The Blood Angels strike cruiser Sword of Baal hangs in orbit over the planet Niades, trapped by warp storms. Aboard, the ship's complement of Space Marines chafe at their inaction. Their commander, Captain Orpheo, has traveled to the surface to investigate a mysterious signal, and he and his honour guard can no longer be reached due to signal distortion in the atmosphere.
Meanwhile, the Sword of Baal's captain, Ship Mistress Livia Solken, has to contend with obstruction and obfuscation from Niades' orbital tower. What secrets could the tower's authorities be trying to hide from the Blood Angels?