The Occupation of Refinery Beta-Nine - Serpentis

Points: 2000.

Deployment and Mission: Search And Destroy / Supply Lines.

Primary Objective: Priority Targets.

Detachment: Anvil Siege Force.

Opponents Detachment: Data-Psalm Conclave.

The occupation of refinery Beta-Nine, was a minor engagement between the Rift Wardens and the Adeptus Mechanicus. The space marines had seized control of the refinery and were refueling their tanks. The Mechanicus defenders were able too expel the the Rift Wardens after three days of fighting, but by that point, the space marines had secured a significant amount of promethium and other vital supplies.

Battle of the Medigo Salt Flats - Serpentis

 

Points: 780

As the Rift Wardens deployed their forces to the surface of Serpentis, a new threat arose from the deserts. A force of Iron Hands marines, garrisoned with the Mechanicus, marched forth to battle their brothers and defend the Mechanicus secrets.

The battle was an offensive by the Iron Hands intended to drive the Rift Wardens away. The contending forces were three companies of their battle brothers mostly equipped as Aggressors. The series of battle took place in the salt flats between the Mechanicus factorum complex and the Rift Wardens landing zone. After Mechanicus forces attacked the Rift Wardens left flank, the Iron Hands attacked and broke through their lines resulting in heavy close combat actions. 

The battle resulted in numerous casualties on both sides before the Iron Hands fell back. A communique was sent to Arthurus ordering his forces off world but the chapter master would not accept such a threat.

First Strike Repercussions - Serpentis

Points: 1200.

Mission: The Gathering Shroud.

Detachment: Anvil Strike Force.

Opponents Detachment: Cohort Cybernetica.

Agendas: Drive Them Back, Monstrous Targets and Recover Mission Archives.

Opponent's Agendas: Cold Logic and Tech Scavengers.

Returning from a crusade against the Tau, the Rift Wardens diverted from their patrol to the Mechanicus facility on Serpentis VII to rearm and resupply. Upon making orbit and communicating to the facilities below, the chapter was told to leave or be fired upon. When Arthurus once again requested supplies, the orbital defences opened fire and crippled one of the smaller support ship. The orbital station was immediately destroyed and Arthurus ordered an assault on the Mechanicus. Such betrayal would not go unanswered. The chapter deployed by drop pod and thunderhawk assault.

This engagement was the first battle between the Rift Wardens and the Mechanicus forces on Serpentis. The battle took place in several miles from the Rift Wardens base of operations against a first wave  of cybernetica robots. A force led by Captain Gwaine had a big success on the northern flank and the space marines gained a substantial amount of ground northwards, giving them some vital territory.

Arthurus led an attack on the Grelutt Plateau on the southern flank which captured a considerable amount of ground but failed to reach his primary objectives. Robot counter-attacks recaptured most of the lost territory over the afternoon. Infrequent dust storms prevented much of the Rift Wardens programme of aircraft support, which made it easier for the Mechanicus reserves to assemble on the battlefield.

An unusually large electrically charged dust storm rolled in over the next day, which hampered both forces to a large extent. This severely reduced the mobility of the infantry and the poor visibility hampered artillery and aircraft. The storm and the costly Mechanicus defense successes during this time forced the Rift Wardens too halt the offensive three days.