Astrokaszy
Designated Coordinates
0930 Local Time
28 August, 3024
In the end, Captain Harris had decided to count the APC as a member of the second lance of the escort, leaving him four 'mechs for bivouac security. Lieutenant Ranjeet had command of the ad hoc security force as the Major's second, and de facto command should anything go sideways with the locals.
Lieutenant Novak had her short platoon for personal security for the Major and the perimeter when they camped. Warrant Cantrell had also borrowed a pair of troopers to help him keep an eye on Aliyah, and Warrant Cushman had brought two technicians along as well. The APC was just over half full, so there was plenty of room to spread out, even with the extra six cases of Star League rations along.
The Hermes arm and Flea cockpit were loaded on the BMRV with a parachute covering them like a tarp.
Renzi's crew were waiting for the Wolf Skinners at the arranged coordinates. Renzi was there in his Thunderbolt, along with his wife in her Phoenix Hawk, plus the Stinger and Wasp from her lance. Their Packrat was also along, with a load of cargo strapped to its roof. It appeared to be mostly armor plate.
As the Wolf Skinners approached, the radio crackled to life with Renzi's voice: "Welcome my friends! It's a long way to Rabigh, so we should probably get moving right away."
"Agreed, Captain," the Major transmitted back. The combined force put Renzi's 'mechs in the lead, with the Wolf Skinner's Recon lance on the flanks and Lieutenant Ranjeet and the others following the Packrat, BMRV and APC.
On the agreed 'mech channel, Renzi transmitted to the other MechWarriors, "We make quite the company, don't we?" His smile was almost audible.