“Entering the ship, start the clock. Pilot, what are we looking at?”
“Lots of boxes, looks like a cargo bay. Bright red lighting. So far no gravity and no atmosphere.” As one, everyone in the troop bay stood up, fixed to the floor by magnetized soles, and retrieved external air supply kits for their suits. Combined with the suits’ internal supply, it gave them about an hour of air.
“Fine, switch to internal air supply, depressurize the ship, keep the engines ready. If it all goes to shit, maybe at least you can make it out.” The Primarch stood at the front of the troop bay, the squad along the walls. “You two,” the Primarch gestured at the squad’s pointman and machine gunner, “You’re out first, make sure it’s clear. I’ll follow right behind you. I want the rest to stay here. Maybe they spook easily.”
“Lights off, depressurization check, thrusters check, weapons check.” the pilot reported, “Opening rear bay, good luck to all of us.”

The rear bay swung down to form a boarding ramp, revealing the darkened troop bay. Out of the black appeared two figures, one holding a short bullpup rifle, the other a longer one with a drum magazine and bipod. Both marines wore armored suits with hydraulic-driven exoskeleton supporting their backs, hip joints, knees, ankles, shoulders, elbows and wrists and opaque visors. Upon closer observation of the helmet, one could see feint orange glow from the HUD projectors. After scanning the room for a few seconds, their sight snapped to Astra.
“Primarch?” the one on the left lowered his weapon and swept his teammate’s aside as well. Without atmosphere, the entire spectacle was dead silent. “The landlord’s come to greet us. And looks loaded for large game.”
The Primarch slowly came out of the shuttle, little lights lining his soles alternating between green and orange as the electromagnets switched on and off, allowing him to walk. His only weapon was a sidearm in a chest holster. He stopped a step ahead of his men and raised his hands, palms toward Astra. “Holster your rifles, lads, but no sudden movements.” The soldiers obliged, letting their weapons hang on their slings. Without gravity, the rifles stayed where they let go of them, still within reach if they were necessary. The Primarch kept his gaze fixed on the alien while the other soldiers turned their attention back to their surroundings.