Following the successful extraction of Stevan Makintay and Ketrian Altronel from their imprisonment by the Imperial forces, Makintay embarked on a mission to Hargeeva that was not sanctioned. Altronel, classified as a Class A Security Risk, had received a dose of Xebonica – a standard procedure involving poison – but the usual Trypanid antidote proved ineffective. To discover a remedy, Makintay, accompanied by Merinda Niemeh, planned to abduct Nial Pedrin, an Imperial Major.