The Federated Sun's Reborn

[Chris OFarrell]

In all honesty the Federated Suns has done pretty well in limiting its expansion into 'too many Mechs' compared to the OTL, but even so it really doesn't need anything more and if not for the little war they just stepped into, they should about now be starting to (focusing on their elites) look at doing major work to get back to a far more rational stable of platforms. Especially leveraging Omni-tech to be able to fill multiple roles with one platform, on demand. Starting with re-equipping elite units a few at a time, and working your way down. Handing down the used equipment to militia units to try and finally after centuries of war start imposing some logistical sense on line units.

Problem being that a major war just kicked off and they can't really afford to do that right now, needing every mech on the firing line. But its something to keep in mind as they rebuild units through and after the war none the less. And handing out new contracts for new platforms to seriously ask the question 'why do we need this when we have the X Y Z - why not just build more lines for it?'

[Billy Boy Mark II]

3070 - April - Operation Agamemnon III

As April rolled on Warlord Li Dok To began to realise just how bad the situation was as report after report trickled in via jumpship or black box message. While so far none of his Military District's key worlds had been targeted the border with the Federated Sun's was effectively being "chewed" away. Matsuida and Kaznejoy were both now under threat and even Galedon itself was now dangerously exposed. Unlike his fellows in the Dieron and Benjamin Military Districts he had at least lost few entire veteran commands so far, but he was shocked at the huge losses the 5th Sword of Light had suffered when they turned up at his capital world still reeling from their defeat on Huan. He immedietly sent out orders for "fortress worlds" to be created. While he knew that he couldn't stop the AFFS's attack he hoped to at least slow and bleed them long enough for his communication channels to return to operational and ideally help be sent from Luthien...

Harrow's Sun

The 9th Avalon Hussars RCT dispersed across the planet in an effort to not only provide a stable garrison but also to root out any survivors of the Ryuken-ni's infantry regiment. They were helped in this by the arrival of a full reinforced brigade of conventional infantry and a light armour regiment consisting mostly of VTOL and scout platforms. In the meantime the other AFFS forces on planet boarded their dropships and headed for their next targets.

New Aberdeen

The Davion Heavy Guards, 6th Crucis Lancers and 4th Robinson Rangers RCT's fresh from the conquest of Harrow's Sun arrive in the New Aberdeen system on the 17th of April. Again under the overall command of Marshal Jon Davion these 3 forces head straight for the planet of New Aberdeen and it's defending Ryuken-nana. While hand picked from the finest graduates of the various Combine military academies the troops of the Ryuken-nana lack the Ryuken-ni's cohesion and years of training as a regiment and it shows in their initial efforts to repulse the invasion of the veteran and elite AFFS troops.

The Davion Heavy Guards lead the way this time and land in almost full strength in an overwhelming display of firepower. One of the premier RCT's in the entire AFFS they have been under the command of a man considered to be one of it's finest tactical and strategic minds for over a decade and it shows. The handful of DCMS forces who attempt to contest the landings are reduced to smoking wreckage with almost ease and as soon as the landing zone is secure the follow on 6th Crucis Lancers and 4th Robinson Rangers make planet fall.

With 3 strong RCT's under his command Marshal Davion begins sweeping up the DCMS forces across the planet, forcing the troops of the Ryuken-nana regiment to meet him in the field or face defeat in detail. While individually excellent troops their inexperience shows in the open field battle that they find themselves forced into and particularly when facing the integrated forces of the Heavy Guards the green DCMS troops suffer heavily when forced into simple mistakes. Attempts to use New Aberdeen's freshwater lakes to set ambushes by hiding small battlemech forces at the bottom of them fail when these moves are anticipated and countered - often leading to the destruction or capture of the ambushing forces.

Within a week of landing the invaders have conquered over half the planet and have the Ryuken-nana on the back foot, frantically trying to hold them back. Morale within the DCMS unit is already starting to collapse with the sheer inevitability of their impending defeat obvious to even the most green infantry trooper...

Harpster

The 1st Crucis Lancers and 3rd and 4th Syrtis Fusiliers RCT's deploy from their operating base on Deshler in pursuit of the 9th Amphigean Light Assault Group on the world of Harpster. Under the overall command of Marshal Mordecai Rand-Davion of the 1st the AFFS task force catches the 9th Amphigean entirely by surprise when during their landing on the 11th the 4th Syrtis Fusiliers battlemech elements combat drop right onto the 9th's main base. Although taking losses to hurriedly thrown up flak fire the combined aerospace assets of the 3 RCT's manage to suppress most of that and allow Leftenant Chad Dean's former Vanguard Legion assault and heavy battlemechs to land right on top of the base.

The 9th Amphigean consisting almost entirely of light battlemechs with a few fast medium's are totally outclassed in this type of fight, but lose precious time while their green command staff try and decide whether to attempt to try and overwhelm the invading forces or abandon their base and flee. While they are still deciding Leftenant Chad Dean leads his nearly 7 full companies of assault and heavy battlemech's in a brutal spree through the base, firing on ammunition dumps, battlemech's down for repair and half formed enemy formations with reckless abandon. Which manages to keep the attention of the 9th firmly on he and his troops.

Meanwhile Marshal Rand-Davion leads his own 1st Crucis and the 4th Syrtis Fusiliers to the relief of the fully engaged 4th Fusiliers. Breaching the walls with almost no losses they soon link up with the Leftenant General and his rampaging troops, at which point Marshal Rand-Davion reigns in the "impetuous" 4th Fusiliers. By the time dawn breaks on the second day of the battle the 9th Amphigean is entirely broken, isolated formations falling back seemingly at random and under constant air attack.

By the 20th the remaining forces of the 9th Amphigean Light Assault Group, their morale shattered beyond repair in the 2 day battle of the week before surrenders unconditionally. Barely a battalion remain in the field to surrender by this time. The local militia having seen what happened to the regular DCMS forces follow their example. In his report to Robinson and New Avalon Marshal Rand-Davion credits the "heroic volunteers of the 4th Syrtis Fusiliers and their aggressive commanding officer Leftenant General Chad Dead" with the victory. This earns him not only the friendship of the tempestuous officer, but also wins the 4th Fusiliers the honour of being awarded the Robinson Medal of Valour - one of the few Capellan March units to ever receive this decoration. This award does come at the cost of nearly 2 companies worth of destroyed or wrecked assault and heavy battlemech's but these are soon replaced by the arrival of factory fresh replacements straight from Robinson's own production lines. The losses of personnel to the 4th Fusiliers are partially made up by a transfer of some of the most aggressive troops from their sister regiment.

Marlowe's Rift

The 1st Ceti Hussars RCT arrive at the zenith jump point of Marlowe's Rift alongside a conventional combined forces brigade and immedietly begin a combat burn towards the planet. The local defence forces stand too and are joined by a number of local noblemen's retinues. Marlowe's Rift is a rich and prosperous world with the huge cash crop of the Meat Tree providing an extremely comfortable living for the noble families who make this world home. However it has often drawn raiders and pirates and as such many of them have invested in small household guard units - often consisting of a company or armour or lance of battlemechs. Combing these forces proves impossible due to egos of the various nobles and their long standing feuds however it does give the world a massive dispersed extra militia force. Which is exactly why the High Command has assigned a Ceti Hussars RCT to this mission...

Marshal Vance Lamont in a seemingly counter intuitive move lands with his command battalion and the conventional combined arms brigade at the planetary capital and in a hard fought engagement destroys the large majority of the government controlled militia. The various Combat Commands of his RCT however land individually and begin to "sweep" the world. Slowly picking off any remaining government forces and the noble retinues which are supporting them in penny packets. While this operation will take time to clear the world entirely the dispersed command structure of the 1st Ceti Hussars and their combined arms approach to warfare is ideal for the job. While this is ongoing the Marshal with the support of the conventional brigade at the capital and a number of specialist advisers begin setting up a Federated Suns local government...

Capra

With 2 regiments of Galedon Regulars stationed on this border world many were surprised that it hadn't been hit before now. However when the AFFS did launch their attack they did it with overwhelming force. Facing off against the 12th and 44th Galedon Regulars were the 1st Kestrel Grenadiers RCT, 1st and 2nd Lexington Combat Guards, 8th Deneb Light Cavalry RCT and 1st FedSun's Dragoons RCTs all under the command of Marshal Agatha Stromp. The experienced Marshal broke her formation up into two different commands. She detached the 8th Deneb Light Cavalry RCT to harass and pin down the 12th Galedon Regulars along with the 1st FedSun's Dragoons RCT in support/as backup given the experienced nature of the 12th Galedon. Meanwhile under her direct command her own 1st Kestrel Grenadiers RCT along with the 1st and 2nd Lexington Combat Guards would attack the green 44th Galedon Regulars and wipe the inexperienced unit out before turning to join their fellows and do the same on the more dangerous 12th Regulars.

Tai-sa Jerome Wolf-Hunter the senior commander of the garrison forces however decided on a different approach. Almost abandoning the 44th Galedon Regulars as sacrificial goats at the planetary capital he dispersed his own skilled reconnaissance command into the surrounding countryside. While the enemy forces concentrated on smashing the entrenched 44th he would raid and inflict a death of a thousand cuts upon them. Against a less experienced or less overwhelming force his plans very well might have worked.

As soon as the AFFS forces start to land the 8th Deneb Light Cavalry follows the 12th Galedon Regulars into the countryside, beginning a war of raid and counter raid. The 12th Galedon has the advantage of home territory and a marginally more skilled force, while the 8th Deneb has the advantage of better equipment, air superiority, greater experience at working as a combined command and most importantly the presence of a nearby fully formed RCT able to back them up whenever they get into trouble. While the 8th Deneb is unable to force the Regulars to battle, they do however prevent any real attempts to attack the main force of AFFS forces attacking the dug in 44th Galedon Regulars.

With a free hand due to the actions of the 8th Deneb and 1st Dragoons Marshal Stromp's own troops launch a furious assault upon the 44th along 3 separate axis. Having to rely more and more on militia formations to guard their flanks while they hold the key sectors the 44th soon finds it's flanks being turned by the overwhelming numbers of AFFS forces. When their 3rd battalion is caught and pinned against the bulk of the 1st Kestrel Grenadiers by a combined arms combat command consisting of the 4th Battalion, 2nd Armoured Grenadiers and 690th Battle Armour Regiment a huge hole is torn in their lines through which the rest of the Grenadiers march. Their remaining troops fall back as best they can but are either caught and overwhelmed by the Lexington Combat Guards or trapped by the advancing Kestrel Grenadiers. By the end of April the capital city has fallen to the AFFS and the bulk of Marshal Stromp's task force is preparing to join her detached forces in the hunt for the elusive 12th Galedon Regulars.

Waldheim

The 5th Davion Guards RCT alongside the 3rd Tikonov Cossacks and the mercenary Hansen's Roughriders regiment arrive at Waldheim expecting a tough fight against the veteran 11th Ghost and the green 43rd Galedon Regulars but arrive to find their quarry already flown. Unknown to the AFFS Warlord Li Dok To has ordered them to move to Kaznejoy to reinforce the garrison there and prepare to hold the prefecture capital world against the almost inevitable invasion. The Davion task force have little to do except land and take possession of the planet - although a number of clearly pre-prepared partisan bands begin causing trouble the moment they arrive. Marshal Linda Archer sends word for additional conventional forces to be routed to the planet as a priority while preparing her commands for a move on Kaznejoy.

Altdorf

The 2nd and 4th Ceti Hussars RCT's although both under strength prove to be a massive case of overkill for the few remaining defenders of Altdorf. Not only are there no regular DCMS troops on planet but a large number of the better militia forces have also been evacuated to Kaznejoy. The few remaining militia forces are mostly rifle companies of infantry and are soon forced to surrender in the face of overwhelming AFFS firepower.

[Billy Boy Mark II]

3070 - April - DCMS Counterattack

The DCMS counterattack hasn't exactly went according to plan and the situation for the units involved continues to deteriorate throughout April...

Cylene

With the loss of his transportation home the commanding officer of the 46th Dieron Regulars realises that his command is probably doomed. As such he orders his troops to prepare to make a mass assault upon the "foul mercenary scum" of Demestri's Sluggers Fighting Urukhai regiment before the 22nd Avalon Hussars can arrive. On the 6th of April the 46th storm towards the Slugger's lines in an attempt to cause as much damage as possible before the Avalon Hussars tip the balance against them.

The first recipients of this assault aren't in fact the sluggers but a company of battlemech's with the Cylene Planetary Guard. Equipped mostly with AFFS cast offs and a single new Watchman class battlemech the militia are not so much destroyed as torn to pieces. However their sacrifice and swiftly silenced screams for help give the Sluggers enough of a warning that when the 46th Dieron Regulars reach their lines the Fighting Urukhai regiment is ready. With clear fields of fire and safe lines of retreat Demestri's Sluggers begin slowly withdrawing as they bleed their attackers for every step. The Regulars haven't the experience for this sort of fight, but their sheer impetus manages to catch even the prepared mercenary force of guard and carries them into the Sluggers lines to break up the planned fighting withdrawal.

For 3 days the Sluggers fight to throw back the Regulars and disengage, losing nearly 3 companies worth of battlemechs as they do so. They soon discover that unless a mechwarrior is recovered after his battlemech goes down by friendly forces that the warrior is doomed, as the suicidal 46th is not taking prisoners. The 46th is also taking every change to fire on civilian targets - farms, villages or infrastructure. The fighting already bloody only gets worse after this.

On the fourth day however the 22nd's attached fighter regiment is close enough to sweep down and begin giving the Fighting Urukhai forces some air cover and allowing them to properly disengage for the first time since the banzai charge tactics of the Regulars began. A merely day later the 22nd Avalon Hussars full RCT begins arriving and is soon joining them in mopping up the surviving troops of the 46th Regulars. A near fight breaks out when the Demestri's Sluggers regiment refuse to take prisoners, and it takes a personal message from Victor Davion himself to bring the unit back into line.

By the end of the month the Slugger's regiment has been reduced to 2 under strength battalions of bitter and enraged warriors who have sworn to get their revenge upon the Combine and the Kurita's in particular. Medical units are rushed to the world along with replacement equipment, while the 22nd takes over garrisoning Cylene. The few surviving 46th Dieron Regulars are moved to a POW camp for prisoners who are facing war crimes charges.

New Mendham

The planned reconquest of New Mendham for the Combine has not been going well. Not only have most of the invasion forces simply not turned up but the 25th Benjamin Regulars have already taken heavy losses before battle has really even begun. While they have finally managed to recombine their forces they are now isolated in an area of wilderness and have the 8th Crucis Lancers barrelling down on them - although the 25th are not entirely sure where the 8th Lancers are exactly due to many of their supporters having joined them at their landing site and no longer reporting on the location of the 8th. With the total loss of their air wing the Benjamin Regulars are operating almost blind until the local "freedom fighters" resume their scouting rolls.

The local resistance leaders who have joined the 25th Benjamin Regulars are demanding an immediate march upon the capital to return them to power while many of the still shell shocked officers are arguing that the command should load what they can and flee the planet. As this argument goes on and the regular troops of the 25th craft what field entrenchments they can the 8th Crucis Lancers announces it's arrival with a full artillery barrage and massed air strike on the base of the 25th. Even as the shells and bombs are falling on the outer lines of the 25th the Islamabad Lancers launch a full scale attack into the disorganised landing zone.

The heavy and assault weighted battlemech's of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd battalions of the Lancers advance forward firing as they go, while the artillery battlemechs of the 4th battalion provide mobile covering fire even as the guns of the 8th Crucis Lancers Artillery Battalion and 1943rd FedSuns Artillery Battalion reload and advance to provide more close in firepower. Meanwhile the air attack concentrates their efforts on the grounded dropships which are throwing up as much flak as they possible can. Armoured and infantry elements advance alongside their battlemech forces and are soon taking large numbers of prisoners.

With the 8th Crucis Lancers attack underlining the disastrous nature of this doomed counter attack the XO of the 25th Benjamin Regulars, with the command officer injured when a bomb landed on the mobile command vehicle he was in, orders an immediate withdrawal from the planet. All dropships which are able to take off are ordered to load what troops are in the immediate vicinity and make their best possible speed for the waiting jumpships.

This panicked flight actually catches the 8th by surprise and no less than 5 dropships actually manage to get away - a single barely loaded Overlord, 2 half loaded Unions and 2 almost empty Condors. The remaining dropships are crippled on the ground and cannot escape. As are most of the DCMS forces. Barely 2 companies of battlemech's and a single battalion of infantry are hurriedly loaded into the fleeing dropships before they escape. The rest of the 25th Benjamin (including the wounded commanding officer) are left to be captured. One last fatality occurs at the end of the month when the DCMS dropships finally arrive at the jumpships. Knowing he will be executed as a coward for fleeing the XO ritually atones by committing Seppuku, leaving the single remaining captain of the unit in command of the survivors as they flee back to Matar...

Benet III

The 3rd Robinson Rangers RCT lands on Benet on the 6th of April and immedietly takes up defensive positions while it waits for the arrival of the 2nd and 3rd Avalon Hussars on the 8th - they had taken a little more time to burn in knowing that the 3rd would arrive before them to secure the situation. Once all 3 AFFS units have joined the 5th Avalon Borderer's on the planet they begin organising for the planned counter attack to reclaim the world for House Davion.

With reports coming in of defeats across the front Tai-sa Toshimichi Shodaru is conflicted. The Combine desperately needs a "win" to counter the constant stream of defeats that the AFFS if inflicting upon the DCMS however it cannot afford another heavy defeat and loss of vital troops. Or even a Pyrrhic victory. While he was confident that he could defeat the forces arrayed against him due to his regiments higher skill level he couldn't be sure that more AFFS formations weren't inbound or worse warships. And even if he was able to defeat them he would be left with 2 shattered regiments to hold a planet who's very air was toxic and which was falling further and further behind the enemy lines.

As he was attempting to solve this dilemma he received orders via his black box. Warlord Li Dok To orders him to fall back to the prefecture capital of Matsuida and aid in the defence of this vital world. He quickly orders his troops to loot whatever war materials they can from the captured territory and head for their dropships - although the 12th Ghost takes this order to the extreme. All the AFFS forces can do is harass and harry the retreating forces, while their aerospace assets attempt to shoot down the fleeing dropships. They manage to destroy a small number of transports, but the vast bulk of the DCMS forces escape.

Only once they are aware does it become apparent how much looting and destruction the 12th Ghost in particular has conducted in the regions it occupied. Hospital equipment, mining equipment and ores, even stockpiles of the rebreathers and life support equipment from the survival bunkers that the civilians require to survive have all been taken. The AFFS units respond with fury while sending word of an impending humanitarian crisis to both Robinson and New Avalon as well as nearby worlds.

Niles

Having repulsed the invasion of their garrison post the Screaming Eagles request permission to counter attack and continue to take the fight to the 19th Galedon Regulars. After a weeks delay they are not only granted permission but also informed that the 1st Conroe Borderer's will be placed at their disposal for the attack - and that a shipment of battlemech's has been dispatched from Woodbine and Tancredi to bolster their ranks and replace any damaged equipment.

[Billy Boy Mark II]

3070 - April Interlude - Lyran Estates-General

14th April
Great Assembly
Government's House
The Triad
Tharkad City
Tharkad
Donegal Province
Lyran Alliance


"The Chair recognises the Honoured Representative of Bolan..." The Speaker of the Estates-General inclined his head to the Representative from that embattled world who stood with a similar nod of thanks.


"I thank the Speaker for allowing me the opportunity to speak on behalf of my world. The Lyran Alliance stands at a cross roads Honoured Representatives! Our enemies close in on us from all sides!" Representative Anand spoke with obvious earnestness. "Nobody perhaps understands that better than I do! My own world feels the heavy tread of the hated Free Worlds League Military, come to "liberate" us and force us to return to their "benevolent" rule!"


The tall and thin woman dressed in the traditional sari of her home world stopped to pause before pointing to a number of her fellow representatives. "If you do not wish to listen to me, I am sure that the Honoured Representatives of Hesperus, New Earth, Rigil Kenatares, Cavanaugh II, Dixie or Thorin will speak to the threats we face in these dark times! All of them share the same dread upon hearing reports from the front, that we might join the ranks of the "Homeless"... And I ask you fellow honoured representatives... Who do we turn to for leadership? The Archon? The Archon is dead! Slain by a cowardly assassin from behind! The General of the Armies? While I respect General Adam Steiner he is hard pressed merely holding the LAAF together and launching what counter attacks he can! To the heir? Hanse Steiner is a child. A lovely and intelligent child by all accounts but he is hardly the seasoned war leader that we need! Grand Duke Morgan Kell? If Honoured Representative David Kell will forgive me my bluntness but his cousin is not the man to lead us for all his famed skill at war. No."


The dark brown eyes of the former Hauptmann General seemed to flash with fire as she paused dramatically before glaring at a small group of her colleagues who matched her glare for glare. "No... We need a leader... I realise that certain Honoured Representatives have been whispering in the side rooms about another potential leader... So let us drag out the name from the shadows... They would wish us to recall the Traitor Archon... Katherine Steiner-Davion..."


Before Honoured Representative Anand could continue the Great Assembly of the Estates-General of the Lyran Alliance broke into anarchy. The Speaker roared and directed his deputies to bring the Assembly to order but almost totally in vain. From nearly a hundred throats cries of refusal came to the very suggestion of recalling the deposed Archon, while from a smaller but almost as loud group (the very group that Anand had been glaring at) similar cries of approval were roared. Indeed the Honoured Representative of Odessa Leon Fisk jumped to his feat and in breach of protocol roared out. "And why not? Why not return the True Archon to her throne? She is just the sort of strong and intelligent leader this realm is crying out for! Archon Katrina Steiner is the True Archon!"


The Speaker pointed his ceremonial mace at Fisk and roared. "Master at Arms eject the Honoured Representative from the Assembly until such time as he can control himself and is prepared to follow this Assemblies procedures!"


Leon Fisk was finally ejected, roaring the entire time and after nearly 10 minutes order was restored. The Speaker then almost growled. "Continue Representative Anand..."


"Again thank you Mr Speaker... I am merely stating what we all know is being whispered... That the present leadership of the Lyran Alliance is insufficient to the challenge. There are those like the Honoured Representative who has just been removed kicking and screaming who would have us believe that returning the Traitor Archon to the throne will magically fix our problems. I say that is like inviting the fox into the hen house... Or in this case like inviting a wolf in. Do any here doubt that were she to return she would bring with her new "friend" Vlad Ward and his savage Wolves? These would not be the Warden Wolves of our allies on Arc Royal, but their dark twins... No. That can never be allowed to happen. Yet the Honoured Representatives who scheme for the return of Katherine Steiner-Davion have the right idea..." Anand again paused as silence descended on the entire Assembly in shock. "They just have the wrong candidate!"


Before she could be interrupted again she rushed on having to raise her voice as she spoke over the growing response. "I hereby move the following motion and 3 potential sub-motions. The Primary motion: that the Estates-General vote to offer the throne to First Prince Victor Davion, also and previously known as Archon Prince Victor Steiner-Davion. The Secondary sub-motion: that this offer of the throne be with the view to reforming the Federated Commonwealth. The Tertiary sub-motion: that this offer of the throne be purely as a personal union with no such reforming intended. The Quaternary sub-motion: that this offer of the throne be made with the option between the Secondary and Tertiary motions be at the First Princes's own discretion..."


As all hell broke loose within the chambers of the Estates-General the Speaker roared above the anarchy. "Do I hear a second?"


The Honoured Representative of Thorin almost bolted to his feet a mere half second ahead of nearly half a dozen others. "Seconded!"


Which was when all hell ratcheted up a notch or dozen...

[Billy Boy Mark II]

Well that should set the cat amongst the pigeons nicely...  >:D

[kelgar04]

Well, now Billy your cooking with Napalm.

[Iron Grenadier]

FedCom vs. Draconis Combine and WoB and FWL and Wolf Clan... :D

[kelgar04]

FedCom vs. Draconis Combine and WoB and FWL and Wolf Clan... :D

If Victor takes the offer he might not he did at the start relinquish his claim as Archon Prince and alter his name back to Victor Davion.

He may offer and send a trusted rep to act as Peters sons regent or offer to select one a neutral party but no more. Also if the estate general invite clan wolf and the bitch in expect a mass uprising and bloodshed on the level of the reunification war and the SL civil war combined.

[Kiko70]

If Victor takes the offer he might not he did at the start relinquish his claim as Archon Prince and alter his name back to Victor Davion.

He may offer and send a trusted rep to act as Peters sons regent or offer to select one a neutral party but no more. Also if the estate general invite clan wolf and the bitch in expect a mass uprising and bloodshed on the level of the reunification war and the SL civil war combined.

..what can be done and undone can be reborn again....necessity triumphs.

[Chris OFarrell]

WHAT IS DEAD MAY NEVER DIE! BUT RISES AGAIN HARDER AND STRONGER!

*gets self under control*

In political terms, Victors BEST bet here would probably be to refuse the Archonship, BUT, accept a position of Regent for his Nephew. And openly and publicly lay the groundwork for a very strong alliance between the Suns and Lyran Commonwealth (his first act should be renaming it BACK to Commonwealth) with the view that when his nephew comes of age, it will be up to him and his own son to make the decision about if they go back to the Federated Commonwealth, simply stay strong allies with much of the beneifts of the Fedcom but no formal union, or something else entirely...

I'm actually surprised there would be people in public who would actually dare demand the return of Katherine, in the estates Generals. It sounds like they are going to be torn to pieces by the public for daring to do so.

[kelgar04]

I'm actually surprised there would be people in public who would actually dare demand the return of Katherine, in the estates Generals. It sounds like they are going to be torn to pieces by the public for daring to do so.

That goes without saying and I hope to god that wasn't televised otherwise there will be a lynch mob forming outside as he was dragged out.

But if he lives his political career is over.

[Seydlitz]

No need to push new TROs, no Warlord  :(
So we probably won't see most of TRO 3075, except perhaps Hauberk or Grenadier (but not both) and WoB omnis.

The Hauberk would definitely be useful since unless I'm mistaken the author has already included the Grenadier BA into the story. Though wouldn't it be a happy coincidence if some techs or engineer stumbled across the design specs of the Atlas II while repairing the systems of Independence Weaponry on Quentin? ^-^

[cawest]

GOOD GOD!!! I was on the edge of my chair.  can not wait to see how this breaks. 

[Tyler Jorgensson]

Why not Yvonne? Yes Victor is the eldest and therefore it makes sense, Katherine has been removed from the line for many reasons, but why not Yvonne? Hell I totally forgot in this AU Arthur’s still alive! Not my choice but theirs another option too!

Course again Regent would be best. I think Victor should appoint another regent in his stead of course (like his siblings or Adam) but that’s my opinion.

Either way this will be interesting ramping up.

[Iron Grenadier]

Hey Billy Boy Mark II, I was just thinking, this AU has been going on for a little while now and doesn't show signs of ending anytime soon. While I certainly appreciate your efforts, sometimes it gets a little cumbersome to go back through and look at the history here in this thread. Just a suggestion, but could you possibly include a "10 Year Update" at the close of 3070? Looking back at all the various historical events? Marriages, deaths, start/end of wars, etc? Really just some bullet points to recap everything.

[Billy Boy Mark II]

Hey Billy Boy Mark II, I was just thinking, this AU has been going on for a little while now and doesn't show signs of ending anytime soon. While I certainly appreciate your efforts, sometimes it gets a little cumbersome to go back through and look at the history here in this thread. Just a suggestion, but could you possibly include a "10 Year Update" at the close of 3070? Looking back at all the various historical events? Marriages, deaths, start/end of wars, etc? Really just some bullet points to recap everything.

I can certainly try... Trust me if you think its cumbersome for you guys imagine my notes! ;)

[kelgar04]

Anyone notice that it was the rep from Odessa who vocally supported bring mad Kat back to the archonship? I find it kind of suspect considering who has a secret base in their system.

[PsihoKekec]

Naaah, I'm sure he is just voicing his opinion, borne from deep political thought and overwhelming Lyran patriotism.

[kelgar04]

Naaah, I'm sure he is just voicing his opinion, borne from deep political thought and overwhelming Lyran patriotism.

Yeah and I’m the long lost Cameron heir returned with my legions to create the new star league and bring peace to the galaxy.

 :P ;D :P  ;D

[Kiko70]

Naaah, I'm sure he is just voicing his opinion, borne from deep political thought and overwhelming Lyran patriotism.

..someone and company needs a visit from the Loki fairy..

[Kiko70]

I can certainly try... Trust me if you think its cumbersome for you guys imagine my notes! ;)

Hello sir, It has been an awesome read so far, but would it be too much to ask for specs on the Davion III destroyer, Javelin-O, Dervish-O, Thanatos-O, Argus-O omni conversions?

My only thing to note is that certain world's production have been forgotten..ie.in New Valencia, Johnsondale, Cahokia, Ingersoll,and Ruchbach....Sarna.net has info for cross checking  what gets produced where but it's your story, so write it as you see fit.
,

[Lone-Wolf]

I think the best way for the DC would be to sent out a message requesting peace and accept the consequences.
I dont understand that what right now happens is 1942-1945 revisited and the High Command of the DC does not see it.
What do they teach in their Academies?
Did they not read Sun-Tzu, The Book of 5 Rings, The 36 Strategems and the historybooks of the 20th century?????

Ok, the best way would be after peace to move all factories and shipyards behind Luthien. And then rebuild, rebuilt, rebuilt.
It should be written in their curriculum that no atttack against the FS / LC, FC, Ghost Bears etc may happen unless they have at least 500 capital warships of battlecruiser size (including the supporting elements of Destroyers, Frigates, Carriers etc.). Anybody suggesting attack before that goal is met is automatically condemned to the Order of Wakizashi (the price of disobeying the Coordinater).

Every planet within 2 jumps of the border should be turned into a Fortressworld that would make the Iron Warriors of WH40K proud.
And those planets should be prepared for guerilla warfare from the beginning, including massive tunnelsystems, fortresses inside mountainranges etc.

And the treason of Comstar should be punished. The ISF should find out everything about HPG (how to build, maintain and operate them down to the last bolt) and then built a secret or two HPG on each world in addition to those WOB / Comstar operates on said world (I dont think that the Coordinator would ask Comstar to return but if Victor thinks strategically he should offer the return of some planets / not so much punishment for a shunning / maybe alliance against WOB).

The ISF should also make a complete lookdown of the DC. No HPG of the DC may send a message to a planet of another power. Only three HPGS are allowed to do so: one to the Inner Sphere, one to Ghost Bears and one to the Outworld Alliance. All messages sent through these HPGS will be monitored by the ISF - no exceptions. Any disobidience should be dealt with harshly. And they should write it down in the treaty with the HPG provider.

I fear for the people of Proserpina. If, no, when the Dragon finds out what they did to the warriors of the DCMS then there will be hell to pay. I think the guys of indoctrination on Proserpina will be invited to dine with their ancestors for their failure, if not hauled to Luthien - alongside the killers. Maybe Luthien should demand the return of this planet in return for accepting the loss of more planets BUT the traitors must stay on Proserpina. I think if it comes to this then Victer will either say NO or offer concession for sparing the people.

The DC should look at the planetary systems not colonized (inside the borders of the DC. I think there were 5-10 empty systems for every populated system) and colonize them NOW. They need the manpower and the revenue later.

And the ISF /DCMS should map the not-standard jumppoints of every system of the DC. So, that in the event of another war they can jump into other systems without using the zenith and nadirpoint.

Yes, these are longterm goals. If there are used it should be clear that neither Hohiro nor his grandchildren grandchildren see any movement in the border - but then.

[Kiko70]

I think the best way for the DC would be to sent out a message requesting peace and accept the consequences.
I dont understand that what right now happens is 1942-1945 revisited and the High Command of the DC does not see it.
What do they teach in their Academies?
Did they not read Sun-Tzu, The Book of 5 Rings, The 36 Strategems and the historybooks of the 20th century?????

Ok, the best way would be after peace to move all factories and shipyards behind Luthien. And then rebuild, rebuilt, rebuilt.
It should be written in their curriculum that no atttack against the FS / LC, FC, Ghost Bears etc may happen unless they have at least 500 capital warships of battlecruiser size (including the supporting elements of Destroyers, Frigates, Carriers etc.). Anybody suggesting attack before that goal is met is automatically condemned to the Order of Wakizashi (the price of disobeying the Coordinater).

Every planet within 2 jumps of the border should be turned into a Fortressworld that would make the Iron Warriors of WH40K proud.
And those planets should be prepared for guerilla warfare from the beginning, including massive tunnelsystems, fortresses inside mountainranges etc.

And the treason of Comstar should be punished. The ISF should find out everything about HPG (how to build, maintain and operate them down to the last bolt) and then built a secret or two HPG on each world in addition to those WOB / Comstar operates on said world (I dont think that the Coordinator would ask Comstar to return but if Victor thinks strategically he should offer the return of some planets / not so much punishment for a shunning / maybe alliance against WOB).

The ISF should also make a complete lookdown of the DC. No HPG of the DC may send a message to a planet of another power. Only three HPGS are allowed to do so: one to the Inner Sphere, one to Ghost Bears and one to the Outworld Alliance. All messages sent through these HPGS will be monitored by the ISF - no exceptions. Any disobidience should be dealt with harshly. And they should write it down in the treaty with the HPG provider.

I fear for the people of Proserpina. If, no, when the Dragon finds out what they did to the warriors of the DCMS then there will be hell to pay. I think the guys of indoctrination on Proserpina will be invited to dine with their ancestors for their failure, if not hauled to Luthien - alongside the killers. Maybe Luthien should demand the return of this planet in return for accepting the loss of more planets BUT the traitors must stay on Proserpina. I think if it comes to this then Victer will either say NO or offer concession for sparing the people.

The DC should look at the planetary systems not colonized (inside the borders of the DC. I think there were 5-10 empty systems for every populated system) and colonize them NOW. They need the manpower and the revenue later.

And the ISF /DCMS should map the not-standard jumppoints of every system of the DC. So, that in the event of another war they can jump into other systems without using the zenith and nadirpoint.

Yes, these are longterm goals. If there are used it should be clear that neither Hohiro nor his grandchildren grandchildren see any movement in the border - but then.the

Or TPTB of the Combine determines that the current line of Kuritas has drastically failed and need to be invited onwards and be replaced with a suitable Kurita line more in tune with what's needed for national survival..be it peace or prosecution of war..

[TigerTiger74]

Considering the name references to the Trojan War, is the mission the Covenant and its two escort corvettes (all being Combine designs) on a Trojan Horse mission.  There are a lot of targets for that kind of mission, like the shipyards at Midway, LAW's factory on the capitol itself or rescuing Victors son( he is still alive isn't he).

[Adventwolf]

Considering the name references to the Trojan War, is the mission the Covenant and its two escort corvettes (all being Combine designs) on a Trojan Horse mission.  There are a lot of targets for that kind of mission, like the shipyards at Midway, LAW's factory on the capitol itself or rescuing Victors son( he is still alive isn't he).

Yes he is but he is of little concern. He will never be acknowledged as Victor's son. It will also be a major waste of time and resources to go get him. The ships are either going to hit deep targets inside Combine space or hit a clan on the boarder of the Combine to open up another front.
 

[TigerTiger74]

I was thinking more along the lines of preventing Victors enemies using his son as a hostage against him.

[Adventwolf]

I was thinking more along the lines of preventing Victors enemies using his son as a hostage against him.

The Kurita would need to acknowledge that the kid is a Davion first. Something that would be suicide with all the shit they have going on. The Black Dragon society would stop all talks and start trying to kill them again.

[Billy Boy Mark II]

3070 - April - Reactions

At the start of April the focus of the entire Federated Sun's was of course upon the Draconis Front. The battles had been going well and the AFFS were making gains and proving that despite it's recent expansion it remained a battle ready and efficient force. The High Command was particularly delighted to see the years of work expanding the military-industrial base of the FedSun's paying off with fresh battlemechs, tanks and aerospace fighters standing ready in supply depots to be rushed to the front to replaced destroyed or damaged machines. While there still remained a number of combat effective commands that could be dispatched to the front from the League, Capellan and Crucis Marches it was felt at this time that the AFFS was making good progress and that they should be kept in reserve for now. If the offensive stalled for whatever reason, or the Combine managed to launch a credible counter attack then at that stage these reserves could be diverted towards the front.

It was also felt by many within the High Command that taking too many Kurita planets at the same time might overextend the AFFS and FedSun's ability to absorb them. With the majority of the League March and 2 new PDZ's in the Capellan March consisting of newly conquered territories (albeit that some of them had been under the FedCom banner previously) a huge number of conventional infantry brigades in particular were tied down in garrison duties. This has been somewhat alleviated by the huge upsurge in recruitment across the entire Federated Suns (with some conventional forces even being raised within the League March) which has led to a large number of new infantry regiments and armoured units being formed and equipped and then organised into new conventional brigades. While these formations are still green they are all the product of the excellent training regime that the AFFS maintains for conventional troops across the entire Federated Suns. Many have been diverted to garrison postings throughout the rear areas of the Crucis March or Capellan Marches freeing up more experienced troops for redeployment to the front lines, while similar transfers are occuring on the most integrated and peaceful League March worlds to allow the present garrisons to move up to more active worlds recently conquered from the Dragon.

All of these transfers wouldn't be possible without the huge number of jumpships that are now being produced from the various shipyards throughout the Federated Suns. While the massive Monolith and Star Lord class ships are ideal for such a massive redeployment even the simple and humble Merchant and Invader class vessels play their part - if only to free up the larger ships by taking on lesser duties. Indeed the value of these "lesser" jumpships is so great particularly in maintaining a civilian economy despite the war that the First Prince's government offers substantial tax incentives to FedBoeing not only to build a jumpship shipyard at the Outback world of June but also provide technical help to Hildco Interplanetary to return to the shipbuilding business. Both begin construction of shipyards to produce the Merchant class jumpship. In return for the technical support to Hildco FedBoeing will receive a share of the profits of the yard. Neither of the new facilities will be large, but for the time being it is considered that the additional redundancy and supply of jumpships is worth it. Further expansions can always be funded using the initial work as a seed.

At the same time Duke Roger Sanromea-Davion arrives on New Avalon and begins meeting with not only the First Prince but also a number of members of the High Command including no lesser figure than Marshal of the Armies Jackson Davion. Given the Duke's huge wealth and the industrial potential of his world of El Dorado most assume that he is discussing additional expansions to the plant there.

The Federated Sun's entire government is rocked however when word comes that a motion has been proposed within the Lyran Alliances's Estates-General to offer the throne of the Alliance to their prince. While a handful of pro-FedCom voices are raised (largely within the FedSun's Dragoons within the AFFS) they are drowned out by the voices of those who feel that the Lyran Alliance is trying to "steal" the FedSun's prince. It was the Lyran's who broke the Federated Commonwealth in it's hour of need and left the Federated Suns Command to fight alone. It was the Lyran's who supported the Traitor Katherine Steiner-Davion and even attempted to support her in seizing power on New Avalon. Even as the Estates-General debate and counter debate the proposals the public stance within not only the Federated Sun's population but within the AFFS is firmly against First Prince Victor Davion becoming Archon-Prince Victor Steiner-Davion again. While a few suggest that the First Prince might be tempted out of increasing his power or wealth most of those who are against the move are quick to point out that they trust the First Prince to do the right thing - and refuse any Lyran offer. As one guest on Steele's Hard Truths is heard to say "The First Prince is a man of his honour and principle. He won't steal his own nephews throne!" to loud applause. Opinion polling within the Federated Sun's shows a clear majority against reforming the FedCom - 61% against, 17% ambivalent with no firm view and only 22% for the idea. Although these numbers have huge variations depending on the region of the FedSun's the polling is done within - in the worlds nearest the Lyran Alliance such as the Nanking, Achernar and Addick's PDZ support for the reformation of the FedCom is as high as 40%, while almost every poll conducted in the Outback has support for reforming the FedCom struggling to get over 15%.

The furious politicking and arguments about the potential offer of the throne of the Alliance to the First Prince die down somewhat when the motion to offer the throne to the First Prince fails to pass. However it doesn't die down entirely as the motion only fails to pass by the narrowest of margins - 6 votes - with many suggesting that the numerous sub-motions were the reason for this. Already the "pro-Victor/FedCom" faction within the Estates General is publicly calling for another vote, this one with a simple and single motion. Many feel that Honoured Representative Anand of Bolan's motion wasn't in fact a genuine effort to pass her motion but instead merely an attempt to gauge the strength of support for the various options she proposed. If so it is clear that there is a strong body of opinion that supports the return of Victor Davion to the throne. General of the Armies Adam Steiner is remaining neutral - far to busy trying to prevent additional disasters from occurring. Similarly Grand Duke Morgan Kell made no comment on the matter, although his worlds Honoured Representative did vote in favour.

On Demeter the new Stuka line for Lycomb-Davion goes operational doubling the factories output of this design. Despite the needs of the war a large number of the new fighters are dispatched to help build up the aerospace wings in the nearby League March. A third line is still being worked on.

At the rebuilding factory underground on Victoria the Yu Haung/Kai assault mech line goes back into operation. This now returns the facility to it's full pre-war production, although Johnson Industries is also working to add a Penetrator line to the plant.

At Bristol the fifth Fury Command Tank line goes operational for Jolassa-Kumbold Armoured Weapons. Even with all 5 operational lines running at full production they are barely keeping up with the demand for the tank from armoured regiments across the entire FedSuns.

Jalaster Aerospace under strong prompting from the Marshal of Armies and the First Prince announce in April that they are going to be restarting Jabberwocky production to their Panpour and Batavia plants. Both facilities will add 2 lines of the engineering industrial mech each under long term contract with the AFFS to outfit their engineering battalions.

At Torrence the Johnston Industries executives announce that they will be adding not only an additional Thunderbolt-NAIS line but also 2 additional Glory tank lines. These increases will largely be funded by grants from the local Duke and his government who are keen to expand production to their world.

On Sarna the Veridan Dynamics plant see's the first 2 of it's production lines go operational. Both are to build the long forgotten Tiger tank for militia formations. While not flashy or ideal for front line work the huge demand for Planetary Guard and March Militia formations within the new League March has the order books for the company filled for the next 10 years before the first tank has even rolled off the production lines. Work continues on their Vali artillery tank line.

New Independence Weaponry's CEO Judith Hotchkiss requests a meeting to discuss the future of her old companies plant on Quentin in April. She is granted an audience with the First Prince and a few of his advisers on the 28th of April. At this she suggests Independence Weaponry's plant on Quentin be handed over to New Independence Weaponry who will then take up the duties of rebuilding it. After some discussions it is agreed that the plant will be turned over to New Independence Weaponry for a nominal fee. However in return the company will not only rebuild it but also commission a new assault omnimech based upon the Victor chassis. While many feel this is a steep cost the huge plant at Quentin has 12 assault battlemech lines, 8 heavy battlemech lines and 4 medium battlemech lines all in repairable condition. Many of these will take years to rebuild and those which were producing designs like the Tai-sho and Tessen will need to be retooled, but the potential gains for the company are staggering. When fully rebuilt and repaired the Quentin plant will have more lines than the rest of the companies factories put together. Of course almost all of the lines are heavily damaged.

The AFFS also during this month began to systematically strip the Dieron District Gymnasium and the University of Proserpina of their advanced training technologies and resources and shipping them deeper into the FedSuns. The University of Proserpina's equipment was dispatched to Deneb Kaitos to set up a combined arms academy on that world which would specialise in providing light cavalry training - the graduates of which would largely serve in the Deneb Light Cavalry RCT's but also other light cavalry units throughout the AFFS. It was to be named the McDennis Academy for the first General of the 4th Deneb Light Cavalry who had led her unit and world to join the FedSuns.

The Dieron District Gymnasium's equipment however had a longer journey. The looted training materials and resources were dispatched to the world of Verde. There they would be used to set up a unique military academy - one specialised in training the children of the "loyal allied mercenary commands" of the AFFS. Under the aegis of the Duke of Verde, the patron of the famed Vegan Rangers mercenary command, this academy would provide those commands which had proven their loyalty to the FedSun's and House Davion a steady supply of high quality military university graduates. The Blue Star Irregulars, Cunningham's Commando's, Federated Arcadians, Fighting Urukhai, Hansen's Roughriders (although this unit was only included after strong discussions), Illician Lancers, Northwind Highlanders (although this was considered a mere formality), Screaming Eagles, Stalking Horse, Vegan Rangers, Wild Geese and Wolf's Dragoon commands were all listed as units that could petition for places at this academy. Places at this new academy would also be open to "allied nations" and even "friendly nations" - such as the Free Rasalhague Republic, Lyran Alliance and most surprisingly the Taurian Concordat. It was to be named simply the Sword Academy.

Meanwhile in the Lyran Alliance the situation continues to get worse...

On Hesperus the 36th Lyran Guards and what's left of the 1st Hesperus Guards fight a brutal war in the tunnels and production lines of the underground factory complex that they are defending. Aiding them is not only the layout of the factory - designed for defensive engagements as well as production, but also the staff and security forces of the complex itself. They rush to the aid of the plant and more than one WOB Shadow Division mechwarrior is slain when turning a corner to find himself facing a freshly constructed assault battlemech operated by a factory worker who fires a brutal alpha strike at knife fighting range. The fact that most of these ambushes almost always end with the factory worker and his battlemech being torn apart by Manei Domini follow on troops does little to stem the tide of losses. In one spectacularly brutal fight in an armour plating rolling plant molten metal is poured from the overhead smelters onto a reinforced company of WOB troops and a few volunteer defenders who have baited the trap. The LAAF troops far from being demoralised realise they are trapped and their only chance of survival is to fight on until relieved. However with orbiting WOB warships the single attempt to run the blockade by a combat command of the 2nd Hesperus Guards RCT is destroyed entirely. If Hesperus is to be relieved the LAN will have to break the blockade.

At New Earth the 5th Lyran Regulars are finally overwhelmed and wiped out. The few survivors are dispatched to reeducation camps within the WOB Protectorate and the planet formally joins said Protectorate.

On Thorin the defending 15th Arcturan Guards is bolstered by a well skilled and motivated militia who rally to them and allow them to continue the fight even as the WOB Militia troops facing them harry them from battle to battle forcing them into the mountains. News leaks to Thorin that the Estates General are considering offering the throne to the First Prince and the low level civil disobedience across the areas of the planet occupied by the WOB rise to the level of active insurrections. Dozens of FedCom banners and even FedSun's banners are shown being flown by the rioting civilians. The WOB respond with customary brutality and open fire on the rioters with mech grade machine guns. Far from cowing the rioters this results in large numbers fleeing into the wilderness to join the 15th Arcturan's resistance.

The Free Worlds League invasion or counter invasion of the Lyran Alliance also gathers steam when both Dixie and Cavanaugh II fall to the League. Elements of the 11th Lyran Regulars manage to evacuate off Cavanaugh II but the Dixie CTM's survivors are forced to surrender. On Bolan the defenders fight valley to valley, falling back slowly on the capital of Bolan City where the local militia are preparing hurried siege defences. The 4 patrolling corvettes of the FWLN prevent reinforcements from slipping in.

Despite being sworn to the Oriente based Captain-General the Falcon regiment of the Silver Hawk Coalition launch their own attack in support of Captain-General Corrine Marik's invasion. They strike out to liberate occupied Nestor which is still held by the 7th Donegal Guards RCT. Against this larger force the Falcon's have little chance of victory, but they are swiftly joined by the Home Guard regiment of the Stewart's Dragoons - a neutral province. Given that the Atreus Captain-General has managed to have not only a neutral unit but also a hostile one follow her orders bodes well for the Free Worlds Leagues reunification...

These hopes are dealt a horrific blow however when the Regular Hussars launch their own attack. The 4th Regulan Hussars strike at the Marik Commonwealth world of Manihika, while the 5th strikes the neutral world of Futuna seizing it almost overnight and imposing a Regulan friendly government that soon petitions to join the Principality. Meanwhile the newly raised 10th and 11th Regular Hussars strike the Atreus loyal independent worlds of Norfolk and Newcastle while a Regulan Zechetinu II bluffs the world of Tuamotu into surrendering to Regulus (or at least everyone hopes they were bluffing with their threat to level the capital city followed by every other city until the world surrendered). These attacks pose a major threat to Captain-General Marik on Atreus and force her to decide whether to recall loyal units to defend the capital or continue operations against the LAAF...

Tamarind negotiates that the independent world of Edmondson joins the Duchy on the 18th of April. They are pushing hard for the Abbey District to join them as well. Along with enough worlds to form a "bridge" between Abbey and Tamarind.

Within the Draconis Combine the Khan and saKhan of the Nova Cats summon their Warrior Council to meet on Irece on the 5th of May. Every bloodnamed warrior is instructed to attend unless engaged in active combat.

Kanrei Hohiro Kurita having used 4 of the 10 regiments of battlemech's that were gifted to the DCMS by the WOB after his deals with them orders that the remaining battlemech's be dispatched to Luthien for his father's disposal of them. Large convoys of WOB jumpships escorted by warships head deeper into the HPG darkness that is the heart of the Combine.

[Niopsian]

3070 - April - Reactions
Kanrei Hohiro Kurita having used 4 of the 10 regiments of battlemech's that were gifted to the DCMS by the WOB after his deals with them orders that the remaining battlemech's be dispatched to Luthien for his father's disposal of them. Large convoys of WOB jumpships escorted by warships head deeper into the HPG darkness that is the heart of the Combine.

Why did I suddenly get an image of Hohiro Kurita cosplaying as Arthas Menethil?

[cawest]

Why did I suddenly get an image of Hohiro Kurita cosplaying as Arthas Menethil?

Each Olympus has a 150,000 repair bay.  that is big enough to make a Merchant class jumpship.  you can have the "big boy" of jumpship makers ship parts to any station within one jump (30ly) of their yards.  the Olympus crews could put the parts together this would give a short term burst of production, before the bays are needed again to repair.