M41.26.02.26 STIRIA Orbital Platform 3 - Genestealer Breeding Grounds

Deep scans of the Orbital confirmed the Xenologis‘ fears: the seldom-visited logistics sub-levels showed an unusually high concentration of organic matter. The Mission Eternal chapter immediately sent a hard-response detachment of Terminator-clad veterans to exercise the infestation. They quickly discovered the full extent of their foe‘s insidious plan: the Genestealer Cult had attacked the Orbital Platform not just to disrupt Imperial supply lines to the planet‘s surface; they intended to use it as staging post to further spread their infestation in the system! The sub-levels were full of breeding pods in airlocks, ready to send their corrupted seed out into the void, to other planets, stations, ships. The Space Marines immediately set to destroy the pods, but were quickly beset by Tyranid organisms defending their offspring. While the Genestealers presented little threat to the heavily armoured veterans, they were able by sheer mass to slow down their advance, and enable the launching of several brood pods. In response, while the Orbital remained in Imperial hands, Inquisitor Black labeled the STIRIA system „Infectia Xenos“, putting in place severe quarantine measures and isolating the populace from the wider sector…