After jumping into the Stigmata system they notice something very odd - no ships are guarding the gate. Usually there are two large fleets at the gate as the first line of defense against Symbiot invasion - something must have gone wrong.
After a short scan of the system, they discover a large fleet orbiting one of the middle planets, and upon closer inspection they find the fleet has moved there. They talk to the fleet commander and find out that the Symbiots attacked a few days ago, just after Commander Dulcinea left for Nowhere. The Symbiots came through the gate with a small fleet and a VERY large mothership which cut the Stigmata and Imperial Fleets to scrap, and the survivors had to retreat here to await reinforcements, as they could no longer hold the gate. Furthermore, the PTS (planet-to-space) defense systems on Stigmata were reported as being disabled and they can only assume the Symbiots have landed more forces on the planet. The group decides to head to the planet to see what the situation is. Just before they hit orbit a group of Symbiot fighters spots them and begins chasing them into the atmosphere. They land at the Kadeen Firebase, which houses the largest of 3 PTS batteries on the planet, and the Symbiot fighters break-off their pursuit.
The Garrison at Kadeen reports that their weapons are functional but they don't have enough power to fire them, as the Symbiots were reported taking out the power station a few days ago. Marduk figures that if they can re-route a nearby power relay station then Kadeen Firebase can destroy the large Symbiot mothership in orbit and clear the way for the fleet to hit the Symbiots from their side. The three head out on their hoverbikes (remember the ones they stole off Bannockburn?) and make it to Kadeen Station while the Firebase radios ahead to let them know they're coming.
The layout consists of a large concrete island with the actual power station in the center surrounded by four bunkers - one in each of the compass directions. Everyone shudders as they notice the Symbiots waiting in the surrounding jungle. They investigate the nearest bunker and find several Brother Battle from Kantarra's old unit, the 3rd training order (Sister Janais, Brother Sanvean, and Brother Hiro) along with an Inquisitor and a new Brother Battle recruit. Janais informs them that the other bunkers are low on ammunition while they are all low on food. Just before they begin to formulate a plan the Symbiots charge from the jungles and all four bunkers begin cutting into them. What results is about 90 minutes of almost continuous firing, and a lot of dead Symbiots. When the smoke (and flying body parts) clears, the other bunkers report they are seriously low on ammunition - they won't survive another assault. Marduk makes plans to enter the relay station itself while Pitt covers him. Kantarra and her comrades prepare to make a diversionary raid on a nearby hive, buying the others precious time.
Kantarra's group heads into the jungles, supported by fire from the bunkers. After a short time they give Marduk and Pitt the signal, and the two head for the relay station. Inside they encounter some highly-specialized Symbiots who seem to be geared for light melee combat. However, they are no match for Pitt and the mighty Marduk. Outside they hear more gunfire as the Symbiots make a half-hearted attempt to take the bunkers, while inside Marduk works on the station. Pitt listens to Kantarra and her companions fight at the hive, hoping that Marduk finishes soon enough for them to help her out. A short while later Marduk gets the station online again, and gives the green light to Kadeen firebase while he and Pitt make for the hoverbikes. Once on the hoverbikes, they head towards the hive, PTS cannons and missiles thundering in the background. They arrive, finding a burning hive, many dead Symbiots, and Kantarra's unit. Hiro, Kantarra, and the new recruit stand around Janais and the dead body of Sanvean, grieving.
The group returns to the firebase and finds that they have destroyed much of the Symbiot fleet in orbit - including the giant mothership which decimated the Stigmata Fleet. From the looks of it, the Symbiots are landing transports and evacuating as much as possible, as their offensive has gone horribly awry. Marduk decides they should help-out even more and they take the Jyhad to bomb some Symbiot landing zones.
Much celebration is had, with the Garrison Commander returning and Stigmata "free" again (or so they THINK, hehehe), Marduk, Pitt, and Kantarra are all personally commended by Commander Dulcinea. Marduk uses this opportunity to re-outfit the ship with better armor and faster engines, while Kantarra and her compatriots remain fairly isolated for most of their stay. The group soon heads-off for the Leminkainen system.
1. Pitt, while trying to land the hoverbike at high speeds, botches his Drive Landcraft roll, resulting in him jumping-off the bike while it's still in motion. The bike goes crashing into the jungle, probably killing a couple of Symbiots on the way. The best part is that Pitt was so calm afterwards - he has a bad history with hoverbikes (see Bannockburn).
2. Marduk is taking part in the celebration of the liberation of Stigmata, partying with the Fist of God, who pride themselves on being the most formidable combatants in the Known Worlds (picture the marines of Brother Battle). The party consists of much eating (very large chunks of freshly-killed meat), fighting, wrestling, firejumping, drinking, and all other manner of displays of manhood. Marduk decides he really likes these guys. When dawn comes, the party is still going strong, and Marduk decides to quit. He says to them - "On Vorox, all the parties were very long and intense, but they ALWAYS ended at dawn. Goodnight."