The Lone Wolves (Branch Number 32)

[pensiveswetness]

The Following is data dumps taken for posterity, for use by Committee members in the vetting we are conducting upon Branch 32. though Captain Dorin~Wood has been vetted to accuracy, her various hire-on's that she has acquired in the past 5 years have not. This record will, of course, be used in the future evaluation of Branch 32 and will determine if and when we disband their franchise rights as members of the Lone Wolves. Member Reiko Fiche, nominal Interstellar Expeditions Lead and legal representation for Branch 32, has offered to help assist in this endeavor. If it's proven that at some of the personnel assigned to Branch 32 are actually Word of Blake ROM, appropriate and fatal counteraction will follow for the entirety of branch 32...

[pensiveswetness]

Name:  Roberta Vasilakis
Callsign:  Big Rack
Faction: None (Mercenary)
Homeworld:  Detroit (New Colony Region)
Mechwarrior Vasilakis, the youngest daughter of technician's Michael Vasilakis of the mercenary command ‘The Brood’ and Jean Jones, a botanist specializing in Detroit's local fauna, has been with ‘The Lone Wolves’ franchise since their inception in 3064. A loyal friend of Captain Dorin’s since they were tweens, she is blessed with both bountiful charisma and brilliant intellect. Roberta is the cheer leader of the command.  Though she has been assigned to several different models of ‘mechs (almost all lost to destruction at one point), She thrived in a RFL-8D and it's paired 20mm Rotary Autocannons. When that too, was lost to a freak ammunition explosion [Infantry, all things. ED], she was assigned a captured Combine Avatar Omnimech as a replacement, much to her delight. Though the jam rate of the weapons is considerable, the kill rate of her Avatar is even more considerable in the past 3 years alone, that she has piloted that 'mech. When the command was able to acquire a small cache of Clan-tech weapons, Roberta's techs installed a pair of Type-X Launchers (later mated with Holly-brand Artemis-IV FCS systems). Since being reassigned to the unit's C3 Fire Lance, her lethality has only increased on the battle field.

Roberta practices yoga during her off-time and usually leads the command fitness formations with grace and personality.

[pensiveswetness]

Name:  Benito Chance
Callsign:  'Last'
Faction:  Federated Suns
Homeworld:  El Dorado (Crusis March, Federated Suns)
Mechwarrior Chance joined ‘The Lone Wolves’ during the start of Operation Sovereign Justice in 3068. A Regular-rated Mechwarrior, Benito first served in the El Dorado Militia Forces after graduation from schooling and Military Prep School in 3065. He spend his mandatory 2 years military service there as a LCT-1M pilot and grew to have an affinity for dual missile launcher systems. After leaving the AFFS, he was recruited to join the Illician Lancers, finding a position in the 59st Striker. It was there within two months time, he was booted out for ‘misconduct’. It was not specified what Mechwarrior Chance allegedly did but he was out of a job on a hostile Capellan world when he joined the ‘The Lone Wolves’. First driving a decrepit WSP-1A  before being assigned to a pair of WTH-2’s. His promotion and reassignment to a Blackjack Omnimech is a blessing to him, though grateful for being able to use the Whitworth to its maximum potential, the Blackjack simply holds more firepower with the same mobility.

That particular love affair with the Blackjack-O lasted until the unit was assigned to Defend the HPG faciltiy on Talitha in 3069. Though he accounted well for himself with the destruction of 200 tons of enemy units, his Omnimech succumed to structural failure when a 3rd Dismal D Hunchback fired his Autocannon at a very unsafe rate of fire. Because the mercs did not want to part with him at that time, a 3050-vintage Archer was aquired as a replacement, a machine that has served Benito very, very well in the unit's C3 Fire Lance.

Benito is in a serious relation ship with Mechwarrior Colvin, and others keeps to himself, off duty.

Addemum: Mechwarrior was reported KIA during a lightning recon raid against miltia forces on Alhena II. This is partially false; the pilot sustained massive head trama from both cockit sustained damage and bio-feedback from dual ammunition detonations from the Right-side LRM bins. Pilot is alive but has been placed in a medically induced coma pending further health care. SEE SITUREP-ALHENA-71HG54j1

[pensiveswetness]

Name:  Kristyn Colvin
Callsign:  ‘Back
Faction: Federated Suns
Homeworld:  Crofton (Crusis March, Federated Suns)
Mechwarrior Colvin came to the unit with Benito Chance, when he was forcibly discharged from the Illician Lancer's 59Th Striker in what she calls the ‘Clavis affair’. Though she does not explain the occurrence in detail, she does call it politics and leaves it at that. Born on the outback system of Crofton, Kristyn spend her developmental years bouncing around worlds (her parents were undisclosed ‘merchants’ who often felt prudent to leave worlds, one after another, in rather quick and questionable circumstances). When she was 17, her parents finally left her on El Dorado with relatives and soon disappeared from the general public somewhere in the Draconis March region. Having been home schooled since birth, she enlisted in the AFFS as a Assistant Technician (ASTECH) and resigned her fate to a boring adult life.
 
That changed when she met Benito Chance.

All though the details of their affair are extremely private, what is known is that she received her Mechwarrior training from her lover and that she's a natural pilot in a medium-sized ‘mech. Having joined the ‘Wolves’, Kristyn has become a beast in her customized Hunchback, named ‘Lobos’ after her father. Though the machine remains in service, Kristyn eventually was moved up to a custom Jagermech. Assigned to the C3 Fire lance as aircraft overwatch (because the Garret D2J Targeting Module), Kristyn takes great pleasure in causing misery with her dual class-5 Cluster Cannons.

Her own callsign is allegedly coined during a drunken feast with the crew and not because she has a rather ample bottom… Kristen also speaks fluent Japanese.

[pensiveswetness]

Name:  Leo Kunz
Callsign:  King
Faction: None (Mercenary)
Homeworld:  Portland (New Colony Region)
Mechwarrior Kunz was a bully of the highest order in his youth and was well known in the juvenile system on his home world of Portland. His need to bully was to protect himself and his siblings, of course but the authorities typical ignored that aspect of the case files. As a result, Leo can be very hostile to authority.

After getting his GED ‘Under Threat of death’ by his parents, King fled the New Colony Region on a passing freight carrier. He was taught to operate the many Industrial ‘mechs used in the company (MAX Loads, LCC) during the 3 years he worked for the company. During a layover somewhere in the Capellan March, King met (or got into a argument) mechwarriors from the Illician Lancers. The details are murky but the end result was that King became a Mechwarrior trainee.

Two years later, he joined the company as a freelance pilot, having completed his tour with the Lancers. Leo wasn't entirely happy with his then-current ride (a CN9-AH Centurion) and its all ammunition-based load out but he gained great satisfaction with the ability to really hurt someone, a legacy trait of his hard youth. After being asked nicely by his CO, Leo was promoted to command the C3 Fire lance.
His new ride a TDR-10SE modified to replace the LRM launcher with a large C3 Master Computer, Leo leads his forces to victory (usually from the back, after a spat of Gyroscopic failures from otherwise minor and non-penetrating hits).

[pensiveswetness]

Name:  Artur Yakovlev
Callsign:  Blues
Faction: Mercenary (Wolf’s Dragoons)
Homeworld:  Outreach
Mechwarrior Yakovlev joined the Lone Wolves during their time on the contested Capellan world of Tikonov. Estranged from the Wolf’s Dragoons Home Guard, he was hired principally by his conduct during a bar fight in Tikonov Center’s Blue Light District. He will not comment on why he is no longer considered a Dragoon and with the decimation visited on his home world, there is no legal way to determine if he is fact a fugitive or not. He is indifferent to the subject and even more indifferent to the idea of occasionally working with the Word of Blake, considering their involvement in the utter destruction ravaged upon Outreach. He’s is however a competent Mechwarrior in his assigned machine, a GHR-5N Grasshopper. After his PPC was replaced by a ER model (modified because they carried no spare modules of the make orignally used), he complained about the higher heat curve his weapons generated but he has adapted and came to appreciate the extra range he has now.

Artur enjoys watching and reviewing early 21st Century entertainment materials during his off time.

[pensiveswetness]

Name:  Tu Bartholomew
Callsign:  Bart
Faction: Unknown (COMGUARD)
Homeworld:  Tikonov
Mechwarrior Bartholomew is a former Adept-Epsilon from COMSTAR’s COMGUARD. He joined Comstar in 3049 at the age of 17, eager to leave Tikonov when his family’s political background prevented him from joining the AFFC after graduation from high school. After completing initial training on Terra in early 3050, he took several electives to enhance his use of tactics at the Federated Commonwealth’s NAIS. Though the classed were nice and campus was ‘incredible’, his training ultimately prevented him from joining his assigned unit (the 11th Army) until well after the Battle of Tukayyid. He served honorably for six years in the 11th Army but Tu struggled to feel a commitment to the unit, the ‘young pup’ surrounded by battle hardened veterans of the Clan Wars. The COMSTAR schism only made things worse. In late 3056 he finally resigned his commission with the COMGUARDS and became just another unemployed & dispossessed Mechwarrior when he arrived on Galatea eight months later.
He severed in 4 different mercenary units from 3057 until late last year when he quit Wannamaker’s Widowmakers because of a pay dispute.  Always savvy and private about his COMSTAR beginnings, when it became clear when his CO was hand & boots with the Robes, Tu and his ‘mech, a ON2-M Orion parted quickly before he could be liquidated as a liability. Even with the Wolves, only his current CO knows his past. Their Committee rep has already created a back story for him to cover any inquiries that could endanger him any further…

Sadly, during a recent combat engagement, Tu was Kill-in-Action, after his cockpit was hit by a Guass Rifle round. His indentity is apparently safe now.

[pensiveswetness]

Name:  Holley Camp
Callsign:  Slut
Faction: Unknown (Mercenary)
Homeworld:  Blackjack
Born on April 1st, 3045, Mechwarrior Camp hails from the former Lyran Commonwealth world of Blackjack. Her parents were both students (and eventually instructors) at the Blackjack School of Conflict at the time of her birth and Holley lived a charmed life for her first 7 years. Both of her parents were excellent Mechwarriors and Holley grew up around giant killing machines and the storied behind them. It would take the 2nd Falcon Jaegers to change everything about her life.
When Clan Jade Falcon’s Delta Galaxy invaded the world in August of 3050, Holley was away with her grandparents on Tharkad for a extended winter break. Her parents, proud and arrogant, were part of the 80% casualties in defense of Blackjack and Holley remained with her surviving Next of Kin until she graduated from high school in 3064. Then a resident of Tsinan because of the terms of Battle Tukayyid, she chose to leave the world with a marginally functional CRD-3R Crusader and become a mercenary Mechwarrior.
Holley’s unique call sign is something related to her upbringing by her grandparents. Rather liberal-minded compared to Holley’s parents, Holley grew up with a ‘What? Me worry?’ attitude as a rebellious teenager, earning a long list of affairs and scandals with school officials and other low level political types. Adulthood changed very little about her lifestyle, until a private matter occurred just after she joined the Lone Wolves. Officially unconcerned about what others think of her, she does listen to her CO’s counsel and is slowly changing her ways for the better (presumably because of said private matter). She still maintains the unhealthy habit of sleeping with the unit’s Technicians and Astecs (of both genders)…

Sadly, Holley was recently Killed-in-Action while at the controlls of a new CRD-8S crusader, a victum of a fatal blow to her cockpit assembly...

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Name:  Elizabeth
Callsign:  El-Z
Faction: None (Clan Smoke Jaguar)
Homeworld:  Twilight
Very little is known about the Mechwarrior known as Elizabeth. Free Born on the distant clan world of Twilight, ‘Mechwarrior’ Elizabeth joined the Clan Military as soon as she legally could*. A survivor of the destruction of Clan Smoke Jaguar (officially), she made her way from the Clan Occupation Zone to the Game World of Solaris VII. There she hooked up with adventurous individuals and spent 3 years having more adventures. Her current working relationship with the Lone Wolves is remarkable in that she’s still with the unit now. Hard Headed would be a understatement in describing why she’s have been in over 15 different mercenary commands since 3064.
Her mech, a Clan Ryoken or Stormcrow as known by the clans, was awarded to her by her adventuring friends when they parted ways in 3063. Battle scarred due to countless patching using inferior Inner Sphere parts, it’s a testament to the clan’s tight quality controls on their machinery, as well as her competent mechanical skills, that her machine remains fully functional as a Omnimech.

*It is speculated that Elizabeth was actually a Technician-caste member of Clan Smoke Jaguar. Born a Freebirth, it is unlikely she would have been even allowed to test up into the warrior caste as a Smoke Jaguar. Her mechanical skills do mark her as a technician first but it was the opportunity to do whatever she wanted to, that allowed her to become a Mechwarrior in the mercenary trade.

[snakespinner]

An interesting unit.
Favourite would have to be Holley for some reason, pity she was KIA.

[pensiveswetness]

Name:  Joette Whitman
Callsign:  French
Faction: Mercenary (Free Cappella)
Homeworld:  Brighton
Mechwarrior Whitman hails from the former St Ives Compact system of Brighton. Born into a family of hereditary copper miners, Joette was the only child to seek employment and adventure elsewhere in the SIC when she reached adulthood in June, 3059. She enlisted into the SIC armed forces in November of that year and spent her first 3 years as a Saladin Autocannon Loader crew member before being forced out of the service at the end of the Capellan Civil War*.

She would spend the next few years jumping from mercenary outfit to mercenary outfit. Along the way, she qualified for Mechwarrior Duty and became a much valued pilot to those units she served in. Now rated as a Veteran-pilot, Joette looks forward to serve honorably in any endeavor she performs. Current assigned to the higly modified CN9-AH, sporting a Mydron Excel Class-20 Scatter gun and the command's second C3 Master Computer. As the commander of the Cavalry Support Lance, Joette is to defend the command's Repair Vehicles (though in practice, her lance gets almost as much face time as the other lances).

*Though no evidence exists to the contrary, her forced removal from the SICAF was allegedly because of her possible connections to the Free Cappella Movement, when the SICAF merged with the CCAF in 3063.

[pensiveswetness]

Name:  Nathanael Tyree
Callsign:  Skills
Faction: Free Rasalhague Republic
Homeworld:  Grumium
Mechwarrior Tyree, a Free Rasalhague Republic Ex-patriot, joined the mercenary trade in 3065 straight out of high school. High unemployment and virtually no opportunities to join the KungsArmé or COMSTAR were his official reasons for leaving Grumium. Unofficially, however, it is believed that young Nathanael was running from an arranged marriage or perhaps some crime he may be accused of committing. He also claims to have spent the past several years with Greenburg’s Godzillas but there are inconsistencies in his records. Regardless of his questionable record, there is no denying that he is a Regular-Quality Mechwarrior, cool under fire.

Currently assigned a modified VTR-9A1, sporting dual Harpoon-4S Streak-4 launchers and a Clan-spec Gauss Rifle, Nathanael archors the Heavy Support Lance.

<Edit> This information is out of date, Chuck. I know for a fact that this Victor is now currently on Galetea, impounded. Fix it or i'll fix you.

[pensiveswetness]

Name:  Dylan Valencia
Callsign:  Punk
Faction: Mercenary (Greater Valkyrate)
Homeworld:  Butte Hold
Mechwarrior Valencia hails from the former Greater Valkyrate Region. Born on January 2nd, 3048, he spent his youth as a Inner Sphere Freeborn dependant under the harsh rule of Clan Wolf. His parents were pirate Mechwarriors under red Jack Ryan, who dared challenge the might of the Bronze Keshik… and died horribly for their daring. Raised by his surviving kin, Dylan grew up strong and prone to violence, having challenged Wolf Clan members of all castes to ‘Trials of Revenge!’ since he was 6 years old. As a result, Dylan has numerous scars and old healed broken bones to show for his efforts to gain a small measure of revenge. To his credit, Clan Wolf’s excellent medical care ensured that he was always in perfect health for the next time he challenged someone.

When he began of legal age (14), he was assigned to be a Vehicle Technician by his clan minders and spent the next few years slowly dying of boredom (as most Clanners considered vehicles of any sort almost as Solahma duty)  when opportunity came to him via dropship. He was captured by unknown raiders during major violence in the Clan Occupation Zone. Treated surprisingly well (compared to the others captured), he eventually was released to FRR authority on January 2nd, 3066, where he was immediately kicked out the system (presumably because of his birth status). Forced to serve as an industrial ‘mech astech in order to pay for travel, it would be another year before he ended up on Galatea as a new mercenary pilot looking for a job…

Currently assigned to a ON-2M Orion (after the dead of the previous pilot), he was shocked when command of the Heavy Support lance was given to him, an action that has both humbled him and motived him to greatness.

Considered an average pilot on paper, Dylan’s most marketable skills are in his familiarity as a generalist technician (especially with Vehicle Clan Tech). Quite able and willing to work with the techs when not on duty as a Mechwarrior, his demeanor is surprising calm when you consider his rather hostile upbringing…

//Addemdum: Mechwarrior KIA during defensive engagement on Dieudonne (See Project Liberty) by a Unknown varient Urbanmech Class-10 round (Urbanmech IIC)

[pensiveswetness]

To Technicron CEO
From Technicron CFO
Sub: Project Liberty

Sir, there is a significant problem emerging on Alhena. The Mercenaries report that another faction force has already attacked Alhena II, causing significant to major destruction to support facilities as well as foodstuff stocks. foodstuff stocks that we just delivered 4 weeks ago, sir. From initial BATROM video from both dropship and combat units, it appears that a battalion-sized force grounded 7 days before the corporate jumpship [CENSORED] made its jump to pirate point J2X3.4. The mercenaries never engaged and i suspect, based on the irrational tactics used by the Alhena Militia forces against the mercenaries, the unknown force has already boosted. The mercs where forced to completely destroy the militia force (one CDA-2A, crippled, was reported to escape; all other units were either destroyed, cooked off their ammunition from excessive fire, or attempted reactor-light offs). though it's a forgone conclusion that Alhena will join us in Project Liberty, those fools are going to starve on way or the other.

UPDATE: There is another worry to consider, sir. Those same unknowns havesuccessfully destroyed the [CENSORED] while recharging (No, we have no clue as to why Captain Avatar did not follow mission protocols and jump via battery charge). Vessel was reported to be holed from light capital grade weapons fire, with the loss of all hands. No opportunity to recover the [CENSORED] a this time. The merc's IE rep successfully made contact via [CENSORED] and all forces are in retreat to the system nadir jump point, ETA 32 days, MARK. The mercenaries jumpship will arrive approximately 7 days before dropship reaches them. The merc's CO is all in my ear about updates and status reports. it's clear she doesn't like being stuck on Savannah while her command is still in possible danger...

Oh. Benito Chance is not longer a good candidate. the IE rep told me that the mechwarrior in question 'not longer is capable of being useful in any capacity, outside of a hospice bedroom'.

[pensiveswetness]

To Technicron CEO
From Technicron CFO
Sub: Project Liberty

Sir, there is a significant problem emerging on Alhena. The Mercenaries report that another faction force has already attacked Alhena II, causing significant to major destruction to support facilities as well as foodstuff stocks. foodstuff stocks that we just delivered 4 weeks ago, sir. From initial BATROM video from both dropship and combat units, it appears that a battalion-sized force grounded 7 days before the corporate jumpship [CENSORED] made its jump to pirate point J2X3.4. The mercenaries never engaged and i suspect, based on the irrational tactics used by the Alhena Militia forces against the mercenaries, the unknown force has already boosted. The mercs where forced to completely destroy the militia force (one CDA-2A, crippled, was reported to escape; all other units were either destroyed, cooked off their ammunition from excessive fire, or attempted reactor-light offs). though it's a forgone conclusion that Alhena will join us in Project Liberty, those fools are going to starve on way or the other.

UPDATE: There is another worry to consider, sir. Those same unknowns havesuccessfully destroyed the [CENSORED] while recharging (No, we have no clue as to why Captain Avatar did not follow mission protocols and jump via battery charge). Vessel was reported to be holed from light capital grade weapons fire, with the loss of all hands. No opportunity to recover the [CENSORED] a this time. The merc's IE rep successfully made contact via [CENSORED] and all forces are in retreat to the system nadir jump point, ETA 32 days, MARK. The mercenaries jumpship will arrive approximately 7 days before dropship reaches them. The merc's CO is all in my ear about updates and status reports. it's clear she doesn't like being stuck on Savannah while her command is still in possible danger...

Oh. Benito Chance is not longer a good candidate. the IE rep told me that the mechwarrior in question 'not longer is capable of being useful in any capacity, outside of a hospice bedroom'.

To Technicron CFO
From Technicron CEO
Sub: Project Liberty (Implement now)

Carl, the IE Mercenaries have returned to Savannah. Suffice is to say, they were brutalized in space (at least 24 dead, mostly techs who could not get to life boats on the 'Wolf Claws' as well as our corporate snoop. Assign another ASAP) by another faction's mercs. The unit in question is recovering from both the large loss of materials they could not ransom back but is still considered a capably company-sized force. The Governor of Alhena is up in arms because the damage done to them. We expect major loss of life within 2 years due to famine as a result. I would recommend we withhold any aid, until it is in our best financial or political interests to aid them.

[CENSORED] made no comment on the matter but 2 days ago, a Level-III from the 20Th Division [WoB] landed with a long list of supplies. The board thinks this is a bad omen as we had planned to activate Project Liberty by the 1st of October, but with the Robes on planet, we're gonna have to hope our assets as well as mercenary support is enough to liquidate any opposition to our long term plans with [CENSORED]. Make it happen... then meet me at the airport. I want to space side when the Robes react...

[pensiveswetness]

1 September, 3071 1300 Local Standard Time

LONE WOLFS GET SPAYED IN SPACE!!!!

The Rumormill was all talkative when SpaceGoat342 reported that a newly established Aerospace heavy Merc force successfully completed a classified op somewhere near or inside Word Of Blake Protectorate space. Gloating harder than he is normally known to do on the Netfeeds, SG was happy to announce that his command just got into the battlemech business. It seems that the air jocks [CENSORED] a pair of Union's as they were trying to reach their backup plan Jumpship, after the air jocks destroyed another jumpship recharging at a pirate point instead of jumping out (The JS-type not disclosed had a fully functional Lithium-Battery system). SG's callous glee could not be suppressed as he explained how explicitly he fleeced the defeated mercs, hauling away something like over 1500 tons in displaced ammunition, parts and what not, as well as 5 heavy and Assault machines of various degrees of repair (plus support vehicles including a MK III Alacorn Heavy Tank-it's crew frozen to their seats from exposure to vaccum). 'Man our fighters [CENSORED] those poor sods. Who brings Sparrow Hawks and Thrush's to a Heavy Air Party? Those fools. When those tools who turn and fled found out how much we'd pay them to join us? man, there was like nobody left in those Woofs's clothing. They are DONE.

We asked the elder members of the Lone Wolves for a comment (The majority of their assets have been planet-side on Galetea for the greater part of a year now) but the only thing they said was that Branch 32 doesn't exist and all Committee assets are in the procress of removal. legal proceedings will likely be started next week. back to you, Garth....

[pensiveswetness]

'And then we where gonna go to Kronos but...' 'But what, Leslie-Joe-Anne?' *We interupt our program for a special planetary news report, already in Progress*

...and it is because the Free Worlds league government on Atreus has forgotten us out here, forgotten to defend us out here, that i declare that WE THE PEOPLE OF SAVANNAH WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN ANYMORE! *Pause* At 0934 hours local time and 1650 hours Atreus time... and just past Midnight, Gibson time, i passed word that the planet of Savannah was seceding from the Free Worlds League and will remain, forever more, a FREE AND INDEPENDANT WORLD. *Long pause as the crowd reacts* As your Governor, i am still duly elected and charged to enforce the state constitution for the people... and i will remain for my term. Nothing changes for you... for me. For Everyone. The. One. Change. That will happen... is that we no longer have to worry about who is the Captain~General really is. All we care about, as a united people, is who WE are. Thank You and God Blessed the Georgian States of Savannah.

*Switches to the talking heads* And there you have it. Planetary Governor Adeile Sweringen, flanked by business owners (including Technicron Ground Support CEO Paul Shaffer and perfume mongal Taskyavania) has announced that the system of Savannah has seceded from the Free Worlds League. Certainly big news. What do you think, Jim? <-> Well, Mary, i think you should be asking the military that. <-> Do you think the militia will be loyalist? <-> The 345Th Savannah Defence Force will probably remain loyal to the planet. It's the Word of Blake 20Th Division's on planet units that might have other plans... *TV-OFF*

*looks to the woman also watching the now black television screen* Well boss? You thinking what I'm thinking?

*a phone ring breaks the silence before the woman answers*
 

[pensiveswetness]

Name:  Pia Viola
Callsign:  Cowgirl
Faction: Mercenary (Free World League)
Homeworld:  Hindmarsh

Mechwarrior Viola hails from the minor provincial world of Hindmarsh IV. A cold world locked in its 12Th ice age, Pia knows well the dangers and beauty of cold weather environments. Born in late 3045, she looks younger than she actually is (something that she has used to her advantage in the past, Pia casually admits) and is an accomplished mech pilot, qualified to operate most Medium ‘Mechs (though she can operate any machine in the command). She entered the mercenary trade after learning that competitors had made certain she would never advance in rank in the Free World league Legionnaires. Joining the Wolves makes this move her 3rd unit assignment since resigning from the FWLM in 3066. Previous units have nothing but praise for this quiet and petite Mechwarrior (The previous moves have simply been to better units, she claims). Pia does understand that she is a backup pilot because of limited availability, but she is patient and promises to do well in any assignment.

<Edit> This information is also out of date. Out of the 4 temp hires the IE clowns hired for the Wolves, only this one remained after the Alhena debacle. Sharp Eyes and sharp Looks. if she was my daughter and still 16... I'd have a shotgun, too. Find Out exactly what she's driving, please?

[pensiveswetness]

MERCENARY REVIEW & BONDING COMMISION CONTRACT – DEFENDANT SUMMONS
Planet: Galatea
Type:  Nonstandard (Political Support)
Begin Date:  December 1, 3072
End Date: TBD

Codename: Burning Bridges
Planet: Galatea
Atmosphere: Standard (Breathable)
Gravity: 0.99
Temperature: 55C (Desert)

‘Wait… Read that to me again. They are accusing us of Collusion with the Enemy?’

To the commanding officer, Lone Wolves Chapter [Censored]:

As of this time (February 1st, 3072, 0000 Local time) you are hereby ordered by the Committee from using the Lone Wolves insignia upon your unit’s Space Worthy vessels of any sort, BattleMechs (to include Omnimechs of any type), Combat & Support Vehicles, Infantry Vehicles, battle Armor and all service uniforms. You are hereby ordered by the Committee from using the Lone Wolves IFF Combatant & Noncombatant codes via any combination nods used by equipment in your possession. You are directed to report to the Galatea Court of Claims on the date of 15 December, 0900 Galatea Local time. You are recommended to obtain the services of a lawyer before the designated court date. A lawyer will NOT be provided for you. If you fail to be in attendance at the designated court date, you will be declared ROGUE for the information of all legitimate mercenary employers. Thank you for your prompt response.

PLAINTIF: MERCENARY REVIEW & BONDING COMMISION, LEGAL DIVISION OF GALATEA
DEFENDANT: Major Dorin~Wood, Tiffany CO Lone Wolves Chapter [Censored]
CHARGES FILED: COLLUSION WITH THE ENEMY [WORD OF BLAKE] TWO COUNTS
CHARGES FILED: COWARDACE IN THE FACE OF THE ENEMY [WORD OF BLAKE] ONE COUNT

Notes:
•   Nothing at the moment

[pensiveswetness]

INTERSTELLAR EXPEDITIONS CONTRACT – CLIENT ESCORT
Planet: Richland
Type:  Nonstandard (Political Support)
Begin Date:  March 1, 3072
End Date: TBD

Codename: Baby sitter
Planet: Richland
Atmosphere: High (Breathable)
Gravity: 1.02
Temperature: 32C (Warm, temperate)

'So are we thumbing our noses to the Commitee then, boss?'

David Styles (IE Consol Member): Excellent work with the collation forces, freeing Donegal and Tharkad from the Word of Blake! We understand your own problems with your fellow mercenaries on Galatea but we could use your services. As you already met Merchant Junior Factor Tobias already, this will be an easy matter, really. We have been asked by the Merchant Caste of Clan Diamond Shark to negotiate trade rights between the Sharks and the LAAF logistical Corps. IE considers this vital to our origination's needs as this Jihad the Blakist Fanatics are waging on the Inner Sphere is affecting our own ability to work. The Blakists have done great damage to the LAAF’s ability to fight (as you have learned, it's very difficult to get replacement materials now) and having the clans (or at least one willing to negotiate in fair trade without guns blazing!) being a replacement source of materials is one way we think we can help the Lyran people. I know you wish to clear your unit’s good name but if you agree to this, I promise you your force will still get back to Galatea by the 31st of December.
Notes:
•   Nothing at the moment

[snakespinner]

That song by Cruel sea, better get a lawyer would probably be appropriate now. ::)

[pensiveswetness]

it's gonna be Going Nova first, then (probably) Burning bridges. doing the math for travel time (no IE magic command jump circuits today, ladies) means they will be somewhere 'west-southwest' of Halfway, when word of The word, hitting Galatea will reach them. I gotta set the mood for Democracy Now before we play next.  >:D

[pensiveswetness]

INDEPENDANT CONTRACT – DEFENSIVE
Planet: Novar (LA)
Type:  Garrison Defense
Begin Date:  July 1, 3072
End Date: September 31, 3072
Maximum Pay: bounty and bonus (100,000 c-bills each kill)
Minimum Pay: 1,000,000 C-Bills
Salvage Rights: Fair

MISSION 56 (Touch Point)
WP cost: 1400 (See Below)
Codename: Going Nova
Planet: Novara
Atmosphere: Standard (Toxic)
Gravity: 1.08
Temperature: 24C
Terrain: Urban
Time of Day: TBD
Expected Resistance: Kaumberg Planetary Guard
Your Callsign: Sucker

‘Well… fudge. Mark my words people. When I get a chance to kill Lindon Ashley, I will. Him and that snake, Styles.
<^%$*&^%! He framed us?>
<Hoodwinked us into this contract, actually>
<I wouldn’t be surprised if it was Styles that gave that ‘evidence’ to the MRBC, Major.>
*pause*
Fine. We'll work with the Democracy Now army. First things first, however. Have the techs finished changing all our IFF codes?
<Done, Major. Paint jobs being striped now as we speak…>
Good. Now I believe we'll see combat shortly. Archon Petey gave his marionettes due cause to behave badly this morning, if you believe the newsfeed. What LAAF assets are nearby?
<Carlisle has the only APM left. Alarion is still under the flu, ma’am. Nothing will ever come from there.>
<Kaumberg. Militia forces are there stomping up DM messes on Batajnica now. I would imag…>
Thank you, Ensign. Well, we know who will be knocking shortly. Let's start getting ready, shall we?’


Primary Targets:
•   See Mission Brief (pg. 121, TC)
Optional Bonuses:
•   See Mission Brief (pg. 121, TC)
Notes:
•   Review both the mission details on pg. 121, Total Chaos and pg. 107-108, Jihad Hot Spots 3072.
•   Toxic Atmosphere: Novara’s oxygen content is 6% at sea level. Maps that use mountain or desert terrain ignore this danger, as the elevation makes the oxygen content around 14-16%

Next Track:

1.   Burning bridges (Cumberland's Missiliers)[Galatea, LA]
2.   Shift Change (Independent)[Benjamin, DC]
3.   Grave Recovery (Cumberland's Missiliers)[ew Avalon, FS]
4.   Dante's Daydream (Grandin’s Crusaders)[Gibson, WoB Holding]

[pensiveswetness]

Aug 13 3072: Galatea Outer City hub, 1334 Local

The screams on the open channels were numerous and full of fright. The Robes were relentless and unforgiving this day. Committee Member 'Foxtrot' was in mid air from a jump across the eastern reflecting pond at 6 stories. Below him, a Robe Goblin was raining missile fire down range at some unknown target. He was a early victim of punishing damage that smashed his port tread to smelted rubber & steel but he was still providing 'help'

"I'll have to return for you, ass" 'Foxtrot' muttered as he feathered his machine's Jumpjets at the bare edge of the Galatea Chrysler building. A loud thump ahead of him and the streaking shell now overhead brought him to his purpose of risking his multi million c-bill WSP-7MAF to this point in the losing battle. To deal with a nuisance, once and for all.

"Who the hell drops a freaking Artillery Piece onto a 8-story building?". The Wasp lands and the building groans from the extra weight, the powerful and yet careful steps taken before he can jump across the final obstacle to his target...

____

Adept Thompson was sweating profusely as he manually loaded the next shell into the breach. The silver and grey Tunstin shell still bore sharpie markings from the crew, various phrases from the great book or simple insults, both imaginative and obtuse. "Peace of Blake for you, fools. LOADED"

Elsewhere in the Thumper, his fellow tankers were hitting stitches and nobs on their controls, both receiving comms from fellow spotters and their own telemetry from air assets above. The streaking Stingray that turning into a fireball during a daring ground strafe reminded the tank commander of the importance of their mission. "Fire!"

The cannon roared on more shell down range as a enemy Wasp maddening made it's thunderous appearance on top the Artillery Piece's playground. "Blake Save Us... This is Thumper Five-Three-Sigma 11. We are under attack. Enemy battlemech as reached our drop zone. Require assistance!!!" Other voices started yelling to power up the laser turret and the driver began to throttle up and move away from the edge of the building...

___

"OK... It's a Thumper." Foxtrot couldn't believe himself as he viewed the menace before him. The Thumper was a new model, it's slopping armor more elegant than the classic Star league model used by the SLDF and COMSTAR. The turret turned to face him but did not rise on a characteristic lift assemble that was the hallmark of previous designs. The flash of hot lit that draped his machine's arms with burdening melting meddle also clued him that it could bite but not badly. Green Lights and bars turned deep red on his damage display.

The Wasp calming stomped next to the machine and took aim as the pilot considered his choices

1) Fire SRM rounds and Laser Fire to kill it with a friendly kick into it's side because he loves you.

2) Advance and try to manhandle the turret and break it's turret drive, rendering its weapons useless (and maybe cooking of the shells inside?). Maybe grab the barrel instead do the same?

3) wreck the paint on his machine's legs with a crazy jump to smash it off the edge?

Foxtrot did step one first. He selected SRM rounds for his missile volley and 3 out of 5 shells slammed into the side and front, denting armor plate but causing little else in misery. The laser drew a red glowing line across the top of the turret ball but also little affect. it was his kick that brought satisfaction. His left foot module hit solid and pressed into the machine, just ahead of the aft tire assembly. This seemingly did little but inside, a red light on the control panel of the vehicle's driver light up red-solid. HYD FAIL. Inside the dented section of the machine lay 4 pinched hydraulic hoses that connect the machine's Hydrostatic Drive motor to the various servos that power the wheels. deprived of precious and scorching hot MIL-PRF-83282G hydraulic oil, the machine came to a complete stop. Adept Thompson cursed.

___

"Mayday! Mayday!... "This is Spike-5. On my way, Three-Five." Spike Rier, newly minted Lt of the Martian Cuirassiers's Scout Lance responded on the radio as he finally got his machine's heat under control. The Strider-F, a very useful Jumper configuration, stepped a mere 35 meters from a corpse of trees planted between high rises around him and began the lift off sequence. A flash of metal to his left made him turn to witness a Hermes-II crash and slide out of view down the street. Spike smiled and nodded thankfully for bad pilotting. "that would have sucked if you tried to ram me or something". Hitting the throttle hard, his machine lifted off 5 stories and barely cleared the edge above.

___

The garbled radio transmission from Hermes-6 was incomplete but at least he warned of a jumper following the Wasp. "I'm outta time. Alex, i'll take DFA for 500 C-bills..." The thumper, now immobile but still could bit hard, had to die NOW. It's second fire stitched neat lines down his chest and left breast armor plate, protecting vital engine machine and his Missile systems. More missile fire and lasers again did something but little else. His kick however was huge, the loud BANG making the crew howl and cover their ears. The jump guages  lit a bright Green on his display. "NOW!", as Committe Member 'Foxtrot' screamed to no one...

___

Spike was just leaping over a small glade and pond when he saw his prey rise up on hot jet vents. "What is he... NO!" The radio scream of the artillery was enough. He didn't even need to see the Wasp landing squarely on the edge of the tank, pressing down on metal as his foot module slide down the side of the machine. Didn't need to hear the screech of rubber as it left marks on the rooftop as it was pushed over the edge. He was too late... "Man. That was stupid of you landing on that building. Spike-5 to Lead. Arty Down, engaging enemy Wasp..." He waited for his jump guages to read 'RDY' before he jumped again and give chase. he knew it was going to be a long day burning these particular bridges...

[pensiveswetness]

11 November, 3077

MOM! I am very sorry that I have not communicated to you since [CENSORED] but I am reporting that I am well and doing OK with the White Wolves. Yes we changed our name after what happened in Galatea. With the Lone Wolves wiped out amass (and with it that nasty legal mess), Major Dorin~Wood put out a request for new nose art and a new name. 48 hours later, we were the White Wolves. I cannot say much of what we have been doing the past few years. Suffice, when we can, it will be immortalized on stone, somewhere on Terra (hopefully). What I can say is this: Gunnar Proposed!!! (He's the Armed Infantryman I told you about. Yes, he still has all his teeth and looks like a Tall Victor Steiner~Davion!) We have not set a date yet... Honestly, we're afraid to. The way the Blakist's have been fighting, you can never know when, not if... I think we will elope after tomorrow. [CESNORED] used to be so beautiful but it's a waste land now But there is this nice village near one of the few clean lakes left on planet. If I get permission, we will drag the chaplain there. But for now, we have to climb Mount [CENSORED] and destroy those gates...

With all my love...

Lt. Anna Brantley