First Prince’s Office, House Davion Royal Palace
Davion Royal Palace, Avalon Island
New Avalon, Crucis March, Federated Suns
25th March 3062
It had been a long day, hell it had been a long week, for Victor. He had not been able to spend much time with his sister or Danai Centrella and he hadn’t been inside his Mech and with his troops since Galax nearly two weeks before. So when the doors of his office opened and Yvonne entered, wearing a two piece dark blue suit with a short business skirt replacing trousers, Victor immediately took notice. Rarely did Yvonne dress in such a business manner, that was more Katherine’s style “Yvonne, I’m sort of busy, I rendezvous with the Melissa Davion later and everything has to be sorted before I leave.” He said the FSS Melissa Davion, the Federated Suns first operational Avalon-class Cruiser, had entered the system eight hours ago at a pirate point. Once he joined them they would have a four month journey to their destination before negotiations which could take just as long, he wanted to make sure everything was set on New Avalon before he left, he felt bad about leaving the Federated Suns again but he knew that only a member of the ruling line could complete this deal.
“This won’t take long” Yvonne said formally walking over to the desk sitting on one of the guest chairs crossing her legs, she was totally confident and it was obvious to Victor she wanted something important.
“What is it?” He asked briskly professionally, “that’s not right, sorry” he apologised almost immediately this was his sister not some diplomat of foreign dignitary, although she was acting like one “Yvonne, what's going on? How can I help?” He said more softly putting down what he was looking at giving her his full attention.
“My Prince” she said sending Victor into an even higher sense of alert, Yvonne never addressed him by his title “I want to go to Tortuga.” She said, Victor almost choked with surprise and reached for a glass of water downing half of it before looking back at her.
“You want to what?” He asked wanting to ensure he had heard her right.
“I want to go to Tortuga to see the Nova Cats there.” He had heard her right, Yvonne had not been part of his planning why would she want to go? How could she know of his plans?
“Why?” He asked leaning back in the chair.
“A few days ago Major Ross McKinnon came here looking for you, unfortunately you were in a meeting and I took the meeting.” She said, Victor had known about this but not the reason for the Major’s appearance at the Palace. “You see Ross is getting married to the commander of the Rabid Fox contingent that was on Tortuga with him, a Captain Rachel Montgomery. As part of their wedding plans they wanted to request Star Colonel Canin Rosse the Nova Cat Commander on Tortuga was allowed to attend, assuming he was alive.” She said ‘good she understands the Clanner may be dead, knowing the Clans’ Victor thought silently as he listened, 'the way this is going I hope he is' he continued.
“You didn’t promise them anything did you?” Victor asked quietly, his plans did not include Nova Cats setting foot on Federated Suns soil, not yet.
“No I did not, I just said I would do what I could.” Yvonne said raising from her chair “now over the last two days I have spoken to several members of the High Command that know about the Nova Cats inside Tortuga, their so-called Nova Cat’s Den, and they have all told me that you were planning on going to Tortuga. So Victor” she said standing then perching herself on the edge of the table “I will go to Tortuga as your representative and you can take care of things here on New Avalon, the people need you.”
“Absolutely not, firstly no-one should have revealed those plans” Victor said showing his annoyance. “Yvonne, the Nova Cats might not even see me, they might take out the Melissa Davion or worse capture me and turn on the Federated Suns…” Victor said outlining his worst fears, if the Nova Cats turned on the lone Avalon with substantial force then the Cruiser would stand little chance it was a risk but one he knew he had to take.
“Exactly for that reason I should go. Victor if you are killed or capture the Federated Suns will have lost a leader and since you haven’t got any heir’s the throne would fall to me or Arthur. I am not comfortable with that responsibility and Arthur is becoming more and more anti-Combine, he would lead us to war.” Yvonne hated having to outline things in such black-and-white terms but it was true Arthur had become a rallying point in the Draconis March, and the call for war against the Draconis Combine was growing daily. “The only other person that could take over, and she happily would, is Katherine.” Yvonne said she noticed Victor take these words like body-blows and remembered that if it had not been for the arrival of the Nova Cats Katherine would be in charge of New Avalon right now because of her invitation to her elder sister.
“So what would you do? Turn up and tell the Nova Cats you wanted to invite one of their Star Colonels to a wedding and by the way the Federated Suns would like to get to know you a bit better?” Victor asked throwing his arms in the air.
“Something like that. What were you planning?” Yvonne asked realising the rumours coming from the High Command had been right, Victor was planning on going to Tortuga to see the Nova Cats, soon.
“I was going to turn up and ask them for assistance in finding and destroying the WarShip that destroyed New Syrtis JumpShip yards.”
“And how would they be able to find them?”
“It was a Taurian WarShip, I was thinking of painting the picture of a dangerous Nuclear capable WarShip on the prowl. Pointing at the Taurian Concordat and sending in the Nova Cats.”
“As shock troops?” Yvonne asked she was quite shocked, the Nova Cats she had met were nothing like the Clan troops Victor described fighting before.
“They are Clansmen, Yvonne, all they are bred for is combat.”
“Then why did the Severn Lervoux negotiate with us instead of attack, or the Nova Cat forces negotiate with ComStar for one of their Yardships when they could have fought for it?” She had read the reports when Victor was away and it looked like she could have to fill the hot-seat permanently if he didn‘t come back someday ‘good‘ Victor thought quietly knowing that people who became First Prince of the Federated Suns didn‘t always live long lives. "These Clansmen are not the same as the Jaguars" she pointed out.
“I don’t know.” Victor admitted, he hadn’t thought about why they had negotiated only that they were a clear and present danger to his realm, just like the Taurian WarShip.
“Well they are more like Phelan’s Wolves” she said from what had happened so far she saw the Nova Cats akin to their cousin Phelan Kell’s Warden Wolf (in-Exile) Clan than the Crusader Jade Falcons or the destroyed Smoke Jaguars. “Tell me did they fight in the Great Refusal on Strana Mechty?” She asked, Victor shook his head Yvonne had read the after action reports and knew the answer already but wanted Victor to see what she saw. “Intelligence places the Nova Cats as one of the stronger Clans, with a powerful navy and a capable ground force, yet instead of invading the Inner Sphere they found another place to gain territory and make a home. They destroyed a pirate threat that we ourselves created” Yvonne said, during their father’s time Fuchida’s Fusiliers a mercenary regiment had been ordered to engage the Clans despite having far inadequate technology or training to face such a threat. Fuchida’s Fusiliers had refused, broken their contract, then raided several Federated Suns weapons depots on their way to becoming the Tortuga Fusiliers. “According to the Nova Cats the Fusiliers had been annihilated and the Nova Cats were taking care of other threats in the area.”
“So we should leave them where they are and invite them to a wedding?” Victor asked shocked that he had just said what he had said.
“No we should give them an opportunity to operate against Inner Sphere targets.” Yvonne said smiling Victor looked at her surprised but remained quiet interested in what she had to say. “We inform them that a rouge WarShip is operating in the area and is armed with Nuclear weapons. We give them the information we gathered from the New Syrtis attack and ask them for assistance in defending Galax, Kathil and the remains of New Syrtis Shipyards so we can hunt down this vessel. The Nova Cats gain the right to assign three WarShips to our territory, these vessels are to stay out of sight but be ready to act if needed. During their time we will keep them fully supplied and keep their warriors from becoming bored, we will also give their officers tours of the three shipyards and see what information we can get from their people.”
“We seem to be getting a lot from this deal and they seem to be getting little.”
“They get intelligence on the WarShip and a look at our shipyard facilities more than any of the other Succession states could dream of. We feed them intelligence on the Inner Sphere and make sure it is decent not eight months out of date as we do with most exchanges” Yvonne said walking around the room, Victor smiled he had never seen her like this before “we also give them the right to station a single Cluster in our space and ask for it to be commanded by this Star Colonel Canin Rosse for the first rotation. During their time in the Federated Suns the Nova Cats will be allowed to train against any unit in the Federated Suns they wish and they will be allowed to fight in St Ives, assuming the fighting is still on-going, and the Chaos March. This gives the Nova Cats real combat experience against real targets something they are probably lacking in the periphery.” She said outlining her plan, Victor was impressed that she had done this without any help, it was likely that Jackson and maybe Ardan had helped her in some places, but still even with help Victor was impressed with his little sister’s accomplishments.
“And what do you get out of this? Yvonne you have never been interested in combat, war or the military. Why the change?”
“I get the knowledge that I have helped two of our citizens make their wedding perfect. For once I help my big brother with a problem and I get to do something other than be a face for our family on New Avalon. And I‘m finally growing up, it‘s time to take some responsibility in my life.” She said Victor could see how that could be the reason but she had to have another reason, one she wasn’t willing to share with him.
“You want this?”
“I do”
“I guess you had better be on the Melissa Davion then.” Victor said surrendering, if she wanted this then he would give her the chance. Yvonne’s face immediately brightened as if a hundred pains had been lifted, Victor knew she wasn’t telling him everything that had driven her to this but he would let her keep her own council for now. “Anything else before I show you through all this?”
“Yes, one or two other things…” she said telling Victor of her conversations with Danai the night before, she had done some guessing work that Danai had been talking about her brother that night and now she wanted to know about how he felt for Danai.
After several hours of deep conversation Victor fully admitted he was falling in love with Danai and he told Yvonne of Morgan’s concerns, especially considering the Magistracy’s connection to the Capellans. Yvonne reminded Victor that Danai had not returned to the Magistracy since arriving back from Clan Space and that Danai did not trust the Capellan influence over her sister Naomi. As far as Yvonne and her womanly instincts were concerned Danai was falling more and more in love with the Federated Suns and was forgetting about home and her rights as heir to the Centrella throne. Before Yvonne left she told her brother to follow his heart with Danai before he drove her away and out of the realm through neglect. Also just before she left Yvonne sent Ross McKinnon and his bride, to-be, a message asking them to hold off getting married until 3063, she might have a surprise guest for them, this message was carried by one of Yvonne’s personnel aids and was destroyed as soon as it had been read and understood by Ross and Rachel.
The next day the Melissa Davion left the Federated Suns heading for Tortuga, on board Yvonne Steiner-Davion Victor’s personal representative. As far as the population of New Avalon knew Yvonne was away to see her brother Peter at Saint Marinus House on Zaniah in the Lyran Alliance and would be gone for several months before returning, hopefully with Peter in tow. Victor just hoped the media would stay off Zaniah and not start looking for Yvonne there.
Uninhabited Island
New Avalon, New Hebrides Isles
Crucis March, Federated Suns
27th March 3062
In the early spring morning Danai Centrella had awoken early in her guest quarters inside the Davion Royal Palace and went for a run. She had expected to find Victor for breakfast but he was nowhere to be seen probably in some meeting. Yvonne had left a couple of days before. For the first time since coming to New Avalon Danai felt alone, Danai was tempted to skip breakfast and go see the Magistracy troops on the field with the Tenth Lyran, she could feel like she was home or on the battlefield when she was with them much like when she had first met Victor, and seen him as the man who was more comfortable being the warrior and the leader of the troops than a state leader and career politician. Deciding against skipping breakfast, the most important meal of the day, her mother had called it. She sat down to breakfast in the main hall, the table was huge and she felt crazy being in this room alone just for breakfast. One of the house servants had given her a note from Victor. On the note had been written:
Danai, my apologies for not joining you for breakfast
there are affairs of state that need my attention.
Give this to the pilot on the roof and get in, leave the guards.
See you soon Victor x.
As long as she had known him Victor had never signed messages with an ‘x’ although it was definitely a message from Victor written in the scrawl he called hand-writing. So Danai had finished her breakfast quickly and headed up onto the roof, sitting there was a Lexan Oceanic Series IV Luxury Helicopter. The Lexan Oceanic was an expensive aircraft starting at 1.1 million C-Bills in cost, Danai hadn’t been aware of any one New Avalon, the Series IV was sixty tons in weight, had two massive sets of main rotors and was capable of landing in water. Looking over the aircraft Danai moved near the front of the craft. “I was told to give you this” she said nervously handing over the note to the pilot.
“Understood, I can take you there now Duchess, please climb aboard” the pilot said as he and his co-pilot climbed into the cockpit. Although she had no idea where ‘there’ was Danai climbed in the rear cabin. The Series IV’s main section was effectively a fully sized room fitted with every comfort that travellers would ever need with plush seating area, a large flat-screen video sets and a small but very functional bar area. Pouring herself a fresh orange-juice Danai settled into one of the large chairs as the aircraft lifted off and began to fly over Avalon City before heading out over the ocean. Over the ocean the aircraft accelerated to top speed, nearly two hundred kilometres per hour, Danai had noticed just how quiet the aircraft was as it skimmed surface of New Avalon‘s busy oceans, although travel by sea was not as popular as it once had been on ancient Terra there was still companies that used sea going tankers to transport raw materials instead of using expensive DropShips, it was slow but still got the job done at a fraction of the price.
For nearly six hours the aircraft flew over open oceans, Danai had drifted off to sleep and was still asleep when she was wakened by the Lexan Oceanic’s extending of landing gear as the aircraft landed. The pilot leapt from the cockpit and ran around the aircraft and opening the doors allowing her to exit onto a soft sand beach, leading her clear he returned to the aircraft and the aircraft was gone again into the darkening sky, there was total silence within about thirty seconds as the aircraft disappeared. Danai looked around the beach and wondered if Victor was playing a prank on her, the island looked totally abandoned. Then she began to smell something burning, walking along the beach she removed her shoes within a couple of steps the sand was so soft. Walking barefoot around a group of large stones she felt like a child on an adventure holiday anxiously waiting the next thrill. Ahead she could see a small camp “Hello!” She called as she walked around the single tent to find a raging fire and a barbeque. Standing at the barbeque was Victor Steiner-Davion in a pair of red sandals, a pair of sky-blue shorts, a dirty white apron and a pair of dark sunglasses in his sandy blonde hair, he looked quite a picture especially without his shirt, “you should have told me! I would have brought a camera, I could have made a killing when I got back to Avalon City just by selling one picture.” She said amongst the giggling that was taking over her as she closed, walking off Victor gave her a betrayed look “I’m sorry it’s just this is so unexpected.” She said noticing an icebox with a dozen or so beers in it, this was beginning to remind her of the Victor she had met fighting the Clans a man who cared little for appearances, cared everything for his men and the moment, not the future.
“Have a drink and dinner will be served as soon as I can get it off this thing without burning my fingers.” Victor said struggling with the food, Danai crossed to the icebox and sat on one of the loungers looking out over the beach, in the background she heard Victor yelp as he burnt something on the barbeque. The light was beginning to fade and the fire was silhouetting everything, looking out over the sea she could see for miles upon miles and not a person in sight it was perfect.
“It‘s beautiful here!” Danai called over her shoulder, so he could hear her over the fire, but Victor was already appearing in front of her.
“Dinner is served” Victor said dropping down on the other lounger with a pair of plates full of food, some of it was a little over done and some of it was more like charcoal than food but Danai made no comments as they ate and enjoyed the scene.
“How did you set this up?” She asked eating a mouthful hamburger, although it was slightly burned it was gorgeous, the First Prince of the Federated Suns was a good cook as well as an impressive general, a learning statesman, a strong leader of men and a good man.
“I’m the First Prince of the Inner Sphere’s most powerful nation, anything is possible.” Victor said eating his own burger keeping tight-lipped about how he had done this, but Danai wasn‘t ready to give up on it yet.
“But how can you be here, out of communication with the High Command, with everything? What if something happened?”
“It won’t.” Victor said confidently “and if something was to happen” he took a swig of his own beer “I’m the First Prince and this is New Avalon, if they wanted me it wouldn’t be difficult.” He said biting into his burger again. Danai continued to eat her own food, Victor certainly had made a lot of food, something that shouldn’t really have shocked her. When they had first met Victor and the Tenth Lyran, his Revenants, were resting after a major battle on the Smoke Jaguar front and were tucking into a meal just like this one there had been so much going around Danai‘s entire unit had been invited along with all the tech support from both units. Although Victor had been wearing more that time than he was now and he hadn‘t cooked the meal it brought back fond memories for both of them. “How’s your food?”
“Good” she said her mouth full of food, they both burst into laughter, all their noble training gone they were just two people enjoying the scene, good food and each others company. “Why did you do this?” she asked clearing her mouth. Victor continued to eat smiling, again this was the Victor she had fallen for in the field the warrior, the comrade-in-arms and the joker.
“For you, for me” he finally said “for New Avalon, for the Federated Suns” he took another drink “for the Inner Sphere, , for humanity even the Clans” he continued followed by another drink from the bottle “for the galaxy, for history…” she had seen him like this before and knew he could go on for a while, the only way the members of the Tenth Lyran were able to stop him when he was in this kind of mood was to tackle him. So Danai launched herself at him pushing Victor back onto his lounger kissing him deeply in thanks “for that” he said quietly they both burst into laughter “and that!”
“Would you stop that!” She said again pushing to the deck, for now he was not a First Prince and she was not a visiting Duchess, they were just man and woman. Their instincts took over laughed and remembered what it was like just to live Victor leaned forward and kissed her back they were locked like that holding each other and kissing for what seemed like hours.
“And for, this…” Victor whispered reaching into the sand behind them as they kissed, he couldn’t find what he was looking for so he kissed her again then reached into the sand on the other side again nothing so he kissed her again before reaching back to the original spot again this time finding the object, he retrieved a blue diamond ring with one blue diamond in the centre and four green diamonds surrounding it “…this is for you.” He said holding it in front of Danai who was mesmerised by it as he started to put it on her finger, her wedding finger, Danai began to weep “we don’t have to… I mean I want… but if you… Danai I love you.” He said stuttering around not knowing what to say as he saw the tears run down her cheeks, he was slightly shocked by her reaction. “If this is too much…” He hoped she would not say it was he‘d finally admitted he was in love with her and now he prayed she felt the same.
“No” she said, wiping the tears from her cheeks, Victor’s heart sank “this is wonderful” she said looking around and back to Victor then to the ring “all of this, you, are wonderful” she said kissing him “I love you with all my heart.”
“Then what’s wrong?”
“Nothing, I just wish my mother was here to see it.”
“I’m kinda glad your mother and my mother are not here to see this” Danai looked at him shocked he would say such a thing his mother had been dead for years killed by an assassin’s bomb, and her mother was only newly deceased, how could he say such a thing. “I mean look at us, we are on a beach, I’m half naked, your hopefully going to be naked soon, then two naked people together well things happen…” His voice trailed off as both he and Danai struggled to keep a straight face “… and well if our parents were here then, that would just be embarrassing, and I think illegal in most parts of the world, especially this world since I'm the Prince and…” He said continuing to rattle off information. So Danai, borrowed the Tenth's method again, pinned him to the lounger again in a long deep kiss. “…so is that a yes?” He asked as they broke off Danai remained silent lying on top of him she drew back slightly, Victor held her close gently Danai didn’t resist just relaxing into his grasp. When she remained silent Victor spoke again “Danai, I will love you whatever your answer, but I must ask Danai Kyalla Centrella will you be my wife and marry me?”
“With all my heart I must say…” there was a pause in her voice that went on for an eternity, Victor was sure for a moment she was going to say she couldn’t but then there it was “yes, I will marry you, Victor Ian Steiner-Davion.” Victor launched himself to his feet brining Danai to her feet at the same time as he began dancing around the fire, he grabbed Danai and although he was not the tallest person showed he had the strength of many men carrying her around the fire as they danced locked in an embrace they entered the tent for a very long loving night, one that would be the first of many.
Nova Cat Watch Base
Raider‘s Roost, Tortuga Prime
Nova Cat’s Den, Periphery
7th July 3062
The burn in system to Tortuga was uneventful the Melissa Davion moved into orbit of the planet while the two Nova Cat Aegis remained in a higher orbit, now the Federated Suns cruiser was trapped, even if the Avalon wanted to leave now it would have to break orbit before even trying to activate its jump drive, a manoeuvre that would be suicide at the moment. Leaving was not high on the agenda however, from the Melissa Davion’s ventral hull a single Excalibur-class DropShip detached and began descending towards the planet surface with an entire squadron of six Federated Suns Aerospace fighters escorting.
Once inside the planet’s atmosphere they were joined by ten Nova Cat OmniFighters, all weighing seventy-five tons or more, below one hundred metres the Federated Suns fighters were instructed to break off and return to the Melissa Davion while the Nova Cat Fighters broke off just after them also returning to their vessels in orbit.
On the ground the DropShip was met by several groups of ground forces, a pair of Federated Suns OmniMechs, a fifty-five ton Men Shen and a ninety ton Sunder, exited first providing security for the DropShip. Although painted in Federated Suns colours these Mechs were actually of Capellan and Draconis Combine origin, the Men Shen captured in a raid on the Capellan Confederation, the Draconis Combine Sunder built under licence in the Federated Suns, they were still powerful designs that could provide basic protection if trouble erupted although considering the Nova Cat‘s Naval support options any trouble or resistance would be short lived. Yvonne’s Armoured Limousine exited the Excalibur’s lower cargo bay next and stopped just ahead of the two guarding OmniMechs waiting for the next pair of escort Mechs.
The first of the second pair of Mechs was a seventy-five ton P1 Perseus from the Free Worlds League, the OmniMech was the only one owned by the AFFS and by order of the First Prince had been added to this detail, the next Mech to exit the DropShip was another OmniMech this time a Lyran-built ninety ton Hauptmann, one of the most hardy and effective Inner Sphere OmniMechs. Normally that would be the end of it however the AFFS command had one last surprise for the Nova Cats. The fifth OmniMech was brand-new and had never seen real combat, this actual Mech was the first of its type to leave the Kathil Assembly Lines in the Capellan March, and was the Federated Suns first and so far only home-grown OmniMech an eighty-five ton Templar.
Sitting there the Federated Suns reinforced Lance surrounded Yvonne’s Limo protectively as the Nova Cats stood waiting for orders. An unknown Clan OmniMech moved forward and the communication system in all the Federated Suns units crackled to life “I am Star Colonel Canin Rosse, please follow me, be warned there is over a cluster of Nova Cats at this facility and more units in the city.” He said the first Nova Cats moved out an OmniMech, four OmniVehicles and two points of Elementals. Next was the five Federated Suns OmniMechs and the Yvonne’s car in the centre. Canin Rosse’s Mech moved silently along side it as did two vehicles on either side, behind them were two Armoured Personnel Carriers. Rounding out the convoy was another Mech, four armoured vehicles and two more APCs.
As the moved through the city Yvonne looked out the windows at the former pirate city, Ross McKinnon’s report had placed only around five hundred civilians in the city however Yvonne could see significantly more population moving around and engineering teams working on several of the buildings, obviously the Nova Cats had not abandoned the city completely as they had when the Fox’s Teeth were held here.
Yvonne also looked at Canin’s Mech during the journey, although not a member of the military she had seen pictures of many Clan Mechs and this one looked like none she had ever seen before. The Mech was the same as most others built around a humanoid body with two legs and two arms. It looked like a heavy or assault Mech from it’s size and from the thickness of the armour and it easily kept pace with the convoy as they moved at roughly fifty kilometres per hour. Yvonne suspected that the Nova Cats had developed this design here and that it was one of a new breed of Clan OmniMechs and made a point to ask the Star Colonel more about the design if negotiations went well.
They arrived at the base within about thirty minutes and although some of the Nova Cats remained on guard duty, mostly Elementals in Battle Armour of various types, most of the Nova Cats moved to a massive Mechbay that looked quite new and out of place in the generally old base. The Fox’s Teeth had reported the Nova Cats had made little effort to repair the base and were still using the former pirate bases as their own. Yvonne stepped out of her limousine, she was dressed in a cream one piece jumpsuit with her long blonde-brown hair tied up in a bun, as soon as she stepped clear of the vehicle Yvonne could feel the warm, dry Tortuga air wrap her and the sun quickly made her began to sweat. The five guarding OmniMechs remained standing guarding their torso’s in constant movement watching the area for potential threats. A female Nova Cat officer flanked by two Elementals approached “I will show you to the command bunker.” She said abruptly, Yvonne could not tell if she was just like that all the time or if she did not care.
“What of the Mechs? I could be here a while.” Yvonne said hopefully, the woman made a strange face then turned to one of the Elementals.
“Once you are comfortable the MechWarriors will be taken to a more comfortable waiting place.” The Nova Cat officer said Yvonne nodded, there was little point arguing the Nova Cats out numbered the Federated Suns troops by quite a bit, Yvonne signalled she was ready to follow. The Nova Cat officer moved off without another word and Yvonne followed the two Nova Cats smartly turned as Yvonne passed and followed at a distance.
“I noticed there was quite a lot of work going on, the last time any of our people were here the city was abandoned.”
“Aff, there are more here now.” Was all the woman said she did not look interested but Yvonne did not let it go that easily.
“I’m Yvonne Steiner-Davion, Duchess of New Avalon.” She said extending a hand in offer of a hand-shake.
“I am Star Commander Jennifer, nice to meet you Yvonne.” The Nova Cat said, Yvonne noted that she had no Bloodname but then she was also very young, by Yvonne’s guess work Jennifer looked like she was still a teenager, it was also evident that the Nova Cats had no respect for her name or title.
“I hope you’re not offended but can I ask how old are you? You look very young to be a warrior.
“Neg, I am not offended, the only thing that offends me, other than you not being a bondsman to our Clan, is your use of Contractions. Speak using full words and speak plainly to gain our respect. I am eighteen years old in two months.” Jennifer said, she was only seventeen years old and already drafted into the military! Yvonne did not know if that was Clan custom or if the Nova Cats were desperate for troops to recruit teenagers into their forces. The continued to walk the entering a large office the two Elementals remained outside as the two women walked in. “Star Colonel Rosse will be in soon, if you need anything ask the guards, other than that make yourself comfortable.” Jennifer said walking out of the room leaving Yvonne alone as the doors closed.
Yvonne had a look around the spacious office it was a very plain sight the only two things that stood out was the Clan Nova Cat insignia on a flag on one side of the centre window and a large cartoon character picture on the other side inside an expensive looking wooden frame. The cartoon was badly faded but it appeared to be a yellow character with some sort of waist coat and a hat, there was a metal plate on the bottom of the fame which was slightly dirty. Yvonne began cleaning the plate revealing the name as the side door of the office opened Yvonne continued to clean the plate revealing two words, ‘Top-cat,’ she assumed it was the character’s name.
Turning around satisfied she had cleaned it as much as she could she saw the half naked Star Colonel Canin Rosse wriggle into a black shirt, although slightly embarrassed she was still seeing him dress Yvonne did notice that the Nova Cat Star Colonel was well muscled and had multiple scars on his body despite his young age. “Now where were we?” Canin asked sitting down on the chair behind the desk as if nothing had happened since their last encounter. Yvonne took the seat opposite “it is good to see you again Regent Yvonne.” Canin said showing he had remembered him.
“It’s…” she began then caught herself “it is just Yvonne now, Star Colonel, Victor returned safe and well from the Refusal War in Clan Space.” She said opening the door for him to use her first name as he had done so when they were together last.
“I heard, and please it is Canin while we are alone.” He said taking up her offer with his own. “You have arrived with something far more impressive this time than we encountered in the New Avalon system, you have come far.”
“The Avalon was in production before you arrived, if you had come to New Avalon a couple of months later there would have been three of them as well as the other vessels.” She said then realised she had just given him some tactical information without receiving anything in return, this could be a long costly day.
“Well we would have arrived in more force if that was the case, a few of our nine Aegis should have been sufficient.” He said quietly thinking, Yvonne involuntarily smiled he had given her something in return, the Nova Cats were being friendly or Canin was as bad at negotiating as she was. If the Nova Cats did have nine Aegis-class Heavy Cruisers they had little to fear from the Federated Suns three Avalons she caught herself a moment later the Nova Cats had given them a Battleship.
'Given!' she thought why would they ever have anything to fear from three cruisers if they were willing to give away a Battleship? She had to remind herself that although the Nova Cats were playing nice they were as powerful as any other major Clan and any of the Successor States and could cause a lot of damage to the Federated Suns. “So down to the reason for your visit. ‘peace and trade’ I believe your message said. We have peace established and now you want trade? This is quite a relationship we are developing.” He said smiling.
“Well first we wanted to give you something in return for your gift last time.” She said referring to the Thunderchild.
“Unnecessary, we could not utilise it so it was an open trade. The only thing we could do with it is destroy it or break it down for parts and the Clans hate waste.”
“Well our gift is similar. On board my DropShip we have twenty-four ProtoMechs developed by Clan Smoke Jaguar on Huntress. My brother was able to secure them from the SLDF when he arrived in Clan Space and was able to secure the ProtoMech pilots as well. We have been unable to reverse-engineer them like we have other Clan technologies and the it is unlikely the pilots would ever be accepted in the Federated Suns so we turn them and their bond oath over to the Nova Cats and hope that you can use them and their technology.” She said Yvonne personally liked the symmetry the Nova Cats did not have the resources to renovate the Thunderchild so they gave it to the Federated Suns the Federated Suns could not use the ProtoMech technology so they had given most of it away, two ProtoMechs remained on New Avalon at NAIS as the scientists there tried to make sense of them and a way to counter them before the next Clan push against Inner Sphere holdings.
“Thank you, that is quite a gift.” Canin said, he was impressed that these Inner Sphere barbarians would give anyone anything especially a people they considered to be mortal enemies of the Inner Sphere, the Nova Cats had never expected something to be given as payment for the Thunderchild and had given it away lessen the load on the Nova Cat‘s limited resources, the Tortuga worlds had more resources than the Clan Homeworld Territories but it was still limited compared to the size of the Nova Cat‘s ever growing population. "I am sure the former Smoke Jaguars will be very pleased to be in Clan Nova Cat's care" he said smirking but not expanding, Yvonne wondered what she had just dropped those warriors into.
“I have one other gift for you, Canin”
“Something else?” Canin asked surprised as if ProtoMechs was not enough.
“It is personnel, from Major Ross McKinnon and Captain Rachel Montgomery.” Yvonne said handing Canin a small note, Canin was happy to hear they had been treated well and been promoted upon returning to the Federated Suns. He opened the note which said:
‘Star Colonel Canin Rosse, Clan Nova Cat Watch Cluster
You are cordially invited, with your unit, to attend the formal wedding reception of
Major Ross McKinnon, Fox’s Teeth Company, Third Crucis Lancers RCT
And
Captain Rachel Montgomery, Department of Military Intelligence, MI6 Branch
To be held at an unset time and location
We really hope you can attend, we would not be together without you.’
The Nova Cat Star Colonel fingered the not then looked to Yvonne slightly stunned “I was their captor not a guest for their wedding.” He said Yvonne nodded it was probably the biggest case of Stockholm Syndrome in history, the entire Fox’s Teeth and Rabid Fox detachment believed the Nova Cats could do no wrong.
“I would agree but Ross McKinnon went directly to the First Prince and was quite forward with his wishes. The wedding will likely be on New Avalon either at the end of this year or near the beginning of the next.”
“New Avalon? How am I supposed to make the wedding on New Avalon, it is the capital of a foreign realm, your realm.”
“You reached the capital of a foreign realm quite easily before.” Yvonne said it felt strange speaking of the Federated Suns in such a way, and she did not feel comfortable pointing out how easily the Nova Cats had slipped in before. “However I may have a way that allows you and your unit to be there officially.” Canin looked interested “the second reason for my visit. The Federated Suns would like to officially invite a detachment from Clan Nova Cat within our borders. You would be allowed to train against any unit in the AFFS you wished, have full access to our training facilities and be able to operate covertly within AFFS units involved in combat against the Federated Suns enemies in live-fire real combat.” Canin blinked shocked, this had not been expected, the Khan had guessed the Federated Suns would be looking for trade of Clan OmniMechs or Battle Armour for the latest Inner Sphere technology nothing like this had ever come up.
“And what would we have to pay for this?”
“The services of three Nova Cat WarShips for non-combat guard duty of the three Federated Suns WarShip yards.” She noticed Canin’s confusion “you heard of the nuclear attack against New Syrtis JumpShip yards?” Canin nodded “we are afraid of similar attacks. For additional security for one year we would fully support your WarShips and give them full access to our facilities if needed as well as tours of any Federated Suns WarShip they wanted.” Canin was shocked, the Federated Suns really wanted the use of the Nova Cat’s WarShip fleet and for what could be a non-combat mission they were willing to give a lot back to the Nova Cats. To Canin it was a good deal however he would contact the Khan before giving Yvonne an answer.
“I think I must confer with New Barcella before I can say anymore. I will have a tech take you and your MechWarriors on a tour of the facilities we have here on Tortuga, and I will catch up with you in an hour.” Yvonne nodded and left the room by the main exit Canin activated the laser communication system with one of the orbiting WarShips which in turn would contact New Barcella and the Khan.
After almost two hours of talking to the Khan on New Barcella Canin had gone looking for the Federated Suns group finding them in the MechWarrior Virtual Centre, the five Federated Suns MechWarriors were in five of the pods while Five Nova Cat MechWarriors faced them Yvonne was standing in the observation booth. Watching from the entrance of the room Canin was surprised to see her there instead of in a pod with the troops then realised he had never seen her in a Mech or even a combat vehicle. Walking into the booth Canin browsed the monitors seeing that the techs had loaded the statistics of the five OmniMechs the Federated Suns troopers had taken with them into the machines, the five Inner Sphere OmniMechs were facing five Nova Cat Omnis including one pilot using a Mech of the same type as Canin’s new ride. “Who is winning?” He murmured looking at the screens within minutes he could tell that although it was close the Nova Cat warriors were winning having already taken down two Federated Sun Mechs and lost none of their own, he was pleased to see that both sides were adhering to traditional Clan duelling rules.
“They are both fighting well, but I believe your men are winning today.” She said not looking from the screens, she was constantly looking from one screen to another keeping in touch with the ever changing situation.
“Not tempted to suit up yourself, Duchess?” Canin asked, he was curious and it opened the door.
“I have never formally trained as a MechWarrior, wouldn’t…” she corrected herself again “I would not know where to start. In time of war I am afraid to say I would be quite useless.” Canin was impressed that she was catching on so quickly and making an effort. When the Fox’s Teeth had been here none had tried to fit in with the Nova Cats as much as Yvonne was.
“I am sure that is not true. Being a MechWarrior is simple, tell me did you ever play MechWarrior games when you were younger?”
“Yes, with my brothers, I was not very good neither was Katherine” she said, when they had been very young they had spent sometime together as a real family then as they grew up they travelled around the Federated Commonwealth going to different schools and not seeing each other for months maybe even years Yvonne missed those times and wondered if her parents had realised that their separation would end up destroying the Federated Commonwealth as they all had plans of their own and one of them was willing to sacrifice all the others to get what she wanted.
“Well just because you were not very good then does not mean you could not be a MechWarrior now.” Canin said “there is an auxiliary training room in the other side of the base, we could…” his voice trailed off as he noticed Yvonne’s interest growing “I can inform the techs here to bring the MechWarriors to us when you are done.”
“I would prefer if we met them away from a simulator. I am not sure it would do my image any favours if they saw that the first time I was in a real Mech simulator was in on a Clan base in Clan territory.”
“Fine with me, I will have them taken to the mess where we will meet them later before continuing negotiations.” He said offering her his hand leading her from the room, Yvonne wrapped her arms around his as they walked. “Are you cold?” He asked quietly as they walked through the near abandoned halls of the Nova Cat base.
“A little” she said in but a whisper Canin reacted by removing his black jacket and wrapping it around her, Yvonne continued to put the jacket on fully as they walked and Canin made no complaint or effort to stop her, the jacket's material seemed to be some sort of leather but was very warm and extremely comfortable to wear, not at all how she expected it to feel. If the Federated Suns troopers would not think much of her in a Clan simulator then what would they think of her in a Nova Cat uniform? Canin wondered silently as the entered the next room, there were no simulators just Mechs. “What is this?” She demanded suddenly feeling vulnerable alone with the Nova Cat Warrior.
“Best way to learn is from up there.” Canin said pointing up to a nearby eighty-five ton Crockett Yvonne had seen the same type of Mech in Federated Suns and Lyran Alliance colleges for years.
“I have never spent a minute in a real Mech simulator let alone a real Mech, how can I pilot a Mech just like that.”
“Have faith and believe that you can do it.” Canin said holding both her hands in his.
“But…” she said softly
“Trust me, you can do it.” He said softly she nodded, she would at least try. “Good, now we need to get you stripped.”
“Excuse me!” Yvonne said surprised grabbing Canin‘s black jacket closer to her, she hadn’t expected him to go that quickly to get her naked.
“What you have on is good for being outside but inside a Mech cockpit is like being in a furnace, the less you have on the better. Trust me” he said quietly Yvonne nodded so Canin led her over to the changing and shower area which was thankfully empty. Yvonne disappeared behind a screen.
“What should I keep on?” Yvonne’s muffled voice asked.
“Underwear and or a light top, then we will get you into a coolant suit.” Moments later Yvonne emerged wearing only her underwear Canin was taken aback, she was gorgeous, even though he had seen naked women his entire life Yvonne looked stunning and something to behold and admire.
“Yeah, deal with the heat right and put on a show.” She said quietly Canin snapped out of it.
“Sorry, Duchess, but you look great.” He stammered Yvonne smiled embarrassed, she hadn’t expected such a straight answer. “Here put this on” he said giving her an Advanced Clan Coolant suit, the suit was made up of dozens of tubes that circled the suit around the chest and down the arms. Yvonne struggled into the suit.
“I can not believe I’m doing this.” She managed as she dressed, Canin joined her behind the screens and quickly removed almost all his clothes dressing just a pair of shorts and a suit similar to her own one.
“Trust me, you will be fine.” He said leading her over to the Crockett a small two man lift rose until it was alongside the Crockett’s cockpit which opened as soon as they were close.
“Oh my lord!” She exclaimed looking into the cramped cockpit and all the controls, then she noticed the Mech had been modified with a second seat in behind, the second seat had almost the exact same controls as the front controls. “You are coming with me?” She asked relieved Canin nodded, he would get her started but would do little else once she was started.
“Climb in” Canin instructed Yvonne climbed onto the Crockett and squeezed into the cockpit Canin followed her inside, with the two of them there it was very cramped even with the second console “you comfortable, anything rubbing uncomfortably?” Canin asked Yvonne shook her head “good I am going to tighten these harnesses, they will be hard but they have to be combat can throw you around a bit.” Yvonne nodded nervously Canin climbed into the front of the cockpit resting on the controls right in front of her. Half standing he reached over Yvonne and pulled the back belts and pulled them down her front locking them into a central lock between her legs. Canin then reached around the sides and locked the two side ones as well. “How is that?” He asked looking at her Yvonne tried to move and it was tight but she still had some movement and both her arms and legs were free to reach the controls “good” Canin said reaching down to her side pulling up a group of three tubes “this is the coolant feed, I am going to attach them now.” He said showing her as he screwed them onto her suit and locked them. “Now, when I switch this on you are going to feel a chill that will run the length of your body, it will be like nothing you have ever felt before but it will pass.” He said activating the coolant feed, coolant fluid ran into the suit that circled Yvonne’s body, as it ran the course of her body Yvonne reached out and snagged Canin’s hand “are you okay?” He asked Yvonne nodded after a few seconds as she began to adjust to the coolness of the fluid “trust me you won’t be cold for long.” He said she released his hand as he brought down the last part of the puzzle a Light Clan Neuralhelmet, Yvonne had seen some inner sphere models which were two or three times the size. “This needs time to set to your brain patterns, the more still you are the quicker it will be” he said lowering it onto her head and connecting the under chin strap, he then raised the visor so there was nothing in front of her eyes, if she had to eject this would close and protect her eyes from the ejection blast. “I am going to be in the back connecting up” he said passing by her into the rear chair, a seasoned veteran MechWarrior Canin was connected up in less than two minutes, he instantly brought the Mech’s Fusion power plant up to eighty percent power and the cockpit was filled with heat “How is that?” He asked.
“I can see why you need the suit.” Yvonne said back activating the helmet comm. instead of shouting like many rookie pilots. This Mech had been captured by Kappa Galaxy a couple of months before an because of the general Clan disdain for multiple cockpit Mechs it had ended up here with the Watch, two undesirable elements together, Canin had never been in a multiple Mech in his life so this was completely new to him as well. There was a constant tone from Yvonne’s neuralhelmet informing them that she was connected to the Mech Canin felt a new pull to the controls as the Mech tried to decide who was in command.
“Ready?”
“No” Yvonne said honestly “but let’s go for it.” She said
“Alright I have control” he said brining the fusion engine up to one hundred percent and standing the Crockett up fully away from the Mechbay wall. The Mech took its first steps as a Clan Mech as Canin carefully guided the Mech clear of the gantries and out of the building, because Yvonne was in front he had to use monitors that fed images from cameras placed around the Mech.
Clan Invasion
Jade Falcon/Lyran Commonwealth Border
4th April 3087
With Lyran naval assets far from the region Clan Jade Falcon launches an offensive on the worlds of Blue Hole, Roadside and Chahar. The mercenary and local militia forces defending these worlds are rapidly torn to pieces by the Clan troops with regular Lyran troops centred around Melissa's defence and the Arc-Royal defence Theatre. Unable to hold their ground the remaining troops retreat off the attacked worlds.
Lyran Counter Offensive
Lyran Commonwealth/Jade Falcon/Wolf Border
9th April 3087
With the Jade Falcons distracted Clan Wolf (in-Exile)'s Alpha Galaxy led by Khan Phelan Kell himself and supported by the WarShip Werewolf, a McKenna-class Battleship, launches an assault against the worlds of Graceland, Ballymore, Pandora, Garrison and Surcin supported by the Lyran Commonwealth's Seventeenth, Nineteenth, Twentieth and Twenty-fifth Arcturan Guards Regimental Combat Teams commanded by General Aiden Gray. The massed firepower of the Wolves and Lyran forces drive back the Clan forces on nearly all occassions except for Pandora which turns into a slugging match with the Seventeenth and Nineteenth Arcturan Guards both badly damaged in the fighting. Only the arrival of the Northwind Highlanders Northwind Renegades Regiment stopped the Lyran line breaking. As a final act of defiance Clan Jade Falcon's garrison release a Star of Sokar Urban Combat Units in what can only be described as one final act of defiance. The Sokars are given a single order to destroy as much of Pandora's industry as possible, it takes Lyran and Wolf (in-Exile) forces nearly two days to stop all ten combat vehicles which destroy all three BattleMech factories on the planet and one of the vehicle factories.
At nearly the same time the First Kell Hounds Regiment launched an assault on Garrison driving back Clan Wolf's forces. As the Clan is assaulted from every direction both Clans Wolf and Jade Falcon pull back cutting their losses, Clan Wolf intentionally abandoning Surcin due to its now isolated position.
Annual Exercise
Training Grounds, Defiance
Crucis March, Federated Suns
10th April 3087
As part of their continued relations Clan Nova Cat's Forty-fourth Nova Cat Cavalier Cluster and “Ambassador” Star Colonel Cassin Drummond are invited to Defiance for the annual war games between the Federated Suns and Clan Nova Cat. Due to recent agreements with the Star League Defence Force nearly two Battalions worth of Star League personnel are also on planet making use of the Defiance facilities. After seeing real Clan forces on Defiance the SLDF personnel challenge the Nova Cats to a Trial, the Federated Suns commander Colonel Drake McMillen refuses to allow guests of the Federated Suns to fight amongst themselves.
A compromise is agreed between all three parties forces from both the Forty-Fourth Nova Cat Cavaliers and the Defiance Training Battalion of the Federated Suns will face off against the Star League Defence Forces. Due to honour demands the Nova Cats ask the fight be done with powered weapons neither SLDF or AFFS unit likes the idea however the SLDF unit is insistent on the battle and the AFFS agree as long as no warrior is targeted intentionally and all eject systems are kept active any damage to a Mech's head or breach of centre torso armour and the unit is to be considered disabled.
During the battle each side honours the codes of conduct until an SLDF Hatchetman puts its arm mounted hatchet through the cockpit of Star Colonel Cassin Drummond's Huntsman OmniMech killing the Nova Cat commander. Although it seemed like nothing more than an accident to begin with the death of three more Nova Cat MechWarriors in the minute following Drummond's death made it clear to the Clansmen that they were being targeted. With this in mind the elite Nova Cat Cluster turned from a training exercise to a fighting unit, within the next several minutes six SLDF Mechs had been badly damaged or disabled, two MechWarriors confirmed dead.
Although on their own grounds the Defiance Training Battalion tried to keep out of the battle with Drake McMillen trying to keep his people safe due to the Training Battalion's position on the Nova Cat's side they become targets of SLDF aggression with the deaths of two MechWarriors being the result of massed SLDF fire. Drake McMillen commits his forces to the battle assisting the Nova Cats against the SLDF unit.
With the situation rapidly deteriorating the Kommandant of Training on Defiance orders all Mechs powered down. Those that refuse to power down are disabled forcibly by forces from the Wild Geese Mercenary Regiment who are also using the facilities. The Wild Geese BattleMechs are each outfitted with a Centurion Weapon System, this system which communicates to chips attached to all engaged Mechs allows the Wild Geese to disable each battling unit without further damage or death however the damage is already done with nearly two dozen casualties in total from the three sides involved.
On hearing about the engagement Khan Canin Rosse calls for the Forty-fourth Nova Cat Cavaliers to be recalled from the Federated Suns. AFFS training command orders Colonel Drake McMillen stripped of his command and the Defiance Training Battalion restricted to base while all SLDF troopers are removed from the Defiance facilities pending an investigation by Star League Internal Affairs although no official charges are brought against any SLDF MechWarrior or Officer involved several receive reprimands.
With no ambassador and the Nova Cat liaison force withdrawn only the lower caste Nova Cats remain on New Avalon at the Clan embassy and base on New Scotland driving a small wedge between the Nova Cats and AFFS.
Command Barracks
New Samarkand, Midway Military District
Draconis Combine
14th April 3087
A week before Tami Moto had re-graduated as a MechWarrior and was ready to serve the DCMS once more but she had still been a MechWarrior without a unit or a Mech. Coordinator Vincent Kurita had disappeared shortly after qualifying her as a MechWarrior, perhaps his interest in her had ended after he realized she would be able to look after herself again. She'd wondered around the training base on New Samarkand for nearly a week before receiving orders, instead of being assigned back to the First Ghost Regiment she'd been assigned to the First Sword of Light Regiment! One of the most elite commands in the entire DCMS filled with the best and brightest of the Draconis Combine's warriors a unit that would see its share of combat. She knew that the Coordinator had to have had something to do with the assignment meaning he was happy for her to go to her death, something she was content with in a strange way.
After receiving her orders she had waited another two days before her travel papers arrived, during this time she'd prepared herself to leave New Samarkand and never return... that plan was not to be however when the orders had come in she found that the First Sword of Light was scheduled to land on New Samarkand for extended reorganization and to be assigned new Mechs and warriors. Somehow she saw Vincent's hands in the unit's assignment but she cared little the unit's arrival on the planet would be her time to return to a unit of the line.
Arriving at the base a day before the regiment had arrived Tami Moto was dressed in her best uniform and ready when the red and black Overlord DropShips of the First Sword of Light broke through the atmosphere and began to descend. She'd stood with nearly twelve other MechWarriors ready for their commander Tai-sa Soru Yukimura the Tai-sa's Tai-sho assault BattleMech marched over to them. The Mech was a C3 command Mech produced by the Draconis Combine to command companies of warriors, its angled armour adding to the character while particle cannon arms provided a bite. The pilot of the Mech descended from the Mech and marched over to them, for such a short trip from the DropShip to the parade line he had worn his uniform.
“Good afternoon, welcome to The Ivory Dragon” he said naming the First Sword of Light by its nickname. He was in his late forties with small gray patches appearing in his jet black hair “I am sure I will get to know you all in the coming weeks before we next face combat. For now you will be integrated into our Regiment. Those that fail to fit into The Ivory Dragon will be cut.” He said briskly drawing a pad from his pocket “I have no BattleMech assignments for any of you except... MechWarrior Tami Moto” he called out her name Tami's cheeks burned with embarrassment as she felt all eyes turn towards her.
“Here sir”
“Ah good our Ghost Warrior” he said naming the nickname she'd heard used to describe the Ghost Regiments, not everyone agreed with their forming from the gangs and Yakuza of the Draconis Combine during the run up to the Fourth Succession War. Despite all the years that had passed since their forming there was still disdain for the Ghost Regiments and all warriors attached to them even those with no gang connections “you have been assigned a Ryoken KU OmniMech, I hope you know how to pilot it?”
“Hai, I piloted one previously” she answered
“You did in the Ghost Regiments?” He asked Tami remained quiet knowing her commander required nothing more to make his decision “well since you have been assigned a Mech before your companions and since my MechWarriors have had a long journey you will be on Flag Duty tonight.” He ordered, flag duty was an honoured one for any MechWarrior but it was also a boring one. For the duration of the night she would be in her OmniMech with the unit's flag attached to its back. She would be charged with challenging and welcoming all that came into the base through the main gates. “The rest of you will be in dress uniform, the Coordinator himself is coming to the base so you had better learn quickly how to behave like First Sword of Light MechWarriors.” He said with a smirk “attention” he then said all the new MechWarriors instantly came to parade inspection stance “dismissed” he said after a few moments. Not a single warrior said a word of Tami as they filled out most were annoyed that she'd been assigned a Mech, an OmniMech at that, already others were wary of her Ghost Regiment history Tami didn't care she had a Mech and a unit again.
Flag Duty, First Sword of Light Base
New Samarkand, Midway Military District
Draconis Combine
14th April 3087
The “Flag duty” had gone largely how Tami had expected it to her Ryoken KU OmniMech was identical to the Mech she had previously piloted although this one seemed newer than other Mech. Some of the panels in the cockpit were arranged differently and the C3 Slave unit which had been modular in the previous design was a fitted part of the OmniMech design. Although Tami assumed that was purely because this Mech was to be assigned to the First Sword of Light which used C3 nets extensively it did limit the design more than she thought was necessary. Fortunately despite her new commander's misgivings for Tami he had no outward issues with her configuring the OmniMech as she wished to as a result she'd outfitted her Medium design with an arm mounted pair of extended-range medium lasers, a torso mounted Multi-Missile Launcher with nine launch tubes and additional targeting, a third medium laser an anti-missile system and finally due to her “Flag duty” she'd opted for an arm mounted BattleMech sized sword allowing her to deliver powerful close range attacks and salute incoming visitors.
Beside her was a heavy No Dachi BattleMech which also carried a sword giving them a feel of uniformity. Although the two Mechs on Flag Duty shared a communications system the other warrior had not said a word since they had taken up station. The rain had stated less than an hour into their duty all Tami was left with was the sound of the rain against the hull of the OmniMech but it was glorious to be back in the cockpit without anyone to bother her.
The visitor they had been waiting for finally came into sight six heavy and assault Mechs surrounding a pair of limousines flanked by three Panther light BattleMechs on the one side three Jenners on the other. The Panther and Jenner which had been for so long associated with the Kurita family and the Draconis Combine, symbolism all the way. Although Tami could not see them she knew that nearby would likely be a company of Battle Armour and alert aerospace fighters all ready to dive in to the Coordinator's aide if he needed them. For now however she had a duty to preform and she would do so stepping out into road blocking the way she activated her communications system “this is MechWarrior Tami Moto, Flag barer of the First Sword of Light Regiment of the Draconis Combine Mustard Society, Identify yourself as my friend or be my enemy.” She said raising her Mech's sword in defiance of the enemy and defence of her Regiment. Against the firepower approaching it was a meaningless gesture but it was tradition.
“This is Coordinator Vincent Kurita, Head of the Kurita Family, Leader of the Draconis Combine and your Commander in Chief. I request to be allowed to be seen as a friend and to inspect my unit.” He said formally Tami almost smiled she hadn't expected him to answer himself.
“Transmit your clearance code” Tami said more formally. Moments later the code displayed on her screen “be seen as friend” she said bringing the sword up in front of her BattleMech in salute before stepping off to the side. Beside her the No Dachi pilot copied her move as the convoy moved passed them Tami saw a second message displayed on one of her screens careful not to change the movement of her Mech she opened the document it read a single line.
“I am happy to see you where you want to be and where you belong – VK”
Tami could feel her cheeks warm in embarrassment for the second time in the day. The Coordinator had returned her to a combat unit a place she could serve the Draconis Combine, what she always wanted to do. And the unit was on New Samarkand where the Coordinator could visit at any time and see her if he wanted. After playing along with Vincent during her rehabilitation and re-training she hoped the man that was her leader would continue to be a personal part of her life.
Another short month - I hope you enjoy anyway
Border Conflict
Marik-Stewart Commonwealth/Lyran Commonwealth
3rd August 3088
In retaliation for Rousset-Marik Alliance raids Isle of Skye armed forces and hired guns launch counter-attacks on the former-Free Worlds League. Striking against the worlds of Marcus, Callison, Dubhe and Dieudonne the Isle of Skye brings the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth into the fight. Almost immediately the lightly defended Callison and Dubhe fall to the Isle of Skye forces supported by the WarShips LCS Flygia, a Mjolinr-class Battle-cruiser, the LCS Kevin Tamar, a Fox-class Corvette, and the LCS Durance, a Coventry-class Corvette the Lyran forces are here to stay.
On Marcus Marik-Stewart Commonwealth forces continue to fight and the Rousset-Marik Alliance digs in on Dieudonne.
City of Turpan
Highspire, Liao Commonality
Capellan Confederation
8th August 3088
Entering the Highspire system via a pirate point to avoid any chance of another encounter with nuclear armed Highspire Aerospace Fighters. The Centrella Black Guards Regiment landed on the ground of Highspire assaulting Cameron St. Jamis-Liao's two Warrior Houses. The Centrella Black Guards however were supported by an entire Battle Armour Regiment which had alternate plans. While the Black Guards fought against the defenders the Battle Armoured troopers entered the city of Turpan and began to move house-to-house systematically executing the entire cities population in what could only be described as a Kentares styled Massacre.
When the Highspire defenders discovered what was happening within the system the order was given for the deployment of nuclear weapons to wipe out the Capellan Battle Armour and as much of the Black Guards as possible. Launched from land based silos, which the Confederation forces had no knowledge of, two low flying nuclear tipped cruise missiles slammed into the city of Turpan wiping out half of the city, the Battle Armour Regiment and half of the Black Guards. The remains of the Capellan unit retreated off world escaping before further nuclear weapons struck the area. The population of Turpan not killed by the Black Guards were killed by the nuclear fire that burned the city, or by the radiation fallout that followed in all more than two million of Highspire's population were killed in less than six hours.
Chief Executive Officer's Office
Irian Technologies, Irian
Rousset-Marik Alliance, Former Free Worlds League
13th August 3088
An assistant entered Chief Executive Officer of Irian Technologies office on Irian handing CEO Sigmund Hughes a brown letter with the SLDF's Cameron Star on the top corner. “Sir, this arrived by messenger for your attention.”
“Thank you” Hughes said quietly accepting the letter “you can leave” he said. As the assistant left Hughes opened the letter removing the letter inside. It to was marked with the Cameron Star of the Star League and it was addressed to him, and to Irian Technologies board of directors, it read:
“For the Attention of Mr Sigmund Hughes, and the Board of Directors of Irian Technologies,
As of the date of delivery on this letter, the 13th August 3088, Irian BattleMechs, a subsidiary of Irian Technologies will no longer be accepted as a supplier of any item of technology be it offensive or defensive in nature for the Star League Defence Force. All current contacts are of this moment null and void, deliveries outstanding may be distributed as you wish, debts owed on already delivered Prefect tyoe BattleMechs will be settled by SLDF Quartermasters.
We take this action not because we wish to end our relationship with your company but because of members of your company and the deals that they have made to sell the previously mentioned Prefect BattleMechs to those outside of the Star League. This is despite an exclusive contract on the same aforementioned product.
Regards Commanding-General Archer Kendrick Christifori
Countersigned by Major-General Caradoc Trevena, Head of Staff”
Sigmund Hughes put down the letter and almost smiled before picking up his phone. “Mr Still, have the communications tower send a message to our DropShip inform them to use their alternate deliver schedule. Terra is no longer interested in our business.” He said quietly Irian Technologies prided itself on being a neutral supplier or arms to anyone with the resources or money to purchase Irian's equipment. As a result every ship carried at least two delivery schedules, if one buyer failed to collect then another would get their delivery early it was simple. After he heard an acknowledgment he continued “I also want you to send a communication to Gibson. Inform our contacts there that if they are still interested in our product then we have more available to distribute.” He said again there was an acknowledgment and Hughes put down the phone. Looking over the letter once he turned to his side and shredded the document it no longer having any meaning for him.
LAW-Test Site
Irece, Irece Prefecture
Pesht Military District, Draconis Combine
22nd August 3088
In the quiet of night Clan Nova Cat's Third Watch Cluster landed on Irece exiting their DropShip which had been made to look like a civilian trade ship. Slipping past local DCMS forces using the stealth systems of their DEZGRA Mech's stealth systems. Early the next day the Third Watch Cluster launched a full assault against the Luthien Armour Works test site in the southern hemisphere overwhelming the defence force rapidly they captured several SM1-Telos and plans detailing the construction of the craft – all the proof the Nova Cats needed to confirm the Draconis Combine were producing their own version of the Nova Cat hovertank. Along with the Telos and their plans the Nova Cat's capture an AV-01 Avalanche a new experimental Draconis Combine OmniMech.
During the Watch Cluster's return to their DropShip the Nova Cats are attacked by groups of Combine Wasp LAMs. Discovering that the Draconis Combine LAM factory is still active and producing additional LAMs even at a snail's pace drives the Watch Cluster to madness, several Mechs charge down the DCMS LAM facility only to be cut down by mass fire from the defenders unable to get to the factory the Nova Cats abandon Irece their primary mission complete.
Clan Trade
Clan Wolf/Rasalhague Dominion
Occupation Zones
23rd August 3088
In a surprising trade the Rasalhague Dominion are approached by Clan Wolf. On the table the Clan Wolf places the worlds of Memmingen, Thannhausen and Heiligendreus all border worlds with the Rasalhague Dominion. In exchange the Wolves set their price at two trinaries each of Aesir and Vanir types of DropShip to be delivered over the next two years.
Although the prize is steep the Rasalhague Dominion is willing to match it as it gains them three more worlds that used to belong to the Free Rasalhague Republic reuniting people separated for more than three decades. The Rasalhague Dominion leadership actively promotes, and in many cases provides transport for families to, travel to and from the world leading to dozens of emotional reunions across the Dominion bringing the Rasalhague Dominion closer to their people.