Author Topic: My AU, Katherine, White Wolf of Ragnarok (Complete, Comments welcome)  (Read 34921 times)

ckosacranoid

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Re: My AU, Katherine, White Wolf of Ragnarok
« Reply #90 on: 19 January 2018, 14:06:31 »
interesting story updates and boy is yovee a tease for sure. though it would have been funny for nik to let her bring home a girl to keep her off him for the night for sure though. nice updates and thanks for sharing.

AlphaMirage

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Re: My AU, Katherine, White Wolf of Ragnarok
« Reply #91 on: 20 January 2018, 16:36:31 »
6/2/3063 14:17 Location – Fox’s Den Central Command

Marshal Sortek watched the response from the Davion Guards as staff officers rushed around the Command Room feeding status reports to the on-planet units, one whole type of units refused to budge on the screen. “Major Presley, why aren’t the Aerospace fighters opposing the Invading Dropships”

“Sir, they refuse to fly.  The Warships or Capitols are above them, as soon as they power up the Archon has promised to bombard them from orbit until there is "nothing but char and scrap remaining", her quote sir. The security teams have taken the pilots and ground crews into custody but all have opposed your orders.”
“So they will just cede Air Superiority to the invaders.”
“Aye Sir”
“Damn them!  Make sure the Anti-Air Battalions move with the forces then and add more guns to the infantry units.”


15:41
“Sir!  We've just lost the feed from NASDF Breaker Bay.  They were under attack by submarines and an unknown aquatic battle armor based on their reports.  NASDF surface ships are striking their colors planet-wide to avoid being attacked by bombers or bombarded by Warships.”
“Since when does anyone have aquatic battle armor!?”
“Unknown sir…NAIS has designated them as “Eels” and Team Banzai is incredibly curious”
“Get me Shade (MIIO’s Director)!”
“Aye Sir”


17:58
"Sir, Dundee, Thomasville, and Flensburg are under Lyran Control, the 4th, 5th, and 6th Donegal Guards seized them an hour ago.  They fly the Iron Gauntlet now.  The 2nd Donegal and 3rd Bolan Jaegers occupy Breaker Bay and have begun to utilize it's assets to take control of the remaining strategic points of the New Hebrides.  The 1st Republican and 1st Royal Cavaliers have begun an offensive towards Portland against the 4th Guards and Militia."
"Now the real fight begins Major.  Make sure the Invaders pay a steep price for every kilometer."

AlphaMirage

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Re: My AU, Katherine, White Wolf of Ragnarok
« Reply #92 on: 20 January 2018, 23:34:20 »
18:28 37km W of Bannanock, Cascade Bay Region (Near Tintagel), Brunswick, New Avalon

Archon/Star Captain Katherine Steiner-Davion was locked down in her active but secured Uziel Omnimech as the Union-X Avalanche landed.  Once on the ground she watched as the twenty Fenrir Mark II battle armors were released from their mounting cradles.  Their canine locomotion made them look like alien beasts as they gathered in four man squads.  The doors opened slowly, steam created during their final burn into the damp grasslands rushed into the bay smothering visuals and ruining her thermal weapon sights.

The Fenrir's ran out into the grass, their low profile design and selective suspension made sure that only the tops of their sensor masts were visible over the tall grass they walked through.  Engaging in a deadly hunt for the 2nd Davion Guards Infantry that were waiting in ambush somewhere in the area.  She toggled one of the selectors that released her mech from the Dropship.  “White Wolves move out”

The Barghest led the way, the Fenrir was fearsome looking but the 70 ton version was a true nightmare to behold.  It struck fear into her heart just as intended during the design phase, she had horror movie prop makers submit plans for a new Death's Head style cockpit and the Demon Wolf was cosmetically gruesome in addition to being a fierce combatant on the battlefield.  For added terror it was even piloted by her second favorite Wolf, Star Commander Leon; her lover Vladimir Ward would always be number one. 

The remaining mechs in her command moved out and she followed behind one of the oddly proportioned 40 ton Hollander IIs, it looked almost comical but far less so than the original. 

As she cleared the door she saw the Overlord Battle Cry and Hercules Peregrine of the Coventry Jaegers they were very obvious due to their canary yellow paint jobs., the Jaeger Mechs were already in motion pushing toward the hilly forests, point guarded by Fenrirs, and supported by a company of Commando, Firestarter, and Stiletto mechs.  She had forced them to adopt a proper camouflage pattern if she had to look at canary yellow the entire campaign, she might vomit and didn't want to ruin the interior of any of her battlemechs. 

Their armor group and mechanized infantry battalion were still unloading and would support the main thrust of their mission to remove the 2nd Davion Guards from this area.  The rest of the six regiments (1-3 Coventry, 1-3 Skye Jaegers) were spread out over the entire region to ensure it was cleared to begin the main thrust against New Avalon's industrial heartland.

In the skies above the Task Force’s Aerospace contingent was beginning their own search and destroy mission, they had already removed most of the large search RADARs in the theater with airstrikes but there were plenty of concealed hill forts and smaller SAM sites that would need to be removed from the ground.

One hour later

Star Captain Katherine's Uziel Omnimech's air conditioning was on the fritz, and it was ruining her recently dyed ash blonde hair.  She shrugged, growing pains, this unit was only the third production model it was barely out of prototyping but she was too eager to give all the new LAAF tech a trial by fire against the Elite Davion Guards.  Her techs were going to have to fix it and forward the fix to Defiance after this mission, but until then she was stuck with it.  She didn’t want to activate her Griffin 3M “Stiletto” or her Warhammer 7S yet, being a test pilot was to exciting.

The humidity was high and sweat gleamed on her skin, she was wearing only a white compression wrap covering her breasts under the cooling vest, the fluid coursing inside gave her goosebumps elsewhere on her torso, blue shorts made of a similar material ended mid-thigh, and calf length boots protected her feet from the hot metal below. She wore a gold Clantech Neurohelmet, one of the ancillary benefits of her relationship with Vlad had been that would soon be standard throughout the LAAF at least by the time she was ready to go public with their relationship.  All Jaeger units had received the upgrade option first as befitted their experimental status and fierce loyalty.

They hadn't tracked the 2nd down yet, maybe they moved on but she kept a close eye on her own thermal scanners as her mech followed in the wake of the Barghest's path of ruined trees.  The Quad Mech was not very graceful but plenty strong.

20:08 Location – Firebase Echo-2, Cascade Bay Region

Captain Paula Bevan of Echo Company, 25th Kilarney Armored Grenadiers, 2nd Davion Guards looked over the topographic map in their concealed HQ it was marked up with the fire-bases in the AO. “Lieutenant you are certain?”

“Yes Sir, the scout platoon noted that there were irregularly colored and unknown Battlemechs accompanying the forces in the area.  They just managed to evade the Fenrir battle armors.  They scare the troops sir.”

“I would be afraid of anything that can carry two heavy machine guns, shrug off that much firepower, and still disappear into the underbrush as well Lieutenant.”

“and they are coming this way?”

“Yes sir,” he points out a heading and projected troop movement.  “They will hit 5-7 first and if our projections are right will be here within the hour.”

“Let's roll out the welcome mat for her highness then.  Tell everyone to button up and await my command.”
 
Captain Bevan reached over to the field telephone and dialed in central fire control, “Colonel Cannady, I'm going to need everything you have soon.  For what you say?"  

"We are going to burn the Witch.”

AlphaMirage

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Re: My AU, Katherine, White Wolf of Ragnarok
« Reply #93 on: 25 January 2018, 17:26:46 »
20:47 Location – Grid 5-7, Cascade Bay Region, Brunswick, New Avalon

Katherine's Wolves and the 1st Coventry Jaegers continued their search for the 2nd Davion Guards.  The whole AO was occupied but all regiments reported only intermittent contacts with enemy Hovercraft, Attack Helicopters, and Battlemechs harassing the unit then fading but they were running out of places to run to and would have to make a stand eventually.  The area was thick with mines but the Fenrir squads were able to detect them and provide alternate routes. The Coventry Jaeger regiments were taking the brunt of it as they were heavier and less capable of pursuit.

She stayed close to the other White Wolves, they were approaching an area that had heavy activity in the vicinity less than a half hour ago.  This terrain was ready made for ambushes and the Coventry Jaeger Mechs knew it, staying close.  The armor and infantry followed roughly a half kilometer behind, staggering their turrets to maintain full coverage against airborne assault.  Katherine wasn't sure whether or not her threat to bombard the airbases would continue to be heeded (it would be honored) by the enemy and the 2nd had six air wings under its command.

She came upon a field where two large hills occupied the North and East sections and got a bad feeling but they needed to continue along the B27 Highway that connected Ith and Ultron and ultimately Brunswick City.  Bannanock lie along that route just on the other side of these hills, a small road ran between them connecting the town with its outlying communities, she could see the objective indicator in her HUD but it was dark, everyone had either evacuated or were under blackout conditions. 

The remaining 1st Coventry and 2nd Skye Jaegers were coming in via different approaches and her command perspective showed their current locations on the map.  The 2nd and 3rd Coventry and 1st and 3rd Skye were seizing the cities of Greenway and Feygrove to the North and East respectively.  The 1st FedSuns Armored Cavalry was engaging the Davion Light Guards to the South and had called in the Filtvelt Fusiliers for back up.

Firebase Echo-2

Captain Bevan watched through the tank commander's scope through the camouflage netting that concealed her hull down tank from aerial surveillance.  She was suited up in an armored tanker's suit and helmet, her Alacorn running in low power mode, she keyed the local battlenet, “Keep an eye out for Fenrirs, and don’t fire until they are almost on top of you.”

The rest of her six tank demi-company was similarly emplaced along the Northern hill, below them was a company of the 29th Chirkof Mechanized Infantry, their anti-tank field guns silently adjusting to follow the Jaegers and White Wolves as they walked through the field toward them.  The outskirts of the village beyond concealed one of the four artillery battalions of the 740th others had rapidly re-positioned from their fire-bases to put themselves at a minimum time on target.  More forces were en route using the highway to speed along and maybe put an end to the Battle for New Avalon once and for all.

5 minutes later

Fenrir Operator Bradley crept forward 200 meters in advance of the White Wolves, the Hell's Horseman was small but strong, not that he needed to be in this Fenrir which was driven more like a walking tank.  It would bring glory to the Hell's Horse, finally something where the heroics of the operator would equal those of Elementals without the extensive training and augmentation.  Packs of these would surely bring down the hated Ghost Bears so that Hell's Horses might rise to their rightful place and stop being a footnote. 

The visor he wore displayed a strip of video from the opposite side of his primary viewpoint and turret sight.  It also showed the output from the improved sensors that had enabled his unit to evade mines emplaced by the 2nd Davion Guards.  The two Machine guns were positioned just above and behind his viewing bubble.  He was skewing the turret around and could see his star-mates doing the same checking for ambushes.

He continued on keeping a close eye on his multi-spectral camera feeds, switching between modes.  As she cleared a small rise he saw something unexpected, an AC/20 Field Gun aimed right at him through the forest.  “Ambush!”

Back at the White Wolves

“Ambush!”

No sooner had Katherine and rest of the force heard that then the world around them exploded.  They were exposed in the open field, illumination rounds fire from artillery lit up the area in a sickly green that flooded the night vision scopes. 

Concealed Guards tanks fired through the woods and a Jaeger Hauptmann disintegrated under the withering fire, the neighboring Zeus burst into a fireball as missile ammo exploded.  The heavy Coventry forces charged into battle, they weren't going to outrun artillery but they could get close enough to negate it.  An Assault Company of the 2nd Guards activated and began working their way through the forests toward the Jaegers keeping them in the kill-zone.

Magnesium flashes from Gauss rifles, laser scatter, man-made lightning, and conventional explosions filled the valley.  Colonel Warlker of the 1st Coventry Jaegers came in over the radio, “Get out of here Katherine, we'll handle these bastards” before he switched to his command frequencies.  His Banshee 6S charging into battle from the other side. 

The faster Coventry forces moved to take the objective where they could see the muzzle flashes of the Guards artillery pieces.  As they neared the highway that separated to areas a company of wheeled combat vehicles came out of their concealed position beneath an underpass.  A lance of Schiltron D rotary auto-cannons came up to speed and shredded the first lance of light mechs.  The Jaeger Armor Battalion pushed forward to aid their embattled comrades trundling into the thick artillery fire at flanking speed.

As she dodged artillery shells Katherine keyed the highest level comms, “This is the Archon, Black Argent (Broken Arrow)”

Admiral von Rugen picked it up from the Yggdrasil's Command Center, his subordinate commanders looked at him, “You heard her!  Scramble everything!” They began frantically tasking Aerospace and Warship assets to deal with the threat.

Back on the ground the White Wolves engaged in a fighting retreat against a 2nd Guards Headhunter Company.  Their faster cavalry mechs were more mobile than the Jaeger's Wall of Steel which was currently engaged but not fast enough to evade with the Headhunters.  The Avalanche was incoming but it would still take several long minutes before arrival.  The Jaegers’ Mechanized Infantry was moving at top speed to the dust off as well, their halftracks kicking up dirt, they wouldn’t stand a chance against the artillery.

Star Commander Leon’s Barghest cored an unlucky Phoenix Hawk with its massive autocannon and PPC utterly smashing the war machine.  The Hollanders were walking backwards, not quite as mobile as the other Wolves but their Gauss rifles flashed brightly before the shells impacted a Javelin which folded under the hypersonic steel; their lasers cut deep into a Dart threatening the Jaeger infantry. 

The Falconers were engaged in deadly duels against an Argus and Quickdraw, steam rising as the damp grass was warmed up by the jumping combatants.  Occasionally they were forced to stagger weapon fire and cool off, pushing the battlemechs to their design limits.  Missiles and autocannon shells impacted with bright explosions that lit the night. 

The Cobra was providing fire support its aiding the remaining group equally, smoke plumes flashed out of its hands with each volley.  The Thanatos was facing down a Davion Hercules trading fire to her left flank as both mechs jockeyed for position.

Katherine watched as a Nightsky drew closer, she had range but it was just as maneuverable as her own mech.  She was confident but her hands were sweaty from stress and heat, this was only her third combat deployment she could do this but doubt clawed at her.  The Wolves and Royal Guards had trained her but she hadn’t undergone the proper conditioning necessary and this time was real.  The two Trials of Position she had fought were barely scrimmages, this pilot really wanted her dead.

Two dark shadows appeared in her rear view-screen, the two Warrior D-6 (RAC/2, 1t Ammo) Attack Helos were on the hunt, and she could see their cannon flare, one moment later she felt the impact of their shells, her rear hull integrity dropped, and her reactor status screen flashed yellow, one containment hit. 

“Choppers behind, take them out before they cause more damage”
“Aff, Star Captain, White-4 will engage”


Her targeting reticle glowed red as she fired her PPCs at the Nightsky while backpedaling over the dark grasslands.  Both hit at long range, arcing blue light rippled across the mech as slagged plates rolled off but it continued with deadly intent.  The cockpit was flooded with waste heat, the weapon’s waste heat was overloading her already strained cooling system and she could feel every joule. 

Katherine was talking to herself, she wasn’t feeling well, not accustomed to the heat of the environment or battle.  “You have to keep firing, can take a break when he falls over but you can’t let him get close”

The choppers fired again this time at the Hollander II that was facing them down, a dozen shells impacted across the medium mech but its Gauss Rifle obliterated one of the attackers in a single shot.  The wreck crashed into the ground behind them and exploded as its fuel and ammunition burned.

Katherine’s Uziel was radiating a lot of waste which was overloading her Mech’s myomers and they refused to move to their full potential.  She fired again, one went wide, and the other hit the Nightsky’s left arm.  The cockpit temperature rose another 10C and her targeting reticle widened, the precise alignment of her Uziel 2S’s arms was compromised by the heat so couldn’t guarantee as clean a hit. 

She was panting, her cockpit was becoming a sauna, it was uncomfortable before but now she was concerned.  The cooling vest pumped water across her nearly naked torso to take away extra heat but she still saw her temperature rising in the bio-monitor.  The Nightsky continued its dash no doubt eager to put its hatchet into her mech. “I knew I wanted to keep Nightskies around for a reason.”

She checked her heat status, the myomers would refuse to move at their full potential but that didn’t stop the jump jets, she didn’t need them yet though, “What the hell?  Let’s push this baby to the limit, if I live this will be the best test BattleROM that Defiance could ask for.”  The Uziel’s DI computer attempted to shut down but she overrode the computer and stayed in the fight, compensating for redlining the mech.  Her cockpit temperature was approaching 40C now and her body was starting to feel heat stressed, her core temperature was rising, cooling vest attempting in vain to keep it in check.
 
Still backpedaling she fired her PPCs again and attempted a lock with the streak SRMs above her cockpit, the Nightsky answered with its lasers.  The lasers melted armor plates already damaged by artillery bursts and autocannons and Katherine’s integrity was yellow throughout.  One PPC and a pair of missiles connected, one of them impacted the Nightsky in the head, the other right leg following the PPC shot.

Every alarm in the cockpit blared at once, heat rating was critical, ammo bin holding but nearing dangerous temperatures she overrode their warnings, “I am in control here Uziel, you will do as I demand.” 

Mobility was heavily compromised, targeting suffering as the electronics warmed, the Uziel’s feet were steaming as the damp grasses were warmed by the radiant heat.  Katherine continued on but could see her core temperature rising to dangerous levels, her vision and thoughts blurred. “Just a little longer, hang in there Kat, if you pass out you are dead”

The myomer muscles refused to answer her commands so she jumped back instead, barely landing on the wet grass, as her feet “cramped.”  The Nightsky was approaching the minimum limit for her PPCs but she had other weapons and tried to fire them but missed.  There was no way she could avoid it, soon she would be within range of the hatchet, the Guard’s mech fired its lasers and hit with all of them, most of her mech was compromised now and she was just barely focusing on her opponent, it took all her focus to just keep the mech upright. 

Without the PPCs her Uziel cooled back to the first stage reactor override, more from training than thought she overrode the DI computer again.  “I am going to make you earn the right to kill me Guardsman”

She backpedaled again, some portion of her heat stressed mind noted that the Avalanche was less than a minute away but didn’t know what that meant.  There was someone talking on the radio but she couldn’t discern what they were saying, the only thing that mattered was right in front of her.  The two mechs exchanged fire at point blank range, Katherine’s pulse laser and SRMs hit the Nightsky whose lasers cut deep inside and compromised the reactor again.  The reactor screen showed red, it was in danger of immediate shut down, “just a few more seconds.” 

She attempted to block the Nightsky’s hatchet as it reared up with the Uziel’s arms but was too slow, the hardened metal cut deep into her mech’s left torso finding the remaining streak missiles and causing an explosive chain reaction that blasted the left torso but was contained by CASE.  The left arm was blown away and landed 200 meters to the northwest.

The DI computer detected the explosion and engaged the auto-eject sequence on the full head ejection system.  The neural feedback from the ammo explosion as well as the heat stress caused Katherine to pass out before her glider head came to a rest 300 meters away.

AlphaMirage

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Re: My AU, Katherine, White Wolf of Ragnarok
« Reply #94 on: 26 January 2018, 00:23:11 »
AFFC Hanse Davion Fleet Support Ship

Katherine was sleeping, fitful nightmares filled her head before she woke with a start.  She was in a strange place but felt a sense of Deja Vu, everything was white and clean, she could hear beeping, and smell cleaner, it felt like a peaceful place.  As she started to come to her senses though something felt wrong, she looked at her arms, an IV was hanging nearby connected to a needle in her, and various medical leads were connected to her torso and head.  “No! No! No! I don’t want to be here again!  Get me out!” 

All her traumatic hospital memories flooded back to her.  After she was poisoned and lost her and Galen’s child while still dealing with his loss.  The aftermath on Gallery where she was about to attempt suicide but was stopped and forced into observation at St Dymphna’s until cleared.  She wasn’t even sure which side had recovered her, if she was in a FedSuns Military Hospital it might be worse that she was living.

The monitors were erratic as she suffered her panic attack attempting to pull the leads off and her IV out before being stopped by a group of nurses whom she fought with, one of them doped her with something and she fell back to sleep.

When she awoke again she propped herself up, “Kat, about time you woke up” the voice was familiar.  Katherine looked to her side and saw a brunette woman wearing teal scrubs, “Sis?”

Yvonne brushed her brown hair out of the way, “Yes it’s me.  The doctors said that someone needed to watch you and I didn’t have anything else to do.”

“I’m so glad you’re okay Yvonne, I was worried about you.  I would give you a hug but I might tangle myself up if I tried.”

“You had me really worried too, you almost died of heat stroke, among other things.  The doctor wants to talk to you as soon as you woke up again.  I’ll go get her.”
  Yvonne pushed her way through the curtain screen and disappeared out of view.

Katherine didn’t know what kind of hospital she was in, the ceilings were much too high for a building and everything seemed portable, was she in some kind of Annex by herself.  Her partition was made up of white canvas screens bearing the Alliance Medical Corps logo and there was a small terminal but other than there were only two chairs, her bed, a mobile monitor, and IV stand. 
Where was she? What day was it?

Within five minutes a matronly woman wearing a white lab coat and carrying a comm-pad entered followed by Yvonne, the doctor walked up to her bedside and took a seat. 
“Hello Katherine, I am Major Anna Farren, Alliance Medical Corps.  How do you feel?”
“Mostly irritable, I don’t like hospitals Doctor, no disrespect.”
“Understandable, though this is not formally a hospital.  You are aboard the Avalon cruiser FCS Hanse Davion.  The Federation Allies pulled it out of the Galax cage-works and we have been using it for…everything really.”
“That explains a lot of things then Major. Can I take these leads off now?”
“Yes I suppose we don’t need them now that you are awake and stable.”
The Major removed the IV as well bandaging the insertion point with white cotton gauze afterwards.
“What happened?”
“Two days ago, you were pulled off-world by a Coventry Jaeger squad and evacuated here with a case of heat stroke, a mild concussion, and feedback fatigue.  We stabilized your body temperature and have been monitoring your brainwaves to make sure there is no lasting trauma from the F.F. the concussion was a concern but it was mild and we had more pressing cases”
“Two days for that?”
“Yes, you have a particularly unique case of feedback fatigue, we didn’t want to wake you too soon.  It seems this is not the first time and we weren’t sure what would happen if we woke you too quickly.  Admiral von Rugen would like to speak with you as well, he will be coming aboard in an hour.  Until then I recommend you relax and eat something.  I don’t want you walking around yet, doctor’s orders Archon or not, your sister can get whatever you want.”


Dr. Farren departed leaving the sisters together, “Yvonne is there anything appetizing to eat on-board?”
“Not really.  Sorry Katherine you only get hospital food even if you are the Archon.”

Katherine feigned outrage, “All that hard work and I’m still just another patient.  Can you grab me something?  At least bring a juice box, I can pretend its wine.”
They both laughed, “We both know you would never be caught dead drinking wine out of a box.”
“Desperate times sister, desperate times.”

They ate what was supposed to be dinner but it was bland, “I thought the Lyran Armed Forces were supposed to have the best rations in the Inner Sphere,” said Yvonne. 
“They do, I guess it is just worse for everyone else.”


Yvonne stirred the tea bag idling in the cup, “I wouldn’t know they wouldn’t let me in when I tried.  I wanted to be a helicopter pilot.  My best friend growing up was the son of dad’s pilot and he always was talking about how awesome it was and had so many friends.  I just wanted to be cool and have friends.”

“Why wouldn’t they let you in Yvonne?  To be First Prince you have to serve five years in the military.”

“Failed the drug test.  Stims.”


Katherine almost did a spit take, “What really?”

“Yeah it’s a long story but I didn’t get to live under an alias Kat, I was always Princess Yvonne Melissa Steiner-Davion, much beloved of Hanse Davion, and didn’t know who to trust so I fell in with the wrong crowd at NAIS.  It was one of the reasons I dropped out and wanted to go to Tharkad. 

I couldn’t tell anyone but I’m sure Arthur, Tancred, and Nikolai knew but didn’t know what to do.  It’s not like they can just send the Princess-Regent to a rehab clinic, they were all probably going to wait until Arthur was the First Prince before intervening.  It just got so hard with Dad and Mom gone, Victor was always on campaign, Peter missing, you tried, but it was mostly Arthur and I, and he didn’t want to come back to New Avalon and I felt like I couldn’t leave. 

I just couldn’t deal with the stress.  How do you manage to do it?”

“Art, alcohol, parties, and cheap flattery.  I'm so sorry Yvonne, that I couldn't help you sooner.”

“I'm better now, I guess there were some silver lining to being held captive for six months.  I really want to get out of this hospital though it makes me antsy.  I want to do better.  Please give me something to do once this is all over.  I'm sorry that I'm such a screw up.”

“Don't worry, everyone makes mistakes, I've made more than a few myself but you have to believe what you are doing is the right thing even if it might not be.”


Yvonne left to go to her quarters and Admiral Kristof von Rugen followed shortly behind, the experienced spacer and flag officer was an instructor at the Nagelring before returning to service .  His blue and gold uniform was military sharp possessing a regal and grandfatherly bearing that made even Katherine felt confident when he was in the room. “Guten Abend Admiral”

“Guten Abend Eure Durchlaucht”

'How is the battle going?'

'Well Katherine, we are moving along the proper timetables and using sufficient caution to avoid damaging the civilians.'

'That is the proper thing to do, they do not know what they are doing, it is my right to reclaim New Avalon and reform the Commonwealth.'

'Yes, Archon-Princess however I need to speak of a personal matter concerning you.  Permission to speak freely?'

'Granted'

'I want you to remove yourself from Active status.  You are painting to large a target on your back and it will endanger any units operating beside you.'

'You want me to cower and not fight to reclaim my birthright!?  The Federated Suns citizens demand that their rulers fight on the front lines to prove worthy of the right to rule.'

'Yes but you are not Victor Katherine.  Which is why I like you better, you didn't get lost in the fight.  Stick with your natural talents, allow people with more experience fighting to do so. 

The 1st Coventry Jaegers were nearly wiped out at Bannanock.  We had to bombard it from orbit and send eight air wings into the fight to give the 2nd Skye Jaegers and 2nd Royal Cavaliers enough space to extract them and they took heavy casualties as well.'

'Eight air wings!  The entire 1st Coventry!'
  Katherine felt dizzy from the weight of responsibility, this was one of the few times she had ever sent soldiers to fight and die on her behalf and she understood why father said it was the worse thing he could ever do, 'My god, what did I walk into?'

'Promise me you will not take the field again Katherine.'

'What if I refuse and go back down there?'

'I will take early retirement and leave with the Yggdrasil.'

‘What of the White Wolves?’

‘Half of your private force has been heavily damaged, most of your battle armor platoon dead, they will take a long while to be brought back online and are at the bottom of the priority list, lest you try to go down there again.  I am sure your subordinate officers will visit you in time.’

'Very well Admiral, I promise to remove myself from Active status.'

'Thank You Archon.  Rest well, you have plenty of work to do as do I.'   

AlphaMirage

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Re: My AU, Katherine, White Wolf of Ragnarok
« Reply #95 on: 26 January 2018, 16:42:16 »
06/06/3063 01:39 Launch Bay 3, Union Drop-ship Dark Edge, above New Avalon

Colonel Roger Raymond-Marsin XO of Filtvelt Fusiliers (formerly of the Remagen CrMM and Davion Light Guards) would be feeling free-fall if he wasn't so securely strapped in.  His armored canopy was in place and he breathed easy in his Anvil waiting for the red light in the top right corner of his display to turn colors.  These new Lyran neurohelmets were fancy not like the torture devices he was used to.  He appreciated once more being at the top of the chart for gear rather than being forced to take the hand me downs from the Guards or other front line professional units. His fellow Cabalists were the true professionals, it's what they lived for, and they hated the Davion Guards and Bishop Sortek with a passion, having lost many of their brothers in arms under the Guard's guns.

A man's voice came in on the command circuit, “Headrush this is Dark Edge, we are approaching the drop site, confirm readiness”
He switched to his Lance's Battlenet tying it in with the Shadow Hawk, Dervish, and Enforcer III in adjacent bays “Lance confirm,” they confirmed with multiple green lights on the battle-net display.
“Headrush confirms Dark Edge, we are on standby, awaiting a push out the door”
“Roger Headrush, updating”


The red changed to yellow with a timer counting down, three minutes

The Union Dark Edge began its jump sequence, the bays were already evacuated and the doors opened to space, in the final minute the gantry that held the cocoons began positioning them in the final configuration.

Colonel Marsin triggered the Battalion command frequency, “Hands up boys, don't forget Battlemechs weren't built to fly... but they can fall” the clock began to tick down and he grabbed the handles in the cockpit. 

“Push off,” the drop cocoons were pushed away from the Union before their reaction drives triggered, Roger could feel the movement and felt the harness biting into his tank top, and his cockpit display screen showed the virtual representation of his course along with the sensor contacts of all the jump capable Filtvelt Fusiliers. 

Destination Ith, home of Achernar Battlemechs. 

Numbers rapidly fired across his display, input from the drop cocoon's sensors, surface temperature, inside temperature, multiple axis outputs, crosswinds from the Met Station ground-side, all data the Battlemech's DI computer would crunch to ensure he landed safely.  His cockpit temperature spiked as the heat of reentry warmed up the inside of the pod, sweat pouring out of his forehead while his cooling vest maintained a healthy core temperature.

His hands were still holding onto the bar in his cockpit when the heat shield jettisoned, the drag chute jerked him in the harness but stabilized his vector.  A new timer appeared in his HUD, time to land, the display screen was replaced with the Mech's own sensors displaying the darkened sky and rushing clouds.  He began to hear the wind blowing past his mech cooling off its armored skin as it plummeted to ground below, a synthetic voice was heard in helmet, his mech's DI computer “Prepare to take control, pilot.”      

Five hundred meters from the ground he put his mouthpiece in, detached the drag chute, and triggered his mech's Jump Jets.  The five fusion heated columns of air slowed his descent, acceleration pulled at him threatening to red-out him, and he landed rough but stayed upright.  His mech's legs absorbed most of the shock but it still jarred him. 

He spit the mouthpiece back out, “Status Report. All Call-signs. Put it on the console”

The square company of Fusiliers was scattered over two square kilometers, a few mechs took some damage in the fall but everyone was still online and ready to kick ass, “Good drop men, textbook example of a night op, move to the rally point.”   

“Rush-2 (piloting an Enforcer III), think they will honor you and Rush-3’s factory warranty?”
“I'll knock real nice, Headrush, don't think customer service is open these hours though”
“We'll just have to settle it with delivery then.”


The positioned themselves on a ridge-line near the Achernar Factory complex, the yellow sodium and bright white arc lights cast a glow as far as the eye could see.  Sporadic explosions and man-made lighting filled the area around the factory.  “Headrush to all, move to engage”

Roger’s Anvil crashed through a copse of trees followed by the rest of the company.  They hit the right flank of the 3rd Davion Guards hard who were already engaging portions of the 2nd Royal Cavaliers and 3rd Bolan Jaegers.  Missile and Autocannon fire cut through the air around them as the Federation Allies fought the rogue Guards unit.  The understrength Guards and Achernar Self-Defense Force were heavily engaged on all sides and collapsed into the Factory’s Outer Perimeter.  “This is Colonel Marsin, Status Report on all allied forces.”

“Hauptmann Deron of the 3rd Bolan Jaegers sir, we’re piloting near skeletons right now.  Going to evacuate and salvage the fallen to regroup.”

“Sounds good Hauptmann, how about the Cavaliers?”

“Captain Helm.  Sir, we lost our command group and have fifty percent mech losses, our armor and infantry are still good though, we held them in reserve.”

“I’m going to need your men Captain, we’ll have this facility flying the Gauntlet by sunrise.”

“Transferring codes Colonel.”

“Major Prescott here, good to have you back sir.”

“Aye Prescott, glad to have you watching my back.  You wouldn’t happen to have a Boomerang on the long range would you?”

“Afraid not sir, we will have to conduct recon in force.”

“My favorite Major, try not to break too many things with those tanks of yours.  The Archon-Princess already doesn’t want to see how much the repairs are going to be.”


Two companies of Filtvelt Fusilers backed by the 3rd Heavy Armor Battalion and the 479th Remagen Foot Infantry with a Company of Fenrirs from the 3rd Bolan Jaegers began their perilous hunter-killer operation. 

The Achernar Complex was vast and there were plenty of places for mechs to hide within and below.  It had been reinforced during the Third Succession War and there were bound to be traps, turrets, and ambushes positioned everywhere.

“All forces move out, keep your eyes peeled.”
 
06/11/3063 Location – Avalon Hulk FCS Hanse Davion

Archon-Princess Katherine Steiner-Davion and Princess Yvonne walking in to the Strategic Communications Room of the FCS Hanse Davion.  The “Press Room” as it come to be known did have a rather simple studio but it was the behind the scenes people that mattered.  Multiple monitors showed a huge amount of information condensed into simpler chunks showing trends but individuals could look deeper if they wished at the massive data stores being collected and collated. 

Some of the best LIC, LAAF, TRG, and TNGB Spin Doctors, SIGINT, and PSYOPS personnel were behind the scenes massaging facts, broadcasting to hijacked signals towers, flooding the airwaves with propaganda, and receiving intercepts or prisoner interrogations from groundside forces to transfer to the Command Teams aboard the Yggdrasil and Hanse Davion. 

They had been flooding the airwaves with what happened to Yvonne at the hands of Bishop Sortek and the Guards were increasingly coming apart and refusing to fight.  This was hopefully going to end soon as two weeks of fighting had dulled the Lyran Task Force and nearly annihilated half the Guards units.  The Lyrans could resupply having seized the factories on Brunswick as well as many depots groundside, regular shipments from Earthworks of Tikonov or the supply depots that Defiance and Coventry set up kept Katherine’s forces running.

“Anything new Obersh?”

“MIIO found Jackson Davion alive and are extracting him.  The Davion Light Guards have yielded to the Filtvelt Fusiliers and 2nd Royal Cavaliers, Colonel Marsin says he is quote ‘Going for a hat trick with the 4th’ whatever that means”

“Make sure to thoroughly debrief Jackson when he gets here and send my appreciation to Colonel Marsin and best of luck in Corbin.”

“Yes Maam”


Katherine sat behind a table nearby with a series of monitors on it.  Yvonne sat besides her looking intently at them, having never actually seen inside the Fox’s Den or Lyran equivalent Asgard instead leaving that to Jackson Davion and Bishop Sortek a mistake she would not repeat. 

“This is where the magic happens sister.  All of this is the best operational picture available to anyone.  I can see where all the forces are, what their resupply status is, how many drop-ships are on the ground, and from this terminal I can see which broadcasts were watched the most, the previews for the new ones, and most importantly what Bishop is doing and saying.  He’s outclassed, it is only a matter of time until his Davion Assault Guards fold as well, and then he has run out of allies.”

“What will you do then Kat?”

“Execute him for Treason if he lives through the battle, only him though, I’ll pardon everyone else and they will have to undergo a debriefing.  Some of them will still serve just in the militias and be put at the back of the line for supplies but many will be cashiered out and I won’t have to deal with them anymore, hopefully. 

Same thing I did when I seceded the Lyran Alliance from the Federated Commonwealth, there were many vocal officers that didn’t think I would do a good job or were hurt that I broke up their project.  I certainly never expected to be the head of a reformed one, I always though Arthur or Peter would. 

Pity really, they wanted the job, I just got stuck holding the bag.”

“I think it is in good hands”

“Thank you Yvonne, I hope the citizens of the Federated Suns agree.”


INN News Report

The death of former Prince’s Champion Bishop Sortek and the surrender of his remaining rogue commands has seen the end of the three week long Battle for New Avalon.  Yvonne Steiner-Davion abdicates her regency status and accepts the new mantle of Grand Duchess of the Periphery March.  The Privy Council quickly ratifies that the title of Princess-Regent is now Katherine Steiner-Davion’s. 

As the Ruler of both the Lyran Alliance and the Federated Commonwealth she through an act of the Estates General of Tharkad and Privy Council of New Avalon shall reverse with her first decree as Archon-Princess her first edict as Archon, Once again unifying the Lyran Alliance and Federated Commonwealth worlds under her rule.  Holding the titles Archon-Princess-Regent of the Federated Commonwealth and Duchess of Tharkad and New Avalon until a new contender for the Archon-Princeship is ready to take the title.  She will hold court on either New Avalon or Tharkad switching every year and empowering a representative to the other world to act in her stead.

The Lyran Task Force FALSE DAWN will begin to return to Lyran Space in two weeks where Dowager-Duchess Nondi Steiner holds court before her niece returns next year.  As her second act the Archon-Princess has demanded that Duke James Sandoval of Robinson immediately withdraw his forces from the Draconis Combine and then step down in favor of his son Tancred Sandoval who will become the new Duke of Robinson.


06/22/3063 02:29 Location – Office of the Archon-Princess, Castle Davion, New Avalon

The now official Archon-Princess Katherine walked into the First Prince's Office after spending nearly the entire night attending the gala that celebrated her Coronation.  She didn't have to wear the tacky sunvest as she was not really the First Prince and frankly abhorred the outfit.  The room had not been occupied for some time but had been kept clean by the castle staff as a token of respect for the late Hanse Davion.  His large court portrait adorning the wall opposite the window bathed in moonlight, Katherine stood before it, so many years had passed since she last was on New Avalon.

“Hello Father.  I am sorry that I have been away such a long time.  So many things have happened, but we will have plenty of time to catch up.  I'm not going anywhere soon...and neither are you. 

I promise to finish what you started.”


Archon-Princess Katherine Steiner-Davion, Decree #003, On the Fission of the Periphery March from the other Marches of the Federated Suns

The Periphery March shall encompass the regions known as the Woodbine, Filtvelt, June, Minette, Tsamma and Chirikof Operational Areas with the March Capital on Minette.

This new Periphery March shall be known as the Federation Outback and Grand Duchess Yvonne Melissa Steiner-Davion and heirs shall have it as their demesne in perpetuity.  10 Jaeger Pattern Units (LCT) and 3 Grenadier Pattern Units (HCT) shall be initially equipped for its defense drawing forces from the planetary militias and independent regiments operating in those areas with appropriate increases in funding for the Woodbine CTC, as well as the Kilbourne, Point Barrow, and Filtvelt Academies to train them.

06/24/3063 Location - First Prince's Office, Castle Davion, New Avalon

A man wearing a green dress uniform was shown past a series of LIC Diplomatic Guards each checking to ensure he was unarmed before allowing him closer to the newly coronated Archon-Princess Katherine.  He was ruggedly handsome, a veteran of multiple military campaigns, and former NAMA Rugby, Wrestling, and Boxing Champ but to the LIC he was a liability due to being a known (to them but not many others) Warrior Cabalist.  They had killed one First Prince before no reason to expect they might change.

Once inside the room he saw Katherine's gold shirt and ash blonde hair behind the rich wooden desk typing something into her computer terminal, a large and imposing portrait of Hanse Davion looking over her shoulder and right at him.

"Colonel Raymond Roger-Marsin of the Filtvelt Fusiliers reporting as ordered your Majesty"

"General Marsin please have a seat"


Momentarily confused he nevertheless did so taking a seat in one of the two chairs positioned in front of her desk facing her. "General?"

"You didn't get the memo?"

"No your Majesty."

"What about the one that said you would be made the Marquess of the June Theater?  or that you would be the first active Grenadier unit commander?"

"I'm afraid I didn't."


She spun the computer screen around to his service record, right there in black and white, Brigadier General Raymond Rogers-Marsin, Marquess of June, Commander of the 2nd Outback Legion HCT.  "You see I recognized you when I heard the name.  We both shared classes at NAIS, I believe you even made a few passes at me.  I never forget that."

"You certainly can't fault me for trying at the time.  Why all this?  it is a bit overwhelming to have so many new responsibilities thrust upon me."

"I trust you will manage them well.  That is why I am giving them to you.  You are a fine Warrior and I appreciate having men and women like you on my side."


Katherine pulled out two stars from her desk and passed them across the desk, "The paperwork will catch up of course.  You are dismissed Marquess-General Marsin"

AlphaMirage

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Re: My AU, Katherine, White Wolf of Ragnarok
« Reply #96 on: 27 January 2018, 01:47:47 »
11/16/3065 12:37 Location – Castle Davion Ballroom

Grand Duchess Yvonne and Archon-Princess Katherine were finishing up her birthday luncheon, the only day that Katherine allowed herself substantial time off pushing responsibilities of state off until the following day but requiring round the clock meetings up until a few days prior.  Multiple lower ranking dignitaries came and went, exchanging well wishes and only briefly asking for meetings to discuss events that concerned them at a later time. 

The higher ranking dignitaries would attend the Gala in the evening and have a more intimate and extended audience with the Sisters but were still expected to keep it short so as to not detract from the festivities.  With that they exited and left the set up for tonight in the capable hands of the Castle Staff.

Both walked to what was once the Princess-Regent’s office, now a conference room where discussions that were too large for the First Prince’s Office were handled.  Both retired to the richly upholstered coaches after a tiring period. 

Within 15 minutes Morgan popped excitedly out of the hidden passage that led to this room, giving Katherine a moment of surprise but unphasing Yvonne who was used to people popping out of the passage, she was carrying bag of cookies and offered one to Yvonne who took it.

Morgan exclaimed, “This place is amazing! I can get anywhere and scare people.  I saw your face mommy you were surprised.  I will never lose hide and seek again.  Why didn’t home have these?”

“They would give me a heart attack Morgan.  Why didn't you use the door; and where did you get those cookies?”

“They were just sitting on the baker’s rack in the kitchens.  I didn’t want them to get cold.” 


The little girl’s blue dress had signs of chocolate and crumbs across the pinafore and her face, her blonde hair was in a French braid fortunately still clean.  “I don’t suppose you grabbed napkins along with them.”

“I didn’t, I will remember next time.”
  Katherine looked like she was about to say something but stopped, instead grabbing a small towel from the coffee table and wetted it before rubbing it on Morgan’s face and hands to clean her off.  “I don’t think I was ever this big a mess.”

“That’s not how Dad remembered it.”


Picking Morgan up and sitting her next to her on the couch, Katherine playfully said, “Quiet sister, you will be a bad influence on my beloved daughter.  Mother was perfect sweetheart, don’t listen to your silly Aunt.”

Her cookies removed by her mother Morgan instead faced Yvonne, “Can you tell me a story about Grandpa?”

As Yvonne had spent the most time of any of the children with Hanse she had more than a few stories to tell though most were hazy by time’s passage and her own immaturity prior to his death.  They spent the rest of the afternoon together before Morgan had to report back to her tutor, being firmly told to change out of her messy dress, and then they were free to discuss personal matters again.

“Kat do you ever wonder what happened to Peter?”
“All the time, he left when I was on Gallery after Solaris.  I guess he just couldn’t handle the pressure anymore.”
“But so soon?  He was just getting started.”
“Wouldn’t you have run away were it an option?”
“I suppose so, I always thought that is why Victor made me Regent.  That never seemed fair, I hated him for a long time but recently decided to forgive him.  He was put in a tough position and tried to do the best he could, I guess.”
“As we all must, I hope wherever Peter is he is happy.  He would be welcomed if he ever decided to return, at the very least we would have our heavy burden split between the three of us.”
“Speaking of heavy burdens, I need help dealing with a very aggressive pirate band.”
“It will have to wait till tomorrow, we will summon the War Council and get their feedback on the matter.  I noticed it was one of action items you wished to discuss before you returned to Minette.”
“Thank You Katherine, I don’t really want to go back and leave you again.  I do appreciate the change in scenery but must return, you did give me the lion’s share of the Federated Suns to manage but at least I do so as The Grand Duchess not as a Regent whose every order must go through the machine downhill.

By the way, Morgan is delightful I will be sure to show her how to do all the mischievous things, so that you think of me when she misbehaves.”
“Are you sure that is the impression that you want to leave?”
“Very much so, I have spent two years at Point Barrow being a straight arrow I can't wait to mess with people again”


Katherine laid down on the couch putting her hand on her forehead, “Mercy please sister, both of you together might put an end of me.  The last thing she needs is to be taught more bad behavior, by a pro no less.  Think of the maids!”

"They lived through me and Arthur I'm sure they can manage."

Iron Grenadier

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Re: My AU, Katherine, White Wolf of Ragnarok
« Reply #97 on: 27 January 2018, 08:04:06 »

This new Periphery March shall be known as the Federation Outback and Grand Duchess Yvonne Melissa Steiner-Davion and heirs shall have it as their demesne in perpetuity.  10 Jaeger Pattern Units (LCT) and 3 Grenadier Pattern Units (HCT) shall be initially equipped for its defense drawing forces from the planetary militias and independent regiments operating in those areas with appropriate increases in funding for the Woodbine CTC, as well as the Kilbourne, Point Barrow, and Filtvelt Academies to train them.


My apologies if I've overlooked it, but what its the TO&E of the Grenadier Pattern Unit? Is the Jaeger Pattern like the canon LCT?

AlphaMirage

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Re: My AU, Katherine, White Wolf of Ragnarok
« Reply #98 on: 27 January 2018, 10:11:20 »
Basically it breaks down to

Jaeger Pattern (LCT)
1 Command Company of Mechs
2 Battalions Battlemechs
1 Aerospace Wing
6 Artillery Pieces [4 Thumpers/2 Snipers or 6 A4 Tanks (6 Vali/Chaparral or 3 Demolishers)]
2 Battalions Armor/Air Cavalry
1 Company Battle Armor/Infantry
1 Regimental Support Company

Everything should fit on 4 Collars, A Fortress, Overlord, Hercules, and Mule carried on a pair of Merchant Jumpers being the optimal arrangement, it will get you there and provide enough security to unload.  If they are being attached to a Warship the extra collars go to Assault or Carrier dropships.

Grenadier Pattern (HCT)
Double everything Jaeger
1 Additional Battalion of Battle Armor/Infantry (Total 6 Companies)
6 Additional Artillery Pieces (18 Total Units)
1 Extra Regimental Support Company (3 Total)
4 K-1 Dropshuttles
2 Planetlifter Planes

Everything should fit on 9 collars, so double Jaeger and add something like a Seeker/Conquistador/Colossus with three Invaders or a Monolith being the jumper.

They will be broken up and put into smaller company sized transports depending on the mission but for strategic mobility Battalion transports are key

DOC_Agren

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Re: My AU, Katherine, White Wolf of Ragnarok
« Reply #99 on: 27 January 2018, 13:31:41 »
Little Morgan will have a great teacher in her aunt Yvonne O0
"For the Angel of Death spread his wings on the blast, And breathed in the face of the foe as he passed:And the eyes of the sleepers waxed deadly and chill, And their hearts but once heaved, and for ever grew still!"

AlphaMirage

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Re: My AU, Katherine, White Wolf of Ragnarok
« Reply #100 on: 27 January 2018, 17:40:39 »
An old man walks a twisting path that draws him deeper into the mountains, a satchel carries his supplies for the long travel as he cannot wear a backpack with his missing arm and is too proud to wear its replacement.  His footsteps follow those of a younger man, more vital, just as conflicted when he walked this path last.  The brilliant white sun beats heavily upon his tanned and scarred skin with only momentary respite from rock formations or the hardy thorny plants that call this place home. 

He has prepared for all the hazards that he barely survived last time he walked in this desolate place.  Upon the path he finds bones long picked by scavengers, just like life not everyone that sought out their destination would make it there but they were honored to have walked it.  He gathered the remains and piled rocks upon them as a cairn, many such monuments lined the path he walked, a constant reminder of his own mortality which drew closer by the day.  So many people he had known had already succumb before their time falling short of what the aspired to become.

As he progressed the path become more difficult rockier, narrower, and steeper the wind howled seeking to throw him into the vast chasm that lie beside him but he persevered, his boots scraped across the sharp tan stones his left hand steadied him.  This was not a path that an old man should walk and return from yet his fate lie at the other end and he mustered the stamina to press forward aware of the pitfalls that lie in the road this time.  Suffering from the great trials he walked through the final passage, it was dark and fearful, the wind outside howled and filled the chamber with wicked screeches and howls.  The path grew darker, more difficult to follow as it cut a serpentine passage through the dark and damp stones.

Soon he found the light, no longer being force to follow the pale illumination of his lantern.  He walked out and saw a verdant paradise, hearing birdsong, the bleating of sheep, and the steady calm sound of the waterfall that provided all the moisture that the valley required.  The path eased, a well-trodden gently sloping ribbon of gravel and small stones that he followed.  He passed through a strand of bamboo and a grove of hardy nut and fruit trees that overflowed with nature’s bounty grabbing an apricot from its branches. 

Here the weather was steady, partly cloudy, and cooler than the path he traveled before, the tops of mountains lost in the mist.  The man grabbed a handful of berries from a bush by the roadside, their flavor was sweet, just as he remembered.  Stopping by a stone basin he worked the pump handle with his left hand, cool clean water flowed out and he dunked his empty canteen into it and drank greedily, relieved that his journey was nearing its end.

As he drew closer to the other side of the valley he noticed people, some he recognized many more were new, all were here for the same reason.  A village of hovels stood at the base of a stone ridge visible throughout the small valley, the stone had been carved like that of Terra’s Cappadocia that he had witnessed long ago, a rare moment of awe in his impressive life.  He walked forward with renewed vigor asking the people of the village for a name, “Peter”, none knew the man he spoke of or refused to answer.

Discouraged after a long quest he walked up the narrow steps and turned, he knew the way and his body followed his mind.  At the end of his travel he arrived at a cell cut into the stone where another old man sat watching out the window.  Unwilling to disturb him the man walked and took a seat on the rough hewn bench placing his bag at his side, grateful for the break.

The older man paused and turned, he was wizened man his arms and legs were lean but gnarled, his garb was simple robes of coarse fabric hand-sewn and durable, his sandals were hanging by the door.  The younger man spoke first, “Brother Giles”, but was interrupted, “Brother Kell, have you finally decided to join us?”

Grand Duke Morgan Kell paused, he could but he felt there was a more pressing need for him to remain.  His heirs were not yet ready, Phelan still needed structure and guidance, Caitlin needed more time to grow into her position.  “No Abbot, I am looking for Peter Steiner-Davion”
“What will you do when you find him?”
“The Lyran Commonwealth needs an Archon”
“Does it not have one, Duke Kell?”
“It needs a new one!”
“Does it now, why?”
“Damn you Giles!  Katherine killed Salome and Melissa”
, he paused again, “She took my arm and almost killed me too”
“Are you not a soldier Morgan?  A soldier must always be willing to lay down his life if need be, you should always approach War with Peace.”
“Giles, Peter needs to fulfill his duty!  He is the only one with a better claim now that Victor and Arthur are dead.”
“Yet he refused to stand up and fight for it. Brother Peter never wanted to be Archon, he walks his own path now as we all must”
“Where is he?  I have to speak with him, I need his help.”
“I do not know where he is.  I am afraid I haven’t seen or heard anything from him in three years.”

AlphaMirage

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Re: My AU, Katherine, White Wolf of Ragnarok
« Reply #101 on: 28 January 2018, 20:11:25 »
08/17/3063 05:05 Location – Point Barrow Military Academy, Point Barrow

The Point Barrow Military Academy was a far cry from Albion or NAMA, it was a rough place filled with unpolished but proud people.  As the largest military academy in her new Outback and responsible for a many exceptional infantry and armor.  It graduates didn’t expect glamorous assignments when they graduated but morale was high and they always delivered.  The buildings were rough and old, kept in decent condition mostly by the student corps as the funding was never there. 

The new attention granted to the Outback under Katherine had given all the Outback Academies a shot in the arm as they exchanged instructors with NAMA, AMA, and as far away as the Nagelring and Sanglamore.  Capacity at Point Barrow, Filtvelt, Woodbine, and Kilbourne was being built and filled as quickly as could be managed without sacrificing quality as they were the highest education institutes in a region sorely lacking in them. 

Grand Duchess Yvonne had enrolled in the PBMA program to show just how far she was willing to go for the people of the Outback and the Commonwealth.  It had been her choice to take the hard way while her future home planet Minette and the Outback Legions were set up for her.  She had almost died already, anything else should be easy.  Even if she labored under the current 1.25 gravities and the past months of privation at the beginning of the year.

“Cadet Yvonne Steiner-Davion step forward!” yelled Drill Sergeant Thomson

Yvonne stepped forward in her Khaki cadet uniform ‘Yvonne’ in black print stenciled letters, auburn hair cut shoulder length, “Cadet, I want you to know that I am not going to go easy on you just because your sister and you pay the bills, understand.”

“Yes Drill Sergeant!”

“Good.  Attention all other cadets! Yvonne is not the Grand Duchess here, she is a cadet just like you.  She signed up to be treated the same, I expect you to do just that, understood.”

“Yes Drill Sergeant!”

“Cadet, return to the formation,”
Yvonne stepped back, “fooorm up, Left Face, mooove out”

11/29/3063 15:29 Commandant Keyes Office

Cadet Yvonne Steiner-Davion is standing while Commandant Keyes remains seated behind the metal desk filled with paperwork and stale coffee in his cup, “You are doing quite well in your first couple of months here Cadet, someone with your education should move quickly through our academic assessments and since you already hold an active Rotary Wing License you are far ahead of the curve to be an Air Cavalry Pilot, you might even have a chance to get some maintenance classes in and I expect you to take that opportunity if it is available. 

However your physical fitness and basic combat skills are lacking.  We let it slide because you scored high enough on the initial assessment but you must measure up before graduation.  You have a large gap to improve upon if you are to reach your potential in your aggressive time-frame.”

“How may I fix that sir?  I’m here to learn and improve.  Whatever it takes.”

“I like your enthusiasm Cadet, I’ve assigned another Cadet to bring you up to speed on these skills.  It might save your life or the lives of your unit so I trust you will pay attention to him, Cadet Stone please enter.”


An imposing man with black hair and tanned skin wearing the same Khaki uniform as Yvonne entered the doorway, “Cadet Devlin Stone reporting for duty Sir.”

“Cadet Stone meet Cadet Steiner-Davion.”


The two Cadets stood side by side before the Commandant’s desk hands behind their backs,
“We are allowed a large amount of creative leeway here at Point Barrow so both of you will work together, your weaknesses compliment the other’s strengths.  There are only so many professional instructors on site, we have to make due with our limited resources, and that includes our cadet class, if you have the right skills you get promoted to student instructor.  Especially considering we are due to be busy for a while if my funding projections are correct. 

Yvonne Devlin needs some tutoring, he’s an Outback lad with only a basic education but solid physical skills suitable for his chosen MOS, Armored Infantry, he has a lot of spit but could use some polish. 

Devlin Yvonne needs a trainer and additional instruction in personal combat skills, apparently she skipped her dancing and fencing classes as a youth, bring her up to speed so she can fight and fly. 

You will both be on course to graduate at the same time if you can pass muster. 

Dismissed!”


They saluted and walked away back to the Barracks, each looked at the other and in unison said, “So where do we start?”

02/21/3064 23:47 Patrick Kell Memorial Gymnasium

The Patrick Kell Gym was added by Melissa Steiner-Davion as the most high tech training space outside of NAMA.  The late Archon-Prince had been the only ruler to give the much neglected Point Barrow Academy much of anything because she was an infantry officer rather than a Mechwarrior.  That why Yvonne chose here, the Outback was hers now and she had something to prove to everyone including herself.

She ran through the stations for the High Interval Training again and again until overcome with exhaustion.  When she finally threw in the towel, Devlin was there with a stop watch and bottle of water.

“Good improvement Yvonne, that was thirty seconds faster than last month”
“Thirty seconds! augh, that doesn't seem like a long time”
“There were more stations this time.  Didn't you notice?”
“I didn't, it was all just a blur.  How are you feeling about the math test tomorrow?”
“Much more confident thank you.”
“We make a pretty good team, the Commandant choose wisely.  If you don't mind I am going to get a shower and then go to bed.  I'll see you tomorrow Devlin.”


07/06/3065 13:00 Location – Point Barrow Academy Parade Grounds

Yvonne had spent nearly two years on Point Barrow and had never been happier or more in shape, with Devlin's help she had managed to meet the physical assessments and had tested out of many academic classes having only to work through military ones. The two of them made a good team and she was working her way through Advanced Training typically be offered only to more senior cadets. 

She still had to go to pilot training but mostly as a trainer not a student having three years of experience flying helicopters already.  The only classes she needed to take were the advanced ones for maneuvers no civilian chopper pilot would ever be allowed to do lest the Planetary Aviation Boards take their license away. 

She had been cleared and trained on VTOL in the AFFC and even some captured Clan models.  Point Barrow had no simulators only the real thing and that increased the danger and resulting prestige significantly.  Failure was not an option; damaged equipment, injury, or death could and did happen every year, everything was live fire with low powered but very real rounds being fired back, it was as close to clan training as the AFFC would allow and that is why they are the best.

All 4000 Cadets formed up on the Parade Grounds in their green dress uniforms, The 500 Cadre Instructors were standing facing them.  Many thousands more were sitting on bleachers around the Grounds.  Commandant Keyes stood onstage behind the podium with Federated Suns General of the Armies Jameston Gaston at his side, both of their uniforms bright with ribbons and brass, “Student Company 3065 Alpha Form Up!” 800 Cadets stepped forward including Yvonne and Devlin.

“Point Barrow is not an easy school to endure, I’ve made sure of that.  Still you have all exceeded my expectations as every class before you has, our next class of Cadets and the Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth get better, tougher, stronger, and smarter every year because of you.

We build upon our past experiences and the citizens of this great Empire are still the finest in the Universe.  The AFFC is honored to have such exceptional men and women filling it's ranks.  I know that you will uphold that honor and I wish you will a long and fulfilling period of service.

It is my greatest pleasure to have known you all.  Company step forward to receive your certificates.”


After receiving her degree Yvonne, her new friends Kim, Grace, Devlin, and Andrew as well as Nikolai Vasiliev and the now retired Generals Jackson Davion and Ardan Sortek drink it up at the Breaking Point Saloon just off Academy grounds with the rest of the graduates.  Nikolai hands her a verigraph, “Katherine unfortunately sends her regrets Grand Duchess, she really wanted to be here, but is on the other side of the Universe unable to escape her duties.  Her comments to me were and I quote ‘I wish she wasn’t so damn smart and graduated early.  I was going to give the commencement speech’ she will be back on New Avalon come November.”

She takes the envelope tearfully, “At least I know she tried to get here, I wish my brothers and parents were still around.”

Devlin put his large hand on her shoulder, “I’m sure they would be proud of you Yvonne, we all are.”

VhenRa

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Re: My AU, Katherine, White Wolf of Ragnarok
« Reply #102 on: 28 January 2018, 21:50:54 »
6 Artillery Pieces [4 Thumpers/2 Snipers or 6 A4 Tanks (6 Vali/Chaparral or 3 Demolishers)]
6 Additional Artillery Pieces (18 Total Units)

Artillery is odd from a BT perspective. From a real-world perspective it's correct but most of our descriptions of artillery in BT tend to be organised in tank/mech pattern organisation IIRC. (IE: 4 Guns, 12 Guns, 36 Guns).

mikecj

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Re: My AU, Katherine, White Wolf of Ragnarok
« Reply #103 on: 28 January 2018, 23:25:58 »
Nice piece about Stone there
There are no fish in my pond.
"First, one brief announcement. I just want to mention, for those who have asked, that absolutely nothing what so ever happened today in sector 83x9x12. I repeat, nothing happened. Please remain calm." Susan Ivanova
"Solve a man's problems with violence, help him for a day. Teach a man to solve his problems with violence, help him for a lifetime." - Belkar Bitterleaf
Romo Lampkin could have gotten Stefan Amaris off with a warning.

AlphaMirage

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Re: My AU, Katherine, White Wolf of Ragnarok
« Reply #104 on: 29 January 2018, 11:27:16 »
Night of Long Knives

07/17/64 23:17 Location – Imperial Palace, Luthien

Two Otomo Infantry walk the perimeter of the Palace of Summer Winds, Keeper of Family Honor Omiko Kurita's residence, their Magna laser rifles at the ready, swords at their side, heads on a swivel.  A sound came from above, both men looked up and two others wearing night camouflage came up behind them and drew a Kama across their throats.  Six others moved silently over the walls and dragged the bodies into the bushes.  The Leader of the Eight Shinobi formed an impromptu huddle signing to the others, 'You two find Isis Marik and Sun-Tzu's bastard.  You four kill everyone else in the palace.  Izagi and I will kill Omiko.  The Black Dragon's message to the Coordinator will be written in their blood as punishment for his dishonor.'  The eight split into four two man teams and quietly infiltrated the traditional Japanese residence blades at the ready.

23:22

Isis Marik and Kitsune Kurita (KSD) were returning from watching the meteor shower in the gardens, she held a small diffuse lantern both wearing their night clothes. “That was fun Isis-san.  Do you think I will ever go to space?”

“I'm sure you will.  The stars up there aren't nearly as pretty though but shh... we have to sneak back in or your mother might be angry you were late.”


He nodded as they passed through the gate, there was a dark stain on the deck and Isis got closer putting her finger into it. 

Blood.

Isis said “no” under her breath, Kitsune drew closer, “What is it?” 
“Blood,”
Isis put her hand over his mouth before he could say anything else, his blue-green eyes wide, and his face blanched till it was as white as the clothes he was wearing.  “Kit, I need you to be really brave.  Run quickly to wake the Otomo, tell them we are under attack.”

A moment passed as the realization struck home, Isis removed her hand from his mouth, “What are you going to do?”

“I am going to help,” she whispered urgently, “go.”  Kitsune ran off into the garden and Isis unsheathed the Wakizashi at her side kicking off her wooden sandals and moving into the residence as quietly as possible.

23:25 Isis' Room

The Black Dragons crept slowly across the corridor leading to it opening the sliding door leading to Isis' room as quietly as possible.  The woman's room was spartan consisting of a built in desk, futon, Chinese style chest, and shelf which held a variety of keepsakes from her travels but little else to her name.  The two men entered and checked the futon and closet, they didn't find their target, one of the them settled against the fabric wall, signing 'Where is the whore and her son'

The other put his weapon on his belt, 'Maybe she is with the whole Otomo'

'They must keep her around for some reason, I like exotic imports too...'
  just then a sword tip pierced the fabric wall right through his heart.  Isis stepped out from the door and was upon the other man before he could ready his weapon stabbing him repeatedly.  “bastards,” she grabbed her spear and jitte, “hang in there Omi, I'm coming to help.”

Omi's Room

'Creak

Omiko Kurita snapped awake, she was a light sleeper, a necessary trait considering her clan and profession.  She looked over at the clock 23:21, no one should be up at this hour, she grabbed her Kaiken and opened her futon but feigned sleep.  She couldn't hear Kitsune breathing and said a quick prayer that he would be late for once, she didn't want anything to happen to him.

Izagi and Hiroshi were on their highest guard, Omiko Kurita may be a woman but she was a Kurita first and they should never be underestimated.  Two futons were in the room, they paused, only one was expected, but they both knew she was the main target and their swords were ready to strike.  Izagi quietly occupied the only exit from the room while Hiroshi came within striking range his blade poised over her. 

He breathed out to strike but Omi rolled out of her futon slashing his leg tendons with her knife then rising with the blade thrusting into the man's lower jaw into his brain with her palm behind causing a sickly crack.  Izagi was momentarily taken by surprise as she charged him, disarming and hip throwing him before stabbing him with his own sword. 

Omi returned to her first victim ripping his mask off, she recognized his face from O5P files, Black Dragon Society.  She grabbed a Tanto, Naginata, and Katana from the wall holders putting the blades into her belt and left the room almost running into Isis, both women had their weapons out and almost skewed one another. “Omi you're alive, I was afraid I was to late”

“You shouldn't be here, where is Kit?”
“He's getting the Otomo”
“We have to go now”


Just then the alarm blared but a Shinobi found them and he wasn't sneaking anymore. “Get them!  Before the guards come.”

“Run!”


23:28

Both women ran threw the narrow corridors dropping their pole-arms along the way, attempting to trip up their pursuers.  They were corralled into the central courtyard by the attackers the worst terrain when outnumbered two to one.  The four attackers exited the residence and into the courtyard their clothes and blades covered in the blood of the innocent servants that tended the residence.  Two wielded Kusari-gama, the others wielded Katanas, Omi and Isis had their own weapons unsheathed as their foes moved to the compass points.

Omi and her sword-wielding foe kept close while they attempted to get better positioning to make the one killing strike a wary eye toward his chain wielding partner.  Isis stood ready with her jitte and wakizashi facing her swordsman.  In a moment Omi threw her dagger into the Sickle wielding Shinobi to her side but felt the other one wrap his chain around her foot dragging her down.

Isis caught the swordsman's blade with her Jitte's hook and thrust her short sword deep into him while he held her firm in his death throes.  Omi flipped over with an expert slash across her opponent's belly but was now defenseless against the remaining foe who was unimpeded by the grappled Isis. “NOO!! OMI”

The final standing foe slashed into the defenseless woman with his sickle before Isis broke free and stabbed him in the back.  Omiko Kurita was mortally wounded and Isis was poised directly over her on her knees eyes awash in tears, “I'm so sorry Omi”

Omi was coughing up blood but kept her perfect composure even as she lie dying, “Take care of Kitsune, imoutosan”

23:32

Otomo Guards ran through the doors to the courtyard rifles ready, they occupied the corners and doors shouting.  Following them was Coordinator Theodore Kurita himself still in his sleeping clothes but wielding his Katana with Kitsune following close behind.  The Tai-i reported in, “The palace is clear, the attackers killed the servants and guards.  We found four unknown bodies in your daughter and Isis' room.”

“Police the bodies, if any of them still live make sure they do.” 
“Hai, Coordinator”
   

The Coordinator sheathed his sword and walked forward pausing five steps from Omi's body and an unaware Isis.  The Otomo were removing the bodies of the attackers around him.

“Isis Marik”

Isis stopped crying for a moment to hear her name said by the Coordinator quickly turning and bowing, her bloody blonde head remained down.

“Yes Coordinator-sama”
“What happened here?”
“We were attacked, I failed to protect her.”


He paused for a moment before looking over toward his dead daughter with more than a few tears in his eyes.  Stepping in front of a nearly distraught Kitsune, he still said nothing and it increasingly panicked Isis.

“Don't cast me out, I have nowhere else to go.  I would rather perform Jigai.”

Theodore was caught by surprise but Isis didn't see it still facing the ground, “Do you know what you are asking?”

“I do, my mistress is dead because of me.  Please allow me to perform Jigai and save her honor even if I couldn't save her life.”
“This isn't just about you and Omiko, Isis Marik.  What will I tell your father when he finds out?”
“I will make a tape telling him you didn't force me to die. I made the choice and I should bear the shame alone.”
  She almost didn't make the last sentence out due to the crying,  “Please don't make me go back to him in disgrace.”
“If that is truly what you wish I will allow you the ritual but only after I have told you to strike will you do so and not a moment before.  Do you understand?”
“Hai, Coordinator-sama”

The Coordinator called a Chu-i from the Otomo with orders to take Isis Marik to a room for her to prepare, and watch her ensuring that she has no blades nearby.
“Isis Marik, Franklin will summon you when we are ready, until then make peace with yourself.  You will have until dawn.”

05:53

Isis Marik had bathed and redressed in a white outfit and spent her last hours deep in thought, she had made the tape to send to Atreus it was sitting on the table near here with a cup of tea.  Still in seiza she heard the door open, Franklin Sakamoto arrived similarly dressed with his sword on his hip, “It is time”

Isis and Franklin walked through the palace before arriving near a teak dais at the head of the Imperial Gardens, Luthien's sun was just under the horizon.  A single Kaiken dagger, Omiko's having been pulled from the head of her attacker and returned to it's sheath, and a measure of cord lie upon it.  Theodore and a red eyed Kitsune the only other attendees.  Isis took her position on the dais and bound her legs together using the traditional knots that Omi had taught her.  Franklin stood behind her with his Katana reflecting the faint light coming from the east, poised to strike were she to attempt to flee.  Theodore and Kitsune sat opposite her the boy trying to hide behind his Grandfather's shoulders and not see what was going to happen to the woman he loved the most now that his mother had died.  “Remember Isis Marik, do not strike until after I tell you to, understand.”
“Yes Coordinator, I understand and am prepared to do as you order”
“Ready the blade”


Isis grabbed the sheath and withdrew the recently cleaned and polished steel blade, putting the sheath in her lap.  The blade was positioned over her left shoulder pointing towards her neck.

And she waited

ckosacranoid

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Re: My AU, Katherine, White Wolf of Ragnarok
« Reply #105 on: 29 January 2018, 15:29:53 »
When did Isis leave the caps and why when she was married and how did she end up becoming samurai with the ways she wishs to end her life? what happened to Omi's child or Isis child from what I read in this chapter?

AlphaMirage

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Re: My AU, Katherine, White Wolf of Ragnarok
« Reply #106 on: 29 January 2018, 16:49:09 »
When did Isis leave the caps and why when she was married and how did she end up becoming samurai with the ways she wishs to end her life? what happened to Omi's child or Isis child from what I read in this chapter?

isis left the Confederation at the beginning of the St Ives War after Sun Tzu kicked her out, realizing that Thomas Marik was stringing him along.  Instead Naomi Centrella took her place and the Magestrix is far more accommodating than the Captain-General.  Remember Victor is dead (in my AU) at this time, he didn't make it back from the Home Worlds (killed by Khan Osis) to provide her someplace else to call home after Omi is killed (much cooler than in canon).

Unwilling to return to Atreus after realizing that her father was just using her against the Chancellor, Isis instead goes to Luthien to live with her friend Omiko.  The woman taking a personal interest in her after the distressing breakup and near death experience and not having many other friends (being a spymistress and all).

Kitsune is still Victor and Omi's kid but because of Kurita paranoia (intelligence?) she is supposed to keep her bastard son hidden and far away until he can kill people himself.  Instead of doing that (because she loved Victor and Kitsune is all she has left of him) Omi and Isis conceived of a way to get past those safeguards spreading the rumor that Kitsune (despite his name meaning "Fox" in Japanese) is actually Sun-Tzu and Isis' bastard son.  Both Isis and Victor have blonde hair and blue eyes and the timing is close enough that it could be true.  It would also explain why she was banished from the Confederation and welcomed by the Combine.  Other rumors are that Teddy is holding her as leverage against Thomas and Sun-Tzu to tow the Kapetyn line since the Federated Commonwealth is still a threat to them all, because it is run by a power crazed madwoman.

As for why she is willing to end her life; She doesn't want to go back to the Free Worlds League after spending nearly half her life out of it and is without purpose or allies.  If she gets banished again where will she go?  She doesn't have the resources or will to start over so she would rather die than be rejected again (spending any amount of time in the Kurita court makes one a little crazy).

ckosacranoid

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Re: My AU, Katherine, White Wolf of Ragnarok
« Reply #107 on: 29 January 2018, 20:08:11 »
Thank you for explains what is going on. If nothing else, she was asked to raise Kat, so if nothing else, she should honor a dying women's last request if nothing else. but to each their own then.

DOC_Agren

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Re: My AU, Katherine, White Wolf of Ragnarok
« Reply #108 on: 30 January 2018, 00:21:05 »
Interesting change to Isis story as well
"For the Angel of Death spread his wings on the blast, And breathed in the face of the foe as he passed:And the eyes of the sleepers waxed deadly and chill, And their hearts but once heaved, and for ever grew still!"

AlphaMirage

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Re: My AU, Katherine, White Wolf of Ragnarok
« Reply #109 on: 30 January 2018, 08:24:49 »
02/18/3064 17:32 Location – Little Tom's Gap, Serenity, Far Looker Colonies

A kneeling man wearing a red jumpsuit and black cooling vest grabs a fistful of dirt from a hill overlooking a ruined hamlet.  Slowly letting it go he watches as each particle drifts in the wind joining the smoke from the still smoldering wreckage.  A woman’s voice comes from behind almost lost in a gust, “You can’t save them all Peter”

Still looking at the wreckage, “I would like to save at least one Daphne.  These people have nothing left and we can do no more for them.”

The man turned to face his second, Daphne Vonn dressed in the same uniform, and both Knights of Randis looked out over the ruined village mournfully.  “The Far Looker Elders will want to speak with you about the next step.”

“They know what the next step will be, I’ll catch up to you...just give me a moment.”
“I know that moment will take several hours Peter, the Nocturnes will be out before you return to town.  I’m staying until you decide to leave.”
“You know me to well.  Very well we will head out, I can’t do anything more here, though I hate being the bearer of bad news.”
“It seems to be the only news these days.” 


The pair walked back across the badlands, the terraforming wasn’t taking on this planet, grass was dying, animals and people sickened by unknown pathogens, and the pirates had damaged or stolen most of the equipment making the already marginal colony non-viable.  Both of them boarded their respective Battlemechs eager to leave failure behind.

“How do you like your new Warhammer?”
“It is very different than my Jagermech but reminds me of the one my grandmother owned.”
“Why do you never tell me about your family?”
“I’d like to keep some things secret.  Can we please speak of different matters?”


The two Mechs walked for several hours until the sunset and the Warhammer and Marshal’s shoulder lights turned on illuminating the ground before them until they could see the blinking red lights of their Dropship in the night.  They returned the Mechs to their places in the Trojan Azure Knight, a dirty yellow and black Powerman X Haulermech and a tan Rock Hound ProspectorMech opposite them.

The rigging wasn’t combat worthy but it was sturdy enough and held the Mechs upright so the squire techs and their assistants could work safely.  Dismounting the Knights climbed down the ladder and walked past the securely strapped crates, drums, and containers that filled the cargo bay.  A pair of Pit Bull Trucks were parked neatly in an area marked by orange spray paint.  The bay was unoccupied and they could smell dinner, it smelled like another creative interpretation by their Captain Rodriguez.

As they walked into the staff room and placed their cooling vests in the lockers a local man entered, “Sir Peter, the Elders have called a meeting, they would like you to attend.”

“I will join them at once, bring the truck around Barnaby.”


Barnaby left the two of them in the dimly lit room, “Would you like to come Daphne?”

The woman took off her neuro-helmet revealing her pixie cut brown hair, “I’m going to get something to eat but don’t be long, I’ll be waiting for your return.”  The two kissed and she left for the crew deck.

“I will be rushing back then.”  Peter checked his pistol and knife closing his locker before walking out toward an idling Bulldog cargo truck. 

During the hour long ride to Serenity Town he was thinking hard on the next step, he was a graduate of the Nagelring some random pirates shouldn’t be showing him up. There had to be a pattern to the attacks, the MO was always the same but he could never predict their next target.  If he had a proper unit they could conduct recon and find their base, but it was just him and Daphne and even if they could find it they couldn't defend the town and attack the bandits at the same time.

Damn!  He was trying to help colonies who seemed beyond help but he was failing, again, and getting angry.  He needed to get one step ahead but it was difficult when you weren’t sure who you were fighting.  So lost in thought that he barely noticed they had stopped until Barnaby tapped him on the shoulder.  “We’re here sir.”

The two men exited the truck and Peter watched the townsfolk enter the humble stone church.  The whole of Serenity Town was prefabricated with most residences and outbuildings being little more than Yurts or other simple structures meant to be easily transported across the stars and assembled easily.  The locals had built a stone church showing they were here for the long stay and it made him feel worse about what was going to happen next.

Peter walked past the gathering crowd who were gossiping among themselves and into the church, it was a simple and rough place and the deafening buzz was silenced when he walked in.  The town priest stood behind the lectern wearing his black vestments, his gray hair and beard long, his fellow two elders below and in front of him, with an empty chair set aside.  Peter walked down the aisle and felt eyes upon him every step of the way before sitting down at the empty chair.

Father Michael projected his voice to the back of the church, he had been a priest his entire life and was comfortable in this setting.  Far more so than Elder Wilson or Juan who while gifted leaders did not have quite the same charisma. “Fellow colonists I bring bad news.  We will have to abandon Serenity.”  All gathered knew it was bad when all three Elders were in attendance but none expected that.  A man in the third row rose up, “We can persevere Michael as we always have. My grandfather was one of the first colonists on this planet I can’t abandon his legacy or that of my Father.  Serenity is the only home I’ve known.”

“No Thomas we must.  Sir Peter Focht has done all he can for us but with the loss of the pumping station at Little Tom Gap we cannot continue the project.”


Another man stood up, “How do we know he didn’t just work with the pirates to steal it?  That he won’t just meet up with them later and sell it on Tortuga.  How else would the Knights have so much money?  Perhaps he intends to sell us into his cult, as slaves.”

“Hold your tongue Edger! I will not have you making baseless accusations against honorable men or spreading dreadful rumors.  We must now decide where we will go.”


Peter stood up, “I am sorry to have failed you all, I did what I could to protect Serenity from the bandits that stalk its badlands.  Randis Four is willing to provide you a fresh start, a Brotherhood ship is due to arrive next month.  You can consolidate and pack up your goods for transport there, everyone should be able to fit on our dropships.”

A woman from the back yelled out, “What if we don’t trust you or your Order, oh Knight of Randis?”

Before Peter could respond Elder Michael shouted back, “Josephine, what have the Knights done to wrong you so?  Our next best choice is Erod’s Escape and we would have to pay our way there, Randis asks for nothing, if we are to live we must leave.”

The gathered town worked through the pros and cons with Peter answering their questions about Randis IV honestly but refusing to give them a hard sell lest they think it was a trap. 

Finally with a show of hands Serenity voted to leave and go to Randis with Peter vouching for them upon arrival.

DOC_Agren

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Re: My AU, Katherine, White Wolf of Ragnarok
« Reply #110 on: 30 January 2018, 15:23:13 »
I can see Peter going this way...  does Anastasius also exist?
"For the Angel of Death spread his wings on the blast, And breathed in the face of the foe as he passed:And the eyes of the sleepers waxed deadly and chill, And their hearts but once heaved, and for ever grew still!"

AlphaMirage

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Re: My AU, Katherine, White Wolf of Ragnarok
« Reply #111 on: 30 January 2018, 23:57:53 »
I can see Peter going this way...  does Anastasius also exist?

He does, retires along the canon timeline but a COMSTAR Army Commander takes the place of Victor as Precentor Martial though Gavin Dow is still gunning for the position.
Amusingly Peter is unaware of his true identity (if I remember correctly he only told Victor) and there is no way Anastasius would ever be made aware that someone is using his fake last name on the other side of the universe.  Peter is a common enough name that he didn't fell any need to change it.

Back to the Story

07/18/64 06:00 Location – Imperial Gardens, Luthien

Isis still was kneeling on the teak stage poised to stab Omi’s knife into her neck thus absolving the shame of her friend’s death in the pre-dawn light.  Theodore and a tearful Kitsune still watching with Franklin Sakamoto standing behind her sword drawn.  She breathed deep waiting for the Coordinator to give the command and end her life but it didn’t come.

“Isis Marik, Halt”
“What?”
“Return the knife to its scabbard.  You will not die this day.”
“But you said”
“and You said you would only strike after I told you to and I am not going to give that command today or ever.  Franklin sheath your sword.”
  Tai-Sa Sakamoto returned his Katana to its scabbard, Isis could hear the blade return home.  Her own was still bared though lowered while she processed what was going to happen.
“But I don’t want to go back.”
“And you won’t have to, I was never going to banish you.  My daughter died fighting my enemies, the only shame from her death is mine for failing her as a Sovereign and father.  I grieve her and will pick her bones from the ashes this morning before beginning to avenge her by the afternoon. 

Her life and honor is satisfied without your blood.  My grandson Kitsune needs someone who cares about him and I cannot overrule my daughter when it comes to her son.  You have shown great courage putting your life at risk three times on her behalf without being called to it.   

Sheath the dagger and enjoy your life, Isis.  I wish you a long and fulfilling one.”
“I can stay?”
“You will always be welcomed here, my daughter was right to put her trust in you. I am sorry to have made you suffer and for being a fool to think Omiko would pick a poor companion.”

Isis’ eyes were pouring tears as she sheathed Omi’s Kaiken, Theodore and Franklin left her alone to watch the sun rise over the gardens and Kitsune embraced her as the sun crested the horizon and poured warm golden light over them.

07/22/3064 08:02 Location – Takashi Kurita Memorial Spaceport, Luthien

Coordinator Theodore Kurita, Isis Marik, and Kitsune stood at the foot of an Outworlds Alliance flagged Danais Dropship at the Kurita family terminal of the Spaceport.  Tai-Sa Franklin Sakamoto was outside on the ramp in front of a Yakuza crew all of whom were wearing drab utility clothing.

“As I said before you are always welcome in the Combine Isis-san but I must first clean the house.  I will have to tell everyone else that you have been banished but Franklin will help get you to wherever you desire.  You will be in good hands, I have given you access to a series of accounts tied to my daughter to provide for your needs.  If you need anything else ask.”

Taking a Daishi from an attending guard’s hands and giving them to Isis, looking at his grandson,
“Kitsune, you are the son of Omiko Kurita and Victor Steiner-Davion.  You will do great things someday.  These swords are yours, when you are willing to return and wield them with good faith and skill you will be ready to claim your birthright.  Your father was a great and noble man, a skilled and courageous soldier, your mother a wise and gifted woman, you are blessed with a faithful guardian.  I am proud of you already and you are only just beginning.  If I am not here when you return remember all I have told you.  I wish both of you Good Fortune.”

02/17/3065 11:04 Location – Sharpsburg Spaceport, Antietam

A thirty something blonde woman stands in front of the gray counter in a busy spaceport while other people in various attire are doing the same, the Cog (a Danais trading Small Craft for 50 Quarters) Dropship Liner, Spring Breeze III, having recently landed on Antietam. The Federation Commonwealth Customs & Immigration officials behind the counters looking over sheaves of papers from the various travelers.
 
“Ms. Ruiz you are cleared to leave.  The train to Rockport will leave tomorrow at oh seven hundred, upon reaching your destination you will meet up with your local sponsor to be transported to Grenway.  The Ministry of Education has provided you and your son with a room at the Azimuth hotel tonight, shuttle leaves every half hour from Terminal C.  Do you need assistance with your luggage?”
“Thank you Sir, I would like some assistance please.”
“I will ring the porter, you just missed the shuttle, next one will leave on the half hour. The porter can take your luggage to the railyard tonight or load it on the bus.”
“My son and I have enough clothes with us to last a night.  Tell him to send it ahead to the train.”
“Yes maam”


Ms. Sarah Ruiz (Isis Marik) departed as the porters rolled carts over to the dropship’s luggage truck.  She and Ian (Kitsune) had traveled with Franklin and his crew across the Combine to the Federated Commonwealth border at Dobson before switching to a series of other transports for the rest of their long trip. They had spent more than half a year in space while Theodore Kurita conducted a bloody but low key war with the deeply rooted Black Dragon Society causing immense harm to their already struggling economy.

Since Archon-Princess Katherine had increased the local education funding in the Outback they were desperate for willing teachers and the Ministry of Education was hardly a difficult target to penetrate.  Isis by virtue of being well traveled and educated in three different Successor States was a natural fit for such a profession.  Her cover identity was from the Draconis March which just reinforced their very thorough legends and excused some of their unusual behavior and her Hafu son.

Sarah returned to where her son “Ian” was sitting playing a video game on his CommPad, “Are you hungry Ian?”  The boy nodded and grabbed his backpack as did Sarah and they went to the food court to wait for their bus.  They spent the night at the hotel before waking bright and early to go to the station and their new home.

mikecj

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Re: My AU, Katherine, White Wolf of Ragnarok
« Reply #112 on: 31 January 2018, 00:09:42 »
Nice, wonder what Katy'll think when she finds out.
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Sharpnel

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Re: My AU, Katherine, White Wolf of Ragnarok
« Reply #113 on: 31 January 2018, 06:55:12 »
Don't you mean IF she finds out.
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marauder648

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Re: My AU, Katherine, White Wolf of Ragnarok
« Reply #114 on: 31 January 2018, 07:43:35 »
What happened with the Bear/FWL fight?
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AlphaMirage

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Re: My AU, Katherine, White Wolf of Ragnarok
« Reply #115 on: 31 January 2018, 08:16:59 »
What happened with the Bear/FWL fight?

Ghost Bears withdrew they made their point but it wasn't worth the cost to fight the Nova Cats, DCMS, and FWLM (a wild card they didn't expect), they nearly lost a Warship battlegroup and a third of their Touman.

The Hell's Horse's didn't attack like in Canon and remain in the Inner Sphere.

AlphaMirage

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Re: My AU, Katherine, White Wolf of Ragnarok
« Reply #116 on: 31 January 2018, 20:18:08 »
07/20/3064 11:18 Location – MIM Black Site Ilha Fantasma (Ghost Island), Harminous, Magistracy of Canopus

A teal and lime green painted K-1 Dropshuttle burns out of the crystal clear skies of Harminous onto a pier located far out in a tropical bay.  The heat of its fusion engines evaporating the cooling water pumped over the pad causing a great hissing steam cloud.  After the pad cooled to an acceptable temperature the door opened and a pair of women walk out.  One glamorous one wearing an aqua cover over her bikini and a large floppy hat over her curly black hair still looking her best even at her age.  The other still gorgeous but wearing much simpler clothes, teal shirt and white capri pants with a smaller hat covering her short straight black hair.  They are greeted by a pair of men at the pier who then head into the transport while they continue down the pier.

“Mother why did you take me all the way to Harminous for my birthday?  We could have gone to Palm.”
“Erdé dear, I didn’t hire the Far Looker Arcologists to build a beautiful space station above this world just for us to go to Palm.”
“It was a spectacular habitat.”
“See it’s all about the big picture and finding the right people.  The Calderons were foolish to stop supporting the Far Looker’s particular set of talents, to expand ugly factories or dig more holes filled with bombs with the money he was giving them is just a sin. 

I’ve even given the Adaptors a choice, they have some useful ideas to improve our medical technology just lack the funds, expertise, and opportunity to enable them.  I’m sure you will have a long a fruitful relationship with them when they start relocating en masse to the Magistracy from the Concordat.”


Near the end of the pier they more clearly see the utilitarian structures past the bay side palm trees most of which look like an academic campus with resort style roofs.

“What is this place Mother?  It doesn’t look like a resort.”
“This is Ghost Island, MIM’s Medical Research & Recovery Complex.”
“If it is a hospital, Why is called Ghost Island?”
“It is full of dead people”

Erdé Centrella’s shoulders slumped, “This isn’t a vacation is it?”
“Consider it a working vacation dear.  I have a very important job for you.”


Emma and Erdé Centrella walked past groups of men and women many of which were clearly soldiers, some of whom had cybernetic prosthesis others remarkably plain in appearance.  Their attitudes ranged from gregarious to grim but all were attended by a series of white clothed medics who failed to notice the two women as they walked across the campus.  They stopped in the Mess Hall for lunch sitting in a private area looking over the larger room which seated nearly 200 people.  A selection of Tapas and drinks were served until they were satisfied, a dark complexsioned woman with curly brown hair wearing a lab coat with the facility logo on it joined them at the end.

“Erdé this is Dr. Madhavi Selaj, Chief of Medicine at this facility.  Newly transferred from Selene Station, Niops.”
“I’m afraid I am a bit out of my depth here.  What is all of this?”
“This is the most advanced medical care facility available to anyone in the Inner Sphere.  Equipment or techniques developed in coordination with the Niops Association, Word of Blake, Clans, COMSTAR, and Adaptors including Lostech salvaged from across the Inner Sphere of unknown use.  We have something or someone that knows how to fix almost anything or who can at least begin working toward the solution.”
“The Clans!?”
“Yes, ARC operatives renditioned Smoke Jaguar scientists and technicians off Huntress during the invasion along with a variety of apparatus, samples, and data.  The 2nd SLDF was more interested in war materiel or tooling than medical equipment and the Jaguar scientists were eager to continue their research and willing to defect.  We even have a partial copy of their Gene Bank and ten of their Iron Wombs although we are still redeveloping the support technologies necessary to bring them online.  The Jaguars are a bit difficult to work with but you get used to it eventually.”

Erdé was still coming to terms with that, “I am overwhelmed.  What could I possibly add to this mix?”
“Thank you for the tour Doctor Selaj carry on,”
the woman departed to one of her laboratories, “Erdé follow closely, if you wander an orderly might snag you.”

The two of them walked to another building and up a flight of stairs where they were greeted by a plain looking man in black, sunglasses hanging from his pocket, leaning against the wall. 
“Erdé this is Agent Curatis, MIM’s top male agent just returned from his long duration assignment.”
“Greetings Your Radiance and Commander Centrella”
“I see you aren’t wearing what I told you to, Curatis”
“I prefer the classic Man in Black look, no offense”
“I suppose there is no accounting for taste and to think of all the etiquette and style classes you were forced to go through in training.  What a waste.”


The three of them follow the corridor to its end a transparent box looking over a gym currently set up as a basketball court.  Six men were playing hoops on it, most of which looked to be in ill health but good spirits.  “Erdé you see the man in blue shorts there”
She looked out over the window and spotted a tall but pale and lanky man with red hair, “I do.  Who is he?”
“Remember when you were a teenager you wished for a Prince for you birthday four years in a row?”
“What does that have to do with anything?”
“Darling that is Prince Arthur Steiner-Davion.”

Erdé faced Emma, a variety of emotions rolling over her face and into her hands, “What!  Why is he here?  He was killed in an explosion nearly two years ago!”
“More accurately, nearly killed in an explosion.”
Curatis corrected
“You kidnapped him?  Send him back!”
Emma pointed in indignation, “I didn’t kidnap him!  Curatis please explain the situation”
“Yes Emma, after losing Victor I remained in the Commonwealth instead of returning to base keeping an eye on Yvonne and Arthur for alternate opportunities to complete my mission.  The Sandovals and Archon limited my ability to do so as I no longer had the access I once did under Victor and both of my targets were strongly under the sway of others.  During that time I received an intercept from a source in the Lyran Intelligence Corps regarding a correspondence that allegedly involved the Archon and The Word of Blake’s Master. 

I was unable to confirm its veracity but it discussed a trade of Arthur to the Master in exchange for technical and political assistance.  Allegedly the Master whoever he is was no longer capable of siring a son and desired a suitable replacement.  The Archon was eager to once again claim dominion over the Federated Commonwealth and there was only one obstacle to her ambitions.

‘Killing’ Arthur would conveniently solve both of their problems.  So she gave her tacit approval to execute the operation.” 
“You see Erdé I can’t send him back they would probably try to abduct him again.  I saved him from whatever those Word of Blake ghouls had in store for him.  He’s not fully recovered yet, about sixty percent of him is original the rest is cloned or prosthesis.  The initial recovery period took longer than expected as he only just started running again and needs additional TLC. 

I think you two would be perfect for each other and I would like you to personally oversee his recovery for a few months, afterwards you can decide what you would like to do.”
“You want me to marry him!”
“I want you to be happy as I do for Naomi and did for Danai.  All of my daughters are precious to me, I would like them to be with the best match I can find for them or they find for themselves.

You can do what you want but this should be a positive experience for you either way.  You love caring for people and have a big heart.  Arthur is a bit of a project but what man isn’t and he is the only prince left in the Inner Sphere.  I did get you a different birthday present though, Giselle!”


Emma snapped her fingers and a teenage girl dressed in a colorful sari entered with a hanger covered by a bag.  Erdé removed the bag and revealed a PVC sexy nurse costume, almost laughing.
“Mother!  It looks like it will rip as soon as I put it on.”
Curatis was stoic as always while Emma put a finger to her lips, “Too much?  Right, rule number one you have to make him work for it.  How could I forget?” 

She grabbed the hanger with the risque outfit on it placed it upon a peg in the wall before backing up toward the door, “I’ll just leave this right here, mommy wants some grandbabies.  So have fun with your new boy toy, don’t be too rough with him.  Ciao darling!”
“What!  Where are you going?”
“I’m on vacation, see you in a few months.”
Emma and Curatis departed closing and locking the door behind them.  “You bitch!  You can’t just leave me here!”

As Emma and Curatis walked back on the pier toward the drop-shuttle, “Why did you make me lie to her about Katherine?  I know you two have an ongoing escalation of threats but it just feels wrong, not that I don’t think she wouldn’t do it but that she didn’t.”

“Come on Curatis, lying is ninety percent of what you do, don’t tell me you’ve gone soft.  Is Erdé going to send an HPG to New Avalon asking the Archon-Princess if her malleable brother was part of some diabolical trade? Or telling Yvonne that her brother still lives?  She was never really the smart one but as long as Arthur is here I have something that threatens Katherine that she can’t act on.  Loki, ROM, and MIM will just keep fighting it out in the shadows and the part about the Master looking for an heir is correct and Arthur was the target.  I’m far ahead of the White Witch and the Word of Blake on every level and if Erdé and Arthur kick it off like I hope then I've covered all my bases.”

As they were taking off in the K-1 dropshuttle, Emma and Curatis sat next to one another in the jump seats, “You do good work Curatis.  Who knew Bishop Sortek would be so easily turned and the trained assassin horse was inspired, pity it didn’t work.  How many Davion Guards have we managed to recruit thus far?”

“I’ve been working Bishop since he was appointed Prince’s Champion, Em.  The horse did come close, we will get her next time but it gave her a scare and put her in the hospital for two weeks.  As for the Guards, your generous resettlement package and pay scale has secured nearly ten percent of the Guards cashiered out thus far.”

“Excellent work, everything according to plan.  Rum or Tequila to celebrate?”

"I'm more of a scotch fan myself"

"No accounting for taste, Curatis, you have been away for too long."

Shadow_Wraith

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Re: My AU, Katherine, White Wolf of Ragnarok
« Reply #117 on: 31 January 2018, 21:06:28 »
Wow  very nice update

AlphaMirage

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Re: My AU, Katherine, White Wolf of Ragnarok
« Reply #118 on: 01 February 2018, 11:41:40 »
05/29/3064 20:11 Location – Tamar City, Tamar, Wolf Empire

Khan Vladimir Ward walked out of the Governor’s Palace into the yellow sodium lights of Tamar City, wearing a gray jacket with a red star across the back, boots, and pants with red stripes.  It was about to rain so he had brought a garrison cap as well, watching the sky as he stepped past the layers of security that surrounded the Palace.  A Mixed Binary consisting of Tanks, Patrolmen, and Elementals including a Point of Gnomes, whom Vlad had taken to calling Nutcrackers due to their red armor and unflinching nature silently watched him depart. 

The lesser patrolmen saluted before returning to their duties, their tan rain ponchos disguising their weapons.  Vlad himself was armed not because he felt insecure but because he was a Warrior and Warriors carried weapons.  He passed the barriers and messaged his hands as he walked two blocks, his knuckles still hurt from boxing Elementals yesterday, but he still felt like he could take all challengers. 

Off-duty Warriors, and others walked past him trying to get inside before the rain came.  Trucks and cars passed on the road some bearing the insignia of Wolf Logistics simple alpha-numeric characters below the redesigned Emblem of the Wolf Empire (gold howling wolf silhouette, red moon, dark blue background), others had logos or styled text for local brands, all were doing something crucial to the maintenance of his Clan. 

An Anhur flew overhead toward the massive Spaceport to the East still shipping and receiving thousands of tons of cargo each day even as the main star-lift wound down.  Tamar City was bursting with Wolves arriving from the Homeworlds and getting their integration training before receiving their new assignments.  He was proud that the Clan had never been more vital or full of opportunity than in the Inner Sphere and it was partly due to him.

Even the drab buildings around him had finally come into their own as the spheroids continued to adjust to the Wolf’s light touch on their lives.  He reached his destination, a small sign outside reading “The Golden Fleece” and opened the door, immediately he was hit by the smell of incense, hookah smoke, and delicious food.  The walls were tan stone covered with colorful rugs and tapestries, floors some exotic hardwood native to the area, and patrons mostly Merchants and Scientists from the Administrative District or University of Tharkad sat on couches. 

Vlad removed his garrison cap carefully folding it up and placing it in his jacket as he walked across the floor.  A belly dancer was entertaining a group of off-duty Warriors the coins of her belt singing with every movement of her hips, one of them a native Tamarian woman by appearance was attempting to match her but failing much to her friends’ amusement.  Vlad payed them no mind as he walked toward the private room in the back.

The private room had two armed men, the Archon’s Alptraum commandos beside the curtain, both saluted as Vlad passed them and entered the room.  Inside were three men, Merchant saFactor Simon (Gallagher), Engineer Henry (Ironson), and Scientist Stanley all of whom had been patiently waiting for the Khan to arrive.  Vlad hung his jacket on the hook inside next to the others his Sternsnacht Python pistol now visible in a shoulder holster over his red t-shirt, muscles intimidating as ever and took a seat on the cushions.  “I trust I did not miss the appetizers.”

Simon’s body language always showed he was uncomfortable in the Khan’s presence the man was more accustomed to Social Generals and Nobles not Warlords and he fiddled nervously with his pipe, “Of course not Khan Ward, we would never order without you here.”  The others nodded in agreement. 

“Good, remember you are useful but not irreplaceable.”  Vladimir rang the small gong in the room with a backhand to summon the staff who arrived with a jug of wine, four cups, and a platter of flat breads.  “As usual, you have until meal service is done to summarize things of interest for your respective fields.”

Simon started as he always did, “Khan Ward, I know you are aware your SaKhan is on her way back from the Home Worlds with the last of the high value assets.  Omega Galaxy was left behind as ordered with sufficient support to continue flying the Wolf banner but not enough to withstand a major assault. 

The Coyotes accepted the trade of the remaining Wolf enclaves and their factories for seven minor Jaguar and Mongoose bloodlines they acquired from Huntress, ten Jumpships including a Carrack, a total of forty five Lupus and sixty Coyotl Omnimechs, and resources to pay the Diamond Sharks and Snow Ravens without them having to transport it back along the Road.  The Goliath Scorpions will take the rest and have given the Wolf scientists some paternal donor material in exchange. 

The Du Shi Wang Quicksilver Mongoose is currently being brought out of mothballs by the Snow Ravens for its eventual service in the Wolf Touman, it should be able to take on crew and come down the Exodus Road by next year to be outfitted in the new Tamar Orbital Yards by Ioto Galactic Enterprises.  They will also begin the overhaul of your Jumpships here and at Port Sydney above Alarion conveniently located near Kwangjong-Ni.  The Tamar Pact doesn’t contain enough germanium to economically manufacture them here but the Archon is evaluating other suppliers. 

Katherine will no doubt be pleased that everything is running according to schedule.”
  Now finished Simon took a sip of wine from his cup.

“Henry what of the other factories?  I know you are new here but your long production reports bore me just give me the basics.”

“I will be sure to correct that Khan Ward, I understand…”
Vlad reclined on the cushion but pointed fiercely, “Dammit man!  Spit it out.”

The younger man was fearful of the Khan with good reason, his predecessor had displeased him and been sent to a remote and unpleasant post in the Alarion Province as punishment by the Archon, “Tamar’s factories are currently ramping up production on the new Changeling (SFE, 55t, 5/8/5, Omni).  The Sidhe (SFE, 30t, 6/9/6, cERLL and cSRM6) will reach full production by year end.  Elemental suits are batch produced as needed by Sibko predictions and the lesser Sphere Standard Battle Armor are now being manufactured.

Production of all combat vehicle and Aerospace units at Tamar Arms and Aeronautics is at maximum capacity, limited by factory floor space.  The Factory Overseer is having to use Dropships as assembly areas and warehouses to maintain the pace. The expansion factory on Weingarten is behind schedule due to bad weather but progressing, all lines should be in production by 3065. 

Thannhausen’s factory will have the first lines active next month, starting with low volume production of the Gargoyle and Naga then adding Timber Wolf and Linebacker lines by the end of next year.  By that time the Diamond Sharks should have completed the Endo Steel Foundry above Kandis which will allow Omnimech production to commence fully there and on Tamar.  Technicians and Laborers are being recruited throughout the Alliance and Occupation Zone by Indigo Group to ensure there is plenty of capacity available when the factory comes online in order to meet the timetable.

Kwangong-Ni’s Sea Wolf facility will begin producing Hellbringers, Summoners, and Dire Wolves by year end independent of Wolf factories with Sphere XL engines.  The ongoing Indigo refits imported from the Alliance (SFE Wasp, Commando, Hunchback, Phoenix Hawk, Thunderbolt, Crusader, Warhammer, Zeus, and Atlas upgraded with clan spec weapons and FF armor) are being hidden away at the locations you provided but are ready to use and have been thoroughly combat tested.”


Vlad drank from his cup, “Was that so difficult?  Remember to keep it brief I have many duties and little patience.  Keep your numbers for Katherine or Katya unless it's telling me how many I need to kill. Quiaff?” before grabbing a portion of chicken with his hands from the communal plate

“Aff, Khan Ward.”  The young man required all his focus to prevent his hands from shaking as he downed his cup of wine and another.

“Stanley, what developments do you have for me this month?”

The Wolf Scientist was a gifted freeborn and native of Tranquil as such he was at ease with his Khan's presence.  His uniform was also proper, compared to the slack spheroids and that earned him a lot of respect from the Khan.  Vlad might not hold as strictly to protocol anymore but he still hated sloppiness.

“The Trueborn program continues as directed by the Scientist-General.  The University of Tamar continues to add to our ranks and research new developments in parallel to the University of Tharkad, we have covertly exchanged researchers as part of the Indigo Group of Reese Station. 

The War College no longer serves as the initial instruction point for the Touman instead returning to its prior existence as the advanced leadership and tactical training and testing facility.  The new simulators are nearly equal to the Nagelring and have given your Star Colonels greater experience in battle management. 

The Lobo omnimech has completed initial testing after being jointly developed with the Coyotes and Horses, all of whom are eager to test in battle soon replacing their Coyotl and Corvis units.  Smart moves Khan, Ulric Kerensky would have been pleased with our progress.

Speaking of our allies there are now eight training facilities for the Touman, three for Armor and Helicopters one of which is shared with the Horses, then one each for Infantry, Patrol, Mechs, and Aerospace.  Another Mechwarrior training center is being constructed on Kandis currently but it won't be ready until the end of 3065. 

Technicians will train alongside the Warriors they will be supporting and the Logistics Complex on Tamar is instructing Merchant Caste in Alliance logistics management, they are very good at it.  Your vision is grand nearly as grand as the first Star League, we will have to measure up if it is to succeed. 

The current sibko population is unchanged but the training difficulty has increased with additional leadership skills at the War College following the Trial of Position alongside the ranking five percent of each camp and ten percent of the Horses.”

“Fine work Stanley.  Any recommendations?”


Simon waited before answering, “I think we are done here, gentlemen,” he finished the rest of his coffee

“I agree, get back to work.”

The three of them of them departed leaving Vladimir Ward by himself still on the couch.  He finished before leisurely returning to the Palace and his chambers.  He grabbed his Noteputer and continued reading parts of the media that Katherine had given him.  “Fascinating”

AlphaMirage

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Re: My AU, Katherine, White Wolf of Ragnarok
« Reply #119 on: 02 February 2018, 02:09:05 »
07/21/3064 14:29 Location – Tamar City Starport, Tamar, Wolf Empire

Archon-Princess Katherine Steiner-Davion's blue and gold Monarch FCS Princess of Avalon (flagged as WIS White Wolf) was jumped into Tamar’s Zenith point docked to a Wolf Merchant along with the Merchant Mule.  The vessel passed by the nearly completed Tamar Orbital Yards, small craft, tugs, and construction crews working tirelessly to bring the facility on line.  The largest dropship Katherine had ever seen, the Behemoth CDS Macro Mackerel, serving as the project mother-ship.  The Mule Wolf 8U vectored to dock with the one functioning collar delivering supplies to the ongoing construction project.

The Monarch landed at the starport rolling to the designated terminal where they could be unloaded inside the terminal.  Katherine walked off the ramp and was impressed with the recently built terminal, it was still a utilitarian beige but there were flourishes of color in the carpets and murals on the walls.  A polite female voice called out over the Intercom telling the staff about new arrivals, departures, and transfers to Rail, Air, and Road links.  She was followed by her bodyguard Krauser and greeted by Khan Vladimir Ward.  Clan Wolf's senior staff was present in the locked down terminal, a Point of Wolf Patrol ensuring their privacy and security in the bustling complex.

The senior staff (Scientist-General, Senior Laborer, Merchant Factor, Master Technician and their assistants) stood quietly off to the side.  Heavily vetted dignitaries from the Alliance followed shortly behind, being directed by undercover Diplomatic Guard operatives to their appropriate parties and toward the light rail terminal that took them to the administrative sector and their accommodations,  Wolf Patrol ahead and behind the mass. 

After they departed just Katherine, her aide Lisa, Krauser, Vlad, and his assistant Bairn remained in the terminal.  “Krauser can you take Lisa and Bairn with you to ensure everything makes it on the Anhur?”
Bairn looked toward Vlad who nodded and the three of them departed heading down the stairs that led to the tarmac, a momentary roar of the engines outside was heard as the door was open. 

Now it was just Katherine and the Khan, he waited a moment before grabbed her waist and dipped her kissing her passionately and holding.  When she was finally let up she was blushing, “Oh my!  I missed you too.  We will have to do that again some time.”
“As often as you like Katherine, but we should probably go now.”
“I might need a moment to recover.”
  Taking her moment but still hanging on to Vlad she signaled to lead the way and they departed down the stairs.

A short walk away a group of Laborers were loading Katherine, Krauser, and Lisa’s luggage into an idling tan Anhur VTOL with the Imperial Ensign on the side panels.  Inside the spartan military transport their traveling companions were sitting on webbed bench seats, luggage securely strapped down to the floor hooks.  Each of them received a headset to dampen the noise of the engines connected to the internal radio system and they began the 30 minute trip to the Governor’s Palace.

17:42 Khan’s Office, Governor’s Palace, Tamar City

Khan Ward’s office was nicely furnished but mostly empty there was just two chairs in front of the desk with one behind where Khan Vladimir Ward sat, behind him were the Wolf Empire, Jade Wolf, and Kerensky’s Wolves’ Ensigns as well as Michael Ward’s family crest, there was a large window that faced South allowing plenty of light in when not covered like it was now, and the opposite wall held a variety of items among them one of Ulric Kerensky’s Neurohelmets, Katherine’s Saber, Phelan's spurs, a small Timber Wolf model, the mask he wore at The Great Refusal; and a limited edition, signed by Adam Steiner, mint in box Axeman from The Heroic Somerset Strikers.

Katherine sat in one of the chairs opposite him, she had braided her hair and wore the proper colors, a single shouldered red shirt, gray pants and heels.  Vlad wore the Warrior's garrison uniform (gray, tan, and brown camouflage BDUs, gray boots and cap, name and rank in red) rather than civilian clothes.  She was working on her noteputer at the opposite side of his desk while he was working on the other as they were planning the next moves, as partners.  “Khan Ward I think you should figure out what the Diamond Sharks are willing to trade for Rasalhague and New Oslo, they might be liabilities.”
 
“Those worlds have factories on them.  Why would I give them to the Sharks?”

“When the Ghost Bears attacked last year a third of their estimated Touman, a Valkyrie Galaxy, and Naval Star as well as their economy were damaged by the Cats, Dragons, and Eagles according to the 2nd SLDF reports.  Without a Homeworlds presence to call upon they will either need to trade or try to take your mech factories, the factories that can become the Shark's problem and our profit. 

As far as they know we have not been building anything other than vehicles here on Tamar, the Merchant ships have been moving only partial loads for months to confuse them.  They might still think we have not completed the lift since the factories are still present and their ongoing projects still under construction.  Trading the home enclaves to the Coyotes to pay the Ravens on our behalf helped to throw their projections.  I can only imagine the confusion were the Sharks and Ravens to compare notes and find it does not add up.  There is no way they think you capable of building factories without their assistance while we have leaned heavily on them and paid their exorbitant fees.”

“I do not know if Malavai (Fletcher) would allow the Sharks to take New Oslo all of their Mechs are coming from ther while the Industriplex on Csesztreg is under construction.”


Katherine put her finger to her chin, “What if Khan Fletcher trades New Oslo in exchange for assistance in building their factories?”
Vlad pressed his fist in his palm, “I might be able to convince him to do that. He is an Elemental so he has a thick skull, I will just use small words.  Katherine, it is fortunate that we found each other and you did not meet the late Khan Ian Hawker, otherwise the Diamond Sharks might control everything.”
“Thank you Vladimir, I am enjoy our continued partnership.  What time is it?”
“17:54”
“I suppose we can call it done then and enjoy dinner.”
“Yes, I think we are good for today.”


Katherine got up and turned around looking up and letting out a horrid shriek.  Krauser opened the door to the office, gun draw, “What is it!?”
She looked down at her shoe and covered her cheek, “Its just a spider, Krauser no need to come in.” 
“I can kill it for you.” 
“No!  I have it under control just close the door.”
The man holstered his pistol and closed the door.

Vlad got up from his chair and was looking at the same part of the floor, “What was that all about Katherine?”
Katherine points to the painting above the door before wrapping her arms around herself, “You were supposed to put that somewhere private, not in your office.”
“This is my private office”
“Vladimir!  That was my special gift to you, everyone that has left here has seen me naked”
“No one looks up or gets close enough to see its you.  It is a great piece of art.”
“Well make sure the kids do not look at it.”
“Why?  Their mother is beautiful.”
“I cannot be mad at you, even though I really want to be right now.  Just take it down or cover it for now, please.”
“Of course,”
kisses her neck, “the real thing is better anyway.”

Description of Katherine’s Special Portrait
Angel with long golden hair lying in repose on a golden bed exposed from neck to navel, one wing covering her lower body except below the knee, the other extended toward the viewer mimicking a beckoning hand.  Blue background, Signed N with an artistic V painted a different color inside, “Nikolai Vasiliev 3062”