In an obscure corner of the galaxy, life on the barren world of <span class="mu-s">Dracom III</span> goes on as it always has for the past 10000 years, give or take a few millenia. Rumours have reached the Adeptus Mechanicus, indicating the possibility that ancient archeotech is located somewhere beneath its surface. A nearby Explorator Fleet sends an expedition to determine the veracity of such reports. Unfortunately for them, an ancient foe has also learnt of its existence.

A fleet of ships manifest from the warp into interstellar space, near the heliopause of the Dracom system. Within the spires of the Grand Cruiser <span class="mu-i">Ragged Majesty</span>, a Space Marine formerly of the Vlka Fenryka heads to the command bridge.