Against the black paint of the Deathwatch, Hephos's skin seemed merely to be a natural extension of the blessed plate. The Salamander sat quietly at first, his blazing red eyes focused squarely on the Watch Captain. This was an important moment for Hephos in particular. It was not only his first mission with the Deathwatch, but also the first time he had ever embarked on a space hulk mission. True, he had heard several stories, but it was difficult to extract the truths from the exaggerations and falsehoods. He could not afford to be lax in learning what he could about the ground and their possible enemy. The price would otherwise be measured in the blood of his fellow marines.<br/><br/>Finally breaking his solemn silence, Hephos took his own turn stepping forward and placing his oath. Perhaps, if this had not been his first mission, Hephos might have enjoyed Gaius's wry humor, but now it seemed a bit cocky of the Blood Angel. Hephos intoned, "I accept my role in this. I swear to serve my brothers, my Emperor, and my purpose in this mission. I swear that we will learn of what happened to the brave souls of the Mechanicum and save whatever, or whoever, we can. I swear that we shall learn of their assailants and that we shall grant<em>them</em>the knowledge of the Emperor's fury!"<br/><br/>Overhearing Gaius's question, Hephos hung around and began making mental preparations. It was probably a good idea to go through some vidlogs of combat with greenskins on other hulks, as well as his own accounts from Armageddon. Despite having settled his doubts long ago, though, Hephos still felt unease at the idea... The apothecary left to make his own preparations. His new squad was counting on him to have his precious medical supplies ready...