The Cabalide System was a "frontier system" in the Eastern Fringe.
This was the farthest point the Emperor's Astronomican could reliably illuminate. Beyond it lay the mysterious Outer Ring, teeming with all manner of Xenos, heretics, and strange things.
Cabalide stood firm as the Imperium's frontier in that distant region, keeping the Imperium separated from the horrors beyond.
It also provided supplies to Rogue Traders bold enough to venture into the Outer Ring.
To protect the Imperium's border, a number of Astra Militarum units were stationed here, along with an Imperial Navy detachment.
But now Cabalide had been thrown into panic.
A Warp Rift opened at the Mandeville Point, followed by the emergence of an enormous fleet.
Had a main Imperial Navy fleet been stationed here, it might not have been much of a problem. But for Cabalide, which had only a Cruiser Squadron, it was nothing short of a catastrophe.
Brigadier Arax led the Cruiser Squadron out of the starport, preparing to intercept the approaching Dawn Fleet.
"Order the Wraith to advance to sector VY-6 and the Desperation to ZZT-8. Execute Standard Tactic Three. Torpedo Master, warm up the torpedoes."
Just as the colonel was methodically issuing combat orders, his adjutant suddenly reported in.
"Brigadier, the enemy has sent a transmission."
"Put it through."
A voice immediately came over the Vox system.
"Imperial Fleet, we are the Dawn Army. We have come to save the people of the Imperium."
"The Emperor's will has been twisted over the past ten thousand years. The Imperium is now rotten and depraved, and human civilization faces extinction."
"I need you to join us, or cease hostilities."
Arax roared back, his face contorted with fury.
"Heretics! Even if we die here, we will never let you through!"
With that, he cut the transmission.
Arax