An Astra Militarum audio drama The 158th Elysian regiment of the Imperial Guard make one of their infamous drop assaults – in their home system. But when disaster strikes, it falls to Sergeant Zachariah to save the campaign from failure. The Elysian Drop Troops are famed throughout the Astra Militarum for their rapid deployment tactics, utter fearlessness and expertise at grav-chute assaults. The 158th Elysian are once such regiment, ordered to pacify piratical warbands at large in their native system. But as the campaign commences, disaster strikes, the regiment's inexperienced and arrogant captain the cause. Only through the ingenuity of Sergeant Zachariah is a victory salvaged, but at a terrible cost.

After a disastrous mission leaves their ranks decimated, Sergeant Zachariah must rapidly train a fresh batch of recruits to restore the 158th Elysian. The regime is harsh, lethal, and only the best will survive to become full–fledged drop troopers. But when a savage feud with a high-ranking officer threatens the 158th and Zachariah and a handful of men barely out of training are sent on a deadly reconnaissance mission he begins to wonder if his life might also be in jeopardy.

A traitor’s death awaits Sergeant Zachariah of the 158th Elysian. Accused of murdering a rival officer, the veteran drop trooper must convince the ruthless Commissar Mastroval of his innocence if he is to survive. As the interrogation reveals disturbing truths surrounding the high-ranking officer’s demise, Zachariah realises not all is as it seems. A secret he buried long ago, one perhaps even more condemning, is on the verge of being unearthed.