Overview of Marfark
Marfark is one of the five planets that reside within the Andromeda Sector. The planet’s name is derived from the Arabic word مرفق (marfaq), meaning “elbow”, and shares its traditional name with Theta Cassiopeiae, a solitary star in the Cassiopeia constellation. Historically, Marfark has played a crucial role in the defense of Super Earth, serving as a pivotal location in numerous military campaigns.
Following its establishment, the Automatons launched a full-scale assault on Marfark in an attempt to bypass the Menkent Line, a key defensive stronghold. Despite successfully flanking the position, the Automatons chose to pivot westward, capturing the Ymir, Andromeda, and Trigon Sectors. They held these sectors for months before Marfark and its surrounding worlds were reclaimed during Operation Andromeda, a major Helldiver counteroffensive.
Topography
Known as the “elbow of the Andromeda Sector,” Marfark is a world trapped in eternal winter. Harsh blizzards, extreme cold, and massive ice flows dominate the planet’s surface, making traversal difficult. Frigid waters further disrupt movement, making battles on Marfark particularly challenging for ground forces.
History
Special Military Operations
Automaton Reclamation of Cyberstan
For nearly 100 years, Marfark remained an isolated, icy outpost of Super Earth, its colonists enduring life among permafrost tundras, frozen oceans, and towering glaciers. While the planet held little strategic significance at first, its people developed a reputation for resilience—and in particular, for producing highly skilled melee fighters who specialized in close-quarters combat within the hostile conditions.
However, peace is something the enemies of Super Earth despise.
On April 3rd, 2184, shortly after suffering a humiliating defeat at Malevelon Creek, the Automatons returned to wage war against Super Earth. Through unknown—and likely undemocratic—means, they quickly overwhelmed Cyberstan and the Valdis Sector, initiating a full-scale invasion of neighboring systems. As the Helldivers scrambled to push back the mechanized threat, the people of Marfark could only watch in horror as planet after planet fell to the red tide of socialism.
On April 16th, 2184, the Automatons launched their first assault on Marfark, attempting to outflank the Menkent-Lesath Line and seize control of the region. War had reached their doorstep.
Menkent Line and Operation Cassiopeia
Throughout April and May, Marfark endured two brutal Automaton offensives, devastating its settlements and forcing many of its colonists into exile. The Helldivers fought fiercely, determined to prevent the planet from falling entirely into enemy hands.
By April 16th, Super Earth Armed Forces (SEAF) had successfully liberated half of the occupied planet, but the Automaton resistance only grew stronger. Reports confirmed an alarming increase in Factory Strider deployments, forcing High Command to issue new orders—Marfark had to be held at all costs to protect the Menkent Line from collapse.
Helldiver reinforcements were diverted from the intense fighting on Martale, and after a prolonged, bloody engagement, the final Automaton holdouts were eradicated. Although SEAF forces braced for another offensive, no immediate counterattack followed—likely due to the Automatons losing their foothold and heavy equipment during the Battle of Marfark’s Arctic Wastes. With the planet secured, High Command declared the defense of Marfark a resounding success.
With the front stabilized, the Helldivers shifted their focus to ongoing battles in Matar Bay and Penta. However, as the Terminid Control System collapsed in the Eastern Sectors, reinforcements were diverted to contain the resurgent supercolony—leaving Marfark vulnerable to future invasions.
Second Galactic War
Operation Trolley Problem
By June 2184, Marfark had been under Automaton occupation for over a month. However, an unexpected strategic opportunity arose—the enemy had transported large caches of MD-17 Anti-Tank Mine materials to the planet, critical for Super Earth’s war effort.
At the same time, a distress signal was received from Super Citizen Anne’s Hospital for Very Sick Children on Vernen Wells, another occupied world. The Helldivers faced a difficult choice—rescue the trapped civilians or secure the valuable explosive materials.
Following the liberation of Aesir Pass on June 12th, the Helldivers mobilized for both missions, with most choosing to rescue the civilians at Vernen Wells. In response, the Automatons, now aware of the attempt to reclaim Marfark, quickly relocated the MD-17 caches, preventing their recovery.
Operation Andromeda
After securing a miraculous victory in the Ymir Sector, the Ministry of Defense launched a large-scale offensive to reclaim lost territory and reconnect stranded SEAF forces. On July 13th, 2184, the first Helldiver pods landed on Marfark while the bulk of SEAF forces fought in Matar Bay.
The Battle of Marfark officially began the next day, and after two days of brutal combat, the Helldivers emerged victorious on July 16th, securing a crucial supply route and paving the way for the eventual liberation of Martale.
Operation Jet Brigade and the Miracle at Marfark
On October 18th, 2184, Automaton warships launched a massive assault on Matar Bay, quickly overwhelming SEAF defenses and capturing the planet within a single day. The invasion was spearheaded by an elite Automaton detachment known as the Jet Brigade, equipped with experimental jetpack technology.
Their unstoppable momentum continued as Martale fell soon after, pushing the Helldivers further back. The Jet Brigade seemed poised for total victory—until they turned their sights on Marfark.
On October 21st, despite being severely weakened from previous battles, the Automatons launched a final assault. Every remaining SEAF and Helldiver force on the planet fought with everything they had, determined to hold the line.
The battle pushed the Department of Heroic Sacrifice Affairs to its limits, but against all odds, victory was achieved on October 22nd. This “Miracle at Marfark” marked a turning point in the war—though the Jet Brigade remained a threat, their strength had been severely diminished.
Operation Jetclipper
Following the Helldiver victory, Marfark became a symbol of resistance within the Federation of Super Earth. However, this peace was short-lived.
By November 28th, 2184, Marfark found itself completely encircled by Automaton-controlled planets. On November 29th, the enemy launched a coordinated invasion from Matar Bay, Martale, and Aesir Pass.
Yet, against all odds, the Helldivers refused to abandon Marfark. On the morning of November 30th, reinforcements arrived, initiating an intense counteroffensive. Against grim predictions, the Helldivers slowly pushed back, and by December 1st, the second Miracle at Marfark was complete—the enemy forces had been eradicated once again.