Defense of Gaerios Mundi

Armorial of the Asturyan Wardens.

The **Defense of Gaerios Mundi** was an Imperial xenocidal castigation campaign conducted by the Asturyan Wardens Space Marine Chapter against an unknown xenos species upon the Imperial world of Gaerios Mundi.

## Background

Gaerios Mundi was a Desert World with a mining population of 5,000,000 people, located in the eastern fringes of Segmentum Ultima. Extremely rich in Promethium, all planetary efforts were to extract the material as quick as possible. However in 793.M41 it was detected that a xenos species had stopped the mining efforts. It was impossible to continue for the xenos were very powerful. There was no Imperial Regiment, and the PDF couldn't handle the threat, so the Planetary Governor had to contact outside help. The Asturyan Wardens responded by sending the 7th Company commanded by Lord Warden Julydermes with the help of Lord Librarian Thaemond, to discover who the xenos were and to exterminate them.

When they arrived in the Battle Barge *Thessalyan* and the Strike Cruiser *Malevolent Redeemer*, accompanied by 4 Gladius Frigates, they detected a massive xenos fleet aproaching the planet. This was then discovered to be a Tyranid Splinter Fleet from Hive Fleet Behemoth. Immediately, the Lord Warden contacted the Council of Lords to redeploy the Chapter's fleet to combat this deadly threat. The response: only the Apocalypse-Class Battleship *Adamasthor* was available, for it had only recently finished repairs. It was decided that, alongside the Flagship, the 9th Company was to make a full speed jorney to Gaerios Mundi.

The Asturyan Wardens had a plan. Lord Warden Julydermes was to deploy with the 7th Company to the planet to face the yet unidentified foe with the air support of the Strike Cruiser *Malevolent Redeemer*, while the Lord Librarian was to take the Battle Barge *Thessalyan* and the Gladius Frigates to do hit-and-run attacks on the approaching Tyranids.

The Lord Warden soon found out that the enemy xenos were no more than the Necrons, now being awaken from the worldwide excavations. Besieged on all sides, Julydermes ordered an evacuation. The situation was untenable, and the Strike Cruiser deployed to close air support. During the evacuation, the Lord Warden was killed in action by the Necron Lord. The Strike Cruiser suffered severe damage, but most of the Company was able to make it. The Lord Librarian was recalled and given overall command of the operation.

When he arrived, the planet was in all out war. The few PDF soldiers that remained to make a symbolic last stand were quickly terminated. Gaerios Mundi seemed lost to the Imperium. The forces available were unable to take the planet. Faced with such ods, Thaemond decided to lure the Necron Fleet towards the Tyranids. Via orbital bombardment he was able to make the Necron Fleet follow him. At the same time he ordered all possible material, crew and Asturyan Wardens to be transfered from the *Malevolent Redeemer* to the *Thessalyan.*

Soon he found the Hive Fleet, and they found themselves trapped betwen the hammer and the anvil. The Necrons began engaging the Great Devourer with much fury. The Tyranids fought the Necrons with much fervor. Meanwhile in the middle, the Asturyan Wardens clinged to survival. In a very calculated decision, he ordered the *Malevolent Redeemer* to overload it's warp drives. In the resulting massive explosion, half of both enemies fleets were destroyed. However, the battle was not won, and both xenos renewed their attacks. By this time the Battle Barge *Thessalyan* was able to escape, however it suffered extensive damage. Only 2 Gladius Frigates survived as well. It seemed as though one of the xenos was to be the victor.

Suddenly however, the Apocalypse-Class Battleship *Adamasthor* arrived, along with 4 Gladius Frigates and the 9th Company. Unexpectadly, the Ultramarines Strike Cruiser *Valin's Revenge* also arrived. The Imperials were now in the upper hand. They decided to fall back however. As such, the Great Devourer assaulted Gaerios Mundi after destroying the Necron Fleet. The Necrons were now facing sure defeat against the never ending Tyranids. But then the Imperial Strike Force attacked the rearguard of the Tyranids. The three way battle was renewed.

By this time the Necrons were all but defeated. The Tyranids began facing the Imperials, who had now the upper hand. The *Adamasthor* proved it's might and power by punching through the xeno's fleet. In an epic fight, the Space Marines were victorious.

The planet was cleared. All Tyranids were dead, and few Necrons remained. The Asturyan Wardens deployed to the last Necron stronghold, which was quick to fall. Casualties were almost half of the 7th Company, 1 Strike Cruiser, 2 Gladius Frigates and a badly damaged Battle Barge. However, both xenos were dead, the Tech-Priests were summoned to study the Necron facilities, the planet was destroyed but it was now secured, and the valuable Promethium was now ready to be extracted again. The Imperium was again victorious through the Asturyan Wardens.