Don't Come Any Closer!

Jaghatai rode Prosperity II to the mouth of a massive cavern. The opening was vast and deep, leading straight down into the planet's depths.

Sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, and other gases spewed from the cavern.

This was one way the Tyranids altered a planet's climate. These bugs especially enjoyed hot, suffocating air.

Jaghatai had Prosperity II stand obediently in place and descended into the cavern himself.

The vitrified tunnel gleamed beneath the lights on Jaghatai's armor. This was all the Tyranid bugs' handiwork.

The deeper he went, the hotter it became. Vitrified tunnels covered the Mohorovičić discontinuity between the crust and mantle, and a drop or two of sweat ran down Jaghatai's forehead from the discomfort.

If he had been willing to wear a helmet, it would have insulated him well from the underground heat. But to the Khan, the claustrophobic feeling of a helmet was far more unbearable than the heat.

The Khan had a handsome beard, along with a rather flamboyant Chogoris-style braid.

Every time he wore a helmet, he had to tuck away his beard and hair. It was a real hassle.

Several roars came from a winding vitrified tunnel. Jaghatai knew Lin Fan was nearby and hurried over.

This was a vast hollow chamber. Its vitrified dome glowed crimson under the light of a lava lake, while scorching winds reeking of burnt flesh surged outward.

At the edge of the lake, Lin Fan was holding down a gigantic bug and dunking its head into the lava again and again.

A Magma Core Beast, a kind of bug specialized in burrowing through sedimentary and igneous rock. Its entire body was wrapped in psychic energy, allowing it to easily destroy any material and remain vigorous in environments of extreme heat and pressure.

"Are these things what caused the