When Shadows Fall

As they looked around, it occurred to the soldier Ezecruis that he was having a moment which seemed as though he had lived this before. Everything about it became so crystal clear,he could tell everyone what was going to happen and when it would happen. He was wondering if this had been put in his head at birth or shortly thereafter.
He was watching the other crew members with such intensity, he could feel his mind copying details of this mission. And this time which would be forever a part of his brain cells if nothing happened to disturb them.
Meanwhile, after a nice sleep, Commander Timoth and Captain Thunder were dealing with a mess in the Master Ship. Commander Timoth had turned around to walk out the door and nearly fell over the thing on the floor.
When did the horror actually begin for all of them?