Emerald and Gold

[cklammer]

Obscurity is not security nor safety ...  :D

[Intermittent_Coherence]

Strange, I'm pretty sure I've read that audience scene before.

[Drunkninja]

You probably have.  It was the first piece I tried writing and posted up on these forums as a test to see if people liked the way I wrote.  It was a scene that basically I wanted to put into words.  It's success basically led me to start writing this whole story.  I just finally reached the point in the time line when the unit went to Canopus IV and the scene actually happened.  There's two other scenes I've been itching to write but one occurs in 3051 and the other in the Jihad lol. I find myself invested in the development of the unit.  I hope people are enjoying whats become one of my main hobbies now.

[chongobongo]

well keep it up . its been a good read , and some good plot development going on .

[Drunkninja]

Chapter 22
Canopus IV, Magistracy of Canopus
Crimson City
October 29 3023

   Christipher Hytuli as of late had pretty bad hang overs.  Today seemed to be the one that might top them all.  It was his job this morning to over see the transportation of the Crockett CRK-5003-1's cockpit assembly to the Privateers dropship Fleeting Dream.  The Mule-class ship had been designated the storage area for Protocol Omega' machines and also his personal workshop.

   Tiredly watching a group of laborers move the sensitive equipment onto his prime movers flat bed, the veteran technician wished he were dead.  Squinting his eyes briefly up at the unforgiving Canopian sun Hytuli swore off drinking for the fifth time that week.

   “Again with the empty promises Chris?” A familiar voice commented from behind.

   Hytuli blinked his eyes a few times to get rid of the light baubles before turning to look at his commanding officer walking towards him.  “Whatever gets me through the day Alex.”  He turned his head back towards the laborers who were now tying down tarps over a large piece of electronics.

   “I see at least you're on schedule. Always the reliable one.”  The tech grunted as his CO slapped a strong hand on his back in camaraderie.

   “You seem in good spirits Captain.  Odd for a man who just spent so much money.” The senior of the two looked over at his younger companion again.  Alexander had a large smile on his face.  Christopher couldn't recall the last time he had seen his Captain smile since the death of Lieutenant McKay.  “Want to share your secret of happiness?”

   Captain Bishop casually leaned up against the outside wall of the Arcade that they had managed to purchase the Crockett' cockpit from and lit a cigarette.  He took a long drag from it and exhaled before sharing.  “Besides from this treasure you found for us...” Alex motioned towards the gear being loaded onto the flat bed. “...I've been rather successful finding dispossessed pilots here on Canopus.  I have my last interviews tonight. “  The Captain took another pull from his cigarette and then flicked it to the ground, stomping it out.

   “On the equipment side of the battle, the local Magistracy Quartermaster has been quite helpful despite shortages.  We won't be able to get no where near what we require but I was able to trade the Wyvern for a substantial amount of replacement parts.”

   Chris noticed his superior lose himself in his own thoughts for a moment.  Something he noted that Alex seemed to do a lot.  “That's a bad habit boss, the smoking I mean.” Hytuli tried to shake his friend out of his mental trap.  He had thus far failed at garnering any information about the Captain' encounter with the Magestrix.  He was sure that's where Alex' thoughts had just gone.

   The mercenary Captain shot his tech a large smirk. “You're one to talk about bad habits! If you weren't so good at your damned job I'd leave you here on this woman infested rock.”

   “Is that a promise you want to make, Captain?” Both men laughed.

   “We'll have to travel to Dunianshire after we're done here Chris.  It'll be a long trek but it can't be helped.  It's our best shot at mustering up to a full company. We have lots of salvage but its not much good unless we can make mechs out of it.”  Alex turned to stare at the flat bed truck.  “After Dunianshire I have a possible contract for us, but it depends on our state of readiness.”

   Hytuli sensed the distance in Alexander's comment and decided to try again and pry out what happened with the Canopian leader.  “What's the mission?  The Magestrix isn't planning on throwing us to the wolves on our first outing from her is she?”  The Lyran born tried to add some jest into the question, but it came out sounding too nervous.

   Alex pulled his eyes away from the flat bed truck and back to his trusted friend.  Running fingers back through his messy black hair, the Captain frowned.  “Not in so many words no.  I just want to make sure we have the man power and machines ready.  The money is pretty good, though this time the salvage percentages is almost non-existent.”  The sound of the Prime Movers massive engine sounded as the truck fired up.  “We have a chance to test ourselves against one of the Great Houses.  The Magestrix wants us to perform a smash and grab raid into the Capellan Confederation.”

   The older man whistled at what his commander had just said.  “That's a step up from pirates, that's for sure.  I see why you want to get men and material sorted.”  The tech nodded.  “You sure I still can't get you to use the fancy Star League mechs we have for those sort of missions?  It'll raise our success chances by leaps and bounds.”  But what did Kyalla say to you?  “Or we could pull them out if the Magestrix decides to go after her royal competition.

   The cold glare that the older tech received let him know he should stop fishing.

   “You and I both know using those machines is not sustainable. I'd rather keep them to protect our assets.”  The Captains response sounded like a closing statement to the topic.  “In terms of our readiness, I also want to maintain a garrison force on Sailors Refuge in case ComStar returns for what ever reason.  We have a lot of material there to protect and that complex has already cost us an expensive price.”

   “That's pretty ambitious Alex.  And we're still not confident on who those people were that attacked us.  The prisoners we dumped on Bass didn't know squat.  All we have is that hunk of metal that fool who taught me how to fix mechs was wearing when he ejecting himself out into space.  I just don't think that's enough to go on.  I'm sure it was just that idiots greed and he wanted Sailors Refuge for himself!”  Hytuli could see the doubt on his friends face.  He added “Villainizing a powerful faction will only get you killed.  Martha' death shouldn't be placed at anyone's feet except the man who killed her.”

   Alexander turned and began to walk down the street towards his jeep.  “That's why I want to be sure Chris.  I was the man who killed her.”

*   *   *

   “So your name isn't actually Lopez?”  Alex stared across the interview table at the familiar red haired woman whom he had briefly encountered a few days prior.  Turning his head slightly he then looked at the woman who sat next to her.  The second was almost a mirror image of the first.  “And you're her twin sister?”  The young Captain looked back and forth between the two.  Both seemed roughly around his own age.

   “Aye, mah true name is Onora.  This ere' is mah sister Keeva.  We're the Rinne sisters.”  A large, playful smile danced across the woman's face.  The same she had given Alex while escorting him to the Magestrix.  “Now I know what yer thinking.  Why lie about mah name, right?  Long story short I didn't think they'd let a family from Northwind into the MAF.  So I smothered mah brogue and became Lopez.”  Onora winked at Alex and continued.  “Mah sister already owns our fadders mech, but I want to be a mechwarrior too!  What better way I figure then tah jump on a new hot up and comer.”  Her grin seemed to widen.

   Alexander couldn't help but fidget at that last comment, but forged ahead the best he could.  “If the MAF find out you forged identity documents they'd have you arrested.  Also, why not let Northwinders into the MAF?  The Magistracy' borders have always been open to most foreigners.”

   Onora raised her arms and raked fingers from both hands back through her long red hair.  “It's a long story, like I said. Maybe I can tell ya over a drink sometime.”  Alex watched her sister Keeva roll her eyes at the comment and then listened as she added her own two cents to the interview. “We bring a lot tah the table Captain Bishop.  My Black Knight is a eavy' itter', though she doesn't ave' any of the old weapons left on er.  Onora, despite not havin her own, is quite the capable pilot.  You'd be missin' out if you didn't sign us on.  I think we'd make better mercenaries than government soldiers any how.  I mean, well...”  Keeva gave a nod towards her sister.

   Captain Bishop took a deep breath and looked down at the  service records that were laid out in front of him.  “Well, your documents seem in order, all except for the obvious now.  Your records do seem appealing, despite being short.  Though I'm not one to judge in that area.”  Alex looked up and smiled at both women.  “I'll discuss your applications with my officers and I will let you know within a day or so.”  The young mercenary got to his feet and extended his hand to both women.  “Please send in the last applicant on your way out.”

   “A pleasure.”  Onora practically purred at Alex and then took her leave with Keeva close on her heels.  He watched both go and exhaled.  Those two are a hand full...but yet, appealing. 

   Before sitting back down the last potential recruit made her way in.  A tall, slender woman with shoulder length blond hair hurried her way over to the desk with hand extended.  In a even voice she introduced herself.  “Hello I'm Victoria.  Thank you for allowing me to...”  Alexander only heard the glass shatter after the bullet had smashed through the young recruits skull and deflected enough to catch him in the jaw.  Gore splattered across the interview desk as Victoria and Alexander fell to the floor.

[ThePW]

Bye Vickie...?

[snakespinner]

Now that was a short interview. xp :thumbsup:

[mikecj]

wow

[DOC_Agren]

Wonder who Vickie pissed off 8)

[Sir Chaos]

Wonder who Vickie pissed off 8)

I figure she just strayed into the line of fire.

[Drunkninja]

Chapter 23
Canopus IV, Magistracy of Canopus
Crimson City
October 29 3023

   It should be an easy gig.  Get in, set up, kill the merc and make some bills.  Eli was convinced the evenings kill should be a milk run compared to some of his more recent work.  Crawling along the roof to the side of the building that faced the office complex across the street, the self trained hit man chose his position.  Popping open the black case he had carried with him, Eli began to piece together his instrument of killing.

   Placing a small tripod in front of him, he then settled his assembled rifle into its nest and looked through its scope to appraise the surroundings and then his current target.  The night was alive with people, like always, but the backdrop of sound was always his friend.  Counting down the number of windows to the appropriate one he was told to look for, the assassin found his mark.  Currently the unassuming man appeared to be sitting at a table with two red heads. He fits the description.  Why hello there payday. 

   Watching through the scope Eli watched as the three people got to their feet and shook hands.  Taking that as his queue he readied himself for the two women to leave.  The man slowly sat back down, briefly becoming obscured but then appeared again as he was left alone.  Eli slowly sucked in his breathe and held it as he leveled his rifle and put the cross hair over the strangers forehead.

   Just as he pulled the trigger Eli realized his error.  The new woman had come out of no where and rushed in front of his query.  The moment her blonde hair obscured the target its color quickly became a distorted red.  The rifle kicked into his shoulder a second time shattering the offices glass window but the bullet dug into the very likely dead womans back as she fell.  The merc was no where to be seen.

   Cursing, the hit man disassembled his rifle and rushed it into its case. Time to get up close I guess.  Scampering back across the roof he threw himself over the side and, catching a maintenance ladder in a gloved hand, slid down to a secondary roof.  Breaking into a run, Eli hurried toward the fire escape he had planned to use in case of a similar event.  Riding its rails to the wet alleyway ground, the Canopus born killer started at a full sprint towards the street and aimed for the next alleyway beyond.

   The noisy crowd on the street only now seemed to be noticing something was wrong as the knowledge of the shattered window raining debris on the party below started to spread beyond the perimeter of the actual glass.  Eli pushed through the crowd and was satisfied with their apathy towards him.  Leaping over a pile of garbage and an unconscious drunk he made is way into the next alleyway.  Legs pumping hard to pressed towards another fire escape to climb upwards and towards his targets estimated position.

   The high leather boot caught Eli suddenly in the side of the jaw spinning him around and dropping him to the ground.  A lightning flash of pain pulsed through his face and the world spun but combat instinct pushed him to act without thinking.  Rolling with the blow he moved backwards to regain his footing and crouched low readying for an attack of his own against who ever decided to make him an enemy.  He hadn't counted on the second attacker to come from his blind side.  As quiet as night the second assailant planted a solid kick in the rear of his head and threw him hard against the wet cement of the alleyways ground. 

   Everything swam in a world of distortion as the third kick from the initial attacker booted Eli in the teeth and sent him moaning and rolling over onto his back in agony.  Through tear and blood soaked eyes he peered upwards and made out two blurry forms hovering around his near unconscious body.  The only distinct feature he could pick out was the crimson red of both women.  In a gurgling broken voice Eli choked out in surprise. “You? But...why?”

   Before the man received a response the silent flechettes from Keeva's Needler stole away Eli's life and darkness took him.

*   *   *

Canopus IV, Magistracy of Canopus
Crimson City
November 1 3023

   Lieutenant Grant sat next to Alexanders bed side and looked intently at a photograph he held in his hands.  It was the only picture he had thought to take of him and Martha as a couple.  He stared at his own smiling face and then at hers.  A deep frown creased the middle aged mans mouth and then looked to his stricken Captain who lay unconscious only a few feet away.  “So this is our lives.” Liam said out loud to no one in particular.  He stared at the bandages that wrapped his friends face.  The very same that hid the scars from the emergency surgery he'd received to rebuild his face and save his life.

   “What do you mean, Lieutenant?” A soft and respectable female voice questioned from the doorway that led into the small dropship med bay area.  Liam turned to see the new recruit Onora Rinne leaning up against the door frame and peering into the room.  He knew this woman from picking up Alexanders tasks after the incident.  Her and her sister had made it into the unit according to the Captains bloodstained notes but it was left to Liam to conclude business in Crimson City while the leader of the Privateers was incapacitated.

   The Lieutenant turned to look back at his injured comrade.  “That's a pretty loaded question Private Rinne.  There's some coffee left if you actually want to hear the answer.”  Liam motioned towards the pot and paper cups sitting on the vanity near the doctors wash station.  Onora quietly slipped into the room and closed the door before making herself a coffee and taking a seat across from her new senior officer. 

   The ex Davion military man took that as her answer and continued all the while looking at the bandaged Captain.  “I have yet to know Alexander for very long, just a few years really, but I can say that I as a man wouldn't follow anyone else into battle if I had the choice.”    Liam took a sip of his luke warm coffee.  “The man leads from the front and appears fearless at times.  You'd swear the devil himself possesses what ever mech the Captain pilots.  Some unearthly vigor pushes him forward that I can't grasp.”  The Lieutenant looked to the new recruit appraising her young features.  “Despite those traits I feel as if a shadow follows us.  There's some sort of darkness to this man and though our people nicknamed him Lucky, the demon that we don't know continues to dog him and one day it may catch up.  We've already endured loss.”  The older mans eyes looked down to the photo he was still grasping.

   Onora seemed unphased by the dark portent the Lieutenant had just laid at her feet.  “If things feel so bleak, why follow him though.  He's just a man.  There are more like him.”  The womans gaze felt piercing to Liam as if she were looking far deeper than her question probed.  The Davion knew Alex's notes had said the twin sisters were intense and straight forward but he hadn't experienced it until now.  “That's the thing Private Rinne, there isn't another man like him.  I can't make you see that though, you'll have to watch and learn it on your own.”

   Lieutenant Grant turned back to his bedridden friend.  “Why do you think someone would want him dead if he was just someone ordinary.”  Liam didn't hear Onora slip away again, nor did he see her appraising look at Alexander with new eyes.

[Intermittent_Coherence]

i see MIM in the house!

[ThePW]

I suppose it's pointless to wonder who the woman was (or if she was the official MIM plant, our Rinna girls maybe something else entirely...)

[DOC_Agren]

i see MIM in the house!

where did you see that??

[snakespinner]

That was the lady entering just behind Elvis. ;)

[Intermittent_Coherence]

where did you see that??

Was either the one killing (or even hiring) the assassin or the Rinna sisters.

[Drunkninja]

Chapter 24
New Roland
Capellen Confederation
February 6 3024

   We will not bow to these pirates!  We will drive the periphery scum back into the holes they crawled out of and show them the might of the Celestial Throne!  How dare they attack their betters!  Today we are the teachers of war and the lesson to be learned is death!
                                                                                                                                                                   Major Amy St.Cyr.  Addressing the public on the pirate incursion, New Roland 3024.

   Foreign soil made for dangerous ground.  The game of cat and mouse that Bishops Privateers had been playing with St. Cyr's Grenadiers Battalion was starting to finally come to a head.  Onora understood the plan Alexander had put into motion at the start of the campaign.  He intended to lure the larger force away from their mission target and bait them into a game of chase while the assault force launched their final move.  It seemed the solid tactical move, but the lead up was a long and grueling process of guerrilla style hit and runs.  It was no surprise the populace thought they were pirates.

   Working with most of the newly recruited Privateers seemed normal enough to Onora. They all seemed excited to finally have a shot at piloting a battlemech either for the first time since their academy days or once again since becoming dispossessed.  Interacting with the Privateer members that were a part of the unit before it was mustered up to a full reinforced company was a mixed experience.  A lot of them felt like a very hardened bunch.  The group made the young recruit think back to what Lieutenant Grant had said about a shadow.  A darkness.  She felt determined to understand the new family she and her sister had joined.

   When Alexander designated her the Whitworth battlemech from his available forces, she had taken the time while they were alone to inquire about the odd morale of his existing unit.  He explained to her that most of his personnel had come from having a rotten deal in life, but had found a second chance.  Their ordeal had grown in them a perseverance that had steeled their hearts.  She followed up the question by asking about himself, but the Captain simply placed a firm hand on her arm and had asked her to look after his Whitworth as it was special to him.

   Now, as she sat in the command chair of her Captains personally owned battlemech clad only in a cooling vest and shorts, she couldn't help but wonder about the man that the Privateers followed.  Onora' train of thought was suddenly interrupted as her comms came to life with activity.  “Contact!  Light elements breaking through the treeline now.  Reporting at least a Wasp and Firestarter supported by a pair of Saladins.  In bound towards Hammer Lance' position.   Letting them slip by.“  The Northwind born recognized the mans voice but couldn't place his name yet, though she recalled he was a mountain of a creature.  She knew he commanded the infantry and tankers that were dug in to hold the traps door closed once the Capellans were lured in close. 

   “Roger that Anchor, Dagger lance opening door number two now.”  Onora knew that was Lieutenant Grant.  He led the units scout lance in his Jenner.  Their job was to tie up the approaching armor column that was slower than their battlemech and hover craft allies while the lead forces broke against the Privateers fire lance and became pressed by their Anchor force from behind.  It would create a layered battlefield but the Privateers would be able to anchor onto their armor and infantry and vice versa in case enemy reinforcements made it in time to join the fight.

   “Ok people, it's our time to shine. You know the drill.  Just like we've been doing for the past month but only this time aim for the kill.  This battlefield is our missions payday.”  Sergeant Swansky barked out at Fire Lance and that was Onora' queue to put her butt into action.  Activating her Whitworths long range sensors she took a moment to locate the inbound enemy forces.  Doing a double take at the data feed something didn't appear accurate.  “Hammer Two to Hammer One.  I'm reading additional forces to our 3 O'clock flank.  Shadowhawk and Guillotine.  Please advise.” 

   There was a moment of silence before the Sergeants response came back through Onora' ear piece.  “Roger that and confirmed.  Enemies flanking.  Confirm also bogey Blackjack with vehicle support.  Calling Anchor, support required.”  There was a hiss of static before a frantic voice replied, the staccato of machine gun fire chattering in the back ground.  “Negative Hammer One, Anchor has been compromised...engaging ...” Static suddenly filled the comms.  “Alright people we're on our own for now.  We're going to slowly angle our rear to Anchor and pull back slowly to them.  Have faith in them pulling through so they can do the same for us.”

   Onora found herself among a chorus of -Yes sirs- that seemed to follow most Privateer instruction.  Throttling up her machine she began to put her war engine on the route Sergeant Swansky had just sent out to his lance.  It was a questionable move, but it would ensure Privateers wouldn't become separated and abandoned on the field.  “Well Alex, lets see what your old ride can do.”

   Not more than a few minutes of travel did the first Capellans appear on close range sensors.  The Wasp and Firestarter bounded towards the slower Hammer Lance escorted by their pair of Saladins.  Onora let fly a twin salvo of LRMs towards one of the hovercraft as she recognized them as very dangerous if not dealt with.  The first wave of waste heat boiled over into the mechs cockpit and it reaffirmed her choice of attire.  The satisfying sight of warheads cooking off on the tanks hull was a good omen to begin the fight.  The small blossoms of fire suddenly ignited into a larger explosion as an azure beam smashed into the drive fan of the craft causing it to suddenly flip and smash end over end into a death roll.

   The initial exchange was the only weapons fire Hammer Lance was able to put into the Capellans before their light assets were able to bring weapons to bare.  Onora watched the surviving Saladin make a headlong dash towards the Privateers Blackjack.  The Sergeant brought his close in weapons to bare on the encroaching tank but the medium laser fire wasn't enough to deter the enemy.  The Saladin let loose with a spray of death as it fired up its devastating Scarborough Autocannon.  The powerful stream of shells tore into Swanskys center torso and devoured armor plating, turning it into scrap and throwing his mech to the ground.

   The Privateers weren't so easily thrown back however, as Hammer Lance' Vulcan added to the firestorm of medium laser fire into the Saladin.  As it was almost finished its pass a single beam of coherent light breached the hover crafts armored hide and set off the vehicles fuel reserves.  Its combustion engines exploded in a brilliant plume of fire and smoke as the tanks wreckage kept up its momentum and smashed into a light stand of trees, igniting them as well.  Onora kicked in her jumpjets and sent her medium Whitworth to the sky and across the field to land in front of her Sergeants stricken Blackjack while it struggled to its feet.

   More heat surged into the Northwinder' cockpit as she let fly a salvo of LRMs at the Shadowhawk that had just entered her long range bracket.  “Anchor, status?”  Onora hoped for a reply from the Privateer ground pounders but all she got in response was more static.  What the hell is going on over there? Her train of thought was broken by an unexpected alert on her comms.  “Another enemy mech en route!  Wolverine this time.  Well there hell are all these mechs coming from?”  The voice sounded panicked and Onora realized it was one of the green pilots in her lance, Chen Jian piloting his Phoenix Hawk.

   Swanskys voice sounded next, a little worse for wear.  “Looks like the lights are chasing Dagger Lance.  Keep falling back towards Anchor and prepare to engage a hostile reinforced medium lance.”  The mans calm wasn't lost on Onora.  He firmly believed in his allies pulling through.  This was a man who had served in combat with the Privateers before the current contract on New Roland.  “Yes Sir.”  The chorus of voices echoed in compliance.

   As another flight of missiles took skyward towards the advancing enemy lance, Onora noticed that the enemies lights that had taken chase after Dagger Lance fell of her radar much sooner than they should have.  The mechwarrior didn't have time to contemplate its meaning as her Whitworth trembled from a viscous attack that ate away leg armor caused by the advancing Shadowhawks Autocannon.  A shadow began to form in the twins mind.  If Anchor falters we'll be caught between what ever is attacking them and a force that out weighs us.  Switching to a direct line with Sergeant Swansky, Onora voiced her concern.  “Sir, I'm not sure if we can fight this enemy.  They out weigh us and we're uncertain of our back door.” There was a pause before she got a reply as she could see Autocannon shells peppering the ground around the Blackjacks feet as it rained death on a solid target down wind.

   “You're no coward are you Rinne?  You're a Privateer!  Have faith in your fellows.  Now fight or we'll die here anyway!”  Onoro noticed again the confidence in the mans voice.  Gritting her teeth, the woman tried to return her focus to the task at hand.  Laser fire from the Guillotine set blaze to a stand of trees that she had briefly taken cover behind.  Throttling up into a run and using the combined smoke from the fires and a wrecked Saladin, Onora pushed her new mech forward and angled it into a shorter range with the Capellan Shadowhawk.  Toggling her three medium lasers to the same firing stud, she let loose with a stabbing coherent light to eat armor from the hide of the enemy.  The twins pale skin began to glisten with sweat as she stomped on her foot pedals and catapulted into the air for a short jump that broke her out of the cover of smoke and directly into the flank of her enemy.  A battle cry built up in her throat as she landed hard on the ground before taking two fast steps and, using her Whitworths momentum, brought the machines composite metal foot down hard onto the Hawks' lower leg actuators. 

   A screeching of metal echoed in Onora' ears as she fought against the controls.  Through her view screen she could easily see the Capellan mechwarrior lose his footing and disappear from sight as the 55 ton mech lost its fight with gravity.  As the enemy medium fell, the looming form of the heavy Guillotine came into view.  Snapping off a salvo of LRMs in its direction, Onora began to back peddle her mech away from the Shadowhawk and into the relative cover of the smoke.  Before her view screen became obscured, she managed to see a large laser seer its way across the torso of the fierce mech.

   “...emy thrown back and their unknown mech has been subdued.  Coming to reinforce Hammer!”  A familiar voice bellowed out over the comms.  Sergeant Olsen!  Onora looked to her HUD and saw a line of Privateer armor pushing out of the tree line that had been their hiding position.  Determination filled her chest as she understood now.  Believe in them so they can believe in you!  Onoro Rinne stepped her Whitworth forward once more through the smoke with a rekindled vigor.

[Drunkninja]

Chapter 24
New Roland
Capallen Confederation
February 6 3024

   The sky threatened rain as thunder rumbled.  Alexander stole a quick glance up at the clouds through his canopy before returning his eyes to the landscape and facility ahead of him.  The scarring on his jaw ached from the massive reconstructive surgery he had undergone to save the left side of his face.  The healing wound was still a deep red and purple in color, but the doctor had told him he was lucky to be on Canopus IV when the incident happened as the Magistracy was known for their medical advances.  Lucky, except that someone wants me dead.

   “Captain, we have inbound militia hovercraft converging on our position.”  Sergeant Mathers calmly informed the lance.  “Roger that Anvil Two.  Hold your ground Anvil Lance and put down the hovercraft before advancing towards target.”  It hurt to speak, but that couldn't be allowed to stop Alex from guiding his people.  No word had been heard so far from the rest of the company and how they were fairing in their game of cat and mouse.  For now Alex hoped all was going according to plan and focused on the battle that was about to unfold.  Once they secured the supply depot, the primary objective for the entire raid from the start, the unit could rendezvous and get off world.

   The gentle hum of the Warhammers PPC capacitors charging momentarily filled the mechs cockpit.  There were times Alex missed the mobility that his Whitworths jumpjets provided, but he couldn't deny the raw power and protection that his current machine offered.  Though it still wasn't anything compared to the strength he felt while training in the Emperor.  The colors on the Warhammers HUD suddenly shifted and caught Alex' attention.  A Pegasus hovercraft was on a fast vector to meet his heavy lance for its first pass.  A pair of Maxim Hover Transports joined in the attack run from the buildings beyond.  So far it seemed his plan had worked to draw off most of the defenders from the site.

   Gold light burned on the mechs targeting reticle and Alexander instinctively squeezed his joysticks firing stud once and then twice.  Heat washed through his cockpit as the staggered blasts of PPC fire raced towards the nimble Pegasus.  The initial shot fell short but the second smashed into the light crafts nose.  Blue sparks danced back across its hull and left dark scarring marks deep in its armor.  It seems like suicide for them to engage my heavier force like this, but they'd be even worse off stuck in those buildings.  Two heavy beams of laser fire streaked after the agile craft from Keeva' Black Knight but the Pegasus juked away and closed distance.

   Long range missile fire began to arc through the air between Anvil Lance and the hovercraft, though Alexanders instruments told him Zephyr in his Crusader was already taking the worst of those trades.  The Pegasus, taking advantage of the heavy mechs distraction, added to the maelstrom of missile fire with its SRMs, scoring hits along the Crusaders right leg.  Its success was short lived however as a stream of heavy autocannon fire from Sergeant Mathers Centurion dissected the tanks remaining armor and turned its cockpit into a charnel house.

   Alexander turned his attention to the remaining Maxims that were harassing his lance at range.  Catching one of the tanks in a veering turn as it doubled back to make another strafing run, the Privateer commander staggered two more PPC attacks that evaporated a ton and a half armor.  The savage attack threw the hovercraft off course and, to its crews dismay, smashed nose first into a large boulder that capsized the tank and sent it sprawling into a old growth of trees.  The last Maxim thought better of sticking around and retreated back to the relative safety of the builds.  As it did so Alex saw the looming threat on the facilities perimeter.  “Push forward and engage the enemy Crusaders.  Minimize damage to warehouses if possible.”

   Throttling his heavy Warhammer into a run Captain Bishop pushed himself forward in an attempt to get underneath the umbrella of warheads that both Capellan machines could produce.  The ground thundered beneath the massive machines weight as it advanced towards certain violence.  “Captain!”  The voice belonged to Keeva Rinne.  “ My long range sensors are picking up two more battlemechs.  A Stinger and a Stalker assault mech!  The light is skirting our position.  The assault in moving up behind the pair of Crusaders.”  Alexander pondered the new information for a moment.  “Privateers, best speed ahead and cut down the Crusaders before their support arrives. Ignore the Stinger until it makes its move.”  I suppose it makes sense the Capellans left slow assets to guard the prize.  A chorus of -Yes Sirs- briefly filled the comms.

   Before reaching his weapons maximum range the sky began to fill with the tell tale signs of missile fire as the Crusaders started to rain death towards the advancing Privateers.  Sticking with their original target, the Grenadiers sent salvoed fire towards the mercenaries own Crusader.  The green mechwarrior faltered under the fusillade of fire and lost control of his machine and it crashed to the ground.  In turn as they came into range of their own weapons, the three remaining lance mates opened up with their own weapons.  Between gritted teeth Alex called out “The one on the right first” and scorched his own cockpit as he let loose with a dual blast from his mechs arm mounted particle cannons.  The combination of autocannon, laser and charged energy fire brought the enemy mech low as it staggered backward and crashed into a two story tall guard tower.

   Turning their attention the remaining heavy, shorter range weaponry came into play.  The Capellan chose Keeva' Black Knight as their target as more savage fire was exchanged.  The lone mech had little hope of stopping the heavy lance from advancing but seemed determined to buy time for the assault mech to arrive but also to trade blows ton for ton.  For a moment Alexander wondered if the pilot was experiencing  the hopeless battle he had heard about that was more common among those of the CCAF.  Before being torn apart by weight of fire, at the last second the Crusaders pilot decided to withdraw back into the buildings.  Keeva' straight forward voice commented “I lost a lot of armor in that exchange.”

   Before Alexander could give the order to chase he heard Zephyr begin to swear and call out for help.  “The Stinger' on me.  Need assist asap.”  Having been distracted by the brief but intense fire fight the Captain had failed to notice that his lance mate had failed to stand his Crusader back up to its feet.  “Anvil Two, go assist Three.  Four, you're with me.”  Alex saw Mathers Centurion pull away on his HUD.  Taking a deep breath and ignoring the painful throb coursing through his jaw the mercenary leader walked his Warhammer through the barbed wire fence of the facility's perimeter and into its streets.  A menacing red blip was very evident converging on his and Keeva' position.

   “Stinger down Anvil One, but Three is out of the fight with a ruined leg.”  Kendall didn't sound impressed.  Alex cursed silently under his breath.  “Roger that Anvil Two.  Keep watch over him, we'll deal with the last Grenadier'.”  Hoping that was true the young mercenary turned a corner cautiously as he expected to see the renowned assault mech waiting for him.  Instead the damaged Crusader brought weapons to bare.  Bringing his own close range weaponry online the Captain and his opponent stood their ground and threw lethal energies and ballistics savagely into one another.  A short ranged missile cracked Alex' cockpit shielding and the resonating sound briefly deafened him as he cried out in pain.  The Crusaders pilot was less fortunate as the Warhammers heavy machine guns ate away at the mechs exposed internals and found its mark on one of the machines missile ammo stores.  Suddenly caught in the brilliant, close up explosion Alex fought his controls to maintain his mechs footing.

   Through ringing ears the young commander barely made out Keeva' call for help as shrapnel still rained against the Warhammers chassis.  Blinking away the light baubles from his eyes he quickly looked to his instruments to locate her.  It was now plain as daylight to see that a block away her Black Knight was nearly toe to toe with the beast of an assault mech.  Side stepping the smoldering crater left by the ruined Crusader, Alex hurriedly accelerated his mech into a run.  Not seeing any appropriate ally ways or side streets to make it to his lance mate in time, the commander quickly decided the next best route and chose the softest structure in a direct path.  Charging at full speed the Privateer ran his Warhammer straight into an office building.  There was a brief lull in the machines movement as iron girders buckled and bent and concrete exploded until it suddenly burst out the other side and directly into the flank of the Stalker.  For a half second Alex saw through his cracked canopy the ruined armor of Keeva' Black Knight before the familiar brain jarring squeal of two colossus running into each other tore apart the air.

   “Alex!”  Private Rinne cried out as the Captains Warhammer rammed into the Capellan assault mech.  Armor plates buckled and broke and a cloud of dust swallowed the area as Privateers machine bulldozed into the Stalker and sent both battlemechs crashing to the ground.  Alexander was thrown hard against his restraining straps and warning lights flashed yellow and red.  Groaning in pain the young man began the process to getting the heavy mech back to its feet.  Before he even had the chance to rise to a single knee after pushing himself away from the armless assault mech, his computer told him that Keeva wasted no time in dumping megajoules of laser fire into the prone enemy.  Her battle cry echoed out over the Privateers combat comms until the Capellans mech was no more.

   Alexander slowly brought his Warhammer back to its feet and checked his instruments for any more hostiles.  Seeing no immediate danger he radioed his dropship.  “Anvil One to Ascending Night.  Move to prime target and commence salvage and appropriation mission.”  There was a crackle of static before Captain Schmitz responded.  “Roger that Anvil One.  Dropship inbound.”

[Siden Pryde]

Lovin this story so far.

[Drunkninja]

Chapter 24
New Roland
Nadir Jump Point
Capallen Confederation
February 16 3024

   “Give it to me straight.”  Alexander sat across from his two primary technicians and newly hired Doctor.  The Ascending Night had become the Privateers unofficial flagship as the Captain tended to perform most serious meetings in its small boardroom.  He appeared stoic despite being in near agony.  The jostling his Warhammer took during the engagement with the Stalker and Crusader had reopened scar tissue on his jaw.

   The three in attendance looked at each other before deciding Doctor Marilyn Swan should go first.  She sat up straight and cleared her throat and looked at the noteputer in front of her.  She pushed a loose lock of hair away from brown eyes and tucked it behind her ear.  “Lieutenant Liam Grant will recover from his concussion and will be able to return to duty.  Sergeant Brian Swansky will have major scarring on his leg but will eventually recover and return to duty.  Private Zephyr Tenneson will recover quickly from his bruised ribs.  Private Onora Rinne will recover but will have facial scarring.  Private Jude Simon is still in intensive care and I am unsure if or when she will return to duty.”  Doctor Swan took a deep breath.  “Private Angela Farber has died from her wounds.”  The womans tone was deadpan, but Alex could see the grief in her eyes.  The butchers bill was high today.

   Captain Bishop looked to Christopher and Cole.  “How are the assets?”  Cole nodded to his senior and Hytuli proceeded, also consulting a noteputer.  “Angela' Javelin is a total loss.  Brian' Blackjack is scrap.  Jude' Vulcan is scrap.”  The technician paused and frowned.  “Onora' Whitworth will require major repairs.  It's amazing she survived Alex.  She probably deserves a metal after three confirmed kills to save Hammer Lance.”  Alex' friend looked back to his notes.  “Zephyr' Crusader needs a new leg.  Liam' Jenner needs a new leg.  The rest is extensive armor replacements.”

   Cole picked up where his partner left off.  “With our contract percentages our liaison has agreed with us that we are entitled to the Wasp, Firestarter and Javelin.  There is contention over the unknown light that we captured.  Our percentages dictate we hand over the second Wasp, Shadowhawk and Guillotine.  The tanks have also been divided up appropriately.  You'll need to personally negotiate over the contested piece, though I'd like to note it's special equipment must have been destroyed by Sergeant Olsen' satchel charge as it doesn't seem that special to me besides being an unknown chassis.”

   Alexander leaned back in his chair and stroked a finger along his discolored cheek.  “Doctor Swan, please make preparations to have Angela' body returned to her family.  Keep me posted on Jude' condition daily.”  She nodded solemnly.  “Yes sir.”  Looking to both technicians Alex added.  “Both of you get to work on stripping the salvage and repairing our machines before you touch the captured mechs.  I'll speak with the liaison and sort out the remaining details.  Dismissed.”  The three stood and filed their way out of the small room.

   Looking to the table, on top of his files, the young womans dog tags lay on the paperwork.  Reaching out slowly Alex picked up the cool metal and held it in his hand for a moment before opening its chain, putting it around his neck and clasping it shut.  It made a small clinking sound as it came to rest against Martha' tags.  “Are they heavy?”  The young commanders head came up and saw Keeva standing in the doorway.  “Sorry Private Rinne, I didn't hear you come in.  Can I help you?”  The Captain tucked the tags underneath his shirt.

   Keeva pursed her lips but let Alex' deflection pass.  She slipped into the room, letting the door close, and settled into a chair.  Leaning forward onto the table slightly she smiled at her senior officer.  “I wanted to thank ye for saving mah, Sair.  If ya hadn't intervened when ya heed, that Capellan would ha' shredded me.”  Her dialect rolled like a purr and Alex could tell she was being a little more familiar with him, the same way Onora usually was.

   “I take care of my people...”  The weight grew around Alexander' neck.  “...when I can.”  The way Keeva was looking at the Captain suddenly told him more than words at the moment could.  “Well, if thar's anything I can do to repay ye Captain Bishop, please let mah nu.”  She smiled the devils smile at Alex, got up and left.

   Leaning back into his chair the orphan looked to his desk and the pile of paperwork.  Taking a deep breath Alex closed his eyes.  “They are heavy.”  Despite the burden settling on the lone mans shoulders, as he worked well into the night, he couldn't help but wonder what Keeva had meant.


*   *   *

New Roland
Nadir Jump Point
Capallen Confederation
February 17 3024

   The short Canopus born man was shaking his head and pointing a finger at the large metal form of a captured battlemech.  “That belongs the Magistracy of Canopus.  The Magestrix will agree fully with me.  You have no leg to stand on here.  It's for our national security.”  The liaison kept pointing at the machine to reinforce what he was saying.  Alex found it rather annoying.

   “It also breaks the percentage of allocated material rightfully due to us via our contract.  Give us the Guillotine.”  The mercenary pushed his point.  The small man nearly vibrated as he turned on the Captain like a rabid wolf.  “Absolutely not!  It is the property of the state.”  liaison Stall puffed up as much as he could, though it just made his rumpled suit look even more ridiculous.

   It was Alexander' turn to point a finger, but it was at the Canopian.  “I lost people on this mission and you tell me you want the lions share and ignore our contract, but then spit back your rights due in the same binding agreement?”  A familiar rage began to rise out of the void that had settled at the center of the young mans being.

   “I'd watch what you say to me, mercenary.  I'm a man of the state and what I decide here is law.  You think long and hard before you try and play high and mighty with your better.  You and your people are walking a fine line of contract breach or even treason”  liaison Stall pointed at the light battlemech again and sneered.  “Count your lucky stars I feel generous when we return.”

   “You leave my people out of this.”  Alexander' voice lowered to an even tone as he stared a hole into the smaller man.  “Was that a threat Captain Bishop?”  Stall stormed directly up to the Privateers face.  “You listen here.  You and your precious people are expendable.  Your lives don't matter squat if you dare question my author...”

   Alexander didn't hear anything else liaison Stall had said.  Red boiled behind his eyes as he remembered the boy who had cost him his first chance at being a mechwarrior.  Reaching to the pistol at his side the Captain drew, swiftly put the gun to the small mans temple and pulled the trigger.  Gore splattered across both men but only one fell to the floor.

   Looking down at the body as the shot echoed through the mechbay the orphan boy took a new stance on life.  Hytuli silently walked over stunned at what had just happened.  “Chris, throw this garbage out of the airlock.  Our liaison seems to have been lost during our operation.”  Alex turned and began to walk away, but briefly stopped.  Looking back he commented “No one threatens my peoples integrity or lives.  No one.”

[snakespinner]

Well, that is one way to negotiate with the appointed merc liason.
He did win the argument, interested to find out what chassis it was, must be something good. :thumbsup:

[qc mech3]

prototype Raven or Cataphrac maybe?

[ThePW]

*claps* I'm pretty sure the liaison is easily replaceable as well...

[cklammer]

 ;D

Surely, Sir, it was a sniper ... yes it is funny how sniper's rounds always leave smoke burns, Sir.
 ... Salvage? What Salvage, Sir? We were too hardly pressed for salvaging ...

In for a cent, in for a Euro.

[DOC_Agren]

Well you know people around Alexander keep getting shot in head, liaison Stall just the latest.

Any chance we could have a current TOE for the unit?

[Drunkninja]

I'll try and put something together for you this week. The TO&E shouldn't be too hard to update. I had the records mostly written up to the point of taking the mission on New Roland.  Life got busy but I'll attempt to dive back into writing again this week.  I'm happy you guys are enjoying!

[Motsognir]

I am always looking forward to more, the story is very entertaining.

[Drunkninja]

Canopus IV
Crimson City
Magistracy of Canopus
May 2 3024

   Onora practically skipped along side the delegation from the Magistracy Support Corps as she lead them to the small board room on the Ascending Night.  Having worked with at least two of the group previously before her career change, the now mercenary felt giddy being on the other side of the proverbial fence.  The trip back to Canopus IV from the Confederation had left Onora feeling exhilarated.  She had entered the crucible of battle and survived to tell the tale of a warrior.  Something she never had truly gotten to do in her other professions, at least not in a cockpit.

   “And here we are ladies and gentleman.  The Captain is just in here.  He apologizes in advance for not wishing to meet in the city, but getting shot in the face will do that to you.”  Onora put on the largest fake smile she could muster.  “I'll just be waiting outside for when you're finished.”  She pressed the entry button and the door slid open.  As the delegation walked into the board room she saw Alexanders somber face greet them.  A pang of jealousy washed over her as she cursed her sister for infiltrating his bubble of solitude before she could.  Giving her Captain a wink she closed the door so he could go about his business.

   “Greetings Captain Bishop.  Seeing as you're here alive and well I would like to congratulate you on a job well done.”  The lead delegate Sophie Unsma extended her hand to Alex.  Getting up the Privateer leaned forward and took her hand in a firm exchange.  “Well met Miss Unsma.”  The Captain took his seat once more. “And thank you.  Now, if you'd all take a seat we can get the finalization of our contract wrapped up.”  Sophie did as asked and then let a smile curl his pink painted lips.  “Yes, of course Captain.  The first matter at hand is the death of Liaison Stall.  We have received your report on the situation revolving around his accidental death, but my superiors are very concerned about you not being able to retrieve his body.”

   Alexander folded his hands in front of him on the table.  A habit he noted he had picked up from time spent with Wilik Fore on Thraxa.  The same somber expression still rested on his face from the moment the rooms door had opened.  “I understand the concern Miss Unsma.  It's unfortunate but war zones are unpredictable.  As you have mentioned, you have already received my report concerning the matter.”

   The smile on the Canopian woman's face remained sweet, but her tone was anything but.  “Liaison Stall was assigned to your unit as a noncombatant.  He was attached to your unit for accounting purposes and salvage deliberation.  He was not suppose to leave your dropships or become involved in combat.  The news of his death is most disturbing.”  The delegates face was a porcelain mask, her smile never touching her eyes.

   “As I've already stated, war is unpredictable.  Sometimes people unintentionally find themselves in the line of fire.”  Cold steel entered the young mans voice.  “It's all in my report.  If you'd like to begin an investigation on the matter, feel free.  If that is the case then it is in my right to with hold all material assets which I have returned with until the end of said deliberation and the conclusion of our contract.  That includes the salvaged battlemechs we have returned with for you.”  The scarring on Alexanders jaw flushed as his temper began to rise.  “If you'd take a closer look at the submitted report, you'd see that I also lost people and material on this mission.”

   The delegates smile broke slightly as she seemed suddenly taken aback by Alexanders angry retort.  “The Magistracy recognizes the loss of life as an unfortunate necessity to maintain its sovereignty and we mourn your loss.  The retrieval of functioning mechs does fufill your bonus objectives for the contract.” Miss Sophie Unsma recovered her composure.  “You can understand though our concern for our own man.  A delay in our acquiring the material you retrieved for us however, is unacceptable.  We will tolerate Liaison Stall as a martyr of the state, but understand in our next negotiation we will require concessions on your part for a larger Liaison attache.”

   Next negotiation?  That caught Captain Bishops attention.  “Beg your pardon Miss Unsma, what -next- negotiation?”  The young leader could see the joy taken by the Canopian delegate in catching him off guard.  Alex inwardly scowled at the petty power games played by those in positions of authority.  Delegate Sophie settled back into her chair.  “It was the Magestrix' intention to offer you another contract upon successful completion of this foray into Capellan territory.  It isn't a glamorous post, being garrison duty, but our esteemed leader wished to maintain a working relationship with your Privateers in case she needed to call upon you again.  Consider it a retainer of sorts.”

   Captain Bishop narrowed his eyes as he assessed the people present and the possible implications of agreeing to such a contract.  “I'll take it under advisement while I am present on world and refitting.”  He watched as Miss Unsma withdrew a memory drive from her dress and placed it on the table.  “Very good Captain, this is the details and terms of the contract. Your post would be Bass.”  The woman's smile broadened but still didn't touch her eyes.  “Now then, shall we go inspect the pair of Wasps and Firestarter you have brought back for us to conclude our meeting?”

*   *   *

   Keeva stirred from her dreamless slumber.  She felt the warm skin of Alexanders chest underneath her arm as it rose and fell from his steady breathing.  As her mind cleared she couldn't help but think this was the first time she had actually seen the man fast sleep.  Taking an appreciative moment the Northwind born stared out through her own locks of red hair that dangled across her face and watched the man next to her. 

   Before a smile had a chance to form on her lips, her hidden eyes caught a fleeting movement in the darkness beyond and focused.  The silhouette of a person dressed in black crept from the shadows to the bed side.  Eyes widening, Keeva began to act but to her dismay it was not fast enough.  The assailants knife lashed out and opened up Alexanders throat with a wet splash.  Training kicked in and the woman's hand snapped up grabbing the wrist of the intruder and wrenched it hard.  A feminine squeal shrieked through the mouth piece of the sneak suit as bones broke and caused them to drop the knife.

   Maintaining her hold on the assassins arm, Keeva rolled her naked body and kicked upwards to wrap her legs around the shoulder of Alex' would be killer.  Ignoring the flurry of hammering fists that broke her nose, with all her strength pulled down on the arm in the opposite direction it should bend.  There was scream of pain accompanied by a sickening crack as the assailants arm folded over backwards.  Wasting no time Keeve released the momentarily pain stricken attacker and quickly found the knife.  Leaping off of the bed and on top of the other woman she planted the already bloodied blade over and over into the side of the assassins head until she stopped moving.

   Hurrying to her feet Keeva stumbled to a computer council and sounded an alarm.  Her face ablaze with pain and her bare skin blood soaked she moved to her new lovers side and began to attempt to stop the flow of life escaping him.



The following is the requested TO&E of the unit after New Roland.  It doesn't factor in vehicle/aerospace assets and infantry.  (Haven't designed exact forces yet)

Roster: Late 3024
   Command Lance (Anvil)
   Alexander Bishop CO Veteran – Warhammer WHM-6R
   Zephyr Tenneson Green - Crusader CRD-3L
   Kendall Mathers, Sergeant Regular- Centurion CN9-A
   Keeva Rinne Regular – Black Knight BL-7-KNT

   Fire Lance (Hammer)
   Brian Swansky, Sergeant Regular – Dispossessed
   Onora Rinne Regular - Whitworth WTH-1
   Chen Jian Green - Phoenix Hawk PXH-1
   Jude Simon Green - Dispossessed

   Recon Lance (Dagger)
   Liam Grant XO, Lieutenent Regular – Jenner JRD-7
   Sekai Xolani Green - Hermes HER-1A
   Angela Farber Green - Dead
   Jiang Shufen Tan, Sergeant Regular - Vindicator VND-1AA
   
   Garrison Lance/Home Base
   Feofil Andreev Green - Cicada CDA-2A
   Marilyn Anwater, Sergeant Green - Panther PNT-9R
   Dominec Holt Green - Commando COM-2D
   Gabby Burns Green - Wasp WSP-1A
   
   Reserves/Protocol Omega
   Emperor EMP-6A
   Crockett CRK-5003-1
   Malcolm Rush Regular - Dragoon AEM-01

   Salvage:  Javelin-10N, Shadowhawk-2H, Raven-RVN-1X, Guillotine-3N

Assets: Union Class Dropship “Ascending Night”, Union Class Dropship "Siren's Call" Mule Class Dropship "Fleeting Dream", Invader Class Jumpship "Typheus", Invader Class Jumpship "Silver Star" (semi mothballed at this time)

[ThePW]

Oh...… crap :/

[Motsognir]

Hah, Alex just can't seem to get a break. Also nice to see the mix up with the salvage.