When Zaphiel's Crusade fleet had been notified of its requirement in choosing a battle-brother to be tithed to the Deathwatch, Zaphiel had some secret hope that it might be him chosen. As a Chaplain, and a member of a more spiritual Chapter, Zaphiel felt that he owed it to the Imperium and the Emperor to serve with the Holy Inquisition. Zaphiel, however, had no doubts about the likelihood of tensions between the members of whatever unit he served with. Any Astartes could recall stories of Deathwatch units where the battle-brothers were at each other's throats as much as they were the Xenos. And with Zaphiel's more...unique spiritual beliefs, he knew that if he were chosen, he would be no exception to the tensions found when Astartes of multiple chapters mingle.

Upon the day of the choosing ceremony, Zaphiel stood in the main hall of the flagship of the crusade fleet, along with most every other Marine. The Marshal stood upon an elevated platform, overlooking the crowd of Astartes below him. A grand speech resounded, praising the recent accomplishments of the crusade, the God-Emperor, and welcoming the representatives of the Ordo Xenos. When the time came for the name of the tithe to be announced, Zaphiel was almost caught by surprise when it was him. Striding to the platform, Zaphiel gave a salute to the Marshal, and a brief word thanking the God-Emperor, the Marshal, and the Ordo Xenos for the honor and privilege to serve in the Deathwatch. From there, Zaphiel boarded the Black Ship, was stripped of his possessions, and entered stasis.

While in Stasis, Zaphiel dreamt of his duty as Chaplain. From scenes of leading his battle-brothers in monastic prayer aboard the vessels of the crusade fleet, to raining righteous holy fury down upon the enemies of the God-Emperor. These dreams were interpreted by Zaphiel as a reminder from the Emperor of his true duties, and knew that he would not falter in performing these tasks within the Deathwatch.

When he awoke from stasis, and followed the others into the hanger of Fort Acestes, Zaphiel felt a strange sense of ease. Although he was without arms or armor, with only his Black Carapace providing any sort of protection or modesty, he felt as if the protection of the Emperor Himself were shining upon them.

When the time came for Zaphiel to introduce himself, he simply gave the salute of his fist across his chest and stated "Zaphiel Berauth, Black Templars Chaplain."