As the Imperium and Tau Empire wrestle for control of the Agri-world Tanner's Reach, master sniper Sgt Xander is despatched to investigate the rumour of a new Tau commander opening up a 2nd front.

Lt Cmdr Ursus, Officer of the Fleet, joins Captain Krychec and the 9th Company of the 2nd Truskan Drop Regiment on his first combat deployment. It's supposed to be a simple, straight forward mission. Supposed to... but as they say, no plan survives first contact.