Battle of Zeronus

* Helghast Empire
* *ISA forces begin counterattack against Euripidies...*
* *Helghan focuses most of its resources on Runekara...*

**The Battle of Zeronus** commonly known as ***The Zeronus Campaign,*** or ***The Zeronus Front,*** was a major key 13 day engagement in the early years of the Second Extrasolar War, between the Helghan Empire and ISA forces, for control of the ISA colony world of Zeronus, that was meant to be one of the major planets that could provide the Helghast with a great advantage in their advance towards the Solar System, during the Helghast Border Campaign, as part of the Helghast Blitz towards the Solar System.

Despite multiple victories during the first days of the Invasion, that was led by the 222nd Helghan Battalion, the Helghast advance was initially stopped by the time they reached Maiden Ridge, by January 4th.

The Helghast were later overrun by a crushing ISA counterattack, after the sudden arrival of UCA reinforcements who were eventually able to obliterate the Helghast fleet in space, eventually destroying all traces of the 222nd, Helghan Battalion along with 4 of its most prized soldiers, by January 5th, 2358.

The failed Helghast Invasion later prompted Visari to gain more support on Helghan using the failed Invasion of Zeronus as a tool for propaganda, in order to fuel Operation Vengeance.

Despite the failure on Zeronus, the Helghast never bothered to assault Zeronus a second time, due to eventually concentrating most of their war effort on the outter colonies of the ISA, in hopes of making it to the Solar System.

## Prior to the Events

Following the initiation of Operation Vengeance the Helghast launched a surprised blitz in this alpha centauri sector after the fall of Vekta, where the sudden surprise offensive was able to capture most ISA systems off guard, to the point that many unprepared Earth Colony planets fell to the unexpected surprise blitz while many other ISA controlled planets were able to put up more of a heavy resistance and withstand some of the invasions conducted by the Helghan Empire for at least up to 2-3 months before being forced off and the planets falling.

However, the biggest blow to the ISA eventually occurred when Aliosho fell, eventually forcing most ISA forces in the Alpha Centauri System to vacate most of the planets, with the exception of Monastery, and other planets that were left of vital importance.

Though the Helghast launched assaults on many other ISA planets within the Alpha Centauri System, the largest gathering of Helghast forces were concentrated on the 5 Border Planets, where it was also revealed that most of the ISA forces including some UCA forces sent from Earth arrived within the planets of Runekara, Euripides, Inora, and Toga, which were since then known as the Gate planets, as it was even mentioned by General Carlam Sanders, that the border planets were the only thing that stood between the Helghast Invasion and the Solar System, as it was then confirmed that the Helghast were advancing danger close to the solar system as a result in the early stages, officially beginning the Border Campaign on October 14th, 2357.

During the early weeks of the campaign, The Helghast were able to Invade and maintain control of Euripides, but were unable to break into the solar system, due to heavy UCN fleet arriving in order to block them from advancing into the Solar System, but the cause of this would leave other sources into the Solar System open from other planets, meaning that if the Helghast were to control another border world their fleet can bypass the UCN blockade and make it sway to Earth by the end of the month.

It was eventually declared by Scolar Visari that the only way to break through into the Solar System, was to add to the planet count, and conquer at least up to two more planets out of the five border worlds, Zeronus would be one of the biggest priorities, as the planet was known to be the farthest from Euripides's and could also be used in order to house two separate invasion fleets into the Solar System if conquered.

However knowing that the ISA would put up a strong resistance, as the planet over the course of the first 2 months of the Border Campaign was filled with strongest elite ISA soldiers and armored battalions. The Helghast decided to counter this by sending in their own elite fighting force, the 222nd Mechanized Battalion to take part as the main lead force in spearheading the surface invasion, similar to what the Third Army did on Vekta.

by December 1st 2357 the 222nd Mechanized Battalion alongside an entire armed Invasion force of over 400,000 Helghast forces departed Helghan and arrived on the Solar System borderline by December 24th, 2357 where the large-scale orbital planetary invasion would begin hours later.

## Engagement

### **Space Engagement**

The first wave of the Helghast fleet arrived on December 24th 2357 each containing a large ground invasion for the large planetary invasion of Zeronus, while the events of Operation Vengeance was occurring throughout the alpha centauri sector, with the Helghast gaining multiple victories including the Third Army's victory on Aliosho along with the fall of Euripides, one of the major border planets, that were considered vital in order to pave the way for the Helghast to enter the Solar System and begin the great journey towards Earth.

However as the Helghast fleet containing the first wave of the ground Invasion entered the Zeronus system, they were heavily encountered by heavy resistance by the ISA who at this point as expected by Helghast Intelligence had dug down in orbit around Zeronus.

Despite a heavy fight, and a heavy organized defense conducted by the ISA fleet, the Helghast 222nd Mechanized Battalion was still able to make their way PlanetSide, but due to the intense heavy engagements that was taking place in orbit, the Helghast had no other choice but to deploy on the water on the Igonak ocean.

As part of the engagement, the 222nd Mechanized Battalion merge with other Helghast forces that also landed in the sea, where they would then commence one of the largest and bloodiest Beach landings in the entire Second Extrasolar War.

However while this was going on the Helghast fleet in space continued to maintain its grip in orbit, to the point that by new December 25th, 2357 the Helghast have managed to maintain control of a space around zeronus, after the second wave of the fleet had arrived from Helghan that same day. The victory in Space was actually known to have conduct on the exact same time as the Helghast were able to establish a beachhead on the planet surface, on Terran Beach.

### Helghast Invasion

While the initial space engagement was occurring in orbit against the ISA fleet, down planetside the 222nd Mechanized Helghast Battalion was able to land upon one of the beaches of Zeronus on the coast of the nation of Terranus, where one of the largest beach invasion would begin in the history of the Second Extrasolar War.

Encountering heavy resistance from entrenched ISA forces on Terran Beach, including a large oceanic barrier created through concrete cement along with bunkers housing coastal artillery, the Helghast were able to hammer their way through the heavy ISA resistance but received heavy casualties in conducting this invasion.

However despite being able to breach through the seawall, the Helghast ground assault on the beach would soon be stopped at the wall after having to deal with heavy artillery that was also responsible for shelling them while they were on their way to conduct the beach landing, while at the sametime during having to also dodge rounds conducted through Mortar barrages.

Despite receiving fire from both Mortar fire and Artillery fire, the Helghast with the use of their special training the 222nd Mechanized Battalion was able to flank the severe heavily fortified ISA artillery position, through a damaged part of the seawall, clearing out the mortar pits, relieving pressure on the Helghast Invaders making their way up he beach.

With the ISA now divided, the Helghast 222nd Mechanized Battalion was able to then divide their forces through 2 separate destroyed parts of the sea wall, where they would soon assault the ISA Artillery position in two separate areas eventually destroying the beach guns and further opening up the beach for more Helghast reinforcements to arrive.

However the ISA by the time of night began a coordinated conducted a counterattack in an attempt to reclaim Terran Beach, however do the cost of the Helghast using their own earth works against them, the Helghast were able to hold their ground on the beach further forcing the ISA into a retreat, where at the same time in orbit the Helghast fleet was able to maintain air dominance and finish off the rest of the ISA fleet that was preventing further reinforcements from making it to the planet surface.

By morning on December 25th, 2357 following the counter-attack, the Helghast was able to land the remains of their ground Invasion forces after a blockade had been established in Space, where not long after the sung had came up a large column of tanks, apcs and aerial units arrived on Terran Beach making their way West, in order to begin the ground invasion further inland entering the Barleo Sector, on the Zeronus continent of Terranus in hopes of conquering the planet by the end of the year.

### Fall of Osari

Upon successfully securing the beach Helghast forces were able to make their way deeper into the continent of Terranus where as a result that is a begin to heavily fortified the Okarai Woods surrounding the city of Osari which was known to be the capital city of Terranus.

The Helghast ground forces after conquering much of the surrounding terrain in order to establish a major stronghold on zeronus the helghast had to take this city in order to open up the road to the Riat River that way they could begin the massive invasion that could also not only the bordering continent of Kosadeia, but also overrun the rest of Terranus by the end if the week.

However on December 25th, 2357 the helghast receives severe resistance by the ISA within the Okarai forest area, and we're eventually stalled during their advance towards the city.

However, despite having such a strong defense, which consisted of both cutdown tree, bunkers, pillboxes, foxholes, trenches and rocks, including craters that were left behind by Helghast aerial bombardments, the Helghast were able to still gain ground within the forest, even while receiving furious fire from ISA forces hidden in the trees and trench lines.

During the course of the fighting ISA forces hidden in the deep woods were also successfully able to pinpoint and destroy Helghast armor, that was moving through the trees.

Despite these hardships, the Helghast were able to break through the ISA defenses in the forest eventually bringing the war to the suburbs of a Osari, where the city was evacuated not long before the Campaign began. By the night of December 25th, 2357, the Helghast surrounded the town conducting a small siege of the city from the South and East, but due to the events of ISA heavy resistance stalling the Helghast 61st Core Battalion in the East, at Idicus City, about 20 miles east of Osari that was assaulted on the very same day as Osari was, all Heavy armored units that took part in the Helghast advance through the Okari Forest had to be diverted toward Idicus, which was mentioned to be giving the Helghast ground forces trouble with heavy fortifications and elite units.

Despite no longer containing armored support anymore, the Helghast commenced a full scale assault on Osari from the East and South, where they were able to break through the cities outer barricades, and enter the city streets, where a large Urban War began within Osari.

As the Battle for the city raged for what appeared to be a half hour, the ISA were able to call in multiple reinforcements onto the field from the north, while a large bulk of them concentrated within the townsquare located within the heart of the city, where two lancer light tanks were dug in, causing intense chaos toward any Helghast forces that broke through the street barricades that the ISA left behind when the 222nd Mechanized Battalion were able to breach the street defenses, leading to Zerocon square, the main square where the 2 ISA Lances were dug into.

Multiple Helghast forces that attempted to enter Zerocon Square were easily gunned down by not only the Lancers, but also by more heavily fortified ISA troops who created a barricade all around the lancers, making it literally impossible for the Helghast to flank around without taking heavy casualties.

As the war for the city continued on to about 10:46 at night most of Osari, including that of the heartland and most of the outer suburban area have was reduced to rubble. However the tide turned against he ISA completely by 11:56PM, when the army of the Shock Core Battalion arrived from the North after conquering the city of Aegera, eventually trapping the ISA completely within Osari, and overrunning most of the city's northern perimeters within minutes.

Now panicked and exhausted, the ISA forces pulled back towards Zerocom Square, where they dug in around the 2 lancers in hopes of making a final stand, but this spirit amongst the ISA forces would break easily, when it would eventually be revealed that the city of Idicus had been crushed, and that the Helghast Heavy armored units of the 42nd Heavy Battalion were now on the way back towards Osari from the East.

Despite holding back at least 4 waves of Helghast forces, the Helghast advancing from all sectors, would eventually overrun Zerocon square by 1:45 AM, where as a result feeling the situation was hopeless, along with the 42nd Heavy Battalion not far out now, all remaining ISA forces would surrender to the Helghast 222nd Mechanized Battalion, 14th Elite Corps Battalion, and 23rd Helghan Platoon.

However due to the hardship that the ISA caused the Helghast, mixed with the heavy casualties that they inflicted on them, during the course of the campaign, the Helghast were relentless in the ISA following the engagement, which where as a result, led into the ISA survivors being executed in the end, through firing squads by the time the sun had risen.

Following the victory on in not only Osari, but Idicus, and Aegera, on December 26th 2357 the Helghast has decided out of the three cities they had conquered to use the city of Osari as a major Field Headquarters within the continent of Terranus, in order to move the heavy armor throughout the rest of the continent in order to take over multiple areas within Terranus.

### **Helghast Take Control of Terranus**

About 7 days following Osari, the Helghast were able to run over about 95% of the Zeronus Continent of Terranus, leaving most of the ISA forces in the nation of Terranus weakened and heavily scattered, as a result of this General Oversun, who was known to be the ISA supreme commander of the forces of Zeronus, had ordered all ISA forces within the Terranus nation to cross the Riat River in order to regroup and prepare for a counter offensive against the Helghast Invasion, that so far for the last 7 days has proven to be unstoppable.

From December 27th, to December 29th, all ISA forces began a massive evacuation of both civilians living within the cities of Terranus, and military personal, while at the same time holding back the Helghast from major vital sites within the nation, by December 30th, most ISA forces had fallen back across the Averson Bridge into Kosadeia, but one group of native Zeronusrian ISA soldiers known as the 55th Osari Platoon, chose to stay behind and conduct raids against the Helghast forces within Terranus, in hopes of turning their attention away from the Riat River, however the 222nd Mechanized Battalion was able to sneak passed the Osari Platoon that same day, and assault the Averson Bridge, where after 5 hours of heavy fighting the Helghast were successful in securing the Averson Bridge, bringing the war now across the Riat River and into the nation of Kosadeia.

However the 222nd, Mechanized Battalion was unable to make actual advances within Kosadeia, due to heavy ISA defenses, that was conducted at the time of the 7 day period, where by December 31st, after being repelled about 15 times from multiple sectors within the Ocarina Providence in Kosadeia, which is the main providence in Kosadeia that houses the Aversion border bridge on the Riat.

The Helghast 222nd Mechanized Battalion was then ordered to hold their ground and fortify the bridge, but a sudden surprise counter attack conducted by the ISA's 13th Marine Battalion, would catch the Helghast off guard to the point that the 222nd Battalion would lose 50 percent of the bridge, where even after reinforcements sent by the 23rd Helghan Platoon was able to break the counteroffensive and push the ISA back, it was officially too late for the 222nd, to make their way back North across the bridge in order to fortify it from the Kosadeia side, as the ISA had heavily secured the bridge head, and would completely mow down the any Helghast force that comes across, this in turn would force the 222nd Mechanized Battalion to fortify the bridge within the center going back to the Terranus Continent that they occupy, while the Helghan Battalion provided overwatch.

These actions and delay would then start the Riat River Campaign as both sides would fight heavily for the Riat River border crossing into Kosadeia.

### Battle for the Riat River

#### **Battle for Averson Bridge**

Following the surprise counteroffensive conducted by the ISA, following 15 failed attempts at establishing a beachhead within the Koadeia Continent from the Averson Bridge, connecting with Helghast Occupied Terranus, that same day, on December 31st on the final day of 2357, the 222nd Mechanized Battalion were able to construct fortifications within the center of the bridge in order to prepare for an incoming ISA counter offensive.

During the course of the fortifications that were constructed, multiple Helghast attacks were launched across the river by air, in hopes of weakiing the ISA's bridge head defenses, once the Heavy Armored Battalion could arrive, but each attempt at trying to cross the Averson Bridge which at the time was said to have been the only River crossing in the north section of the Riat River, and the only continental river crossing, as it was mentioned by Helghast soldier Conner that scouts had reported that most other Bridges that crossed over the Riat River and into Koadeia, were all destroyed, leaving Averson the only one still combat compatible.

However the ISA despite hold multiple vicious counterattacks, including one that allowed them to trap the Helghast on the Averson Bridge, had lost multiple counter attacks on attempting to reclaim the bridge, where it was then mentioned by General Oversun was that once the Averson Bridge was reclaimed, they would be able to move over the Riat River and use it in order to counter attack to reclaim the territory that was previously lost to the Helghast in the last 8 days of the Zeronus Campaign.

During the course of the counterattacks, the 222nd mechanized battalion became the key figures in holding the Averson bridge as many of both the Helghan Platoon, along with the 14th Elite Corps Battalion, constructed fortifications through piles of debris, that was left behind during the previous engagement on December 30th, or walls of sandbags fitted with man made bunkers fitted with STA-3 MG's, facing the Koadeia direction.

These defenses although poorly mastered, due to the endless counter attacks conducted by the ISA, was designed in order to provide an ultimate defense against the next wave of ISA forces that was said to be much larger and more overwhelming than the previous the previous attacks that were conducted against the center of the bridge about 4 times.

Despite being able to hold the ISA for certain amount of time at the center of the bridge, the war would soon turn against the helghast as the ISA began to double in numbers to the point that it literally became impossible to even shoot through an overwhelming amount of soldiers, charging from the Koadeia side in overwhelming numbers, where it was even stated by Sheridian in his diary, that even the Helghast STA-3 MGs had trouble bringing them down, if one dropped dead, another 15 would be right behind them, if 2 dropped dead another 50 would be behind them. The result of this would literally destroyed both the 23rd, Helghan Platoon, and 14th Elite Corps, and cause the 222nd Mechanized Battalion to retreat back to towards their side of the Averson Bridge, returning to Terranusian Soil, where they would make their last stand with both the Helghast 42 Heavy Battalion, and 61st Core Battalion, until reinforcements could arrive.

This time while under the support of a tank, provided by the 42nd, Heavy Battalion as most of the Helghast armored, was being used farther upstream to the east in order to shell a strategic ISA campsite that was cross the river, which housed ammo and supplies for the ISA forces assaulting Averson bridge, the constant barrage of the 42nd, Heavy Armored Battalion was able to cause severe damage against the ISA from the west, further preventing reinforcements from assaulting Averson Bridge, thereby dwindling the ISA numbers that was now attempting to break through the Helghast defenses on the Tarnarus side of the Riat.

The 222nd mechanized division was able to successfully hold the fridge cost in the is a grand total of over twenty thousand casualties in the failed counteroffensive but as a result it was eventually stated by helghast scouting units that is a reinforcements were on the way this time with armored support.

knowing that the helghast cannot hold against another counter-attack do the the week in first wave of the heavy offencive helghast instead resulted into destroying the Averson Bridge further holding their own efforts at the crossing the river into the next continent.

#### **Advance on Obedenon Field**

Following the destruction of Averson Bridge, the ISA was granted more time in order to set up defenses with the Koadeia Continent, but the result of the Verson's destruction, would also prevent them from actually launching a successful counter offensive against Helghast controlled Terranus as well, which in turn could give the Helghast time to reorganize and replenish their forces after having to lose many on Averson Bridge the previous day on December 31st 2357, this would promote the ISA to fortify the river crossings of all sectors up and down the Riat River, even on the foot of the bridges that were already destroyed prior to the beginning of the Riat Campaigns beginning.

On January 2nd, 2538 about two days following the events of the adverse in stand the Helghast was able to locate the Kradik bridge that was known to be the final bridge across the riot river that was big enough to withstand and hold helghast armor it was also know however to be the most heaviest fortified by the ISA.

After regrouping and reforming their ranks the 222nd mechanized battalion took part in a large blitz attack against The Kradik bridge where despite receiving heavy fire the ISA would eventually lose control of the southern Ford but the helghast would eventually become pinned on the southern side of the river by heavy new experimental is a M-1889 tank.

The 42nd Heavy Battalion would soon join in as their tanks began to shell the Northern fords, causing severe damage to most ISA forces entrenched on the riverside, while also receiving heavy fire from ISA artillery, Lancer and M-1889 Tanks stationed on the opposite shoreline.

The fighting reduced most of the Obedenon Field on the Helghast controlled nation of Terranus into an inferno, but the 42nd Heavy Battalion would be able to clear out entrenched Lancers near the ruins Alwoia Manner, further forcing the ISA to begin shifting armor from the previous shore, thinning out and weakening their hold on the Northern fords.

#### **Helghast cross the Riat**

While heavy fighting was occuring within the Obedenon region, ISA forces were able to establish Artillery positions within Rebrundants Hill, located near the Riat River on the Koadeia Side, further forcing more damage amongst the 42nd Heavy Battalion, forcing many of the Helghast tanks to move for cover behind rocks and some even through the thick forest that surround the region, those who weren't so lucky were set ablaze due to impact of the shells.

The artillery on Fort Vektor would further force the Helghast armored battalions to stop, making them easy targets for ISA tanks firing on them across the Rivat River, in response to silence the ISA artillery guns, the 222nd Mechanize Battalion were able to locate the Kradik Bridge, despite being hammered by the intense barrages, and heavy resistance conducted by the ISA's Riat Battalion, the 222nd Battalion was able to secure the Kradik bridge finally being able to move across the Riat and into Koadeia moving where they would later flank the ISA on their own side of the river while at the same time moving a single tank from their unit onto the bridge in order to provide heavy cover for the 222nd forces assaulting the opposite fords.

As a result of this surprise flanking maneuver, after breaking through the ISA defenses infront of the Kradik bridge and opposite bridgehead, the ISA forces on the northern side of the Riat would eventually be slaughtered allowing the helghast to move more forces across the river, but due to the constant pounding of ISA guns coming from Fort Vektor, the 42nd Armored battalion was still forced to remain in cover until the 222nd Mechanized Battalion could assault and silence the guns.

#### **Assault on Fort Vektor**

As the 222nd Mechanized Battalion made their way towards Rebrundants Hill, ISA reinforcements coming from other sections on the Riat River counter attacked the 222nd Battalion forcing them to fight a defensive war near Ocason field. Despite being heavily outnumbered with only one tank covering them, the 222nd were able to withstand at least 7 waves of ISA reinforcements before the Helghast 61st Battalion arrived to reinforce them.

Knowing that their counterattack had failed, Rebrundant's Artillery soon ceased from firing upon the 42nd Heavy Battalion and instead focused its fire on the 222nd and 61st Battalions that were now advancing towards the hill, in the wake of this engagement the Helghast 42nd Heavy Battalion was finally able to start moving their tanks across the Riat River into Koadeia, but due to the size of the bridge, only one tank could cross at a time, this would further slow down the advancement of the 42nd Armored Battalion, promoting both the 222nd and 61st Battalions to assault the hill without armored support.

Despite receiving heavy fire from the entrenched ISA forces, along with heavy poundings by artillery from on top of Rebrundants Hill, the 222nd and 61st Helghast Battalions were able to break through the ISA defenses and overwhelm the hilltop, destroying all Artillery cannons that were facing Terranus and the Kradik Bridge, forcing the remaining ISA forces within the fort and nearby surroundings to retreat. Unfortunately, the ISA would regroup within the woods, and through the use of the same tactics that they used on Averson Bridge 2 days ago, launched a full scale counterattack against Fort Vektor, further promoting the Helghasts 222nd and 61st Battalions into holding Rebrundants Hill until the 42nd, Heavy Battalion can get their tanks across the Riat.

Holding the ISA counter offensive for about 20 minutes, the ISA is forced to abandon the Assault on the fort completely when the Helghast were able to move the last of their tanks across the Kradik bridge, and turn the tide against the Infantry, further forcing the remaining ISA forces to flee back into the woods Northbound, weakening the ISA's hold on the Riat River.

#### **Helghast Claim the Riat**

The Helghast would become victorious, as after the assault on Vektor, the 222nd Mechanized Battalion would then conduct joint operations alongside the 42nd Armored Battalion where they would they would blitz upstream clearing out the now weakened ISA units while working together with forces across the river.

Through the sudden turn of events, and the ISA rapidly losing ground after the Helghast 222nd Mechanized Battalion created a line of defense trapping the ISA forces within the Riat River after they had conquered and destroyed the ISA forces at Mord, further preventing ISA relief or any routes for the trapped ISA forces to escape the Blitz, further allowing the 42nd Armored Battalion to steam role and finish off what resistance was left among the river fords on the Riat further prompting the remaining Isa units to flee from the Riat River officially ending the Riat River Campaign on January 2nd, 2358.

The fall of the Riat River would later lead to the Helgahst begin able to expand their Invasion into Koadeia from Terranus, further promoting the ISA forces to destroy all vital structures within the region by January 3rd, 2358, in hopes of denying any resources to the Helghast.

### Destruction of ISA Airfield

Following the victory on the Riat River the Helghast Offensive expansion into Koadeia, was temporarily stalled, due to the amount of losses conducted during the Riat River campaign, further promoting the Helghast to dig in around the areas they took over when the campaign ended in the late afternoon on January 2nd, 2358.

However on the early evening of that same day, a small recovery fleet of Helghast reinforcements arrived from Helghan in order to reinforce the Helghast blockade preventing ISA reinforcements from landing on Zeronus while at the same time were able to deploy reinforcements towards the planet surface thus allowing the battered Helghast Invasion to recover, and continue ground operations against in Koadeia.

Before their offensive could be conducted farther into Koadeia, the Helghast decided to attack a single Fort that was located within the Arkaya Forest.

The fort was said to be a large airfield, where the ISA were able to obtain most of their aircraft shuttles, dropships transport craft that were mostly responsible for bringing supplies and troops from the Koadeia capital city of Ethora, further providing ISA forces on the field with more ammunition, troops and even air support.

This Fortress/Airfield, would eventually became a key asset for the Helghast ground forces as the destruction of Fort Lenthor, would further cause a serious blow to the ISA forces within the Arkaya Province in Southern Koadeia, thus allowing the Helghast to conduct endless bombing runs against ISA forces within the region, while at the same time allow the Helghast Ground Invasion to breach the outer Morg Line that was formed by the ISA 2 days prior during the Rivat River campaign, allowing the Helghast to continue their advance North toward the city of Neirera.

In the late evening of January 2nd, 2358 two Helghast snipers snuck in and conducted a raid on the airfield obtaining value intelligence from the ISA Central command, while at the same time conducting a sabotage operation against multiple ISA drop ships aircraft and bombers which resulted in a single for a massive surprise Helghast armored Offensive, by the 222nd Mechanized Division.

Too by immediate surprise fort Lenthor fell within minutes and the ISA were forced to retreat further North.

As a result of this victory the Helghast were able to use Fort Lenthor in order to retrieve better supply lines from their fleet in orbit, while at the same time cause severe bombing runs against the city of Neirera that was located to the north.

### Fall of Neirera

2 hours following you victory and the fall of Fort Lenthor, the ISA's Morg line was broken in the dead center, by the morning of January 3rd, 2358, further allowing the Helghast 42nd Heavy Armored battalions to advance through the Ukrea Providence area of Koadeia towards the city of Neirera, which was considered to have been a major key city in the Zeronus Campaign.

The city however came under immediately Helghast fire immieadelty by the afternoon of January 3rd, 2358, due to most of the ISA forces being spread out amongst the Morg line, thus causing the Helghast ground Invasion to divide in sectors, in and around Neirera, in order to prevent ISA reinforcements from flooding the city, while the 222nd Mechanized Battalion fought against the ISA's 89th Earth Platoon for control of the city, while at the same time defending the heavy armored units of the 42nd Heavy Armored battalion, that were constantly targeted by ISA anti tank troopers hidden amongst the ruins, but besides these hardships, Helghast heavy airstrikes conducted by aircraft launched from Helghast Occupied Fort Lenthor, allowed significant progress for both the 222nd Battalion and 42nd Armored Battalion within the ruins of Neirera.

It would be from these heavy poundings of airstrikes, including Artillery barrages that were conducted by the 41st Helghast Hammer Division at Ruthicus Ridge, that both the Helghast 222nd Mechanized Battalion and 42nd Armored Battalion were able to not only break through the suburb defenses, but also break through a certain section of the city eventually entering the Imran Square, the major center of the city.

As Helghast forces began to overrun the southern sections of the city pushing their way North towards the Rulocus River, that divided Neirera from North to South, the ISA were successful in destroying a major bridge preventing the 42nd Armored Battalion from sending their tanks across, but the 222nd Mechanized Battalion were able to counter this by defending and securing Ilasio Bridge, which through all the chaos happening in the city was missed by the ISA forces.

Despite multiple counter attacks in hopes to destroy the second bridge over the Rulocus River by the ISA, the 222nd Mechanized Battalion was able to maintain control over the bridge until they were reinforced by the 61st Battalion, further promoting the 222nd Mechanized forces into launching a full scale counter attack within the center of the city towards the Government District.Though the Helghast were able to take control of the government structures including the governor of Neirera itself, the ISA launched a devastating counter attack against the District, while being aided through the use of air support, but despite the intense pressure conducted against the govement district, the 222nd Mechanized Battalion was able to hold against the ISA for about 20 minutes, until the ISA were forced to retreat after the 42nd Armored Battalion arrived with the use of their tanks, alongside the61st Core Battalion further resulting in a pure Helghast victory within the heart of Neirera.

Despite the fall of the Government District, fighting for the city continued well on into the late afternoon, as ISA forces were still able to hold certain sectors of the city, further stalling the Helghast 61st Corps at Viari Plaza.

However despite these major delays the helghast were able to destroy a vital section in Viari Plaza, that was supplying the ISA forces all over the plaza, with ammunition which as a result dealt a hard blow against the Interplanetary Strategic forces within Viari Plaza, further forcing the remaining sectors that were in ISA control to be evacuated by ground and airborne transports back North toward Maiden Ridge.

### Arrival of UCA & ISA Counterattack

Sensing victory the armies of the Helghast ground Invasion, that was now being spearheaded by the 222nd Mechanized Helghast Battalion immediately began to speed their forces up in their advance into chasing down the remaining ISA units and crushing them at Maiden Ridge within the hour, where it was also stated that Maiden Ridge was the last obstacle on planet Zeronus, that stood in the way of the Helghast Invasion, and both the ISA official Zeronus Military Headquarters, and the Koadeia capital city of Ethora.

As the Helghast began to depart Neirara, many evacuations were started at Ethel, and the ISA Military command headquarters, where all non combatant personnel were ordered to leave by dropship to the Island of Marshell, which if the Helghast were to conquer Ethora along with Koadeia, would be the last official nation on Zeronus, but due to Isolation, there was no chance that the Helghast would spod the Island, due to the the landscape being pulled from the maps of Zeronus, as an emergency measure incase the ISA would lose at Maiden Ridge.

However unknown, to both the Helghast and ISA units on the ground was that in space while the battles of Nerirea was going on a UCA fleet of reinforcements eventually arrived in the system, after the Invasion of Zeronus was reported by a prototype ISA Stealth ship, further giving the UCA days to organize an effective liberation force on 7 days prior on December 28th, 2357.

Upon arriving in Zeronus's orbit the UCA fleet would later clash heavily with the Helghast blockade in orbit. Transmissions were unable to alert the Helghast forces on the ground of the counterattack as it was stated by General Oversun of the ISA Zeronus defenders, that the only reason that the Helghast forces have no idea, of the fate that awaits them, is because of newly constructed UCA jamming ships which prevented the Helghast fleet from warning the Invading armies about the incoming UCA counteroffensive, where as a result left the Helghast ground Invaders both blind and deaf on what was yet to come 3 days later.

As the Helghast fleet struggled to maintain its orbital superiority in space, a single UCA cruiser was able to make it this way past the Helghast orbital blockade and deploy troops near the city of Aranora, that was located 45 miles Northeast of the battlezone, and were transported through dropship and ground transport toward Maiden Ridge where by the time of the fall of Nerirar, they were able to reinforce and link up with heavily weakend and battered ISA units that were able to make to the ridge, where the Helghast would soon arrive in surprise that they would face an impregnable wall.

#### Stand at Maiden Ridge

As the first forces of the Helghast arrived at Maiden Ridge the ISA chose to lure the Helghast into a trap with the use of making them think that they were still weak and disorganized.

As a way to combat the Helghast and lure them into the trap that is a launch several defensive attacks against the Helghast forces as they were making their way through the woods. After this they were driven from the woods, as expected, but didn't make a full scale retreat, and insead made a second defensive attack on the Greyga field that was located near the area of where the ambush point was set.

Another heavy fight would then occur at Greyga, where despite holding longer compared to their previous defense in the woods, the Helghast were still able to break through their defenses and force the ISA once again into retreat, where they were then ordered by General Oversun, to return to Maiden Ridge.

After securing the Greyga Field, and nothing left to stand against them, the Helghast 222nd Mechanized Battalion continued to lead the advance towards the Maiden Ridge region, while the 42nd Armored Heavy Battalion was successful in clearing out other portions of the surrounding countryside, further promoting the ISA forces in the east to retreat towards Maiden Ridge.

As the Helghast ground Invasion would eventually arrive at Maiden Fields, the entire Invasion force is soon surprised when the entire army is then shot from all directions by the UCA and Isa forces entrenched on the high grounds.

With the ISA and the UCA now gaining a huge advantages over the Helghast Invasion, through the use of both Terrain, and armored support, the Helghast advance that was once thought to have been nearly unstoppable for the past 11 days, has finally been grined to a halt, further promoting celebration amongst the citizens of Zeronus, that were no long living near the battlefield, while others also cheered from the Koadeia capital of Ethel, after having to spend hours in fear of the Helghast entering their city once the ISA Supreme headquarters had fallen.

Despite multiple attempts to try and make their way up the field more and more Helghast forces were killed in the attack even when the helghast began to launch artillery strikes, and airborne strikes, against the high grounds, these tactics were still not enough due to the UCA already establishing anti air ordinance amongst the ridgeline further promoting multiple Helghast bombers and dropships being shot down. At one point, the 222nd Mechanized Battalion, in one last attempt to turn the tide began launching flanking maneuvers around the hills, but they were unable to break the ucn and Isa forces entrenched on the ridge as they were shot from all sides sustaining heavy casualties.

Despite the infantry having a hard time on the field, tanks of the 42nd, Helghast Armored Battalion was able to eventually gain an advantage on the Eastern side of the ridge by breaking through the first cement wall and forcing the ISA forces to retreat towards UCA forces that were dug in on Torx Hill, but the UCA responded to this armored assault through the use of heavy artillery, and air strikes further reducing the entire region into a solid no man's land, and forcing heavy casualties amongst the 42nd Armored Battalion, and even sending the Helghast Tanks into retreat.

Realizing that the field was completely impregnable after about 4 failed assaults, the 222nd Mechanized Battalion would then retreat back to your Neiraria, Where the city would eventually become liberated within the next couple of hours that same day on January 3rd, 2358.

Maiden Ridge would be the farthest that the Helghast Invasion would advance not only in the nation of Koadeia, but on Zeronus as a whole, as following this crushing retreat, the Helghast would soon begin a defensive campaign in order to hold the ground that they have gained over the past 11 days.

The Victory would also promote most of the citizens of Ethora, including all non combatant ISA soldiers to be sent back towards their destinations from Marshell Island, where celebration would soon spark on the official turning point in the Zeronus Campaign.

#### Reclamation of the Kradik Bridge

Despite the initial counteroffensive, the Helghast would eventually be attacked from multiple directions within the nation of Koadeia, where by the afternoon of January 4th, 2358 the joint ops of both ISA and UCA would eventually force the now exhausted and battered Helghast forces to launch a defensive campaign within the territories in Koadeia that they captured days prior.

Unfortunately, due to them not possessing the resources to go up against this full scale counteroffensive, as this was not planned as Zeronus at the time was set to be a quick victory by the end of 2357, but due to the intense heavy resistance by the ISA led by General Oversun, the Invasion stalled up until 2358, about 3 days later then it should have ended, plus it was even hinted by ISA forces during the early stages of the Invasion that the UCA were concentrated on Euripides at the time, making the sudden arrival of UCA reinforcements and the quick recovery of the ISA defenders on the planet a shock towards the Helghast Imperial invaders.

With the war in space taking a toll against the Helghast Fleet, there was no way that the Helghast Ground Parties could receive reserves and supplies which made the whole situation on the ground more dangerous and more desperate for the helghast, to the point that the UCA and ISA joint forces were able to reclaim about 54 percent of the territories that were lost to the Helghast in Koadeia, eventually pushing the war back towards Fort Lenthor, which would also be reclaimed in the initial counter attack that same day, eventually pushing the war back to the border, the Riat River.

Taking up defensive positions after losing Fort Lenthor, and later Vektor that same day in the initial counteroffensive around the river, the Helghast were able to beat back at least seven waves of ISA forces on the countryside, but the sudden arrival of UCA ground battleships turn the tide against the Helghast further completely dominating the field, while at the same time officially wiping out the 61st Core Battalion, during their heavy barrages. Losing one of its best brigades, the now panicked Helghast are then forced to retreat back across the Kradik Bridge where as a result the Helghast would destroy it in order to slow down both the UCA and ISA counteroffensive advance.

The tactic of this was able to slow down the ISA and the UCA long enough for the Helghast to return back to Osari.

#### Liberation of Osari

Despite the delay the ISA and UCN, were able to airdrop their forces across the Riat river. through the use of Oogus Dropships, that were created in order to transport vehicles in the wake of a bridge being destroyed.

This further allowed the UCN and ISA forces already on the southern side of the river to continue their advance back towards Osari, where at this point on January 4th, 2358, the Helghast were entrenched and waiting.

In the intense fighting continued for about 19 hours that day up until early dusk, where the Helghast were able to beat back multiple waves of ISA forces while mixed in with UCN troops and armored battalions.

In the heavy fighting the city, that was previously damaged on the second day of the Invasion back on December 25th, 2357, would eventually be reduced into a complete wasteland while many political figures that was set up as puppet governments by the Helghast, during their 11 day occupation of the city, were immediately terminated, due to many of them turning traitor and revealing certain weaknesses within the helghast lines on the outer perimeter, through the use of communication links that were hidden among the city.

At the price of this, these political figures would also go as far as to calling in airstrikes on certain targets within the Osari, further causing even more devastation within the city and Helghast defenders.

As a result of treacherous politicians, many armed citizens known as the Osari Resistance group, launched attacks on the Helghast from within, also causing destruction against multiple vital sections of the city, including the destruction of a Helghast tank assembly site, that was being used as a repair shed for the 42nd Armored Heavy Battalion that was constantly on the outer perimeter pounding the ISA and UCA Advances with their tanks, where if one was to get damaged, they would arrive at this shed in order to be repaired and brought out to fight again. The destruction of this shed would cause a severe blow to the 42nd Heavy Armored Battalion, further causing them to lose more tanks outside the city limits.

The hammer hit the Helghast the hardest when the ISA were able to destroy a vital Helghast fortress outside of a Osari, further destroying the helghast outer perimeter, to the West allowing UCN heavy armor to enter the city from the West, in which at this point were able to overrun the streets of the once occupied city, further forcing the 222nd battalion to leave the city.

As a result of this, the remaining Helghast forces ended up being seperated in various areas around the Terran, where many others were engaging in other aspects within the continent, but most including the 222nd Mechanized Battalion linked up in order to begin an evacuation from Zeronus as it was this very point that the invasion was completely doomed, and that there was nothing that the Helghast could do in order counter attack against the surging ISA and UCA advances.

#### Battle of the Uplink

Unfortunately despite the Helghast being able to regroup, the ISA and UCA forces were able to set up fortifications at the uplink that was currently known as the Helghast's only way to get off of Zeronus as the planet was at this point was in danger of being overrun by both the ISA and UCN, as the remaining forces of the Helghast in the outer regions were being overwhelmed to the point that by January 4th, 2358, that the 222nd, Mechanized Battalion would be the last surviving Helghast battalion on the ground.

With time running out, with the Helghast final remnants of the 222nd Mechanized Battalion launched a desperate and devastating offensive against the uplink where despite receiving heavy casualties ,they were able to break through the ISA outer perimeter and finally make their way past Howl Hill and into the uplink center after breaching the walls, and even making their way passed heavy armored units on the hill, where they were eventually successful in securing the Uplink giving the Helghast one major momentum in there Evacuation tactics in order to get off of Zeronus.

However the victory was short lived, with the arrival of the UCA and ISA coming from right behind them from the direct South and fastly approaching on the morning of January 5th, 2358.

At this pace, the Helghast only had about 8 minutes in order to prepare defences before eventually being forced to fight again, and holding the ISA and UCN forces until they can begin their evacuation off of Zeronus.

Digging in the trenches, the helghast did everything that they could in order to hold the outer perimeter against 4 waves of ISA Military ground units, but were eventually forced to retreat back into the walls of the uplink center when the UCA then arrived with heavy armor, while the ISA provided most of the ground invasion on foot.

With the Uplink center in danger of being overrun, the Helghast were able to hold the interior of the uplink for at least 15 minutes, until eventually the remains of the Helghast 42nd Armored Battalion would arrive in order to cover the evacuation, though this tactic was able to spare the 222nd Mechanized Battalion and allow them to escape off world, the 42nd Armored Battalion would then become overrun and obliterated.

At this point the 222nd Mechanized Battalion who were now the last surviving remnants of the Helghast Invasion force were able to escape the planet by transport back to Yarkortus in Space.

### Final Hours in Space

After arriving aboard the flagship, the Yarkortus as the last surviving Battalion of the once powerful ground Invasion, the situation became grim as the last of the helghast fleet, was now on the verge of being annihilated, as many helghast vessels began burning from the overwhelming UCN ships dominating the airspace that was was once held being held by the helghast for the last 13 days.

Wit the remaining Helghast ships, completely surrounded and on the verge of being annihilated causing panic amongst the remaining Helghast forces, some Helghast ships began to flee the overwhelming battlezone, but were soon destroyed by incoming long range experimental UCN anti vessel missiles that were constructed and created in order to attack a fleeing ship, where a single impact from this missile would cause instant destruction to the outer Hull causing the ship to explode within.

With nowhere else to go as the UCN fleet was closing in on the Yarkortus, ISA troops had already invaded the flagship during the war in space while, while Helghast forces were making their last stand at the Uplink down back on the planet surface.

The remains 222nd Mechanized Battalion was able to reclaim most of the spaceship having to fight their way through the Cannon rooms, including reclaiming the barracks the 222nd Mechanized Division, where they were actually able to liberate a couple of helghast hostages that was located in the barracks, before making their way into the vehicle Bay and pushing their way through to the command bridge that was in danger of being overrun.

However, despite the last remnants of the 222nd Mechanized Battalion, managing to clear the bridge head, the Helghast were soon overrun in space when the last of their frigates were destroyed by the UCN navy, after more ISA vessels arrived from Runekara, eventually making it impossible to escape the planet.

As a result of this, more ISA and UCN forces boarded the flagship eventually causing the vessel to be overrun from all sectors, where all Helghast forces attempting to keep them from the bridge and barracks sections would all ended up being massacred, before eventually returning back to the main corridor which led to the bridge section of the Yarkortus.

Despite trying to hold Yarkortu's main bridge the remaining members of the 222nd Battalion eventually realize that the situation was hopeless and that there was no escape from Zeronus, as the UCN and ISA fleets at this point had completely surrounded the Yarkortus, and had destroyed what was left of the Invasion fleet.

The remaining members of the 222nd Battalion then dropped their guns and surrender only to be gunned down in the end as a form of retaliation for the Helghast;s previous actions on Zeronus, in the days during the Invasion.

## Aftermath

The failed invasion of Zeronus led Helghan into an economic crisis while at the same time sparked shock amongst the Helghast military, while at the same time costing the Helghast an entire Army, of 5 of their most elite best soldiers under both the Third Army, and Elite Guard.

The massacre of Zeronus was eventually known to be credited by Scolar Visari as proof that the ISA and UCA's action of trying to dehumanize the Helghast as a people, further promoting the continuation of the Second Extrasolar War, and the continuous advance towards the Solar System.

However the failure on Zeronus would severely weaken the Helghast Blitz towards the Solar System, further forcing the Helghast to divert most of their forces toward the defense of Euripides and the Invasion of Runekara. Euripides would be liberated days later, and the Runekara campaign would eventually be declared a failure by 2361.

The major course of the Helghast's failure at Zeronus, would be known by the ISA and UCA as the engagement that saved the Solar System, while for the Helghast, it would be known as not only the darkest day in Helghan's history, but also the engagement that destroyed Operation Vengeance.

Zeronus was never Invaded or attacked a second time by the Helghast following this destructive and bloody 13 day Campaign, during the Border Campaign.

## ***Legacy***

As a result of this, despite the economic crisis on Helghan, the failed invasion of Zeronus also wiped out one of the best military garrisons in the helghast military. The 222nd mechanized division was never heard from again as it was naturally stated by Scolar Visari himself, along with even Colonel Redac, that the whole division had been wiped out on Zeronus and that the whole Helghast army of 400,000 that were sent to invade the planet was now drifting in space as a lifeless corpse or buried six feet under.

The failed invasion of Zeronus sparked Moral within the Earth colonies including Earth itself, which more and more people from almost every colony within the galaxy volunteered in order to join the ISA and UCA's war effort against the helghast in order to prevent the helghast from breaking through the border planets and out of the Alpha Centauri system and begin making their way into the solar system to invade Earth.

Zeronus was never invaded again by the Helghast, in the aftermath of the failed Invasion as the planet was deemed too cursed and daming, for the Helghast wishes, but it was eventually reveal by as the Zeronanian citizen that the helghast didn't want to return, due to the trauma and horrific memories of the 13 Day failed Invasion.

The failed invasion of Zeronus also would be known to be the major engagement that cost the Helghast the entire Border Campaign as it was also revealed to be the most bloodiest engagement of the entire Second extrasolar war for both sides.

It was stated that because of the loss of the 222nd mechanized battalion, the Helghast even with the assaults conducted by the third army, they were unable to claim a second planet within the 5 Border planets, as Runekara was shown to be too heavily strong in defensive entrenchments and bad terrain while Euripides itself was also reclaimed by the UCN and ISA counteroffensive, in the aftermath of the failed Invasion.

by 2361, about 4 years after the failed Invasion of Zeronus it was eventually declared by Scolar Visari that the border campaign had ended in a defeat for the Helghast, but this would not stop the Helghast from attempting to make their way into the Solar Systems from other parts of the galaxy, as it was even stated by Hakha that the Helghast couldn't make it through there own border section, but that it did not mean they couldn't find another way to get into the Solar System.