Planetfall: Minus 399hrs Terran Sidereal Time
The Symphalia class warp-runner Ad Temperesta of the Raven Guard breaches real-space at the distant extent of the Isstvan system, intent on masking its route as the forerunner of a reconnaissance fleet. Outfitted with extensive and advanced augury and sensorium equipment, the ship is one of the most capable stealth vessels in the entire Imperial battleline, with a fine tally of Redactis-category augur missions already accomplished by the vessel and its skilled crew providing invaluable intelligence for expeditionary actions during the Great Crusade.
The crew of the Ad Temperesta moved under view of darkness, ranging far ahead of the Retribution Fleet itself, to confirm the worst and even from afar the scale of the carnage wrought upon Isstvan III is plain for them to see, with all who their brethren of the XIXth Legion bought into Imperial Compliance years before having perished in the scouring fires of cyclonic immolation.
Istvaan V is identified as Horus’ base of operations and ranged scans indicate that the bulk of his forces are concentrated in a region known as the Urgall Depression, where a mighty fortress has been raised to take advantage of the natural topography. The Loyalist vessel is, however, unopposed in the void and little sign of the Warmaster’s battle fleet can be found.
