In the Maelstrom Subsector, ten Chapters struggled against attacks from multiple xenos races. Although the arrival of Primaris Warriors had given the Imperium a temporary respite, the situation still had not turned in its favor.
This time, a major disaster struck the region. Two neutron stars finally collided, producing an immensely powerful explosion, though its effects spread slowly on the scale of an entire subsector.
The colonies began reducing ship traffic, systematically activating their defensive arrays and shields, and entering a brief lockdown.
Badab World had been "severely damaged" in the last war, but its location was strategically important. A barren planet nearby had therefore been selected and developed into a new world.
Badab Second World replaced Badab World as a defensive nexus and a resupply point for armed trade convoys, but it had been established too recently to prosper.
This time, they activated their Void Shields to withstand the approaching "astronomical disaster."
With navigation prohibited and planetary defenses activated, they failed to notice three unusual cans hidden among the cargo crates of the last transport convoy to arrive.
Canned food, but spoiled.
William arrived on Badab Second World leading a company of soldiers. Strictly speaking, it was not a company, but his Bodyguard.
Yes, that was right. A Second Company captain had assembled an entire company of Honour Guards.
The Crimson Tide had joined the Bite of the Grey Scar Chapter in battle. Partway through, the rear suddenly called for reinforcements following a Genestealer incursion. William led his Honour Guard to eliminate the enemy and encountered this incident en route.
The neutron star collision was so powerful that its gravitational waves posed a serious threat to the fleet. He had no reason to gamble on entering the warp and emerging beyond the blast's reach.
The arrival of an