Changes

In the aftermath of the [[Fall of Sotha]] and the Chapter's subsequent losses against the [[Tyranid]]s of [[Hive Fleet Kraken]], the Scythes of the Emperor set up outposts on a number of planets that were staffed by Apothecaries and [[Chapter Serf|medicae serfs]]; these outposts were to conduct gene-screens of the populations of the chosen worlds, in the hopes of finding suitable candidates to recruit as new [[Aspirant]]s for the Chapter. Aratus was stationed in an outpost located in the city of [[Tamuero]] on [[Brakur IV]].{{Fn|1}}

When the Tyranids invaded the [[Brakur System]], it was decided to evacuate the outpost in order to preserve the Chapter's [[gene-seed]] stocks. [[Sergeant (Space Marine SergeantMarines)|Sergeant]] [[Cassander (Sergeant)|Cassander]] led [[Cassander (Squad Cassander)|his]] [[Assault Squad]] deployed from the [[Strike Cruiser]] ''[[Atreides]]'' in an extraction mission to get Aratus and the gene-seed offworld. However, the squad's [[Storm Eagle Assault Gunship|Storm Eagle]] was attacked and destroyed by a [[Harridan]] with only two survivors: [[Esau]] and [[Galerius]].{{Fn|1}}

Esau and Galerius were able to complete the drop into Tamuero. Initially intending to extract Aratus alone, the Apothecary convinced them to save his attendant medicae-serfs as well. Using an [[Onager lighter]], the Marines and the serfs were able to escape Brakur IV. The battle for the Brakur System itself continued to rage, however, and it is not known whether the Scythes were able to rescue the gene-seed.{{Fn|1}}