What if(An AU Fanfic)

[monbvol]

[Author]  For those that remember, yes this is the same story I posted at least one board crash ago that I haven't really gotten around to re-posting.  I've worked over the first couple of chapters enough to be happy with re-posting those.  Hopefully there is enough insight to my AU and the new factions contained within everyone should be able to follow along.  There are still some elements to Chapter 3 that I'm grappling with.  I may see if I can finally get an old friend to comment and give me some insight.  I'm also tempted to post a spoiler from Chapter 4 that I've gotten finished.  Yes I'm a little scatter brained with this work but should help make it fun.  Though at least I haven't started anything in Chapter 5 or beyond yet.[/Author]

Chapter 1 The Colony Wars
Chapter 2 The Icabar Conflict
Chapter 3 The Border Wars
Chapter 4 The Birth of Nations
Chapter 5 The False Wars
Chapter 6 Ithica Freedom
Chapter 7 Operation High Ball
Chapter 8 Operation Low Ball
Chapter 9 Operation Retribution

Prologue

The following is the transcript of a recovered communication from the data core on Habitat Station 116 and the requested information on the participants.
Intel believes it to have taken place between high level resistance members on Habitat Station 116, Factory Station 041, and Research Station Midgard.
Recovered time stamp: 22:00 Earth Standard Time January 27th, Year After Conquest 0

Cobalt Blue believed to be a former pilot.  Origins unconfirmed but Intel confirms that he was on Habitat Station 116.  The good news is our records do contain the 375 names of the people on that station.  The bad news is that is all the information we do have for confirming his identity.  We have confirmed he was responsible for putting together the first training programs that gave these subversives the fighting capability they needed.

Professor Richard Clemson aka "Forrest Green"  was more readily identifiable as the list was shorter for Research Station Midgard and once this transcript was in hand and combined with other recovered records we now have a much more comprehensive understanding of the early rebellion.  His wife was also a research Professor on Midgard along with their daughter.  Based upon academic credentials and recovered evidence we believe these were the key three in unlocking practical interstellar travel.  We have confirmed additional research was carried out by other subversives on Research Station Midgard, Research Station Shangri-la, Research Station Compton, as well as the soon to be discovered Exodus space complex to assist in escaping our rightful justice as well as conducting other forbidden research.

Haron of Space is of next great importance as he designed and built many of the early combat craft, Exodus, and even the first truly interstellar craft.  Also responsible for the many mining operations and organization of stations to circumvent our administration.

These three criminals together are directly responsible for the mass exodus and a combined count of 5,127 felonies.

Begin transcript:

Cobalt Blue:  Green Forrest you sure this won't be detected?

Prof. Clemson: Oh I suspect they will detect it but siphoning it out from all the other communications and decoding it will take the Dominion years.

Cobalt Blue:  Good enough.  The reason I called this meeting is I just got word that the last regular army unit in North America has been destroyed.  Some accounts say to the man.  Resistance is still strong in that entire continent though.  I expect those bastards will have trouble for years to come.  Green Forrest any chance of a breakthrough sooner than expected?

Prof. Clemson: Believe it or not yes.  We just finished working out the structure the core will need.  My daughter says she is close to finishing the design of the computer needed to control the process as well as the programing.  We should have our end ready in about three months.

Haron of Space: Great but we still got to build the dang things.  The only thing keeping those bastards from coming out and sweeping the colonies is that as far as we know they do not have any sort of practical space navy yet.  My contacts over on Foundry 24 have identified a new shuttle in service so we know they are picking up the pace to deal with the baggage out here.

Cobalt Blue: I got plenty of people in my neighborhood.  Can't vet them as much as I'd like since we ain't this new fangled "Terran Dominion" but I'm pretty sure that we've weeded out the spies.  Get me that gear you promised and I can slow down the Prime Minister's progress.

Haron of Space: Factory Station 294 just spit out the first batch.  They'll out turn and out burn those shuttles that we've seen so far but we'll need new engines soon. They're more advanced than anything you've ever flown so I hope you are as good as you say.

Prof. Clemens: We are working on that new engine as we speak.  An associate of mine passed around some interesting notes on practical fusion power and believes we may actually be able to alter the process just enough to turn them into engines as well.

Cobalt Blue: Good.  I'll get us a screening force don't you worry.  How is our hidden base coming along?

Haron of Space: The main structures are already in place.  Some machine shops are already up and running.  As far as we can tell the damn bastards down below haven't been able to detect it's location yet.  We have plenty of room for the microgravity required.  Factory Station 007 is nearly done with their first expansion module.  Add in the module from Factory Station 213 and we can complete it without any of the other factory stations if we need to but it'll be much slower going to say the least and we all know the longer it takes the higher the probability of discovery.

Cobalt Blue: I'll keep them busy if it comes down to it.  The tugs are ready as soon as the word is given.  Time to sign off gentlemen.

End transcript.

[monbvol]

[Author]  Now for the actual Chapter 1.  [/Author]

Chapter 1 The Colony Wars

Sol System
High orbit over Titan
Date lost to antiquity


"Factory Station 007, this is Inspection 1 you are to stand by for inspection by order of the Terran Dominion Space Navy."  The young darkskinned Ensign at the controls of the Admiral's Barge class shuttle struggled with his accent.

"Ensign?" Another darkskinned man in newly developed microgravity "Marine" gear decorated as a Captain asked.

"Sorry sir.  Most of these stations still have yet to accept the new national language.  This station speaks primarily English.  Most of the time if you address them in their language they'll be much more cooperative."  The ensign replied.

"We'll just have to fix that then while we are over there.  Wait a second what is that?"  The Captain asked as the sensor panel showed a new contact emerging from the far side of the station.

"Not in the war book sir.  We're being jammed!  What do they hope to accomplish?"  The Ensign asked as he tried to puzzle out the meaning of the current situation.

Impact warnings began lighting up all across the port side of the small shuttle.  Punching some more power to the sensors to break through the jamming and saw six new contacts.

"They're avoiding our guns.  Time to get out of here.  Comms still not punching through the jamming."  The Ensign alerted.

The smaller craft stayed on the port side with little trouble.  Their acceleration profile was beyond anything the Dominion had.  More damage warnings lit up.  They were using guns similar to what the Dominion fielded in their space forces so fortunately the damage was not very impressive.

The new craft closed in and peppered the port side once more.  As the craft rolled six more contacts appeared on the screens to join the attack.

Situation Room
Factory Station 007

"It's what we were afraid of sir.  They perform well enough but their firepower just is not enough to quickly dispatch targets in space.  Reports are starting to filter in from our Terra raids.  We were able to have more success there simply because we could carry bombs to drop where we needed.  Still we didn't have enough to do what we wanted.  Good news module 4 will be in position by the time the Dominion mounts a reprisal."  A short stout man with graying hairs in his dark brown hair and a face covered in lubricants spilling down to his work suit said as he watched the progress of the fight.

"Word is they're already working on that for the next batch."  A much younger and cleaner man next to him answered.

"We'll see.  Won't take them long to figure out what we did to their technology and start matching us for real.  Time to evacuate and data purge.  It was a good run.  Bring them home.  We'll need everything we got for round two and I just have an idea that may work."  The elder man said as he watched the skirmish unfold.

Royal Palace
Johanasberg, Africa region Terra

"Sorry to wake you Prime Minister.  We have been attacked."  A young fair skinned woman quietly announced in the minister's bedroom.

"Who?"  The first Prime Minister of the Terran Dominion barked rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

"Several space colonies, mostly those established by the former powers here, assembled a new type of combat craft we have never seen before.  The hit several targets but there were too few to cause extensive damage.  The worst damage we received was to our research facilities.  They used EMP devices.  Research has been slowed but thankfully backup protocols mean we will not have to start from scratch.  Fighters were scrambled but nothing we had was fast enough and they bombed from above our Surface to Air umbrella can reach.  No bomb was more than 150 meters off target despite the extreme height.  We're obviously dealing with a combination of technology and training that means trouble."  The young aide briefed.

"Any good news?"  The Prime Minister pulled on his robe.

"An inspection team bound for Factory Station 007 was attacked by these fighters.  It seems their weaponry is a bit weak.  The Chief of Staff for the Space Navy is requesting additional Admiral's Barge class shuttles until we can provide him with our own space born combat fighters."  The aide answered.

"A reasonable request.  Approved."  The Prime Minister walked to his shower.

Situation Room
Factory Station 007

"Well what is this idea of yours?"  The young man asked looking over the reports and improvised displays.

"We'll be chewing on them forever if we just rely on those pop guns and whizbang missiles that more closely resemble festival fireworks.  What if we took the guidance package out and put it on some those old rockets we used to plant sensors inside asteroids to see what was inside.  Those should crack those shuttles a lot faster."  The older man still covered with grime and lubricant answered.

"Won't be very accurate since those things weren't even designed to change course much but they should just crack right through those shuttles."  The younger man began writing things down on a notebook.

"Time to catch our shuttle.  Oh well, hope they like the other surprise I left them."  The older man said as he punched in commands to the makeshift terminals.

Several hours later
Hangerbay Factory Station 007

"No contact yet sir.  Their shuttles are not here.  Everything that can be cleaned out has been.  Checking the central core now."

"Sir I have something is sector seven!"

"What the?"

"Evac now!"

"Too late!"

Of the ten shuttles sent in four remained on patrol outside the station to catch any runners.  Unfortunately it was not far enough away for the old fission plant that powered the station converted into a bomb.

Terran Dominion Space Navy Platform 004

"Now that they have shown their hand we'll be ready next time.  Order what shuttles we have left to make an example of Habitat Station 114."  Commander Alexi Korikov barked from his command chair.

Exodus station situation room
Somewhere in the Kuipier Belt
Day 114 of the Colony Wars

"As we expected we've been pushed back to almost exclusively here now.  How did the strike go against Fort Zimbabwe?"  A grizzled old fair skinned man in old style work clothes and a paper notebook tethered to his hip asked.

"Both better and worse than we expected.  We took the base out but we had to use one of our scarce nukes to do it.  The strike force was counter attacked on the way out and took heavy losses but with the upgrades and new fighters we did a number on them as well.  Can we drop our code names now or do I have to keep calling you Haron of Space?" An elder man with gray hair and fair complexion in simple clothes countered.

"Only for a little longer Green Forest.  We'll know for sure once the seeding of the belt finishes up.  Then if we still are not attacked we'll know our vetting process has worked.  The new Orion as the Dominion boys are calling it is not bad but it lacks the bite of our heavier jobs.  Looks like they're using the same guns as on their Admiral's Barge.  Haron of Space when can we start shipping people out?"  A middle aged man with graying blond hair and light complexion joined the conversation.

"Nice of you to finally join us Cobalt Blue.  After that debacle last week and the redesigns we're ready to make another test run today.  We already have a brand new shuttle on steroids worked up that will hold over a thousand people each.  We can build these a lot faster than the interstellar ships.  We have a final tally on how many people we got on this monstrosity of mine?"  Haron of Space grumbled.

"A bit over two million.  If we can get Fort Zululand out of the way we can probably have that much again.  Then there is Mars.  Many of the habitat stations are already re-working themselves to be slow boats, the damn insane fools.  At least we can send the true interstellar ships out in advance to prepare the way and then when the slow boats get there we could even possibly have more interstellar ships heading out to pick them up depending on how long we remain hidden."  Blue Cobalt answered grimacing.

"All right we'll get some real slow boats going as well.  If our descendants are going to have any chance of having the industry, technology, and manpower to make a go of it we have little choice."  Haron of Space fummed.

"Cobalt Blue your pilots have my authorization to nuke the hell out of that military station.  Hell after what they have done if you can find a way to get a strike to Terra you can use what we have left on those Dominion bastards."  Green Forrest snapped.

"As much as I hate the idea of doing that to the homeland we have little choice.  I think that trip in can be arranged."  Haron of Space slumped visibly.

Command Bunker Prime
Location Classified
Day 129 of the Colony Wars

"Prime Minister they have managed to infiltrate into the inner system."  A short heavyset dark skinned General said as he hung up a phone.

"How many?"  The Prime Minister barked back.

"Latest count has 24 craft with radiological readings escorted by 72.  We can muster 128 to intercept but with how close they got and factoring in the probability that the 24 craft with radiological warnings are carrying live nuclear devices I must warn that there is a good probability that they will get through to do some serious damage."  The General answered.

"They are bluffing.  They dare not turn the will of the undecided.  Scramble the Orion's."  The Prime Minister smirked.

"Our forces on Mars are under attack.  In all likely hood with the communication delay based upon the reports filtering in they will be overwhelmed before we can get reinforcements there."  The General looked at then unfolded a report handed to him by a comm officer.

"We must restore control on Mars.  Are the new style shuttles ready yet?"  The Prime Minister calmly inquired.

"The enemy seems to know where to poke us to slow that project down.  Indeed for a bluff it seems the main facility is now radioactive cinders."  The General unfolded another note handed to him by his aide.

"Recovery time frame?"  The Prime Minister quickly overcame his shock.

"The technology is secure so no loss there.  The factory is another matter.  Those tools and machines were cutting edge prototypes.  Though we did have another batch being produced to expand the construction output it will still take years to fully recover."  The General answered.

"Why have we not found their new base?  It has to be in the Kupier Belt somewhere."  The Prime Minister let some anger slip into his voice.

"They have seeded many asteroids with jamming devices, decoys, and power plants that power nothing.  We are discovering secondary bases but we cannot gain any information about where the new main base is.  Intel can find no more cells operating directly in the inner system.  This current attack was staged from some ore haulers that we expected.  I have already devised some revisions to our screening process for these crews and will enact them right away.  If you will excuse me so I may do so."  The General answered without hesitation.

"Very well.  Seems we have no choice to pull back from the outer system to restore order on Mars for now.  Minister of Intelligence you must step up your efforts to secure the locations of our projects."  The Prime Minister glared right at the Minister of Intelligence.

Situation Room
Exodus Station
Day 156 of the Colony wars

"Thanks to the success of our Mars operation and the resistance in the Americas we have a great deal of time now to recover our loses and finish our projects."  Green Forest broke the silence.

"We lost a lot on that last attack run for sure but we should keep up the pressure if we can."  Cobalt Blue spoke up.

"With what exactly?  Those dang Dominion bastards still have at least a hundred fighters out here still coming for us.  All our transport assets are tied up with the aftermath of Mars and our production capacity is already full up expanding itself, making modules for colonies, making ships, making slow boats, and still managing fighters for you.  Nah everyone has to lick their wounds for a while now.  At least we'll get another slow boat filled and shipped out later today.  We're already dangerously overcrowded and there are more coming from Mars every day."  Haron of Space snapped back.

"All right.  Point made."  Cobalt Blue sulked.

Command Bunker Prime
Location Classified
Day 254 of the Colony Wars

"Sir I think we may have it finally.  Recovered comm chatter from Habitat Station 116 has finally been decrypted.  Along with interrogations and other recovered comm chatter we are now decrypting I believe we have an area to focus upon.  I know our space born transport assets are still stretched thin but we must move more combat craft out to Navy Platform 004."  Admiral Alexi Korikov said calmly.

"Now I remember why I allowed you to be promoted.  Despite bad situations you are confident and intelligent.  Very well.  take the next shipment of combat craft.  Mars will have to tide itself over instead of getting another regiment."  The Prime Minister answered.

Situation Room
Exodus Station
Day 300 of the Colony Wars

"Well they finally did it.  Enemy fighters have breached the outer markers and marine shuttles are already on their way."  Cobalt Blue said looking down at the sensor displays.

"How many do we have left?"  Green Forest asked afraid.

"Fortunately the last slow boat left just an hour ago.  The Barque is just about finished charging and the gravity is within tolerance.  No time to see if she passes muster.  We still have time to get you away."  Haron of Space smirked more for show than any feeling of certainty.

"Yes.  The wipes are finished but I didn't have time to make them as thorough as I like.  You two certainly have earned a spot as well."  Green Forest sighed heavily.

"You go Haron.  I'll organize the cover and make sure Exodus Station Does not fall into Dominion hands."  Cobalt Blue countered.

"I respect your decision even if I don't like it.  I hate that self sacrificing hero crap.  Good luck Garth."  Haron of Space shook Cobalt Blue's hand heartily.

"All right Richard and William you two better get going.  They'll be to the inner perimeter soon."  Cobalt Blue shook the hand of Green Forrest.

Command Bunker Prime
Location Classified
Day 354 of the Colony Wars

"Prime Minister we are pleased to inform you that we just received word that Exodus Station is now in our hands.  The traitorous scum tried to self destruct the station as had become common when they knew escape was impossible.  Additionally we have combat camera footage under analysis of a new type of vessel never seen before.  We know it to have been constructed at the station.  According to pilots it just seemed to disappear after a brief flash of light.  If not for the combat camera footage I'd call them crazy."  Alexi Korikov briefed the Prime Minister.

"We must duplicate this technology right away.  How much did we recover from their computer systems to give us a head start?"  The First Prime Minister immediately grasped the implications.

"They were very thorough but combining the records across all the bases we captured where this research was taking place, it will still be near from scratch but not quite.  We also managed to catch glimpses of what we know they called "slow boats".  Vessels designed for prolonged acceleration and space flight.  They were able to cobble together a great many by making use of the habitat stations strewn throughout the inner and outer system.  Based upon interrogations and recovered data we have a likely gathering point but even if we got started now with our own interstellar expeditions we would not arrive until they were likely long gone."  Admiral Alexi Korikov answered.

"We can use that to our advantage.  We can create a manifest destiny to keep the unity we now enjoy together beyond our generation by giving them the mission of unifying our lost brothers and sisters."  The Prime Minister smiled.

Point Luck
What will become known as the Palembang system
date unknown

"Well we have a good supply here of everything we need.  Operating our fast ships in a chain we'll be able to gather up the slow boats here well ahead of schedule and have a fleet to transport them the fast way shortly after.  Our next priority is to scout out for a permanent home.  Ideas?"  Professor Richard Clemson asked.

"I hate to say it but we should split up.  We have more than enough people on those slow boats to do so.  Based on what our telescopes could find there are several good possibles well within range.  If this system here checks out I'm heading there."  William Spence answered.

"Yes you are right.  If this system here checks out I would like to go there."  Richard sighed.

Later that day
Residential section, Point Luck Station Palembang system

"Professor Clemson I presume?"  A small man with short black hair and features that betrayed his Eastern European ancestry entered Richard Clemson's quarters.

"Yes, and you are?"  Richard asked as he clasped a lock of hair.

"Professor Pter Yukinov.  I am here to offer my condolences on your daughter and to make a proposal.  I was saddened to hear about the nuking of Habitat 217 by Dominion forces in retaliation for the nuclear attacks we made on Terra.  My sister was on that station as well.  I am collecting genetic samples to create a repository of heroes of the resistance.  I would like to include your daughter in a place of honor.  I did not think it possible until I heard the rumors of that keepsake you have there."  The small man didn't pause or allow his accent to fumble the words.

"It should have more than you need.  Here, I'm not sure how much longer I could hold on to it anyway.  At least this way future generations will have an unique insight to us."  Richard tossed the lock of hair at Pter.

He looked down at the locker that held his daughter's true legacy.  The most sophisticated computer coding ever done.  It would take the work of others to finish but what was in there could revolutionize computer based intelligence in a way only ever dreamed about.

Victory Plaza
Geneva, Switzerland
date lost

"People of Terra, we stand united as never before in the history of this world with a peace never before obtained nor imagined.  With this we shall move forward to a greatness that can never again be equaled.

Despite this there are those that have become lost.  Both metaphorically and literally.  As such I charge the people of the Terran Dominion to bring these lost souls back to our glory.  We shall not allow them to remain lost in the dark while we enjoy the light.

This great task may well be passed on for generations.  Despite this we must never give up.  How could we go forward if we did?

People of the Dominion celebrate your unity and peace.  If you do your children and your children's children shall be able to as well."  The First Prime Minister of the Terran Dominion finished his speech to thunderous applause.

unknown time later
New Minsk, Belarus

"I'm sorry Professor Clemson for lying to you but if it is any consolation your daughter will live again if I am successful."  Professor Pter Yukinov said as he held a test tube in his gloved hand.

His work was revolutionary.  Pure genetic duplication was thought to be a dream.  His technique was so ahead of anything else he had already mastered duplicating physical appearance despite the tendency of the same genes sometimes manifesting in different ways.  It was why even identical twins were not always completely identical.  But now that would change and it would give them the edge needed to stand up to the Terran Dominion.

Espana, Ascunscion

"Well at least I will be able to enjoy a nice tropical beach in my retirement."  William Siemiens jotted down some figures in his notebook as he sunned himself.

Sandwiched between two attractive women he had been surprised at the offer they had made him.  It seemed it was not all that uncommon across this new world.  He still hadn't understood how the hell it happened to work out this way but he wasn't going to argue with the fact that he now had two wives and their relationship while complex did work.

He finished sketching out a new work frame design.  Once he got back to his office he knew he'd be able to take it farther but he doubted it'd be practical to manufacture in his lifetime.

Green Forrest City, Anvil

"Granddad would be so proud of us.  We're so close but so far from the greatest breakthrough since he and his compatriots solved practical interstellar travel."  Tiffany Clemson finished her eulogy of Richard Clemson.

Her mother had made sure she was on one of the first slow boats out of the Terra system as soon as she was old enough.  Because of that she only barely met her grandfather before his death.

She knew now what she had to do.  She had already been grappling with her mother's advances into artificial intelligence.  It had been a surprise just how human the systems behaved.  Retreating into their simulations and developing a whole host of what could only be described as psychological problems due to the sheer amount of computing power at their disposal.

[monbvol]

[Author]  And now Chapter 2!  I probably missed a ton of italics and bold tags for consistency but I'm not sure I entirely care with how big this is getting already.  [/Author]

Chapter II-Prologue Icabar Conflict

Command Bunker Prime
Location Classified
date lost to antiquity

"We've done it.  We finally recreated the interstellar drive."  Admiral Huswe Nogota briefed the Prime Minister.

"Good.  We are now ready for colonization beyond our system.  We will keep them in line with limited technology and forced economic specialization.  Then we may look for our lost souls."  The Prime Minister of the Terran Dominion said calmly.

Belarus System
Belarus Naval Command Headquarters
New Minsk

"Our shipyards report that they have confirmed our first combat capable interstellar ship has finished it's trials and all systems check out.  Our less capable scouts have found several new colonies set up by the Terran Dominion.  I suggest we interdict the next supply shipment to the Icabar system.  According to reports our vessel shall reach there in time.  If we can I would like it captured.  Gather anything you need.  This mission has priority."  Admiral Shushkinay Gruchinik briefed.

Icabar System
Landing approach 2 days out

"Icabar control this is the TDS Humphries.  Requesting landing zone for one company of engineers and the parts for the new habitats."  The Captain of the cargo ship transmitted.

"We read you.  We'll have sector zero four ready for them by the time they get down."  An unfamiliar voice answered.

"Control request authentication codes."  The Captain narrowed his eyes.

"Echo papa papa detroit tango one one niner Icabar two seven."  The unfamiliar voice answered back.

"They check out Captain."  The communications officer spoke up from his station.

"All right detach the dropship and prepare to enter high orbit."  The Captain relaxed in his chair.

Starport Sector 04
New Lenningrad, Icabar
Two days later

"Get these crates off loaded right away."  A Terran Dominion Captain barked at the ground crew.

Two dozen men with power loaders immediately entered the cargo hold.  Seconds later the sound of gunfire could be heard from inside the ship.  Before the Captain of the Engineering company could turn his head to the ship a sniper's bullet lodged itself in his right shoulder.

CiC-TDS Humphries
High orbit, Icabar

"Sir new contact!"  The sensor operator shouted.

"How did it get so close!"  The Captain of the Humphries demanded.

"It must have been in a low profile state while using local stellar bodies to block active scan."  The sensor operator explained.

New blips came on the sensor screens moving at incredible speed.

"Two impacts one the port bow and one on the port quarter.  Bigger than anything we have seen before."  The sensor operator announced.

"Helm get us away.  Engineering initiate emergency charge procedures.  Weapons Officer you are go free."  The Captain shouted.

"No good sir, it is overtaking us."  The sensor operator barely finished speaking before more blips flashed on screen.

The TDS Humphries broke in half just behind the dropship docking point with the four new impacts.

CiC-BANS Kagero

"Ground team reports enemy shipment seized and all resistance on ground has ceased."  The Communications Officer reported.

"Good.  Make ready to jump back to the fleet.  We'll let them bring back their prize on one of the cargo ships.  The Dominion will not allow this to stand.  Let's get Major Yugin's Regiment down there."  The Kagero's Captain answered adjusting her restraints.

Chuub Technologies Headquarters
New Minsk, Belarus

"The Terrans are much farther along in their work frame development than we are but with the batch we got from Icabar we've been able to fast track a project that had been lagging behind.  We identified several design elements and technologies that the Terran Dominion had not been fully utilizing but had on their work frames already.  We have already incorporated the changes needed in our factory up north and we can have these twelve work frames re-engineered in no time."  The C.E.O. of Chuub Technologies addressed the assembled staff of Belarus military representatives.

"That is all well and good but that does not tell us why you brought us here."  A General spoke up.

Outside the meeting room on the ground floor a massive figure came into view of the gathered VIPs.

"Nothing like this has ever existed before.  Our test pilot came up with it's name.  He calls it a Battlemech.  We can get eleven more just like it in time to help with the defense of Icabar if the Admiral can see to their delivery."  The C.E.O. smiled at the awe of the group.

"I think you just earned yourself one hell of a contract."  The General nearly sputtered.

Command Bunker Prime
Location Classified

"The Mountaineer project is coming along well now but it'll be some time before we see the needed results."  A General briefed.

"Very well.  Admiral your report?"  The Prime Minister nodded slowly.

"A ship we sent to check on the TDS Humphries has just returned with rather distressing news.  Through high powered telescopes it found the Humphries broken in half but it also captured images of a small force landing on Icabar.  I have already begun assembling an expeditionary fleet.  We can scrape together enough ships to send a regiment and two of our new Crimson class Corvettes will be able to lend additional cover against what ever destroyed the Humphries."  The Admiral of the Terran Dominion Interstellar Navy answered calmly.

"With the delays in the Mountaineer project I've had no choice but to assemble an mechanized regiment for this expedition."  The General of the Terran Dominion Army immediately spoke up.

"Good.  Bring Icabar back to us gentlemen."  The Prime Minister looked at his commanders sternly.

Chapter 2-The Icabar Conflict

Nadir jump point
Icabar System
CIC TDS Nile
January 17th, 2260

"Jump complete Admiral."  The Navigator announced from his station.

"Good.  As soon as the comms and sensors clear I want a tight diamond formation with us as lead and the Yangzee bringing up the rear."  Admiral Negowe Bengali ordered.

Inner system asteroid belt
Icabar System
CIC BANS Kagero

"Jump signatures.  Ten of them.  Two unidentified, eight matching Barque pattern explorer/cargo ships."  The sensor operator announced from her station.

"Damn.  Alert ground command that hey are about to have company.  Analysis on those two unknowns."  The Captain shifted in her seat.

"According to the Celmson equations they are one hundred thousand metric tons with one docking hard point.  They are underway in a diamond formation."  The sensor operator promptly responded.

"Well damn.  Standing orders from command are now in effect.  We cannot afford to engage the enemy landing force with this many unknowns involved.  Keep us in the belt to keep the escorts honest at least."  The Captain resigned herself to the flak she knew she would receive either way this panned out.

CIC TDS Nile

"Admiral the enemy contact still has not changed position."  The sensor operator reported.

"They know as little about our capabilities as we know about theirs.  Neither side would seem to have a decisive edge.  They are playing it smart.  They are keeping us from supporting our landing force just as we are keeping them from destroying it before it gets to ground."  The Captain of the Nile summarized the situation.

Belarus Expeditionary Force Icabar HQ
New Lenningrad, Icabar

"They have finally arrived.  I want a good watch to the North and to the East but nothing too heavy.  That ground is no good for any large forces to land but they may try and sneak some spec ops teams from those directions.  We got the Sea of Elbar to our West and a lot of open ground to our South.  The enemy knows the ground as well as we do.  They will come from either the Isles of Moldavia with an old fashioned amphibious attack or the plains to the South.  Set your main lines those directions.  Keep the AA batteries ready in case the fools are stupid enough to try a direct landing."  Major Joseph Yugin briefed his senior commanders.

Belarus Alliance Garrison Command New Minsk Military Academy
New Minsk, Belarus
Date classified

"Class we have a special guest instructor today.  He will be telling you about the Icabar Conflict, what was done right, what was done wrong, and what you can learn from it.  Question Cadet Jacobson?"  The Major addressed his class.

"Instructor I have a question about the Icabar Conflict.  Why was a Major assigned to command a regiment when doctrine calls for such an assignment to be placed with a Colonel?"  A cadet in the front row asked.

"At the time doctrine was not as well defined as it is now and interstellar conflict was a new conundrum.  Major Yugin was selected because of his pedigree.  His ancestors were heroes of the resistance and well renown for their efforts against the Terran Dominion on Terra itself in the steps of Asia.  While it is true that the Prime Minister and the Terran Dominion did not face the kind of resistance in Russia and Asia as it had in North and South America, many still forget that there was any at all.  In those days even perceived ability was more important than rank or politics.  Does that answer your question Cadet Jacobson?"  Instructor General Yugin turned to face the class.

"Yes sir!"  Cadet Jacobson replied smartly.

"The first thing you can learn is that there are a great many myths about interstellar colonization.  It is true that ethnic groups do tend to stay together when going out to colonize but as time goes on and emigration and immigration work on the colony it becomes more of a melting pot.  That has created the drive for official languages of nations.  Do not expect any colony you go to to speak our official language.  We were fortunate on Icabar as the ethnic majority of the colonists were Eastern European and understood Russian at an acceptable level as a consequence.  Even this well established world of Belarus despite colonization from Eastern Europe, Russia, Gulf Coast region of North America, and Norh Eastern region of South America has grown to host a much wider variety.  Anyone anywhere can potentially speak any language but with the right information you can be prepared before hand.

The second thing you can learn is that even though we have many divisions graduating this quarter and many times that still in training with many many more already in service using more forces than the target is worth or warrants can expose another theater of operations.  The Terran Dominion learned this first as we used our better developed transport and interstellar navy capabilities to capitalize on their over commitment to taking Icabar.  Without a better sense of where our worlds were and our capabilities we were able to reinforce and attack in gambles that will not work in modern conflicts.  All the nations of space would learn soon enough in what became known as the Border Wars, but that is another topic and I am diverging.  Back to the Icabar Conflict.

Both sides had comparable knowledge of the terrain, as such it became a contest of equipment, skill, and tactics."  Instructor General Yugin spoke evenly to the class.

Regimental HQ(temporary)
dropship 0117 attached to TDS Empress Nefertiti

"The enemy knows the settlement is the only thing worth fighting over and wish to make us timid by drawing the fight there.  This will not work.  The terrain North of the settlement is far too rough for our ships to land and even our heavy tanks would have difficulty advancing.  The East would be possible if we had more engineers and months before we land.  South has good open ground.  The Isle of Moldavia is most secure though.  Thus why the blue water transport assets.  An old style amphibious operation is likely expected but their defensive lines will have to also account for us advancing from the South as well."  A short Chinese Colonel with a scar down the right side of his face briefed his troops.

Isle of Moldavia, Icabar
D-Day

"Landing area secured.  Blue water transports are nearly finished deploying and the troops mounted up.  Hovers are forming up for the advance.  Major Lee's infantry are ready to secure the beach."  A lieutenant reported to Colonel Chisen.

"Good.  Once the perimeter guard is in place I wish to be off.  Just because intel says they do not have blue or black transport assets does not mean they cannot find a way to attack our staging area here."  Colonel Chisen ordered as we watched from a hill near the landing zone.

Landing Beach
Several hours later

"The Major was right.  Alert Southern Command to prepare to shift West.  Alert Artillery Command we are going to need support soon."  A Major directed his communication officer.

"Hovercraft incoming.  Able company engaging.  Landing craft spotted."  The communication officer announced after sending out his own messages.

"Infantry in sector seven."  Another communications officer announced.

"Keep the pressure steady.  We have to hold them until Southern Command gets here."  The Major ordered.

The small hovercraft darted in and out blasting the fortifications they found at close range with large caliber snub guns while larger ones deposited infantry under the cover of smoke and suppressing fire.  The larger tanks would soon be joining the fight from their landing craft.

"Enemy medium and heavy armor landings confirmed.  They're coming at us with full regimental strength."  A communications officer shouted above the nearby explosions.

"Order the withdrawal.  Alert Expedition HQ and Southern Command that we are pulling back to the city proper.  I want as much artillery cover as possible."  The Major ordered.

Belarus Expeditionary Force Icabar HQ
New Lenningrad, Icabar

"The enemy have established a beach head.  Western Command is falling back.  Southern Command is awaiting orders."  A communications officer reported.

"Casualties, damages, and enemy location?"  Major Yugin asked calmly.

"Major Turner reports his battalion sustained 4% unrecoverable, 2% major, and 12% minor.  Two Heavy tanks lost, two more repairable by the end of the week, and four returning to service by the time they reach the capital.  Enemy forces are standard Terran Dominion Regimental strength not counting blue water transport assets.  All enemy assets are still on the beach and North of Southern Command."  The same communications officer answered.

"Good.  Have Southern Command hold position, we should catch them in a pincer.  Order Captain Hernandez and his company to move up and meet the enemy lead elements as they come up to the city.  I want to see what they can do with these 'battlemechs'."  Major Yugin said after a short pause.

Boading Valley, Icabar
5km south from main settlement

"Incoming!"  A Terran Dominion infantryman shouted as a rain of missiles fell out of the sky onto the lead element.

"Heavy tanks coming out of the ravine!"  Another shouted.

Thunder and smoke began filling  the scene.  The Maverick hover APCs dropped away from the heavier Parliament tanks until the Crocodiles could come forward.

The longer ranged Crocodiles got the first shot but the close quarters of the ravines meant they would be taking return fire soon and the Katyusha batteries were already starting to rain down.

"Hold on something new on scope.  It looks like a workmech.  It's firing.  Crap.  Call up the Trojans.  Strong points and field guns grid reference 128 mark 014.  Damage?"  The Captain of the Tank Company ordered.

"Low.  Small caliber gun and launcher appears all.  Well outside our engagement range though and faster than anything but the Mavericks and Trojans."  The tank commander replied.

"There are more coming into range.  More missiles inbound.  Pull back we need to regroup to push through this gauntlet, especially since their artillery is closer than ours."  The Captain sighed.

Terran Dominion Regimental HQ
Landing Beach

"Report." Colonel Chisen demanded.

"As you suspected sir the enemy had units to our south as well.  Our Lead elements are getting slowed down in the Boading Valley though and are encountering stiff resistance."  His aide answered.

"Why has the southern force not broken?  We have them cut off."  Colonel Chisen demanded.

"Our Thompson and Johnson tanks are running into the same heavy tanks we are now facing in the Boading Valley.  They lack the armor to go toe to toe and are too slow to keep out of range.  I'm afraid our southern front may be collapsing."  The aide answered.

"Seems we have no choice.  Draw a line south of the Boading Valley and commit our Crocodile and Trojan tanks south.  We'll force them out or break the southern force."  Colonel Chisen ordered.

Southern Command

Major Moore looked to his senior commanders.  He knew without even having to ask.  Their heavy tanks were dangerously low and artillery support was committed to the north.

"Options."  Major Moore asked as he wiped the grime out of his eyes.

"Well we have an idea that just might work.  Our technicians think they may be able to rig some of the Katyusha missiles to act like mines after landing instead of detonating on contact."  A Captain spoke up.

"I'll take it.  See to it.  If we're going to survive this we need something that they won't expect."  Major Moore saw the first glimmer of hope in a long time.

Southern front
Icabar
date lost to antiquity

"Enemy bunker almost in range."

The Crocodile rocked with a massive explosion from below.

"Minefield.  When I get a hold of the engineer who proclaimed this a safe path he'll wish a mine had gotten him.  We're down a tread on the starboard side.  Load AP."  The tank company commander ordered.

"Sir we're getting reports from all over.  Sectors cleared by engineers are showing new mines.  Half the attack force has been immobilized."  The tank commander reported.

Terran Dominion Regimental HQ
Landing Beach, Icabar

"Sir our attack to the south has failed.  The enemy seems to have laid new minefields despite our engineers clearing approaches.  Most of our armor has been either immobilized or heavily damaged.  Based upon reports the enemy has found a way to use their missile batteries to plant new minefields."  An aide reported to Colonel Chisen.

"Then it would seem the enemy has bested this expedition.  Alert the transports.  All commands are to fall back.  We are leaving."  Colonel Chisen sighed heavily.

Command Bunker Prime
Location Classified
Date Classified

"Sir I have good news and bad news."  The Chief of Staff of the Terrain Dominion approached the Prime Minister.

"Bad news."  The Prime Minister demanded.

"We have learned the expedition to Icabar has been forced to retreat."  The Chief of Staff answered.

"And the good news?"  The Prime Minister scowled.

"We learned this because our new faster than light communication system has met with success.  We believe we have solved the technical problems and now we are ready to begin mass producing the system."  The Chief of Staff answered.

"Good.  Then order the execution of the Expedition ground commander, for cowardice or incompetence, take your pick.  Confer with the Admiral to see about gaining additional transports.  If a regiment is insufficient I want divisions on that planet.  We are now at a full war footing."

Office of the Chancellor
New Minsk, Belarus
Date Classified

"Update."  The Chancellor of the Belarus Alliance demanded.

"We have repelled the initial expedition sent to Icabar.  Losses were well below acceptable limits but Major Yugin cannot repel another assault of such a magnitude." Admiral Shushkinay Gruchinik barely restrained his enthusiasm.

"Nor should he be expected to.  I wish him to return.  He shall be included in Project 114 and I would heartily endorse him for an instructor position in our most prestigious military academy."  The Chancellor replied.

"And Icabar itself?"  General William Granger spoke up.

"Coordinate with the Admiral.  I want a full battlegroup deployed there as soon as possible.  Once that is accomplished I wish for you to probe the Terran Dominion's colonies.  See who we have to conquer and who is ready to defect.  How goes things over at Chuub Tech?"  The Chancellor answered.

"We are still working out the problems to get everything to where it could be but we do have a new model coming on line that we are dubbing the Lancer.  It should help alleviate many of the close combat problems that the Macer struggled with against the fast hovers of the Terran Dominion.  Also with the development of directed energy weapons we should have some new vehicles coming on line soon as well."  The C.E.O. of Chuub Tech responded.

"My operatives have managed to use our good will with our allies in the Anvil system after their gifting to use the Kagero destroyers we are now fielding to obtain this new design to complement our fleet.  They call it the Akagi class.  I imagine our relations will be soured but with the growing threats facing us we have little choice." The Intelligence Minister anticipated the Chancellor.

"Good.  With Project 114 already bearing fruit and these new developments we just may defeat the Terran Dominion.  The Chancellor almost smiled.

Office of the Prime Minister of the Amegis Compact
New Bristol, Anvil
Date classified

"Seems the Belarus Alliance infiltrated our computer networks using diplomatic credentials and made off with our new Akagi class fleet carrier."  The Minister of Intelligence briefed.

"Well then since we cannot afford a major distraction at this time and neither can they I propose they give us Project 114 examples in exchange.  Grand Admiral I will be petitioning for more support for your navy.  If successful I want more live fire drills and increased training.  The Terran Dominion is going to come out in force over this Icabar situation.  Even the other colonies will be probing soon.  We need to be prepared.  How go the existing projects?"  The Prime Minister of the Amegis Compact looked at his gathered ministers and chiefs of staff.

"The expansion of the shipyards in the Palembang systems is ahead of schedule.  If these new materials work out we'll be able to begin refitting our fleet.  Fighter development is also progressing well.  So our navy will be well equipped."  The Grand Admiral of the Amegis Compact Navy reported.

"Marshal your developments?"  The Prime Minister turned toward the Marshal of the Army.

"Using leaked information about armed workmechs Hawk Industries is working on a prototype already.  They should be able to deploy it soon.  Our new vehicles are testing well but I would like to send another raid out.  This time against the Dolanar system.  Intel believes one of these new FTL communications compounds we've started hearing about is being constructed there."  The Marshal of the Army answered.

"Good.  Professor how goes your efforts?"

"We think we may be on to something.  Pure artificial intelligence has encountered some rather unexpected problems but we think we may have something.  Even if we are right it is a ways off before it becomes practical for our space forces but we have automated factories going up now that will expand our production capabilities quite significantly."  Chief Professor of the Clemson Institute briefed.

"Well then I think our agenda for the day is settled."

[monbvol]

[Author]  Didn't entirely expect to have to split this in two parts.  Oh well.  [/Author]

Staging area
Nova City, Jolanar
Terran Dominion space
October 22, 2260

"General Amos, we just received word that the 77th Transport Group will be delayed.  It seems they were jumped by a pair of those damnable destroyers that have been mucking things up.  The group lost only escorts but they were forced to jump much sooner than recommended.  A maintenance and cover group has already been dispatched but it does not look good."  An aide briefed.

"Well we just may have to go without them then.  We will have to hope two mechanized and two armored divisions will be enough this time.  What will we have for a cover force with these developments then?"  General Amos turned to face the aide.

"Task force four one.  A bunch of brand new ships straight out of the Luna yards and their shakedowns.  Four destroyers, two light cruisers, two heavy cruisers, two battle cruisers, and six escort carriers each with only one squadron of craft each though.  If the enemy persists in their destroyer tactics we should be in good shape."  The aide answered as he poured the general some tea.

"Good.  As soon as we can make ready I want us moving out."  General Amos sipped his piping hot tea.

Belarus Alliance Icabar Garrison Battlegroup HQ
New Lenningrad, Icabar

"The last infantry division has landed sir.  The Admiral reports she will be able to support us with six destroyers, two light cruisers, and two fleet carriers.  Intel says Operation Thrust was successful.  Estimates say they'll be hitting us with three to six divisions against our eight.  With the defensive advantage I like our odds."  An aide reported.

"Very good lieutenant.  Check on the engineer's progress.  Our infantry will need every advantage they can get."  The Commanding General answered.

Belarus Alliance Icabar Garrison Battlegroup HQ
New Lenningrad, Icabar
October 24, 2260

"Admiral I want you to allow the Terran Dominion forces to land unopposed.  I wish to destroy them wholesale.  I expect them to land here in the southern plains this time, perhaps with a secondary force to repeat their amphibious attack if they come with a large enough force.  Central Command will be responsible for the defense of the main settlement itself and will consist of elements of First Armored, Second Mechanized, Thirtieth and Thirty Third Infantry divisions.  Southern Command will defend along the Trusco Ridge taking the remaining elements of the aforementioned divisions.  Eastern Command will defend our flanks in the Forest of New Gaul with the Tenth Armored and Eleventh Infantry.  Western Command will watch for the landings on the Isle of Moldavia with the Fourth Infantry.  Northern Command will set up along the passes of the Plembo Mountains with the First Mountain division.  Admiral I suspect I will not be in need of your carriers for air support."  The commanding general briefed his assembled senior commanders as well as the Admiral supporting his forces.

"General then I shall have little choice but to hide my fleet in the asteroid belt.  I warn you because this time of the local solar cycle means we will be farther out should the Terran Dominion resort to orbital bombardment or use their strike craft to deliver nuclear, biological, or chemical ordinance.  They will see us coming and could resort to such tactics.  As such I would like to leave two squadrons of fighters on the surface.  If the Terran Dominion comes with more force than that can handle the conflict could be in doubt despite what intel tells us about the lack of ground forces committed to this operation in comparison to ours.  After all air superiority can do much to make up for any disparity in ground forces."  The Admiral countered.

"A reasonable precaution.  Central Command should be able to protect them unless as you say the Terran Dominion resorts to orbital bombardment."  The General answered.

"I am still uncomfortable placing my fleet so far out as dictated by this stage of the local solar cycle but perhaps fortune will smile upon us and the Dominion forces will be in landing position while a transitory jump point is formed close enough for us to engage."  The Admiral sighed as she voiced her opinion.

Command Information Center, TDS Dagger 1
October 29, 2260

"The enemy has a nasty habit of hiding in asteroid fields and we know Icabar has one that floats from dangerously close to Icabar to far enough away that an enemy fleet will have trouble with transitory jump points.  We have timed our invasion to coincide with a time where the asteroid field is away from Icabar.  Our maps from time of our occupation do show there will be transitory points scattered through the asteroid field during our landing phase if we keep to timetable but the good news is the moon will be on the far side making the closest jump point to us still far enough out that we will be able to see what they are bringing to the fight long before engagement ranges.  Intel is rather sketchy about what we are likely to face.  As such we will land in a staggered array to the south, and I mean really staggered.  We know the enemy has used nuclear ordinance in the past to eliminate large concentrations of forces.  We however are under strict orders to not cross that threshold if they do not do so first no matter how dire the odds against us.  No splitting of our forces this time.  With our planned second corps delayed I consider it a very real possibility we will be outnumbered.  If we can confirm this to be true Admiral we will dig in until you can bring follow up forces.  If not we shall proceed with the attack.  We have improved Johnson, Thopmson, Maverick, and Trojan tanks.  Like many of your armor crews I am skeptical still of the Johnson and Thompsons despite the assurances that the models we have are all that improved.  Still against these 'battlemechs' as we have learned our enemy calls them we should fare much better than last time.  We should assume the enemy has also improved their equipment with what they learned in our last encounter as well.  Despite this we shall prevail."  General Amos briefed his senior commanders.

Landing Zone
plains North of Trusco Ridge, Icabar
November 9, 2260

"The last of the troops are deploying now sir.  So far no sign of the enemy.  We should send the recon teams out farther."  An aide reported.

"Not yet.  Keep them under the artillery umbrella for now.  Contact the Admiral and have him send one of his squadrons over the main settlement at high altitude."  General Amos replied.

Belarus Alliance Icabar Garrison Battlegroup HQ
New Lenningrad, Icabar

"The enemy seems to have finished their landing.  By our count they have four divisions on ground.  Four small contacts, two low end medium contacts, six medium contacts, and two large contacts in high orbit.  Check that, sixteen new fighter sized contacts now on scopes."  A communications officer reported.

"Alert our air cover.  Have Western Command begin moving down the coast.  Eastern Command is to delay two hours than attack the enemy on their flank.  Southern Command is to wait one  and one half hours or until enemy makes contact then they are to keep them busy.  Send the confirmation to the Admiral.  With the delay everything should work perfectly."  The commanding general ordered.

CiC- BANS Admiral Petrov
Asteroid field Icabar system

"We're going early while this jump point is still stable.  With the lunar position we will have to come around the planet anyway.  Begin preparing the attack craft."  The Admiral ordered.

Command Information Center TDS Dagger 1
Extreme orbit Icabar

"Emergence signatures Lunar point."  A sensor operator snapped.

"Break orbit.  Plot recovery point for sortie and intercept course.  Reconfigure strike craft from ground support to anti-ship."  The Admiral ordered.

"Two large contacts, two low end medium, and six small contacts.  The six match the enemy's destroyers."  The sensor operator reported from his station.

"Time to strike craft range?"  The Admiral began studying his displays.

"Two hours."  The reply came with no hesitation.

"How long until the transports are away?"  The Admiral looked over at the communications officer.

"They will be charged in six hours but the nearest jump point not danger close to the enemy is now several days away."  The communications officer replied.

"So we must win this engagement or die.  Communications have the Great Plains transmit a situation report and request reinforcements."  The Admiral sighed and began studying the system layout.

"Sir report just came in, enemy launched interceptors against our recon sortie.  Count 24 enemy craft engaging our 16."  The communications officer broke a brief silence.

"Well then.  Let's see what else they have waiting for us."  The Admiral sighed.

Belarus Alliance Icabar Garrison Battlegroup HQ
New Lenningrad, Icabar

"Forward positions of Center Command report enemy probing actions.  Enemy air raid has been engaged.  Squadron leaders reporting favorable outcome likely."  A communications officer reported.

"All commands are now free to engage at will.  Time to collapse in on them."  The Commanding General ordered.

Outskirts of New Lenningrad, Icabar

"Sir something isn't right here.  That Crocodile busted open the front door, sprayed around and we went in and found this.  Take a look at them sir and you'll see what I mean."  A Private of the Terran Dominion Army reported to his Company Commander.

"These two must be identical twins, wait no this one looks the same, and this one.  Get the corpses back to HQ on the double.  I hope to god this is a statistical aberration  but something tells me it is not."  The Company CO examined the corpses not burned beyond recognition.

Command Information Center BANS Admiral Petrov

"Let's try something.  Communications open a channel to the enemy task force.  Go ahead and make it video."  The Admiral ordered.

"Channel open."  The communications officer answered from her post.

"Attention Commander of Terran Dominion Task Force.  You are in violation of space claimed by the Belarus Alliance and have committed acts of war.  You are hereby ordered to surrender your ships or face destruction by our superior forces."  The Admiral ended her short message.

Command Information Center TDS Dager 1

"It can't be.  Get me the historical archive on Jennifer Clemson."  The Terran Dominion Admiral ordered.

Terran Dominion 1st Corps HQ
Landing Zone
plains north of Trusco Ridge, Icabar

"Our recons in force have probed some of the enemy fortifications and have discovered something rather shocking.  The so called Belarus Alliance seems to have developed practical cloning technology.  There is no doubt about it, our medical teams have verified it.  We have recovered markings from at least six different enemy units.  It would seem your suspicions were correct and we are likely outnumbered."  Colonel Zuwande reported to General Amos.

"Get this information to the TDS Great Plains and tell them to forward it on as well as my request for reinforcements."

"Sir we're being attacked from the West and the East.  Commands are requesting permission to pull back."  A communications officer reported.

"Granted.  If we stay staggered to protect ourselves from nukes we will be overrun piece meal and if we clump up we make ourselves an easy target.  We will have to take the chance that they will not nuke their own world just to be rid of us.  We shall pull back to the Trusco Ridge and dig in there."  General Amos ordered taking in the situation.

Command Information Center TDS Dagger 1
extreme orbit Icabar

"Close.  Jennifer Clemson was the wife of one of our greatest enemies who was responsible for the technology that makes interstellar travel practical and the subsequent development of our faster than light communication technology derived from the same fundamentals.  This admiral must be a direct descendant.  We know we got his daughter during the Colony Wars.  She must have had her own offspring that survived and joined this Belarus Alliance."  The Admiral of the Terran Dominion force said as he looked down at the display.

"Sir the TDS Great Plains just copied us on a transmission received from ground command.  Seems the enemy has developed practical cloning technology."  A communications officer reported.

"By god.  Have the Great Plains transmit a request to cross the nuclear threshold first.  Space Boss time to intercept?"  The Admiral visibly paled.

"It'll be pushing it but if the fleet speeds up a little to cut down the return trip we can launch now, have our birds there in twenty minutes, not much fuel for a turning fight, but all that said should still have a little margin to bring them back in."  The Space Boss answered after studying his sensor screen.

"Very well.  As soon as your Orion's are finished loading up for anti-ship we will launch them.  Send word to the fleet that we will accelerate to fleet flank for ten minutes after launch then pull back to fleet standard."  The Admiral ordered as he looked over his command crew.

Command Information Center BANS Admiral Petrov
extreme orbit, Icabar

"We are detecting 80 new contacts.  Warbook pegs them as Orion class fighters."  A sensor operator reported from her station.

"Commander Aerospace Group is your intercept ready?"  Admiral Clemson turned to her subordinate.

"Yes Admiral.  We'll be matching them with our 72 Knight class attack craft while the BANS Commodore Gruvin will be launching a strike with their 48 remaining Aerocannon class attack craft."  The Commander Aerospace Group answered.

Belarus Alliance Icabar Garrison Battlegroup HQ
New Lenningrad, Icabar

"Sorry about the delay in clearing your skies Central Command but they tried outrunning us and it nearly worked.  All 16 enemy craft splashed.  Returning to base."  The feminine voice of the senior squadron commander crackled over the radio.

"You can make it up to me by making sure none of them get out alive."  The General slightly chuckled.

"Southern Command has begun their attack sir."  A Communications officer reported.

"Good.  Let's push down and join in."  The General ordered.

Terran Dominion 1st Corps HQ
Landing Zone
plains north of Trusco Ridge, Icabar

"Sir we've got new units attacking from the South.  Forward units still pulling back from the Boading Valley are reporting more enemy units coming down from New Lenningrad."  A communications officer alerted from his station.

"Well now.  Have all available battle reports sent to the TDS Great Plains.  Pass the order for all units to withdraw to the dropships.  We are not abandoning Icabar but I do want to use them to pull back to the far south east here with a suborbital burn.  We should be able to hold there until reinforcements arrive.  Have all our available armor units begin preparing a mobile defense."  General Amos ordered.

Near space, Icabar

"Contacts.  120.  No matches in the warbooks.  Intercept with our strike force in one minute.  Correction 48 are continuing on to our force."  The sensor operator reported from his station.

"All craft jettison ordinance.  Fighting withdrawal back to the task force.  TDS Great Plains is to keep forwarding all reports possible.  All ships form up to repel fighter attack."  The Admiral barked.

Intercept site, Icabar

"Sir the enemy task force, those carriers are close now."

"All right anyone who hasn't already jettisoned their external ordinance with me, we'll hit that big bastard in front."

"Right with you sir."

"You have my squad as well sir."

"Engines to all ahead full. We'll just fly right past them."

"Two four engaging enemy fighter.  Solid hit but it is still flying."

"Four one here taking fire.  These things pack a hell of a punch.  I didn't see any tracer fire so I don't know what hit me."

"Enemy carrier firing missiles.  Wait I see something on scopes.  Relaying readings back to task force for analysis."

"Dagger 6's squadron is down."

"Enemy down.  Crap one is on me."

"Ordinance away.  I'm done for."

"I got another one."

Command Information Center BANS Admiral Petrov

The ship barely shook from an impact.

"Report."  Admiral Clemson ordered.

"Minor damage.  Forward recovery system has moderate damage.  Last enemy strike craft destroyed.  We have lost 27 Knight's with six more damaged.  Aerocannon's nearing targets."

Command Information Center TDS Dagger 1
Open space, Icabar

"Sir all our craft have been shot down."  The Space Boss announced.

"Enemy strike group coming into range now.  Batteries engaging.  Launches detected.  Tracking, Savanah taking hits.  Crap sir it just broke in half.  Great Plains taking hits now.  She's dead in space.  Dagger 4 took one hit.  Enemy braking off.  We inflicted no losses."  The Sensor Operator reported.

"Well it seems our force has been broken.  Time to transport evac?"  The Admiral sighed as he saw defeat looming in his face.

"They have gone to low profile mode but based on last report they still have five days of transit and charging left."  A Communications Officer reported.

"Idiots.  If they have gone low profile and we cannot see them it means they are using Icabar to shield themselves from active scan and are waiting for a lunar jump point.  Contact the Great Plains.  I want a more detailed damage report.  If they are still capable of transmission we need to warn Fleet Command about the events here."  The Admiral sighed again.

Belarus Alliance Icabar Garrison Battlegroup HQ
New Lenningrad, Icabar

"Enemy is contained by all commands now sir.  They are inflicting heavy loses on our troops but they will not last much longer.  Strike craft are en route to enemy dropships.  ETA four minutes."  The communications officer reported.

"Good.  We shall end this today.  Interrogate all prisoners.  Any with something useful have shipped back.  Shoot the rest."  The General ordered.

Terran Dominion 1st Corps HQ
Landing Zone
plains north of Trusco Ridge, Icabar

"Enemy air contacts now at close range.  They're making attack runs on our grounded dropships.  Our AA is hitting but just not taking them down.  Northern sector is collapsing."  A Communications officer reported.

"How long can the dropships withstand enemy strikes?"  General Amos asked as he watched the holomap in front of him update with his troop's new positions.

"Not long enough sir.  The enemy is dropping heavy ordinance and using cannons of a heavier caliber than previously thought possible on a strike craft.  We've already lost six of our dropships and two more have fires broken out that threaten them."  The Communications officer answered.

"So it seems retreat is no longer possible.  Start imminent capture procedures.  We are lost."  General Amos sighed.

CiC- TDS Dagger 1
extreme orbit Icabar

"The Great Plains is still capable of transmission and is continuing to forward all reports.  Enemy has launched another strike wave.  It will be in range in thirty minutes."  A Communications officer said from his post.

"Evacuate the Great Plains and have the Ndolla scuttle her.  All other ships fleet flank speed to the nearest jump point.  Let us make this as hard as we can for them."  The Admiral studied the map.

CiC- BANS Admiral Petrov

"Detach the Molotov and the Jackson.  Their orders are to find the enemy transports on the far side of Icabar.  Have our Destroyers move forward as well.  I want that crippled ship with the unusual transmitter captured if at all possible."  Admiral Clemson ordered.

TDS Great Plains

"Evacuation is nearly complete sir.  The Ndolla is standing by to scuttle."  A Communications officer reported.

"The Ndolla?  The Admiral is out of his mind thinking that the Ndolla can scuttle this ship.  Even with those nasty gashes near our engines their rockets are way too light to finish us off before the enemy gets here.  Lieutenant we're stopping by the armory and the FTL Comm before we leave."  The Captain of the Great Plains muttered.

"Yes sir."  The Communications officer answered.

Strike group

"They're trying to scuttle the crippled ship the Admiral wants captured.  One two form up with me and punch to full throttle.  Everyone else continue on to your assigned targets.  Two one you have lead."  The senior squadron commander ordered.

"Right with you.  Revised intercept time thirty seconds."  Her wingman answered.

"Enemy is firing.  Those are old style rockets.  They won't hurt a ship that size.  Let's show them how it is done."  The Squadron leader reported.

"Ordinance launch point reached.  Fish away."  Her wingman radioed.

"Target accelerating to avoid attack but that is why I'm here.  Ordinance away."  The squadron leader answered back.

The heavy  anti ship rockets hurtled through space.  Each Aerocannon was capable of carrying two.  The four streaking toward the TDS Ndolla were individually capable of breaking the obsolete Destroyer in half.  The two launched from One One from VA-1 BANS Admiral Petrov both slammed home into the Destroyer's bow and amidships.  The two from One Two from VA-1 BANS Admiral Petrov streaked out into empty space and detonated as their engines overheated.

Shortly later 92 shredded the tight formation of the Terran Dominion's naval presence in the system.

All fighting in the Icabar system ceased after the BANS Molotov and BANS Jackson caught the now unescorted transports.

Command Bunker Prime
Location Classified
November 10, 2260

"Prime Minister our second expedition has failed as well.  We however have a great deal of insight to our enemies as well as battle reports to aid in our next generation of fighting machines.  We are using these to prepare for a final strike that we know will take the system back into our custody."  General Pryor reported to the Prime Minister of the Terran Dominion.

"That would be unwise.  Our Orions are no match for their new strike craft and our Dagger class carriers cannot carry enough nor are numerous enough to engage these new large carriers the Bellarus Alliance is fielding against us now.  Reports are coming in from the Dolanar, Jolanar, and New Warsaw systems that these carriers have been spotted there supporting raids on our convoys and colonies.  The new materials projects will help but we need our designers to begin working on new ships.  Our existing stocks are obviously poorly suited to direct confrontation."  Admiral Kinkaid countered.

Office of the Chancellor
New Minsk, Belarus
January 12, 2261

"Sir we have secured Icabar.  Our losses were higher this time.  As we expected our technological advantage is shrinking fast.  We did capture an enemy ship equipped with a FTL communication system based on Professor Clemson's work.  We're already copying it and should have it deployed to every colony and flagship soon."  General Yuling reported.

"Well that is some rather goods news.  Keep the raiding up then.  Force them to deal with our forces rather than look for us.  We will have to rely on superior numbers."  The Chancellor of the Belarus Alliance ordered.

"We have finished working out the problems with the Macer and Lancer battlemechs and are working on numerous designs to bolster our forces.  Fusion engine development is still lagging behind for several projects but we expect the Infector, Artemis, and Redneck to enter service in number by next year with the Geneon, Tribal, Norman, and Saxon coming online shortly after we resolve the reactor issue."  The CEO of Chuub Tech briefed.

"Our raid on the Jolanar system was a complete success.  We ambushed the Second Corps intended to reinforce the Terran Dominion at Icabar.  With our current Naval superiority we are already planning raids into the Tomsland, New Canberra, and Nagasaki systems.  The Muravanka system defected to us as soon as we established communication.  We encountered second wave colonies from fellow resistance fighters who made the exodus with us.  The receptions have not all been as warm as we'd like."  Admiral Young briefed.

Office of the Prime Minister
New Bristol, Anvil
January 14, 2261

"Our raids on the Jakarta and Dolanar systems were a complete success.  We captured Terran Dominion FTL communication technology and best of all the intel operatives we left behind report that the Terran Dominion blames the Belarus Alliance."  Admiral of the Amegis Compact reported.

"Good.  Hawk Industries how goes your efforts to replicate this battlemech technology we have been hearing about?"  The Prime Minister looked at the CEO.

"Without working examples better than could be expected but still agonizingly slow."  The CEO answered.

"Anvil Heavy Manufacturing and Blackwell Maritime your reports."  The Prime Minister sighed as he leaned back in his chair.

"We have copied several of the designs recovered from our raids to supplement our own meager designs.  Should any enemies get past our navy we shall be well protected."  The CEO of Anvil Industries answered.

"Strike craft development is proceeding well.  The Champion is proceeding well.  The Delta will be online in sufficient numbers in a month."  The CEO of Blackwell Maritime answered.

"Professor Clemson."  The Prime Minister began rubbing his eyes.

"We have had some success in multiple research projects.  Project Umbrella has a good news bad news situation.  We have hit some unforeseen problems but with certain developments we have a proposed work around.  The details are in the brief.  Project Xerox is now in full swing now that we have finished studying the materials and documents provided by the Belarus Alliance.  Project Boiler Plate reports it has discovered some new methods and materials that will lead to the next generation of fusion engines.  Unfortunately it will take considerable time to fully realize these benefits."  Professor Clemson answered.

"Alright I'll look over the details.  For now let's call it a day."

[monbvol]

[Author]  Just a brief update really to let you lot know I'll probably have at least the start to Chapter 3 up tomorrow sometime.  Depends on how long it takes me to complete a few things.  I have realized that despite my desire to cover all my AU factions in this story I do need to dial back because from Chapter 3 on out I can easily start pulling a George R.R. Martin and bloat my story so big I'd be better served splitting it into different stories.  So while that may eventually happen I want to keep this more focused until then.  [/Author]

[monbvol]

[Author]  Okay got the start of Chapter 3 finished up well enough.  I kind of want to expand on the fighting a bit more but not really sure how to convincingly.  Oh well.  I figure I may focus Chapter 3 entirely on the Amegis Compact so I have two more bits to write for them.  The action at Kure and Tomsland.  Chapter 4 I'll focus on the rebellion in the Corporate Sector.  Chapter 5 will obviously be focused on the Ascunscion Alliance/Ithica Collection with a bit of Stosh Drift tossed in.  6 I'm still debating on who to focus on.  It'll either be the Ithica Collection or Amegis Compact.  7 will be Belarus Alliance and 8 Terran Dominion.  9 will be back to the Amegis Compact.  [/Author]

Chapter 3 The Border Wars

Deep underground
Little London, Anvil
January 1, 2273

Leandra Gates leaned back to stretch out in one of the numerous underground hotsprings common across Anvil.  She actually grew up on Westfield in one of the small unnamed farming communities and still found the living situation on Anvil a bit difficult to deal with for it.  The surface was so dominated by cold tundra that only essential buildings were on the surface while the main living areas were almost all underground.  Not being able to always see the sky still bothered her but the spaces carved out were large enough that it didn't bother her too much and the locals seemed to enjoy the situation well enough.  This particular hotspring made her understand why at times.  She looked up at the crevice that went all the way to the surface and the ice sheet that covered it.  It was clear enough in spots that it almost sparkled like starlight but during day.  Sometimes she could swear she could even see the blue sky through it as well.

She knew it would come to an end soon.  She had graduated from college and OCS the day before and any day now she would get her deployment orders.

Her comlink buzzed.  She didn't expect it to be this soon.

“Leftenant I've got your posting for you.  You are to join Admiral Bolivar's command staff as a junior technical advisor.  His current posting is the ACNS Wargod.  Your flight is scheduled to leave in five hours.”  The woman on the other end didn't even wait for Leandra's response.

“Understood command.”  Leandra closed the comlink.

Getting up from the hotspring and putting on a robe she made her way quickly to the lockers.  She saw all the obviously ankokujin in the hotsprings.  She didn't regard them with the same disdain that others did but she still had to be honest that something about them did unsettle her.  It was probably their universal beauty.  She had no doubt even the least attractive of them would have little trouble winning a beauty pageant.  She also knew that some estimates placed nearly 95% of the Royal Navy as ankokujin.

The trip back to her temporary lodging to retrieve her things and change into her uniform didn't take long and she was to the lift to the surface with plenty of time to spare.

As expected almost everyone on the lift was military.  She suspect that the rest were likely Section 9.  Civilians rarely traveled from one planet to another.  Space tourism was practically non-existent.  Travel for work was dwindling in the face of the ICN maturing and making it cheaper, easier, and faster to video conference rather than have to send someone to another planet.  The only real non-military travel was for colonization and even that wasn't saying much as every system was still well under projected capacity.

“Ensign Yeade Ozawa.” The young woman next to Leandra Gates broke the silence.

“Leftenant Leandra Gates.  Helmsman marks I see.  Your station classified?”  Leandra examined the decorations on her neighbor's uniform.

“No.  Helmsman of the ACNS Radiant.  You?”  Yeade answered.

“Confidential.  But seeing as how I know we're riding to the same muster point I can tell you it's somewhere in the Palembang system.”  Leandra and Yeade couldn't help but share a chuckle.

If foreign intelligence services did catch wind of her being Admiralty staff she knew her life would be a lot more complicated than it already was.  A stern look from one of the officers across the isle from her told her that the joke was tolerated but she also had better stop there, lest she risk such a prestigious assignment so soon.

Leandra didn't realize until almost to the jumppoint that Yeade was ankokujin.  The signs were obvious but something about her personality had made Leandra not pay any attention.


ACNS Wargod
Palembang System
June 9, 2273

Leandra looked down at the sink in disbelief.  How could she have been so foolish?  She wouldn't be able to keep this from command and there was certain to be consequences.

She straightened her uniform and made her way to the bridge.  Dignitaries were coming onboard from the senate so she was to fill in for the ship's sensor officer while she greeted the dignitaries.

The walk was long due to the preparations for the upcoming live fire drill.  The gravdecks had shut down for jump and combat acceleration.  People were moving about getting ready and making sure everything was ready for their guests.

“Security reports VIPs are secure on observation deck.”  The comms officer chirped from her station.

“Very well then.  Signal the fleet to jump to coordinates Alpha 56 mark Bravo 12.”  The captain sounded back.

Leandra assumed her position as the jump klaxon sounded.

A moment yet an eternity later all at the same time and Leandra could see the usual fog on the screens that followed every jump.  As soon as it cleared she began picking through the signals.

“Sensor give me gunnery targets.”

“Passing targets now Captain.”  Leandra answered as she keyed several asteroids up as gunnery practice targets.

The gunnery drill seemed to go on forever since Leandra only had to designate two new targets as the previous ones became too shattered to absorb further fire.

Then suddenly her screens lit up.

“Emergence waves.  Danger close.  Counting 64 of varying mass.”  Leandra spoke as she began working her keyboard.

“Comms advise command we're under attack and it is not part of the exercise.  How the hell did they manage to pick this exact spot?”  The captain muttered.

“Incoming.”  Leandra watched the new contacts converging toward the center of her screen.

“Evasive action.”

It was too late.  The ship shook heavily under the impacts.  The familiar rumble of the main guns started back up again as the ship now found itself trading fire with several enemy ships.

“Damage?”  The Captain was already afraid of the answer.

“Observation deck has been compromised.  We couldn't get them out in time.”  The comms officer answered shocked.

“Ready reserves?”  Leandra sensed the sudden lock up of the Captain.

“Almost expended.”

“No choice then.  Comms use the Admiral's authorization codes to order a retreat.  We'll bloody their nose as best we can on the way out though.”  Leandra sighed to herself as she knew this could easily make things worse for her.

Inappropriate relationship with my CO, having his baby, and I just bloody well ordered a retreat.  What else can go wrong today?  Leandra Gates thought to herself.

Leandra looked down at her sensor screen.  Two Volcano Class large cruisers were attempting to cut off their escape route while four others were forming up to split the fleet in two.

“Helm set throttle to idle, come to 217 mark 90, and roll the ship.  Weapons give me maximum fire on designated targets.”  Leandra ordered while the Captain was still locked in shock.

“Warspite has been surrounded.  They report that they will hold the enemy off as long as they can while we pull back.”  The comms officer reported.

Leandra looked down at her screen.  It wouldn't be enough.  Even a vessel as mighty as the Warspite wouldn't last long enough to hold that many enemies in place to be meaningful.  She'd have to order another vessel to it's death to save the rest of the fleet.

“Comms order the War to their aide.  All other vessels are to make best speed to escape coordinates.”  Leandra checked her screens again to make sure she wasn't wrong.

The Terran Dominion forces at this point seemed content to cut their losses by focusing on the two War Class vessels covering the retreat of the fleet.  Leandra guessed they had probably crippled as many as 20 enemy capital vessels for the loss of two capital ships, three cruisers, and a destroyer.  Every remaining vessel had taken damage and would need yard time but they would be back eventually.

Palembang surface
June 14, 2273

Once the enemy fleet was chased away General Lorinar Aku had little trouble swatting aside the planetary garrison's aerofighters and landed with no real incident.

So far the ground resistance had not been too great.  It was somewhat expected.  Palembang wasn't exactly a pleasant place nor heavily populated in it's own right.  He knew most of the fighting would actually be up in the shipyards and supporting stations.  Down here he just had a few domed cities to capture.  He doubted these people would sacrifice themselves pointlessly by compromising their own domes.  His troops would already be geared for such contingencies and his opponents would know that.  Such tactics would them be very illogical and unintelligent and this Amegis Compact had not proved itself to be illogical or unintelligent.

“We're on the clock.  Begin the attacks.”  General Aku ordered his subordinate commanders.

Board of Inquiry Hearing
Naval HQ
Green Forest City, Anvil
July 1, 2273

“Leftenant we've reviewed the action and your circumstances.  We believe your actions saved the fleet in the Palembang system.  Which leaves us at a difficult juncture.  You have broken serious regulations.  In light of this we have no choice but to re-assign you to military represenative for Project Uplift.  Consider yourself lucky we're not mustering you out because we need some heroes right now.  Succeed there and maybe ship board service will be in your future again.”  Admiral Jacovi laid out Leandra's punishment.

“Thank you sir.”  Leandra didn't know what else to say.  The disgrace of being removed from service aboard ships would haunt her.  It was all she wanted but she knew they were also right.  She very well could have been drummed out of the service instead and that would have been even worse.

[Ajax_Wolf]

ankokujin?

[georgiaboy]

The clones

[monbvol]

[Author]  Language drift of Japanese that means roughly "dark people".  Always considered a bit of a distasteful practice in the Amegis Compact but one that results in acceptable outcomes more often than not.  Which tells me I'm not framing as much as I should be and the easiest way for me to start expanding on some of this is to have easier to access supplemental material available.  This could delay the story itself a while to get all this framed out properly but I obviously need to get some of this going.  [/Author]

[Ajax_Wolf]

[Author]  Language drift of Japanese that means roughly "dark people".  Always considered a bit of a distasteful practice in the Amegis Compact but one that results in acceptable outcomes more often than not.  Which tells me I'm not framing as much as I should be and the easiest way for me to start expanding on some of this is to have easier to access supplemental material available.  This could delay the story itself a while to get all this framed out properly but I obviously need to get some of this going.  [/Author]

NO, please continue with the story. if we have questions we'll ask.

[monbvol]

[Author]  Fine.  :P  I've already got the stand out event of Tomsland figured out but I really should get Kure's action squared away because that does happen chronologically sooner.  Still will probably take me a while but not as long as squaring away 5 faction write ups.  Though I probably should start doing what I did last time and start posting my designs in the appropriate section of these boards.  [/Author]

[monbvol]

[Author]  A bit of a reward post for putting up with not having any story for a few days now.  Have to admit I got sidetracked with the last double XP weekend in SW:TOR and Netflix finally adding the old Justice League, Justice League Unlimited, Batman Beyond, and Samurai Jack to their on-line library.  Also watched the new Dredd movie so that didn't help either.  Tomorrow I'll be watching five episodes of Game of Thrones and cleaning the house up so we'll see when I can get the next substantive post up.  [/Author]

Admiral's Office TDS Olympus Monz
High Orbit
Palembang, Contested Space
July 9, 2273

"The yards are finally secure and General Aku reports organized resistance has come to a halt on the surface.  Damage reports have twenty four vessels in need of yard time before they can return to service.  Only two of our vessels cannot be returned to service.  Of the enemy vessels only two of their cruisers are worth returning to service."  The short Chinese man that was the Flag Captain of the Olympus Monz briefed.

"Both better and worse than what was expected.  Unfortunately this means our strength in this area is now going to be tied up for an extended period waiting for these repairs.  Our new vessels seem to have performed to expectation.  If not jumping right into an enemy with little time to position ourselves properly I suspect we may have had greater success.  Still this is a marked improvement already versus our older ships."  The Admiral replied calmly.

Briefing Room
BANS Admiral Hostaly
Nadir Jump Point
Ole Miss, Belarus Alliance
July 9, 2273

"We've received word from command.  The 204th Battle Group will be covering the landing of the 14th Battle Group.  Us of the 222nd Battle Group will be tasked with the elimination of any enemy space forces in system.  The 213th Battle Group will be held in reserve along with the 19th Battle Group in case we need more space or ground forces.  Our objective is the Kure system.  Enemy fleet numbers are unknown but we know the Terran Dominion has struck at the Palembang system and all indications are they have secured it.  Command believes this is our chance to seize the shipyards.  We make the jump in two days."  The Admiral briefed her Valkyries.

The 222nd Battle Group had earned that nickname because they were the only Battle Group in the entirety of the Belarus Alliance to be all female.  Female anatomy was well suited to withstanding g-force and better spatial awareness added in meant that much like the neighbors they were about to attack that women made up the substantial bulk of the space forces but still to not have even one male in an entire Battle Group, even if it was a space born Battle Group, was remarkable.

As the Admiral thought on the probability of such a situation she couldn't help but remember that she herself was a result of Project 114, those tailored for service with the space forces.  Thinking back she couldn't remember a single male example from Project 114 during her training.  Indeed the only men she crossed paths with were either normals or resulted from the other tailored Projects.  Her train of thought continued onwards to what she had learned about the other ProjectsProject 110 she had learned was tailored for labor, service, and other civilian sector needs.  Project 111 was tailored for the needs of modern armored warfare and thus provided crews for tanks, hovercraft, and VTOLs.  Infantry forces pulled from Project 112.  Project 113 was actually the newest even though the numbering would suggest otherwise and was tailored for the new Battlemech formations to pull from.  Intelligence services she learned got Project 115.  She had learned that was the only project where the Belarus Alliances limited ability to rapidly age the Engineered was applied.

[monbvol]

CiC ACNS Radiant
High Orbit
Kure, Amegis Compact
July 11, 2273

Yeade Ozawa looked at the reflection of her shiny new Leftenant's bars in her displays.  She had earned them by making what many considered not an innovative but certainly bold move.  During a raid into the New Tripoli system in the Carfana Federation they were being pursued by an enemy cruiser.  Using a local moon to break contact she allowed the Radiant to get caught in the gravity well and pulled dangerously close to the surface.  Not every helmsman who tried such a tactic got the timing right for punching the engines to full emergency.  The resulting swing brought them right into excellent firing position on the enemy cruiser that had tried coming around the other side of the moon to cut them off.

As an example of the Ruby class the Radiant was typically charged with such missions but with the recent attack by the Terran Dominion they had been pulled back to the Kure system.  The patrol had been uneventful so far but everyone knew it would just be a matter of time.

"Outer markers reporting multiple emergence signatures.  Calculating vessel sizes.  It's not the Terran Dominion, not unless they picked up a bunch of new vessels intel hasn't told us about.  I've got four contacts that work out to be the same mass as our Akagi class fleet carriers.  The rest are not in our warbooks."  The communications officer broke the silence.

"There is only one foe who this could be.  Advise command that Kure is being invaded by the Belarus Alliance and that we will need assistance.  The Captain of the Radiant immediately began sinking into deep thought about how best to buy time for the rest of the fleet to arrive.

"Accounting for time delay from the outer markers we will have roughly eight days before the enemy makes landfall."  The sensor officer reported from her post.

"No real cover to use to hide our approach but the same can be said for them.  Until we get a response from command we'll use the fourth moon of Kure to hide from their sensors."  The Captain answered back.

[monbvol]

Admiral's cabin
ACNS Wargod
Naval Repair Yard 13
Sasebo, Amegis Compact
July 11, 2273

"Admiral we've received a report that Kure is under attack by the Belarus Alliance.  The Radiant has gone low profile pending orders."  The comm slightly buzzed with the report.

"On my way to CiC.  Have status updates on the rest of the fleet ready by the time I reach there."  Admiral Gordon answered as she contemplated finishing the rum in her glass.

She buttoned up her heavy jacket and made her way to CiC.  She hoped there might be some good news waiting for her once she got there but that would be against type for the day she was already having.

Every nation that bordered the Amegis Compact seemed intent on making trouble.  At least with the Carfana Federation they seemed more intent on probing and raiding rather than conquest so they were being held in check for now.  Section 9 hadn't warned of such an attack but they were having difficulty gaining sources in the Belarus Alliance and interstellar intelligence gathering was still a fairly new art really so it was not completely unexpected that someone would attack without prior warning.

As she moved toward CiC she was pleased with the efforts of the crew to return the ship to fighting shape.  The engagement at Palembang had done some significant damage to every vessel there.  If it hadn't been for the post jump interference she was reasonably certain the damage to the fleet would have been much more severe and enemy losses less favorable.  Leandra Gates had saved the fleet that day when the leadership broke down.  Most everyone understood that and even the few who didn't still gave her credit for at least being able to make decisions when others did not.  To her it was a damn shame the fool girl had an inappropriate relationship with her superior.  If not for that she would probably have gotten a medal instead of sent off to R&D.

Taking her seat in the CiC she keyed through the reports.  She had eight days.  If she left now she was certain that the fleet would be outmatched.  Keying up more detailed reports she started punching in orders.

"Communications you'll find order packets for distribution.  Navigation will need the latest updates on enemy fleet positions and orbital charts."  Admiral Gordon ordered.

[monbvol]

[Author]  Figured I owed you guys a quick update post to let you know I haven't forgotten about this story.  I've just been unusually sapped for energy the past few days and haven't been able to work on it any.  I'll probably be until Thursday, maybe beyond that before I get my next bit of story up.  I hope to make my next bit somewhat longer without so many interruptions but to do what I want to do I may at best give you a bigger post even if there are fairly rapid scene changes.  I figure my next post will deal with more of the social aspects of the Amegis Compact since I got this great internal monologue already rattling around in my head to show off some of the disdain between those who live and work in space and those who live and work on planets with a bit of vice versa thrown in for fun.  [/Author]

[snakespinner]

Tag

[monbvol]

[Author]  Okay wound up with more time than I thought I would yesterday to help rattle some stuff around the old brain.  Hope it was enough to get a longer post this time.  For those who don't know I post in the moment for my fanfics to a very large extent.  So even I don't know how long a post is going to be until I finish it.  It also means they are likely to be filled with spelling and grammar errors but I stopped caring about those a while ago.  :P  [/Author]

Office of the Director of Section 9
Green Forest City, Anvil Amegis Compact
July 12, 2273

As Galina Papadrogos sat in her office waiting for the latest reports she couldn't help but wonder why she had joined Section 9 and stayed with it long enough to become Director.  Her family had a nice enough life on their space station running the cargo service for the local miners.  Now here she was surrounded by damned dirt monkeys every day.  The Japanese portion of the population that seemed to gain more social influence everyday had coined a term that seemed to fit well enough, chijin.  When one of them told her the translation was roughly "mud people" she had to stop herself from laughing.  Then when he told her that people like herself were called kamijin, roughly "wind people" she kind of liked that too.

When the report finally flashed on her screen she had to admit these dirt monkeys did serve their purposes.  They dealt with red tape and monotonous work much better than she could.

Skimming through she knew she'd have to send the report to the Prime Minister and Naval Headquarters.

Over 2 million troops between the ground combatants, ship crews, and associated support personel were already committed to the attack on Kure.  Another 1.5 million were in reserve.  With numbers like that it would take a series of miracles to hold Kure.

CiC ACNS Wargod
Nadir Jump Point
Sasebo, Amegis Compact
July 13, 2273

"We're going to be heavily outnumbered by our enemy when we arrive.  I however believe that our ships and crews are better.  We are also fighting for our fellow countrymen.  All ships begin final jump preparations and lets kick these bastards out of our space."  Admiral Gordon did her best to try and inspire her troops for a fight she knew was going to be very lopsided.

It would be weeks before anymore ships would be ready to join the fleet.  They would win or lose on the backs of a handful of fleet carriers, half a dozen other capital ships, and about four dozen smaller vessels.  The latest report from Section 9 pegged nearly twice as many enemy vessels in system.

The unreality of the jump from one star system to another was something that she wondered if she would ever really get used to.

CiC ACNS Radiant
Open Space
Kure, Amegis Compact
August 1, 2273

Yeade tapped another course correction into her station.  Days of hit and run attacks had turned into weeks.  They had managed to inflict more losses on their enemy than they had taken but now the fight was clearly lost.  The enemy just kept coming it seemed.  She couldn't even remember how many jump signatures were reported when the third enemy fleet nearly cut off their escape route.

Finally the last vessel able to was now at the jump point.  She felt the hum of the jump drive activating then the difficult to describe jump itself.

She hoped the enemy would not follow them into the Sasebo system.  If they did even with the SDS fortifications that hadn't been completed in Kure before the attack she wasn't sure how they'd be able to stop a force like that.

Belarus Alliance Space Command Communications Center
Greenleef, Ole Miss Belarus Alliance
August 1, 2273

"Identity cards" The man at the door grumbled in a thick Russian accent.

Ben Houston and Jeff Davis of Section 9 presented their credentials.  Everything up to this point had actually been easy enough.  Interstellar travel, bribes, and a bit of expert forgery had gotten them this far.

The Guard handed back the ID cards satisfied.

The console sat unoccupied.  Once the door closed behind them they set to work.

"Command headers attached and messages away.  Say hello to the Terran Dominion for us Battle Groups 19 and 222."  Ben chuckled as he pressed the transmit button.

Admiral's cabin
ACNS Wargod
Nadir Jump Point
Westfield, Amegis Compact
January 2, 2278

Admiral Gordon looked out her window at the assembled fleet in view.  Section 9 had come through for the Royal Navy and managed to keep the Terran Dominion and Belarus Alliance busy with each other for the last five years.  This gave the fleet enough time to strengthen enough that it could now go toe to toe with all three neighbors if it had to.  Today though was time to show that the military could go on the offensive.

Palembang still had to wait but it's time would eventually come.  As would Kure's.  The populace was tiring of this latest round of fighting already.  So their last act would have to be more restrained than many in the military would like but they would gain some ground this time.

"Send the jump order.  It's time to take Tomsland."  Admiral Gordon keyed her comm.

4km south of Willis City
Tomsland, Contested Space
January 6, 2278

Leftenant Greene looked at what Private Van Orange Nassau's screen was displaying.

"Do it."  Leftenant Greene ordered.

Private Van Orange Nassau couldn't help but smile.  A Terran Dominion platoon commander had forgotten to change the encryption on his comm systems.  She had followed the crack all the way up to the division level.  Now she had dug up some vids to display on every screen that turned her stomach and the most annoying music she had ever heard to pump into the enemy comm systems.

Military Tribunal
New Detroit, Dolinar Terran Dominion
February 16, 2278

"Lieutenant thanks to your inability to follow procedure and entire division's communications was filled with male homosexual pornographic content that can only be described as revolting in every possible way and music that is beyond any possible description.  With this failure Tomsland fell without proper resistance.  If I were you I'd start praying that the general populace doesn't find out who you are and what you did."  The judge banged his gavel.

Command Bunker Prime
Location Classified
March 23, 2296

“We've consolidated our positions from the latest round of conflicts.  With the new technologies and factories now in our possession and those soon to come on line we should have little trouble from external threats.  Internal ones however...”  The Chief of Army Staff briefed.

“What is it now?  Another rebellion?”  The Prime Minister grumbled.

"Sir we have learned that many of our vehicle designs have been leaked or outright stolen.  We can trace several of these to formerly trusted manufacturers and corporations."  The Minister of Intelligence briefed.

"I am tired of these subversives.  We shall nationalize their industries and bind them tighter to our cause."  The Prime Minister scowled.

“Shall we increase the raiding then to keep them in line”  The Minister of Intelligence asked.

“Yes.  Keep them in fear of raiders so that they are more reliant on us.  Let them raise their own local units to try and stop it then using troops you trust destroy them.  Then prove we are their reliable shield.  That should make them more obedient.”  The Prime Minister answered with a cold anger.

[monbvol]

[Author]  Just another quick post to let everyone know I'm still working on this.  I am still working on some of the lead up to the main meat of Chapter 4 and I have some interludes for each of the factions that still need some work as well but I have a fight scene worked out that I'm considering putting up and then back tracking to the lead up stuff and then finish with the interludes.  We'll see how my writing time shapes up.  [/Author]

[monbvol]

[Author]  Here we go folks.  Almost all of Chapter 4 is entirely new material from the last time I did this.  Partly because I didn't have things as backed up as I thought and partly because I decided to include more detail on the rebellion that results in the Corporate Sector shoving most of what used to be Chapter 4's events into what is now going to be Chapter 5.  Which is where my backups wound up being a bit empty anyway.  [/Author]

Chapter 4- The Birth of Nations

Printastic Printer's Shop
Bankertown, Port Royal
Terran Dominion Coreward Colony Region
September 6, 2301

The pirates in the area had always been a nuisance but Thomas Hallsworth fell to his knees as he watched the vidscreen in his print shop.  The neighborhood where he lived was now a war zone between the local militia and the pirates.  He knew his family would have been home when the attack had begun.

He regained his feet.  He knew what he must do now.

He grabbed his jacket and keys.  He closed his shop and got into his car.

The drive to the recruiting station was a blur.  The line was short.  The recruiter at the desk was some short middle aged Asian man.

"I only have one question for you before I sign.  What kind of alcohol ration do you guys have?"  Thomas asked flatly.

"I'm sorry sir but alcohol is not allowed while a soldier is on duty."  The short man answered.

Thomas looked at the man briefly.

"****** that.  A man needs his booze if he's going off to war."  He answered flatly and went back to his car.

Somehow going back to his printshop made the most sense.  He opened the door then went to work on his computer.  If anyone asked him why he was doing what he was doing now he couldn't give them an answer.

Westen's Gunshop
Bankertown, Port Royale
Terran Dominion Coreward Colony Region
January 12, 2302

"That'll be 100 Rand."  The shop owner spoke up.

Thomas reached into his wallet and pulled out a crisp fresh 100 Corporate Sector Credit bill.

"My apologies my Lord, I did not recognize you.  I'm affraid I do not have stocks of your currency to make change for you."  The shop owner said slightly astonished.

"That is quite alright.  You may keep the change.  This firearm is worth it to me."  Thomas answered smiling.

"What was that about?"  The shop keeps wife asked dumbfounded.

"That was Lord Thomas.  I'll entertain his quirks because I think we need more like him.  It is time we got rid of this Terran Dominion and made our own way.  Just a shame that it takes a madman printing his own replacement for our current master's currency to start things off."  The shop keep answered.

Transcript of a trivid circulating the communication nets
April 19, 2303

I've combed through all the vid footage I can get my hands on.  I noticed something that has probably been on the backs of many of your minds.  The pirates raid us with Terran Dominion designs by and large.  Now I know some of you say "Well of course, that's who they steal from primarily."  Now I might have gone along with that if it hadn't been for the other bit of research I've done.

Each raid has been surgically target at factories, facilities, and basically any attempt we've made at trying to get this yoke of forced economic specialization off us.  Never at the garrisons.  I've even gone so far as to track this across the entire Coreward Colony region and it remains true.  Not once can I actually prove they stole a mech from our region.  Now to be fair I can't say they can't have stollen any while they were still in shipping containers or other stages of delivery since I can't get accurate data for pirate attacks on interstellar merchant shipping but I just find it too much of a coincidence.

Especially since they allow us to form our own pirate hunting bands which almost always get ambushed and destroyed.  Well I intend to go into training and come back with my own band of pirate hunters to find the truth of this for myself.  I will be the first to capture a pirate alive or I am not the Protector, Lord, and Master of the Corporate Sector.

-His Grace
Lord, Master, and Protector of the Corporate Sector
First of His Name
Thomas Hallsworth

[monbvol]

[Author]  If you're expecting me to ever design the mech Lord Thomas is using, well all I got is: :P  Or any special rules.  [/Author]

The Shipping District
Five kilometers west of Tortuga, Port Royal
April 23, 2305

Silje saw Thomas flash her a reassuring smile in the reflection of a monitor.  She didn't know how they were going to survive this one.  Twelve pirate battlemechs now had the two of them surrounded.  The rest of his volunteer pirate hunters were still easily several minutes away.

The two of them had been in many fights together over their two years together fighting pirates.  She still smiled about his story of trying to join the Terran Dominion's forces to get revenge on the pirates that killed his family.  As soon as he found out it was a dry service he said something about how a man going off to war needs his booze.  Since then he became a highly adored eccentric and one of the greatest mechwarriors ever.  Despite all that she could only feel dread.

“Sorry about this but someone's got to post the battlerom to the net for me because this is going to be epic.”  Thomas said calmly as he hit the eject button for his co-pilot's position before Silje could react.

As she rocketed upward her comlink was still active so she could hear and record everything he said as well as the battlerom now.

“Daikairan!”  Thomas shouted as he rushed his mech forward grabbing a pirate Mountaineer by the shoulders and tossing it into the Triton next to it.

Completely gobsmacked the pirates seemed to stand still as Thomas bobbed under the outstretched arm of the Mountaineer he just threw using his own arm to force it in line with the Cannoneer just in time for the laser to discharge followed by the brace of lasers in Thomas' mechs own torso causing the Cannoneer to stumble as Silje could see clearly into the inner workings of the mech and was certain she saw the gyro melt into a hunk of slag.

As Silje finally reached parachute deployment altitude as she saw a barrage of fire from two Clockwork mechs and a Shortsword smash into Thomas' mech.  Once again grabbing the Mountaineer by the outstreatched arm Thomas hammer tossed it into the Cavalier that seemed to be the pirate leader.  The Triton recovering enough to loose his own weapons into the back of Thomas' mech caused an immediate reaction.

“You should have taken the chance to fake being out of the fight.  You're no match for me.  Do you know who I am?  I mean look at you.  YOU DON”T EVEN HAVE A NAME TAG!”  Thomas bellowed as he swung his mech back around grabbing the head of the Triton in one hand and the right shoulder in the other and in one fluid motion pulled the head free and threw it into the head of the still staggering but standing Mountaineer.

Silje then saw something she thought impossible as she landed on top of a nearby warehouse.  The Cavalier seemed to re-gain it's footing enough to lace more weapons fire into Thomas' mech.

“I'll come back to you later for that.”  Thomas said as he jumped into the middle of the trio of two Clockworks and a Shortsword.

Before they could get away he blasted the Shortsword into a heap of rubble, kicked the leg off one Clockwork, and somehow grabbed the last Clockwork by the legs and did his best angry kid with a ragdoll impression.

Again fire from the Cavalier erupted and caught Thomas' mech in the right shoulder.  Again igniting his jump jets he landed in front of the enemy mech, used his left arm to rip his own now useless right arm off and smash it right into the head of the Cavalier.

The last five enemy mechs didn't seem all too phased by what had transpired so far.  It seemed too disciplined for your usual pirate rabble.

“God damnit.  He was right.  The damn military are the damn pirates!”  Silje cursed to herself.

“Come on now.  I can't tie the other hand behind my back now but really it shouldn't matter since there are five of you left.”  Thomas barked over an open channel.

Silje had to avert her eyes from the sudden flash of so much weapon's fire and when she looked back up she saw Thomas' mech flying through the air cartwheeling but not in an out of control manner.  Somehow he downed a Sting and Bumblebee without being touched in return.

“You'll have to do better than that!”  Thomas again barked on an open channel.

The remaining three mechs, a Sling, Carnivor, and one last Clockwork kept with him and began pouring fire into Thomas' mech this time scoring hits.

Again weapons fire somehow still managed to come from Thomas' mech as he closed the distance.  The Sling seemed to crumple over while the Clockwork spun into the ground.  Now face to face with the Carnivore Thomas brought up his remaining arm but just as he brought it down the PPC lanced straight into the cockpit of Thomas' mech but the blow was already delivered as it landed right on the ammunition bins of the Carnivor.  The explosion rocked Silje off her feet.

“No... I...  God damnit Thomas!”  Silje cursed as she found herself carrying out his last wish and uploading the battlerom to the net thanks to the still active comlink she had until the cockpit's destruction.

[monbvol]

[Author]  I've been working on getting the mechs for my AU posted up in the design section so that you lot can go check out the designs I'm referencing in the story and maybe even have some fun with.  I've tried to keep the munch factor in check while not overly screwing over some designs in the process.  The big thing is I actually think I may not have done a good enough job of putting anti-infantry firepower on designs that face the infantry heavy Belarus Alliance.  Oh well.  This post will probably be a bit short since it is mostly going to cover the interlude before the real armed insurrection gets going.  I was kind of hoping to have gotten an AToW campaign focused around this going in my group specifically to help me fill out some of this stuff but since that hasn't happened and won't before May I've got little choice but to fill in some details myself.  :P  [/Author]

Boardroom
Prime Industries Tower
New Tel Aviv, Aruba
Terran Dominion Coreward Colony Region
July 6, 2307

"The nationalization sweeps are getting more intense.  We won't be able to fend them off forever.  I'd say we got two years at best."  The CEO of Prime Industries briefed the gathered CEOs of various corporations gathered.

"The sentiment for insurrection is growing and these nationalization sweeps are helping to fan the flames.  Hell we're already getting shipments of small arms and supplies from the various other powers.  They see the opportunity before them.  It won't be long before we get more serious help from them."  The CEO of Goldstar Industries added.

"Indeed I've already gotten a hold of some friends in the Stosh Drift.  They've agreed to let us train some resistance cells there.  By the time Too DIM figures it out we'll have aerospace fighters and battlemechs as part of our efforts.  We'll even be getting some of this new Battlearmor we've been hearing about in the mix.  If we can keep the pace we're at going 2309 will be the start of something that will be remembered for a long time."  The CEO of Prime Industries added.

[Dave Talley]

tag

[monbvol]

[Author]  I seem to keep getting too many things fighting for my attention to get any decent writing on this done.  I was hoping to finish Chapter 4 by now but I would either have to rush it or leave out a lot more than I'd like to.  Any way even if it is another short segment you guys have waited long enough for me to put something up.  I'll try and expand on this some more later though.  Oh and I think I forgot to mention it in this thread but did remember to do so in my House Rule thread but I do realize I've made a fairly noticeable boo boo in translating Kamijin as wind people.  I'm debating between letting it go to add some quirkyness to the setting or fixing it one way or the other(call them kazejin or translate as divine people, the later would fit the ego of that sub group better while the former would show more of the disdain).  [/Author]

CiC HIMS Trident
Nadir Jump Point
Hollace System
Terran Dominion Coreward Colony Region
December 9, 2310

As the unreality faded emergency lights flicked on bathing the CiC in a pale blue light.  An unexpected solar flare had forced them to jump sooner than expected and now the Trident carrying a new colony seed on it's back was recovering from the shock of a misjump.  The event was rare and happened mostly in cases like theirs, where a ship was forced to jump before being ready.

"Navigation."  Commander Justin Seiler wiped his brow and came away with some blood.

"We're not at the target system sir.  Running charts.  Hollace system sir.  Books say a small military post and supporting civilians only."  The officer chimed from his station.

Justin looked out at his assembled crew.  He saw it.  He had thought the same thing they were thinking now.  All that prevented it was the garrison commander and his men brought along for the colony seed and the colony seed themselves.

"Commander Stevenson.  Mister Buerger.  We've missed jumped.  Navigation puts us in the Hollace system."  Commander Seiler keyed his comm panel.

The delay in response almost made him change his mind about what he was about to propose.

"Bloody hell.  Wait, that means..."  Commander Stevenson answered first.

"Commanders this is an incredible risk I'm taking but what say you to letting that mad man think we're dead?  By the time anyone can find out any different we should be well established as a colony."  Mister Buerger broke in next.

"Hahahahahaha.  Brilliant.  Here I was worried you two wouldn't want to go along with such a thing.  My crew is ready to get away from that blabbering fool."  Commander Seiler felt the tension leave the room.

"One more lecture about the Roman Empire from a guy who hasn't even read a decent book on the subject or even been to Italy and my boys would have revolted.  With this opportunity handed to us on a silver platter count my boys in."  Commander Stevens' voice crackled though the comm.

"All right then let's go take this place from the Terran Dominion.  Detach the Dropships.  Sensor officer keep a look out for system defenses.  Helm 1g to Hollace as soon as we're ready."  Commander Seiler ordered as a medic began bandaging his head.

[monbvol]

[Author]  Gah.  I seem to be letting this get away from me a lot lately and not making much progress on working things out in my head and resulting in short posts.  Well this one too will be on the short side but I got at least a little something brewing.  [/Author]

Open grass land
12km South of New Vienna, Hollace
Terran Dominion Coreward Colony Region
December 24, 2310

Subaltern Jackson looked back over his shoulder to check on his observer.  He meekly nodded to indicate he was still alive.

They were both dinged up pretty good and would be in med facility for a bit but luckily the local garrison wasn't that big and the fight was all but over.

A Terran Dominion Mountaineer suddenly came over one of the few hills.  Jackson kicked his own Century around and keyed the laser and missile rack.  Some minor impacts from the Mountaineer's own missile packs struck back but the smaller machine was clearly outmatched despite the battle damage already sustained by the Century.

Jackson back peddled his machine and let loose with more laser and missiles.  He wished his cannon still worked but that got chewed up earlier in the fighting.

The enemy mech kept closing and firing his own missiles.  Soon he'd be able to add his own lasers and tip the balance in his favor.

Jackson watched his ammo counter hit zero as the last of his missiles went into the ground in front of the enemy mech.  The laser was more successful though and sliced the Mountaineer's leg open.  A noticeable hobble and then the familiar lurch of a busted hip actuator presented itself.

Missiles still flew out of the enemy mech as it took to the sky.  Jackson's laser went wide right and low.  When the enemy mech landed though it's leg crumpled under it.  The fight was now all but over.

The Mountaineer still feebly tried to spray missiles at his mech but Jackson moved out of the firing arc.  A few swipes of his laser later and it was done.

"Command that appears to be the last of the local militia."  Jackson keyed his radio.

He knew as much as he wanted to sleep right now it would not be a good idea after the hit he took a couple hours ago.  Instead he reached for his water bottle and took a swig.

Colonial Government Building
New Vienna, Hollace
Terran Dominion Coreward Colony Region
December 31, 2310

"The locals haven't been too much of a problem.  The vast majority of them were forcibly relocated here so between this armed insurrection going on around us and our actions in destroying the garrison we're bloody heroes now to them."  Commander Stevenson briefed.

"Then it seems we are fairly secure for now.  There will be a retaliation eventually from the Terran Dominion.  For now it looks like they almost finished a workmech factory.  We should be able to convert it to a proper Battlemech factory in short order.  Once we do we have an opportunity here."  Hamilton Buerger nodded.

"Indeed.  I hear the breakaways have started calling themselves the Corporate Sector.  We'll need their resources to finish establishing this colony as an independent entity and they'll need our ready trained fighting forces.  Seems we're well setup to become Mercenaries then."  Commander Stevenson added.

"I'll leave military matters to you then.  I have a meeting with the existing planetary governor."  Hamilton finished his coffee.

[monbvol]

[Author]  Unfortunately just another update post from me to let you lot know I'm still working on this.  I got something starting to rattle around my head for the Terran Dominion's perspective so I should have some actual story soon.  [/Author]

[monbvol]

[Author]  Hurray heart burn!  I get to write on fourish hours of sleep and at 5:00 AM for the first time in a long time.  [/Author]

Command Bunker Prime
Location Classified
Date Classified

"So General, perhaps you'd like to tell me why we are not crushing this armed insurrection now sweeping through the coreward colony region?"  The Prime Minister of the Terran Dominion nearly growled.

"Our situation is more tenuous than it may seem at first glance Prime Minister.  We know the Amegis Compact has gathered strength in the Westfield system, the Belarus Alliance at Icabar.  Then there is the active rebellion as well on New Warsaw and North America is also becoming restless again.  Then there is the state of our economy.  Many of our units have not been paid in many months, some have not been resupplied either.  It is so severe that many of the garrisons in the coreward colony region defected outright or are refusing to engage.  Doubly so after the accusations made about us using our own troops to act as pirates against our own people.  I have still managed to scrounge up two corps of troops to end this fight.  Though I must warn that if that amount of force cannot get the job done we're simply not in a position where we can send more without compromising another front."  Chief of Staff George Carver answered.

"And the Navy?"  The Prime Minister grimaced as he knew painful truth when he heard it.

"We're chasing down a confirmed minimum of a half dozen raiding parties in the spinward colony region and most of our strength is concentrated to repel enemy invasions since those concentrations of forces include enemy vessels.  We have 16 vessels in the coreward colony region.  If we can catch a foreign power's shipment to the rebels it should help rally our troops." Chief of Naval Staff Trevor Kinkaid answered.

"Then it seems for now we are doing all we can.  I will tend to our economy so that we may not have to face such a situation again in the future."  The Prime Minister nodded.

CiC ACNS Enterprise
High Orbit, Port Royale system
Terran Dominion Coreward Colony Region
January 6, 2311

Captain Yeade Ozawa checked her read outs again.  The Terran Dominion destroyer was still with them despite the thrashing they had taken.  It meant their fire mission would not be even less precise than thy wished.  Orbital bombardment was proven a tricky task even under ideal conditions during the Border Wars.  A stray layer of moisture in the air, cross directional wind currents in different layers of the atmosphere, and the outrage of the citizenry meant it was a tactic of last resort.  That last resort was needed to break a Terran Dominion counter attack on the planet below to give the insurrection a chance of surviving long enough to get more help.

Right now she was glad that the Enterprise was not a standard Emerald class vessel.  The broadside missile tubes had been replaced with secondary grade naval lasers due to short falls in production of Ruby class vessels for raiding.  This meant they could keep their acceleration up and still complete their mission.  Right now it would be enough to get close to force the enemy to spread out to avoid a more concentrated barrage.

She felt the ship shudder slightly as the destroyer behind them reminded them that it was still there and a threat.  A stand up fight would be theirs but this far from friendly repair yards the inevitable damage could easily prove fatal.

"Weapons you are clear to begin fire mission.  Also see about doing something about that Destroyer again would you?"  Yeade ordered.

"Firing.  One strike in primary zone.  Two in secondary.  Fourth well outside strike zones.  Enemy destroyer is veering slightly to port.  I think we got their thruster assembly."  The Weapons Officer almost chirped from her station.

"Time to go then.  Plot course for nearest jump point.  We're to meet up with a supply shipment to Nikei next."  Yeade relaxed into her seat.

She hoped she could get enough leave after this tour to visit the hot springs of Anvil.

Bridge AAS Iberia
Open Space, Eindoven System
Terran Dominion Coreward Colony Region
January 10, 2311

Captain Illanos could still smell the newness of his vessel.  While the class was old and well established this was a new build of it.  Which meant it benefited from the latest revisions to the design of the class.

He had a simple mission and it seemed his opponent was willing to oblige.  His mission was to eliminate the TDS Indian Ocean, an Oceanic class Battlecruiser.  Captain Illanos knew it had the acceleration and range advantage but his foe so far had not exploited those advantages.  Perhaps his sensor officer had been more effective than even he knew in clouding the enemies sensors with jamming.  It seemed the most logical explanation as they neared optimal firing range.

"Weapons I want the enemy vessel destroyed in one pass.  All batteries may fire when ready."  Captain Illanos knew his vessel had incredible firepower but history had shown the ability to withstand return was limited.

The recoil absorbers of his batteries were strained to their limits as he could feel his vessel slip ever so slightly to starboard.  A fraction of a second later he heard the alarms indicating return fire.  It seems he had met up with a fool interested in a close range duel.  It might even work out in his favor if the Indian Ocean was also one of the new example of the Oceanic class as well.  The reports indicated that they had more than doubled the armor since the class had been first introduced.  Even at this range it would be several tense seconds before they had their answer.

[Author]  And cliff hanger.  :P  [/Author]

[monbvol]

[Author]  Okay made up my mind.  Sorry about the shortness of this offering.  I kept getting interrupted or I'd probably have more for you lot this time around.  That's right.  Despite this being first these Author notes were typed after the story below.  :P  [/Author]

Alarms rang as the shells from the enemy ship tore into the armor.  He didn't need his weapon's officer's report to know the enemy vessel had not fared well either as he could see the tell tale signs of the enemy rolling to present a fresh side.  A glance was enough to get his helmsman to do the same.

It seemed to take forever before the firing solution was reported as ready.

Another shudder from the massive batteries and Captain Illanos knew one way or the other and this would be the deciding volley.

The shudder of impacts was perhaps a bit more intense the second time.  The displays showed that the bow armor was nearly compromised now.  The side, dorsal, and ventral armors were not much better.  The vessel would be in repair yards for a long time if it survived.

"We've done it sir.  Registering launch of escape pods."  The sensor officer reported.

"Navigation find us a jump point and get us home."  Captain Illanos sank back into his chair.  The fight had been entirely too close.

Inquiry into action of Eindoven System Memorandum 6

It is the determination of this inquiry that the Espana class vessels have reached a state of being evolutionary dead ends.  These vessels represent too great of an investment for how outmatched they have become at the hands of current enemy threats.

Naval Interoffice Memorandum 2114

Based upon the increasing evidence the Espana class shall be discontinued at once.  All refits in progress should be finished.  Existing vessels that have yet to receive refit or remodel shall have such work canceled.  All service life extension programs are likewise canceled and instead when time comes such vessels shall instead be scrapped.

[monbvol]

[Author]  Okay been a while again but I got at least a little something cooked up again.  [/Author]

CEO's Office
Prime Industries Tower
New Tel Aviv, Aruba
Terran Dominion Coreward Colony Region
January 18, 2311

"We've just had word.  The Terran Dominion are finally sending troops.  Intel says they are going for a killing blow by hitting every world at once.  Two corps worth of troops are assigned for it.  With the removal of the Indian Ocean there are now only 15 enemy vessels in the area and one of those is in dry dock after their exchange with the Enterprise."  The CEO of Goldstar Industries shuffled in his seat nervously.

"With the arrival of the ACNS Exeter, AAS Moorlands, and BANS Belgrade we should be able to defend a few key worlds.  We're also getting more shipments from our camps in the Stosh Drift.  The new infantry armors in particular have magnified our fighting power tremendously.  Plus we'll have a few other surprises waiting for them."  The CEO of Prime Industries answered.

4th Division 3rd Corps 1st Army 1st Army Group HQ
120km North East of Vandenburg, Gererium
Terran Dominion Coreward Colony Region
January 21, 2311

"She looked so innocent.  Just a glass of lemonade it seemed.  Oh god.  I can't take much more doc.  Please tell me there is something you can do!"  A soldier writhed in agony on his rack.

"How wide spread is it now?"  The General asked from the doorway his voice muffled by a filter mask.

"Half the division is down.  It wouldn't be a problem normally but with the destruction of one of our supply ships on the way in we're going to dangerously deplete our stockpiles of certain medicines.  So we have two options.  One is to suck it up and hope our depleted force is enough to keep the rebellion from sweeping us off this rock because this isn't going to kill except in rare and extreme cases.  Two is use up the medicines to get back to strength now but be extremely vulnerable if they should try something worse."  The Doctor answered.

"We have to assume if they are desperate enough to try something like this they are willing to risk a more serious biological agent getting into their own population.  Save the medicines."  The General answered.

[wolfgar]

*chuckles* Ah Montezuma's revenge strikes again, and Dysentery is such a marvelous way to cause pain

[monbvol]

[Author]  Have to admit I'm losing focus on this story and just having a tougher time figuring out where to take it.  I still have tons of stuff I haven't really worked out yet that are relevant to this story but worry not.  I fully intend to finish even if the updates get less frequent.  And another cliff hanger because I'm getting interrupted again.  [/Author]

Command Bunker Prime
Location Classified
Date Classified

"Worker strikes, insurrections, shipments intercepted, troops being crippled by clandestine operations, and another economic down turn.  As much as it may hurt us more in the long term we have no choice but to accept the only realistic short term option left.  General bring our troops home."  The Prime Minister of the Terran Dominion as he knew he was practically ensuring he'd be replaced, and soon.

1st Army Group, 2nd Army, 2nd Corps, 1st Division HQ
155km NW of Tortuga, Port Royal
Disputed Territory(Corporate Sector/Terran Dominion Coreward Colony Region)
June 22nd, 2312

"They expect us to turn tail and run after all the men who have given their lives to end this rebellion?  Stuff that order.  We're going to stay and fight.  Retreat is not an option.  We'll make them have to spend years digging us out."  The CO looked at his men as they all nodded in agreement.

DEIS Patrol
Grenada, Port Royale
Corporate Sector
September 2314

Veteran Grunt Jack Voortman still grumbled a bit about the oddball ranks but it was in one of the last papers written by Lord Thomas and the man's ramblings for how a corporation based alliance focused on making profit as a federal government could work were panning out and most everyone else was enjoying thumbing their nose at established conventions.

The sense that the fighting was almost over was a relief.  It had been weeks since the last Terran Dominion mech had been seen but the counts suggested at most a company remained.  Jack had herd from a buddy that the other holdouts in other systems had been rooted out.  There were still the odd raids by infantry trying to cause havoc here on Port Royale but even those were becoming less frequent.

All in all Jack knew it was due to the actions of the group now calling itself Mossad after another clandestine organization from Terra's past that had kept the fight alive and all the other powers at bay.

"Contacts.  I think we got their last base."  Veteran Grunt Robert Craig said from behind Jack.

"Call it in.  I'll take us up the north ridge for a better look."  Jack answered.

"DEIS Patrol to HQ.  Have located 4 MFBs in grid reference 1274 Able.  Requesting strike team, over."

"DEIS Actual to Patrol strike team inbound in 10 minutes."  The comm in Jack's neurohelmet buzzed.

"They spotted us.  Too late suckers."  Jack chuckled as he brought his Longsword's gun arms into line and began firing.

"Enemy mechs, multiple bearings."  Robert announced.

"Oh boy this should be fun."