HTL CAMPAIGN, PHASE V : NIFELHEIM ARC ( 58 of 62 chapters total )

: “ The Other Side of the Coin ” Written by Brandon "Avatarr" Alspaugh An idealistic Border Worlds Senator tries to find ways of balancing military spending with providing money for the Union's other needs, despite fierce opposition from the military's supporters in the Senate.

: “ Old Friends and New... ” Written by Joseph "Wraith" Giuda The TCS Yorktown and her battle group arrive in Nifelheim as part of the retreating Combined Fleet. They learn more about the battle plans, and get better acquainted with their Kilrathi allies.

: “ Welcome to Hell, ” Part 1 of 6 : Ship of the Line Written by James Andrew “JAG” Greenhow The Confed reserve pilots continue training for the coming battle even as the Combined Fleet arrives. Wing Commander Michael Black tries to deal with some personal problems.

: “ Welcome to Hell, ” Part 2 of 6 : Enemy at the Gates Written by James Andrew “JAG” Greenhow The pilots find out more about the Nephilim, and Rat tries to find out who ambushed him aboard ship. Meanwhile, an accident while on patrol puts Wing Commander Black's own nose out of joint.

: “ Into the Inferno, ” Part 1 of 13 : Something Wicked This Way Comes Written by Rajan "Raptor" Ragupathy Four recon Excaliburs from one of the Inner Fleets are sent to scout out the Ymir System, and find much more than they bargained for.

: “ Into the Inferno, ” Part 2 of 13 : The Greater Good Written by Rajan "Raptor" Ragupathy The Confederation Senate learns about the new developments on the frontier. After a long and bitter debate however, the Senate decides not to send any further reinforcements.

: “ Into the Inferno, ” Part 3 of 13 : The Eleventh Commandment Written by Rajan "Raptor" Ragupathy The crews who have been fighting to hold the line take some time out, blissfully unaware of the new threat headed towards them.

: “ Into the Inferno, ” Part 4 of 13 : The Best Laid Plans Written by Rajan "Raptor" Ragupathy The Wing Commander of one of the reserve carriers catches up with his son, a fighter pilot with Battle Group Valkyrie. The reunion is soon interrupted.

: “ Scraps of Honour, ” Part 13 of 15 : The Greater Good ( 1 / 2 ) Written by Nick "Chaeronea" Deane The Scrappers are one of many squadrons scrambled as the fleet learns the bad news. Later the pilots are briefed in more detail and assigned t additional combat training to prepare for the battle ahead.

: “ Scraps of Honour, ” Part 13 of 15 : The Greater Good ( 2 / 2 ) Written by Nick "Chaeronea" Deane The Scrappers are assigned to fight Battle Group Valkyrie's top squadron, the Reapers, and manage to surprise their opponents.

: “ End of the Spiral, ” Part 2 of 3 : The Blurred Line ( 1 / 2 ) Written by Andrew "Neo" Modeen, James "JAG" Greenhow, Daniel "Bugfix" Klette, & Peter "WCAGuru" Birdsall This story follows Battle Group Auriga from the end of the Loki battle to the present stage of the campaign.

: “ End of the Spiral, ” Part 2 of 3 : The Blurred Line ( 2 / 2 ) Written by Andrew "Neo" Modeen, James "JAG" Greenhow, Daniel "Bugfix" Klette, & Peter "WCAGuru" Birdsall Battle Group Auriga, along with their new allies aboard the Hades, prepare for the next stage of the battle. Meanwhile, The Movement continues with its plots.

: “ Keeping Hope Alive ”  [   INTERLUDE   ]  Written by Jeremy "Echo" Johnson The Hades pilots who recently joined Battle Group Auriga come to terms with their situation.

: “ Into the Inferno, ” Part 5 of 13 : Finest Hour Written by Rajan "Raptor" Ragupathy The commanders of the Combined Fleet make plans to deal with the enemy fleet while the Union's political leaders try to mobilize as many of their resources as possible to assist.

: “ Into the Inferno, ” Part 6 of 13 : Not the Worst of Things Written by Rajan "Raptor" Ragupathy A couple of Battle Group Valkyrie's pilots do some soul searching about the situation they're in and the reasons for doing what they do.

: “ Into the Inferno, ” Part 7 of 13 : Scramble! Written by Rajan "Raptor" Ragupathy The Valkyries scramble as they get word of an incoming group of ships and get even more bad news.

: “ False Hopes and Nightmares ” Written by Joe "Wraith" Giuda The TCS Yorktown crew face up to their situation and make plans accordingly.

: “ Into the Inferno, ” Part 8 of 13 : Extreme Measures Written by Rajan "Raptor" Ragupathy The Valkyries put together a desperate plan for a desperate situation.

: “ Into the Inferno, ” Part 9 of 13 : Flashpoint Written by Rajan "Raptor" Ragupathy The strike force scrambled to deal with the threat races for the jump point.

: “ Into the Inferno, ” Part 10 of 13 : Battle Plans Written by Rajan "Raptor" Ragupathy The human forces gain some unexpected advantages and make further plans to win the battle.

: “ Into the Inferno, ” Part 11 of 13 : Bring it On Written by Rajan "Raptor" Ragupathy The Nephilim jump in and the battle begins.

: “ Welcome to the Family ” Written by Kevin "Wolfman" Foster The battlecruiser Nemesis is detached from the rest of the fleet to cause as much trouble as possible for the Nephilim.

: “ Welcome to Hell, ” Part 3 of 6 : The Gates of Hell Written by James Andrew “JAG” Greenhow The Confederation reserves realize they are in for one hell of a battle... and the strain begins to show.

: “ In the Eye of the Hurricane ”    Written by Shaun "Iceman" Rashid The TCS Endeavour and her crew gain a brief respite but are about to be thrown right back into the thick of things.

: “ Loud and Clear, ” Part 1 of 4 Written by Joe "Wraith" Giuda, Shaun "Iceman" Rashid, & James "JAG" Greenhow/Daniel "Bugfix" Klette As the Nephilim move in, a combined strike from three Confederation carriers is sent to tackle the powerful enemy group.

: “ Loud and Clear, ” Part 2 of 4 Written by Joe "Wraith" Giuda, Shaun "Iceman" Rashid, & James "JAG" Greenhow/Daniel "Bugfix" Klette A massive battle develops as the combined strike from the three Confederation carriers take on a Nephilim dreadnought.

: “ Loud and Clear, ” Part 3 of 4 Written by Joe "Wraith" Giuda, Shaun "Iceman" Rashid, & James "JAG" Greenhow/Daniel "Bugfix" Klette The dreadnought is down but the Nephilim launch a counter attack threatening the survival of the Yorktown herself.

: “ Loud and Clear, ” Part 4 of 4 Written by Joe "Wraith" Giuda, Shaun "Iceman" Rashid, & James "JAG" Greenhow/Daniel "Bugfix" Klette With the battle won, the three carrier groups separate to lick their wounds and go about their own missions.

: “ Scraps of Honour, ” Part 14 of 15 : The Matador Stratagem ( 1 / 3 ) Written by Nick "Chaeronea" Deane The reserve forces square up against the Nephilim coming in from Loki.

: “ Scraps of Honour, ” Part 14 of 15 : The Matador Stratagem ( 2 / 3 ) Written by Nick "Chaeronea" Deane A flight of fighters from the Sicily race to rescue a merchant ship under attack.

: “ Scraps of Honour, ” Part 14 of 15 : The Matador Stratagem ( 3 / 3 ) Written by Nick "Chaeronea" Deane The ship is safe from immediate danger, but it and its crew are now locked in the system with the human and Nephilim fleets.

: “ No Survivors ”  Written by Shaun "Iceman" Rashid The Endeavour and a Nephilim carrier group clash in a final, deadly battle.

: “ Once More Unto the Breach ”   Written by Dan "Death" Poore Task Force Abbey takes on the escorts of another Nephilim carrier group, trying to clear the way for others.

: “ Into the Inferno, ” Part 12 of 13 : Line in the Stars Written by Rajan "Raptor" Ragupathy Fighters from the BWS Freedom race to rescue Abbey as the Nephilim pursue their attackers.

: “ Aftershocks, ” Part 1 of 2 Written by Joe "Wraith" Giuda The TCS Yorktown receives an automated distress call and moves to assist.

: “ Aftershocks, ” Part 2 of 2 Written by Joe "Wraith" Giuda The Yorktown's rescue efforts are interrupted by Nephilim ships and fighters.

: “ War to the Knife ”  [   INTERLUDE   ]  Written by Kevin "Leeloo" Tan While the war between human and alien continues full force, humans are also killing each other. The blood feud between Tanfen and Porhen heats up... and the normal rules no longer apply.

: “ Into the Inferno, ” Part 13 of 13 : Hitting Back Written by Rajan "Raptor" Ragupathy Battle Group Valkyrie prepares to hit back hard at Group Epsilon. Other groups in the Combined Fleet also prepare for their missions.

: “ Scraps of Honour, ” Part 15 of 15 : Death of a Thousand Cuts ( 1 / 3 ) Written by Nick "Chaeronea" Deane The Border Worlds reserve forces prepare for their full scale battle against the Nephilim carrier group coming in from Loki.

: “ Scraps of Honour, ” Part 15 of 15 : Death of a Thousand Cuts ( 2 / 3 ) Written by Nick "Chaeronea" Deane The Border Worlds reserves carry out their first attacks against the Nephilim warships.

: “ Scraps of Honour, ” Part 15 of 15 : Death of a Thousand Cuts ( 3 / 3 ) Written by Nick "Chaeronea" Deane The reserves wipe out a group of Nephilim destroyers and corvettes along with their fighter escorts.

: “ Welcome to Hell, ” Part 4 of 6 : All Hell Breaks Loose Written by James Andrew “JAG” Greenhow Meanwhile, the Confed reserves prepare for their own battle. A privateer has plans to make a profit from the battle.

: “ Check and Mate ” Part 1 of 2 ( 1 / 4 ) Written by Joe "Wraith" Giuda & Rajan "Raptor" Ragupathy The TCS Yorktown and the BWS Valeria begin working together on a dangerous mission.

: “ Check and Mate ” Part 1 of 2 ( 2 / 4 ) Written by Joe "Wraith" Giuda & Rajan "Raptor" Ragupathy The plans for the joint mission are complete and the enemy is sighted.

: “ Check and Mate ” Part 1 of 2 ( 3 / 4 ) Written by Joe "Wraith" Giuda & Rajan "Raptor" Ragupathy The strike force becomes embroiled in a massive dogfight with the enemy fighters. The Shrikes take down a Nephilim cruiser.

: “ Check and Mate ” Part 1 of 2 ( 4 / 4 ) Written by Joe "Wraith" Giuda & Rajan "Raptor" Ragupathy The strike force cripples a Nephilim carrier, opening the way for the second stage of the joint operation.

: “ End of the Spiral, ” Part 3 of 3 : The Way Out is Through ( 1 / 4 ) Written by James "JAG" Greenhow, Daniel "Bugfix" Klette, Joe "Wraith" Giuda, & Rajan "Raptor" Ragupathy The former Valley Forge group, Battle Group Auriga, is assigned the most dangerous mission of the entire campaign: they will have to track down and destroy a Nephilim ship-killer... capable of wiping the entire group out with a single shot.

: “ End of the Spiral, ” Part 3 of 3 : The Way Out is Through ( 2 / 4 ) Written by James "JAG" Greenhow, Daniel "Bugfix" Klette, Joe "Wraith" Giuda, & Rajan "Raptor" Ragupathy Battle Group Auriga and her flight wing engage in a fierce battle with the Kraken ship-killer and her escorts. Despite the best efforts of the pilots, though, CVBG-A's capital ships are forced to close within firing range of the Kraken.

: “ End of the Spiral, ” Part 3 of 3 : The Way Out is Through ( 3 / 4 ) Written by James "JAG" Greenhow, Daniel "Bugfix" Klette, Joe "Wraith" Giuda, & Rajan "Raptor" Ragupathy The Confed pilots and crews manage to disable the Kraken but themselves take massive losses. At the same time, one of the human pilots turns on their Kilrathi allies... while another falls victim to the brainwashing of the Nephilim.

: “ End of the Spiral, ” Part 3 of 3 : The Way Out is Through ( 4 / 4 ) Written by James "JAG" Greenhow, Daniel "Bugfix" Klette, Joe "Wraith" Giuda, & Rajan "Raptor" Ragupathy Battle Group Auriga's battle with the Kraken ship-killer continues both inside and outside the crippled alien ship as the Kilrathi Catharx shows the Nephilim the meaning of zaga.

: “ The Nemesis Gambit ”  [   INTERLUDE   ]  Written by Kevin "Leeloo" Tan As the Nephilim conflict rages on, the Tanfen and Porhen conflict comes to its conclusion.

: “ Welcome to Hell, ” Part 5 of 6 : Enemy at the Gates Written by James Andrew “JAG” Greenhow An element of the reserve forces, comprised of both Confed and UBW ships, prepares for an all-out strike on the Nephilim ships.

: “ Check and Mate ” Part 2 of 2 ( 1 / 3 ) Written by Joe "Wraith" Giuda & Rajan "Raptor" Ragupathy Following their successful strike on the Nephilim carrier, the Yorktown's pilots regroup aboard their ship. They await word of the planned joint operations with the Valeria, and do their best to get their fighters and crew ready.

: “ Check and Mate ” Part 2 of 2 ( 2 / 3 ) Written by Joe "Wraith" Giuda & Rajan "Raptor" Ragupathy As the Confed pilots recover back aboard the Yorktown, the group that was dispatched back to the Valeria meets with the Border Worlds commanders. Plans are made for joint fighter sweeps from the Valeria and Yorktown to wear down the Nephilim fighter cover before trying to destroy the crippled carrier.

: “ Check and Mate ” Part 2 of 2 ( 3 / 3 ) Written by Joe "Wraith" Giuda & Rajan "Raptor" Ragupathy After the Yorktown pilots cripple one of the two Nephilim carriers it seems the Nephilim are far from finished.

: “ To Sleep, Purrchance to Dream ”  Written by James "JAG" Greenhow The Kilrathi commander, Catharx nar Vukar Tag, was badly founded in CVBG-A's most recent fight against the Nephilim. As he recuperates, he dreams of what the future holds for himself and the Kilrathi.

: “ Welcome to Hell, ” Part 6 of 6 : End of the Line ( 1 / 2 ) Written by James Andrew “JAG” Greenhow The Confed and Border Worlds reserve forces continue bleeding the Nephilim pushing inwards from the Loki jump point with a series of rapid strikes. Meanwhile, the first reports of the alien plague begin to arrive.

: “ Welcome to Hell, ” Part 6 of 6 : End of the Line ( 2 / 2 ) Written by James Andrew “JAG” Greenhow The reserve forces attack and cripple the Nephilim carrier that is leading the enemy forces. The fighting is far from one-sided, however, as the Nephilim also close in on a Border Worlds frigate that is too badly damaged to escape. The human pilots try to cover their damaged ship and finish off the enemy carrier at the same time.

: “ The Movement ”  [   INTERLUDE   ]  Written by Andrew "Neo" Modeen ( coming soon )

: “ Escaping the Spiral, ” Part 1 of 3 Written by ( coming soon )

: “ Escaping the Spiral, ” Part 2 of 3 Written by ( coming soon)

: “ Escaping the Spiral, ” Part 3 of 3 Written by ( coming soon)

 

NOTE  :  All chapters have likely been minorly corrected regarding punctuation, spelling, continuity, & comprehension. If the writer(s) or reader of these chapters have any problem(s) with these pages, please E-mail Andrew "Neo" Modeen and/or Brandon "Darksabre" McKown.