Chapter 2885 Cut off an arm first
Although they were caught off guard, the Tyranids still had the advantage in terms of numbers on both sides. According to scanning, this tentacle fleet has at least 20,000 biological ships of various sizes. , about five hundred of which are large biological ships, and there are also biological ships larger than battleships, which are determined to be the flagship of this Tyranid tentacle fleet. Fortunately, they are consistent with the values of the hive mothership given by the Adeptus Mechanicus. After comparison, it was proved that it was not a ship of this type.
The human strike fleet only has 221 warships at full count, most of which are small warships, but this 100:1 ratio did not waver Malakin, because he had already fought against the Tyranid fleet. The Lamenters already have enough understanding of these creatures, especially biological ships.
The combat effectiveness of Tyran's small biological ships is not strong. They are more often used as escorts for large biological ships. Their long-range attack methods are also very simple. The only thing to be wary of is gang fighting.
So Malakin chose to launch a surprise attack when the Tyranids were still within the influence of the planet's gravity well, because this is the time when the Tyranid biological ships are at their slowest. As long as they seize the opportunity, they can cause damage to the opponent. Heavy damage.
The human warships were spread out over a wider front than the tightly knit Tyranid fleet, with the battle groups spread out to the wings in order to inflict as much damage as possible, sacrificing thickness for width.
In contrast, the Tyranid bioships clustered around the planet took on the shape of an overall loose sphere, with smaller frigates surrounding the capital ships in an ugly fist shape that could have been enough to launch a surprise attack if concentrated. Easily penetrates human lines.
But the huge gravity of the planet makes it take longer for the Tyranid small biological ships to reach combat speed.
They are like cold-blooded animals in hibernation and need a certain amount of time to revive themselves.
As always, the battle of human ships was initiated by torpedoes and missiles. The projectiles spitting blue engine flames sliced into the dark void, like exploding bombs. After a brief silence, Dazzling sparks instantly bloomed in the Tyranid biological fleet.
"The enemy fleet began to disperse."
As the commander of the cruiser detachment at the edge of the battle group, Chinedu knows his mission. Preventing Tyranids from escaping is one, but the more critical thing is to keep them "Driven" together.
"The Thunderbringer moved forward to suppress the enemy's flying units. The Bronze Shield and the Defiant fired alternately. The highest priority targets were the largest battleships in the Tyranid biota."
After demarcating the target for attack, he broadcast the hologram to the other captains.
As the main air defense force of the cruiser detachment, the Dreadnought light cruiser, which was specially strengthened with anti-aircraft firepower, became a barrier for the artillery formation. The two Endurance-class light cruisers entered a shooting posture, and the Snake King also aimed at the target. .
With the flash of light spears piercing the darkness of the void, a swimming Tyranid Kraken was like a punctured balloon. Its round belly suddenly burst, and a large number of twitching internal organs fell into the void, and instantly condensed into ice.
"Save the current firepower output and always pay attention to the enemy's distance."
In just half an hour, the entire dark space seemed to be ignited, and the empire's ships started with extremely high efficiency Bombing the Tyranid biological ship trapped in orbit, the huge cannonball caused an explosion on the thick biomass carapace, and then tore open the flesh and blood, shattering the tentacles and fangs, the light spear emitted pulsating light trying to pierce those steel-like objects. Like chitin armor and deeply embedded in the corrupted alien hull.
After an hour of fighting, more than 2,000 Tyranid biological ships turned into wreckage orbiting the planet, and the Tyranid ships also began their counterattack, and a large number of Tyranids jumped to help the pods It was thrown towards the human fleet, and at the same time, the charged bio-plasma also drew a unique green trajectory towards the target.
Although the hit rate is difficult to guarantee, a sufficient number ensures coverage.
At the same time, a group of biological assault ships also separated from the fleet and rushed towards the three human battle groups with claws and teeth. If they took a bite, even the battleship would have a big hole.
They move in unison. Even under the surging human firepower, Tyranid biological battleships continue to turn into wreckage and drift by. However, every gap created in the insect nest front will be instantly filled with more monsters. Fill up. As the main force of the Tyranid fleet's counterattack, the Kraken and Devourers formed a loose assault formation under the protection of many drones. Their tentacle-like heads were constantly twisting at the front, and their size was the same as its huge chest and abdomen. Compared to being insignificant, the flat leech-like tentacle tails twitched wildly. Smaller creatures moved frequently on their bodies, looking for firing points for the huge biological cannons on their backs. More living weapons slid along the side lines of the battleship to open shooting holes. .
When within striking distance, the gleaming muzzle discharges raindrops of living ammunition into the universe and ejects countless glowing plasma clusters.
“The Nineteenth Frigate Squadron lost a battleship!”
"The Second Strike Cruiser Division reported their situation. The Starfire suffered damage to its bow and is withdrawing from the battle line!"
"The First Light Aircraft Carrier Division reported that the interceptor formation lost 11%! The enemy's pressure It’s still increasing!”
Commanding more than two hundred battleships at the same time is a huge pressure for any human being, including the Astartes. Malakin stood in the imitation church style of the Mother of Tears. In the bridge of the ship, his right hand pressed the hilt of the bloody broad blade at his waist, and his eyes were firmly locked on the tactical instrument.
Based on the current firepower and the number of opponents, it should only be a matter of time to annihilate this Tyranid force. The ships of the Astral Knights and White Templar are more powerful than he imagined, especially the battleships of the Astral Knights. , there are a large number of battleships that in principle should not exist in the Astartes Chapter, and their strength is already close to that of a sector fleet of the Empire.
But this did not make Malakin happy, and even his gloomy temperament became worse than before.
"Brother Soshyan, how many things do you still have that we don't know?"
He left the tactical instrument, walked to the huge observation window, and stared at the powerful Oberon-class battleship [Abyss Hunter] The USS] was bombarding a Tyranid Devourer with its devastating broadside light spear. One-third of the entire head of the Tyranid biological ship disappeared, rolling and twitching in the void, but Malakin He didn't look at these, he just stared at the symbol of the Astral Knights on the Abyss Hunter.
"If."
Malakin's eyes gradually darkened and he whispered to himself:
".What will happen if I can't return in time?" ”
Suddenly, he raised his head slightly, stared at his reflection on the huge mirror, and took a step back.
"No, he trusts me so much, I can't. I can't do this."
Then he pressed his hand on the glass and lowered his head slightly. When he raised it again, the mirror The self in it turned into a pair of black armor.
"Sanguinius will not abandon his brother, and neither will I!"
Malakin turned around suddenly and said in a deep voice:
"Command the Eternal Loyalty to cooperate with the vortex torpedoes launched by our ship to destroy the enemy's flagship first! We must fight quickly. The lives of many battle brothers depend on our speed!"
Soon, a shot came from The attack of the Eternal Loyalty's bow main gun combined with the whirlpool torpedoes fired by the Mother of Tears opened a huge scar at the core of the Tyranid Hive Fleet. Many Tyranid biological warships, including the commanding hive ship, were violently During the struggle, he was entangled by the huge attraction from subspace, and was finally swallowed up in the gorgeous and dirty purple crack