Alternate Timeline with Thanks (FULL)

[snakespinner]

The FWL is really providing some entertainment for everybody.
I wonder if the GDL will turn and join the Free Skye in this story. ;D [cheers]

[Dragon Cat]

The FWL is really providing some entertainment for everybody.
I wonder if the GDL will turn and join the Free Skye in this story. ;D [cheers]

With the Star League standing and no other major conflict the death of the united FWL likely has the other Succession Lords smiling quite a bit

You really think the GDL would?  Or Free Skye would take them?

Into 3066

3066

Royal Compound
Tian-Tan, St Ives
St Ives Compact
1st January 3066

   Just as 3065 ended on a high note for one of the Inner Sphere’s Capellan cultures 3066 began badly for people of another nation with the death of Candice Allard-Liao, Duchess of St Ives and Prime Minister of the St Ives Compact.  Officials confirm that Candice finally succumbed to old age and died of natural causes at the age of seventy-eight.  Instead of a large ceremony the Allard-Liao family hold a small ceremony on St Ives to say goodbye to the their mother and founder of the St Ives Compact burring her beside her husband and great love Justin Allard, the former Federated Suns Intelligence Chief.  Duke Kai Allard Liao, Candice’s eldest son, assumes the position of Prime Minister of St Ives and inherits the title Duke of St Ives.  Kai like his mother before him vows never to allow the Capellan Confederation gain hold of St Ives again.

   As Kai takes over leadership of the Compact he turns day-to-day control of the St Ives Compact Military over to Colonel Tamas Rubinsky, former-executive officer of Rubinsky’s Light Horse Mercenary Regiment, a long term employee of the Compact.  Tamas was injured during the Black May attacks during the First St Ives Conflict with the Capellan Confederation and fell in love with Kai’s younger sister Cassandra.  The appointment of a mercenary to such a powerful position in the compact suggests that the Rubinsky Light Horse, still employed with the Compact, may be on their way to becoming House troops.

Glengarry
Skye Province, Lyran Alliance
8th January 3066

   As the Gray Death Legion Mercenary Regiment assemble on their Homeworld of Glengarry preparing to move to Hesperus II to try and stop the Free Skye Movement the First and Second Tikonov Republican Guards Regiments drop onto the world and assault the Legion.  As is the Legion tradition the Mercenaries refuse to fight a stand-up battle against the numerically superior Free Skye Forces the Legion breaks and begins to disappear into the Glengarry wilderness preparing to wage a guerrilla warfare campaign.  Unfortunately for the Legion their commander Colonel Lori Kalmer-Carlyle is killed when a gauss rifle strikes her Highlander’s head killing her instantly.  Lori’s husband, founder of the Legion and Baron von Glengarry Grayson Death Carlyle comes out of retirement to rejoin the Legion and make sure his Regiment, and his world, is not destroyed by Free Skye and that there is no leaving the Lyran Alliance.  Grayson Death Carlyle is known as one of the premier military minds of the modern age and Free Skye know his is a major threat to their plans.

saKhan Canin Rosse’s Personal Quarters
Severn Leroux, Anna Rosse-class Battle-cruiser
Deep Periphery en route to Nova Cat’s Den
14th January 3066

   Sitting in his quarters aboard the Severn Leroux saKhan Canin Rosse was completely bored for the last several days he had been buried in dozens of reports from the Nova Cat’s Den on the progress of Clan Nova Cat’s supplanted population.  Two days before the Thunderbolt and Khan Santin West had rendezvoused with the Severn Leroux.  The Thunderbolt was travelling to the Clan Homeworlds to direct a Nova Cat offensive to take control of all of Barcella and deal with some Clan Council meetings, Canin would take charge of matters in the Nova Cat‘s Den while the Khan was away.

   There was a chime at the door and Canin looked up all day he had been left alone by the WarShip crew and the members of the Watch, as they analysed the new OmniMechs, even Yvonne had left him alone he’d noticed that she’d been slightly distant since leaving Arc-Royal.  Canin suspected that she was slightly homesick as she had seen her family, Canin had seen freeborn members of the Clans exhibit the same characteristics.  “Come in” he called the door opened and in stepped Yvonne “well hello” Canin said smiling standing from the small desk.

   “saKhan” Yvonne said stepping in the door closed behind her.

   “Yvonne, you don’t have to be so formal not when it is just us.”

   “Perhaps I do today.”  Yvonne said looking down crossing the small room to the bed sitting down.

   “What is wrong?”  Canin asked moving over sitting beside her putting an arm around her, a tear was running down her cheek.

   “Something has happened.”  Yvonne said quietly “something great, but terrible at the same time.”

   “How can something be great and terrible?  Speak plainly, it is the Nova Cat Custom.”  Canin said slightly sharply he had gotten used to her occasional contraction and had even used them when he was alone with her, however, he hated it when she went off speaking of something he had no idea about.

   “Can I ask you something, personal?”  She asked a strange question for a wife to ask her husband but she had learned the limitations of what she could get from Canin.

   “Of course.”  Canin said quietly kissing her gently on the cheek, Yvonne smiled as tears were running down her cheeks.

   “What is your beliefs about freeborn children and family?”  Yvonne asked although they had spoken about their own childhood when in private they had never spoken about expanding their own family.  Yvonne knew that trueborns like Canin rarely had time for freeborn children or were capable of the natural way of procreation, the Genetic Engineering of the Clans made a large percentage of the warriors produced sterile.

   “I don’t know” he said looking away slightly as he used a contraction of his own “I suppose they have their place.  The Clans would never survive without freeborn filling the roles of the technician, scientist and merchant castes.  Freeborn children are a by-product of the freeborn life.”

   “So what you are saying is a trueborn would never have a place with Freeborn children?”  Yvonne said looking at Canin he saw a slight taste of anger in her eyes but didn’t understand why the Clans had always placed Trueborns higher than Freeborns, it was a fact of life.

   “Aff, although many Trueborns who fail to become warriors have contact with Freeborns but a Trueborn warrior has little contact with them, unless they were to be warriors in the Clan.”  Canin said plainly rarely did Freeborns become warriors in the Nova Cat Touman and they never could reach high ranks of the Clans due to their Freeborn status and their ineligibility of gaining a Bloodname.  Yvonne’s reaction shocked Canin slightly as she pushed him off and walked across the room leaning heavily on the wall crying.  “Yvonne, what is wrong?  You may be a freeborn but you are important to me and our Clan.”

   “Well, I have something to tell you that could change your perception of Freeborns and their position.”  Yvonne said through her sobbing.

   “Why?”  Canin said bluntly although he respected her and her capabilities in a Mech and in administration he wondered how she could persuade him that Freeborns could ever be his equal.  Although they were married Canin didn’t even consider Yvonne his equal.

   “I am pregnant.”  Yvonne said looking over at Canin who raised to his feet and crossed to her reaching out to her.

   “Really?”  Canin asked sounding surprised.

   “Are you angry?”  Yvonne asked worried that perhaps their relationship had progressed to far for it to be comfortable with the Nova Cats.  It was hard enough keeping their marriage secret in the Clan Homeworlds she could never hide the fact she was pregnant and would not terminate the unborn child, her child, their child.

   “No” Canin whispered shakily “no” he repeated more confidently touching her arm “I am just a little shocked.” Canin said “and I do not know how the rest of the Nova Cats will react.”

   “The Nova Cats accepted our marriage but how about this?  It takes this further than we ever expected.  I don’t want my child to be hated by our people.”  Yvonne said she had seen how the Clan Trueborns sometimes treated Freeborns and she could not have her children treated like that, she would rather leave the Nova Cats than allow that to happen, she would even leave Canin to protect the child.

   “They will accept it as I have.”  Canin said solemnly turning to look at her seeing she wasn’t convinced especially with his reaction.  Canin crossed to her and wrapped his arms around her holding her close to him “Yvonne, we will get through this together and we will bring a beautiful child into this world.”  He said kissing her forehead, whatever happened his child would be well cared for and he would love it as much as he loved Yvonne, even if he didn’t know how to look after a child he would do his best and the Nova Cats would adapt or lose him, he was committed to his path, strangely walking away from the Clan for Yvonne and his child did not seem foreign despite the difficulties it could cause.

Press Conference
Quatre Belle Naval Facility
Quatre Belle, Outworlds Alliance
28th January 3066

   The Quatre Belle Naval Facility was a shipyard based in the Outworlds Alliance system of the same name, the years had not been good to the facility and it had fallen into deep disrepair with the Outworlds Alliance barely able to get maintenance facilities operation let alone construction facilities.  The Entrance of the Snow Ravens had allowed them to bring on-line a Corax OmniFighter Construction facility and the Snow Ravens were beginning to help bring Quatre Belle online in a more complete way the first step of that was the designing and completion of a new Fighter Carrier DropShip done entirely at Quatre Belle between the joint work of Snow Raven and Outworlds Alliance engineers and scientists.

   Following completion of the vessel and successful trials President Mitchell Avellar had called for a press conference.  Standing at the podium against the backdrop of a darkened view port President Avellar addressed the gathered media.  “Ladies and Gentlemen, peoples of the Alliance and neighbouring nations today I plan on unveiling a new class of DropShip that has been designed and constructed solely at this facility however first I would like to introduce the Outworlds Alliance partner in this endeavour and other projects, Khan Lynn McKenna, leader of Clan Snow Raven.”  He said there was a collective gasp as the Snow Raven Khan walked in from a side room wearing her full ceremonial uniform with Snow Raven feathered shoulder pads.  “When the Snow Ravens first appeared on our borders we greeted them with guarded respect.  The Snow Ravens respected out pilots skills and offered us a technical exchange for supplies which ended in the Development of the Corax OmniFighter.  Following that project I asked Khan McKenna if her Clan would be interested in working at this facility, a facility that served the Star League army before it left to head for the worlds that would become the Clan Homeworlds.  That project has brought many areas of this facility on-line and brought the Outworlds Alliance the Raven-class Aerospace DropShip.”  Mitchell said as the glass behind him lightened to show the newly launched DropShip, even Khan McKenna looked surprised at the name the vessel had been given, she had not expected such an honour.  “Using Star League-era technologies the Raven-class DropShip is based on the Titan-class DropShip previously launched by the Star League.”  Mitchell said the similarities in the designs were unmistakable a long aerospace craft with large wings and large launch doors on three decks covering the length of the vessel “although the weapons had been upgraded since the original vessel the vessels operate quite similarly.  Also since we worked with the Snow Ravens on this vessel we decided to issue it with a aerospace complement of thirty fighters allowing it to carry five squadrons of fighters or three OmniFighter Stars of Snow Raven warriors.”  Lynn McKenna nodded in appreciation although she knew the vessels capabilities as well as Mitchell she still enjoyed looking at the craft.  “This vessel will serve our forces in the coming years as we shore up our defences and stop the damaging pirate attacks that endanger our civilians.  Khan McKenna would you like to say anything to the people of the Outworlds Alliance and the Inner Sphere beyond?”  Mitchell asked turning to the Clan Khan, for a second he thought she would refuse however the Snow Raven warrior nodded and took the podium allowing Mitchell to step aside.

   “When we came to the Periphery and the Inner Sphere borders we did not expect to find honour and aerospace skill to match our own.”  She began stating the belief of the Snow Ravens that they were the best in the naval arts, among the Clans only the Ice Hellions came close in an Aerospace Fighter or the Nova Cats in a WarShip and even then it was only on a good day.  “We planned to take territory of our own.  Instead we found allies in the Outworlds Alliance, a people who shared our belief that Aerospace Fighters, DropShips and WarShips were the superior force in the galaxy and that to stop an invasion force you hit them first in space instead of letting them land.  We were honoured when the Outworlds Alliance named the Corax in our honour and again we find ourselves honoured with the launch of the Raven.  I wish for us to continue this relationship of cooperation and friendship as we travel towards the end of this century and into the future.”  She looked to Mitchell who nodded his agreement with her announcement “this morning a Snow Raven WarShip with supplies entered the Outworlds Alliance.  The vessel will travel the Outworlds Alliance helping upgrade the defences of each world and distribute supplies that will improve education and health throughout the Alliance.  Also this morning Clan Snow Raven agreed to help bring the Quatre Belle facility fully on-line enhancing the Outworlds Alliance’s abilities to repair and construct more DropShips and JumpShips.”  Although the media were not as polite as Lynn McKenna had been and were suspicious of her Clan’s intentions she handled the situation extremely well and as promised a Snow Raven WarShip began moving through the Outworlds Alliance improving the nations infrastructure and defences shoring up people‘s belief in their leadership and the Snow Raven’s good intensions.

[Dragon Cat]

New Canton, Styk, Old Kentucky, Campertown
Sarna Commonality, Capellan Confederation
12th February 3066

   In retaliation for the damage done at Illium Shipyards in the Ionus system forces of the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth attack four worlds of the Capellan Confederation finding light defences and doing moderate damage on all and capturing various supplies intended for the Capellan military machine on three of the worlds.  On New Canton however they encounter the Racicre River Raiders Regiment and the Tenth Battle Armour Battalion of the Star League Defence Force.  The SLDF troops give the Marik-Stewart troops a severe beating driving them off and causing over two battalions worth of damage to the former-Free Worlds League troops.  This  victory for the SLDF makes a point that New Canton is off-limits to aggressors.  The Capellan Confederation attempt to gain control of the salvage taken by the SLDF troops however General Harry Sanders points out the SLDF are not mercenaries and they will keep their own salvage.

First Royal Guard RCT Command Complex
Tharkad, Asgard, Mount Wotan
Donegal Province, Lyran Alliance
19th February 3066

   Sneaking out his small room in the First Royal Guard command complex Hauptmann Alexander Carlyle headed for the Mechbay, since the outbreak of hostilities in Skye Province and more recently on Glengarry Alex had lost contact with his family.  Despite repeated requests to be allowed to join the Gray Death Legion, and his family, on Glengarry Alex had found every request rejected, the last at the highest level, so using his connections he had arranged transport off Tharkad and back to Glengarry the LAAF would probably imprison him for going Absent Without Leave (AWOL) but Alex was beyond caring.  “Herr, Hauptmann!”  Someone called to him as he entered the Mechbay, Alex recognized the voice and turned to see First Leutnant Caroline Harper commander of his scout lance, they had become close recently and of all the people he would be abandoning he would likely miss her the most.  “Surprised to see you up this late sir, I thought you were not on late duty tonight.”

   “I’m not just some personal work to do on my Mech, First Leutnant, wouldn’t want trouble with it on the field.”  Alex said smiling heading for his BattleMech standing near the entrance to the bay, unlike many of the members of the Royal Guard he owned his Mech and because of this he had to perform much of the maintenance himself or with favours from the techs.

   “No, sir” she said matching his pace step for space as they approached Alex’s seventy ton Archer.  “Any news from home, sir?”  Caroline asked.

   “Caroline?” Alex said dryly, he hated being called sir every two seconds especially by people he knew.  In the Legion it had never been this difficult, even when he had been left in charge during the last Skye revolt the Legionaries still just called him Alex, sometimes the Glengarry-born members would call him sire, because of his father’s position, but rarely was there a sir.

   “Yes, sir” she said immediately.

   “Drop the ‘sir‘ we are part of the same company and there are no superior’s about.”

   “Yes, sir, of course sire.”  Caroline said smiling, her last use of his title caught him by surprise but he guessed she was being sarcastic.  “The only thing is I don’t know how much longer I will be calling you sir.”  She said Alex stopped dead and looked over at her for a moment wondering if she suspected anything.

   “You going somewhere, Leutnant?  Or were you promoted without my knowing?”  He said brushing her rank epaulets on the shoulders of her uniform, they were still Leutnant ranking stripes.

   “Unfortunately no promotion today, sir.  As for going somewhere I wondered if you were the one going somewhere, sire.”  Alex spun to look at her again, the use of his title completely throwing his thought's into chaos but Caroline was giving nothing away.

   “Just to my Mech” Alex said wondering towards his Mech again “why would you say I was going somewhere?”

   “Please don’t treat me like a fool." she pleaded "your family and your regiment are in danger.  Anyone could see you are itching to help them.”

   “I was ordered not to leave the base, my leave request has not been granted and my resignation letter has been rejected by the Archon herself.  What could I do?“  Alex said continuing to walk hoping Caroline would go, he hoped he wouldn’t have to knock her out or worse.  “And if I was leaving to help them.”  Alex said suddenly wondering if there was another way out of this by all but admitting he was about to head home against orders, the Archon’s orders at that, “would you stop me?”

   “No, sir” Caroline said, Alex suddenly felt a rush of emotion and gratitude, however Caroline was raising a small communicator to her mouth “Condition Alpha.”  Alex looked at her again his arms raised ready for a fight just then three Mechs stepped from their alcoves and a hover APC rounded the corner from deep within the Mechbay.  “We are coming with you.  All the machines are family owned Parsons, Lewis and Cole.”  She said pointing to the three Mechs in turn, there were all members of his company. “The APC is borrowed but we will leave it at the spaceport.”  She said as the APC stopped beside them “your Archer is powered and ready for move.  We sent a message to the central computer informing them that your lance was escorting a security patrol into Asgard.”  Caroline said in rapid fire succession “sir, we are ready when you are.”

   “You’re throwing your commissions away!”  Alex said loudly looking at her it wasn’t a shout but it was way louder than he had meant.  “The Archon could throw you all in prison with me, if Free Skye don’t kill us, she might even throw us in prison anyway.  And you‘ll be dispossessed.”  Katherine Steiner-Davion was not known as the most forgiving of leaders and the threat of being dispossessed could turn any MechWarrior‘s mind.

   “Well sir, we will be in good company either way.  We’re coming.  Friends are more important than stupid orders from a power-mad boss.”  Caroline said suddenly shocked by what she had said the Royal Guards were always fanatically loyal to their Archon and Caroline had just shown that she was in no way supportive of her Archon “we need to go and after this I will definitely need the Legion‘s help.”  Caroline said climbing into the APC.  Alex decided not to argue anymore climbing aboard his Archer, sure enough it was fully operational and they were not stopped until they reached the Spaceport.  Even then they were able to convince the guards they were checking security inside the Spaceport in preparation for the Archon’s visit.  Then quietly they moved aboard the DropShip and left Tharkad meeting a JumpShip just outside orbit leaving the system as quickly as possible via a pirate point.  If Alex had left alone without clearance they would likely have been shot down however because of his people’s actions they had been able to slip away.  Alex knew that he would never be able to pay them back, and could get them killed in this crazy possibly lost mission but was glad to have them with him, now all they had to do was find his parents, save the Gray Death Legion and stop the Skye Region breaking from the Alliance.  If they helped stop Free Skye maybe the Archon would be lenient with sentences.

Rousset-Marik Mansion, Augustine
Rousset-Marik Alliance
Former-Free Worlds League Territory
21st February 3066

   Following the defeat on New Canton to the SLDF and the failure to really repay the Capellan Confederation for the stealing of the Delos the three children of Kirsten Marik lead the challenge to Corrine Marik and the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth by breaking away taking several worlds with them to form the Rousset-Marik Alliance.  A nation dedicated to the re-establishment of the Parliament and the Free Worlds League as a singular nation, immediately the Duchy of Tamarind support under Duchess Therese Marik and Jeremy Brett support their nations legitimacy and their goal.  Kirsten Marik’s eldest child Ana Marik takes over as Duchess of Augustine and leader of the new nation.  The other two children Jonas Rousset-Marik and Alys Rousset-Marik handle the military and public matters of the new nation.

Mercenary Review and Bonding Commission Headquarters
Galatean City, Galatea
Skye Province, Lyran Alliance
28th February 3066

   Before the Wolf’s Dragoons shot to prominence and gained the world of Outreach in the 3030s Galatea in the Lyran Alliance’s volatile Skye Province was known as the Mercenaries Star.  The closest thing mercenaries could call home and a world that they could make contracts to serve any of the Inner Sphere or Periphery nations.  When the Dragoons turned Outreach into the centre of Mercenary trade in the Inner Sphere Galatea lost its prominence with almost everyone going to Outreach although low-grade mercenaries continued to find work on the hiring halls on Galatea it was decidedly second-rate compared to Outreach.

   Then in 3065 the Mercenary Review and Bonding Commission (MRBC) founded and supported by the Wolf’s Dragoons but no-longer controlled by the mercenaries announced that they would return to Galatea and build a new Headquarters there in the Capital Galatean City with the Wolf’s Dragoons and Lyran Alliance’s blessing.

   The opening of a new Headquarters tower on Galatea sets the MRBC completely separate from the Wolf’s Dragoons although they still keep a major presence on Outreach because Outreach was still the home to ninety percent of the Inner Sphere’s Mercenary Trade.  With a new hiring hall on Galatea the MRBC hopes to diversify of Mercenary Trade and raise the profile of more mercenary units.

First two months down, and plenty more to come, enjoy

[Dragon Cat]

Castle Robinson, Robinson
Draconis March, Federated Suns
4th March 3066

   Following a stroke the year before Duke James Sandoval dies on Robinson inside his castle surrounded by nearly his whole family.  As is tradition his son Field Marshal Baron Tarncred Sandoval, already commander of the Draconis March for several months, now officially inherits the title of Duke of Robinson.  The people of Robinson begin a year long mourning for their lost Duke and James Sandoval’s body is laid in state for millions to see over the entire year including several DCMS Commanders that had faced him and his forces over the years.

Breed, Raman PDZ
Draconis March, Federated Suns
17th March 3066

   Hearing of the death of the Draconis March’s Duke the Twenty-second Benjamin Regulars Regiment of the DCMS attack Breed attempting to take the strategically valuable world.  Although almost completely combat inexperienced and using over fifty percent advanced technologies the First Chisholm’s Raiders of the AFFS defend Breed taking over a Battalion of Mech losses and nearly a combined regiment of other forces in losses before driving back the DCMS force.  The defence of Breed is hailed as a victory by the AFFS because of their continued hold on the world but in material losses it is certainly a DCMS victory.

Glengarry Highland Wilderness
Skye Province, Lyran Alliance
22nd March 3066

   Following more than two months of roughing it in the Glengarry Highlands the Gray Death Legion Mercenary Regiment hear that the Tikonov Republican Guards are rounding up hundreds of civilians in preparations for executions due to the publics continued support of the Lyran Alliance, the Gray Death Legion and Grayson Death Carlyle.  Unwilling to allow this brutal act to be carried out against his citizens Grayson Carlyle hatches a daring plan.

   Hearing that the Tikonov Guards were using the Mag-Lev trains, that criss-crossed the planet’s surface, to move around their prisoners the Gray Death Legion would strike at several stations along the route taking the prisoners off the trains in a move inspired by Grayson’s son’s defence of the world in the late 3050s.  At the same time Grayson would lead a combined arms Battalion into the capital Dunkeld as a diversion as a Platoon of Battle Armour equipped troopers broke in and killed the Tikonov Guards commanders in a Head-hunter attack inspired by the Clan Wolf attacks during the Initial Clan Invasion.

   The first part of the plan went like a dream with the Legion evacuating over one thousand innocent prisoners from the Free Skye forces.  The Second part of the operation went well for a start as the Tikonov forces followed the Legion battalion leaving the defences weakened however fell apart when Grayson Death Carlyle was killed by a stray autocannon to his Marauder’s head.  A veteran commander who had survived battles with enemies from across the Inner Sphere and beyond from the Clans killed in an instant showing that no-one was invincible.  With the death of their founder and commander the rest of the battalion fell into a rage and destroyed well over two battalions of Tikonov Guards troops as all Tikonov marked forces are seen as hostile.  Unfortunately more Tikonov forces arrive quickly surrounding and destroying the remaining Grey Death Mechs wiping out the remains of the force.

   Fortunately for the now heavily weakened Legion the Head-hunter attack went perfectly killing three Kommondants, one Lt Colonel and one Colonel in a perfectly executed raid.  This attack stopped the Tikonov Guards pursuing the Legionaries as they disappeared back into the Highlands.  For now the Legion was safe but without any of the ‘old guard’ to command them some began questioning if they could survive this and if continuing was worth it, perhaps the Legion’s legendary luck was all used up.

Imperial Palace, Imperial City
Kagoshima Prefecture, Luthien
Pesht Military District, Draconis Combine
27th March 3066

   Deep in the Imperial Palace Grounds on the capital of the Draconis Combine Marianna Kurita, Coordinator Hohiro Kurita’s wife, gives birth to the couple’s first child Vincent preparing a clear line of succession for once Hohiro is gone.  Vincent’s birth is kept secret from the Draconis Combine public for several months protecting him and his mother from any Black Dragon attacks and ensuring that Vincent will be physically capable of assuming the mantle of Coordinator.

[Dragon Cat]

Fronc
Fronc Reaches
6th April 3066

   The New Colony Region had wanted its independence almost since its creation by the Magistracy of Canopus and Taurian Concordat.  The abortive attempt at independence by the Colonial Marshals cost the Magistracy and the Concordat their leaders however the New Colony Regions were still under the thumb of the two nearby Periphery nations.  In April 3066 however this changed following the Magistracy’s occupation of the world of Detroit, site of a Capellan Confederation BattleMech factory, the Magistracy of Canopus recognised the New Colony Region as an independent nation and cut it loose.  The Capellan Confederation, knowing their BattleMech factory was safe also recognised the nation soon after.  The loss of access to the Detroit facility and with all the money invested in New Colony Region close to being lost/wasted the Taurian Concordat resisted the move however by the end of April an angered Taurian Concordat also recognised the New Colony Region which had chosen to call itself the Fronc Reaches.  With the Colonial Marshals and several small mercenary units to defend them the Fronc Reaches began to look for new worlds to colonise and for ways to enhance their new nation.

Zion, Oriente Protectorate
Former Free Worlds League
11th April 3066

   Following several months of negotiations Zion Province decided to join the Duchy of Oriente in an alliance creating the Oriente Protectorate.  With a new nation on covering a large swath of its borders the Capellan Confederation decided to test their defences sending the Second McCarron’s Armoured Cavalry Regiment supported by Ambermarie’s Highlanders to Zion itself.  Landing on Zion in forces they found the Third Free Worlds Guards still serving the people of Zion despite the fact the Free Worlds League was no longer a nation.  The two Capellan units dropped on Zion in force dropping directly from their DropShips onto the battlefield around the Free Worlds Guards.  In an eight hour campaign the Capellans destroyed the defenders of Zion executing the survivors and taking over a Battalion’s worth of salvage before leaving the world.

Nova Cat Watch Base
Tortuga Prime, Nova Cat’s Den
13th April 3066

   A Diamond Shark trade convoy arrives and with them are seventeen warriors of Clan Cloud Cobra’s Rossei Cloister.  These Cloud Cobra warriors claim a vision has sent them to join the Nova Cats and following seventeen trials of possession against the local Second Watch Cluster garrison force the Cloud Cobra warriors prove they are worthy of being Nova Cat Warriors.  They request to join Xi Galaxy and are granted permission by saKhan Canin Rosse, Xi Galaxy had been home to a contingent of Nova Cat warriors that were members of the Rossei Cloister for years putting the Cloud Cobra Rossei members with them made perfect sense to Canin.

   Meanwhile Canin’s executive officer in Delta Galaxy Star Colonel Jal Steiner, the man who had brought the Rossei Cloister beliefs to the Nova Cats in the first place challenged and defeated Xi Galaxy’s commander Galaxy Commander Elianna Deleportis in a Trial of Position making Jal Steiner commander of the Galaxy.  With an influx of new experience warriors all using front-line equipment saKhan Canin Rosse ordered a reorganisation of the Nova Cat Touman and ordered Xi Galaxy to upgrade fully to a front-line Galaxy honouring the addition of the new Rossei Cloister and Jal Steiner’s new command.

Irian, Rousset-Marik Alliance
Former Free Worlds League
20th April 3066

   Newly appointed Captain-General of the Rousset-Marik Alliance Duke Jonas Rousset-Marik takes the rebuilt Krushers to Irian headquarters of the Irian Corporation one of the widest spanning corporations in the former-Free Worlds League.  There he originally intended to engage the Seventh Free Worlds Legionaries based there however found the commander of the unit more than happy to work with him in defending Irian against the Third Marik Militia Captain-General Corrine Marik of the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth had sent to reinforce the Legionaries.

   Working together they secure Irian for the Rousset-Marik Alliance and Jonas is able to report to his older sister that they have also secured a new Regiment for their nation much to the pleasure of Ana Marik and the anger of Corrine Marik.  Unfortunately the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth has lost a lot of forces in the fighting and is severely weakened unwilling to attack Irian in a long bloody campaign Corrine Marik leaves the world in the hands of the tiny Rousset-Marik Alliance.

Hyades Cluster, Dark Cloud Nebula
Taurus System
Taurian Concordat
25th April 3066

   Taurian Concordat ground controllers get into a massive panic when an Overlord-class DropShip belonging to the Fighting Urukhai mercenaries enter Taurus system and begin to make a fast burn to planet.  Surprising the ground Controllers the Fighting Urukhai making it through the nebula and asteroid rings without assistance from a Taurian guide ship and begin heading straight for Taurus.  The Fighting Urukhai a well-known Federated Commonwealth Mercenary Regiment could be under Federated Suns contract and the Taurian defenders decide to take no chances ordering the vessel destroyed the Urukhai DropShip is swiftly destroyed before it reaches the atmosphere of Taurus.  At the Nadir Jump Point a Urukhai JumpShip informs the Taurians that the DropShip carried their negotiating team and that now the Taurian Concordat had made an enemy before leaving the system.  The Taurian ground controllers pride themselves in a job well done defending Taurus without a single loss to the Concordat’s military.

Conquista, Andurien
Duchy of Andurien
Former-Free Worlds League
26th April 3066

   Following a successful operation on Zion the Capellan Confederation attack two more former Free Worlds League worlds Conquista and Andurien.  Leading the attack are Marshigama’s Legionnaires, a former Mercenary unit that had joined the Capellan Confederation and were considered to be a perfect sacrificial unit if the mission went wrong.  On Conquista the attack goes well and the Legionaries send back four Civilian DropShips laden with supplies and captured equipment.  On Andurien however things do not go well facing all five regiments of the Andurien Sentinels the Legionaries find their DropShips attacked as soon as they enter the atmosphere.  In less than an hour the surviving Legionaries surrender under the guns of the Duchy of Andurien Sentinels.  Hearing of this surrender Chancellor Sun-Tzu Liao strikes the unit from the records not caring they were outnumbered five-to-one.

[Dragon Cat]

Quatre Belle Naval Facility
Outworlds Alliance
3rd May 3066

   Following the successful launching of the Raven-class DropShip Clan Snow Raven was given near full control over the renovation of the Quatre Belle facility.  By May the facility is now capable of constructing Corax OmniFighters, Raven-class DropShips and maintaining JumpShips and WarShips although construction of these units is still a ways off.  Khan Lynn McKenna offers the Outworlds Alliance a chance to station one of their units at the Quatre Belle facility to assist the Snow Ravens in defending the world, although five WarShips are already defending the facility and another regiment of fighters will make little difference the Outworlds Alliance sees this as a way of solidifying their relationship with the Clan and immediately agrees and sending the Second Regiment.  Almost as soon as the Outworlds Alliance unit arrives it begins to retrain in the Clan organisation style with Freeborn Clan Snow Raven Warriors filling in the gaps of their TO&E, in the first obvious move of integration between the Snow Raven and Outworlds Alliance militaries.

Glengarry, Highlands
Skye Province, Lyran Alliance
15th May 3066

   Fighting for almost two months without proper leadership had taken a severe toll on the Gray Death Legion wearing the reinforced Regiment down to just a single Reinforced Battalion.  This was not to say the two Tikonov Republican Guard regiments had not paid dearly for their efforts with their combined strength down to just under half, roughly three battalions combined.  The Gray Death Legion headed into Beggars Canyon, a fissure in the ground that units rarely used because of sensor anomalies that made moving a Mech difficult and combat nearly impossible, the Legion survivors hoped that the Tikonov Guards would leave them there bottled up until Skye Forces had been victorious or lost on Skye and Hesperus II.  However the Tikonov commanders had decided otherwise, angered by the Legion’s continued defiance and the head-hunter attack which had cost them many of their commanders they charged into the canyon in pursuit of the mercenaries with orders to kill everyone of the Grey Death's warriors even if it came down to physically destroying each and every cockpit and battle armour suit.

   This move perhaps saved the Legion because the Tikonov forces weakened their spaceport defences enough for Alexander Carlyle, his company of AWOL warriors and the Denebolah Warriors Mercenary Unit to land on the planet.  Alex had met the Denebolah warriors CO Major Samantha Logan during his time with the Royal Guards and after a little detour and a little persuasion had convinced her to help him.  The appearance of a reinforced Battalion takes the Tikonov garrison forces by surprise and they are driven from the spaceport and the capital Dunkeld within just one hour.  The remnants of the Gray Death Legion receive a communication from Alexander Carlyle using secured phrases and codes that only a member of the Carlyle family would know, knowing that Alex was back on Glengarry drove the Legion into a frenzy as they charged from their canyon hideaway and straight through incoming the Tikonov forces.  Because of the canyon’s sensor anomalies the Tikonov forces were already disorganized and struggling to even maintain a decent formation as various warriors got lost in the twisting rocks and mounds.  The faster Legionaries well trained in the area charged past the Tikonov forces at speed trying to avoid any major conflicts they escaped onto the Glengarry plains.  By the end of the day the Legion and the Denebolah Warriors both under the command of Alexander Carlyle had rendezvoused in Dunkeld and were ready to face the Tikonov forces on nearly a level playing field for the first time since the battle for Glengarry.

Tikonov
Capellan March, Federated Suns
31st May 3066

   Following months of planning and the insertion of several covert operatives the Capellan Confederation launch an assault on Tikonov in the Federated Suns‘ Capellan March.  Tikonov had once been capital to a region of the Capellan Confederation and the Capellan people and their chancellor had never given up on the world or their belief that it was a Capellan holding.

   With two WarShips in support the all seven active Warrior House Battalions of the Capellan Confederation drop onto Tikonov.  Their first target is the Tikonov Training Battalion and its campus two Davion creations that had no place on a Capellan world.  Outnumbered seven-to-one the Battalion’s cadets and the training grounds are raised to the ground in less than twenty minutes.

   Then as three of the Warrior Houses begin laying down the law on the world’s population arresting Davion administrators and nobles Houses Imarra, Dai Da Chi, Ma-Tsu Kai and Ijori all move to engage the First Argyle Lancers an independent Mech Regiment of the AFFS.  Against four Battalions of the Capellan’s most elite troops the veteran Lancers had little chance.  Colonel Walter Scully ordered his regiment to concentrate on House Imarra as the charged towards the Spaceport attempting to escape the world.  The damage caused on House Imarra by three times their number was devastating crushing the Battalion and allowing more than two Battalions of the Argyle Lancer Regiment to reach their DropShips and escape the world ready to inform their First Prince of the Capellan assault.  Unfortunately the Capellan WarShips had moved closer to the world and cut off the three Argyle troop DropShips.  In less than a minute the three vessels and their human cargo had been reduced to ash by Capellan WarShip guns.  This bloody end brought Tikonov back under Capellan Confederation control.  Due to the far-flung nature of the world, deep inside the Capellan March’s borders, Capellan Chancellor Sun-Tzu Liao allows his Warrior House Masters to see to executions of Davion planetary leaders and the introduction of Capellan leaders and ideals to the world.  Three days later the Federated Suns find out about the attack and the destruction of the Argyle regiment, First Prince Victor Steiner-Davion vows that Tikonov will be returned to the Federated Suns if it is the last thing he does.

[Dragon Cat]

Clan Fire Mandrill Holdings
Dagda, Kerensky Cluster
Clan Space, Clan Homeworlds
4th June 3066

   For all of the Clans diversities Clan Fire Mandrill is one of the strangest with its politics not decided by the Khan or saKhan but by various Kindraa that control every aspect of the Clan from the humblest merchant to the most Crusader-bent MechWarrior.  A Kindraa is an alliance of the Fire Mandrill Bloodhouses.  Following some heavy losses to the Star Adder Clan Bloodhouses Payne, Beyl and Grant form a new Kindraa turning three minor Bloodhouses into one of the strongest in the entire Clan.  With this new Kindraa formed the Fire Mandrills hope that they can control their politics better and hold back the march of the other Clans.  Unfortunately the Star Adders remain just over the border waiting.

ComStar Battle Armour Factory Alpha
Memoria, Tukayyid
Free Rasalhague Republic
13th June 3066

   Following the Draconis Combine’s refusal to sell them Kage Battle Armour the Free Rasalhague Republic had come to ComStar and asked them to help in the development of a new Battle Armour suit.  With the ComGuards secretly training to assault Terra ComStar had been hesitant to become involved however the Star League Defence Force had offered to join them and split the costs three way with the Free Rasalhague Republic providing the resources for the factory and grounds.  ComStar building and running the factory on Tukayyid in their de facto capital city of Memoria and providing technical expertise and the Star League Defence Force providing the bulk of the funding.  After four years of work, development and testing the factory unveils its first product the Kobold Light Battle Armour suit.  As agreed each nation/organisation will receive a third of each production run brining reach’s military roughly one hundred suit’s a year.

Tau Galaxy Command Base
New Haiti, Proving Grounds
Nova Cat’s Den, Periphery
20th June 3066

   Following a lengthy development in conjunction with Nova Cat Scientists the members of Tau Galaxy develop a new type of armoured combat vehicle that would embrace the Advanced Tactical Missile Launcher and modernise the Nova Cat Armoured forces.  Named the Shoden Tactical Missile Tank, by a captured Combine tech, the design is a seventy ton wheeled tank carrying an array of three nine-tube Advanced Tactical Missile Launchers and Light Machine Guns and a healthy supply of ammo. 

   Of all Nova Cat forces the Tau Galaxy has show most interest in the use of armoured vehicles and following a successful trial period the warriors of Tau Galaxy prove the Shoden can successfully engage targets at far greater range and accuracy than tradition missile carrying units and that the ATM system is the perfect weapon system for armoured vehicles.  Watching the tests the Nova Cat Khans give the go-ahead for the Shoden’s full production at a factory to be built on New Haiti, the design is also sold to the Diamond Sharks for resources the Nova Cats turn into expanding their settlements in the Nova Cat’s Den and increasing the size of their Touman.

[Dragon Cat]

James McKenna, McKenna-class Battleship
Dante System
Outworlds Alliance, Periphery
5th July 3066

   When President Mitchell Avellar had been invited aboard the Snow Raven’s flagship the James McKenna he had not expected the vessel to jump nearly as soon as he was aboard nor for them to arrive in the Dante system.  The Dante system was home to the Omniss Cult, a group of Outworlds Alliance citizens who had rejected all technology not necessary for the continuation of life, this surprised Avellar because the Outworlds Alliance had no military forces there.  The world was only in contact with the outside once a month when a single DropShip was allowed to land there and offload supplies or drop off any visitors.  Mitchell respected the Omniss’ right to run their world as they saw fit and left them to it, Dante was so deep in the Outworlds Alliance that no pirate force would be able to get to the world without being seen by Alliance patrols.

   As soon as the James McKenna reverted to real-space the vessel’s huge manoeuvring drives flared into life and the 1,930,000 ton Battleship began to move just as Mitchell reached the bridge.  Just inside the room were a pair of armoured Elemental guards and beyond them was Lynn McKenna Khan of the Snow Raven Clan.  “Khan McKenna, could you please tell me why we are in the Dante system?  This is the most peace loving system I have ever come across, the people may be a little backward in their views but they are entirely harmless.”  Mitchell said walking onto the bridge in the light gravity provided by the vessel’s thrust.

   “Well, we shall soon see Mr President.”  Lynn said turning briefly towards him then back to the Holo-tank active in the centre of the room.  Mitchell glanced at the Holo-tank briefly although not a military man Mitchell had always been smart, some said he was a genius, although the technology seen on the James McKenna was a little beyond him he did understand most of it on a basic level.  Stepping closer to the Holo-tank he saw that one of the icons was defiantly the James McKenna, the Holo-tank was so precise in its rendering of the massive McKenna-class Battleship it could not be mistaken for anything else.  In the far corner hanging from nothing was a large round object Mitchell recognised as Dante, the Holo-tank even rendered the world’s continents, but near the planet’s moon was something else.

   “What is that?”  He asked looking at the craft moving away from the planet.  “Is that some sort of DropShip?”  He asked looking around blankly the Snow Ravens ignored him.

   “No, Mr President, that is a Baron-class WarShip.”

   “A WarShip?  A Snow Raven vessel?”  He asked blankly he did not recognise the Baron-class designation assuming it was an ancient Star League-era design still fielded by the Clans.

   “Neg, the Star League retired that class before they left the Inner Sphere, it is an inferior design and none of the Clans field such craft.  The Star League sold them off to the Inner Sphere and Periphery states before the Reunification War. Is it a Outworlds Alliance vessel?”  Lynn McKenna said looking directly at Mitchell, she wanted to know if the Outworlds Alliance leader had been lying to her since day one.

   “No, we have no such vessels, or any need for such vessels, you know this.”  He said accusingly “I would like to know who it does belong to.”

   “We will find out in time.  Star Admiral, order your fore Gunners to fire at will, all other on standby.”

   “Aye, Khan McKenna” the vessel’s commander, Star Admiral Hinda Shu, said the James McKenna’s command bridge lights dimmed as the vessels closed.  “Fore-guns fire at will, all other hot standby.”  she repeated into the intercom.

   “In range with Naval lasers” one of the bridge crew said “gunners firing” he said as the James McKenna’s forward paired heavy Naval Lasers lashed out catching the enemy vessel in the rear quarters. “Good shooting gun crew, we need that again.”

   “Star Admiral, target is turning and blossoming” a sensor operator said as the enemy WarShip began deploying fighters.  The standard Baron carried six aerospace fighters which would be easily dealt with the star of escorting fighters travelling alongside the James McKenna.  “Sir!  Seventy-Two, repeat Seven-Two Aerospace Fighters deploying and enemy WarShip’s forward guns coming on-line as they turn.”

   “Star Admiral, Fore Quarter Guns released to fire.”  Lynn McKenna said stepping over beside Mitchell “now it gets interesting.  Someone has been doing some work on that ship.”

   “You think this is where all the pirate attacks have been coming from?”  Mitchell asked putting things together the Snow Ravens had agreed to help the Outworlds Alliance find the pirates who had been attacking them.

   “I think this may be part of the problem.”  She said as the James McKenna’s fore quarter Naval Lasers and Capital Missiles joined the fight spraying the Baron’s forward armour with varying degrees of damage.  Amazingly the smaller vessel held up to the attack and returned fire on the Battleship sending six of its own Naval-lasers and four Capital Missiles into the James McKenna’s port side causing some armour damage but little else.

   “Enemy guns have been upgraded as well, sir.”

   “Still not match for us.”  The Star Admiral muttered “bring us to port and activate Broadside guns.  Launch all fighters and tell them to destroy those fighters.”  the Hinda Shu said not waiting for the Khan’s opinion the James McKenna carried fifty fighters meaning the Snow Raven pilots would be outnumbered, but they were the most elite the Snow Raven Clan could field plus the James McKenna was about to even this fight by taking out the Baron. The enemy WarShip continued to close firing as it came weapons fire splashed over the James McKenna’s hull, this deep in the vessel and with almost one thousand-five hundred tons of armour protecting them the weapons fire sounded like rain drops hitting a tin roof.  Around the James McKenna the Snow Raven OmniFighter pilots were already facing half as many enemy fighters as they had before they started with only two losses of their own.

   “Broadside solution charged, targeted and ready.”

   “Fire!”  The Hinda Shu said, moments later even as the Naval lasers of the Baron hit the James McKenna’s port side the Battleship’s own twelve Heavy Naval Particle Projection Cannons opened fire at once.  One of the most devastating Broadsides any WarShip could deliver the McKenna’s broadside was designed to destroy or at least cripple any other WarShip in one volley.  This time the broadside did not disappoint as all twelve blasts of man-made lightning each the size of an aerospace fighter slammed into the enemy vessel almost at the same time.  The bolts burned straight through the vessel gutting it from port-to-starboard and burning through the other side of the vessel. The four-hundred-and-eighty thousand ton vessel consumed by a fireball as its wreckage spun away towards the planet, fragments of the vessel would burn up in the atmosphere for the next month while larger chunks would slam into Dante’s major oceans.  Around the James McKenna the Snow Raven pilots had destroyed all seventy-two enemy fighters loosing six of their own number in the process it had been a short but productive battle.

   “Star Admiral, bring us into orbit and begin scans of the planet.  Any DropShip attempting to leave is to be given one chance to surrender then destroyed understood?”  Star Admiral Shu nodded as Lynn McKenna slipped her arm into Mitchell Avellar’s “how about some dinner?  We may not have such luxury as you have on Alpheratz but it should suffice.”  She said leading the Outworlds Alliance leader from the room, how she could think of food after that was beyond him.

   “Sure, what about Dante?”

   “Later, first we eat.”  She said triumphantly leading Mitchell from the command bridge.  Snow Raven repair crews had already begun repairing the superficial damaged done to the James McKenna taking supplies out of the quarter of a million ton capacity cargo bay, this ship could transport nearly as much as about half of all Outworlds Alliance DropShips, it was the Snow Raven's only McKenna-class vessel but they had many others of different classes.  Seeing the ship and crew in action Mitchell Avellar realized just how crazy those in the parliament who had suggested resistance were, the Alliance for all it's fighters would have no chance against this mighty vessel.

   A few hours later they were finished eating and back on the James McKenna’s bridge looking down at the world.  To Mitchell’s eyes the world chosen by the Omniss was as beautiful as the first time he had seen it however the Snow Raven sensors told another story.  During the time they had been eating three DropShips had attempted to run and were shot down by the James McKenna’s powerful weapons array, on the planet’s surface there were at least a dozen DropShips and throughout the cities on the planet were BattleMechs and combat vehicles.  There were also several dozen camps scattered across the planet “I had no idea.  The people of the world wanted to be left alone and we left them to this.”  Mitchell said, he didn't understand how the transport DropShips could have missed all this, Snow Raven fighters relayed pictures of forced labour camps on the planet and prison camps.  “I want who did this dead.  Whatever it takes.”  Mitchell said looking away from the pictures with disgust, the time for peaceful solutions to problems was over.

   “It will be done.”  Lynn McKenna said heading from the room leaving Mitchell on the bridge as she moved to her command DropShip.  Six DropShips then detached from the James McKenna’s hull and sped towards the planet.  In sixteen hours of heavy combat with help from the James McKenna's fighters the Corvus Keshik, First Raven Phalanx and the Sixth Raven Battle Cluster of the Snow Raven’s Swift Wing (Alpha) Galaxy destroyed over two Regiments worth of raider troops freeing the planet’s battered population from their slavery.

   From the James McKenna Mitchell Avellar sent word back to Alpheratz of the raider presence on Dante and ordered a relief convoy sent to the world.  By the time the battle had ended six cargo DropShips and a Regiment of fighters from the First Alliance Air Wing had arrived to help get the world back on its feet.  Walking the soil of Dante Mitchell could see the hurt in the population’s eyes whomever these pirates were they had treated the population like they were nothing and the Alliance had done nothing for them.  Following several attacks against Alliance troops in the first couple of hours of them being on Dante Mitchell turned to Lynn McKenna and asked the Snow Raven if they could take permanent stewardship of the worlds defences the Snow Raven Khan agreed and the Alliance troops retreated allowing the Snow Ravens to distribute supplies.  Mitchell returned to Alpheratz with his troops angered that they had been made to look like fools by some smart well equipped pirates and vowing revenge to the Outworlds Alliance population, the Alliance had never been strong militarily that was about to change the Alliance would become dedicated to eradicating any pirate threat.

Outside City of Memoria
Focht War College, Tukayyid
Free Rasalhague Republic
16th July 3066

   Following his criticising of the Star League’s apparent ‘Company Store’ Policy to increase its numbers when it came to mercenary forces it was slightly a shock when newly promoted Lieutenant-General Marcus Johnson of the Seventy-Seventh Special Operations Group found himself trying to convince the Killer Bees Mercenary Battalion to sign on full time with the new SLDF. Following over a months negotiation with unit commander, Major Ernst Murdoch, however that is exactly what happened with the Killer Bees joining the SAS Division as an official auxiliary to the Blackhearts, becoming the Seventy-Eighth Special Operations Battalion.  The Killer Bees officially joined the SLDF having their Light BattleMechs upgraded to light OmniMechs, their conventional infantry upgraded to Kobold Battle Armour and their single squadron of Aerospace Fighters upgraded to brand new Huscarl OmniFighters provided by ComStar.

   Following this move by a former mercenary and from complaints from other mercenary unit’s the MRBC officially complain to the SLDF for their taking control of so many mercenary troops.  The SLDF point out there are plenty of mercenary units in the Inner Sphere and that the only major mercenary units to join them have been the Eridani Light Horse and the Blue Star Irregulars, Commanding-General Morgan Hasek-Davion points out that these units have historical ties to the Star League and have voluntarily rejoined the SLDF’s ranks and he continues to say that the MRBC can complain if the Northwind Highlanders, Kell Hounds or Wolf’s Dragoons join the SLDF units that are linchpins in the MRBC and have no previous ties to the SLDF.

   At the same time as Morgan’s speech ComStar announce the arrival of the ComGuard’s first home-grown OmniMech.  The Focht Light OmniMech weighs in at thirty tons, can reach speeds of ninety-seven kilometres per hour and can carry thirteen-and-a-half tons of weapons and equipment in its pod space.  As with almost all of ComStar’s products the Focht Light OmniMech will be open to sale after the first production run which will go exclusively to ComGuard Divisions.  The Star League Defence Force and Free Rasalhague Republic both put in an order for the thirty OmniMechs each.

[Taron Storm]

The SLDF point out there are plenty of mercenary units in the Inner Sphere and that the only major mercenary units to join them have been the Eridani Light Horse and the Blue Star Irregulars, Commanding-General Morgan Hasek-Davion points out that these units have historical ties to the Star League and have voluntarily rejoined the SLDF’s ranks and he continues to say that the MRBC can complain if the Northwind Highlanders, Kell Hounds or Wolf’s Dragoons join the SLDF units that are linchpins in the MRBC and have no previous ties to the SLDF.

The Northwind Highlander Regiments were part of the Star League.  That's where a majority of the Black Watch came from.  Members would transfer back and forth.  That's also why the Highlanders kept the Black Watch alive, in secret, until the Star League was reformed.

[Ajax_Wolf]

ummm, Irian, not Iran.

[Dragon Cat]

The Northwind Highlander Regiments were part of the Star League.  That's where a majority of the Black Watch came from.  Members would transfer back and forth.  That's also why the Highlanders kept the Black Watch alive, in secret, until the Star League was reformed.

The general Northwind Highlander Regiments are still Mercenary.  The Black Watch rejoined the SLDF following Serpent they do hail from the Highlanders but they are an SLDF unit

[Dragon Cat]

Hyades Cluster, Dark Cloud Nebula
Taurus System
Taurian Concordat
1st August 3066

   Angered at the loss of an Overlord-class and a Battalion of troops the Fighting Urukhai jump en-masse into the Taurus system fighting their way through the Taurian blockade around the planet and burning onto the world.  Two and a half regiments of angry mercenaries all using advanced technology attack the Taurian Defenders, the Taurian Guard and the Taurian Commandos, in total four regiments but only two Mech units.  The Fighting Urukhai destroy the two Taurian units, all four regiments and their attached fighter wings before beginning to destroy all manufacturing and support bases for any military force the Taurian authorities only have one option left to them.

   Unlike the other nations of the Inner Sphere and Periphery the Taurian Concordat has never outlawed the use of Nuclear, Chemical and Biological weapons.  Under the capital are several such weapons set-up almost like a dead-mans switch.  Protector Grover Sharplen orders the weapons detonated just before evacuating the city.  The bombs detonate wiping out Samantha, sixteen million Taurian men, women and children and all remains of the Fighting Urukhai.  Hours later Grover Sharplen assures the Taurian people he escaped unharmed and that it was the Fighting Urukhai carrying a Davion Nuclear bomb that destroyed the city, Grover Sharplen declares war on the Federated Suns.  Taurian units began crossing the border, the Taurian Concordat almost totally forget about the devastation on Taurus mainly the destruction of large portions of their capital, Samantha, in their bid to claim revenge against the Federated Suns.

   Six days after confirming that it was not a Federated Suns ordered attack and that the Fighting Urukhai were not carrying Davion nuclear weapons First Prince Victor Steiner-Davion refutes Taurian Concordat claims and to the horror of the Capellan March offers the Taurians a chance to step down.  The Taurians answer by invading the Pleiades Cluster a long disputed group of tightly packed planets and stars.

   Following the Taurian refusal to back down over their offensive Victor Steiner-Davion authorises Field Marshal Baron George Hasek to use all forces necessary to defeat the Taurians and stop the Invasion of the Federated Suns.  George re-routes the First Kathil Uhlans and several mercenary units to the Pleiades Cluster in an effort to destroy the Taurian units however guerrilla warfare scale fighting continues on.

Gray Death Legion Command Complex
Glengarry, Dunkeld
Skye Province, Lyran Alliance
21st August 3066

   Supported by the Denebolah Warriors Alexander Carlyle leads the resurgent Gray Death Legion to victory on Glengarry defeating the Tikonov Republic Guards and brining the world back under the control of his family and under Lyran Alliance authority.  He frees several government officials imprisoned by the Free Skye forces and is officially awarded the title Baron von Glengarry and the rank of Colonel commanding the Gray Death Legion.  Although a separate unit the Denebolah Warriors commander Major Samantha Logan remains on the world under Alex’s command, they have rekindled their previous relationship.  Alex orders his units to board their DropShips and prepare to go to Hesperus II to end the Free Skye threat to the Lyran Alliance and complete the Gray Death Legion’s orders.

MRBC Headquarters
Galatean City, Galatea
Skye Province, Lyran Alliance
28th August 3066

   Following their victory in the suing the Lyran Alliance Commanding-General Morgan Hasek-Davion approaches Devil’s Advocates Mercenary with the opportunity to form a special unit within the SLDF.  They will be a bio-hazard unit capable of providing humanitarian aid in inhospitable areas and will be assigned to cleaning up and disposing of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons (NBC).  Because of recent complaints the unit will technically be under contract with the SLDF for the first year to ensure there are not more complaints from the MRBC.  Captain Charlene Cypher, the commander of the Devil’s Advocates, agrees under one condition her unit’s to the Wolf’s Dragoons are paid off in full by the SLDF.  Morgan Hasek-Davion agrees and the Devil’s Advocates enter into a contract with the SLDF with an option to extend it and become members of the SLDF, the MRBC are not happy by the arrangement but as they Devil’s Advocates are technically still mercenaries under temporary contract they have no grounds to complain.

Defiance of Hesperus II (DefHes), Hesperus II
Skye Province, Lyran Alliance
31st August 3066

   The loss on Glengarry and the two Tikonov Republican Guard units hurt the Free Skye Movement however with the arrival of the First Tikonov Republican Guard on Hesperus II the movement gained more steam and following a break-down of communications between the two Lyran Guard regiments defending the Defiance Factories Free Skye was able to bring the Fifteenth Battle of Hesperus II to a close with victory.  The loss of the DefHes Plants and the allowing of a enemy state/organisation to gain control of Hesperus II’s main is something that has never happened in Lyran history and a major sore point for the Lyran Archon to swallow.  The Survivors of the Fifteenth Lyran and Thirty-Sixth Lyran Guard under the command of Leutnant-General Keane Sortek, nephew of Federated Suns Crucis March Field Marshal Arden Sortek, flee to the planetary capital Maria‘s Elegy.  Even together they only number four combined arms troops, less than a single RCT significantly less than the Free Skye forces arrayed against them.  The population of Hesperus II demand that their families, the majority of whom are employed at the DefHes plant are freed from the Free Skye Tyranny.  However Keane Sortek refuses to throw his troops at the DefHes security grid instead servicing his equipment and giving his troops some rest before trying to retake the facility unofficially surrendering the Fifteenth Battle but not the world to Free Skye - the fact that his troops trust him and that they control most of the planet is probably the only thing that saves Keane from the Hesperus II masses.

[Dragon Cat]

VI Corps Command Complex
Marknick, Calderon Protectorate
Former Taurian Concordat
6th September 3066

   Standing in front of the Holo-projector Marshal (Baron) Cham Kithrong felt one hundred percent wrong with what he was doing but knew it was the only way for his people to regain control of their nation and for the true ruler to claim his throne.  As the unit activated Cham began to speak “People of the Concordat I am Baron Cham Kithrong, Marshal of VI Corps and Regent to Erik Martens, also known as Erik Calderon.  Erik is the adopted son of Jeffery Calderon a fact that we can now prove with legal documents obtained from ComStar delivered from a law-firm based on Terra. I have presented this to Protector Sharplen calling for him to step down and allow Erik to assume the throne of the Concordat when he is of legal age but Sharplen has refused.  I hereby denounce Sharplen as an usurper to the Taurian leadership and withdraw the VI Corps from the Taurian Armed forces, with us stand six worlds and we shall stand alone as the Calderon Protectorate, centred on Erod’s Escape with New Taurus as our capital, we shall stand alone until Grover Sharplen stands down as Protector and turns over the leadership to Erik or his lawful Regent.”  Cham left out that the regent was him, no need for the people of the Concordat to see him as grabbing power for himself, something he would never do.  “Also today I have the grave duty of bringing evidence that the nuclear explosion that consumed Samantha on Taurus was not caused by Federated Suns Mercenaries but by the orders of Grover Sharplen.  Grover Sharplen ordered the death of sixteen million Concordat lives and is required to stand as a war criminal immediately.”  Cham said, the last part was laying it on a little thick, there was evidence that the explosion came from under the city of Samantha and records that stated only the Protector could order their detonation however there was no written evidence that Grover ordered their detonation.  “I have no lust for power” he said frankly breaking from the script “and I have supported the Calderon family my entire life.  When Jeffery Calderon died on Detroit I felt like my heart had been wrenched from my chest and stabbed, then I discovered Erik and his legal adoption making him the unannounced heir of the Concordat, his father’s realm, I will do everything I need to make sure that Erik is given the nation he deserves.”  An hour later the broadcast was sent across the Concordat and into the Inner Sphere.  It would take another four months for legal recognition of the nation by other major powers, one of the first recognitions coming from the Federated Suns, the Concordat’s ancient enemy and the nation currently at war with the Concordat.  Cham saw the move by the Federated Suns for what it was a way to weaken the Concordat not strengthen the Protectorate but accepted their word of recognition.  As expected Sharplen refused to step down and denounced Cham Kithrong as a petty tyrant of weak-minded world leaders.

Medical Facility Alpha
Borealis Facility, New Barcella
Nova Cat’s Den
14th September 3066

   During a routine inspection of the newly completed mammoth floating structure known as Borealis Facility Yvonne (Rosse) experiences to first indications that she is about to give birth to the child she and Canin are expecting when her waters break.  Unable to travel back to land due to a severe storm she gives birth in the Primary medical facility to a healthy and strong son, which she and Canin name Grayson.  Upon hearing this there is widespread call for Khan Santin West to step aside as leader of the Clan as Canin Rosse was fulfilling prophecy by having a son to Inner Sphere nobility, he was brining the Clan back to the Inner Sphere fold.  The information is transmitted to Santin West by one of his supporters and from the Clan Homeworlds Santin West realises that his Clan is ready to tear itself apart over the birth of a child, something he allowed to continue to happen.  Knowing there is only one civilized way through this he transmits encrypted information for Canin’s eyes only offering to turn over the Khanship.

   On New Barcella Canin immediately transmits his refusal of the position of Khan throughout the Nova Cat’s Den and the Nova Cat enclaves in the Clan Homeworlds.  He informs Nova Cats that they are a Clan and will always be a Clan and the birth of one freeborn child changes nothing.  He informs the Clan that if they stop respecting Clan traditions then they risk alienating the Nova Cats from the other Clans and ending their existence as a Clan.  Khan Santin West remains Khan with Canin remaining as an immensely popular saKhan, now Canin’s supporters and Santin’s supporters believe in Canin as a potential Khan.  Meanwhile Canin begins to get to grips with the most alien concept possible to a Trueborn Clansman, parenthood.

Uninhabited System
Gray Death Legion JumpShip Star Wolf
Skye Province, Lyran Alliance
4th October 3066

   Entering an uninhabited system heading for Hesperus II the Gray Death Legion were confronted by a Fox-class Corvette, the Lyran Alliance fielded five such vessels and none had signed on with the Free Skye Movement, this could be a Lyran WarShip waiting to receive orders to strike Skye or Hesperus II or it could be a vessel lying in wait for anyone trying to reinforce the Free Skye forces.  Alex was not overly concerned the Gray Death Legion was under contract with the Lyran Alliance and had been ordered by the Archon to stop the fighting.  The only thing they could do is arrest Alex and the other warriors who had joined him when he went AWOL from the Royal Guards.  The Star Wolf’s crew sent the vessels identification signal ensuring they were not attacked by mistake “Can you identify them?”  Alex asked.

   “Having problems locking onto their IFF, it‘s encoded.”  The JumpShip bridge sensor officer said from his station about a foot from where Alex was standing, the JumpShip’s bridge was tiny, cramped and in zero-g conditions making it probably the most uncomfortable place to be at present.

   “Encoded?  Why would one of our own ships have their IFF encoded in our space?”

   “Why would they have it encoded at all?”  The JumpShip captain asked quietly “rotate the frequency through the old FedCom frequencies, see if these fools have never swapped their IFF to the new frequencies.”

   “Aye sir” the sensor officer said.  Moments later the JumpShip sensors registered the Vessel and its name “sir, its the Intrepid, last assigned to the Tenth Lyran Guards during the Clan War as Victor-Steiner-Davion’s command ship.  That‘s a Federated Suns ship.”  He said his voice full with dread Alex looked up out the view port watching the Fox turn slowly sure enough there was a Federated Suns Sword-and-Sunburst on the vessels port side they certainly were not hiding who they were.  Alex wondered why a vessel that now served the Federated Suns would be in Lyran space years after the end of the FedCom Alliance and during an internal crisis, he secretly wondered if the Federated Suns were funding Free Skye, a frightening possibility.

   “Can you raise them?”  Alex asked

   “Sir, they are not Alliance friendly.  Standard policy is to remain quiet and hope they stick to the Rules of Engagement and leave us out of this.”  The JumpShip commander said quietly.  For years the ability to manufacture JumpShips had been lost to the Inner Sphere and JumpShips had become prize assets and were not to be destroyed or even fired on.  Since the rediscovery of technology this rule had slowly begun to be forgotten but most JumpShip crews still prayed the WarShips would ignore their defenceless vessels.

   “I didn’t know the Federated Suns and Lyran Alliance were at war?” Alex said looking at the JumpShip commander who wore a blank expression.  “Raise them.”  Alex said this time it wasn’t a question and the JumpShip captain under contract with the Gray Death Legion had a duty to follow his order despite it being his ship.  Moments later the radio crackled to life.

   “Repeat this is the FSS Intrepid to JumpShip Star Wolf do you read?”  The WarShip’s sensors having identified them and recognized the Star Wolf’s IFF as a JumpShip afflicted with the Gray Death Legion.

   “This is Star Wolf, what do you FedRats want?”  The JumpShip Captain said before Alex could, Alex shook his head slowly, that wasn’t the tone he’d have used.

   “Permission to send over a shuttlecraft.  I have a passenger that would like to talk to the commander of the Legion.”  The Intrepid crewmen said ignoring the insult against House Davion troops.

   “This is Colonel Alexander Carlyle, permission granted to bay two.”  He said the JumpShip only carried one shuttle leaving space for a visiting vessel the JumpShip Captain scowled at him, Alex didn’t know if it was because he was a ground-pounded interfering with naval operations or if it was because he’d just accepted to have Davion troops on the Captain’s ship.  “Dock them at bay two Captain.”  Alex said leaving the bridge.

   “Yes, sir” the Captain said angrily at the closed door.  The Captain turned back to his three man bridge crew “the apple fell far from that tree.”  He said quietly “not a bit like his parents that one.”

   “They say he fights like his father.”  One of the Bridge crew said.

   “Perkins, he better or we will be looking for another employer.  Clear that blasted Davion Shuttle to the bay.”  He said watching the Intrepid let loose a small ovoid shuttle that began heading over.  “Let’s see what they want.”

   Twenty minutes later the Shuttle was docked and at the other side of the airlock Alex and Major Samantha Logan, the Denebolah Warrior’s Commander stood waiting.  As the airlock slid to one side Alex forced himself to catch his breath as it rushed out from surprise standing there was Peter Steiner-Davion and Adam Steiner, the last two men Alex had expected to see.  Both were kitted out in Federated Commonwealth uniforms both with Marshal insignia on them.  Both Alex and Samantha saluted out of reflex despite these men arriving on a foreign ship and wearing foreign uniforms.  “Welcome aboard, sire.”  Alex said respectfully bowing slightly to both Peter and Adam, whatever their official standing both were members of the head Lyran noble house.

   “Thank you Colonel, I was sorry to hear about your parents.  A great loss to the Alliance and the Inner Sphere.”  Peter said Alex remained silent, he’d hardly thought about his parent’s deaths, whenever he thought about them he ended up in tears something he could not afford now.

   “Thank you, sire.  May I ask what you are doing here with a Federated Suns WarShip?”

   “When Katherine broke the Commonwealth she abandoned it.  My brother Victor has not abandoned it and perceives Skye to be a far larger threat than Katherine will give them credit.  The Intrepid has been loaned by the First Prince and escorted us this far unseen however in two days time unmarked JumpShips will arrive and I will lead a force to Hesperus II.  I was hoping that I could count the Gray Death Legion in as part of this force.”  Peter said Alex thought about that carefully at present the Legion was in Katherine’s good graces however if he led them to Hesperus II with Peter then she may see it as if they favoured Peter over her making them a target.  Then again if they did not go with Peter and he failed or worse was killed then the Legion would be hated by the Federated Suns and Lyran Alliance.

   “What forces do you have?”  Alex said cautiously buying time.

   “The Fox’s Teeth, the Blackheart Seventy-Seventh Special Operations Battalion and Twelfth Battle Armour Battalion of the SLDF and the First Royal BattleMech Regiment also of the SLDF.  When the JumpShips arrive we will also have the Twentieth Arcturan Guards and a Battalion of Kell Hounds with the complements of Morgan Kell.”

   “The SLDF?  Isn’t this an internal matter?”  Samantha asked risking upsetting Peter’s plans.

   “Aff, but we called on the Star League to assist in Humanitarian and anti-Terrorist activities.”  Adam said “both SLDF units will remain out of the heaviest of the fighting which we hope will not be heavy but are planning for the worse.”

   “Well you can count the Gray Death Legion and the Denebolah Warriors in as well, we are roughly a combined-arms Regiment in strength together.”  Alex said throwing his weight behind Peter seemed like the best bet he didn’t know where he stood with Katherine since he went AWOL so throwing behind a pair of Dukes was better than with a dodgy Archon in his opinion.  Samantha just looked on with a small smile playing on her lips as he spoke for her command as well, no doubt he’d pay for that later.

   Four days later following the arrival of the Arcturan Guards and Kell Hounds Peter leads the force to Hesperus II immediately informing the Free Skye Forces of whom they now face.  The two Lyran Guard regiments immediately align themselves with Peter’s forces with Lt General Keane Sortek becoming a close aide to Adam Steiner and Peter Steiner-Davion.  The Sixteenth Battle of Hesperus II begins.

[Total Recall]

I must say well done to you, Sir, well done indeed. I thoroughly enjoyed your timeline when you originally posted it and I'm loving the in depth one even more! If I could be really cheeky, would you mind posting the updates a bit faster, I find I'm constantly checking back for more!

[Dragon Cat]

I must say well done to you, Sir, well done indeed. I thoroughly enjoyed your timeline when you originally posted it and I'm loving the in depth one even more! If I could be really cheeky, would you mind posting the updates a bit faster, I find I'm constantly checking back for more!

Thanks for the support, it's here to be enjoyed.  Updates will likely be slow when I work then quicken up over the weekends :)

Dieudonne
Independent Barony
Former Free Worlds League
12th October 3066

   Over the centuries Dieudonne and its Star League-era fortification had been the prize of many would be conquerors and covert operations however in May 3066 several terrorist bombings began taking place across the planet.  Unable to find the perpetrators of these bombings various elements of the planet’s garrison force, the Twenty-Fifth Marik Militia, begin blaming each other for causing the bombings without proof the units commander, Colonel Anita Webel, is able to keep her unit away from each other’s throats however in October 3066 the units decide enough is enough when Colonel Webel is killed in her quarters.  The Unit breaks into various battalions and sub-units and begin to tare into each other and Dieudonne.  After a week of fighting with little hope of ending the fighting the planets surviving governors contact the nearby Rousset-Marik Alliance with hopes of them accepting Dieudonne and ending the fighting.  On the 12th Jonas Marik and his Krushers arrive and literally Krush the remaining elements of the Twenty-Fifth bringing peace to the world and the world into the Rousset-Marik Alliance.

Tikonov, Capellan Confederation Holding
Capellan March, Federated Suns
21st October 3066

   Although ordered not to initiate a ground campaign on Tikonov until the fighting in the Lyran Alliance dies down, for fears that this would begin a war with the Capellan Confederation destabilizing the entire region, Field Marshal George Hasek does deploy two Federated Suns WarShips, the Congress Block II-class Frigate FSS Jason Hasek and the Davion Block III-class Destroyer FSS Charles Davion these two vessels maintain position at the Nadir and Zenith points intercepting any JumpShip or DropShip civilian or military confiscating any military equipment.  In the first two days of the blockade they seize a Battalion’s worth of military grade Hovercraft.  The Capellans begin ordering their captains to use more dangerous pirate-points to keep the supply lines open.  For now the Davion WarShips maintain their positions at the jump points.

Word of Blake HPG Compound
Caph, Chaos March
3rd November 3066

   In an unprovoked assault a ComStar ComGuard Division assault the Word of Blake HPG Compound and its defending forces.  Using the Star Nova Galaxy name as a cover and having their equipment painted in every colour of all the Inner Sphere militaries the ComGuards hope they can hide their identity.  The Word of Blake force holds its position and both units take heavy damage, as the ComGuards retreat an Aegis-class Heavy Cruiser escorts them clear of the battle scene keeping up the illusion that it was the Star Nova Galaxy, the Word of Blake are not convinced however.

   Immediately the Word of Blake ROM attempt to begin to track the Star Nova Galaxy tracking them deep into the Federated Suns however getting nowhere deeper due to heavy DMI and MIIO interference.  The Word of Blake ROM spend six months attempting to track the force with very little to catch them out on however their agents do cause quite heavy casualties to DMI and MIIO operatives during the period trying to uncover information that only the highest levels of House Davion were aware of, the Word of Blake find no trace of the Star Nova Galaxy or anyone who may have been masquerading as them.

Civilian Administration
Philip Drummond City, New Barcella
Nova Cat’s Den
14th November 3066

   Since the birth of Grayson Yvonne had gained a lot of respect of her fellow workers and been able to do far more on New Barcella to improve the life of the castes lower than the Warrior caste.  The naval cluster that patrolled the seas and explored New Barcella were virtually under her command and things were progressing smoothly.  The sight of the saKhan in the halls of Yvonne’s building was no longer a source of gossip although the workers still afforded Canin all the respect he was due as second-in-command of the entire Clan.  Yvonne sat in her office working through papers as Grayson slept in the crib one of her fellow workers had built there was a tapping at the door.  Yvonne looked up and noticed Canin standing at the door leaning against the frame “hello” she said softly smiling, it had been nearly a week since she had seen him and from his unshaven, unkempt look she could see he had just arrived.

   “Hi” Canin said gingerly walking in and over to the crib “this is nice” Canin said touching the crib its wooden frame was soft to the touch as if it had been sculpted.  Just then Grayson who had been sleeping until then woke up and began screaming “Hush, hush, hush” Canin said softly trying to sooth the baby but Grayson continued to scream.  “Hush a bye baby on the tree stalk when the wind blows the cradle will rock when the bow breaks the cradle will fall and down will come baby cradle and all.”  Canin sung quietly completely out of tune as Yvonne came alongside him and picked up Grayson putting him over her shoulder the baby quietened almost immediately.

   “Someone wants attention.”  Yvonne said smiling walking back behind her table looking up at Canin “where did you learn that rhyme?  I haven’t heard that for years.”  She asked, the rhyme dated back to ancient Terra where Canin had heard it was anyone’s guess.  Grayson as always was not interested in anything but food and as soon as he say Yvonne’s exposed breast he latched on and began to suck.

   “Someone gets all the attention” Canin smiled ruefully from the expression on her face Canin could tell she was barely holding in a laugh.  “Doesn’t that hurt?”  He said curious, he had never witnessed a freeborn baby feeding until he had seen Grayson and Yvonne.

   “Not really, it’s rather soothing actually” Yvonne said looking down at her baby son.

   “I bet” Canin whispered but not quietly enough Yvonne’s had a massive smile on her face as she threw a pen at Canin hitting him on the shoulder “ouch” Canin said playing along “well I bet it is.”  Canin said smiling again Yvonne was barely holding herself together and as she looked down seeing Grayson looking up at her and Canin she burst into a fit of laughter which Grayson was soon copying bringing a smile to Canin’s face as well.

   “So how can we help you today, saKhan” Yvonne said trying to regain control of her emotions and be more formal.  If Canin had come to see her and the baby alone he would have waited until later in the night so he could take them home.  Because Yvonne was now fully civilian she and Canin were living apart with her in the City above the Clan Hall and Canin in Delta Galaxy’s garrison outside the city.  They saw each other less but despite this they both felt the same that the addition of Grayson had completed their lives even more than their marriage.

   “I have a new job for you.”  Canin said Yvonne looked at him questioningly, she enjoyed her job here keeping New Barcella ticking over it helped the Nova Cats and kept the Khan‘s paper work in order.  “It is Khan Santin West’s idea actually but I think you would be perfect for it.  Your work here on New Barcella has been nothing short of stunning” he said Yvonne looked at his with an expression that said ‘flattery will get you nowhere.’

   “So why do I get a new job?”

   “The Khan said it was because of your success.  But actually I think he wants you off New Barcella so your popularity does not increase more than he can handle, the people have already called for him to stand down once.”

   “A Clansmen playing politics”  She said shocked “I thought he was happy with me here.”

   “He is, but now he has a new job for you which I think will suit you just as well.  He wants you to take command of a new Cluster we are forming.”

   “I am not a warrior, Canin, you know this.”  Yvonne said protesting with Grayson joining them the last thing she wanted was to be in a fighting unit “I will fight a trial against this.”  She promised.

   “Would you let me finish.”  Canin said raising his voice slightly, rarely did he raise his voice around Yvonne or Grayson.  Grayson did not think much of this and began to cry only to be soothed once more by milk from Yvonne’s breast.  “The Cluster is not a combat unit or even a military support unit.  It is called the New Worlds Cluster and its job is to expand the frontiers of the Nova Cat’s Den.  Assigned permanently to it is a Carrack-Merchant and a large group of Nova Cat Merchants and scientists and we hope to attach engineers as well.  The whole idea of the unit is to colonise more worlds for the Nova Cat’s Den allowing us more resources and territory without attacking someone.”

   “Without attacking?  Doesn’t sound very Clan-like.”  Yvonne said not completely convinced.

   “The Nova Cats are changing, our relationship is a fact of that.  We will still fight people that is our way however at present the only person we could fight is the Federated Suns and your brother’s forces something we do not want.”  Canin said honestly he respected Victor and did not want to launch and invasion on the Federated Suns despite several calls for the contrary from other Nova Cats.  Of course they could strike at the Taurian Concordat or the distant Outworlds Alliance but neither would be able to offer the technology or resources of a Inner Sphere House State.

   “So what would our overall mission be?”

   “To colonise at least two worlds in the surrounding area.  To accomplish this you will need to scout systems and report anything that could be of use.  Then land on planets and establish colonies.”

   “Not the safest jobs, especially for a newborn.”  Yvonne said looking down at Grayson his immunities were weaker than an adults.

   “You will have a full medical and surgical team with you and a security detail.  Your Merchant ship has an HPG able to call in reinforcements at a moments later and I promise you I will have a Cluster, a combat cluster, on hot-standby at all times.”  Canin said standing rounding the table kneeling down beside her “I will not let anything happen to you or my son, but this project may fail without you then the Nova Cats will have to look at military action.”  Canin said stroking Grayson’s cheek as he continued to feed.

   “I will do it.” she said after a moments thought Canin leaned over and kissed her on the lips then the forehead.  “Ouch” she exclaimed removing Grayson from her nipple “only a couple of months old and already I can feel his teeth.”

   “He is a Nova Cat, we need our teeth” Canin said smiling as Yvonne picked up Grayson and put him back in the crib.

   “Well that is enough for you, sleep now.”  She said tucking the baby into the crib within moments he was fast asleep once more.  Turning around she saw Canin in her chair relaxed Yvonne moved across and sat on his lap he made an ‘Ooof’ noise as if she had drive the air from his lungs by sitting on him but from the look on his face she could tell he was joking around.  In all her years and experiences she would never have thought to meet a man like Canin, he was so normal and down to earth yet so different to any man she had ever met, which was why she loved him.  “I have plenty left for you if you are interested!”  She whispered as they embraced Canin could barely keep a straight face as they kissed and cuddled.

DefHes Primary Facility, Hesperus II
Skye Province, Lyran Alliance
28th November 3066

   Walking his Fafnir slowly over the battle raged landscape Duke Peter Steiner-Davion could see this battle was over most of Free Skye’s forces had retreated to their DropShips and began leaving the planet heading for Skye hoping for salvation.  Only the First Tikonov Republican Guards continued to stand against Peter’s combined forces and they were being pressed by the three prongs of Peter’s final assault.  In the centre Peter and the newly arrived Arcturan Guard Regiments and the Kell Hound Battalion made for a solid force, to the right was Adam Steiner, the Fox’s Teeth and the two defending Lyran Guard Regiments (from Skye’s original defence) and on the left was Alexander Carlyle’s Gray Death Legion, the SLDF and a hog-bodge command led by Lt. General Keane Sortek. 

   The battle was not over however and Peter continued to push his forces forward hitting a Free Skye Awesome with both his Fafnir’s Heavy Gauss Rifles.  The Fafnir really was the ‘mugger’ the Lyran Alliance MechWarriors had nicknamed it the Awesome went down as both supersonic slugs slammed into the Mech and put it down for good.  Peter smiled his first official operation in the Lyran Alliance was going well but just then things turned sour the radio crackled “Steiner’s down!”  The call went out, the Steiner call was for only one warrior Adam Steiner anchoring Peter’s right flank.

   “Confirm!”  Peter ordered shouting into his comm. system there was dead silence for several moments.

   “Confirmed” a resigned male voice said “a Free Skye Atlas crushed his Hauptmann’s cockpit.  No way he survived that wreck.”  The man said Peter was shaking uncontrollably of all the people in this fight Adam Steiner had been the most solid, even more so than him, Peter had even been tempted to champion Adam to challenge Katherine instead of himself using Adam’s pure Steiner heritage to their advantage.

   “Damn.  General Sortek move to Adam’s position with a company in support.  Take command of the flank and end the Republican Guard’s fight.”

   “Understood” Keane Sortek said moving off with a group of warriors.  Since Peter’s arrival Keane had become a rock for the Lyran forces controlling the troops, liasing with Peter’s forces and the two Lyran Guard units ensuring everyone was working together.  Peter continued to push his forces forward as Alexander Carlyle’s Gray Death Legion, supported by the SLDF forces, pushed on one side and when Keane Sortek arrived the forces on that flank began to push again as well.  Within hours the Sixteenth Battle of Hesperus II officially ended with the Lyran Alliance firmly back in charge of the world and its manufacturing might.

   Not chancing the Free Skye Movement spreading Peter ordered the Gray Death Legion and the Kell Hound Battalion to mount up in DropShips and begin to head for Skye.  Before he leaves Hesperus II Peter formally promotes Keane Sortek to full General and in full command of Hesperus II’s defences.

[Dragon Cat]

Main Conference Room
Royal Estates, New Glasgow
Skye Province, Lyran Alliance
6th December 3066

   When Peter Steiner-Davion landed on Skye on the 4th December he found all the regiments of the Skye Rangers and the Tamar Cavaliers all waiting for him.  Knowing there was little chance of his regiment surviving an assault from all the forces arrayed against him Peter Steiner-Davion called for a truce and talks with the leaders of Free Skye.  Duchess Hermonie Aten and Duke Robert Kelswa-Steiner agreed to meet him for talks.

   “I did not come here to fight” Peter started noticing Robert did not look convinced “however I cannot allow Skye to break free from the Lyran realm.”  He said Robert looked more than a little angry “you have to understand that we have the Combine causing trouble.”

   “On Skye borders” Hermonie said quietly but Peter continued unabated.

   “We have the Jade Falcons ready to charge across our borders and an unstable Free Worlds League.  If the Lyran Alliance disintegrates then the Clans will be able to conqueror the Inner Sphere piece-mail.”

   “That is all you and you brother care about, same as your damned brother.” Robert said “It is all you have ever cared about.  What happened to the Tamar Pact?  What happened to your compassion when defending Tamar?  Tamar was destroyed conqueror by the Clans so don‘t tell me you care whether the Clans conqueror the Inner Sphere piecemeal, that has already started.”

   “Let’s think hypothetical here.”  Peter said approaching it from another angle the last thing he wanted Free Skye to start using against him was the fact that Tamar was still in Clan hands, the Lyran people or even the entire Inner Sphere could not liberate all the Occupation Zone it would bring more Clans into the mix.  “The Skye Province becomes an independent nation.”  He noticed both Hermonie and Robert looked pleased with that idea.  “The Lyran Alliance withdraw all house forces from the Skye Province.  All mercenary units employed by the Lyran Alliance are withdrawn from the Skye Province leaving you with three BattleMech Regiments and four conventional regiments, NO WarShips and a few JumpShips.”  Robert nodded that was accurate “now as things stand the Skye Province has no Shipyards capable of building WarShips so you would be stuck without WarShip defence.  What would happen if the remnants of the Free Worlds League decided to cross the border with their still impressive WarShip fleet.  The Skye units put up a brave face and defend and the Free Worlds troops are driven back.” Robert smiled sure that would be the case “so the Free Worlds remnants begin using a scorch-earth policy using orbital bombardment and NBC weapons to clear any resistance from the Skye Province conquering what little they do not obliterate.”  Peter looked to them both seeing Hermonie was near tears and Robert was looking angry as if he wanted to challenge Peter’s version of events but couldn’t without WarShip support Skye would fall, its position near Terra would make it the perfect target and from there the whole Lyran realm and Terra could fall.  “Or lets say the Draconis Combine decide to launch a new invasion of the Isle of Skye, remembering that they blame your mother for ordering the killing Omiko Kurita.”  He said looking at Hermonie, it was time to take this discussion to its end, the young duchess would hurt after this but Peter had a nation to protect.

   “She did not.”  Hermonie said resolutely, she would never believe her mother could order such a thing.

   “I knew your mother Duchess and believe that she would not have done such a thing but the fact remains that the Draconis Combine have been led to believe that she did.  Could the Skye Province hold against the combined might of the Draconis Combine.”

   “The Lyran Alliance would join us in defending out homes and their border from the Combine.”  Robert said not believing they would allow the Combine to gain such a foothold.

   “Why should we?”  Peter said wickedly throwing the thought in there “the Jade Falcons threaten our borders on a daily basis.  Why should we risk our necks defending a rouge state from a legitimate one?  Please remember that you would be a rogue state not recognized by any realm and not part of the Star League.”

   “We could petition to join.”   Robert said knowing the Lyran Alliance could not stop such a thing.

   “It’s possible but I am fairly certain that the Lyran Alliance and Federated Suns would vote against such an appointment and what would the Isle of Skye have to offer?  Perhaps a base for their troops the Isle of Skye become a new part of the Star League Protectorate.”  Peter challenged them, he knew Victor would support him, it was the problems with Skye that had helped end the Federated Commonwealth Alliance and open the door for Katherine to seize power from Victor.

   “Hesperus II.”  Robert said proudly the financial might of DefHes was nothing to shirk at and the Star League would never turn down such an opportunity to have the factories working for their army.

   “What a war ravaged world with a bunch of empty buildings?”  Peter asked seeing their confusion “the factories are owned by Defiance Industries which are in-turn owned by the Brewer family.  I am sure the Brewer family as a loyal family of the Lyran Alliance would not abandon their home realm and could be convinced to move their factories deeper into the Lyran Alliance.”  Peter said, he didn’t actually believe it but it was an option, and knew the Brewers had too much of a hold on Hesperus to ever allow that to happen, but if the Isle of Skye ever tried to gain independence then it would be an option the Lyran Alliance could use.

   “Those are Skye factories run by loyal citizens of Skye!”  Robert shouted leaning over the table.

   “As I understand it they are Lyran factories served by Lyran citizens.  At present two Lyran Guard RCTs defend them.”  Peter said “granted both units are under strength but I am sure my sister will reinforce them now Hesperus II is back under her jurisdiction.”

   “We will conqueror Hesperus II.”  Robert warned

   “That will take all your military might Robert leaving your borders weakened to enemy assault.  You would loose the Isle of Skye before you even had independence.  And if you did succeed on Hesperus II and were not invaded what would stop Katherine dropping three RCTs on this world and another three on Hesperus II or bombarding them from orbit with her WarShip fleet?  You are in a no-win situation.”  Peter said gravely from their expressions he knew he had hit a nerve.  “Living under Lyran control may not be your idea of a great way to live, but at least you will be able to live free and continue to rule your province.”

   “You would allow us to remain in control in Skye?  After all we have supported?”  Hermonie said quietly looking at Robert.  If they remained in power there was still a chance of independence in the future.

   “I do not believe that the people of Skye would accept anyone else Duchess.  And I may need your support soon.”

   “Our support?”  Robert asked carefully he hated the Steiners with all his being, they had abandoned his family and now they were on the brink of removing another family, another dream from him why would he support one? Why should he?

   “Here’s the deal I offer.  You remain in power and help me oust my sister from the throne of the Lyran Alliance.”  Peter said seeing the surprise on their faces “during the Clan War she attempted to abandon the Lyran Alliance for the Federated Suns, a nation safely away from the Clan threat.  She was the one we believe ordered the death of Omiko Kurita to hurt Victor and we believe that she may have even ordered the deaths of the Aten family.”

   “That was the Combine.”  Hermonie said convinced of the fact.

   “Was it?  Katherine had everything to gain from blaming it on the Combine while the Combine had little to gain from denying it.  They would normally claim honour had been regained however they have remained silent over the matter.”  Peter said going deep into the Kurita psyche that was comfortable “Victor also believes that Katherine ordered the deaths of his mother in 3055, almost Morgan Kell’s death, and ordering you father, Ryan Steiner’s death, by hiring the sniper, the sniper that was never caught.”  Peter pointed out “all three were political problems to Katherine’s lust for power my mother, the leader of the Commonwealth, your father the leader of Free Skye, and Morgan Kell, supporter of my mother and my brother.”

   “Victor had the same motivations.”

   “True, but Morgan Kell still supports my brother proving to his creditability and Victor has never profited from the deaths that were caused by that bomb.”  Peter said venomously Katherine would pay for what she had done if it was the last thing he did.

   “Your offer is a good one but…” Robert began to say.

   “…It is not enough” Hermonie said quietly “the people of Skye believe in their freedom and without it we will constantly look for a way out of the Alliance.  Peacefully or not.”

   “How about I extend my offer?”  Peter asked quietly expanding on his own ideas, he knew that if this became public before he was Archon there would be hell to pay, and it could cost him the throne, but it may just work.  “This has to stay between the three of us until after Katherine is gone, if it doesn‘t then we could all end up blind-folded against a wall.”  He said looking to both “what if I was to make an offer to you that once I was Archon and once things had calmed down, a year from now perhaps a little more that I would grant the people of Skye Province more autonomy.  I would devolve some power from Tharkad and give it to Skye.  Skye would still be accountable to Tharkad and you would not be truly independent but you would have powers to make your own laws, you own taxes and expand Skye’s defences to protect itself.”  Peter was taking a massive risk with this offer but both seemed to understand it and his offer seemed to get to them.

   “This could work.”  Robert said quietly.  Two days later all three appeared on a broadcast sent throughout the Alliance that due to the efforts of Peter Steiner-Davion the Skye Succession Attempt was over and that hostilities had ended.  Now Peter was bound by their agreement, something he would have to pay for in the future but for now Skye was at peace.   A week later Isis Steiner arrives from the Federated Suns and they both head back to Glengarry to Grayson Death Carlyle’s funeral.  Before he leaves Skye Peter places newly promoted General Keane Sortek in charge of Hesperus II’s defences and as a direct liaison to the people of Skye for the LAAF.

Ross 248 Fleet Anchorage
Classified Location, Inner Sphere
20th December 3066

   Not believing that mercenaries attacked their garrison on Caph the Word of Blake retaliate against the ComGuards by attacking the Fleet Anchorage at Ross 248 a location hidden deep in the Inner Sphere.  In the early morning of the 20th December 3066 a Lola III-class Destroyer enters the system in which the anchorage is hidden.  The vessel moves slowly into the system giving all correct codes to make it past the perimeter defensive weapon posts and fighter patrols.  The vessel identifies itself as the CSWS Ranger a vessel that went missing during the Star League’s Operation Serpent portion of the annihilation of Clan Smoke Jaguar.

   From outward appearances the vessel looks exactly what it claims to be a battered Destroyer with its armour blackened and several systems obviously not operational.  ComStar fighters and DropShips patrolling the perimeter allow the vessel to pass.  The vessel moves in close and is joined by the WarShip Leader, a Lola-class Destroyer, the less advanced cousin of the Lola-III.  As the Ranger closes on the anchorage area and the space docks in the area the Ranger takes several close scans of the ComStar installations and starships then engages its HPG array something strictly forbidden by ComGuard regulations and transmits the data it collected.  The vessel is given one order to stand down by the Leader however instead of stopping its scans and transmissions the Ranger opens fire with a broad-side barrage of Naval Autocannons and Naval Lasers gutting the Leader from stem-to-stern and showing that it is a fully operational and very hostile vessel.

   As the Ranger turns to make a run for it following the identification of the System’s defences and the destruction of the ComGuard vessel.  Unfortunately for the Ranger the ComStar vessel Blake’s Strength, a Black Lion-class Battle-cruiser, famous for defending the Titan Shipyards in 3058, is in position to end the Ranger‘s easy escape.  The Blake’s Strength wastes no time in warning the Ranger to surrender with the warning that if they continue the vessel will be destroyed.  The Ranger continues forward charging towards the Blake’s Strength’s Broadside guns with a single volley of Naval Autocannons and Capital Missiles the Blake’s Strength’s gunners end the Ranger’s treacherous life tarring the smaller ship apart none of the crew attempt to escape leaving no survivors for the ComGuards to interrogate.

   Who was behind the attack is unknown however the message is clear to the ComGuards their anchorage has been discovered, the crew of the Leader try to save their crippled destroyer for twelve hours however it is useless and the Leader is abandoned to the depths of space the next day with self destruct charges being set off finishing the Destroyer for once and for all.

3066 finished hope you enjoyed!!

[FedSunsBorn]

More great work. But I do have a question.

Why did the Fighting Urukhai leave FS space and head to Taurian space?

In the FCCW, the Urukhai lost salvage rights, got hit with mistaken fire and fell into a trap and then got mad, packed up and left. With no FCCW event and battle, why did the Urukhai leave?

[Dragon Cat]

Why did the Fighting Urukhai leave FS space and head to Taurian space?

Officially their contract expired, unofficially Baron George Hasek offered them a deal that was superior to their AFFS Contract which they accepted the AFFS ordered them to leave Federated Suns space by the nearest border which was the Taurian one.  I meant to make it an event but never got around to it.  It was supposed to be the first step out of line from George, but kinda got overlooked  :-[ (maybe time for some retcon  ;D), if the Taurians hadn't destroyed them the MRBC probably would have in the courts.
 
3067

Nadir Jump Point Recharge Station
Kazanka, Tabayama Prefecture
Pesht Military District, Draconis Combine
1st January 3067

   Following their successes over the border in the Outworlds Alliance the Snow Ravens decide to test their luck by challenging the Draconis Combine to a trial.  The WarShip White Cloud, a Sovetskii Soyuz-class Heavy Cruiser that once won the Star League’s Martial Olympiad Competition in 2738, was ordered to breach the Draconis Combine/Outworlds Alliance border and challenge the Draconis Combine Jump Point Recharge Station to a trial.  If the White Cloud won the trial the Recharge Station would recharge the White Cloud’s K-F Drive and the White Cloud would leave.  If the Combine station won then the Snow Ravens would give them a Carrier-class DropShip.

   In a short one sided battle the two Snow Raven pilots out fly and defeat their Draconis Combine opponents.  Honouring their agreement the Draconis Combine station allows the White Cloud to move alongside the Recharge Station and dock to receive its engine recharge.  However just as the WarShip docks the station self-destruct charges explode throughout the station, unable to break loose the White Cloud is caught up in the explosion with a loss of all hands as the Cruiser is incinerated.  Clan Snow Raven sends a message to Luthien telling the Draconis Combine they have made a error of massive proportions and the Snow Ravens will take no reconciliation payments and that the Draconis Combine will pay with its own blood.  Officially the Draconis Combine blame this dishonourable action on the Black Dragon Society however the truth is unknown.

Meeting Room, Steiner Royal Palace
Tharkad City, Tharkad
Donegal Province, Lyran Alliance
3rd January 3067

   Upon hearing of her Peter’s successes in the Skye Province without having to call for help from Tharkad Archon Katherine Steiner-Davion feels a little left out and decides she has to do something.  Singling out Alexander Carlyle and his cohorts that went AWOL from the First Royal Guards RCT, her unit, she dishonourably discharges each of them and charges each with dereliction of duty sentencing them without trial to five years imprisonment.  When her Peter finds out about this and before Katherine has made the announcement public he publicly announces that any warrior that helped him are exempt from punishment other than being discharged from service.  Katherine goes slightly crazy although she does find out that Peter has allies in the Royal Court and the Estates General’s office, two organisations critical to the running of the Lyran Alliance Armed Forces.

Family Cemetery
Carlyle Estates, Glengarry
Skye Province, Lyran Alliance
9th January 3067

   In what had originally been planned as a private ceremony Grayson Death Carlyle and Lori Kalmer-Carlyle are laid to rest with over six hundred individuals watching including: Peter Steiner-Davion, Isis Steiner, Victor Steiner-Davion, Jamie Wolf and Morgan Kell.  All pay their respects to the fallen leaders and founders of the Gray Death Legion.  Following the ceremony Alexander is formally made Baron von Glengarry by Peter Steiner-Davion and Peter presides over the marriage between Alexander and Samantha Logan commander of the Denebolah Warriors.  Also before he leaves Victor Steiner-Davion and Ross McKinnon are able to secure a squad of White Knight 64-AV Battle Armour suits from Gray Death Technologies by trading four of the Fox’s Teeth’s Infiltrator Mk. II Battle Armour suits.  Victor and the Fox’s Teeth retreat from the Lyran Alliance without Katherine ever knowing they were there so compromised are her links in the Skye region.  Peter and Isis accompany Morgan Kell to Arc Royal when the Duke leaves Glengarry with his Kell Hounds that had helped end the Skye Succession attempt.

Pleiades Cluster
Capellan March, Federated Suns
23rd January 3067

   Fuelled by reports that Davion mercenaries detonated a nuclear bomb on Taurus destroying large portions of their capital, Samantha, the Taurian Concordat’s Pleiades Hussars and Pleiades Lancers launch a two pronged assault on the Pleiades Cluster.  With two Mech Regiments and nearly two regiments of conventional support troops the Taurians quickly spread throughout the Pleiades Cluster and overwhelm the Davion militia troops.  Before being deployed to Pleiades the Taurians supplied the two units were heavily upgraded with weapons gained from the Capellan Confederation and several members of the regiments were trained in how to use Nuclear weapons.

[snakespinner]

Don't you mean the Snow Ravens challenge the DC.

   Following their successes over the border in the Outworlds Alliance the Draconis Combine decide to test their luck by challenging the Draconis Combine to a trial. 

[Dragon Cat]

Don't you mean the Snow Ravens challenge the DC.

   Following their successes over the border in the Outworlds Alliance the Draconis Combine decide to test their luck by challenging the Draconis Combine to a trial.

FIXED oops

[Dragon Cat]

Steel Adder Territory
Tathis, Kerensky Cluster
Clan Space, Clan Homeworlds
2nd February 3067

   Clan Fire Mandrill’s newly formed Kindraa Payne-Beyl-Grant assaults Star Adder holdings on Tathis in the form of the Seventeenth Auxiliary Cluster.  In a thirteen minute trial the Fire Mandrill troops secure six percent of the Star Adder’s twenty percent of the planet and destroy the 714th Adder Sentinels Cluster of Clan Star Adder’s Rho Provisional Galaxy.  Two days later the Star Adders strike back in the form of the Sixth Adder Assault Cluster of Delta Galaxy.  The Sixth retakes the territory and wipes out the Fire Mandrill Cluster severely weakening Kindraa Payne-Beyl-Grant and the Fire Mandrill Clan for no gain.

Tikonov, Capellan Confederation Holding
Capellan March, Federated Suns
14th-20th February 3067

   Newly promoted Marshal Andrew Redburn is appointed to the position of Prince’s Champion within the Federated Suns replacing the departed Peter Steiner-Davion.  Andrew Redburn hero of the Clan War and Task Force Serpent as well as commander of the First Kathil Uhlans is a widely popular choice within the Federated Suns and especially the Capellan March.

   For his first operation as Prince’s Champion Andrew Redburn is tasked with weakening the Capellan Confederation’s grasp on Tikonov.  Instead of a full assault Redburn chooses to take his own First Kathil Uhlans, rebuilt following operation Serpent with a large percentage of Clan tech, and the First Federated Suns Lancers RCT.  Supported by a large Battle Armour and aerospace force and using their technological advantage to its fullest the two Regiments break through the Capellan aerospace defence and land on the planet immediately heading into the industrial sectors.  Because this is a raid and not an invasion the two Regiments have several companies of ‘dispossessed’ warriors.  Although less common than during the Succession Wars, due to larger amounts of Mechs being present, the dispossessed Warrior was a MechWarrior who had lost their Mech in battle and refused to take or been refused a replacement Mech.  The only way these warriors would ever pilot a Mech again was if they won a Mech back or stole one, which is exactly what they would be expected to do in this mission.  An extra incentive for these warriors was if they got off planet with a Mech it would be their own Mech and they would get their AFFS commission fully back.

   Unable to use their full force due to a necessity of defending their DropShips the two Davion units hold out for six hours against superior numbers as techs and the dispossessed warriors break the security codes protecting the new Capellan Mechs then together they walk back to their DropShips and everyone loads back up lifting off planet.  Because this was a snatch-and-grab operation from the beginning the DropShips had come half empty and because they were facing Elite Capellan troops there was plenty of room for the Kathil Uhlans, the Lancers and nearly two Battalions of stolen Mechs and combat vehicles.  In orbit the WarShip Jason Hasek waited to escort them back to the Jump Point and warn off any Capellan WarShips or aerospace units threatening them.

Star League Command Complex, Kittery
Capellan March, Federated Suns
28th February 3067

   Despite warnings from the MRBC, about Company Store policies, the SLDF hire the Crater Cobras Mercenary Regiment on a full time contract intending on making them full time warriors under the Star League Defence Force.  The Crater Cobras former members of Baldwin’s Heavy Cobras Brigade can trace their lineage back to the first Star League and to show their devotion to their new path they caste away their Crater Cobras name tag and take on their old name the 789th Striker Regiment.  Commanding-General Morgan Hasek-Davion assigns them to the Blue Star Irregular Division as their fourth Brigade, although all the unit has in its brigade is a single Mech Regiment.  The Knights of the Inner Sphere which had previously filled that position are moved to the newly named Royal Black Watch Division.  The Knights new responsibilities are to secure the Star League Advisory Council Members and Star League Conferences freeing the Royal Black Watch to concentrate on the First Lord and his or her family.  The Blue Star Irregulars are unhappy at loosing a unit with the prestige of the Knights of the Inner Sphere however are content at having another former SLDF unit rejoin them.

   The Mercenary Review and Bonding Commission on Outreach and Galatea both issue the Star League with a second official warning them that if they continue to hire mercenaries in a ‘company-store’ fashion to build their numbers the MRBC will black-list the SLDF as a legitimate hiring faction.

[Dragon Cat]

Pleiades Cluster Liberation Force
Hasek Spaceport, New Syrtis
Capellan March, Federated Suns
8th March 3067

   Tired of the inaction of the First Prince Field Marshal Baron George Hasek gathers together seven mercenary regiments, under contract with the Federated Suns, on New Syrtis and order the to liberate the Pleiades Cluster from Taurian Concordat forces.  Supporting these forces is the FSS Reynard Davion, a Davion Block III-class Destroyer, which is assigned to secure the systems of the Pleiades Cluster and annihilate Taurian forces attempting to reinforce or retreat from the Pleiades worlds.  This show of force shows House Davion’s determination to hold onto the Cluster from the Periphery realm and the lengths Field Marshal Hasek will go to.

Nyna system, 37.28 ly from Tortuga
New Circe Colony
Nova Cat’s Den
27th March 3067

   Finding New Circe had been pure chance a Nova Cat JumpShip assigned to Yvonne Nova Cat (Rosse)’s unit, the New Colony Cluster, had broken down in the system, situated between the Nova Cat’s Den and the Fiefdom of Randis.  On Inner Sphere maps it was a system marked as Nyna with a small world with a temperate world in it, once considered to be colonisable but with massive reptiles and snakes on the world that made Mechs seem like toys it had long been considered unsuitable.  As they waited for repair crews to arrive the crew explored the system and found that the moon of the system’s fourth planet, a Gas Giant the size of Sol System’s Jupiter, could support life and had large radioactive mineral deposits.

   Landing on the planet the Nova Cats had found something else the planet, that would become known as New Circe, they found the planet had a small but definite streak of Germanium the mineral required for JumpShip and WarShip construction.  Taking charge of the colony Yvonne (Nova Cat) began setting up a small colony on the planet and called in a Nova Cat military defence force.

   Sitting behind her desk in her command DropShip, a Lion-class Military transport vessel originally mothballed from military service and turned into a civilian merchant vessel, Yvonne sat feeding Grayson as Kamesota, the former bondsmen of Galaxy Commander Kelly Hardo, led in Star Captain Travis of the Nova Cat Irregulars Cluster, Rho Provisional Galaxy, marched in Travis was old by Clan Standards now pushing his late forties soon he would be beaten by another younger warrior and his life in service of the Nova Cats would be all but over.  “I am here to accept governance of this world and serve in the defence of it in the names of Clan Nova Cat and the Nova Cat‘s Den.”  He said glancing at Yvonne’s breast as she fed Grayson a disgusted look crossed his face “Freebirths” he muttered quietly.

   “I think not Star Captain.”  Yvonne said looking up at Travis for a moment then back at the baby.

   “What was that freebirth?”  He said taking a step forward astonished at her defiance.  Yvonne stopped feeding the baby and calmly took Grayson to the crib standing against the left wall placing the him in the bed before turning back to Travis, her impertinence in front of him was beginning to show his face was going bright red.  “This is not your Stavag Inner Sphere now!  This is the Clans, a warrior leads freebirths follow.”  He said the way he said freebirth made it clear it was an epitaph something dirty and unwanted.

   “I think not, Travis” Yvonne said purposefully omitting his rank “the Khan and saKhan placed me in charge here not you.  I will remain here and in charge for another three months and ensure that New Circe is fully established before we leave.”

   “And what will stop me taking command?  The Khan is in the Homeworlds and your precious saKhan is on New Barcella and…” he feigned surprise “the HPG Array has not been assembled yet.  What is to stop my techs not building it until some freeborn slut does what she is told.  Surrender command to me now!”  He said shouting he had enough of Yvonne and her ways accepting a member of an Inner Sphere noble house in had been the first of many mistakes the Nova Cats had made and Travis planned on righting at least this one before he was retired from service by someone younger.  He noticed Kamesota move to protect the child, if Yvonne caused him any more trouble Travis would eliminate the abomination as well.

   “I think not.”  Yvonne said mater of fact “Star Captain Travis I challenge you to a Trial of Refusal of command of your unit.”

   “WHAT?!”  Travis screamed “you cannot challenge me!  You are freeborn bitch, you are lucky I do not kill you where you stand for your impertinence!”  He shouted stepping forward to grab Yvonne by the throat Yvonne deftly dodged his grab and pinned his hand against the table her eyes never leaving his.

   “Wrong Travis, I have every right.  You see I qualified as a MechWarrior before DECIDING to serve our Clan as a civilian administrator.  Because it was my choice the Khan allowed me to retain my BattleMech and the right to use it in my defence and in my child’s defence.  You will meet me in a Trail of Refusal or I will kill you where you stand” she said withdrawing a dagger from a back sheaf “do you agree.”  She said playing the blade on his hand, Travis nodded and Yvonne released him.  “This afternoon beyond the trees, make sure you take your Mech and don’t forget to close the door behind you.”  Yvonne said Travis looked like he would explode as he spoke very quietly.

   “Once you are dead I am going to kill you son as well.  Until this afternoon milady.”  He said bowing his head a wicked smile playing his mouth as he walked out.

   “Was that a good idea?”  Kamesota asked obviously worried as she quietly stepping in front of the table, Yvonne smiled finding it strange that a woman from the Draconis Combine would be so worried by a woman who had spent most of her life in the Federated Suns.  There had been a little tension between them when they first met but that had subsided as they both agreed their life in Clan Nova Cat was completely different from their past.  Yvonne found Kamesota very easy to get along with and found her a very competent administrator.

   “Maybe, maybe not.”  Yvonne said it had been months since she even stepped into her Mech, a Star League-era Striker that had been extensively modified by the Nova Cats.  “How are things with the mining operation?”  She said switching back to the here-and-now as if nothing had happened.  Kamesota looked at her for a moment surprised then began outlining the problems the Nova Cats had been experiencing.

   That afternoon Yvonne’s Striker walked out onto the ground selected for the trial opposite her Mech stood Star Captain Travis and his Guillotine IIC.  Yvonne noticed the comm. was active and keyed in the channel, it was Travis.  “This is your last chance Yvonne, you made this challenge you could stand back, I will not be offended and would not need much to remain quiet about this little insubordination.  I’m sure a woman like you could fit what I want.”  He said Yvonne could almost see the smile on his face as he licked his lips with the prospect of getting what he wanted.

   “Shut up, Travis, I will not be stepping down from this challenge.”  Yvonne said feeling sick at the thought of what he was suggesting.  Switching frequencies so everyone could hear she spoke again before he could answer.  “This is Yvonne Nova Cat, I called for this Trial to end any claim against my authority on this world.  This is a Trial of Equals may no other enter.”  She said it wasn’t totally right but close enough.

   “I am Star Captain Travis of the Nova Cat Irregulars.  We are Nova Cats and a warrior should command.  This freebirth thinks she is equal to a trueborn, it is time she was showed the true way of the Clans.”  Yvonne noticed the comm. was active again and keyed in Travis again “Yvonne, I will try not to mess up your pretty face too much, at least the saKhan will know it is you who lies in the coffin.”  He said cutting the frequency back to the general bandwidth “may no other enter.”  And with that his Guillotine IIC began to move.  His Mech weighed seventy tons hers weighed eighty so she had the advantage in size and her Mech could match the other Mech for movement profile and had heavier armour.  Travis’ only advantage was he was a warrior and she was not.  That was something Yvonne would not let beat her.  Moving with the Guillotine Yvonne fired her Mech’s Ultra-class autocannon mounted in the left arm the shells cut into the Guillotine’s left leg.  As Travis attempted to return fire with lasers and Short Range Missiles Yvonne sent her Striker skyward landing to the Guillotine’s far left.  Twisting his Mech’s torso to track her Travis opened fire with a PPC and a pair of large pulse lasers devastating the Striker’s left arm and leg destroying the autocannon mounted there.  Yvonne’s cool running weapon was gone which hurt but it wasn’t a major loss twisting her Striker’s own torso to match the Guillotine Yvonne triggered both the Extended-Range PPC and the Extended-Range Large Lasers mounted in the torso of the Striker.  When the Nova Cats had upgraded this Mech they had upgraded the weapons as well the clan-tech PPC and laser tore into the Guillotine’s right and centre torso sections devastating the lighter Mech’s armour.  Turning her Mech on the spot Yvonne triggered both right arm medium lasers causing her Mech’s heat to spike but not uncontrollable while keeping the Guillotine under fire.

   Weathering the fire Travis launched his Mech skyward on the Guillotine’s own Jump Jets jumping behind Yvonne attempting to get out of her fire.  Instead of trying to track the flying Mech Yvonne sent her own Mech flying again.  Travis landed his Mech and immediately spun his Mech’s torso and triggered his weapons again at the spot Yvonne’s Mech had been standing lasers, PPCs and SRMs filled the area where the Striker had been standing but Yvonne’s Mech was nowhere to be seen.  Travis looked at his sensors and saw the Striker facing him but in a completely different position than what he had expected.  Yvonne triggered the PPC again this time tearing a nasty hole in the leg armour of the Guillotine.  Walking her Striker right she twisted the Mech’s torso to keep track of the Guillotine while firing her weapons in sequence PPC, Large Lasers, Paired Medium Lasers, repeat.  Her Mech was constantly running the red light on the heat scale and her weapons fire was becoming more erratic as the targeting system failed to cope with the heat however the shots that hit the Guillotine was devastating.  First thing to go was the right leg as the knee armour failed and the leg crumpled under heavy fire.  Then the pulse laser right arm was disabled as Travis stumbled to the ground smashing the laser’s focussing crystals.  Travis attempted to return fire with a PPC blast of his own and a pair of Medium lasers causing some telling damage to the Striker however this was not enough to stop Yvonne who was like a woman possessed.  Now not bothering to manoeuvre Yvonne’s Striker was standing there less than one hundred metres from the Guillotine firing a constant barrage of weapons into the seventy ton Mech.  Even once it was obvious Travis was dead and the Mech disabled Yvonne kept firing until her own Mech could not deal with the heat and collapsed in a heap.

   The next thing Yvonne remembered was waking up lying on a bed in some room devoid of colour just white.  For a moment Yvonne wondered if she had died fighting Travis and this was some sort of afterlife however she heard a baby laughing and giggling playing with something that was rattling and looked up there was Kamesota with Grayson on the floor playing with some toys the civilian workers had created for him.  Yvonne looked down at them and almost smiled, she had done it.  Seeing a glass of water on the side she reached up to it but missed the glass knocking it to the ground Kamesota looked up and saw her “Grayson look it’s mommy!  She’s awake - finally” she said scooping him up in her arms “come on let’s see mum.”  She said carrying him to the bed lowering him into Yvonne’s arms on the bed then pouring Yvonne another drink handing it to Yvonne who found her hands were shaking almost uncontrollably as she drank the water.

   “What happened?”  She asked her throat was like sandpaper even with the water.

   “You happened and a stupid arrogant Clanner Star Captain paid the price.”

   “Speak plainly it is our custom.”  Yvonne said weakly smiling that she was repeating the very words Canin had said so many times as she finished the glass, Kamesota immediately poured another drink “I don’t want more.”  She said but Kamesota refused to take the glass.

   “You need it, your body has lost nearly eighty percent of its fluids, you’ve been in a coma for the last four days.”  Kamesota said as Yvonne realised she was thirsty and began to drink the water.

   “What happened to Travis?”  She asked if she had been in a coma then she could not have won the Trial, she should really stick to civilian matters.

   “He’s dead.”  Kamesota said luckily there were no trueborns around to scold their lower-speech patterns “he was probably dead after your second or third full volley of weapons but he was certainly dead when you had finished.  Eight full volleys of weapons at less than a hundred metres!  Yvonne, I am not a MechWarrior and even I know that was a little bit overkill.”

   “I guess I lost it a little.”  She said thinking back to the fight Travis had made her sick so she had cleaned up.

   “Well you certainly did that.  His Mech is good for scrap and nothing much else.  Since you were incapacitated I took charge and looked after this little guy.”  Kamesota said stroking Grayson’s head as he lay there not moving as he slept.

   “Thanks” she said looking down at Grayson “I hope he wasn’t too much of a problem.”

   “No problem at all, a little darling.”  Yvonne gave her a sceptical look then looked down at Grayson “that is after he decided a bottle was good enough.”  Kamesota said Yvonne shot her a glance then looked back at her sleeping son.

   “He never take’s a bottle from me.”

   “I guess he was hungry and realised mum couldn’t feed him so he compromised to survive, very Clan-like.”  She said smiling Yvonne nodded stroking her son’s head even at this young age Yvonne could see that her son would look quite a bit like his father, the Rosse bloodline showing strong in him even though he had been born naturally, it would do him good in the future.

   “I guess the military is in charge.”  She said since she was unconscious they had no-one to stand up to them.

   “You’d guess wrong.” Kamesota said “since you were out of it they wanted the job, but I told them you had been successful and Travis was dead, the rest of the colonists agreed and so you were in charge.  Being your aide I took temporary charge.”

   “No challenges?”  Yvonne wondered since she was out of it technically they could say Kamesota needed to defend her right to lead.

   “Nope.  Not to us anyway.  With Travis gone they started challenging each other to command.  I think Star Commander Michaela won out in the end, which is good for us because she is freeborn and I think she has a little hero-ship for you.”  She said as Yvonne rolled her eyes as she finished her second glass, last thing she needed was hero worship for something she was not proud of - combat was not for her never had been, Kamesota poured another glass which Yvonne did not complain about.

   “So what’s our status?”

   “Status Quo for the most part only big change is the HPG is up and running.”

   “No-one has told Canin about what happened have they?”

   “I ordered everyone to keep tight-lipped about it and mention none of this in their reports to the saKhan.  Thought it was your job to tell the husband how crazy you were feeling on this trip.”  Kamesota said smiling Yvonne couldn’t help herself but smile only to feel her lips crack due to the lack of moisture in her body.

   “Thanks” she said “this may be a little hard to explain” she said raising her arms.

   “Oh one thing that is done is your Mech if fully repaired so if you want to beat up some more warriors go right ahead.”  Kamesota said giggling as she walked towards the door.

   “Great” Yvonne whispered as Kamesota walked from the room, Yvonne didn’t even know if she wanted to see the Mech again let alone pilot the stupid thing.

[Dragon Cat]

Anyone who says April Fools isn't fun...  >:D

CASE WHITE
Various points, Sol System
1st April 3067

   Years of planning had come down to this singular moment in time.  At 0600 Hours of the 1st April 3067 ComStar turned on the Word of Blake nearly completely abandoning their posts in the Free Rasalhague Republic and throughout the Inner Sphere to launch a full offensive against Terra beginning Operation Case White, the Liberation of Terra.  Throughout the Terran system ComStar WarShips and JumpShip enter and begin their assaults on Word of Blake installations or units.  In the opening hours twelve ComStar WarShips are destroyed as are two ComGuard Armies, the Eleventh and Seventh, as Dortmund and Reliant, two of ComStar’s three Intrepid-class Troop Cruisers, carrying the troops are cut to pieces by the Terran Satellite and Ground Based Space Defence Systems.  Throughout the system heavier Word of Blake resistance than expected is found.

   The Vision of Truth, ComStar’s only Potemkin-class Troop Cruiser is torn open to space as the Swift Justice a previously ComStar aligned Aegis-class Heavy Cruiser fires three full broadsides into the vessel then self-destructs before ComStar can act in response.  Luckily for the ComGuards most of the Vision’s twenty-five DropShips are able to get clear of the wreck before it explodes.

   This is not to say the Word of Blake has everything its own way eighteen Word of Blake WarShips are destroyed in the opening engagements.  Both sides resort to Santa Ana-class Nuclear Anti-WarShip missiles to engage each other’s naval forces.  The ground war on Terra and Mars begin as does the first battles of the Titan Shipyards.  ComGuard troops land throughout Asia, Europe and North America however on the ground they find far more opposition than they were expecting.  On Terra the city of Riga in Eastern Europe is destroyed by a nuclear explosion that destroys the 182nd Division that had overrun local Terran Security (Terra Sec) forces that had been defending the city.  Throughout the operation more and more Word of Blake units appear to be arriving showing ComStar just how badly they underestimated the Word of Blake’s true numbers.

   Towards the end of the initial battle the ComGuard Second Independent WarShip Squadron, the three vessels assigned directly to Precentor-Martial’s Anastasius Focht arrive in the Terran system thinking the worse of the fighting is over however just then a Farragut-class Battleship, identifying itself as the Righteous Justice, a never seen before vessel jumps in almost right on top of them and attempts to kill Focht.  Only the superior speed and manoeuvrability of the Terra, the Precentor-Martial’s Artemis-class Vessel, is able to save the Precentor Martial while the Avenging Sword and Immortal Spirit, the two escorting Aegis-class Heavy Cruisers are left to deal with the Farragut allowing Focht to land on the planet landing in Sydney, Australia one of the few places ComStar have secured.  In near Terra orbit the two Aegis-class Heavy Cruiser strike Naval Autocannon, laser and missile barrages into the Farragut while it tries unsuccessfully to destroy the Terra.  However although this causes heavy damage to the Battleship once the vessel realises it will not kill the Terra the Word of Blake gunners turn on the two Aegis-class Heavy Cruisers, the Immortal Spirit is destroyed in a single broadside of Heavy Naval Gauss Rifles and the Avenging Sword has no choice but to ram the Righteous Justice taking both craft into Terra’s atmosphere.  The two ruined hulls come to rest on the North American Rocky Mountain Ranges leaving a monumental clean up operation to follow the Battle of Terra.

   Although no more full units are destroyed casualties on both sides are mounting hourly as neither side gives ground to the enemy.  ComStar forces identify the Thirteenth and Fifteenth Marik Militias operating within the Word of Blake forces on Terra both units had been previously marked as AWOL by FWL factions.

Terra, Various Locations
Titan Shipyards, Terra System
8th April 3067

   Across Terra the devastation is steadily increasing in the city of Hong Kong, in Asia, the Eighty-first and Eighty-second Divisions of the Second Army destroy three Divisions of Word of Blake identified as the Ninth, Tenth and Twenty-second however they themselves are destroyed when a Word of Blake satellite undetected during the initial invasion activates and launches three Santa Ana-class Nuclear missiles into the city destroying the ComGuard forces and the City before ComStar naval forces can destroy the satellite.  Precentor-Martial Anastasius Focht orders the Terran SDS destroyed by the surviving ComStar WarShips eliminating the threat they posse to further invasion forces despite the fact this will cripple ComStar‘s ability to defend the system if and when they do secure if from Blakist hands.

   Soon after Focht gives this order a Word of Blake Winchester-class Cruiser, a Taurian Concordat WarShip design, makes a fast pass by of Terra breaking through the ComGuard WarShip blockade shattering the Determination, a Vincent Mk 39-class Corvette and dropping three Overlord-class DropShips onto Terra.  Inside these DropShips are the Fifteenth and First Divisions of the Word of Blake, from where these have been recalled is unknown.  The Winchester continues out of Terran space joining Word of Blake WarShip forces in orbit of Mars and Titan.

   On the plus side for the Word of Blake ComGuard Marines are repelled from all the Titan Shipyard facilities and five Word of Blake WarShips including the Blake’s Sword, a McKenna-class Battleship, are able to secure the shipyards from anything other than a full assault.  This also allows the Blakist WarShips to repair their battle wary vessels.

Throughout Chaos March
Ross 248 and Luyten 68-28 (Anchorages)
10th April 3067

   Throughout the Chaos March Word of Blake troops begin causing heavy damage to anything and everything Divisions labelled as the Twentieth, Twenty-fifth, Twenty-sixth and Twenty-seventh begin causing untold destruction throughout the Chaos March.   Wolf’s Dragoons, Northwind Highlanders and Dismal Disinherited form the Allied Mercenary Command to counter these four Divisions and any force supporting them or causing trouble in the Chaos March.

   At the Ross 248 and Luyten 68-28 Naval Anchorages Word of Blake WarShips attack the ComGuard forces based there.  Although in both cases the Word of Blake WarShips attacking are destroyed by the ComGuard defenders in both cases the Faslane-class vessels based at the two bases are destroyed before the Word of Blake vessels are reducing the ComGuards ability to repair their WarShips following heavy damage.

First Battle Armour Corps Command
New Canton, Capellan Confederation
12th April 3067

   During the attacks in the Chaos March the First Battle Armour Corps came under direct assault from forces belonging to the Word of Blake.  These troops targeted the Racicre River Raiders Regiment of the First Division’s Third Brigade and the First Battle Armour Corps Command buildings.  Although the arrival of the rest of the Third Brigade ensured the two Blakist Divisions did not escape the planet they did enough damage to destroy the Racicre River Raiders, a regiment formed from several former-ComGuard officers who had joined the SLDF.  The Racicre River Raiders were folded into the other Regiments of the Third Brigade at least temporarily. 

   Following the securing of New Canton General Harry Sanders commander of the First Battle Armour Corps, himself injured during the attack, transmitted a message to the AMC that the SLDF were fully willing to stand with the AMC and eradicate the Word of Blake from the Chaos March.  During this period Commanding-General Morgan Hasek-Davion deploys the Devil’s Advocates Battalion to the Chaos March to begin to clean up the mess the Word of Blake had caused.

Carver V
Chaos March
21st April 3067

   On the relatively peaceful world of Carver V in the Chaos March a revolution begins.  For years the world had been torn in three by nobles of House Steiner, Liao and Davion each of whom had vied for control of the world and the people had suffered.  With the World of Blake’s recent attacks in the Chaos March even more damage had been done to the civilian population centres, the ancient SLDF fortifications and the Succession State bases had barely been touched, it was the people who were suffering.

   Hiring a relatively unknown Mercenary BattleMech operator known as The BattleCorps.  The BattleCorps had formed from nearly nowhere with a Battalion of Mechs and some support assets.  In a few short weeks The BattleCorps remove the Steiner, Liao and finally Davion forces on the world either doing enough damage to convince them to leave, House Steiner, Annihilating them totally like House Liao or negotiating for their withdrawal under the threat of the BattleCorp’s guns House Steiner.  House Davion’s troops withdraw on good terms with the leaders of the world, dealing in weapons and supplies during the entire campaign.

   Following a couple of weeks of reorganisation on Carver V the new government decide that the world will be renamed Liberty in honour of the sacrifices made by the population to bring the world to its position of freedom.  The BattleCorps are offered a position as the core of the new planetary militia however after a recruitment drive and reorganisation of their own forces, now standing at two Battalions the BattleCorps commanders announce that they are pulling out and heading for the Periphery for an unknown job, the BattleCorps help equip a small military on Liberty then lift off.  The Liberty government contacts the Allied Mercenary Command for additional protection, an AMC unit is dispatched to Liberty for short term protection.

[Dragon Cat]

Clan Fire Mandrill Territory
Atreus, Kerensky Cluster
Clan Space, Clan Homeworlds
3rd May 3067

   On a Clan world, that shares the name of the former Free Worlds League Capital, Clan Fire Mandrill undergoes another political revolution as Kindraa Mick-Kreese and Kindraa Kline merge to form Kindraa Mick-Kreese-Kline.  This is not an alliance of equal standing however Kindraa Kline, formerly one of the Fire Mandrill’s strongest factions, has taken heavy damage fighting the Star Adders and is defiantly a junior-partner of this alliance.
 
Fifteen Kilometres outside Memoria
Martial Olympiad
Tukayyid, Free Rasalhague Republic
5th May 3067

   On fields that had once been blood-baths for the ComGuards and the Clans during the Battle of Tukayyid a different type of battle took place, the Martial Olympiad.  The Martial Olympiad had been an event originally sponsored by the first Star League and this time sponsored by the reborn Star League and ComStar, although in a limited fashion from the former due to the continuance of Operation Case White.  This Martial Olympiad marked the return of the competition after an absence for 331 years originally held on Outreach the Wolf’s Dragoons refused to allow so many armed foreign troops on their soil so Tukayyid was chosen with the main events taking place at the Focht War College training grounds and on ground fifteen kilometres north of the ComStar capital city Memoria.

   The idea of the Martial Olympiad was for each faction of the Star League and beyond to send a group of troopers that would represent the best that nation could offer and they would compete against members of other nations over five months and the winner would be declared at the end of the competition in October.

   All of the Succession Lords each sent a Battalion’s worth of troops to compete while the Periphery realms and the Clans even also sent troops to mark such an event of the return of the Martial Olympiad and prove their warriors were the best in the Inner Sphere.  ComStar and the Word of Blake both sent a force of troops and despite the continuing fighting in the Terran system both agreed to fight within the rules.  With so much armed troops from so many factions present the Star League Defence Force was out in force to ensure things did not get out of hand.

   Although the Martial Olympiad is supposed to be a political free zone it becomes quite obvious this from the opening ceremony this will not be the case when Capellan Chancellor Sun-Tzu Liao refuses to allow his MechWarriors to take place instead allowing the Magistracy of Canopus to represent the Capellan Confederation as well as their own realm.  In a strange turn of events the Rubinsky’s Light Horse, a Mercenary regiment, arrive as the representative unit of the St Ives Compact.  Colonel Marko Rubinsky tells the assembled house troops that the Rubinsky’s Light Horse regiment have separated from the Korsakov’s Cossacks, their sister regiment, and become house troops of the St Ives Compact.  Korsakov’s Cossacks leave the St Ives Compact for a contract with the Federated Suns.

First Prince’s Office, Fox’s Den
Mount Davion Mountain Range, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
14th May 3067

   As the Martial Olympiad competition continued on Tukayyid, the fighting in the Terran system continued and the mercenary force assembled by Baron George Hasek began wiping out the last of the Taurians in the Pleiades Cluster there was little for Victor Steiner-Davion to do in his office deep inside the command complex of the Fox’s Den deep under the Davion mountains however he liked going down into the mountains for a couple hours ever day just to keep up to date with the goings on of the AFFS active operations and to rub shoulders with the people commanding these operations, ensuring everyone knew he was interested in what was happening.  In the far side of the mountain range, in a specially hardened area, was the Mechbay and his Dire Wolf, Prometheus, Victor wished he could strap into the Mech and go fight someone but that was not necessary so he resisted the urge and got to work.

   There was a knock on the door Victor looked up, he hadn’t expected any visitors, rarely did anyone bother the First Prince when he was working unless it was something important.  “Come in” he called placing down the notepaper he had been working with looking up at the door.  As the door swung open Victor realised that it was not one of his officers that was coming in, not unless flowing white dresses had become the uniform of the AFFS, instead Danai Centrella-Davion entered the room a smile crossing her face.  Dressed in a white dress with a dark blue belt, which had a Federated Suns-styled Sword-and-Sunburst belt buckle, Danai wore her long brown hair up making her look taller.  Closing the door behind her Danai rounded the table pushing Victor’s chair back on its casters and sitting on his knee.  “Well hello” Victor said, Danai said nothing and leaned in kissing him lightly as they broke Victor just sat looking at her “what is it?”  He whispered, not that anyone could hear them anyway.

   “Something has happened…”  She said beginning Victor almost immediately broke in.

   “Not to Burton?”  He asked worried about his son, he never expected himself to be such close to a son or daughter but he was close to Burton and loved every minute he was with him and with Danai if anything happened to them he didn‘t know if he could continue.

   “Not that I know of, last I saw he was happily annoying the guards in the Palace.”  she said smiling as she thought about it the members of the First Davion Guards assigned to the defence of the palace were beginning to find out what it was like to look after children and from what she had seen they were enjoying their assignment more by the day with Burton playing as many tricks on them as he wanted and getting away with it.  Not only was the Royal Palace the most prestigious assignment in the AFFS but it was also becoming one of the most enjoyable, something Victor saw no problems with in every command he had taken a relaxed atmosphere always seemed to keep people more focused, why not have this atmosphere at home as well?

   “Then what?”  He asked he hadn’t heard about anything happening in the Magistracy although he knew Danai kept close tabs on her home realm and the family she had there.  “It isn’t something back home is it?”  he asked quietly although he did not care much for the Magistracy due to their alliance with the Capellans he knew Danai did care so he listened to what she thought about them and their problems.

   “Not that I know of, only that Sun-Tzu allowed them to lead the Capellan delegation on Tukayyid.  But I guess you know about that?”  Victor nodded Andrew Redburn leading the Federated Suns delegation on Tukayyid had informed him of that development with Sun-Tzu allowing the Magistracy‘s MechWarriors to represent the Capellan Confederation at the opening ceremony of the Martial Olympiad making news across the Inner Sphere.  “No this is far more personal.”  She said quietly “I want this to stay between us for a while.”  She said Victor nodded if that is what she wanted he would do it.  “I need your promise.”

   “Danai, you have my word that anything you say with stay between us for as long as possible.”  Victor said now completely captivated wondering what exactly she was on about.

   “I’m pregnant.”  She said smiling Victor’s face went from surprise to shock to delirious happiness in less than thirty seconds as the words reached him, they were having another baby, a broad smile crossed his lips it hadn‘t been planned but Victor thought things like this should never be planned.  “Now you promised this would be our secret.”  She warned remembering his reaction when Victor learned of Burton being on the way.

   “I promise not a word will leave my lips about this wonderful, wonderful news.”

   “Wonderful, that’s one way to describe it” Dania said sounding slightly resigned.

   “Something wrong?”  He wondered if she even wanted more children.

   “No, not really” she said “it’s just you don’t have to carry it!”  She said bursting into laughter Victor joined her with a deep booming laugh together they sat there for more than an hour talking, laughing and cuddling as the work around them continued in the Fox’s Den.  Occasionally the people working in the Fox’s Den would look up as Victor or Danai burst into laughter at something the other had said however these were not annoyed glances from the workers who returned to their jobs with smiles on their faces, whatever had happened the First Prince was pleased which could only be good for them and the Federated Suns.

[Dragon Cat]

Across Inner Sphere, Periphery
And Clan Occupation Zones
18th May 3067

   Across the Inner Sphere, Periphery and Clan Occupation Zones on capital worlds, commerce worlds and important military command worlds a series of massive car-bombs explode almost within an hour of each other despite the long distances involved.  On New Avalon the Royal Court at the foot of Mount Davion is heavily damaged killing hundreds while on Northwind a bomb blast kills four of the Clan Elders while another on Outreach severely injures Colonel Maeve Wolf, operational commander and overall second-in-command of the Dragoons.   The most dangerous explosions however are the bombs detonated on Tamar, Sudeten, and Alshain the capital worlds of the Clan Occupation Zones.  With the Fifteen-year Truce of Tukayyid so close to being ended, technically ends at end of May 3067 but Clans choose to wait until 3068 before acting honouring the agreement made by ilKhan Ulric Kerensky with Anastasius Focht more than they need to ensure no Spheroids can complain also the Martial Olympiad has them a little preoccupied at present.

   On Tukayyid Star League Commanding-General Morgan Hasek-Davion meets with Lieutenant-General Marcus Johnson, commander of the Special Arms Service Division, and orders the SAS to find and destroy the terrorists responsible using any means necessary.  That afternoon the SAS leave Tukayyid heading for the Chaos March to begin operations.  Following the SAS deployment off Tukayyid a bomb blast destroys an Annex for the Martial Olympiad competitors which wipes out the ComStar Delegation’s command staff.  All eyes turn on the Word of Blake as someone to blame for the blasts that have rocked the Inner Sphere however just after midnight that same night a bomb blast destroys the Word of Blake Annex wiping out almost all the Word of Blake personnel.  Both ComStar and the Word of Blake withdraw from the Martial Olympiad.

Tikograd
Tikonov, Capellan Confederation Holding
Capellan March, Federated Suns
28th May 3067

   Allowed into the fortress-city capital of Tikonov, Tikograd, by Davion supporters and agents the Second Davion Guards RCT had been ordered to show the Davion flag to the Tikonov population and do as much damage to pro-Capellan forces without badly damaging the city or killing lots of civilians.  The AFFS knew the Capellans would claim the AFFS killed a large amount of civilians as propaganda to be used against the AFFS to the Inner Sphere and to the people of Tikonov, but they wanted the real numbers of deaths kept as low as possible.  “Damn-it!” Leftenant-General Gerald Mitchell cursed not for the first time today as the a Capellan Mech that had been playing Cat-and-Mouse with his Summoner for the last hour disappeared behind another building.  The Summoner was a Clan designed OmniMech he’d captured serving on the Lyran/Jade Falcon border and although it was a decent Mech overall he’d taken his own step by modifying it to carry a Davion Rotary Autocannon which dealt far more damage than the standard LB-X autocannon seen in the Primary Clan configuration although the ammo linkages had been difficult to set up long hours of work with some of the Second Davion‘s best techs had got the linkage to work.  Backing up the autocannon was a Clan-built Extended-Range PPC and a pair of Clan-built Heavy Medium Lasers, these weapons were brand-new in the Clans arsenal and he was sure they were unique in the Federated Suns arsenal.  Rounding out his Summoner’s weapons array was a central mounted anti-missile system.  Because the Mech now used Inner Sphere and Clan weapons systems the Second Davion’s techs had replaced the targeting and tracking system with a Davion-built tracking system better suited to cope with the weapons, the system was a little inferior but not too much to make any major changes in the Summoner’s performance or internal systems while allowing his weapons to work far more effectively. “Call it out.”  He said into the comm. as the Capellan Mech withdrew.

   “Two here, just barely.”

   “Three operational”

   “Four here, sir, can confirm presence of McCarron’s Armoured Cavalry boss.”  Gerald nodded he’d seen McCarron’s insignia as well.  Against the Davion Guards were at least three combined arms Battalions of ground troops that were using the city’s urban environment to make accurate long range fighting impossible and the civilians on the ground as human shields to keep one step ahead of the Davion troops.

   “Rendezvous with command company at point Gamma.  And someone get me the Admiral, he is not going to like this.”  He said Fleet Admiral William Kossacks commanded the Second Davion, although a fighter pilot he understood ground battles as well and let Gerald make most of the decisions about the ground campaign while leading his fighters against impossible odds in the air and in dangerous ground strikes, more than once had he almost been killed while saving some ground troops from enemy fire that went a long way to gaining the ground pounders respect and made the fighter pilots feel truly alive and appreciated.  Moments later the Admiral’s face appeared on the screen, his face encased in the helmet of an aerospace fighter, the Admiral was obviously leading the RCT’s six aerospace wings from his fighter.  The Capellans had put up little resistance to the aerospace wings so they had begin blowing up grounded DropShips and Capellan command bunkers at their leisure, it was no shock that William Kossacks was in his own aircraft having a crack at the Capellans.

   “What’s up General?  Where are we?  Give me the short version.”  He said his voice strained as his fighter pulled off a high-g manoeuvre.

   “We have secured the front gates but can get little further.”  Gerald said giving him the shortest version possible.

   “Okay give me a slightly bigger view Mitchell, why?”

   “The Capellans are using the Tikonov people and the buildings as human-shields.  I can push through but the causalities will raise as will collateral damage.”

   “Estimates?”

   “Minimum ten-thousand casualties and possible a billion C-Bills of damage in property if we need to fully engage in the city.  That assumes the population have been evacuated for the most part.  If not your looking at fifty to one hundred thousand civilian casualties.”

   “Damn.  Alright abandon the city.  Blow the main gates as you leave then circle around and hit the Spaceport then rendezvous back at the DropShips.”

   “We are not staying?”

   “Negative, this is a raid not an invasion.  I have reports of at least two more Regiments of Capellans mobilizing to head this way, my fighters can hold them and are hampering their movements but we cannot hold this ground today.”

   “That gives them three regiments minimum.”  Gerald said thinking out loud “how did DMI underestimate them so badly?”

   “It seems the Capellans are putting warriors in the majority of the equipment instead of running our blockade to get them back to the Confederation.  DMI got set up good by the Capellans, this was a trap to kill a Davion RCT, I will not let that be the Second get moving Mitchell.”  He said moving rapidly Kossacks was either under fire or giving out some serious punishment and manoeuvring away rapidly.

   “Damn them” Gerald cursed transmitting the data to his troops keeping them in the loop, Tikonov had dozens of factories producing roughly a Regiment of equipment a week.  If ever month one DropShip made it to Tikonov and they carried a full battalion of warriors then Tikonov could have a full regiment of troops ever three months not a pretty sight.

   “Damn them indeed General.  Hit the Spaceport then let’s get out of here.  We’ll be back but next time we will have a bigger force with us.”  He promised cutting the link Gerald began mobilizing his ground troops for a move hitting the Capellan controlled spaceport causing heavy damage and enemy casualties before leaving.  A week later the Second reported to the prince of the situation on Tikonov and the Capellans blamed the Second Davion for causing more than one hundred thousand civilian deaths during the raid, exactly what had been expected.

Federated News Service Studio
Avalon City, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
8th June 3067

   Almost every minute another show would begin on the thousands of news, entertainment and current affairs channels that existed on New Avalon and there were even more in the wider Federated Suns.  However tonight’s edition of the Avalon Gazette show was a special event for two reasons: the first was because it was the first show that Maria Clarkson had ever been the anchor on, over the last few months she had chosen to change from being a reporter to being a presenter and, the second important event had given her the springboard needed to propel her into the next stage of her career.

   For tonight’s show, which would be about one thing, Maria had chosen a light blue business suit with a dark green low cut top underneath showing just enough of her chest to keep the male audience interested while being formal enough not to loose the female audience.  Her long blonde hair was arranged over her shoulders and back.  “Ladies and gentlemen welcome to the Avalon Gazette” she said spreading her arms to either side as she stepped into the tri-vid camera’s view.  “Tonight we have a special announcement that is sure to be a momentous event throughout the Federated Suns.”  She said as Victor Steiner-Davion’s image appeared behind her, it was a picture taken at his coronation over a decade before “Victor Steiner-Davion, Duke of New Avalon, Clan War Hero, First Prince of the Federated Suns and tipped to be the next First Lord of the Star League Defence Force at the next Whitting Conference on Orestes at the end of this year, at least by this reporter.”  She said smiling, it was widely believed by many that Victor would be the next First Lord however rarely did anyone say it out loud in fear of ‘jinxing’ Victor’s victory.  A second picture appeared alongside Victor Steiner-Davion this one of Duchess Danai Centrella-Davion on the day of her arrival on New Avalon for the first time dressed in a simple dark green jumpsuit with the SLDF’s Cameron Star on the left breast.  “Duchess Danai Centrella-Davion, Duchess of Canopus (in-Exile), wife to Victor, mother of the heir to the throne and a hero of the Clan War.”  Maria said, she wished that she had more information on Danai but to go deeper would force her to mention House Liao and she would not do that, not tonight anyway she would leave that to someone else.  A third picture appeared this one of Burton Davion making his first public appearance at the Panpour shipyard at his unveiling then merging into another more recent one accompanying his mother to the school he would be going to next year.  “Burton Davion, heir to the throne of the Federated Suns, almost ready to begin making his mark on the history of the Federated Suns, an only child.”  She said the last part would normally be left out but Maria had chosen to keep it to make sure everyone knew the significance of today’s event “Ladies and gentlemen.  It is my great pleasure to announce, and be the first to offer her congratulations, that Duchess Danai Centrella-Davion is carrying her second child and that soon Burton will have a baby brother or sister.  Although we do not know when this baby is due to be born sources suggest that it could be at the end of this year or the beginning of the next.  Whatever the date we would like to wish the First Couple of the Federated Suns all the joy and best wishes from the Federated News Network.”  She said Maria would talk for another hour about the couple and talk to several experts and she would talk to some other people who had other takes on their relationship and the strange disappearance of Yvonne Steiner-Davion, a disappearance that no-one had really covered in the Federated Suns only that the First Prince knew where is sister was and knew she was happy.  Watching the broadcast from the Davion Royal Palace high on Mount Davion Victor and Danai laid in bed realising that tomorrow their secret would be out across the Federated Suns, they had known this would happen for but the two months that it was only them who knew had been golden months.

[Dragon Cat]

Grand Council of the Clans
Clan Council Chambers, Clan Hall
Strana Mechty, Kerensky Cluster
Clan Space, Clan Homeworlds
21st June 3067

   For once every Khan of the Clans was present in the Council Chambers and every saKhan was either with them or watching via communication’s link, the saKhan of the Jade Falcons Samantha Clees among them watching from the Jade Falcon Occupation Zone.  Khan Marthe Pryde smiled it was justice that all the Khans were here, even the ever missing Nova Cat and Ghost Bear Khans were present, to witness this evidence being presented and the betrayal the Jade Falcons had uncovered.

   “My fellow Khans” she said addressing the warriors of equal rank assembled, she cared little for the saKhans beside them “Several months ago the Jade Falcons challenged the Diamond Shark Clan over its practices in the Inner Sphere and informed them that we believed they were trading Clan technology to the Inner Sphere realms today we can prove this.”  She said trying to make her statement sound as shocking and surprising as possible, to her own surprise she noticed few of the Khans even cared “In the Inner Sphere the Diamond Sharks have claimed three worlds one within Clan Jade Falcon territory, one within the Ghost Bear Dominion and one within the Draconis Combine.  At these worlds they have set up trade outposts in which they trade technology to the realms and powers all around.  The Jade Falcon WarShips patrolling our Occupation Zone, which the Diamond Shark world is part of, have detected three Lyran Alliance transports enter and exit the Twycross system without challenge.  We have also discovered several Ha Otoko and Mad Cat Mk. II BattleMechs operating with the Lyran Alliance, ComStar and the Draconis Combine.  These Mechs are built with Clan technology and give the Inner Sphere powers a sizeable boost in combating us when the invasion resumes.  I call for the Diamond Sharks to answer this charge and for this council to censer the Diamond Sharks if these charges come true.”

   “The Khan of Clan Diamond Shark Barbara Sennet is asked to answer this charge.”  Loremaster Kael Pershaw said.  The Diamond Shark Khan stood nearly immediately.

   “Firstly I would like to correct the Jade Falcon Khan on her mistake of our territory held.  We control four Inner Sphere worlds after recently claiming a Lyran Alliance world, Hamilton, as another trade world.  As well as holding several periphery worlds to be used as trade worlds.”  She said glancing at Khan Santin West of Clan Nova Cat and Khan Lynn McKenna of Clan Snow Raven, soon the Snow Ravens would join them in handing over a world, or so was the hope. “As for her charge that we are trading Clan BattleMech technology to the Inner Sphere with fully operation weapons I ask what if we are.”  There was stunned silence at the question as if no-one had expected such defiance.  “Of all the Clans the Jade Falcons are most tradition bound of our brethren.”  Barbara said her voice full of praise and just a little mocking, the Jade Falcons were one step from being as ridged as the Smoke Jaguars were and everyone knew what happened to them.  “The Jade Falcons have always said that their warriors are superior to any other so what difference does it make if we are trading standard Ha Otoko and Mad Cat Mk. II designs to the Inner Sphere.  The mighty Jade Falcons should have nothing to fear.”  Now her voice was full of mocking and Marthe Pryde had picked up on it.

   “You do not deny you are trading technology to the Inner Sphere, Quineg?”  As a fellow Khan Barbara had no need to answer the interrogative question but the Diamond Shark Khan looked right at Marthe Pryde.

   “Neg” she said “and we will defend our rights to sell to the highest bidder in a Trial if need be. After all it is only technology, the warrior makes the battle.”

   “There is need I challenge the Diamond Sharks to their rights to trade technology to the Inner Sphere.  The merchant Clan has gone too far.”

   “Fine with us, name your place and time.  We will defend it with the second-line Mechs you are so worried about us trading to the Inner Sphere and show the Jade Falcons that it is the warrior not the technology that makes superior warriors, just like Twycross.”  Barbara said rubbing the loss of the world in the Jade Falcons nose just a little bit.

   “Then your warriors will meet the Jade Falcons on the plains south of here tomorrow.”  Marthe Pryde said, it wasn’t a question.  “And to prove we are not afraid at the technology you speak of we will also field a second-line unit for the battle.  If the Diamond Sharks loose then they will cease trading to the Inner Sphere.  Agree?”

   “Agreed” Barbara Sennet said, it was dangerous but she believed her warriors were more than capable.

   “Seyla!” every Clansmen in the room said ending the ritual now they would wait until tomorrow and settle the dispute.  The rest of the clan council went as planned then the council broke up with various Khans leaving for other duties or long journeys to the Inner Sphere.  Outside the Council chambers Marthe Pryde was met by Galaxy Commander Timur Malthus, the former saKhan of the Jade Falcon Clan.

   “Timur it has been a long time.”

   “Aff” Timur said Samantha Clees had defeated him and Timur had returned to commanding the Jade Falcons primary Homeworlds Galaxy.

   “Walk with me.”  Marthe said she would not just stand, there were things to do.  “And how are the warriors of Sigma Galaxy?”

   “Ready to win this trial.”  Timur said quietly.

   “Good, I am glad.  Galaxy Commander, I have another job for you.”  Marthe said stopping in the corridor “in one hour I am climbing aboard a DropShip and then rendezvousing with the Emerald Talon which had moved in system.  I need someone to oversee this trial.”

   “The Loremaster is next in line.”

   “The Loremaster is also Loremaster of the Grand Council.  I need a Jade Falcon not swayed by popular opinion.”  Marthe said looking at Timur “I need you Galaxy Commander.”

   “I can do this.”  Timur said smiling “I assume Samantha Clees will be returning?”

   “Neg, the saKhan is needed in the Inner Sphere.  I am making you my official Proxy in the Clan Council.  You will have all my powers and be able to speak on my behalf in the Clan Council.  Effectively the Jade Falcons will have two saKhans, the other Clans will not approve but I care little for what they think.”  Marthe said looking at Timur who did not look happy, obviously not happy about the fact he would have to share a post he once held exclusively.  “Do you accept this duty for the Jade Falcons, Quiaff?”

   “Aff, I accept.”  Timur said quietly, she knew that he would, he could use this to rebuild his power and if Samantha Clees ever was killed then he could attempt to regain his position as saKhan, something Marthe would never allow, Timur was too smart for his own good and Marthe would not allow him to regain such a position, this was as far as he would get.

   “I am glad.  Now away and win that trial” she said Timur nodded and walked off Marthe watched him for a moment then disappeared herself heading for the DropShip, the Inner Sphere beckoned her more and more nowadays, the politics that brought her back to the Homeworlds were such a bore and waste of precious time.

   At the other side of the Clan Council Chambers Barbara Sennet caught up with Khan Santin West walking back towards the Nova Cat Hall “Khan West, a moment of your time?”

   “Aff, a moment.”  West said not slowing his pace he cared little for the Diamond Sharks selling technology to the Inner Sphere as he himself had done so with the Federated Suns.  As long as the Diamond Sharks maintained the secret surrounding the Nova Cat’s new home for a few more months that was enough for him.

   “How would the Nova Cats like to secure another forty percent of Barcella?”  That stopped Santin who turned and looked at the Diamond Shark Khan.  A MechWarrior by birth Barbara was shorter than Santin and far more fragile looking, although Santin knew appearances could be deceiving and that she was nothing of the sort a fragile person, she was now pushing forty-two years old and among most Clans she would be considered past her best.  Fortunately for her the Nova Cats and Diamond Sharks, to a lesser degree, respected age.

   “That is all of the Diamond Shark territory on Barcella, Quiaff?”  Gaining that much territory would be quite a gain for the Nova Cats.

   “Aff” she said.

   “What would the Diamond Sharks want for such territory?”

   “The technical readouts of a few Nova Cat vehicles and of the new Nova Cat ProtoMech design.”

   “Is that all?”  Santin asked surprised they would be willing to trade their technology for so little.

   “Neg” Barbara said smiling  stepping closer to West lowering her voice “we would like access to the Nova Cat naval facilities.”

   “What facilities would that be?”  Santin said playing the stupid Elemental so many of his opponents had taken him for and paid the price.

   “The facility in the Varnay system, where you built the Severn Leroux and her sister ships.”

   “We modified vessels to the Anna Rosse-configuration.”  Santin said

   “We have vessels we wish to modify.  We have the design specifications and the materials we just need facilities close to or in the Inner Sphere.  Facilities we can trust completely.”

   “The Nova Cats and Diamond Sharks have always been close.”  Santin said “forward your needs to me and I will see how we can accommodate you.  If everything works out the Nova Cats will take control of Barcella.  Agreed?”  Santin asked Barbara stood there for several moments thinking then nodded her agreement.  “Good then I wish you luck with your trial.”

   “We have already won.”  Barbara said confidently walking off.  The Diamond Shark Khan had rights to be confident the next day a second-line Diamond Shark Cluster handed the Jade Falcon Second-Line unit a stinging defeat after nearly sixteen hours battling on the plains of Strana Mechty.  Khan Santin West confirmed the Diamond Shark request to use the Nova Cat Varnay system shipyards then sent word to the Nova Cat’s Den and saKhan Canin Rosse that he needed more troops and he needed his saKhan in the Homeworlds by march the following year, the Nova Cats were ready to tell the rest of the Clans where they had made their new Homeworlds.

Jezersko
Ghost Bear Dominion
4th July 3067

   Contracted by House Kurita to raid the Ghost Bear Dominion under the guise of other Clans the Black Thorns, a unit of fifteen Battle and OmniMechs many of Clan origin, are ambushed by a hidden force of Ghost Bears well aware of the who the Black Thorns are and their intensions.  The Black Thorns commanded by a brother and sister team from Northwind are known throughout the Inner Sphere for getting out of tough situations however in the opening engagement Rianna Rose, the unit’s executive officer and sister to the unit’s commander Jeremiah Rose, is critically injured.

   With Rianna unable to move and Jeremiah unwilling to abandon his sister it looks to be the end of the Black Thorns until one of the newest recruits, Sgt Dan Jackson, proposes Hegira to the Clan Commander.  Hegira the honourable retreat of an enemy force without further bloodshed or loss of honour is accepted by the Ghost Bears.  Following a short debate the Ghost Bears agree and the surviving Black Thorns, including Rianna, are able to leave.  Jeremiah enacts an exit clause in the Black Thorns contract and they begin heading for Northwind.

   On Northwind Rianna and Jeremiah’s father Cornelius Rose suffers a stroke when hearing that his daughter will never be able to use her limbs again unless she accepts myomer implants, something she has refuse.  Towards the end of July Cornelius recovers mostly from the effects of his stroke and with the Black Thorns arriving back on planet he begins lobbying the other Clan Elders and the Regiment Commanders to allow the Black Thorns to recruit off Northwind and become part of the Northwind Highlanders.

Van Dieman IV
Former Free Worlds League
12th July 3067

   The Rousset-Marik Alliance continues to expand by landing forces on the world of Van Dieman IV an independent Duchy under the control of the Oriente Protectorate.  A similar sight unfolds as Captain-General Jonas Rousset-Marik lands his Krushers’ regiment on planet attempting to negotiate first then launching a full assault on the defending Third Oriente Hussars Regiment.  In a particularly blood-thirsty move the Krushers target the Oriente DropShips first destroying them before going after and destroying the Oriente Hussars unit almost to the man with the survivors, nearly all badly injured sent to prisoner camps deeper in the Rousset-Marik Alliance.

Antallos, Pirate Holding
Periphery Near Outworlds Alliance
18th July 3067

   Clan Snow Raven decides to being to take its revenge on the Draconis Combine because of the Kazanka Incident but first they decide to eliminate a thorn in the side of the Outworlds Alliance and the Inner Sphere, Antallos, a known pirate haven.  Landing nearly two Clusters on the world they are surprised to find, according to local opinion, Vance Razek’s Band of the Damned and Vinston’s Vigilantes have both been destroyed by a Clan force of unknown identity or origin.

   Although the Snow Ravens do encounter a full Division of Word of Blake forces, three small pirate bands, including a group of the Clan’s Dark Caste Faction and a regimental strength unit named Spade’s Brigade the elite Snow Raven troops with full WarShip and Aerospace support eliminate all opposing forces taking Antallos as a Snow Raven holding.  Armed with the knowledge of a Clan force in the nearby periphery the Snow Ravens begin to watch their backs as well as continuing to prepare to strike the Draconis Combine.

[Dragon Cat]

Royal Palace, Throne Room
Tharkad City, Tharkad
Donegal Province, Lyran Alliance
4th August 3067

   For the first time in nearly fifteen years Peter Steiner-Davion walked into the throne room of the Lyran capital, home to the Steiner family, for this occasion Peter wore the full regalia of Lyran General of Armies and beside him walked Isis Steiner in a shimmering blue dress with a lighter coloured blue coat covering her shoulders.  Isis wore her blonde hair straight and down her back hair together with a blue hair clasp near the nape of her neck, she looked stunning.

   Ahead of them stood Katherine Steiner-Davion, dressed very similarly to Isis in a light blue dress with a dark blue leather jacket rimmed in thick fur, she had obviously picked it to match Isis’ outfit something her spies would have noticed when they landed.  Beside Katherine stood the true General of Armies Nondi Steiner, Peter’s aunt, the old General had a smile on her face as she saw Peter approach it seemed a genuine enough smile.  Katherine however did not look amused.

   “Welcome to Tharkad Duke Peter, or is that Marshal Peter or perhaps even Prince’s Champion Peter?”  Katherine asked as Peter stood several steps away when Peter remained quiet she turned on Isis as well “as for you, I’ll say you have quite a nerve, Sun-Tzu obviously wasn’t enough.  I will not let you tear this realm apart as your own has…”

   “I have no realm, Archon” Isis said ignoring Katherine’s remarks about her past.

   “Katherine, we are only here to tell you that we are around and the Lyran people will have an alternative to you.  I do not want a civil war, I hope you don’t either?”

   “Of course I don’t!”  Katherine said walking back to the throne “and I suppose we owe you for brining Skye back under control but unfortunately we don’t have any room for you here on Tharkad.”  She said glaring at them both, the Tharkad Palace was a massive structure with hundreds of rooms, if Katherine wanted them there they could fit.

   “Fine with us.”  Peter said “Duke Bradford has agreed to put us up on Coventry, not to close I hope.”  Peter said turning to leave “then again Duke Kell’s offer was tempting as well and having the Wolves behind me could be helpful.”

   “Peter, choose as you will just get off Tharkad with your little slut and tell Victor I will not be moved by his little puppet!”  Katherine said taking Peter’s goading which Peter found ironic as he was bigger than Victor.  Peter bowed slightly then put an arm around his wife and the two silently left the room.  “Find out where they go.”  Katherine said staring after them Nondi nodded and left the room by another exit.  Hours later Peter and Isis were back in their DropShip and heading for the Jump-Point, as if to thumb their noses at the Archon the WarShip LAS Fylgia, the Alliance’s second Mjolinir-class Battle-cruiser offered to take the Duke to Coventry an offer which Peter graciously accepted.  The journey was part of the ship's routine rotation but the symbolism was enough to enrage Katrina Steiner-Davion.

Clan Occupation Zones
Wolf/Jade Falcon Claimed worlds
14th August 3067

   In a lightning assault the Crusader-faction of Clan Wolf launches Trials of Possession for the worlds of La Grave and Orkney in the Jade Falcon OZ seizing both in rapid succession.  The Wolves then cross into the Lyran Alliance claiming the worlds Tomans, Rasalgethi, Ft. Loudon, Borghese and Crimond all above the Tukayyid Truce Line, but only just.  The Lyran defenders are driven back by the Wolf assault although resistance remains on the worlds the Wolves press on preparing a second wave.  Meanwhile the Jade Falcons also launch an assault into the Lyran Alliance taking the worlds Ballynure, Graceland and Koniz, on Koniz the Jade Falcons destroy the Mercenary unit Barber‘s Marauder IIs taking no survivors as bondsmen annihilating the unit to the man.

   Then as the Wolves launch their second wave the Jade Falcons also make one more move striking at the world of Pandora, a Lyran Theatre Capital World.  On the Jade Falcon side stands the Gyrfalcon Galaxy under the command of saKhan Samantha Clees while on the other side stand Khan Vlad Ward’s own Wolf Spirits Galaxy while in the middle stand the Sixth Lyran Guards RCT with the Pandora College Training Battalion and the Third Donegal Guards RCT.  The two Clans turn on the two Lyran units with the Wolves destroying the Sixth Lyran and Pandora Battalion while the Jade Falcons destroy the Third Donegal.  The two Clans then turn on each other claiming the Wolves Third Wolf Guard Cluster and the Fourth Striker Cluster on the Wolf’s side while the claiming the Forth Falcon Striker Cluster and the Turkina Eyrie Cluster on the Jade Falcon side.  The Wolves loosing the fight begin to withdraw however a Falcon WarShip moves into orbit above the world intent on destroying the Wolf Khan.

   Vlad Ward knowing he cannot become ilKhan if he is killed calls for a Trial against saKhan Samantha Clees.  If he wins his forces are allowed safcon and to retreat from battle, if Samantha wins then the Wolves Alpha Galaxy become possessions of Clan Jade Falcon, as does the Khan of Clan Wolf.  The Jade Falcon saKhan agrees immediately and the two face off.  Khan Vlad Ward in his Timber Wolf while Samantha Clees in her Summoner.  In a short brutal battle Khan Ward shows he is a far better pilot in a far stronger Mech easily overpowers and disables the Jade Falcon saKhan’s Mech then to rub salt in the wounds he stands on Samantha Clees’ Mech’s cockpit crushing the Jade Falcon saKhan where she had fallen. 

   The Jade Falcons honour bound to allow Vlad’s remaining troops to leave do so securing Pandora with their remaining forces and moping up any Lyran survivors.  With their own assault stalled as they wait for their Khan to arrive in the Occupation Zone several Star Colonels fight over the right to command Gyrfalcon Cluster however two days later Star Colonel Diana Pryde arrives with her Jade Falcon Guards, of Jade Falcon Galaxy (the Khan‘s Galaxy), defeating all comers for command of the Galaxy under orders from Khan Marthe Pryde she assumes the position of saKhan as well.

New Samarkand Shipyards, New Samarkand
Galedon Military District, New Samarkand Prefecture
Draconis Combine
22nd August 3067

   Deep in the heart of the Draconis Combine at the Star League-era Shipyard facility at New Samarkand the Draconis Combine begin to build, the Yamato-class Battleship.  The first vessel of three planned vessels will be named Muashi and is projected to be launched in 3073.  The Draconis Combine has taken the decision to build these vessels in an attempt to counter the Ghost Bear Leviathan 2-class Battleship and the Snow Raven’s massive fleet led by the Snow Raven, a Nightlord 2-class Battleship not to mention the Federated Suns flagship design the First Prince-class Battleship, the FSS Hanse Davion.  The Yamato-class weighs in at just over one-and-a half million tons and is one thousand-two hundred metres and will be more than capable of destroying any other WarShip in the deep.

Pleiades Cluster
Capellan March, Federated Suns
28th August 3067

   Ordered to the Pleiades Cluster by Field Marshal George Hasek the Medusans Mercenary DropShip squadron is tasked with interdicting Taurian supply DropShips in the area and capture as much supplies bound to Pleiades as possible.  The Hydra Assault Squadron of six DropShips under the command of Rear Admiral Henry H. Harwood is able to capture six Taurian DropShips just inside the Pleiades Cluster.  On most of the DropShips they find front-line Capellan made equipment and Capellan born advisors however on the last DropShip, a Buccaneer-class Cargo Hauler they find six Santa Ana-class Nuclear tipped Killer Whale Missiles.  Although designed as anti-WarShip missiles to be carried by WarShips or Assault DropShips these weapons can also be fired from ground based sites or just set off causing massive damage.  Reporting this find first to George Hasek the Medusans decide they cannot keep this to themselves and also inform the Star League Defence Force of the find.  Immediately the Killer Bees Battalion, SAS Division of the Star League are deployed to the Pleiades Cluster to take care of the weapons and find out if there are any more in the area.  The Taurian Concordat officials in the area and on Taurus claim these weapons were placed there by House Davion spies and they know nothing of there presence.

   Across the Federated Suns the SLS Shining Claw, the Congress-class Frigate captured at the Battle of Trafalgar by the Eridani Light Horse moves into the Galax shipyards to begin an upgrade of its systems.  When the Shining Claw leaves the yards a year later it will do so as a Block II-class of vessel.

[Dragon Cat]

Second Babylon Diet
Babylon, Kerensky Cluster
Clan Space, Clan Homeworlds
15th September 3067

   The beginning of the Second Babylon Diet goes off without a hitch with the Cloud Cobras and the Diamond Sharks significantly upgrading the defences of the Diet this time, with each Clan deploying two WarShips and a galaxy each to the defence of the Diet, in case there is a repetition of the troubles that plagued the first Diet.  Because there are so many Inner Sphere delegates present the SLDF are also allowed to send a Battalion of troops from Huntress to support and protect the defensive forces.

   Notably the Cloud Cobras and the Nova Cats are very frosty towards each other due to the Rossei Cloister’s actions in almost completely joining the Nova Cats.  Although the Cloud Cobras accept the Nova Cats had little directly to do with the Rossei Cloister’s decision to join their Clan the Cloud Cobras are angry the Nova Cats accepted them so easily as if it wasn’t a big deal.

Clan Wolf/Jade Falcon/Lyran Alliance Border
18th September 3067

   On the Clan borders Clan Wolf and Clan Jade Falcon continue their advance on Coventry, Donegal and Tharkad and the heart of the Lyran Alliance.  Already the worlds of Grundwald, Summit and Kandersteg had fallen to the Wolves while the Jade Falcons had taken Dustball, A Place and Bountiful Harvest.

   In the Kandersteg system the Lyran Alliance WarShips LAS Yggdrasil, a Mjolinir-class Battle-cruiser and the LAS Robert Marsden, a Fox-class Corvette had engaged two Clan Wolf WarShips destroying the WarShip Blood Drinker, a Black Lion-class Battle-cruiser.  While in the Bountiful Harvest system the Clan Wolf (in-Exile) WarShip Ulric Kerensky, a Cameron-class Battle-cruiser had been destroyed when it engaged the Jade Falcons Sovetskii Soyuz-class Heavy Cruiser Hawker, the two ships died in a massive fireball as they collided in space, in a titanic ramming maneover by the Hawker.  Even these losses had not stopped the Clans however and people were streaming off Lyran worlds attempting to escape the Clan advance.

   Further up the borderline the Sixth Alliance Guards supported by a Wolf (in-Exile) Cluster attack and liberate the world of Clermont from the Jade Falcons a success which is quickly followed by Kikuyu another world that had been lost in previous raids by the Jade Falcons.  Driven on by these raids on the eighteenth the SLDF’s 151st Light Horse and two ComGuard Divisions, not yet included in Operation Case White, all supported by the SLS Sparta newly out of the shipyards at Alarion attempt a raid into the Jade Falcon Occupation Zone in an attempt to force the Jade Falcons to defend their captured territory.  Attacking the Butler system deep in the Jade Falcon OZ unfortunately as the enter the system they are confronted by the Falcon’s Nest, a Texas-class Battleship.

   The Falcon’s Nest with a full broadside worth of Naval-class lasers destroys the Seventy-Seventh Division of the ComGuard’s Second Army before the Sparta even has time to react.  Although no match for the Falcon’s Nest the Sparta engages the massive Battleship for a total on one minute and fifty-eight seconds before being destroyed.  Although this is a tiny amount of time it does allow the ground forces enough of a head-start to head for the planet.  Five days later the two surviving unit’s the 151st and the 211th Division hit the Jade Falcon ground forces with everything they have and destroy the Seventh Provisional Garrison Cluster of the Jade Falcon’s Rho Galaxy and the Fifty-first Garrison Cluster of Iota Galaxy securing most of the planet believing the Jade Falcons will not resort to orbital bombardment.

   They are wrong.  The Falcon’s Nest moves into orbit two days later and lets loose with three barrages destroying all three major military bases and the only HPG on the planet.  Then it drops two Clusters of troops to eliminate or capture the remaining SLDF and ComGuard personnel.  It is believed roughly a Battalions worth of troops is captured by the Jade Falcons marking a very black day for the SLDF.  The Clan WarShip’s willingness to use orbital bombardment is even more scary for the Inner Sphere and shows the Clan’s changing attitude to their relations and combat against the Inner Sphere.

Bradford Family Residence
Port St. William, Coventry
Coventry Province, Lyran Alliance
21st September 3067

   Choosing to remain close to Tharkad and away from the Clan borders Peter Steiner-Davion and Isis Steiner had taken refuge on the important industrial world of Coventry.  Not only was Coventry close to Tharkad but the world's leader, Duke Thomas Fredrick Bradford, was a close ally to Morgan Kell and Victor Steiner-Davion and a major opponent of Katherine in the Lyran Alliance.  Duke Bradford turned all intelligence assets over to Peter and treated him like an Archon during his stay.  The population of Coventry followed their Duke’s example and made Peter very welcome, to the surprise of everyone they even welcomed Isis with open arms accepting her despite her Marik heritage.  Peter and Isis stayed at the Bradford Residence and had been given almost the entire guest wing for their stay.

   “Are you coming to bed?”  Isis asked stretched out over the bed, Peter was sitting at a desk near the patio windows.

   “In a minute, just catching up.” Peter said reading the report from the front-line, both Wolf and Jade Falcon Clans were causing the Alliance more and more troubles by the hour.

   “Peter!”  Isis said sitting up the covers falling off her body, she was naked under the covers, she always slept naked she said it reminded her of everything she had lost “come to bed.”  She whispered, Peter looked over his shoulder and couldn’t help but smile at the sight, she was as beautiful as the first time they were together.  Putting down the reports he launched himself at the bed landing beside her immediately she was wrapped around his body.  “I think we need to lose this…”  She said indicating to his clothes however just as Peter began to lose his clothes the whole building was rocked by an explosion that knocked over the bed “what the hell was that?”  Isis screamed as they were knocked to the floor and covered by the bedding as the entire bed was thrown up onto its side.

   “Get dressed” Peter said reaching up to the bedside cabinet removing a Sternsnacht Pistol Isis looked at the weapon wide-eyed “stay here, I’ll be right back” he said raising to his feet.

   “I love you!” Isis called her head in a light green sweater as Peter made it to the door.

   “I know, I love you too” Peter said opening the door only to be tackled by Duke Thomas Bradford as he came barrelling through the door slamming Peter into the floor with a heavy thud.  Bradford rolled off and kicked the door closed.  “What is going on?”  Peter asked exasperated he noticed Bradford was also armed.

   “Building security has been breached and there is an assassin in looking for you.”  Bradford said Peter looked to Isis who was struggling into clothes.  “The communications are down so we blew the reactors hoping to gain the militia’s attention.

   “Who is it?”

   “Unknown, the guards reported they were engaging a pair of Infiltrator Battle Armour so probably someone from the Former FedCom States.”

   “Victor and Morgan supports us so I guess Katherine?”  Isis said dropping down beside them she was unarmed but at least she was now dressed Peter looked at her and wished they had been left for half an hour more.

   “Katherine.” Bradford and Peter both said together in agreement.

   “We need to get you out of here.”  Bradford said “out the windows, both of you.”  Thomas said Peter and Isis headed for the patio while Bradford remained watching the doors.  Just as Peter was helping lower Isis to the ground the room door exploded inwards showering Thomas Bradford with splinters of wood from the door.  Peter began heading back towards the door but saw Bradford shaking his head as he began firing pistol blasts into the door Peter followed Isis down the balcony to the ground, just before he dropped down he saw Bradford being cut down by sub-machine gun fire as an Infiltrator Battle Armour suit walked into the room.

   “We need to go.”  Peter said to Isis who nodded silently, she had heard the weapons fire and knew what had happened.  Running across the courtyard to the vehicle bay jumping into a small hovercraft and escape they were intercepted by a squad of four Standard Inner Sphere Battle Armour painted up in Coventry Militia colours.

   “Sire, what is the problem?”  One of the troopers asked because of the suit’s distortion of the voice Peter couldn’t tell if the trooper was male or female.

   “Infiltrator Battle Armour arrived a little while ago.  The Duke was cut down by them and they are sweeping each room with weapons fire.”  He said as machine gun fire filled the air again.

   “Right.  Gonzalez!  Secure the Duke and his wife.”  The trooper said over loud speakers “the rest of you with me, we’re going in.”  He said running forward two suits immediately ran behind the lead trooper.  “You two, in the front door! I’m going in upstairs.”  the trooper ordered launching their suit skyward on jump jets as the other two troopers charged down the front door of the burning building.  From his position near the vehicle bay Peter could see the explosion of the generator had set the building ablaze, the wooden building was taking to flame quickly.  Upstairs the lead trooper encountered an Infiltrator Battle Armoured trooper standing over Duke Thomas Fredrick Bradford “You bastard!”  the trooper shouted charging forward at the trooper, the Infiltrator suit had been modified with a Battle Claw and anti-personnel weapons.  The Standard suit however had a support machine gun alongside the anti-personnel assault rifle, the two weapons opened fire together tearing into the Infiltrator suit already damaged by weapons fire.  The Infiltrator turned to one side to minimal the penetration of the machine gun and charged launching the Infiltrator’s left shoulder into the trooper’s chest winding the trooper then the Infiltrator trooper swung his claw into the Standard Battle Armour’s chest plates penetrating the armour and causing heavy damage to the troopers insides armour, bone and internal organs were smashed by the strike and the trooper crashed to the ground knocked off the Infiltrator’s claw.  The trooper then began heading out of the room charging forward smashing through the patio windows and leaping to the ground the suit controlled the impact far better than the suit was normally capable of.

   In front of the battered Infiltrator suit stood a single Standard Battle Armour suit, Peter and Isis were in the vehicle garage.  The Infiltrator trooper charged forward using the suit’s superior ground speed to knock the other trooper off his feet knocking the trooper out with the impact.  Walking forward he prepared to finish off the trooper raising the battle claw however Peter Steiner-Davion came running from the garage firing all twelve bullets from his Sternsnacht pistol driving the Infiltrator suit back although doing little damage.  Peter rolled forward and grabbed the Standard Suit’s anti-personnel machine gun, the trooper must have been vaguely aware of Peter’s presence because the weapon dropped away into his hands and Peter took full advantage of the weapon’s power opening fire into the Infiltrator’s chest with a long burst of ninety-two rounds into the suit’s chest armour.  The Infiltrator stood there for a second as if the armour had held under the weapons fire then it fell forwards just in front of Peter who fell to the floor landing on his behind looking at the dead assassin.  Inside the building there was still weapons fire however all around more militia troops were arriving securing the area.

   Hours later the area had been secured and the fire put out, the Bradford family home had been destroyed although Duke Thomas Bradford’s body had been recovered.  The assassins had also been identified Kommandant Konstantin Wolff-Ploetig, with Peter felling Konstantin outside the building.  Konstantin was a known operative of Katherine Steiner-Davion and Peter decided that enough was enough.  Dressed in a Lyran General of Armies uniform without any combat ribbons he was entitled to hold Peter Steiner-Davion addressed the nation.  “People of the Lyran Alliance I am Peter Steiner-Davion, third child of the departed Hanse Davion and Melissa Steiner.  In 3056 I left the politics of the Inner Sphere for a life of peace.  Persuaded to return I have served with my Brother in the Federated Suns for the last three years and would have been happy to remain in this position.  However fate would conspire against me and the Skye nation began to cause trouble.  Fortunately Duke Robert Ryan Kelswa-Steiner is a honourable, clever leader” he said giving the Skye people some acknowledgement was key to winning Katherine’s throne.  “with Duke Kelswa-Steiner I was able to end the Skye Crisis and decided to stay within the Lyran realm.  For the first time in ten years I travelled to Tharkad the world of my mother and grand-mother” he said playing up his heritage of the Steiner blood within him “however Katherine would not allow me or my wife Isis to remain on the capital world and we were forced to leave finding aid from Duke Bradford of Coventry.  My sister Katherine was obviously not happy with this arrangement and sent Kommandant Konstantin Wolff-Ploetig to kill me and the Duke of Coventry.  People of the Lyran Alliance it is my grave duty to inform you that the Archon’s assassin killed Duke Thomas Fredrick Bradford before being felled by Coventry Militia troops.  With this evidence against my sister and evidence my brother, First Prince of the Federated Suns Victor Steiner-Davion, holds that points to my sister’s involvement in the bombing that killed my mother I now call on Katherine to peacefully relinquish control of the Lyran Alliance.  She has until the end of this year to abdicate the throne or I will lead a force to Tharkad and remove her from office, I do not want to begin a civil war by taking this action but I will not leave Katherine in office to terrorise the people of the Lyran Alliance any longer.  Thank you.”  He said as the monitor ended already Morgan Kell and several regiments loyal to Morgan or Victor had promised to join Peter if he called on them Katherine’s time was numbered as Archon now the only question that remained was whether she would do it peacefully or force a conflict?  Unfortunately Peter felt that Katherine would not relinquish the throne without a fight.

[Dragon Cat]

Throne Room, Royal Palace
Tharkad City, Tharkad
Donegal Province, Lyran Alliance
28th September 3067

   A week after Peter’s challenge to Katherine and things were going from bad to worse.  The Clans were still fighting all along the border and now forces across the Lyran Alliance were standing up to Katherine or standing for the Archon warning other units that if they fought for Peter they would be fighting them as well.

   General of Armies Nondi Steiner, Katherine’s aunt and one of the eldest members inside the Lyran Alliance Armed Forces entered the room walking over to the throne standing about five feet away remaining silent, she knew Katherine preferred to speak first.  “What is it Nondi?  Not more Clan news.”

   “Only that they have halted their advance, it's a meat-grinder now we're making no real progress but neither are they.”  Nondi said “other news is more... interesting..." she said pausing "this news is closer to home.”

   “Peter” Katherine said resigned, Konstantin Wolff-Ploetig had put her in a vulnerable position with troops across the Lyran Alliance and leaders across the Inner Sphere, led by her brother Victor, had condemned her.

   “Partially…”  Nondi said quietly cryptically.

   “So what has my little brother done now?  Has the pint-sized Prince sent him some troops or critical news that will make me look even more guilty?”  Katherine asked cursing her elder Brother one more time, Victor had never been so deft in making her squirm and making trouble for her, that had always been her job.  Perhaps age and marriage had seasoned him beyond what Katherine believed.

   “Does he need to?”  Nondi asked quietly Katherine looked at her with almost a look of betrayal had Nondi turned against her as well.

   “What did you just say?”  Katherine demanded.

   “Here Archon, this should wet your interest.”  Nondi said stepping forward ignoring the Archon's demand handing Katherine a small noteputer.  On the machine was a single letter - Nondi’s resignation as General of Armies effective immediately.

   “What is this?”  Katherine asked her head was ready to explode.

   “Isn’t it obvious?  I’ve had enough Katherine all your scheming and planning have worn this old warrior down and I have had enough.  I wanted to retire in ‘55 but you dragged me back well I’ve had enough.”  Nondi said walking to the left several steps then back again. “This morning I sent the press that same letter with instructions to broadcast it this evening.”

   “Nondi, I need you, the Alliance needs you.”  Katherine said stepping down from the throne she looked more than a little worried and vulnerable.

   “No lass, you need far more than me, you need a miracle.”  Nondi said “and I need my retirement and the Commonwealth back.”  Katherine looked at her thinking that all she needed to do was take her brother’s realm all those years ago and then she would have kept Nondi, then again her aunt had always been an opponent of the Federated Commonwealth why the change?

   “Not that Commonwealth the original one.”

   “The Alliance is the Commonwealth!”  Katherine said raising her arms above her, the Alliance was smaller but also stronger than the Commonwealth had ever been.

   “No, it’s not, the Commonwealth was led by proud, honourable leaders and you are neither, you’re just a spoilt brat of Hanse Davion.”  Nondi said tearing into Katherine “and I’ve had enough of your back stabbing and political manoeuvring.  Peter and Victor claim you killed your mother, something a Davion would recognize if it were true.  If that is the case may god have mercy on your soul.”  Nondi said turning her back on Katherine walking out even though the Archon was screaming for her to come back and insults at the old General’s back Nondi was soon gone and Katherine was alone.  Stepping back up onto her throne she sat down and felt her shoulders sag, she was tired of this.

   “You heard?”  She asked looking over her shoulder Simon Gallagher stepped from the shadows.

   “Yes, Archon, every word.  Do you need something done?”

   “Yes, you are my new General of Armies.  Find a public officer and put a decent spin on Nondi’s retirement then get me news on my brothers actions.”   She said, she knew Victor would be having something to do with this.

   “Yes, Archon, what of Nondi?”

   “Let the old woman retire, she is nothing to us now.”  Katherine said staring out the main exit at the last place she had seen Nondi, damn the old woman.  Even with Simon standing there she was alone, she looked at Simon “what are you waiting for get going!”  She screamed if they survived this the first thing she would do is get rid of Simon Gallagher as her General of Armies he was a ‘yes-man’ good for right now but not a long term basis. ‘At least nothing can make this worse’ Katherine thought quietly.

Nadir Point
Tharkad System
Donegal Province, Lyran Alliance
2nd October 3067

   Katherine was soon cursing the thoughts ‘this can’t get worse’ just four days later when the reason for Clan Wolf’s quietness became apparent when the WarShips Dire Wolf (Sovetskii Soyuz), Stealthy Kill (Black Lion-class Battle-cruiser) and Victoria Ward (Liberator-class Cruiser) all fully laden with DropShips jump into the Nadir point of the Tharkad system and Khan Vladimir Ward’s face was beamed across Tharkad.  “I am Khan Vlad Ward of Clan Wolf.  My Wolves are here to claim Katrina Steiner as our bondsmen.  Give her to us or face the consequences.”  He warned although some of Tharkad’s civilians were ready to turn Katherine over in an instant however the defenders of Tharkad were not ready to make such a move and the three WarShips assigned to defend Tharkad immediately moved to engage the Wolf WarShips.  The two Fox-class Corvettes LAS Robert Kelswa and LAS Angela Franks led the Hyperion-class Battle-cruiser LAS Athens commanded by Fleet Admiral Lyn Hood, one of Katherine’s last and strongest supporters.

   The two Fox-class Corvettes and their assault DropShips tried to attack the Wolf command ship Dire Wolf, which had served as Clan Wolf’s flagship since the Clan invasion of the Inner Sphere despite being the vessel that had caused the death of an ilKhan and the vessel constantly suffering from poor maintenance.  However, in front of them stood the Stealth Kill with its massed naval autocannons and the Victoria Ward with its tightly packed anti-fighter weapons also the Dire Wolf was a sniper type of WarShip with almost exclusively sniper-class naval weapons almost all capable of reaching extreme ranges making it the perfect long range attacker.

   Caught between the autocannons of the Stealthy Kill and the capital missiles and lasers of the Dire Wolf the DropShips carried by the two corvettes and the two corvettes themselves were quickly overpowered while every fighter carried by all three vessels were destroyed by the Wolf fighters and the Victoria Ward.

   The Athens believed it had been forgotten when the Dire Wolf, Stealthy Kill and the majority of the DropShips began to burn for Tharkad and began to move to engage leaving the damaged Victoria Ward, a vessel better suited to anti-fighter operations than anti-WarShip operations, like it appeared the Wolves had.  However the Wolves had been smart the Liberator-class carried a rarely used capacity to carry a full cluster of conventional infantry and fifty Battle Armoured Elemental Marine troopers.

   The Victoria Ward kept pace with the Athens shielding the other Wolf vessels from the Hyperion’s Naval PPCs.  Moving alongside the Liberator’s armour absorbed the weapons fire from the Hyperion’s broadside of six Heavy Naval PPCs then the battle onboard the Hyperion began as Elementals breached the vessels hull at several points and quickly began overpowering the marines assigned to defend the Hyperion.  Then as the Athens crew had shown resistance was on their mind the Elementals quickly began moving through the vessel pacifying the crew including Fleet Admiral Lynn Hood.  The Victoria Ward then docked with the vessel and the Clan Wolf Prize-crew boarded the vessel, the Victoria Ward had transported them like infantry but they would return to the Wolf OZ as a WarShip crew of the captured Athens.  With the rest of the Lyran navy defending the borders against the Jade Falcons and the Free Worlds League the first battle of the Tharkad system was over.

[Dragon Cat]

Tharkad
Tharkad System
Donegal Province, Lyran Alliance
10th October 3067

   Following a fairly standard burn in procedure the WarShips Dire Wolf and Stealthy Kill moved into orbit of Tharkad seven days later followed by the Victoria Ward and the newly captured Athens a day later.  With all four of their WarShips in orbit the Wolf DropShips descended on Tharkad concentrating on the area outside Tharkad City as their Drop Point sixteen Wolf DropShips landed and Wolf Spirits (Alpha), the Shadow Wolves (Beta) and the Wolf Hussars (Gamma) Galaxies, roughly twelve Clusters, of the most elite troops of Clan Wolf disembarked.  Against them just inside the boundaries of Tharkad City were the First, Second and Third Royal Guards, the Donegal Jaegers, the Mobile Fire Mercenary unit (still rebuilding following their last thrashing on the Combine border) and Sixty-sixth Division of ComStar’s Tenth Army.

   Amazingly the Khan of Clan Wolf offered General of Armies a batchall before the battle willing to limit the damage caused by the fighting.  Simon Gallagher refused stating that every Lyran would get his chance to face and kill a Wolf Menace over an open channel revitalizing the Lyrans but also angering the Wolves. 

   At 12.03 Hours, (Tharkad Local Time - TLT) on the 10th the  Battle of Tharkad began one kilometre outside Tharkad City on the frozen tundra.  The Wolf Hussars leading the charge on the Wolf side while the Donegal Jaegers and under strength Third Royal Guards face them on the other side.  The Wolf Hussars had been held back by Khan Ward in other operations because they had just arrived from the Homeworlds and the warriors were ready to show they should never have been held back.  An hour later as the Wolf Spirits and Wolf Shadows arrive the remnants of Donegal Jaegers and the Third Royal Guards are in full retreat unable to hold against the Wolf fury.  Simon Gallagher orders his remaining troops to retreat within the city and folds the Donegal Jaegers and Third Royal into other units.  Khan Vladimir Ward orders the Wolf Hussars to defend the Wolf DropShips while the rest of the force ventures into Tharkad City.

   At 15.15 (TLT) hours exactly the next stage of the Battle of Tharkad began with the Shadow Wolves led by saKhan Marialle Radick.  The Shadow Wolves caring little for Tharkad City or its population too their shots as they saw them and cared little for the devastation their weapons caused on the city killing hundreds in the opening hour alone.  During this battle a new Clan Wolf OmniMech the Lycurgus.  Weighing in at eighty-five tons this Assault OmniMech devastates every single Lyran Mech that faces it mainly because the Lyran defenders know nothing of what they are facing.  As the Shadow Wolves forge ahead the Mobile Fire Regiment attempts to cut them off from reinforcements and allow the Lyran units deeper in the city to hammer the Crusader Wolves however the Mobile Fire regiment is nearly immediately engaged by the forces of the Wolf Spirits led by Khan Vladimir Ward.  The three Clusters of the Wolf Spirits quickly and efficiently wipe out the mercenary regiment leaving nothing to be rebuilt this time.

   At 16.20 (TLT) hours a second counter-attack is launched against the Wolves this time by ComStar’s Sixty-sixth Division.  The 66th does not however try to defend Tharkad City or their HPG Station instead they travel outside the city outskirts launching an assault on the Wolf DropShips destroying three DropShips, an Overlord-C, a Sassanid and a Miraborg-class vessels, containing most of the Wolves aerospace assets, before the Wolf Hussars annihilate the ComStar force to the man.  The Wolves take no ComStar prisoners as bondsmen with Elementals going cockpit to cockpit killing any survivors the Wolves remember what a ComGuard Spy had in the destruction of Clan Smoke Jaguar and they are aware of the ComGuard‘s actions on Terra continuing even as this battle continues.

   At 17.45 (TLT) hours the Spirit Wolves and the lead elements of the Shadow Wolves reach the Lyran Royal Court decimating the Second Royal Guards which have been reinforced by several units of the First Royal Guards.  Six hours later at 23.52 (TLT) hours (local time) the Second Royal Guards RCT and its support along with almost all the Royal Court buildings lie in ruin along with thousands of Tharkad City’s population.  Making camp in the Royal Court over the night the Wolves fight off the occasional raid but overall very little Lyran opposition to their occupation of the Royal Court.  The next morning under a flag of truce Khan Vlad Ward takes his Golden Keshik to the Triad which hosts the Royal Palace amongst other buildings.

   Sitting on her throne flanked by two Hauptmann OmniMechs, with pilots who would rather be outside fighting than here protecting the Archon, Katherine Steiner-Davion sat watching as Khan Vladimir Ward walked proudly into the Royal Court of Tharkad.  As promised he had no weapons or guards as he walked to within a couple of feet of her and threw her a mock bow “Archon, it is good to see you again, I am so pleased to find you in good health.”  He said smiling ear-to-ear despite the scar that went straight through his left eye she had always found Vladimir Ward a very attractive man.

   “What are you doing here?”  Katherine said stepping down closer to Vlad her voice hushed so the MechWarriors could not hear if they were eves-dropping.

   “Collecting a debt owed.”  Vlad said not lowering his voice

   “You said I had ten years, that is one more year away.”  Katherine said rapidly the bargain she had made around the time of the Battle of Coventry had been a good one.  The Wolves freed her from her bonds and in return she gave them the Inner Sphere.  If only she had captured the Federated Commonwealth when she had planned than she could give Vlad half the Inner Sphere, or at least make look like she was.

   “I have decided to collect early.”  Vlad said smiling Katherine was starting to not like his smile.  Vlad raised one hand to stroke her cheek.  To Katherine’s skin Vlad’s hand was warm despite just coming in from the cold and Katherine played along with Vlad’s little game pretending to enjoy his touch.  She remembered when she had first met him Vlad’s crude marks about her and her planned alliance with the Smoke Jaguars had cut deeper than any blade could.  “Anyway, I do not believe you would be in power much longer without my little raid.  And I wouldn‘t want you disappearing on me.”  Vlad said making it clear he was here only for her, Katherine wasn’t sure if she should be honoured or scared.

   “That could change.” Katherine promised she had ideas on how to remain in power but Vlad’s attack had destroyed any hope of that soon her entire Royal Guard would be destroyed and with the Royal Court gone her core support was gone.

   “I doubt it.  Also I have need of your expertise.  Here is the new bargain.  You will surrender to me now, we will leave and then you will help me conqueror Terra.  If you agree you will be treated better than if you force me to come get you.”  Vlad said looking directly at her “and I will come for you.  Pristine or bashed and broken it means little difference to me.”  He said looking at her now Katherine was feeling scared.  “With the Wolves I can make you great.”

   “A freebirth in Clan Wolf.  I can never see that happening again, you wouldn’t want to risk another split.”  Katherine said smiling Vlad slapped her throwing Katherine to the ground both Hauptmann’s turned their weapons on Vlad but held fire at this range they would incinerate Katherine as well.  “I could order your death here and now.”  Katherine whispered Vlad looked at the Hauptmanns then at Katherine.

   “If they kill me you die too.”

   “Perhaps not.”  Katherine said regaining her feet but keeping her distance from Vlad, she wouldn’t be slapped again.

   “And If I was to be killed here on this ground under a flag of truce the consequences for Tharkad could be grave.”  Vlad said raising his voice so the MechWarriors could hear.  “For a start this building would not survive and then Marialle would come looking for you.  Not to mention what would happen when our WarShips acted, and they would.”  He said lunging at Katherine grabbing the Lyran leader.  “Surrender to me now or I will turn you over to her whatever happens and you do not want see what she does to Freebirths.”  He whispered in her ear releasing her.  Katherine stood there silent for a moment then turned to the two Hauptmanns.

   “Stand-down.  I am surrendering.”  She said “one of you contact Simon Gallagher and order him to stand-down all Lyran forces.”  She said after several moments turning back towards Vlad who slipped a thin black-and-white bondcord around her wrists.

   “Welcome to Clan Wolf.”  Vlad whispered kissing her full on the lips.  It was the first time she had been this close to a man in years, not since Galen Cox in 3055 had she been in a true relationship.  After a few seconds Katherine relaxed into the kiss which lasted several minutes much to the dismay of the two Hauptmann pilots looking on.

   “Allow me to say good-bye to my people.”  She said, it was not a request and Vlad would make sure that she learned the price of saying such things but not now instead he just nodded.  Katherine stepped back up to the throne and pressed a button she had never pressed before.  All across Tharkad receivers and transmitters activated waiting for her voice.  “People of Tharkad this is Katrina Steiner-Davion.”  She said shortening her name she always preferred her grand-mother’s name to her own and wanted to make sure she was remembered as such “Khan Vlad Ward of Clan Wolf has agreed to leave this world and all other recently captured Lyran worlds” she looked at Vlad who nodded his agreement “if I surrender to him.  I will not allow more of our world, our capital or our people to be destroyed to preserve my freedom so I have agreed to go with him.  You will always be near my heart and I thank you.”  She said switching it off.

   “Touching” Vlad said as Katrina picked up a fur coat then began to walk out Vlad glanced at the two silent Hauptmanns nodded once to them his face covered in a massive smirk then he followed Katherine as they left the Royal Palace and the Triad area.

   An hour and a half later the Wolves were almost ready to leave the world when three DropShips appeared in the air above them and over two Regiments of Mechs landed around them from their insignia Katherine could tell they were the Coventry Jaegers and Coventry Militia.  The air was filled with yet more DropShips as dozens of Clan Mechs bearing insignia very similar to Clan Wolf’s also appeared, it was the Exiles, Katrina looked at them and smiled, ‘better late than never.’ She thought silently.  Vlad was preparing his troops for more combat however Katrina grabbed the communication set from Vlad making him angry.  “Katrina Steiner-Davion to Archon Peter Steiner-Davion receive.”  She said on a broadband frequency so everyone could hear.  There was several seconds of silence and Vlad’s stare seemed to be getting worse.

   “This is Peter Steiner-Davion, Katherine is that you?”

   “Affirmative, my little brother.”  She said smiling, for once it wasn’t a cruel smile she was happy Peter had returned home now, he could look after the Alliance.  “I need you to make me a promise.”

   “What?”  Peter said, she couldn’t work out if he was annoyed or confused.

   “Look after the Alliance, apologise to your wife for me and order your troops to let us leave unmolested.”

   “Katherine, we can save you.”  Peter promised looking at the forces Katrina did not doubt that it would be quite a fight but they would not save her Vlad would kill her before letting her go and Tharkad would be devastated in the fighting.  Although the she wanted many things destruction to her home was not one of those things.

   “Negative, Peter.”  Katrina said finally “I have surrendered myself to the Wolves and I think it is better for the Alliance now and in the long term if I just fade away.”  She had no intension in fading away but for now she would have to bide her time.

   “Katherine…”  Peter’s voice was cut up with emotion.

   “Archon Peter, permission to disembark.”

   “Permission granted, I’m sorry, Katrina.”  Peter said finally using her chosen name

   “Thank you, and don’t be too cut-up, I sealed this fate years ago.  I knew what I was doing the cards just didn’t pan out this time.”  She said shutting up the communicator before Peter could get anymore mushy.  “Let’s get the hell off this frozen rock.”  She said looking at Vlad trying to force a strong face despite the turmoil she felt at being driven from her home and nation.

   Waiting to be loaded up onto her DropShip saKhan Marialle Radick could see the insignia of the Wolf Clan’s saKhan on another Mech, a fifty ton Nova.  Moving her Warhawk off the firing line she opened her comm. Frequency “attention Dezgra Exile Force.”  She said “this is out with the truce declared.  I declare a Trial of Grievance against saKhan Marko Hall, there can be only one saKhan of the Wolves and I am that person.”  She said not waiting for Marko’s reply or any other interference she triggered all four of her Mech’s Extended-Range PPCs overheating her Mech badly but also causing extreme damage on the far lighter Nova.  Not waiting for her Mech to cool Marialle fired a second grouping of four PPC blasts, guided by her Mech’s targeting computer, into the Nova.  One of the blasts was a little higher than the others and struck the stunned Nova’s cockpit window incinerating Marko Hall instantly.  “This trial is at an end anyone else want a fight?”  There were no takers as her Mech rapidly cooled in the Tharkad tundra winds.  “I am shocked.”  Marialle said only half seriously turning her Mech and returning to the DropShips she noticed the Khan’s private channel was active.  “What?”

   “Why did you do that?”

   “You got what you wanted, I wanted something.”  Marialle said looking in her rear screens “and I got it.”  She said smiling as her Mech entered the DropShip.  An hour later the DropShips were loading up to the WarShips watched by Lyran and Clan Wolf (in-Exile) WarShips.

   Hours and days later Peter Steiner-Davion was confirmed as the new Lyran Archon by what little remained of the Royal Court and the rebuilding process began, with a half of Tharkad City devastated and several units lying dead on the tundra of the planet it would be a long process for the Lyran people to mend these wounds.  To make matters worse Nondi Steiner is found dead in her ancestral home apparently of natural causes although the records are sealed as soon as the coroner is finished with them.  Also Simon Gallagher is no where to be seen.

   Without a General of Armies or a prominent General he trusts Archon Peter Steiner Davion recalled General Keane Sortek from Hesperus II to Tharkad and two weeks later Keane Sortek became General of Armies of the rebuilding Lyran Alliance Armed Forces much to the surprise of the Lyran people.  For his first orders of business the new General of Armies orders the First, Second and Third Royal Guards rebuilt and begins to put in motion plans to upgrade all regular regiments to the RCT model begun under the Federated Commonwealth.  Sortek finds opposition to his plans from the Lyran commanders because of the links to the past and the fact he if from the Federated Suns.

Free Capella Camp, Spica
Capellan March, Federated Suns
16th October 3067

   Field Marshal Baron George Hasek arrives on Spica with the Fifth Syrtis Fusiliers RCT the border worlds shared with the St Ives Compact to meet with the leaders of the Free Capella Organisation.  After a very brief discussion George Hasek informs Mandrinn Treyhang Liao and Senior Colonel Warner Doles that he wants the Blackwind Lancers and the Jie Fang Legion off Federated Suns soil by the 25th October.  This is in direct opposition to George’s previous feelings for the Free Capella Organisation.  Why this switch occurs is unknown.

Harlech City
Outreach, Chaos March
18th October 3067

   In the early hours of the 18th two stolen Wolf’s Dragoon Vandal OmniFighters flying low over Outreach’s capital launch a strike against the Wolf’s Dragoons Home Guard buildings dropping a pair of fuel-air bombs on the barracks killing hundreds of Dragoons and all but wiping out the Home Guard.  This act begins a massive riot that involves dozens of factions across the planet so fighting for the Dragoons some against.  At the centre of the enemy force is the Waco’s Rangers led by a century old Wayne Waco who finally takes his hatred of the Dragoons to the final level by attacking the Dragoons in their own home killing hundreds in Harlech fighting.

   The Dragoons are not the only targets any mercenary force allied with the Dragoons are also targeted and the following units are wiped out in the opening hours of the fighting: Ace Darwin’s Whip-its, a company strength unit gathers another company around them and fights with the Dragoons only to be wiped out Ace himself dying when his infamous Pink Panther is destroyed by a Waco’s Rangers Warhammer.  Battle Magic Mercenary Command, a long term ally of the Dragoons are wiped out with the Home Guard of the Dragoons robbing many Dragoon friendly units of much needed technical support.

   For almost eighteen hours the rebel mercenaries attack the Dragoons with the Dragoons trying to contain fighting this continues until the Dragoon’s Supreme Commander Jamie Wolf is killed while destroying the remains of Waco’s Rangers including Wayne Waco.  Upon hearing of Jamie’s death the newly recovered Maeve Wolf, injured during a bomb attack months before, contacted all Dragoons on planet initiating ‘Condition Feral.’

   Condition Feral is an order that has originated since the founding of the Dragoons and an order no-one thought would ever be given.  Akin to a Clan Trial of Annihilation the Dragoons destroy any Mercenary force not allied with them.  Under Condition Feral conditions even allies are destroyed if they do not stand down when facing the Dragoons.  During this battle the Broadsword Legion, a unit made up of former ComGuard troops, turn on the Dragoon’s Wolf Spider Battalion annihilating them before being destroyed themselves.  Also destroyed during the period of Condition Feral are the Fifty-first Dark Panzer Jaegers, a Battalion sized unit, Smithson’s Chinese Bandits, another Battalion sized unit, the Tiger Sharks, a mercenary regiment, and the Stealthy Tigers, a Mercenary Battalion.

   During this fighting the Wolf’s Dragoons Gamma Regiment is folded into other units of the Dragoons.  General Maeve Wolf orders all foreign mercenaries off Outreach any vehicle, Mech or trooper on Outreach after this order are taken under Dragoon control.  Following all this fighting Harlech City is all destroyed with millions of civilians made homeless.  Instead of looking for someone to blame Maeve orders the Dragoons to begin rebuilding their destroyed world.

   With the MRBC Hiring Halls and Towers in the centre of Harlech one of the first targets of the Waco Ranger and their allies and the Wolf Dragoons kicking all foreign nationals off Outreach all MRBC surviving personnel move off planet moving all official operations to the Galatean City Offices.  Mysteriously the Lone Wolves an Independent Mercenary Regiment that had been looking to be hired by the MRBC before the troubles on Outreach and disappeared before the trouble erupted reappear at the MRBC’s doors this time on Galatea offering their services as a permanent security force.  With the MRBC Hiring Council Temporarily disbanded, due to several deaths on Outreach the MRBC make no immediate decision so the Galatean Lyran Duke hires the Lone Wolves on a temporary basis until the MRBC can sort itself out and make a decision.