In Warhammer with Rogue Trader Mods.

"I am not sure exactly which creatures the Tyranids possess, but it's certain that both their bio-ships in space and their ground-based units vastly outnumber us.

"And since the Tyranid fleet consists of bio-ships, they don't emit any electromagnetic waves, which makes it highly likely that traditional auspex devices won't be able to detect them.

"It's also certain that the Hive Mind cannot control all Tyranid organisms, which is why Zoats are capable of betraying it. So, most of the time, the Hive Mind relies on a smaller number of 'node creatures'—which are also much stronger—to control the larger, but more numerous, Tyranid organisms.

"Therefore, when engaging the Tyranids, whether in ground combat or space battles, the primary objective should be to eliminate the node creatures. This will cause the smaller Tyranid organisms to descend into chaos. Furthermore—"

Noah pointed at the purple xenos creatures displayed on the large screen, all provided by Huron. Whether photos or battle footage, they were all captured during the purge of the Dominant Hiveworld by the Astral Claws, while fighting the Genestealers.

Among the footage were images of pure-blooded Genestealers, their brains shattered by explosive charges, their features unrecognizable, along with infected 'humans' charging toward the Astral Claws' defenses under heavy fire. There were also scenes of veteran Terminators, coordinating flawlessly, being overwhelmed by hundreds of Genestealers.

"This is the Genestealer, the only Tyranid sub-species we are currently aware of. The first-generation Genestealers have a distinctly non-human appearance, but as they reproduce, the third and fourth generations look almost indistinguishable from normal humans. Still, they can be easily identified by certain features, such as the carapace-like protrusions on their heads and their purplish skin.

"Generally speaking, the original pure-blood Genestealer grows larger and more intelligent as its species expands. Eventually, it surpasses its kin in strength, size, and intellect, becoming a powerful psyker.

"This Genestealer is known as the Primus, controlling all other Genestealers and their progeny. If it can be killed, it will throw its entire brood into disarray. However, if it escapes, even if the rest of the xenos are exterminated, this powerful individual can use its infection abilities to come back in no time."

These images, which had previously been shown only to the Chapter Masters, were now seen by everyone in the briefing room. It was the first time they truly understood the horror of these xenos—those Terminator squads that were killed and injured were the best warning!

Although there may be significant differences in strength between different Chapters' Space Marines, their starting point is almost identical. Furthermore, the Astral Claws aren't some penniless Chapter but one of the strongest Chapters with the right to raise their banner over Terra!

Even if some Ultramarines pride themselves on their founding Chapter's identity, none would underestimate the combat prowess of the seasoned veterans of the Astral Claws, nor doubt the Terminator armor's defensive capabilities!

If even the Astral Claws' Terminators could be easily torn apart by the claws of the Genestealers, then the Ultramarines wouldn't fare much better. According to the intelligence Noah provided, these Genestealers are only the vanguard of the Tyranid hive fleet!

"The population of the lower hive on Badab Prime's Dominant Hiveworld cannot be precisely calculated, but we estimate that at least several billion individuals have been infected," Huron said, his voice deep, making the faces of the Ultramarines turn grim.

"Have these xenos infiltrated Macragge?" Calgar asked.

"Not just Macragge, but every Imperial world!"

Though it sounded alarmist, no one would ignore Noah's warning.

If the Genestealers have already infiltrated the Badab system, how could the other Imperial worlds possibly escape the same fate?

"So, before the Tyranid hive fleet arrives, we need to figure out how to clean up the xenos lurking in the hives!"

Calgar's voice was cold, filled with suppressed rage, a sentiment shared by all the Ultramarines. They could not tolerate these vile xenos defiling the homeworld of the Ultramarines and the Primarch!

No one disagreed. Even from a strategic standpoint, eliminating the Genestealers was a priority.

Before engaging the Tyranid fleet, they had to remove the infestation of Genestealers—at least most of it. Otherwise, when the Tyranid fleet arrived, these cunning xenos would surely coordinate with the Tyranid Hive Fleet and deal a devastating blow to the defensive forces.

"Everyone," Noah raised his voice to draw attention, "if we're going to cleanse the xenos, I suggest starting with the starport below us."

Huron narrowed his eyes. "Do you believe there may be Genestealers hiding in the starport?"

"No, I am certain there are!" Noah said, his expression stern. "Genestealers are not mindless beasts; they are highly intelligent and cunning. If I were them, I would never miss an opportunity to strike at the defensive forces!

"Although the Genestealers may be numerous, they are likely not as strong as the main Tyranid swarm. They're unlikely to commit large forces to the ground battle. Their specialty is infiltration against high-value targets—like the starport beneath us and the fleet docked there!"

Noah paused briefly. "Of course, this is just my hypothesis, so..."

"Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!"

Just as Noah spoke, a series of muffled gunshots rang out from the hallway outside the briefing room.

Even through the soundproofing, they could hear it, meaning the shots were right outside the meeting room!

At the same time, a warning crackled through Noah's communication gem.

Noah's voice turned grave. "My Sisters of Battle are engaged with the xenos!"

"Running into xenos while on a stroll—this makes sense, right?"

"Are they trying to wipe us out in one fell swoop?" Calgar's voice was as cold as his eyes, his Honour Guard also in the thick of the firefight.

Huron sneered. "Cunning xenos, but a bit foolish!"

Indeed, the officers of the Space Marine Chapters were almost all gathered in this briefing room.

If they could eliminate them all, it would throw the Space Marines into disarray, providing the Tyranid fleet a perfect opening for attack. It was the ideal strategy.

But how did the Genestealers know they were here?

This meeting was supposed to be a closely guarded secret, known only to four Chapter Masters, Noah, Calgar's Honour Guard, and Titus, who had guided them.

Even with the widening circle of knowledge under Noah's proposal, it remained classified information—since nearly all the people who knew were here, except for Calgar's Honour Guard.

For the Genestealers to organize such an ambush so quickly meant they had already infiltrated the Cirok Starport, and worse yet, they had precise intelligence on the Space Marines' meeting!

Where did this intelligence come from?

The answer was glaring—someone at the high level in Macragge, someone at the Cirok Starport had betrayed them to the Genestealers!

This revelation humiliated the Space Marines, who realized it was their own failure to maintain secrecy that had put everyone in danger.

Though the other Chapter brothers tried to hide their suspicions, each time their gaze briefly met that of the Ultramarines, the sense of humiliation was unbearable. Not because of their brothers, but because of their own incompetence, their dereliction of duty.

If the Sisters of Battle hadn't detected the Genestealer ambush, the consequences would have been catastrophic!

The Ultramarine officers stood stoically, removing their helmets to reveal their foreheads.

The briefing room was eerily silent, with only the growing intensity of gunfire in the hallway and the quiet hum of power armor servos.

"Put your helmets back on."

Unexpectedly calm, Calgar ordered in a voice that was as cold as it was firm.

"Shame is no excuse for failure. Now, let's move out and assist the Sisters of Battle!"

....

📢30 advanced chapters on p@treaon📢

For advance chapters: [email protected]/Uchiha_Itachi007 (replace @ with a)

22. You're right, but this is—

23. Dealing with Xenos – No Need for Honor Among Warriors, Together We Stand.

24. Borrowing Your Head.

25. Life is the Emperor's Currency.

26. You Stand on the Bridge Watching the Scenery, While Someone Watches You from the Tower.