Author Topic: The Third Transfer, Katherine pt II (Complete, Comments welcome) (Read 30501 times)

mikecj · « **Reply #90 on:** 20 July 2018, 21:38:03 »

And this'll be interesting....

DOC_Agren · « **Reply #91 on:** 21 July 2018, 15:55:13 »

Commander Omar Wimmer go ahead make Kat mad... you not seen crazy before

AlphaMirage · « **Reply #92 on:** 22 July 2018, 17:35:28 »

Showdown on Sudeten part III, Shadows of the Past

“Stravag!”

Khan Ward's Timber Wolf crushed one of the Roc Protomechs attempting to box him in. The Heavy Battlemech crushed through the chest plate of the proto with a sickening crack like stepping on a large beetle. His last flight of HE ATMs cored out another which dropped in the battle scarred landscape. His remaining heavy pulse laser cut through one of the Stooping Hawks that were keeping his attention the mech seemed un-phased as most of a ton of armor was melted off creating a steam cloud in the wet grass.

The enemy Corvis' missiles peppered his tortured half of a Mech as he struggled to keep the machine upright under the weight of the assault. Falling would be death with the protomechs swarming the combat area. Sweat filled the headband of his neurohelmet as the cooling jacket was working overtime to check the heat from a compromised fusion engine. He watched the countdown timer for the first round of reinforcements from orbit, seconds stretched like hours in his heightened awareness. He could see the drag chutes and flaring jump jets of the first group and the fireballs of the next less than half a klick from his position. All he had to do now was get there.

Most of his Nova was already down with just half a Gargoyle still in the fight but only barely. The assault Mech crushed another of the Rocs under it's massive feet while a ferro-nickel slug punched through one of the attacking Corvii. The projectile found ammo and the medium mech lit up in an orange fireball as it's left side was blown away, the associated arm blown into the jungle canopy. However it just keep attacking.

The smoking remains of his previous star-mates were being swarmed by foot infantry, there was nothing Khan Ward could do to aid them, they would die a Warrior's death at least. The slagged remains of a Linebacker were slumped down, it's superior mobility unable to save it from being surrounded. The enemy mechs just kept coming at him, staying at range and throwing down four PPCs downrange followed by swarms of missiles from their support with unerring accuracy.

Half a klick to the east, two Falconers, two Changelings (equipped like Griffins), a Horned Owl, Conjurer, Shadow Cat, and Nova landed in a clearing with a crash. The Mechs' knee joints absorbing the stress of landing on the spongy ground but only just barely as they hadn't use their jets to decelerate as much as protocol demanded due to the urgency of their mission.

Loremaster Katherine's Shadow “Kat” underwent a quick diagnostic run while her Watchdog CEWS system powered up, multiple streams of data flicked through the HUD while the DI computer turned them into a composite. Once all systems were green the unit quickly leapt over the trees smashing them in the wake of their rapid advance upon landing.

The Sunrise Sailor's 8 other Mechs were coming in from the West, Katherine could see their IFF beacons' distance rapidly closing. The two dropships' fighter craft were also screaming out of the sky, four Rapiers and Lightnings rapidly setting themselves up for a strafing run.

Commander Omar Wimmer was calm only the barest bit of sweat came down from his dark hair and skin. More targets had come into his hunting ground. Khan Ward was on the ropes all he needed to do was deliver the finishing blow but if he could use him as bait for a little while longer that suited him just as well.

There was nothing that was going to deter him from his mission it was just a bonus that he could kill plenty of wolves along the way. He pulled the trigger and let two bolts of lightning loose toward the Gargoyle which folded under the combined firepower of his fellow Hades and one of the Stooping Hawks that was sending his unit targeting data across their encrypted Battlenet. The Assault mech let out a final salvo which took the head right off a Stooping Hawk but the damage was done and the remnants of the machine collapsed with a crash, cored out by the concentrated firepower.

Another Stooping Hawks, a pair of Corvii, and a Point of Rocs were destroyed during a strafe against the closest units to the last remaining Mech which contained Khan Ward. He was still overwhelmed and his last heavy weapon disappeared as his remaining arm was taken off by a Roc's laser. “Make sure he doesn't escape and kill the others for now.”

“Aff Commander”

One of the Roc's walked up to the Gargoyle's cockpit and fired it's laser into the helpless Warrior in a dezgra manner. Vlad's Timber Wolf's legs were taken out by the frenzied Rocs, one was crumpled by the final kick from the machine that sent it flying into a tree. Blue and Gold painted Battlemechs broke into the forest clearing first. Their lasers and missiles cleared out the closest Rocs to the Khan's fallen mech.

The remaining Mechs including a Nova in Falcon Guard's colors followed shortly behind.
Omar couldn't believe his luck, “Zeta Galaxy?

Loremaster, what an honor to see you.
I've been waiting a long time for my vengeance and this will make it that much more complete.”

Katherine icy cold voice came in over the radio, “Who are you?” The Shadow Cat and Hades faced one another as each was clearly marked with a high level insignia.
“The last Smoke Jaguar.”
“Unlikely. I know of others and hunt them down when I no longer have a use for them.
I am clearly destined to always be cleaning up my brothers' messes.”
“Your trothkin destroyed my Clan Katherine.”
“Your Clan was weak before Huntress Jaguar. Your Khan murdered him in cowardice. You'll die here.”

Azure particles gathered at the barrels of PPCs, the Blinding Eye and Wolf forces picking their targets for the upcoming conflagration.

Omar's tone was mockingly dark, “I know. But it won't be because of you Freeborn.”

DOC_Agren · « **Reply #93 on:** 23 July 2018, 15:29:23 »

Please, Please Stop making me root, root, root for for Katherine, Please!!!! :thumbsup:

AlphaMirage · « **Reply #94 on:** 31 July 2018, 17:03:54 »

Showdown on Sudeten IV

The Two Zeta Falconer held the center their bulky hunched forms walking forward across the battlefield. Katherine’s nimble Shadow Cat and the Horned Owl were on the Right Flank, Diana’s crouched Nova and the Conjurer on the Left. The Changelings guarded the rear of their friendlies from the still numerous Rocs, the grotesque bird-men moved across the cratered ground with an unusual gait so natural but unnatural at the same time.

Their presence chilled Katherine just as much as the cooling vest that was currently wrapped around her barely clothed torso. Her Shadow Cat could fight them at range but her unit needed to draw the interlopers away from Vladimir's helpless Timber Wolf. “Keep them away from the Khan. Another Binary is en route”

Katherine toggled her weapons screen, her ERPPC focused on her target, one of the eight remaining Corvii, it's crouched birdlike form a mimic of her own Shadow Cat's. “lets leave them with nothing but wrecks. Quiaff?”

The other seven Mechwarriors in her group responded with varying degrees of icy determination, “Aff Loremaster.”

The Wolves and Jaguar's forces met with a clash, Supersonic Gauss slugs tore into the broad chest of the Stooping Hawks and were followed by accelerated ablating particles from the Falconer's PPCs. Missiles streaked from the Changelings and Corvii, broad groups of them exploded in mid air as the Hades' AMS triggered and spit out metal flechettes that tore into the missiles' casing but some struck true.

The concentrated fire of three Blinding Eye mechs tore into the lead Falconers, causing the heavy weight mechs to stumble under the fire. The flanks were equally engaged, Katherine's Shadow Cat attempted to drop a Roc that was making itself a nuisance but the stubborn creature refused to die absorbing far more punishment than expected for it's small size.

Five Rocs and a group of Corvii engaged her mech some of their missiles were shot out of the sky as Katherine's AMS mounted high on her left shoulder resulting in a tinkling of shrapnel hitting the armored canopy of her mech. The noise mildly annoyed her but it was better than her cockpit getting hit with a missile again. The Shadow Cat jumped and wove through flights of missiles occasionally taking a solid volley that shook the middle weight machine. It's superior mobility ensured that the Rocs couldn't surround her but kept her from getting behind the Hades that was spitting hellish particles at her pack mates.

Her wing-man in the Horned Owl's heavy large laser and paired heavy machine guns regularly dropped the Rocs with each volley. Diana and the Conjurer on the other side were heavily engaged with other mechs her Nova's heavy firepower dropped Rocs with relative ease and her paired AMS systems shot down flights of the Corvis' powerful HE ATMs that threatened to tear apart her mech as the enemy attempted to down the Jade Falcons' ace freeborn warrior.

Commander Wimmer's cooling vest was kicking into overdrive as his Hades' began to overheat under the pressure of the attack. His Rocs were dropping rapidly and the other mechs were running low on ammunition and armor having already fought a battle. His paired ERPPCs tore into one of the Falconer's one of the best designed mechs in the Inner Sphere made better by the addition of Clan technology courtesy of Vladimir Ward's treachery. He could see Katherine's Shadow Cat jumping a weaving as the Corvis mechs pressed the attack.

“Stavag Wolves! Pull back everyone. I'll hold them off.”
“Aff Commander.” The Stooping Hawks and Corvii began to disengage utilizing their mobility and the sacrifice of the Roc pilots to gain ground on the Lyran/Wolf counterattack.

“I an going to make sure the mission is done though.” He toggled the targeting reticle over Vladimir's cockpit and pulled the trigger sending twin spirals of man-made lightning into the ferroglaz turning it to slag.

Katherine watched as Vlad's cockpit was slagged, “NO! You're dead now Jaguar.”

The rest of the company engaged the paired Hades, supersonic gauss slugs, dozens of missiles, and numerous forms of energy tore into the machines until they were nothing but melted slag. Katherine's Shadow Cat walked up to the Jaguar's Mech crushing the cockpit like an egg under her Mech's foot although it had already broken under the assault.

Some of the Corvii and the Stooping Hawks escaped into the jungle leaving behind the Lyrans and Wolves. Diana came in over the radio, “Should we pursue Katherine?”

Katherine was barely holding it together but checked her Watchdog instruments, “No. We won't be able to find them with their jammers still active, not in that mess at least.”

A slightly accented man's voice came over the radio, “Glad you could make it dear.”

She perked up at the voice and headed toward the charred and downed Timber Wolf, “Vlad?”
“Dah”
“You're Alive!”
“I am. Did you think some Dezgra Ex-Smoke Jaguar would be able to best me on a battlefield?”

Katherine could see a man wearing a gray jumpsuit and neuro-helmet trimmed with red under a cooling vest with a large red star painted on it standing amid the wreck of a Fenris. The Shadow Cat kneeled down on it's reverse jointed bird legs folding down on themselves and Katherine leapt down from the cockpit only barely breaking the fall into the spongy ground. She ran and jumped into his arms, the impact of which knocked both of their neuro-helmets off, and kissed him hard.

Vlad let her down and freed himself from her arms. He was unphased at almost dying although looked mildly irritated at his downed Timber Wolf, “Hello Katherine. It has been to long.”
Katherine managed to control her tears but it was an effort, her voice was still strained with emotion however, “Vlad you almost died!”
The remaining Lyran Mechs broke through on the other side of the clearing to secure the battlefield and establish a landing zone. “I know but we won.”
Katherine slapped and kissed him, “Don't do it again!”
Vlad returned the kiss, although he did hold her arms to prevent another slap, “Noted. Lets head back Katherine. I think we are done for today. The Falcons have some questions to answer before we continue.”

Wrangler · « **Reply #95 on:** 01 August 2018, 05:51:22 »

Man that guy has the luck of Victor Steiner-Davion.

AlphaMirage · « **Reply #96 on:** 02 August 2018, 20:45:56 »

Quote from: Wrangler on 01 August 2018, 05:51:22

Man that guy has the luck of Victor Steiner-Davion.

Yeah he gets out of the cockpit before getting headshoted

------------------------------

05/03/3068 Location – Falcon's Eye, Hamarr, Sudeten

Loremasters Kael Pershaw of the Jade Falcons, Semi Kalasa of the Diamond Sharks, and Katherine of the Wolves were gathered in a dimly lit chamber deep within the Jade Falcon's main HQ. Kael Pershaw was making himself quite comfortable in the familiar shadowed space and the other two Loremasters were relieved to no longer see the ghoulish cyborg under proper lighting. His cybernetic eyes glowed softly like some monster in the shadows while Katherine and Semi both sat in their own pools of light around the holo-tank. “It is good that you can join us today Loremaster Kalasa, fortunate that you were already in system.”

“Yes Loremaster Pershaw, it is regrettable that your Clan is at this point but I will remain neutral to aid this important trial. Katherine would you like to begin?”

Katherine attempted to roll with the slight from the other Loremaster by the omission of the title she earned in blood. She wanted to shout at the bitch but decided against it. The Diamond Sharks were easy to deal with when you have the largest bank account in the Inner Sphere. “Very well Semi.”

“Two days ago, a pair of unregistered and unmarked Trinaries interfered with the honorable Trial of Absorption currently paused while we investigate to determine if there was a breach of honor on the part of the Falcons.”

“Or Wolves Katherine, Khan Pryde may respect Khan Ward but that does not mean she trusts him.”

Katherine's eyes narrowed at the slight, she just wanted to kill both of these pests and move on and maybe get another round in with Vlad before he went back to Jarho to win the Trial. “Yet, the attacker identified himself as a Smoke Jaguar harvested by the Falcons. A Commander Omar Wimmer.”

Semi spoke before Kael could respond, “Of course the BattleROMs containing that communication were all destroyed or lost in the battle and we only have Khan Ward's testimony as proof. The Jade Falcon's master codex does not contain a harvested Jaguar named Omar Wimmer.”

Clan Law wasn't supposed to be this hard, Katherine was tempted to Grievance the interloping Shark woman but decided it would be just cause more trouble. “I would like an independent analysis of the Falcon's master codex by my specialists. Vladimir's testimony and our subsequent analysis of the satellites in orbit at the time both provide evidence that this hostile actor has a high level of sophistication with computer systems, and your security in these matters is lax in comparison to the Inner Sphere. In fact the attackers had a high tech Electronic Warfare suite that is far superior to anything ever fielding by a Clan.”

Both of the Clanners were offended at the suggestion that the Inner Sphere was in any way superior to the Clans but Katherine could only see Semi's reaction and savored the moment. From her own Watch and LIC assets she knew the Shark was cunning and distrustful of the Inner Sphere and fancied herself an exceptional spy-mistress but she was a rank amateur compared to Katherine's vast capability. Semi recovered quickly, “and you know this how Loremaster?”

“One of the salvage teams recovered parts of Corvis Battlemech is decent enough condition to examine. You know of the Watchdog CEWS?” A diagram of the Watchdog CEWS as well as a sample of the data output directly from Katherine's BattleROM filled the holotank.

“Aff, experimental tech from a Jaguar lab on Huntress. Unusual development for that Clan but they were allegedly developing it to deal with Combine insurgents.”

Kael spoke from the shadows, “I have heard much the same, it never made serial production before Huntress fell and the main scientists were trialed for by the Horses and Ravens. A lot of Jaguar scientists went missing in the aftermath of the Star League's invasion now that I think about it.”

“Yes well I have a Watchdog installed in my Shadow Cat. This Corvis' unit has similar technology to the Word of Blake's C3I units that attacked Tharkad several months ago in addition to the Clan tech EW components. My ONI specialists are still attempting to discern the full extent of it's capabilities”

Both of the Loremasters looked astonished at the revelation, “Are you suggesting that there is a conspiracy within the Clans that is allied with this rogue faction?”

Katherine's face was a mask and her stare intense in the half-light, “I cannot verify that without additional investigation. An investigation that would go faster if your Watches' cooperated.”

Semi Kalasa shifted forward, “I think you have it under control Wolf. Our cooperation is not without cost and your Spheroid's invasion of Jade Falcon territory have proven quite disruptive to our own operations over the past several months. Needless to say Khan Sennet is quite displeased with Vladimir and Marthe both.”

“I don't care about Barbara's concerns, I will honor the Diamond Shark's holdings on Twycross, far to much trouble to take it back. Kael and I are quite capable of handling this operation without your assistance.”

“Very well Loremaster. I shall take my leave then. I am returning to Twycross and will confer with the Khan en route, perhaps she will change her mind based on the latest evidence you have collected.” With that the Shark departed and the room was secured again with a slight background hiss of white noise.

“Your latest evidence is very concerning Katherine, my Watch will get to the bottom of this dishonorable behavior on our capital world. Watch yourself, I have lost a lot of operatives investigating strange happenings in our occupation zone though this clarifies some long held suspicions.”

“I am used to far more professional attempts on my life but I will not allow them a chance to strike again, my operatives will be on this investigation as well.”

Wrangler · « **Reply #97 on:** 03 August 2018, 08:55:38 »

In other words, "Someone Mess with my hubby, I will get medieval on you!"

AlphaMirage · « **Reply #98 on:** 06 August 2018, 22:17:24 »

05/05/3068 Location – Quixote Z Oppenheimer, above Vulture's Nest, Former Rim Worlds Republic

Three men were secured in freefall inside the industrial room, the steady hum of life on a Warship filled the room. The holoprojector's emitters glowed faintly, illuminating each of their faces with a sickly green glow. One of the men, heavy set with obvious Elemental ancestry and half of his face burned, spoke first his tone gravely. “Etienne, we know the Jaguar failed to kill the Alpha Wolf. Now his Bitch and Rustbucket will be out in force against us.”

Another man wearing a silvered environmental suit with a mirrored visor that reflected the corpulent man across from him. In a synthesized voice he said, “Indeed Gregory. Etienne, we need to move the mobile units and go dark again in order to evade their agents. Already they are moving against us and the Hell's Horses are not yet ready to prevail against our foes. It was foolish of you to use such obviously Horse mechs on Sudeten. Better to stick with our more subtle ways to eliminate threats.”

The large man was remarkably restrained in his composure, “Gentlemen, we cannot remain in the shadows forever. Eventually we will have to come into the light in order to seize control of the Clans once and for all. Our conspiracy is strong enough to prevail over our current threats however powerful their forces are they have a crucial weakness in that they are disjointed and work at alternate purposes.

Though we should move the mobile units considering that is their purpose, but not away, we are moving forward with the plan.

Captain Ivo, There are certain elements within the Spheroids that we can exploit. My agents have confirmed no less than four distinct personages that would be eager to aid us just as we have manipulated Malavai (Fletcher). The Priestess, Archer, Heir, and Bear will have access to our intelligence and technology in exchange for their assistance.

We can continue to be silent partners and our enemies will have to deal with the obvious threats allowing us ample time to maneuver to a better position as we have always done. The conspiracy will unfortunately have to take a more active stance in the future. We have had years of preparation for this moment and I intend to take full advantage of our opportunities.”

The suited man, Ivo, put his gloved hand to his chin, “You are telling me that we are going to manipulate the Spheroids as well? This is a high risk endeavor Scientist-General, one that I will need to think upon in order to make the best decision for the organization.”

The burned man responded before Etienne could, “If it were up to you his entire endeavor would never exist. I do however doubt the wisdom in giving the Spheroids access to our technologies and capabilities”

Etienne triggered the holo-projector to a series of schematics, “The Federated Commonwealth already manufactures it at a level we cannot match. Katherine and Vladimir's cooperation has already escalated this arms race. The Word of Blake is building up the tech base in the Free Worlds League and Trinity Alliance according to open source intelligence from The Priestess. The Diamond Sharks already sell to the Ghost Bears, Wolves in Exile, Nova Cats, and Draconis Combine for the right price. We are already behind the power curve, this is just survival. Speaking of such Gregory how goes the Hellstar program?”

A lumbering assault Battlemech's wire-frame appeared in the holoprojector behind which the burned man stood, “The program is proceeding as expected, it will win much Glory for the Hell's Horses and can nearly stand toe to toe with the Dire Wolf. Two ERPPCs and a pair of Large Pulses Lasers, enough heat sinks to cycle them. It will inspire fear in any foe.

We have amble second line forces currently in inventory and Commander Wimmer's trainers continue their work bringing new freeborn crews online.”

“Ivo. How goes the Protomech armament program?”

“The Hobgoblin and Sprite programs are coming along well. The Pillar of Chrome (Carrack) is making twelve new units each week between each as well as plenty of smalls arms and iATM missiles. Our agents on Csesztreng are ensuring that Centaurs, Gorgons, and Minotaurs unwittingly continue to fill our ranks. Our only deficit is in the number of pilots we can train as refinements in the EI implantation have removed that particular bottleneck.”

“Perfect. Everything according to plan. Until we meet again.”

“Aff Scientist-General. Until next time.”

Two holograms dissipated into the air leaving only Etienne behind in the Destroyer. He triggered the display screen which folded out from the ceiling and revealed the cage-works currently orbiting Vulture's Nest, it was refitting an ancient Pinto corvette (Z Winterberg) that the Blinding Eye recovered from a Rim World's Republic Naval Boneyard in the Deep Periphery.

05/07/3068 Location – Excalibur FCDS Vikenroy, Alyina, Somerset March

General Archer Christifori was sitting alone on the Vikenroy's Command Deck watching the sun dip below the horizon of Alyina. The world he fought so hard to reclaim from the Jade Falcons. Their saKhan had been forced to take his offer of Hegira and return to Sudeten where the Wolves were waging what would likely be the final battle of this long slog of a campaign.

He opened the locket with his sister's picture in it to remind him of why he continued to fight. What would she think of him now? A sad, broken man with only his desire for vengeance to drive him, a Revenant in charge of other Revenants, but it was all that he had left. If he walked away he wasn't certain he could live with himself even if Katya wanted him to stop.

A message forwarded from the HPG appeared on his personal console containing an intelligence brief on the Jade Falcons and Wolves' deployments. The anonymous sender had addressed it directly to him but provided a reply address and prompt. “It has to be Heimdall.”

He typed out a reply and sent it back to the now COMSTAR administered HPG.

“We should talk. Name your time and place.”

AlphaMirage · « **Reply #99 on:** 07 August 2018, 11:38:29 »

04/17/3068 Location – Taurus Warworks, Taurus, Taurian Concordat

The badlands around the WarWorks factory were filled with activity, two rail spurs connected it with the rest of the Taurian capital world as well as the Industrial Starport 30 kilometers away. Multiple interlocking lines of fixed weapons, bunkers, and battlements surrounded it in all directions. It was a fortress protected by the most sophisticated defense network in the entire Concordat. All to protect the brand new facility at its heart and with it a competitive edge that would bring the TDF into the 31st century.

A train pulled up to the station where a group of gray clad figures waited, the broadsword emblem of the Word of Blake Militia visible on their shoulder along with “XXII” underneath the Mauser 1200 rifles they carried. Standing beside them were Taurian Infantry from vaulted II Corps of the TDF in their burgundy battledress uniforms, their black Pinard Pulse Laser rifles slung in front of them. A white clad but darker skinned woman stood in front wearing a half-cape with a Precentor’s gold medallion hanging from her neck.

An elderly man still full of vigor walked off the train, his gray hair still full and steely blue eyes sharp. The man was followed by a group of TDF officers and government ministers. He shook the Precentor’s hand, “Precentor Mauve, this is an impressive facility. I very much enjoyed the flyover and cannot wait to see inside now that it is operating normally.”

Anjelica Mauve bowed ever so slightly, “You will not be disappointed Protector Shraplen. Your realm factors very heavily in the Word of Blake’s future. We appreciate all the support you have given us during the Aurigan Troubles in light of your continued difficulties. We will not turn aside such a powerful ally for the great struggle that soon awaits us.”

Protector Shraplen walked tall followed by his escort of WOBM and TDF soldiers down the newly paved footpath from the station, “The battle to reclaim the honor of the Concordat against the Federated Commonwealth. No longer will we be forced to scrape by, always living in fear of New Avalon and their covetous Princes.”

Anjelica followed perfectly matching the larger man’s stride with her own, “It is destined to be a battle for the Eons. Our allies are numerous and the enemy’s ambitions grow ever more with each passing year but the Will of Blake will prevail as it has for centuries.

The raids that have harried your border worlds will be stopped once and for all; and the Pleiadesians will once again be reunited with their Taurian brothers for the first time in centuries. It will be grand and you will go down in history as the man who finally defeated the Davions. We will of course have to act swiftly to accomplish this. Already ROM tells us they have built up forces in anticipation. Which means they are afraid.”

“They should be Precentor. The TDF will crush the Grand Duchess’s forces and she will have to call upon her cousin while Sun-Tzu attacks his March. They will melt before our onslaught.”

“Indeed you have studied the plan we have crafted quite thoroughly Grover. A testament to your leadership ability. The Primus was right in trusting you to take point in this operation.”

“What of Baron Kithrong and the boy? They have proven a needless distraction during this important time.”

The Precentor stopped a moment and everyone else followed, “Don’t worry about the Magestrix’s puppet Protector. The Twenty-Second will ensure that his treasonous succession will be as short lived as he. The Will of Blake will be done.” The Militia repeated the last sentence in a low hum.

The group continued up to the factory itself entering into a Spartan receiving area and utilizing a smooth industrial cargo elevator to get above the assembly room floor where workers were assembling Battlemechs piece by piece. There were two distinct types on the floor right now, a smaller unit with a breastplate containing seven missile tubes and an arm carrying a PPC. The other was a larger unit, more humanoid in appearance with a very similar layout.

Grover Shraplen and ministers looked in awe as the machines moved across the various assembly points in perfect harmony, “How did your order recover the original plans to the Toro Precentor?”

“I cannot give away any relevant details but the Order has a long history of acquiring technology that dates to before the Reunification War. We likely found it in an old databank in our Archives, I hope you find the modifications we made satisfactory.

We made some changes based on the latest Panther models built by Luthien Armor Works as well as advances the order has made in the previous centuries. It lost some missile tubes along the way but the new MML seven with Artemis four system is quite versatile. I believe the TDF will be perfectly happy with its capabilities. There are two models, one carries a PPC capacitor while the other has an Artemis module.”

Grover looked towards her and nodded, “Very generous of you to share these cutting edge technologies with us Precentor and to help us establish a new factory capable of supplying the TDF with the capabilities to combat the AFFC.”

Anjelica bowed ever so gracefully again, “Think nothing of it. Your industries have long languished under COMSTAR’s callous reign even though your realm was on the edge of destruction. The Word of Blake is far more generous a benefactor.

You have given us the rights to every HPG in the territories allowing us to spread the Message, and generously aided the Aurigan Coalition. The Coalition is rapidly becoming something of a Blakist Protectorate and we are good neighbors to have. We are honored that you have granted us everything we desire.”

Grove Shraplen looked at the larger of two Battlemechs being built and pointed it out, “Tell me of this new design that the Order designed with the support of Vandenberg?”

Anjelica produced a small holo-display from her robes, a grainy wireframe picture of a Battlemech filled the display. “I had hoped the full test results would meet you while you were in transit but I will provide you with the highpoints of what we call the Brahma.

The order has developed a PPC that hits as hard as the Clan Tech version but is much simpler to manufacture. It is slightly heavier but the capabilities are worth the extra weight and expense, that weapon is located in the right arm. We are currently importing them from Gibson but the tooling is currently being set up to manufacture it and the MML Seven as well as Artemis modules and PPC capacitors on Sterope. That will of course allow you complete self-sufficiency to defend yourselves.

Much like the Toro it comes with an MML seven with Artemis four though the Brahma has more ammunition than the lighter mech. That firing module can be switched out with a capacitor for the PPC that allows it to hit with the strength of a Kali Yama Big Bore, at half a kilometer, every twenty seconds.

This design incorporates the latest advances in the Combine’s Grand Dragon as well, but unlike that Battlemech this one also has the capability to jump ninety meters. It is the most high tech weapon system manufactured by any Periphery state and it is but a small taste of what the Word of Blake can continue to offer the Concordat as a partner.”

Protector Shraplen extended his hand to woman again as he watched the sparks fly from the fabrication area of the WarWorks factory, “I look forward to our continued partnership Precentor.”

She took his hand with both of hers, one of which was an obvious white polymer prosthetic but moved as smooth as any organic hand. “As do I Protector. I look forward to our impending victory and will toast your success on New Avalon.”

AlphaMirage · « **Reply #100 on:** 08 August 2018, 09:48:23 »

07/11/3068 Location – CJW Turkina’s Pride, Somewhere in the Dark Nebula

Khan Marthe Pryde and Khan Vladimir Ward stood next to one another on the command deck of the Dire Wolf. The Falcon Khan’s Jade Wolf emblem a bright jade green against the fitted black jumpsuit she wore. The Trial of Absorption was hard fought but Vladimir Ward’s Golden Keshik defeated her Turkina Keshik on Sudeten but they were allowed to split out again as Jade Wolf. Their rivalries set aside at least briefly to accomplish the real goal of REVIVAL, taking Terra.

Khan Ward closely monitored the sensor readout but only static from the dust cloud the Pride was currently traveling through was on the scopes.

He was still reliving the campaign all the way to Sudeten and his thirst for vengeance against the Falcons was sated. Now it was time to focus on bigger things, rebuilding so the Clans could take Terra from the Word of Blake. The Jade Wolves’ losses were steep but now that they were no longer fighting his Wolves or most of the Lyrans anymore (or shouldn’t be) their Merchants were already replacing losses from the reserve Mechs put aside by their former enemies. “So where in this mess is the Falcon’s Fleet Marthe? Less than a third of the vessels known were present during this campaign.”

“Patience Vladimir. You have to wait until we clear this gas cloud for your answer.”

Vladimir waited until they finished the transit, then the sensor readouts cleared on a rotating planetoid. A man’s voice came in on the line, “This is Star Commodore Jarrod Littleton aboard the CJF Frost Falcon. Confirm your beacon change Turkina’s Pride. There is no Clan Jade Wolf.”

Marthe confirmed the beacon change to the disappointed Star Commodore who regrettably changed his beacon ID as well. The remaining Falcon Warships (not those disabled by the BLACK MAGIC virus and recovered by Commonwealth forces or currently guarding the Falcon’s Roost Cage-works) were gathered around a rocky planetoid just barely big enough to be made spherical by gravity except five (The Talons). Only one of which was active if barely, the Aegis Frost Falcon. Each vessel had vicious battle scars running the length and breadth of their hulls the result of some massive orbital battle. They were months, maybe years away from being battle ready again. Vladimir Ward looked at the horrific damage from the visual sensors, “What happened?”

Marthe turned around and queued up the accelerated BattleROM from the Naval Battle of Xian in the Marshall System, a Battle Line of Jade Falcon and Snow Raven Warships fired toward the gargantuan battleship and its escort group. They responded with their blistering broadsides annihilated multiple Warship with each volley on both sides. Finally the Battleship was brought down ultimately fated to fall into the Saturn sized Gas Giant along with a vast cloud of debris, its escorts and the survivors of the defending force were savaged during the battle and just barely managed to break orbit and limp away.

“The Snakes happened Vladimir. The Steel Vipers had a massive Battleship built in secret and they along with the Cobras and Adders attacked the Sharks, Falcons, and Ravens to take our Homeworld enclaves.

We managed to get out of the Homeworlds leaving them little but all of our home world enclaves fell as did those of the Sharks and Ravens. The Sharks have taken up residence in the Chainlaines as you know but I do not know what happened to the Ravens. We only received a few more messages from Lum before they stopped transmitting.

We are all abjured now according to ilKhan Brett Andrew’s parting message and any remaining Abtakha from our Clans in the Homeworlds are in line for a Reaving because they are ‘Tainted’. Not that that means much here in the Inner Sphere. So far from Strana Mechdy, we are strong enough to resist a renewed assault by our wayward brethren. The ilKhan can come and fight us if he so desires. In fact I hope he does.”

“That man is insane.”

Marthe hit a button which returned the monitor to its original Jade Wolf background, “Indeed Khan Ward. The Wolves and Hell’s Horses managed to get out just in time. Most of the Falcons too were already along the Exodus Road to Sudeten by the time he made his move.

It will get very ugly back home for a while. I would love to take part in the epic battles but I have plenty of those to fight here as well.

By the time they sort themselves out we shall have taken Terra.

Then we can take Strana Mechty back”

“Kerensky’s Vision was for us to take Terra and leave the Homeworlds behind. It seems they have left us behind and call us the tainted ones for following the words of The Great Father. We do not need to return. We will have no need to ever return. Now we are spurred forward with no path but the one before us Khan Pryde.”

Each Khan said in unison, “Seyla”

AlphaMirage · « **Reply #101 on:** 09 August 2018, 19:12:56 »

Future Events in 3068
05/15 Star Colonel Diana Pryde's Falcon Guards and Loremaster Kael Pershaw begin investigating the unknown forces with the assistance of LIC TASK FORCE:OBSIDIAN and ONI's Void 16.

05/28 The Nova Cats rescue General Photon Brett-Marik's Star League Expeditionary Force and provide them sufficient transport for their depleted numbers aboard Nova Cat Merchant Vessels the Civil War and Ghost Bear Campaign slow their transit however.

06/01 Hell's Horses Khan Malavai Fletcher spearheads Trials of Possession for planets in the Coreward portion of the Ghost Bear Dominion (Susquehanna, Holmsbu, Pinnacle, Damian, Santander V, and Porthos).

06/03 Wolf saKhan Marielle Raddick launches Trials for Last Frontier, Radlje, Vipaava, Pomme de Terre, Predlitz however the Ghost Bears were ready (informed by the Blinding Eye) for the attacks repulsing their rivals and countering with Trials aimed at reclaiming former Free Rasalhague Republic worlds currently occupied by Wolves and Horses.

06/08 Blinding Eye units using Horse colors begin to engage their Wolf “allies” in a coordinated assault against units isolated and beaten down by the Bear's counterattacks. Wolf SaKhan Marielle Raddick reduces the tempo against the Bears and attacks 'dezgra' Hell's Horse units with abandon much to their confusion.

06/16 Black Dragon Forces centered around Tai-Sa Yamai Shigami's Ryuken-Yon, (bolstered by 3 Benjamin Regular Regiments and the 7th Amphigean Light Assault Group) attack the Ghost Bear Dominion taking unexpected advantage of the confusion.

06/18 Hohiro and Theodore Kurita are put in the “protective custody” of the Word of Blake's Opacus Venatori. The Nova Cats unaware of Hohiro's disappearance nor Theodore's condition, assume he has gone to ground to escape the Black Dragons. Nova Cat Loremaster Minoru Nova Cat begins searching for his missing family. The Combine is currently without a Coordinator as Regional Warlords assert their dominance.

06/22 Margrave Adam Steiner surrenders the mantle of General of the Armies to Reinhardt Steiner, marries Colonel Rachel Specter who also retires, and puts himself to the task of administering the reincorporation of the Falcon's OZ into the Commonwealth from his home planet. The 14th Donegal Guards formally become the 1st Somerset Strikers and their number and colors are retired from the Guards Corps with honors.

06/28 The Mjolrnir FCWS Valhalla is cracked open around Tharkad's moon Marsden by the Clan Newgrange Yardship WIS Den Mother in order to repair the damaged KF drive. The Tharkad FCWS Invincible is once more operational this time in the hands of the Federation Fleet.

07/07 Black Dragon subverted DCMS units increase the number of raids on Federated Commonwealth border worlds provoking raids in kind that force Loyalist units to respond to Commonwealth counterattacks.

07/11 Jade (Marik) is born to Isis Marik on Crofton. Kitsune now has a little sister.

07/20 Franklin Sakamoto is rescued from the Black Dragons by loyal Yakuza. Luthien is still in lock down so he cannot leave but joins with the guerrillas to resist the Black Dragons. (story to follow)

08/01 Portions of TASK FORCE:AVENGER launch a coup attempt against Katherine on Weingarten under the command of Archer Christifori (story to follow).

08/03 Protector Grover Shraplen's Junta and the WOB's 22nd Division assault the Calderon Protectorate but fail to oust Baron Cham Kithrong and his ward Erik Martens-Calderon. Nevertheless the Protectorate is isolated, relying heavily on Mercenaries and outside assistance from the Magistracy of Canopus to survive the assault.

The initial field tests of the Brahma and redesigned Toro go extremely well and a new factory on Jamestown is approved to be built by the Concordat with assistance from the Word of Blake.

08/09 Shou (Sakamoto) is born on Oshika in the Draconis Combine to Mara Selencia. The boy is to be raised in a monastery until he is old enough to be useful to the Black Dragons.

08/14 The Zodiac Cruiser FCWS Ophiuchus is launched from Challenge Systems' Traussin Yard, it reports to it's duty station around Panpour and the newly christened 15th Outback Legion Panpour “Phalanx” is based inside.

08/29 The Vincent Mk 45 corvette TCS Vandenberg launches from the Concordat Cageworks orbiting Regis' Roost restored by the Word of Blake. It joins the Quixote TCS Vendetta in the Taurian Fleet and reports to it's station around Taurus.

09/01 The Battle of Weingarten ends with the Wolf's Tau and Zeta Galaxies mauled by the 10th and 3rd Lyran Guards.

09/08 General Brett-Marik's Star League Expeditionary Force returns to the Free Worlds League.

09/17 Kael Pershaw and the Falcon Guards uncover enough leads to launch an assault on Etienne's Sanctuary. The assault is costly and time consuming but eventually the Falcons and LIC forces kill the Scientist-General and uncover evidence of his activities. (story to follow)

10/11 The Ghost Bear Dominion recaptures the Free Rasalhague Republic worlds despite the Wolves and Horse's best efforts. Both of the formerly allied Clans continue to skirmish among one another each exchange becoming more vicious despite Khan Ward, Khan Pryde, and Loremaster Katherine's best efforts.

10/17 Khan Malavai Fletcher is killed in a duel by his saKhan James Cobb. The Horse's Bloodnamed make him the new Khan of the Hell's Horses and he manages to negotiate a cessation of hostilities between the Clans as the Falcon Guards uncover files detailing the Blinding Eye's trickery. The subverted units are purged from the Horse's touman which greatly weakens them but Khan Cobb restores the honor of his Clan in the process.

11/11 HPGs throughout the Inner Sphere begin to malfunction affected by some kind of unknown sabotage (story to follow)

11/17 Hellions begin heavy raids against Outback Worlds in the Woodbine, Anjin Muerto, and Kilbourne PDZs. Outback Legions and Marshals fight valiantly but are out-matched by their superior Clan technology. (story to follow)

11/25 An alleged TMI operative attempts to assassinate Grand Duchess Yvonne Steiner-Davion, the 1st Outback Legion's CO Richard Bole takes the bullet instead before her Federation Marshal bodyguards gun the man down. (story to follow)

11/27 The TDF assault the Federated Suns' Taygeta, Firgrove, and Islamabad PDZs, CCAF Forces and WOB Shadow Divisions and Militia assault Capellan and Terran March worlds. (story to follow)

FWLM forces, WOBM, and the Circinus Federation's Black Warriors launch attacks against the Bolan and Alarion Theaters of the Lyran Commonwealth.

The AFFC holds the line and begins to launch attacks of their own against the Free Worlds League, calling in the forces still in transit from Jade Falcon space for assistance.

12/07 MHAF Forces attack the Magistracy of Canopus, Niops Association, and Free Worlds League.

12/12 The WOBS Blake's Sword is released from “The Ruins of Gabriel” shipyard, meaner then ever after a year of refits and repairs.

12/18 The Outback Legions are on full alert moving to repulse the TDF and Hellions' forces attacking the Periphery March. The AFFC and TRG are engaged on multiple fronts against CCAF, TDF, FWLM, DCMS, and WOBM and with the HPG system down neither attackers nor defenders are coordinated. (story to follow)

mikecj · « **Reply #102 on:** 11 August 2018, 02:14:18 »

Wow- that's a heck of a lot of interesting stories coming

AlphaMirage · « **Reply #103 on:** 23 August 2018, 08:12:45 »

08/01/3068 12:47 Location – Sonnebrunnen, Weingarten, Wolf Empire

The coastal resort town of Sonnebrunnen was vibrant today bright sunshine, warm temperatures, and no clouds brought out the best in the residents and their visitors, the Wolf Clan’s Tau and Zeta galaxies, housed along the Blau Kuste’s alabaster beaches and clear sapphire blue ocean water.

Katherine was reclining on a chair eyes closed under the shade of a broad hat her tanned skin only covered by an untied bikini. Her hair had reverted back to its normal state of curly gold from the ash blonde of New Year. Alaric and Seigfried were playing with Morgan and others, enjoying a brief vacation with their mother. Katherine was content to listen and pretend to be just another woman on the beach only responsible for her children rather than the Archon-Princess and Wolf Loremaster, tasked with the welfare of a widespread empire.

Lifting her head to take another drink from the chilled Sangria next to her she looked on at her children and watched them just be kids wishing their father was here to experience this with her.

She felt bad for him, for all of the Trueborn Clan Warriors, put through a system where all they would knew was war. Boarding school was unpleasant for her but it was nothing like the Homeworld’s sibkos with death always a possibility. The training in the Inner Sphere was significantly less extreme but she was still haunted by her time in the freeborn sibko on Tamar. Even though she should have returned to the Wolf Empire’s capital while the Khan and saKhan were both deployed she hated the planet and avoided it unless Vlad was on it, then it was at least tolerable.

For ten years now Katherine had tried to deprogram her husband for his own good but it was grueling work. He at times resented it as it cut him deep to his foundational beliefs the two of them had multiple fights about it but they always returned to one another in the end. Time away from the Homeworlds had mellowed out most of the Clan Warriors but they were still fierce and impatient to continue what they interpreted as Kerensky’s vision, for Vlad that was taking Terra for the Clans.

A distinct whine woke her from daydreaming, an Anhur transport coming in over the bluff. The four ducted turbofans rotated vertical for the vehicle to come in for a soft landing sixty meters behind the beachgoers. The white sand formed a momentary sandstorm until the pilot powered the fans down to their neutral speed. All of the Wolves were up and running towards the transport to hear why they were ruining their R&R.

Katherine retied her bikini and stood in the fore as the side door opened to another collection of Wolves. The Wolf Logistics Crew Chief stepped out, his gray and red uniform distinctly mismatched amongst his cargo’s beach attire. “They said you would be here.”

“What is it Chief?”
“Weingarten is under attack Loremaster.”

The crowd looked at one another with varying degrees of confusion. This planet was well behind the lines and the Hell’s Horse and Ghost Bears were contained and known enemies that would have been engaged above.

“By whom?”
“Lyran Guards. The garrison is keeping them contained for now but they need help.”

Katherine was shocked into silence for a moment at that, “Which Lyran Guards?”
“Elements from the Third and Tenth dropped in twenty minutes ago. We need to go Loremaster, you can be briefed mid-flight.”

She looked back at her kids, Morgan looked concerned while the boys were confident. “What about the others?”
“Trucks will be here shortly to pick up the civilians.”

Katherine’s shoulders slumped, another vacation ruined by traitors, “Fine, give me a minute”
The Crew Chief nodded and shouted out to the rest of the crowd who lined up and boarded the VTOL hanging on to the straps in the middle after the seats were occupied. Katherine walked over to her children. Morgan started and hugged her, “Mommy what is going on? Are we in danger?”
“Everything will be fine Morgan, I have to go and stop some bad people.”
“Please be safe.”
“I don’t want you to worry just do what Lisa asks you to do. Mommy will be fine.”

The boys raised in the Wolf Empire were far less concerned but still welcomed hugs from their GeneMother, “Go and show them why you are a Wolf Mom.”
“Take care of your sister boys. I will be back soon.”
Katherine heard the boys talking behind her as she walked away, “Sieg I cannot wait till I have a mech of my own. I am going to be the best.”
“Not if I beat you bro.”
“You can’t even beat me at kickball.” And smiled

Ghilly Ridge, 72 kilometers West of Neuberlin, three hours later

The battlefield was badlands consisting of many broken hills interspersed with woodlands that had been recently burned in a wildfire at the beginning of summer. Deep ridges cut through the plateau, the result of an ancient river that had once run through the terrain.

Remnants of the Weingarten Garrison Cluster withdrew into the ranks of the Wolf Clan’s depleted but very irritated Tau and Zeta Galaxies. At the fore was Archon-Princess/Loremaster Katherine in her Barghest along with her White Keshik. Before them was several combined-arms battalions in SLDF olive drab marked with a distinctive red “A2” visible on their cowlings. A Penetrator jumped into the lead and faced down the gathering Wolf pack. It shifted, aiming particularly at her.

“Is that you Katherine?”

Katherine shifted in her cockpit the voice was familiar but it still took her a moment to place it. She remembered it from her brother’s funeral and hadn’t heard it again until now. Suddenly everything snapped into place. “General Christifori?”

“So you do remember me. Then you know why I’m here.”
“I had assumed it is to kill me regardless of who it was in command.”
“Yes but why?”
“Because you are a covetous fool and want the Throne to go to someone you prefer.”
“You are a traitor to the Federated Commonwealth and a disgrace to its thrones. Your actions resulted in the death of my only remaining family and so many others. Thus I intend to bring you the judgement you so deserve."
“I think you will find that this Wolf will not roll over quite so easily General."
"I'm was hoping you would say that."

Wrangler · « **Reply #104 on:** 23 August 2018, 09:47:44 »

This going to be messy, General Christifori is no fool. At least not during the canon universe.

I don't think he will win, but it will be interesting fight.

This Katherine is very different from Katrina Steiner-Davion from canon universe for sure. ;D

mikecj · « **Reply #105 on:** 24 August 2018, 06:29:44 »

3rd and 10th... I expected the 10th but not the 3rd.

AlphaMirage · « **Reply #106 on:** 24 August 2018, 10:36:40 »

Quote from: mikecj on 24 August 2018, 06:29:44

3rd and 10th... I expected the 10th but not the 3rd.

They were deployed together when fighting the Jade Falcons so Archer "compromised" some of the 3rd's personnel as well. Large portions of the Tenth returned to Tharkad with Reinhardt as well.

Speaking of which
-------------------

08/05/3068 14:18 Location – Royal Palace, Tharkad, Federated Commonwealth

General of the Armies Reinhardt Steiner sat amongst a group of Senior Ministers and High Command of the LCAF. With Katherine currently off-world he was the highest authority in the Lyran portion of the Federated Commonwealth thus he had to deal with everyone’s problems, and there were a lot of problems this month. After being elevated to General of the Armies and arriving in Tharkad a month ago he had been overwhelmed with the workload but was developing systems to get it done.

“Obersh Vikil, what of the Arc-Royal situation?”

The Colonel, a senior Mercenary Liaison had been tasked with dealing with the rebellious Kell Hounds and their Exiled Wolves. It was a thankless assignment and it had worn on him for nearly two years while he tried to bring the storied Mercenary unit and their ‘Defense Cordon’ back into the Commonwealth.

“Same as before unfortunately, most of the Defense Cordon has been returned to the Commonwealth’s authority with the vanquishing of the Jade Falcons.”

The Colonel looked toward Reinhardt, the victor of the Battle of Alyina that saw the Jade Falcon’s saKhan accept Hegira in order to save her forces. “There are some holdouts however that still remain loyal to Grand Duke Kell and will not accept the sovereignty of the Archon-Princess. I will continue my mission to convince them but it will be difficult.”

“Well we unfortunately can’t please everyone Colonel, keep up the good work the last thing the Federated Commonwealth needs is another round of civil war.”
“Agreed sir, I pray we can remain non-confrontational. The Estates General has decided to send another emissary to Arc-Royal to convince Morgan to return.”
“He’s a stubborn old hound. I don’t think Phelen or he will be convinced but perhaps this emissary can find some common ground. Have you heard anything from Outreach yet?”

“I have unfortunately. The Third Republican (Guard) and Third Fleet sent an expedition there three weeks ago. Harlech and the Recharge Stations suffered serious damage. Honestly the report says it looks like there was a free for all with NBC weapons sometime earlier in the year. They are awaiting special equipment from Tikonov before investigating further but there is no sign of the Dragoons nor their Warships intact or otherwise.”

“Word of Blake?”
“Unknown sir. We know what happened to civilian traffic in the system too and it isn’t pretty. Something was waiting in ambush until recently, the latest wreck was two weeks old when the expedition arrived.”
“I don’t like unknowns. When did this report come out?”
“A week ago, the TRG and Third Fleet have been busy dealing with terrorists as well as DCMS and CCAF raids and naval incursions. They were unable to spare a warship to investigate until the Zodiac Cancer could be moved into position from the Capellan March. Tikonov remains at DEFCON Three ARCLIGHT Ready.”
“Well that’s why they have a Senior General. Alright Gentlemen we are going down the line. This revelation is shocking but so were the attacks on the Capitals, I want the Commonwealth secured against further aggression. We have eliminated one enemy but others gather outside the gates.”

The Thirteen High Command Staff and Seven Intelligence Directorate Chiefs worked their way down the line, the FWLN is gathering at the border to the Bolan and Alarion provinces, the DCMS is engaging in rapid fire strikes across the Freedom Theater and into the Isle of Skye. Circinus pirate raids were increasing and going deeper aimed at more strategic targets well beyond where they normally struck. Terrorist activity and sabotage increased in the Donegal and Coventry provinces, the perpetrators of which were unknown but who were armed with very delicate intelligence.

Reinhardt was overwhelmed with the sheer magnitude of the problems that were affecting just his area of responsibility and wanted Katherine to get back as quickly as possible. Being the Archon was far more difficult than he had anticipated and he didn’t even have the title. The meeting resolved and everyone was dismissed to carry out their duties elsewhere.

General Steiner walked back to his suite but heard the sound of three sets of boots behind him even through the plush carpet that lined the marble hallways. He turned around and was face to face with a trio of Katherine’s Alptraum commandos identified by their distinctively styled black uniforms and triple moon unit insignia. He had heard about them but not seen them yet. The group had acquired a boogeyman like reputation and multiple names (Alpteaum itself being merely a nickname with Hexenjager being slightly less popular) in his immediate circle of acquaintances. They must have used some of the hidden passages that were rumored to weave throughout the palace.

The Leader stopped and his subordinates followed suit, each was armed while Reinhardt was not. “General, come with us.”
“Can I help you?”
“I didn’t say please General but if it speeds this up, I will ask again politely. We need you to please come with us.”
“Why?”
“You have many questions and so do we. I will not ask again.”

Reinhardt listened while the men remained dead calm awaiting his response. The two in the back calmly closing their leather gloved hands around their sidearms. There was no one around that could help him get out of this. “Very well. I can answer your questions.”

The two in the back removed their hands from the pistols, “Thank you General. I hope you can do so to our satisfaction for our sake,” the Leader went up and pressed his gloved hand against Reinhardt’s back removing a concealed pistol in the process, “and yours.”

Wrangler · « **Reply #107 on:** 24 August 2018, 10:53:46 »

Reinhardt sounds like he may have interesting moment soon.

AlphaMirage · « **Reply #108 on:** 24 August 2018, 12:32:23 »

07/20/3068 04:17 Location – O5P Black Site, Nagoya Island, Luthien

Franklin Sakamoto sleep in crouch within a suspended tiger cage located in bamboo patch with only minimal clothing to protect him from Luthien's spring rains and the chill. He could smell the smoke from the concentration camp downhill but it was not the worse situation he could imagine himself in. There were others that were in far worse circumstances at the bottom of the hill. His captors at least fed and watered him regularly. The last seven months of captivity had stripped him of his once proud physique and nearly fifteen kilos but not his spirit. He couldn’t betray his nephew’s secret because he literally didn’t know where he was but prayed that he remained safe.

A disturbance caught his attention, he couldn't see anything but something was off. He heard a scream from below and watched the path that his captor's took to access his hillside. Someone was coming quickly and as he cleared the final curve collapsed falling forward into the brush, his rifle lost to the brush. Two masked and armed men walked cautiously through the bush, another man took up position at the path. Eventually their tattoos and darker skin became visible and Franklin relaxed, the pair shined a low powered red light, “Tai-Sa Sakamoto?”

“Hai”

“Two hundred first Pesht Recon. Tai-I Jorimo, we didn't know you were here but bless the fortunes you are mostly unharmed. I know you can't stand back but close your eyes a moment.”

The Tai-I produced a set of bolt cutters and snipped the chain that held his cage closed with a bit of effort. The lock fell softly into the leaf litter and the other man helped Franklin to the jungle floor. The feeling of solid ground was refreshing although it took him a moment to recover his equilibrium on the uneven jungle floor after being in a crouch for several weeks. He rubbed his legs accepting the arm of one of his rescuers for balance and eventually the other DCMS soldiers arrived and fanned out to recover the rest of the living POWs and collect the dead.

Franklin was physically weak but his spirit was unbowed as the POWs were gathered and put on old military wheeled transports. The old 8x8 truck looked seemed to date to the 3000s but its engine was still working and even though there was an abundance of rust it was the best looking vehicle he had ever seen. A squad of troopers took up positions near the rear ramp of the unarmored vehicle to provide protection for the prisoners.

The old biodiesel belched black smoke as the driver put it into gear and headed down the rutted road from the jungle mountain where he had spent the last three months. The convoy escorted by a company of battered Battlemechs survivors of the initial surprise attack by the Black Dragons. A strike force of hostiles appeared from the hills nearby attempting to stop the evacuation and the loyalists stopped, changing direction to intercept.

Franklin knew roughly where he was by looking at the stars and thus what was nearby. He was relieved that they were heading for the small Seiyo Sea port town of Hiyo-Fujimori rather than the city of Nishio. When the battle was engaged he looked up and saw a squad of Inseki fighters drop their bombs on the enemy. The reverberation could be felt in the truck and the hostiles broke contact leaving the engagement zone. Throughout the truck the men and women cheered for their allies and the rest of the ride was uneventful, the prisoners covered on the ground by Battlemechs and in the air by fighters.

The small port town of Hiyo-Fujimori was buzzing with activity, the town had been mostly abandoned when the fishery was depleted but the port facilities remaining. Everyone was cross-checked by DCMS troops from the Hanko (Rebellion) to ensure there were no plants. Franklin came face to face with an old friend, Shin Yodama of the Izanagi Warriors. The Yakuza embraced Franklin with his tattooed sleeves, “Thank the fortunes you are alive Sakamoto-san. I was concerned when you didn’t appear during the initial ambush that they might have already gotten you.”

“What happened to Griffon and the others?”
“Many of them are dead. It took three Black Dragons at the same time to bring down Meshune-san's Hatamoto-Chi however. He died honorably and allowed more of us to escape to carry on the fight.

The Izanagi Warriors and others took heavy casualties but we managed to escape the city and continue to resist the Black Dragons on world. We cannot get an HPG off-planet and have received no word on the condition of your father and brothers.”

“So we are isolated and surrounded by enemies Yodama-San”
“Hai, Sakamoto-san. Engaged in a battle for The Heart and Soul of the Dragon against the forces of Darkness. Oddly romantic. What an age to live in.”
“So how are we getting off this island?”
“Just follow me.”

Shin Yodama and the rest of the loyalists escorted the prisoners to the docks, two large barges were tid up to the docks awaiting the Battlemechs and four Baleena submarines were anchored just offshore with four rubber tender craft on the beach. Each of the small boats carried eight passengers into the submersibles before returning to pick up another batch. Franklin watched the evacuation with interest, “You captured the Miyomoto (Kurita)?”

“Hai, I will have to show you the tapes. Perhaps the biggest theft in all of the Yakuza's proud history. Not just anyone can steal a Lysander right off the docks of Tokoname under the Black Dragon's watchful eyes. I will attempt to be humble about it however, everything I do is to better serve the Dragon.”

Franklin looked back at the man in surprise, “I should very much like to see the tapes but first I would like to get back into the fight.”

“It pleases me greatly to see that even though your body is in no condition to fight your spirit is still strong Sakamoto-san. I look forward to fighting alongside you.”

Tai-Sa Franklin Sakamoto watched the morning sun work over the ocean as he departed aboard the last tender boat heading to the Lysander submersible carrier. Inside which was the Heart of the White Dragons and meditated in the midst of the submarines constant buzz of activity. They could win, if his father's legacy was to be honored they would need to but the odds were long but the Kurita spirit within him was strong.

mikecj · « **Reply #109 on:** 25 August 2018, 02:45:22 »

Revenge shall be had!

AlphaMirage · « **Reply #110 on:** 27 August 2018, 09:48:34 »

08/11/3068 18:41 Location –Southern Sector, McCullen Military Reservation, Weingarten, Wolf Empire

Katherine Wolf was peering through binoculars past a blind positioned on a limestone ridgeline looking over McCullen Military Reservation. A heavy summer rainstorm had greeted the Wolves upon their arrival yesterday concealing them from aerial surveillance. Streams of rain flowed across the rocky highlands and into the Black Diamond River below threatening to overflow its banks. The rain had made this area treacherous as did the vast forest that climbed the mountains and filled the valley.

She was actually hoping for the river to flood and slow the Lyran Guards down. Most of their lightning companies had already been dealt with leaving only the plodding Steiner assaults against her swifter Wolves. The Wolves had been pushed out of Neuberlin and the settled areas of Weingarten by General Archer Christifori’s implacable Lyran Guards.

This area was the Wolves fall back location, an area predominately used as a training ground and thus well known to the local Garrison Cluster. The past four days had been a constant fighting withdraw from Neuberlin which had suffered for a week under a brutal artillery bombardment.

Katherine put the binoculars down and pulled her hand through a tangled mop of blonde hair, “How did Victor do this for months on end? Even Tamar wasn’t this bad.
At least I could take a shower” She took a sip from her canteen before the field telephone beeped. “Come back in Loremaster. We have sensor contacts. Fifteen klicks to the Northwest.”

“Aff Star Captain, coming in now” She got up putting the binoculars into their pouch and capping her canteen before walking back under the concealed trail. Katherine cleared the small wood and earth barricade behind which a group of garrison troopers were manning machine guns. Their uniforms perfectly engineered for this kind of terrain unlike the gray jumpsuit that Katherine wore over her Mechwarrior outfit to keep the chill at bay which had been borrowed from a Technician and was ill-fitting so unlike almost all of her other clothes.

Working her way back slightly she entered the small bunker cut into the rock one of the many fieldworks built over the centuries of occupation by the planetary garrison first to protect against the Draconis Combine, then the Wolves, and now finally the rebellious Lyrans. The sturdy door was one of the three entrances to the caverns below. Star Captain Lorenzo Wolf met her at the base of the stairs that spiraled into the rock below.

“Are they heading in this direction Lorenzo?”
“Neg Katherine, they are following the valley. Possibly heading across the river to the Northern Sector and making a mess of the forest along the way. Rain washed away most of our tracks from yesterday. I confirmed it with the scouts. They likely know we are here somewhere though. The swollen river has washed away the bridge downstream so only the Upper Viaduct and Juliet’s Ford are still passable to reach the other sectors.”
“How many are there?”
“A heavy assault Binary”
“They will be slowed down by this terrain and make little progress. How many did the OP say were inbound?”
“Nearly three Trinaries.”
“Outnumbered and outgunned but we have the terrain advantage for now. Let them pass but forward the report to Candice. I want them to get as far into the Reservation as possible before we strike.”
“Aff Loremaster.”

The Star Captain left to return to the portable sensor console located in their makeshift command center, consisting of four Wolves sitting on old ammo boxes and their Noteputers alongside a communications set and the sensor node all placed on crates. Katherine walked over to the Tech Bay and saw her remaining eight mechs and four vehicles.

Her own Barghest was currently under the gantry having sustained significant armor damage in the flight from Neuberlin at the hands of Archer’s lightning companies. Currently an Elemental Laborer was lifting the 250 Kg slugs for her Heavy Gauss rifle onto the racks that were extended from the canid mech’s legs. The techs were just finishing up the armor patch marring the once beautiful lines with a hodgepodge of differently colored plates. These plates were enough to break the machine’s silhouette up making it much more concealable.

“I don’t like the color but I’ll make do for now.”

08/13/3068 Lyran Guards Command Post

General Archer Christifori, Colonel Katya Chaffee, and Colonel Penny Harsant of the 31st Lyran Force Recon looked over the recent survey maps inside the Command Van. “This is a bloody tangle Colonels.”

“Yes sir, I’m afraid the terrain is treacherous even without Wolves on the prowl.

Katherine’s Fenrirs keep hunting my squads down. It took us a while but we found extensive remote sensors positioned throughout the valley, apparently the Wolves kept using here as a training ground. They see everything that goes on.”
“Dammit! I want you to find those godforsaken clanners and the Queen Bitch herself. We don’t have time to dally.”
“Yes General, I’ll send more patrols immediately.”

"Katya I want you to find Godfrey and send him here. Then check out the latest intercepts, she's out there somewhere we just need to find her and pin her against a rock."

"Of course General" Katya left and headed back to her own command post overseeing the Third Lyran Guard detachments.

A few moment later Colonel Ballard of the 18th Commandoes entered, a highly trained and experienced armored infantry he was as burly as they come. His battle armor company had almost single-handedly swung the Battle of Alyina in the Lyrans favor so Archer knew if anyone could succeed it was Godfrey.
“Yes General. You called for me.”
“Colonel I need you to send some of your men after the kids. We might have to use them to lure her out of her Den.”
Godfrey was shocked at the order, “Sir, with all due respect you said the kids weren’t going to be involved.”
“Yes, I also said that unless we kill or capture Katherine and put Reinhardt in charge we might all hang or be fed to the Wolves. Even if we do it might happen anyway. Your choice Colonel.”

Sharpnel · « **Reply #111 on:** 27 August 2018, 11:22:12 »

General Christifori, now that you have threatened the children there can only be one positive outcome. Your death, you sniveling coward and incompetent ass.

AlphaMirage · « **Reply #112 on:** 27 August 2018, 19:59:19 »

Quote from: Sharpnel on 27 August 2018, 11:22:12

General Christifori, now that you have threatened the children there can only be one positive outcome. Your death, you sniveling coward and incompetent ass.

To be fair if you are willing to engage in a coup d'etat you had better not hold back. He's not wrong about the consequences and he's got a large group of angry Wolves closing on him as we speak. Remember this guy has been simmering for nearly a decade and seen some bad stuff in his time. The St Ives War was even bloodier than in Canon.

-----------------

08/19/3068 10:18 Southern Sector, McCullen Military Reservation, Weingarten, Wolf Empire

Katherine was eating her small breakfast in the mess when one of the Communications Techs broke onto the intercom. The Wolves and Lyran Guards were running on limited stores and the tempo was grinding down as they exhausted themselves against one another. “Loremaster, open transmission from General Christifori for you.”

“Katherine Wolf. This is General Archer Christifori, I have your kids. Surrender yourself at Beacon Ridge by noon on the twenty first and they will be returned to you unharmed. Then you will all be escorted to Tharkad where you will abdicate your position and forfeit your line but keep your lives. This is not a negotiation.”

Katherine slammed her fist into the table and closed her palm over the knife so hard it drew blood, “Bastard!” She rushed over to the communications terminal, everyone parted for her. Her palm still bleeding but she felt nothing but rage. “Did we get anything from Lyra!?”

“No Loremaster, she has not sent us any word since the sixth as ordered.”
“Well call her right now and confirm this!”
LIC Major Nero sprinted into the command room barely coming to a stop nearby. “Belay that order. Katherine, I understand your concern but what if he is just bluffing and intends to trace the signal? Revealing not only us but your children as well?”

She grabbed his lapels leaving a bloody hand-print behind on the man's black fatigues, icy blue eyes staring directly at him fighting back tears but menacing in tone, “And what if he's not!”

Nero barely held himself together under the withering glare, “Think about it. Why would he give you two days to surrender? If he had them he could parade them in front of you right now. Its classic PsyOps, he is trying to break your will and make you move first.”
“No! He wouldn't try bluffing like that without having something to back it up.”
“Katherine I want you to think about this. He's bluffing; your people would have told you if something went wrong. You trust those people with your family have they ever proven themselves unworthy.”

“And what if you're wrong.”
“I'd be willing to risk my life that I'm not.”
Katherine drew her knife with her off-hand edge to his throat while still holding him with her bloodied hand, he didn't flinch. “Really?”
Nero leaned in just barely touching his skin to the razor sharp blade which drew a line of red from the stubble, “Yes.”
He looked down at the crimson hand holding him firm, “Now see the medic for your hand. You probably need stitches.”

Katherine turned and threw the knife with no spin right into a cork board with Archer Christifori's service portrait on it. “You already crossed the line General but now you've gone to far. You had better be right Nero or I will burn the whole universe down if I have to in order to get my revenge.”

Wrangler · « **Reply #113 on:** 28 August 2018, 08:04:17 »

Katherine on the warpath now!

AlphaMirage · « **Reply #114 on:** 28 August 2018, 12:51:53 »

Battle of Beacon Ridge

08/21/3068 12:00

General Archer Christifori watched the sun reach its Zenith over the woodlands below from his Penetrator currently positioned on the commanding Beacon Ridge. “She’s not coming General.”

“Oh she’ll come. Even if she was certain I don’t have the kids. She’d still be here, I’ve made sure of it.”

The remaining Archer’s Avengers were positioned throughout the area. The remaining Lyran Mechs were incapable of pursuing their faster clan opponents so instead they would come to them. They needed a set piece battle rather than fight as distributed units in the dense forest that could destroyed in detail or allow the Wolves to escape and hide again.

In the forest, Katherine’s Barghest remained low to the ground the Quadruped Battlemech’s adaptive drive allowing it to move slow, low, and steady across broken terrain evading some of the large canopy trees that shaded the ground below. Following behind in a staggered line were the remaining clanners under her command. Slightly more than a Trinary in strength they had spent most of nine months on campaign and many were loving every minute of it.

Katherine was filled with trepidation. She wanted desperately to believe that Archer didn’t have her children, and even if he did that he was honorable enough to not just shoot her and be done with it. If she brought herself to surrender; which was not even a sure thing, even for her kids. Situations like this were the reason they were raised in clan space where her less than honorable enemies could not reach them.

The lead Fenrir scout reported in, “Loremaster, Archer’s force consists of a dozen heavy and assault class designs.”
“Aff, hold position and ensure no infantry sneak behind us.”
A green light confirmed the order

The Fifteen Wolf Battlemechs cleared the densest part of the woods and could finally see Archer’s Avengers scattered across the landscape. Even with inferior numbers they still out massed the medium-heavy Wolf Trinary. “You’re late Katherine. Now are you going to surrender? Thus saving your children; or are you going to fight and doom them to a quick death.”

Katherine clutched the control sticks in the Barghest’s cockpit, if he wasn’t bluffing she was going to draw and quarter the bastard herself before burning his homeplanet to cinders. “Well why don’t you bring them out Archer?”

“You didn’t think I would bring them here; so that your Wolves might possible execute some daring rescue plan did you? How foolish would I be if I were to do that?”

“I try not to prejudge the foolish of people General Christifori. I have been surprised too often. However, I think you are incredibly foolish, otherwise you wouldn’t be here on the wrong side of my Heavy Gauss Rifle.”

“Who do you think you are playing Mechwarrior Katherine? Victor? I knew the man to be one of great honor, a soldier without peer. Everything you have done dishonors his memory and that of your father’s.”

“There you go surprising me again with your foolishness Archer. I’m nothing like Victor and that’s why you shouldn’t have crossed me. As for daddy, well I think he would have proud of me.

I’ve done that he and Victor could never do, far faster than they could have imagined.”

Every Wolf Battlemech went up to full power and charged, “And it won’t stop here.”

Going to stop that battle here, needless to say Katherine wins but her madness gets closer and closer to the surface. She's going to take a break for now and we will continue with the rest of the happenings around the Inner Sphere.

The other siblings will get more page time for a while even if she wants to hog the spotlight.

DOC_Agren · « **Reply #115 on:** 28 August 2018, 18:23:37 »

Archer, you made your play.. But this Kat isn't stable to begin with, and she like all mothers will kill to protect her litter from a Threat.

Wrangler · « **Reply #116 on:** 28 August 2018, 21:36:32 »

So much Katherine being new kind sane this alt timeline. :D

smdvogrin · « **Reply #117 on:** 29 August 2018, 07:43:07 »

Quote from: AlphaMirage on 28 August 2018, 12:51:53

Every Wolf Battlemech went up to full power and charged, “And it won’t stop here.”

If there's not a massive field of Vibromines between them and him, Christofori doesn't deserve the rank of General. Why would this NOT be a planned ambush!?

AlphaMirage · « **Reply #118 on:** 31 August 2018, 16:18:46 »

Quote from: smdvogrin on 29 August 2018, 07:43:07

If there's not a massive field of Vibromines between them and him, Christofori doesn't deserve the rank of General. Why would this NOT be a planned ambush!?

Mostly because if he put mines between the forces, the Wolves would just run away and he can't catch them. Mines were deployed in an attempt to prevent their escape however it didn't work although both forces were utterly devastated in the aftermath.

----------------------------

9/17/3068 Location – Blackgate Region, Eteienne’s Sanctuary (Sentarus), The Barrens

Commander Vektor Knox maneuvered his Sun Spider into position against the incoming Jade Falcons/Wolves. A Visigoth Omnifigther attempted to strafe him, the heavy fighter's energy weapons charred the plains below, setting off an utterly harmless wildfire. Two dozen High Explosive missiles streaked into the sky from his Mech’s arms and at least a dozen impacted. Their warheads tore into the hypersonic space jet causing it to lose control. Trailing smoke the fighter crashed into the rocky hill behind before exploding.

“That was satisfying. Sept on me, we are going to push the Falcons back.”

Knox looked up to see the exhaust plumes of the other Falcon dropships currently coming in to reinforce the landing zone just outside the range of friendly artillery from the hardened bunkers nearby. Two entire Jade Wolf Galaxies escorted by three Warships had appeared at Sentarus’ Zenith point five days ago. They had fought the Conspiracy’s Warship, the Quixote Oppenheimer, whose nuclear missiles destroyed the Aegis cruiser CJF Hawk Eye and seriously damaged both the Texas Battleship CJF Falcon’s Nest and the Cameron Cruiser CJF Turkina’s Pride before succumbing to their concentrated attack.

Now it was the ground forces that were responsible for winning the battle, the Blinding Eye’s Aerospace fighters had been swept from the sky but the Warships could not orbit above or risk getting close to the heavy weapons bunkers on the surface below. Now that the enemy knew they were here this wouldn’t be the last of them. The Jade Wolves would keep coming which meant that Vektor was going to have a very interesting life after all.

The Sun Spider’s compact form fit through the Black Ash trees keeping pace with the rest of his Sept. They stopped in the forest just deep enough to keep a bead on the approaching Wolves while remaining concealed in the woods and within their ECM bubbles.

A Trinary from the 12th Falcon Regulars disembarked from their Union C heading toward a hill near where their Visigoth had crashed. Knox was disappointed with what came out, “Black Lanner A, Summoner D, Kit Fox C, Cougar and Hellbringer Primes, damn. They are smarter than I thought. Wimmer’s attack ruined our little surprises and it was not even successful. This will make it slightly more difficult. Hold fire until they close.”

The Wolves advanced into the forests as the Conspiracy fell back engaging sporadically with indirectly fired ER ATMs. The Summoners and Cougars jumped over the forest crashing through the canopy while keeping pace with their ground bound star-mates and providing their own indirect missiles. Another Sept joined in, with their numbers matching their opponents the deadly game of search and destroy continued.

Knox watched as the Wolves advanced into the artillery's maximum firing circle. His unit was down two points and running low on ammunition but still combat effective. He continued to fall back slowly maneuvering against the jumping mechs and ordering his fellow Sept to do the same.

They didn't need to press the attack right now there was still area to pull back to. What they did need though was a greater chance for the artillery's effectiveness. Which meant time and distance more of one and less of the other. The Blinding Eye mechs and protomechs pulled back and the Falcons kept attacking like good Clan Warriors scoring rare hits on his Sun Spider's heavily armored chassis and a scattering of strikes against his Septmates. He did the same against theirs making sure the Summoner in particular always had a shot against him albeit a terrible one.

“That's right, come and get me birdbrains.” Vektor looked down at his overlay as the enemies crossed the golden line of his rear line's artillery, “Broken Horn, this is Mongol Seven, fire for effect”

Behind the lines a ten gun battery of Thor and Marksman SPA's fired their guns raining molten steel down on the Falcons currently stuck in the woods. A Hellbringer and Kit Fox immediately went down under the volume of fire and the Falcons were forced to pull back or be blown to pieces.

Knox's Sun Spider stopped and shot the cockpit of a downed Hellbringer with his Heavy Large Laser instantly vaporizing it, “Better luck next time Jaybirds. There's plenty more where that came from."

The remainder of the Sept caught up with him, "Make sure none of them escape.”

"Aff Commander"

The Blinding Eye's Mech pressed the assault forcing the Trinary to lift off. Knox looked up at the Dropship boosting into the atmosphere as another was dropping into the combat zone several dozen kilometers away, far enough that it was some other unit's problem. "RTB for now Septs, They will be back"

AlphaMirage · « **Reply #119 on:** 04 September 2018, 10:02:44 »

11/09/3068 Location – Blackgate Fortress, Etienne’s Sanctuary (Sentarus), The Barrens

Colonel Kylie Zola and the rest of ONI’s Void 16 Team were pouring through the Blinding Eye Conspiracy’s computers. The scientists that her LOKI commando team had captured were proving surprisingly collaborative after a few examples had been made of less than helpful researchers.

The databanks were a treasure trove of information, clan tech prototypes abandoned by the Warrior Elite. Genetic profiles from six different clans (Jaguar, Mongoose, Falcon, Wolf, Horse, Cats) and all manner of biotechnology including test data from brutal experimental medical procedures. It did not surprise Colonel Zola or the other LIC operatives in the least bit when they uncovered the test subjects, Clan Warriors were known for being brutal at times. Why should their Scientists be any different?

All of this technology varied from those that had been put aside during the lean years of the Pentagon Wars hundreds of years ago or during the Clan’s Golden Century when the Warrior Caste was ascendant to even recent testing and combinations with Inner Sphere technology. All of it could be resurrected and had only cost millions of lives across the Clan Occupation Zones as biological and chemical weapons had compromised entire enclaves forcing them to be cleansed with Warships. As the saying goes lives are cheap in the Inner Sphere. It would be a massive disservice to just ICE everything if it could be put to a positive purpose.

The Clan Watch forces had killed the Leadership Cabal and identified collaborators throughout the Inner Sphere clans as far away as Nova Cat space. The Wolves and Horses were already rounding them up for interrogation and punishment while the Sharks and Falcons kept them under observation. The collaborators in the Bears and Cats were not a concern to the Federated Commonwealth and its “allied” Clans.

The new Hell’s Horse’s Khan James Cobb took it is a personal Grievance and was one step away from completely Reaving his Clan’s Scientist Caste for endangering the entire Clan’s existence. Thus far his Loremaster had shown remarkable restraint however the Horses were weakened by the purge and conflict with the other Inner Sphere clans so it would be a steady process.

“Colonel Zola, something big over here.”

Kylie ran over to the data analyst and his scrolling screen displayed a long series of computer commands, “What is it?”
“Looks like the source code used for the HPG transmission network. I’ve never seen anything like it before; it’s such an elegant algorithm even if the hardware is so brute force. Filename is CLARION CALL, the notes indicate the authors were trying to optimize it, eliminate some bugs, eke out a performance improvement with the same hardware. It wasn’t tested though as far as I can tell and its authors didn’t make it out of Sanctum.”
“We should transmit it along the Tamar Trunk, this might be the major strategic coup we need against the Word of Blake. Who knows how long they will stay away? They were beaten on Tharkad but they are not defeated.”
“I will upload it and send it to the Falcon’s HPG this afternoon.”

11/10/3068 Location – Tharkad HPG, Federated Commonwealth

“Incoming Priority Transmission from Tamar Precentor.”

The two COMSTAR HPG Senior Precentors looked over the transmission, “We should get this to the Primus right away. If they are right we can’t let Blake ROM get their hands on this.”

Inside the HPG’s systems the SLOT virus found its target and it spread.