The Lunar-class cruiser Lord Hax defected with (nearly) all hands during the Battle of Guytoga. Fleet Captain Victor Kastar, a clever man by half, provides Castor with intelligence and codes pertaining to the 6th circle of Finial - it turns out his ship is part of the strategic reserve for the part of the Imperium. Due to the presence of the 10th Host and other reavers they have never acted upon their role, but they still get updated codes on irregular intervals. A major blunder by the Imperial planners.

Acting quickly the 10th Host strikes out for Valpolicella, the main fleet base for the 6th Circle (and thus the major fleet reserve in Imperial Finial). Barring a few side shows the main action takes place over the heavily fortified planet Valpolicella. In a massive fleet engagement that involves all the ships of the 10th (save the fast attack and support elements) the Imperium is dealt a severe blow. Many ships are destroyed or taken a prize. Losses amongst the 10th is moderate, but many ships have been damaged and it will take months, if not years to get back in fighting shape.

Other targets of opportunity are dealt with by other raider captains - and the 10th swings past an Imperial pleasure planet (controlled by the IN) to 'recruit' a few million able hands that are sorely needed to man all the new ships.