The imperium moved swiftly to secure a foothold in Hexis having not only found out the location of the device and a star chart to the Lysis system, but also painfully aware that the forces of chaos had a head start.
Given the difficulties of warp travel near to the Cicatrix, only light forces could be sent in the first wave, with a clear direction to set up a base and install warp amplifiers to allow heavier warships to follow. Escorting the adeptus mechanicus teams were squads from the Hammers of The Emperor chapter, Dark Angels and Sky Lords. Additionally the first wave was given a company of Last of Sicorax light infantry and a squad of precious Primaris marines from the Howling Griffons.
The initial landings went to plan but the Primaris marines were soon pressed into service, fighting off a roving band of Black Legion. This indicated quickly that the forces of chaos had indeed already arrived on the barren dusty ruins of Hexis. The imperial force decided to split their efforts, with the Hammers of the Emperor escorting the mechanicum team to set up the first of the beacons near the ruins of Menthoteph. They were needed, as the ruins were not unoccupied. Necron warriors appeared to defend their territory, identified as from the Ha’Tek Dynasty. However the xenos seemed unusually sluggish, perhaps not fully aware. The astartes overcame the immediate threat and the first beacon began transmitting at 3010.018M42.
The other force of imperial infantry attempted to prevent the chaos forces from taking the centre of Praxis, but because the forces were split and due to the ferocity of chaos assaults, the imperium failed to gain a foothold inside the city which contained the necron device chamber.
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