The Federated Sun's Reborn

[Iron Grenadier]

Industrial/Infrastructure Changes

Kathil – expanding naval slips
-   GM: 2 extra Blackjack-O lines. Expanding Tunnel Rat lines.

What all is GM producing at this point at Kathil?

[Seydlitz]

Refresh my memory, is GM building the Falconer heavy mech in this AU like in canon? Also is StarCorps/SunCorps going to build the Manteuffel Attack Tank? Personally I always thought it to be suitable replacement for the Patton/Rommel duo in front line RCTs thanks to its versatility. For example, revise the canon B(typical Lyran)variant to a Davion "Sniper" variant mating a standard Gauss rifle to a targeting computer. The design also has enough room in the turret to create a couple of Artillery variants, one utilizing a Sniper Artillery cannon while the other uses the Arrow IV Missle system, this would be especially useful to the Deneb Light Cavalry whose typical TO&E favors hover tanks would gain heavy firepower that can both keep pace with thier mostly light & medium mech and act as a damage sponge for said mechs but can also rely on integral fire support from the artillery equipped units when such support is assigned elsewhere or not present in the first place. If the name is an issue, you could always rename it to something like Pershing or Abrams.

[Chris OFarrell]

In fairness - Victor probably should have turned down Zion's request to join the FedSuns. Still that would have been a hard sell for a man who probably at this stage does see himself as something if a liberator. As well as a hard sell to the AFFS/man on the street who's just seen him curbstomp the entire CCAF. Plus for now he's put a single Avalon Hussar RCT into Zion. A veteran RCT granted with top end equipment but it's not like he doesn't have a fair number of those hanging around...

I'm honestly surprised his wife didn't talk him down. Or his other advisors for the most part, he doesn't seem to have a wide array of trusted people with varied opinions to draw on. Although to be fair that is NOT uncommon in Battletech leaders.

The Fox thing - I agree and disagree. On the one hand: yes, having those ships available now if war breaks out is a Good Thing. But although he knows war is hovering on the horizon, he can't be sure when it will break out. Squeezing in a few extra upgrades is worth some risk. Plus the PR/morals of sending men and women out to fight in what you KNOW is a flawed design that you could upgrade isn't going to sit well with the Warrior Prince.

It's flawed sure, but its hardly bad IMO. I can understand him putting the damaged ships into refit cycles at the same time as they are repaired, that makes sense, but taking more of the otherwise fine ships out?
I'd probably have, instead, reshuffled the Corvette Flotilas to concentrate the Fox IIs on the Combine and Terran fronts and shuffle the Fox Is back out to the now more 'calm' areas in the rear and League March, personally. Victor could really find himself missing those ships very soon...

The 4th FSAC - was mostly me trying not to make every single FSAC a carbon copy "cavalry" unit. Emphasising the "armoured" part of their name. Although as  a small spoiler the unit is quickly going to end up as a heavy cav rather than assault cav unit.

I can understand that, although the carbon copy is a thing IMO because its exactly what should be done. These are a very specific unit formation capable of very specific actions. You can build a Dragoons unit or a Hussars unit or a Davion Guards unit if you want that instead...

Personally, I would have looked at augmenting the Mech force in a different way to get more striking power. Something like attaching a heavy VTOL unit of new designs? Or doubling the entire Aerospace complement outright, focused on Stukas and other very heavy attack craft?

But I can certinally dig that you want more flavor!

The Combines going to be a bit split in the war. The majority in effective HPG blackout stumbling around using black boxes and jumpships, struggling to respond, with a smaller part under Hohiro's command that will rely on their "allies" and will be much more aggressive/responsive.

So Hohiro crashes into the massed RCTs alongside the WOB in a bloody stalemate (that the AFFS can probably win through sheer attrition if necessary!), while the FSN with raiding units sweeps into the Combines rear and systematically destroys critical industrial targets, often outpacing the news? All the while ComStar quietly slips around the side, then Jumps Terra?

Sounds legit :D

Provisionally (VERY) I have the WOB currently at 30-35 Militia Divisions, 5 Shadow Divisions and around 10 Protectorate Divisions that are little more than planetary militia.

Sounds like a lot ... but when you think that they'll have to leave some of that on Terra at all times, split up a lot of the rest to at least have a token presence at HPGs, then the FWL mess they can't quite get away from and THEN going to war with the Federated Suns?

Man, the WOB crazies must be pulling their hair out at how one patsy after another KEEPS ON SCREWING UP AND DENYING THEM STUFF! The FWL imploding into a quagmire. The Taurian Concordat blew everything in a temper tantrum under a crazy man. The Liaos wasted their gifts and had a crazy Liao incite the wrath of the Federated Suns by unleashing her inner crazy, eliminating them as an ally...

Even if things are spinning out of control, they must think that Kurita at least isn't ****** around and just wants to hit the same guy THEY want to hit ... and then ComStar cockblocks them by destroying the first shipments of material AND ****** over the entire ComStar HPG network that now THEY have to try and rush massive resources to and fix at ruinous expense ...

Fun for the whole family here :D

[Iron Grenadier]

Refresh my memory, is GM building the Falconer heavy mech in this AU like in canon? Also is StarCorps/SunCorps going to build the Manteuffel Attack Tank?

I actually forgot the Falconer was made by GM, thought it was just TharHes Industries. I was curious about the Rakshasa though.

I like the Manteuffell, but seems like with everything that happened to StarCorps here it may not have been developed. Maybe a good bone to throw to the Lyrans here and just say it was developed on the Lyran side of StarCorps at Loburg.

[Billy Boy Mark II]

Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery December 3069


Benjamin Regulars
2nd Benjamin Regulars – Regular – 100%
6th Benjamin Regulars – Regular – 100%
9th Benjamin Regulars – Veteran – 100%
15th Benjamin Regulars – Green – 100%
17th Benjamin Regulars – Veteran – 100%
23rd Benjamin Regulars – Green – 100%
24th Benjamin Regulars – Green – 100%
25th Benjamin Regulars – Green – 100%
26th Benjamin Regulars – Green – 100%

Dieron Regulars
2nd Dieron Regulars – Veteran – 100%
3rd Dieron Regulars – Veteran – 70% 
8th Dieron Regulars – Veteran – 100%
12th Dieron Regulars – Regular – 100%
15th Dieron Regulars – Regular – 80%
22nd Dieron Regulars – Elite – 80%
24th Dieron Regulars – Regular – 90%
40th Dieron Regulars – Green – 100%
45th Dieron Regulars – Veteran – 70%
46th Dieron Regulars – Green – 90%
47th Dieron Regulars – Green 90%
48th Dieron Regulars – Green – 70%
49th Dieron Regulars – Green – 100% - WOB equipment
50th Dieron Regulars – Green – 100% - WOB equipment

Galedon Regulars
2nd Galedon Regulars – Green – 100%
5th Galedon Regulars – Regular – 100%
12th Galedon Regulars – Regular – 100%
16th Galedon Regulars – Green – 100%
19th Galedon Regulars – Regular – 100% - Valentina
21st Galedon Regulars – Regular – 100%
32nd Galedon Regulars – Green – 100%
42nd Galedon Regulars – Veteran – 100%
43rd Galedon Regulars – Green – 80% - Waldheim
44th Galedon Regulars – Green – 80% - Capra
45th Galdedon Regulars – Green – 100%
46th Galedon Regulars – Green – 100%
47th Galedon Regulars – Green – 100%
48th Galedon Regulars – Green – 80%


Pesht Regulars
4th Pesht Regulars – Regular – 65%
6th Pesht Regulars – Green – 100%
7th Pesht Regulars – Veteran – 75%
10th Pesht Regulars – Green – 100%
11th Pesht Regulars – Green – 100%
12th Pesht Regulars – Green – 100% - secret
13th Pesht Regulars – Green – 80% - secret
14th Pesht Regulars – Green – 80% - secret

Genyosha
1st Genyosha – Elite – 90%
2nd Genyosha – Elite – 80%
3rd Genyosha – Veteran – 80%
4th Genyosha – Veteran – 80%
5th Genyosha – Veteran – 70%

Otomo and Dragons Claws
Otomo – Elite – 100%
Izanagi Warriors – Veteran – 100%

Sword of Light
1st Sword of Light – Elite – 90% (Re)
2nd Sword of Light – Elite – 60% (Re)
5th Sword of Light – Veteran – 80% (Re)
7th Sword of Light – Veteran – 80% (Re)
8th Sword of Light – Elite – 80% (Re)

Sun Zhang
5th Sun Zhang Cadre – Green – 100%
13th Sun Zhang Cadre – Green – 100%
14th Sun Zhang Cadre – Green – 100%
16th Sun Zhang Cadre – Green – 100%
17th Sun Zhang Cadre – Green – 100%
18th Sun Zhang Cadre – Green – 100%

Amphigean Light Assault Groups
1st Amphigean Light Assault Group – Veteran – 100%
7th Amphigean Light Assault Group – Regular – 90% (Re)
8th Amphigean Light Assault Group – Green – 90% - Barlow’s Folly
9th Amphigean Light Assault Group – Green – 80%

An Ting Legions
2nd An Ting Legion – Veteran – 100%
6th An Ting Legion – Green – 100%
7th An Ting Legion – Green – 60%

Arkab Legions
2nd Arkab Legion – Regular – 100%
4th Arkab Legion – Veteran – 100%
6th Arkab Legion – Regular – 100%
7th Arkab Legion – Green – 60%

Night Stalkers
2nd Night Stalkers – Veteran – 100%
3rd Night Stalkers – Regular – 100%
4th Night Stalkers – Green – 80%

Prosperina Hussars
1st Prosperina Hussars – Elite – 70% (Re)
3rd Prosperina Hussars – Elite – 80%
10th Prosperina Hussars – Green – 70% - Prosperina

Ghost Regiments
1st Ghost – Veteran – 100%
3rd Ghost – Veteran – 100%
5th Ghost – Regular – 100%
6th Ghost – Veteran – 100%
7th Ghost – Elite – 60% -
10th Ghost – Regular – 100%
11th Ghost – Veteran – 60%
12th Ghost – Veteran – 60%
13th Ghost – Green – 70%
14th Ghost – Green – 70%
15th Ghost – Green – 50%
16th Ghost – Green – 50%

Legions of Vega
2nd Legion of Vega – Veteran – 70%
11th Legion of Vega – Veteran – 100%
16th Legion of Vega – Regular – 100%
17th Legion of Vega – Green – 50% – over strength aerospace forces

Ryuken
Ryuken-Ni- Elite – 100%
Ryuken-San – Veteran – 90%
Ryuken-Yon – Veteran – 100%
Ryuken-Go – Elite – 70%
Ryuken-Roku – Veteran – 100%
Ryuken-Nana – Green – 100%

DCNS

Kirishima clas
DCS Urizen II
DCS Takashi
DCS Siriwan
DCS Shiro

Kyusha class frigates
DCS Draconis Rift
DCS Luthien
DCS Victory at Wolcott
DCS Deiron Star
DCS Galedon Explorer
DCS Galedon Warrior
Tatsumaki class destroyer
DCS Lair of Mighty Wyrms
DCS Mountain of Wyrms

New Samarkand II class carrier
DCS Togura
DCS New Samarkand


Inazuma class corvette
DCS Night of Agony
DCS Winds of Heaven
DCS Amber Lotus
DCS Swiping Claw
8 Inazuma corvettes

[Billy Boy Mark II]

Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery Deployment
31st December 3069

Benjamin Military District

Benjamin Prefecture
2nd Benjamin Regulars – Paracale 
6th Benjamin Regulars – Minakuchi
25th Benjamin Regulars – Benjamin 
6th Ghost – Benjamin
26th Benjamin Regulars – Dover

Buckminster Prefecture
17th Benjamin Regulars – Najha
12th Dieron Regulars – Kiesen
5th Galedon Regulars – Dumaring
7th Amphigean Light Assault Group – Buckminster
2nd Arkab Legion – Camlann
4th Arkab Legion – Pilkhua
6th Arkab Legion – Arkab
7th Arkab Legion – Arkab 
5th Ghost – Shirotori
3rd Proserpina Hussars – Kiamba

Iruzun Prefecture
16th Galedon Regulars – Barlow’s Folly
8th Amphigean Light Assault Group – Barlow’s Folly
9th Benjamin Regulars – Donenac
23rd Benjamin Regulars – Reisling’s Planet 
24th Benjamin Regulars – Ludwig

Prosperpina Prefecture
1st Sword of Light – Proserpina
10th Proserpina Hussars – Proserpina
4th Genyosha – Proserpina
1st Sword of Light – Proserpina
1st Ghost – Fellanin II
4th Night Stalkers – Scheat
25th Benjamin Regulars – Matar 
14th Ghost – Labida 
15th Ghost – Labida

Xinyang Prefecture
15th Benjamin Regulars – Xinyang
42nd Galedon Regulars – Kanowit
1st Proserpina Hussars – Xinyang

Dieron Military District

Al Na’ir Prefecture
3rd Dieron Regulars – Dieron
1st Genyosha – Dieron
2nd Genyosha – Dieron
49th Dieron Regulars – Dieron 
50th Dieron Regulars – Dieron 
15th Dieron Regulars – Al Na’ir
45th Dieron Regulars – Quentin
47th Dieron Regulars – Fomalhaut
24th Dieron Regulars – Nirasaki
13th Ghost – Sadachbia
16th Ghost – Ancha

Algedi Prefecture
48th Dieron Regulars – Algedi

Ashio Prefecture
16th Sun Zhang Cadre – Ashio
46th Dieron Regulars – Halstead Station

Kessel Prefecture
40th Dieron Regulars – Kessel
32nd Galedon Regulars – Imbros III
6th An Ting Legion – Skondia
3rd Night Stalkers – Yorii
13th Sun Zhang Cadre – Lyons

Vega Prefecture
2nd Night Stalkers – Cebalrai
11th Legion of Vega – Vega

Galedon Military District

Kaznejov Prefecture
12th Galedon Regulars – Capra
44th Galedon Regulars – Capra
5th Sword of Light – Huan
1st Amphigean Light Assault Group – Weisau
11th Ghost – Waldheim
43rd Galedon Regulars – Waldheim
19th Galedon Regulars – Valentina
45th Galdedon Regulars – Kaznejov 
10th Ghost – Budingen 

Matsuida Prefecture
Ryuken-Ni- Elite – Harrow’s Sun 
3rd Ghost – Harrow’s Sun
7th Ghost – Harrow’s Sun
7th An Ting – An Ting
12th Ghost – An Ting
Ryuken-yon – Thestria
Ryuken-nana – New Aberdeen
Ryuken-go – Matsuida
2nd Galedon Regulars – Matsuida
9th Amphigean Light Assault Group – Harpster 

New Samarkand Prefecture
21st Galedon Regulars – New Samarkand 
47th Galedon Regulars – New Samarkand 
48th Galedon Regulars – Galedon
5th Genyosha – Galedon 

Oshika Prefecture
16th Legion of Vega – Oshika
17th Legion of Vega – Midway

Tabayama Prefecture
46th Galedon Regulars – Tabayama

Pesht Military District

Albiero Prefecture
2nd Dieron Regulars – Albiero
8th Dieron Regulars – Luzerne
22nd Dieron Regulars – Garstedt
7th Pesht Regulars – Byesville
7th Sword of Light – Idlewind
8th Sword of Light – Schuyler
5th Sun Zhang Cadre – Brochii’s Cluster
2nd An Ting – Richmond
2nd Legion of Vega – Savinsville 
Ryuken-san – Nykvarn

Bjarred Prefecture
10th Pesht Regulars – Bjarred

Irece Prefecture

Ningxia Prefecture
6th Pesht Regulars – Land’s End
Ryuken-roku – Ningxia 

Pesht Prefecture
4th Pesht Regulars – Pesht
3rd Genyosha – Luthien
Izanagi Warriors – Luthien
Otomo – Luthien
2nd Sword of Light – Luthien
14th Sun Zhang Cadre – Luthien
17th Sun Zhang Cadre – Kilmarnock
18th Sun Zhang Cadre – Chatham

Quandahar Prefecture
11th Pesht Regulars – Quandahar 
12th Pesht Regulars – Quandahar - secret
13th Pesht Regulars – Chorley - secret
14th Pesht Regulars – Multan - secret

[Ajax_Wolf]

The 'Cats already packed up and left/defected?

[Billy Boy Mark II]

The 'Cats already packed up and left/defected?

No - I haven't listed them in the DCMS as technically they aren't DCMS troops. I'll be adding the mercenaries and allies soon. Did as much as I could but the migraine today took a toll.

[Chris OFarrell]

10 C-Bills that the Black Dragons will drag their feet on meeting Theodore as they see everything about to hit the fan.
Then try to stab him in the back when the DCMS has been mauled.

[David CGB]

10 C-Bills that the Black Dragons will drag their feet on meeting Theodore as they see everything about to hit the fan.
Then try to stab him in the back when the DCMS has been mauled.

more even money, then that

[Adventwolf]

So even with the aid coming from the WoB the Combine is still outnumbered. The only thing they got going for them is their whole death cult culture that will make any fight a major issue due to them not surrendering when that would be the smart move.

[cawest]

So even with the aid coming from the WoB the Combine is still outnumbered. The only thing they got going for them is their whole death cult culture that will make any fight a major issue due to them not surrendering when that would be the smart move.

it is called WMD's  look what happened to the Snow Ravens.

[Chris OFarrell]

So even with the aid coming from the WoB the Combine is still outnumbered. The only thing they got going for them is their whole death cult culture that will make any fight a major issue due to them not surrendering when that would be the smart move.

The key question is how much they can actually throw into the fight. The Ghost Bears for example are generally conservative enough that they are unlikely to leap for Luthien, especially as things seem to be going down in the Clan Homeworlds. Their instinct is always to turtle and wait.

With that said, they are probably going to be awfully tempted to at least nibble down a few worlds if the Dragon pulls its troops back. And they have a LOT of troops who haven't had a good fight in quite a while now, all these worlds without HPGs active anymore to allow any kind of coordinated response just sitting their, ripe for the taking...

Plus of course the slight issue that they MUST defend their rear areas given that Victor has the ships and troops to just drive right up into the blackout and go on the mother of all drive-by-shootings. So they'll need to keep plenty of units defensively in the rear.

Not to mention if Peter gets a midnight visit from the ghost of Katrina Steiner who slaps him around the room and tells him to stop ****** up and start actually ruling like his Brother. Because the Lyrans I'm more than sure would delight in snapping back some more of the worlds, like the Lyons Thumb region, while the Dragon is highly distracted...

Long and short of it, those WOB troops being committed (however many that is) could very well be critical as an offensive force and end up carrying a far bigger load than their numbers might suggest. And could be very effective, especially if they can pull off their involvement mostly as a surprise and curve around into the League March (possibly with Kali??) and then across into the Crucis March...

I still think this is absoloutly the Federated Suns war to loose, but this is going to be a WAR, not an extermination like the fight against the Confederation was.

[Billy Boy Mark II]

The key question is how much they can actually throw into the fight. The Ghost Bears for example are generally conservative enough that they are unlikely to leap for Luthien, especially as things seem to be going down in the Clan Homeworlds. Their instinct is always to turtle and wait.

With that said, they are probably going to be awfully tempted to at least nibble down a few worlds if the Dragon pulls its troops back. And they have a LOT of troops who haven't had a good fight in quite a while now, all these worlds without HPGs active anymore to allow any kind of coordinated response just sitting their, ripe for the taking...

Plus of course the slight issue that they MUST defend their rear areas given that Victor has the ships and troops to just drive right up into the blackout and go on the mother of all drive-by-shootings. So they'll need to keep plenty of units defensively in the rear.

Not to mention if Peter gets a midnight visit from the ghost of Katrina Steiner who slaps him around the room and tells him to stop ****** up and start actually ruling like his Brother. Because the Lyrans I'm more than sure would delight in snapping back some more of the worlds, like the Lyons Thumb region, while the Dragon is highly distracted...

Long and short of it, those WOB troops being committed (however many that is) could very well be critical as an offensive force and end up carrying a far bigger load than their numbers might suggest. And could be very effective, especially if they can pull off their involvement mostly as a surprise and curve around into the League March (possibly with Kali??) and then across into the Crucis March...

I still think this is absoloutly the Federated Suns war to loose, but this is going to be a WAR, not an extermination like the fight against the Confederation was.

Your basically right. The FedSuns enjoys battle hardened troops with top end equipment and has a numerical and industrial advantage. However that isn't to say the Dragon is going to be a pushover. They have an extremely capable military (unlike the CCAF which was fractured and overstretched) along with the interior position. Defensively the DCMS can make the AFFS bleed on a dozen worlds, fall back and do it again. And again. And again. But defensive actions aren't going to win the war. Which is there the WOB come in. They do have troops to commit to offensive actions and if they can help swing the tide even locally the DCMS can then go on the offensive as well.

The single major headache for the DCMS might actually be the very warrior culture that will keep it in the fight - DCMS units under attack who can't get orders to withdraw might stick it out and die where they stand. And the Dragon cant afford that against the numerical advantage of the FedSuns. They need units to fight smart. Not suicidal last stands or banzai charges.

Also if they do pull troops from the Ghost Bear front - they are in serious trouble if the bear wakes up and moves. Like "the AFFS and Ghost Bears racing to Luthien" trouble.

Hence why Theodore is VERY keen to get the Snow Ravens to come in. It extends the front and gives him a flank attack by allies to draw of pressure. If he can get them involved. Still he has one major selling point: "If i go down, your on your own if the Davions come for you..."

[paulobrito]

If AFFS get the high orbitals with warship support - any stronghold of the Dragon receive a NL / NPPC gift - if Victor play this smart. No way a planetary force can win against an invader force with orbital support. Unless have plot shields (tm).

[Dave Talley]

Fedcom drive by

A squadron of ships pulls last Luthien at 2g
A quick blast at Luthien Armor Works and push on out and jump from the other Lagrange point,
Buhbye!

[Iron Grenadier]

I would think the Wolf Clan might be interested in taking a bite of the Ghost Bear's. If they pull troops towards Luthien why wouldn't the Wolves take advantage?

[Tyler Jorgensson]

I would think the Wolf Clan might be interested in taking a bite of the Ghost Bear's. If they pull troops towards Luthien why wouldn't the Wolves take advantage?
[/quote

They tried that by using the Hell Horses as proxies once... it really didn’t work well. Vlad might stage a couple of smaller trials but he wouldn’t want to poke the Bear when his goal is still messing with the IS and maybe Terra.

[Iron Grenadier]

They tried that by using the Hell Horses as proxies once... it really didn’t work well. Vlad might stage a couple of smaller trials but he wouldn’t want to poke the Bear when his goal is still messing with the IS and maybe Terra.

Has that happened in this timeline?

[Chris OFarrell]

That’s a good question, I can’t remember if the Ghost-Bear / Combine was in this timeline ended up with the Hells Horses trying their backstab at Vlads goading.

It makes sense that it would, given the personalities invoked, but who knows ...

In any event I’d bet Vlad would be more focused on the Lyrans. What with Katherine probably nagging him for years now and Peter failing in a way that makes him look weak and indecisive.

[Adventwolf]

Honestly Victor's best play with the Combine is a limited invasion followed by a massive defensive drive. Combined with his Warships and a Rapid Assualt force launching raids and deep strikes on the rest of the Combine. This way he forces the Combine to spread their forces and leaves them vulnerable to to other factions moving on them. The Lyrans and the FRR can take this opportunity to hit the Combine. With ComStar making a fighting retreat towards allied territory moving the boarders of three Nations that are friendly and with them would be a major help. The Clans need to worry about eachother so they are unlikely to make any moves at first. The Ravens are the only Clan that doesn't have a another Clan near them to threaten them. But if Victor can court them enough they might be able to be removed as a enemy. Maybe even convince them to attack the Combine along side the Outworlds Alliance to increase their own power and territory. The FedSuns cannot afford to take large amounts of the Combine but if several other powers take smaller amounts and the FedSuns raid and destrory enough of the remaining Combine territory then the Combine gets removed as a threat for a long while.

[Dave Talley]

Vic could win this without ground forces

simply move a bunch of naval folks into nearby systems and wait
as the dracs pop in and commit to a course of action his people get updated
by fax and bang! ambush the force or something similar in each system
he never needs to cross the border, by no dracs go home, and even those that are boarded
and captured the POWs can just be turned over to the Star League

[Chris OFarrell]

Indeed - although it would be a huge risk to try that kind of play without perfect intelligence on the Combines offensive.

Victors best bet is to seize the initiative and choke it like a Steel Viper wrapper around its prey. Historically (and in this fic) he’s been very reactive. Often recovering very well mind you, but still reacting to events more than setting them into motion. And it’s probably been noticed too (and his direction of appeals to Theodore to end this madness before it starts has probably played into that).

Here, Victors best bet is to lance the boil before it bursts and seize maximum advantage out of a surprise attack. Especially an attack to destroy as much of the DCA ‘at anchor as he possibly can. If he could knock out a dozen warships in the opening act (and send some of three strike forces into the interior of the Combine past HPG coverage) then he’ll completely derail all the Combines war plans and leave them hideously open to having their spearheads cut off, blockaded and swamped with masses of units for defeat in detail.

And with the Combine Navy, WOB Navy and possibly two Clans babies to think about, he REALLY can’t afford to play it safe.

The Bulls Case Granite was doomed from the start given how pathetic their navy was. The FSN OTOH has a genuine chance to pull off a shocking opening punch if Victor takes off the kid gloves...

[Adventwolf]

Yes Victor should make the first strike. But he won't both because that is not the kind of person he is but also because he is trying to get more ships and crews trained up to a standard. Hopefully his high command will put all the information on the table and tell him that a first strike is both the most effective and the safest action for the people of the FedSuns. If he has to wait he should start working on the other powers boarding the Combine to get them to pressure the Combine boarders and to make deals to supply the FRR with more equipment so they can attack the Combine. A hard first strike along with the offer the Nova Cats have received from the FedSuns might be enough to get them to just leave the Combine instead of wasting lives and resources in a stupid fight.

[Chris OFarrell]

A thought JUST occurred; what about Minoru Kurita?

In the OTL, he joined the Nova Cats and became their Oathmaster. Wonder if that happened in this timeline.
Because if it did, well, he's going to in a very ... interesting ... position.

[Billy Boy Mark II]

3069 - December Interlude - The First Prince and his Marshal

30th December 3069
Fox's Den
Grand Avalon Mountain Range
New Avalon
New Avalon Combat Region
Coreward Combat Theatre (Markessan Operation's Area)
Crucis March
Federated Suns

The First Prince walked into the Fox's Den's office of the Marshal of Armies with his mind somewhere else. Specifically with his wife and newborn son who were back at the palace playing with some of the toys that had been sent by 100s of well wishers for young Prince Burton. Not that he was old enough to really play with them, but the image of Isis sitting on the floor while his son laughed was heavy on the Prince's mind as he returned to the duties of state. He nodded respectfully and waved away the salute of Jackson Davion as he strode into the room. "Forget about it Jackson, this is just you and I... We can dispense with the formalities."

"Thank you my Prince." Jackson nodded waving the First Prince to the chair that his aides had specifically brought into the office for this meeting. His usual working chairs weren't really suitable for Prince Victor to sit across from him in, so a special chair had been moved into the space. As both men sat the Marshal mused ruefully that Victor probably didn't even realise that whenever he had a meeting in a smaller office the entire furniture had to be rearranged - not because the First Prince would demand such treatment, but because the men and women of the AFFS wished to show their First Prince the courtesy of his office.

"So... The Draconis issue..." Victor Davion broached the reason for this meeting without forcing either man to go through the formalities. By now they had worked together long enough to have reached a comfortable respect for each others abilities. "Any updates?"

"They are definitely on a war footing. But we knew that. Due to their turning on Comstar we are getting a LOT of intelligence from ROM - which we've mostly been able to independently verify. They are building up troops around Dieron, Prosperina and all around the Galtor Thumb and our gains near Niles... I'm particularly worried about the formation of battle groups of regiments on Dieron, Prosperina and Harrow's Sun. Those are offensive formations my Prince..." Jackson went straight to the heart of his concerns. "Worse, we know that each of those 3 systems have warships operating in them. I believe those are task forces intended to attack us."

"Recommendations?" Victor asked.

"We hit them first. If we hit those 3 systems alone we can destroy or tie down 11 of their regiments - including no less than 5 Genyosha, Ryuken or Sword of Light regiments. Even if we can't outright destroy them, just removing them as offensive units would be a huge net gain for the Federated Sun's in the event of war." Jackson handed over a print out of the garrisons of those systems estimated forces and strengths. "As you can see we estimate the DCMS has between 90-100 regiments Prince. If we can take out a full tenth of their forces with a preemptive strike, particularly when that tenth includes some of their best units we will have the momentum from day one. We might even be able to force them to the negotiation table. Especially if we manage to take out any of the warships in those systems at the same time."

Victor sat opposite from his Marshal of Armies and flicked through the intelligence reports. Most of them were merely updates on reports he had already memorised so it wasn't long before he looked up at Jackson and asked. "What forces would be required?"

Jackson Davion brought out another 4 slim folders with the attack forces outlines and plans and handed them over. "For the Dieron operation, I'd take the 2nd and 4th Davion Guards RCT as well as the 5th Robinson Rangers RCT from Murchison as the heart of the task force. I'd add the 4th Deneb Light Cavalry, Davion Assault Guards and all 4 regiments of the Vegan Rangers. I'd also add the Fighting Urukhai's 8th Striker and Demestri's Bar Hound regiments. No less than 5 front line RCT's and 6 mercenary regiments of battlemech's gives us a more than 2:1 superiority even if they've formed up any new units from the equipment the WOB is shipping them. More likely 3:1 if they haven't yet. For Prosperina I'd want the 1st and Old Davion Guards along with the 1st Revenant and 1st Kathil Uhlan's from Markessan as the core of the attack force with the 1st Argyle Lancers, 41st Avalon Hussars and the 1st and 6th Robinson Rangers RCT's to back them up. With 8 front line formations we can take on the 2 front line formations they have on Prosperina and also the forming 10th Hussars they have there. For Harrow's Sun the 4th Robinson Rangers RCT and the 6th Crucis Lancers RCT would be the 2 units I'd use to build the force around, with the green 5th Avalon Hussars being added to give them more numbers along with the 1st Avalon Hussars. I'd bring in the Davion Heavy Guards and 1st Ceti Hussar's to add flexibility to the force and place it under the overall command of Jon. I also have a list of attached warship assets... With these forces I believe we can achieve swift victories, crushing any chance the DCMS might have to launch a major offensive against us for at least a year... I've also included a list of "smaller strikes" that can take place at the same time to mop up other nearby formations and secure a very favourable position for us if military operations continue, for instance the 2nd and the new 4th Ceti Hussars moving on Waldheim with the 2nd Tancredi Loyalist to secure the planet as a jumping off point for a further strike against Kaznejoy itself..."

Victor took the folders and looked at them. As with all of Jackson's work they were thorough, comprehensive and despite being only outlines incredibly detailed. He had little doubt that if he gave the go ahead the units in question would be lifting on before the new year... And while you could never be assured of victory he was confident that these plans had been assembled by the finest minds in the AFFS and if at all possible they would lead to victory.

After a few minutes he looked up. "These plans mean war. Full on war. This isn't a minor border dispute like last time. Launching 25 regiments and RCT's against three planets with the aim of wiping out a tenth of the DCMS in a single operation, plus the "smaller" strikes which include roughly a dozen more regiments... More Hohiro is on Dieron according to our reports... It would be war."

"Yes my prince." The Marshal of Armies acknowledged. "But now is the time to strike. Their communications are in a shambles... Luthien probably wouldn't hear about these attacks for weeks..."

"By which time no doubt we'd be launching a second wave..." Victor held up his hand. "Don't pretend to me you don't have plans for a second wave Jackson... I know you."

Both men shared a rueful smile and Jackson shrugged and nodded. "We have plans for operations that would take us right to Luthien..."

"Of course you do." Victor nodded. "And that's what worries me. If we launch these operations that's what it's going to take. Us planting the sword and starburst over Luthien to bring it to an end. This isn't the Confederation, a rotting house ready to be kicked down. The Combine's got a professional military that is committed to the fight..."

For a few seconds the First Prince continued to mull it over before shaking his head. "No. I wont plunge the entire Inner Sphere into war. Not yet. War has to be the option of last resort..."

"With all due respect Prince Victor... Are we not there yet?" Jackson asked frankly.

"No. There is still a chance..." Victor's voice was firming up as he made his decision. Although he admitted softly. "A slim chance..."

"If there is... It's fading with every day." Jackson pointed out and reached out to tap the folders on the table. "And these give us our best chance for a quick victory."

"I don't disagree." Victor shook his head. "But before I ask the men and women of the AFFS to go to war, I need to know that I have given peace every single possible chance..."

The Marshal of the Armies bit his lip for a second and then nodded. "I honestly think we are making a mistake in not striking now... But I understand."

It wasn't lost on Victor that now he had made his decision it was now "we are making a mistake". The Marshal wasn't going to place any blame only upon his First Princes's shoulders, even if that was where it would belong if this was indeed a mistake. That spoke to the loyalty of the man who had saved his throne only 9 years ago. Standing Victor tapped the folders himself. "Keep these updated. If I have made a mistake, I'm going to need you and the rest of the High Command ready to pull my royal posterior out of the fire..."

Jackson couldn't help but smile as he stood and his prince reached over to shake his hand firmly as both men smiled grimly towards each other. "That's our job. You can count on us."

"I always do Jackson. I always do..."

[Billy Boy Mark II]

For the record - I'm with Jackson on this. Now is the time to hit the DCMS. I just can't see Victor pushing the button...

[Adventwolf]

Victor you poor deluded fool. It is admirable that he doesn't want to start a war but he is stupid if he thinks there is any chance at peace. That chance went away when Teddy had his heart attack during their meeting. I really hope Victor isn't thinking he can offer to take his other "son" as a peace offering. That would only hurt him but would also hurt the FedSuns morale since it would be submitting to the Combine. If he is smart but doesn't want to attack first he at least should work to get the other boarder powers with the Combine to turn on them and either attack with the FedSuns or launch the first strike themselves followed by the FedSuns attacking then. This way a massive blow is given to the DCMS and dozens of worlds are lost to the Combine.

[kelgar04]

Oh come on Victor pull the cloth from your ears and the wool from over your eyes you idiot!

The Dracs are about to try to do a smash and grab on a march were your brother and sister are with lunatic wobbies assisting them and have made deals with various other powers. They are not looking for deals they are looking to smash you you can’t wait and surrender the initiative to the dracs! Your inviting another Kentaras at this rate you need to strike now and Jackson you fool should have pushed harder for an offensive! 

[cawest]

Victor was smart to delay more combat.  he needs to play for some time.  he needs to let his (civilians) time to not think about war.  There has "only" been one attack from the DC.  He might let them get the first punch in, and then hammer them.  civilians get "tired" of being on a war footing.  you also do not want to take to many planets.  that would choke you.  he just took out the CC (more or less)  Now if he could get the NC GB, Comstar, SR, and FFR to take their own bites.  that would be helpful.  He needs something to "break" the focus of the DC military or it will be a years long battle.  that only plays into the WoB hands.


 WoB wants everyone looking somewhere else while they fort up on Terra, or they might take a bite out of the DC and FWL while the FS is delayed.