Alternate Timeline with Thanks (FULL)

[marauder648]

That IS a lot of ASF's but where's the rest of the MD fleet...wasn't their fleet about 15 vessels strong in this TL by this point?

[JA Baker]

The Rycon and a Thera, thats a lot of ASF's on just those two hulls.  :o

the Rycon lost a landing bay in her last battle, halving the number of fighters she can carry

[Dragon Cat]

SLS Invincible (Tharkad-class Battle-cruiser)
Zenith Points, Epsilon Eridani
Star League Protectorate
1st March 3092

   Across the bridge Admiral Benjamin White looked at the command centre's main screens then glanced back down at the the communication that had arrived from Terra Firma passed through the planetary HPG from the LCS Peter.  The Manei Domini fleet had begun a slow burn from the pirate point towards the Zenith and Nadir points, the LCS Peter had changed course to avoid the incoming WarShip fleet which now numbered eleven vessels including a newly arrived McKenna-class Battleship and a Faragut-class Battleship on top of the other WarShips.

   “Prepare for immediate jump to the Terra Firma system.  Pass a message to the SLS Helm, SLS Liberty, SLS Freedom and SLS Shining Claw.  All ships are to jump into the Zenith and Nadir Points as planned.  Send an HPG to Outreach and First Lord Davion to use Point Bravo as an entry.  We will herd them back to Point Alpha and give them no option other than to fight.”

   “They could fast charge their drives” his XO suggested

   “Not that many ships in such a short amount of time.”  White said confidently “pass the word.”  He said his XO nodded his agreement before moving off moments later the lights within the command section of the ship significantly dimmed and an alert klaxon sounded throughout the craft warning the crew of an approaching jump.

   Several hours later the SLDF vessels each arriving from a different system began to appear within the Terra Firma system blockading the Nadir Point while at the Zenith point five WarShips of Clan Snow Raven appeared.  Initially the Manei Domini WarShip fleet continued on towards the Zenith and Nadir Points however with the arrival of additional WarShips bearing the insignia of the AFFS and Clans Nova Cat and Hell's Horses arrived at another pirate point which was closer to the standard jump points than the Manei Domini.  Unable to hit the standard points before their enemies the Manei Domini forces turned back towards their initial entry point.

   From the command deck of the FSS Destiny First Prince Victor Steiner-Davion spoke to the whole star system.  “People of the Terra Firma system there are forces within this system intent on causing you and the people of the Inner Sphere further harm.  We have arrived to eliminate these forces we will protect you all.”  He announced as the hours passed from several WarShips several DropShips were launched all heading for Terra Firma.

   “First Prince, between those ships launch our analysis suggests that there is anything up to three Divisions of ground forces.”  The Destiny's CO Admiral Jon Starkwood said informing his liege lord as commander of one of the Federated Suns premier WarShips he had more pull than most.

   “I will take our ground forces and those of this task force to Terra Firma and oppose any ground forces.  I want you to take your WarShips to join with Admiral White's by that time the Rasalhague and Archon's Pride should have arrived, you are then to eliminate the enemy WarShip fleet completely.”

   “You are not going to Terra Firma without support sire, if the Manei Domini turn their guns on the planet you could be very exposed.”

   “We cannot divide our forces, if we do we may not be able to counter those WarShips.”

   “Still we need to make sure you are not overly exposed.”  Starkwood said digging his feet in “the FSS New Avalon, Pillar of Autumn, Barrier Reef and Swift Strike is a significant force to support you on the ground and if necessary delay the incoming enemy forces until we arrive.”

   “I'll see you on the other side Admiral” Victor said saluting Admiral Starkwood returned the salute then the First Prince left the command deck.

Landing Forces
Terra Firma
Star League Protectorate
5th March 3092

   Escorted by the WarShips sent by Admiral Starkwood First Prince Victor Steiner-Davion and Khan Canin Rosse found Terra Firma unguarded by Manei Domini WarShips, DropShips or fighters allowing them free access to the planet.  Remaining over their position the Pillar of Autumn, FSS New Avalon, Barrier Reef and Swift Strike prepared themselves provide fire support for the ground forces if required however they also kept an eye on the space above Terra Firma.

   Since Victor's force had detached from the other WarShips had engaged the Manei Domini forces.  In the opening battles dozens of aerospace fighters and DropShips had been destroyed on both sides as had the FSS James Sandoval and the SLS Helm.  On the Manei Domini side a Galley-class Corvette, the Illyria, and a Zechetinu II-class Corvette, the Haptopodar.  The two forces had disengaged moving out of weapons range as they did two Lola Block II-class Destroyers and two Essex-class Destroyers arrived at the pirate point reinforcing the Manei Domini forces increasing their WarShip force to thirteen active vessels.

   As the ground forces began to make landfall engaging the Manei Domini forces the Rasalhague, Archon's Pride and two Draconis Combine Kyushu-class Frigates arrived moving towards the planet.  Immediately on landing the combined ground forces on Terra Firma engaged the Manei Domini who had been rampaging free on the planet intent on causing as much destruction as possible.  Victor Steiner-Davion led a combined forces of AFFS and SLDF forces against the Fifty-Second Shadow Division while Khan Canin Rosse commanded a force made up of Clan Nova Cat and Clan Hell's Horses against the Forty-seventh Shadow Division the suspected third Division on the planet was nowhere to be seen.  The Manei Domini forces continued to fight on the ground engaging the defenders and the local population with equal venom.

Second Naval Battle of Terra Firma
Allied Formation, Terra Firma
Capellan March, Federated Suns
8th March 3092

   Moving closer together the allied forces and Manei Domini engaged for a second time Admiral Starkwood commanding a strike against the Rycon and the ships supporting her while the Snow Ravens targeted the WarShips surrounding the Manei Domini Thera.  Over three days the two sides engaged and disengaged from each other the whole time the battle moving closer and closer to Terra Firma.

   As the battle continued closer to Terra Firma the two forces engaged for a third time this time the battle culminating in the destruction of the Blake's Sword, a Manei Domini aligned McKenna-class Battleship, and the Snow Raven vessels Blue Quest and Exodus Crusader.  As the two opposing forces approached Terra Firma the Leviathan and Archon's Pride joined the allied force for one final battle.

   On the ground with aerospace superiority Victor Steiner-Davion and Canin Rosse were able to push the Manei Domini ground forces back time and again forcing the hostile forces into a corner protecting much of the planet's population.

[Dragon Cat]

The first part of this post would likely never ever happen like this in the reality of the game or in the rules so no-one try to explain it.  This is fiction and it just had to happen.

Command Deck, Pillar of Autumn (Halcyon-class Cruiser)
Terra Firma, Capellan March
Federated Suns
10th March 3092

   “Star Commodore, the Manei Domini are incoming again” Star Commodore Henrick Mitchell's executive officer said the Nova Cat's Swift Strike and Barrier Reef had been destroyed in the Manei Domini's first attacks while the FSS New Avalon had continued to fight alongside the Pillar of Autumn.  The Manei Domini forces were down to seven active vessels but the allies had lost much of their firepower also and the Manei Domini remained deadly.  “We cannot take much more of this.”  He said as an enemy Lola III and an Essex-class Destroyers passed over and above the Pillar of Autumn thumping the Cruiser from both sides.  “Sir, we're main engines damaged, we are losing speed and our orbit!”  The warrior shouted using a contraction showing the pressure of the situation.

   “Take the jump-drive off-line, power down all support systems and expend all munitions!” Mitchell ordered as the ship rocked heavily from the atmospheric friction “we are losing our orbit” he said clearly so all on the command deck could hear.  “If any of our ejection pods attempt to leave this vessel they will most likely be destroyed.  We have no option, we will land this vessel.”  He said seeing the fear on their faces no WarShip was designed to operate in a planet's atmosphere let alone land on a planet's surface.  “We can do this” he said confidently “turn our nose away from the planet, have engineering give us all the engine burn that they can and slow our descent.”  He ordered.

   Slowly, as the two Manei Domini WarShips abandoned their attack moving towards the FSS New Avalon, the Pillar of Autumn turned in space moving its nose away from the surface towards the space above.  From the rear of the ship the engines burned their last as the ship entered the surface.  For several minutes the ship fought gravity as its engines burned trying to keep the ship out of the atmosphere as it did the ship burned taking damage to all its engineering sections.

   “We have lost contact with the Chief Engineer.”

   “Do we still have reaction control systems?”

   “Aff” the crewmen answered looking back at Star Commodore Mitchell.

   “Use them now turn this ship onto its back” Mitchell ordered the ship's bow and ventral control thruster slowly fired, designed to be operated in a vacuum the thrusters were slow at changing the ship's orientation slowly turning the falling ship onto its back.  “All remaining reaction control systems to stabilization!”  Mitchell shouted as the ship passed five hundred metres “aim us for that lake” he ordered.  The ship was little more than a falling skyscraper its thrusters the only thing keeping it aloft with no lifting surfaces the craft had no natural lift fortunately there was no nearby built up areas.

   Across the command deck systems registered damage, consoles exploded and crewmen shouted warnings.  The Pillar of Autumn flew over Terra Firma's lake missing the water completely slamming into the desert sands that laid ahead.  The impact was massive as the ship slammed into the sand burrowing deep as it tore through the ground at speed.  Most of the crew died on impact as the cruiser dug itself through the sand dunes finally coming to rest roughly two kilometres from the targeted lake.  Miraculously the vessel did not explode as it came to a rest the reactor system only a dozen of the crew had survived the landing none able to move on their own.  Amazingly the vessel which was one of the smallest Cruisers ever created was also one of the most dense and had survived the landing it would never fly again and the Pillar of Autumn had become a permanent marker for the fighting on Terra Firma.

   In orbit the FSS New Avalon hopelessly outnumbered had no option but to fall back from the planet surrendering the space around Terra Firma to the Manei Domini naval forces.  Even as the ground forces pressed against the the Manei Domini naval weapons bombarded the surface causing massive destruction.

Third Battle of Terra Firma
Allied Formation, Terra Firma
Capellan March, Federated Suns
11th March 3092

   As the Manei Domini forces attempted to evacuate the surface the allied naval forces moved in around them Admiral Starkwood watched from the command deck of the FSS Destiny as their remaining forces continued to close exchanging a massive amount of of weapons fire.  The battle arrangement was prepared around the same way as before the Destiny, the Archon's Pride and the SLDF WarShips would target the Rycon while the two Snow Ravens WarShips and the remaining Nova Cat craft would attack the Thera.  The Leviathan would close on the planet along with the Alexander and destroy the Manei Domini DropShips and protect the ground forces.

   “Ensure the Archon's Pride knows to stay closer to us they are to keep that Black Lion and Venturer off of us.”

   “Sir, the Snow Ravens have launched boarding shuttles towards the Warden, they have also destroyed remaining Lola II.”

   “Very good wish them my best” Starkwood said watching as the Rycon turned its damaged side away from the Destiny opening fire on the Archon's Pride with its naval particle cannons.  Along the ship's side the Columbia's Naval Lasers tore into DropShips and fighters that got too close.  “Give them our best, forward Gauss rifles.”  Starkwood ordered as the ships got closer from the front of the First Prince-class Battleship the massive Gauss rifles that dominated the front of the craft lashed out at the Rycon cutting into the mighty vessel.  Fighters from the two vessels engaged in close combat.

   “Sir, the Alexander has been destroyed by the the Enlightened Path!”  Someone called out “multiple radioactive missile launch against the Leviathan!”

   “I guess we're away to see just how many impacts that ship can take” Starkwood said as his own ship closed on the Rycon the Destiny's Naval Autocannons that lined the vessel's sides fired on the Manei Domini vessel.  Massive damage was recorded on the Rycon however the mighty Columbia continued to turn towards the Destiny the vessel's massive alligator shaped head taking blast after blast from the Destiny's guns.

   “Multiple armour impact on the Rycon, sir, she's still coming!”  The sensor operator called out “nuclear explosions on the Leviathan, there goes the broadside!”  The operator called out despite the massive damage done by the nuclear attacks the ship's weapons were still remarkably firing tearing into the Enlightened Path, the ancient Faragut had no chance against the modern Clan vessel and whole swaths off the ship were torn to pieces even as the Leviathan was struck by several more nuclear weapons stuck the massive battleship.  “Invincible is moving in to support Leviathan while the Freedom and Shining Claw are moving in on the Rycon” he said listing the Star League vessels while the Nova Cats and Snow Ravens continued to attack the Thera and the two remaining Manei Domini WarShips.

   “Main engine flare on the Rycon they intend to ram!”  Someone shouted the massive vessel had taken a huge amount of damage but it continued to close on the Destiny despite the massive damage it was taking from the Destiny.  The two ships moved together in almost slow motion exploding in a massive fireball destroying both of the massive vessels.  Aerospace fighters and DropShips continued to fight in between the WarShips taking with them the Manei Domini Essex and remaining Lola II.  The last remaining Manei Domini vessel the Venturer attempted to break through the SLDF vessels however it was rapidly cut to pieces by the LCS Archon's Pride and the SLS Invincible ending the Manei Domini naval forces.

   Without available WarShips to carry them the surviving Manei Domini DropShips dived back towards the surface launching suicide runs into the planet's surviving buildings and any ground forces that were in sight.  The casualties on the planet extended by nearly ten times what they had been previously fortunately despite the heavy casualties on the ground both Khan Canin Rosse and First Prince Victor Steiner-Davion.

State Declaration
Terra Firma, Capellan March
Federated Suns
18th March 3092

   As SLIC and DMI teams continued to sweep Terra Firma for unexploded ordinance and any Manei Domini that had survived aid teams from across the Federated Suns and Star League Protectorate were streaming onto the planet to support the people's recovery.  First Prince Victor Steiner-Davion declares a State of Emergency on Terra Firma and calls for all support that can be given to the world to be given.  Commanding-General Archer Christifori hires the Integrated Combat Support Services Mercenary Command to support recovery efforts on the planet as the SLDF's own internal support is not enough.  The ICSS is a pure support command with little combat assets for themselves with only a support company for themselves.

Star League Negotiations
Hilton Head Island, North America
Terra, Star League Protectorate
24th March 3092

   With the Manei Domini's main forces defeated on Terra Firma eyes turned to Terra and Regulus as hot-spots for trouble.  Although the fighting on Regulus was out of control with the Principality of Regulus refusing any and all help the situation on Terra was far better.  Precentor Azrael had taken the defeat of the Manei Domini forces very well in fact some thought too well.  Azrael had allowed the SLDF to repair all links to Hilton Head Island and allowed negotiation teams to go to the island to bring a peaceful end to the hostilities.

   “Sir, we're getting a message from Precentor Azrael” one of the techs said

   “Put it up on the speakers” Major Glen Stryker ordered he'd remained in command despite Colonel Alsace's higher rank.

   “This is Precentor Azrael on Hilton Head Island the Star League Defence Force have failed to meet our demands in the negotiations” he snarled “as a result we have evicted them.  Our other guests continue to enjoy our rulership.”  He said cutting the frequency.

   “Sir, we have movement on bridge four, eight figures walking back from Hilton Head main complex.”

   “Train all cameras, alert all sentries” Stryker ordered.  Across the bridge the sentries and the cameras saw the eight figures staggering back across the bridge their uniforms torn.  As they reached the half way point a series of shots rang out and moments later all eight fell to the ground in heaps.

   “Peace of Blake...” someone within the command deck whispered.

   “Can it!”  Stryker snapped “we don't need that here not tonight.  Send out a retrieval squad full cover clear those bodies.”  He ordered looking out at the dead negotiation team from beside the bridge a team of ten Battle Armoured troopers moved out to the dead bodies moments later they were followed by a medical team.

   With all attention on the medical team there was a series of explosions from behind the SLDF lines with a Thunderbolt BattleMech taking a series of hits from behind before falling to the ground.  Suddenly other bridges reported problems as BattleMech, vehicle and infantry forces streamed over the bridge smashing any SLDF forces that oppose them.  Stryker's command post took several hits as his command unit attempts to stall the new force but to no avail within hours dozens of additional units push onto the island.

   The SLDF High Command order the SAS and guard survivors to remain at their posts and watch what happens on the island.  Although Stryker does not like his orders he is also aware he does not have the firepower to push through the two units that have occupied Hilton Head.

[snakespinner]

The MD are really going out with a bang.
You'd think it was the 4th of July. O0

[Sharpnel]

More like the Sixth of June ;)

[Dragon Cat]

More like the Sixth of June ;)

You don't know how tempting it was to wait until then but nope it needed to end before the next trouble cropped up...

Carrying on my thanks to Herb for answering my questions on Azrael and Ravana/Lucifer hopefully I got the two close to being right and the scene plays out well.

Mobile Headquarters
Outskirts Nystoll, Terra Firma
Capellan March, Federated Suns
3rd April 3092

   Due to the destruction brought upon Terra Firma First Prince Victor Steiner-Davion had positioned his command vehicle on the outskirts of the capital city Nystoll.  Surrounded by the remains of the First New Avalon Guards RCT and the First Royal Black Watch Regiment.  Beyond them  were the members of Clans Nova Cat and Hell's Horses which represented all that had survived of those two Clans support units.  Further were the reinforcements that had arrived in the system since the end of the battle including the Davion Heavy Guards RCT and the First Tikonov Cossacks RCT.  Infantry and medical units from both these units were working across Terra Firma to rescue trapped members of the planet's population who had been caught up in the recent chaos.  According to Commanding-General Archer Christifori SLDF reinforcements were en-route to the planet as were the ICSS Mercenary Support Command meanwhile the DMI were on the look out for further Manei Domini forces that could be in hiding on the planet.

   Walking past the AFFS/SLDF Honour Guards outside the Mobile HQ Khan Canin Rosse didn't bother to stop to be announced instead walking straight in.  “First Prince Davion” Canin said as he approached.

   “Khan Rosse, I assume your preparations are going to plan?”

   “Aff, our forces will be ready to leave as soon as I return.  Oathmaster Sonja Rosse's WarShip has arrived at the Nadir Point and will make sure my remaining vessels make it back home.”  He said the Nova Cats had lost three WarShips during the battle the Swift Strike and Barrier Reef had been lost during the battle while the True Vision had been scuttled following the discovery of cracks in the vessel's KF Core.  First Prince Davion had offered to assist the Nova Cats repair the vessel however the Clansmen had refused instead allowing the old ship to die following the battle.  Victor had already asked his salvage crews to look over the Congress-class Heavy Frigate once the Nova Cats departed by from all the sensor readings that had been taken of the wreck it looked like the Nova Cats had done a very thorough job of wrecking the craft.  Of his other WarShips both the Sandra Rosse and Radstadt were heavily damaged during the fighting and more than half of the two ships small craft and DropShips had been destroyed in the fighting the losses were heavy not crippling to the Nova Cat navy but still heavy for a battle that they did not have to fight, the Manei Domini had been the Inner Sphere's problem but three of the Clans had chosen to answer their threat which impressed Victor Steiner-Davion.

   “I understand that Khan McKenna plans to take her vessel with you during your trip back to the periphery?” Victor asked the Snow Ravens had lost three WarShips like the Nova Cats but were leaving with a captured Thera-class Carrier, the Warden, already Sterling McKenna had vowed to change the ships name however what else they planned to do with the craft was unknown.  The Outworlds Alliance had always prided itself on a strong aerospace corps since the arrival of the Snow Ravens they also had a strong naval side the captured Thera could be a nice bridge between these two services.

   “Aff, hopefully during the journey we can gain access to the AR-15 the Snow Ravens captured before arriving here.”  Canin said with a wicked smile “an interesting weapon that proved itself in the battle for this system.”

   “As did many things Khan Rosse” Victor said simply before the Khan nodded his goodbye before half turning stopping looking back at the First Prince.

   “Before I go the Hell's Horses commander has asked that I ensure his forces are allowed safe passage back to the Occupation Zone since the destruction of their WarShip.”

   “Already arranged Clan Sea Fox has been asked to arrange for their transport to the Occupation Zones paid for through the Federated Suns.  At least that way there can be no offense taken because of SLDF being involved.”  He said seeing Canin Rosse's second question “I have also guaranteed them access to the wreck site for as long as they wish it and can guarantee that no salvage will be taken from its hull..”

   “Very generous of you, First Prince.”

   “The least I could do.  Safe journey” Victor said bidding him a farewell.

   “Until the next time” Canin said leaving the headquarters.

Capital Hall
Liberty, Star League Protectorate
5th April 3092

   Bannister Cameron moved slowly from his desk to the coat rack grabbing his thick dark green jacket.  Moving towards the door which would take him home he had been reading reports on the fighting on Terra, Terra Firma, Galatea, Regulus and half a dozen other worlds.  Across the entire Inner Sphere tension was high, here on Liberty the population were worried but order had remained.  Moving from the mansion he headed down the short number of steps to the street and his waiting Slipper LX-class Hovercar.

   “Governor!”  Someone shouted Bannister turned to see a young man dressed in an all black jumpsuit wave to him “sir!”  He shouted again signaling for Bannister to come back up the steps the Governor took several steps back up towards the man.  Before Bannister could get up more than a few steps away the hovercar beside him exploded in a fireball killing Bannister's driver and two guards and throwing the governor dozens of feet leaving his broken body against the building.

   The figure that had called the Governor back ran to his side checking for signs of life the Governor was injured badly but alive.  The shadowy figure shouted for medical assistance quickly his reaction team arrived.  On Liberty their assets were small but enough to ensure that Bannister Cameron survived today and that the man, and his family, would have a future.  Custos Paul had ordered the small Fidelis to ensure that Liberty's Governor survived and remained a friend of their people on New Earth.

Confrontation
Underground Vault, Hilton Head Island
Terra, Star League Protectorate
10th April 3092

   Moving slowly from shadow to shadow the figure dressed in black, with a red cloak over his shoulders, closed on the other older figure.  “Precentor Azrael!”  The man shouted moving into the light.

   “Ravana” Azreal said turning around looking at the other figure the man was larger than him easily over eight feet in height he had a well muscled body under his dark jumpsuit his head partially encased in metal.

   “I do not go by that name” the figure said quietly “my name is Lucifer.”

   “One that had been forsaken to us!” Azreal nearly screamed “how can you turn your back on your order for these frails?”

   “The Master is dead!  The Word of Blake failed us!  We owe his dream and those words nothing!”  Lucifer replied shedding his cloak.

   “We owe them everything, you would be dead Ravana without our Master!  ComStar left you to die on Tukayyid his plan saved us” Azrael said looking over the other man “where are your wings?”

   “I have shed them as I shed the Master's yoke.  End this Azrael finish this the right way for our people.”

   “I already have” Azrael admitted “Ravana you cannot stop this in one minute all the missiles the Star League missed on this island will launch this will trigger automated systems on ever continent that were hidden by Our Holy Order from the early days.  Terra's own defences will turn on it and all life as humanity knows it will end just as was foreseen by Jerome Blake before the First Succession War, we will bring Terra full circle.  You and me, the Master's first children here at the end!”  Azrael screamed giving in to his anger and hatred that had been contained during his stay on Terra for so long.  Staying to the shadows Azrael had been ordered by the Master to ensure Terra was ready for the Manei Domini's unveiling unfortunately those orders had not prepared them for the Master's passing or the Manei Domini's rampage across known space.  Now Azrael interpreted Blake's word his own way.

   “This is not our place” Lucifer said “remember me as your brother 'Ravana' if that helps you understand Azrael.  Our time has passed we cannot end it for everyone.”

   “You have made your choice, my brother, and I have made mine”  Azrael said spreading his arms wide as he did blades extended from both of his forearms splitting through his palms.  With a swing of his now sharpened blades Azrael's own cloak fell to the ground in taters.  “We will end this like the Master's chosen were taught.”

   “Do not make me kill you” Lucifer said quietly as from his own arms his own set of blades extended.  Azrael and Ravana had been born at the same time their bodies formed by the Master's thoughts they were the first Manei Domini, and if necessary they would end this generation, elsewhere their younger siblings, those that survived, would have to chose the order's future.

   “I will give you no choice!”  Azrael shouted back lunging forward with his bladed arms Lucifer expertly dodged out of the way spinning on the spot swinging one of his arms down Azrael was an intelligence finder he had never been one on the front line and his stance told Lucifer everything he needed.  Stepping in on his brother Lucifer cut down tearing from Azrael one of his blades as the metal clashed sparks flew as Azrael backed off.

   “End this!”  Lucifer screamed desperately

   “I intend to!” Azrael replied diving in again this time aiming for Lucifer's head with his remaining blade.  Lucifer leaned back at the same time kicking out with one of his legs his modified limbs each held three talons on the end of them as his leg extended these drive deeply into Azrael's chest knocking the wind, and the life from the older man, Lucifer withdrew the talons allowing Azrael to stagger forwards mortally injured during the fight.  Lucifer grappled his brother stopping him falling to the cold ground.  “This was how it had to end Ravana, I thank you for giving me a rightful death.”

   “You didn't have to do this” Lucifer said looking down as the life drained from Azrael's face.

   “I did, and now you must do what you came to do Ravana, and know I forgive you for your choice.  In the end we all make the choices that are required of us.” Azrael struggled to say before his passing.  Lucifer looked down at his brother for a moment then rose to his feet stepping to the consoles imputing the codes he knew into the control systems.  Across the board the lights went from green to red as the missiles buried deep within the complex, that had laid dormant since ComStar and the Word of Blake's passing, deactivated.  Every light except two turned to red Lucifer looked at the last two for a moment before imputing his code again, it was the Master's own code that Azrael, Lucifer and Apollyon had all been given to use when they knew was right.  When for a second time the two lights remained on Lucifer looked to his fallen brother's corpse.

   “We have all made the choices that we were required to.”  Lucifer said knowing that Azrael had made his own choices known and changed the sequence so that even the Master could not have stopped what came next.  Then two things happened moments after the next firstly an intercontinental ballistic missile launched from under the facility flying high into Terra's atmosphere less than a minute later the second missile primed to fire in its launch tube exploded detonating blowing up its nuclear warhead which in turn detonated every other warhead on the island destroying everything in its path.  Lucifer, his troops, Azrael's surviving forces, the hostages and the SLDF forces nearby all ceased to be as nuclear detonations tore Hilton Head from Terra's surface obliterating any trace of the island.  In the air the ICBM launched before the destruction of Hilton Head flew true as it crossed through the atmosphere targeting Unity City, the capital of the Star League Protectorate.  Fortunately as the Star League had restored the city they had also restored much of the Star League-era's defences naval class lasers buried deep into the ground all around the city lashed out at the missile detonating it in the upper atmosphere far from the population.  An Electro-magnetic pulse covered the city knocking out all unprotected electronic devices but for the most part the world had dodged the Manei Domini's final bullet.


Rescue Operations
Galatea, Isle of Skye
Lyran Commonwealth
14th April 3092

   With all eyes on the destruction on Terra Firma and the continued fighting on Regulus it was easy to forget the devastation that had been wrought on Galatea.  Rescue workers had been on Galatea since shortly after the initial attack and so far only 200,000 thousand of the worlds population and from mercenary unit support personnel.  From the ashes of the world a company of surviving MechWarriors had banded together and formed a new command the Ghosts of the Abyss.  These MechWarriors under the command of Driscoll Patterson had already accepted their first contract pro-bon-o to help search the ruins of Galatea for further survivors however Galatea was essentially a dead planet.

Border Skirmish
Brodon, Marik-Stewart Commonwealth
Former Free Worlds League
25th April 3092

   Fighting erupts on Brodon as the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth;s First Free Worlds Guards Regiment and some support assets raided the Lyran held world.  Defending the planet the  Seventeenth Isle of Skye Guards Regiment fought the Marik-Stewart forces for every metre.  Assisting the First Free Worlds Guards were The Alpha Team Mercenary Lance although only a lance in strength the unit continually led the Isle of Skye forces on chases across the planet often leading the Isle of Skye units into well orchestrated traps.  In each engagement involving the elusive command The Alpha Team units would taunt their opponents into mistakes and lead them into trouble when normally the Isle of Skye MechWarriors would have maintained their discipline.  Despite these efforts and successes nether side won an overall outright advantage leading to a series of skirmishes.

[Wrangler]

Talk about the final count down. ;D  I'm surprised the Manei Domini bought the big one, but I'm happy to see the Fidelis cropped up among the fighting in the Star League Protectorate! Way to go, Dragon Cat!.

[Dragon Cat]

Talk about the final count down. ;D  I'm surprised the Manei Domini bought the big one, but I'm happy to see the Fidelis cropped up among the fighting in the Star League Protectorate! Way to go, Dragon Cat!.

Who says they are all dead?  There are still two Divisions active at the moment the 46th Shadow Division on Regulus and the 44th Shadow Division.  As well as two hidden worlds...  >:D  I have lots of plans for the Fidelis...  ^-^

Bonus time:

http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=40982.new#new

http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,40981.0.html

[Rainbow 6]

Who says they are all dead?  There are still two Divisions active at the moment the 46th Shadow Division on Regulus and the 44th Shadow Division.  As well as two hidden worlds...  >:D  I have lots of plans for the Fidelis...  ^-^

Bonus time:

http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=40982.new#new

http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,40981.0.html

Nice designs, what are the chances of more Whirlwind II's?

[Dragon Cat]

Nice designs, what are the chances of more Whirlwind II's?

Slim but not impossible.  House Davion's two Whirlwind II's are refits of the original class.  There are currently three known examples of this class in the Inner Sphere/Periphery 2 are in the hands of the Clan Snow Raven while the third is in the hands of the remnants of Clan Fire Mandrill.

The Federated Suns has had alright relations with the Ravens especially with Burton Davion's "connection" to Sterling McKenna so it wouldn't be too much of a leap for them to get that one.  The Fire Mandrill vessel Warsaw is currently crippled after the retreat from the Clan Homeworlds, the Mandrills have virtually mothballed it, so depending on what the Suns offered the Mandrills they may see an opportunity to trade the wreck.

After the fireworks of April a little calm in May

Bounty Hunting
Various Locations
Inner Sphere
13th May 3092

   Across the Inner Sphere low intensity fighting continues on a dozen worlds each is attributed to the Manei Domini.  On mercenary hiring worlds several small commands hire themselves out as Bounty Hunting units searching for these small units.  One such unit the Royal Grays deploy within the former-Free Worlds League near Sterling searching for these raiding commands.  The Royal Grays are a company in strength and claim that each of their members can trace their lineage to noble families of the Inner Sphere.  Normally the unit took garrison contracts playing on their royal links however with the Manei Domini threat the unit had seen an opportunity on Sterling.

   Arriving on the planet these royal rogues instantly find conflict with the raiders however with the assistance of the local forces they are able to secure a beachhead and their position on the planet.  This type of battles happens on a dozen different worlds with the Manei Domini aligned forces pushed back in most cases only on a couple of worlds are they successful and when they are they disappear without a trace.  On the planet of Keid an MIT-23 with the same markings as that seen on Fletcher in 3081 is seen moving through some civilian areas.  When approached by an SLDF security lance the MIT is defended by four BattleMechs each equipped with the Void Signature System, a technology reportedly still under development testing by the SLDF.  The MIT-23 and its escorting four Mechs disappear without a trace.

Octavian, Draconis Combine Factory Ship
Shimoda, Pesht Military District
Draconis Combine
18th May 3092

   Shimoda was a dead world it had been abandoned by the Draconis Combine during the latter stages of the Second Succession War.  The world had not been abandoned due to natural disaster or external attack but Draconis Combine internal policy.  The system had become a dumping ground during the early succession wars for space going vessels that were too badly damaged to be used further.  Initially the system had become home to broken JumpShips however at the end of the Second Succession War it had become home to four damaged but operational Narukami-class Destroyers.  The Draconis Combine economy at the time had not been able to finance the repairs the ships' needed and they had been stripped of much of their remaining operational equipment instead of making repairs.  To keep the ships hidden the system had been evacuated of all civilians and travel through the system had been restricted.

   Today the Draconis Combine was in a different place and the Narukamis were at least worth investigation.  As there had been restricted access to the system for so long most people couldn't even remember Shimoda's name, the DCMS however remembered the system well, because the system had been avoided for so long it went nearly completely unnoticed as two one thousand-two hundred metre long vessels jumped into the system. “Full sensor scan” the ship's commander Director Aldrich Sigars ordered from the ship's command centre.

   “Sir, several major debris encounters and four intact signatures.  No active sensor contacts or power signatures we can contact.”

   “Coordinate with Phaeton sensor control to keep an eye on all movements.”

   “Yes, sir”

   “Deploy all DropShips and begin burn in system, communications have Phaeton do the same.”  He ordered across the ship DropShips launched from the vessel while the same happened on the other vessel.  The two ships slowly began to move from the jump points accelerating to one gravity, the vessel's maximum speed, unlike the Omi Kurita-class hulls the ships had been built on the Octavian's and  Phaeton's military capabilities had been cut back to virtually nothing instead making room for additional construction and storage spaces.  The two ships that had once been known as the Shiro Kurita and the Vincent Kurita they had disappeared from Midway system in 3083 when on trials very few people had realized that the ships had been removed from the system intentionally by ISF agents and DEST Commandos and moved to a hidden system in the Draconis Combine.

   Today the Octavian and Phaeton had lost their 'Kurita' names and worked behind the scenes they would begin work on vessels abandoned by the Draconis Combine with hopes of returning these vessels to the service of the Dragon.  Now instead of taking part in individual battles the two ships, now serving as Mobile Factories, influenced all of the Draconis Combine.

Declaration of Freedom
Regulus, Principality of Regulus
Former-Free Worlds League
24th May 3092

   After months of fighting on Regulus the world is declared free from Manei Domini influences by Prince Titus Cameron-Jones.  During the battle the First Cameron-Jones House Guard and the Ninth Regulan Hussar Regiments were completely gutted.  Titus announces that he plans to rebuild the House Guard and that the survivors of the Ninth Regulan Hussars will become the core of a newly formed Second Cameron-Jones House Guard.  During the announcement Titus is shadowed by a dark skinned female with long blonde hair media sources believe it to be Saadia Howser a Regulus born MechWarrior who had fought with Lester during the battle for the planet.

Blue Dancer, Star Lord-class JumpShip
Nadir Point, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
29th May 3092

   Months after escaping the riots on Galatea the JumpShips carrying the First McCarron's Armoured Cavalry arrive at the Nadir Point of the New Avalon system.  Having mainly used uninhabited systems and avoided contact with inhabited planets the McCarrons had been thought lost during the chaos caused by the Manei Domini.  After being cleared by AFFS naval forces the McCarrons ground forces and their dependents are allowed to travel to the surface of New Avalon where Colonel Elizabeth McCarron hoped to see her cousin Faith Steiner and seek her assistance in securing a contract with the Federated Suns.

[Dragon Cat]

Time for another bonus to the timeline

From James Tanaga creator of the Fire Mandrill story in the Timeline

A Lyran Intelligence Report on the Rim Collection I hope you enjoy!

http://www.ourbattletech.com/forum/intelligence-reports/lcaf-intelligence-report-the-rim-collectionclan-fire-mandrill/

[Dragon Cat]

Downtown
Wiedergeburt, New Earth,
Star League Protectorate
6th June 3092

   A series of terrorist car bombs rock the capital of New Earth causing hundreds of deaths within the population.  As the hospitals become overwhelmed by the numbers of casualties the local SLDF garrison mobilize to assist however the unit is designed for combat casualties not massive civilian ones.  From the Mopelia Island a small convoy of Fidelis support units move into the city covertly assisting the SLDF units.

   The Star League Intelligence Command unit that had been assigned to watch the Fidelis on the planet search for the culprit of the bombings however they do not have to look far only hours after the last bombing a message is broadcast over the Interstellar News Network channel which is sent to all the planets of the Star League Protectorate and beyond.  The message consists of six words “Peace of Blake be with you” this simple message immediately told everyone in the Inner Sphere that those supporting the Word of Blake and Manei Domini had not gone away.

Jade Falcon Training Ground
South Dargoth, Sudeten
Jade Falcon Occupation Zone
13th June 3092

   Laying in wait the crew of the Bolla Stealth Tank watched as the Hellbringer OmniMech moved in towards the training ground.  Beside it were several other heavy Jade Falcon OmniMechs all marching confidently no suspecting trouble.  Why would they Sudeten was the capital of the Jade Falcon's Occupation Zone.

   “One to all units target is in sight.  Link communication and targeting systems on my mark and fire when read” the Bolla's commander said.  Hidden around the training ground this was intended on being a surgical strike, the Master may be dead, the Manei Domini may be gone but they would succeed in their mission.  “Blake's will be done, MARK!”  He ordered the Bolla's stealth systems immediately shut down as did the other five of their level two and the air was filled with weapons fire.  From One's weapon systems eighteen long range missiles flew from the turret mounted racks.  The same came from Bolla Two and Bolla Three.  Four had a pair of autocannons while Five and Six both carried Light Gauss Rifles in their turrets.  The Bolla Stealth Tank was the pinnacle of tanks design with its stealth systems allowing it to get far closer than any other units could and its C3i Computers linking their communication and targeting systems.  As a result of this coordination the Hellbringer took the brunt of the weapons fire, missiles, autocannons and gauss fire struck the sixty-five ton machine from several different angles knocking the Mech down onto its back.  “Hit him again, kill that Mech!”  One's commander ordered from the racks another eighteen missiles flew towards the downed OmniMech while the same came from tanks Two and Three the other three units turned their attention on the Hellbringer's escort concentrating on a seventy ton Summoner.

   Suddenly from the downed Hellbringer there was a massive explosion as the Mech's ammunition and engine containment systems exploded knocking the other Mechs away from the downed Mech.  “Mission accomplished.”  One's commander said triumphantly  “Re-engage stealth systems all units disengage!”  He ordered just as the Bolla shook heavily “what was that?”

   “ECM system destroyed, stealth systems not operational!”  One crewmen reported as the vehicle was hit again.  “We have another Star of Mechs entering the battlefield all match the Hellbringer's profile but they look different!”

   “Forget them!  Take us forward straight at Uvin Buhallin's escort we will eliminate his bodyguard and ensure none are in a position to replace him!”  The commander ordered the others exchanged a glance but did not complain or disagree as the Bolla accelerated forward the other tanks did the same as each found they were engaged by the newly incoming Star of Clan Mechs.  One of the Light Gauss Rifle armed tanks exploded fire under heavy particle cannon fire then Four with their autocannons.  Ignoring these losses One continued forward their missile launchers now spitting out short range missiles as they closed, Two less than one hundred metres away exploded next as three gauss rifles struck the Mech from different directions.  Three and Six followed next as quickly as the others the Bolla's armour nowhere near enough to resist the fire from several heavy Clan designs, the tanks all together might have a chance in attacking one of the OmniMechs but apart they were being cut apart piecemeal.  As One continued forward spouting weapons fire at the Jade Falcons they missed the jump of a Turkina Assault OmniMech as they fought on, as the Mech came back down it landed on top of the tank, the right hand foot of the massive ninety-five ton OmniMech crushed the front of the Bolla while the left foot went straight through the turret and main compartment completely flattening the crew inside.

   Unfortunately for the Jade Falcons the damage had been done Uvin Buhallin their Khan of less than a year was dead.  With the saKhan off planet at the time a power vacuum consumes the Jade Falcon leadership unsure of who to strike back at.  As word passes of the Jade Falcon's sudden weakness the Hell's Horses strike at an under defended region of their OZ taking Trell, Dref, Malibu and Butler from the Jade Falcons in rapid Trials of Possession while the Lyran Commonwealth launch raids on Machida and Zongshan knocking the Jade Falcon garrisons off balance allowing the Lyrans to maintain a beachhead on both worlds.

Throne Room, Davion Royal Palace
Avalon City, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
18th June 3092

   Entering the throne room on New Avalon First Prince Victor Steiner-Davion marched the length of the room wearing his uniform of the First Prince of the Federated Suns walking past the ranks of guests who had been called to witness this event.  Behind him a guard each from the First Royal Davion Guards RCT and the First Royal Black Watch Regiment took their places officially he was still the First Lord of the Star League despite his miss givings.  Standing beside the throne was his wife Danai Centrella-Davion looking beautiful in a red and gold dress he was happy to see her beyond words however what made him proud was who was sat on the throne.  Stopping short of the steps leading up to the throne “Regent Davion” he said loudly so all could hear “may I have my throne back?”  Sitting on the throne dressed in her AFFS uniform his daughter Jaylen Davion smiled she'd coloured her hair a dark red since he had last seen her and Victor had to admit it suited her more than the brown she was born with.

   “I'm not sure” she said smiling wickedly “it is quite comfortable.”  The twenty-five year old whispered giggling like a school girl.

   “Please” Victor whispered back so only Jaylen and Danai could hear to her credit his wife had successfully maintained a straight face during this interplay between Victor and his daughter.  Jaylen slowly raised from the throne looking past her father to the crowd of guests.

   “I yield this throne to you, sire” she said officially so all could hear “long may you rule, First Prince Victor Steiner-Davion.”  Around the room the guests clapped and cheered as Victor retook his position.  Jaylen took several steps down away from the throne.

   “Stand to Captain Jaylen Davion” Victor said over the crowd, his daughter turned back to face him as the crowd quietened.  “As of this date you are promoted to the rank of Major within the Armed Forces of the Federated Suns and will take on all responsibilities of this role.”  He said withdrawing the new rank insignia from his pocket pinning it to her uniform as the crowd celebrated again “congratulations.”

Twentieth Star League Games
Star League Stadium, Solaris VI
Star League Protectorate
20th June 3092

   Despite the damage caused by the Manei Domini and by the recent riots on Solaris IV the Star League Stadium is reopened for business.  To mark this event the Twentieth Star League Games takes place opening the Solaris Gaming Season with Solaris local, and favourite, Kensington Smith piloting his modified Succession Wars vintage Marauder 4X.  Soon after the opening of the Star League Stadium Steiner's Colosseum and Davion's Boreal Reach both reopen beginning the stadium properly with the other Stadiums opening over the course of 3092 as life returns to normal on Solaris, the Games continue and the money continues to roll.

Trial of Possession
Memphis, Nova Cat's Den
Periphery
26th June 3092

   Elson West felt old he had been a Star Colonel in command of the 449th Assault Cluster for nearly thirteen years.  The year before he had won the right within the Nova Cats to lead the attack on the Sea Fox Clan's enclave on Memphis in a battle that had led to the Nova Cats annexing the whole planet from the Filtvelt Coalition it had been a glorious battle especially after the Nova Cat victory when the Sea Fox Battle Armour factory had been found under the Sea Fox small arms facility.  The Sea Fox Clan had evacuated their survivors quickly from the planet seeding it, and their factory, to Clan Nova Cat.

   Today however the Sea Fox had returned intent on recapturing the factory, Star Colonel Onyx Kalasa of the Sea Fox's Eleventh Strike Cluster had begun “negotiating” with the Nova Cats just like the merchant's his Clan was famous for.  He had stated that the Nova Cats and Sea Fox were long term allies and should agree to a price that would benefit them both Elson West had smiled when the Sea Fox Star Colonel had spoken those words his immediate reaction had been to bid his full three trinaries of assault and heavy units.  Onyx Kalasa's units of the Strike Cluster were of a medium and light range designed for rapid reaction in the defence of Sea Fox holdings 'shame you were missing last year' Elson thought with a snort looking over the battlefield.  The Sea Fox commander had cut his bid down to three trinaries while Elson had cut his own to two Trinaries, one of OmniMechs the other of Elementals and of the Nova Cat's heavier Thunderbird Battle Armour.  Now they stood opposite each other on the battlefield.  “I Star Colonel Elson West defend this facility for Clan Nova Cat.”

   “And I Onyx Kalasa of Clan Sea Fox will fight for these holdings.”

   “May no other enter”

   “Seyla” they both said.  Elson switched frequency immediately onto his unit's dedicated frequency “Battle Armour mount up.  OmniMechs just as we planned” he called out the Battle Armoured Elementals, Elson included launched into the air grabbing onto the unit's OmniMechs.  As they did the war machines moved out splitting into two groups the first was comprised of ten Heavy OmniMechs and carried the unit's Elemental force, split off to the right of the Sea Fox unit while the second which held five Assault designs and a star of Thunderbird suits moved straight for the centre of the Sea Fox formation they would be.

   As the two Clan forces moved to engage the Thunderbirds detached from the assault Mechs forming in their points behind the assault Mechs.  These units alone would not be much of a hindrance for the the Sea Fox units but it did stop their lighter machines rushing in behind the Nova Cats assault Mechs.  As both sides were restricted by the Clan's dueling law of Zellbrigen the assault Mechs held their ground challenging Mech after Mech supported by the Thunderbirds.

   Listening to the radio Elson heard his warriors calling out challenges, claiming victory as they destroyed enemy Mechs and dying as the battle began to take its toll on the Nova Cat machines.  His own force moved slowly into a position flanking Elson waited and watched his suit's sensor images as the Sea Foxes moved into the right position, then it happened most likely an eager warrior on the Sea Fox side, joined their firepower with one of the others breaking Clan dueling laws.  “NOW!”  He called out the Nova Cat Heavy designs charged forward with their Elemental passengers cutting in their weapons as soon as they entered the correct range joining their firepower as they closed in.  Elson waited until the right moment before launching off of the OmniMech he was riding on-board behind him his point followed moments later crashing down on a fifty-five ton Stormcrow.  Already damaged in battle the five Battle Armour suits landed all over the Mech's torso and began to tear into the medium design's armour.

   Beside the Stormcrow a Nova Cat Ebon Jaguar tore a part a Sea Fox Incubus II light OmniMech recently developed by Clan Hell's Horses.  Elson continued to tear into the Stormcrow as one of his point-mates was thrown clear from the OmniMech as the MechWarrior triggered the Mech's torso missile launchers.  Elson blasted into the Stormcrow's side breaching the armour seeing the gap in the armour he leaned back triggering his suit's jump jets clearing the Stormcrow for a moment before triggering his back back's short range missiles smashing away armour.  Landing back on the Stormcrow's shoulder he tore back into the Mech's armour again.  On the other side of the Mech his remaining three point-mates continued to attack the Stormcrow.  On the ground the Elemental who had been knocked clear from the OmniMech was getting back up amazingly the trooper was still able to squeeze off two short range missiles from his suit which slammed into the back of the Stormcrow penetrating the armour inside the Mech the missile's exploded trashing the Stormcrow's gyroscope.  As the Mech began to fall Elson and the others of his point began to jump clear.  Looking into the sky Elson saw a group of fire trails falling through the air above them being carried by the flames were DropShips.  Switching communication circuits Elson shouted angrily into the communication circuit “Star Colonel Kalasa what is the meaning of this interruption!?  You violate our laws our culture!”

   “Star Colonel Elson West these ships are not ours, they are not of Clan Sea Fox” Kalasa said defensively.  Elson listened to the Sea Fox warrior and despite the breaks in the communications he believed the man.

   “Then Onyx Kalasa, you will join us in eliminating them?”  He said reaching out to the other Clansmen “we will teach them the mistake of interfering in our Trials?”

   “Aff, Elson West, Clan Sea Fox will fight alongside you and we will finish this another day.”

   “Agreed, all Clan forces turn on the intruders and eliminate them!”  Elson West ordered speaking to all of the Nova Cat and Sea Fox forces every single Mech involved in the trial broke off from their targets forming up together the previous battle forgotten.  From either side Mechs, Elementals and vehicles moved from the side-lines joining the battle these warriors who had been forced to sit out of battle due to the bidding process now released due to the interruption.

   Even as the DropShips came into their landings the joint clan force charged the landing zones opening fire on the DropShips and the units they were dropping.  Riding on board a Nova Cat Huntsman OmniMech Elson could see markings on the side of one of the dropping ships the insignia of the Second Filtvelt Guardians Regiment of the Filtvelt Coalition.  Even as weapons fire flew out at one of the DropShips Elson opened a communication channel to everyone.

   “This is Star Colonel Elson West to the Second Filtvelt Guardians you are violating Clan Nova Cat territory and our Trial of Possession with Clan Sea Fox.  I will give you this offer once.  Leave this system and you will not lose more.”  He said as he saw one of the DropShip's lose two of its engines and begin to fall faster towards the ground.  Everything appeared to move in slow motion as the DropShip made an uncontrolled landing smashing into the ground crumpling on impact suffering from several internal explosions unfortunate Clan units in the immediate area were destroyed as the vessel blew into an expanding ball of flame.  Anyone on-board the ship or on the ground near its crash would likely be dead.

   In the air over the Clan forces the remaining DropShips began turning away from the battle aborting their landings as the Clan forces turned their guns on them as well.  “All Clan forces cease fire” Elson called out seeing the DropShips retreat and the destruction caused by the vessel that had crashed “Nova Cat forces Rally Point Alpha, Sea Fox forces Rally Point Bravo” he said transmitting coordinates to both sides the two points were just outside effective weapons range and would give both forces times to recover.  “Star Colonel Kalasa, when you are ready we can begin another Trial of Possession if you still wish control over the facility?”

   “Star Colonel Elson West” an unfamiliar voice replied “this is Star Captain Emily Milne, Star Colonel Kalasa is dead he died when the DropShip fell.”  Elson winced at the news Kalasa had been honourable even for a warrior with merchant leanings “our forces were on the verge of defeat to yours before the trial.  I request Hegira for the remains of my command.”

   “Your Cluster fought well Star Captain I believe that you would make worthy additions to Clan Nova Cat's Touman.  However today is not a day for such thoughts your people did very well Emily Milne I grant Hegira, all Nova Cats disengage targeting systems, Clan Sea Fox may leave in peace.”  He ordered

   “It is nice to see that we can still deal honourably Star Colonel” Emily Milne pointed out.  Relations had never been so strained as they were now between the two Clans since the revelation that Clan Sea Fox had sold the Clan technology that had equipped the Taurian's Omega Six and the Nova Cats taking of Memphis.

   “Aff” Elson West said agreeing with her he'd known many Sea Foxes in his time as a Nova Cat Warrior personally he had little problems with them.  The deals with the Taurians had put a black mark on them but Elson wondered if the Nova Cat Khan had gone too far in alienating them from their longest Clan ally.  Rumour was it the decision had come from a vision, but others believed it had been to distract the Nova Cats from another issue, for now however the Nova Cats had another problem Filtvelt's interference could not go unanswered.

[Dragon Cat]

Border Conflict
Brodon, Isle of Skye
Lyran Commonwealth
2nd July 3092

   Fighting erupts on the Isle of Skye occupied world of Brodon as the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth launch a raid in force.  Supporting the Marik-Stewart forces are Colonel John R. Wrangler's Thunder Road Mercenary command a Battalion sized Mech unit with some infantry support the unit is especially useful for the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth forces as the Thunder Road come with their own Overlord-class DropShip making the unit's travel a lot easier than other commands.  Also involved are The Alpha Team who have continued to cause trouble on the world for the Isle of Skye defenders.

Orbital Bombardment
Kyeinnisan, Sea Fox Territory
Former Free Worlds League
10th July 3092

   Following unconfirmed reports of remaining Manei Domini forces on Kyeinnisan sheltering with Clan Sea Fox the Principality of Regulus launches a full attack on the planet with the RS Clipperton, RS Gibson, RS Newcastle and RS Norfolk four Regulus-class Frigates.  In orbit over the planet they find the Blood Horse, a modified Potemkin-class Troop Cruiser, the Perilous Vision, a Carrack-class Transport, and the Territorial, a Hakaze-class Escort Destroyer the four Frigates immediately launched an attack on the Sea Fox WarShips almost immediately obliterating the Perilous Vision with naval autocannons, lasers and missiles.  As the Blood Horse turned its broadside mounted capital particle cannons tore through space destroying the Newcastle and then the Gibson.  At the same time the Territorial moved into a flank position to engage the Principality vessels however the remaining former-Free Worlds League forces were more interested in the Blood Horse engaging the vessel with nuclear weapons obliterating the Sea Fox vessel.  With their opposition eliminated between them and the planet gone the remaining two Regulan WarShips moved into orbit over Kyeinnisan and began an orbital bombardment with their mass drivers and nuclear equipped capital missiles.  Their first missiles land on the Sea Fox Colony wiping out the Sea Fox traders, colonists and the Fifty-first Strike Cluster.

   When the Territorial attempts to return to engage the two remaining Regulus-class Frigates the Sea Fox WarShip is engaged by six Regulan assault DropShips which keep the Escort Destroyer out of effective engagement range with the WarShips.  The Regulans continue their bombardment of the surface of the planet for nearly sixteen hours completely irradiating the planet's surface in an effort to wipe out any perceived Manei Domini influences.  They then retreat from the system fending off continued attempts by the Territorial to engage and destroy the Regulan forces.  The Hakaze-class Escort Destroyer returns to Kyeinnisan to search for survivors however the world is all but dead with very little remaining standing on the surface and the ship is forced to abandon the system.

   In response to this brutal attack the Principality of Regulus is ejected from the Star League Council by the other members of the reformed Star League Defence Force.  Within Clan Sea Fox the Territorial Khanate is crippled by the losses sustained on Kyeinnisan ripe for absorption on Twycross the other Khanates begin Trials against each other to see who has the right to fight to absorb the fallen Khanate.

Castle Brian N001
Tilman River, Northwind
Star League Protectorate
18th July 3092

   “Colonel Cochrane, this facility has been left to ruin since the Usuper's time!  None of the Clans have enough money or interest to rebuild it.”  Alexander McLeod of Clan McLeod said Colonel James Cochrane had butted heads with him for more than fifty years during his command of the Second Kearny Highlanders.  Now this year he was ready to retired but he had one final desire.

   “I'm nae talkin aboot Northwind's Clans restoring this facility!  So stop talking about your own pocket” James said turning on Alexander McLeod.  “I believe it is the Highlanders duty to protect the people of this planet.  Our studies of this facility is that it goes deep into the mountain and could protect half a million people.  Given modern construction capabilities we could double or treble that.”

   “And how would we fund it?”  Alexander demanded

   “The Regiments would fund it, how we always have” Cochrane stated defiantly.

   “What about the Military Academy?  The Manei Domini all but destroyed it, what will we do about new recruits?”  Colonel Jeremiah Rose asked his Northwind Renegades Regiment were easily one of the strongest of the Northwind commands.

   “We have the Northwind Training Battalion.”  Cochrane pointed out “I learned how to pilot a Mech and how to command troops in battle in the field.”   

   “Why risk losses without a proper education?”  Rose asked he'd learned how to fight a BattleMech on Terra as part of the ComGuard and often was at odds with the other Highlanders.

   “Changing times Rose, you know it and so dee I.  Northwind itself was attacked by the Manei Domini, I don't expect those around us to try that again but can we afford it?”  Cochrane asked glancing between the assembled Highlanders.

   “No we canna” Colonel Michael McPherson commander of the First Ghurkha Special Forces Battalion said recently he'd been pushing for a second Ghurkha force to be raised but the attack on Northwind had turned eyes towards defence.  Facility N001 was an extreme option but it was hardly a logical target for an enemy force to anyone beyond Northwind it had been abandoned for hundreds of years.  With the right logistical support the Highlanders had the capabilities to rebuild the facility and turn it into a command facility and bunker superior to any in the Inner Sphere.  With its location deep in the mountain side it would be impervious to orbital and nuclear strikes the only way it had been destroyed was from internal betrayal by members of Amaris Dragoons forces that had been stationed on the world.  Now the Highlanders had a place in the reborn Star League Protectorate but they had also been able to maintain their independent mercenary routes giving the world extra income.  Cochrane's plan was to use that to rebuild the facility.

   “So what would you suggest we do Colonel?”  One of the Clan elders asked

   “Firstly I'd assign the Northwind Hussars to this area for security, they've still not recovered from the loss of Jaffery, I mean no offence to Lt Colonel Redpath's efforts.”  He said glancing over at the red haired woman.

   “None taken, our rebuilding is on track but unit cohesion is suffering.”  She admitted

   “Second, direct the construction crews we have repairing our maglev lines to extend their work along the old network lines.”

   “That alone will cost the rest of the years budget.”  McLeod protested

   “A cost we can afford from the reserves.”  Cochrane pointed out.

   “Information you should nae have access to COLONEL.”  McLeod said emphasizing Cochrane's position James' family had never been influential enough to have a seat on the Clan Council but over his years he'd found ways of influencing them his friendship with the Stenn family who maintained their control of the First Kearny Highlanders had helped no-end.

   “I am a loyal son of Northwind an' I use what I have at my finger tips.”  Cochrane said defiantly bringing a snort of laughter from Colonel Rose glancing at the younger man Cochrane knew it was a laugh of support from the Renegade's commander who had himself had plenty run ins with the Clan Council.

   “The Regiments will support this effort with the moneys we bring in from contracts.”

   “Blood money” McLeod muttered bringing yet more angry glances from the Mercenary brigades commanders.

   “I personally will put my own accounts on the line and personally buy the initial digging equipment needed to start this project” Cochrane said putting his own standing on the line.  “And to ensure that none of this can be traced here I will buy it to build my retirement home.”

   “Retirement?”  Rose asked Cochrane was the eldest of the Northwind commanders.

   “It's time, I said before I went to Oriente that it would be my last command in the field representing Northwind.  Katee McLeod has done damned well as my XO it's time she got a chance to prove herself in command.  That makes you Rose our senior commander, although I expect the Regiments to continue to represent themselves you're going to have to stand up for them with the Council.”  He said within the Regiments more often than not the oldest and most experienced commander in the field represented the Regiments with the Clan Elders on Northwind.  Cochrane had for a long time served in that position alongside Colonel Stenn.  Now it was time in Cochrane's eyes for complete change with the Regiments Colonel McPherson was older and more experienced as a Highlander Officer than Rose but the younger man's Renegades were bigger and less steeped in secrecy than the Ghurkhas.  “I will help coordinate efforts here, I'm sure it will keep me as busy as the Second Kearny would have, even if I will miss the field.”

   “You're going to have to do me a favour and watch over things, the Renegades have accepted a contract with the Federated Suns as of this morning” Rose said to Cochrane “the recent troubles in Filtvelt have some of the Outback's Dukes worrying First Prince Davion thinks a Highlander presence might calm them down a bit.”

   “Cadre and patrol duty is hardly the Renegades usual contract, I didn't expect you to accept that one.”  Cochrane admitted he'd heard of the contract talks but had expected Rose to walk out of them.

   “Good money, the troops could do with some downtime and there's a chance of some Clan play with the Nova Cats if things go really wrong” he pointed out.

   “When not here I'll keep an eye on things don't worry, the Council won't be stopping this, we need this Fort rebuilt.  It's time the Highlanders made their mark on Northwind, we call this world home but other than recruiting and stopping by here we rarely actually invest in the place.  I want to change that.”

   “The Academy was a good start...” Rose pointed out, it had been built with Regiment money.

   “Good starts are not enough.  The Academy will be rebuilt Rose, I can guarantee it will be by us or by the Star League Defence Force, they need it rebuilt as much as we do.  But this fort to anyone beyond Northwind, and probably its people to, it is an archaic structure forgotten to history.  To us it could be a monument to the Highlanders something that could stand for centuries to come.”  Cochrane said looking over the mountain face in places the old structure underneath could be seen.

   “All misty eyed about some rocks, I'd better never live to be your age” Rose joked bringing a wide grin on Cochrane's wrinkled face.  “I'll make sure the Regiments are well cared for,  if you look after our legacy?”  He said Cochrane nodded extending his hand which Rose met shaking it.

Reformation
Arcturus, Arcturus Theatre
Donegal Province, Lyran Commonwealth
22nd July 3092

   The Lyran Commonwealth reform the First, Second and Third Arcturan Guards Regiments to honour the Steiner family remaining on Arcturus.  One of the three Regiments is to be permanently based off Arcturus along with one of the Royal Guard Regiments.  Unlike other recently formed Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces units these units are purely Mech units and are not formed as Regimental Combat Teams.   None of the units have been on the active rolls since the end of the Star League-era and the beginning of the Succession Wars where both were destroyed.

[marauder648]

Yeowza! The Foxes are gonna go nuts about this nuclear attack :s  As always a great update :)

[Rainbow 6]

Great update, good to see what the Highlanders are up to.

[snakespinner]

I wonder if the Sea Foxes have any nukes in their store that they are willing to throw in for free for Regulus. ::) O0

[Wrangler]

The Thunder Road has arrived!!!   Super awesome, time get busy!  Thanks, Dragon Cat!

[Dragon Cat]

Glad you all enjoyed it.  Wrangler you suggested them so I'm going to use and abuse as are the Alpha Team :)

The credit for the Fire Mandrill story in this  month belongs to James Tanaga who has done very well with it.

A little inspiration goes a long way

http://www.ourbattletech.com/forum/intelligence-reports/lcaf-intelligence-report-the-rim-collectionclan-fire-mandrill/

Cassandra, Faraday-Tanaga Primary Enclave
All Dawn, Rim Collection
Periphery
2nd August 3092

   Jerold Danforth face scrunched in concentration, his body soaked in sweat, as he continued his daily exercise regimen in the gym. Around him were members of all castes, though mostly from the Technician and Warrior castes. At the moment, Star Captain Natasha, freshly promoted after her successful Trial of Position, was spotting him.

   As he soon came upon the end of his rep, the voice of the new star captain broke his concentration. “Kindraa Leader, will we be heading to war soon?” Her question caused him to pause, looking up at her, he merely looked at her upside-down face inquisitively, causing her to blush and continue. “There was talk among my sibko you will be leading us into war against the Spirits.”

   So that is what this is about, he thought to himself as he continued on with his rep. Still it needed to be answered. “The Stone Spirits are raiding planets, stripping them of people and any technology they find.  So far, they have avoided the Rim Collection and most of our prospective members. But with our…agreement…with the Collection, conflict with one another is unavoidable. Besides, they caused Cassandra’s death.” He shrugged the last as he put the weight bar back on the stand with Natasha’s help.

   “Good,” was the younger woman’s response, one he fully approved of, for it showed the younger woman had a warrior’s spirit. Silently they switched out the weight and both switched places. Just as Natasha lay down and was about to begin her rep, the speaker of the room’s comm unit went on.

   “Kindraa Leader Jerold Danforth. Emergency HPG contact from Gillfillan’s Gold demanding immediate response from you,” rang out a female voice through the speaker, eliciting a raised eyebrow from him as he looked down at the shocked look of the star captain.

   What in Kerensky’s name, he thought, as he turned and walked to the comm unit on the wall. Pressing a button, the black screen flashed on, revealing the form of the female technician currently monitoring the kindraa’s HPG. Without waiting for a response, he spoke to her. “Send it through to this terminal.”

   Suddenly the screen changed from the middle aged woman to Star Colonel Lysa Djerassi. “Star Colonel,” he croaked out, for no love was lost between the two. He could stand warriors of different philosophies, even the Rim Collection’s Freebirths. No. What he couldn’t stand for, though, was this woman’s stubborn refusal to commit seppuku, as Clan tradition demanded of her due to her being paralyzed and wheelchair bound, citing Cassandra’s orders. Still, so long as she stayed out of his way and continued to work for the kindraa, he could at least ignore her generally. “What demanded the emergency HPG connection, legless monkey?” Around him, the gym quieted down, looking on with interest.

   Interesting, he thought, for he caught the female warden warrior visible keep from answering his insult. Something must have happened, he thought and was answered by her a few seconds ago once the woman quelled her anger. “Just watch this,” she snarled at him.

   Her image was replaced with what appeared to be video taken from a security camera, showing a two-wheeled vehicle come alongside an outside cafeteria of some sort and what appeared to be several people sitting at tables, eating. The table nearest to the vehicle caught his attention, though, for it sat what appeared to be two men and a woman in Faraday-Tanaga fatigues and trench coats, another man wearing a Rim Lancers uniform and finally a civilian suited man. Suddenly, Jerold’s heart plummeted as he connected who these five were just as he watched the driver yell out “Free Collection” and open fire on the them just as Theodore Albiev jumped up and pushed the table to cover the other four. After a few seconds of firing at them, the gunmen turned and fired off-screen at someone who fired back before himself falling to the ground, dead. Lysa Djerassi blinked back onto the screen shortly after wards.

   “When was this? And were the others killed, Star Colonel,” he asked her as he shook with anger, balling his fists.

   “Neg, though Theodore Albiev and President Mayfield are unlikely to survive. Both are in surgery at the present moment at a local hospital, along with Able. Jacob Faraday, though wounded, is being treated here in our compound. This all happened three hours ago,” was the woman’s succinct reply.

   For nearly a minute, he breathed in deeply, allowing himself time to gather his thoughts. “Send me updates as soon as you get them Djerassi.”

   “Aff.”

   As soon as he was disconnected with her, he contacted the female technician from earlier. “Alert all our units to be on their guard for possible attacks,” he ordered her. “Specifically guerrilla-style attacks from civilians. They may defend themselves, but are strictly ordered not to take any offensive actions at this time.”

   “Aff, Kindraa Leader.”

   Shutting down the screen, he noticed just how quiet the room had become. Turning around, he saw all the occupants looking at him. “None of you are to speak of what you just heard until we have been updated on the situation, quiaff!” He bellowed to the crowded room. Looking to Natasha, he continued. “Star Captain! On my six!” Without bothering to wait for her response, he led her out of the gymnasium, heading directly to the kindraa’s operations center.

   When they entered the operations center, they caught the attention of Star Commander Shana, a woman of aerospace stock and the watch commander. “Kindraa Leader, a situation is developing at the planetary HPG center. A dozen combatants stormed into the compound and are holding the staff and visitors hostage.” That news caused Jerold to glare at the petite woman, who glared back. “We only just received the news ten minutes ago.”

   “Very well,” he grated out. “Get me in contact with All Dawn’s governor.” Seeing the unsure look of the small woman, he prompted. “What?”

   Straightening her back and standing tall, the small warrior answered him. “The governor has expressly said it is not a Clan matter and does not need our aid Kindraa Leader.”

   “Get him on the comm now. And alert our forces here planet side for possible action.”

   When it rains, it storms, Jerold Danforth thought to himself as he began taking control over the operations center.

SLDF Investigation Team
Bordon, Isle of Skye
Lyran Commonwealth
4th August 3092

   As the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth and Isle of Skye contested the world of Brodon a single Vampire-class DropShip carrying the SLDF insignia and colours dived through the atmosphere landing near the planetary capital at the world's primary spaceport.  Leaving the DropShip initially was a single officer dressed in SLDF dress code approaching the Lyran governor of the planet “My name is Colonel Hank Lynch, Star League Intelligence Corps” he said introducing himself.

   “I had thought the SLDF were remaining out of the conflict for this world.”

   “We have no interest in your border skirmish.”  Lynch admitted “the SLDF was created to protect the Inner Sphere from threats within and beyond it.  There is a threat on this very planet, a mercenary command, The Alpha Team.”

   “They are with the raiders and beyond my control.”

   “I am aware of that.  I just want to know if you'll get in our way?”  Lynch demanded when the governor did not immediately answer the man turned back towards his DropShip walking off.  Ten minutes later the Vampire was back in the air heading towards the territory claimed by the raiding forces.

   Hours later as darkness fell over Bordon the DropShip flew over a lance of four Mechs that had been holding back an Isle of Skye counter attack.  The four Mechs had continuously thwarted Isle of Skye moves disrupting the Isle of Skye advance at every opportunity.  From the air battle armoured wearing SLDF troopers dropped through the air engaging the Mechs.  The four Mechs of the Alpha Team did something completely unexpected charging forwards into the the Isle of Skye lines confusing both the Lyran and SLDF forces.  The four Mechs once within the Isle of Skye lines moved laterally spreading confusion before falling back into the night.  In the cross-fire several of the SLDF battle armour troopers took hits from the Isle of Skye Mechs causing further trouble.

   Before the SLDF could recover from the battle The Alpha Team had made it back to the Marik-Stewart lines and under the cover of the Thunder Road Mercenary Command.  Not stopping to fight with the Thunder Road they allowed Colonel Wrangler's command to engage the Isle of Skye forces and delay Colonel Lynch's SLDF Battle Armour.  Carrying on behind the battle The Alpha Team's Mechs ran straight on board the Thunder Road's Overlord-class DropShip forcing the crew to lift the ship off the ground.  During battle it wasn't uncommon for DropShips to lift off to avoid unnecessary damage it also allowed them to return to a different landing zone should the ground forces need to retreat.  In orbit however the DropShip did not stop instead carrying on taking the Alpha Team away from the planet six days later the DropShip docked with a JumpShip and offloaded the Alpha Team's Mechs allowing the DropShip to return to the planet and for the Alpha Team to escape.

Cassandra, Faraday-Tanaga Primary Enclave
All Dawn, Rim Collection
Periphery
8th August 3092

   Kindraa Leader Jerold Danforth woke from his sleep, startled by the compound alarm going off. Quickly, he tugged on a pair of pants and boots before grabbing a shirt and made his way to the operations center. By the time he got there, a scant five minutes had passed. Unlike his predecessor, he ran there.

   “Sitrep,” he called out as soon as he reached the room.

   “Nine Lyran JumpShips just jumped into the system Kindraa Leader,” answered the burly Elemental watch commander on duty. Already, the center had people streaming in, mostly members of the lower castes and other warriors usually stationed in the center. Jerold listened while the star commander continued. “They are broadcasting their intent to free All Dawn from us clan oppressors,” the man grumbled out.

   “Get me a comm link now,” he ordered.

   “Aff Kindraa Leader,” the Elemental replied. While Jerold waited, he caught sight of Star Captains Natasha and Peter Tanaga coming into the room. Peter, as usual, was dressed in fatigues, while Natasha was dressed only in a tank top and shorts, though was sweating heavily. Likely was in the gym when the alarm sounded, he thought to himself. He made a note to himself to make sure later on. “Link completed,” he heard the star commander call out to him.

   Heading to the comm station, he saw a man in Lyran fatigues on the screen. “I am Kindraa Leader Jerold Danforth, Why are you here,” he asked the man.

   “This is Colonel Johann Klink of the Eighteenth Lyran Regulars. I have been ordered to assist the valiant civilians of All Dawn in removing your bloodthirsty clan from All Dawn. I urge you to surrender sir. Or be destroyed, for I command a regiment of BattleMechs, assisted by six conventional regiments.”

   He had only one reply to that. “Neg.” Before the other man could begin to speak, he shut the link down. “I want planet wide comms now,” he told the technician manning the station. A moment passed before the tech nodded to him. “All units. The Lyrans are picking a fight. We will hold until relieved. Seyla.”

   “Seyla,” answered every occupant in the room as he ended his small impromptu speech.

   “Peter, all munchkins and sibbies ten and above are to be activated and get all marines off the JumpShips. Star Commander Michael, I want the entire police subcaste activated.” Without bothering to wait for their response, he turned back to the comm tech. “Send a recall order to the Third Rim Lancers immediately and relay all information about the Lyran JumpShips as well. Do the same with our units on Waypoint.” Once the man confirmed his orders, Jerold turned to Natasha. “Star Captain, grab any and all bondsmen and get them to the armory and issue them weapons and equipment.”

   “All,” the young woman asked in shock.

   “Aff,” was his response. “We are going to need all the help we can get. Natasha. See to it.” As the younger woman nodded and left, he looked around the room. Where once you bore the weight of command, now I must, he thought to himself, thinking of his predecessor. May I do just as well as you did. Though he never admitted it to anyone else, he did respect his now-dead rival.

McCarron's Armoured Cavalry Base camp
Brunswick, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
9th August 3092

   After a longer than expected contract negotiation the McCarron's Armoured Cavalry agree contract teams with the Federated Suns.  With their connections to Faith Steiner, wife of Marshal of Armies Reinhardt Steiner, the unit is able to get a non-combat assignment assisting Federated Suns survey teams scouting depopulated planets within the border of the Federated Suns searching for any former remnants of the Manei Domini and Word of Blake.

Cassandra, Faraday-Tanaga Primary Enclave
All Dawn, Rim Collection
Periphery
17th July 3092

   Jerold Danforth scanned the battlefield.  For four days and nights, ever since the Lyrans had landed, both the Faraday-Tanaga and the Lyrans prepared themselves for battle. Located on top of a chain of mountains in a small valley, Cassandra, the city they had built for themselves, lay. The only real way into the small valley and the heart of the Faraday-Tanaga was to its south. And his kindraa had a full year and a half to lay defenses. Yet, Jerold Danforth knew that would not be enough, for they were outnumbered one in five in Mechs and more in conventional vehicles and aerospace fighters. And roughly a fourth of the Lyrans Mechs were OmniMechs, compounding their situation. No. Their only chance of victory was to hold until relieved.

   His forces planet side would need to hold for five days. That was how long until the First and Seventh Striker clusters would land planet side, for they had only just jumped into the system, along with the CFM Rook. The Third Rim Lancers, the CFM Warsaw and CFM Mandrill Provider would arrive a day later. At the moment, his aerospace and conventional aerial support were fighting the Lyrans and who knew who would win today in that arena, for the Lyrans had brought two Overlord A3’s and four Avengers.

   From his vantage point at the top, what seemed to be a small explosion caught his attention. It has started, he thought, for that explosion was followed by more than a dozen others, as Lyran and Faraday-Tanaga artillery opened up on one another. He knew this would be a long battle.

[Dragon Cat]

Meeting
Davetal III, Clan Nova Cat Occupied
Taurian Concordat
19th August 3092

   It felt strange for Erik Martens-Calderon he was on a Taurian world, deep within the Taurian Concordat, but he had no real power or sway here he was here under a flag of truce.  Clan Nova Cat ground forces held the planet securely and in orbit an Anna Rosse-class Battle-cruiser hung over them stamping the Clan authority over the system even with the SLDF occupying Davetal II.

   Entering the Nova Cat command complex he stepped passed two fully armoured Elemental warriors the building itself was a completely newly built building and it was big with the corridors themselves wide enough for Elementals in armour to travel through them.  Today his escort was not an armoured warrior instead a lower casteman dressed in a green jumpsuit.  Erik's own two suited guards held back slightly but their presence was only a little comfort they were heavily our numbered should anything go wrong.  He was led through the facility up two levels to a pair of wooden doors which were opened by another pair of Nova Cat lower castemen.  His guide also stopped allowing Erik to pass and enter, neither of his guards entered the room leaving him alone as the doors closed behind him.  The room was quite bare overall the carpets were a bland light blue while the steel desk and chairs were nothing special either.  On the far side of the room were a pair of wooden doors which opened moments later entering through the doors was a familiar face, she was a little older but her green eyes were there, the dark hair and beautiful body.  Unlike the last time he'd seen her she on Taurus she'd had an unhappy look on her face she'd returned to her Clan despite not really wishing to today however she looked proud of where she was.  “Sonja” he said quietly smirking at seeing her “it's... sorry, it has been a long time” he said quietly seven years in fact.

   “Aff, Protector it has indeed been many years” she said formally “welcome to Davetal” she said smiling.

   “I wish we were seeing each other under different circumstances.”

   “We both have to live with the choices that we have made, and those that were made for us.”  She said quite coldly.

   “That brings me to the reason for my visit.”

   “So you said you wished to discuss our position here.”

   “Aff” Erik said using the Clan affirmative bringing a brief smile from Sonja.  “After looking at some of our internal policies” Erik began “I believe that I was at fault for Cham Kithrong's actions I gave him too much leeway.”  Erik admitted “he brought me up for much of my life and I allowed him much freedom which led to the formation of the Omega Six and his operations.”  He concluded “so I would like to personally apologize for my actions in the trouble between us.”

   “Apologize as Erik Martens-Calderon or as the Protector of the Taurian Concordat?”  Sonja questioned

   “Both” Erik admitted “we were in the wrong.  I do not and cannot support the Nova Cat occupation of this system but I am sorry for the actions that led to it.”

   “I as Sonja Rosse of Clan Nova Cat will accept that Erik, but it is not forgiven, or is it forgotten.  We will be remaining on this world.”

   “I understand that Sonja, one day perhaps we can speak with respect like we once did.”

   “Perhaps in time that will happen” Sonja said showing him a flick of a smile again “for now we will allow you to leave unmolested.”  She said standing up from the desk turning towards the exit  “I thank you for your apology” she said finally before leaving the room.

Federated Suns Courts
Avalon City, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
22nd August 3092

   After nearly ten years in the Federated Suns courts the independent company Interconnectedness Unlimited are still unwilling to released Data on their experimental K-F Drive tested at the New Syrtis Shipyards.  They are also unwilling to reveal the location of the Lucretia, the vessel equipped with the drive, or the vessel‘s complete capabilities.  With this result House Davion plan to take them to the Star League High Court with the promise to share the revealled data with the SLDF should Interconnectedness Unlimited reveal what they know.

Cassandra, Faraday-Tanaga Primary Enclave
All Dawn, Rim Collection
Periphery
22nd August 3092

   Four days of intense battle had battered the Faraday-Tanaga, Jerold Danforth could easily see. They had lost the air battle, as he thought they would, on the first day. Since then, the Lyran air crews kept constant pressure on the Faraday-Tanaga. As dawn approached, Jerold knew his kindraa’s forces on All Dawn was near to its breaking point. Twice already the proceeding day, he had been forced to call in his reserves. Child warriors not yet ready for battle. And the second time, his kindraa only just barely held the line. Around him, broken Mechs, burnt out vehicles, and dead bodies, both Lyran and Faraday-Tanaga, lay. What Mechs and vehicles still operable would retreat to the last trench as soon as he gave the order.

   They would need to hold out until tomorrow, when reinforcements would at last arrive. Already, the presence was known on the battlefield, for the Lyran fighters had finally ended their ground support to fight the incoming Faraday-Tanaga fighters high up in orbit. That news he allowed to disseminate throughout his lines, finally raising the morale of his warriors.

   Suddenly, movement caught his eye. Battered Lyran Mechs, with just as equally battered Lyran armor, had begun pushing. He guessed the Lyrans would have used their artillery if they were able to, but for some reason, the Lyran artillery had slackened off early yesterday and for that, he was grateful.

   He spoke into his radio. “All units. Start phased withdrawal now.” As he spoke, he moved his Mech past a destroyed Daedalus IndustrialMech, pressed into service days before to help with the fighting. As the fighting began starting, he noticed a child’s body lying on the ground. Not for the first time and likely not the last, he knew the Lyrans would pay for what they did these past four days. It started with the deaths of Theodore Albiev and President Mayfield, the Rim Collection’s president, from wounds they both received in a cowardly attack. Peter Tanaga had fallen yesterday while leading the sibkos in battle. Star Colonel Stuart Faraday of the Sixteenth Assault, promoted when Jacob Faraday agreed to reform the Watch, was missing and presumed killed. Indeed, of the eleven star captains he started in battle with five days ago, only Star Captain Natasha remained. He caught sight of her now one-armed Griffin IIC as it limped across the battlefield leading other units towards the last trench line.

   All along the half circle that was the Faraday-Tanaga trench, vehicles, Mechs, and power armor began retreating to the last trench line, all while keeping heavy fire on the Lyrans. He felt the shoulder of his old Cauldron-born take a hit, likely a Gauss round, though he continued as if nothing had happened. He finally reached the trench with what remained of his supernova. Only four other Mechs remained, though three of them were likely ruined beyond repair. The Lyrans had paused at the last trench, roughly a kilometer away.

   Then he saw the Lyrans charge. He quickly gunned down a small thirty ton Arctic Fox that was already on its last legs before he faced a Griffin and an Atlas. He knew full well who this Atlas belonged to, for it could only be Colonel Klink in front of him. As the Griffin went to face his lone still combat-viable star mate, the Atlas came forward raining down pulse and laser fire upon him. He answered in kind, firing his ER large laser and pulse lasers. Unfortunately, that was all he had, for his forces had ran out of missiles, gauss shells, and autocannon ammunition in the night to repel the last great push.

   Minutes slowly passed by as the Faraday-Tanaga defended their last line while the Lyrans desperately tried to push their way through. Jacob Faraday well knew the Lyrans mission was to neutralize the Faraday-Tanaga and if they could destroy their manufacturing facilities and the genetic repository, then they would be successful even in death. And for that sole reason, where the Faraday-Tanaga would have surrendered, they fought.

   But it was not enough, Jerold knew, as his star mates soon began falling one by one his unit was far beyond the military term Combat Loss Grouping where units that had fought together tended to die together. Only four Mechs remained to the Lyrans eleven, his being one of them and they were quickly overwhelmed. As his Mech took laser shot after laser shot, Jerold Danforth still fought, but at last, a shot pierced the protective shield wall encasing the Mech’s reactor, causing the Mech to explode, Jerold along with it, before he knew what happened.

   Natasha fought the controls of her Mech as a gauss slug knocked it down. Pushing her battered and nearly-destroyed Mech, she saw the kindraa leader’s old Cauldron-Born explode not forty meters away. Damnit! All around her Mechs were down or destroyed. All that were standing between the dozen or so Lyran Mechs and their support forces were her Mech, Leland's, roughly a dozen heavily damaged battle armored Elementals and maybe fifty conventional infantry. Her Mech was by far the better off, for her fellow warrior’s was crawling, one leg and arm destroyed and only had an ER pulse laser it looked like. What to do! What to do! Suddenly her radio crackled to life just as the looming Atlas was suddenly hit by ER PPC blasts from above fire. All around her, Salamander and Elemental power armor were dropping out from the sky. Overhead, Kirghiz OmniFighters were flying.

   “This is Star Colonel Jessica Lopez to all dezgra Lyrans. Your JumpShips have surrendered and you have no chance to escape. Nor can you hold out for a rescue, for the All Dawn militia has the spaceport and the planetary HPG under their control. Stand down now if you want to live beyond today. If not, keep fighting. You have thirty seconds to comply. Otherwise, you die. Lopez out.”

   Within seconds, first one, than another, than finally in twos and threes, the Lyran Mechs and vehicles slowly stopped their firing around her, and their conventional infantry dropped their weapons and surrendered.

   The cavalry may have arrived, Natasha thought to herself, but the Lyrans will pay dearly for what they did here to us.

Cassandra, Faraday-Tanaga Primary Enclave
All Dawn, Rim Collection
Periphery
24th August 3092

   Star Colonel Aemelia walked through the battlefield. The stench from days of fighting had begun to linger. The effort to rescue stranded wounded was already underway. Yet, the jaguar within her roared with a fury she hadn’t felt since the loss of her former clan. Prisoners taken were quick to point out the Duchess of Timbuktu was the instigator of this attack. And by Kerensky, Aemelia swore she would have vengeance against that blasted woman!

   It surprised her how she found she cared for her adopted clan. No, my adopted kindraa, she amended softly in her head. The others now looked for her to lead them. And she would. She would lead them straight to the gates of Timbuktu, she swore to herself.

   She had warned Jerold Danforth the importance of keeping more than the Sixteenth Assault cluster and the Kindraa Command Supernova here and yet he did not listen to her. He sent her and her warriors and the crippled Warsaw to Otisberg to take part in a training exercise, ostensibly to foster good relations with the Collection. Only it cost him his life and nearly all the warriors Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga had on All Dawn and for that, she would never forgive him. And she would ensure he would be remembered as an inept fool for that.

   She clicked on her radio once she ensured it was set to all frequencies. “All Lancers. In ten hours, deploy to your DropShips. Striker clusters remain on All Dawn. Allied units, you all are welcomed to the party if you want.”

   Already, the Rim Collection was at a war footing. The Nineteenth Striker Cluster and the CFM Resolute had deployed to Waypoint. The Rim Guards were offering three of their six clusters for offensive actions. Karen and Frank Able, the children of Jerry Able and the commanders of the First and Second Rim Lancers respectfully, both wanted blood and their units were ready to deploy at a moment’s notice. All four supernovas formed from three combined-arms battalions of the Rim Collection Militia were also ready, though they would likely not be deployed. Finally, all planetary militias had reported in, all ready to do their part in the coming war.

   A war she was certain to end before it could properly begin. But how to get the acting-president on board? That was the question she had yet to answer, but it did not matter much to her what he thought. The Faraday-Tanaga tasted blood and soon it will have Lyran blood and his subordinates supported the Faraday-Tanaga. And that, she knew, mattered more than a room of free birth politicians.

Cassandra, Faraday-Tanaga Primary Enclave
All Dawn, Rim Collection
Periphery
25th August 3092

   Jerry Able grouched in pain as he forced his body to move, leaning heavily on his cane and his daughter, who was at his side. He had yet to really recover from the assassination attack-twenty seven days ago, having just been let out of the hospital a day ago. Yet the entire Rim Collection was looking to him to lead them into this war. A war he was loath to enter, rightfully so. The Rim Collection had no hope for a military victory in a drawn out war. Only the fact the Lyrans were still busy with the fallout from battling the remnants of the World of Blake meant they had a chance at retribution.

   His daughter came up with the idea. Bring the people of the Lyran Commonwealth over to them, she said, and victory was theirs. And that he could not argue with, for he well knew public perception with the archon at the moment was shaky at best. And for that, they would be relying on it.

   He paused as he reached the doorway leading to the auditorium where he would give his speech.  “Ready papa,” Karen asked, bringing him out of his thoughts.

   “No, but I will be,” he answered her. Before she could respond, he nodded to the security team around him. Nearly all were members of the Rim Lancers and the rest clanners. They were taking no chances, not after the assassination. “Let us get on with this,” he said softly before one of his man opened up the door that led to the auditorium, to the crowd waiting shakily within.

StarCorps Facilities
Ciotat, Halfway Province
Lyran Commonwealth
29th August 3092

   An aide showed the woman in she was quite beautiful for industrial espionage investigator she also looked quite young perhaps a little over thirty.  “Inspector Jackson, welcome to Ciotat.”

   “Thank you, Director Firzhugh” she said plesently moving to the chair just in front of his desk.

   “I believe you have information for us regarding a possible breach in our data protection systems?”  He asked as she sat down.

   “Yes” Jackson admitted “we have found evidence that Gibson BattleMechs Incorporated agents infiltrated StarCorps facilities here and on Son Hou.”

   “I had not heard of Son Hou being affected” Fizhugh admitted “tea or coffee Miss Jackson?”  He offered

   “Please that would be nice.  And its Evita” she said smiling nicely.  Fizhugh turned around and poured them both a drink from a porcelain kettle.  Turning around he placed both cups in front of them Jackson reached forward taking a sip of the drink burning her lip slightly.

   “More milk?”  He asked seeing her reaction.

   “Please” she said placing the cup back down.  Fizhugh turned his back to her Evita Jackson moved quickly flicking her wrist as her hand passed over Fizhugh's cup.  As her wrist turned two small capsules dropped into Fizhugh's drink before the man could turn back around Evita settled back into her chair.  The Director reached forwards pouring milk into Evita's cup before replacing the jug.  Evita took the cup taking a drink “much better thank you.”

   “My pleasure” he said sitting down taking the cup in his hands taking a small sip.  “So you're investigating an instance that Gibson BattleMechs infiltrated our systems and stole data?”  He asked taking another sip it was a little too sweet but it was warm and would do “as I understand it Gibson BattleMechs Incorporated is no more it was destroyed when Gibson was destroyed?”

   “That's correct” she said watching him drink more “however it is important for the Manei Domini that the people that helped them, and are still in place within your organization, are looked after and safeguarded for the future.”

   “They are still in place?”  He asked taking a mouthful of the drink swallowing heavily “then we must flush them out” he said as he lost the feeling in his arm the cup slipping from his hand.

   “I don't agree” Evita said placing her cup back on the table.  “You see I want these people to remain and continue to feed us information.”  She said smiling raising from her chair “don't try to reply or to speak Abram you have been paralyzed.”  He said seeing the shock on his face “don't worry you won't have to live with it.”  She said stepping behind Abram Fizhugh gripping his chair as she turned it towards the glass window with a strong push of the chair throwing the Director's paralyzed body through the window.  “What a shame” she whispered kneeling down beside the Director's desk pushing a couple of data chips into the computer within moments they automatically uploaded a virus into the system which would cover the tracks of all her people.  Quickly withdrawing the chips Evita moved out of the office removing a pair of small cartridges from her pocket throwing them back inside before quickly closing the door.  As she walked down the corridor the office exploded in a brief contained explosion as Evita disappeared into the stairwell as the fire and evacuation alarms began to sound.  Stepping down the stairs she rose her hand to her mouth “this is Avitue, Phase One Complete, Phase Two Complete, Executing Phase Three no complications.”  She stated leaving the office block as emergency services arrived.  Inspector Evita Jackson disappeared into the crowd that had gathered around watching the fire engulf the building.

[snakespinner]

Colonel Klink, I thought you would have put Sergeant Schultz in that Atlas. :D O0

[JA Baker]

Colonel Klink, I thought you would have put Sergeant Schultz in that Atlas. :D O0

Time to send for his cousin, General Erich Von Klinkerhoffen!

[snakespinner]

Allo Allo whats this. ::)

[Rainbow 6]

Allo Allo whats this. ::)

I wonder if Herr Otto Flick of the LIC will turn up to look into the dodgy goings on?  ;D

[JA Baker]

I wonder if Herr Otto Flick of the LIC will turn up to look into the dodgy goings on?  ;D

Will he be looking for the Fallen Madonna With The Big Boobies by Von Klomp? Or the Cracked Vase With The Big Daisies by Van Gogh?

[Dragon Cat]

If the wise cracks (admittedly worth it) are done with any marginally sensible comments on the story developments?  Either from the RC area of things or anywhere else?

[Rainbow 6]

I think the latest updates were good and i'm thinking the duchess of timbuktu is going to get her's, be interesting to see who get's her though, the Fire Mandrill's or the LIC when they find out she managed to get a LCAF unit destroyed by sending it into a foreign nation when she shouldn't have the power to make those orders.

[marauder648]

Bloody excellent updates, I found myself cheering for the Kindraa.

[Dragon Cat]

Again my thanks to James Tanaga for the Rim Collection storyline and the Steiner Palace scene

Royal Planning Room
Steiner Palace, Arcturus
Arcturus Theatre, Lyran Commonwealth
2nd September 3092

   “Damnit!” The room was silent save for the furious Archon. “How the hell could this happen General!” he yelled to General of the Armies Keane Sortek while leaning over the table. “I thought my orders were very clear! No raids are to take place against the Collection unless with my or your direct approval!”

   “They were Sire-” he was cut off.

   “Then how did Duchess Sherris usurp the chain of command!”

   “Unknown Sire,” replied the younger man.

   “God damnit!” Sighing and brushing his hands through his grey hair, he looked around the room, catching the eyes of the others present before he turned to look back to the General of the Armies. “What were our losses?” Seeing him not want to answer the question, the Archon waved his hand at him. “Tell me the truth General. How bad were our losses?”

   Sighing Keane Sortek finally answered his Archon.  “Sire, we have confirmed Colonel Klink led the Eighteenth Lyran Regulars and six conventional regiments, four being militia, to All Dawn. Included in his force were one militia BattleMech battalion, seconded from the Alekseyevka Timbuktu Theater Militia combat team, two power armor battalions, and our naval forces based at Timbuktu. We are looking at a loss of what equals an entire theater militia combat team and a BattleMech regiment at the present time.”

   As whispers among the others present in the room began, Peter raised his voice. “Silence.” Instantly the room became quiet at his command, all waiting for their Archon. As he sat in his chair, he waved for the general to continue. “What’s the current situation?”

   Keane Sortek pressed a few buttons on the table and the holo-projector sprang to life, showing the entire Timbuktu Theater. Zooming into the area bordering the Collection, he continued. “At the present time, the Seventeenth Lyran Regulars, backed by a BattleMech battalion from the Florida Timbuktu Theater Militia, and a mechanized infantry regiment are defending Timbuktu against the Rim Collection’s Third Rim Lancers and elements of the First Rim Lancers and the First Rim Guards. The worlds of Viborg, Wiltshire, and Halifax all reported Mandrill forces as well before we lost contact with them.” As he spoke, each of the four planets became highlighted.

   Then he highlighted four other planets. “The Second Commonwealth Guards RCT and the Third Royal Guards RCT are both in the area, as are the Alekseyevka and Florida Timbuktu Theater Militias. I also recommend moving these five units from Alarion Province to the border Sire, along with the LCS Fleet Admiral Lyn Hood and the LCS Snow Fire from Alarion to Kaumberg.” As he finished, the positions of four other RCT’s, a BattleMech regiment, and two warships became highlighted.

   “Why are Third Royal Guards on that border General,” asked Peter in a steely voice.

   “We needed an elite formation watching the border and with the Third Royal Guards needing downtime, I ordered their transfer to what was supposed to be our easiest border to watch. Still, as you can see, Sire, we can easily force the Mandrills and their puppets back to All Dawn.” Peter nodded to Keane Sortek, letting go for now the matter of the Royal Guards.

   “That’s all well and good, General Sortek, but I find it telling the Mandrills aren’t in command of the force attacking Timbuktu,” came the voice of Olivia Steiner-Davis, Peter’s press secretary. “The public will as well, especially since Able was very careful to lay the blame entirely at Duchess Sherris’s feet, not ours in his speech. You know the one from earlier where he highlighted the attack on All Dawn and in reprisal, he targeted four of ours,” the early-thirties distant kinswoman of Peter’s piped up to the general.

   “I agree with her, Sire,” came Director Robert Johnson of the LIC. “The public, at least here on Arcturus, is handling this as a private matter between the Rim Collection and Timbuktu and would rather we not intercede so long as the Rim Collection keeps to its word. They already have decided her guilty. And the Estates General will likely to take that approach as well, Sire.”

   “Why would they,” asked General Sortek, perplexed.

   Catching on, Peter decided to answer the question himself. “In the Estates General eyes, the Duchess just became expendable due to the loss of one, possibly two BattleMech regiments, along with the strength of an entire RCT. There is no way they will come her defense for that even if it means losing Timbuktu you don’t piss an entire clan off and Sherris forgot that. It’s just that simple if we go to war with the Mandrill Clan then we will have to strip our other borders to match them.  We've already lost control of Bolan due to Tamarind's moves, both the Wolves and Falcons are poised to strike over out other borders.” Looking around, Peter saw the other members of the room openly grimace. He too did as well, for he was not looking forward to the political firestorm this was about to bring to the Lyran Commonwealth.

   “So we abandon the Seventeenth to them!” the General of the Armies half raised his voice before catching himself. “Sire.”

   Sighing, Peter still answered the younger man. “I will negotiate with President Able for their safe return General them and any civilian who wishes to leave. So long as the Mandrills and the Collection keep their word, I cannot and will not lead the Lyran Commonwealth into the Rim Collection. Nor will I allow us to be seen as weak, however, for doing so invites trouble with the clans. Send the three additional RCT’s from Alarion province and the LCS Snow Fire to the border, but they are strictly there to defend the border, not to take any offensive action without my say so. If the negotiations fail, well, they give us options.”

   “Yes Sire,” Keane grumbled.

   Nodding to General Sortek, Peter glanced around the room, before looking to Olivia. “Olivia, I need you to pen a speech after this meeting dictating I am tacitly agreeing to President Able’s peace terms paint Sherris as the guilty party and that I as Archon will shoulder the blame for her failures but I will not start a war because of her.  Include that these terms will only be agreed on subject to the return of all LCAF personnel  based at Timbuktu, prisoners taken at All Dawn, and turning over the Duchess to us. Also include the movement of the RCT’s and the LCS Snow Fire into the area as part of the speech.”

   “Yes Sire.”

   “Sire,” General Sortek’s voice caused Peter glance back to the General of the Armies. “With the loss of Timbuktu, where should we route the Timbuktu regional protocols to?  Nearby planets do not have the support in place to take over.”

   Good question, Peter thought. The voice of Hauptmann-General Margaret Hunter, the commander of the Arcturan Guards Brigade, grabbed his attention. “If I may Sire” she asked. After he nodded his head to her, she continued. “Part of why we are in this mess is just how close Timbuktu was to the Collection. Also, I believe, Sire, part of the command issues in the theater is due to its size.”

   Before anyone else could speak, Peter did. “You believe we should break up the theaters Hauptmann-General? Without regard to what that action would cause politically or the vulnerability it would leave us in militarily?”

   “Only the Timbuktu Theater, Sire,” she answered quickly. “The other theaters do not have the problems of Timbuktu Theater.”  She pointed out “Arc Royal, Arcturus and Melissa have the Falcon border, the Isle of Skye is its own inclusive command while Bolan did serve its purpose until Tamarind moved in.”  She said “Timbuktu had responsibility for both the Rim Collection, Free Worlds League and Marian Hegemony before its break up.  The Rim Collection wasn't a problem, now it is.”

   Peter nodded to her showing he understood where she was going with the idea and judging by the nodding from General Sortek and Director Johnson, they did too. “I’ll take it under advisement Hauptmann-General. If I go through with your idea, which worlds would be our new regional command worlds?”

   “Kaumberg and Son Hoa, Sire,” the woman answered matter-of-factly.

   “What are your thoughts Gentlemen?” he asked the two man while he weighed his own thoughts on the matter.

   “Alarion Province isn’t going to enjoy being forced into periphery politics Sire,” warned the general.

   “True, but I agree with the Hauptmann-General here Sire. If we had an entire theater just watching the Mandrills, we would not be involved in this mess.”

   Nodding to them, he came to his decision. “Hauptmann-General Hunter, I am charging you with making a viable plan to strip apart Timbuktu Theater. General Sortek, reroute all Timbuktu protocols to Kaumberg and Son Hoa for now. All military forces guarding the Mandrills will report to Kaumberg while those bordering the Marik states will report to Son Hoa.”

   “Yes Sire,” the three answered him.

   “We will meet back in two hours to go over the speech and minor details. Dismissed.” As the occupants in the room began to disperse, Peter called out. “Oh and General, the next time I learn one of my Royal Guard RCT’s is deployed without my knowledge, I will take measures to ensure there won't a third time. Am I understood,” he asked the General of the Armies steely.

   “Yes Sire. I understand,” answered the now nervous general.

   “Good. Dismissed.”

Search Imperial Palace
Imperial City, New Samarkand
Midway Military District, Draconis Combine
9th September 3092

   From the Imperial Palace Emi Kurita disappears from her guards.  An extensive search of the Palace grounds shows no sign of the child suggesting a kidnapping.  All traffic and into and out of New Samarkand is blocked by DCMS Naval forces and the ISF.  Unfortunately after seven days of searching there is still no sign of the missing child as the traffic and communications embargo is lifted from New Samarkand a wave of anger spreads across the realm for the failure of Minoru Kurita.


Taurus Territorial Industries
Orbital Facility, Sterope
Taurian Concordat
12th September 3092

   Stepping up to the window Taurian Protector Erik Martens-Calderon looked out over Sterope's small orbiting shipyard beside him stood CEO Matthias Commager.  “An impressive facility, Mr Commager” here aerospace fighters, small craft and DropShips were produced the vast majority of them sent to the Taurian military today Erik wanted more from them.

   “The Taurian people have made this facility what is it Protector, we live to serve.”

   “I want you to serve more” Erik admitted “given your agreement today the Taurus National Bank will transfer funds into your accounts and engineers will arrive.”

   “For the reason?”  Matthias Commager asked although he liked the idea of additional funds and personnel being hired and he was willing to assist the Taurian leader all he could he also wanted to know what his company would be getting into.

   “For the last eight months the Taurian Concordat has been hiring designers and engineers to build a shipyard capable of building JumpShips domestically for the Taurian Concordat.  We have a design ready to begin construction and you have the shipyard that we could build on” Erik pointed out “I wish to merge these two capabilities and produce an asset like the Taurian Concordat has not had since the Succession Wars, the ability to produce and repair our own JumpShips.”

   “And would we remain as a commercial company or become an asset of the Taurian state?  Protector, I have shareholders to look after.”

   “I understand you, Mr Commager” Erik admitted “your company will remain independent of Tauiran state control.  Aerospace Fighters, small craft, DropShips and surplus JumpShips will be yours to sell to whomever you wish.”  He said admittedly the chances of there being surplus JumpShips was close to zero.

   “What is the name of the design?”

   “The Hydes” Erik said smiling the JumpShip was named after the star cluster which held the Taurian capital system and some of its most important production.”

   “This could make us a target.  At present most keep away from this system, even since House Davion's advance.  A shipyard capable of producing JumpShips changes things.”

   “Yes it does, this system will be receiving a permanent garrison, aerospace fighter wing and Assault DropShip squadron for its defence.  We also plan to push House Davion off our worlds.”

   “Then Protector you have us.”  Commager said extending his hand Erik smiled and met his hand shaking it in agreement.

Sea Fox Clan Council
Twycross, Clan Occuaption Zone
14th September 3092

   “I am Loremaster of Clan Sea Fox, we have refused to be divided like other Clans became” Semi Kalasa said “however today we must answer for the failure of one of our Khanates to protect the people under its charge and for the declaration of war on us by the Principality of Regulus.”

   “Wars can wait” Hanna Coston said quietly her people had already made approaches towards the Territorial Waters leadership but she new that Semi Kalasa had moved forward quicker.

   “I agree” Semi Kalasa said “which is why the Faulk Khanate moves to absorb the Territorial Waters Khanate.”

   “The Bloodscent Khanate wished to take in the Agate Skate.”  saKhan Blaine Hawker said carefully the Agate Skate was the best formation within the Territorial Waters Khanate a Cluster in strength and had been based on Twycross for the last six years its warriors were barely combat worthy but the technology was the best available to the Territorial Waters.

   “That formation no longer exists” Hanna Coston said carefully “as soon as the Territorial Waters failure reached my forces.  I personally oversaw the destruction of the the Agate Skate and the death of Galaxy Commander Katerina Kalasa.”  She said there was no-one from the Territorial Waters here today it had been Hanna Coston's intention to eliminate their leadership permanently ensuring that none of the other Khanates successfully absorbed their incompetence along with their remaining forces.

   “Without representation of the Territorial Waters how will they fight for their continued independence?”

   “They will not” Hanna Coston said “they have failed our people I expect whoever takes control over their forces to ensure that only the best of their number survive and the rest are consigned to our past.”

   “They can hardly be all damned for the failures of a few.  How could they anticipate that the Regulans would resort to the use of nuclear weapons and orbital bombardment?”  Blaine Webster said defending them.

   “We live among barbarians” Hanna Coston said quietly “we will not be reduced to their level but we will have our revenge.  I move for the remains of the Territorial Waters Khanate to be placed under the command of the Clan's Loremaster and the Faulk Khanate.”  She said surprising all that were gathered, they'd all expected the Khan to bid for control over the fallen Khanate her endorsement of Semi Kalasa's forces taking control of the Territorial Waters surprised many.

   With the Khan's endorsement the voting went quickly and unopposed with the Faulk Khanate being awarded controlling powers over the remaining civilians, scientists, traders and warriors of the Territorial Waters.  Unfortunately with the destruction of the Blood Horse and the ground facilities on Kyeinnisan little remained of the civilian, trading or scientist castes instead all that remained was the damaged Hakaze-class Destroyer Territorial, and three ground forces clusters.  After the meeting Hanna Coston dismissed the Council waiting until all but Semi Kalasa remained “why support the Faulk Khanate's growth?”  The Loremaster asked “you have been looking at ways to weaken us for years.

   “Why not Loremaster, you are the keeper of our Clan's laws and traditions what better a way for the fallen warriors of the Territorial Waters to learn but from you?  You will of course also hold the burden of taking our revenge against the Principality of Regulus.  You will be the one to show the other Clans and the Inner Sphere that we are more than just traders, remember to make sure your warriors know that our Clan's honour is on their success.”  The Khan said leaving the room she knew well and good that the only ground forces that the Faulk Khanate had beyond the Loremaster's own Cluster were now the demoralized ground forces of the Territorial Waters.  To use orbital bombardment was beneath Clan Sea Fox even after the devastation wrought against them on Kyeinnisan.

Peace Talks
Stuttgart, Kaumberg
Kaumberg Province, Lyran Commonwealth
19th September 3092

   Ambassador Robert Strauss sat in the middle of the diplomatic team from the Rim Collection. To his left sat Star Colonel Karen Able, acting as the representative of the Rim Collection’s military, and to his right sat the wheelchair bound Star Colonel Lysa Djerassi, acting as the representative of Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga.  For the purpose of these neigotiations the Kindraa had adopted the full mantle of Clan Fire Mandrill according to the intelligence gathered from the Lyran prisoners the LCAF seemed to believe that the whole Fire Mandrill Clan was at their doors.  Neither President Able or the Kindraa leadership were intending on dissuading this idea. Across from them sat the Archon’s representative, Mils Steiner-Davis, Baron Joshua Sheridan of Kaumberg representing the newly formed Kaumberg Province and the Estates General, and Leutnant-General Kathy Parks of the Third Royal Guards RCT, the Lyran’s official military representative.

   Around the table and throughout the room were members of the media. Strauss could see the Lyran outlets in strength amid the two small Rim Collection outlets he brought with him from the Collection. What was surprising were the amount of news outlets from the Star League Protectorate's Interstellar News Network, the Duchy of Tamarind-Abbey, and even two freelance reporters from the Magistracy of Canopus. Strauss suppressed a smile as Lysa handed him the document to sign. It was not every day a periphery power won a war against one of the Great Houses.

   The peace treaty, and it was a peace treaty, was fairly generous he thought, as he quickly scanned the document to ensure nothing hidden had been added by the Lyrans at the last second. This public signing was demanded by President Able and the Lyrans had acquiesced to them. Not only they had secured four planets from the Lyrans, they also secured all the remaining military equipment held by the Lyrans on Timbuktu on top of the salvage already taken on All Dawn, this had netted the Collection much-needed military hardware.  Any civilian who wished to leave the worlds taken by the Rim Collection were welcome to do so and would be provided transport to leave.  Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga had taken full possession of Timbuktu Aemelia and Lysa Djerassi called it Isorla which Strauss had been told mean “Spoils of War” what the Kindraa woud do with this additional population was beyond Strauss they had taken significant damage during the fighting for All Dawn rebuilding their facilities there would take quite a bit of the Clan's resources.

   At the end of the document, he saw the clause ensuring the Lyrans gained custody of Cantrelle Sherris, the former Duchess of Timbuktu, only after she went through a Trial of Grievance against Star Colonel Aemelia. Shrugging, he signed the document, resting easy the Faraday-Tanaga woman would let Sherris live, if badly roughed up and officially ending the Six Week War, as both sides had agreed to call the conflict.

   After he signed the document, he shook the hands of the Lyran diplomatic team. Once completed, he took out a small data stick out of his shirt pocket. “My government wishes for this to reach the Archon, Ambassador,” he spoke as he handed the elder man the device. “It contains an information packet on the Rim Collection, including why we are in the middle of a military build-up.”

   “I see Mr. Strauss. I will ensure my cousin receives this,” answered the Steiner kinsman. “Now the press would like to take some pictures.” He said the last while putting a hand on Robert’s shoulder, leading him and giving him a handshake while both smiled for the cameras.

Trial of Possession
Clan Hall, Sudeten
Clan Occupation Zone
20th September 3092

   In a series of Trials of Position Loremaster Bryan Pryde takes over as Khan of Clan Jade Falcon brutally putting down his opponents including saKhan Niels Icaza.  The new Khan of Clan Jade Falcon then initiates a brutal crackdown on the population of Sudeten for allowing Uvin Buhallin to be killed, Bryan is convinced that someone must have known about the attack and is intending on ensuring that this does not happen again.  As per the New Khan's order the Jade Falcons abandon Machida and Zongshan to the Lyran Commonwealth after months of stalemate instead falling back inside the Occupation Zone.

Hiring Hall
Bowang, Bowang Free Trade Sphere
Former Free Worlds League
28th September 3092

   Following the Archon's announcement that Timbuktu would no longer be a Theatre Command and that the Lyran Commonwealth would not be retaliating against the Rim Collection's attacks members of several Lyran Militias go AWOL from their posts losing confidence in Archon Peter Steiner-Davion.  Several of these disaffected LCAF troopers make their way to Bowang in the Former-Free Worlds League where they form the Blade Legion.  Forming under Colonel Ian Redwolf the troops agree that the Lyran Commonwealth is not their enemy, and wishing to avoid prosecution by LCAF authorities, they choose to instead remove themselves from the possibility and accept a contract with the Marian Hegemony.

   With only thirty-five Mechs on their roster they choose to employ the Marian Hegemony and Clan method of organization deploying three Centuries of ten Mechs each and a single command lance of five Mechs.  Each member of the Blades carries at least one bladed weapon while several of the Mechs have been refitted to carry swords and vibroblades if they were not originally part of the design.  In the Marian Hegemony they employ dozens of recruits forming them into several twenty-five personnel platoons who are used for base security and DropShip defence.

[Wrangler]

The wheels keep turning and turning, wow that was fun update.  Thanks again, Dragon Cat!