*The Imperial fleet, the remnants of the 24**^(th)* *Expeditionary Fleet, had translated from the Warp six weeks ago and were making their way through the system.*  

*The crews of the faster craft were already on the planet, termed Vulgraad by the inhabitants, dubbed 24-12 by the Imperials.  The reports from those agents were disconcerting at best.  A Xenos contingent had been reported to be on world and trading with the humans.  The taint seemed to be limited to trade at this point.  Preliminary reports did not recommend exterminatus.  This troubled the expedition commander, Oheon Dakron.*  

*Four weeks after they translated into the system, a communication had reached the fleet from Angron ordering his contingent of World Eaters to meet the rest of the legion in the Istvaan system.  The few Astartes aboard the Iconoclast class escort, the Fearmonger, had agreed to help Dakron with an initial assault upon 24-12, but would be pulled out after the Xenos element on the planet was eliminated.*  

*As the fleet approached Vulgraad, the Fearmonger streaked ahead, breaking formation.  The small ship was among the fastest remaining with the main fleet.  Oheon Dakron had ordered his communication officer to hail the World Eaters but countermanded the order almost immediately. The fleet watched as ground assault craft came streaming out of the XII Legion vessel with little they could do to prevent or support the assault.*    


Beachhead on Vulgraad