;D ;D ;D ;D Funny.
Clever entry, AlphaMirage!
Thanks, This story may be a tragedy but that doesn't mean it lacks levity
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Photon Bridges the Gap
08/11/3070 08:47 Location – Yonei, New Kyoto, Federated CommonwealthPhoton Brett(-Marik)’s dropship, the Outpost (seized from the Hell’s Horses after the Blinding Eye Incident and “gifted” to the SLDF) SLS Golden Eagle, landed at the spacious and scenic spaceport outside New Kyoto’s second city. A steady breeze blew the smell of fragrant flowers reminding him of those in Unity Palace on Luthien. It was a nice change of pace from active battlefields.
His Army of True Patriots had worked their way inward from the periphery bordering portions of the Free Worlds League in pursuit of the Word of Blake. He had only a few weeks of R&R on Marik during the whole year to spend time with his family and coordinate the final push with his cousins Corrine and Alys. There would be more time when this was through, but none to waste now, especially if what Katherine had transmitted was true.
There were four other vessels present on the tarmac, the LC-GotA Reinhardt Steiner's Fortress Enduring Valor, the Archon's Union-X Avalanche; a black and gold Kami (Holds 12 BM, 2 LV, 6 ASF with 500 tons of supplies) DCMS dropship Photon couldn't read the Kanji but was told the vessel was named Ageless, and Adam Steiner's (well the AFFC's but he borrows it regularly) Conquistador Somerset Striker.
A small convoy of buses and cars began approaching from the nearby bunker headed toward them. He looked over to his subordinate co-commanders, Clan Nova Cat's saKhan Hiro(hoto) Katayama and the Eridani Light Horse's Brevet General Charles Antonescue,
“Better than the welcome we've gotten at some places right?”saKhan Katayama adjusted his new duty uniform, recently arrived from the Irece Prefecture and cut like those of the DCMS. The Nova Cats had been adopting more DCMS trappings recently as their sibkos rushed over their traditions to deal with their seemingly endless recent crises.
Finally under Shogun Sakamoto they were receiving enough support. Khan West's strong relationship with Commanding General Brett had him championing them in the remaining Second Star League organizations. The 2SL had been primarily supported by the FWL and Draconis Combine rather than the FedCom, until very recently when Katherine could use their help. The Nova Cats as core members of the SLDF were on the ascent within the Inner Sphere despite their Clan origins.
“There is always a chance things get interesting Generals.”General Antonescue couldn't help but shake his head at the Clanner. He was getting too old for this,
“I can stand to be bored for a few weeks Hiro. Especially if its here, maybe throw in some geishas and I'm set. We still got back pay coming, right Photon?”
"If we can live through this you might be able to get your planet from Corrine General."Photon watched as a snow white Edasich EM-890 Limo stopped before their ramp. A group of well dressed LIC Diplomatic Guardsmen exited and eyed the three men and the soldiers behind them. The sunglasses they were wearing reflected the whole image in relief. All but one stood at attention, he opened the doors to the sedan.
The first out was a man in his early thirties with salt and pepper hair and a scar across his forehead wearing the blue and white formal uniform of the LCAF exited first. He was followed by a gorgeous woman in her late thirties wearing a fine blue flower print kimono with her ash blonde hair in a neat bun. She would be recognizable anywhere in the Inner Sphere that had Tri-Vid access but it was the first time Photon had seen her in person.
“Archon Steiner, pleasure to meet you.”
“The pleasure is all mine General Brett and honored guests. Welcome to New Kyoto
However, don't let the tranquil appearance fool you this is very much the front line. Why don't you join me?”The Nova Cat looked at Reinhardt, despite everything he had done the other General of the Armies Steiner was the better known one,
“Where's Adam?”Katherine looked to Reinhardt,
“Adam Steiner will be joining us shortly. We received the first reports from Odessa just before you arrived. The Potemkin Blood Horse was critically damaged in the battle. Fortunately Odessa has a Naval Yard, unfortunately it is damaged and too small. The Council will have to make do with one fewer Potemkin so some plans need to change. He's better at that than I am.”saKhan Katayama walked up to him uncomfortable close,
“What are you better at?”Reinhardt leaned in coming face to face with the saKhan. Reinhardt had cut his teeth fighting Clan and Combine Mechwarriors. Nova Cats were thus the worst combination possible,
“Let's just say you don't want to get in The Rhino's way, kittyama.”Katherine crossed her arms and yelled at both of them in the same tone she used with her own sons when they were acting up,
“We don't have time for your posturing boys. Get in the car. Adam will join us when he is able.” Both men separated but kept their eyes on one another. She looked at Photon,
“Is he always like this General?”
“Afraid so Archon. One of the best damn Mechwarriors I've ever seen in action though. I would have been killed several times over if it wasn't for Hiro and his instincts.”
“I wonder if they mixed him with some Mongoose or Widowmaker.”
“You would know better than I Katherine. Where's your husband?”
“My husband is on Glengarry, attempting to cajole the other Council Khans into meeting. The upcoming operations will require their concerted efforts.”
“He wants to be ilKhan, you mean.”
“Someone has to be. Why can't it be Vladimir? However, the other Khans are as hard to herd as,” she looked toward the saKhan and her General of the Armies staring at one another,
“well cats.”