The First Mechanised Brigade (The Rams Head)

[The Purist]

The Chatham Conundrum, Op-Ed by Colonel Alexander Szurmay (ret.) published in the Tamarind Times Gazette, 23rd of August 3021

The people of Chatham must have been mad. What lies or propaganda from the outside could have convinced a technically savvy population on one of the Combine’s premier industrial planets to not only rebel but to make a bid for independence. Surely the rebels could read a star map and realise the precariousness of their position and how utterly alone they would be in this foolhardy quest. Just as baffling was their appeal to the other houses as well as ComStar for recognition as an independent planet, “The Grand Duchy of Chatham”.

It is not that the population did not have a number of legitimate grievances, primarily centred around working conditions in the armament industries. It appears these grievances were seized upon by propagandists and foreign provocateurs, inflaming issues to the point where initial protests exploded into violence. The authorities reacted as could be expected and protest turned to rebellion and finally the move towards independence. To call this bid naïve would be an understatement as there was simply no hope of the movement ever being recognised to say nothing of any outside help making a journey of more than 200 light years from the nearest frontier.

At the same time the Draconis Combine could not, as was initially rumoured, simply assault the planet and crush the rebellion with all the potential to damage to the very industries the Combine so badly needs for the current war. Not only is Chatham an industrial centre, it is arguably the most important centre in all of the Combine. The production facilities there have escaped the worst of the ravages of the Succession Wars and today produce a number of large jumpship classes as well as the Draconis Combine’s only source for the Vengeance Class aerospace carrier dropships and its replacement engines. Added to this the planet produces the Shilone medium aerospace fighter and its components amongst various other craft and parts. A full out assault also ran the risk of killing or maiming the personnel required to run the machines and maintain the production facilities. A conundrum indeed.

The initial reaction of the Combine Coordinator, Takashi Kurita, to crush the rebels was apparently checked almost as the assault forces were boarding their dropships this past April. It is clear that cooler heads prevailed, including the obvious guidance of ISF Director Subash Indrahar, and the attack was called off. In place of the assault the Night Stalkers launched a reconnaissance raid in April that, while managing to fight its way to the surface, received such a hot reception that it became clear the planned assault forces would have likely been repulsed with heavy losses and even heavier damage to the reputation of the Kurita brand. Had such a defeat occurred how many other planets might have been tempted to break away from the Combine?

One result of the raid, other than the near destruction of the raiders, was it showed the local troops were willing to fight. Perhaps more importantly, Luthien learned that the factories were running at full capacity making weapons and selling them on the arms market. The rebels clearly meant business and it would take more than brute force to return Chatham and its industries back into the Combine fold. This point was driven home in May when the Chatham forces raided the Avon system and made off with significant hall of supplies and spare parts.

In May the temperature surrounding Chatham was increased as both the DCMS and IDF redirected significant resources to undermine the rebel position. The carrier group Haruna made a sweep through the system and the planet’s aerospace fighters, now numbering six aerospace wings, came out to challenge the Combine fleet. After a brief skirmish the Chatham rebels withdrew into the atmosphere while Haruna and her escorts flew past the planet in a close orbit before withdrawing. At the same time a newly formed DEST Team made an attempt to sabotage the aerospace facilities of Wakazashi Enterprises only to be thwarted by the planet’s own counter-intelligence operatives, the team barely making good its escape. Espionage and propaganda operations were also clearly in play as the DCMS completed drawing a picture of the defences and planned their assault.

In July the 9th Pesht Regulars, brought up to strength after years in their backwater garrison posts, along with the 2nd Night Stalkers struck at Chatham. DEST teams paralysed any movement by the rebels out of the system while agents continued to undermine the new government. It became clear that the population did not entirely support the rebellion and that a low-level resistance movement had been ongoing since the declaration of independence was made in March. The attackers took their time, probing the defences and dismantling one position after the next in a series of carefully planned set piece assaults against determined, if somewhat inexperienced, resistance.

We can surmise that resistance has been heavier than expected as the fighting on Chatham continues, despite Luthien’s claim the rebellion has been supressed. Nothing short of a miracle can save ‘The Grand Duchy of Chatham’ from extinction now, leaving everyone to wonder – why?

[Daryk]

Wow... somebody got lucky!  :thumbsup:

[The Purist]

The Espionage, Spec-Ops and Counter-Intel rules that came out in 2nd Succession War definitely throw some googlies at the players. The Chatham rebellion is an example of what can happen when a decently trained Spec-Ops team, backed by sufficient resources, can infiltrate into the interior of any House territory and cause mischief if prime targets don't have at least some counter-intel support.

The Chatham rebellion was made worse by the fact that no major combat command was anywhere near the area when the rebellion hit. I know somebody who wishes he had used a Command Circuit (for about 40 RP) right away. The short term cost would have been less than having lost 40 RP per month for the better part of the past 9 months.

I don't think the lesson has been lost on anyone.   8)

[Daryk]

+1 for the devs that wrote those rules!  :thumbsup:

[The Purist]

The Third Succession War Campaign, Apr - Jun, 3021

LC-DC Front: Raids exploded up and down the Lyran-Combine border from Cebalrai to Verthandi as the LCAF unleashed its mercenary commands to do as much damage as possible without involving regular forces. Mercenary commands such as Wolf's Dragoons, Hansen's Roughriders, Dragon's Breath and Barret's Fusiliers struck Shionaoha, Cebalrai, Aubisson, Satalice, Basiliano and Verthandi. These raids were often opposed, sometimes quite effectively, by planetary garrisons and the Combine responded with counterstrikes at Bessarabia by the Lone Star Regiment and at Ridderkerk by the 1st Night Stalkers.

Behind both frontlines the two combatants did their best to keep track of the movements of their opponents and it is reported that Waco's Rangers have arrived from the Benjamin District to continue their feud with Wolf's Dragoons. A noticeable shift of heavy commands has taken place and media pundits have been posing the possibility of future actions between Phalan and Buckminster.

FS-DC Front: Expecting the lull in fighting to last a few months more before the AFFS could resume their offensive the DCMS command in the Galedon Military District were taken by surprise by a sudden AFFS lunge at Kaznejov. Apparently taking advantage of the ComStar interdiction along the Capellan border near Bell freeing up unexpected supplies, Duke Aaron Sundoval launched four commands supported by carrier forces at the planet and caught the Combine troops in the middle of a transfer. Despite being caught off guard the two Pesht commands and their mercenary cohorts fought with zeal and the battle lasted throughout May and into early June before it became apparent the defenders could not go on. When reinforcements failed to appear the defending 6th and 7th Pesht Regulars along with McGee%u2019s Cutthroats, their lines of retreat cut by sabotage, were compelled to surrender.

Elsewhere along the front both sides launched a number of raids that struck at Gandy's Luck, Lima, Donenac and Bergman's Planet. In almost all cases the raiders were successful but took significant losses from the defending garrisons. It is suggested that the repetitive nature of the raids has been slowly battle hardening the defending planetary garrisons even if the garrisons are now showing signs of serious wear and tear.

These same conditions seem to apply to many of the frontline commands of both sides that have been taking part in the heavy fighting in the Kaznejov Prefecture. More and more commands are seen to be preparing for battle with existing damage unrepaired and manpower levels below official establishment.

FS-CC Front: The ComStar interdiction of the Federated Suns-Capellan Confederation border between Jonathan and Tsingtao remained in place with no sign that Maximillian Liao has taken any steps to placate Terra. With communications cut it took a full month for 'Pony Express' orders to arrive from outside the interdicted zone ordering the battered remnants of the surviving Capellan commands to move to the rear. In the meantime, with supplies cut some of the commands suffered further equipment damage and loss before regaining a secure supply base. Otherwise, the front remained quiet with not even so much as raid being launched by either side. Had the AFFS been so inclined it could have wrought serious havoc in the spinward reaches of the Sarna Commonality. Duke Michael Hasek-Davion was said to have been fuming at the missed opportunity to weaken the Capellan enemy further.

CC-FWL Front: The border between the Capellan Confederation and the Free Worlds League could not have been more quiet. There were no raids launched by either side and intelligence operations were either not attempted or went unnoticed. Observers believe the Capellan military is laying low to rebuild after the heavy defeat suffered against the Federated Suns and using the time to regroup. The FWLM is quite happy to focus on their main combat front with the Lyran Commonwealth but publicly announced that the frontier remains well defended and any hostile acts will be met with a heavy counterblow.

FWL-LC Front: The pace of operations in the Isle of Skye dropped further between April and June as it became evident that both combatants have nearly reached the point of exhaustion. Nevertheless, the LCAF launched a major attack to reduce the salient formed by Carsphairn and Vindemiatrix. The attacking force numbered five commands including both the 1st and 2nd Royal Guards commands and the Isle of Skye carrier group. The attack was preceded by a series of very successful espionage and sabotage operations that paralyzed the movement of FWL reserves as well as informing the attackers, with one notable exception, of the exact composition of the defending forces they would be facing in space and on the ground. Despite these advantages the assaults on the two systems could not have gone much worse for the Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces.

The attack on Carsphairn was to be led by the 5th Donegal Guards supported by the Hsien Hotheads and escorted by the Isle of Skye carrier group. When the Guards and carrier group arrived at the star's nadir point the mercenary command was nowhere to be found. An error in decoding a set of unclear orders had the navy send the Hsien Hotheads to Vindemiatrix instead. Not wanting to delay the attack Admiral Ludwig Ritter von Fautz began the burn towards the planet. Unbeknownst to the Lyrans the new FWL carrier group led by FWLS Oriente had been trapped in the system by sabotage to the transport network that prevented its planned departure.

Gathering up the ground-based aerospace fighter wings from the Silver Hawks, Oriente moved to intercept the incoming Lyrans just outside the orbit of the moon Ammon. The numbers were roughly evenly matched and the League fleet fought a delaying action back to the planet where the garrison's fighter wing joined the battle. The less experienced League fighters managed to outfight their veteran Commonwealth opponents, inflicting a loss ratio that exceeded 2.5 to1. It was soon clear that the attackers would not penetrate the aerospace defences and the attackers broke off the attack and retreated.

At Vindemiatrix it appeared the attackers had all the advantages of numbers and morale over the defender once again, especially with the unexpected addition of the Hsien Hotheads in the attack force. The assault force consisted of the 1st and 2nd Royal Guards, the 11th Arcturan Guards and Hsien Hotheads but unfortunately, the regular commanders of the Guards commands, the Archon herself and General Edward Regis respectively, were not present and the command of the force fell to the next senior officer, Colonel Herbert Timmons of the Arcturan Guards. The invasion force burned towards the planet and launched seven aerospace wings to punch a hole in the defences raised by five wings provided by the Atrean Hussaars, 1st Atrean Dragoons supported by an already weakened garrison wing.

The aerospace fight dragged on in a series of engagements that lasted throughout the month with neither side gaining an advantage and losses roughly equal. With the defending fighters neutralised the Lyran dropships grounded. Colonel Timmons unloaded his troops and prepared to advance. Once his reconnaissance forces confirmed that he was facing just two smaller commands and the depleted garrison, he ordered an attack that resembled little more than a frontal assault. The League troops met the assault with the two Atrean commands up front and the garrison deployed to plug any holes punched in the line.

There appeared to be little effort on the part of the Lyrans to manoeuvre as both combatantant's artillery struck home time and again. By weight of numbers alone the defenders were driven back, extracting a heavy toll on the attackers. Lyran morale flagged and then broke. Falling back to reorganise, the attackers came on again in late May, this time with more caution as they probed the defences looking for a weakness. The Atrean commands, while battered, continued to hold a cordon and turned back each attack despite a growing casualty list. By the end of May the attack had exhausted itself and attempts to reinforce by both sides only led to a stalemate in June. Defeated, the battered attackers withdrew by the end of the month.

Anti-Spinward from the Isle of Skye both sides raided frontier planets from Gienah to Timbiqui with varying degrees of success . It has been reported that a raiding force from the 2nd Alarion Landwehr jumped away from Penebscot but have not been heard from since.

The Periphery: For the first time in many years there has been significant developments in the periphery states of the Outworld Alliance and the Magistracy of Canopus. News coming out of Alpheratz has reported a number of successful sabotage and espionage events badly disrupting production facilities as well as work in research centres. A number of these attacks have been reliably traced back to the Draconis Combine but the source of others has not been confirmed. President Neil Avelar, clearly frustrated and under pressure in parliament, has made it known that the Alliance will respond to all such attacks in like manner.

In the Magistracy of Canopus similar attacks have struck production facilities on Dunianshire and other research facilities on Canopus IV. The attacks have almost certainly come from the Capellan Confederation since a number of teams have been caught and killed in the act. Only on one occasion was the identification of Capellan operatives considered suspect, equipment and methods not having been seen before in the Magistracy. Not bothering to issue any comment the Canopians struck back at the Capellans in June with a major strike at Capella itself, badly damaging production facilities and other government installations on the regional capital. Only after the attacks were made known by the Confederation did the Magistracy government press office issue the evidence pointing to Capellan attacks on their state and make it known that they had retaliated. A communique from the Capellan Ministry of the Military warned that Canopus was playing a dangerous game and that the Magistracy will pay a stiff price for these acts of terror.

Piracy: May and June saw a major increase in piracy activities all around the periphery of the Inner Sphere states. Normal pirate activity would amount to two, three or perhaps four raids in a month. In May no less than seven major attacks hit the major Houses with the Federated Suns receiving two, the Free Worlds League one, the Lyran Commonwealth three and the Draconis Combine one. June saw the number increase to thirteen raids following a similar pattern. The Draconis Combine was struck by four raids, the Federated Suns by three, the Capellan Confederation by two, the Free Worlds League by two and the Lyran Commonwealth by two. While some raids were intercepted by newly deployed Patrol commands these formations remain too few and expensive to maintain at a constant level of readiness and cannot, as yet, cover both the major House's periphery frontiers as well as their borders with neighbouring states. Pirates and other raiders, at least for the moment, may still slip through the defences and create mayhem behind the lines.

[Daryk]

It sounds so typical of the 3SW... +1 for the developers getting the rules exactly right!  :thumbsup:

[Redshirt]

Sooooo I have a question for you - you keep mentioning Carrier Groups. What is the makeup of a Carrier Group in your Canon?

(Also, I'm enjoying your writeups!)

[The Purist]

Well,... way back in 2017 we had a chat here: https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=57833.0

Since then all that has really changed is we have set the cost for the carrier wing at 30RP and imposed a command limit for naval 'commands' equal to the leadership rating of the best commander in the attack force.

That said,... so far we haven't seen a naval battle with more than four naval commands on either side plus extra planet/cc based wings. The largest naval command built has one CV wing, three aslt a/s wings and four l/m/h a/s ftr wings. This command cost 786 RP (reliable; regular; w/ jumpships for the cv and aslt wings (mandatory)) so you can see why most are smaller. Killing one can be very expensive as pressing in for the kill can ruin the attacking a/s wings as well as the target. To date only one cv group has been 'sunk' (CV wing, two aslt wing, three a/s wings).

One doesn't need a cv wing to make a naval command but they are bit of fun.

And,... we just saw the first Aslt wing built as part of a regular combat command.

So,... things are getting interesting.  :)

[The Purist]

Headquarters 1st Mechanised Brigade, Sellan Spaceport, Huan, Kaznejov Prefecture, Draconis Combine – Week 2b, Jul, 3021

Reading from the briefing package, Richard Bedford had noted that Huan had fallen to the Federated Suns more than a year ago. After some stiff, if ineffectual resistance put up by the garrison the planet soon surrendered. Since then the business interests on the planet had helped settle the population down and day-to-day life slowly returned to normal thereafter. By the summer of 3021 the planet’s garrison was well on its way to being rebuilt and if unit loyalty was not entirely guaranteed, the troops did a very good job in supporting the local police forces against what remained of the local underground  resistance. That resistance, now largely without support from the population, was as likely to be turned in by their families as to be rooted out by the local authorities. Leaving the locals to manage their own affairs as long as it did not interfere with the AFFS operations the Federated Suns governor was happy to leave well enough alone.

All the same, brigade standing orders stated troops were to move in groups of four when out amongst the population and officers and NCOs wore side arms on and off base. The brigade’s bivouacs, spread around the capital region of Stellan, were all battalion size wired encampments with layered defences containing one of five combat task forces that made up the brigade’s two regiments. Their placement was far enough apart to allow for training and maintenance without stepping on each other but close enough that the regiments could concentrate on short notice if needed.

The Brigade Combat Group, 1st Service Battalion, and 1st Horse Artillery were deployed near the spaceport itself although the troop quarters were farther away to avoid the obvious noise created by the coming and going of dropships and aerospace fighter patrols. The Brigade’s aerospace fighter force, ‘Number 1 Group’ as well as the mercenary’s ‘Space Command’ were deployed right on the spaceport itself. With three understrength wings consisting of a mix of light, medium and heavy fighters the Group maintained at least one of its six squadrons on patrol in orbit at all times. At irregular intervals a Leopard aerospace fighter carrier carried a squadron deeper in the space around the planet to keep an eye on any potential pirate jump points. The planet’s garrison wing alternated patrol duty with mercenary wing, sharing the load and maintenance duties. The rest of the Brigade’s dropships were grounded at one end of the spaceport and guarded by a mix of local and the Brigade’s own security troops. While the chances of sabotage was low there was no point in taking any chances.

For all its peaceful appearance the mercenaries had been cautioned against complacency. Huan was the left ‘shoulder’ of the Federated Suns drive into the Galedon District of the Draconis Combine and was by no means behind the lines. While the current fighting was now centered on An Ting, Beta Mensae V and Senorbi, Huan had seen raiders more than once since being occupied. Should the Combine counterattack, a drive against the anti-spinward flank of the AFFS penetration would be an expected move and that meant Huan would the logical target. Besides the garrison of two motor and one mechanised infantry regiment, grossly understrength, the planet currently had only two tank battalions in addition to its mixed fighter wing to augment the 1st Mechanised Brigade. The Bremmond Draconis  March Militia RCT was reportedly en route but Richard Bedford would have preferred that the three combat commands belonging to the Fighting Uruk’hai had remained until the Draconis March Militia had arrived. The ‘Uruks’ departure meant a three-week period where the left anchor of the AFFS line was being held by just seven battalions of the 1st Mechanised Brigade and two local tank battalions supported by few platoons of infantry.

Looking out of the window of the headquarters building Colonel Bedford’s musing were interrupted by the soft buzz of the intercom built into his desk. Reaching out he tapped the ‘accept’ icon on the flat monitor that made up his desk top.

“Yes, sergeant?”

“A Miz Judy Li is here to see you, sir?” came the reply from his administrative aide, Sergeant Nicole Burns. Her voice had a soft Caledonia accent from old Earth’s Scotland that, despite her business like tone, could not but be noticed.

Sergeant Burns was a combat veteran and had served with the Brigade since its founding. Badly wounded in the fighting on Epsilon Eridani the previous March it was not sure she would live. With a stubbornness well known to her platoon mates Sergeant Burns pulled through, though the wounds would prevent her from returning to frontline service. The Brigade was not in the habit of disposing of talented personnel and since she showed an aptitude for organisation she was moved to the command staff and her skills soon caught the attention of the brigade commander. Since August of 3020 she was the immovable object that prevented anyone from getting to the Colonel who had no business being there.

“Send her in, please.”

The door to his office opened and Sergeant Burns slid quickly through and to the side, holding the door as a small woman of Asian decent walked through.

“Miz Li, sir.”

Just as quickly, and before he could thank her, his aide slipped through the door, closing it with a soft click.

“My dear Colonel Bedford. How good it is to see you whole and hale.” Judy Li exclaimed with a broad smile as she swept into his office and approached his desk. It wasn't brazenness but an air of self-confidence she emitted and her smile was sincere.

“Director Burns, it is good to see you as well. It has been a long time since New Delos.” Bedford replied, somewhat embarrassed by the obvious affection coming from Judy Li.

Her face showing mock surprise given away by a smile she chided,

“Oh, my, yes. That was before Anton Marik took an overdose of Stupidity and almost ruined the League. And stop with the formalities, Richard. Have you forgotten I have known your family for decades and you since you were a boy?”

Smiling himself, Richard Bedford sat back in his chair and visibly relaxed. Despite her easy informality and soft smile the mercenary commander knew that Judy Li was a superior intellect with a talent for negotiation and  the ability to read people. She had built her small empire based on wheeling and dealing in the “import and export” of all manner of trade goods. While it was generally known that these business dealings were legal the nature of business inevitably led to contacts with other than legal sources. Judy Li had a network of ‘business’ agents across four of the five great houses and all three main periphery states. Only in the Capellan Confederation were her contacts limited but the same could be said of any free enterprise business trying to plumb the depths of that enigmatic closed state.

“My apologies, Judy. I have a lot on my mind and,” Gesturing with a broad sweep of his right arm and a coy smile, “my responsibilities have increased somewhat since we last chatted.”

“Indeed, when last I saw you, you were a militia Commander running around New Delos with a company of tanks, if I recall correctly. Now look at you, a full colonel and with your own army.”

The broad smile that crossed Judy Li’s face could have been that of a proud mother and not just an old and dear family friend.

“Well, a small army but I am responsible for the lives of everyone who signs the contract to serve with the Brigade. You clearly received my note that I sent before leaving Bell. Thank you for coming in person, I know Huan is not exactly on the main thoroughfares of mercantile traffic these days.”

Her face becoming more serious, Judy Li leaned forward in her chair.

“I did indeed, Richard. I see you have a small flotilla of dropships of your own now. How can I help?”

Leaning forward and placing his forearms on his desk Richard Bedford looked directly at diminutive middle-aged woman.

“I can lift a good portion of combat strength now but that applies mainly to my infantry and some supporting combat vehicles. I have limited lift capacity for my Mechs, at least half my aerospace fighters and the mass of combat vehicles, supplies and spare parts. Most of the brigade must be packed up as cargo for any move and if there ever was an emergency, I can’t bring my biggest guns to the opening rounds of combat.”

Pausing, Bedford added.

“I need large dropships and jumpships.”

Sitting back in her chair Judy Li looked questioningly at the young man behind the desk

“Colonel, I could no more find a Star Lord or Overlord on the open market than I could bring back the Star League. Even if I could find a wreck that could barely hold itself together in space, the chances are the House militaries would sweep in and confiscate such a rare beast regardless of the money offered.”

Smiling again, she continued,
 
“But you know this already. You would have a better chance of obtaining the larger military vessels by raiding Luthien, Tharkad or New Avalon and stealing one.”

Noting the look of defiance on Richard Bedford’s face she added,

“I do, however, have a lead on an Invader, not too far away, that could be had for the right price. She’s a mess, shot so full of holes the Federated Suns navy is not sure she is worth repairing. The drive works as do most of the major systems but she’ll need plenty of work.

As Richard’s face brightened, she went on.

“There is also a Union, badly damaged, over on Capra. It’s been stripped of a lot of weapons and equipment but I am reliably told she’ll fly and if you can afford the asking price, it could be directed to a repair facility where she can be pieced back together. All for the usual commissions, of course.”

Smiling broadly again.  “Properly discounted for a family friend.”

“This sounds like it will be outrageously expensive, Miz Li.”

“Well, dear boy, you aren’t asking for civilian cargo haulers, are you. If you want military grade shipping it will cost a lot of cash. Do you want to give me a shopping list?” she added with a smile.

“It would be a short one, Judy.  Mech and aerospace carriers are highest on the list, I want to be able to put a full Mech battalion on the ground along with tanks and infantry in the first wave.”

Pausing Bedford added a final thought.

“The planned expansion to the brigade will mean our two Mules will no longer be enough within the next year. Since we will still need to carry equipment and supplies as cargo we would probably be in the market for another pair by next summer.”

With a dismissive wave and sensing the meeting was drawing to a close Li rose to her feet.

“Mules are no problem. They come up on the market all the time as companies go bust. Send over your list when you are ready and I’ll have our agents keep an eye open for opportunities. Don’t forget to add anything else you may have trouble finding.”

Coming around from behind his desk Richard Bedford moved to shake Judy’s hand. Seeing his approach she scoffed and enfolded him a bear hug of surprising strength. Releasing him she looked up and proposed dinner the following evening. Since she was on Huan she thought she would explore a few commercial opportunities before making her way back to the Free Worlds League.

“We’ll set aside all business. You can tell me about Maggie and the children. A bird has told me they are making their way to DeWitt.”

Surprised, Bedford started to say, “How did you – “

“Oh, tosh, Richard, don’t be alarmed. I checked in with her before I set out from Atreus.”

“I think you may know more about Mags and the kids than I do, Judy.”

Winking as she turned towards the door, she stated simply, “You’re right, I probably do. I’ll fill you in tomorrow night, dear. I’ll send the details of the restaurant by noon tomorrow. Don’t be late.”

“No ma’am. Wouldn’t dream of it.”

With another smile thrown over her shoulder as she slipped through the door, Judy Li left a suddenly nostalgic Colonel Richard Bedford standing in his office.

Sergeant Burns rose from her desk in the outer office and gave the Colonel a questioning look.

“It’s fine, Nicole. If there is nothing else this afternoon, I think I’m done for the day.”

“Well, sir. You do have a meeting with Commander Howe and Lieutenant-Colonel Ligny in twenty minutes regarding the dropship wing.”

Sighing, Bedford looked out the window again, “So I do, Sergeant. Thank you.”

Sergeant Burns walked quietly over to the office door and closed it without a sound.

[Daryk]

Good aides are hard to find...  ^-^

[The Purist]

Headquarters 1st Mechanised Brigade, Sellan Spaceport, Huan, Kaznejov Prefecture, Draconis Combine – Week 3b, Aug, 3021

The headquarters enlisted men and women were quickly folding away a large monitor and the computers that controlled it. At the same time orderlies quickly removed coffee and tea cups and the small plates that once held small sandwiches and pastries. In their place came large glass decanters filled with ice water and glass tumblers placed before every pair of officers. The review of the financial status of the 1st Mechanised Brigade was wrapped up and everyone on the command staffs seemed pleased that the mercenary command they all worked for was solidly in the black. No one could honestly claim to be surprised as the brigade had been paid out handsomely from their Davion contract on the Capellan border the previous March and the new contract for operations in the Galedon Military District of the Draconis Combine was paid in full up front. Together with the sale of large stocks of captured equipment and the usual looting of the enemy, the brigade was as solvent as it had ever been in its six year history.

With the accounts flush with C-Bills the brigade’s commander looked at expanding the unit in a different direction than originally planned just a few months before. The abandonment by the Davion dropships on Bell, though reportedly an oversight, had made Richard Bedford extremely wary about exposing his brigade to such risks in the future. The Bell incident, under different circumstances, could have left all but a tiny portion of his command abandoned and at the mercy of the enemy should his employer “pull pole” and withdraw without warning. Mercenary commands had been sacrificed before and Bedford was bound and determined to put as many of his people on brigade transports as was possible. Equipment could be replaced, experienced troops, on the other hand, were harder to come by and the trust of the soldiers under his command was an irreplaceable asset.

 Reaching down and turning the switch below his microphone to the right, Richard Bedford cleared his throat as a small green light came alive.

“Alright, ladies and Gentlemen, as you just saw we have a healthy bank account. You all know my view of the events on Bell and we are going to take steps to reduce our exposure on all future missions.”

Pausing as he took in the room Bedford continued. “You all are probably aware of my recent meeting with Madam Judy Li of the “Interstellar Trade Consortium” but I will put the rumours to rest here and now.” Pausing once more he leaned in towards the microphone adjusting it as he did so.

“We have entered into an agreement to purchase an ‘Invader’ class jumpship and a ‘Union’ class dropship.” A few officers stirred in their seats and there were some subdued murmurs but the room soon settled again.

“It is said that they are both about one foot from the boneyard but I am reliably informed that with some repairs they will both be able to make it to the nearest shipyards for the required overhauls. As this is far from my area of expertise, I will turn the briefing over to Commander Howe.”

Motioning to the brigade’s “naval” commander, formerly of the Lyran navy, Bedford flipped the switch on his microphone and watched as the small light changed from green to red.

Turning on his own microphone Richard Howe began smoothly, “The Colonel is quite correct, the ‘Invader’ is a mess but the KF drive is stable and will be fully overhauled just to make sure it is safe. If you’ll look at your desktop monitors, you’ll see the schematics of her damage and what will need repair. The docking rings and much of the hull are in need of heavy repairs or replacement but she should be able to make the required jumps to the shipyard at Delavan. Repairs will be conducted as much as possible after each jump but she’ll need a month in the shipyard to become truly spaceworthy again.”

Warming to his task the naval commander pressed on.

“The “Union is in similar shape but most of her repairs to become spaceworthy will have to be carried on Capra. For the conversion and overhaul she should be moved to Bryceland now that the Fed Suns have beefed up the manufacturing and base facilities to support their offensive in this area.”

Noticing the look of confusion on a number of faces around the table the naval officer paused, looking towards Colonel Bedford. Seeing his smile and quick nod, Howe continued.

“I can see that not all of you are up to date on the plans for our Union.” 

Standing up with his tablet in hand he motioned to a technician to turn on the larger wall monitor. As it powered up he linked his tablet to the monitor and called up the current TO&E for the brigade’s dropship wing. Numbers and icons appeared next to each dropship showing their cargo capacity and whether they carried infantry, vehicles, Mechs or aerospace fighters.

“As you can see, we now have the ability to carry almost the entire combat strength of the 1st Rifles and their vehicles and almost an entire battalion of armour, our notorious 11th Hussars, shy a few vehicles from the battalion headquarters. That said, we can carry only 20 of our 46 aerospace fighters and just 24 out of 124 Mechs in the combat task forces. We are looking to correct that.”

Fingers moving quickly over the tablet's screen and the main monitor changed to a cutaway of a standard Leopard Mech transport. Zooming into the two fighter bays Howe started the playback on a short video showing the conversion of the fighter bays to Mech bays.

“Our two Leopards will give up their fighter bays so they can carry two more Mechs each. Colonel Ligny has told me they will not have drop capability but otherwise the modification should not be very complex. This will add four more mechs to our lift capacity. The procurement department will look to acquire two more standard Leopard class ships which will also be modified as above. This will bring our lift capacity to 40 Mechs of which 32 can be dropped if so desired.”

Switching back to the TO&E chart he started a new video that showed the two Leopard class aerospace fighter carriers being removed from the dropship wing, their place being taken by the two new Leopard Mech transports.

“The two new Leopard class vessels keep the troop carriers all together in a twelve-vessel wing with only four aerospace fighters loaded on the standard Union and the Intruder.”

The screen now changed again to show a dropship squadron of four ships. The second and fourth slots were occupied by the existing two Leopard aerospace fighter carriers removed from the troop transport wing, the first slot was occupied by a Union aerospace carrier. The third slot remained empty with only the faint blinking outline of another Union class vessel.

“Our current Union will be converted to a carrier as it is repaired and we will seek to acquire a second Union  that can be converted as needed. This would allow an ad hoc carrier squadron to lift all 40 of the brigade’s aerospace fighters under the new formation proposal of two standard wings. This will provide full fighter protection from the system Periphery to a planet in brigade dropships.”

“In total the brigade will need to obtain two more Leopard Mech transports and one more Union carrier in order to be able to place a full mixed regiment on the ground in the first wave supported by the fighter group.”

Looking towards the brigade commander and then to the room, Commander Howe concluded, “If there are any questions, I’ll be happy to answer them.”

Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas de Scales, Commanding officer of the brigade’s third battalion, the 17th Lancers, raised his hand as the light by his microphone turned to yellow.

Commander Howe recognised the Mech commander with a nod. “Colonel de Scales?”

“How soon before we complete the change over?”

“The repairs and conversion of the Union will likely take at least 3-4 months, including travel time,” replied Howe. “The conversion of our existing Leopards has already started and unless they run into problems, they should be ready by the end of September. The Invader won't join the fleet before the new year and the additional Union carrier and Leopard Mech transports will be procured as they can be afforded with an emphasis on the Leopards first.”

Breaking into the discussion Major Thomas Bedford, a broad smile on his face, added, “It means our Mech carriers have priority, Tom. By January next year we can hit the ground with most of your 17th Lancers in the opening attack. Maybe you could let me stow away in one of the pods.”

As the room chuckled, Richard Bedford chimed in with his own smile creasing his face.

“You won’t get the chance big brother. You’ll have your own command to worry about by then.”

Turning to the other officers. “If there are no more questions for Commander Howe?”

“None? Alright then. Thank you Commander.”

As Commander Howe returned to his chair at the conference table, Lieutenant-Colonel John Ligny rose with his own tablet and called up a similar TO&E chart similar to the one used by Richard Howe but this one showed the organisation of the entire 1st Mechanised Brigade.

“All of these space craft and modifications will take time and money”, he began. “This means our plans to stand up Beta Regiments in stages will have to be pushed back. In the meantime, we will round out Alpha and Gamma and complete the expansion of brigade’s command company to a Command Battalion.”

Stopping at this point the brigade’s chief Tech turned to the gathered officers and, looking over the old style spectacles he affected, went on.

“Oh, yes, you’re are all aware of the Command battalions used by the Eridani Light Horse, Lexington Combat Group, the Illician Lancers and so on, correct?”

Not waiting for an answer, he turned back to the main monitor. “The current command company will be expanded to include a Mech company, mixed vehicle company and Number 13 Commando, the last finally expanded to four platoons.”

Looking directly at Major Bedford with a crooked smile, “I am told Major, that you will be promoted Lieutenant-Colonel and given command. Congratulations.”

For a couple of heartbeats, the entire room went silent and then erupted into cheers and laughter clearly aimed at the unfortunate Major, who had steadfastly refused promotion or accepted a battalion command for the past four years.

As the room settled Richard Bedford looked to his older brother and quipped, “Revenge for all those years of torture when we were boys, Tom. And don’t forget you are now on the hook for a round of drinks in the officer’s mess. And don’t forget the obligatory “gifts” to the sergeants and enlisted messes. You are going to be a poor man for along time, brother.”

Rubbing his hands together with obvious glee, he saw on his brother’s face the clear pain as the financial implications of this promotion struct home, “You sir, are a scoundrel. It is my opinion that it was not modesty or duty to protect your brother that has kept you from higher command these past years but a purse sealed by a laser welder.”

Standing from his seat the brigade commander added, “Not today, brother. Today that purse of yours will be ripped open even if we have to use a PPC to do it.”

More laughter and backslapping at Thomas Bedford’s expense was allowed to carry on for a few more moments before the Colonel broke in by tapping his microphone with two fingers.

“Alright, folks, the good Colonel has more news before we go and pick poor ‘ol Tom’s pockets. Please, John, continue.

“Yes, sir.” John Ligny added with a short bow.

“As we will be holding off on Beta Regiment we will add a third battalion to Gamma. The 13th Light Dragoons will be modelled after the 8th Hussars with the exception that every Mech in the battalion will be jump capable. In this case there will be a fair number of lighter medium Mechs but more than in the Hussars or 4th Dragoons. The infantry will be mounted in a mix of wheeled APCs, Packrats and the few remaining Goblin SRM medium tanks we have left in the inventory. The tanks will come from our spare hovercraft, effectively leaving us without any replacements.”   

The last statement was uttered with a shrug and glance towards the room.

“Command of the 13th Dragoons has yet to be confirmed but there is a short list of officer candidates. The battalion will stand up next month but all the required Mechs we have had to purchase will not arrived until near the end of the year.”

Turning his gaze towards the brigade commander John Ligny continued, “And that is about it for now, sir.”

To the gathered officers, “Any questions.”

There were none as it became clear the officers’ minds had clearly become fixated on the mugs of cold beer and spirits they new were theirs, free of charge by brigade and military tradition going back centuries into the past.

As the gathering filed out of the room more than one wit noted that it was Friday, with a reduced weekend duty roster beginning in just a few hours. The partying was bound to go on late into Saturday morning.

[Daryk]

Nice update!  :thumbsup:

[snakespinner]

It would be good to salvage some dropships. :thumbsup:

[pete879]

It would be good to salvage some dropships. :thumbsup:

Totally agree on that.

And I have a feeling the "reduced weekend duty roster" is about to provide an opportunity for that...

[The Purist]

Sellan Spaceport, Huan, Kaznejov Prefecture, Draconis Combine – Week 3a Sep, 3021

Captain Edward Kent stood with his arms folded, looking up at the starboard side of the two Leopard class dropships and slowly turned his gaze to Captain Talbart Talbardon. He did not like what he saw.

The 1st Mechanised Brigade’s senior engineer let out a slow sigh, “This is not good and the timing could not be worse.”

“I’ll say”, replied Talbardon. “We expected to have weeks, if not more, to make the conversions to these two ships. Now you tell me we have just two days to patch them up, one more to load them and be ready for launch by next week. ‘Bad timing’ is an understatement.”

Looking up at the two dropships the bay doors that would have led to the aerospace fighter bays had been cut open and extended upward to better match the other bays that held the BattleMechs. The conversion work had begun just the week before and both ships were swathed in heavy scaffolding, framing and screening to allow the Tech teams to carry out the work. At the moment the openings to the bays looked more like someone had cut two holes in the sides of each vessel with a giant can opener.

“Well, in their current state these bays won’t hold either a Mech or an aerospace fighter, sir.”

The statement came from Warrant Officer Yolande de Aragon, one of the ‘Brigade’s’ most senior Techs, as she came up to the right of the two officers.

Turning towards the two dropships she added, “I would suggest we rig ‘em both to hold cargo and then weld armour plate over the openings. Nothing too fancy, just enough for the transit and re-entry at the destination. Once on the ground we can cut them open again.”

Reaching up with one hand she scratched under her chin with a hand blackened by recent work.

“We could haul seventy or eighty tons per bay that way. A definite bonus considering the Mules with the rest of the brigade won’t be arriving for at least a week after Commander Howe jumps away with the combat ships.”

Talbardon turned toward de Aragon with a wry smile on his lips, “Unity! Valois and Woodville will be spitting nails at the loss of four spaces for their fighters. They’ll only have room for sixteen craft instead of a full wing.”

“I’ll break the news to them, Tal.” Nodding as he turned away he added to de Aragon, “Get the teams on the patches Yolande. And make sure the conversion gear is packed with the cargo. If we can stay out of trouble we may be able to continue the work when we reach our destination.”

“And where is that?”, shot back Talbarton.

“Damned if I know, Tal”, came Kent’s reply. “I suppose we’ll all know once we boost for the jump point.”

*****

Headquarters Alpha Regiment, 1st Mechanised Brigade, 25 km north of Sellan Spaceport, Huan, Draconis Combine – Week 3a, Sep 3021


The bivouacs for Alpha Regiments three combat task forces were beehives of activities as the troops earmarked for the abrupt move to the spaceport began to strike their camps. Alpha Regiment officially consisted of three reinforced battalions, one each of ‘Mech, tanks and mechanised infantry. The Brigade’s dropships, depending on their class, were configured to carry passengers based on conventional battalions so the Task Forces would have to redeploy from combined arms battalions to more traditional configurations.

Colonel Richard Bedford had arrived via ground car  at the headquarters of Lieutenant-Colonel John Talbot, the commander of the newly formed ‘Alpha Regiment, 1st Mechanised Brigade’. They moved swiftly to large temporary building that was surrounded by a fully armed infantry platoon and jamming equipment for the briefing on the sudden change in orders for the Brigade.

Standing before the group at the head of a camp table Richard Bedford began his briefing.

“Ok, people, we are pressed for time but I will tell you what I can about our new deployment. First off, we are not rushing out to block a Combine breakthrough. You can kill that rumour immediately. According to the governor and General Tallman of the Bremond Militia, it’s actually the opposite. The Feds have apparently broken through the Draconis front at An Ting and Beta Mensae and are poised to strike towards Matsuida and points beyond.”

Seeing the skeptical looks on a number of faces at the table he continued, “You can take that for what it’s worth but the Fed command admitted to stiff fighting in both systems and still seemed quite pleased with the results.”

A large star chart was deployed on the wall that showed the sector of space within sixty light years of Huan. Using a laser pointer the mercenary commander gave a run down on the current situation and what was known to be going on in each nearby system.

“What we will be doing is jumping forward to replace at least part of the assault force on An Ting while the worst hit Fed commands move back to Huan for refitting. I expect one or two regimental teams from the Uruk’hai to remain with us and the Bremond Militia will move forward as quickly as possible. We may even be asked to join the next jump forward but as that is outside the current parameters of our contract we would need a quick negotiation to cover the costs associated with the extra risk.”

Turning towards John Talbot, Bedford concluded, “This is your mission, John, you fill in the rest.”

Lieutenant-Colonel John Talbot, moved to the front of the spartan briefing room and began his briefing.

“We will be taking the entire combat strength of the ‘The Rifles’, now under Lieutenant-Colonel York, along with two companies each from the 11th Hussars and 17th Lancers. I would take more tanks but I want a drone carrier platoon from the Brigade HQ and space for the regiment’s headquarters vehicles and combat escort. Majors Woodstock and Hardyng from the Hussars and Lancers will command their sub units under the regimental headquarters.”

Motioning to the far end of the table Colonel Talbot recognised Major Catherine Woodville.

“Along for the ride will be two reinforced squadrons from Number One Group under Major Woodville. For those of you ground pounders who do not know how to count that means sixteen light and medium aerospace fighters.”

As an aide set up a portable monitor screen John Talbot continued, “Number 13 Commando will also come along for the ride in their Intruder. Finally, we will cram every available space with ammunition and spares, food and water, in that order. The rest of the brigade will be a week to ten days behind us but we won’t have the Mules, the supply echelons from the other battalions or First Service Battalion on this hop.

As the screen came alive it displayed a detailed map of the space port near the city of Cerant on An Ting.

“When we land, we will set up infantry positions in a loose cordon of strong points around the space port, dug in, wired and mined. This does not mean we will be static. The regimental and battalion headquarters along with one rifle company and its vehicles will man the perimeter to protect the fighter base and our supplies. The other two companies will join Woodstock’s and Hardyng’s companies to form two task forces of infantry, tanks and mechs as per the Brigade’s standard operational deployment. An Ting has just fallen to the Feds so the population will not likely be very friendly. If we run into trouble we can’t handle from any regular forces, we’ll fight a delaying action back to the port and dig in until help arrives.”

Left unsaid was that the ‘help’ in this case would be the rest of the brigade arriving with the Bremond Draconis March Militia.

“That’s about it, Ladies and Gentlemen. You’ll have some more details in you packages once we boost for the jumpships but for now we’ll keep things simple. If the Combine troops do show up, any plans we may have made will have to be modified, be ready for it.”

Sitting in his chair at the head of the table Richard Bedford watched as John Talbot took control of the room. The Alpha Regiment commander crossed his arms below his chest and planted his feet shoulder width apart and asked if there were any questions. Alpha Regiment had much to do in just a few days before deploying ahead of the rest of the command and many of the questions some may have had would have to wait until there was more time. After fielding a few questions concerning march order and logistics the briefing was concluded and the gathered staffs broke up and headed back to the respective commands.

Pleased that the senior battalions of the Brigade were in good hands Bedford allowed his mind to turn to the deployment of the newest battalion in the Brigade, the 13th Light Dragoons. The battalion was incomplete and would remain so for some months. He had decided that it would be placed in reserve for the next deployment, sorting itself out and becoming accustomed to the new operating 'culture' in which the troops now found themselves. So engrossed in his own thoughts had he become that he did not immediately notice the meeting was breaking up or that a soldier was trying get his attention.

"Sir? Excuse me, Colonel, should I call for your car and escort?"

Blinking twice Bedford smiled up at the young corporal, "Thank you, son, yes, go ahead."

Rising from his chair he walked over to John Talbot, interrupting a conversation with his company commanders. Offering his hand he stated simply,

"Well, John, you have enough to do without my hanging around cluttering up the place. If you have nothing more, I'll get back to Sellan and the rest of the Brigade."

John Talbot smiled and took the hand of his commanding officer. "Thank you, Colonel, I think we'll be fine. And don't worry about the regiment. We'll be waiting on the ground with a red carpet when you arrive with the rest of the brigade."

"I'm sure you will, John." Nodding to the other officers Bedford offered, "Good luck, gentlemen. We'll see you soon".

Stepping passed the group Richard Bedford could not help but feel a sense of emptiness stemming from his desire to lead his command as he had always done. He had to remind himself that the brigade was now much too large to command in the old way and that he would have to rely on and trust his subordinate commanders more than ever before.

[Daryk]

That's probably the hardest transition for a commander... from full tactical control to anything beyond that.

[The Purist]

The Third Succession War Campaign, Jul - Sep, 3021

LC-DC Front: Once again the border between the Lyran Commonwealth and  Draconis Combine was the scene of intense raiding conducted by mercenary commands. From New Wessex and Alnasi in the Combine and Accrington and Phalan in the Commonwealth, coreward to Verthandi and Romulus, targets were struck repeatedly over the three months. Standing patrols are making the raider’s job more difficult but most raids are still making it to the surface. In one particularly embarrassing incident a raid by Waco’s Rangers jumped into the Phalan system without aerospace support and almost on top of two patrolling squadrons from the garrison, including elements from Wolf’s Dragoons Alpha command. The three dropships and their passengers were captured almost immediately and escorted to the surface. The dropships, Mechs and tanks of the raiding force were confiscated but the humiliated troops were allowed to return to the Rangers

Despite increased losses the patrols do not seem to have lessened the appetite for raiding. The economics of using mercenary commands has seen more of these commands moved up to the border while regular commands conserve their strength for sudden strikes at critical targets.

Only one large scale operation was undertaken by the LCAF along this frontier and this came in a drive to take Aubisson and Port Moseby in August. Two Lyran commands, 20th Arcturan Guards and 22nd Skye Rangers, supported by Wolf’s Dragoon’s Alpha and Gamma regimental commands, pushed the defenders out of both systems, albeit at some cost. It is unclear at the moment whether the two systems can be retained as counterattacks have badly depleted the invaders, who themselves have certainly called for assistance.

FS-DC Front: With the fall of Kaznejov it came as no surprise that the AFFS followed up with attacks against Senorbi and Goubellat in July, drawing DCMS reserves into the fight on the approaches to the Galedon system. However, just as Combine reserves arrived in August even heavier attacks hit Beta Mensae and An Ting. Proof that the attacks towards Galedon were feints was reinforced in September when AFFS ground forces fought delaying actions or withdrew entirely behind heavy screens of naval forces.

For their part the Combine troops put up strong resistance but took significant losses in holding their ground when their own naval forces were absent. At Senorbi, for example, the 1st Sword of Light, 3rd Proserpina Hussars and 12th Galedon Regulars counterattack took only moderate casualties to their ground forces but their aerospace regiments were savaged by Davion carrier groups Robinson and Admiral Kenneth Jones that covered the retreat of Harlock’s Warriors and the Bryceland DMM RCTs.

At An Ting the 17th Avalon Hussars and all three commands of the Fighting Uruk’hai supported by the FSS Kentares IV fought a two month struggle against 7th Sword of Light and 4th An Ting Legion before the defenders gave way, covered by the carrier group led by the Kagoshima. The defenders of Beta Mensae V never found their stride and were pushed off the planet by 2nd Ceti Hussars and the 21st Striker Regiment of the Eridani Light Horse supported by the FSS Alexander Davion. The Davion forces did not have things their own way by any stretch of the imagination and numerous commands had to be rotated to the rear after just one or two months of steady combat. If losses are anywhere close to what has been reported both sides may not have the strength to maintain operations at the current pace for much longer without major reinforcements.

Throughout the three-month period both sides made extensive use of espionage and counter-espionage operations to help direct operations while the few special operations attempted by either side generally came to grief with significant losses to the assets involved. The newest challenge for the Combine high command is what to do about the apparent Davion breakthrough in front of Matsuida. Davion espionage is apparently aware there is little to nothing between their forward troops at An Ting and the Prefecture capital. The dilemma facing the DCMS is whether to shift forces anti-spinward from Galedon to plug the gap or shift forces spinward from the Benjamin district.

FS-CC Front: September passed with the partial interdiction of Capellan space still in effect although it is said Sian is now negotiating a resolution with ComStar. At the same time the CCAF launched nearly a half dozen raids each month against Davion targets from Horsham to Quentin and back again. These raids were apparently carried out with the intent of distracting Davion attention from the Draconis Combine but the AFFS did not appear to take the bait or launch any retaliatory raids at all over the three month period. Whether this was because of the heavy commitment of resources against the Draconis Combine or simply because the forces available on the Capellan March are considered able to hold their own is unclear. Even so, both the target worlds and raiders appear to have suffered heavily in the exchanges with losses seldom less than 25 percent of the forces committed.

The greatest Capellan success came at Quentin where reinforced elements of Laurel’s Legion did significant damage to the industrial targets found on the planet, bringing nearly all production to a halt for a number of months. The raiders narrowly escaped before a relief column from The Black Cobras arrived to support the garrison troops who had fought hard and exacted a toll from the attackers. Rumour has it that Maximillian Liao himself authorised the expansion of the Legion as a reward for the successful operation.

CC-FWL Front: For reasons known only to himself, Maximilian Liao cannot seem to resist the urge to tweak Janos Marik’s beard whenever the opportunity presents itself. July saw a successful but costly raid against Fletcher, on the doorstep of Oriente, one of Marik’s strongest supporters in parliament. The raiders were from one of the new smaller commands known as “People’s Militias”, each militia mustering just under 2/3 the strength of a regular command centered around a medium Mech regiment supported by reduced armoured and infantry regiments but lacking in artillery entirely. The 3rd People’s Militia made off with a significant haul of spare parts and other equipment but at the cost of nearly 80% of their attacking force.

In September McLeod’s Highlanders struck Hall, defended by three commands of the Oriente Hussars. While the Northwind Highlander raid met with only moderate success they battered elements of the 5th Oriente Hussars who intervened to deflect the attack. Whether the two attacks were deliberately aimed at Oriente targets in order to cause dissention or were just a coincidence, the result was that the Oriente Assembly passed a resolution of support in favour of the provincial forces striking back at House Liao. Both Janos and Duncan Marik have urged calm, noting the main effort remains the Lyran front. No counter-raids were undertaken but Atreus did promise additional forces to support the Liao border defences and hopefully deter further raids.

FWL-LC Front: Learning their lessons from previous disruptions caused by Lyran espionage and special operations the Free Worlds League poured significant resources into their own intelligence, security and sabotage efforts between July and September. These efforts were met by similar exertions on the part of the Lyrans resulting in a state of confusion and near chaos as attack and counterattack were derailed by broken transportation networks, communications disruptions and broken supply lines. A renewed attempt by the Lyrans in July to strike at Denebola and Milton came undone when more than half the attacking force could not leave Summer. Pressing forward with the attack at Denebola the LCS Indefatigable and Victorious along with aerospace wings from the 4th and 5th Lyran Regulars ran headlong into the FWLS Captain-General supported by the aerospace forces of not less than five ground commands, including the Marik and 1st Free Worlds Guards. In a heavy battle that saw very serious casualties on both sides, the Lyrans soon realised they did not have the ground forces to take the planet and abandoned any attempt at landing and withdrew.

A similar thrust to retake Gacrux and Cor Caroli also came up short as did a Free Worlds League attack to retake Alcor in an attempt to rest the initiative away from the Lyrans. Neither side seemed to be able to protect their rear areas well enough to ensure orders could be executed while both sides noted their enemies had an uncomfortably thorough picture of what forces were deployed on various systems. The climax came in September when a massive sabotage effort by SAFE overcame LIC defences and stranded no less than fourteen Lyran ground and naval commands in Summer, Menkent and Haddings, effectively ending the Lyran offensive.

The end result after three months of false starts and fumbled assaults was that the two combatants were completely unbalanced and both sides knew it. The Lyran command found they had their heaviest concentrations in and around Summer with another grouping near the Hesperus system. Unfortunately there was little strength in the centre of their line. The Free Worlds League forces ended up concentrated at Rahne and New Kyoto with secondary forces at Denebola and Cor Caroli. While losses to forces that did engage were often heavy, sometimes even crippling, other commands did not fire a shot for three months and not a single system changed hands. Analysts are speculating that should either side get their security house in order the targets for renewed offensives are many and varied.

The Periphery: Activity within the Periphery States subsided significantly over the past three month with little news coming from either the Outworlds Alliance or the Taurian Concordate other than the usual pirate activity. However, the inexplicable shadow war being waged by House Liao against The Magistracy of Canopus continues to confound strategists as to what Sian hopes to achieve. Some have suggested that Maximillian Liao is continuing his policy of lashing out at neighbours when least expected in order to keep them off balance and to prevent them from concentrating against his realm. Others surmise that House Liao is looking for any weak spot to exploit to improve its strategic position after its series of defeats over the past half-decade.

Whatever the goal, the Magistracy has taken a new defensive tack with it own special forces and counter-intelligence efforts while shifting its forces carefully to better protect its frontiers from a growing number of pirate raids. Many of the raids are suspected of being sponsored by Sian with good supporting evidence. Rumours have begun to circulate of increased communications between Canopus and Andurien, leading some to suspect some defensive coordination of efforts against the Capellan’s activities.

Piracy: If the spring of 3021 had seen a marked increase in pirate activity around the periphery then the summer saw that activity increase to levels not seen in living memory. Over the three month period no less than 41 raids were recorded striking targets in every major House and well as the Magistracy of Canopus and the Taurian Concordate. At one point it was asked whether there were any pirates left in periphery or if they had all moved into the Inner sphere. The Draconis Combine suffered the most from raiders followed by the Lyran Commonwealth and Free Worlds League. For all the activity, however, it was noted that losses to the raiders were not insignificant and this was chalked up to the increased deployment of small patrol commands. By the end of September it was reported that pirates commands would be increasing their fees for future operations to cover the increased risks.

One notable pirate success took place on Kimball VI in August when Wilson’s Hussars, a little known or respected mercenary company in the employ of pirate Redjack Ryan, struck the planet and were engaged by a mercenary force mounted in attack helicopters. Led into an ambush in the Serval Canyon the Hussars recovered surprisingly well and slowly picked apart the VTOLs and their supporting infantry by a judicious use of fire and manoeuvre. Though the Hussars lost a good portion of their serviceable Mechs they were able to drag away the wreckage as well as significant other salvage and captured raw material from the nearby mines and escape. The mercenary networks were alive with chatter regarding this sudden turnaround by an otherwise low status mercenary band.

 Politics of the Inner Sphere: Setting aside all the manoeuvres, battles and raids a significant political event occurred in July when New Avalon released a public communique stating that the Federated Suns and Lyran Commonwealth had been engaged for some months in discussions aimed at normalizing relations between the two Houses. These talks were inspired by Archon Katrina Steiner’s peace proposal of 3020 and they had proceeded well enough for the two realms to make them public. In addition to the general discussions surrounding potential cultural exchange agreements and a formal exchange of regular diplomatic embassies, it was announced that the talks would continue and hopefully encompass scientific and trade treaties. The communique ended by stating that for all intents and purposes the Third Succession War between the Federated Suns and Lyran Commonwealth had ended. The New Avalon communique was followed shortly thereafter by a similar release from Tharkad confirming the new state of relations between the two Houses. There has yet to be any response from Luthien, Atreus or Sian.

[Daryk]

Excellent update, thanks!  :thumbsup:

[The Purist]

Tule Mod Spaceport, An Ting, Galedon Military District, Draconis Combine – Week 2a, Oct 3021

The roar of the shuttle’s engines and thrusters slowly faded with the vibrations coming up from the floor of the shuttle. The green ‘all secure’ light flickered on at the head of the compartment and the passengers began to unstrap themselves from their seats. The hull pinged and popped as the vessel cooled from its re-entry to the atmosphere and quick descent to the surface. Releasing his safety straps Richard Bedford rose from his seat and adjusted the straps of his body armour before slinging his auto-rifle across his back and checking that his laser pistol was secure in its holster.

Heading to the short companion way he stood in line behind the small section of troopers from Number 13 Commando who now accompanied him everywhere he went. The commandos were in full battle kit and would precede the commander of the 1st Mechanised Brigade down the access ramp and ensure the area was secure before he would be permitted on the ground.

No one doubted the spaceport at Tule Mod wasn’t secure, the planet had fallen to the Federated Suns offensive into the Draconis Combine’s Galedon District some weeks before but there was small if persistent insurgency still on going across the planet. There was no point in taking undue risks at the moment, so the Brigade’s commanding officer waited for the all clear and proceeded down the ramp.

As his foot hit the ferrocrete runway four vehicles rolled to stop in an arch near the shuttle. The lead vehicle was Packrat armed with a medium laser, The second and fourth vehicles were standard Packrat T5 scout vehicles from which heavily armed infantry poured out onto the runway and formed a skirmish line facing away from the grounded space craft. The third vehicle was 15 ton tracked Mobile Command Vehicle used by the brigade at the battalion and regimental headquarters level. Dismounting from the vehicles rear door was Lieutenant-Colonel John Talbot, commanding officer of the brigade’s Alpha Regiment.

Smiling broadly as he approached the brigade commander, John Talbot offered his hand to his superior officer, knowing not to salute in a zone where the enemy might still be lurking.

“Good morning, Colonel. I trust the flight in was comfortable enough.”

Motioning towards the MCV Talbot continued, “We just completed an update briefing with the Sun's commander and there is a lot to bring you up to date on in this sector.”

The conversation paused as the two men climbed into the MCV and secured themselves into their padded chairs with four-point harnesses. No sooner had the armoured door closed than the vehicle lurched into motion.

As the two senior officers placed headsets with microphones on their heads Talbot powered up a computer monitor that already held a star chart of the border region between the Matsuida and Kaznejov prefectures of the Galedon Miltary District.

“As you may have heard, sir, the Fed Suns apparently did breakthrough the Combine front when they captured An Ting and Beta Mensae last month. It looks like they knew what they had as they didn’t follow the usual procedure of attack-reinforce-relieve-attack.”

Adjusting the view to zoom in on Matsuida, Talbot continued.

The 2nd Ceti Hussars along with two of the regimental teams of the Uruks struck Matsuida, surprising the 7th Sword of Light, 4th An Ting Legion and 15th Benjamin Regulars. The Combine troops clearly were not expecting the lunge forward and the 4th Legion looks to have been sacrificed along with the garrison in a rear guard action. The 7th Sword and 15th Benjamin got away but lost additional troops. The Suns believe both commands will be out of action for some time.”

Turning back to the console the map was adjusted spinward to include the area between Matsuida and the Galedon systems. The briefing continued.

“At the same time additional troops, including some fresh commands from Kaznejov, struck at Kirei na Niwa, Nadrin and Delitzsch. The Eridani Light Horse took Kirei with their 21st Striker and 151st Light Horse regiments supported by their command battalion. The 1st Crucis Lancers and 3rd NAIS Cadre landed on Nadrin while the 17th and 42nd Avalon Hussars struck Delitzsch. According to the reports the garrisons have all been swiftly dealt with in just over a week.”

Talbot adjusted the monitor once more, this time towards the An Ting and Beta Mensae region. The vehicle jolted suddenly as if it hit a large hole or piece of debris. Despite being strapped into their seats both officers needed to recover their balance before Talbot could continue.

“Here on An Ting we have been screening the 8th Uruks while they rest and repair their kit. By the end of the month they should be back in good shape. The 10th Deneb Light Cavalry landed last week along with their large aerospace force. Unfortunately, like all Deneb commands they exchange ground troops for that large aerospace force and so have fewer ground regiments than a normal Federated Suns formation. That said, with the 10th Deneb’s six wings, our three and the Uruk’s one, we have a potent aerospace force even if we don’t have any carriers nearby.”

With this last John turned to his commander and added,

“So far as we know, at least. No one would give us any information on the Fed Suns naval moves but my money is on their being forward, facing Galedon V.”

Lost momentarily in thought as he viewed the icons on the screen John Talbot was pulled back from his musing by Bedford’s voice.

“So, Colonel Talbot, what are your conclusions regarding the present situation?”

“Well, sir, the breakthrough seems real enough but there are two things that concern me.”

“One,… this breakthrough is in the wrong direction. There are no viable strategic targets within 60 light years out that way. Short of going all the way to Luthien, it’s a lot of empty space. I think the Feds broke through because the Combine had concentrated their strength on more strategic targets. Towards Galedon and Irurzun.”

“My second concern is that the Suns have no real back up to push out in that direction. And if they pivot to the right now and try for Galedon, their backs will be towards whatever is coming from the Benjamin District. From what we know, the Fed Suns army is fully committed in this sector. All we can see as a reserve are the Eridani’s 71st Light Horse, maybe the 3rd Dismal Disinherited and Harlock’s Warriors. And the Warriors just recently retreated from Senorbi so they are likely resting and refitting. Behind us at Huan are the Bremmond and Dahar March Militia’s but little else. Everyone else is committed to the attack or holding the frontline systems. The only other command of note nearby are the 1st Ceti Hussars at Elidere IV.”

“As for the Combine forces, where are they? They have to be repositioning both from the Galedon direction and from the Benjamin District. Neither Warlord Samsonov nor the Coordinator himself can accept the loss of face the current situation is posing. They have to be planning a counterattack and now can mass from both sides of a growing salient. I would bet a month’s pay on it. The Combine is going to attack.”

“I hope the rest of the brigade is not far behind you, Richard.”

Smiling, Richard Bedford looked down from the screen at his friend and colleague.

“I won’t take that bet John. I’d just be handing over my pay to you.”

“And yes,… the brigade will be on the ground, complete, by the end of the week. Our employers gave us dropships for all the combat elements so we can deploy right away. Only the service battalions and supplies are arriving crated up.”

“Our Federated Suns comrades seem to have a sense of urgency at the moment.”

Looking back at the screen Bedford squinted as he thought.

“I think you’re right, though. The Combine will counterattack and it makes sense to strike from both sides. The questions is when and what specific targets will be first? Do they blunt the tip of the spear at Matsuida or, as I would do, strike the shoulders and try to cut off the entire penetration?”

“Send your report over as soon as possible along with all your analysis. Alert your battalion staffs to get ready for a full command meeting. I am sure that if we can see the trouble coming so can Duke Sandoval and his Marshalls. At least, let’s hope they do.”

The MCV jolted again as it passed over more rough ground but then began to slow. The vehicles commander stuck his head down into the command centre and gave Colonel Talbot a thumbs up.

They had arrived at the complex that would serve as the Brigade’s headquarters on An Ting.

[Daryk]

That's a pretty broad front to be characterized as a "salient"...  All the same, I think Davion is going to hard pressed to hold on to those gains...

[The Purist]

The salient is really formed by Matsuida, An Ting/Beta Men, Kirei/Nadrin/Delit.

The map is a bit out of date as I had to hold off posting while the battles in November (and now Dec) have been playing themselves out. I usually try to keep posts about three months in the past but a major clash is ongoing at Hesperus II which is taking time to resolve. I need to ensure I don't give too much away with posts while it could effect upcoming orders.

[Daryk]

Ah, makes sense...  I'm just glad to see you posting again!  :thumbsup:

[The Purist]

Unity Palace, Imperial City, Luthien, Pesht District, Draconise Combine – Week 2b, Oct 3021


Sweeping down the hidden staircase and into the antechamber of the Black Room, deep beneath the imperial palace, Takashi Kurita, Coordinator of the Draconis Combine, issued a brief command to the two guards waiting within.

“Seal the Room, Tai-i.”

With that the undisputed Ruler of the embattled Combine crossed the threshold to the meeting room as the door slide shut behind him.

Awaiting him there were Subhash Indrahar, Chief of the Security Forces, the five Warlords of the Military Districts of the Combine and Marcus Kurita, cousin to the Coordinator, Chief of Strategies and former Warlord of the Raslahague Military District. Marcus had been transferred from Rasalhague to Luthien due to his court intrigues and suspicion that he had a role in assassination attempt against the Coordinator in 3019.

Taking his place at the head of the table Takashi greeted each member of the group in order of seniority. He then recognised the head of the ISF with a slight nod. Normally, the briefing would have begun with the warlords giving briefings on the status of each their districts but this time the Coordinator interrupted the start of the meeting by turning to the ISF Director.

“Director Indrahar, do you have fresh information on the situation on Matsuida?

Rising from his chair Indrahar opened an old style leatherbound note book and extracted a single sheet of paper.

“We have received confirmation that Matsuida has been attacked by units of the Federated Suns. The expectation was that the troops who took An Ting would pause to rest and refit but they have instead pushed forward. As we are all aware from the main briefing notes issued earlier this month, the First Sword of Light, 4th An Ting Legion and 15th Benjamin Regulars were already badly depleted from previous actions and the local garrison is much too small to add much strength to the defence.

“The Sword of Light and the Benjamin Regulars are currently retreating from the planet, screened by the 4th An Ting and the garrison. The An Ting Legion is not expected to survive the encounter and is being sacrificed to both wear down the attackers and allow the other two commands to withdraw. The Davion forces are certainly not in the best shape but they are supported by at least two mercenary commands.

“It would be a logical to assume they are nearing the point of exhaustion and may pause on Matsuida to regroup. However, as of this moment, we have no troops in the area to oppose them or other Davion forces if they push on through the Matsuida Prefecture and on to Oshika.”

Indrahar did not need to read the last lines of his briefing note as he concluded but as he spoke from memory he let his eyes rest briefly on each warlord in turn, finishing with Warlord Greig Samsonov of the Galedon District.

The Warlords and Marcus Kurita all began to speak at once, all but Greig Samsonov, who remained still, fists clenched and a definite red hue to his face. After a few moments Takashi Kurita spoke without raising his voice and brought the conversation to an end.

It was then that Warlord Samsonov spoke through teeth nearly clenched tight.

“Director Indrahar, you paint too gloomy a picture of the situation in the Galedon District. The accursed Federated Suns troops knew they could not strike at Galedon itself so they turned away like cowards. Picking low hanging fruit from a tree does not equate to a pillaging of the entire orchard.”

Warlord Kester Hsiun Chi, Warlord of the Pesht District broke in suddenly.

“Perhaps, Warlord Samsonov, you do not understand the degree of crisis that besets your command. You sought and received reinforcements from my Pesht commands, ensuring us all that you would break the Davion offensive and drive them back over the border.

“To date the 6th and 7th Pesht Commands have been lost and now it seems we will lose the 4th An Ting Legion. I am not sure the Federated Suns offensive is going after low hanging fruit or if they are beginning a fresh harvest of Combine Worlds.”

Turning to address Chi, Samasonov was cut off by Warlord Syovo Yurioshi, commander of the Benjamin District.

“The current situation is intolerable. This collapse in the Galedon District has exposed my entire left flank while I face large Davion forces across the border from Misery to Galtor and onwards to Felanin. I cannot fight on two fronts at once without massive reinforcements.”

“That will be all, Shinsi!” Though Takashi only raised his voice loud enough to be heard above the argument it commanded immediate obedience.

“We have suffered a series of setbacks and we are here to take steps to rectify the situation. Davion forces have been pushing hard, they have been taking serious casualties and are likely just as fatigued as our own troops, if not more so. We must reinforce the Galedon District further, taking steps to bring the situation under control and drive the Federated Suns from our systems.”

On hearing he would be reinforced further Greig Samsonov lightened and made as if to speak. A look from the Coordinator silenced him. Turning to Warlord Ivan Sorensen of the Rashalhague Military District Takashi Kurita added.

“Warlord Sorensen, I want you to transfer two of your commands to the Dieron District and readjust your front with the Lyran Commonwealth to compensate. We will make additional funds available for supplies so you can increase your raids along the border to help cover your reduced strength.

Subhash handed a single sheet of paper to the Coordinator.

“I would suggest you send the 4th Arkab and 4th Proserpina Hussars.”

Ivan Sorensen nodded his understanding and replied, “Hai, Tono!

Turning to the Dieron Warlord, Takashi pushed on.

“Warlord Cherenkoff. You will also step your defences to the left in order to extend your front with the Federated Suns spinward as far as Proserpina itself. I will also need you to transfer the Shori carrier group to the Galedon District. We will make arrangements for a command circuit to be put in place as soon as possible to make the move.

“I know this seems a major addition or your district’s responsibilities, Warlord, but I am told that the Free Worlds League have resumed their offensive into the Isle of Skye and this should relieve some pressure on your front.”

Realising protest was pointless, Vasily Cherenkoff gave a curt nod of agreement to the orders he had been given.

“Warlord Yurioshi.

“Unfortunately, the Benjamin District will have to surrender the largest group of forces to reinforce Galedon. The 2nd Galedon Regulars on Benjamin have completed their advanced training. They are to be moved to Kawabe by a second command circuit. You will also transfer the 3rd and 4th Pesht Regulars from Arlington to Hachiman so that the Sword of Light and Benjamin troops can withdraw for refitting. Finally, you will also need to extend your left spinward to include Misery and Thestria.

Pausing as he let the orders to the three warlords sink in Takashi Kurita fixed his gaze on Greig Samsonov once again.

“Warlord Samsonov, the complexity of the situation demands that some changes be made.”

With this statement Greig Samsonov face drained of all colour and he stuttered a few incoherent words.

“Good”, thought Takashi. The brash Warlord's discomfort would make him more pliable and his desire to save face would hopefully spark the extra effort he believed was necessary.

“Fear not, Warlord, you still retain command of the Galedon District. The military activities, however, are to be split into two areas of responsibility under my overall supervision. To this end we will divide the Galedon forces into two ‘armies’. The Army of Galdeon, which you will command, will be responsible for the defence of the Galdeon system and the front spinward to the periphery border. You will retain command of those forces in this region and ensure that Galedon is held at all costs.

“Your command will include the 8th Sword of Light and 5th Galedon Regulars currently on Galedon V as well as the four carrier groups currently above the star. The 1st Sword of Light, 3rd Proserpina Hussars and 12th Galedon Regulars at Senorbi have all had their aerospace forces crippled. The Sword of Light should go to Galedon while the other two commands move back to refit. The exact arrangements I leave to you but I want to see your defensive plan within the next five days.

“This leaves the 10th Pesht Regulars at Sverdlovsk and the 17th and 19th Galedon regulars at Sinope. These troops are comparatively fresh but mostly inexperienced. Nevertheless, you may need them for frontline service all the same.

“I must stress once more, Warlord, that Galedon must not fall. Everyone in this room knows why and why the secret buried there cannot be discovered by the Federated Suns. If you must weaken your periphery flank to protect Galedon then you may do so but Galedon must be held.”
 
Those last four words were punctuated by Takashi Kurita's forefinger striking the tabletop with each word for emphasis.

Holding Greig Samsonov’s gaze as he took in a few breaths and was satisfied the warlord would not protest, Takashi continued.

“Warlord Chi, you will command the Army of Pesht. The area under your command will include the line running from Iqualada to Hachiman, Sakoranoki, Dnepropetrovsk and Simferopol. Of greatest concern is the evacuation of the 7th Sword of Light and the 15th Benjamin Regulars. Both commands are exhausted and we cannot expect more from them at the moment nor can we afford their loss. You may move them to the rear for rebuilding and they may only be called upon at the utmost end of need and only with my permission until they are again fit for duty.

“You will take control of  the balance of the forces in the Galedon District. To aid you in this we have already given orders to speed the mobilisation of the rebuilt 6th and 7th Pesht Regulars destroyed earlier in the fighting. Also arriving in the district is the carrier group led by Haruna, the 9th Pesht Regulars and the 2nd Night Stalkers fresh from the pacification of Chatham. They are somewhat understrength and fatigued but still fit for action. This comes to a total of twelve commands and two carrier groups. Director Indrahar has the complete list here for you.”

The Coordinator motioned to the ISF Director who passed a single sheet of paper to the new army commander.

“To summarise, Warlord,” Subhash began, “you will have the following under your command: the 7th Sword of Light, the 15th Benjamin Regulars, the 2nd, 8th, 16th and 21st Galedon Regulars,  the 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th and 9th Pesht Regulars and the 2nd Nightstalkers mercenary command. The carrier groups Haruna and Shori will be available to support.”

Takashi Kurita picked up the conversation again without pause.

“You mission will be wall off the Davion advance so that it cannot advance further into the Matsuida Prefecture or turn left to strike at the Benjamin District. This is to be completed by the end of November. Once your forces are in position you will assume the offensive and drive the Davion forces back to the border, relieving the pressure on Galedon as you do so. Warlord Samsonov will render what aid he can only after he has secured Galedon itself. Is that clear?”

Warlord Chi was clearly honoured by the task appointed to him by the Coordinator. Rising from his chair he bowed deeply to Takashi Kurita, “Hai, omo yo. Anata no watashi e no shinkō ni kōei ni omoimasu.

Returning the respect showed him Takashi bowed , though less deeply, as befitted his superior position and replied, “You and Warlord Samsonov can honour us best with victory in the coming counteroffensive, Warlord.”

This last offered Samsonov the chance to save face by including him as a major player in the coming campaign. All the same the Galedon Warlord could not completely hide the emotions that were barely suppressed below the surface of a forced calm.

“Thank you, Warlords. That will be all.”

Throughout the entire briefing and heated discussions Marcus Kurita had said little and offered no opinion, limiting himself to writing copious notes despite the meeting being electronically recorded.

Watching as the Warlords left the room Takashi Kurita was satisfied the gravity of the situation had been impressed upon the district commanders. The current crisis and their newly assigned roles would focus their attention on the enemy and keep them from dwelling on internal issues or entertaining the always numerous palace plots and schemes.

[The Purist]

10th Deneb Light Cavalry HQ, Cerant, An Ting, Galedon Military District, Draconise Combine – Week 1b, Nov 3021

The first of two mobile command vehicles sped along hard ferrocrete pavement as it rounded a long bend in the road leading to the Davion headquarters compound. Two Davion medium ‘Mechs on security detail paused and watched the column as it approached but their stance clearly told an observer they saw no threat in the approaching vehicles. Both stopped and turned as if watching the column approach but they soon resumed their guard positions as the friendly IFF transponders confirmed the approaching column posed no danger.

As the column neared the gate two Packrat reconnaissance vehicles turned aside to the right across the open ground, the vehicles had not yet come to a halt when heavily armed and armoured troopers began to deploy from their troop compartments. A third Packrat, this one armed with a medium laser, pulled into position to right of the road while a Saracen hover tank moved to back up the squads. As the two command vehicles passed through the gate at speed, one behind the other, a second security detail of Packrats and a Saracen tank following the column deployed to the left, outside the gate.

While there was still a low-level insurrection by Combine stragglers and a few remnants of the former garrison on An Ting the attacks were infrequent but still had a nasty habit of striking soft targets when least expected. The Davion military was working on suppressing the few remaining rebels through a ‘carrot and stick’ policy that was getting the upper hand with each passing day. Even though there were strict security measures in place near all Davion military and civil facilities, the local population was left to its own management. If the local authorities and security personnel kept things quiet the military government was quick to relax certain measures to help return life to something closer to normal.
   
All the same, troops were prudent to remain on their guard and senior officers tended to move through civilian areas in armed convoys to avoid presenting the rebels with a public relations coupe. The trip from Tule Mod Spaceport was without incident with nothing more threatening than harsh looks sent in their direction. An Ting was far from pacified but the Federated Suns were eager to repeat the successes they had on Delacruz, Valentina, Capra and other Combine planets captured in the past two and a half years. Davion public relations teams were sure to make use of those successes through the media and other means of communication to highlight how life would be different under the House Davion.

As Richard Bedford dismounted from the second command vehicle with his aide-de-camp, Captain Edward Bar, and his administrative aid, Sergeant Nicole Burns, his thoughts were not on the population of An Ting but on the far more hostile forces of the Draconis Combine on planets thirty, forty, fifty or more light years away. There, large forces of Davion and Kurita Houses tore at each other in the ongoing struggle for supremacy in the Inner Sphere. The current ebb and flow of events had carried Davion forces deep into the Galedon Military District of the Draconis Combine and to the threshold of the Galedon system itself. It appeared the Combine forces were on the verge of collapse but Bedford was not so sure. If anything had proven itself to be true in warfare since the fall of the Star League two and a half centuries before, it was that offensive power atrophies the further an army advances while the defender can fall back on supply bases and reserves. No House had secure flanks and this stood true for House Davion, facing the unpredictable House Liao on one side and the disciplined and tenacious Draconis Combine on the other.

Bedford’s thoughts were interrupted as Lieutenant Colonel John Talbot of the 1st Mechanised Brigade’s Alpha Regiment joined him from the first vehicle. He was accompanied by Lieutenant Colonel John Beaufort of the Brigade’s Gamma Regiment as well as the regimental commander’s aides.

“Well, Colonel, sir” Talbot wore his well-known smirk and air of perpetual optimism and good humour.

“I’d say there is a lot more going on than we know. With the ‘Uruk’s’ 8th Strikers jumping away as quickly as they did two days ago I’d say we are looking at new fighting at the front. Unless the good Marshal has more troops up his sleeve, we are looking decidedly thin on the ground here on An Ting.”

“That’s more true than you know, John.” Replied Bedford. “The Deneb Light Cavalry are every bit as ‘light’ as their name suggests. Their ‘Mech regiment is supported by just two regiments of armour, all light and medium tanks, two regiments of jump infantry and battalion of artillery. With a hostile population and no friendly garrison to bolster our numbers we have to hope that their large aerospace force can compensate.”

“That may be their plan, sir.” This was from John Beaufort. “The 10th have six aerospace wings, we have nearly three of our own and the ‘Black Navy’ lads up there on Alexander Davion add two fighter wings and three more of assault ships plus the carrier wing itself. The Kurita forces would need to target us with more than just their usual assortment of combat commands to get through those defences.”

Turning to his comrades with a raised eyebrow Richard Bedford gave smirk of his own.

“I suspect, Mister Beaufort, that Marshal Sanders has called us here to explain that very plan to us. To be honest, I am not expecting good news. Consider for a moment that for every briefing we have attended while in Davion or Lyran employ in the past, we were able to bring our full regimental staffs as well as the battalion commanders and their senior staffs.”

Looking around with a slight wave of his hand he added,

“Today, just the three of us and our aides, all here under the tightest security.” Pausing, his face became unusually serious as he looked down at the pavement.

“No, gentlemen, I expect we will be in for unpleasant news so let’s get to it. We won’t learn anything standing around here in the compound.”

*****

[The Purist]

Orbit of Jiě Jiě, An Ting, Galedon Military District, Draconise Combine – Week 2a, Nov 3021

The shuttled slowed to a dead crawl as it picked its way through the debris field near the nadir point of the smallest moon orbiting An Ting. When the planet had been attacked in August both sides had committed naval units that culminated in a series of battles that covered the retreat of Combine forces from the system. A dropship had impacted on the surface of ‘Sister’ leaving an ugly scare on the airless surface with the explosion throwing tons of debris into airless space. The light gravity had captured some of the debris which now clouded the lower hemisphere of the moon with pieces of metal and another material ranging in size from small shards to deformed masses of metal, wire and insulation weighing in the tens of tons.

It wasn’t the destroyed dropship on the surface or the debris in orbit that brought the shuttle to Jiě Jiě this day, however. The August naval battle had also left other wrecks in the near orbit around An Ting and it was one of these that had brought Captain Edward Kent into space this day. Hovering over the moon was a Union class aerospace fighter carrier dropship. From the report given to him by the Davion navy and the company which held the salvage contract, she was in poor shape. Her Fusion drives were cold although it had not been determined if they were beyond repair. The hull had been holed in a number of places and it was clear from some of the tears in the hull that there had been more than one internal explosion. What weapons that were not destroyed in the fighting had already been stripped by the Davion contractor, the command centre was a ruin and the computers would likely need to be rebuilt completely. Seeing her in open space Kent summed up the craft in single word – derelict.

“That means the asking price will be low. Now we’ll see just how low that will be.” Kent thought to himself.

As the ST-46 Shuttle edged closer using its attitude jets, Kent and his two assistants sealed the helmets on their EVA suits. A few more bursts from the attitude jets brought the shuttle to halt just 50 metres from the wreck as Kent’s helmet headset came alive.

“Captain? We’ll hold station here while you make your inspection. You have plenty of air so take your time.”

The voice in his ear belonged to a young Davion naval officer piloting the shuttle. LeClerc was his name.

“Thanks Lieutenant.”

As was common the 1st Mechanised Brigade, the rank came out as Leftenent, the pronunciation dating back to Earth’s pre-space flight era in the old Earth British military tradition.

“We’ll begin with the drives and then the structure. If she’s not structurally sound or the engines can’t be repaired nothing else will matter.”

Le Clerc responded, “Cycling the airlock now, Captain. The cargo bay doors are unlocked and your equipment is ready when you are.”

Kent watched as the light next to the airlock changed from green to amber and then red. Sealed inside the suit, he did not hear the hiss of air as the vacuum took over but changes in pressure on his suit told him enough. He reached up and pressed two additional buttons and the door popped out by perhaps two centimeters. It took only a slight push and the door slide to the side and clear of the exit.

Stepping on the lip of the hatch Kent pushed off into the emptiness of space, closing his eyes as his senses lost their normal orientation of ‘up’ and ‘down’. The feeling past quickly as experience took over, the engineer remembering his first experiences with ‘space walks’ years ago.

“Not much good to anyone as an engineer if you can’t master space walks”, he reminded himself.

Touching a small button under his left hand he activated his suits thrusters and swung his orientation to face the wrecked dropship. It was ‘nose down’ at about 60 degrees as he viewed it, while the bulk of the much smaller shuttle was ‘nose up’ at almost 90 degrees. Grasping the small joystick by his right hand he began steering himself towards the shuttle’s cargo bay doors.

“Rod, Vasily, let’s get the gear and head on over.”

Carlos Rodriquez and Vasily Samanovo were two of the most senior Techs in the Brigade who had both vast experience with dropship drives and structure as well as experience with zero-G environments.

“By the book, Gentlemen. I don’t want any accidents out here.”

Receiving confirmation from the two Techs as they joined him near the cargo bay doors, Kent turned himself again to look at the ruined dropship.

“I hope you have a pulse, young lady. We could use you.”

*****

First Mechanised Brigade Administrative HQ, Tule Mod Spaceport, An Ting, Galedon Military District, Draconise Combine – Week 2a, Nov 3021

The doors to the meeting room swung open as Sergeant Nicole Burns led a small procession of Davion officers into the room. Two men and a woman were in regular duty dress but carried sidearms as befitted the current security situation on the planet. The officer in front wore the rank insignia of a major and his collar dogs and other insignia identified him as a major from the 10th Deneb Light Cavalry. He was tall and seemed young for his rank but moved with authority and the confidence of a man who knew his job. The woman was also tall, mid-twenty’s in age and wore the uniform of a captain of Davion Light Guards included citation ribbons above her left breast pocket. She had ‘Mechwarrior’ written all over her.

The third man was shorter, with dark skin that spoke of ancestry back to Earth’s African continent. He was few years older than the other two but not by much. He also wore the uniform of the 10th Deneb Light Cavalry but there was something else about him that Richard Bedford could not quite put his finger as he drew nearer to the table thaemercenary officers were seated at.

As Sergeant Burns approached the table, she swung out of the path of the Davion officers and came to attention to Bedford’s left. The Davion officers also halted and came to attention with soft clicks of their bootheels.

On the opposite side of the table Richard Bedford and his officers rose from their seats as the party approached.

“Sir,” began Sergeant Burns, “Major Ostlund and Captain’s Bonet and Kambanda.

At the introduction Major Ostlund snapped off a parade ground salute.

“Colonel Bedford. Marshal Sanders sends his compliments, sir.”

Returning the salute more formally than was normal practice within the Brigade’s senior officers Bedford replied.

“Thank you, Major. I trust all is well with the Marshal since our meeting last week.”

“They are, Colonel. The Marshal is understandably busy and we have fresh news on combat operations in this region that he wants you to be aware of.”

“Glad to hear it, Major.” As everyone relaxed Richard Bedford turned to the other Brigade officers in the room.

“These are my senior unit commanders. You already know Lieutenant-Colonels Talbot and Beaufort of Alpha and Gamma Regiments. You also know Sergeant Burns, my administrative aide.” He did not mention that sergeant Burns was also considered Richard Bedford's unofficial body guard.

Both officers nodded towards their Davion colleagues.

“This is Lieutenant-Colonel Montagu, commander of the 1st Horse Artillery. Lieutenant-Colonel Philip Valios and Major Catherine Woodville from our Number One Group, aerospace fighters. Commander Richard Howe, our dropship wing commander. Lieutenant-Colonel John Ligny, who commands the technical troops for both regiments.

“Please, Ladies and Gentlemen, be seated. We have a lot to cover. You may connect your computers pads to our network through the ports on the table. From there you can access your own systems through the firewalls.”

As the officers seated themselves, Sergeant Burns seated herself at a separate computer station to the left and slightly behind her commanding officer. Orderlies filled water glasses and uncovered a side table with light pastries and pots of tea and coffee.

Major Ostlund began.

“Colonel Bedford. The first thing we have to confirm for you is that four commands led by the Davion Light Guards along with three carrier groups struck at the Galedon system last week, with two additional commands each striking Consenza and Senorbi. By this morning, or very near to it, they should be making planetfall in all three systems. This the big push in this district and the culminating attack to obtain the campaign’s objective, Galedon V.

“Needless to say, all efforts will now be focused on the coming battles in that area so the 2nd Ceti Hussars and the Uruks have halted all operations aimed at moving past Matsuida. Losses on Matsuida were fairly high in any case and the units there quite fatigued, which explains why the Uruk’s 8th Striker Regiment departed so suddenly last week.

“You would also be aware by now that their 5th Heavy Regiment has now returned to An Ting but they left much of their equipment and supplies on Matsuida to be used by the other two commands to make up for losses. The Uruk’s 5th Regiment will be rebuilding here in the meantime.

“At the moment the Uruk’s are both exhausted and badly depleted. In fact, they can field just one complete heavy ‘Mech battalion with a few lances to spare with the other battalion headquarters. Their motorised infantry regiment is likewise badly shot up and can only field one composite battalion. The other two battalions can’t even manage a full company between them so they will form a small reserve based on the regimental headquarters here at the spaceport. The full battalion is being deployed in Cerant as a security force and to ensure the population cannot interfere if any Combine forces come this way.”

Raising a finger to pause the Davion major, Richard Bedford asked,

“Are we expecting an attack, Major?”

“No, sir.” Replied Ostlund.  “Not at the moment. The Marshal is simply taking steps now to make what deployments he can so he has a clear view of what mobile forces he does have. The 10th is a light cavalry force, Colonel. We like to move fast and strike hard.”

Captain Bonet now took over.

“The 5th Uruk’s armour is also badly depleted but is probably in the best shape of the three regiments of the command. The heavy battalion is about two-thirds strength while the medium battalion is at about thirty-five percent. More equipment is now en route but again, it will take time to arrive.

“What we would like to do, Colonel, is tap into your store of spare tanks. The Uruks will pay a good price and Marshal Sanders will ensure that whatever they need, but cannot afford, will be paid for by House Davion. Perhaps a mix of thirty of your Brutus, Bulldog and Vedette tanks should suffice.  With your cooperation the Uruks should be able to field a mixed regiment with a heavy aerospace wing and about half their artillery if the Combine troops do return.”

Turning to his own officers, Bedford noted with only partial mirth, “You seem quite well informed as to the contents of our stockpiles, Captain. All the more ‘impressive’ as we are under independent command and have no liaison staff at any of our headquarters.”

Captain Kambanda leaned forward.

“You will forgive us, Colonel, but it behooves any employer of a mercenary command to be as well informed about the capabilities and the composition of such a command. Simple prudence dictates as much.”

The penny dropped for Richard Bedford.

“You are military intelligence, Captain.” Bedford stated, his head turned slightly in order to look slightly sideways at the Davion officer. “Am I correct?”

Kambanda could not hold back a broad smile as he continued,

“Yes, Colonel, I am. Although I tend to spend most of my time in dark pubs and less than respectable establishments, my superiors do bring me out of the shadows on occasion and dress me up in a uniform.”

More seriously,

“As Major Ostlund noted, we are not expecting an attack in the immediate future. However, we have already detected some new troop movements to Thestria and Iqualada, each receiving a single new command. We are working to flesh out more details along our spinward flank but we are convinced that Kurita must react to the attack on the Galedon system. Whether they hit Matsuida, Huan or here at An Ting we need to prepare.

“The Alexander Davion carrier group has left for Galedon and Kentares IV remains at Matsuida, at least for now. I believe it is safe to say we will not be seeing any reinforcements as long as the fighting in the Galedon sector has priority. Despite this our strongest hand remains the combined aerospace forces here on An Ting but anything we can do to bulk up our ground forces would also be wise.”

Richard Bedford held Kambanda’s gaze but there was no anger in his look.

“Colonel Ligny?”

“Yes, sir.” Came a voice from the end of the table.

Turning his gaze down the table Richard Bedford let his own smile crease his face.

“Take a look at what we can spare and give our guests the price tag. Also, have ‘legal’ do an amendment to the contract noting the sale.

“Now,… Major Ostlund, Captains Bonet  and Kambanda. While we discuss the details let's have some refreshments. I suspect this conference will take some time.”

Pushing back his chair Richard Bedford rose from his chair and motioned to the table containing the with coffee and tea.

“Then I would like to talk a bit about dropships.”

*****

[The Purist]

First Mechanised Brigade Administrative HQ, Tule Mod Spaceport, An Ting, Galedon Military District, Draconis Combine – Week 2b, Nov 3021

Hurrying through the door to the meeting room just down the hall from the administrative offices in the headquarters building Captain Edward Kent and Lieutenant-Colonel John Ligny II looked like two cats that had eaten very fat canaries. The two officers smiled their greetings to Captain Rory Fitzhugh, Lieutenant-Colonel Philip Valois and Commander Richard Howe. John Ligny waved Kent to a chair near the computer station where Sergeant Nicole Burns was already seated, busying herself with setting up the presentation already loaded into the network.

“Well, you two look like you are having just too much fun this morning”, quipped Richard Howe, “I trust the survey of the two candidate vessels was promising?”

Smiling over his old fashioned spectacles, John Ligny replied, “Well, ‘promising’ is a subjective term. Let’s just say that if we have time, and Captain Fitzhugh can cover the costs, we might be able to get both craft serviceable – “

Before he could finish his thought, Richard Bedford came through the door with two cups of tea in his hands. As he saw the room was already full of the meeting invitees he slowed his pace.

“Well, look at you people,” the brigade commander said with mock surprise, “Everyone is early for the meeting once again. I am pleased.”

Everyone who had any dealings with Colonel Richard Bedford knew that he was stickler for punctuality. He was patient with many personality flaws but insisted that the troops under his command know and understand the importance of “meeting your timings.” That applied especially in the field where a delay in a unit reaching its planned deployment position could mean the difference between victory and defeat, life and death. When the brigade was ‘in garrison’ the rule still applied as a matter of principle. If you could not manage to be on time on a base, how could you expect to be where you were needed when shot and shell were filling the air.

As he passed Sergeant Burns’ seat he placed one of the cups to her right.

“English Breakfast, one teaspoon of honey, Sergeant.”

“Thank you, sir.” Came Nicole Burns’ reply.

The informality between Richard Bedford and his immediate staff was well known. As was common amongst many mercenary commands the strict discipline and status bestowed by rank was less formal amongst staff members who had regular day to day interaction with each other. Individual rank was still present, but in the 1st Mechanised Brigade Richard Bedford had let it be known that, in the office, regular saluting and strict discipline did not foster the free flow of thought and expression that could be valuable to decision making process within the brigade.

“So, gentlemen,” Bedford began as he took his seat near the head of the table.

“I trust the inspections went well,” directing the comment to Edward Kent and John Ligny together.

John Ligny, as the senior of the two officers involved in the survey motioned to the brigade’s senior engineer.

“I’ll let Captain Kent give you the details, sir.”

Kent cleared his throat before he began. “Well, sir, both vessels are effectively wrecks if we went by the text books.

“The Union carrier up by the small moon can’t be repaired with the equipment or facilities here at An Ting. That said, if we focused on repairing the docking ring and getting the attitude thrusters in working order, we could tow her out to a jump point and then send her to the rear for a rebuild. It will be expensive but if the parts arrive in time, we could jump her away by the end of the year.”

“How long to repair once she reaches a rear area facility?” Bedford asked.

“We'll do what we can here but two months should do it, sir. With travel time, she could rejoin our fleet by the beginning of May next year.”

Bedford nodded, “Carry on, Captain.”

“The Buccaneer is another story entirely. Sergeant, could you open the file ‘Buccaneer’ and put it up the screen, please?”

The screen came alive as Kent picked up a remote that also contained a laser pointer.

“As you can see from this video, the hull is breached in a number of places and there is some structural damage that we can repair but the craft will never be as sound as it was before she was forced down.

“The command centre and cockpit are all damaged but can be repaired with a bit of effort. As this is the standard Combine variant, she has the extra weapons suite commonly found in this region. About half of these will need repair or replacing but, thankfully, the PPC is intact. Landing gear is damaged but these craft already have robust equipment so we can fix these.

“The main engine is badly damaged but salvageable, though she can’t get off planet without a major effort. If we expedite the parts delivery, focus on engines and controls and throw every spare Tech we have at her, she might be able to boost for the jump point by mid-January. A full repair and conversion would probably put her in a yard for two or three more months.”

The mention of ‘conversion’ peaked Richard Howe’s interest.

“Conversion, Captain? What kind of conversions are you thinking about?”

Turning to Sergeant Burns, Kent asked, “Could you call up the schematic, Sergeant?”

As the schematic of a Buccaneer came up, Kent continued.

“The main complaint with the Buccaneer as a transport has always been the lack of quarters for the vehicle crews. Since we need to strip the craft down for repairs in any case, we have the opportunity to make some changes. With just shy of twenty-three hundred tons of cargo capacity I am recommending we us 50 tons of the small hold to install 10 barracks bays that will hold about 300 personnel, their kit, mess facilities and life support. We could even install extra bays to ensure a bit more comfort or for use as recreation and exercise facilities.

“With well over two thousand tons of cargo space remaining, we could carry most of a heavy tank battalion. More than that since we have a mix of tanks from the light Scorpions to the von Luckners.

Setting down the remote, Kent turned towards Bedford.

“Colonel, both these craft can be repaired and made to fly again. The bad news is that this will be expensive as hell. Not as much as purchasing new vessels, especially the Buccaneer, but this will hurt all the same.”

John Ligny turned to Bedford and added, “To add a bit more to the potential costs, sir. The lead provided to you by Captain Kambanda turned out to be solid. There is damaged Union ‘Mech carrier on Beta Mensae V. Unlike the two dropships here, this one is not a wreck even if it has seen better days. It will need replacement parts and a number of repairs to be fully functional, but she flies and we could probably refit her here at An Ting. Kambanda said he can hold it for a week if we are interested and can afford the price tag.”

Rory Fitzhugh now spoke up.

“Colonel, I’ve been crunching some rough numbers as the discussion went on. We are already looking at a major hit to the accounts this month as we make the final payment for Black Prince and an even bigger bill in January when Dauntless arrives. Those two vessels alone will set us back by more than one hundred and twenty million C-Bills.

“Rough numbers for the purchase, transport and repair the Union carrier will exceed thirty-five million, the Buccaneer will cost over two hundred million. If we then add in the damaged Union over on Beta Mensae, we are looking at another sixty million plus repairs, at a minimum.
 
“I’ll firm up these numbers in a few hours once I talk with Colonel Ligny but this sort of expenditure could deplete perhaps as much as forty percent of the brigade’s funds.”

The implications of the cash outlay for the dropship program were not lost on Richard Bedford and the pensive look on his face was noted by all in the room.

“Thank you, Captain. Please put your head together with Captain Kent and Colonel Ligny and get me the numbers by the close of business today.”

Looking around the room Bedford asked, “Is there anything else to add to today’s discussion?”

“Yes sir,” replied Commander Howe. “If you have time after lunch, Lieutenant-Colonel Valois and I have a proposal we would like to run by you. We’ll need about half an hour.”

“Alright then,” replied Bedford. “Come to my office at 1330 and you can make your pitch.

“Is there anything else? No? Then lets get back to our business for the day, people.”

*****

The two officers who led the brigade’s aerospace forces arrived at Colonel Bedford’s outer office at exactly 1325 hours. Sergeant Burns was at her desk to the left of the door and two meters from the wall. Despite the path being clear to the commander's office no one in the brigade would have been stupid enough to walk past Nicole Burns’ desk without her leave. Rising from her desk the sergeant greeted the two officers.

“Good afternoon, Commander Howe, Colonel Valois. The Colonel is expecting you.”

With that she took two steps to the door and knocked quietly. From behind the door came a muffled command.

“Enter”.

Opening the door and stepping over the threshold Nicole Burns stepped to one side as she announced the arrival of the two visitors.

“Commander Howe and Lieutenant-Colonel Valois to see you, sir.”

“Thank you, Sergeant. Come in gentlemen.”

As the two men entered the room Burns pivoted and backed out of the room closing the door behind her.

Motioning to two chairs in front of his desk, “Richard, Phil, please have a seat. Tell me what’s on your mind.”

Richard Howe looked at the aerospace commander who nodded his agreement to proceed.

“Colonel,” Howe paused for a heartbeat, “how do you feel about a bit of piracy?”

Bedford smiled as he sat back in his chair, “Normally I would frown upon it, Commander, but I suspect you have something a little different in mind than raiding farms and villages.”

“Aye, sir, indeed. What I have in mind is a bit unorthodox considering our current circumstances but it might garner us a bounty worth the risk.

“As you know, the Black Prince will be arriving in a few days and should join our small fleet by the end of next week. What I have in mind is to group the Black Prince, Edward III, Henry II and Framlingham Castle together with Thirteen Commando and go on a bit of commerce raiding in nearby Draconis systems.”

Bedford chuckled at the idea, “Go on, Commander.”

“If the Davion intelligence we’ve received is at all accurate with reports of two new commands arriving at Thestria and Igualada earlier this month, then there is a pretty good chance that the support and supply convoys for both commands will be coming and going from both systems. If we could borrow two Merchant class jumpships assigned to us by the Davion navy for some extra curricular activity, we could pop in at the star’s Zenith or the Nadir points and with some luck, bag us some shipping.

“It is unlikely any major naval units will be escorting these convoys as the latest reports have their carriers coreward at Galedon or towards Oshika. These fat turkeys would only have their dropship guns and a few fighters from the jumpships or an escort carrier for protection.”

Bedford pursed his lips as he considered the two men in front of him.

“Tell me, Richard, if you jump away with more than half of our aerospace fighters and all of our carriers, what do we do if Warlord Samsonov decides to pay us a visit while you are gone? We are already pretty thin on the ground here.”

“I would wager, sir, that all eyes on the Draconis side of the line are firmly fixed on Galedon and its nearby systems,” Valois added. “More relevant to our sector, Matsuida has not been attacked. The Combine forces may still be shifting into new positions and that means the shipping lanes will be active.”

Leaning forward, his elbows on his desk, Bedford pressed, “And if you jump into Igualada and find nothing? You are stuck there until the jumpships recharge and you can jump away again. Even a reasonably safe quick-charge would still mean waiting around for three or four days, provided nothing goes wrong.”

“That is true, Colonel,” admitted Howe. “There is a risk but short of jumping into a system at the same time a troop convoy arrives those risks can be mitigated. Davion intelligence should be able to provide us with some information on routine traffic and SOP. If we time the raid right, we may catch any jumpships already partially recharged or with fat cargo dropships just arriving.”

Valois jumped in again, “Sir, the Leopards can carry two squadrons of Major Woodville’s medium and heavy dropship busters. The Union and Intruder would carry another sixteen fighters, fourteen light fighters to tie up any escorts plus a command flight for the medium squadrons. We could commit twenty-eight fighters in all along with the four dropships, strength enough to handle any standard merchant convoy. Major Burgh’s commandos will be there to board and capture a jumpship. Maybe more than one if the opportunity presents itself.”

Holding both hands before him in an effort to quell the two officers enthusiasm Bedford went on, “Gentlemen, I am not opposed to the idea, and I applaud the audacity, but there are too many ifs and too much reliance on chance. The Black Price won’t arrive in orbit for another week or so, yes?”

Howe nodded his agreement, “Eight, maybe nine days, sir.”

“Good, then. That gives you time to fine tune your plan. Contact the Davion staff and see if you can firm up some details to improve the probability of hitting something more than empty space. Then we’ll talk about this some more.”

Howe’s faced brightened. “We’ll come back to you in a few days, sir. I’ve been in space for twenty years and I believe there are rich targets for the taking out there. Full combat commands need massive amounts of supply and these can only come in via dropships. It’s just a matter of timing.”

“Very good then, Commander. I like the idea of the raid, if only to disrupt supply lines or destroy merchantmen. That said, if you can bring home some prize trophies, so much the better.”

Rising from their chairs the two officers nodded their thanks, came to attention briefly and took their leave of the brigade commander.

*****

[snakespinner]

Capturing a few fat cargo dropships should pay for the repairs to those wrecks.
Also it would not be piracy as they are only helping the DC by reducing their maintenance costs and need for storage.
Doing the DC a favour. >:D :D

[Sir Chaos]

Capturing a few fat cargo dropships should pay for the repairs to those wrecks.
Also it would not be piracy as they are only helping the DC by reducing their maintenance costs and need for storage.
Doing the DC a favour. >:D :D

I used a rationale like that in a War in the Pacific game once - I told my opponent "Don´t think of it as me sinking your ships. Think of it as me helping you unclutter your order of battle."

It didn´t work. He still tried to make me stop.

[The Purist]

I played the original SPI monster game back in the day.

The problem with obtaining dropships is the cost. As the campaign began longgggg before Campaign Operations came out the system used requires "opportunity" and C-Bills. Even with IO and CO, actually be able to snag a DS is no easy task.

So,.... if you can't snatch one on the ground you have to have a go at merchant shipping pipelines.   :thumbsup:

[The Purist]

Free Worlds League Military Headquarters, Atreus, Free Worlds League – Week 3a, Nov 3021


Duncan Marik closed both eyes and hung his head while he rubbed both temples with two fingers of each hand. A meeting of the government ministers and the high command leaders had been arranged in order to align all parties with new offensive just launched against the Lyran Commonwealth’s Federation of Skye. The meeting ran much longer than planned as it became clear that support for the government in Parliament for continued offensive action was waning faster than anticipated.

The initial drive into the Federation of Skye begun in 2019 had been far more successful than anyone had hoped but the swift advances had slowly been brought to a halt by the Lyrans and counterattacks had begun to retake captured star systems. Most concerning of all were the casualty lists that continued to grow despite defensive successes along the front. Those lists had begun to erode the hard won support and was now a major concern within the government.

The Speaker of the Parliament and eight of the nine councillors in attendance had left the meeting after a heated discussion following the news that the military had launched a new offensive. The new attacks were aimed at Hesperus and its nearby systems in Rahneshire, the objectives being the concentrated Lyran industries found there. The argument focused on the timing of the offensive, coming so close to the end of the year and just weeks before the forming of a new parliament for 3022.  A lack of support from the independent systems could undermine the entire effort if the public could not be brought around to back the government and Captain-General in this new effort. Provincial combat commands could be withdrawn under the Home Defence Act or funding for additional troops and supplies to support the offensive could be denied. Either or both cases would bring the offensive to a halt and hand the hard won initiative to the Lyran enemy.

As the room emptied there remained just three men seated around the ancient polished oak conference table. All three were from the ruling Marik family.

Raising his head as he opened his eyes, Duncan Marik spoke.

“How do you manage it, Uncle?”

General of the Marik Militia and current commander of the offensive against the Lyran Commonwealth, Duncan Marik had never liked the politics of the Atreus Court or dealing with politicians and government bureaucracy.

“It is never easy, Nephew,” replied the Captain-General of the Free Worlds League. “For better or worse, parliament is part of what makes the makes the League what it is. What I need most is a means of forcing a decision on the Lyran front before the remaining support evaporates entirely. Then we can adopt a more defensive stance and consolidate our gains. That should calm the nerves in Parliament as well as reduce the casualties we are suffering, which are bad enough.”

Rising from his chair Captain-General Janos Marik walked to the holo-display showing the current movement of troops. Adjusting the magnification of the display the frontier along the Free Worlds League and Lyran Commonwealth expanded from the Terran system all the way anti-spinward to the Circinus Federation. The mass of movement was concentrated near the systems of Hesperus, Lamon and Caledonia in Rahnshire but there were other movements anti-spinwards towards the Circinus Federation.

“You are confident about this ‘Hammer and Anvil’ plan, General?” Janos was looking through the holo-display directly at Duncan Marik.

“As confident as one can be, sir.”

Standing himself, the younger Marik moved to the holo-display and placed two hands on the console, leaning forward as he studied the red, blue, yellow and green icons suspended within.

“The Lyran Commonwealth is larger, wealthier and has more industrial output than the League. Their military is also larger than ours by nearly a third but they use heavier, less mobile equipment. Fortunately for us, they also tend to be predictable and repetitive in their attacks. They are also not that fond of manoeuvre.

“This has meant we have been able to ‘do more with less’ in most of the recent battles. That said, the numbers are catching up with us. As the Lyrans bring in more and more troops the casualties have been increasing significantly and this is affecting our ability to keep units up to strength.”

Lifting his gaze to the Captain-General Duncan began to slowly walk around the display as he continued,

“We need to regain room to manoeuvre and somehow unhinge this wall of steel the Lyrans have thrown in front of us in Skye. We’ve just hit Hesperus with six ground command and three carrier groups. Smaller attacks are aimed at Lamon and Caledonia with the intent of isolating Hesperus and applying even more pressure on this front. 

“This should force Katrina Steiner’s hand as she cannot lose Hesperus. She will have to respond to these attacks or lose even more support in the Federation and even Tharkad.

“A second wave stands by to reinforce these attacks in December, rotating out depleted troops as necessary. Pinning attacks are also planned for Alioth with follow up attacks next month towards Alcor.

“I want to draw as much Lyran strength into Skye as possible, even giving up systems if the pressure gets too heavy.”

Adjusting the focus of the display, Duncan Marik zoomed in on the Alarion province and the systems near the Free Worlds border systems of Timbiqui, Galisteo and Epsilon.

“We know the Lyrans have been pulling troops from the Alarion and Bolan provinces to feed the meat grinder in Skye and we want them to continue to do so. In December we will strike at Ford and Gienah’s industrial complex with the Third and Fifth Fusiliers of Oriente and the Ducal Guard.

“In January, we will strike from Timbiqui and Epsilon with 25th Marik Militia, all three of the Orloff Grenadier commands, supported by the mercenary commands of Caesar's Cohort, Clifton's Rangers and the Martian Cuirassiers. Their targets will be Penobscot and Pencander, followed up by the Thirtieth and Thirty-First Marik Militias and the Kell Hounds with the objective of breaking through towards Zdice and Bobruisk, exploiting toward Bolan itself.

“Unless Katrina Steiner has an army we don’t know about, these attacks should break the front open and restore some level of manoeuvre. With so much of their weight in Skye, the Lyran’s ability to react quickly to any breakthrough near Bolan will be limited and that could tip the scales in Parliament back in our favour.

From the opposite side of the room a new voice joined in.

“You plan is all fine and good from a military standpoint, Cousin,” said Duggan Marik, Minister of Trade. “Yet, I caution you against presenting a new parliament with a fait accompli before they have even sworn their oaths and taken their seats in the chamber.”

“Andurien and Regulus will be livid. We might even lose the independents in the Silver Hawks and the support of the Sirian Concordance.”

“What is the current division within Parliament, Duggan?” came a question from the Captain-General.

Looking down at his computer the Minister of Trade replied, “The last count had two hundred and thirty-one members in support, two hundred and eighteen against and fifty-one undecided. We have a majority of just thirteen votes, which could vanish in a second if this is not handled very carefully, Father.”

“It’s those damned independent worlds, especially out towards the periphery,” said Janos, scowling at the holo-display. “Those worlds and the Home Defence Act.

“If Parliament does not support the effort, we could find our troops without the necessary combat supplies to press the offensive and then what? We won’t be able to hold the line against the Lyrans and we will have to retreat.”

Duncan Marik looked from Janos to Duggan and back again with a questioning look on his face.

“If I understand correctly, Duggan, we need just twenty of the fifty-one undecided votes to ensure a firm majority. The Opposition would need thirteen just to match our current count or, potentially, they would need thirty-three votes to be sure of defeating the motion entirely, yes?”

“That is correct, Duncan,” said Duggan. “Here, look at this.”

The display changed from the military display of units to a three-dimensional view of the political divisions within the Free Worlds League. System by system the colours changed depending on the known voting status and the number of votes available. Purple systems were in support of the government, systems in red were opposed and those in white had abstained or otherwise refused to cast a vote.

Duggan continued, “We have an edge but that’s not the issue. The issue is the timing.”

“So, it looks like it’s the planets spinward and rimward that are the issue then?”, asked Duncan.

“Correct.” Replied Janos. “Most of the remaining undecided systems are out towards Circinus and Illyria, a few others rimward of Regulus and near the Rim Commonality. If we could pull in twenty of those, we could carry the Parliament but those systems have not been very cooperative of late.”

Seeming perplexed Duncan asked, “What about allies in Tamarind and the Abbey District? Do we not have anyone in the region with influence amongst the independents to help change minds?

“What about Therese?”

Janos lifted his head with a start at the mention of his eldest daughter’s name and looked directly at Duncan Marik.

“Absolutely not, Nephew. I have nothing to say to her now or ever. She chose to defy me and in so doing undermined my effort to improve relations with Regulus via a marriage alliance. So much of the rancour of the past fifteen years could have been avoided, or at least reduced, if she had done her duty to the family.

“Instead she eloped with that gunner.”

Janos almost spat out the last word.

“I understand, Uncle.” Duncan said as he held his uncle’s gaze. “I am not suggesting you suddenly forgive and forget but I understand she is well thought of in Tamarind and the region. If the right words were spoken on our behalf.”

Duncan left the rest of the statement remain unspoken as he spread his arms before the display.

“That’s true, Father,” added Duggan. “Therese has spoken on behalf of our family within Tamarind since she arrived there all those years ago. Even from afar she has never failed use her influence to help further our family’s agenda.”

“I will say no more on this matter,” replied Janos. His body language sent a clear signal that the discussion surrounding Therese Marik was closed.

“As you like, Uncle.” Duncan said. “My responsibilities are limited to winning battles. I will leave politics and Parliament to politicians and ministers.

“If there is nothing else, sir, I will retire for the evening and prepare to return to my headquarters at Zaniah tomorrow.”

Janos Marik looked very tired and let a small sigh escape his lips.

“Thank you, Nephew, it has been a long day. You may go. I want you to proceed with your plan. I will see you get the supplies and replacements you need.”

Duncan Marik bowed his head briefly as he came to attention with a click of his heals.

“Thank you, Captain-General.”

To his cousin he threw wink and added, “Remember, Duggan, the more planets we capture the broader the markets become for your traders. Maybe that will inspire some support in your Parliament.”

“Good luck to you, Duncan,” replied Duggan Marik. “Safe journeys.”

*****