The Quest, Part 2

[nroe03742]

i say let the direwolfs of war loose on the wob

[FedRatCowboy]

Someone is about to need brown pants....he he  ;D.

[Dave Talley]

nah
rapidly expanding particle clouds dont need pants

[2ndAcr]

 10 October 3066
      Bamburgh

  WDS Athena, Sovetskii Soyuz Cruiser was the first ship to emerge at the Zenith Jump Point, followed minutes later by WDS Beowolf, Congress Frigate, WDS Mars, Vincent Mk42 Corvette and WDS Misery and WDS Crossing, Lola III Destroyers. The Dragoon warships were followed less than an hour later by the standard Jumpships carrying Alpha and Delta Regiments of Wolf's Dragoon's.

  General Maeve Wolf had pushed her ships much harder than she wished to get here as fast as she did. From the MDF Olympus Recharge Station at the Zenith Jump Point, Colonel Jamison greeted the arriving Dragoon's via radio and requested General Maeve Wolf, Colonel Yukinov and Colonel Brubaker please join him on the Station while the Dragoon ground forces made landfall on the planet.

  An hour later, the Dragoon officers boarded the Olympus Recharge Station and were greeted by Colonel Jamison just outside the airlock. "General Wolf, it is good to see you all. We will not be here long, we are wanted at Mackolla. Commander Wolf is now up and around and getting used to his new arm. We are now under contract to Duke Mitchell. General, please notify our warships and jumpships that soon 2 MDF Rescue Yardships and 3 AFFC Rescue Yardships from the 4th AFFC fleet will be moving into position to take on our ships for maintenance. If you will follow me, we will be boarding a Dropship for the trip to an awaiting Jumpship for the trip to Mackolla."

  General Maeve Wolf barely had time to respond to anything but issued the information to the awaiting Dragoon fleet. But she and both Colonel's followed Colonel Jamison a short distance and boarded an Intruder Dropship. The 3 new Dragoon officers voiced low concerns at the sight of the Battle Armored Marines aboard the Dropship. Colonel Jamison quickly explained "I know, I was irritated at first a while back, but Duke Mitchell is deadly serious about security of Mackolla. Heck, I have no clue what exactly is in that system, but on planet, from what I have seen, which is very little, it rivals anything we had on Outreach."

  "What about our equipment needs? Troop housing?" Colonel Brubaker asked as they strapped themselves into their seats for the trip.

  "Everything is waiting on Bamburgh. I was the same way when we got here, but I will admit that Duke Mitchell and his people have impressed the hell out of me. Everything our people need is waiting them on Bamburgh." Colonel Jamison said

  "How is that possible, most of our needs are Clan Tech? They strike a deal with Clan Nova Cat or something?" Colonel Yukinov asked

  "Not hardly. Look, I will just let you see and hear it for yourselves." Colonel Jamison said

  The trip to the awaiting Jumpship took 2 hours and then just as quick as they were secured, the ship executed it's planned double jump to Mackolla emerging at a pirate point only a days run from the planet.

  11 October 3066
      Mackolla

   Colonel Jamison led the 3 Dragoon officers off the Dropship where they were greeted by Commander Jaime Wolf and Duke Scott Mitchell. Everyone boarded awaiting ground cars and traveled a short distance to a massive building complex and ushered into a large conference room. Inside the conference room, everyone took a seat and Commander Wolf spent an hour bringing the newly arrived Dragoon's up to speed on their new contract. When he finished, all 3 Dragoon officers shared looks. General Maeve Wolf spoke first.

  "Who are we leaving behind to look after our people Jaime?" Maeve asked

  "That has already being seen to, 25 survivors from Beta and Gamma Regiments have been returned to duty and have been formed into 2 Companies to provide security for our non combat personnel on Bamburgh. They volunteered for the duty, along with the other survivors as they return to duty."

  The next 3 hours were filled with questions and answers.

  13 October 3066
       Bamburgh

   Acting Fleet Colonel Janice Colbaine, commander of WDS Athena, Sovetskii Soyuz Cruiser was in a foul mood. The survey of her ship had discovered micro cracks in her ships jump core. They had driven the ships too hard, she had warned of this. A knock at her cabin door brought a very angry "Enter" from her.

  The door opened to reveal Captain Ben Baker, commander of the MDF Rescue Yardship currently containing her warship. "I have our finished repair work order for you Colonel Colbaine. I just need your approval to start the work."

  She took the offered work order and scanned it "Why upgrade our weapons when the damn core has to be replaced, it will take several months to manufacture one and several more to install the dang thing."

  "Colonel Colbaine, I have already sent for a new jump core, it will arrive in 2 weeks time from Mackolla. Seems Boss has several in storage for Clan Nova Cat ships. I have also been notified about issues with the core on Beowolf, and a replacement for it is also on the way here. We will have all repairs completed by 1 December. Your going into action against the Word of Blake soon, so your ships are bring equipped with AMS defenses. We already performed similar upgrades on Clan Nova Cat ships, their Sovetskii Soyuz and Lola III's anyway." Captain Baker said

  Colonel Colbaine could not believe her ears, she had seen the Demeter operation of Mitchell Aerospace and was impressed by it, now here she was hundreds of light years from there and this man was telling her that a damaged jump core was no big thing. He made it sound like it was totally routine to rip a jump core out and swap it for a new one. But she was under orders from Commander Wolf to let the MAS people do their thing without any hassle.

  "Permission granted Captain Baker. I still don't think it can be done as easy as you think, but I have my orders." Colonel Colbaine said

 
 

 
   

[cawest]

ahhh plug and play errr fight. 

[Dave Talley]

hell
I am waiting for Scott to ask how long till we can do a couple Aegis
Boss " I have 4 parked in the asteroid belt waiting for orders"

[Daryk]

Heh... Colbaine is about to become a believer!  >:D

[DOC_Agren]

hell
I am waiting for Scott to ask how long till we can do a couple Aegis
Boss " I have 4 parked in the asteroid belt waiting for orders"

Nah, the Boss would never just stash some ships for future needs   >:D

[2ndAcr]

  1 November 3066
        Mackolla

   Duke Scott Mitchell entered the large conference room which was packed with all the primary unit commanders of the planned expedition. Already seated were:

  Commander Jaime Wolf- Wolf's Dragoon's
  General Maeve Wolf- Wolf's Dragoon's
  Colonel Shelly Brubaker- Wolf's Dragoon's Delta Regiment
  Colonel J. Elliot Jamison- Wolf's Dragoon's Zeta Battalion
  Colonel Kelly Yukinov- Wolf's Dragoon's Alpha Regiment
  Fleet Colonel Janice Colbaine- Wolf's Dragoon's
  Leftenant General Honos- 2nd Mackolla Armored Grenadiers RCT
  Leftenant General Myles Tutuola- 4th Mackolla Armored Grenadiers RCT
  Galaxy Commander Bill Leroux- 2nd MDF Galaxy
  Galaxy Commander Elianna Deleportis- Xi Galaxy Clan Nova Cat
  Galaxy Commander Jocelyn Vong- Zeta Galaxy Clan Ghost Bear
  Marshal Thomas Daly- 6th Davion Guards RCT
  Colonel Walter Scully- 1st Argyle Lancers
  Rear Admiral Brian Gellhar- 2nd Battle Squadron, 4th AFFC Fleet
  Rear Admiral Helen Masey- 1st Transport Squadron, 4th AFFC Fleet
  Fleet Admiral Brenda Newberry- MDF Fleet Commander

  Everyone stood as Scott walked to the podium. He gestured them all to sit down. He paused and looked over the assembled officers before speaking.

  "Thank you for gathering here today, on 10 December of this year we embark on what could be a multi year operation against the Word of Blake and it's supporters. We have almost a year of travel before we even reach the nearest known Word of Blake unit. But from that moment on, I plan to move fast and hard on every other unit we can find. After discussions with many of you here, I am appointing Commander Jaime Wolf as second in command of this expedition. He is assisting me in overall planning and strategy already.

  Now, there will be some TOE changes made. The 2nd Mackolla Armored Grenadiers are being outfitted with a 2nd Battle Armor Regiment. The 4th Mackolla Armored Grenadiers are being brought up to a full Regiment of Battle Armor, as are the 6th Davion Guards RCT and 1st Argyle Lancers. Every vessel traveling with the combat commands will be LF equipped, so Fleet Colonel Colbaine, all of Wolf's Dragoon's Jumpships will be swapped for Monolith LF Jumpships and Odyssey Jumpships.

  Our support will come from the Factory Ship, MAS Builder One and it's attendant support fleet which will also be carrying everything else we need beyond what we are carrying as cargo in the warships. Which is quite a lot actually. I have had the factories working around the clock preparing for this operation. Somewhere around April 3067, we will link up with the 1st MDF Galaxy and it's warship escort who will then join our expedition. As we advance, we will set up a limited command circuit with Clan Nova Cat assistance for resupply and replacement troops.

  Currently, we will move thru the Taurian Concordat destroying hostile forces as we go. From there, we will strike Detroit which the Word of Blake captured not long ago. That is as far as current planning has progressed and we will re-evaluate as we go. Like I said at the start, we have a long voyage before we expect hostile action. We will not fail in this mission. Clan Ghost Bears York Destroyer will link up with the 1st MDF Galaxy and join us then. Galaxy Commander Jocelyn Vong and her Zeta Galaxy arrived via command circuit 4 days ago. Her 3 Clusters of Elementals are currently resting on Bamburgh after the multiple jumps to get here.

  Clan Nova Cats Enlightened Naval Star and Xi Galaxy will link up with us at Mararn. We have a lot of moving parts but I am confident that we will prevail. Now, I am going to warn all here, those who do not already know. The Word of Blake will not hesitate to use nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction. As such, I will not hesitate to use orbital bombardment against WoB forces if I can do so without risking civilian lives. So, cities will have to be taken the old fashioned hard way. That is why I am beefing up the Battle Armor forces for most units. I will now turn the meeting over to Commander Wolf who will go into more detail of specific targets and assigned units." Scott concluded as Commander Wolf stood and walked to the podium.

  The next several hours was filled with questions about supply, opposition expected and other matters. Scott left the briefing to check on the status of everything else and what needed to be done.

[cawest]

30 days and they move out..... or someone moves on them. 

[Intermittent_Coherence]

30 days and they move out..... or someone moves on them.

I pity the poor fool who tries.

[Daryk]

The size of that hammer is just...  :o

[Dave Talley]

The size of that hammer is just...  :o

yeah thats not the usual, "I'm gonna kick your ass" hammer
this is the " I am gonna kill you and everyone you ever met " hammer

seriously system sterilization could be done

[2ndAcr]

 20 November 3066
     New Avalon

   Archon Prince Victor Steiner Davion and Marshal Morgan Hasek Davion were deep with in the Fox's Den going over the current state of troop movements to their staging areas. The huge display on the wall showed a massive star map with glowing orbs of various colors, known WoB forces, known FWL units allied with the WoB, suspected WoB forces, "loyal" FWL forces, and many others showing AFFC forces, CCAF forces and ever growing glow in the Outer March.

  Archon Prince Davion touched the glowing dot depicting Bamburgh and it opened to reveal a list of units currently on the planet or reported in orbit. It was quite a list of unit. Victor studied it for a minute before speaking.

  "Scott is really massing the forces. Has he notified of us of any change in his departure date?" Victor asked

  "No word yet Highness. Depending on the route he takes, figure 6 months to a year before he slams into the WoB forces in the Taurian Concordat, at least that is the last update we had from him. Are you sure it was wise to cast off any sort of leash on him down there? I mean, it might be hard to put a cork back into this particular bottle, I mean, jeez you gave not only Scott but that maniac out there a free rein on everything their heart desires. I can only imagine what they might be cooking up." Morgan said

  Victor could not help but smile "Morgan, some day you are just going to have to put some faith in the people out there."

  "Right, and what do we do when that lunatic builds a navy larger than our own? Highness, I will admit that I have come to trust them, but to just give them unrestricted construction permission would never have entered my mind. That madman that runs Scott's shipbuilding operation just does not know when enough is enough. I know you see the exact same reports I do from MIIO. Who in their right mind builds extra jump cores and stores them...….for a just in case? Who builds extra ships above and beyond a order.....just in case someone wants some extra? Who keeps spare transit drives just laying around?

  Now we have reports of some huge new warship he built for Duke Mitchell, a new flagship. More powerful than the Farragut he already had. Carries the same number of fighters as a Nimitz Carrier? When the heck do we say enough is enough?" Morgan said

  "It's a Mackolla Class Battleship, that is the name of it Morgan. Scott told me about it when he found out. Hugely expensive though. I would like to think that would put a break on Scott or Boss building anymore of them." Victor replied

  This brought a snort from Morgan "Really? Highness, have you been hitting the bottle lately? Has it slipped your mind that Duke Mitchell and Mitchell Aerospace practically own all the needed materials to manufacture to their hearts extent? What is a very expensive warship to even the Federated Commonwealth is chump change when your only real expense is the wages to build the damn thing. They import practically nothing, everything they use is all owned basically by Mitchell Aerospace or Duke Mitchell."

  Victor could not help but silently agree with Morgan on some of his concerns, but what was done was done. "Morgan, how about we change the subject before you blow a blood vessel. We will deal with whatever those 2 cook up down there when we have to, right now, we have a big ass war on our hands and we have taken some serious hits."

  "Yes Highness. We have taken some serious hits, and I for one am ready to start hitting back, but I would prefer to hit them as planned than go off half cocked. I assume we are still planning to hit them on a broad front?" Morgan asked

  "Yep, we are going to let the WoB and FWL forces feel the full weight of the war they have brought on themselves. If the old CCAF, the Falcons, Vipers or Jaguars think they had it bad, I want the WoB and their allies to wish they had never been born. Exactly how many systems are your planners thinking of hitting in the first wave?" Victor asked while studying the huge front.

  "Currently? I think they got up to 45 First Wave targets before I told them to slim that down some. If we used the 3 to 1 ratio, that number damn near takes half our active duty force. I told them to focus on world we knew for a fact had WoB forces or WoB affiliated units on them. I would prefer to not have to fight "loyal" FWL forces, but only those we know are in league with the WoB." Morgan said

  "Yeah, 45 is too many, but I am sure they can find 30 worth while targets for the First Wave." Victor replied

  Sterope

   The massive troop convoy had finally arrived at it's destination. Precentor Jordan Kane was glad the long journey had ended and he would soon feel solid ground under his feet for awhile at least. Along with his 26th Division (WoB) he also was accompanied by the 16th Division, 34th Division and 25th Division. They were to reinforce the current garrison in the Taurian Concordat in preparation of combat operations against the Federated Commonwealth planned sometime in late 3067 or early 3068 as of last orders.

[Daryk]

4 Divisions!?  ::)

At least the WoB's time line is later than Scott's at the moment...

[snakespinner]

4 Divisions, a nice start for Scott. >:D

[nroe03742]

depending on what is around those 4 divisions I see them being wiped out from orbit before a single soldier even enters the atmosphere of the planet

[2ndAcr]

 8 December 3066
    Bamburgh

   MDF Mackolla, Mackolla Class Battleship, emerged at the Zenith Jump Point after executing a double jump from Mackolla. The ships sensors quickly began plotting nearby shipping while other sensors began downloading the entire sensor logs for everything in the system itself.

  Duke Scott Mitchell and Fleet Admiral Brenda Newberry studied the holo tank projection of all the ships locations. Here at the Zenith Jump Point were:

  MDF Flagship Squadron

  MDF Mackolla, Mackolla Battleship (1 Lee Dropship, 4 Intruder 256 BA Dropships, 1 Titan II Dropship)
  MDF Hamlin, Tortuga Destroyer (1 Pentagon Dropship, 1 Titan II Dropship)
  MDF Archer, Arrow Destroyer
  MDF Laboon, Halsey II Destroyer (2 Pentagon Dropships)
  MDF Stethem, Halsey II Destroyer (2 Pentagon Dropships)
  MDF Kenneth D. Bailey, Buford II Corvette
  MDF William R. Rush, Buford II Corvette

  MDF Carrier Squadron

  MDF Calloway, Nimitz II Carrier (2 Pentagon Dropships, 2 Titan II Dropships)
  MDF Kennedy, Tortuga Destroyer (2 Titan II Dropships)
  MDF Francine, Tortuga Destroyer (2 Titan II Dropships)
  MDF Voldier, Tortuga Destroyer (2 Pentagon Dropships)
  MDF Longbow, Arrow Destroyer
  MDF William M. Wood, Buford II Corvette
  MDF Theodore E. Chandler, Buford II Corvette
  MDF William C. Lawe, Buford II Corvette

  MDF 1st Battle Squadron

  MDF Gonzalez, Halsey II Destroyer (2 Pentagon Dropships)
  MDF Howard, Halsey II Destroyer (2 Pentagon Dropships)
  MDF Crossbow, Arrow Destroyer
  MDF Slingshot, Arrow Destroyer
  MDF Richard B. Anderson, Buford II Corvette
  MDF James E. Kyes, Buford II Corvette
  MDF Dennis J. Buckley, Buford II Corvette

  MDF Support Squadron
 
  MDF Robert H. McCard, Buford II Corvette
  MDF Robert A. Owens, Buford II Corvette
  MDF Herbert J. Thomas, Buford II Corvette
  MDF Janet McFadden, Buford II Corvette
  MDF Comfort. Hospital Ship (2 Dove Dropships)
  MDF Sanctuary, Hospital Ship (2 Dove Dropships)
  MAS Builder One, Factory Ship (6 Mammoth Dropships, 2 Pentagon Dropships, 4 Mule Dropships)
  MAS Grapple, Rescue Yardship (2 Elephant Tugs)
  MAS Preserver, Rescue Yardship (2 Elephant Tugs)
  MAS Snatch, Rescue Yardship (2 Elephant Tugs)
  15 Monolith LF Jumpships (20 Mammoth Dropships, 40 Steamer Dropships, 20 Mule Dropships)
  5 Odyssey Jumpships (4 Titan II Dropships, 8 Pentagon Dropships, 8 Sassanid Dropships)

  MDF Transport Squadron

  MDF Inchon, Tarawa LF Transport (2nd MDF Galaxy)
  MDF Tripoli, Tarawa LF Transport (2nd MDF Galaxy)
  MDF Guam, Tarawa LF Transport (2nd Mackolla Armored Grenadiers RCT)
  MDF New Orleans, Tarawa LF Transport (2nd Mackolla Armored Grenadiers RCT)
  MDF Valley Forge, Tarawa LF Transport (4th Mackolla Armored Grenadiers RCT)
  MDF Portland, Tarawa LF Transport (4th Mackolla Armored Grenadiers RCT)
  4 Odyssey Jumpships (Zeta Galaxy Clan Ghost Bear, 15 Sassanid Dropships)

  Wolf's Dragoons

  WDS Athena, Sovetskii Soyuz Cruiser
  WDS Beowolf, Congress Frigate
  WDS Mars, Vincent Mk42 Corvette
  WDS Misery, Lola III Destroyer
  WDS Crossing, Lola III Destroyer
  10 Monolith LF Jumpships (Alpha Regiment, Delta Regiment, Zeta Battalion)
  8 Odyssey Jumpships (Alpha Regiment, Delta Regiment, Zeta Battalion)

  The Nadir Jump Point was not quite as crowded:

  2nd Battle Squadron, 4th Fleet
 
  FCS Constellation Nimitz II Class Carrier (2 Pentagon Dropships, 2 Titan Dropships)
  FCS Hornet Nimitz II Class Carrier (2 Pentagon Dropships, 2 Titan Dropships)
  FCS Baltimore Victory II Class Cruiser (2 Pentagon Dropships)
  FCS Des Moines Victory II Class Cruiser (2 Pentagon Dropships)
  FCS Fletcher Halsey II Class Destroyer (2 Titan Dropships)
  FCS Gearing Halsey II Class Destroyer (2 Pentagon Dropships)
  FCS Richthofen- Buford II Corvette
  FCS Blumenthal- Buford II Corvette
  FCS Hohenzollern- Buford II Corvette

  1st Transport Squadron, 4th Fleet
 
  FCS von Hesberg- Buford II Corvette
  FCS von Massow- Buford II Corvette
  FCS Tarawa Tarawa LF Transport (6th Davion Guards RCT)
  FCS Wasp Tarawa LF Transport (6th Davion Guards RCT)
  FCS Saipan Tarawa LF Transport (1st Argyle Lancers RCT)
  FCS Nassau Tarawa LF Transport (1st Argyle Lancers RCT, 5 Regiments of Infantry)

  Sensors tracked still inbound Dropships from the planets surface to both Jump Points. It would be a week before they jumped out of system.

  Tortuga Prime

  At the Zenith Jump Point, Clan Nova Cat's contribution to Duke Mitchell's expedition was also gathering. Within the week they would begin their journey to Fugeres to link up with Duke Mitchell and his forces. Star Admiral Leon Bavros, commander Enlightened Naval Star watched the ships plot board closely. It was a large task force:

  Enlightened Naval Star

  NCS Vigilant Guardian- Sovetskii Soyuz Cruiser (2 Titan II Dropships, 3 Union C Dropships)
  NCS Stalwart Defender- Sovetskii Soyuz Cruiser (4 Union C Dropships, 1 Sassanid Dropship)
  NCS Dark Cat- Sovetskii Soyuz Cruiser (3 Union C Dropships, 1 Sassanid Dropship)
  NCS Growler - Lola III Destroyer
  NCS Ranger - Lola III Destroyer
  NCS Hunter - Lola III Destroyer
  6 Odyssey Jumpships (11 Union C, 2 Titan II, 1 Overlord C, 7 Sassanid, 2 Lion Dropships)

  Galaxy Commander Elianna Deleportis was anxious to get moving. Khan Santin West had given both commanders very explicit orders, they were to obey Duke Mitchell and his appointed commanders as though the orders came from Khan Santin West himself.

  Panpour

  MDF Fleet Admiral Stacey Hamilton, aboard MDF Valois, Nimitz II Carrier, was with her small fleet at the Zenith Jump Point. Her ships sensors could see the massive rebuilding effort being conducted by Challenge Systems and Jalastar Aerospace. After arriving yesterday in system, she had allowed Challenge Systems CEO aboard and learned that they had repaired most of the damage to one of the Aegis Cruisers captured during the attack. The other Aegis cruiser still needed major repairs, but Archon Prince Victor Steiner Davion had ordered the least damaged ship to be made as battle ready as possible several months ago. Per his orders, the now FCS Panpour, Aegis cruiser, crewed by a mix of AFFC, Challenge System and Jalastar Aerospace personnel was attached to her squadron.

  So now she had under her command:

  MDF Valois, Nimitz II Carrier
  MDF Tortuga Prime, Farragut II Battleship
  FCS Panpour, Aegis Cruiser
  MDF Revenge, Tarawa LF Transport
  MDF Vengeance, Tarawa LF Transport

  Carrying the remaining forces of the 1st MDF Galaxy, once 6 Clusters strong, now they were 3 Battle Clusters and 1 Support Cluster strong. But once they linked up with Duke Mitchell's Fleet, they would take on replacement troops and equipment and return to full strength.

  But for now, her ships needed some downtime and maintenance, estimated to take 2 months using the only million ton unpressurized shipyard Challenge Systems had built to repair the Aegis Cruiser. Challenge Systems was ready to cycle her ships thru the yard as fast as they could.

  Alphard

  Colonel Alex Farragher, commander of the 15th Marik Militia, studied the large map. Since arriving in September, his command had lost over 2 companies of infantry to ambushes. No one was sure if the attacks came from the population of survivors of Clan Wolf in Exile. No mechs had been spotted and there were no survivors from the attacks. All of the attacks occurred within 20km of the area where the WoB had used orbital bombardment on Clan Wolf in Exile.

  Just last week, a Clan Wolf in Exile jumpship had jumped into the system, stayed for 2 days and then leaped back out again. Obviously gathering intelligence. The Word of Blake had secured Stafford, Addhara, New Venice without a fight over the last 3 months.

[Daryk]

Hmmm... maybe Phelan's not dead after all...  ^-^

And that is one hell of a fleet!  :thumbsup:

[2ndAcr]

 15 December 3066
   Bamburgh

   Duke Scott Mitchell nodded to Fleet Admiral Brenda Newberry, who then made the announcement to the vast fleet. "All ships, everyone should have their destinations plotted. We jump to Bartrock and then to Valois. We spend a week at Valois recharging and awaiting the Support Squadron before we execute the next double jump which takes us to our rendezvous with Clan Nova Cat at Fugeres. Ships from the AFFC's 4th Fleet are at each jump point keeping them clear for our arrival. Start jump procedures and everyone's jump clock. Execute."

   Five minutes later, the MDF Mackolla made the jump to Bartrock followed by the rest of the vast fleet.

  Valois

  MDF Mackolla arrived at the Zenith Jump Point 32 minutes later followed by the fleet arriving at both Jump Points. The fleet's support squadron would recharge at Bartrock for a week before jumping to Valois, only minutes after the fleet made the move to Fugeres.

  Duke Scott Mitchell shook off the jump effects quickly. "I should have had Boss refit the Rescue Yardships with LF Batteries. I really hate having them that far away from us."

  "They are well protected Sir. They have 4 Buford Corvettes, 204 Aerospace Fighters, 12 Assault Dropships, 6 Heavily Armored Tugs and 2 Regiments of Battle Armored Marines escorting them. Plus, they have ships from 4th Fleet with them. But, I know what you mean." Fleet Admiral Brenda Newberry responded

  Scott watched ships still arriving until the last one showed on the ships Holo projection. It was going to be a long trip.

  Mackolla

   Boss was staring at the large display board that showed his shipyards status. Scott had authorized him to do one production run of warships when he left for security. He had just finished entering the orders into his computer but had not sent them to the shipyards yet. He wanted to make sure he had not missed anything. Scott had not told him what to build and for him to use his own judgement. Boss could not help but smile a little, won't he be surprised when he gets back.

  250K Pressurized (10 Yards)
 
 Shipyard 1M- 2x Titan IIC (Feb 3067) 2x Titan IIC (April 3067)
 Shipyard 2M- 2x Titan IIC (Feb 3067) 2x Titan IIC (April 3067)
 Shipyard 3M- 2x Titan IIC (Feb 3067) 2x Titan IIC (April 3067)
 Shipyard 4M- 2x Titan IIC (Feb 3067) 2x Titan IIC (April 3067)
 Shipyard 5M- 2x Titan IIC (Feb 3067) 2x Titan IIC (April 3067)
 Shipyard 6M- 2x Titan IIC (Feb 3067) 2x Titan IIC (April 3067)
 Shipyard 7M- 2x Titan IIC (Feb 3067) 2x Titan IIC (April 3067)
 Shipyard 8M- 2x Titan IIC (Feb 3067) 2x Titan IIC (April 3067)
 Shipyard 9M- 2x Titan IIC (Feb 3067) 2x Titan IIC (April 3067)
 Shipyard 10M- 2x Titan IIC (Feb 3067) 2x Titan IIC (April 3067)

 500K Pressurized (8 Yards)

 Shipyard 11M- Brawler Destroyer (April 3067)
 Shipyard 12M- Brawler Destroyer (April 3067)
 Shipyard 13M- Brawler Destroyer (April 3067)
 Shipyard 14M- Brawler Destroyer (April 3067)
 Shipyard 15M- Brawler Destroyer (April 3067)
 Shipyard 16M- Brawler Destroyer (April 3067)
 Shipyard 17M- Brawler Destroyer (April 3067)
 Shipyard 18M- Brawler Destroyer (April 3067)

 1M Pressurized (10 Yards)
 
 Shipyard 19M- Tortuga Destroyer (May 3067) CNC York Destroyer (Oct 3067)
 Shipyard 20M- Tortuga Destroyer (May 3067) CNC York Destroyer (Oct 3067)
 Shipyard 21M- Tortuga Destroyer (May 3067) CNC York Destroyer (Oct 3067)
 Shipyard 22M- Tortuga Destroyer (May 3067) CNC York Destroyer (Oct 3067)
 Shipyard 23M- Tortuga Destroyer (May 3067) CNC York Destroyer (Oct 3067)
 Shipyard 24M- Tortuga Destroyer (May 3067)
 Shipyard 25M- Victory II Cruiser (July 3067)
 Shipyard 26M- Victory II Cruiser (July 3067)
 Shipyard 27M- Victory II Cruiser (July 3067)
 Shipyard 28M- Victory II Cruiser (July 3067)

 2.5M Unpressurized (6 Yards)
 
 Shipyard 29M- Farragut II Battleship (March 3068)
 Shipyard 30M- Farragut II Battleship (March 3068)
 Shipyard 31M- Farragut II Battleship (March 3068)
 Shipyard 32M- Mackolla Battleship (Aug 3068)
 Shipyard 33M- Mackolla Battleship (Aug 3068)
 Shipyard 34M- Mackolla Battleship (Aug 3068)

 He had placed his newly designed Brawler Destroyer into production status. In 6 months he would have a strong defense force, in 2 years he would have a Battle Fleet built and ready to respond to any crisis. He just hoped Cathy Mayweather could keep up with his demand for Aerospace Fighters.

  He also knew Archon Prince Victor Steiner Davion and Marshal Morgan Hasek Davion would blow a gasket when they found out what he was doing out here with Scott gone. That alone made it worth his efforts.


 ***New design posted***

[Daryk]

Boss is still hilarious...  ;D

[cawest]

40 titan IIC...ugh..

[snakespinner]

Pity the boss can't see Morgan's face when he finds out. Priceless. >:D :brew: :laughing_skull: :toofunny:

[2ndAcr]

 25 December 3066
        Fugeres

  Star Admiral Leon Bavros was alerted by the bridge crew of massive emergence waves inbound and was now on the bridge. He toyed with bringing his ships to full battle readiness, but since the 4 AFFC warships holding just outside the actual Nadir and Zenith Jump Points showed no signs of being worried he held off.

  The first warship to emerge was a huge ship and one his computers could not identify. But zooming in the long range cameras allowed them to clearly see the MDF markings on the ship. Looks like Duke Mitchell has once again designed a new ship, Admiral Bavros thought to himself. Then he returned to focusing on the massive numbers of ships still arriving at both jump points. The numbers made Clan Nova Cats entire space fleet pale in comparison.

  "Sir, we have communication from the MDF Mackolla requesting you and Galaxy Commander Deleportis to please join them for a briefing". His communication officer reported.

  "Notify them that we will be aboard shortly." Star Admiral Bavros said as he left the bridge for the shuttle bays.

  Two hours later, Star Admiral Bavros and Galaxy Commander Deleportis disembarked their shuttle inside the mammoth warship. They looked around for a few seconds before following the directions of the technician. Met by a squad of Marines, they were led thru the huge ship until finally reaching a grav deck and let into a large room.

  "Star Admiral Bavros and Galaxy Commander Deleportis, I am Duke Scott Mitchell. Welcome aboard my flagship the MDF Mackolla. This is Commander Jaime Wolf, of Wolf's Dragoons and my second in command. Fleet Admiral Brenda Newberry will be joining us very soon. Please, have a seat, anyone want something to drink or eat?" Scott asked

  "Neg Duke Mitchell, we are fine." Star Admiral Bavros said as he and Galaxy Commander Deleportis took the offered seats.

  "Okay then, I am sure that Khan West informed you both of what we will be doing?" Scott asked

  "Aff, we are to accept any order from you or those you appoint as though they come from Khan West himself." Galaxy Commander Deleportis said

  "Well, that sort of simplifies things. Our mission will probably last years. We will be taking the fight to the Word of Blake and their supporters where ever they might try to hide. I have here a recent MIIO report of Word of Blake activity in the Taurian Concordat." Scott handed over a copy to both Nova Cat officers "As you look them over, I will cut thru most of the stuff for you both."

  "As you can see, the main Word of Blake operation is based on Sterope. There, they have an estimated 5 Divisions of troops on the ground. Four of those recently arrived. Located at the Nadir Jump Point are 2 Newgrange Yardships along with 3 operational shipyards. The Zenith Jump Point has an active Olympus Recharge station.

  At Dicallus, we have another Division reported along with several mercenary units under WoB employment.

  Same thing at Orkney and Charleston. But I have communicated with Khan West and those 2 systems will be handled by Clan Nova Cat. Warship in the region operated by the Word of Blake are unknown. Discussions with Commander Wolf have convinced me that we will hit Sterope and Dicallus at the same time. Your commands will join Commander Wolf and his Dragoon's for the strike on Dicallus. You will launch from Caldwell and perform a double jump to reach Dicallus. My 1st MDF Galaxy and warship escort along with our Support Squadron will remain at Caldwell as possible reinforcements for your action.

  I will take the rest of our forces to Sterope launching from Hyalite, performing a double jump to get there. Normally, I would recharge to arrive in system with a jump charge ready to go, but I do not plan to leave the system until our mission is complete." Scott paused as Fleet Admiral Newberry entered the room "This is Fleet Admiral Branda Newberry, she commands all operations in space. From here, we will be jumping to Mararn and make our way thru FedCom space to our jump off sites. If either of you have material needs, please let us know. Questions?" Scott ended

 

[cawest]

NC or WD would love to capture those yard ships

[Daryk]

Indeed... and I have to say... the anticipation is killing me!  :D

[Sharpnel]

The death toll should be high, very high ... on both sides.

[2ndAcr]

  5 January 3067
    Clipperton

   When the captured warships arrived at the Zenith Jump Point, everyone was surprised. No advance notice had been given. But now the former Clan Wolf in Exile warships were safely inside Free World space where they could be safely repaired. Though the shipyards could not build ships this big, they could service and repair them. Irian Technologies operated 12 shipyards here at Clipperton, only 4 of them could handle warships.

  After hours of maneuvering the captured Texas Battleship, Cameron Battlecruiser and Liberator Cruiser were all safely within shipyards for repairs. Along with the WOBS Herald of Justice, Aegis cruiser.

  Alphard

   Estimates placed manufacturing the enormous jump core for the Mckenna Battleship to take at least a year and another 3 months to install it. Precentor Gregory Zwick had more pressing things on his mind, he had found the Eagle Frigates to be huge disappointments, easily nocked out of battle. He had used his 2 remaining Aegis cruisers to escort the invasions of several more worlds, but he wanted them back before he made any moves on Clan Nova Cat territory.

  Castor

  Admiral Stephen Ramius, commander of the 3rd Battle Squadron of the AFFC 2nd Fleet sighed a silent sigh of relief when the SLDF Battle Squadron emerged at the Nadir Jump Point not far from his command. He ordered his forces to stand down from General Quarters and for communication to be opened with the SLDF commander.

  He did not even feel threatened when the SLDF warships started heading in his direction. Communication was quickly established.

  "This is Admiral Curtis Lemans of the Star League Defense Force's 6th Battle Squadron, 1st Fleet. I have been ordered to augment your defenses here against any threats. I have ordered my ships to clear the immediate jump point for safety reasons." Came the call.

  "Admiral Lemans, I am Admiral Stephen Ramius, commander 3rd Battle Squadron, 2nd AFFC Fleet. Welcome to Castor. Please join me aboard my Flagship as soon as your forces are deployed and we will have dinner and discuss plans."

  "That would be a wonderful idea Admiral. I will see you very soon. Lemans out."

  Admiral Ramius turned and studied the SLDF squadron, it sure was a good sized one. Combined with his squadron, they could probably beat most opponents.

  3rd Battle Squadron, 2nd AFFC Fleet

  FCS Alexander Davion Avalon Cruiser      Admiral Stephen Ramius
  FCS Andrew Davion Avalon Cruiser
  FCS Davis Fox II Corvette
  FCS Jouett Fox II Corvette
  FCS Mugford Fox II Corvette

  6th Battle Squadron, 1st SLDF Fleet

  SLS Vixen Dante Frigate     Admiral Curtis Lemans
  SLS Dasher Dante Frigate
  SLS Donner Dante Frigate
  SLS Cumberland Suffren Destroyer
  SLS Berwick Suffren Destroyer
  SLS Cornwall Suffren Destroyer
  SLS Canberra Suffren Destroyer

  After several hours, the SLDF squadron had maneuvered until they were within 300km of the AFFC squadron. "Sir, Admiral Lemans is calling, says his squadron will be launching shuttles to practice boarding operations on his ships, the shuttles will be flying towards us and then head back to his ships for the operation and for us to not be concerned."

  Admiral Ramius nodded "Thank the Admiral for the warning and that he is free to commence his operations as he see's fit."

  No sooner had he said that than 32 shuttles launched from the SLDF warships and began heading in the direction of the AFFC ships. This should be entertaining to watch Admiral Ramius thought to himself.

  What Admiral Ramius or any of the AFFC officers did not know was that Admiral Lemans was actually in the Word of Blake and had spent the last 4 months transferring WoB forces onto his ships replacing loyal SLDF personnel all while obeying every order given to him by SLDF High Command to keep up the appearance. He watched on his bridge as his plan unfolded. If he was successful, he would add a powerful force to his Master's command.

  Each of the Avalon Cruisers had 8 shuttles targeted at them, one Fox had 6 shuttles, the other 2 Fox had 5 each targeted on them. Any minute now instead of turning back towards the "SLDF" fleet, they would begin actual boarding operations on the AFFC warships.

  Admiral Ramius watched the SLDF shuttles and wondered how close they would get before turning back to begin their practice boarding. The shuttles were already closer than he was comfortable with. Then in horror he saw 3 grapple with the Andrew Davion and then heard thumps on his own ship. "General Quarters, we are being boarded. Weps get the weapons warmed up and engage the SLDF, they are not friends! Conn, kick it in the ass and let's try to shake off some fleas!!"

  Across the AFFC squadron chaos reigned supreme as every ship began launching fighters and powering up weapons and drives. Crews raced to battle stations. The WoB marines were excellently trained and quickly managed to board every AFFC warship in multiple locations. Not every shuttle made it aboard though. AFFC fighters managed to destroy 4 shuttles before they managed to grapple a AFFC warship.

  Aboard the Andrew Davion, the WoB marines gained entry thru 3 airlocks and managed to seize control the ships engineering spaces in minutes, cutting power to the ship. The Alexander Davion managed to shake off 2 shuttles but still had 6 shuttles worth of WoB marines pouring into her. Admiral Ramius was pissed, he had been snookered truly and wanted someone to pay, the unlucky party happened to be the SLS Donner, Dante Frigate. It happened to be perfectly positioned that when the Alexander Davion opened fire, she was able to use her front left and left broadside to target the Dante Frigate. Weapons lashed out and slammed into the Dante Frigate. Hundreds of tons of armor were ripped from the Dante Frigate. But before a second volley could be fired power was lost to the ships weapons and then the engines shut down. Admiral Ramius cursed.

  Across the AFFC squadron, everyone had been caught totally by surprise. The few AFFC dropships that launched were quickly dispatched by the "SLDF" warships. Along with the AFFC fighters. Within 3 hours, all of the AFFC warships were secured by the WoB marines. Admiral Lemans smiled widely and made the HPG call and within an hour a Star Lord Jumpships arrived carrying replacement crews for the AFFC warships. The surviving AFFC crewmen were loaded aboard several dropships, which were then launched and destroyed by the SLDF warships as target practice.

  Within 24 hours of arriving in the Castor system, Admiral Lemans gave the order to jump and the combined warship force left the Castor system. Leaving only some debris as a witness to the action that occurred.

[Shadow_Wraith]

Wow!  The WoB fleet just keeps getting bigger!

[cawest]

they should have been able to get a Black Box message out before they were taken.  that little trick will only work once.  It should not have worked this time.  a new ship going into a joint exercise in RL will not try to run a air attack on the first day.  There is a reason that you have a meet and great for a few days before you go out in train.