This planet required no further management for now. Zasz would handle the operations.
A new Leviathan was already under construction—in fact, two were being produced simultaneously. Even if the Imperium returned with over twenty ships... well, twenty-plus was still somewhat daunting. But engagements with under ten ships were now feasible.
†Alright, now let's check the other front. Izsha, what's your situation?†
"Overmind, your attention honors me. As you willed, my operations within this planet's Hive City proceed smoothly."
The Swarm Overmind learned this planet was named Belor, an industrial world with a single Hive City capable of self-sufficiency. Queen Izsha currently operated from the Hive City's depths.
'Hive City' is short for Hive Spire—a colossal metropolis capable of housing tens of billions, albeit somewhat cramped.
The Hive City comprises four levels, descending: the Spire, Upper Hive, Lower Hive, and Underhive. Briefly: The Spire is the apex, home to either the planetary elite or high-ranking Ecclesiarchy officials.
Naval officers like Frank couldn't access it.
He belonged to the Upper Hive—residence for lesser nobles, military officers, departmental bureaucrats. Below the Spire, yet still part of the Hive's upper echelons.
The Lower Hive housed technicians and moderately wealthy families. More chaotic than the Upper Hive, with frequent brawls. This was also the Ecclesiarchy's primary operational zone; the vast Lower Hive populace were potential converts.
Finally, the Underhive—the Hive's absolute bottom. A gathering place for refuse and the refuse-like. Sewage and pollutants flowed from drains mere meters from impoverished dwellings.
Here lived the destitute and those fled here for political or criminal reasons. Might makes right. Gangs rule every Underhive sector. Countless atrocities rage daily through this violent, anarchic underworld.
The Underhive's chaos meant daily mass death and birth. Outlaws, mutants, wanted fugitives—this was the Underhive's primary demographic. Another location time-travelers avoid.
Even Upper Hive nobles, with armed escorts, refuse to stoop to the Underhive. Lower Hive civilians avoid it too—one misstep means death.
But for Izsha, tasked with unleashing chaos upon the Hive City, the Underhive's environment was ideal.
She effortlessly secured a territory. Infested humans, a few Zerglings, and Infestors—her principal forces—were conquering gang territories one by one, claiming the Hive's depths for the Zerg Swarm.
Creep already spread through the Underhive. When it covered the depths, this Hive City's life would enter its final countdown.
"Overmind, I've discovered some humans on this planet cannot be Infested."
†Oh? Send me their biological samples.†
"Yes, Overmind."
The Swarm Overmind surmised these were recessive Genestealers after several generations. These humans carried Tyranid Genestealer genetic sequences; Zerg Swarm infestation failure was expected.
Purestrains inject their ovipositor organs into hosts, altering their genetic code. These hosts develop intense reproductive urges. Their offspring—hybrid Genestealers—possess human minds and Genestealer physiology. Subsequent generations breed further, Genestealer traits diminishing each generation, facilitating high-society infiltration.
Recessive Genestealers' most distinctive feature is likely baldness with subtle Tyranid-style chitinous plates atop the skull. This is the primary identifier.
Indeed, when Zerglings delivered the 'humans' Izsha mentioned, they were several bald human corpses, heads bearing chitinous plates, mouths slightly stretched toward ears.
One was actually a Purestrain Genestealer juvenile—purple chitinous carapace, four sharp claws. An atavistic Purestrain.
†Impressive, Izsha. Purestrain juveniles like this are usually heavily protected.†
In other settings, such individuals would be easily identifiable. But in Warhammer 40K's Underhive, you might encounter mutants far less human than them—two-headed humans, three-legged humans.
Genestealers' minor inhuman traits seem almost unremarkable.
†Are such humans numerous?†
"Yes, Overmind. Such humans are abundant. Over 30% of encountered humans are this type. Infestors cannot Infest them, but can still control their consciousness via tail spikes. They possess armaments and have already inflicted notable losses."
†Abathur.†
"I am here, Overmind."
†Develop a specialized Hydralisk variant for Cerebrates and Queens—superior strength to standard Hydralisks—to serve as their guardians. Thoroughly research these delivered specimens.†
"As you command, Overmind."
Genestealers are no pushovers. Purestrains possess claws capable of rending Space Marine power armor and considerable size. Every few generations, atavism produces hybrids rivaling Purestrains in combat capability.
Who knows how many generations exist now? A wave of first- or second-generation hybrid Genestealers, backed by armed recessive Genestealers, could overrun Izsha's territory and possibly kill her.
Izsha lacks hatcheries. Her forces are locally Infested humans—insufficient numbers. And Genestealer Cults might steal or acquire Astra Militarum main battle tanks. Extremely dangerous.
"Overmind, when do we attack?" Izsha inquired.
†Not yet.†
That planet's orbital defense systems remained operational. Direct assault was possible but far costlier than current operations.
Leviathans weren't yet ready. Best to spread chaos through Underhive and Lower Hive, destabilizing the Hive.
†Izsha, avoid these chitinous-headed humans. You are authorized to use any means to spread the Zerg virus. Infect more humans before our assault.†
"Any means... I understand, Overmind."
Izsha still thought in primitive Zerg infection patterns—direct contact. The Swarm Overmind would have Infested distribute free food in Underhive and Lower Hive. Have Infested engage in promiscuity. Have Infested frequent crowded areas. Even grind Infested corpses into powder for ventilation system dispersal.
In short: whatever Genestealers can do, the Zerg Swarm can do better. What Genestealers cannot do, Zerg Swarm still can.
†Seems we need to deal with that Genestealer Cult before taking the Hive. Excellent. Let's see whose infection methods are more efficient.†
The Tyranids and Zerg Swarm were about to clash again.