Standing in the hanger of the Orbital Defense Platform above Ultramar, Pontius was a tall man and a lean build for a Space Marine. His Caesar cut of dark brown hair barely covered his pair of service studs above his left brow. He was rather young by Astartes standards and had risen through the ranks quickly, a hopeful for leadership. Before him was the Black Thunderhawk of the Ordo Xenos, his entire company standing in ceremonial robe and regiment, and Captain Uriel Ventris, all saluting him. He could not help but feel guilty in the grand moment. This was an honor he did not deserve. He lost his arm, his leg, and his entire squad defending Tarsis Ultra, too grave a cost for this great of a reward. The vivid memories of his slain battle-brothers still haunt him, so too does culprit, the same warrior beast that maimed him and left him for dead. It is by the grace of the Emperor alone that he lives to return to service. Shaking doubt from his mind he gives himself a moment of satisfaction. For he is Pontius Nius Scipio, Ultramarine of the 4th company, proud Defender of Ultramar and soon to be Deathwatch. With this pride and the resolve of avenging the lost he starts down the steps. His first steps into a new life. There was much praise and a grand seeing off, as is custom with the Ultramarines. But it quickly faded from memory as Pontius stepped aboard the Thunderhawk. His mind focused on what was to come...