After multiple reports of a Tyranid presence in the sector, elements of Recon Force Omega were dispatched to confirm.  Their special objective was to obtain DNA for catalogue identification and for use in bio-weapon development.

 After a preliminary search of Zeta quadrant, a landing was made near the ruins of the original colonial efforts.  Bravo squad took up a defensive position in the remains of the settlement's bunker while Alpha squad remained mobile in their Rhino.  Tornado Sirocco hovered over the area and acted as spotter.  Their wait would not belong.

 The enemy emerged from the ruins of the settlement's temple, undoubtedly attracted by the engines of the transports.  Bravo squad and the Sirocco laid down heavy fire while Alpha squad moved west to prepare a flanking maneuver.  The initial barrage was devastating: 7 Gaunts and 5 gene stealers were destroyed in a torrent of righteous hellfire.

Under fire, the enemy divided in two; the remaining Gaunts made a mindless charge for Bravo squad's position covering the open ground in lightning speed, while the larger creatures, the warriors and the remaining gene stealers moved behind cover and into a perfect position for Alpha squad to attack.

Bravo squad valiantly fought off the ensuing assault without a casualty and continued to fire into the enemy lines.  The Sirocco flew swiftly through the carnage and into a flanking firing position.  Seven Gaunts and another gene stealer were obliterated. 

Alpha squad moved into position for assault and disembarked from their Rhino.  But the Tyranid aberrations were too fast.  The squad laid down defensive fire, but it was mostly ineffectual as the blur of spikes and talons painted the side of the Rhino red with the sacred blood of our battle brethren. 

Again the enemy forces divided, the warriors turned on the Sirocco while the gene stealing abominations assaulted Bravo's Razorback.  The

Sirocco proved too elusive for the rending talons of the Tyranid warriors and after breaking free destroyed two of the three warriors in a hellish barrage of heavy bolter and assault cannon. 

The crew of Bravo's Razorback did not fare as well.  The razor-sharp talons of the gene stealers cut through the rear armor of the transport as if it were simple aluminum.  If the crew defended themselves within the cramped space of the Razorback, no one will ever know.

Seemingly enraged by the annihilation of its bug-brethren the remaining Tyranid warrior rushed the Sirocco again.  Despite suffering a wound from the assault cannon, the warrior leaped from the ground and reached the Landspeeder and its huge claws destroyed both hover engine and pilot bringing  the Sirocco to a fiery end.

Bravo squad lost contact with Alpha squad as they fought off a second assault.  Battle brother Sirus Propov's plasma gun overheated and exploded melting his power armor.  For Propov, the war is at an end.  Bravo squad collected the DNA samples needed from the enemy carcasses now littering their position and waited for the inevitable next wave.

And like the fabled tides of Terra, the next wave emerged from the ruins moments later.  Again Bravo squad exacted a price for their mindless advance.  Charlie squad arrived from reserve and destroyed the remaining gene stealers as they continued to disassemble Bravo's Razorback. Alpha squad's Rhino, still glistening red in the afternoon sun, sped northward to fire into the ruined temple where still more Gaunts were prowling southward. 

Bravo squad fought off a third assault without losing a casualty and for a brief moment, the battlefield was silent.  Amidst the smoke and carcasses, not a sound.  Charlie squad began to advance heading north to rendezvous with Alpha squad's Rhino and determine the status of their squad.  Bravo squad checked their ammunition supplies with dismay as they learned their status.  All of Omega had been monitoring the Sirocco's actions and now a fatalistic dread settled over those engaged with a seemingly innumerable enemy.  Everyone braced for the final assault which they knew in their gut was already moving toward them.

Communication with Alpha's Rhino had been lost due to range, interference or the unspeakable.  In truth, the Rhino had been assaulted and destroyed by a second wave of gene stealers while laying down fire into the ruins.  Those same gene stealers now moved through the low cover only a short distance from both Omega squads.  Supported by a few remaining Gaunts to their left, the gene stealers rushed from the cover and assaulted Charlie squad before they could reassemble for an attack on their right flank.  The horror was nearly complete.  A full half of Charlie squad was flayed in the initial assault.

The Gaunts broke from cover and rushed Bravo's position.  Before assaulting, however, these gaunts stopped short and fired their inhuman bio-weapons.  Battle brother Petre Svoboda was felled.  The order was given to withdraw.  Bravo squad took their collected genetic material and abandoned their position to the enemy.

The remains of Charlie squad broke free from the enemy and fell back as well; leaving the field to enemy.

Though this battle ended in defeat for the Black Templars of Recon Force Omega, the DNA recovered has helped to identify which fleet of Tyranid creatures we are dealing with and with luck and the Emperor's blessing, our next encounter will be decisive and victorious.  For the Glory of the Emperor of Mankind!

+++End Report+++

Result:
It was a total route ending with the Black Templars completely wiped out and all but the Tyranid Warriors on the table as scoring units. Both sides did accomplish the objective of gathering enemy DNA however.

Dean was a great sport and a real pleasure to play with, and the Tyranids were well fed and happy.