Imperial Response To Genestealers
The Imperial response to genestealer infestation is often used as storytelling device to illustrate the ruthless and brutal nature of 41st millennia humanity. It also frequently serves to justify that ruthlessness and brutality as a rational response to the threat that the Tyranids represent.
The typical Imperial response to discovering signs of a genestealer infestation is to hunt down and kill all genestealers, hybrids and infected humans. The authorities then institute strict screening measures for detecting newly infected humans and quickly kill any that are found. If the infestation was widespread before discovery, the entire sector is then typically put on alert for impending Tyranid attack.
The Ciaphas Cain novel "Duty Calls" depicts the disruptive consequences of a late-stage genestealer infestation. It also depicts efforts undertaken to eradicate the infestation from local PDF regiments as the Imperial Guard prepares to fend off a Tyranid hive fleet that has been attracted to the infestation.
If the infestation is too widespread to eradicate, the typical response is to write off the uninfected human population and use orbital bombardment to wipe out the infestation wholesale. If the entire planet falls (whether to a genestealer cult insurrection or the inevitable arrival of a hive fleet) the entire planet is laid waste in an Exterminatus.
Read more about this topic: Genestealer
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