"We have finally been able to translate the data we downloaded from the alien pod. It was launched from some kind of alien exploration vessel called the NAGGAROK. Telemetry data indicates the NAGGAROK came from outside the galaxy nearly a million years ago. It was using an experimental hyperspace drive of immense power. We are not clear on this next section, but the visual data seems to be showing that the alien ship picked up some sort life-form in Hyperspace. The organism we know as The Beast. The alien explorers realized almost immediately the nature of the creature and its potential for destruction if it was let loose. They tried to trap it aboard their own ship by destroying the engines and communications equipment. For all we know, the original Beast is still out there somewhere. Trapped in the NAGGAROK. Unfortunately for us, the sacrifice of the alien explorers was undermined by their own skill at ship design. As the drives were scuttled, the ship activated a distress call routine that automatically ejected a beacon pod. A pod that contained a tiny portion of the Beast ..."

The ancient derelict vessel "Naggarok" is the source of the Beast infection. It can consume entire enemy vessels with its Phased Disassembler, though it can't do anything else while it is "feeding" thus.

"For a million years we have been trapped in this ship, listening to the electromagnetic chatter of your tiny self/worlds. We know you better than you know yourselves. Your enemies came to use us and instead we shall use each other. In return for their help, the ones known as Imperials will be given half the galaxy. An ample return for repairing this ship's systems and leading my children back to me."