Tau establish base at Garmenes

In 05.022M42 the Tau received significant reinforcements to their forces across the Hadron Expanse as the importance of the Rifts of Hecate became apparent. In addition to this, the Tau now felt the time was right too once again aggressively pursue their expansionist agenda in the Expanse, as the other factions that opposed them split their forces and focus across the sector.

The plan was drawn up and the Tau fleet escorted at least five Hunter Cadres into the Expanse. Three of these were assigned to the Rifts, and entered the Hecate Gap in mid 05.022M42, reaching their outpost on Garmenes late in the month. This new force was detected by the Imperium, and for the first time the Crusade Commander - general Maximus, perceived the Tau as a threat to the Imperial mission. As he readied his forces to strike agains the Tau base however, the Tau were already finding enemies on their doorstep.

Shortly after the arrival of these new forces the Tau detected xenos forces in the wilderness zones of Garmenes, and sent their troops out to deal with this threat. To their consternation, the xenos were found to be tyranid vanguard forces. The alien creatures were dealt with and the alien threat contained for now, but the Tau had reason to believe that a new wave of tyranids would be incoming, and spent considerable effort strengthening their air defences, something which would have almost immediate unintended benefits.

Just as the Tau had completed their defences against an expected tyranid invasion, general Maximus' strike force arrived. First, the Hammers of the Emperor launched an airborne assault against the Tau, straight into the airborne defences of the enemy. The result was a significant defeat, and the Hammers were obliged to withdraw. This was unfortunate for the Imperium, as the Deathwatch had also landed some distance away from the main Tau base, and now found themselves alone against their enemy. The Deathwatch fought stubbornly to hold their ground, and the battle inflicted heavy losses on both sides, including both commanding officers. However after several days of fighting, the Deathwatch too abandoned the world to the Tau. Battered but victorious, the Tau continued the construction of their base on Garmenes.