We can always blunt imperial strike force by some kind of... "accident". You know, unsuccesful jump from warp or unexpected bolter fire... Grim darkness of the future is a rather dangerous place to live in.

Certain lack of leadership could also put some weight on the central characters, as they would be all that's left of the command structure.

Also, it could make a nice entré if I choose to play a son of Alpharius (or Omegon)?