Hidden Hope (Golden Lion AU, Part 4)

[AlphaMirage]

Interlude | Conspiracy
(OOC: Imagine Split Screen)
08/16/3051
New Avalon/Capella

First Prince Ian Davion/ Chancellor Tormano Liao looked up from a desk full of papers from their various ministries to see representatives of Precentor-Advocate New Avalon Rosaline Mataraci / Precentor-Advocate Capella Jian Feng enter their offices. As the deputies of the Advocate-Precentors, they wore a platinum pendant handing from a delicate chain over white robes with gold and red stripes along the sides instead of the rich vermillion and gold of their superiors.

The Precentors gave a curt bow to the Successor Lord, “You summoned me.”

Each Successor Lord paused for a moment to read the body language of the Precentors who knew exactly why they were being summoned. However, COMSTAR trained their people well and they showed no sign of discomfort. Their masters reported directly to Primus Waterly, so nothing would break or betray a lifetime of indoctrination within the Blessed Order.

Both men stood and looked out the window over their capitals, “Why is it that the Blessed Order has redirected a third of the White Star fleet in my realm anti-Spinward?

There are not enough Outworlders to replace them so worlds will go without their normal trade. Stranded dropships or cargoes will be nothing but cost. Cost I will have to bear.”

A slight pause told volumes, “We are redirecting jumpship load. It is only a temporary measure, Your Highness/Celestial Wisdom.”

“How temporary?”
“Unknown.”
“Then how can I be certain that it is temporary?”
“You will have to trust us.”

Each of them nodded slightly before turning on their heels and approaching the Precentor. “I wish to issue a formal complaint to Primus Waterly. We have upheld our obligations to the Order and all our accounts are current. This is a breach of contract.”

Both Precentors tapped something into their comm-pads, “Your complaint has been logged; further information will be forwarded to you as it becomes available.”
“I will expect it promptly.”
“I cannot promise that Your Highness/Celestial Wisdom.”

They both paused and responded firmly, “I will expect it promptly.”
Then waved a hand laden with rings of gold and gemstones, “You are dismissed Precentor.”

The Deputy Precentor-Advocates bowed slightly and exited to be escorted out by the Huscarls/Hussars. First Prince Ian Davion/Chancellor Tormano Liao returned to the window. “Something is wrong and COMSTAR knows it.”

[AlphaMirage]

Chapter 6 – The Prophet
10/08/3051 | Botany Bay, Clan Occupied Space
High Visionary Egan Telosa was amazed at the skill in which Starship Pilot Grade XI Vaz ‘flew’ Amaru’s Bliss, a Monarch luxury liner in service to the One Star Faith, through the crowded space around Botany Bay’s Nadir. “How do you make sense of it all Vaz?”

The small man didn’t look away from his task keeping his hands tight on the toggle along with his co-pilot. “You just ride that radio beam, computer traffic control handles the rest.” 

Their dropship passed within the shadow of an immense starship its flanks covered by bulbous dropships attached to it like barnacles on a great whale. Its gargantuan jumpsail sparkled in the light to their port and began to retract back into a cavernous bay under the close supervision of a shuttle. “What is that?”

“Potemkin Troop Cruisers. Those were our prime movers from our Homeworlds. Each one can garrison and easily support a Galaxy for months without resupply. Only eight survived over the years but they are all forward deploying to support our Touman.”
“Those are from the Exodus Fleet?”
“Vintage SLDF. The steel with their fleet registration numbers were removed and put behind glass to remember their history.”
“How much was left?”
“Of the Fleet?”
He nodded while Vaz continued, “Most of it was destroyed or damaged through our history. It took us generations to even approach this fleet and it is a pale shadow of the one our Great Father led all those years ago. Even the Second Exodus led by Nicholas was larger.”

“A Second Exodus?”
“Yes, some of our number rebelled against the Great Father’s wisdom, so his son fled to Strana Mechty and established the Clans to retake and secure his father’s legacy. All twenty original Clans worked together and were victorious.”
“I only know of six Clans. What happened to the other fourteen?”
“They were found unworthy, some faced righteous judgment for their transgressions. Others wisely saw their own shortcomings and joined to strengthen another Clan.”
Egan nodded, “A tragic loss.”
“Necessary cost to growth. If we had kept weakness around, we would not have returned to the Inner Sphere to restore the Star League under the ilKhan.”

Before them a magnificent battleship loomed surrounded by dozens of gunships, fighters, and dropships. Amaru’s Bliss slipped through the outer picket and picked up a Star of fighters as Vaz and his co-pilot spoke in staccato code. As they approached Egan saw the most curious thing, “Is that a tank on the hull?”

“Ay, the McKenna’s Pride and many of our old SLDF ships lacks good point defense. On each there is a Star of Hachiman tanks modified to crawl on the dorsal and ventral surfaces just in case of accidental weapons fire.”
“Fascinating.”

They continued their ongoing crash course on Clan Culture and Etiquette while waiting for the McKenna’s Pride to open the door to their docking collar. Egan Telosa had grown up in the Lyran Court but even their pleasantries paled in comparison to those of the Clans. As the INTELSTAR detachment that had joined them around Drask’s Den said, “When everyone is an armed Warrior, it is unwise to offend, unless otherwise.”

Two Elementals boarded first wearing Obsidian Black armor polished to a fine sheen. The lines on their equipment were curved rather than angular, more appropriate for ship corridors and they wore no insignia or nametag. INTELSTAR Analyst IX Suri whispered to him, “Those are members of the Ebon Keshik, the ilKhan’s bodyguard. Like us they have given up their Clan identity and personal glory in service to the whole.”

A woman followed shortly behind them, Vaz saluted, and Egan’s faithful bowed slightly following his cue. She had a softer look and moved with a Duchess’ practiced grace pulling an ermine lined but wavy half-cape beside her gray uniform trimmed a pair of black lines going for her epaulettes to her boots. “Greetings High Visionary Egan Telosa and his followers. I am Camille Devereaux, Khan of Clan Nova Fox. I understand you have been expecting us for centuries and I was willing to return the favor for at least hours.”

She approached him and walked between the Faithful lined up in neat rows before standing in front of him. Then whispered, “I would love to hear about these visions you have experienced young man.
My people have a long history with prophecy and while the others may dismiss it.
We respect gifts that we do not understand.”

Camille spoke up to the others, “Please follow me.” She looked to either side, “These men will ensure you do not get lost. A Warship is a dangerous place, watch your step.”

[AlphaMirage]

10/09/3051
High Visionary Egan Telosa glanced about at the unusual objects within this compartment, singing bowls, crystals cut to specific geometries, censors hanging from the ceiling, decks of cards, incense burners, and ceramic jars stuffed with aromatics, all the trappings of a tribal mystic onboard the SLS McKenna’s Pride.

A large woman with dark hair streaked with gray entered wearing robes with patches of it colored like the coat of a great plains cat, “I have seen you before.”

She sat cross-legged across from him on the plush colorful mats, “That seems unlikely High Visionary. I am Oathmaster Biccon Winters of Clan Nova Fox and I have never seen you before.”
“Yet it is true. Last week I had a vision in which I saw you.”

“Do tell.”
“I interpreted it that something you, Oathmaster Winters, were responsible for creating will rebel. A great hunter uncaged, that will one day soon prove their doubters wrong.
You are an Elemental, quiaff?”

“Aff.”

“Your last mission was the capture of Ironhold, quiaff?”

“Aff, before I became Oathmaster I was a Star Colonel in the Touman. One of the very few Elementals to earn that rank.”

“Because you possess what we call Fingerspitzengefühl, or a great intuition and awareness. In another life you would have been a renowned Warrior Queen leading great Warbands to victory. You know that to be true.

However, I saw you perched atop a stocky Mech, a…Kingfisher, in that final battle surveying the devastation and feeling a sense of loss.”

Oathmaster Winters retained a serene detachment, but Egan could see that something troubled her, “How do you see these things? And know what you do about us?”

Egan folded his arms into the sleeves of his robes, “Can you tell me how you see what you do? Or what granted you the knowledge to know that I speak the truth?”

“Neg.”
“Unfortunately, I cannot explain it either. It just is and comes and goes as it pleases.”

“Then we are equally cursed to see things that we cannot influence or understand until they appear.”
“Cassandra does indeed weep for us all Oathmaster.”

11/05/3051
Oathmaster Winters was coming out of meditation when her computer beeped, she crouch walked over to and sat over it in seiza style.
‘On 10-11-3051, Team Leader Diana, of the Steel Viper Watch, her team, and others have defected to the Inner Sphere, sabotaged the occupation forces on the planet Elissa, and escaped the system with Bondsmen from The Kell Hounds mercenary unit.

Due to the sensitivity of documents that even her low station was entrusted with, all operational plans are being revised and protocols enacted to protect operational security.

All Senior Officers and Overseers are to consult with Central Command, INTER-LOGI, and INTELSTAR for modifications.’


The Oathmaster pulled up the attached file on the freeborn Diana, saw the names of her parents, and pulled out a faded green and black Clan Jade Falcon patch still encrusted with flakes of gray earth from her vineer pouch. “Impossible.”

[PsihoKekec]

Isn't one of the lines in the Skippy's list: I am not allowed to end briefings with an ''as in accordance with the prophecy''? It feels oddly appropriate here, even if it would result in grievous bodily harm inflicted by an irate elemental. 

[AlphaMirage]

Isn't one of the lines in the Skippy's list: I am not allowed to end briefings with an ''as in accordance with the prophecy''? It feels oddly appropriate here, even if it would result in grievous bodily harm inflicted by an irate elemental.

It is in the top ten and definitely. Honestly since the Trial to be Oathmaster is by un-augmented combat being an Elemental (or talented martial artist like Minoru) certainly has its advantages.
----

11/08/3051
“All hail Leo Showers! ilKhan of the Clans.”

Roared through the open flight bay as a dark skinned man with fierce eyes framed by tribal tattoos detailing his accolades in each swirl. His black mane swept with each movement of his head flaring out in microgravity as he appeared in the shuttle doors stepping down from the suspended shuttle to stand beside Elementals from his Ebon Keshik.

ilKhan Showers paused on the deck-plates and surveyed the crowd of almost three hundred saluting him aboard the Clan’s command ship, SLS McKenna’s Pride, who had turned out lining the catwalks above Flight Deck Four for a glimpse. Brightly colored guests stood alongside the dress grays of the Clan Naval Reserve.

Leo gestured firmly and turned to the aerial drones broadcasting his return to the remaining crew watching in one of the dozen galleys onboard that served the 2,298 personnel onboard consisting of ship’s crew, Senior Clan Staff including the Khans as well as support, medical, and security personnel.

“It is my honor to return to the McKenna’s Pride, the Flagship of our superior civilization, from time spent aboard the Quicksilver before its departure, and ours that we stand on the eve of our first major victory.

Tamar will soon be ours thanks to the skill and ferocity of Galaxy Commanders Aleksandr Jorgensson and Roberto Snuka. I look forward to congratulating them personally when they rotate back.

Its capture concludes the first wave of our glorious revival of the Star League.
As anticipated, the Inner Sphere’s forces crumble or cower beneath the combined might of our Clans.
It is only a matter of time until Tharkad and the rest of the Commonwealth are ours.”

Applause filled the hanger bay as he pushed off and into the battleship’s labyrinthine corridors.

Within ‘The New Ring’ as GravDeck Four was called Egan Telosa walked into an great (for a Warship) hall adorned with six podiums and nineteen hangings depicting fearsome beasts with a black stripe alongside all but six of them. A twentieth spot was set aside but empty for some reason and a Cameron Star was painted onto the deckplates with a large chair positioned at the longest end opposite him. Oathmasters Biccon Winters (Nova Fox), Laurie Tseng (Ghost Bear), Christopher Ahmed (Steel Viper), Chandra Mi-Ran (Mongoose), Katalina Sword (Hell’s Horses), and Baltazar Graves (Star Adder) waited behind their Clan’s podiums each one gray and grizzled by decades of service to their Clan. Many of them were the senior most active duty Warrior in the Touman although it was theoretically open to anyone that could win the special Melee.

As Winters had told them, with their Loremasters administering their Homeworlds and other occupied territories, each Clan’s Oathmasters, normally a ceremonial position, had taken their place as Counselors to the Khans, including ilKhan Leo Showers.

Leo Showers sat with his stance firmly forward within the chair as the door closed behind him and his escorts took their place next to their brothers and sisters of the Ebon Keshik. He tapped his fingers on his thighs before standing and walking into the center. Then he looked up at the holographic projection above him studying the patterns of clusters, jumpship convoys, and warship squadrons in transit or upon contested and occupied worlds from the Hanseatic League to Tamar each glittering like stars in the night sky.

“Oathmaster Winters tells me you have a unique gift High Visionary.”
“Even I was surprised ilKhan.” Egan looked aside and gestured as if to banish an unseen miasma.
“To think that anyone would seek to break faith with her people. It is hard to fathom.”

“Indeed, it has proven a minor inconvenience, but one we shall overcome.” He looked back at him with a terrifying glare, his eyes filled with power accented by the sharp shadows cast on him from the projection above.
“I do not put as much faith in auguries and astrology as she does, but I wished to ask for myself before sending you home.
Have you seen anything of me.”

“I have.” The Oathmasters looked toward one another speaking to one another in hushed barely audible tones.
“Is that so?”

“Indeed.”
“Tell us what you have seen then, if only to sate my curiosity.”

“I see you, the ilKhan caught in a battle between dark and light.
Your end will come from neither man nor machine but from your own shadow.”

“Neither man nor machine will kill me?” Leo laughed, “My own shadow will be my undoing?” He looked behind him, “How intriguing. I shall have to keep eyes on you, rascal.
Have you further detail High Visionary? About the threat my own shadow poses.”

“Neg, I never inquire upon my visions. Nor would I dismiss them, no matter how outlandish.
I would not have been on Elissa to await your arrival if I had.”
“Very intriguing. I should like to keep you on hand if only for the entertainment value. However, I would rather have Illusha’s Vipers in the field rather than upon Elissa. I trust you can manage with some help from INTER-LOGI?”

High Visionary Telosa bowed deeply, “My fleet, flock, and people are at your service ilKhan. We only wish to continue our work. However, for that we will need an HPG to evangelize your ways to our people.”
“I may be able to manage it. Until then I shall dismiss you and bid you good fortune.”

“Thank you ilKhan. If you need anything of us, merely ask.”

Egan departed the door opened by the Ebon Keshik. Leo faced the gathered Oathmasters and Scribes, “Get Elissa an HPG. It is a gap in our network and if this High Visionary has any urgent ‘visions’ then we should want to hear about it.”

Chandra spoke up, “With respect ilKhan, surely you do not also believe in this soothsayer.” Then stared across the star at her Nova Fox counterpart, “The fact that we entertain Biccon is madness enough.”

“Oathmaster Winters has good intuition, some may call it prophecy. At any rate I should not want to earn her ire Oathmaster Mi-Ran lest she take offense and defend her faith in the mystical arts within a Circle of Equals.

As I mentioned, Elissa is a gap in our network, that is reason enough to plug it with a mobile unit.

This High Visionary has followers throughout the Lyran Commonwealth and according to reports from INTELSTAR even the Archon listens to him. If we give him a platform it might make our conquest easier and more palatable to the conquered”

Oathmaster Graves joined in, “I dislike this ilKhan, while I do not believe in the High Visionary’s prophecies giving him a platform might allow him an opportunity to transmit information in coded language. If Archon Steiner listens to him then they must have some manner of relationship.

As COMSTAR has shown us secrets can be transmitted in the open through coded language. We lack an understanding of this One Star Faith’s dogma.

Already we have leaks and troubles with operational security by failing to completely muzzle COMSTAR on occupied worlds. Giving the One Star Faith their own HPG could further exacerbate our struggles as there might still be COMSTAR operatives capable of using an HPG on-world.”

“It will be under the control of INTELSTAR Baltazar. We will leave a security detachment behind. As previously reported ROM successfully murdered their Alpha Branch personnel to deny their HPG transmitter to our cause. As they have done on multiple occasions.

Fortunately, we have the depot ships and their shipboard HPGs to fill in the gaps.”

Graves and Mi-Ran stood there in silence for a moment, “If it is your will to send an HPG to Elissa then so be it. We have given our counsel.”

Leo looked over to the side, “Good, Scribe transmit that a mobile HPG shall be delivered to Elissa by INTELSTAR with due haste.” The woman typed something out onto her comm-pad which would be batched with the next transmission of the McKenna’s Pride’s own HPG.

“Now onto the next order of business. What we have in store for the LCAF.”

[PsihoKekec]

I have a feeling that position of ilKhan carries more weight here than OTL.

[AlphaMirage]

I mean you heard how many freeborn are in the Touman, there are a third more Trueborn. Leo has more than a hundred million Clan Warriors of varying subcastes to manage through his Khans while the SaKhans manage tens of millions through theirs and the Loremasters and subordinate Factors and Overseers administer billions.

[AlphaMirage]

Interlude – Last Stand at Hue
09/08/3051 | Outside Hue City, Kowloon, Lyran Commonwealth

“There are too many.”
Kapiten-Liaison Andrew Steiner whispered to himself within his Banshee 7S as he could see the clouds of dust that followed in the wake of Clan Mongoose’s 45th Striker Irregulars. What remained of Green Machine formed up into a defensible perimeter after their flight from HQ with woods on one side and a river on the other. Their ammunition supply was critical and no mech had escaped the powerful weapons of these strange invaders. He had thought they were just pirates, but they had decimated the Regiment, overtaken their defenses, and showed no sign of stopping. If anything, they sped up until they gave the survivors a ‘sporting’ hourlong head start before setting off like track sprinters when time elapsed.

What had been identified as a ‘Shadow Cat’ with the MechWarrior’s ‘Batchall’ crested a hill followed by others, tan and icy blue ‘Pack Hunters’ and ‘Arctic Cheetahs’ as they were identified. Each one of the designs were spindly and narrow providing little surface area to target and looked more like Aerospace Fighters than Battlemechs, they moved just the same as well, like a flock of fast birds. ‘Elementals’ detached from their flanks landing gracefully onto the grass. Hover skirts from ‘LTV-14’ tanks bloomed out over the river that he had hoped would shield his flank.

“Time is up. Kapiten Steiner.”
“I see you have brought new friends Star Captain Cage.”
Greta Cage’s voice came over the speaker, their daunting foe had nevertheless given them an hour head start before she would pursue and had handily done so with her blazingly fast machines. “I brought these Warriors at the insistence of my Star Colonel. It should take nothing more than my Binary to finish this. He disagreed and insisted I keep the cutdown.”

Andrew looked around at the damaged machines that formed his last combat units. “By Trial you mean the destruction of my Battalion?”

“If necessary.
You could always surrender and become bondsmen. That would be less wasteful.
Running is after all not an option.”
“I refuse. It is my duty to protect the Lyran Commonwealth from all invaders. I will not run or surrender while I still can fight.”
“Perhaps your men disagree.”

There as a long pause while the Mongoose Clan Warriors waited at the hill, Greta Cage was now broadcast to the whole command. “Green Machine, you have one last choice, power your machine down to surrender and become a bondsman of Clan Mongoose or prepare to fight to the death.

You have five minutes to decide.”

[AlphaMirage]

Interlude – The Horsemen
09/12/3051 | Barcelona, Lyran Commonwealth

Star Colonel Solomon ‘Shaker’ Seidman crawled into his Rhino battlesuit with his fellow Elementals as the 333rd Mechanized Strike Cluster approached Barcelona. Though he couldn’t feel it the fuselage below him was warming with the heat of reentry. Beside him was a Star of Conjurers each one primed for a combat drop onto the Hell’s Horses first soon to be conquered territory.

The Broadsword’s Captain linked into the drop bay’s PA. “Triple Three, prepare for drop. Our Fighter Binary has suppressed Seventeenth Skye’s Aerospace. You will be first to clear the way Star Colonel.”

Each of the Elementals clanged their claws and laser onto their breastplates to fill the drop bay with noise as each gave their own war shout within their helmets just as they would haka before a Trial. Solomon felt the energy now and wind rushed into the drop bay as hatches opened beneath them to reveal a great expanse of wasteland from which shattered spires burst forth from the ground like ribs, as if the world itself had been flayed. ‘Mariah’s Pinnacle,’ built by The Usurper's empire was now the Spheroid's last redoubt hoping to halt Beta Galaxy Hell’s Horses impending stampede.

He reached up to release himself and his suit was the first out of the Broadsword as promised, his drogue chute deployed pulling taut but holding his 1.5-ton mass upright so the jump jets could do the rest. Soon he was joined by the rest of his Command Trinary, his fellow Elementals in battlesuits of varying configuration, Conjurer and Shadow Cat Battlemechs all fell amidst the Binaries of Fighters diving down to strafe enemy positions before they could fire upon the dropships on final approach that would provide the main combat strength of SaKhan Tanya DeLaurel's Galaxy.

His jump jets flared as his computer determined the optimal deceleration curve that would be survivable to the heavy, tough, and inhumanely strong soldier within. One bred over centuries to be the perfect soldier. He felt the rush of battle fill him as he crashed onto the ground, right in the middle of a Skye Ranger’s fighting position. The men looked up from their recoilless rifle at the sudden appearance of the monstrous gray battlesuit with a fiery horse's head upon its chest.

As the suit stood to its full height Solomon could feel terror building in the hearts of his opponents. One of the men squeaked out something before his suit’s claw, each of its three tines capable of shredding armor plating by itself, lifted him to the visor plate. He desperately tried to escape the Elemental’s grasp as his companions scattered into the ruins. “What are you?”

“A Hell's Horseman”

[PsihoKekec]

One hell of a way to get introduced to the concept of battle armor.

[AlphaMirage]

Interlude – Change of Management
09/04/3051 | Kolovraty, Lyran Commonwealth

A Hanseatic League Beacon dropship drifted on the chill night breeze landing on the runway of the Paxton City Starport with great curls of smoke as its brakes engaged. The lights of the Baxter Metals Foundry that powered the town physically and economically glimmered nearby across the benighted scrubs of this rocky desert steppe. On the ground a small team of Starport staff waved it toward the industrial terminal backed by dozens of large warehouses.

Within the terminal the Beacon shut down, dropped its side ramp, and a small group of men wearing goldenrod uniforms disembarked. Port crews arrived with heavy trucks laden with hydroformed car bodies, I-beams, and rebar rods. Their portly crew chief walked up to the slender, small man with the helmet marked ‘Captain’ who held his hand within his jacket on which was stenciled ‘Leroux, A’ and a pin with a strange foxlike creature. The crew chief paid it little attention. Who knew what the League was into besides guild politics, smuggling, and trafficking.

“You’re late. We expected you weeks ago.”
“There were complications and we needed to swing by Botany Bay first.”
“For what?”
The Captain looked around taking in the functional emptiness of the industrial terminal. “Supplies and a fresh Cargo.”
“We’ve got enough obsidian for our needs, but I know you guys do a circuit. Heading to Sigurd soon?”

Captain Leroux looked around to his people as some more descended the steps. “We were thinking more internal.”
“Make sure all your paperwork is clear, here on the border things are different than in the Core.”

“Of course. We appreciate the warning.”
“Well, you are here now. COMSTAR has been acting kinda weird lately, but you paid Baxter in advance for this cargo so it’s all good. Can you drop the ramp?”

“Certainly.”

As the Beacon’s ramp lowered it revealed columns of soldiers, some equipped with light vehicles and others on foot but all armed. They rushed forward to take control of the drivers so quickly that they had no time to do anything but put their hands up. Captain Leroux held his formerly concealed pistol to the Crew Chief’s head and his nearest companions did the same to those nearby. They immediately dropped their clipboards and computers to raise their hands in surrender.

Their lighter vehicles rode off to the Baron’s Manor and Foundry with great speed, each one of the bikes and skimmers carrying two heavily equipped soldiers. Heavier equipment was being dragged down the ramp by the ship’s crew. Mechs, tanks, and airplanes of the type that they had never seen before but seemed strangely familiar.

“Who are you?
What are you doing?”

“We are Clan Nova Fox, and we are instituting a change in management.”

[Gorgon]

Subterfuge??? In MY Clan Invasion!?




Seriously though, cool to see the different Clans bringing different approaches and strategies to the game.

[PsihoKekec]

With Kai not saddled with crippling self doubt, Phelan being more of Phelan and Diane turning coat, Clans had to be turned up a notch. And boy did AM turn them up.

[AlphaMirage]

We are just getting started to. This is the Clan's on easy mode.

Chapter 7 – The Commandant
07/08/3051 | Somerset, Lyran Commonwealth
A young man with a sharp pressed white and blue uniform complete with a polished steel helmet topped with a plume of red feathers and a saber at his hip stood at the foot of the stairway leading to a Monarch dropship, the LCN Respite. “Cadets, Attention!”

“Ja Kommandant!” Echoed out from the formally dressed soldiers lining the carpeted pathway with rifles at their side as the band played behind them filling the area with music. Each of them raised their hand in salute as a distinguished and well-dressed woman walked toward the vessel beneath the eyes of the Somerset Military Academy Cadets, Cadre, and Staff while their battlemechs stood behind them oversized robotic hands locked in the ‘salute’ sub-routine.

Duchess Anette Steiner paused at the base of the steps and looked over to the officer in charge. Her muted but elegant dress rustling at the abrupt stop. “This was unnecessary son, but I appreciate the effort you put into it.”

Hauptmann Adam Steiner waited until she formally saluted him before he let his hand down to a well-practiced Nagelring rest. “It’s good practice. Now they know why I make them do parade marches around the courtyard. We only break out the dress whites for weddings and funerals on Somerset.”
“And seeing me off to Tharkad.”
“You will be serving on the Estates General for a year. You deserve a regal send-off.”

“Thank you, Adam. It made me feel special. I will miss Somerset while I am away.
Any last minute concerns before I depart?”

He ducked his head slightly, his helmet’s chin strap riding his jaw to much while erect. “No bride shopping Mother. Andrew and I can manage on our own.”

Anette chucked “I’m not even off-world yet and you are already setting terms. Somerset will be in good hands for certain while I am away.” Then gave a subtle curtsy, “I will temper my search Adam for I shall be busy on Tharkad. Making sausages out of the organs of government.
However, should a charming young lady present herself I can offer no guarantees.”

“Will Walter be joining you on Tharkad?”
“Perhaps, for a time. Why?”
“He’s a good man. I’d hate for you to be alone.
Last time you were on Tharkad things did not go so well.”

“That’s not true. It gave me you.”

She leaned in to embrace him and give him a kiss goodbye to the minor surprise of those gathered. However, they kept silent and at attention. “Goodbye Son.
If you need anything, I am your representative on Tharkad and mother always.”

“Goodbye Mom. I wish you safe travels and a speedy return.”

The assembled crowd remained there until the Monarch leapt into the clear blue sky filled with sunshine and marching music. Adam’s Aide'de'Camp addressed him to break the tension, “Where to now Lord Commandant?”

Adam Steiner walked through the crowd which folded neatly into columns behind him and toward the Starport shuttle buses and their other equipment. He swapped the ornamental helmet for his Defiance 3S7’s neurohelmet, the latest from Doering Electronics, then unfastened his cape to wrap a cooling vest over his formal blouse. “Back to Somerport and the Academy.
You still have the same amount of work to do today, and I have more.
Break time is over Cadets.”

[PsihoKekec]

We'll see if Adam can give them tougher fight on his home turf.

[AlphaMirage]

09/10/3051
Somerport nestled itself along both banks of the Holly river as a COMSTAR shuttle landed on the Somerset Military Academy’s airfield taxiing past training planes toward the main hangers. A fireteam of CSC Espatiers disembarked from the shuttle with their laser rifles slung over the shoulder. One of them directed a white minibus, noticeably absent of insignia, using a flashlight as it backed down the steep ramp shortly after.

Demi-Precentor Narendra Varga followed it down, “You five stay with the Shuttle. I will go and collect our holdouts.” The Espatiers nodded, unslung their rifles, and donned the multifunction optic headset that both allowed them to see in the dark and not go blind from laser scatter.

The bus drove quiet and dark through the vacant streets of Somerport toward COMSTAR’s grange house/satellite office just outside of town. This Grange was like others of its type, found in light industrial areas just out of town due to their antennae masts and similar aerials, providing telecommunications, co-generation options, and backup power for crucial infrastructure in smaller cities. Its office was staffed and lit 24/7 for any that needed access to the Order’s expansive services.

Narendra entered the building to see the technological baubles meant to awe and impress the simple minded and distract the strong willed dark. Two dozen Adepts and Acolytes waited in the lobby with large bags at their feet. A female Adept stepped forward and exchanged the standard pleasantries. “We need more time to secure everything Demi-Precentor.”

“Everything important has already been secured Sister Carol. Our time is short.
We must urgently evacuate to protect our Order’s secrets and people.”

They looked aside then at their feet, “Then they are here already?”
“We detected their jumpship’s emergence signature two days ago, yesterday we confirmed it. It is only a matter of time until these Invaders make planetfall.”

A young Acolyte balled his fist and stared at the Demi-Precentor, “What of the people of Somerset?”

The Demi-Precentor shook his head, “We cannot help them but neither will we aid the enemy. Primus Waterly is aware and the COMGuards and Space Command are mobilizing from across the Inner Sphere.”

Carol looked around at her people, “Where are we going Demi-Precentor?”
“Odessa for sorting and redistribution. Many ships are already en route. Everything beyond that is up to the LCAF and ComGuards.”


Tauton Starport sprawled beyond the planetary capital, two Beacon dropships of the COMSTAR White Star Merchant fleet sat ready on the tarmac. PEX-A Exoskeletons pulled carefully packed ergonomic unit containers, the most valuable of COMSTAR’s computer, electronic, and HPG components, while numerous light gray clad personnel picked up smaller crates on pallets placed just outside.

Adept Carol and the others walked up the ramp to see the expansive cargo bays of these planetary lighters filled with their fellow COMSTAR personnel from across the world each of whom gave her grim looks as they carried their small containers under the direction of the CSC Ship’s Crew to their storage. With her people collected the White Star Captain gave the order to prepare for takeoff Espatiers and Crew began directing the faithful to their SCEM bunk, a shipping container modified to support a dozen people as comfortably as if they were berthed as part of a ship’s contingent.

She lingered as the door closed and Somerset’s sun rose over the horizon. “We will return. I am certain of it.

Stand fast Somerset, and sorry.”

[mikecj]

Good planning on their part!

[AlphaMirage]

Good planning on their part!

Being prepared for interdictions or large transfers of personnel is SOP for COMSTAR. They can move mountains given enough time and money.

----

(Military Education) Hauptmann Adam Steiner jogged on the quiet streets of Somerport through the pre-dawn twilight with his hi-viz vest on and into a group of cadets milling just outside the barracks. They turned to and saluted him before Lieutenant Rachel Spector of LCAF MI stepped to the front. “Adam, what are you going to do?”

He rubbed his hand through his brown hair and looked around to see an increasing number of cadets awake and active in their combat uniforms rather than PT long before revelry. “About?”

“COMSTAR.”
Adam furrowed his brow, “Lieutenant, how about we talk in my office?”

The pair were followed by eyes until the Commandant Office’s door closed behind him and a pair of MPs took up station beside it. Adam paced the room and peered through the blinds to see more cadets crowded outside. “You shouldn’t call me by my first name in public, Rachel.”

A chair was pulled out for her as he sat behind the desk. Growing light illuminated her finer features but revealed a look of concern. “I apologize Lord Steiner. However, I don’t think our relationship will be the thing that sinks your reputation, especially on a planet like Somerset.”

“If you weren’t from here, I would take that as an insult.”

She nervously ran her left hand through her hair, “We both know how Tharkad feels about us, but COMSTAR has abandoned Somerset."
"How do you know?"

"Lea says Tauton HPG has been evacuated. We can still track the White Star Beacon planetary lighters that left Hollyfield hours ago with the tower, but civilian communications are becoming unreliable. It’s going to be chaos unless we can come up with a workaround.”

“There has been no reason for them to order an interdiction or pull out our Starlift capacity. Without those lighters we only have the Academy’s Union on world for heavy lift. For as much as my granduncle and Mother have invested into infrastructure there are few rails and roads between our towns.

Precentor Lamberti and I were on good terms just last week. He said they were even upgrading our systems, that there might be a minor disruption. What could have happened?”

“Something must have spooked them.
Adam, when I heard COMSTAR left last night I checked out the long range IR array. After some computer reprocessing, I think we might have picked up a faint KF emergence signature.”
“Dracs? Pirates?”
“I don’t know, COMSTAR wouldn’t be spooked by some pirates or Dracs though. Not that anyone would risk it after your brother’s campaign against the Greater Valkyrate.”

“He sure got results. I don’t know who we are fighting.
I can only tell everyone that we will manage somehow until I have more information.”

The room’s command console came to life to their surprise. “Incoming Radio transmission from CSA Meng Ajete.”

“Be careful what you ask for Adam.”

Adam walked over to the command console and opened the file, a hologram of graying man with intense eyes and a uniform that looked like a historical holovid of the SLDF appeared. “Decadent Noble Ruler of Somerset I am Star Colonel Seth Irons, Commander of the Seventy Third Cavaliers of Clan Star Adder.

We are two days out from your planet and thus this transmission begins my formal batchall for the planet Somerset and its people. As such it contains my force composition and our protocol for the ritual of a Trial of Possession.

Name yourself and transmit with what forces you shall defend?”

They opened the attached document which detailed the commanders of the 73rd Cavalier and which units they commanded. Rachel read faster than him, “This 'Cluster' is basically a miniature RCT Adam. We can’t fight them off with the Milita and Training Battalion.”

He read more into the actual ritual rules and found them enlightening, “We might not have to though Rachel. I think I can do it with my dirty dozen and hide everyone else, just in case.”

“You’re crazy Adam. Half of them came off Blackjack, Solaris, or Galatea.”
Beside them the printer spat out the detailed reports of his enemy, “Exactly the kind of people I need for a mission where we are outnumbered and fighting unknown foes.

I can’t refuse an enemy that gives me all the ammunition I need against them and lets me choose the field of battle.” He picked up one of the printouts with a smile on his face, “COMSTAR might have been spooked but I have a plan.”


Before the sun set on Somerport Star Colonel Seth Irons waited with his hands behind his back aboard the Command Overlord IIC CSA Meng Ajete. A hologram of a young man with brown hair and a warrior’s look appeared before his subordinate officers within the briefing chamber. “This is Lord Commandant Adam Steiner, the planetary ruler of Somerset, and Trainer of its Warriors. He has answered our batchall bidding an SLDF standard Company of Battlemechs, ‘and what they carry,’ against us.”

Each of the four subordinate officers peered at the hologram and one another. A woman with platinum blonde hair and piercing blue eyes spoke out, “Only a Company? Sending a complete Cluster to this world was a waste of our limited assets Star Colonel.”
“Not according to the pirates of Gotterdammerung Star Captain Kerensky. Adam’s trothkin Andrew succeeded in defeating them outnumbered two to one and with little damage to his unit.”

“They were stravag freeborn bandits Star Colonel. We cut through others with less than a Star.”

“Precisely why the cutdown for this Trial is a Binary.”

She stood up to walk over to and lean into the Star Colonel. Waving her hands at the gathered MechWarriors all of whom were from Clans other than Star Adder except for Irons. “You think we are such inferior Warriors that we must match them almost one to one.”

“If you wish to bid lower than do so when your turn comes up.” Seth leaned back into her, lowered his voice, and glowered toward her. “Until then sit down Katya, or you will again face the lash for your insubordinate behavior.”

Katya Kerensky returned to her seat beside the other Star Commanders and Captains of the 73rd. Adam’s form was replaced by a holographic representative of their respective Binaries. “Warriors of Clan Star Adder according to our rites you are to bid, and I shall determine which force shall take on the Inner Sphere for the glory and honor of our Clan.

The cutdown for this Trial is a Binary. Raise your hands if your bid is lower.”

Hands were raised until two remained at Seven Points, between Katya Kerensky and Shane Yeh. “Any bids below Seven Points Star Captains?”

“I can win this trial with Five Points Star Colonel and three of those shall be Battle Cobras.”
Shane let his hand down, and the Star Commanders glared at her. “That is madness Star Captain. Even with your overinflated view of yourself you must realize that such an endeavor borders on recklessness.

Your glory hounding could upset the whole invasion. Imagine if we lost to the Inner Sphere because of some Ristar’s Pride. We would become a laughingstock.”

They stood then stanced up to one another, “My bid stands unless you intend to do something about it Shane. I can take this Adam Steiner outnumbered and outgunned because we are Clan, and our cause is just.”

Seth Irons raised his hand, “If you are so confident in your abilities Star Captain Kerensky, I will grant you the opportunity to see if you are truly as skilled as you believe yourself to be.

Your Binary shall take on these Somerset Strikers, and you shall take the whole Binary.” He stepped into the holographic projection cone toward her, “Even if you only engage half of them. Just in case.

Go prepare yourself Warriors. The day after tomorrow will be the first in many glorious days leading to the REVIVAL of the Star League under the ilKhan.”

Each of them turned to face the Cameron Star and plaque holding ‘General Order 137’ that adorned the briefing and ward rooms of every Clan Installation and Vessel.
“Seyla!”

[mikecj]

Guess she lacks the Kerensky Vision also.

[PsihoKekec]

So we have two cases of Star Colonels insisting on cutdown be kept. Does this mean that TTL clans have standardized training for their senior officers instead of just letting them to learn it all on the job?

[Gorgon]

I imagine the Star Adders at least will have standardized and mandatory officer seminars for everyone who qualifies. Perhaps its even included in their basic training, at least the general principals.

[AlphaMirage]

More details of the intimate lives of Clan officers will come soon. For now though

Batchall
Somerset Strikers
Heavy Lance (Commander by Lord Commandant Adam Steiner)
Defiance DFN-3S7, 75t | Archer ARC-4X, 70t | Thunderbolt TDR-9S+, 65t | Thunderbolt TDR-5D+, 65t |
Medium Lance (Commanded by Captain Valten Ryder)
Enfield END-6J, 50t | Hunchback HBK-4J+, 50t
Shadow Hawk SHD-2Hb, 55 ton | Shadow Hawk SHD-2M, 55t
Scout Lance (Commanded by Captain Ciro Ramirez)
Phoenix Hawk PXH-3S, 45t | Firestarter, FS9-A, 35t
Commando COM-2D+, 25t | Hermes II HRM-2S+, 40t
Total Tonnage – 630 tons + ‘What they can carry’
Average Tonnage – 52.5

Prime Binary, 73rd Adder Cavaliers
Red Star (Commanded by Star Captain Katya Kerensky)
Sidewinder, 75t | Hellfire, 60t | 3xBattle Cobra, 40t
Blue Star (Commanded by Star Commander Presley)
2xShadow Cat, 45t | 2xThresher, 60t | Hellbringer, 60t
Total Tonnage – 525 tons
Average Tonnage – 52.5

[PsihoKekec]

Can't wait to see what they will carry.

[AlphaMirage]

09/12/3051
CSA Meng Ajete landed near the desolate land of white and green that is Somerset’s North Country. Snow evaporated in great gouts of steam beneath its thrusters. Meltwater began turning to ice as dark colored mechs trimmed with crimson stepped over it. Flurries fell from an iron gray sky as they walked through the pine forest occasionally crashing down a young tree forcing its pilot to balance themselves and check their footing.

Their Circle of Equals appeared in augmented reality on Katya’s HUD visor. She clutched her control stick and tapped out commands on the multifunction display secure in her command chair. Her blonde hair peeking out from the helmet. “Blue Star shall remain outside the Circle of Equals until I call for them, as instructed.”

A request for a private channel appeared on her display as Presley’s Hellbringer shifted to stand beside her. “You have your orders, Commander.”
“I know Captain Kerensky, but if we remain outside the Circle we cannot quickly come to your aid. Adam Steiner has chosen a long but narrow valley as our trial grounds.”
“Which will negate his larger unit. This Adam Steiner will be quickly destroyed, and I shall emerge victorious.”
“It will mean nothing of the sort, it will allow him to focus his fire on your Mechs, but if you insist my Star shall remain outside the Circle.

However, if I see that you are struggling, it is my Warrior duty to engage and defeat these Somerset Strikers. It is not only your honor at stake. Here you are a representative of Clan Star Adder.”
Katya Kerensky’s Sidewinder stepped through the barrier and into the Circle of Equals followed closely by the rest of her Star. “I am here Adam Steiner. Let this Trial begin.”

Adam’s face appeared on her channel, “It’s not too late Katya Kerensky. You can still lift off and spare yourself.”

She chuckled within her cockpit, “I do not think that will be necessary Lord Commandant Steiner. However, I shall extend the same courtesy to you. Final option to surrender.”

“Rejected. If you want Somerset. You will have to go through us first, Kerensky.”

As the pines became denser Katya’s Red Star powered up their jump jets and leapt over them. Each hop brought them deeper into the forest and closer to battle. “With pleasure.”

A MechWarrior called out “Contact!” on the battlenet as dozens of rockets launched from the forest in volleys staggering the lumbering Hellfire until it collapsed in the snow with critical structures exposed to the elements. Stray rockets splintered pines while smoke drifted away to reveal the humanoid shapes of the Somerset Strikers’ Scout lance hiding between the trees.

Other Warriors panicked leaping away from the Battlemechs and the smoking cylinders they carried while her weapons dropped the Firestarter before it could come into range to threaten her with its weapons. The light Battlemech’s flamers still glowed but the flames were unfocused, enough to char trees but not enough to set them ablaze in the wintery conditions.

The Scout Lance withdrew deeper into the forest as Katya’s knuckles went white wrapped around her control sticks as she looked at the shattered Hellfire. “Savashri.”

Presley’s voice filled her neurohelmet, “One mech down on either side. You are doing splendid Star Captain.”
“Stay outside the Circle Commander, as ordered.”

With a flick of a switch the open band within the Battlenet came alive, “Hold your nerve, Warriors!”
“They ambushed us Star Captain.”
“That just means this is now a Grand Melee and we shall remain alert to more traps.”
“We did not bring active probes to search out hidden Mechs.”

Her battlemech’s sensors flashed a rough outline of their path before they disappeared into the endless green and gray. “Then we must use regular sensors.”

Red Star bounded through the pines to see the Somerset Strikers gathered in a loose arc on a ridge. Missiles arced toward the Star Adders as orange explosions erupted behind them. Katya’s Sidewinder shuddered as enough missiles found their mark. A panicked MechWarrior screamed as her Battle Cobra was engulfed in air sensitive inferno gel. Splattered gel set one of the Icepines alight with an explosion of pine resin, the sputtering liquid expanded the area of effect.

“You are fine MechWarrior; it is just fire. You are in an Omnimech.”

Constantly jumping caused her shots to veer wildly as she fought the Strikers and her own inferior position within this tinderbox. Mountain winds howled spreading flames that threatening to slow Blue Star’s response even further while blowing the smoke into her forces. Her own options were greatly diminishing, the Binary’s normally energy heavy pod mix had seemed an advantage in the cold but now with the Circle of Equals transformed into a conflagration it was a greater liability.

An unusual Battlemech, identified as the Defiance, which looked like a deformed Marauder started down the ridge. It’s feet snapped blazing fallen logs like toothpicks. Two Thunderbolts and what they called an Enfield followed him down into the forest. “Things getting a little hot down there Katya?”

She dispatched the summon order for the rest of the Binary, Glory shared was better than defeat. Her Mech systems informed her that the temperature was rising in the cramped cockpit but not enough to explain the sweat she felt fathering on her headband as fired toward the supporting arms that remained on the exposed ridge. An HBK-4J lost its footing and teetered backward under her assault slightly diminishing the constant hail of missiles. Katya leapt onto a rocky rise just ahead of the smoke that trailed behind her.

“You think this phases me Adam? Our home worlds are no strangers to wildfires, and I have fought on many of them.”

“Well, that’s too bad because I’ve fought on Somerset, in this particular valley many times.” The Defiance and Adam’s ad hoc Lance peeked their heads above the woods toward her, “enough that I know that rise is not natural.”

His rotary autocannons and PPCs fired at the stones beneath her feet. Boulders shattered beneath her Mech’s mass and under fire. The sudden fall caused her to lose balance and the Sidewinder slid down far enough that she hit her head hard enough to see stars and taste metal in her mouth. Although dazed for a moment she forced her Sidewinder out of the rubble as Blue Star joined the fray and the last Battle Cobras succumb to the never ending barrage trading themselves for the Scout Lance.

[mikecj]

Information is ammunition...

[AlphaMirage]

Star Adders and Somerset Strikers exchanged fire through the blazing pine forest, the TDR-5D's Pontiac 100 thundered splintered trees before slamming into a Thresher knocking it back on its heels. Sleek Shadow Cats leapt above the rocks using their mobility to flank the Strikers lead Lance but felt the sting of rockets from the ARC-4X and HBK-5J. Their forward progress was blocked by the Shadow Hawk and Griffin which joined them on the saddle where they exchanged magnesium bright gauss fire, whistling LBX sub-munitions, and hyper-accelerated particles to ablate and shatter the armored chassis.

Beneath them the pair of Threshers and Presley’s Hellbringer walked forward through the cleared area keeping the flames and smoke to their sides. Explosions erupted from the ground, “Mines! Like some dezgra bandit!”

Adam’s Defiance strode through the flames his rotary autocannon firing intermittently in conjunction with the particle beams from his arm mounted weapons. Katya couldn’t believe the machine as heavy as her own could move that fast, “His Defiance moves at the speed of a Timber Wolf, impossible. There was nothing in the intelligence about this level of technology.”

“Those are vibrobombs Commander Presley. Tuned to your mech’s mass and delivered courtesy of Fagan’s Archer. Very expensive, but worth it because of this.”

To her surprise Adam’s Defiance kicked the Thresher’s leg bending the stumpy, previously solid limb with a single strike of its stout leg, power that not even a Blood Asp could match. Its pilot barely managed to keep the machine upright. The Thresher threatened to wobble and fall on the exposed, misaligned actuators. Crunching metal could be heard over the roar of the flames that surrounded her.

“You dare to engage us in Melee MechWarrior.”
“Why?
Are you Clanners so afraid to get your hands dirty?
This whole machine is my weapon. I will use it to the fullest.”

Adam moved beyond it toward Presley’s Hellbringer as her Mech took more fire from the Thunderbolts. She dodged a shot from the TDR-5D’s Pontiac 100 which shattered stone and splintered wood behind her. Her Sidewinder paid for it as missiles struck her from above slamming into the upper torsos and damaging her missile rack’s covers.

Their Enfield leapt forward to engage the hobbled Thresher, its lasers and cluster munitions impacted the machine causing it to fall into a copse of blazing fallen trees that seemed eerily like a pyre. One fortunately unable to cremate its pilot as long they stayed inside their cockpit. However, the Enfield received the injured machine’s full payload causing it to lose power and land face first, burying itself in the baked dirt.

Katya’s Sidewinder juked away from the TDR-5D and its heavy autocannon toward the TDR-9S and opened fire. Its Anti-Missile System came alive shredding some of her missiles with its precision flak rounds. Her Gauss Rifle smashed, and her Pulse Laser melted armor over the heavyweight classic. It toppled over landing on its back and didn’t rise.

She wiped her forehead but still felt sweat pooling on her headband although the cockpit temperature still registered within normal limits. “Thank the Great Father for a lucky break.”

Presly and Adam were engaged in a fearsome duel that was going poorly for her subordinate and his Hellbringer while the TDR-5D was presently engaged with the remaining Thresher. Above her the Shadow Cats neutralized or bypassed the enemy by engaging their MASC systems to sprint along the ridge and into close range.

Irritatingly this Archer 4X seemed almost as capable as her when firing its missiles at close range, further showing that the Inner Sphere was not nearly as backward as their sources claimed. Nevertheless, they drew the Striker’s Fire Support Duo to them giving her and the others relief from their unending hail of missiles. The Shadow Hawk lifted itself up on a mangled arm and leg to limp toward its companions firing its autocannon at the extreme of its range.

“I require assistance Star Captain. Adam Steiner’s Mech just seems to get stronger the hotter it becomes and many of my sub-systems have suffered damage from his missiles, which have somehow penetrated my armor.”

Inside Star Captain Kerensky seethed, was their intelligence so poor on these Spheroids that they were more than a match in a peer to peer competition. If so, the Clans could never stop. They would have to take the whole of the Inner Sphere. Quickly too before more of these MechWarriors and their somehow equivalent machines could be mobilized against them. It would make it easier to convert the Lyran industries to their war effort however and the foresight of the Khans to choose this target was validated.

“I am en route to engage him, Presley. Keep moving and draw him further from his support.”

Having seen what happened when the Defiance came in close her subordinate was unable to fully leverage his machine’s firepower to maintain mobility in the face of the Spheroids’ assault. Presley backpedaled through the burning forest followed closely behind by the Defiance. She leapt over the canopy to track his progress and get a bead on the Lord Commandant and his murderous machine.

Somehow Adam was sustaining an incredible rate of fire from his machine although it showed the accumulated battle damage. Presly’s Hellbringer was pockmarked with holes from missile and cannon impacts. It’s legs blackened and bare from having been first over the mines before drawing the ire of Adam who insultingly seemed to have ordered his Lancemates to handle her.

Katya saw that the TDR-5D she had left to engage the remaining Thresher had fired at her. Its missiles impacted her rear armor but caused no critical damage. Her own missiles fired but failed to achieve a lock as their sensors were confounded by smoke and flaming trees. Each leap of her Sidewinder broke smoldering logs into char and ash upon landing. Laser pulses raked across Adam’s machine, but their effect was not evident as the armor plates had already warmed to a dull red within her HUD as it shrugs its way through the pines as if they were matchsticks or if it were some Troll or Ogre of myth.

Her console showed that she was running low on ammunition for her missiles and Gauss Rifle. She prided herself on her accuracy but shooting a moving target through a flaming forest while jumping would push the skill of even the best sharpshooters Clan Nova Cat could offer.

Sweat poured openly down her face now, she was to late and Presley’s Hellbringer lay in a twisted heap within this fiery glade that seemed right out of some hellish nightmare and threatened immolation for them both. One of his Defiance’s arms hung by strands of tortured myomer, the other was skeletal enough that she could see the shaping coils for his PPC through the smoke. “Seems that I have run out of ammunition Katya Kerensky. Here, I thought I had brought enough to share.”

Bluffing was not something Star Captain Kerensky was familiar with, but she too had empty magazines and like his Defiance she had one arm hanging on but intact enough to provide power for its energy weapon. Her cooling system had been overtaxed by the constant jumping and accumulated battle damage. “So do you yield then Adam Steiner?”

“Neg, as you say Star Captain. I still have a PPC, and I can see you don’t have any missiles left. My mag sensors also indicate your Gauss Coils are unpowered.”

“Astute observations Lord Commandant. However, I still have my Sidewinder.” Katya initiated a sub-routine that few Warriors still practiced due to its hazard to the operator, “and its jump jets.” She triggered her thrusters leaping toward him like an Angel of Fiery Judgement.

[AlphaMirage]

Within the warm confines of CSA Meng Ajete Katya Kerensky, Presley, and the others stood for inspection by Star Colonel Irons. Everything smelling of smoke and pine resin from the persistent forest fire just outside their dropship. “Half a Shadow Cat stood between you and defeat Star Captain Kerensky and Star Commander Presley. Everything else is a tangled mass of metal and myomer beneath the smoldering remnants of that forest we pulled you out of. You are lucky it did not claim your lives as well, equipment is expendable, but our people are not.”

Seth Irons turned toward the other MechWarriors in his command who stood with their backs against one wall within the adjacent corridor. “Let this be a reminder Adders that we should not underestimate our opponents. There is a chance that our future fights shall be as difficult as our first.”

He extended his hand toward Katya whose uniform like those of her Binary was covered in ash from their recovery. “You should all thank the Star Captain and her command for suffering on your behalf so that you might learn from their example.

It is only through Unity of purpose and action that we stand a chance to restore the Star League. We shall henceforth match the Inner Sphere Mech for Mech until we can attain superiority and better understand what they are capable of.

You are dismissed!”

The 73rd Adder Cavaliers saluted before returning to their duty stations, all except Katya and Presley.
“What part of you are dismissed did you misunderstand MechWarriors?”

Katya closed the hatch beside her, and Presley did the same.
“We respectfully Refuse the orders you gave us before calling this assembly.”
“To remain on Somerset?”
“Aff, I support the Star Captain in this, Star Colonel Irons. You cannot sideline us like this.
We earned our place as frontline Warriors of Clan Star Adder.
Katya and I scored at the top of our Sibkos.”

“While that is true, you presently lack Mechs, since yours were unsalvageable.”

“We can acquire new Mechs!”

“Which will take longer than I can acquire a new Binary. It is simpler to divert the forces that would be tasked with occupying this world to my command.

Leaving you behind to caretake the planet until you can be restored to combat efficacy.”

Her hands balled up as Presley eyed them with concern, “Which will take how long?”
“Unknown, without a functional HPG facility or either COMSTAR or INTELSTAR manning a reception station you will have to rely on Jumpship couriers to communicate with INTER-LOGI and they handle allotments.”

Presley ducked as Katya threw a punch toward the Colonel who sidestepped it and backhanded her into one of the command room’s multifunction consoles with a crash. Blood ran down the metal as she turned toward him with a busted nose and rage in her eyes.
“Do not forget that you chose my Cluster because it was among the highest performing during the placement Trials. That is because there is no room for Maverick Ristars and insubordination within it.

I will forget this incident occurred.”

He wiped the back of his hand with a kerchief. “However, if you no longer wish to retain your rank and status but want to desperately get into the fight; I am certain there is an open Technician role you could perform.

Thus, if you wish to retain them you are to remain on Somerset until INTER-LOGI issues you new mechs and assigns you to a new Cluster. Maybe your bondsman can even teach you a few things while you are here.”

Seth Irons neatly folded the kerchief and returned it to his breast pocket before assuming a boxer’s stance, “Unless you wish to make this a proper Trial of Grievance. I have fought Wolves before and won.

Do not think I have forgotten how just because I no longer get in the field as much as I once did.”

She paused blood streaming down her nose and face, staring down 'Implacable Irons.' Known formerly as the ‘Tyrant of Tranquil’ while she was in Creche on-world and until she had begun Sibko on Sheridan, the launching point for the Star Adder's eventual Absorption of Clan Wolf.
“I will abide by your orders Star Colonel.”
“Wisely.” He handed her the kerchief from his pocket, “Both of you clean yourselves up and prepare to transfer your Stars and support to Hollyfield Starport.

We will shortly depart afterward to Wotan along with the rest of Gamma Galaxy to take on the Twelfth Star Guards.”

[Gorgon]

So Adam is a bondsman. For now at least. Let's see if Katya can keep him.

[AlphaMirage]

Chapter 8 – Holly Field
09/13/3051
A sign neatly stenciled with ‘Holly Field’ rose elegantly on the wrought iron and rose arch above the road as the motorcade wound its way up the hill. Two Somerset Constables stood by saluting it as they passed through the gate before closing it behind them.

Katya watched from within the limousine as trees passed filled with glistening fruit. “What are those?”
Adam sat in a reserved blue suit and crisp white shirt across from her, bond-cord on his right wrist, “Apples?”
“They grow on trees here?”
Rachel, his ‘assistant,’ adjusted her glasses, neatly placing her hands on the tablet computer resting on her skirt, before giving her a strange look. “Do they not where you come from?”

Presley sat beside Katya and had grown agitated apparently from being within close confines of the others and at the mercy of their driver, “You said you were taking us to your residence.
Why have you taken us to a fruit farm?
What is this, Holly Field?” He pointed a finger toward the Steiner, “More tricks!”


They exchanged confused looks toward one another, “These are my mother’s grounds.”

He counted off with his fingers as if going through a mental list, “There is Holly Field Haus itself, an orchard, hedge maze, gardens, tennis court, nine-hole golf links, the pond, a pool within the solarium, stables that used to be the servants’ quarters. I think I am missing something Rachel.”

Presley followed on his own fingers but seemed to be confounded by the words.

“No that pretty much covers it, Adam. Everything else is technically off the grounds but part of the Duchess’ personal demesne.”

“It’s a lot to keep track of, that’s why I pay Gustav.”
“He is paid by your mother and never lets you forget it.
Technically so are you and I since we are both in the LCAF on her world.”

Katya leaned toward him before the three stories and thirty rooms of Holly Field Haus emerged from behind the hedges. She pressed herself to the window as they neared, “That is your residence?
It is immense. You could board hundreds of Clansmen within it.”

They approached the auto arc that fronted the manor where maintenance people were working on the presently still stone fountain. “The ballroom occupancy is one hundred and twenty according to the Feuermarschall. I am certain it could hold a larger crowd if there were more, or wider doors.”

A crowd of staff assembled on the stairs leading within, “It is one of the smaller ones in the province. Rather underwhelming considering Anette is a Duchess of Steiner blood. She only puts on three large events per standard year.”

“She says she partied to hard in her early years and appreciates Somerset’s silence.”

Rachel stepped out after Adam opened the door for her, “I want more opportunities to wear a fancy dress.”

As they turned a sharply dressed older man with neatly coifed silver hair stepped to the fore, “I am certain you will find plentiful opportunities in the future Miss Specter.”
She nudged Adam with her elbow, “I should hope so Gustav.”

He bowed neatly at the waist in the odd old Rasalhague Principality style, “Lord Adam, here I thought I would not see you for months yet. How are things down in Somerport?”
“Academy Training is on Hiatus at the moment.”
“Why?”

The Star Adders, Katya, Presley, and three of their fellow MechWarriors stood awkwardly in their formal green SLDF inspired uniforms before she presented herself, “Because I ordered him to cease training more Warriors, as his Bondholder.”

Gustav looked toward his staff then to her, “and you are?”
“Star Captain Katya Kerensky of Clan Star Adder, present military governor of Somerset.”
“Adam, care to explain your guests.”
“It is complicated Gustav; yet everything was conducted honorably. Katya,” she gave him a stern look just visible in his peripheral, “Star Captain Kerensky and I have come to an understanding. I trust that you have already prepared their rooms.”

“Of course, Sir. I am a professional and shall guide them personally.” He snapped his fingers, and several men came to collect the seabags marked with Gamma Galaxy, Clan Star Adder patches, “Porters and Star Adders please follow me.”

The party departed and staff dispersing to attend their duties leaving Adam and Rachel alone on the pavement as the cars drove toward the garage, “Did your sister and brother-in-law hide the Militia’s heavy weapons and ammo in the point we agreed?”
“Yes, your wildfire stunt delayed the Star Adders long enough to get everyone and thing out safely before they arrived at Hollyfield.”

“Good,
Colonel Irons left Katya and friends on our planet without Mechs or other heavy weapons so that means he is either confident we won’t do anything or that if we do, they can handle us later.

I think we can keep them off-balance and Somerset safe for now. If they think Somerset is already pacified more troops will not be needed but it is good to keep our options open just in case.”

“You almost won that Trial Adam.”
“I know, they just got lucky, but this might be better. If I learn more about them,

I can be certain their luck won’t save them next time.”

[PsihoKekec]

Oh boy, are the Adders in for a treat. And given how good of a fight Adam put up on the encounter? With good understanding of his enemies and time to plan in detail he can give them much worse. I hope his brother survived his last stand.