Overview of Varylia 5
Varylia 5 is one of the five planets in the Trigon Sector, initially considered unremarkable until intelligence reports uncovered that the Automatons had constructed a massive factory on its surface. This facility, dubbed the Petafactory, was intended to mass-produce advanced weaponry for the Automaton war machine. Upon its capture by the Super Earth Armed Forces, the factory was repurposed into a second Morgunson Arsenal, becoming a key production site for EXO-49 Emancipator Exosuits.
Topography
Varylia 5 features vast grassy plains and rocky hills, with perpetual fog and frequent torrential rainstorms. The planet was once plagued by extreme geological instability, with magma bubbling from the core and seas of lava covering much of its surface. Despite this hostile environment, certain areas remained fertile, supporting small patches of vibrant green plant life.
Following the First Galactic War, the Ministry of Expansion initiated terraforming efforts, stabilizing the planet’s crust and redirecting ice comets to cool the lava fields. These efforts transformed Varylia 5 into a more habitable world, allowing for large-scale human settlement. However, the Automaton invasion and subsequent industrialization efforts led to severe atmospheric pollution, further degrading its once-pristine environment.
History
During the Automaton invasion of Cyberstan, Varylia 5 was among the first planets to fall, despite initial successful defenses on April 25th, 2184. A second assault on May 20th overwhelmed planetary defenses, placing Varylia 5 under Automaton control. Intelligence reports later revealed that the Automatons had converted the planet into a massive industrial hub, constructing a large-scale factory complex referred to as the Petafactory. Analysts noted similarities between the facility and the Morgunson Armories of Tien Kwan, raising concerns that the Automatons were developing new superweapons.
Super Earth High Command, recognizing the strategic significance of the Petafactory, launched Operation Emancipator, issuing a Major Order for its immediate liberation. The battle for Varylia 5 was one of the most intense Automaton conflicts of the war, with Helldiver forces struggling to establish a foothold. During the initial engagements, intelligence reports surfaced regarding increased Terminid activity on Angel’s Venture, threatening the newly constructed SEAF Training Facility. Prioritizing the defense of Angel’s Venture, Helldiver forces temporarily withdrew from Varylia 5, allowing Automaton resistance to weaken. Upon their return, they successfully liberated the planet on May 26th, 2184.
Upon reclaiming Varylia 5, Super Earth engineers discovered the horrifying conditions within the Petafactory—millions of cramped, overworked Automaton drones laboring in hazardous environments to produce war materials for the Socialist war machine. The facility was quickly repurposed for the mass production of EXO-49 Dual-Autocannon Emancipator Exosuits, significantly bolstering Super Earth’s military capabilities.
However, Varylia 5’s liberation was short-lived. With the Helldivers shifting focus to the Meridian Supercolony Crisis, planetary defenses were weakened, allowing the Automatons to recapture Varylia 5 in early July, prior to Operation Xzar Lockdown. The turning point came during Operation Starslayer and Operation Andromeda, when Helldiver forces severed the Automaton supply lines, cutting off Varylia 5’s garrison from Cyberstan.
With the Automatons trapped, Super Earth ordered a counteroffensive, leading to Operation Righteous Expunge, targeting Automaton strongholds in Charbal-VII and Choepessa IV. As these planets fell, resistance fighters on Varylia 5 began mounting small-scale insurgency operations, delaying Automaton reinforcements. On July 29th, following the liberation of Vega Bay, Helldiver forces launched a final assault on Varylia 5. Despite heavy resistance and Automaton orbital defenses, Super Earth forces prevailed, reclaiming the planet on July 31st and securing its strategic importance once again.