The Governor of Ieaid is concerned with the bad news arriving from the Strike Cruiser "The Crusader's Sword. Fleet Admiral Torvaz however is not. Even though he has not seen action in many years, he has faith in his System Flotilla. It consists of a Dominator-Class Cruiser, "Ironwrought"; a Tyrant-Class Cruiser, "Tear of Power"; a Dauntless-Class Cruiser, "Talon of Lethigo"; and a three-vessel Squadron of Cobra-Class Destroyers. Taking position on his flagship "Ironwrought", He leaves word that he will soon have the situation rectified.
As Admiral Torvaz nears the oncoming invaders (from upper left), he has no trepidation despite the large number of Tyranid ships approaching (lower right)...
The Imperial Ships, from bottom counterclockwise: 1) "Ironwrought"; 2) "Tear of Power"; 3) 3x Cobra DD; and 4) "Talon of Lethigo"...
The oncoming Tyranid Fleet with the Hive Ship surrounded by its protective Drones at bottom right; led by 8x Kraken armed with BioPlasma or PryroAcid; followed by 6x Kraken with Feeding Tentacles; and three cruiser sized ships to left, above and right of the Hive Ship...
First shot to the Tyranids, but the Cobra's shield deflected the hit...
The "Ironwrought" brought its Nova Cannon to bear, but just missed a Cruiser (right). The Cobras, on their turn launched their torpedoes (upper left)...
As the Imperials turn to bring their guns to bear, a Pyro-Acid shell hits the "Talon of Lethigo", but the shield absorbs it. Meanwhile a hit is scored on a Kraken by the "Tear of Power" (just out of picture to left) and one torpedo strikes another...
Both Krakens disappear in twin blasts while, another torpedo strikes a Tyranid Cruiser. But the spore barrier saves it, but it still takes one hit...
A significant turn for the Tyranids as first, PyroAcid strikes a Cobra (it is destroyed), and then a Kraken reaches another Cobra, and proceeds to tear it apart with its feeding tentacles. Yet another Kraken, does a point of damage to the "Tear of Power". Ouch!...
The Hive Ship seems to be threatened by the third torpedo...
But the Hive Ship with its Drone escorts simply sails straight into the torpedoes and not one of the six makes contact! Terrible luck for the Imperials. But it gets worse. A Tyranid ship with Feeding Tentacles reaches the "Tear of Power" although it survives. The last Cobra is not so lucky as it and its crew are devoured! Shots taken at the "Talon of Lethigo" all miss...
The Talon now makes a bold move and smashes down onto a Kraken (center), splitting it into pieces!
Admiral Torvaz sees the way is to charge through the Tyranids, so orders his Flagship straight at the Hive Ship. His gunners on both the port and starboard sides unleash hell upon the Tyranids. on either side. The Razorback cruiser is hit but not penetrated, but the large cruiser on the other side explodes as numerous hits tear through its shielding spores and explode deep in its interior...
The Tear then fires its Nova Cannon at the Hive ship comes up a little short. Two of the Drones are vaporized however...
The Imperials get the initiative, and Torvaz and his Flagship fire again on the Hive Ship, but the only hit is absorbed by the Drones...
The Talon and Tear attempt to maneuver to support the Admiral as he charges the Hive Ship...
Both the Imperial cruisers go into overdrive in an attempt to gain space between themselves and the pursuing Tyranids, but to no avail and some damage is taken by the "Talon of Lethigo"...
The Admiral and "Ironwrought are trapped! The Flagship's latest broadside is as ineffective as the earlier one was devastating...
The massive Hive Ship with its gigantic claws begin to rip apart the "Ironwrought" while Kraken pout PyroAcid into her sides. 6x points of damage are incurred (out of 8) in just one turn!
Then, the Tyranids gain the initiative and the last words of Admiral Torvaz was"...how could this happen?" were heard as the grand old "Ironwrought" was ripped to pieces. The Tear and Talon now both attempt to make their escape. The"Tear of Power" succeeds, but the "Talon of Lethigo" can't quite escape the board. Instead it fires a broadside into the Tyranid cruiser bearing down on it and actually scores some damage...
Unfortunately for the Talon, it doesn't win the initiative...
The old Admiral learned an ancient truth...never underestimate an enemy!
