Massacres were unfolding across the Starport. Randolph and his three squadmates had been assigned to the Astropathic Chamber, where the Astropaths were stationed. The equipment inside amplified their Psychic Power and allowed them to send messages beyond the planet.
The Astropathic Chamber was guarded by a group of well-trained Sailors, and it lay farther from the War Band's landing site than any other location. As a result, Randolph had spent the most time getting there, giving the Sailors enough time to react and prepare for the battle ahead.
The Sailors aimed their weapons at the intersection. Most carried Laser Guns and Combat Shotguns, but their unit also had four Stalker Bolters. Though made for human-sized wielders, they were theoretically capable of piercing armor.
At their head stood a man in a black double-breasted coat and a black peaked cap adorned with a skull. He was a Commissar, and he held a human-sized Bolter Pistol.
The Commissar addressed the soldiers:
"I don't know what your chances of survival are, so we'll fight together. Soldiers, show your loyalty to the Emperor!"
As the Commissar delivered his rousing speech, something suddenly came flying toward them. Boom! The battle began with an explosion. It was a Frag Grenade thrown by the Space Marines. They had timed the release of the pin, then hurled the grenades with enough force to make them explode in midair.
But a wall of Psychic Power in the corridor stopped the grenade. The Sailors staggered from the force of the blast, but not a single metal fragment hit them. They quickly regained their footing and began firing back. They raised Laser Guns, Shotguns, and Bolter Guns, sending out streaks of red light and spinning bullets in an attempt to punch through the Space Marines' power armor.
Randolph and his squadmates