as commander Lann Koren
though it would be fitting to the general feeling it gave gazing apon the vessel.

As the hulk's coarse posed no immediate danger to any human-inhabited worlds, it was allowed to
pursue its course, trailed by a flotilla of Imperial ships from Battlefleet Ultima. The first
scans revealed that this hulk was equiped with far more advanced technology than any before
seen hulk. It even gave rise to the queston if it even came from the future.






As the path of the hulk took it very near 'Senn', an empiric recearch transporter the orders
was to let it continue its path and that Senn should intercept and after further tests
conclude whether to blow it up or if its contents was enough to order a boarding mission.

Three days later, before Senn had the chance to examine it the hulk slipped back into the warp 
and was nearly lost but for the persistence of a squadron of navy frigates. Against all odds, 
the gallant little ships trailed the hulk through the nightmare shoals of the warp until it 
dropped back into real space just five light years from the Formund, right in the path of the 
proud Terminator company that was racing to meet their destiny at Kar Duriash.

The chapters force was led by a heroic sergeant who had distinguished himself by fighting
genestealers on the hulk 'Spawn of Execration' thirty years ago. His firsthand combat experience,
coupled with his exceptional bravery and superior leadership qualities, made him the ideal choice
to lead the chapter on their quest for retribution.

Even though the sergeant himself did not want to lead such an endevour his saying was of little
importance as he had signed the contract of serving the Empire and what the Emperor ordered
his men obey. It was either leading his men once more into a hulk, or beeing sentenced to
a lifetime onboard a prison facility as a conscientious objector. 
.
