The three squads were transported and then escorted into the Main Fleet Briefing room by the officers. Although Maraad was practically shoved into it by Sergeant Astor just because he could do it. Maraad said nothing, though he trembled with anger. He would not give Astor the satisfaction *I'm not saving him from the ambushes if it goes bad now. Hopefully a stray bolter round will finish him* Maraad thought.

The Blood Angels and Ultramarines looked on, freshly recruited to the mission quite literally on the last ship out on the fleet. *However harsh I may have been to them; I am thankful they're not in a unit like that. I was harsh to prepare them for how command and battle would be. But that Sergeant looks nasty just because he can be. A lesson in all the wrong ways to motivate a troop, if half the things I hear about that Astor is true. There is discipline and punishment in all units true, but then as well there is simple vileness* Ultramarines Sergeant Gaius thought

Blood Angels Sergeant Danvers thought *How unhappy does that unit look? The Sergeant is the only one smiling and it's not a good smile. At least they might be competent, or else their Primarch wouldn't have sent them*

"ATTENTION!" Shouted a loud voice and every soldier snapped to his feet. Agapito Nev, Raven Guard Captain stepped into the room.

"You have all been assembled for a rapid strike from orbit onto a traitor Communications station on Istvaan Extremis. We have received intelligence that it is the key to their supply lines and escape from the system by our Raven Guard and Alpha Legion operatives. They shouldn't be alerted to your arrival. You three squads have been handpicked to do this. I know most of your squad are not that experienced but we are confident you should succeed!"

Captain Nev went on

"The first squad and command of the operations shall be Astor and the Iron Warriors squad as the Iron Warriors are experts in cracking open enemy bases!

Secondly the Blood Angels squad shall be led by veteran Sergeant Danvers. I am told he distinguished himself against the Greenskins on Gratzan Prime"

Sergeant Danvers looked shocked at the recognition but bowed in respect.

"The third squad shall be the Ultramarines, led by Sergeant Gaius. This will be invaluable in blooding the new recruits he has bought and showing them what true, loyal Astartes do to Turncoats and Traitors"

Sergeant Gaius nodded and attempted a smile, as he agreed with the sentiment. He had a frown on his face as usual though straight after.

After they had gone over the details of the drop, Agapito dismissed them all and wished them luck. They would need it. "Do not underestimate your opponents. Horus and his fellow traitors were amongst our finest warriors and know all our usual tricks. I wager they didn't think we'd do drop pod yet in such a hostile atmosphere onto their roof"

Laughter rang out, though it was a weak joke, but they all needed some laughter today.
"Enough chatter. You will assemble in the morning for the flight over. I know this isn't going to be easy, as whatever they are now, they were once our brothers. But they are not them now and will shoot you as ready as any Xenos. It's you or them. They have proven they won't hesitate, neither should you. Accept that and it should go smoothly. On your way now! Dismissed!" Agapito Nev ordered.

As they filed out, each was given a mission briefing folder to study over beforehand.

Maraad, that evening, after retiring to his new unit's quarters. opened the folder and something slipped out. It was a note. "Come to the bowels of the ship at midnight tonight. Do not be followed"- Warsmith Forrix