They dock, repair, rearm and depart in an endless cycle of war. But even in this heart of imperial space, conflict exists. A great religious festival provides the perfect catalyst for civil unrest, political intrigue and murder in the vast Hive cities. Newly arrived Arbites officer, Shira Calpurnia finds herself in the thick of the action when she becomes the target of a series of assassination attempts. Coping with corruption and betrayal from within the ranks of the Arbites, Shira must discover who is trying to kill her before civil unrest turns to all out heresy. Caught in the crossfire, can she survive the intrigues of the ancient and callous aristocracy of this vital naval base?

    Here are a dozen action stories from this dark and brooding universe.Contents"Salvation" by Jonathan Green"Into the Maelstrom" by Chris Pramas"Emperor's Grace" by Alex Hammond"The Raven's Claw" by Jonathan Curran"Children of the Emperor" by Barrington J. Bayley"The Black Pearl" by Chris Pramas""Acceptable Losses" by Gav Thorpe"Tenebrae" by Mark Brendan"Ancient Lances" by Alex Hammond"Hell in a Bottle" by Simon Jowett"Unthinking Justice" by Andras Millward"In the Belly of the Beast" by William King

    Far from the front lines, Space Marines of the Brazen Minotaurs infiltrate an ancient temple-tomb, seeking an artefact sacred to their Chapter... one that could turn the tide of battle in the Imperium’s favour. But they are not the first to enter the tomb – as the Space Marines race to seize their prize, they are watched from the shadows. Are the mysterious Raven Guard there to help the Brazen Minotaurs, or to destroy them?

    Posing as a veteran military commander, Florin's immediate concerns are to get his troops under control and survive the long, dangerous sea voyage. Once they arrive in Lustria steam jungles, the mercenaries find far more than they bargained for and a simple treasure hunt turns into a sinister expedition for forgotten lore. But the ancient guardians of the jungle will not let their secrets be plundered so freely...